Age of Change {IC|OPEN|Sign-Up in OOC}

[Arctica-Aleutia]

[b]EVENT (curtosy of Arena)
Near Aeston, Amaurri Territory
Juskouria
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

The fourth and final pair was composed of one small and one large Dire Wolf targeted Francis. As the larger one slowly approached, the smaller one was pacing at a distance waiting for an opening to charge in.

Francis began to slowly back away from the wolf. The one thing he knew he shouldn't do was run, as that would surely make the wolves charge him. Then again...

Francis suddenly broke into a run as if fleeing, prompting the wolves' chase instinct. He only ran a few feet, however, before doubling back and dodging to the side of the wolf nearest him, attempting a deep slash to its side. If that worked, he would then about-face to deal with the other wolf.

[Castle Crashers]

EVENT (curtosy of Arena)
Near Aeston, Amaurri Territory
Juskouria
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

As the four prepared, the Dire Wolves continued to circle them. There was a total of eight Dire Wolves, however, due to the fact that they were out of sight, it and constantly moving, it would be hard for anyone to estimate the exact amount. After a few tension filled moment, all eight Dire Wolves charged out of the woods in pairs towards them.

The first pair, composed of average sized Dire Wolves charged at Celio. They did not charge straight for Celio, instead, they charged in arcs aiming for Celio's sides.

The second pair, composed of smaller but faster Dire Wolves, targeted Luna. One of them charged straight at Luna, with the goal of distracting her, while the second went for her tail. The first one charged at her, aiming for her legs. The second meanwhile, ran along the side, waiting for its moment to charge the tail.

The third pair, composed of larger than normal Dire Wolves targeted Calliope. They did not charge. Instead, they both rather slowly approached her, snarlling and snapping. Once they got into pouncing range, one of them lept at Calliope, as the other started to circle Calliope.

The fourth and final pair was composed of one small and one large Dire Wolf targeted Francis. As the larger one slowly approached, the smaller one was pacing at a distance waiting for an opening to charge in.

Luna, A forest near Aeston

Luna watched as the pair approached, her attention mainly focused on the wolf charging for her legs. When it got close enough, she swung her hand and hit the wolf with her claw, knocking it back quite a ways and likely leaving more than a gash or two on its sides. The idea of hurting the creatures hurt her heart, but she knew it had to be done. She couldn't just let them hurt everyone around her...she had no choice but to do something about it. She began to turn around to face the other wolf, but her gaze stopped when her blue eyes landed on the situation the necromancer boy was in. A wolf had pinned him, and was trying to tear his throat out. Her heart seized. No! She thought quickly, worry overtaking her will to defend herself. I have to save him! Without another thought, determination swelled upon her expression, and she shot a blast of icicles at the wolf trying to attack Celio, hoping to both harm it and push it off the boy, to atleast give him a chance. What she didn't think about, though, was that she was leaving her entire back defenseless while trying to save her ally. Not to mention that she didn't have armor on her wings at the moment, nor the shoulder blades around them...

"A good magician never reveals his greatest tricks!"

Mara
Outside Paethsmouth

"Oh, you did magic!" Mara exclaimed. "That's super cool! She can do magic too," she continued, pointing at Charlotte. "And I can. Look!" She stopped walking, closing her eyes tightly and concentrating as hard as she could, the tip of her tongue poking out of her mouth and making her look a lot less serious.

Five seconds passed. Then ten. Then thirty.

Absolutely nothing happened.

Beowulf, Leaving Paethsmouth

He found it amusing that she assumed his phrase literally, and turned to look at Charlotte after Mara pointed at her, and then turned his gaze when she also referenced to herself. She stood still, closed her eyes tight, and stuck out her tongue, in which Wulf had to resist the urge to laugh. He couldn't tell if she was being serious or not, but he waited anyway. The longer time went by, though, the more he wondered what exactly it was she was trying to do. After a good minute, he casted a curious glance to Charlotte, to see what her reaction might be. The waiting was becoming...a little bit awkward. Well, atleast it was for him.

