Yanugwe Mehjan's Story

It was about time.

Years of planning and getting ready for that very moment were about to take place. Sakura looked about her room, no, her prison. A frown pulled on her lips as she eyed every inch of the space that had been the only thing she'd known for almost ten years. The bed in the center of the room with its four tall mahogany posts. The closet that held all of her clothing which she'd only ever worn three dresses from. A writing desk that she never used, except to sit at and ponder how she was going to free herself.

It had taken several years to accumulate what she needed. Hiding sheets from the nursemaid who tended to her room every so often, but not so much that it was suspicious. Gathering up old clothes from a couple of the servants in the castle whose rooms were close to her own. Finally, making requests for cloth that she knew she would be granted and from that making the rest of her clothing that she would wear when leaving the castle. She didn't want anyone recognizing her right off the bat as soon as she stepped foot outside of the palace walls.

Not that anyone would, though. Sakura thought to herself as she turned to the window. She'd never been let out of the castle before and even rarely ever allowed to wander the halls of her palace. It had taken place when she was about five years old. One of the maids had been carrying a tray of dishware and Sakura had startled the poor woman by coming around a corner too fast as she'd been playing. The young princess had crashed into the woman's legs and they both got tangled up. In order to not fall upon the small princess, the maid dropped the platter she'd been carrying and the dishes broke all around Sakura, scaring her.

Sakura wasn't entirely sure what had happened after that, all she could remember was feeling a lot of pain in her chest and then nothing afterwards. Since then she'd been locked into her room, her mother's only reasons were that she was very fragile and that she was being taken care of in this way.

Shaking her head, the princess cleared the memory and went to where she'd stashed all the sheets that she'd tied together. Dragging it all out from a well concealed place underneath the head of the bed, she tied the end of it to one of the bed posts and pulled on it heavily. When it didn't give out, she nodded her head in satisfaction and released her hold on it. The last preparation was for her to change clothes. Currently she was wearing a bright red silken dress and her hair was done up, pulled away from her face to show the flowering mark on her forehead. Undoing her hair, she let the long black silken locks fall, covering the mark perfectly.

Stripping from the dress, she pulled out the commoners clothes that she'd prepared. First a pair of leather pants, over that a white and brown skirt that was cut in such a fashion that the front of it only came down to mid thigh while the back was down to just above her knees. Tall boots came on over the pants, their leather warm against her feet. A white commoners shirt was next, and over that was a leather vest that pulled it all together. Catching her reflection in a tall mirror just across from her, she eyed the appearance with careful scrutiny. Satisfied with how it looked, she grabbed the sheets and threw them out of her window.

She frowned a bit, wish there was a better way to do this.... Leaning out the window she looked around to make sure that there was no one around. It was nearing the end of the day, the sunlight casting it's orange glow on the other side of the castle and thus where her room was, the shadows were much darker. Climbing up onto the edge of her window, she gripped the sheets that would take her three stories down the side of the castle wall. Straddling the sheets, she took one look over her shoulder and ground her teeth.

For a brief moment, her body shook uncontrollably. Facing the wall again, she took a deep breath and stepped off the ledge of her window. Leaning backwards, she started walking down the side of the stone wall. Thankfully, there weren't any other large windows down below her room, only the small occasional one here and there. Halfway down, she felt the sheets slacken a bit, jolting her body. Her heart jumped to her throat and she feared for a moment that she would begin to feel the pain that she hadn't felt in a few months. The attacks were rare, but every now and then when she was feeling particularly upset it would flare up.

Was this going to be too much for her? No. She shook her head and continued downwards. Freedom wasn't too much farther and she would have it even if it cost her. Nearing the bottom, the sheets finally gave, the knots loosening as she'd climbed down. A bit of a sharp gasp filled her throat as she fell the last few feet. Thankfully she hadn't been that high up and the bushes softened her fall. Tangled up in leaves, vines and a some thorns, she groaned slightly before sitting up. Brushing her fingers through her hair, she worked to free the small sticks and leaves that had tangled there.

Standing up, Sakura turned and caught sight of a carriage that was sitting not too far from where she'd come down at. Her heart leapt with elation and joy. My escape! Looking left and right, she quickly skirted towards the carriage and jumped into the back of it just as she heard voices from the palace entrance. Ducking down between two large boxes, she settled there with her heart pounding rapidly. Closing her eyes, she focused on calming herself quickly and hoped that whoever it was wouldn't notice her until she was far from the palace.





"Thank you for your trouble, mercenary," the Queen's adviser called as Shyc left the castle. He waved back at the man without saying a word or turning around, taking the steps two at a time.

He walked out back to the carriage that he'd been driving, a smile on his pale features, bright green eyes dancing with the usual mischief. The delivery to the castle had been taken care of and a couple of the palace guards were escorting him back to the cart. Shyc wondered what it was that the Queen had wanted, and what was in the box that he'd just delivered to her, but he knew it was best not to ask. They never asked. They were employed by her to do as she said and not ask questions. Shyc sort of liked it that way. Except for times when his insatiable curiosity would take over. Even so, she probably wouldn't have answered him anyway. The Queen was just that kind of woman, cold and secretive. Sometimes it left him with a sour taste in his mouth.

At least we're on her good side, though... I'd hate to be her enemy, Shyc thought to himself as he approached the lone cart that belonged to him and his company of mercenaries.

Shyc reached up and ran his hand through his brown hair, pulling it away from his eyes as he strode towards the carriage. The guards next to him halted a few feet away from it, having done their duty. Their hands were constantly on their weapons, a kind of nervous air about them as they watched Shyc carefully. He was used to it. After all, he wasn't the most trustworthy individual on the planet. At least when it came to shiny objects...

"Thanks!" he called back to them, waving his hand a bit. His grin was a bit wild and mischievous as he climbed up onto the seat of the carriage and flicked the reigns to get the horses going. Once he was freed from the scrutinizing gaze of the castle guard and others, he laughed out loud. Putting the reigns in one hand, he dug into his pocket with his free hand, going around the small bag of golden coins awarded to him for the mercenaries hard work. It was a smaller pay than normal, but the job hadn't been all that hard in the first place. His grin was wide as he let the horses pull the cart down the cobble stoned street of the city. In his hand were several small jewels that he'd 'acquired' from the palace. They were beautiful and he couldn't help but have them conveniently fall into his pocket.

"Way too easy. Sometimes it's no fun being able to just grab what you want and not get caught at all," he said to himself. Re-pocketing the jewels he pulled the reigns to the left and the horses turned at an intersection in the street. The carriage clattered down the street that came to a small gate leading out of the city and into the forested area just beyond. Shyc hummed to himself while he directed the horses into the woods. I wonder if they would like them... he thought to himself. He enjoyed showing off what he'd gathered to the others. Though his smile faltered a bit... Raze would surely be very angry with him, and he wasn't too sure Dinan would be approving either. He sighed a bit.

The carriage pulled into the area where they'd camped out for the night only because they had to do that delivery. Shyc stood up and stretched. With having to report back to the castle, getting new supplies was also in order since they were going to be away for a while. As he jumped off the cart, he pulled from his pouch a letter from the Queen, "Hey Raze, this is from her Majesty," he called out and handed the letter to the elf. It was probably new orders for them. He hoped it was something easy again, he was tired from fighting and hoped that they could all have at least another day of rest before heading out again.

He went back to the cart and lifted himself up onto the back of it and grabbed the crate that he'd filled with the supplies from the city. As he lifted it, he caught sight of black hair and a body shifting around frantically. Startled as he looked at bright purple eyes gazing up at him in shock, he gave a sharp shout and stumbled backwards. The back of his boot caught the edge of the carriage and he cried out again as he fell from the cart. Landing hard on his back with the heavy crate atop his chest, he groaned as he lay there. Lifting a hand he pointed at the cart.

"Girl.... girl in cart...."

The first rays of dawn were colouring the inky veil of night and early bird song filled the air in a melody matched only by the singing of the keen wind as it flowed over the body. The sense of freedom riding the aerial currents was almost intoxicating as the allure of battle, was it any wonder birds sang each and every day. The winged figure flying through dawn sky and night's remnants adjusted his singular wing while twisting his body in a manner similar to a swimmer making a dive. Altitude was shed with an alacrity that would have elicited concern in any not born to the sky.

And just like that his morning flight was over and his feet touched the ground so beloved of the other races. Dirt no self respecting Kamael would willing choose over the azure canopy of their birthright. But unlike the clan mates he had left the current group he was working with had no skill at flight nor truth be told the slightest ability to fly. Frankly Dinan thought their gods cruel masters for denying them the sky.

And despite how early it was the Angel of War knew his fellows would be about their business, Queens waited for no one after all. The only good part was the insulting task would be over with. Kamael were not bloody couriers, such tasks were fit only for punishing children. He just hoped the next contract was worthy of the strength granted to him by Mystria. That and the others didn't demand rest, always with the rest. That and the horses, Kamael saw little use in the beasts. Being both winged and gifted with strength and stamina in copious amounts a Kamael clan carried most of what they needed upon their persons. Reinforced by a millennia of nomadic life Kamael carried little beyond their weapons and food, with the more delicate packing tents.

Mostly though Dinan looked forward to simply moving on. Immortal though he may be the winged warrior was not gifted with endless patience. Time spent standing still was time not spent honoring Mystria and that was the reason he fought. To live up to the creed of war and to die with the honor inherent in living up to the duty he swore to when Soulbreaker was granted to him.

He strode towards the remains of last night's fire, a few guttering coals. Reaching into the pile of wood laid nearby the angel of war coaxed it into an open flame. That done Dinan shrugged off his pack and dug out a pot and various herbs. Emptying his water skin into the pot he set it to boil over the flame. While waiting for that he dug out a few pieces of jerky and ate that.

The rattle of wheels and the snapping of reigns announced the arrival of the prodigal son as it were. Shyc at the driver's seat, a human with a side to him Dinan was willing to admit intrigued him. Then again anything that promised a potential match for his martial skills was enough to get his attention. The others were out and about by now and the carriage driver handed the self appointed leader of their merry group a letter. Hopefully it was a better contract then the last.

His tea done the winged warrior filled himself a cup and flew over to the carriage to offer a hand when Shyc, crate in hand, gave a cry of shock and fell off the back. Despite the obvious hard landing Shyc seemed more concerned with spluttering out something.

"...girl in cart...."

Hovering over the top of the cart Dinan saw the truth of those words. Taking a sip of his tea he looked down at their newest guest.

" Dropped in for a cup of tea did you?" The angel of war asked with a raised eyebrow and another sip of the tea cup he held.

Shyc huffed as he lay on the ground, the heavy crate atop his chest. Dinan hovered over head, and the moment the young mercenary caught sight of the winged angel his face flushed a brilliant red. What an embarrassing position to be caught in. Not that it was a first, definitely not... Shyc always seemed to end up in the strangest situations. Following Dinan almost immediately was the half elf, Razeluxe. The man had hurriedly rushed over when Shyc had let out the cry of surprise. Of course, upon finding what the situation was, their leader calmed immediately and he cast a quick glance down to Shyc who managed a small grin of innocence.

"Yes. There is a girl in the cart. Although I am not so certain she was the woman that screamed." Raze commented lightly before he turned his attention to the woman in the cart. Overhead, he could hear Dinan offering the woman in the car a cup of tea. Was it possible that the angel hadn't noticed his plight? Shyc almost wished that were true...

To Raze's words though, Shyc's pale features turned a darker red as he sputtered under the crate, his legs kicking upwards in a comical display, "I did not scream like a girl!" his voice didn't help his situation, strained as it was under the heavy pressure of the crate that he was pushing upwards to help alleviate the weight in order to breathe properly.

"There's a lady in the cart," Willow's voice followed soon after, making him cringe slightly at her chiding.

