Nalom

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

After the party woke up and mounted their horses, they got on the road heading towards Pomnough. They made great time on their way to the town. Ishmael had disintegrated his extra clone and he was back to being a single man again. Bec noticed that his relatively youthful appearance she remembered from when they met. She made a note to ask about it if the subject came up. It felt rude to inquire about his species since they just met. Bec and Rain had to share the last horse. Bec rode behind Rain, keeping her distance despite the little room on the back of the horse. She had not forgotten the kiss they had shared. She wasn't sure what came over her in the forest. She made a snap decision to do it, a specific thought never crossed her mind. At the time she thought it would help. Looking back, she realized it was stupid. Bec didn't have any feelings for Rain and she knew he was with Phill. She could see that back in the clearing where they met.

way to go Bec. Screwing up again and it has only been a day.

 

At some point before they could see the first shadow of a building on the horizon, Bec changed behind Rain. The horse stuttered for a moment from the sudden change in Bec's form

 

The town of Pomnough wouldn't really be considered a town. Bec thought it more a village. A small one at that. Bec hopped down from the horse once they came to a stop in the middle of town. The man did a slow three sixty to take in the town. They were parked by a dry fountain on a small hill. A dinky town hall stood crooked closeby. Looking around, he could see to the outer perimeter of the village in all directions. Bec crossed his arm, "I'll go see if I can't scrounge up some transportation. Where are we going again?" He asked, honestly forgetting what the mystic had said before they left.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

David smiled. Main raider party? That was more than he expected. All DAvid's con work back on Earth was finally paying off. David nodded to Alduin, "Thank you so much. We have traveled far to join your band of thieves" David said.

 

David wasn't really thrilled joining the bandits. His experiences with gangs have been less than desirable. The fact that these men were barbaric wouldn't help the future experience. If they hadn't cornered them, David and Eskia would have bailed at first light. Seemed now that they did not have a choice in the matter. David planned on escaping the first chance they got. If their pockets were lined with stolen treasure, so be it.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

Daoua's displeasure with Skinner's decision was apparent once he wandered off to mope. Skinner was not apologetic. The boy said he wanted to get better and that's exactly what Skinner was going to help him do. Reverting back to cannibalism would not help suppress the dark force in his body. Skinner had wondered more than once if it was actually worth saving the boy.

 

 

“Nothing really, just a pull to come back to you I guess. So where are we going tomorrow.” Daoua answered his question. Skinner nodded thoughtfully, unsure what that meant. Perhaps this locket was having more effects than he hypothesised? Skinner would look into it later.

 

"We should be at the edge of the desert tomorrow. Think then we will have to sell the horse, they wouldn't last a day out there in the wastes. Skinner assumed they would find some form of transportation once they got closer. Skinner wondered if camels were a thing in Nalom.

 

As they reached their camp, Skinner glanced around and did not see Phill. He scanned the camp, "Phill?" he called. All their stuff was still there so it was clear that they didn't run off. He hoped the boy didn't fall ill to some kind of ambush.

Edited April 13, 2017 by padfoot

[monoply12345]

Shane looked in disgust at the sight he had done. Sure, his stomach was filled, but the result was a mutilated corpse that looked like it had been ripped to shreds by animals. He didn't know it, but Shane was losing it, slowly but surely. He was beginning to forget things about Cincinnati, thinking his former home was just a fantasy, a myth. Who knows, maybe it was. Maybe this was always Shane's home...

 

Standing up shakily, even the vile Shane couldn't look at the act he had done. But work had to be done. He had to go back the way he came, find his former friends, the ones who betrayed him, and take revenge, or else his conscious would bother him until the end of his days. He'd been doublecrossed once before, and it didn't end well for the traitor. Taking what he could carry, Shane began his long march towards the tree resembling a speck on the horizon, ready to take on just about anything in his way.

[voltage]

Phill was unsure of what this thing had done to him but he dod not like it nor did he want to be stuck with it as a atand forever. He wanted to throw it at the wall but he couldn't it seems that the orb had paralyzed him from the chest down making him unable to move. He was growling and fighting it but every tome he was able to move he only had time to move a finger slightly to one side before he was unable to move again. He was starting to get worried as he felt that if he stopped fighting it that his entire body would be taken by it for a stand. His body was shaking slightly from the bagtlw between the two of them.

 

Phill was tired and getting quite a bit drained out of him. He heard a voice and listening closer recognized it as skinner. "In here! This thing is not good it doesn't like to be touched and holding it may be a bad idea." He was relieved to hear skinner nearby hoping for some sort of magic help like levitating it.

[Acornia]

~~~Rain~~~

 

The day had officially started, they had packed up, cleaned up, and where on the road. Ishmael had been kind enough to get a horse for them but there was only one. Ishmael was riding his own and Bec and him had to share one. It was a awkward ride to the next town, as bec sat just about as far away from him as physically possible.

 

He could take an educated guess, it was the kiss. She was worried about it and rain could see why. It wasn't normal to kiss someone who was on their deathbed, with the way she was acting though it made him worried. If something large happened would she be able to cope long enough to help.

 

The shifting of weight flashed him back, glancing back he looked up into the eyes of a 25 to 30ish old reddish blond man. In front of him a skeletal town came into view. Bec must have picked up someone else, And the choices of people here were small.

 

Feeling Bec slide from his place, off the horse with a soft thud following, rain climbed down behind him grabbing the horse's reigns.

 

"I'll go see if I can't scrounge up some transportation. Where are we going again?" Bec did a 360 before coming back to rain and Ishmael, he looked a little ready to leave. Eventually this was something that rain would have to address but for now the awkward silence and obvious lace of skin to skin, he would have to deal with.

 

“I think we're going to the frozen tundras of koshikies. It's pretty far south so we should probably pick up heavier cloths.”

 

Rain turned away from bec, choosing one of the few roads through the town to travel. It would do Bec and him some good to send a little time apart after the incident last night.

 

 

~~~Dauoa~~~

 

 

Dauõa followed Skinner back to the camp silently. They were going to a desert, already the temperature has risen slightly but it was so minimal he hadn't noticed until Skinner had said something. If it was one thing he couldn't do it was the heat, why were they going there anyway.

 

“Skinner, why are we going to the desert anyway.” He asked as Skinner walked away. He seemed a little preoccupied as they entered the camp and didn't see phill. All of there stuff was there but Phill wasn't, no sign of a fight was evident either. Maybe he got tired of waiting and just left, but it was dark out.

 

Skinner walked into one of the many openings into the ruins as Dauõa held his nose to the air. He could smell Phill, it meant he wasn't that far away. He had probably wandered into the ruins and got lost.

 

“Phill?” Skinner called from somewhere on the other side of the ruins.

 

"In here! This thing is not good it doesn't like to be touched and holding it may be a bad idea."

 

Turning the corner he was meet with the sight of phill standing in one place, the orb held tightly in his hands. A small hum was resonating from the sphere, a physical vibration ringing in him.

 

“What did you do, can't you just put it down.” Looking at it he wondered how the thing wasn't sending him flying. But then again he had picked it up so, reason stood that it couldn't.

 

“Skinner he's over here. He was stupid and picked the orb up.”

 

“HEY does this mean we can take it with us” dauõa reached out contemplating touching the orb again, now that phill​ was holding it there was a possibility that it wouldn't through him. And if he could touch it he kinda wanted to keep it. Something about it….called to him on a deeper level, something ancient and devastating that called to his darker side.

 

At first he lightly touched it, His fingers gently tracing the smooth surface. Resting his palms on it fully he wrapped his fingers around it enough to get a hold, lifting it off of phills hands. At first nothing happened, the soft hum lulling dauõa into a sense of contemptment. Soft dark light pulsed and radiated out as Dauõa stared at it, the light mesmerizing. Dimmed images flashed under it's pearly face, things he couldn't make out or understand.

 

“Mine” his voice floated out, a whisper to those around him. A snapping twig dulled the images, fading them back into the black sphere. Looking up he glanced around before turning on his heels and heading in the direction of the wagon. He ignored Phill and Skinner as he placed the orb down, it wasn't out of spite or any emotion really, more of a lack of emotion.

