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The dig had gone well- they had hit what they had came for.

The miners spoke with one another excitedly in their foreign languages that Nathaniel Perojack did not understand, nor care to.

He was looking at a wall of gold, glittering at him like the sun. Not just small veins of gold criss-crossing across the rock- a wall of gold, a single vein that stretched across the hallway. One ore they had blasted away with their black powder triggers was half unmentionable rock and half of what was, as far as Perojack knew, pure gold.

It had been a wise decision to stake this claim. As far as Perojack was concerned, Mount Ahora was property of ITR, and all the other claims were made falsely and often enforced with the actions of terrorists. So what if a couple fiefdoms here and there decided that the Verdid may just be protecting their sacred land. Their land carried wealth that would improve the lives of people everywhere.

It took a good businessman indeed to tell himself that in the midst of the hazy grime that was Ahora Strip #7. The workers, impoverished, starved, and coughing from the grime that slowly built up in their lungs and promised to have them dead before the end of the decade. The slave headbands, glowing in a sickly blue light, that kept them from summoning animus, while Perojack himself wore dazzling jewels and layers upon layers of clothing and layers of fat underneath from healthy meals each day.

And, while he had personally overseen this new vein to re-assure himself of his cause, he left as soon as possible. Already the grime had touched upon his garments. He would have to have them washed.

--

Morning prayers to Ciufl're ended in a way they had not for a millenia and a half- with the silent shuffle of the black-cloaked monks feet and the whispered readings from the compiled teachings of Ciufl're as given to the prophet Mada of Nedís. No hours of rhetoric as to why the ITR would do all their work for them now, how the Verdid were scum that needed to be punished. The Order was quiet today. Unusually quiet. The far-off Verdid sentries looked through their telescopes and worried. However, on the other side of Ahora, the small town of Helonshire went on as it always had. But it had attracted something that did not often come to the harsh climate of Mount Ahora- a visitor.

--

He noticed the wolf outside the One-Eyed Kobold first. It was laying down passively, and eyed Jaeger with something like a glare. Jaeger would normally not have needed more than that to start something bloody, but he didn’t feel like fighting with a wolf that outweighed him by well over a hundred pounds- and it was likely an Animus. So there was a Wielder in the bar.

Jaeger walked through the door with businesslike briskness and a slim PR smile. The large guitar at his side made him immediately noticeable- if that unsettled him, he didn't care. He had been noticed from the beginning- he didn't dress like this people, and though he understood and spoke their language, he was foreign, and looked like ITR, though he said he was unaffiliated.

He had been treated with mild suspicion from the get-go. He decided only to take his concealable weapons- the rest remained at the ITR camp a ways away. He wouldn’t be able to reach them if a fight broke out with the natives.

He went confidently to the owner, and gave the bartender a small, nodding salute. The bartender stood up straight and smiled back. “How can I help you?” he said.

“Just point me to the owner.”

It took longer than normal for him to land a job. There weren’t normal musicians here, and one would be greatly appreciated and well payed, outsider or not. But nevertheless, an outsider he was, and he –as far as the owner said it- stunk of ITR, listing off a list of details from the color and style of his clothing to his complexion, through which Jaeger tried his hardest to look at least attentive. Finally, however, the owner showed his common sense and was persuaded, though Jaeger’s wage was dreadfully low. It was okay- soon, the ITR would be paying him more.

He decided to start right away with a modest introduction to which there was little applause. Once the music started, though, he could tell the mood was lightening up.

Most people are easier to kill to when they were happy. And there were several targets- namely, every single Wielder that swore allegiance to the Verdid.

It was a long day. He began playing the first song he could think of, and went from there.

As the boy stood, he looked once again upon the young face of his childhood friends. He looked, he himself being a child once again as well. These were the happiest days of his life, without a care in the world, playing with their animus. Well, all except for him, he'd never been able to create an anima... But then, just as he thought about it, it happened. His friends were all looking at him strangely, and he couldn't place why "Is there something on my face?" he wondered, but they just pointed speechless. He began to feel itchy and wondered what was up... he wandered over to a pool of water to see his reflection, to see in horror that white fur was spreading over his body, his hair turning a shade of green and lengthening, his nose turning black and a muzzle extending from his face... Then it came, a heat filled his body, and the change accelerated, bones cracked and a tail extended from his spine, it was the most intense pain he had ever felt, and just as it was ending, there was a flash of light and he passed out.