Thankfully, though, the woman turned her attention to Raze and chided him as well. It was most like her. She'd taken the role of 'mother' in the small group whether they wanted it or not. Shyc didn't mind, he could tease her more that way, until she doused him in water or something worse...

"Perhaps, you should help Shyc raise the crate from his chest, instead of threatening our guest? I'm sure he's having a hard time breathing?"

"Yes... Yes, definitely having a hard time... here," he called out, trying to bring Raze's attention to him so that he'd take the damned crate off him. Unfortunately it didn't work. Raze was rather good at ignoring the young thief, probably out of habit by now. Shyc could be rather loud and talkative when he wanted to be.

"How funny, especially you Shyc." Shyc rolled his eyes at the man's familiar voice proceeded him. Footsteps followed and the boy tilted his head backwards in the dirt to watch Yan making his way over to the gathered group. He grinned down at Shyc, having a bit of a laugh at the youth in his current predicament. Shyc stuck his tongue out at the man rather child like before gritting his teeth as the crate shifted from his hands.

"Ugh," he let out a sigh of relief as Yan bent down and took the box of supplies from him and set it down on the ground. Rolling over onto his hands and knees, he panted a bit, "Thanks Yan."

"Heh, you okay there? Seems like the something inside the cart made everyone forget about yo--" the man started, but never finished for he too was caught up with the girl -lady- in the cart. Shyc glanced over his shoulder to look at her as well. Standing up he brushed himself off.

"Yeah, thanks for making that apparent," he muttered to Yan, who obviously didn't hear him as he continued, leaning against Raze as they all watched the poor girl. Crossing his arms over his chest, he watched them as they crowded the back end of the cart. The girl inside looked rather intimidated by the sudden attention.

When the cart came to a stop, Sakura was unsure as to what to do next. She'd gotten into the cart and they'd definitely left the city and palace behind. However... what was she to do now? That was when she heard voices. The driver of the cart had gotten off and called out to someone, saying there was a note for them. A woman's voice welcomed the driver back, and then suddenly the boy was up in the back of the cart and shifting around the supplies. They both stared at one another for a moment and Sakura was unsure as to which of them was the most startled. Until he gave a sharp, high pitched, cry and stumbled backwards. This led to his falling off the back of the cart. Sakura came forward slightly, her heart leaping to her throat as she wasn't sure if the boy was alright or not, the crate he'd had in his arms looked rather heavy.

"Dropped in for a cup of tea did you?"

Once again, her heart lurched forward in surprise. It pounded hard in her chest and she could feel the beginnings of the sharp pains that used to plague her. Sakura's fingers curled into a small fist as she pulled her hand back to the middle of her chest. She winced slightly as she glanced up at the man who had one wing. It was an amazing sight and just looking at him almost made the pain go away. It was sort of nice.

"I would hope you could give us a reason not to slay you on the spot, young miss. Mercenaries aren't fond of stowaways." When this voice joined in, she gave a startled gasp.

Jumping slightly, Sakura turned to see the young man looking directly at her after he'd addressed the poor boy who had fallen down unto the ground. Slowly her mind processed his words. He wants to... kill me? she thought, and all over again the fear came back. This time she did wince, her fingers curling tighter as she huddled near the back of the cart. Her voice squeaked slightly as she tried to answer him. Of course, before she could get some words out, the female voice she'd heard before came towards the carriage and a beautiful woman appeared at the carts end.

"Hello there. While not precisely the language I would have chosen, our friend is right in asking for the reason of your appearance-- if only to sake my personal curiosity."

As she spoke a glowing bauble hovered over to Sakura, swirling a beautiful blue color. Entranced by the object and the color, Sakura was starting to feel calm again. Her fingers reached out to touch the strange object as the other woman asked if she wanted water. Water sounded amazing for her dry throat. Slowly she nodded her head, not trusting her voice to answer for her. Sakura was more than happy to have a friendly voice addressing her and another woman to bat too.

"Whoa, an eye candy. Mind someone introduce her to me?"

"Eh??" Sakura managed the noise as the strange man leaned against the elven one. Eye candy... what's that? she thought to herself. She was utterly confused, "Eye... candy?"

Shaking her head she took a deep breath and dismissed that portion of the conversation. Everything had happened so quickly that she was at a loss as to where to start. Her gaze flicked between them all, noting that the boy had finally managed to stand again from his plight off the back of the carriage.

"Umm... I'm..." she started slowly, trying to think up something to tell them. Telling them she was royalty was definitely out of the question, "I'm running from home..." she said softly. It was mostly true, "I want to prove something to my mother."

Her gaze shifted downwards to the carriages' wooden bottom. Hopefully they wouldn't send her away. She really couldn't go back anyway and she wouldn't.

" I see you have seen fit to quit the lolly gagging my dear Shyc. Can you not see we have a guest?" Dinan uttered with a quick and wry tone as the gathering behind the carriage grew beyond a misplaced girl or rather young lady and the two of them. From his position hovering slightly above them all the Angel of War seemed content in the silence that was his wont. Besides the others of the merry little band were proving quite adept at filling the silence his lack of words left. Not to mention ending the small amount of amusement the winged warrior was deriving from watching Shyc struggle underneath the heavy crate. And unless he was missing his guess doing quite the job of overwhelming their little stowaway. Especially the self appointed leader with his pseudo threat. But he figured fighting the battles of a child was not what Mystria had granted him life and will for.

Taking yet another sip of the tea he held Dinan watched as first Willow provided a much needed distraction from Raze's rather odd greeting by means of the magic she commanded then repeated the greeting more politely. Which seemed more fitting, true a good leader took duty seriously but the girl was as about as much threat as any other child. There was little need for the drawn sword as it were.

Of course what ever calm was won by the words and actions of the self appointed Mother of the band was lost by the confusion two simple words, eye candy, wrought. He looked askew at the hello Yan offered, a rather tasteless use of the voice granted an sentient being. Coming down to the ground Dinan folded his singular wing tight against his spine in the manner of a roosting bird and shot Willow a glance. Though the angel found the mother act of a woman barely a a sixth of his age a bit much she was at least calm and level headed. It also didn't hurt that despite being a child by Kamael standards the woman did somewhat remind him of the Maidens of Cloud that had raised him in their convents.

Fingering the hilt of Soulbreaker which hung from his waist the Kamael looked with a half amused smile as their newest guest fluctuated between telling the truth and what she wanted to tell them. Though no mind reader Dinan noticed beyond a face free of the worries of a common born girl her hands were smooth, with neither calluses from weapon or tool. And her skin was not the bronze of a farm girl or indeed of any honest trade.

" Yet another child we find ourselves saddled with Raze, do you have a unrequited desire towards fatherhood perhaps?" Dinan spoke directing his scorn of this girl joining them towards their self appointed leader." And exactly what do you suppose we should tell your Lord Father when he comes for you." The latter half of his commentary aimed at their 'guest' ." And do not deny noble birth child, those hands are the hands of the pampered and privileged not those whose daily bread is earned by blood, sweat,and tears." The angel added with a slight laugh. Truly the Kamael cared little one way or another about her parents. Human nobles with their titles were a joke to Dinan and his race, only deeds and divine favour earned one a title in Kamael society. Who your parents were mattered so little that the Angels raised the young in complete ignorance of their parents.

The winged warrior knew though the short lived humans put much stock in this odd concept of parenthood of theirs. But to see this girl fumbling with a desire for independence and the fear inherent in the sheltered touched something in him. Mystria had created the Kamael to serve as guardians against the darkness and evil so prevalent amongst the various races of the world. True a millennia without a king had scattered the once united race but some things could not be forgotten. And whatever rock her parents kept her under was a minor evil in and of itself.

" Still I applaud any willing to take the first step towards mastery of their own fate, even if the reason makes little sense to me." Dinan finished with an actual clap. " Raze I do not think her presence amongst us would be a detriment to our operations. Who knows perhaps she can drill that high born etiquette into your half breed skull of yours. Honestly death threats are the domain of the uncultured, shame it'll take a human to teach you that."

---

---

The corners of Willow's lips took a downward turn upon the girl's answer. It was clear that the girl's answer was not the one that Willow would have liked, and her face betrayed it. However, she didn't begin immediately chastising the girl for her choices, for it was not her place to criticize the choices that others undertook. "It is not the... Best of reasons to stowaway in a strange wagon," she said, doing a very good job of looking past Yan's rather forward approach. Willow could imagine what the poor girl's mother would go through once she realized her daughter was missing. Thinking about it only made her frown deeper.

Willow had to prevent herself from scolding her, telling the girls the dangers of jumping into the back of a wagon on a whim. What if the cart didn't belong to them? And some other disreputable mercenary band, who would show her the kindness they've shown her-- barring Raze's threat. She then turned to look at Dinan as he revealed that they were of similar mind on the lady's blood, that she was no simple commoner, but some noble. It was always the nobles that went seeking out adventure, it was why Willow was there after all. "You saw that too," she noted, rather than asked.

"Good to see that you found your feet again, Shyc," Willow said, finally allowing herself to reveal a smile again. "Not injured I hope?" She asked, though the boy was tough. It'd take a lot more than a fright and a crate to keep him on the ground. Taking her attention off of him, and placing it back to their new addition, Willow let her smile melt into the teacup she brought to her mouth. After taking a sip of the tea and looking the girl up and down, she spoke to her again. "Perhaps it would be wise to take your leave of the cart and stand with us on the ground?" She requested. "It's improper to carry on an extended conversation from the back of a wagon."

After she spoke the sentence, Willow took steps away from the cart to allow room for the lady to dismount, though her bauble still levitated near the girl-- but in such a way it was out of the way. At the top of the object, a small hole had since appeared, to allow access to the water within. Willow's offer of water was not rhetorical pleasantries, if the lady was thirsty, then she could drink freely if she wished.

"As do I Dinan," She agreed with the angel's view on finding one's own path through life, however the tone in her voice told that a but was all but inevitable. "Yet, I would implore that the lady consider returning to her family. They will worry once they realize their daughter is no longer there."

Feeling as though that notion would be dismissed by the rashness all youths possessed, Willow quickly continued to speak, "However, since I believe that you may not heed my advice," She said with a warm smile, showing that she would not be offended by the act, "Perhaps we should instead start with introductions? I will begin, my name is Willow, and I'm an Elementalist," She said, tilting her head toward the bauble that still floated. "And the man you so kindly scared out of the cart would be our very own Shyc. He's braver than he seems," She said with a wink towards the boy in question.

Razeluxe

"Perhaps you should help Shyc raise the crate from his chest, instead of threatening our guest? I'm sure he's having a hard time breathing?" Willow 'suggested' shortly after making her appearance at the scene that was unfolding. It seemed as though the group around the cart was getting bigger by the second.

"He'll live." was Razeluxe's response to her, his tone showing a great lack of interest in assisting Shyc to his feet. "I don't believe you're concerned about the proper threat...?... at this moment..." He felt that he used the wrong word there, so it came out fairy awkward. But more importantly, at the moment, he was a bit disappointed that Shyc hadn't been able to detect this woman before she had gotten to the camp. While she may not be a threat, what if it was someone else there, and what if they had malicious intent? The leader of the mercs was not necessarily angered at Shyc personally, but the possibilities did briefly pass through his head, and they did agitate him a bit. Call him crazy, but he honestly did not expect too much from Shyc, especially with something as nit-picky as checking your cargo more than once. Or maybe Raze was a paranoid person.

...yeah, probably.

Before Raze could continue, he felt someone's arm wrap around his shoulders, and someone's familiar voice sounded much too close to his ear for his personal space to not have been invaded.