 

~~~eskia~~~

 

 

Eskia watched the group, mostly David and Alduin. In this group it looked like eskia was the power, David the charmer, and Alduin the leader. Thinking on it, if she and David really wanted to they could eventually run the group of raiders. They would also be ample protection between them and anyone wishing them harm.

 

And best case they turn the raiders from worthless sacks of who rape pillage and plunger towns into good people. It would take of work but daivd was pretty good with his mouth. Getting what he wanted had been easy, and now they were officially a part of the group.

 

“Alright, well we only have one spare horse. You two will have to share, and that won't be the only thing as we don't have accommodations for you either. The men who died earlier, there rooms will have to be cleaned out. After a few days we will bunk you in one of the freed up rooms.” Alduin waved his hand to the group of men surrounding them. A few held resentment and hate, a few though held wonder and respect. A younger man with blond hair came forward, a leather set of reins in his hands. A large black horse attached to the other end.

 

 

 

 

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

Bec watched him leave. She guessed they would meet up in the town square before they get moving. Rain seemed to be taking the horse. That was good, He would be able to take care of it easier. Bec could barely take care of himself. Ishmael rode to his side and looked down at him from atop his horse, "This is where we part ways. I will be at this location for the night. Come by if any need arises, you and your friend are welcome during your time here"

 

Bec smiled and took the scrap of paper the old man was offering, "Thank you so much Ishmael. We will be sure to say goodbye before we leave" Be watched Ishmael ride off in the direction Rain had gone. He was alone in this quiet town's center.

 

Bec sighed and looked down the road they came in on. They passed stables, perhaps someone there would know the best mode of transportation in the tundra. Speaking of which, Bec had never traveled that far north. He had no idea what the cold would do to his body. He pushed that thought away. He would deal with that when they get there.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

"In here! This thing is not good it doesn't like to be touched and holding it may be a bad idea." Phill's voice echoed from the ruins of the temple. Daoua ran ahead and Skinner took a detour to the wagon to grab his doctor's bag. He was confident the Stag would get the situation under control.

 

Skinner entered the ruins in time to see Daoua lift the orb from Phill's hands. Skinner braced from DAoua to experience the same force they experienced earlier. It never came. Daoua scampered past him and out to the camp. The man debated chasing after him but turned his attention to Phill.

 

The boy was frozen in a stiff position, his arms still lifted and his hands cupped around a orb that was no longer there. Skinner dropped his bag next to the boy and grabbed his shoulder, "Phill, Are you alright, can you walk?" he asked. Phill's muscles were stiff. It was as if he was being electrocuted or having a full body cramp. Despite this, Phill did not seem to be in pain. Skinner was unsure if this was a good thing.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

David took the reigns of the offered horse and pulled himself on it's back. After he got himself settled, he reached out a hand to help Eskia up. David grit his teeth and tried to keep his horse following the others. He didn't want it to be obvious that he has never ridden a horse before.

 

The bandit camp was unimpressive. As they passed through the gate, the dirt courtyard opened up to greet them. In the center was a fire pit for late nights, various cooking platforms were build around it for roasting large cuts of meat. Around the perimeter, small temporary structures stood facing the center. It reminded David a little of summer camp. Alduin said that they did not have accommodations for them yet. David, unsure what to do, turned to Eskia behind him, "How far off does this send us from our path?" he asked. He was unsure where the forest they were suppose to investigate was or how far away. David shook that thought off, they had enough to worry about at this point. They did just lie their way into joining a group of raiders.

Edited April 17, 2017 by padfoot

[voltage]

Phill had watched as dauoa entered and called him stupid for picking up the orb before picking up the orb himself. That was when akinner walked in, he heard daoua whisper something before turning and walking away. Phill was still stuck in place it was like people were constantly talking in his head telling him to do things for them and that if he stopped resisting he would be free. Now that the orb was out of his hands they stopped but he was still stiff though it began slowly going away.

 

Phill looked at skinner as he asked him if he was okay. Phill stiffly moved his hands to his head gripping his head tightly. "It was like it was driving me insane and at the same time it refused to let me move at all. I think i can walk its just i feel stiff so it may be a slow walk but i fel like i may be able to but maybe not yet." Phill was stretching out lifting each leg slowly working out the stiffness in his body.

[Acornia]

~~~rain~~~

 

Rain walked down the silent street, the clip of a extra set of hooves accompanied his horse. Glancing back he seen Ishmael slowly ride his way, a warming aroa always seemed to accompany him.

 

Stopping by what appeared to be a small stable he dropped the horse off into the hands of a small child. He looked to be about 5 and maybe homeless. Choppy brown hair sat on his head with small brown deer ears sticking through the sides, nobs started to grow for antlers and small white freckles adorned his face with with large liquid chocolate brown eyes looked at him.

 

Ruffling the kid's hair he gave him a small piece of dried food and left, the saddened frown on the boys face causing pangs in his chest.

 

Walking down in the direction he was going original he put some distance between the boy and himself. There wasn't much he could do to help him, and the farther he got he seen that he wasn't the only one. The whole street had small children, ranging from 5 to 10, scattered up and down it.

 

zing

 

A small stone flow past rains head grazing a ear. Whirling around in the direction that it came from he scanned the streets before moving to the roofs.

 

At first he didn't see anything other than the dusty mud covered walls and windows, a few misplaced rundown decorations on what was one beautiful houses. But nothing to throw a stone, and it had been. Someone would to have thrown it for it to move fast enough that he could hear it.

 

A sharp pain in his shoulder blade had him rubbing the offending spot. This time however the rock had come from the other direction, on the roof.

 

“Through one more stone and watch me burn this place to the ground.”

 

Anger built in him from the unjustified treatment, what had he done to warrant being stoned.

 

ding

 

A pebble landed on the ground between his feet bouncing up and away. It was a warning, one rain was going to have to put them in there place for.

 

“Leave , you and your frwend arnt welcum.”

 

Rain didn't see a speaker but he didn't need to, from the direction that it came and the soft pattering of feet running in the direction he had come told him some was leaving. They were heading back in the direction of Bec, and bec was a shape changer.

 

This smelled of trouble.

 

Rain took off back the to find bec first, to give her a heads up about the mini pests. Something told him though there was a good chance that they may have already gotten to her.

 

” Bec ......”

 

 

 

 

~~~eskia~~~

 

Eskia took David's hand and pulled herself up behind him, seating herself comfortably she leaned into david's back and watched the men around them. Some gave her funny looks at this point, those that stayed at least. The ones who hadn't liked them stayed away.

 

Her mind drifted with the sway of the horse and the light chatting that had picked up, it seemed that they blended in and mingled well with the group. Well most of them.

 

They ones that didn't like them took off once the reached camp leaving a few others, David and her, and Alduin. Even then they didn't stay to long, a small woman came to fetch Alduin, the others walked away finding other things to do.

 

"How far off does this send us from our path?" Eskia held a hand out for David to help her off the horse as she answered his question. It made her feel small and child like to need help but in truth she did.

 

“ I don't know, I've never had the unfortunate pleasure of going. From the maps I've looked at though….not far. Maybe another 2 weeks if we walk.”

 

“EXC….cu….cus...Ssss….se..se…...M...M...me”. Eskai stopped and looked to the side at the stuttering fool that had appeared. What did he want, hopefully not to talk, they would be here all night.

 

The stutterer, a small pale saytr girl with a single horn on her head held her hand out to take the horse. Red dusted her cheeks as she perked at David through long black lashes. Pale purple eyes dancing across his skin when he wasn't looking.

 

She was eyeing him up like he was a peice of candy, something that she wanted to devower. Wasn't she too young for him, maybe she just didn't care. If David looked like he could provide for her and wouldn't beat her she was probably hoping he would take a fancy in her.

 

“What, do you need something? Take our horse and begone.” A sneer passed over Eskia's face, one that didn't go unnoticed by the other.

 

Red, not from embarrassment but anger lit her face even more. Malicious intent swam in her lavender pools for eyes before she turned and left, her hips swaying as tight cloth hung from her leaving little to the imagination.

 

“Well at least you will have a prettier bed warmer than I.” Eskia glanced at David over a shoulder, a playful smile on her face.

 

 