Upon awakenin he was back to normal, a small white wolf puppy sitting next to him, looking innocent yet curious. "What's wrong?" it asked as he stared at it perplexed and almost afraid.

"Wha... who are you? ..." he asked it. Looking about ready to get up and run away.

"I'm your anima, didn't you create me?" it asked still perplexed.

"D-did I? I don't remember..." Pyre mumbled, but as he tried to recall, the painful heat returned to him. "I... I can't... What did you do to me?" he asked it.

"I didn't do anything..." it whined, tail tucking under it, as it's head leaned low.

Pyre stood shakily, only now noticing his friends had been silently there the whole time. "I... I think I may know what happened..." one piped up. "Most kids who can create an anima earlier on in their lives easily, but you were unable to for some reason or another. The excess energy built up inside you over the years of constantly trying to do so may have finally forced itself out... But I'd only ever heard of that happening..." he said in a hushed tone, looking worried. "Were you trying to create an anima when it happened?" he asked now.

Pyre thought about it a bit, the pain in his head having faded enough to recall now. "I was thinking about it, but I don't think I tried..." he mumbled, again looking toward his new anima, who still seemed to be feeling bad.

"You may not have had to, it may have been just enough to finally send your body over the edge... This is bad... You could have brain damage... I've also heard anima that are created this way can be very unstable... but yours seems normal enough..." the boy said assessing the situation now.

It took a few moments to sink in, but he finally realized it. This meant Pyre finally had an anima of his own! He looked happily at his anima, a little white wolf pup, and smiled and said "So what's your name then, girl?".

"... No offense... but I'm a guy... and don't treat me like some common dog..." it said looking somewhat disturbed at him. "... and... You should know my name... You did create me..." it continued.

"Oh... really? ah-heh... I... I didn't think of it like that... and... I'm sorry about... emm... never mind... heh... Sorry Blaze..." he said somehow remembering the name somewhere in his mind. He looked back over his shoulder and his friends seemed to be looking at each other worried that it may have affected him after all...

Pyre woke blearily from his dream 'Your shift starts soon.' he heard in his head, obviously coming from Blaze. Thinking about it now, it really was amazing how large he'd grown over the past six years or so.

The sun was just beginning to rise, and it looked like it was going to be a nice day. 'If they ask you to fetch me again, tell them I'm coming...' he sent back to his anima. getting out of bed and getting dressed for the day.

'I'm not some lap dog to take orders, get down here.' came the reply.

Pyre sighed, knowing Blaze's attitude all too well by now. He hurried to get dressed and went downstairs grabbing his apron from the rack and heading behind the counter "I'm here, I'm here..." he said, Jay had been waiting for him, a few of the tavern's guests were already up and ordering breakfast, and a few others had come as well.

Laela came out from the back carrying a few trays of plates, headed out to the tables. 'Would you look at the jugs on that one...' came the voice in his head, and a glare was immediately shot towards the window Blaze was staring in from.

'Don't start that today, it looks busy, and we know Laela...' he sent back a bit irritated. 'I really wish you wouldn't sit out front, you know you scare away customers, and you've gotten me in a lot of trouble from the patrons you set afire...' he said now turning back to his work and asking a patron for his order.

There came a snicker, followed by 'You know you love it... and it wouldn't be as fun out back.' Blaze sent giving the sweetest face he could through the window.

Pyre glanced up from the order he was taking and went back to it 'Those faces worked better when you were a cute little pup, your not fooling anyone now.' he sent posting the food he needed prepared up for Joseph to make in the back, and getting to work on the drinks. 'You had better good today, or... uhmm... grah! We've got enough trouble today as it is, so please be good, would you?'

'That's too boring... but fine, I can try I suppose.' Blaze sent now slumping down underneath the window, deciding to nap. Time passed, and the number of patrons dwindled, until none were left unsatisfied. Pyre cleaned a few of the dishes that had been cleared as he waited for the next patrons to come. After finishing he stood in wait for more to come, when none did, he got bored, slumping against the counter and playing with a tiny fireball on his fingertip for a while...

The little flame glew brightly white flecks shooting through it every now and again, Pyre bounced it from finger to finger mesmerized by it. 'Incoming...' he heard finally, and stood up straight, the fireball poofing, leaving a small bit of smoke where it went out.

A man walked in, he looked suspicious, but Pyre was supposed to help the patrons, it was what he was paid for. "Good morning sir, may I help you?" he said to the man.

"Just point me to the owner." was all he said, 'causing Pyre's left eye to twitch in annoyance.