"Whoa, an eye candy. Mind someone introduce her to me?" it said, the voice belonging to Yan, as well as, Raze assumed, the arm wrapped around him. Even Razeluxe could tell that the varied greetings from each individual member would overwhelm the young stowaway. Judging by appearances, it did not look as though she worried much about anything. Flawless skin, and her obvious anxiety at the situation told him as much. If that wasn't enough, her reaction to Yan was icing on the cake.

"Eye... candy?" she repeated with confusion lacing her tone. It did not sound as though she was confused as to why someone was calling her that. It seemed more as though she did not know what that meant in the first place. Perhaps it was not the most common phrase to describe someone's physical appeal, but still....

Giving a soft sigh, the half-elf shook his head and spoke to Yan. "I'd prefer you keep 'it' sheathed. And I couldn't introduce you to a stranger. I don't know anyone that 'innocent'." he explained, moving his gaze over towards the girl again. It was unlikely he knew someone who wasn't armed to the teeth, or very wary of the world and how it worked. Though it should not come as a surprise that Razeluxe's 'friends' were either made on the battlefield or after doing successful business with someone. And 'friends' would honestly not be the best word to use to describe the relationship between them. But continuing further would be digression. Essentially, if you did not know how to use a blade better than the average man, or you did not hire mercenaries, you'd have no connection to Razeluxe. This had to be some random noblewoman who had picked an odd cart to stowaway on. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Yet another child we find ourselves saddled with Raze, do you have a unrequited desire towards fatherhood perhaps?" Dinan, who had been more or less the 'quiet one' of the group so far, asked Razeluxe as he decided to finally commit to the gathering.

Slowly becoming a routine, a sigh escaped Raze's lips and he turned to face the angel upon hearing the question. He seemed to be attracting more and more 'children' by the month. Dinan's 'jest', if it were such, was hitting a bit too close to home there. Did something about the hybrid attract these people? Not that any of them were necessarily bad, but he was finding it hard to acknowledge this as simply coincidence after so many people. Ah well. "Maybe it's a sign I simply need to settle down and make children of my own." he answered. Even with nothing in his tone to indicate such, one should know Razeluxe wasn't actually considering that.

"I'm running from home... I want to prove something to my mother."

Dane's 'keen' hearing allowed him to pick up that little tidbit of conversation going on just merely a few feet from him. He did not enjoy what he heard. Such a reason was, in his eyes, a very foolish and immature one. Say what you will about him, but fleeing was no way to 'prove' anything besides your own immaturity and foolishness. You can't solve things by running away - Raze would know that more than anyone here, likely. To say that his face betrayed his opinion on her invalid 'reason' for her appearance here was a perfect depiction of the situation now. It was lucky for her that Dinan had taken to being somewhat talkative for once, or he might've simply told the rest that she was not worth anymore of their strength or time bothering with. In fact, that's exactly how he felt. It may seem cold, but she did not appear to have anything to offer them besides looks, which did not exactly benefit mercenaries much.

He had been able to simply listen silently as Dinan and Willow spoke to the woman. He was expecting the others to realize that this was just some noble who slipped into their cart and would be useless to them in any way, shape, or form, but apparently Dinan took a liking to her. "Raze I do not think her presence amongst us would be a detriment to our operations. Who knows perhaps she can drill that high born etiquette into your half breed skull of yours. Honestly death threats are the domain of the uncultured, shame it'll take a human to teach you that."

Dinan could have left that last little comment out. Actually, Raze would have definitely preferred if he did. The angel never did show much positive personality traits, and his tone now certainly wasn't one of the few points about him that Raze admired. Even if he was a couple centuries older, speaking so condescendingly was irritating to the hybrid. "I'd prefer it if you wouldn't speak to me about being uncultured." he jabbed quickly before moving onto the more important part of the conversation. "Forgive me, but I am not seeing why this is even being considered. She obviously can't fight, and I haven't the most optimistic opinion on her mindset if - no, when we get in trouble next. I'm going to make the assumption she has yet to have witnessed bloodshed, much less caused it."

Around this time is when, of course, Willow decided to introduce herself, and Shyc for whatever reason. Sad is though it may be, the title of 'leader' apparently meant little to nothing when they had their mind set on something, which happened to be the girl tagging along with them at this given moment. Did they not realize she would simply burden them now? That she was going to be useless until she learned how to use a blade. Someone would have to teach her to figh----

Someone would have to teach her how to wield a weapon.

That someone could be Raze.

Raze could actually do something productive with himself after a mission if that were the case.

...

...

...

"But..... I guess she can stay if she so chooses, so long as she agrees to work towards holding her own in a fight if she's planning on staying for an extended time." he 'finally caved in', although if one paid very close attention to the differentiation between his tone earlier and his tone now, one might see he was not really opposed to the idea as strongly as he was before. But this was not entirely easy, given Raze's tone at almost all times was still very similar. "I'm willing to consent if that's the case." for now, he ignored the introduction and instead proposed this.

"He'll live." Raze stated simply as Shyc proceeded to dust himself off.

To this the young mercenary rolled his eyes, though he did give a bit of a pout to add to it, "So mean..." he muttered knowing that he wouldn't be heard.

"I see you have seen fit to quit the lolly gagging my dear Shyc. Can you not see we have a guest?" Dinan added, there was a certain mirth in the angels voice that Shyc just barely picked up on.

His face turned red once again and he sputtered, trying to answer the man only to fail miserably.

"Good to see that you found your feet again, Shyc, not injured I hope?" Thankfully, Willow saved him from having to answer the man's jest. If it was a jest at all... Shyc could never really tell.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he answered with a bright smile clearly recovered from the incident and moving on to the next. This of course was now the girl in the cart who had remained at the back end of it unsure of what to do. Shyc looked around the shoulders of his companions, watching her but not saying much. Everyone else was doing plenty of the talking anyway. During this moment, Dinan said something that didn't sit well with Raze. Shyc didn't hear it very well, but he winced slightly. Those two always seemed to be at odds with each other. It was a slight tension that never really built up to anything serious, but it was enough. Shyc glanced over to the two of them warily.

He looked up to Raze because the man was far older than himself and was their leader. He would do anything for Raze, hell Shyc would even jump off a cliff if the hybrid so wished. On the other hand, he highly admired Dinan and was constantly trying to appeal to the one winged angel. He wanted the man to see him, or better yet to notice him. Shyc wasn't sure if he was ever accomplishing this task or if he was just merely annoying the attractive warrior.

"I'd prefer it if you wouldn't speak to me about being uncultured." Raze said quickly before turning his attention to the woman again, Forgive me, but I am not seeing why this is even being considered. She obviously can't fight, and I haven't the most optimistic opinion on her mindset if - no, when we get in trouble next. I'm going to make the assumption she has yet to have witnessed bloodshed, much less caused it."

Despite Raze's words, the group seemed to ignore him completely to which Shyc frowned, "Raze has a point you know," he called out, trying to help. None seemed to hear him though and Willow continued without skipping a beat.

"Perhaps we should instead start with introductions? I will begin, my name is Willow, and I'm an Elementalist," Her earlier statement about no one listening to her had definitely fallen on deaf ears, but Shyc was sure that Raze had at least heard. Still, she continued, "And the man you so kindly scared out of the cart would be our very own Shyc. He's braver than he seems," Willow sent a wink back at him and Shyc couldn't help but smile brightly once again.

"Hey!" he offered with a short wave of his hand to the girl, "No worries, nothing broken or damaged. It'll take more than a heavy crate and a short fall to take me out!" he said, jabbing his thumb backwards towards his chest while he grinned mischievously.

It seemed that Razeluxe had taken this time to muse over the situation and their esteemed leader had finally come to a rather appealing conclusion. One of which seemed to be pleasing to the girl for she'd been arguing the hole time about not going back to her family.

"But..... I guess she can stay if she so chooses, so long as she agrees to work towards holding her own in a fight if she's planning on staying for an extended time. I'm willing to consent if that's the case."

Yan let out a loud sound as he leaned heavily against Raze, and then went to the cart to reach out to the girl who scooted back immediately before she glanced around and finally allowed herself to be directed out of the carriage. Shyc grinned as well, laughing a bit.

"Awesome! This'll be fun," he commented, trying to keep the situation light hearted. He wondered what Raze planned to have the girl do in order to stay with them, but she obviously didn't mind. She eagerly agreed as she came from the cart to stand. Her eyes glowed brightly with excitement too. Shyc could sort of relate. Switching gears once again, the young thief turned back to Raze. In all of the chaos right then, he'd completely forgotten about the letter!

"Hey Raze! Where's the Queen sending us this time?" Might as well get started right away. The Queen never liked to wait too long when she wanted something done.



"Woohoo, cute voice. How lucky can I be!"

The man's voice was startling and she then understood why he'd called her 'eye candy'. Did that perhaps mean that she was... cute? Maybe. It seemed the only thing that made some semblance of sense. Still, Sakura didn't answer though as she watched them all. They were far too excited about this.

"And exactly what do you suppose we should tell your Lord Father when he comes for you. And do not deny noble birth child, those hands are the hands of the pampered and privileged not those whose daily bread is earned by blood, sweat,and tears." The winged angel called.

To this, Sakura flushed deep red, her head hanging down slightly, "I don't have a father..." she answered softly.

"Still I applaud any willing to take the first step towards mastery of their own fate, even if the reason makes little sense to me. Raze I do not think her presence amongst us would be a detriment to our operations. Who knows perhaps she can drill that high born etiquette into your half breed skull of yours. Honestly death threats are the domain of the uncultured, shame it'll take a human to teach you that."

With a bit of a gasp she lifted her head to look at the man. She was happy that he'd accepted her decision even if he didn't seem too willing at first. She smiled a bit. The one named Raze turned answered the angel with a sharp tone before addressing the situation as a whole. Sakura was at a loss as to what exactly was going on, so she just sat there instead.

"Perhaps it would be wise to take your leave of the cart and stand with us on the ground? It's improper to carry on an extended conversation from the back of a wagon." The woman offered gently.

Sakura scooted forward a bit, coming closer to the edge, but not quite to the point of exiting the small safety of the carriage's back end.

"Yet, I would implore that the lady consider returning to her family. They will worry once they realize their daughter is no longer there."

Sakura gasped a bit, "No, no I don't want to go back. I won't go back! I'm sorry, I didn't mean any trouble, I can go on my own! Anything but going back," she said sharply.

Sakura wasn't sure if the words had reached the others or not, but Willow then introduced herself and the boy who had fallen out of the cart. His name was Shyc. The youth grinned at her as he announced that he was just fine. Slowly, the Princess nodded her head, a small smile creeping onto her lips because of his energy.

Raze's words were the most exciting of them all though and she literally lit up. They were going to let her stay! She couldn't express how happy she was! She beamed then, completely absorbed by the elf's words.

"Woohoo! You heard that, pretty girl? You can stay with us! Aren't you happy? Comon, I am not biting. At least if you’re not asking for it, name’s Yan by the way, mind telling us yours?” Yan said, his hand reaching for her. At first it startled her, but then she allowed him to help her from the cart where she stood looking around at everyone.

"Yes, I'll do whatever you want me to do! Thank you!" she beamed, "I'm Sakura."

It was then that Shyc asked what it was the Queen had wanted them to do. She watched Raze for his answer, curious as well and hoping that she would be able to go with them. Her heart was pulsing rapidly, but with excitement and happiness. She couldn't wait to start this new adventure.

Razeluxe

As Razeluxe would have guessed, about the majority of the group seemed to become ecstatic about his newfound approval of the new woman's stay with the group. Shyc and Yan in particular did not seem to hide their elation, and promptly went about doing whatever the felt like to express it. Razeluxe himself simply watched, only reacting to Yan's uncomfortably close presence near the half elf, who was much more busy earlier to really care. However, now that the argument was over, he could safely say that he was feeling a bit awkward with the touching.

