Kingdom of Duun

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.

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.

Battle, the true home of the Children of Mystria was calling to Dinan. Her sweet voice a melody he sang along with in that low but melodic voice of an Angel of War. The tune rose and sank in response to the ebb and flow of the clash of weaponry.

Only distantly aware of the presence of his companions the winged warrior only answered with a smile any words they may have directed towards him. The joy and burden of his race had Dinan firmly within its grip. The lights of battle gleam brightly in his sanguine eyes as the Mage's spells bounced harmlessly off his shield. Grinning with the pleasure only a Kamael could ever know he started towards the foolish woman, only intent on the danger she represented towards Shyc.

But the ranks of the enemy's steel greeted his charge towards the mage. The song of battle passing his lips only burst into a new tune as the first struck out against the angel. Parrying it with any almost lazy seeming upwards flick of Soulbreaker Dinan whipped the manifestation of his fighting will around the human's hasty blade lock. The ethereally honed edge tore out the Kamael's antagonists throat, the fine crimson spray staining Dinan's face. And new screaming filled the Duun swamp as the dying soldier realized what was being taken from him beside life.

That screaming went on long past the time breath should have left. Past when the last drop of blood had left the body. The enemy blanched when the realization of what they faced sunk in. But such things were lost upon the winged warrior as he dodged swung blades with only mere fractions of a centimeter to spare. These near misses spurred on the deluded fools as Dinan's blade and voice sang on in joy.

Catching a enemy's spear head he shifted to a one handed grip and yanked with all his strength on the shaft. The spearman underestimating the strength of the Kamael was caught off balance and stumbled forward. Only to be impaled upon the waiting point of Soulbreaker and fresh screaming was added once more the clash of steel and the battle song of Dinan. The souls of two added to the surplus already in his weapon the angel tapped once more into his true power and covered his body with a shield in time to block the coordinated strikes of an enemy determined at last to fight him as an wall of infantry and not simply a mob.

Soulbreaker in Dinan's lazy looking way flickered left and right deflecting the barrage of strikes. His tune altered not a wit but the lateral sidestepping betrayed the increasing difficulty the winged warrior was facing keeping the weapons of his enemy away. Inwardly cursing the lack of flying room 'neath the suffocating boughs of the poisoned marsh of Duun he decided that a change of pace was needed.

Jumping backwards to avoid being spitted on the end of a halberd Dinan swung his blade in a horizontal swing while ripping out the dwindling supply of souls in it to power its aural blast. The wave hit the enemy formation with enough force to send some flying towards nearby trees.

Alas the weakened blast did little in the way of lethal damage. The angel would take the breathing room it bought though.

The uge to defend another,that instinct common to those whose blood ran hot with a guardian's duty. It was the reason the Kamael faced the burdens thrust upon them by a Goddess of War. And it was why Dinan had left his clan and fought side by side with those who dwelt below the lofty home of his race. It was the cornerstone of his faith, the founding principal of the Dogma of Battle. Even as it enforced the Guardian's duty it also demanded the death of those who harmed one's charges and comrades.

Perhaps such a bloodthirsty code was why some ill trusted the one winged angels. But for Dinan the sight of Shyc in his current state was enough to justify every aspect of Mystria's law. And so he caught the swing of his latest opponent's halberd and wrenched it aside with a forceful two handed beating motion with naught but a smile. Inwardly though the Kamael cursed that the skyline was cluttered by the verdant growth of trees and other plant life, most of which was quite deadly in their own right. Ducking the return swing of his opponent's halberd with a splayed leg stance that left him in an awkward position that the enemy was quick to take advantage of. Swinging back and up the halberd user brought the pole arm down in a chopping swing. Blocking the blow by throwing Soulbreaker above his head with the length of his left arm supporting the back of the blade. The force of the blow was jarring to say the least and had it not been for his armour Dinan would have likely had his own sword driven through his arm. But bigger problems occupied the angel.

The force behind the attack had driven Soulbreaker's ethereally sharp edge halfway into the halberd's axe like broad head. Binded thus together the winged warrior knew he hadn't nearly the time to free his weapon before the foes plunged their swords into his body.

Deciding that crashing into a tangle of branches was a better fate then certain death Dinan shot straight up. His wing beating a furious tempo to increase the thrust of the climb. The forces involved proved too much for the halberd user and his weapon was sent flying. A corkscrew later the Kamael just avoided becoming entangled with the trees and overgrowth. Diving down sharply the angel landed directly behind the now weaponless halberd user.