~~~dauoa~~~

 

Dauõa left Phill standing where he was with Skinner. It wasn't any concern of his now, he had a new object to hold his fascination. Given a few other times it was a almost - curiosity killed the cat, instance where Skinner has had to save him. This time it would be different, it was a orb, a sphere, nothing else. How much trouble could it cause.

 

Sitting by the fire he held it in his hands, the smooth surface reflecting his face. His eyes shone a striking contrast to the rest of his tanned face, shining a brilliant blue with large pupils. Leaning down he looked away and into the fire, absently staring off into space.

 

Before long his body and mind started to drift off as he nodded off to sleep. The orb tightly clasped in his hands.

 

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

Skinner watched Phill regain control of his arms and legs. After a few seconds, Skinner shrugged and gathered up his bag from the stone floor. He cleared his throat and looked Phill over again, "Well, if you're getting feeling back I'm going to go check on Daoua. I'm keeping the insanity in mind, We will talk about that later." He said, wanting to get his thoughts out loud. Skinner thought this trip was going to be no problem. First day and the was already up to their necks.

 

Skinner left the temple and quickly spotted Daoua. He seemed to have curled up and fallen asleep with the orb clutched tightly to his chest. Skinner walked over and looked down at the sleeping boy. Skinner leaned down and shook the boy awake, "Hey! No! What the hell was that back there?" he asked, jerking his thumb over his shoulder towards the ruins, "Maybe I should hold onto the orb till morning?"

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

Everyone she went to were most unhelpful. On top of that, she kept shifting every time she entered a shop. Bec was walking back towards the first stable she visited. If she couldn't find something suited for cold weather she could at least get another horse. Sharing with Rain was proving to be awkward.

 

A sharp pain in the back of Bec's head made him cry out. He touched the spot and pulled away a fingertip stained crimson. He whirled around to find his attacker. Standing a few hundred yards away was a small group of teenage boys. A scrawny, dirty boy in a stained white tank top stepped forward.

 

"You gotta lota nerv commin bac to dis town" The boy shouted, causing the rest of the group to tense.

 

"I assure you sir. I have not the foggiest of what you speak" Bec shouted back.

 

The boy's face twisted with anger, "Begon, shapechanger" The boy shouted, bringing a hail of stones from the group. Bec threw up his arms to protect his head and face. Sharp stones bit into his skin, "I've always been fond of "morph"" she yelled back as she started to flee her attackers. This town was so wide open there was no place to hide on this empty street.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

“ I don't know, I've never had the unfortunate pleasure of going. From the maps I've looked at though….not far. Maybe another 2 weeks if we walk.” Eskia said

 

David groaned, "Two weeks? Wow I didn't know it would send us off the path that far". David was dumbfounded. It didn't occur to him that they would be with the bandits long.

 

David was gathering his bags from the back of the horse when a stammering voice made him turn around. It was a pale satyr woman requesting their horse. Well, she was asking the ground for the horse since she wouldn't look at David. He didn't know it but when he turned back around to get the rest of their stuff, the girls lavender eyes darted up to study him. David turned and handed over the reigns and winked at the girl before she walked off with the horse.

 

“Well at least you will have a prettier bed warmer than I.” Eskia teased.

 

David looked at her with a dumb look on his face, "What? Oh! Her?" he asked looking back, watching the woman walk away with peaked interest, "Really? Well...."

 

Edited April 19, 2017 by padfoot

[voltage]

Phill sighed aoftly as his arms and legs got under his control. He watched as skinner gathered up his bag and got ready to go check on dauoa. Phill stretched before slowly walking out of the building. He rubbed his forehead as he mumbled "this is going to be a long trip, it is still the first day." Phill walked over to his sleeping bag and plopped down on his stomache. He watched as skinner woke up and asked daoua about what happened before asking for the orb.

[Acornia]

~~~rain~~~

 

Rain ran hazardously down the small dirty streets. Mostly to catch the children but to also find Bec, who was of who knows where with possibly heathens throwing rocks.

 

It didn't take long before he was back in the main square area, where a few minutes ago he had left Bec ambling about. He didn't see anyone when he first entered, or when he scanned some of the surrounding streets.

 

Where had she gone, it was like she vanished and it left rain feeling anxious to find her. She couldn't fight and she didn't have very good control over her powers yet.

 

Stupid

 

“Why did I leave her alone, it wasn't a good idea”.

 

……

 

Looking down another alley and street he came up empty handed.

 

“Dammit, I should know better”.

 

"I've always been fond of "morph"". Rain’s heart lightened at hearing something familiar, the voice itself wasn't but the way of taking was.

 

Spinning around he took off to a side street earlier and collided with a elderly man. He was dressed nicely, cream pants and jacket. A pristine white undershirt and tie.

 

He was flashy….

 

“Bec are you ok, what happened”? Rain gave bec a once over looking for damage. Front side he looked ok but there was small traces of blood on his hands.

 

“Where did they hit you.” Rain's eyes turned murderous, even though they were children it didn't give them the right to attack them.

 

click

 

A stone hit the cobblestones under Bec, bouncing farther down the road. A small head peeked up over the side of a house and that was all rain needed.

 

“That's it death to the kids.”

 

~~~dauoa~~~

 

Hushed whispers and shrouded figures.

 

There mouth is moved, not that he could see, more of a feeling he had, and silent but meaningful​words poured forth. Long brown cloaks swayed with the movement as the walked around a lone pedestal, hands waving in the air to invoke the action of something.

 

The room was dark but a dim light shine from the orb, light falling on the slim figures surrounding it. Was this a dream, a corporal desire that he had for the orb or a memory packed Into the smooth surface which he clung to.

 

"Hey! No! What the hell was that back there?" The dream shook and abruptly ended, jarring dauõa from the peaceful sleep. The loud yelling voice ripping through his mind driving the last of sleep from him in the few seconds it took for his to whip around.

 

His hand swung out and aimed for the source of the voice. Aiming to silence and stop whatever was shaking him. No sense of danger came from the one about him but the shaking didn't help any.

 

"Maybe I should hold onto the orb till morning?"

 

Hold onto it...

 

 

Take it….

 

He wouldn't have it….

 

“No”

 

Sitting up he scooted back a little from Skinner, putting distance between him and the orb. Wrapping his hands around it he leaned his chin on it.

 

“No, that's ok. I have it now.”

 

Hey wouldn't hand it over to Skinner, he had gotten it fair and square. Once Phill​ had gotten it off of the pedestal he had taken it from him. Not it was his, and it obviously liked him more than Phill.