"While I'm glad it pleases you all," Razeluxe began, appreciating that Yan was finally off of him. Personal space was certainly something the soldier believed in. "...remember that we're mercenaries and nothing is sunshine and roses. I'd refrain from 'spoiling' the woman with too much attention or kindness, as it will make the hardships much less difficult to deal with later on." as he finished, he turned to face Shyc, who had then approached him.

"Hey Raze! Where's the Queen sending us this time?" his youngest member asked.

As if just recalling that he received orders from royalty, the hybrid reached into a pocket on his person that he had somehow conveniently placed the letter in without any mentioning beforehand and retrieved the letter from it. The letter itself was exactly what you might expect from royalty themselves - it had unnecessary decorations on the envelope, and a seal on the front told him that it was indeed from the kingdom they were just about to depart from. It took less than a minute for him to read through it. Even though he was a soldier, he had at least managed to learn to read before he started such a bloody career. "Duun, it would seem." he replied, still looking through the message. "We'll be playing spies, and this is a request from royalty, so all of you should do damn well to ensure we don't start anything we don't need to. Finishing this without any complications is sure to net us some real coin."

With that, Razeluxe instructed the group to pack up and head out. It'd be best to arrive there as soon as possible. Their vacation, short as though it was, could now be considered finished.

...

...

...

"This would be it. We're not too much further to the kingdom now." Razeluxe commented as he withdrew a map from his person and looked at it. Before them was a wide forest, filled with trees that were a bright shade of green on their leaves. It was nearing the evening, so this would be as far as they could safely go. Like anyone might think, setting up camp now would be a good idea if they wanted to finish before they ran out of daylight. "Lets head inside and find a decent spot." Raze glanced back at the group of mercenaries, glancing over everyone once before then speaking.

"We're all here, good. How's everyone holding up?"

The introductions were flying fast as the fate of their uninvited guest's fate was determined by that oldest and most time honored of methods. That of begrudging approval of the man in charge, not that the half breed didn't voice any number of objections. Then again somebody had to assume the role of devils advocate and Raze seemed the elf for the job and the kind of man to see it through.

The Kamael however felt little need to join the general rush of speech, the words of his companions doing an admirable job of filling in the morning air left empty by his lack of participation. had after all said enough to last days, and indeed more then he had spoken in days.

He instead spent the time his companions did in talk in observation of the lady who revealed herself as Sakura. A woman named after a cherry tree the runaway struck Dinan as a little over eager to leave what ever was behind her. True he had spoken in her defense and would do again but he agreed with the hybrid in his summary of a mercenary's life.

And this Sakura seemed ill suited to the rigors of a life lived by the sword. Beautiful enough by human standards the angel had to wonder exactly what the circumstances that led this high born human woman to her present position were.

But such musings were put on hold however as Raze dug out the letter Shyc had given him earlier. Reading the royal missive quickly their leader informed the rest of them

Spies, who exactly does Her Majesty think she is kidding. The winged warrior thought a annoyed flickering of his wing as Raze informed them of their next destination. Sure send a band of hired soldiers to do the job of a spy. What could go wrong with that? Dinan scoffed mentally.

The Kamael did not object to the morality behind the concept of intrigue or spying in general. After all the children of Mystria practiced the concept of Total War in its entirety. Rather the angels realized that their hopes of going unnoticed were rather slim, wings tend to mark one out in a crowd. Still such was life and Dinan did not see the point in thinking else wise. And anything was better then playing courier again.


-----------------------------------------------------

The fetid swamps of Dunn were ahead in all their glory and a more hated place was not to be found in all the realms. And it wasn't the fact the mercenaries sole reason to be here was the ferreting out the secrets of its equally loathsome King. No this child of azure sky knew his morning flights were over for the time being and it left a foul taste in his mouth to have to walk the dirt like a human.

The terrian forbid flying unless he left the visual range of his fellow soldiers of fortune's, something that during a mission Dinan tried to avoid. That and just looking at the place made him want a bath, he really hated swamps.

" Fine on my part, just never liked Dunn. Four hundred years and this blasted place still makes me sick just looking at it..That and I could use a bath." The one winged angel replied with a twist of his mouth as the words Dunn left his mouth. Such was the winged warrior's distaste of this poisoned marsh of a Kingdom...A fitting place Dinan would say for its King if asked.

But likely he wouldn't answer the question with such an open reply. After all opinions were sometimes dangerous things to bandy about with the utter abadon of a whore's kiss.

Striding into the Kingdom of Dunn with a flap of his wing he took one last look at the blue and untainted sky with a longing that seemed almost mournful. Dinan then followed his companions into the depths.

---

---

Willow chose to become silent after her own introduction. Harsh as though he was in his speech, there were hints of truth in Raze's words. The life they led was not easy, and was the farthest removed from the time she spent in a King's court-- though not the court of Duun, fortunately. She simply smiled and gave a subtle shake of her head at Raze's forthright warning. It seemed as if some three-hundred odd years did nothing to soften the man's words. However, Willow did nothing to chide the man for it, for he was right in a sense. This was a quiet matter to be handle had subtly as possible.

Turning her attentions back to the woman, who had given the name Sakura and smiled. "Freedom isn't quite so free as that," she said, "To be free is to be free in everything. Free of the ties that would make your life easy and free of personal security that would keep you safe at night. To be free means to work for that freedom, and to keep that freedom," She said, depositing some wisdom for the woman. Willow feared that the lady did not fully understand what freedom actually entailed-- though far be it for her to dissuade an individual from learning a life lesson through experience. Heaven knows that's how she became the person she is.

"But!" Willow added with an upturned finger and a playful smile. The finger then bent and pointed toward Raze. "Nobody can tell us what to do, only ask. And we can choose whether or not to do what they asked. And it seems that we choose," She said, drawing an example for the job they'd apparently just accepted.

"I hope those boots are comfortable, you'll be using them a lot while you're with us," She informed with an amused glint in her eye.

---

Duun. It wasn't her favorite place, nowhere near it actually. A sick land, filled with swamp and venom, a hostile environment unwelcome even to her own people. Her king mirrors the land, as she'd heard, she's never met the man in person. Only heard stories about him. As she looked at the forest her head, a frown worked it's way into her face, and she let her head lean against the staff she was currently using as a walking stick. Her bauble still floated around her head, reflecting the sunlight in the distance like a prism.

"I've visited the land on occasion," She spoke after Dinan, "She isn't hospitable, I will agree. However, her people are strong and hardy to live in such a land, from what I've experienced." She then looked to the angel and spoke again, "I spent a year or so in a small village serving as a sort of healer. Her terrain is no stranger to me," She said, this time turning to look at their new companion, Sakura, "Just keep close to us and you will be safe."

Once Raze asked about their well-being, Willow replied with a small laugh, "You say that as if you were expecting one of us to give out on the trip," She said, calling her bauble to her hand as she spoke. "I may not have neither your nor Dinan's long lives, but I can keep up." A smile formed on her lips as she pressed the bauble close to her face, drawing some of the water from the object with her magic and drinking from it.

"I am fine, thank you for asking," She said, allowing her bauble to continue it's orbit around her head.

Hey Finnie, I decided to go ahead and start the next portion. I know you're busy on Wednesdays and Thursdays and cannot post. We'll see you when you get back okay? :)





Orders to spy on another Kingdom... I wonder what my mother is thinking... Sakura thought to herself for the millionth time that trip. She didn't voice her thoughts though knowing that the moment they found out she was their employers daughter, they would all hightail it back to Iverien and hand her over. Which was definitely something she didn't want happening so soon. Although, she was beginning to think that perhaps Raze was probably thinking that a few times already. Sakura had been so curious the past few days during their travel that her near non-stop questions had probably gotten under his skin more than once. Each time she realized, of course, the princess would draw back and be abnormally silent for a little while before it started all over again.

Damn her insatiable curiosity.

Raze, though, was not the only one to suffer her incessant questions. The angel had gone through it too, as had Willow and... sometimes Yan. Yan was a bit harder to approach. His need to always be close at hand and touching was very hard to get used to. Not that she didn't hate it... it was just... different. Definitely different. Perhaps in time she would get used to it. Sakura smiled to herself pleasantly as they neared the forests edge. The dark curl of the trees canopy gave her chills as they slowed to a small pause. Raze glanced back to make sure they were all there. Once that was done, he turned and began to head into the trees.

Sakura beamed, "All good here!" she announced with loads of energy. Even though they'd been walking for days, the young princess hadn't complained once. Instead she'd shown so much interest in just about everything around them that she herself had probably tired out the other members before anything.

"Fine on my part, just never liked Dunn. Four hundred years and this blasted place still makes me sick just looking at it..That and I could use a bath." Dinan said, his tone speaking volumes of his dislike for the place they entered.

Sakura glanced over to him, her gaze growing soft as her lips slowly turned into a small frown. She could only slightly understand why he didn't like the place. The princess noted how he was mostly always flying, never really following with them down on the ground. In a way, she could sort of understand his dislike for the thick forest before them.

"I've visited the land on occasion. She isn't hospitable, I will agree. However, her people are strong and hardy to live in such a land, from what I've experienced. I spent a year or so in a small village serving as a sort of healer. Her terrain is no stranger to me. Just keep close to us and you will be safe." Willow added as they stepped foot into the undergrowth. The woman directed her last portion to Sakura who tilted her head off to the side. The young princess didn't really see what Willow meant. The forest certainly didn't look dangerous to her. Willow's voice continued to fill the air as she spoke to Raze, offering a soft laugh that pulled at Sakura's lips with the sound. Certainly, the princess had grown fond of that sound from the mage.



"This would be it. We're not too much further to the kingdom now. Lets head inside and find a decent spot." Raze announced as they neared the forest.

Shyc interlaced his fingers and stretched, his back arching as he pulled his fingers back in the movement. Limbs popped in a release of excess tension and he gave an audible sigh of relief. Having been walking for quite some time his body had gotten a slight bit rigid, needing new movements to keep him limber. At times he felt jealous of Dinan's flight. He was sure the sensation was very pleasant.

In addition, their newest member had energy that almost outstripped his own. The girl had been a chatter box most days, asking thousands of questions almost as if they had all been bottled up inside and she'd no one to talk to before. It had almost made him a bit crazy. However, he kept it to himself and found himself slowly adjusting to her presence. She was a sweet girl, always smiling and laughing it seemed. It was definitely a pleasant addition to their troop.

"We're all here, good. How's everyone holding up?"

Dinan answered first, voicing his disdain for the dark forest ahead. Willow followed and soon after Yan did as well at some point. It wasn't until Yan had spoken that Shyc did as well. He followed after them at an easy pace as Raze led them to a suitable spot to make camp.

"I don't think you could lose us even if you tried, Raze," Shyc grinned comically, "Never been better by the way."

The trees were growing thicker the further they went in, until they opened up again slightly. Thankfully too because it was growing rather dark very quickly. Shyc didn't want to be stumbling around Duun's swampy forest for too long in the night. He'd heard plenty of stories about the beasts and creatures that lived in the trees of this Kingdom. Here was probably a good a spot as any to set up camp.

"I'll go get some wood so we can have a fire," Shyc offered, bending his body back and forth as he prepared to set out into the dense trees, "Don't worry I won't go far," he grinned. Turning on his heel, he left the small group and entered the thicket of trees. The young thief moved quickly, trying to find as much dry wood as possible. It was very difficult, seeing as it was a swamp they'd just stepped in.

Bugs flew around his face which he waved off in irritation. The sounds of nighttime critters were beginning to fill the forest. Chirps of night birds and owls coiled around the air. The rays of sunlight were burning through the trees, but quickly becoming fainter. Shyc, lost in his self-dedicated mission, didn't notice the soft footstep behind him. As he straightened from picking up another few pieces of wood, he felt the sharp poke of steel against the middle of his back.