[Charlia]

Well, at least it was for him.

Charlotte
Outside Paethsmouth

Charlotte looked on at the scene with amusement, and caught up with the two quickly, patting Mara on the head. "Mara, nothing's happening," she said quietly. "You still need to practice more, remember?"

Mara opened her eyes, and frowned, batting at Charlotte's hand in the same manner as a cat might at a particularly tantalizing toy, or a human at a particularly annoying bug.

"Wanna do magic," she muttered with irritation. "Wanna do it now."

Charlotte just chuckled. "You'll get there soon enough, sweetheart. Don't worry."

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Ra'shiq Sultanate
Ra'shiq Desert
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

"Yes." Agnimukha said simply and stood up, "I do care. You helped me, even though I never asked for it, and you're not my enemy. Or how about I put it this way, why would I even bother trying to convince you that you can be redeemed? If I didn't care, then I wouldn't have done that now would I? But you know what... Never mind. Its clear that you don't want to be redeem. Its clear that you don't want to have people care about you. Its clear you'd prefer to bed every man you come across and then leave them as fast as you found them. So, goodnight."

With that he walked a small distance away before laying back down on the sand. He laid on his side, with his back facing were Alyss stood.

---

Dire Wolves
Near Aeston, Amaurri Territory
Juskouria
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Luna messed up. When she failed to commit to defending herself from the Dire Wolf that was going for her tail, and instead attacked the one attacking Celio. That said, her attack one the Dire Wolf that had him pinned was effective, as the Dire Wolf was knocked off the boy, with a few icicles impaled the beast, forcing it back. The Dire Wolf that Luna had managed to hit with her claws was now recovering from being knocked away, and despite the two horrid gashes on its side, had it's eyes locked on to Luna again. The Dire Wolf that had targeted her tail managed to get close enough to grab the tail in its jaws. With the tail locked in, it started running back towards the tree line, pulling the half Draken with it. The other Dire Wolf reacted and ran into the forest ahead of its partner. When they had cleared the clearing, it released her, directing her right into a tree. Before Luna had time to react, the injured Dire Wolf lept from a nearby bush and bit down on one of her wings while its partner rushed her from the front before lunging at her arm.

Francis as well made a bad choice. He had assumed that the Dire Wolves would have reacted like normal wolves. However, they were not regular wolves. They were smart. So when Francis turned around to attack, the wolves were not there. Instead, the larger one just stood a few feet away from him growling, while the smaller one was no were in sight. When Francis ran, the larger wolf followed him at a safe distance, while the smaller one ran off to the side and swung around Francis. Now Francis was faced with a large Dire Wolf in front of him, with what almost looked like a smirk. The smaller one charged from behind, and even if Francis turned around, he would still be to slow to stop it from ramming straight into him, knocking him to the ground. As he laid on the ground, the two started to circle him again.

Calliope probably shouldn't have gotten to comfortable so fast. The Dire Wolf that had eaten misfortune was treated to a sword slicing its throat when it tried to pounce on her. However, the recently dead Dire Wolves body fell on to Calliope, knocking her to the ground, and pinning her legs. The other Dire Wolf used this as an opportunity to go for her face.

[Charlia]

The other Dire Wolf used this as an opportunity to go for her face.

Calliope Starshine
Outside Aeston

Calliope was surprised, to say the least, when the wolf knocked her to the ground. For a moment, her mind lost itself--"Someone's feisty, isn't she?"--and she very nearly allowed the wolf to tear her face off before she decided that perhaps that wasn't the best idea, took up one of her swords, and shoved it into the wolf's side.

"Eat this instead, why don't you?!"

"So, goodnight."

Alyss Hartryne
Desert

For a few seconds, Alyss stayed where she was, trembling with pure rage. How dare he say those things?! How dare he just assume he understood what was going through her mind? That was--that was so arrogant! Stupid little--why had she even come along?!