A more chivalrous soldier might have shown mercy but not Dinan. To the winged warrior enemies deserved one fate, that of a quick death. The Dogma of Battle allowed for no mercy and Mystria cared not for those who bore weapons and were not willing to face death with courage. Thrusting Soulbreaker clean through the foe's heart Dinan sidestepped his other armed opponents and instead let the rapidly dying unarmed enemy take the two strikes of his comrades. Thrice struck blood blossomed in a fine crimson mist that covered Dinan in sanguine horror.

The words of Raze's bold declaration of confidence in their odds got only the briefest of nods from the angel as the enemy fell back a little from the blood soaked Kamel and the half breed elf's sword play. Now with the vast majority of their comrades dead and with nary a dead mercenary to show for their efforts they stood less eager to engage.

The Dogma of Battle did not allow the suffering of an enemy's retreat. And so indicating with a jerk of his head that the hybrid at his side was to take the right half of the rivial mercenaries Dinan swung Soulbreaker into a high stance above his head before charging away from Raze's side. Hitting the left flank of the enemy the angel blocked a wild thrust by pivoting the handle of his weapon and thus bringing the flat of his sword slicing in front of his chest. The point of the foiled thrust ringing off the soul forged blade Dinan shoulder charged his foe, thus knocking the over eager opponent into his few remaining comrades.

Ripping out the soul of his last kill out of Soulbreaker Dinan lined the edge of his sword with the essence of what was once the immortal remnant of life. All the anger and hate of a dead soldier caused the blade to shine with a bright red light. Details lost to the winged warrior however as he used the power of such anger and hate to cut clean through two of his enemies at once.

Twisting and spinning to avoid another attack Dinan was in time to see a body fall atop Shyc. Fearing the worst the angel beat aside the rival mercenary's sword and with his riposte beheaded the fool standing between him and his comrade. Rushing to the thief's side the Kamael was in time to hear Shyc's complaint.

Lending an arm Dinan hauled Shyc's assailant's corpse off him and looked down at the heavily injured though very much alive thief.

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

The Kamael did not subscribe to much beyond their own harnessing of Soul Magic concerning the arcane arts. As a result few were the one winged angels that ever master the skills of restoration and fewer still that bothered. Dinan subscribed to the same philosophy viewing any gift not of Mystria's giving highly suspect. Nonetheless the Angel was very grateful for only half understood reasons for Willow's presence amongst them right now.

The corpses of their enemies littered the swamp's ground like so much forgotten chaff, the bodies torn apart by blade and smell. The copper tang of freshly spilled blood hung heavily upon the air, giving the noxious scents of Duun a good run for their money. Admist such a scene the only thing that concerned him was the fact Shyc was going to be okay. A attitude normally one Dinan never indulged in, after all soldiers had died before.

But watching the flow of Magic as Willow willed the powers housed in her body,mind,and soul to heal the injuries of their resident thief the winged warrior only felt gratitude. For the healing of a comrade and fellow mercenary. Perhaps though if asked directly there might have been a touch of concern beyond the simple one of a friend.

And judging by the blush on Shyc's face as some thought or another ran through his head, no doubt triggered by Dinan's words, the Angel had a feeling that emotional confusion was mutual. Not that it was confusing but rather that this concern was unknown. The Kamael had never been a people who wore their heart on their sleeves. And the time spent underneath the Compact had slowly but surely killed off the concept of romantic love entirely.

Dinan though was unique in more ways then simply in his sanguine eye colour. He was one of the few one winged angels serving with humans and indeed one who sought them out. Most of his race had little more then disdain and mockery for the short lived race. Too weak to fight and too stupid to realise it was perhaps the kindness thing the Kamael said of humans.

Perhaps though Dinan simply had not lived through enough centuries to become disillusioned with the role of the Guardian. Or perhaps the winged warrior's lack of contact with his race rendered him more open with the vitures of the other races.

Or maybe it was just the fact the Angel simply spent less time looking down at people and more at them. Not that any who had known him would likely agree. But by the standards of the Kamael Dinan was downright wrong. A lone wolf born of a duty bound race that saw fit to turn his Mystria given talents in the service of a different kind.

Or maybe it was just the company that kept him more or less open minded about the concept of racial equality. This reason created as Shyc fell into the abnormal Kamael's arms as he was obliged to bear for a moment to halt the thief's fall. It was admittedly a pleasant burden, Dinan was no stranger to physical passions after all. And he drew a certain level of amusement from the blabbering of the fellow mercenary's embarrassment.

Pleasant or not now that Shyc's welfare did not weigh so heavily on his mind the angel was beginning to wonder the exact purpose behind the battle. These mercenaries that had died by their hands weren't bandits looking for an easy score. Their equipment and training showed them to be a par above the rabble, not to mention the mage they had brought with them. They had also managed to track them and set up the prefect ambush. An ambush that had only failed due to the strength of Dinan,Raze,and Willow.

