Vyga uther, Emerth's Story

~Vyga Emerth~

The past few weeks of travel have not been kind, it was the snow of the great waste. Then the dense forest and through countless leagues of desert land before Vyga was even beginning to doubt his search for a new beginning. His travels had always been like this in the end, something hard and unrecognizable for him to grip. Like a vanishing bead of light at the end of a dark tunnel. But this morning was the first somber moment he had gotten to have to himself in a long time. The canape of the forest above him was dense enough to block the sun, but small rays would shift though the leafs in order to touch the soil below. He sat on a vacant stump, like he had done when he stopped for his rest that night before. His eyes were closed but his mind was gripping the world around him, listening for the words of the those that dwell within the forest.

His bag sat below him near his feet, as he was sitting there on that stump with his armed crossed and his shoulders bathed in sunlight. He was not alone how, for a while now there were several animals gathering in that small clearing her chose. It was his presence that caused this, his mind and body were searching for harmony among the plants of the forest and in doing so was attracting its inhabitants in turn.

Not coming untethered at the slightest touch of fur, or the cool slide of scales he sat listening.
The voices of the animals around him were soothing for him, it was as if a chorus was playing in the back of his mind as the sounds of the music was building. A snake was coiling around in the cup of his crossed arms with a fox was nuzzling against the side of his leg. Even the plants themselves were being attracted to him in this moment. The trees would sway in his direction and the flowers in the clearing that were closed during the night, are not open and spry pointing directly at him as if he were the sun itself.

But even in this time his mind wandered.
His search for purpose in the world was going slow and it had been so long since he visited the world of civilized men, they would most certainly see him as what he is. This would make everything harder for him, but he did not fret. All life is full of challenges and he would rise to face his own on this day, even if he had to search the entire known land to find what it was he was searching for. This forest he had found his way to was ripe with spiritual energy and he could feel it resonating in his bones. He knew he was near to a great city, seeing its lights in the night as he breached the forest. But today he will see the inside of it and see those that wander its streets tasting there food and smelling their scents.

Today was the day that he would step foot for the first time in the city of Paetax.

~Vyga Emerth~

After his morning meditation Vyga was already well on his way through the fields that sat next to the city of Paetax, his feet beating a trail on the already well laid road underfoot and the other people passing him by paid no mine. For he was just a normal traveler like them, on his way to another great destination that he sought as an end to his current journey. His eyes would look up to see the towering castle near the center of the city itself, a massive and impressive structure by any means with light from the sky beaming off its surface. Despite its colonization and civic ground, Vyga could feel that nature existed in harmony with this place. Almost to the same extent as his former home back in the great snow waste. The animals that still walked around did not seemed bothered by the human presence, be them cattle or something more. However as he happened upon the massive gate that guards the city, the threshold that bars the outside world from this city he was met with some opposition. There were several guards standing watch and they were not too over taken by his appearance but they did seem suspicious of him in the least.

One of the guards approached him and to his surprise it was a woman dressed in lite mail wearing a helmet that bore an insignia naming her an officer of some sort. Her voice was feminine but stern as she commanded of him "Halt.. who are you and what is your business in the city?" Her demand took him off guard as he was forced to look down at her smaller frame and speak back as the other guards watched with attention in their eyes.

He took a moment to clear his throat and run his eyes over the other guards before speaking. "Yes.. I am Vyga, Emerth. I am traveling from the north and I have need of a trader." He pats the wrapped pack of animal skins on his hip to show her his reasoning and she gives the small load a quick look before returning her eyes to his. It didn't take long before she stepped aside and waved him past, which told the other guards to split and allow him safe entrance into the city. "Welcome to the city of Paetax traveler.." Despite the sound of annoyance in her voice, as if she were waiting for something to happen he was allowed in and he trudged past her and her cohorts. With the guards returning to their post and Vyga no now able to enter this vastly treasured city he could go about his own business. Though it was obvious that his presence would not go unnoticed by those of more interest in the city.

~Vyga Emerth~

Vyga had spent the whole day running around the city of Paetax, first he had seen a merchant for the furs he had. It was arguably the best part of his day seeing as the shop owner was a nice young woman with golden hair. She had the same features as him and they both automatically knew that they were both from the north and it struck a nice cord for the two to share an interest right from the start. The only downside was that the woman's husband was not very accepting of his presence and was forcibly trying to get Vyga to leave, even going so far as to shove the coins back at him with a spitting snarl. But still he felt no ill, the man was merely looking after what he wanted to keep and protect. No matter how misguided his attempts may have been.

The second stop was with a smith that worked near the city entrance and was a man near to his own age.

The two shared quick words on what it was that the lone druid could need from him and it was easy for him to answer. "I am in need of some light armor for traveling.. and if at all possible could you sharpen my weapon? I will also need something more.. personal in preference." Though he spoke in an off term for the smith he picked up on what it was that Vyga could need and nodded once before stepping away, only to return shortly from the other side of the space. "Ere you are sir." He laid a rather thick folded set of fur on the counter with a finely made axe set on top, there was also a set of grieves and bracers lightly jutting from between the furs folded shape. "Dis ere is bear fur, nice and thick.. will get you through the coming weather." As if on command the sound of rain beginning its fall outside began to take hold. The man gave a slight smile as he notice that he was just justified by the coming rain fall.

"An dis sir is ya basic axe.. not too complicated beyond that" Vyga gave a grin, knowing that such an item would come in handy later in his travels. Not just for self preservation but for other aspects of surviving as well. "These are simple enough for armor to be, not many sizes for you but I was able to find a set." Vyga nodded as he dug his hand into his satchel and pulled out enough to pay for the lot. He wanted to get some food and drink then head back out to the wilds were he could feel at least more at home. Though its fine being in a city, to him nothing much compared to the feel of the outside world.