"Fine, then," she muttered. "I didn't want your affection anyway. Since I prefer to bed every man I come across and leave," she added sarcastically, not caring whether he heard or not. "Idiot."

[The Armed Republic of Dutch Coolness]

Jailyn Nepveld
Woodland, west of Doveport
Azemar territory
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Jailyn couldn't help but to at least show some amusement at the man's response to her appearance, his mouth hanging wide open, eyes following her as she moved. The man was surprised at her being... well, not a man, it seemed. It certainly wasn't something she hadn't gotten used to, but this particular man's surprise was really quite something in a very, very amusing way. Perhaps it was because he was making a bit of a fool of himself, acting like this. Ah well, no matter.

She coughed slightly as the man regained his composure, although not before quickly looking away, a bit of a blush on his face. "Yes, small mishaps do tend to happen every now and then. A good thing this one only involves you having to pick something up from the ground, I suppose, no?" She snickered a little at the man's use of an honorific to address her, shaking her head at it. She watched him climb out of his saddle in a trained manner - the man was obviously more disciplined than he appeared to be at a first glance. A branch snapped underneath him as he came to the ground, mud splashing on his chest, protected with a mail shirt, and his boots, seemingly to his annoyance. Still, his reins that were dropped in the mud, his problem. "Can always clean yourself up back in the village."

"Please. I've hardly been of any assistance at all. No need for you to thank me for anything. Nor is there any reason for you to address me with 'my lady', Squire Beaumont. Where is your master, anyway?" Jailyn looked around for a brief moment. "Anyway, where are my manners? Jailyn Nepveld. I kill bad things or get rid of them in other ways. Killed a daemon several days back, and just got done exorcising a spirit." She shrugged. Simple as that. No need to lie about it, either - the entire village they were heading for was aware of her activities, anyway. She gave a little cough again.

"While I doubt I have any true need to be escorted to town, you can accompany that way. The local tavern's a decent place. Cheap, too, as expected." Jailyn nodded, before slowly driving her steed onwards again.

[Arctica-Aleutia]

[b]Dire Wolves
Near Aeston, Amaurri Territory
Juskouria
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Francis as well made a bad choice. He had assumed that the Dire Wolves would have reacted like normal wolves. However, they were not regular wolves. They were smart. So when Francis turned around to attack, the wolves were not there. Instead, the larger one just stood a few feet away from him growling, while the smaller one was no were in sight. When Francis ran, the larger wolf followed him at a safe distance, while the smaller one ran off to the side and swung around Francis. Now Francis was faced with a large Dire Wolf in front of him, with what almost looked like a smirk. The smaller one charged from behind, and even if Francis turned around, he would still be to slow to stop it from ramming straight into him, knocking him to the ground. As he laid on the ground, the two started to circle him again.

Francis did his best to keep calm.

"Hmmm..."

He reached for his sword and held it up above him, but otherwise remained still. If one or both of the wolves came at him, he'd be ready to slash at it/them. Even if he wasn't quite fast enough to make a proper attack, any wolf that jumped on him would be skewering himself in the face or the stomach. And the wolves seemed smart enough to know that.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Ra'shiq Sultanate
Ra'shiq Desert
Huxius, 26th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Morning started early for Agnimukha. He woke with the sunrise and sat in the sand while he waited for Alyss to wake up. Was I to harsh last night? he thought to himself and looked into a flame he just created in his hand, Damn. Why must I be so passionate? Did I get that from you mother? Not being able to back down, speaking my mind no matter what. Yeah probably got that from you. Anyways, I look forward to speaking to you soon mom. I've got a few questions to ask you.

[Charlia]

Alyss Hartryne
Still in the desert

She wondered, sometimes, if there was any point to waking up.

Life always went on the same way, after all. But that meant that she would always wake up.