Exactly what were they looking for?. Dinan wondered as he began to wipe the gore of battle off his face before Willow's yelling caught the bulk of his attention. Our guest? Did her high born family send them after us...No even they wanted her back such a direct method would have put the girl child in harm's way. This theory running through his head as he ran beside Raze and Willow.

Only to find their once ordered and peaceful camp site was to the sight of battle. The ever omnipresent insects of this poisoned marsh beginning their grisly work upon the refuse of battle. Though corpses took second place to a semi mythical figure who held their guest.

"A Drakaani, been awhile since I've seen one of them." Dinan said in a quiet tone to himself. The Kamael could and did live long enough to know all there was to know about the other races. On the flipside few of the Angels ever bothered, content with the facts given to them by now long dead forefathers. Dinan on the other hand preferring a fresh tale had sought out the draconian folk and found the facts true. Though a race of skilled and powerful warriors they had nothing of the numbers of the Kamael. The armour clad and singular winged warrior also respected their creed even if not following himself.

Despite all that the picture painted by roughly handled bodies and bloodstains painting the landscape scarlet did little to recommend lizard faced figure. Then again the fact he was still here also gave him a chance to explain in Dinan's mind.

Deciding as par the course that the others were doing a beautiful job of playing Inquisition all on their lonesome he strolled over to were he had set his bedroll against a lean of trees. Pulling out a clean cloth the winged warrior doused himself with water from his canteen before wiping blood off his face, all of it the enemy's.

Even throughout this process the angel kept a close eye on the Drakaani and his comrades. Approving of Willow's overly aggressive approach if not words he waited till Raze chimed in with his own questions. None of it seemed to need his involvement so Dinan simply went with the flow till the Shyc and Sakura were seen safely off to the rest they needed.

I apologize for the double post

[So... I totally failed with my last couple of posts *facepalm* stupid places drop down -.- I got it this time though!! XD]

Palace of Duun...

Damn that Drakaani the thought was bitter and filled with vile acid. His golden eyes narrowed in concentration. Being a Shade gave him many abilities, one of which to replicate his original body and send it out to do his bidding. The problem with this process was its taxing nature and the fact that whatever happened to the replica, was felt by the original. So, when the body was torn asunder from the shoulder down almost, the Shade had lost consciousness.

Everything had been going smoothly up until the lizard showed up and ruined his scheme. The mercenaries had worked rather well, though had the idiotic boy not left the others as he did, things wouldn't have gone as smoothly. Even so, the Shade had had multiple plans for almost every incident. All except for the one.

The Drakaani showing up.

He ground his teeth as he reconstructed his replica that lay before him. Once it was put back together, he commanded it to rejoin with his original body. As the replica melded with him, a harsh rap on the door to his chambers broke the still silence. The flames of the candles that lit his room flickered as he turned his sharp gaze over to the door in annoyance. With a wave of his hand, the handle turned and the door opened up for the one wanting his attention.

"Well?" the husky voice demanded. The King of Duun was a short man who couldn't quite control his body temperature and thus was seemingly sweating at all times no matter the emotion he was fuming.

"A complication," the Shade answered, his raspy tone grating as he growled out the words.

"Well figure it out. I need that girl. I won't allow anyone to get in my way either. It's the reason I hired you, Shade. You told me you could get her easily," the man snapped, huffing as he strode forward to face off with the golden eyed magician, "She's the only thing that'll bring the Kingdoms crumbling to the ground and my salvation from this disgusting, rodent infested boiling piss pot!"

The Shade turned to regard the King coldly. The shadows seemed to swirl around the black clad figure as he glowered down at the shorter man, "You're a man who sure likes to test his fate, aren't you?"

The King of Duun took a small step back, his lips turning into an ugly frown as he watched the Shade carefully, "Do what you need to, just give her to me."

"Just as soon as the ones in my way are drowned in this swampy hell," the Shade answered as he took a step backwards into the darkness of his room. The candles burnt out leaving the King in absolute darkness.






Sakura's breathing was deep and slow, indicating that she'd fallen back asleep. Shyc, on the other hand, couldn't go back to sleep at all. Having rested for a short while, he was feeling energetic again... as per usual. Pushing the woolen blanket off, he stretched upwards and then got to his feet off the bed roll. Quietly he left the tent to come closer to the voices that had been speaking around the fire.

The new comer was being questioned all around just about. The only one whose voice Shyc hadn't heard was Dinan's. Not that it was unusual for the one winged angel to be quiet. He just didn't speak unless he felt it was needed. Certainly something Shyc could use some training in he was sure. He tended to get himself into more trouble by talking too much than not.