But now here he stood, in the center of the street in the light rain, his arms and shoulders kept warm by the fur of his new cloak and the axe sitting lightly in his sash with his hand resting nicely on the upper haft.

The place before him was a tavern noted to him by the young woman earlier, before her husband had a chance to wedge himself in. It was called the "The Black Vagabond." and he rolled a small silver piece around in his left hand as mulled the name over in his mind before walking in. "Time to eat!" He thought with a happy chirp in the back of his mind as he stepped his way in.

~Vyga Emerth~

The door to the Black Vagabond opened to Vyga and what was revealed to him was rather a nice surprise.
Inside this unassuming place it was larger and more vibrant then what it seemed from the outside and his eyes were already being drawn to the myriad of colors and other people that walked about, having their own share of fun. He walked slowly letting his size part many of the other patrons as he made his way towards the bar in the back, even though the smell of food was hitting him good he felt more of a need for a stiff drink that would hit a better spot.

He was in so much of a state of concentration for it that he barely noticed a smaller figure coming right at him from the opposite direction and he just managed to pull his arm out of the smaller woman's way.
"Apologies.. little miss." He said lightly as he passed her by.

He was glad now that he didn't bring his spear along in with him, opting to instead leave it with the blacksmith to be sharpened properly. Its size would make moving between such a cramped space and around all these other people could become a deep problem. But all that was taken care of now and as he set himself down at the bar he could feel more of the troubles of the last few weeks just slide away.
The barkeep himself looked at Vyga and nodded as he looked the northerner over, it only took a moment for him to finish with the other patrons before coming over to Vyga's spot and stand at the ready to take his request. "Mead.. if you please" The man gave another solid nod as he leaned down and grabbed a large mug before vanishing around the back of a corner.

Taking this time to see his surroundings Vyga looked behind himself and could see that many of the other patrons were enjoying their own time but others had more stern looks on their faces. Either it was a few shadowing figures in the back or the off duty guardsmen that were keeping an eye on them in turn. As he turned around he could see that the barkeep had been standing there for a short while with mug in hand and a lightly solemn look on his face. He gave a slight nod back as he laid the silver piece he was thumbing on the counter for the man to take.

As he lifted the drink up to his lips he was aware of the thought that this would be the first real drink he's had in months, ever since he left the village. Taking a long swig on the top he could just feel the warmth and relaxation overtake him with a light exhale as he pulled it away. "Ahhh.. so good." He returned to burying his face back into the drink and did not stop until it was over half way gone.

~Vyga Emerth~

The nights following his first step into the Black Vagabond, Vyga did much to keep himself busy. He would venture back and forth from the surrounding land to hunt for game and return with his takings and used this to earn more coin to prepare for his leavings to come. Within time he would grow to at least know the guard more and come to know more of the fabled city in which he was staying.

After some time he was able to learn of the ill fate that befell the last king and the quest that was undertaken to keep him alive. But alas the quest was failed and many of the adventures did not even make it to return. Even the prince himself was found in need of help upon his return. Vyga would either take in the rest of the day looking around the city or returning to the Black Vagabond for a drink before retiring back to his room in the inn. He found that a few of the other adventurers were still within the walls of the city and though it was unlikely that many of them would managed to gather for such an event again, but he would keep watch for such an event.

His attention turned to the coronation ceremony.

Though the king was gone the people would move on and crown their new ruler.
That night he sat in the tavern listening to every detail he could hear and taking part in every song he could to celebrate the coming of a new age for the kingdom. The joy and revelry were in amounts that would make any man falter in his steps to stave off such a powerful drunken overtaking and even one such as himself was beginning to lose his ground. But he kept moving on, for tomorrow was the day he had planned on leaving the great city on his journey south. Soon his attention began to slip and his mind was closing from the world he began to make his way from the tavern. But it was the fact that he was not alone that kept with him, his arms kept hold of a nice little woman that he had been eying for a while now. Even though he did not know where this was going to take him he was happy, because it was a celebration and everyone needed to enjoy themselves.

~Vyga Emerth~

Though the night before everything was blurred to a certain point Vyga was not really worried.
The light light that was slowly beading in from the open window was now reaching across his face and the tickle was pulling him from sleep. Causing him to sit and yawn the rest away, if only for a moment he could let his mind wander some more but the memory came back to him. Today was the day of the coronation and it was said to prove to be one of the largest celebrations this city has ever had. From his spot on the bed within the Black Vagabond he could see people in bright clothing and large standards being set in the street below while children played across the road. Their voices could be heard sharing revelry and delight for today was going to be a day of utter fun for them.

Vyga slid his legs off the bed as he started to put his trousers back on and stretched his back, popping some tension out of his neck as well. However he realized there was a sweet scent still in the room, it caught him off guard as he could tell it wasn't a scent her was used to and he soon realized in was a perfume that still lingered. It didn't take long after that for him to realize that he was not alone in the room, especially when he pulled his hand up after scooting forward on the bed and he felt something lightly wrapping around his fingers. Looking back down at his hand he found long amber strands of hair that lead back up under the covers of his bed and he started to speculate on last nights events.

But he did not recall knowing any woman with such lavish hair, frankly now he was beginning to miss the young northern girl Cozra as he had made more then one acquaintance with her over the time that he had been within the city. With some tension he pulled the sheet pack and his eyes clenched for a moment in surprise, the woman in his company for most of the night was not stranger. In fact he knew her quite well thanks to seeing her every day as he left and entered the city. It was the guard officer that accosted him every day as he did his duties and it was no wonder he didn't recognize the hair seeing as he had never seen her without her helmet.
Not treasuring the thought of waking her, even though she seemed to be in a rather good mood during her sleep this time with her one hand wringing her hair around its fingers. He began to get dressed as quickly and quietly as he possibly could, only being a matter of minutes before he was out of the room and downstairs with a few silver left on the counter for the innkeeper.