 

~~~eskia~~~

 

“Yes really, did you miss the way she practically undressed you with her eyes.” Eskia watched until she was out of eyesight before turning back to david. The catch was there, if David was willing to bite.

 

“Just don't get her pregnant, you'll make ugly babies.” She shuttered before walking off to what appeared to be the main area, a smile gracing her lips as she left.

 

Walking through a large door she stopped and looked at the creature before her. She had never seen one before but there was a first for everything, and as they prefer the flatter lands her suprise was rightly so.

 

Long strong powerful legs held up a large body, a beautiful main and a long pale grey tail accompanied a speckled grey coat. Massive dark grey wings sat on his back as silver grey hair fell in layers to the juncture of his wings. Pale blue eyes watched her from her place in the door way. The winged centaur turned and made his way to eskia and David, stopping infront of her.

 

“Hello, you must be the new recruits. I'm skybane, and may I have the pleasure of knowing your names.” He bowed slightly at the waist, a very polite and….proper greeting.

 

“That's David", eskia pointed behind her at david, “ and I'm eskia, his ugly bed warmer. But don't worry, I'll be replaced shortly.” Eskia jokes at her own looks before walking away to explore and find a room from the dead that she could use.

 

The boy followed her before turning back to david, “is your companion always like that.” He seemed lost in thought for a moment before returning his attention back to david.

 

“ Are you searching for her crystal, I've been told - well more like read, that her kind or gorgeous when put make into their original state. If you won't take her, I may. Legend has her kinds crystal as being hidden, but there was some clue to it's wereabouts.”

 

Edited April 19, 2017 by Acornia

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

Bec nearly threw a punch when someone smacked into him. He changed his tune once he realized it was Rain and not a hillbilly, "Oh Rain. Am I glad to see you. Some rapscallions are bombarding me with stones." Bec said, relieved. About that time, a stone pinged off the road, narrowly missing his polished shoes, "Ah well...I see you have a grasp on the situation" he said, following Rain towards the town square.

 

Another stone clacked across their path. Bec followed it's path and spotted a boy poking his head out from around a building.

 

“That's it death to the kids.” Rain growled.

Bec caught his upper arm, "Wait. They are just children. No matter how backwards they may seem does not justify killing them" he said gently, pulling him away, "Lets just get our horses and get out of here"

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

Skinner caught the boy's sleepy swat by the wrist. He narrowed his eyes, not at Daoua, but the orb clutched against his chest. Skinner still didn't know the exact nature of the artifact or what the temple it was housed in was used for.

 

Skinner grew more and more concerned once the look in Daoua's eye passed and he finally spoke up.

 

"No" He breathed, moving to protect the orb from Skinner, "No, that's ok. I have it now"

 

Skinner frowned. This definitely was not good but there was nothing he could do. He didn't want to risk overexciting Daoua and he definitely didn't want to hurt him. Phill had collapsed on his bed pad and Skinner should do the same. He was anxious though and couldn't imagine falling asleep now. Skinner looked over his shoulder at the dark facade of the temple. He looked back to Daoua, "fine, be crazy by yourself" he said. He rose to his feet and walked into the temple. He had work to do.

 

(((We can timeskip. Skinner is just going to work through the night)))

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

“Yes really, did you miss the way she practically undressed you with her eyes.” Eskia asked as they both watched her leave, David watching a little more closely than Eskia.

 

"for your information. I did miss that." he said as they began to walk away, "We need a signal or something. Who knows how many times I have missed that." David fell silent for a while after that, seemingly lost in thought. before they reached the door for the barracks, David slapped his head, "The chick at the caravan! She totally wanted to bang!" he said a little too loudly but that didn't concern him. He was too busy trying to imagine what sex with one of these strange demi-humans would be like. There should really be a house of recreation for stuff like this. Perhaps one that is flower themed?

 

David couldn't help letting out a sound of surprise when they were greeted by a half horse, half man, half bat creature. He introduced himself as Skybane and David stifled a laugh, "Skybane? Oh, that's your name." he said, realizing what he just said, "Uh...nevermind. Sorry"

 

David facepalmed, "Eskia...really? This guy isn't going to ge- forget it. Forget it. nevermind" he stopped trying to make sense of what was going on. Facing off with the raider group on the hill and lying their way into their inner circle was preferable to this nonsense.

 

“is your companion always like that.” Skybane asked before seeming to zone out.

 

'Eskia? Yeah she's always a little....different" David said, thinking different was neutral enough. Truth was, David really didn't know much about the mystic. Just that her mom was some important mage and that she knew where she was going. Or at least seemed that way.

 

“ Are you searching for her crystal, I've been told - well more like read, that her kind or gorgeous when put make into their original state. If you won't take her, I may. Legend has her kinds crystal as being hidden, but there was some clue to it's wereabouts.” Skybane drew David from his own thoughts.

 

DAvid looked at him with a blank expression, "Man, I have no idea what you are talking about. We were going to some forest to find....a...crystal?" David added a questioning inflection to the last part of his statement. He was unsure what they were suppose to be doing. he knew it was something to do with the some evil forest and finding...something when they get there. He would have to ask Eskia again next time he sees her.

 

David cleared his throat, "So, I was told I can have some dead guy's room?" he asked. This horse fella seemed to know what was going on. maybe he would also know where to get a drink.

 

 

[Acornia]

~~~Dauõa~~~

 

Dauõa watched Skinner vacate into the ruins slightly upset, what did he expect from him. He had just shaken him awake and demanded the orb. It was his and he was asleep when he was rudely awakened.

 

 

Although it would probably be a good idea to apologize to him. It could wait til morning though, it's not like Skinner or him was going to disappear.

 

Laying back down he curled up and drifted back into the darkness, sweet whispers and forgotten forms awaited him.

 

---

 

Dauõa woke to birds chirping and light snoring from phill. Standing he stretched, popping out his joints. Bending over he popped his back with loud cracks as he grabbed the orb. Heading to the wagon first he set it down before covering it with a few bags to hide it. It wasn't the best place but he highly doubted Skinner or phill was going to look for it.

 

why does it matter, Skinner wouldn't do anything to it anyway. And Phill won't touch it again.

 

Shaking his head he headed off to the ruins to find Skinner. Walking through the front of them he stopped at the entrance of the room he and Skinner had been in the day before, before they had found the orb.

 

“Hey Skinner, you awake? I just wanted to apologize for last night. I..I didn't mean to hit you.” he said Walking up to Skinner he felt a immense feeling of regret. Skinner had been taken care of him for practically 2 weeks and had been nothing but kind to him. The display of attitude from Dauõa was uncalled for in his eyes.

 

“Hey” Skinner was slumped over against the wall snoring softly. He must have fallen asleep at some point doing his work.

 

Leaning forward he wrapped his arms around Skinner, pulling him close. He wasn't sure why, something told him that it was ok and he had kinda wanted to.

 

Pulling back he looked Skinner in the face gentle shaking him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~eskia~~~

 

Eskia traveled the halls silently, her feet making soft padding noises as she went. It didn't take long before she found a room that looked somewhat non used. Maybe it belonged to someone who had died in which case she got lucky.

 

Her feet ached and so did her back from riding the horse, she wasn't meant to sit up straight, as her back had a natural curve to it.

 

Padding in she sat on the bed, it sinking under her weight. If someone came in she would either share the room, tell them to leave or god forbid, she would kill for it. She was sitting and it felt good so she wasn't about to move.

 

Leaning back he sprawled out and closed her eyes, a breeze coming from a open window ruffled her hair. Looking to the side she glanced out to the sky. It was a beautiful day out and the air smelled clean, giving her a sense of peace.

 

But with the absence of activity in her mind it wandered. First to things that just happened, then to her mother passing. She couldn't help it as the memories flooded her and she drove down crying. Tears trickled down her face and landed on the bed sheets. Small wet stains formed under her as she took a few shuddering breaths that didn't help.

 

---Sky----

 

"So, I was told I can have some dead guy's room?" David asked, he looked slightly confused.

 

“Oh yes, let me show you around. First to your room then I'll show you where to get a bite to and the baths and bathrooms.” Sky walked out the door and down the side of the wall. He walked a little slowly so David could keep up.

 

“So, what did you join for.”