"You speak as if we all asked to keep her like she was a lost puppy. She asked if she could accompany us, and we simply agreed, Raze. It was by her own wish and choice that she became a part of our group, and it's by her wish that she still remains. And it's only by her wish that she will go with you. Nothing more," Willow was saying.

Though Shyc hadn't really caught the first portion of the conversation, he couldn't help but chime in, "Well, I'm pretty sure she wants to stay with us. I mean, she was rather adamant about it when we first caught her sneaking in the cart a few days ago. I highly doubt she'd just want to leave with someone she's just met. Er... well... not that that's a great argument or anything... I mean she did leave with us," Shyc blushed a bit as he scratched at his cheek. He was sure he wasn't really helping the situation, but he didn't like this talk of her leaving with anyone really. Besides, he was pretty sure what it was that kept her with the group and his eyes flicked over to Raze for a mere moment before he continued.

"The point is, she seems attached. You can't expect her to just up and leave now can you?" Shyc stretched a bit as he spoke, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair.

"Besides, we're far too entertaining to have her just leave, he grinned as he strode over and sat down near the fire. Stretching out across the slightly damp forest floor, he propped his head up as he looked down to the fire then up to the group. Raze was right across from him, Willow next to him and Dinan just to the side of Shyc. He tried hard not to look over at the angel, (though it honestly didn't work) hoping that the man hadn't heard a word from the tent just a little bit ago. The conversation replayed in his mind and he bit his lip for a moment.

Turning his head enough to look over to the lizard-man named Nahvariik. He didn't offer any other questions, just his statement. He had more to say, but for the sake of not being annoying -for once- he kept it to himself and instead waited to see what the Drakaani's answer would be to everyone's thoughts.

The pros and cons of any situation could be myriad and insulting simple, and often both at the exact time. And that was exactly what was Dinan's thoughts ran to as the others engaged in the verbal sparring so common to those who felt the need to speak as often as an child new to everything. The one winged angel after hearing the Drakaani's defense had rapidly lost interest in the lizard. Beyond a uncomplicated feeling of thankfulness that their newest member as it were was safe due to his actions. After all the reptile had singlehandedly ensured Sakura's safety with, if the bodies were anything to go by, extreme prejudice.

Beyond that he tuned out in large part the goings on of the little meet and greet, social niceties simply beyond this proud and at the moment confused Kamael. Not only were there the considerations of exactly why anyone would commit manpower and resources to attacking them there was also Shyc. More specifically the glances that the thief threw his way. Dinan while openly glad his fellow mercenary had survived with little more then exhaustion the serious wounds magic had scored him with did not know what further to think.

Certainly the human was easy enough on the eyes, and even by Kamael standards was good looking. But the differences between them seemed vast to this five hundred year old soldier. Not simply racial in origin but also of mind and attitude. Though the winged warrior was willing to admit the fact such things could perhaps add the spice of variety to his life.

Though following the conversation between his comrades only here and there Dinan was more concerned with the attack. The presence of the Drakaani was only the tip of the ice berg in his mind. Why had so much been risked for the sake of capturing a single girl. Her noble blood hardly seemed reason enough to launch such a methodically planned ambush in the Kamael's mind. Unless the Lady had some secret she wasn't telling it made no sense, was she running from a jilted lover that ill took rejection?

Lost in such thoughts Dinan only vaguely remembered tasks he preformed, the motions automatic and unthinking. His only real link to the world his warrior's sixth sense. Briefly drumming the fingers of his left hand upon the hilt of Soulbreaker he called upon it's spirit.

As the weapon was forged from a fragment of his soul the spirt appeared in the depths of his mind as a dark mirror image of Dinan. The armour it wore was black and white, it's scrollwork picked out in glowing red lines. And were Dinan wore neutrality as his facade Soulbreaker wore disdain and pride in equal measure.

So once again you've seen fit to speak to me. To what do I owe the pleasure. Soulbreaker sneered in the cold tone only steel could, in the disdain a weapon had for warm flesh. The darkness of his subconscious echoed with the blade's will, a brief bit of sulk.

The girl. was all Dinan answered with.

She's reeks of something that's for sure. And by the sweet kiss of Mystria it seems worth dying for if our enemies are anything to go by.

Letting go of his hold upon Soulbreaker the angel considered the weapon's remark. Though the Kamael understood seeking to die in battle Dinan knew the humans he had killed did not subscribe to Mystria's teachings. Few non-kamael did and now was no exception.