* * * *

Over an hour had passed and Vyga was still walking the city, having picked up a snack from one of the neumerous food venders that situated themselves among the multitude of inroads around the city. But they grew in number as he was heading towards the castle, it seemed that there was a large gathering of people taking place near the castle grounds as if their were all waiting on something to happen. Wondering about the festivities he walked into the celebrating mass and looked to see what fun he could have before leaving the city on this day.

~Vyga Emerth~

This celebration was taking longer then Vyga had even imagined it would, though it was nice to see the children running and playing and the games being played among the locals it was the same he had seen before. Everyone was going about enjoying themselves and he found himself only wondering when it would be over.
Walking among the other patrons of the gathering he could smell delightful scents wafting through the air, as if someone had opened a great bottle of spiced yams or something like that. He looked for the source of the scent but to no avail he could not manage to see it through the crowd even with his own height giving him an advantage as such.

He found himself losing the thought of that sensation but at that moment a cloaked figure brushed against his back, passing at what seemed to be a great hurry and as he turned to face them the scent returned. It was someone within the crowd that possessed such a fantastic aroma. This took precedence over what his current situation was holding for, someone that smelled interesting usually proved to be far more worth in they're time then what he was willing to hope for. So he followed the cloaked figure as best he could, keeping the scent to his nose and his eyes to their back. However the figure was smaller and faster then him and he could not risk running through the streets of the city so fast in his chase for fear of bowling innocent people over.

So it was that he lost sight of his quarry. "Damn.." He spoke as silently under his voice as he could bare.

He had found a small section of space as so he could pace in turn, like a massive wolf agitated and on the prowl. He would periodically take a whiff of the air with his nose and see if he could retrace that same scent but to no avail. There were more people here at the edge of the market and all the strange flavors in the air threw him off a kept sniffing. Several people were taking notice of him as he would draw in more air with his nose more and more. It was rather impossible for anyone near not to take notice of him, seeing as he was basically searching

Malthew frowned as Elisha gave him back the coin. Customers came to his cart so he left her to hide by the cart as he took care of them.

The day went on and many came to buy the bottled potions and tinctures. Heal salves went quickly as well. Elisha could not help but be happy to see so many interested in things that helped rather than harmed.

One man did come and inquired into a specific mix. He wanted one that would give the victim the appearance of sleep. Elisha listened from the shadows of the cart. Malthew explained to the man that things of that nature were only made specially for each person, that he did not carry it on a regular basis. If the man wanted it Malthew could certainly provide it to him for the right price. The man bartered with Malthew a bit. Her heart sank as she heard them agree on a price.

The day went on and Elisha withdrew to the cart as often as she could. She watched people approach and leave, watched her carefully prepared concoctions go to new homes.

”Did you hear me? Go get us some food for dinner.”

The young woman jumped and turned to face her father. She had not been paying attention and had not heard him approach. Malthew held out some coin. Elisha shook her head.

”You go. I will watch the booth.”

She did not want to go out there again. As it got closer to the afternoon the crowd picked up and more people had filled in the crowd. Elisha did not think it possible to fit so many people in a city, let alone in the market.

Malthew chuckled. ”Leave you to watch the booth? And what will you do when they ask you questions and you can hardly hear them? I don’t think so Ellie. Go on. Get us something tasty and a treat for after.”

Her shoulders slumped in defeat. He was right. She was no use to him in the booth and definitely at a detriment if she were alone. Elisha reached out and took the coin.

”Don’t take too long alright? I am hungry.” Malthew rubbed his stomach as if to emphasize his statement.

”Do you have something for a sour stomach?”

Malthew turned and faced the woman who stood at the cart. ”Of course!”

Elisha sighed, pulled up her hood and left him to the customer. She slipped out from behind the cart and join the throng of people.

Instantly her heart started pounding. She felt as if she were being suffocated. She tried to pretend they were all trees but the shoving and bumping kept breaking her concentration. Her lip quivered. One man shoved past her and almost sent her to her knees. Elisha tried to move with the crowd but felt as if she were like a fish trying to swim against the current.

Her eyes spotted bread and she made her way to the table. She leaned forward. ”Loaf of bread please.”

A round woman with rosey cheeks and a kind face turned to face her. She smiled. ”Pretty young thing you are and a loaf of bread you will have. Anything else?”

Elisha frowned and looked down at the table. The woman spoke in a loud voice and this was a blessing.

”Do you have anything sweet as well?”

Elisha looked around. Perhaps she could make short work of getting food and be back at the safety of the cart sooner than she hoped.

”Sweets for a sweetheart? I have these, dear. Pastries.”

The woman pointed to some sticky looking baked goods as Elisha blushed. ”Two please.”

She did not want one but after the woman’s tease she could not bring herself to only get one. Her hands darted out to drop the coin and grab the bread and sweet pastries.

”Thank you dear. Have a lovely day!”

Elisha wanted to go back to the cart but with only bread goods it would not do for a midday meal. She balanced the pastries in her hand, the bread was tucked under her arm as she sought out some meat. She could see dried meat hanging from one booth and tried to make her way through the crowd.

By the time she approached she was sweating lightly and on the verge of being ill. The crowd was just too much for her. She tossed some coin onto the table and looked up at the man.

He gave her a nod and pulled down a small bundle of dried meat. He placed it on the table and scooped up her coin. Elisha snatched the meat and immediately headed back to the cart. It was slower going than before. The crowd was thicker and her hands loaded down.

Elisha weaved slowly and tried to find space where she could. Once again she felt as if she needed to go in the opposite direction of everyone else. She spotted a clear path, though it would take longer to get to the cart that way Elisha prefered the space and greater distance to managing the crowd.

She stopped for a moment, closed her eyes and tried to breathe. Her breathing slowed and though there was still people she did not feel quite so squished here.