'hit him! Light him on fire... grah! you can your ethics, nevermind.' came Blaze's voice in Pyre's head.

Pyre smiled at the man and went into back, bringing Jay back out with him to meet the man. They went to another side of the bar to talk. Pyre couldn't hear them, and thought of fusion to improve his hearing was passed off as it would be too obvious. But after a few minutes they were done, and Jay said they had a new musician... That man was suspicious, but there was nothing they could do about it for now, save for keeping an eye on him.

((First post and we're moving too fast already, I was hoping to be able to have the dream, wake up and begin work, but already I had to keep it up longer to respond to the things spoken to me, next posts shouldn't be as long sorry. K, bed now, it's 1:20 AM, and even if I don't have work tomorrow morning, I'm tired...))

EDIT: I reworded the explanation of why Pyre's anima forced itself out of him so it didn't sound like anyone who can create an anima will have it force itself out eventually if they don't. It's more like he refused to believe it were possible he'd be without one and constantly tried, but nothing ever happened. Someone who can, but never really tries very hard might just assume they aren't able and give up. Something in him was blocking it and finally all the built up energy from the anima's attempted creations broke through that wall by force. coming out as a fusion form, then forcibly defusing as well.

(( Hey, everyone loves long posts. There all American. Or whatever nationality you wish to substitute))


Today, the winds were carrying portents of a bleak future.

Aaron stepped out onto the streets, his hands jammed into his coat pockets and his shoulders hunched while the wind swirled around his feet and ears. He let out a irritated breath through his nostrils, noting dispassionately how it briefly warmed his lips. He glanced along each side of the street with his auburn eyes, thinking.

It had only been a month since the Agents of the Order of Reunion had contacted him. The agents had been far to concerned with the pretense of secrecy to have wrenched any real respect out of Aaron, but they had gold. Real gold too, none of the half lead crap they were peddling down in the flatlands, but real, pure gold coins. And there was more down the line, they said, if Aaron kept his end of the bargain.

Aaron wasn’t one to put a little thing like respect between him and money. After all, if he did he would barely make any money at all. And certainly not enough to feed his habit, ink was expensive.

At least the Order was kind, or pragmatic enough, to keep the contract open. Simply put, Aaron was to run counter intelligence for the Order, and use whatever means necessary to disrupt the flow of information of the enemies of the Order. It hadn’t been in the fine print, but Aaron got the feeling that the “enemies” of the order was damn near everyone.

He found it messy, but Fin Badba freaking loved it. He was like a kid with a shiny copper coin, looking every which way as where to spend it. He had spent to most of the morning detailing lurid plans for Aaron to follow, all of those in that sibilant voice of his.

Frankly, Aaron found Fin Badba’s enthusiasm slightly off putting. It was a job, He thought, just like any other. Fin had never understood Aaron’s perspective on this line of work, he only found pleasure in the kill, and the adrenaline.

Aaron thought it disgusting to break it down into such simple terms, to simplify something so grand in nature. It wasn’t the killing, of the reaction of the physical body, it was the science of the act. The precision of every muscle and sinew, pitted against another thinking, living person in a contest that was so primal and basic… It was rapture. It proved, in the eyes of ever god the superior man, and Aaron had never lost a contest.

But Fin never got that, the little sadist. It was all just blood to him.

We need to get information Aaron, Fin Badba whispered into Aarons ear, I suggest a public place

"Point", Aaron communicated back. They had only a few leads, and even fewer alies. He looked around the cramped buildings of the town. “How about that one” He said, gesturing with his eyes to the One-Eyed Kobold “Small, unassuming” He grimaced, “Even if it is a bit of a lurid name”

Really? I sort of like it.

“Of course you would” His gaze fell on the wolf lying outside the Inn, its eyes watching him cautiously.

Anima Fin Badba warned. He’s always had been better at finding them than Aaron.

“Of course” Aaron said as he shifted his face into a smile, careful not to show his teeth, and allowed his thin eyes to widen slightly. That’s it, Aaron thought, I’m nobody to worry about, Just another ignorant traveler. He passed the wolf and opened the door.

Not my kind of place, Fin Observed

Aaron ignored him as he scanned the Inn and plotted his next move. Some sort of minstrel was playing a soft song in that wafted through the air. It was an older man, Aaron noticed, but there was something hard about him, like Iron. He felt dangerous. Something told him that the man was something different, he wasn’t nearly young enough to be purely a traveling minstrel, and he wasn’t fat enough to be a local one.