The mercenary froze.

"Mighty confident aren't we?"

Shyc grinned a bit as he released the wood he'd held in his arms and raised his hands slowly, "Well, you know. Forest's don't really scare me."

"They should. Especially this one. Do you realize the territory you've stepped in, boy?"

"Duun... I thought everyone knew about this god forsaken swamp."

A sharp poke issued from the sword, probably drawing a bit of blood, "Smart ass. Didn't think we'd notice you and you're group stomping through the forest? What is it you all want from here?"

"I don't suppose 'vacationing' would let me go would it?"

The man's voice laughed. The pressure pulled back from the sword and Shyc took his chance. His hands dropped down to his side and drew his blade. Whirling around, he could feel the very tip of the blade just barely scratch his skin. Steel clashed as he swung hard at the larger man. Shyc's grin never faded though as he lunged forward, dealing out several quick strikes and landing most of them. The man was hard pressed to keep up with the youthful mercenary. In a matter of moments, Shyc had the man kneeling on the ground, disarmed.

"So rude, coming up behind someone with a weapon. You never know who you'll be up against," he chided a bit as he held his sword under the man's chin.

"As do you," he growled back and from the darkness there was a soft whoosh of air before Shyc felt the burst of power all across his body. He stumbled backwards, gasping slightly from the shock. Every part of his body burned then, having been cut open by the magic that had hit him. Deep gashes laced his frame and he slowly dropped to the forest floor, panting. Shit! Mages... I hate mages.... he thought to himself as he winced.

"Do a favor for me," a woman's voice cooed as several pairs of steps surrounded him. She knelt down and rolled him over onto his back, "Call the rest of your friends, we were here first and we don't share well."

Shyc's gaze widened a bit as he realized the implications. It was another group of mercenaries. Who they worked for was a mystery, but for the moment that didn't much matter. Her fingers pressed down on his chest and her power crackled over her arm, streaks of blue light flashing in the darkness. For a moment, Shyc could only think that he really hated mages, and that what she was about to do was probably going to hurt... a lot. His second thought was that he hoped that didn't happen to him. The last thing he wanted was for the group to find out about his other half.

The blue light sparked and curled around him, eliciting his voice to fill the canopy of trees.

The sky was quickly swallowed up the oppressive omnipotent presence of the verdant canopy that filtered the sunlight into a mild darkness. It did nothing to add to the charm of the place despite Willow's words concerning the pros and cons of the Kingdom of Dunn. Not if a thousand years were spent here would Dinan feel anything for this swamp, his people were meant to fly not this crawling through dirt and bugs.

Bugs which he constantly fanned his wing against, a futile gesture the angel knew but one that seemed more dignified then just as pointless slapping. Fingering the hilt of his weapon Dinan was highly tempted to simply use its power to buy even momentary peace. But the winged warrior just as quickly decided against, Soul Magic wasn't the gentle touch of a healer. Some found it little removed from true darkness. That and Kamael were above the petty need of comfort, at least that was what he told himself as even he was reduced to outright slapping. Though there was no pain in their bite the angel detested the sight of the foul things.

So when their apparent camping spot was reached Dinan felt a somewhat heightened sense of if not joy at least lessened misery. Now a fire could be built and its smoke used to chase away the denizens Dunn had seen fit to greet them with. However he was less pleased with the lackadaisical way Shyc simply volunteered to gather firewood and went off into the distance with all the care of a girl child berry picking.

I swear that foolish child is just asking for trouble. Dinan thought with a hint of concern that betrayed his scoffing thought. As far as the angel was concerned Dunn was now enemy held territory and all due care had to be taken. Shyc's actions effect us all t'would ill suit us to let trouble simply walk up on us. And going off on his own is simply that, letting trouble come to him. He further expounded mentally trying to justify his own concerns on Shyc's current status.

" What will be will be, no reason to worry about it." Dinan muttered to himself as he set up his sleeping role and set his pack next to it. Digging through its contents the angel fished out a bag of dried peaches. Munching on that as an early dinner snack the Kamael tried to quell his mind by admitting that Shyc could look after himself. Despite his age the thief was equipped for survival, after all Shyc wasn't a green mercenary new to the trade.

Such reassurance however was made a mockery of as a familiar scream echoed throughout the marsh, causing night birds to raise from the roosts with much complaining. Drawing Soulbreaker with a single fluid gesture he damned what the others thought.

Tapping into its core a darkness surrounded Dinan that had nothing to do with the rapidly approaching evening. The air grew noticeably colder with frost forming on the trees in a ten feet radius of the Kamael fighter. Of course such things went unnoticed by the angel as he charged with sword leading in the assumed direction of what could have only been Shyc's scream.

Forgotten were his other companions and even the tactical sense a Kamael was born with. A real soldier would have never left his unit like this but Dinan only cared at that moment his misgivings were right. And this reckless running off was his self imposed flogging. If he could have flown the winged warrior would have.

As it were his charge covered the ground at a pace that nearly matched his speed whilst airborne. And his feet and ears lead Dinan to the scene of Shyc's torture the angel began to sing a melodic but low pitched tune and the smile of an Angel of War large on his face spoke of nothing but war. The singular wing upon his back beat in tempo to his song of battle. Added to that were directionless whispers and screams as he brought Soulbreaker to bear in a middle guard stance. The voices of souls trapped in the blade uttered their threats, cried their pleas, and whispered in their hopelessness.

" Pick on somebody your own size"Dinan taunted as he made a downward slash of his weapon, its ethereally sharp edge singing as it cut the air. At the same time he ripped a soul out of the blade mentally converting its energy into a glowing black barrier that obscured his features.

Razeluxe

The open disdain everyone in the group seemed to express about Duun led Razeluxe to believe he was the only one who had been here and not decided that it was some hellhole. The only places the hybrid elf could say he actually held a hatred for were deserts, as the extreme heats and lack of huge bodies of trees not only were exhausting to tread through, but restricted his ability to call upon the local wildlife. Snakes and scorpions did not heed a forest elf's call.

It was unfortunate that his prior experience in this land would likely be too dated to make effective use of, and what time he did spend here long ago was brief, as the small conflict he was a part of was. Besides major landmarks and cities, he would not pretend as though he knew the area aside from what the map showed. But if Willow was confident she could lead them through here and lead the way, then so be it. It was nice to have someone better at things other than combat in the group.

"I may not have neither your nor Dinan's long lives, but I can keep up. I am fine, thank you for asking." Willow wore a smile as she drank from her bauble and replied to him. He got replies from Shyc and Sakura almost immediately afterwards, both about as energetic as they ever were. Perhaps the query was more out of common courtesy than anything. The only one he should have had any real doubts about were Sakura, but she was nearly brimming with as much excitement as Shyc, which was saying something. It was honestly a surprise to the 'leader' of their group that she had not only been able to open up to the very man whose first words were akin to a death threat to her, but she was also able to ask more questions about miscellaneous things than his own soldiers had asked about missions in the past six months combined. Though, to be fair, after he explained the missions, there were only a few questions one could ask that he hadn't already covered. He always broke things down to: Risk, Requirements, and Rewards. It was rare to give a mercenary group a complex mission, so that was as much as he needed to elaborate on for the most part.

"If this walk could kill any of you, I'm sure we'd have a problem receiving contracts from the Queen." he voiced, glancing over to the body of trees they stood before. A small grin appeared on his face. Likely due to his elfen lineage, he could not help but feel more at home with forests than anywhere else. He always felt more comfortable, more able, and more relaxed in one. Razeluxe led the way into the swampy forest with a confident pace. It had been more than a hundred years since he had gotten over the clunky steps one makes when they first step foot in a forest. Tripping over branches, rocks, and misjudging his step were things he would never do nowadays. This also made a big difference, were they to engage in combat here. Yes, forests were his home.....

There eventually came a minor clearing in the forest that did not seem as though it would be a bad place to set up shop, and so he decided this would be the place where they would fate/stay the night. Razeluxe approached a larger boulder closer to the edge of the territory that would be deemed their camp, and set down his essentials to began constructing a tent, then instructing the others to do the same. "Same rules as always. First there, first to claim." he declared, eyeing a small spot just beside the boulder he was near, moving over to start his own camp. "Sakura, pick somewhere and I'll actually walk you through making your own tent this time, since we're not necessarily in a rush anymore." It had been a bit disappointing at first to see that she hadn't even the 'common' knowledge of tent-making, reinforcing his suspicions that she was a bit more spoiled than your average peasant. He would assume she was related to a wealthy family, like most of the group had already figured, but a few of her speech patterns, habits, and assumptions led him to believe there was more to it than that. Of course, she did not give him any evidence of anything that would link her to royalty he could use. For now, he kept his eye on her. Her vague responses would only serve to further his suspicions. However, he could not bring himself to become too pushy. There were things about himself he did not explain to the others, and he was sure the others had things too. He had no right to do such.

"I'll go get some wood so we can have a fire," Shyc announced, then adding, "Don't worry I won't go far."

"Very well. Don't stay too long."Raze nodded as he finished setting up a small makeshift tent. Perhaps in today's standards, it would not seem to be the great abode one could summon in a short notice, it certainly worked for him. He actually had a better tent, but that one he simply gave to their newest member out of generosity. He actually had not many problems with scaling a tree and sleeping in one, but that was a bit less civil, so he refrained.

...

...

...

There was an audible cry of pain crackling through the air, arousing the soldier's instincts immediately. It did not take more than a mere moment to recognize the owner, for he had heard the boy's voice not too long ago as he explained he would be on the search for firewood. Something had happened to Shyc. He withdrew his trusty longsword at once and surveyed the immediate area around the camp, including the trees. He wanted to make sure that there was nobody taking the high ground and luring them out, as that was a common yet effective strategy in a place filled with nothing but trees. When he was sure that the camp itself was already dug in by whatever foe they may be facing, he turned to his comrades, his mind churning out many possibilities.

He would assume it was some kind of trap. It was the safest assumption he could make in this scenario. In that case, he had to figure they at least knew what they were dealing with. The scream came close enough that there was little chance the enemy hasn't observed them already and planned around that. If that is the case, then how should he handle this situation? Rushing straight in would likely be the goal for them, but if that would only be the case if they were your common, ignorant bandits or the sort. If they were a bit more intelligent, then it was possible they would have predicted his assumptions and planned accordingly. Razeluxe had completely disregarded many factors, such as Shyc simply being attacked by the local wildlife, or some variable such as fear. As odd as he could be, Shyc could at the very least handle himself, and Razeluxe would not underestimate the boy's abilities. Razeluxe decided to play it safe here. Risking anything else without any further information would be a tactical mistake that could be costly.

"Dinan, come with me and we'll draw---" he began, only to realize they were missing their angel. Razeluxe resisted the urge to put his face in his palm and instead continued to the others. "Willow, I would suggest you stay a bit behind us so you're not caught up in any sudden confrontations that might put your abilities at a disadvantage. Yan can stay behind and protect Sakura, or trade roles with him. However, we can't leave her alone."

And with that, he took off swiftly behind the angel to lend his hand.

Sakura was elated that Raze was willing to show her how to set up her tent. He or one of the other members of the group had done it for her since leaving Iverien. To be able to do it herself was going to be much better than relying on the others. She felt awful every time they had to do something for her because she did not know how. As she picked her spot, a nice flat(ish) area between two large trees, she starting pulling out the items to the tent.

It had belonged to Raze, but he'd given it to her to use while they traveled. She bit her lip a bit as she stared at the equipment laid out before her. Part of her was excited to learn, the other part worried that she might do it wrong and ruin his tent. Because it wasn't hers, that made it all the more terrifying.