Elisha began to walk. This path took her around the backs of many of the booths and carts. She stepped over discarded vegetables and fruits.

If it could stay like this from now till we leave I will be grateful. If it was like this I might even enjoy the whole festivities of the coronation.

Elisha’s body had relaxed now that she was out of the majority of the crowd and few paid the cloaked woman any mind as she made her way.

Vyga had stopped moving about in his consolidated circle for searching and was now standing firmly with his back towards the thinnest section of the crowd and he held his eyes firmly shut, taking a drag of the air as if to check for that same sent again. But to no avail, because the air here was stuffed with too many vibrant and mundane smells. Off the edge of his hearing was a woman peddling perfumes and not far from that was a baker making the most of her wares that it was hard to ignore all the profound distractions as it was.

His eyes opened as he let out a long sigh.. "Damn.. not again."

He stepped back from inside the crowd as a way to clear himself from the mass of shoving and shouting bodies, but in that instant fate reared its head in the most interrupting way.
As he stepped back he did not notice the path of who he was moving into and he felt a stiff nudge as someone ran into him. It was a young cloaked figure and as his eyes looked down upon them he realized it was a small girl. She was reeling from the light impact with him and if it weren't for her footing she might have fallen. Noticing that she had her hands loaded down with food and treats he reached forward to help her, as it was his fault that she was now faltering.

Reaching out he took a light hold of her cloaked shoulder and helped steady her, his height requiring him to lean down towards her slightly and it was then that he caught that same scent once again. "My apologies little miss.. I did not mean for this.." He was so busy fixing what he had done helping lift her own hands to support her belongings, that he did not realize he was invading her personal space.

Elisha was not entirely paying attention and only caught the movement out of the corner of her eye before she bumped into the man. She was tipping over. Elisha herself was not about to hit the ground but panic filled her as she envisioned the food falling to the street. Her clumsiness would waste Malthew’s money and leave them with nothing to eat for the midday meal.

Large hands found her shoulder and Elisha was able to hold onto the food as the stranger held onto her.

He apologized, she could barely make out his words. Elisha turned to look at the man she had bumped into. He was tall. Very tall and she tilted her head back to see his face. His hair was blonde, his eyes blue. Her eyes went wide.

Elisha’s heart was pounding. He was still holding her shoulder and standing extremely close. He towered over her. She felt trapped all of a sudden though something about him told her he was not about to hurt her.

”It is alright. I-I should be going.”

She backed away slowly, her eyes still on him.

"Apologies little miss.. Vyga said with a calm tone to his deep voice. He pulled his arms back from the girl and let her take her own footing as to not force her to face him. He looked her over, her small form was not that wanting in the least but the smell of her presence was still there now. His eyes drew a calm glare as he breathed in that fragrance once again and sighed softly as he responded once again.

"Are you alright?.. "

Elisha nodded slowly. Her eyes were trying to take him in. He was quite a bit bigger than she was and though did not come across as violent or menacing he was certainly intimidating. She knew he was talking and made out most of what he said but the lower tone of his voice made it harder for her. On instinct she leaned in to hear him better.

"I am alright. I just have to get back. Food...."

Elisha held up her hands as if the gesture would explain everything. He made her nervous but not afraid exactly. She took a small step backwards.

Vyga nodded as she motioned with her hands and he could see that she was bearing a rather heavy load with the meal she was carrying. He looked over his shoulder and a thought came to mind as he turned back towards her. "Then may I help you by clearing the way miss?" He stood head over her and began to walk away in the direction she motioned, his presence doing its own job of making the other patrons part from his path.

Her eyes followed him as he began to walk, clearing a path in the direction she was heading. Cannot exactly not follow him...
Elisha walked but found that his strides, much like everything else about him were much bigger than her own. She began to jog to keep up.

"I am going...I am going to the cart just down there...the one with the jars..."

She could not exactly point and there had been no time to explain so she did her best to keep up and guide him with her words.

"Four carts down. To your left."

Vyga kept his pace somewhat oblivious to the figure chasing him, his mind was set to clearing her a path and that is what he was doing. People would move or otherwise scatter as he walked by and that made her act of chasing him easy even though it was somewhat straining. Following her words his eyes picked out a cart on the position she mentioned and he adjusted his aim accordingly so as to make a straight path.

As he got closer more intense sensations came to his nose, his sense of smell was being bombarded with more powerful emanations. He would have bothered to stop and ask what it was that he was smelling in the air if he had not topped at the carts edge so abruptly, his eyes caught the image of bottled herbs and powdered plants and he finally got the idea of what it was that gave her such a powerful fragrance. He gave a sly look over his shoulder as he spoke back to her..

"We are there little miss"

Elisha gave a small chirp as the man stopped suddenly.

Malthew spotted the large man standing near the cart. "What can I get for you sir? I have the finest potions, medicines and tonics you will find anywhere."

Elisha stepped around the large man. Her eyes watched him carefully. "Thank you..."

Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper as she handed Malthew the food. He stared at her for a moment, taking the food before looking back at the man. A slight frown appeared. "And who might you be sir? Being so nice as to escort my daughter back?" There was wariness and concern in his tone. The man did not make him uncomfortable per say but it seemed odd for anyone to be with Elisha, let alone this person.

For her part Elisha moved to the shadow of the cart where she could see everything but could hide if need be.

Yyga ran his eyes across the wares strone across the decent length of the cart and let his sight wander. There were many bottles and bags with labels dotting them, some of which he knew upon looking what they did. But others that just left his mind to wonder what they did..
He looked on before his eyes came to look upon the man again and he spoke a question. "Do you happen to have anything for stamina?" He asked.

The thought donned him that when he had managed to use his gifts for too long a period at a time he would become too over taxed and not feel well. So it was that he clerified his question more. "Anything to sustain or restore ones own stamina, I know much of what you have placed here. But I do not see any for such a need."