For a moment, she didn't remember the events leading up to that morning--but they came back to her soon enough, leaving her unsure whether she should be ashamed or furious. I probably shouldn't have snapped like that... but then again, what gives him the right to treat me like he did? Even if he supposedly cares, that doesn't mean I'm going to take that sort of talk from him, or anyone.

What am I even doing?

"Good morning," she muttered, sitting up slowly. "You know, I don't think I ever did ask you. Why are we going to the mountains?"

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Ra'shiq Sultanate
Ra'shiq Desert
Huxius, 26th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Agnimukha didn't yet turn to face Alyss yet, instead there was a moment of silence. Just don't mention last night.

When he did stand up and turn to face her, he smirked and tilted his head. "It's a secret." he said and winked. He then took a breath and looked to the south. "We should be able to reach it soon. You wanted to know about me, so... Let's get going."

[Charlia]

"It's a secret."

Alyss Hartryne
DESEEEEEEEEEEEEEERT

Alyss blinked, and a tiny frown appeared on her face. A secret. I swear... he's going to drive me insane... I wonder how long I can last before I get so aggravated I kill him? I wouldn't even have a decent excuse if I did... That'd send me to hell even if I wasn't already going there...

...Might be worth it though.

Just maybe.

"Fine," she said with a huff. "Let's get going." And with that, she took to the air once again, trying not to let her irritation show any more.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Ra'shiq Sultanate
Ra'shiq Desert
Huxius, 26th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Agnimukha smirked and blasted off after Alyss. Good to see my magic's back. It should be enough to get there... I can't wait to get back... I can feel it now... he thought and smiled as he flew across the desert.

Red Rock Mountains
A few hours later

After a few hours the Red Rock Mountains started to come into sight, as the land became less sandy, and more rocky, Agnimukha started to slow down until he came to a stop.

"Here we are. The Red Rock Mountains." He said and began walking, "We just need to take this pass for about an hour and we'll be there. Alyss, you probably shouldn't fly in. Fying things are known to frighten Devil Wyverns. And you may be mistaken as a threat by any local Phoenixes."

With that he began walking through the mountain pass. It was a narrow pass, barely wide enough for two people, and not the flattest of paths. Agnimukha took the lead, leading Alyss through the right passes, deeper into the mountains. After about an hour, they were approaching on more bend in the path.

"And were here." Agnimukha said and rounded the corner, "Welcome to the village of former slaves. We're still working on the name."

Around the corner was as he said, a village. A small village built on the slopes of the mountains in a small valley. A valley so small that you could easily see to the end of it from were they stood. A small river ran through the center of the valley, sourced from deep in the mountains. Many caves could also be seen, one of which that was close to were they stood, had a faint glow coming from the inside.

[Charlia]

"Welcome to the village of former slaves. We're still working on the name."

Alyss Hartryne
Somewhere very special

"...I see," Alyss replied slowly, trying to hide her interest. "So, what, do you just go around freeing random slaves and dragging them through the desert? What's the deal? You can't just say something like that and then not elaborate, it's irritating."

...Maybe... A face flashed through her mind, and she sighed. I don't even know if she's still alive. Probably not, though. Wondering is pointless.

[Taber]

Jailyn Nepveld
Woodland, west of Doveport
Azemar territory
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

"Please. I've hardly been of any assistance at all. No need for you to thank me for anything. Nor is there any reason for you to address me with 'my lady', Squire Beaumont. Where is your master, anyway?" Jailyn looked around for a brief moment. "Anyway, where are my manners? Jailyn Nepveld. I kill bad things or get rid of them in other ways. Killed a daemon several days back, and just got done exorcising a spirit." She shrugged. Simple as that. No need to lie about it, either - the entire village they were heading for was aware of her activities, anyway. She gave a little cough again.

"While I doubt I have any true need to be escorted to town, you can accompany that way. The local tavern's a decent place. Cheap, too, as expected." Jailyn nodded, before slowly driving her steed onwards again.