Interesting, yes? Do you think he is worth out efforts?

Aaron thought for a few seconds, “I think so” His smile grew a little wider. He couldn’t go straight for a table, that wouldn’t help him at all. Instead, Aaron elected to sit by the bar. The Bartender looked slightly perturbed, but than again, what bartenders were every really that jolly? Surly or not though, they were always good vendors of information.

“Bartender” Aaron said, changing his natural speech patterns to those of a more nervous person “Could I, uh, get a ale here? I have silver” He plopped two coins on the table.

I notice we haven’t started killing anyone yet.

“All in good time Fin, all in good time.”

Konrad played his favourite symphony on his violin. His face hidden by the jester mask that covered the upper half of his face. His cold dark room seemed more empty then before. Only himself and his animus, a snake called "Black Rose".

"Playing that sssong again are we?" Black Rose whispered as she crawled on Konrad's back and stuck her head out of the neck of his coat. Konrad stopped and turned his head to face Black Rose's. "I don't think snakes have the best taste of music."

Black Rose stuck out her tongue as she crawled across Konrad's neck. "I didn't tell you to ssstop.." She hissed in his ear. Konrad placed his violin just when someone knocked on the door of his room. "28, you have an assignment." Konrad stood up and opened the door, a messenger of the Order was waiting on him. He walked through the empty hallways and ended up outside, a coach was waiting for him.

He stepped inside the coach as he opened the file of his mission. The doors closed and Konrad could feel the coach moving. He read though the file. "Hmm.." He said as he frowned. 'Please meet the informant at One-Eyed Kobold. Follow the moon.'

Konrad sighed at the message. They were a bit too paranoid if you'd ask him. He took a match and put the file on fire before throwing it outside. He then took out a small ivory pipe and lighted it. "I hope it isssn't raining.." Black Rose said worried as she popped her head out of the neck of his coat again. "Don't worry, I can feel it's warm and dry outside."

'Another weird one coming in.' came Blaze's voice in Pyre's head again.

'Another one? What is happening out there? ... Mayhaps we should leave work early and head to our post, I have strange foreboding feeling this day.' he replied to the large canid waiting for him outside.

The man had walked in and seemed to be surveying the room deviously. 'The streets have seemed fairly empty for a while now. Somethings up, and it might be a good idea to head out soon, your shift was almost over anyway. The order may be up to something, and you may be targeted. Having more Verdid around would be a good idea if you don't want to die.' Blaze sent back. Now getting to his feet, stretching and shaking off the morning stiffness in preparation to leave.

The man now approached the counter and said "Bartender." then appearing to clear his throat continued "Could I, uh, get ale here? I have silver" he said plopping two silver coins on the counter.

"You can..." Pyre replied, then hearing the man mumbling something to himself, or more likely an anima. IT only further fueled his suspicions that something was up, that man wasn't Verdid, something was definitely up for this many suspicious people to be out and about. Turning toward the back he shouted "Jay, I'm headed out, can you help this patron?!". Moments later the elderly gentleman reappeared from the back approaching the counter.

"If you leave, please ask Aaron to come in early." he said now going about fetching the alcohol.

"I will, thanks, bye!" Pyre said taking off his apron and putting on his cloak.

'Grab me a bite, would you?' Blaze sent, Pyre ran into the back, re-emerging with a large steak and practically running out the door.

He turned to Blaze and gave him the steak "Eat fast, I have to go get Aaron, and I'll be back in a minute." he said running down the street before Blaze could reply, chowing down without needing to be encouraged.

Moments later Pyre was knocking on a door hearing a quick "Yeah?!" from inside he said "Jay wants you to come in early, so hurry up."

"I am, I was about to go anyway!" came the reply. Pyre nodded, rushing back to the tavern, where Blaze had finished devouring his meal. Upon approach, Blaze bent down low, allowing Pyre to mount him, pulling his goggles onto his eyes to keep the wind out, and gripping some of the thick fur on the back of his neck.

Blaze looked over his shoulder to make sure Pyre was situated and he stood back up "Express trip to Ahora, hold on tight!" he said. Suddenly the duo lit aflame and blazed off into the distance toward the mountain. They'd be there shortly, Pyre had to deliver a warning to the rest of the Verdid.

((I get the feeling this RP is going to die fast if we keep rushing it this much, I had assumed there would be a few pleasantries and just general fun before both oppositions began plotting.))