Malthew smiled, "Of course if we do not have it now it can be made for you." He still eyed the man warily.

Elisha peered at the man from her hiding place in the shadows of the cart. He is a large man. Does not seem threatening but...

Malthew crossed his arms. "Tell me sir, how did you come about helping my daughter and I will see what I can do about sorting through some of my other inventory for what you are looking for as you talk. You do not look as if you are from around here." He waited a moment before turning to look through a trunk at his feet.

Elisha frowned. She knew she had made some things for stamina but more as requested by women for their men in bed. She did not think that was what this man meant.

Malthew was still half watching the man as he sorted through bottles waiting for an answer.

"I just happened upon her near the square, she seemed as though she was in a hurry and something was bothering her. I ment no impass by speaking or helping her I assure you" Vyga made an unconcious act of pulling one of his long blonde braids from his shoulder and over his back as he spoke.
"But you are right." He returned again.

"I come from the north, from the snow covered peeks and I am currently on.. a personal quest of sorts." He said as his eyes slowly drew away for a moment. He did not mean to impose at all. But to tell the man he was on a path of self discovery may be too much to speak for such an occasion.

Malthew nodded. "Aye I sent her out for food. Doesn't do well in crowds unfortunately." He smiled and winked at the shadow where Elisha hid.

Vyga drew his head back slightly in understanding, being that the state he found her in he was beginning to think he should ask another question about how and why she was reacting the way she did. The thought could be seen dancing around just behind his eyes as he thought more about it as the moment drew on.

"Now then are you looking for something to keep you going in the bedroom? I have a stamina boost for that. If you are looking for a specific draught though I am not the one who makes them. You'd have to see if you can coax a potion from her." Malthew pointed to the shadow where Elisha hid.

Elisha let out a small noise of surprise as Malthew pointed her out. Her hood was still on as she leaned just a little around the cart and out of the shadow. She did not make out all the words he had said but she knew he was talking about her.
"So then Mr...I did not get your name what sort of stamina restoration were you looking for?"

The young woman eyed the blonde man. He had braids in his hair and he spoke of being from the North. Her teeth were on her lower lip as she stifled the urge to ask him about the plants and animals there.

Looking down at her as she gazed up at him he smiled. "My name is Vyga little miss." He gave a slight bow of his head as he spoke. His lips budded a bit as he fought back a slight laughter as he said his spoke again. "So... is that all that brew is used for down here?" A slight snicker sat on the edge of his face and a smile formed at the edge of his eyes.

Elisha felt a blush form on her cheeks. "This particular one yes." She pointed to the bottle in Malthew's hand. "But it was made to be concentrated and focused for that um...well that particular problem."

Her neck felt hot now. Her fingers pulled on her hood to hide her face once again. "If you were looking for something specific I can tailor a potion for you. If you were looking for a general boost in the morning I can also put something together. Let my father know..."

She began to slink away again. Malthew stepped in front of Vyga. "So then...what can I do for you and we can negotiate price. While we do that....hungry?"

Malthew liked the man now that he knew he hadn't meant any ill will towards Elisha. He excuded a kind of calm. Malthew held out the bread that Elisha had bought to Vyga. "How long have you been travelling?

Elisha licked her lips and did not stray too far. She wanted to be able to hear everything that was said and it would get harder to do if she hid too far off. There was something about him that reminded her of an animal. It made her want to sit and talk to him the way she did the creatures that came to her in the forest when she was working. He had a wildness to him that was like an oasis in this stifling city. Vyga....

Vya takes a some of the bread, seeing as he has been enjoying the festivities all day he could use something in his stomach other then spiced meats and sweet stuffs. Looking back at Malthew.. "I am a person of certain skills.. those skills have a tendacy to drain my stamina rather quickly." He ran a hand over his chest slightly as if to emphasis what he ment.
Elisha frowned. Certain skills.

Malthew nodded appreciatively. Skills eh? Well I am sure I can give you a fair price." He held out the meat as well. "You know she is quite good. This isn't some snake oil. She can make anything and it will work too."

Elisha felt her cheeks turn warm once more. Hearing him brag about her made her feel strange. A stark contrast from her mother. It was good in a way, to see Malthew so outgoing now as his overbearing wife was not there to stifle them both.

She inched closer to the men. Her eyes on Vyga the whole time. He had helped her and he was something extremely interesting to her.

Malthew chewed a bit of bread. "Did you leave a wife behind then?"
Her hood slipped off, her long dark hair blew slightly now but Elisha was too busy trying to hear everything the man might say. She had so many questions about where he was from, where he was going and what he was looking for exactly.

Vyga rubbed the back of his neck for a moment as the man asked about his past and if he had a wife.

"Well no sir, I left some family behind but non to speak of nicely.." He drew on the last of his words to keep the tension away as he was trying to keep an uncomfortable feeling from swooping in. Taking a bite of the bread that was handed to him in an effort to keep himself occupied.

"I mostly just came this far to see the cerimony for the new kings coronation and make sure that I was there. Looking for meaning in life means looking everywhere that one can find chance to see." The conversation was slightly broken by the sound of fireworks being shot off nearby, only to have children run by with sparklers in hand.

Elisha was watching Vyga with interest. He said he had no family that he would speak nicely of and she could understand the sentiment. She often felt like that about her mother.

Malthew nodded "We don't always get to choose our family." His eyes clouded over for a moment. He shook it off and smiled at Vyga. "The coronation? I wanted to show Elisha the new king. You know it is historic and something I think she needs to see. Her mother didn't agree but add to that the business I can do here, well we had to come."

He turned to face the girl. "You are going to go see the coronation aren't you?"

Ellie's eyes went wide and then she looked down, shaking her head.

Malthew frowned. "The whole point was for you to see the new king my girl. That and to give the nobles a taste of what you are capable of." He smiled wide at Ellie and reached out, lifting her chin. "The crowd won't be bad. Everyone just wants to see."