Devan Beaumont
Woodland, west of Doveport
Azemar territory
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

The Squire furrowed his brow as the Demon Hunter rode past him, making the face one does when trying to piece together a complex puzzle or figure out where one took the wrong turn. She slayed a demon? Incredible. Exorcising a spirit? Wasn't that meant for Priests? Devan shook his head subtly to ward off his thoughts. He placed his hand on the side of the garron and began escorting it across the mud, which turned out to be fairly shallow and less of a bog as the steed has assumed. As his boost sloshed in the muck, guiding his horse by the reins and by his reassuring hand on its neck, he got a better look at Jailyn. She had blonde locks that seemed to be subdued only by the nature of her work. Her attire was, as far as he could tell, entirely practical. How old was she? Devan couldn't quite tell and he certainly wasn't going to ask a woman her age; that's unpleasant, or so he was taught. In summary, nothing like the damsels in distress Knights were made to protect.

By now, the garron had made it onto firmer ground and was prodding along the path more confidently. Devan lifted his boot into the stirrup and threw his leg over like any gallant cavalryman. It was nearly second nature to him by this point. Jailyn was further ahead, so he brought the animal to a trot to catch up. When he approached, Devan hung back just a bit - the trail couldn't sustain two horses side by side - and matched her pace.

"To answer your question, my companion Knight and I have been separated and I intend to uphold my service according to my vow." It wasn't a lie, it just wasn't the truth either. He didn't know this woman and he said it so firmly as to not draw further questions or so he hoped. Though, he didn't have any reason to distrust her either.

"My La..." Old habits die hard, it seemed, "... Jailyn, I mean. You are a Demon Hunter then? I haven't personally witnessed anything from the Infernal... What is it like? I have engaged only things of a mortal nature before."
That was a good enough question to distance the conversation from his past. That was at least true. The squire had fought in tourneys, duels, and minor skirmishes against men and orc alike, along with the occasional beast. He ducked under a low-hanging branch, as he rode a bit off to Jailyn's right side but to her back. "If that is not impolite to ask, Miss."

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Unnamed Village of Freed Slaves
Red Rock Mountains
Huxius, 26th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

"Ahhhh no." Agnimukha said, "I don't go around freeing slaves and drag them through the desert. Though if I happen to free some while going about my day or run into escaped slaves, well, I will do what I can to point them to this place. If that involves guiding them through the desert, then I will. This place is the only place that I truly feel at home... as long as I don't go by the Aqaris sweat snake down there."

He smiled, "Anyways, come on. See that glowing cave over there, that's were we are going." With that he was walking to the glowing cave, upon entering the cave. The cave at first seemed rather small. At the back there was a small pool of lava, and about half way between the mouth of the cave and the lava pool there was a doorway carved into the cave wall. An old dwarven made door was all that kept the entrance part of the cave from whatever was in the cave. Agnimukha approached the door and opened it.

Inside was a room that looked like it had been carved out. A single bedroll could be seen against the right wall with a crate at its head with a few mugs a top. A single shelf with a few books, and small cupboard could be seen on the wall beside the door. In the back left corner of the room was a fire pit large enough for a man to lay in, with what looked like holes bored into the ceiling above it. On the ledge of the fire pit was a pitcher, some wood and a few stones. The left wall had an area that was slightly dug in more creating a slight alcove. In this alcove was what looked like a shrine. If one had knowledge of home shrines, they would easily identify it as a shrine to Xephine. Beside the shrine, on the ledge of the alcove was a single pendant.

"Welcome... to my place." He said with a smirk, "Yes, it's in a cave. Yes, it's a little toasty in here. But it is home. I used to live here with an old dwarf, who was the first being to live in this valley. He's the one who found me wandering the desert and brought me here. Stubborn, drunk and slightly crazy. Died trying to prove that he could last five minutes riding a Greater Red Drake while piss drunk... At least he prove all those naysayers wrong. I miss him sometimes."

"I just need to get some stuff and do a few things." He said, "And then we can leave. Sound good?"

[Charlia]

"Sound good?"