EDIT: Sorry, I just keep changing the way my character rides and what they say as they leave, and I dunno, I keep thinking of better ways and stuff.

EDIT: Removed the part about it being rainy. *points finger at Mirku* I was just following along with what he'd done, I figured it had been a while through the morning, and storms blow up out of no where sometimes, so if that was what was happening, then OK. But apparently not. Anyway, it's gone now.

Kneeling by a small pond, Caden and Fairfax drank from the water. It was refreshing; usually water had to be harvested from ice and melted. Finishing their drinks, Caden got onto Fairfax. It's been a few days, and Caden has decided to get used to the new surroundings. The lack of snow upset them both, being used to constant snow fall.

"It's weird, isn't it?"
"Yeah... so warm, I never felt this warm in my life..."
"I don't like it..."
"I know you don't Fairfax, but we are here for a mission...
"Yeah... some people came up and asked for volunteers, and now we're here without any orders, some 'whatever it is' this is..."
"Look, this could be big, bigger than you, bigger than me, bigger than the village, Garrett was destined to lead the Village, Tess and Quinn are the next two in line and the ones who get to go out to the other towns and spread the family. I don't even know why my parents chose to have me. All I know is that we are here, and we have to live up to the family name. So we will wait untill we are given orders in one way or another, in the mean time let's just wander around. We might even find some big game..."
"Hopefully, but we haven't seen anything bigger than what we hunted up north..."

Caden and Fairfax got back on the path and rode to town looking to find something of interest, or something to do. As they got into town, Fairfax noticed the wolf and it's owner riding off towards the mountain.

"A mounted rider... You think?"
"Wouldn't be to suprised, let's follow shall we? Bet you can't catch up with them..."

The idea of another Verdid, or just a mounted wielder, riding towards the mountain at full speed looked interesting to them, if it was another Verdid, he could help. If it was an 'enemy' he'd make his town proud to stop them. Fairfax bolted after the wolf and it's rider...

Sitting relaxedly with her ankles crossed on top of the table in the small corner booth she occupied Rori frowned as she brought the heavy flagon filled with dark rum to her lips. She'd chosen this booth specifically for the fact that it offered a clear view of the door, "Look at this one then, Lynn," she muttered, seemingly to herself, "He's all sharp angles, and he looks like a brigand to boot." The robes covering her hand shifted as the silver spun around her fingers in a narrow band before winding itself between her fingers and resuming it's circular path once more.

You say that about everyone, came a stern and very proper voice, In fact, you have said that about almost everyone who's gone through the door since you sat down. What about that one who just left? You think he's seedy too? Lynn, her companion, thought that it was rude to talk about others behind their backs, but Rori thought there was something really strange about some of the people there.

"Yes," replied Rori impatiently, dropping the flagon back down to the table, "This whole place reeks of plotting and conspiring." She jumped in shock as a voice spoke beside her.

"If you smell something, please let me know, so I can see to it." A barmaid was leaning forward with an empty tray in her hand, and a sultry look on her face that Rori supposed was supposed to appeal to patrons; the men, at least.

Rori took her feet of the table slowly and sat up, the worn leather of the seat creaking underneath her. "It's nothing at all, lass," she said as she used the table to bring herself to her feet, "I was just about to leave, is all." She quickly produced a pair of silver coins from a hidden pocket in her sleeve, and dropped them on the tray. Switching hands, she put her other hand over the tray.

"For the lovely lady," Rori said with a false slyness as she felt the object in her hand finish shifting and become rigid. She released her grip, dropping the intricate silver ring with a soft clink, and gave the woman a swift wink before heading to the door.

Why do you come here and buy a drink here every day? Lynn asked her as Rori nearly stepped out into the rain. She immediately turned back into the room and sat herself back in the same booth as before. She hated water, and would rather deal with the seedy patronage than go out in the rain.

Lynn had to ask again to get an answer to her question, "Because it's relaxing."

I would understand that better if you ever actually drank it. You merely sit with it, and when you're done for the day, you pay them for something you didn't use.

"It's not like I can't afford it," she said tiredly before changing the topic, "We'll leave as soon as the rain lets up, and not a moment sooner or later. Besides, I heard we found a huge gold deposit, and I've got to get some of that before it's all counted up and made into coins and that."

You shouldn't steal like that, Rori; it's not right. Lynn admonished her yet again, and Rori's defense was still the same.