 

 

 

 

~~~rain~~~

 

Rain let Bec pull him gently away from the children. He was fuming mad still and it didn't help when they stood on the roof, in plan sight.

 

"Lets just get our horses and get out of here" rain whirled on Bec, his cheeks red with anger

 

“We can't, I gave the horse to one of those heathens to tend to.” Rain catch a stone that was thrown awfully close to because head, dropping it he looked back at the children.

 

He fell silent, his eyes scanning a way up. It didn't take long as he found a path and took it up. First he jumped onto a wooden crate of some kind, grabbing onto a ledge of a window. Flinging himself up he landed in a roll on the roof.

 

The children watched with ashen faces before taking off. A large hand snaked out and grabbed one by the worn fabric of his shirt. Hefting him up he chucked him over the side of the building in becs general direction.

 

The second and third followed shortly after as rain grabbed the small deer boy that he had given the horse to earlier. Jumping down he joined the pill of boys on the ground and Bec, who was standing next to them.

 

“Ok, you are going to tell me what's going on before I start taking peices of you guys to use as decoration. It's not nice to through stones.”

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skinner

 

Skinner had fallen asleep against the right wall in the entrance hall of the temple. He had made some headway with restoring the inscriptions on the walls. He filled his notes with what he could read but it wasn't making and sense. He would have to look at it later because shortly after the sun had risen above the horizon, Skinner dozed off with his chin against his chest and his notes in his lap. Scattered around him was vasious supplies he was using to decrypt the wall.

 

He was gently shaken awake some time later. He opened his eyes and looked around confused. Daoua was standing over him. Was he...apologizing? Skinner grunted and rose to his feet. His back hurt and his legs were asleep. He didn't feel like he actually got any rest but that was because he didn't. He maybe got three hours of sleep the night before. Plus, it occurred on a cold stone floor.

 

Skinner groaned and stretched his sore back before looking back at Daoua. He wasn't sure what to say in response so he said the first thing that came to mind, "It's ok." he said, gathering up his supplies from the floor, "But you cannot keep that orb". The last part was firm. He hadn't quite figured it out but the information he had acquired but he was having a bad feeling that he just couldn't shake. He packed away his things and slung his bag over his shoulder, "We about packed up and ready to go?" he asked, leaving the temple.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

“Oh yes, let me show you around. First to your room then I'll show you where to get a bite to and the baths and bathrooms.” Skybane said as he lead them down the hall. David wondered if they built the rooms specifically large enough to house skybane's bulk or if it was just luck. David didn't think it was important to actually ask though.

 

After David dropped off his things in the room Sky showed him, he followed the centaur outside to see the baths and restrooms.

 

“So, what did you join for.” the man asked

 

so your friends wouldn't kill us "Well I guess the same reason anyone joined. Be a part of something bigger and make some serous cash along the way" he actually said. If he was to tell Skybane the truth, it would get back to Alduin at some point and he would order to have them both killed for lying. He wasn't going to think about that, he was going to focus on their story and keep it simple.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

Bec cried out when Rain threw the first boy over the side of the roof. He dashed forward and threw himself between the ground and the boy's head. The wind was knocked out of him but the boy was unharmed. at least until two more slapped the ground beside him. Bec was struggling to his feet when Rain joined him, "What the was that, Rain!?" he wheezed, the strain throwing him into a coughing fit, "They....They are children for 's sake"

 

“Ok, you are going to tell me what's going on before I start taking pieces of you guys to use as decoration. It's not nice to through stones.” Rain said, threatening the group of scared boys. The child bec had saved had long ran off, too scared to stick around.

 

"My word, Rain. Calm down." he pleaded with the man, "I'm not harmed. Let's just leave it be"

[Acornia]

~~~dauoa~~~

 

“It's ok." Skinner set to gathering his stuff up, picking paper and tools up from around the room.

 

It made him happy that Skinner didn't hold a grudge or anything. Although he never seemed like the kind to do that. He was a little rough on the outside but on the inside he was golden. He had never thought a few years ago that he would run across someone like Skinner

 

"But you cannot keep that orb". The tone was firm, and just like that dauõa's happy attitude plummeted. Why did it seem that Skinner didn't like it, it's not like it was trying to eat him. He had tried that and Skinner still liked him, so why not the orb.

 

“Why, it's not like it's harming anything. Besides don't we have other things to worry about. Such as food and actually packing up our stuff, also phills still asleep.” dauõa trotted after Skinner much like a puppy after it's master.

 

“ And anyways” dauõa stopped as a odd feeling of sickness passed over him. Usually it only came from not eating, but that wasn't right. He had eaten his fill at the graveyard the day before. Shaking it off he caught up to skinner, grabbing his arm before he touched the wagon.

 

“Soooooo. Food. Please.” Putting on his best pitiful expression he stared Skinner in the face. Distracting him from the end of the cart and the orb.

 

After a few seconds he brushed his hands through his hair, it had grown quite long and was almost to his shoulders. His horns had also grown back a bit and where about the size of a small bottle.

 

“Also it you have a file and some scissors, would you cut my hair and I'll file my horns. You can tell me what you discovered in the ruins last night.” Smiling he glanced around the clearing before looking back to skinner.

 

 

 

~~~rain~~~

 

 

"My word, Rain. Calm down." Rain could hear the plea in becs voice, "I'm not harmed. Let's just leave it be"

 

Glancing at the boy running down the street, his hand schooling out to latch onto the shirt of another boy who was attempting to run. “Oh there, you are going to answer some questions”. The second boy stayed with the one that rain had while the last took off. The two appeared to be siblings.

 

Both were lightly tanned with large green eyes accented by bright red hair. A cloak covered their backs that fluttered, showing something behind the one rain was holding. He was slightly larger than the other, he must be the older brother.

 

“Please sir we're sorry, please don't take my brother away. Please don't, please”. The crying face of the younger one revealed to be a little girl, her voice soft and quivering.

 

A flourish of red and the boy in rains grasp sprang free as large red wings clouded his vision. When the cleared he was holding his sister shushing her while glaring daggers at rain. Immediately rain could see that where on the boy back there where large red wings with soft feathers, on the girl, hers were small. She was still a baby, her wings to small to fly with.

 

But why hadn't he taken her and flown away then. Could he not lift her, she looked like she weighs 50 pounds at maybe 5 years old. Maybe he couldn't fly, she was too young and he had never learned.

 

“Leave us alone” the boys glare never left rain as the girl turned to Bec, wiggling out of her brothers grasp she ran to bec who appeared there best option of escape.

 

“Please, please mister shape changer don't let him hurt us. We're sorry. We'll answer any questions. Please.” She buried her face into the side of Bec's pants with her arms wrapped around a leg. Tears were streaming down her face as snot oozed from her nose. Her brother slowly inched to Bec and away from rain who was stalking closer.

 

“Look you little brats, I just want you to answer some questions. You help us and we will help you, k.” Rain stopped infront of the boy, his hand landing on top of his head as the sight of the little girl tugged at his heart. Guilt seeped in, yes they had it coming but he still had gone to far as to throw them over the side.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~skybane~~~

 

Sky looked at David a smile plastered in place. “Well I leave you for the night. If you need anything feel free to ask.” Turning he walked down a hall to find his way outside. He would have to keep a eye on those to as new recruits were always iffy.

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

“Why, it's not like it's harming anything. Besides don't we have other things to worry about. Such as food and actually packing up our stuff, also phills still asleep.” Daoua said.

 

"You telling me that makes me think we do have to something to worry about" he said as he threw his bag into the back of the wagon, "I have been working with this kind of stuff for a long time. I have learned that artifacts can be much worse than anything that goes bump in the night". he was trying to keep this all safe. For all he knew this orb could switch all their minds, turn them all blue, or worse. Plus, the few things he pulled off the walls of the temple were questionable at best. Skinner was still getting a weird feeling.

 

“Soooooo. Food. Please.” Daoua asked with puppy dog eyes. Skinner raised an eyebrow, "You ate less than twenty four hours ago. You can wait". He hadn't forgotten that he was trying to treat Daoua's condition and wasn't going to break his schedule. Come to think of it, Daoua has been acting weird since they set up camp here. He would ask about it later. On the trip out, Skinner desperately needed to sleep. Skinner waved his hand over the embers of their campfire, extinguishing them into a cloud of steam and a loud hiss.

 

After they got packed up Skinner climbed into the back of the wagon, "One of you are driving. I need to sleep" he said, leaning against the back of the driver's bench, "I'll cut your hair later. I didn't get much sleep last night".

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

Bec was surprised when the girl's brother flourished his large, red wings. He was less surprised when he moved forward to protect his sister from Rain. The little girl ran forward and latched around Bec's leg, sobbing and begging them not to hurt them. Bec leaned down on one knee and looked the girl in the eye, "I would not dream of it, little lady" he said gently, glancing at the brother, "We are just passing through your lovely little town".

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

David thanked Skybane for the tour and was left alone in the bandit camp. He suddenly felt out of place in the dirt courtyard. He wasn't tired enough to call it a day and he was too wired to sleep anyway. He opted for something to eat, that would give him a chance to unwind and maybe meet some other members of the camp.

 

Following the smell of roasting meat, David found where the food was. A burly man in a stained smithing apron served him a leg of something that smelled like chicken and an assortment of roasted vegetables. He grabbed a seat on a bench close by the firepit where men were preparing for a bonfire. He would have to be blind not to notice the glares and looks of question he was receiving while sitting in the middle of camp. Some where eyeing his guns resting at his thighs, others were just glancing over while talking with others. They would get used to them. It was possible that they would only be here for a couple of days but David at least wanted to make those few days enjoyable.

[Acornia]

~~~rain~~~

 

When Bec bent down to talk to the little girl, she moved before planting her face into his chest. Wrapping her little arms around Bec she help on, standing on her tiptoes to get a better reach. She whimpered a little as her body language screamed she wanted the comfort of being held, even if it was by a stranger.