However, they never got to start the tent though as a sharp scream filled the air. It sounded like something or someone was in an immense amount of pain and it struck through her chest like a cold knife. Her heart skipped a beat entirely as she stood up quickly and whirled around, her fingers clasped together and crushed against her chest over her heart. Her eyes were wide as she stood there, hardly breathing.

It took not a moment and the angel had streaked off. Even Sakura had only caught a glimpse of his frame before it disappeared into darkness. Raze didn't move as quickly, but the elf had drawn his sword and looked more than ready for a fight. The princess watched them all, half in terror and half in wonderment at what she should be doing to help. Her answer came soon enough though in the form of an order from the groups' leader.

"Willow, I would suggest you stay a bit behind us so you're not caught up in any sudden confrontations that might put your abilities at a disadvantage. Yan can stay behind and protect Sakura, or trade roles with him. However, we can't leave her alone."

Then Raze was off into the forest as well. He soon disappeared too and the sight of his fading frame caused Sakura more pain and worry than the scream that had suddenly stopped. It was almost like a cold silence had filled the forest right after. She flinched when the sounds of fighting soon erupted though. Leaning over to Yan, for the first time she accepted his tendencies to touching.

"What should we do!?" she asked him, fear coloring her voice, yet determination to help also present.

She didn't like the fact that she couldn't do anything, especially in the situation that had just erupted. As she waited for Yan's answer, a soft thud landed behind her. Turning sharply she kept her voice still as her gaze landed on a tall figure wrapped in a black cloak head to foot. A pair of golden eyes peered out from under the hood that made her shiver. Her fingers curled in Yan's shirt as she stood there.

"What an accurate description," the voice said softly, the tone marking the figure as male. The voice was almost like sand paper, raspy and somewhat hollow. He took a step forward, "You have no idea what price is on your head, do you, woman?"

Her heart clenched tightly and the fear that was spreading was intense, causing her to wince in pain as her heart began to act up. Sakura fell heavily against Yan, her body trembling but not from fear this time. Her breath was labored as she tried to still the raging pain that was slowly escalating and spreading from it's epicenter. The man took another step closer.

"Don't worry, no harm will come to you from me. I have strict orders you see," he rasped, his voice telling of the hidden grin she could not see, "Many lords want you, dear woman. What luck to have you fall into my hands here of all places."

"Stay away," she managed. Her gaze flicked over to the groups equipment and things. There had to be something there that she could use. Breaking from Yan for a mere moment, she grabbed up one of the poles to Raze's tent and whirled around. Slashing outwards at the figure she shouted in her attempt to hit him as hard as she could. The pole vibrated and she was shocked to feel it pulse up her arm to her shoulders. Opening her eyes, she gasped as she eyed the hand that gripped the pole tightly.

"Be a good woman and do as I say. You never know what I might do to this one," he ground out as he drew his sword and leveled the long sharpened piece of steel at Yan.



His voice was hoarse from the sharp screams that had tore from his mouth. Shyc hadn't wanted to cry out as he had, but she was a powerful mage and he didn't stand a chance against her touch. It wasn't long before someone came upon them. Which of his companion's it was, though, the thief couldn't tell. The haze of pain made his head light and dizzy. His vision swam as he tried to recognize who it was that stormed upon them.

It wasn't until the voice sounded that he realized it was Dinan who had reached them first. His heart skipped a beat, breath catching slightly as he lay there. The woman's hand had long since left him as Dinan issued his threat and attacked. The soul blade sang through the air as it cut downwards, then provided a protective shield over the gorgeous angels' frame. Just in time as well, the mage woman had gotten to her feet and spun around to face him in a matter of seconds.

Her hand flicked forward, sending her signature blades that had greeted Shyc moments ago. They were harmless against Dinan though. She ground her teeth, growling in frustration and quickly peddled backwards to allow the others of her group to engage the man who's low voice sung out his war cry. It was a sound that had always fascinated Shyc and at that moment gave him peace of mind knowing that these men weren't going to last much longer.

Slowly, the young mercenary rolled over onto his stomach and he pushed himself upwards, groaning slightly as he went. He stayed on all fours though as he couldn't quite get up to his feet due to the burning of every muscle and the dizziness that accompanied every small movement he made. Taking a deep breath he finally looked up to assess the situation. There were many mercenaries around him and Dinan. More than he'd thought originally.

Damnit... how stupid of me, he chided himself and sat up slowly, kneeling on the ground. He couldn't move very well, but he wasn't going to just lay there either. Pulling out a knife from the many hidden spots across his body, he threw the weapon at the nearest target. The blade sunk to the hilt in the man's thigh, forcing him down on one knee. Pulling another knife, Shyc looked for his next target.

"I apologize in advance, but I will heal all your wounds once I settle current business." Willow's voice was laced with her anger at the mage woman that had retreated behind her fellow mercenaries.

Shyc hadn't really paid attention to her words, too much in pain to really register her presence right after Dinan and Raze's appearance into the fight. His breath panted heavy in his chest as he knelt there. The young mercenary hadn't moved an inch from where he'd pushed himself upwards. The only movements he'd made was a few knife throws, and even those had been taxing. His vision swam, making the darkening trees swirl around.

The thief struggled to stay upright as he knelt there. He watched as the group of mercenaries was slowly dwindling under Raze and Dinan's onslaught. There wasn't much he could do to help and he hated himself for it. The entire situation was his fault to begin with. Shyc ground his teeth, feeling useless to help the others. It was a feeling that he wasn't accustomed to and hated every bit of it.

"The rest is nothing we can't handle, right?"

Shyc gave a soft laugh, "This can't possibly amount to how much trouble we've been in before," he commented back, "Except the mage.... I hate mages...." he groaned then quickly added, "But not Willow! I like Willow..." he bit his lip, wincing. Perhaps he shouldn't talk so much...

Glancing down, he frowned a bit. Willow was really going to chide him. His clothes were ruined, blood soaked through and through. It hurt to move even an inch but he dealt with it anyway should anyone get too close to him. He'd launched a total of five knives so far, Dinan and Raze taking care of the ones he injured with ease. As the fighting began to slow down, Shyc glanced around to make sure there weren't any other surprises. A gasp filled his lungs as a brave -or idiotic depending on who looked at it- mercenary rushed at the thief, thinking him to be easy prey.

Shyc's eyes narrowed and his hand gripped the handle of his sword on his hip. Drawing it free, it rang out loudly and steel crashed against steel. Shyc was knocked over, unable to keep his body upright as the deep gashes prevented his frame from doing so. Hitting the ground he gave a sharp cry, then a growl of irritation at the back of his throat. His blade shuddered violently as he held it up as best he could, blocking the mercenaries weapon from cleaving into his chest.

Moving his hand, he wrapped his fingers around the center of his long blade and transferred his strength to the other arm. Quickly Shyc's fingers gripped the knife from his boot, having to pull his leg up to get the weapon. He slashed outwards, under their weapons and right across the mercenaries chest. He could feel his sword cutting into his exposed fingers, the ones that weren't covered by his glove and ground his teeth. The mercenary atop him had hissed in pain, but hadn't move.

Knowing that he couldn't hold the man any longer, he shoved upwards with as much strength as he could and positioned his knife right over his chest, hilt pressed against his bare skin. Shyc's arm gave out and the man fell on top of him in shock at the sudden release of pressure. The blade that was scraping across his slide into the dirt just past his shoulder forcing Shyc to move his head or have his neck nicked as well.

The young mercenary lay there, his breath heaving, "Get... off, damn it," he ground out as he tried to shift the heavy body. When that failed he released his pent up air in a heavy sigh, "This sucks..."




Her heart pounded hard. She could feel the overwhelming pain starting to take over. Every limb was shaking as she could no longer control the 'disease' that was spreading from her heart itself. She hated it. Hell, she couldn't even hold the pole steady anymore. It trembled, and not from her trying to force it from his grip.

"What do you want?" she managed to push from cold lips.

"Simple. Come with me and I won't harm him. I won't harm you either. But you've no other choice, woman. A certain lord of this Kingdom has been searching for you."

"Why?"

The man gave a soft sound, "I'm not told details, woman. I only know that you're a very interesting person to many powerful people."

Slowly, Sakura dropped down to her knees, the strength in her body fading away. At the forefront of her mind she couldn't believe what he was saying. It was confusing, scary. She could feel her consciousness slipping as the disease took over. It had been such a long time since she'd felt this kind of pain before. The shock of the whole situation was taking it's toll on her. Fear, anxiety, confusion... it all compounded into one and exploded in an overload of emotions that she couldn't quite keep up with.

The man let the bar drop and it hit the dirt, bouncing back and forth on either end a few times before settling. He moved, dropping his sword a bit and reaching down to grab her upper arm. Sakura glanced upwards, but her vision wavered and all that she met were cold golden eyes before darkness swept over her.

---

Nahvariik, quickly closing the distance between himself and the source of the scream, heard the clashing of steel, an obvious tell-tale sign of combat. As he neared, the area flashed with a changing multitude of shades made from blues and reds and greens...

Mages, this just got a whole lot more interesting, his mind went on as he continued at a full sprint, despite the state he was currently in...

Until something had caught his attention, a familiar scent.

While he was able to discern the number (and roughly what they were) of combatants ahead of him, this particular smell was stronger, one of royalty that he was all too familiar with, and it... held a strong hint of fear and pain. But mostly fear.

Holding onto his current speed, under the relative safety of the shrubbery that roughly blocked his image from those who were locked in combat, the Dragon dashed onwards, anticipating that time was running out for this person in distress, growing ever shorter.

With each step he made to drive himself, a clearing made itself known, a small number of figures standing within the broad ring of trees. Nahvariik stole a glimpse of two of them, both standing with a female in between the two. One was shrouded with a dark cloak, holding the other, donning cloth armor like [a pair of cheap sunglasses], at swordpoint. A solid pole laid at this shrouded stranger's feet, most likely a tent pole, as a cart of supplies was clearly noticeable for Nahvariik to observe.

Slowing down to a soft jog, after positioning himself from behind the treeline, the Dragon revealed himself, silently treading behind the cloaked opponent. The man had muttered a line or two, which gave himself off as hostile to the drakaani, before beginning to lean over the young woman.

Placing a clawed hand over the man's shoulder, gripping the cloak and securing a strong hold onto the man's frame, Nahvariik announced his presence in an obviously deep and exaggerated voice, "Drop the cloak and grab your toes, I'm gonna show you where the wild goose goes."

Upon hearing those words and experiencing the strong grip, the facial expression on the man widened to that mixed with shock, anxiety, and fear... all stacked into one, as he slowly turned his face towards the reptilian fist that held firmly onto his frame, tracing his eyes and following the arm that belonged to a behemoth of a lizard-man, a beast that stood an easy two feet over him, only to feel a solid fist-to-face connection of Nahvariik's other fist.

The impact had driven the cloaked offender towards the ground, his legs collapsing from under him as the sudden strike had knocked him off balance and pushed him a good five or six feet away, his weapon flying off further away. "Mr. Face, meet my friend, Mr. Fist. Didn't your mother ever taught you not to mistreat ladies?" Nahvariik called out to the fallen rogue, further taunting him.

What had once been a cold and collected mercenary, a coward was all that's left. "I don't know what you are, but I'm sure you'll fetch a nice bounty when the others get here." the man had managed to make out a couple words, while trying to support himself from the ground, a bloodied face grinned back as he attempted to recover from the full facial blow that he had received.

Nahvariik scoffed at the failed taunt, suddenly returning to his gnarled snarls. "Get up, I haven't kicked your ass yet." Taking a couple footsteps towards his target, now towering over him, the Dragon reached down, securing another iron grasp around the man's arm, pulling him up onto his feet, stunning the man at the same time.