"It's just a little bonus, Lynn. We guards aren't properly compensated for the risks we have to take; I'm just taking what should be mine in the first place."

No movement to be observed,
Still falling leaves, crisp mountain air,
Stark floating grays elegantly curved,
Another day echoing a misty fair.

A wandering nomad going through the forest,
Pushing up leaves, and the scent of damp soil,
Ambling past trees, without slow or rest,
The wind spilled out, like liquid silver oil.

On a rock sat a mountain,
His hair not forgotten by the strange nomad,
Using will and endless time to mentally retain,
Without sign of emotion, happy or sad.

Eyes closed, yet looking over the landscape,
looking for a balance to keep his mind,
Using his surroundings as distraction, as escape,
To an internal struggle functionally blind.

For hours he sat and watched,
In the maddening echoing silence,
Till introspection foretold him thatched,
Creeping, he stood into an old-man's stance.

Towards a familiar trail he walked,
Over untrodden and dewy leaves,
Nearing the path however, he balked,
A sound drifted hither which could not be conceived.

Lowering to the musty ground,
He stalked to the noise,
Edging forward to hear the sound,
Crawling and moving with poise.

Sorry for my bad meter. =(

(LONG. POST. ARGH.)

Rich was happily sleeping in his bed as his Animus, Kin, had been standing on top of a bedpost right above Rich's head,Heh, he's gonna be late for his daily bar today. Hmm, let's see. I could peck him on the head like I always do... There his bow over there...Block a' cheese...Cheese it is. Kin flew across the room, landing on a shelf and he grabbed a large block of cheese with beak and dropped it onto the floor. He flew down and grabbed it again and moved towards the bed, successfully climbing up a sheet. He moved over to Rich's wide and open mouth and dropped the cheese in. It fit perfectly, and the cheese was stuck in his mouth. Rich slowly opened his eyes at an odd taste in his mouth. Then he saw that Kin was standing on top of a block of moldy cheese that had been stuffed inside his snack hole,Kin. Yeeees? Why did you put cheese in my mouth. Well, I've been getting bored with pecking you awake all this time, so instead I tried something a little bit more unique. Rich quickly sat up, making Kin fall off the cheese, and he plucked the cheese out of his mouth,"You just have to be so clever don't you?""Learned from the best.""Can't blame you for that."Rich stood up and quickly put his clothing on. He threw his bow over his shoulder and than his quiver of trusty arrows. He opened the door out of his cabin and breathed in the fresh air. Kin flew out of the cabin as well, mounting himself on Rich's shoulder. He moved off into the middle of the dirt road and looked up, seeing the sky strangely dark,"Didn't expect rain today.""Who are you talking to?" Rich glared at Kin who seemed extra happy and he began moving down the road and out of the town to hunt some food when he saw a man riding a large wolf.

It’s too sunny out Fin Badba sighed I hate it when it's like that

“Can I ask why?” Aaron queried back, far more interested in the bartender who had excused himself so quickly after he had sat down. It wasn’t anything too suspicious, but it had still caught Aaron’s eye.

It makes everything to bright, hurts our eyes. Fin Badba replied. He was acting awfully squirrelly today, fidgeting around in the dark spaces of Aarons mind.

“Oh,” Aaron said as he took a sip of his Ale. It was decent, and had a rich flavor. “I thought your answer would have been much more sanguine.” He took a long draught of the drink. “Tell me though, what do you think of the patrons?”

Nothing particularly interesting I think, except for the old man. But you already know about him. There’s a guy behind you with a sword though. He looks interesting.

“Yes” Aaron thought “He looks to be a regular too” He put a hand up to his temple. “He probably works for someone around these parts.”

You have a plan?

“What I have is the need to find out the political situation here, and the Bartender decided to bugger off”

Why not ask the barmaid?

“I don’t like how she looks, far to vapid to really know anything”

Of course, that's a perfectly rational statement

"Shut up"Aaron muttered as he stood up from the bar, and turned to the man behind him with the robes and the broadsword. He smiled as charmingly as he could manage as he grabbed a chair across from him.

“Is this seat taken?” He said, as conversationally as he could possibly manage.

So the bartender's a Wielder, Thorn said, filing the information away for later. he continued to play impassively.

And a good one. Let's make sure he can't fight back.

Right.

There were new characters at the bar- something the locals weren't happy with. Thorn studied each of them carefully, and heard.