So lost in thought was he that winged warrior was somewhat surprised to find himself staring into the depths of a fire around which the group had found itself. And sitting next to him was the other half of his thoughts.

Shyc, he honestly did not understand that either. He had run off like a green fighter new to battle after the thief's scream had echoed through Duun's gods forsaken terrian. He had left behind centuries of combat experience simply because of the pain in that scream. Truthfully the winged warrior was not sure he cared for that particular effect a single human had on him.

Still he looked back at this young human did Dinan, seemingly as unable to look away as Shyc seemed to as well. Quickly composing himself the one winged angel reached for the flask of Skyil he kept and took a long swallow. A traditional alcohol of his people Skyil was distilled from herbs that could only grow in the thin air reaches of Silver Storm Peak. It's flavor was however was open to debate as no two batches ever tasted exactly the same.

More to the point the booze lent his system the shock it needed to focus on something on then the proximity of Shyc...though perhaps a second shot was in order.

"And where has those other two disappear off to now?"

"They're capable on their own. I suggest we worry about the young one."

Glancing out to the fight between the trees, Sakura noted that Dinan and Willow were indeed missing from their original spots. Perhaps the fighting had taken them to a different part of the forest area around them? Anything was possible, she was sure. But as Raze had suggested, they were fine on their own. Even Sakura knew that by the way they'd all carried themselves the past three days. She could tell they were all very strong in their own ways. Raze gave her a short nod before he turned and rushed off to help the young thief.

Sakura's body finally seemed to relax as Raze left to assist Shyc in the fight. She watched him as he fought to get to the boy's side. Pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, she nibbled on it nervously as she watched. After a moment, she lost sight of first Shyc, then Raze. Her heart lurched, but she quickly calmed herself. She'd definitely had enough negative emotions for one day. It was draining her of her strength and she was sure to need more of that later when they started the journey back to Iverien. Sakura was fairly sure they would start that journey sometime that day seeing as it was still early morning.

Pushing herself upwards, she got to her feet as the sounds of steel clashing against each other slowly faded away. The echos remained, but new sounds of fighting didn't start up. She swayed a bit on her feet, but managed to stay standing for the most part. Sakura, ignoring that she was probably going to get scolded, went after Raze. Following the path he'd gone and where she'd last seen him, she weaved through the trees until she stumbled upon both him and Shyc as well as someone else that she'd never seen before.

Behind this newcomer, were more men, but they were edging away before turning around completely and running. They'd obviously lost the will to fight and by the way it looked, Raze was in no mood for messing around. Sakura swallowed dryly. She'd never seen him like that before, and it was slightly terrifying. That was when she laid eyes on the young thief. Sakura gasped, loudly, and ran to him. He was covered head to foot in blood that she thought was his own.

"Shyc! Oh... Gods, are you alright? What happened, where are -"

She didn't get within two feet of him when he flinched and shoved himself away from her. His breathing was shallow and quick, his green gaze horror filled as he snapped at her, "Don't!"

Sakura stopped, and her legs gave out from underneath her. Dropping down to her knees wearily, she lifted one hand to press against her temple briefly before looking back up to Shyc who was slightly worried, but still scared. The princess couldn't comprehend what it was that made him snap at her like that, almost as if he was afraid of something. Why would he be so scared? It couldn't be her, could it? No. That was silly.

"Shyc... what's wrong?"

He shook his head, brows curling upwards as his gaze filled with tears slightly, "I...I'm so sorry," he muttered the last part. He grit his teeth, his head turning off to the side and his stained hair falling forward to cover his eyes from her view. She slid forward on hands and knees, an eyebrow coming down in confusion. She didn't understand his demeanor at all. This wasn't really like him, not at all.

The young mercenaries voice called out to Raze a moment later, "Don't... don't hurt him, Raze. I - That has never happened before. No one has ever brought me back before."

"'Brought you back?'" Sakura repeated softly. She shifted her gaze to Raze, then to the new comer in robes, and finally back to Shyc. The boy was trembling as he clenched his fist, head still turned from all of them.

"... Sorry... sorry I didn't tell you," he muttered again.

"Shyc. There's nothing to be sorry about," Sakura said softly, smiling at him as she edged closer to him again. He didn't move, that or maybe he didn't notice that she'd gotten close to him, "It's fine now. You're fine, we all are. Now we can head back to Iverien. Okay?"

He didn't answer, nor did he make any gesture that he had heard or was going to move. Sakura's gaze widened a bit as she watched him almost desperately. She turned to Raze. She didn't say anything, but only shook her head a bit. The princess was at a loss. She couldn't think of anything and whatever was tormenting Shyc... he wasn't about to say it outright. At least not without some coaxing and that she wasn't very good at.