Elisha moved away from her father and he sighed. "She's rather hide out here than venture to see the spectacle."

The sound of the fireworks were making the woman very nervous. Every boom, even at a distance made her heart race. Malthew looked at Vyga. "Not good with loud noises either. Hearing is a bit off as well." He spoke in low, hushed tones knowing Ellie would not be able to hear him.

For her part Ellie was trying to shrink into herself yet she wanted to hear more about the man who had helped her.

Vyga looked down at the young woman and gave a solemn smile, she was just not used to being in such a place and he looked back at her father to ask. "She doesnt spend much time with others, does she not?" He was asking an ernest question for the sake of knowing what it was that the girl had a true problem with. He knew the same as her, after several weeks out in the forest and plains with no other contact the that of the animals, he can be socially awkward as well.

Elisha jumped as the sound of another firework went off. She could not hear the men speaking. Her heart was pounding.

Malthew nodded slowly and took his eyes from the man to look back at his daughter for a moment. Once again he looked sad.

"She spends her time gathering ingredients in the forest and then working on the concoctions. She was never one for people, more plants and animals."

He looked back at Vyga, "You speak like you know her...." Once again Malthew appraised the man.

Vyga leaned down and looked at Elisha for a moment. Leaning in he gave her a solatary look that almost spoke of gentleness. "You can say I know that feeling very well. When I walk through such places I used to imagine that every one was a flower swaying in the fields just to get my mind of the thought that they were people running around all day.

He stands and sets his hand on the end of the cart before giving a glance at the crowd ahead.

"Sir I would be delighted to accompany your daughter to the coronation. It should prove to be the defigning moment of the year at least.

Elisha looked up at Vyga, once again marking how tall he was. His words made her suddenly feel calmer. He seemed to know, seemed to understand. Her lips parted as if she were gong to speak to him but Malthew interrupted.

"You seem to speak her language which is interesting since I don't think I ever could...." He gave a small, sad smile as he stared at Ellie's back. She was too focused on the larger man to notice or even hear her father. Another firework went off and she resisted the urge to cover her ears.

Malthew contemplated Vyga's offer. Part of him was still unsure though he did not think the man meant Elisha any harm. He really did want her to see the coronation and not hide around the cart the entire trip. He did not know how many more times he would be able to show her someplace other than the forest around their home and he wanted her to experience a life that was not under the thumb of his wife.

He crossed to Ellie and put his arm around her. She was startled having not heard him approach. Her eyes went wide and she tensed until she realized who it was.

Malthew nodded, "Yes I think it would be alright for you to take her. You seem a man I could trust though know I have have marked your name and you stand out in a crowd so if anything were to happen to her I will send the guards after you." His tone was serious and he hugged Elisha to him. She frowned as she put together what he was saying.

Elisha blushed and looked unsure. Go...with him... Her teeth pulled at her lower lip.

Malthew looked down at her. "Go and see the new king. Enjoy this moment. Vyga will stay with you, he has offered and I think you should go."

Elisha swallowed and nodded. There did not seem to be a way she could deny her father this. Her eyes moved to Vyga. "Thank you."

He nodded back as he held out his hand toward the crowd as if to say she may lead, but it truth it was only to ask her to follow along. "Everything will be fine I assure you. He said in response to Malthew's words.

The father was right to be so cautious. Vyga was after all almost four times the young womans size and he was still a new aquaintance to say the least.

But he put on his best smile and the kindest look that his eyes could muster as to put the girl to ease and with that be began to lead her away from the cart and her father. The crowd thankfully had settled more since before and everyone was getting into the mood of the day, kind words being exchanged around every shoulder and greetings abound in full swing.

"Still doing okay? He asked over his shoulder to her as she walked behind him.

She was following dutifully behind him. Elisha did her best not to panic whenever anyone came near her. Vyga kept people divided so they had an easier time passing and she did mark that the crowd seemed tamer than before.

Her eyes moved up to his face as the large man looked over at her. She strained to hear him but nodded. "Yes I am fine. Thank you." Elisha wasn't sure why he was being so nice but she knew that he understood her a little more than others did. She ran a little to keep up with him."You like the forest as well?"

Elisha decided in that moment that the aura of calm that came off of Vyga reminded her of her teacher, of the man who had taught her all she knew of plants and the life of the forest. She even smiled at him though it was a small and sweet smile, not one of celebration like many were wearing.

He flashed a bright grin as he walked "Yes I do, the animals speaking from the lowest reaches of the ground to the birds singing in the sky. Not to mention the hum of the tree's in the changing seasons. They speak well of the changing days.. as they should be speaking with you, don't they?" Vyga had just called her out on what kind of person she was and what it was she may be hiding from her very father.

"Not many people at your age could be so gifted with potions and salves as well as you without some proper insite into the natural world. So its obvious that you have a certain little atvantage when it comes to those things."

Elisha grew shy for a moment, her eyes dropping towards her feet. "They do and my teacher taught me to listen. He worked for my parents. They understand potions but not plants. He did and I had an affinity to nature the way he did. He taught me and my parents mostly left me be. My father does not understand that I am happier in the trees than with people."

She looked back up at Vyga, "My potions are better because I know the things that go in them and I pick them and I can tailor them better than most." Elisha was a little embarassed by the way he seemed to know things about her yet it also felt like there was a kindred spirit in Vyga. He had said he knew the voices of nature and it seemed to be true.

As the two continued their conversation, Vyga lead the way through most of the people and now they had begun to breach the square of the castle courtyard.

But he looked back after stopping in a nice clear spot with her before him and kept his smile there for her to see.

