Snippet #2612301

Taethion

Taethion, not only searching for an Inn, but also a place to store Herod. He was lucky to have his oldest friend with him, but the events back at Appleton were far too close for his comfort. He was still unsure how he survived, but has learned not to question these things, these little blessings from Lord Dedarius. Still the lost of much of the horses have left their group encumbered and sluggish. It took a bit too much time than it should have to reach Belmere, and as much as he would like to buy more horses, he simply did not have the Sovereigns for such a purchase. The City of Belmere already priced their goods a bit steeply considering the times.

This was not the only thing on his mind, but his memory keeps recalling Pravus's sudden disappearance. He wants to believe that the silent, masked, digger left of his own accord. Simply tired and disinterested in continuing this quest of theirs. He wished for such a change of interest, but what little evidence left seemed to suggest otherwise. The lost of Pravus, perhaps stunned and hit the Paladin more than it really should have. He wasn't very communicative, and Taethion was never quite sure why that was. It could have been that he didn't much care to familiarize and befriend his fellow adventurers, or perhaps it was because he couldn't speak, or maybe there was a language barrier, Taethion had no clue. The Grave Digger was a complete enigma not just by the way he dressed, but by his actions, right down to his mannerisms. The man held something back, perhaps a great source of knowledge, knowledge that he would never get to know.

He wished he could have gotten to know Pravus a little better. Someone that hides often has much to tell. He understood and respected privacy but the Grave Digger was a question that begged for an answer. Now he is both disappointed and saddened by the circumstances of his abrupt departure. He has prayed since that he will find eternal peace. This also led him to think of Randionalia. The Elven Assassin has announced her plans to leave because of the King's orders. It sounded dangerous, even though she didn't let on much about what she was off to, he just assumed since the King's seal was on the letter. It seemed the group was beginning to dwindle and began to fear that this one failure is tearing them apart. No! He could not think in such a way! This quest must be accomplished! So much is at stake here and they cannot give up now! One town was destroyed yes, but there will be so much more destruction if they fail to stick together! He dug down deep, searching for the will to continue, and he has it.

He could see the group is tried as well. Perhaps sleep will rejuvenate their spirits to continue forward on this grand quest of theirs. The others seemed to agree. Taethion made a light laugh after Adelheid's comment. "Yes, it would seem quite so." He chuckled. He began to enjoy the company of one of their latest companions. He felt a sense of kindred spirits with Adelheid, considering he was Paladin as well. At least that was what he was led to believe. He did remind him a bit like his Grandfather, although without alot of the sternness and gruffness. Then he was approached by their other latest companion, which he too, felt a bond with the sentient Slime. He didn't quite understand the complexities of the processes that went into making such a creature. But it didn't quite matter since he felt that Anima was a fine addition to the team. Her connection to the Holy Arts was...well, strong. Stronger than even he felt he had. She learned quickly what little he showed her, it was rather amazing.

She was quite a shy thing though but he felt honored to speak for her. To some, speaking for others is reserved for people of high standing. Sometimes it's perceived as snobbish or on the flip side important. "Well of course I would! I have no qualms if you feel it would best assist you! After all it is my duty as a Paladin to help others in need of it." He spoke with pep that has been absent for a while now. It seemed Taethion was starting to feel like his old self again. Then came Sylphine who asked about what sort of Inn they were looking for. "Well I don't mind the expense, but perhaps it would be best if it was cheaper rent, considering the low amount of our funds." Taethion spoke a bit saddened by their recent poverty. Funds are important for adventures like these. "But so long as it has a clean bed and a place for Herod here, then I am quite fine with whatever we find." Taethion finished as he pat the horse's neck. "If you wish to be of such service, but I do recommend bed rest, it does the body a whole lot of good." Taethion mentioned quickly. He did enjoy the young one's company. Besides some of the others, he did felt like he knew more about her. At least enough to be considered friends, he hoped.