Alyss Hartryne
THE CAVE OF WONDERS(because nostalgia)

"Yeah... sounds fine," Alyss said quietly, leaning against an empty spot on one 'wall'. "You have weird friends. I guess I can't say I'm surprised, though, knowing you. So how many people do you have around here? And is it for all former slaves or just some of them? There are multiple kinds of slavery, after all."

If I had to guess, I'd say there's a reason for this little village. Probably has to do with his 'revenge'... seems to be a core thing for him. Prying would be indelicate, though. So I won't.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Unnamed Village of Freed Slaves
Red Rock Mountains
Huxius, 26th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Agnimukha walked over to the cupboard, opened it and pulled out an old magic satchel, left to him by the old dwarf, and started to put stuff into it from the cupboard and the stuff he bought yesterday. "Not many. Its small, last time I was here it there was about 80 people. Though that number changes due to people leaving and coming. Not everyone who comes here stays for life. This is a safe place where former slaves can learn how to fight, among other things so that they can go out and make a new life for themselves. Most people here are former slaves, we have a few people who aren't. And I am aware of the different forms of slavery."

With that he attached the satchel to his side and walked over to the fire pit. He threw some wood into it and then poured a slime like liquid out of the pitcher on to it. He then took the two stones and started hitting them together. They sparked and the pit was engulfed by flame. "Now. Don't be alarmed by what your about to see." He said right before he jumped into the fire.

[Charlia]

Don't be alarmed by what you're about to see."

Alyss Hartryne
Fire and (salt) water

Alyss raised an eyebrow.

"Oh no," she said flatly. "You jumped into a fire. I am so worried. Despite the fact that I've seen your magic and while you're unquestionably a bit of an idiot at times you aren't stupid enough to jump in a fire if it will actually hurt you. Whatever shall I do? Perhaps I'll throw my nonexistent apron over my head and burst into tears like a proper distressed damsel. Then again... no."

If she were still alive, she might like this place. I don't know, though.

I wish I could put her out of my head... then again, someone like that... She shuddered briefly, but soon calmed down, turning away idly.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Unnamed Village of Freed Slaves
Red Rock Mountains
Huxius, 26th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

"Most people freak out when they see me jump into fire." Agnimukha said as he sat down in the middle of the flames and looked at her. As he sat there, the wounds from his run in with the rock started to heal. "Most people assume that my magic is normal fire magic, and as such, I would only boast a slight resistance. If that was true though, this fire would still hurt me. But I see you have figured out that my fire magic is unique. That or you don't really understand basic elemental magic principles. So, I'm going to assume that you figured it was unique. By the way, you seem... umm what is the word for it... interested. I don't know, you just seem to be thinking about something."

[Charlia]

"I don't know, you just seem to be thinking about something."

Alyss Hartryne
Blah blah blah

"Again, you're not stupid enough to jump into a fire if it will hurt you," she replied flatly. "As for what I'm thinking about... just someone I met a while back. About eight or nine years ago, I think... I'd have forgotten her already, except she was... the sort of person that you can't just forget about that easily. She could have used a place like this... I was just wondering if she was still alive." She sighed. "Considering the state I last saw her in, though, I have doubts."

I could've helped if she'd let me. Why didn't she?

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Agnimukha Vasuman
Unnamed Village of Freed Slaves
Red Rock Mountains
Huxius, 26th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

"Wait. This is a rare sight." Agnimukha said and started to leave the fire. All of his wounds had been healed. He stood there and looked at her, "Alyss is actually showing care for someone. We could go ask around. Assuming she was a slave, then if she escaped there is a chance that she may have come through here at some point, depending really on where she was."