Wielders. Bloodthorn wasn't worth much as a conversationalist -unless he thought Thorn was doing something wrong, in which case it was hard to shut him up- and he couldn't fight for much, but there was one thing he was good for. And that was spotting what other people didn't spot.

Which ones?

The one in the burgundy shirt, and the girl with the rose robe.

I always thought the rose was my thing.

Less small talk. If these are Verdid, they're new targets, and not easy ones from the looks of it. Otherwise, they might help us. Especially if they're Order.

The order creeps me out, Jaeger said impassively.

You should learn when to spot allies. Their shrewd people, shrewder so than our current counterparts. Notice how they weave towards their goal, how instead of these zealots, they're willing to compromise.

Jaeger had to wonder how his subconscious had come up with BT, because he always seemed to be the smarter one. He kept that thought to himself as best he could, but that didn't help much, since BT was half-way himself already.

Just keep your wits about you, Bloodthorn said, chuckling lightly to himself. And when you can, let me out. I want to trail those two.


After the next song, he stepped out and lay his hand just above the porch railing. It seemed like a magician's trick where a dove would fly out of the sleeve- except it was no trick, and this time came a bloody-eyed raven.

"Keep safe," Jaeger said.

Bloodthorn cawed once and flew away. Jaeger watched him until he was out of sight. Then satisfied that his friend was safe, he turned back to the patrons and began another song.

It was ironic how he blended in when he was on a pedestal, how, while eyes would turn towards him, none would care to look for more than a while, unless he played something excellently. Then Bloodthorn would scold him for bringing too much attention to himself. Jaeger would then tone down the songs to stay primarily atmospheric.

It let an arc of a smile, a real one this time, not the false one he had worn into the tavern. But his head was bowed in concentration, now able to play a little more freely.

(arg, long postings, ADD powers activate!)

Ethios stood, hands in his pockets, basking in the sun. The heat and light seemed to sink into his skin, and his fatigue and worries melted away. Ethios had always loved days like this, with clear skies and fresh air. After a lengthy sun-bath, Ethios stared at the tavern hopefully. After a week of travel without a good place to rest, he would have welcomed any shelter, no matter how shady, shabby, or glum.

One thing, however, that Ethios had always hated about taverns, were the people. Mercenaries, thieves, and gamblers, people who didn't take kindly to lowly farmers, or so his father had warned him. Never the less, Ethios began to stride casually towards the tavern. The sign read The One-Eyed Kobold, which seemed rather odd to Ethios, and a wide variety of animals sat outside.

Animus's, I'll never understand how people can stand the things. These thoughts were not entirely genuine, as Ethios felt a sort of envy, never having experienced the company of an animal for himself, but then again, he didn't really want one, so it worked out just fine for him.

He had never heard a voice, felt a presence, or seen his own animus. He did as his parents said and visualized it, tried to create it, but he never succeeded. He came to the belief that he wasn't going to have own, and he coped with the fact.

Ethios pushed open the door, and glanced at the interior of the tavern. A shady looking man with an instrument, a crimson robed figure, and a man clad in a dark shirt. These were the type of people he had been told to avoid.

As he steeped inside, he pulled his cloak closer to him, and allowed his hood to drop down, concealing his face in shadow. Rather than going for a drink, Ethios promptly placed himself in a chair near the entrance. He wanted to survey the tavern more, and decide whether or not staying there was worth the risk.

The door opened slowly as Konrad walked inside, the moment his foot touched the floor he felt a great disturbance, as if something was wrong with the scenery. 'So many wielders...' He thought as he walked towards the bar and sat down. He ordered some wine as he started to notice the music. He looked back and saw Jaeger playing. He shook his head. 'Amateur,' he laughed in himself as he took a sip.

Konrad knew he wasn't one of those local scum, he stood out as an elephant at a tea party... and he wasn't the only one, was this some sort of convention? His hand slipped into his coat as he grabbed the handle of one of his throwing knifes. 'Can't be too sure..this looks like trouble..and I can't see my informant anywhere..'

As they rode on the way to the mountain, Pyre came to realize a weight at his back that was normally present was absent this day, and it slowly clicked... He'd accidentally forgotten his quarterstaff at the bar. He released his grip on Blaze's neck fur with one hand and beat his head with his palm as he thought of it. At that exact moment Blaze jumped over a large rock, causing Pyre to nearly fall off having been holding on with only one hand at the time. 'Does hold on tight mean nothing to you these days?' Blaze sent having had felt his human jostle atop him, and knowing that all spoken words were lost to the wind at this speed.