Which led him to seriously consider speaking to the others. At this point from all of the misfortune that has happened, he cannot afford to no longer do so. Their stubbornness be damned! Randi was right, they should seriously begin familiarizing themselves. Who knows who else may disappear into the night. Asha, Gale, and Florette or Lana or what ever her name was were the closest ones to him, in regards to how unfamiliar he was with some of them. He dismissed himself politely from the two ladies and spoke towards Asha, she seemed aloof, and well, he felt it maybe easier to speak with her at the moment in regards to attitude. Gale would need a little more work at the moment, and as for the girl, well, he wasn't quite sure how to speak with someone who is, multiple people? Was that right? "Hello, Asha." He spoke directly towards her in a friendly manner.
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Asha & Taethion

Asha's gaze was drifting again, unfocused and uncertain. It was often in a state of idleness that she felt calm, relaxed, at ease - but she knew that this feeling, too, was a familiar one. It was almost a premonition of sorts, an omen of what was to come in the future. It was likely not a product of her own mind, but the blade that always rested at her side, which remained ever silent but seemed to speak to her at the strangest of times. She almost didn't hear Taethion's greeting, and after a few seconds, turned to face him.
"Hello. Is something on your mind?"

She seemed distracted to him, but at least she snapped out of her current daze to respond. "Well nothing serious I assure you, but we have been speaking of which Inn we may wish to stay in, what are your feelings about where we should stay?" He asked. He wasn't quite sure what to do but making idle conversation is the first step into knowing about another. Once the barriers are broken through easy enough speech then he can start on asking more about her. "I mentioned a place where they have clean beds and stables, but we are also concerned about things like prices." He spoke trying to ease in ever more so. Hopefully it might be enough for her to go on.

Asha made a brief, indifferent survey of the area with a slow sweep of her head as though she were looking for an answer somewhere nearby, but all she said was, "It doesn't matter. Cheapest one is fine." She looked to the rest of the group and then back to Taethion. "Others might not agree, so you'd best ask them, too, so we know if we should make some quick change before we settle on a place. I don't suppose you have a standard for what kind of environment you'd like to spend your night?"

Taethion listened as Asha spoke and much like her demeanor, she seemed remote as well in her speech. Still she was speaking and that was a good thing. "Hm, yes quite right, it would be best to get everyone's opinions on this matter." He nodded in agreement. "Hm? Well, not much I have to say, being underneath a roof with a clean bed is about all I want, compared to spending the last week or so camping on whatever even laid ground we could find." He spoke with a bit of drag when he mentioned the past week. "And if people agree with the cheapest as well, then I shouldn't make too high of demands." He spoke with a smile. "How about you? Are you sure you have no specific desires for your lodgings?" Taethion asked.

"I'll be fine as long as I'm not killed or abducted in my sleep," Asha shrugged. "Comfort is the least of my concerns. If the place isn't clean, then I'll just clean up later. All there is to it. I usually do sleep outside, actually - I don't make much money so I often don't bother to pay for lodging, either. Of course, should anything happen. . ." She patted her sheathed sword. "This thing has an interesting habit of pulling me awake whenever there's danger present. It's quite a subtle sensation, but noticeable nonetheless."

Taethion was quite a bit interested in Asha's sword. The way she spoke about, made it sound like it had qualities beyond the normal. Here he was thinking it was just an ornate blade. She seemed like a hardened and cold woman, but being an adventurer does require a level of toughness to survive. Still she seemed exceptionally hardened, and her sword was interesting and mysterious as well. There must be more about she hasn't divulged about it, so many secrets and mysteries amongst these fellows. "That is quite the gift you have there in that sword. Just so you know my sword too has magical qualities, and, I know I haven't mentioned it much, but you may have seen me use it once in battle." Taethion spoke trying to connect with her by using a shared similarity. "You see this blade," he points to his sheathed sword, "Was given to me by Mentor and Grandfather, it was inscribed with a Spell of Returning, so whenever my sword leaves my hands, I can summon it back at will, pretty interesting eh?" He spoke with smile. He wasn't trying to boast in anyway and hoped Asha would register that.

"Well, it's fairly handy," Asha agreed, eyeing the paladin's weapon. "Though its uses number many more than that. By 'summon back,' do you mean it the sword physical moves to your location, or your sword teleports to your hand? If the former, that sounds quite dangerous - hopefully it would return hilt first."

"Hm, I suppose a better way to put it is calling it back." Taethion spoke as he dwelled a bit on her sword. More uses? he thought. "Well I don't quite understand the complexities of the enchantment, but I simply outstretch my hand and the blade flies back into my grasp, hilt first of course. It's always done that and I've familiarized myself with it so much, I really don't have to think about it for it to return." He spoke with a small chuckle. "It's almost as if it understands when I'm calling out for it, interesting now that I think about it." He spoke as he made another chuckle.