[Vulnier]

Jaal Nyfikin
Bazzar, Bayikoyunlu, Ra'shiq Sultanate
Ra'shiq Desert

Away from the crowded center of the Bazzer, where the noise of crowds and the yelling of stall owners dimmed, stood a very strange tent. Unlike others, with their flamboyant colors meant to catch the eyes of potential customers, the tent itself was the very same color as the ground the people walked on; a light yellowish brown. If one were to look at the stall, there layed in a circle a small, gray statue of a dragon. The amount of detail on it gave the statue an oddly realistic look, one could even swear its chest was actually rising and falling. Flanked left to right were slightly bigger statues of various gods and goddesses, all inscribed with the words "Display Only", and with almost the same amount of detail as the dragon. At a lower level of the stall, were displayed various amulets inscribed with the same words, each one etched with the banner of a certain city, nation, etc.

Behind the stall stood Jaal, waving goodbye to a Ra'shiq women who had just bought the last of his amulets. When the woman disappeared into the crowds, Jaal let out of sigh of exasperation, his smile fading into a displeased scowl as he looked down in thought. The woman who had the amulet had haggled its starting price greatly, leaving Jaal with only a fraction of what could have been made. But it always better than the alternative to not get anything.

As Jaal still thought about it, the small stone dragon began to stir. Its small eyes fluttered open slightly as it slowly got up on all fours. Stretching its legs and wings, the small stone dragon opened its mouth as it gave out a small yawn. When Jaal heard this, he looked toward the small stone dragon with a look that could be described as alarm. Uh oh..., was all Jaal could think of.

When the stone dragon seemed done with its morning rituals of stretching, it looked around, its face scrunched with puzzlement. But when it realized where it was, it immediately set its sights on Jaal, giving him the stone cold glare of accusation.

"Oh don't give me that look Hijr," Jaal said with a hint of annoyance, "we have been doing this for almost two years now. You know this how we usually set up."

Apparently not satisfied with the answer, Hijr pawed at the top of the stall before turning its head toward the entrance of the tent, snorting. He then looked back at Jaal a second later, with that same glare.

Jaal sighed. "Yes I know you were sleeping, but you looked too cute for me to dare to wake you. Besides, it is better then having you stand on that pedestal, at least you were far more comfortable this time around."

At that, Hijr's accusatory glare seemed to soften, slightly. But not a moment later, Hijr lifted his head toward the sky, eyes closed. With that, he walked toward the edge of the stall, looking down before jumping off the toward the ground. Landing, Hijr then began to walk toward the tent entrance, disappearing behind the sandy flaps.

Jaal stared at the spot where Hijr had entered the tent for a few moments, before letting out a sigh of defeat. Jaal knew that it would have been a futile effort to try and ease the anger of Hijr at this point, the only option now to wait until his anger ebbed away. Looking out toward the Bazzar, Jaal realized that there was still time to get supplies until most of the shops closed down for the night. With this in mind, Jaal got up from his stool, and began the process of closing the stall for the day.

[Charlia]

"Assuming she was a slave, then if she escaped there is a chance that she may have come through here at some point, depending really on where she was."

Alyss Hartryne
Much sad very depressed

"...She was... although not the type people use for labor, if you understand what I'm getting at." Alyss's eyes narrowed slightly. "She was also a bloody child. How am I not supposed to care? The look on her face..." She shuddered, more violently this time. "There wasn't anything in her eyes, they were just... they were completely blank, it was horrible. And she wouldn't let me help her. She just kept refusing and apologizing for it... I wanted to kill someone, I almost did..." She forced herself to calm down, although her hands were still twitching as if aching to wrap around someone's throat. "She probably didn't escape... It would've taken a miracle for her to survive, if you ask me. And even if she had, she wasn't anywhere around here... farther north, I don't remember exactly where. All I know is, if she's even still alive, then something drastic must have happened, because the girl I saw was this close to giving up on everything."

She laughed bitterly.

"I told you I was beyond redemption, didn't I? Who the heck leaves a kid like that? Even if she didn't want my help, I should've done something. I should have..."

[Castle Crashers]

Well, at least it was for him.

Charlotte
Outside Paethsmouth

Charlotte looked on at the scene with amusement, and caught up with the two quickly, patting Mara on the head. "Mara, nothing's happening," she said quietly. "You still need to practice more, remember?"