"In all honesty I was lost myself before I made my way into the wilderness and was found by those that took me in.. taught me the ways of the wild. Now I spend my days among the animals of nature and the people of civilization. For they are nothing but the animals of their own inner world." He placed his large hand on her shoulder as if to consol her in a moment of need.

"All you must do is realize that you will one day be a part of that civilization again.. but its not like you need to rush things." He gave her a wink with the end of his sly look. It was easy enough to get across that he was making a joke, though his honesty about the moment was still slightly hazy.

Vyga looked at his companion and smiled at her, despite how meekly she acted most of the time he was glad that he could bring her along. The last few weeks of being alone was hard for him and just a moment to share with another individual, much less one like himself was a godsend in its own right.

"Are you enjoying the festival?" He asked as he looked down at Elisha.

The young woman looked around. "Yes." Though it was a hesitant answer. "I like being able to be here for this moment but I would rather there be fewer people."

He smiled back at her as she answered and he knew what she meant, there were people clammering on all sides of them. Even though the crowd was rather loose for sure it was obviouse that everyone would get packed in tight every once in a while. "Yes I understand what you mean.. some of these city people can be far more comfortable with being so close to one another most times.

He sits on one of the many chairs set up in the lower section of the pavilion. Others were at least giving him the space that he needed to move about but many mored moved about endlessly. He started tugging lightly on one of his own braids to keep it off his shoulder.

"See? why can't they just be still?" Elisha indicated those around them that kept trying to edge closer, get a better position. She shrunk a little closer to Vyga. His large frame a bit of security in the sea of bodies. They all wanted to see the coronation, to see the new king. Elisha wondered if it was because they cared or just wanted to see a spectacle. A new king, especially with everything that had happened to bring Rydas to this point in his life made the coronation important and an historic event. She had the feeling most just wanted to say they had been there. It saddened her that people cheapened things the way they did.

Vyga laughed with a hardy bellow in his voice, he could see how this whole event was effecting her but her question was a simple to answer as one could be.

"Their alive Elisha.. more so than the life of the forest. Such existence can not stand to be still for one moment or they feel something has been missed or lost in that way." He pats her on the shoulder to comfort her for a moment. "Besides when all things are said and done, its just the way life is here in the city."

"You would love the life I had back in the village, slow days of working with the land and being part of it.. so peaceful"[/b}

Elisha smiled up at him. [b]"I spend my days in the forest gathering herbs and talking to the animals. It makes me happy." She looked around. "This is historic though. Rydas is...well he..." She blushed a little at the sound of her own voice talking about the Prince as if she knew him. She only knew stories, she had never even seen him. "I just think they should take it in more is all. Appreciate the moment."

"Well they do" He answers "But in their own special way as ever" He returns with a smile.

Elisha chuckled, "Their ways are strange."

There seemed to be a stirring, a ripple in the crowd as things seemed to be starting.Elisha strained on tiptoe to see the Prince as he walked forward. He was handsome, what she had heard of him was true. Her hands went to Vyga's arm, steadying herself as she balanced trying to see it all. His voice rang out, projected to the crowd that gathered due to the acoustics. Elisha felt goosebumps form on her arms. She was witnessing history.

The young woman did not even realize she was holding her breath as the call went out for anyone who might challenge the crown. Only when the princess, beautiful in her dress, step forward did Elisha breathe out. She looked to Vyga, a slight frown on her face. "What is going on?

Vyga could feel the grip of the young woman attached to him and her eyes cut into a part of him when she asked that simple question.

But he could feel it in the air, sinister and powerful magic. Such dark power left a taint in the air and it was unsettling him to the bone.

"Nothing good little miss.. nothing good at all."

Elisha's fingers dug into Vyga's arms as she watched. She couldn't look away but she didn't want to watch. "No, no.... The words were a sob on her lips. She turned and buried her face into Vyga.

He rested his arm around her for the moment, though he could not tear his eyes away from the act itself. He was watching keeping aware of the whole.

The crowd up ahead of them surged with a pale motion, it was as if something had taken them all in the same manner of surprise at once. Vya's surprise was not missing either as his height did afford him some manner of perception to the event at hand.

Elisha kept her face buried against Vyga. She had seen enough. Even at this distance there was no missing the flash of the blade or the red blood. Even with her eyes closed she could see it. Something was wrong, the whole room felt wrong. Her fingers gripped his shirt as if attempting to assure herself that he was real and perhaps this all wasn't a horrible dream.

It did not take long for the people to react. There were cries and shouts as people began milling about, some moving forward to gawk and others trying to get away. Elisha felt herself jostled and was glad in that moment for the large arm around her.

Vyga could see from both sides of the crowd that the guards were now sending people away from the front of the crowd, dispersing them as much as possible. This made the mass of people around the two loosen and flow with more ease. But Vyga stayed right where he was and only looked down at Elisha for a moment.

"We must get closer.. something has gone terribly wrong on this day."
He began to step forward with his grip on her growing lighter by the moment, if she were to pull away. His hand would release from her shoulder and she would be released back into the crowd.

"I am coming too." Elisha feared he would let her go and she would be alone in the chaos of the crowd. She could feel his arm loosen about her. "I will go with you to see what has happened." Bile rose in her throat. She did not want to see but she felt it was the right thing to do. Something about the aura around Vyga encompassed her and she felt calmer with him, less afraid.

About them the crowd was being funneled out and controlled by guards that appeared from various doorways, alcoves and seemingly the shadows. They were stopping to talk to people but otherwise did their best to keep things orderly.

Elisha pulled herself away from Vyga's chest but gripped his sleeve out of fear of being separated. Her eyes took in the scene around them.

The two reached the massive doorway that separated them from the front of the mass of bodies but the guards were already there doing their best to keep the bustle under control. "Let us through.. we must see." Vyga made sure that he pulled his young companion closer to keep her from harm. His size and presence was no longer enough to make people part in his path as their need to see was rivaling his own.