'I uhh... kinda forgot to for a moment there... heh... sorry.' Pyre replied sounding ashamed. They'd only been riding for a year or two now, Blaze having had reached a ridable size about then. So even with a year or so of experience, Pyre still forgot how it worked sometimes.

Suddenly Blaze released their flame aura, ceasing using fire to speed their travel, and moving at only an average speed. "Why did you slow down? We're only about half-way there!" Pyre shouted angrilly to his companion, the slower speed not giving enough wind resistance for words to be unheard.

At this Blaze jerked his head in the opposite direction they were traveling. Pyre glanced back, and noticed in the distance, was someone riding something as well and following them. "What, you think it's an enemy?" Pyre asked sounding confused.

"It might be, the way you left the bar wasn't exactly inconspicuous, and plenty of people saw you mount me and ride off with a look of urgency. If an enemy were to attack, this would be the perfect place, no one around to see the fight, stop it or assist in it, we're sitting ducks if they're more powerful than us." Blaze said sounding somewhat worried. He always was one to look at the cup as half empty, as opposed to half full.

"What?! I... That's not fair, I didn't think about that! If it's an enemy, shouldn't we be speeding up in an attempt to beat them to Mount. Ahora then? If they followed us the whole way, we'd have back-up when we arrived, right?" Pyre said sounding as logical as he could.

"That's true, but what you don't seem to understand is; right now, they're gaining on us... We couldn't make it the whole way without confrontation." Blaze replied sounding as serious as he could.

"You know, I bet it's just another Verdid rider of some kind making their way toward the mountain. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about..." Pyre said, almost sounding like he was more trying to convince himself than anything else. "And... If they're gaining on us, why don't you speed up again?!" he continued sounding more angry this time.

"Can't, maintaining the flame aura, and manipulating it to speed us up takes a lot of energy, and I've used up about half my reserves for the day. If we're going to be in for a fight, I want to be ready." Blaze replied still sounding as serious as he was before.

Pyre was getting worried now "So... what's the plan then?" he said somewhat nervously.

If it weren't for Blaze's enhanced senses, he probably wouldn't have heard Pyre at all, as quiet as he was. But the only response Pyre got was a nod from Blaze, as they'd reached the perfect location for his plan. He quickly ducked into a bush, running back through the brush as quickly and stealthily as he could. Just before he jumped back out of the bushes he sent 'Ambush.' to Pyre. He lept out of the brush forming a large fireball in his mouth as he jumped, landing directly in front of their pursuer and releasing the flaming sphere right where they were about to tread, intended to halt their movement. He quickly formed another and thought spoke to the area now "Who are you, and why are you following us?! Speak quickly if you don't want to become extra crispy!" he shouted waiting a moment for a response.

((I'm lookin' at you Chad! btw, there should be a conversation, so please IM me or PM me or something before you post so we can work it out together so the whole convo can be in your post as opposed to tons of tiny post between you and me back and forth.))

Rori sighed as Lynn continued to bother her, Why do you spend time around so many Animus; ones that aren't likely to be on your side if something happens. Her words - if they could be considered such - were true, but Rori paid them no heed.

"There aren't usually this many all at once," she muttered, eyeing the old man playing his instrument and then the blue-haired man who'd just entered, "Worse; the only one I recognize left in a hurry already. At least he wasn't so suspect as these guys." She switched her feet so that her feet's positions were reversed on the table.

But you still don't trust him. Lynn's question was less question than accusation, but Rori just rolled with it.

"What's to trust?" She asked rhetorically, "I know next to nothing about him, and even now, he's running off like a sneak. Completely untrustworthy." She folded her arms across her chest and arched her back feeling the bones pop one at a time. Readjusting her sword, she leaned back again and Lynn continued to 'educate' -as Lynn called it - Rori.

Perhaps if you were to actually talk to him once, you might lean something about him; then you would know if he were rotten or not. Rori groaned silently at Lynn's lecture - one of several that week alone, There's a difference between not trusting, and not trying, Rori.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm off duty; I'm free to trust or not trust whoever I want to, so quit pestering me about it." The darkly-clothed one at the bar stood up and faced Rori with a smile. Great; now this one wants to bother me.

"Is this seat taken?" he asked as he grabbed a seat across from her.

"Taken? Hardly." She extended a hand towards the man and smiled warmly; a very practiced smile, "Name's Rori; and you are...?"

((PM me so we can get the conversation all in one post, like Blaze suggested in his post, yes?))