 

The boy swiped at rain's hand sending it flying with a smarting sting. He looked rain in the face defiantly, backing up to be next to Bec and his sister. He stood next to her but made no offer to pick her up, he might have had a hard time anyway. He was thin from lack of food, his sister looking better off, he must have been giving his share to her.

 

“Fine, what do you want.” Rain walked closer to the boy getting ready to address his question.

 

“First, what's your names. I'm rain and this man, woman, person is Bec.”

 

The boy looked at rain, contemplating if he should tell rain their names. Something inside him much have thought it a good idea as he nodded to the little girl. “She's Illiana, you can call her lily. I'm Alexander, Alex is fine.” Alex gave a short introduction of the two.

 

“Well Alex, care to explain why you guys were throwing stones at us. And where are your parents.”

 

“I don't know why you care but our parents are dead, there six feet under and not coming back. It's just us.” This must have been the breaking point for the boy as he broke down crying as well. He wiped furiously as his face but it didn't calm the waterworks sprouting from his eyes.

 

Rain walked to him and picked him up, patting him gently on the back he looked at Bec nodding to her. “Let's find a inn, feed them and let them sleep. We can ask questions later.” Rain could feel Alex legs tighten around his waist as he cried and rain just pulled him closer feeling liquid bleeding through his shirt.

 

 

 

~~~dauoa~~~

 

Dauõa pouted at Skinner, his lip out a little as he looked at him. “Not even regular food, because I'm hungry and it's what I was talking about.” He would leave out that that was partly a lie, and it was but Skinner didn't need to know that.

 

Dauõa looked at the horse before back to Skinner who was getting ready to sleep. Working quickly he hooked the horse up, with a little trouble, before bouncing into the driver's seat. He waited tile Phill had stuff packed up and was in the wagon with Skinner before he snapped the reigns, taking them to god knows where.

 

Glancing over his shoulder he spotted the orb sitting in the back where someone had found it and set it aside. It most likely wasn't Phill, so it must have been Skinner. That meant he wouldn't be getting the orb back any time soon.

[voltage]

Phill had woken up to the two others talking about food. He rolled up his sleeping bag and put it in the back before grabbing his backpack. He sat beside Dauoa in the front and grabbed out a granola bar. He placed it in dauoa's lap as his tails swayed behind him. "Ooo i could use a hair cut too but i need to brush my tails and ears too." As he spoke he tried to use his hands to smooth out the fur on his tails and ears that were sticking up in many different directions, his hair not much better as it was almost to his shoulders and had some sticking up in the back left corner of his head. Placing his bag behind them now he closed his eyes thinking "i wonder what the others are up to? Also are you sure about keeping the orb? It seems like it could be dangerous. It may mess with our minds or even takeaway parts of us. We should be careful and not touch it if we can help it."

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

While the girl buried her face in Bec's shoulder and her brother was keeping his eye on Rain, Bec changed form.

 

“She's Illiana, you can call her lily. I'm Alexander, Alex is fine.” the brother introduced himself and his sister. Bec pulled back and looked at the girl, "Illiana and Alexander? Those are beautiful names" she said with a heartfelt laugh, "you sound like heros in a story book. Perfectly fitting names for children of your stature". Bec's heart nearly broke when Alex began to cry. She was grateful that Rain picked him up and suggested they find a place to stay, "great idea, partner" she said, rising to her feet and smiling down at the little girl, "Would you like that, princess?" she asked, holding out her hand to take. With Alex and lilly on board, they started walking towards the center of town. The little girl seemed to know where she was going so Bec let her lead. As they walked, a problem dawned on the morph. She glanced back at Rain, "Rain? Do you still have my necklace? I think I'm going to need it if we want to get anything done around here" she said referring to the town's particular hatred for shape changers.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

David was finishing his food a drink when the rest of the raiders began to trickle out of the surrounding buildings and to the mess hall. David was exhausted from traveling and sleeping in a tree so he decided to turn in for the night.

 

Once in his new room, David stripped out of his dirty cloths and shoes. It was the first time he was able to change cloths since Ekia's cottage and it felt good to be in his underwear. Tomorrow morning he would shower but for right now, he needed to sleep.

 

(((Lazy post but I'm ready to timeskip)))

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

"See? Phill gets it" Skinner said, tipping his hat down getting ready to sleep. A thought made him sit back up though, "Wait. What makes you say that?" he asked Phill. That was awfully specific for them not knowing anything about it. after all, Phill was in contact with it the longest. Maybe he wasn't telling them something. It had let him go pretty quickly once Daoua removed it and Phil wasn't thrown backwards like himself and Daoua. Very suspicious but it would have to wait. Right now, Skinner really just wanted to take a nap. He tipped his hat back down, 'Wake me at the next town." he told the two guys on the driver's bench.

Edited April 24, 2017 by padfoot

[Acornia]

~~~rain~~~

 

Rain shook his head at Bec, the last time he had seen it was right before she fought Shane back at ekias place. If it was gone for good that could be problematic, with no way to keep her from changing they were sitting ducks with bec having a large Target on her.

 

“I don't think so, but I can check. First we have to get someplace a little warmer with food.” Rain followed Bec as bec followed lily. Alex whipped his snotty nose on rain as he walked, disgusted rain held him away from him and put him back on the ground.

 

“Ew, I think you can walk.”rain gave the boy a deadpan look before continuing on, putting a hand on his neck to steer him in the right direction.

 

 

After a few minutes his hand slipped away so he could have use of both. Bringing his bag around front he riffled through it. It was deep with no bottom, his hand just sank right in. Somehow the bag must have known what he was looking for as he felt cold metal slither across his skin. Pulling his hand out the necklace followed. Holding it out he offered it to Bec.

 

“Where are you guys taking us, well letting lily take us?” Rain looked at Alex, wasn't he supposed to know. This was his town after all.

 

“Mommy's place” lily said through drying sniffles. She pointed to a small run down house. Portions of the roof were gone and the windows were busted out.

 

“Bec, I think we need to talk. They can't stay here. Come you guys can stay with us, pick a inn around here and we will get you food, a set of clothes,” rain eyed the two, there brown dingy clothes smelled slightly.” And a warm bed.

 

 

 

 

 

~~~eksia~~~

 

Light shines in through the small window, turning she opened sleepy eyes to peer out the window. She was still tired and didn't wish to get up right now, but the sun was calling to her face.

 

Standing on still tired legs she headed to the door, first things first she would find the baths. Then food, she was hungry and a good meal sounded like exactly what she needed.

 

Walking out the door she wandered the halls occasionally stopping to check something out. A room that looked like it could be a bathroom or something resembling a kitchen.

 

“Hey, I see you're up already.” skybanes voice drifted from behind her making her turn. Why was he up and why did she have to run into him.

 

“Yes I'm up, it's called waking for a reason. And if you're going to disturb my peace, show me where the washroom is and the kitchen.

 

A unpleasant look passed over his face from her comment before he covered it with a smile and walked away. Waving over his shoulder for her to follow.

 