Asha held her own sword up, sheath and all.
"Is that so?" she responded quietly. "I've always felt like my blade understood me more than I understood it. And not in the pleasant way." Her grip tightened as she looked down at the dull, golden sheath, wondering how many owners have looked at it before and had the same thoughts. "Sometimes. . . sometimes I feel like it's trying to control me. It's a thought I only have in passing, it hasn't influenced any of my actions thus far, but. . ." She shook her head and lowered the weapon. "I don't know. But whatever this feeling is, it's my duty to find the answer. That's why I'm here."

Taethion looked at her sword as she held it up. He began to feel that would be a rather uncomfortable thing to believe. He even glanced at this sword. He never felt that way with his blade, of course he didn't believe it was actually learning about him. He felt it was just like a partnership man and blade as one. Still he supposes not many have a relationship to speak of with their swords, normally just being sharp pieces of iron or steel. He felt a bit pensive and began to worry about Asha's predicament with her sword. Can it really be doing all that she says she feels? He can't begin to imagine a fear of it actually controlling one's self. Still he admired her determination to learn more about and smile at the fact. "Well I hope you accomplish your duty, Asha." He spoke with a bow of his head. Well at least he learned some more, and figured it would be best to put her in his prayers as well.

"If I don't," Asha replied solemnly, "then I hope that there may be someone who can take my place. This blade - no, this key - has harbored secrets for far too long." Too many have died trying to find the truth behind this weapon, and the gate that it opened. It was about time to end the cycle.

Her last comments sort of left him at loss for words. Not to say he was shocked but wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. She seemed quite somber after that last comment. Just what secrets was she referring to? Perhaps it was a figure of speech but it felt more than that. She knows more than she is caring to mention and perhaps it's for the best. No need to press a topic that seems to resonate with her in a very personal way. Yet the most curious of all her words was key? Key? It made no sense whatsoever, but there was a reason she inclined to put some attention towards that description. If it is a key, then what is it a key to?

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Asha, Taethion & Anima

Anima had followed Taethion since he had accepted her humble request earlier. Waiting her turn she listened as they spoke of their blades. The woman whom she had come to know as Asha spoke forebodingly of her weapon, the words of someone pursuing something seemingly without purpose. She couldn't really tell much from the cryptic clues she had dropped but she was concerned from the gloomy attitude which hung overhead. Though she had remained passive throughout the conversation she managed to summon enough courage to come forward and speak her thoughts on the matter. "You mustn't worry about the blade so. We'll help any way we can to make sure you see whatever it is to it's conclusion!" She so optimistically spouted. Perhaps her words of encouragement were misplaced and quite likely ill informed but she put her heart behind each one because she really cared for her and her troubles. Feeling a slight sense of shyness for having stepped into the spotlight all of a sudden she shrunk down slightly and looked to Taethion for support.

The paladin seemed to go over what Asha had told him, though she didn't bother so much for wondering what exactly it is that he pondered about. The slime from the tower edged in and spoke to her to reassure her that they had her back. Resting one hand on the hilt of her blade she turned to Anima and gave a pleasant smile. "Thank you. It would be a fool's errand to complete this task alone, but none of you are obligated to throw yourself in harm's way for me - this is my path to walk, and if you wish to help, you may. Just know that you have been warned: You will almost certainly die if you tread in my footsteps."

Taethion at time was mulling over the perplexities of this, Asha and her sword. Speaking with her seemed to have left him with more questions than answers. Not to say his intentions were answers, but he has more interest in knowing more about her. It was then the speaking Slime, Anima, spoke up. He looked towards her with a smile. He found the Slime to be rather delightful at times, and felt gladdened by her pep. It was good to see such high spirits. He felt this group could use some of the optimistic energy in their lives. Sure, this world is dangerous and they will face many dangers along the way, but that doesn't mean they couldn't attempt to be friendly at least with each other. He is even going as far to hope that they all can trust each other, when trust cannot be found with no others. He then looked towards Asha, he worried at first about her response but then gladdened even more at her words of thanks. He did have an impression that Asha was more kinder than she let on. Of course she's place this barrier around her and does make it difficult to understand or even believe she is kind at all. Perhaps if everyone was not so worried about talking with each other then maybe we would all learn that we have, not just differences, but similarities as well. Then her words became more foreboding. What is so dangerous about this sword? That it may learn and control others and become a key to something? In order to break this current gloom he spoke up, "Well thanks to you from me as well, it's great to see someone willing to help others. Lord Dedarius shines brightly on such things." He spoke to Anima as he turned to Asha. "Your quest sounds like it's rife with all types of dangers, I understand we are already on this quest but as a Paladin, I too will offer my assistance if you need it so?" He spoke. "After all its what an adventuring companion would do as well."