"I can feel it, something vile has taken place." The sound of murder on the lips of the other people was not all that he spoke of. Something dark had been used to cause all of this and he could feel its sickly aura still clinging to the world at hand.

The guards looked the large man over. Do you have knowledge of what happened?" They were trying to turn away gawkers and only find those who had knowledge of what happened or those looking to pledge their lives to the king. There were plenty who only wanted to look at the body and there was no time for that. "We all know something has gone wrong, the question is what do you know of it?"

Vyga gazes down on the guard sternly.

Elisha was tense. She did not know the best way to help and remained quiet for the moment. She observed the guards and Vyga waiting for a moment she could help.

The moment of an intense stare had passed and the guard was still standing his ground waiting for Vyga to speak. "Magic has been used.. dark magic."

"That is why I must see.. she is my companion" He shows the guard that he is tightly connected to Elisha as she still clings to him. The guard gives a solemn gesture with his head as he waves the two on allowing for them to pass.

Elisha held her breath as Vyga and the guard stared at each other. Finally the guard let them pass. Elisha's cheeks would have reddened at the comment that she was his companion had the situation not been so tense already. Her hand was on Vyga's arm, refusing to let him go. She did not want to see but knew that it was required. She inhaled and steeled herself for the sight.

The walk through the vast door was quick and tense, Vyga knew that the moment was close.

Soon however there it was, the area of the deed itself.
Blood was still fresh on the ground and the people were still reeling from what had just happened, having to press his way around several well dressed and high standing individuals.

Elisha walked with Vyga, her eyes on the red that stained the stone. It was still bright and wet, the body still laying there for all to see. The prince, now king was nowhere in sight. I hope he is alright. Her eyes moved across those who were moving about. She felt out of place yet like Vyga she had a sense that something was just not right. This was not a simple assassination attempt. Her very core felt tight as if the air itself was wrong. "What has happened?" She whispered to Vyga. "I can see what...I mean...why...and why does the whole room feel wrong?"

The hall lacked the feel of the city, the feel of confinement, it also did not have any calm or peace about it. It made Elisha feel like something slimy and distasteful were trying to wrap itself around her. Vyga had mentioned dark magic. Elisha had little experience with it though her teacher had often told her that those that sought the peace and goodness in nature could feel the residual effects of evil.

Vyga took a knee as he was not interested in the body but instead at a point in the floor not far from him.

"To clarify Elisha.. all magic is natural in a way. But when you wield such power in a way that fractures the natural world, its leaves a mark." He waves his hand at the air in front of his face with a look of concentration in his eyes.

The air itself seems to distort as if there were a trace of water behind his hand but the effect simply fades from sight. "Not only that.. but using such power leaves a mark of the caster behind as well. So the more terrible your intent.. the more soured the magic becomes." His hand begins to give off a faint glow as he kept it in place. "This place must be purified.."

Elisha's mouth felt dry was she watched Vyga. The talk of fracturing the natural world and soured magic made her stomach tighten. She had heard stories of unnatrual creatures and plants, things warped by evil magic but had thankfully never encountered any in her tiny area of the forest.There was no escaping it here.

"Can you do that? Purify it I mean?"

"Yes." He answered. "By passing the energy through myself, I can remove that which blights it."

A man came over, robe brushing the floor. "Excuse me but did you say you can help?"

Elisha looked startled for a moment but remained quiet. Will we be arrested for coming in here now? Her eyes went from the new man to Vyga.

Vyga stood with a new found stiff feeling in his hand now. Most of the feeling was paramount with what he had just done and it was slowly creeping up to his elbow. But he looked back at the robed man and nodded. "Yes.. I am Vyga and I would like to offer what assistance I can." Vyga could feel a swell of pride in himself somehow. He had been searching for a way to add meaning to his life for some time now and this might be the only way he could.

He turns his eyes back to Elisha who he found was looking dead at him. Just what was going on had a deep look of worry running across her face and he tried to ease her worry with a soft look of his own.

The man nodded. "Good, good.And she is?"

Elisha was looking at Vyga when the man addressed her and she jumped a little. "Elisha, sir. I am an alchemist I might be able to help as well."

She wasn't exactly sure what she might do in this instance or if she was actually going to be any help but she did not want to be thrown out or arrested. The man nodded. "Alight, guard!"

Elisha's eyes went a little wide with fear and she moved to stand next to Vyga. Her hand reached out to grip his sleeve. A guard approached the robed man. They spoke quietly.

Vyga looked down at the young woman clinging to him and asked quietly. "What about your father? Did you not come here with him to see your wares?"

Elisha looked up at him. "He is fine. He came to sell the potions and things. He brought me to see history and this seems important. I want to stay." She was nervous and unsure she could actually help but she did not want to leave. "I want to try and help."

The guard and the robed man come towards the pair. "You are to go with him." The robed man gestured to the guard. Elisha nodded slowly. "The prince is looking for anyone with knowledge of what happened or those willing to help."

Vyga sterned his resolve as he nodded back and stepped forward.

Elisha moved as well. The guard turned and began to walk away, not waiting to see if they followed.

The guard walked into the inner parts of the palace. He just walked, not saying anything to them. Elisha held her breath as they walked. What am I doing?

The guard stopped in front of a set of doors. "In here. The prince is taking audience in the library."

The doors before Vyga and Elisha marked a threshold, they would cross and begin a new chapter on something vast. He looked down at her and could see her nerves getting the better of her as he smiled gently at her.

Elisha took a deep breath in and her eyes met Vyga's. She offered him a small smile. "Shall we?" She whispered to him.

"We shall.." He lifted a hand and opened the latch pressing forward with Elisha in tow.

As the door swung free they could feel a deep warmth coming from inside as a testament to all the bodies gathered within and how much heat it generated. The soft glow of the days last sunlight broke through the large windows overhead and the two could see a large gathering of people.