~~~dauoa~~~

 

Dauõa looked at phill then Skinner. Phill was being quiet now and dauõa didn't really want to drive. Handing the reigns off he climbed in the back and sat down next to Skinner. He was on one side of dauõa and the orb was on the other, oddly it made him feel content.

 

Reaching out he touched Skinners cheek, poking his finger into the squishy skin. When he didn't get a reaction he leaned back and layed his legs across Skinners stomach, sitting in the form of a x. Feeling the sun on his face he drifted off while phill drove. At any time he could turn and talk to him but he seemed a little preoccupied with something else.

 

After a while the position he was in started to cramp his hips. Painfully he wiggles around and laid down next to Skinner before falling alseep again. This time there was no odd dreams and the such to sort through, just blackness.

[voltage]

Phill took the reigns from dauoa and looked back at the other two who were falling asleep in the back. Phill chuckled while he looked back at the road. "Well i was paralyzed but it wasn't electricity it was like it controlled my mind and made me stop. And i thought i heard voices so i am just making a guess. I will wake you when we get there but for now rest well." Urging the horses on he continued sown the road looking back at the others every now and then. He ate the granola bar that dauoa had seemed to ignore and nibbled on it from time to time as he drove. He had no clue when the next town was but he happily continued driving them down the road.

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

Bec took the necklace from Rain and slipped it over her head. The little charm did a good job locking down whatever her form happened to be at the time. With this town having a hatred towards species that could change form, she figured keeping whatever form she was in was a good move. Bec glanced back at Rain with a shrug when they stopped in front of "mommy's house". Bec knelt back down and put her hand on Lily's shoulder, "Sweety, lets go find a Inn. I belive you two deserve a nice place to sleep and a hot meal" she said gently, taking the girl's hand and leading her back towards the businesses near the center of town.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

Despite David being exhausted, he did not fall asleep right away. Shortly after he had gotten settled, his door cracked open and the woman that took their horse was standing in the doorway. David wasn't going to deny her and it was the first time since he woke up in Nalom that he didn't have to sleep alone.

 

In the morning the woman, Ibex, was gone. Off to do her duties around the camp no doubt. David sat on the edge of his bed, nude and still sleepy. He figured now was as good a time as any to get his day started. He rose and started to get dressed.

 

After David washed his face, he headed towards the smell of food. He was starved and he assumed he would run into Eskia. He stopped by her room to check on her but found it empty.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

An unknown amount of time passed by the time Skinner sat up. Sometime during the ride, Daoua had thrown his arm across Skinner's stomach and had his face buried against his shoulder. He gently moved the boy and looked around at their surroundings.

 

Skinner stepped over the driver's bench and took a seat next to Phill with a yawn, "How long was I out" he asked, his words blending from grogginess. It felt like he could sleep for another week. By the end of their journey, he might need to.

 

Not long after Skinner woke up, a cluster of small buildings appeared on the horizon. They passed a hanging wooden sign as they passed under an archway that read "Sweetville". Skinner thought that this town was puny compared to other villages surrounding New Mesa. He was pretty sure that he could already see the opposite end of the town as they pulled in.

 

The party stopped at a stable and handed off their wagon to be tended to by a chipper stablehand. Skinner stretched his back and groaned. He already missed his bed. He clapped his hands together, "Alright, lets resupply on perishables and medical supplies. It would also be nice if we could find a map of the region." he announced to the other two. They would rest in Sweetville for the night and be back on the road in the morning. Skinner desperately wanted a bed and a real meal. All his years in Nalom had made him grow intolerant to life on the road.

Edited April 27, 2017 by padfoot

[Acornia]

~~~rain~~~

 

Rains heart broke again as lily lead them to a run down place, apparently it was there home. Looking at it though it wasn't a home, it was a run down, broken down skeleton of a place with positive memories.

 

"Sweety, lets go find a Inn. I believe you two deserve a nice place to sleep and a hot meal" Bec said softly to the girl. She must have felt about how rain was feeling now. Pity and sorrow for the two. It was another reminder that Bec was a person and not a thing, that no matter what form she took, no matter what her appearance was she was still Bec.

 

Rain turned back following the group. Lily looked like she had no idea what Bec was talking about. But then again she was 4 or 5 she probably didn't know what a in was. And Alex was looking more tired the longer they walked, starved and poor tends to sap the energy out of people, more so for children.

 

Biting the bullet again he picked the snotty kid up and sniffed around. Taking the lead he followed his nose to a place with a lot of food and people. A small bar and in called Talia’s bar.

 

Stepping through the door he held it open for bec and Lily, the smaller one tripping slightly over the step up. Rain about dropped Alex to catch lily, settling the both inside safely. Once inside he walked to a dingy counter, the few occupants giving them stern looks.

 

“Room please, two beds.” turning back to Bec he smiled playing the part of good husband while the waiter shuffled around and pulled out a book and keys.

 

Scribbling something down she passed over two keys, “room 7 second floor” rain took them and started for a set of stairs in the corner.

 

“Let's get the kids up and cleaned, then food and then to bed.” Already rain was feeling a attachment to the two. He had never had kids but he had pictured himself with them. Taking care of these two had his father instincts kicking in. He wondered if it was the same for Bec.

 

Upstairs in their room he set Alex down to explore, he hoped to find a bathroom attached to the room. Unfortunately luck was not on his side. He would have to ask when he went to get food.

 

“Ok guys, stay here with Bec, I'll make a food run and ask about clothes. The stuff we have may be too big.” smiling again he ruffled Lily's hair and squeezed Alex's shoulder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~eskia~~~

 

Eskia​ followed grumbling under breath about the look of the place. Her mood only brightening when she could hear water running. Steam poured from a open door, the room over a natural hot spring it looked like. Smart move on there part. Looking around there wasn't a label to tell which bath was what.

 

“Do you not have separate baths” tagging sky with her gaze she raised a eyebrow in question.

 

“Nope, it's shared. Don't worry no one will bother you unless you want them to. Specially after your apparent performance yesterday.” Sky shrugged his shoulders following her in.

 

“Hm, fine I don't care.” Eskia started to strip her cloths off. Standing nude she glanced at sky, there was a odd look in his eyes. She had never labeled herself as ugly, but she definitely didn't label herself as pretty either. With his gaze it was hard to tell. It wavered, a miss between fascination and curiosity.

 

Looking back to the steaming water she jumped in, the pool ending up over her head. Sputtering when she came back up she glared at sky's laughter.

 

“Really, then you jump in you giant lard “ eskia smiled at sky, the playful mirth in her voice calling to sky.

 

~~~Dauoa~~~

 

Sometime during the ride he felt Skinner move, shifting his body as he vacated the spot next to him. With the warmth gone he rolled over to find something else to cling to. Grabbing the nearest object he wrapped his arms around the clothed orb from earlier. Before falling back to sleep.

 

--

 

Sometime later dauõa was shaken away but the stopping of the cart. Rolling to a sitting position he yawned as he scooted to the end, it was apparent that he would be walking as skinner and Phill handed the reins off to someone.

 

Snatching a bag he tucked the order inside quickly. Glancing around he looked to see if anyone had noticed before walking over to Skinner and Phill.

 

"Alright, let's resupply on perishables and medical supplies. It would also be nice if we could find a map of the region."Skinner clapped his hands as he called off what they needed. He wasn't sure why they needed medicine if he could heal but it was Skinners choice.

 

Smiling he nodded, ready to get away for a little while if Skinner would let him go. “I'll get the map.” Figuring that that would take longer to find he turned to take off. Finally some alone time, time he could use to look at the orb.

[voltage]

Phill had been driving for quite a while and could tell they were getting close to a town. He was about to wake skinner up but just as he began to turn to do so skinner moved up beside him. Skinner asked him how long he had been asleep and honestly phill wasn't too sure. "Not too long but maybe three hours or four? I can't be too certain." Getting out of the wagon he let the stableman take the reigns and watched as dauoa got out of the wagon as well. Phill thought that dauoa may be better off sticking with someone just to make sure nothing bad happened but he didn't want to say anything deciding if skinner trusted him there was no reason for him not to. He stretched happy to be able to stand again after that little bit of a ride enjoying ground more than the wagon. He grabbed his bag from the back and looked between the other two. "So medicine, food, and a map if possible, anything else that may be a possibility?"