Asha only smiled again, slowly shaking her head. Perhaps he was simply too nice for his own good - to settle his persistence, she may as well tell them now. "I regret to tell you this, but what lies along my journey is likely to be beyond you or anyone else here. The dragon is only one of many steps, and possibly not the most dangerous of them, either." She held her sword up again, horizontally as she slid it partially out of its sheath until all of its markings were visible, two of them glowing a faint red. "Do you see these glowing runes?" she said, making sure that they could both see clearly. "There are seven of these, and I must release each one to complete my quest. Each rune on this sword represents a being of great power, a being whose blood must be absorbed by its blade. Including the dragon, that means five remain, and there is no telling what risks these challenges will entail. I am sure not all of us will survive our encounter with the dragon, but to ask anyone else to repeat the process four more times is simply too much to ask." She swiftly sheathed her sword and set it back at her side. "From what I can tell with my travels with you so far, you are kind people. But there is a line that must be drawn here, and I wish that you all might see it before you are certain you are ready to cross. Please, do not get involved."

From what he understood from about the past half month that Asha was distant and intent on remaining that way. It would be plausible and most believable that her words were meant to separate her from them. To intimidate and dissuade simply because she didn't want people around her, to satisfy curiosities and then frighten. Yet, Taethion believed that wasn't so. She, in her own way, truly has concern for them and feels that he or Anima cannot help her. The task she has entrusted herself with is truly a dangerous one. She not only must kill a Dragon but also other dangerous creatures. What sort, he doesn't know, but if they can possibly be more powerful than a Dragon then, he isn't sure if this quest can be completed. It sounded like a suicide mission, so why in the world would Asha do this? Who in their right mind would accept such a quest? He looked towards himself, why would he then agree to slay a Dragon? Perhaps he understood her better than he believes. Asha was convincing and even he felt a bit of doubt.

Quincy always said he was too kind for his own good. Still, does one have to be a coldhearted killer to complete any dangerous quest? Why can one not still feel things like compassion and kindness, while still having the bravery to see an end to a journey? People always say this is far too naive, but why does he have trouble accepting such advice? He looked towards his own sword, and then glanced towards Pravus's shovel strung along side his saddle. Some of them didn't quite understand why he brought along a shovel, it's just a shovel, what use could it be? Perhaps he was being overly sentimental for a person he cannot say he was even an acquaintance too. In all honesty the Grave Digger was a stranger and always will be. Still, he figured it wouldn't be right to just leave it behind for some complete stranger to do what he pleases with it. The shovel did give him a constant reminder, to be there for others before they are gone.

He turned towards Asha and spoke, "You're right, there are lines and I have never crossed them...I have been told that many times, and maybe your right, maybe I will never cross it...but there is one line that I know that I will never cross...and that is abandoning a friend, even if it would mean certain death if I chose not to...if I fear that then I might as well abandon this quest here and now, for I would not be able to complete it." Taethion spoke with resolution. He is already agreeing to facing a Dragon, this quest already spells certain death, what's four more equally deadly beings? It's fear and apathy that keeps a world in darkness, Quincy has said so, even though he said it without expecting Taethion to take it to heart. He wants to fight for a brighter world, that is why he is here and will continue to remain until his own demise.

"You're a paladin, aren't you?" Asha smiled. "I'm sure your time is better spent elsewhere, there are many more people who will need your help. You don't need to think of it as abandoning me - I certainly don't value my life over yours, so I can only hope that you won't, either. I am not so afraid of death so please, do not trouble yourself with my affairs. Your life is worth more than that." Even as she spoke, she was losing faith that the paladin would be dissuaded. Her smile faded and she began averting her gaze. "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. Forget everything I said."

Taethion wasn't quite sure what to say. In fact he felt it best he not say anymore on the matter. She won't gain confidence in him or anyone else in one conversation, no matter how many pretty words he may speak. But that does not mean he has given up, Asha, the way she speaks, it seems like she's had a rough life, and has been hurt by it. In fact, all of these people, the way they act, there all hurting inside, even Bliston. Perhaps he is wrong, and only sees what he wants to see. Yet, his Grandfather acted simiarly too and despite all of the words thrown at him like disillusioned, a drunk, a nobody, a shell of a man, Taethion saw a great man. He decided to let up on Asha...for now...it's going to take alot more work...a lot more work for everyone in this group. To restore faith and confidence...that is a task even more difficult than slaying a Dragon.