The gnarled fighter insulted the man further, whispering into his ear with that exaggerated and deep voice, suggesting that he should yell for help and that what he's going to do will hurt... a lot. Gripping the man's arm in one hand, and sliding his other grasp towards his body, finally grasping and pushing onto the mercenary's side, the drakaani began pulling his fists apart...

And a horrendous scream filled with shock filled the air once more.

The sound of tendons snapping apart, bones cracking, the rending of flesh, the Dragon had sundered the man in two, severing his right arm from the rest of his body, leaving a stump of splintered bone in its place. The man had felt the full force of shock, unable to believe that this was happening to him. As his body slumped onto the ground, he tried to crawled himself away, pushing with his feet, using his remaining arm to pull himself, blood slowly leaking from his wound.

"Aw, quit crying, you're going to make me feel bad. It's just a flesh wound. Do you want me to fold your back in half as well, because I can certainly do that."

Nahvariik continued to stay over the cloaked man, his arm in hand, humiliating the poor sod, his only replies to the taunts being tormented whimpers of fear. Tossing the arm in front of the injured man, the Dragon snickered as the golden eyes gazed up at him, full of sorrow. "You know, you should have brought a lot more men with you. You should also get that wound looked at."

Making his last insult to his unfortunate victim, the fighter turned to the young woman's side. Kneeling beside her, he observed that she seemed to have blacked out from her encounter with the cloaked man, as he stole a glance at the injured victim. Her companion seemed to have been unresponsive throughout the entire ordeal, most likely from shock of witnessing what had just happening.

Returning his attention to the young lady, Nahvariik had recognized her from somewhere as he rolled her into his arms, but he couldn't remember where...

"There's no way for you to be traveling out here by yourself, so where are your friends? Everything's going to be alright...

---

---

Drawing a clean measure of water from her bauble, Willow formed the cool liquid into a small disk shape and pressed it against the burn wound on her shoulder. The uncomfortable shock of the cold water pressing against the inflamed tissue caused her to hiss in pain, but otherwise she was resolute. She strode away from the still struggling mage and headed toward the rest of her companions, who were finishing up their own battles.

She approached in time to witness Dinan hefting a corpse off of the body of their thief, lines of worry etched deep into her face. The worry softened a bit upon realization that Shyc was still among the living, and that he still drew breath enough to complain. Letting a relieved smile creep into her face she shook her head and spoke. "I'd suggest neither," She replied to Dinan, "At least not until after I finish easing his wounds." At that, she pulled the water back from her shoulder, wincing as fresh air touched the naked wound again, and discarded it.

Taking a seat on her knees, Willow pulled back her loose sleeves past her elbows and gingerly placed her hands on Shyc's chest. "Lay back," She suggested, "It'll tickle, and you'll feel a little tired afterward, but the wound should heal far faster," She spoke gently. She guided his chest back with her hands, and once he did as she asked, she began to work. At first, nothing happened. It wasn't until a moment later that a dull soft glow began to emanate from her hands

The glow was warm, like a ray of sunshine pressing against bare skin, and it had a relaxing effect to it if Shyc would allow it. As the element of Shyc's flesh unraveled in her mind, the process quickened. She began to move her hands up and down Shyc's body as she searched for and hidden or internal wounds, and used a mix of both their energies to will the wounds to close and begin the process of healing. It wasn't long before the dim light of her healing hands abated, leaving a few drops of sweat on her face.

She could say that she wasn't tired, but then she would be lying. It couldn't be helped, she did what she had to, and in the end they were all alive, and that was a fair enough price. "There," She said, patting him softly, "You should be able to move well enough now, but for my sake don't get into any more fights alone for a time, hmm?" She cooed tender before patting his cheek.

Her smile didn't last long, as a scream breaking her easiness echoed through the forest. Her head jerked toward it's direction, and immediately understood that it came from the direction they had came from. "Sakura, Yan!" She realized, throwing her gaze first at Raze, then Dinan. Her meaning was clear, they had to get back. Willow forced herself to her feet and darted back to where they'd left them. The mage she had captured could wait.

As she ran, Willow called small pieces of bark from the trees as she ran, shaping them into sharp stakes, so that when she arrived, a number of them floated over her head in preparation for an attack-- if need be. What she came upon wasn't something she expected, to put lightly. A ashen eyebrow rose over her aqua eyes as she beheld Yan unresponsive and Sakura in the arms of an unknown creature-- not unlike the dragons of the stories she was told when she was a young girl.

Dragon or no, Willow would not be intimidated. As the stakes floated dangerous around her, she gave one and only one warning to the creature. "Let. Her. Go," She said firmly her words hiding a tone of wrath should he not follow her oh-so kind suggestion. And if it wasn't clear in her words, the sharpened points of the stakes that floated around her certainly were.

Razeluxe

---

---

It would seem as though any worries Razeluxe would have were washed away almost immediately after Shyc had made a fool of himself, as was typical of the young man. That trait of his was almost endearing. "You can apologize to Willow when we're through" the leader spoke, glancing back at their remaining enemies. There was not much left now, and all of them seemed to be lacking in morale after seeing the experience each of their foes owned. In fact, it was plausible they were considering retreat, but Dinana appeared as though he would not allow this, in in all honesty, after attempting to murder his youngest member, Raze wouldn't either. They had fucked with the wrong group of badasses.

Before he leaped into battle, tearing his prey limb from limb, the angel indicated that he would allow Razeluxe to deal with the right half of what remained of their dwindling forces. A small grin made its way onto the hybrid's features before he held his blade out before him. Because it was a swamp and the place was damp, he could afford to use his flame-enchantment on his sword without fear of catching the place ablaze. More than any other element save maybe darkness, fire inspired the feeling of fear in people. Its unpredictability along with the pain many associate with it often discouraged people from attacking a man who, easily, wields a flaming piece of weaponry. As his foes one and only apparent mage had already been taken care of, you could assume that this was simply to give Razeluxe a sense of satisfaction when dealing with these idiots, because it was improbable that any of them possessed the ability to give elemental barriers and the sort, which is what Raze often used his enchantments to deal with.

His held his blade horizontally before him, placing his index finger on the top half of the blade and his thumb beneath it, then tracing a line with both of his digits from the hilt to the tip of the blade. As he did so, fire ignited, trailing his fingers until he reached the end, and with that the sword had been set ablaze. The men who had likely realized that they would be dealing with Razeluxe, startled back as they saw this, not expecting him to posses the capabilities of a mage, because they had not seen evidence of it before. "H-he's a mage too?!" one of them managed to mutter as he took a step back instinctively when Raze began a pace towards them, his intent to end the lives of each one of them clear as day by the way he was glaring at them. And perhaps because they realized this man would not simply allow them to flee from this battle, the men, although clearly intimidated by the flaming death machine that started over towards them, raised their arms regardless of fright and charged at him.

It would be a great idea to explain what fear does to ones mind on the battlefield, so as to properly comprehend what happened next.

You see, it is often said that a frightened animal is also the deadliest. Backing an animal into a corner provides them with no other alternative than to fight their hardest in order to survive, and you would be wise to be wary of anything that could be considered such. If people see nothing else to do but fight, then they will pour every ounce of their strength and being into the fight, because it is all they have left. In battle, one with enough experience would be able to manipulate people into a corner and benefit from this.

Fear in battle is avoidable.

Fear in battle is predictable.

Fear in battle is fatal.

Over the course of his lifetime, he had experience moments of his life where he was a novice and his confidence was diminished by overwhelming odds or displays of power. He could not credit his survival to anything but the element of luck back then, but he did not waste the opportunity to grow and learn from them either. Fear was something he had rid himself of quite some time ago, for it had no place in him. What he saw in battles assured him as much. When you're fighting under the influence of fear, you may gain access to every bit of strength your body is capable of employing, but you also find yourself becoming an open book. With the thought, "I have to attack them in order to live!" comes ineffective swings, forgetfulness, and mistakes. And one important rule on the fields of carnage is this: every action counts. This is why, to someone like Razeluxe who could capitalize on such, fear would ALWAYS be a fatal emotion to have. Because they had a predictable thought pattern, they had predictable ideas for engagement, and they had predictable attacks. The simplicity of this might have been summed up to, "Because they were scared, they were also predictable", but there was more to it than that. However, that simple line is what you need to realize to grasp a basic understanding of why his next engagement went so smooth.

There were, once again, three men for Razeluxe to deal with. But paying no mind to getting the short end of the stick on this deal, the hybrid picked up his pace as he and his opponents closed the distance between themselves and were about to meet. The first man did not even last long enough to get off his own attack, which WOULD have been an overhead swing like a previous predecessor of his. However, seeing the motions of his swing beforehand, the hybrid simply opted to impale the man through his neck, violently pull the blade out, and move on in fluent motions that lasted less than three seconds to perform. His second foe attempted the same overhead swing, but was much too close for Razeluxe to retaliate in the same way, forcing the elf to instead avoid the attack altogether and move onto the third man without killing him. The visible difference between this man and the last two was that instead of a shortsword, he was wielding an axe, and he swung horizontally, as if to take off the hybrid's head. With a shield, there was minimal difficulty in parrying the blow, then counter-attacking with two, deep slashes across the man's chest that were certainly fatal. Finally, after completing those two attacks, the elf turned just in time to avoid being slashed himself, blocking the second man's attempt on his life with his sword this time. In a swift, fluid motion, the elf jerked his sword back, ducked down and completed a small leg sweep, knocking the clothed figure to the floor, then raised his sword and brought it straight down through the man's heart. It should be noted that the hybrid spent less than 12 seconds dispatching the three men, and without a scratch either. It would have taken much less time had the elf not wanted to be flashy with his skillset, too.

When all was said and done, he removed his blade from the corpse he had just made and traced his fingers along the blade just as he did before, only this time it was to remove the flames. "Pathetic..." he muttered under his breath, in reference to how weak these men were. He wondered why they were here in the first place. Was it simply a coincidence, or was there meaning to this? It would be impossible to tell without assistance from one of the assailants themself, and he held no doubts that the mage that Willow had fought with was still alive. She could be a bit more lenient on foes than he could be. This trait was something he admired about the woman and maybe even envied a bit, because he knew such humane actions could never be accomplished by a soldier such as himself. It always did remind him of himself when he was much younger. He'd tell his mother that he wouldn't kill anybody, just make it to where they wouldn't be able to fight. Boy, how innocent he used to be....

Razeluxe had decided to give one or two more glances around the area to ensure nobody was going to attack them when they assumed it was clear, before heading over to the group that had formed around Shyc just in time to see that Willow was quite literally working her magic on him. A few beads of sweat told Razeluxe that she was a bit exhausted, perhaps from her own fight, the spell, or the combination of both. "Don't overwork yourself, Willow." it was because it made him sound a bit too concerned that he then added, "We don't have the numbers to afford anyone to overexert." He figured that was a sound enough excuse, although he was quite worried as it was with Shyc, so he would not be too happy if Willow went out of her way to help the young lad and ended up collapsing herself. He knew that if Shyc's wounds were more dire, she would certainly have done so.

Before the tension of the situation had completely left, an audible scream coming from the direction of their own camp reverted Razeluxe back to a combat-ready state. He was not the only one, and before he could even open his mouth, Willow had bolted off, her brief eye contact sending the hybrid a message he would've gotten without any interaction between them in the first place. Raze followed quickly behind her, and they soon reached their camp. What they came across was.... well, a bit odd. He was unsure how long it had been, but Razeluxe knew of the figure that invaded their camp. It was a Drakaani, the scaled skin could only ever be owned by one of that race, and the only reason he knew this was because Razeluxe had not simply been affiliated with one army, but was essentially juggled around the world. One kingdom had him protect their northern front, where he was first introduced to these beings. And he'd be the first to tell you how threatening one such as this could be. They weren't just looks, from what little he could remember. It had been decades since seeing one, however. He could not say they were a common race, and judging by her initial expression, Willow had yet to have ever come across one.