[padfoot]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bec

 

Bec, on the other hand, did not posses the same parental instincts Rain had. Of course, some of her forms are more motherly than others but as a whole she would not call herself that. She only wanted to help the children because it felt like the right thing to do. Even if these children lashed out at Bec just an hour before, she was able to understand that it was out of fear, not hatred.

 

Bec played along with Rain's married couple act and was pleased that it worked smoothly. She followed the kitsune's two tails up the stairs. Their room was sparse and clearly meant for short stays. Rain discovered they did not have a bathroom and Bec sat across from the kids on the opposite bed. She huffed in frustration, still wearing the round sunglasses she changed with. rain announced he was going to ask about food and clothing and Bec waved goodbye. It wasn't until the door shut did she realize she would be left alone with the kids. "Wait! I don't know how to handle..." he called after him, quickly realizing that he was long gone, "-kids".

 

Bec tapped on her legs and looked around the empty room for the dozenth time. The siblings sat on the opposite bed, watching her and expecting her to do something. Both children were tense. Bec rolled her eyes behind her sunglasses and stood up, 'Alright. You two wanna see a trick" she asked, pulling her necklace over her head and setting it beside her on the bed, "But you gotta promise not to tell anyone anything I'm about to tell you. It's super secret". She knelt in front of the two children and looked at them both.

 

Once they promised to keep her secret she began, "Alright, both of you think of something that makes you happy. It could be anything. A sunny day, your brother, your favorite food. Whatever it is, hold on to it and close your eyes" she instructed, usning as much wonder in her voice as she could. Bec really wanted to show these kids that she was not whatever shapechanger that hurt their town.

 

Bec didn't mean too.

 

Looking back, it was obvious what would happen.

 

She just wanted to be good.

 

Bec changed into the mother of Alex and Lily.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~David

 

As David approached the mess hall, he noticed a small group of men gathering near the firepit. David stopped walking when he noticed Alduin at the head of the group. All eyes were on him. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end at the inkling that something big was happening.

 

Completely forgetting about food for the time being, David changed his course to walk right up to the group of men. As he got closer, one on the outermost ring turned to block his path.

 

"Where do you think your going?" he snarled. David didn't answer, he just smiled when he caught Alduin's eye in the group.

 

"Relax Relax! This is David, one of the newest. Him and his partner are responsible for the interruption during yesterday's raid" Alduin said, pulling David into the group, "We were just discussing the plans for the next one"

 

Now that David was closer, he could see the map of the region spread out over two benches. That's what the men were gathering around.

 

"We were trying to see where we were going to hit next." he said, "We have teams going here, here and here." He pointed to a small cluster of villages in the south of their position. the wheels in David's head started to turn.

 

"What if you sent a party here" he said, pointing to a sizeable settlement in the east, "Think about it, If you keep hitting close to home, people are going to figure out where you live. You gotta take a risk sometime. Throw the law off your trail a bit"

 

The group was silent, looking at David with a mix of confusion and anger. It was Alduin that broke the silence. He was laughing. Their leader making a joyous sound like that defused the tension in the group.

 

"I like your style David. How about you head that way with that group" he said, circling the town with a ink pen, "I hope your right about this"

 

David smiled and nodded. What he wasn't saying was the east is where the goal of their journey lies.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Skinner

 

"Alright, lets go have a look around" Skinner said, leading the way into the town.

 

Despite the small size of the village, it was surprisingly active. Residents flitted from shop to shop or chatted with on another in the street. Children ran around in some kind of unknown game. Things seemed normal until they stepped into the first shop.

 

"Welcome travelers! How may we be of service." The woman behind the counter called with a smile as they entered. The sign outside said this was a grocery but once inside it was clear that they sold a little of everything. Skinner stepped to the counter and started to go over their list of supplies. She entertained each request with a summary on how her wares were the best in the village.

 

"So, are you planning on staying?" the woman asked, batting her eyelashes at Skinner.

"No, we are just passing through for supplies." the doctor replied, counting out coin to pay for the goods.

"Well if you leave you'll miss the festival"

Festival?"

"oh yeah, the blueberry festival. It is a big deal is Sweetville. You and your friends must stay"

 

Skinner glanced back at Daoua and Phill. They had been traveling for quite some time and a break would be nice for moral. He turned back to the shopkeeper, "Sure. We can stick around for another day. Is there a decent Inn close by" he asked to beaming woman.

"of course. Darli's has the best pancakes in the region. You must stay there" she suggested enthusiastically.

 

Skinner thanked the woman and gathered his bag, "Thank you for your help. I suppose I'll see you at the festival tonight?" he asked.

The woman giggled and nodded.

 

Once outside, skinner faced his two friends, "So change of plans. There is a festival happening tonight so I figured we could sure some fun." he announced, open to other ideas, "Maybe you guys could get groomed properly" he said, lifting a strand of Phill's long hair and letting it fall.

Edited May 2, 2017 by padfoot

[Acornia]

~~~rain~~~

 

Rain treaded down the steps and into the main lobby area. The smell of fresh food drifting through a door in the back drawing his attention that way. This was what he came for, the food way a part of the fee with the room.

 

Stepping through it didn't take him long before he had two heaping plates and was making his way back up to their rooms. As he neared the door he heard crying coming from the other side.

 

What did she do!

 

He had gotten them quiet and left for, what ten minutes and already they were crying. For some reason he had thought that bec would have been the one who was better with the kids. However that wasn't the case when he got the door open.

 

Alex sat in the corner of the room crying with a snarl in place. Lily was tucked safely into his stomach crying and screaming, she wouldn't even look at rain as he brought the food in.

 

“What did you do?” All he had to do was look at bec when his eyes finally found her. He could tell, she was a tall beautiful woman with dark skin and flowing red hair. She was the spitting image of a older lily, glancing at the two in the corner he could guess at who she was.

 

“Get her away from us!” Alex growled through clenched teeth. “Mommy, mommy no.” Lily cried from her spot in Alex's stomach. Slowly rain walked over, setting the food down he went to lily and lifted her trembling form into his arms. Reaching over he pulled Alex to him as he continued to cry and bare his teeth at bec.

 

“ALEX, STOP”

 

Edging the kids to the bed he sat lily down and held both of their shoulders firmly. He was going to get them to like Bec one way or another.

 

“Bec do you want to hand them their food?” he asked in a quieter, gentler voice.

 

 

 

 

~~~eskia~~~

 

 

After bathing she had gone to eat, the smell of warm food lead her through the halls. Even skybane was content to just follow her as she walked. Rounding a corner she popped into a large open area with a fire pit.

 

David was a little way off with a group talking about something. At first her priority was getting food but after fighting with someone over a stick some kind of meat she returned to David side, happily munching on it. “ So what are we doing today.”

 

Skybane followed close behind with a ear in the conversation. He wouldn't let eskia out of his sight, so wherever they went he would to. “Hey count me in, I don't know what we're doing but I'm going if she does.”

 

With a brow raised she glanced back before turning once again to David. Was this stupid pegasus centaur going to follow her everywhere?

 

 

 

 

 

~~~dauoa~~~

 

 

Get groomed? He had thought that other than his hair he looked ok. It was in his favor to keep himself looking good as most towns he goes to it's his look and status that gets him what he wants. Thinking on it it's surprising that skinner hadn't commented on it yet.

 

As dauõa had followed Skinner through town he had stopped occasionally to talk someone into giving him stuff. Already he had a few apples and a book that looked interesting, and he kept collecting more as he went.

 

“ Alright well I'm off to find someone to groom me then.” Turning from the two he was ready to leave and explore the small town. Which had a odd name, wonder if who ever came up with it likes candy. Wandering away from the two he slowed down to check out the different buildings as he went, he didn't want Skinner to notice the orb and the best way was to act normal.

Edited May 3, 2017 by Acornia