Mara opened her eyes, and frowned, batting at Charlotte's hand in the same manner as a cat might at a particularly tantalizing toy, or a human at a particularly annoying bug.

"Wanna do magic," she muttered with irritation. "Wanna do it now."

Charlotte just chuckled. "You'll get there soon enough, sweetheart. Don't worry."

Beowulf, Leaving Paethsmouth

Wulf simply listened as Charlotte told her something about practicing more first, but Mara didn't seem to take too kindly to the news. She swatted at her hand before she grumbled about wanting to be able to do magic at that very moment...which obviously wasn't going to happen. Charlotte reassured her, but the girl still seemed unhappy. Wulf wasn't quite sure what to do with the situation; he couldn't really relate, after all, and he felt that his "magic" was something that didn't need to be discussed. "Yeah, practice makes perfect." He decided to add, "And lots of concentration. It can take a long time to get the hang of it, sadly..."

Dire Wolves
Near Aeston, Amaurri Territory
Juskouria
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

---

Luna messed up. When she failed to commit to defending herself from the Dire Wolf that was going for her tail, and instead attacked the one attacking Celio. That said, her attack one the Dire Wolf that had him pinned was effective, as the Dire Wolf was knocked off the boy, with a few icicles impaled the beast, forcing it back. The Dire Wolf that Luna had managed to hit with her claws was now recovering from being knocked away, and despite the two horrid gashes on its side, had it's eyes locked on to Luna again. The Dire Wolf that had targeted her tail managed to get close enough to grab the tail in its jaws. With the tail locked in, it started running back towards the tree line, pulling the half Draken with it. The other Dire Wolf reacted and ran into the forest ahead of its partner. When they had cleared the clearing, it released her, directing her right into a tree. Before Luna had time to react, the injured Dire Wolf lept from a nearby bush and bit down on one of her wings while its partner rushed her from the front before lunging at her arm.

Luna, A forest near Aeston

While it had been a big mistake on her own part, she was glad that she'd been able to help Celio in his situation. The happiness lasted mere seconds before she was jerked off her feet by the wolf, that of whom had gotten a hold of her tail and began dragging her out into the woods, and she struggled to get a hold of her own tail to stop this. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily, it released her after setting her against a particular tree, and for a moment, she thought she had a chance to fight; she wasn't entirely correct. The other wolf she'd injured jumped from the brush and bit onto her wing, piercing the thin skin as she yelped in pain. At the same time, or perhaps a little while after, the other Dire Wolf lunged at her arm. She managed to hold it off from making complete contact, but pain laced her upper arm as his teeth still managed to pierce her skin, blood bubbling up from the punctures. She frowned, now angered by such an act. There would be no point in saving these creatures; they were evil! She furrowed her brow and shoved the Wolf off of her body violently, enough to fling it into the closest tree. She shot a wave of ice at it, then, trapping it where it landed. Then, she turned her attention to the wolf biting her wing. Without so much of a second of hesitance, she shoved her claws at full force into the side of the wolf, back into the tree they'd tried to pin her at.

[Abserdia]

Laelynn Vinge
On the edge of a forest, west of Doveport
Tiph, 25th of Bylu, 396 MB

She didn't plan to be out this long. All she needed to do was get some plant and bring it to a man who admitted that he was too weak to get it himself. She didn't know why he needed it, but it didn't really matter all that much. She was happy helping someone with an apparently important task.
However, it seemed like the plant was rather rare.
Laelynn searched the area he told her to look for it multiple times, but no luck.
She thought about quitting and getting back to Doveport, but decided against it.
She had a bit more time to look, she just had to branch out from the main area a bit.

I'm just thankful I haven't bumped into anything dangerous like a vampire yet...

With the thought of vampires and man-eating monsters in her mind, she gripped her rapier tightly and continued with her search as the sky drew darker and darker.