Though he did not drop his guard, Razeluxe did take notice of the rather bloody mess that USED to be one of the men that belonged to the group they had just dealt with. It seems that leaving someone here was great idea, although with the state that person was now in, he figured it was not Yan who dispatched the attacker, but their scaly friend here. If so, then was this being a friend, or was he a foe?

"Chill thy tits, Willow. I got this."

"Willow, please stay yourself for but a moment." making the beast with the fragile and defenseless Sakura in his arms angry was perhaps not the brightest. He could see where Willow was coming from, but he could also see some evidence that this particular being was not an enemy. After all, he highly doubted Yan had torn someone's arm off, what with his relation with feelings to touching. Razeluxe then spoke high enough so that the distance between them and the dragon wasn't enough to cause any complications between them.

"What are your intentions, Drakaani?" contradictory to how they handled Sakura initially, it seemed as though Willow was more willing to put this man to the sword than Razeluxe was. But he knew that Drakaani weren't mindless beasts. They were capable of speech, strategy, and diplomacy like most other races. Assuming that this one was hostile would make him feel as though he was discriminating simply because of appearances or race, and he himself knew all too well what a horrible thing that was to do to another. Although he was not so caught up as to believe there was no way that this particular one would be hostile, he had surely hoped that was not the case.

Someone took hold of the heavy body that lay atop him and pulled it off soon after his complaint, relieving him of the heavy burden. He breathed a bit easier as he lay there, knife still held against his chest as it was pulled from the man's heart. His gaze looked up into that of the angels and he gasped a bit. Dinan stared down at him for a moment before speaking.

"I don't know whether to slap you or kiss you foolish child."

Is he... worried? Shyc thought in utter shock.

Shyc's heart skipped a beat, his chest rising and falling heavily for a moment. His voice cracked as he stared wide eyed at the man that loomed over him. His face flushed a deep red and he knew there was no way to hid the terrible blush that assaulted him. Thankfully though, Willow dropped down next to him and chided the one winged warrior.

"I'd suggest neither. At least not until after I finish easing his wounds."

He glanced over to her. He was a bit disappointed that she suggested neither option. But then her added part made him a bit nervous. That implied that Dinan could do what he wanted after he was all healed up.

He swallowed dryly.

Shyc's thoughts were rampant right then and he forced himself to reign in his wild imagination. He thought about answering, but wasn't sure really what to say to the sudden options given to him. Get slapped... or have a kiss. He looked away from both of them, deciding that silence was probably his best answer right then.

"Lay back. It'll tickle, and you'll feel a little tired afterward, but the wound should heal far faster," Willow's slender fingers pressed against his skin making him wince as she directed him to lay flat and stay still. Soon after, her magic pricked his skin and should the boy have been ticklish in the first place he probably would have squirmed, but it wasn't. Instead it felt pleasant, like a soft touch being dragged across his skin. It was rather relaxing.

As she'd said, he did feel tired. Overly exhausted and felt as if he could sleep right there on the forest floor. His eyes drooped a bit lazily as he stared upwards at the canopy. Finally she finished and he could tell that she was just as tired, if not more. She smiled warmly at him, which he returned a bit sheepishly.

"Thanks... I'm sorry, Willow," he said, feeling guilt bite down hard in his chest.

"There. You should be able to move well enough now, but for my sake don't get into any more fights alone for a time, hmm?"

"Sorry... I'll be more careful," he answered, emphasizing 'sorry' again. He truly felt terrible. The young thief was sure that he would be getting an earful later from Raze. He most especially was dreading what Dinan might say to him. The tone from earlier had him all sorts of confused, as did the words given. He wasn't quite sure what to think right then.

Then yet another scream filled the area and Shyc's heart pulsed hard. Willow looked up, two names breathed on her lips and she was off like a rocket with Raze almost immediately right behind her. The thief hauled himself upwards like he normally would have. Except this time, the large blood loss and the weakened feeling from having been healed by Willow's magic, he stumbled violently. He crumpled forward, just barely catching himself.

On Dinan.

He gasped.

Pulling away he stuttered, "Uh... S-sorry... Got up really fast, probably shouldn't have done that. Along with going off alone too, yeah shouldn't have done that either. Sorry... Um," he was blabbering now as he reached back and scratched the back of his head, ruffling his own hair. He glanced up at Dinan for a mere moment before finding it rather hard to face the angel. He set about gathering his weaponry, replacing the swords, daggers, and throwing knives before heading back in the direction of camp.

There he found a peculiar sight. A dragon looking male kneeling down with Sakura in his grip. The young woman was unconscious and behind them was a bloody mess of a corpse. Knowing Yan and knowing Sakura, Shyc was rather sure that neither of them had done the deed and so his gaze fell upon the lizard-man.

"Wow... we just keep finding random new people don't we? This is going to be interesting, again..."



Sakura shifted slightly. A blanket was over her and she was rather warm. Moving a bit more, she rolled over onto her other side and opened her eyes. Lying a little way away from her, she spotted Shyc. The young man was covered as well and looked to be asleep. She yawned, stretching her limbs a bit as she tried to recall what had happened and how she'd gotten there.

Her movement must have woken the mercenary for he shifted a bit and looked over to her, "You're awake. How do you feel?"

"I'm alright," she answered, "Where are we? What happened?"

"You kinda passed out. There was a lizard-man holding you. We ended up moving camp a bit. Everything's fine now, they're talking," he motioned to the flickering flames that colored the outside of the tent. Sakura silenced herself and listened hard. Voices came to her but she couldn't make out the words of the discussion outside their tent. With a soft gasp she looked over to him.

"Are you alright!? What happened to you?!"

Shyc scratched at his cheek guiltly, "Uh... yeah, about that. I kinda got in trouble. Going off alone wasn't the brightest idea in the forest and as it was getting dark. I didn't think I was going to go so far away but I did. Anyway, I got attacked by some mercenaries," he chuckled a bit at a memory, "I think the mage woman is still stuck to the tree too... Willow's punishment."

Sakura laughed a bit at that, "But you're okay? That scream was terrible."

"I'm fine now. Just tired really. Willow's magic tends to make you like that. She draws from your own energy as well as hers to do healing."

"Oh I see. I've been meaning to ask you some things about everyone," Sakura said, now that they were talking about the other mercenaries of the group. She propped herself up on her hands, rolling to her stomach to watch him, "What are they like? How long have you been with them?"

"They're good people. I've been with them for about three years now. Willow is like our mother, sometimes she can really get into the reprimanding. Hell, she even reprimands Raze sometimes, that's fun to watch. I don't think anyone could chide him like she does. Yan has always been as he is. Loud and touchy. You get used to it after a while," he grinned a bit as he moved to a more comfortable position, though still on his back, "Raze is always somewhat withdrawn from everyone. His words may seem harsh but he means well. He looks out for us a lot. I really look up to him. Don't let him fool you, he cares a lot more than he lets on."

As Shyc fell somewhat quite, Sakura tilted her head off to the side, "What about Dinan?"

His gaze widened a bit and his face flushed. Both of which she noted and smiled, "Uh... Dinan. He's silent a lot of times. Talks only when he needs to and doesn't like it when people talk to much, kinda like me," he gave a sort of half laugh, "He's really strong too. He and Raze could probably match up... Not that I want to see that! Ever, I mean... I would be really sad if that happened... Anyway! I find it really fascinating that he can fly with one wing, and I kind of envy that too. I wonder what it's like sometimes. I bet it's an amazing feeling." his voice trailed off.

Sakura's smile had widened, "You like him, right?"

He jumped a bit, "Hu!? What? Uh... what makes you say that?"

"Well, you just talked about him the most. You're always sneaking glances at him when we were walking just a few days ago. You sound really fond of him, that's all. So I figured you liked him."

He glanced over at her, his eyes narrowed a bit and a frown on his face, "You know... sometimes you're scarily smart."

Sakura tilted her head, "What do you mean? It's not that hard to figure out. I bet he likes you too."

"I don't think so. It doesn't seem like it really," he muttered, though it seemed like he was remembering something for his face turned red again.

"Want to know something? When you were in trouble, he ran off without waiting for Raze's directions. He was worried."

"R-really? He did that? That's... Umm... Strange."

"It's not strange. You should ask him. You should tell him too. I'm sure he already knows."

"Wait, wait. Are we really having this discussion? Doesn't this bother you? I mean, I'm a guy and I'm sort of attracted to Dinan, whose also a guy. Doesn't that bother you? And why are you encouraging me! Stop it!"

Sakura laughed, loud. She fell against the pillows as she watched him, "It doesn't bother me. I thinks it's great. You shouldn't be bothered by it either. If you're in love with him, than do it. You won't be happy otherwise. And I'm pushing you to do it because I doubt you'd do it on your own without someone telling you to do so."

Shyc's face was beet red as he stared up at the ceiling of the tent. He looked rather uncomfortable and unnaturally silent. Sakura sighed a bit as she got comfortable again, "Maybe I should ask him for you?"

"No! No! Definitely not! Don't say a word to him! Ugh, what would you do if I told Raze about you hu?"

It was her turn to blush this time, "Eh!? What are you talking about?? I-I don't know what you mean. I'm going to sleep now! Goodnight Shyc..." she announced hastily and rolled over quickly. Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest, not in fear but in embarrassment that one of the group had noticed. She'd been getting rather close to the elf and even though it was only a few days ago that she'd joined them, she had finally figured out the little tiny feeling that had started to bud recently.

Nope! Not going to think about that... its too late in the night and sleep is making me delirious. she thought and closed her eyes.

---

Nahvariik had been looking over the relatively unknown woman in his arms, checking for any possible signs of why she had collapsed. When he found no noticeable signs of her current ailment, he grunted in thought. Looks like it's something internally wrong with you, youngling. What could it be, low endurance? He said to himself, his words hidden under his breath.

Trying to remember where he had seen her before, the fighter had spotted a small mark on her forehead, partially hidden by hair... and a small gasp escaped from his lips when a closer inspection revealed what the mark was: a royal insignia of Iverien, and that would only mean that this was the princess that his

"Well, aren't you a surpri-"

"Let. Her. Go."

A sudden female voice had startled him, and as he turned to where the voice had originated, a trio of armed individuals revealed themselves from behind the trees. Nahvariik recognized them as mercenaries by how they dressed and handled themselves, the vanguard of the three a female mage followed by a multitude of floating pieces of shrapnel, all aimed at him.

Even with an unconscious person in his arms, Nahvariik entered a modified combat stance, shifting the young woman into one arm and securing her from falling over, brandishing his greatsword into his open hand, forming a defensive area nonetheless. Before he asked them if they were friend or foe, another voice was heard.

"Willow, please stay yourself for but a moment. What are your intentions, Drakaani?"

From behind the mage, a slightly taller mercenary revealed himself as the owner of the second voice. An elf in green. But there was something slightly offsetting about him, his natural elven scent was mixed with that of a human. Yet, Nahvariik knew exactly who this elf was.

Events from his memory flashed before the Dragon's eyes within seconds, before the fighter lowered his blade slightly, yet maintaining his defensive stance. "These are your friends I presume? It's been a while that we've met again, you know that if I was hostile, you wouldn't be standing there...Razeluxe."

Sheathing his blade, he returned to holding the young woman with both arms, walking towards the trio. "You know, it's kind of difficult for you to carry a person when you're holding a weapon in one hand. She's unconscious for the moment, and when you get her taken care of, I'll tell you what you need to know..."

He paused in the middle of his statement, passing the young lady's care to the three mercenaries, specifically the elf, before continuing, glancing over at another unresponsive mercenary, the one who had been with the princess before he had entered the scene.

"...But don't assume that I will be leaving without her."