Ruins of Innocence

[Cynergi]

Perrine would tell me to make the next town if I didn't intent to turn back. The town was a safer option at this point as I would be less exposed than remaining out here. Short on supplies and still weary from travel I would be easy prey for any number of thieves along the road home. Gathering my strength I straighten myself up as best I can and head back to the road. The wind had definitely shifted back in the direction of the town and that is, with all determination, where I was going to go. I take a few moments to look around and listen. My ears turning this way and that for any sound of those slaugs. Hearing nothing of note I pull my hood over my head and resume my travels towards the town and some measure of safety. Once again concealed by my cloak I pay little heed to the strange human. He didn't seem to be heading my way when I first encountered him so I assumed our encounter would end where it was.

(you are going to find her somewhat difficult to deal with from here. Just in her character)

[Draven Alcanis]

Sethis:  "You're welcome," I muttered as the female walked away from me, continuing on the road towards the trade town Nyxis and I had left only a day earlier.
"Arrogant little bitch, isn't she," my unseen companion remarked, her head poking out of my shadow a little.
"More than a little.  Take on your other form and perhaps we might be able to keep a better eye on her, or at least give her a sense of ease...Strength in numbers..."
"Three?" she said, having completed the transformation in seconds.
"Better than one," I told her, giving a slight smile and looking over at her a moment before following the horned woman.  There was little point to catching up and walking along side of her, so we kept a distance of twenty feet, not bothering to make any further attempts at conversation, but keeping an eye out for further trouble non the less.  The slight tugging sensation returned, but it still seemed tied to the traveler ahead, and again, the reason was still not obvious to either Nyxis or myself...

[Cynergi]

I didn't have to look back to know that I was being followed. For whatever reason this human was being persistent and I had to wonder why, but I follow the wind and the wind says to head towards the town. After what just happened back there I feel compelled not to argue. The rest of the journey went by without further incident and I was thanking Karea herself for that as the town finally came into view. Dusk was falling now and the swagger in my step earlier had faltered badly. Now I was just plain tired and ready to find a bed to crawl into. Even in a strange place like this any bed was better than sleeping on the ground. I needed supplies and rest. I stop in my tracks turning to look over my shoulder. Yep. The human.....and now someone else was still following me though at some distance. Had to shake my head. Not at them, so much, as at the sleep wanting to drift over my eyes. Had another issue too. Hungry and fresh out of food. I had no idea how I would be met in this town. Unicorns, I would assume, are not a normal site even here on the borders of the Northern Plains. Turning back to view the town (I don't know the layout) I quickly look about for an inn or even a Tavern.....

[HossTheStallion]

The sound of hammers rang much like bells, filling the halls of the local temple of Zaharr. There was the usual bustle of those visiting the local shops, as the temples themselves usually were positioned in the center of towns. This often led to the little grouping around the blacksmith's anvils, as there was always the curious or fascinated crowds that watched them work. This was as much a recruitment strategy as marketing, this let to see the time and work that went into each and every piece of metal-work as well as the life lived by those followers of Zaharr. Cerek sat at his forge, with the usual crowd of children and teenagers with a speckling of some of the town guard around him. However he was not one to notice, he entertained them enough to not shoo them away but his mind was always focused on the task at hand. His hammer fell with a distinct ringing, his great strength always making his particular strikes distinguishable among the others. However this eye wincing shriek of metal on metal never drove away the crowd before him, they always stared in wonder of his work. Upon his well worn anvil lay the newest bit of metal, held in place by his own hand. He struck with each swing of his hammer being as calculated and precise as one who had done it several thousand times before, some of the smaller children craning their necks to try and get a look at what that strike had done. It was nothing special however,merely the finishing blow on a training sword meant for the town guard. It was a flat piece of work, the edges dull as could be. However there was still the ooo's of the crowd as he dropped the blade into a barrel of water, the hissing of cool water on searing hot metal fading as fast as it was heard.

"Disseer, tell your captain I will have this batch done in a few days time." Spoke the stallion, casting his gaze to a nearby cat clad in the reddish armor of the town guard. Picking up a well used rag and starting to wipe away the soot and oil that was smeared on his metallic hands.

"Thank you ForgeMaster, there has apparently been an increase of raider attacks around the town and I am sure the Captain would be glad to hear it. Good news is at best a rarity, but we set out tomorrow to see if we can deal with it."

There was a small pause as the cat dealt with a few whispers from the other guards standing with him, the nervous feline taking a moment for what seemed a time to get his thoughts together as he teammates urged him forward.

"ForgeMaster, if there is one more thing..."

The stallion lifted his head, turning his gaze to the guard as he was pulling another ingot of iron from his back storage.

"What is it Disseer?"

"Well, ForgeMaster, we were wondering if you had anything that might, well, give us a bit of an edge." The cat asked, his eyes seeming to having trouble staying in contact with Cerek's.

After a silent moment, the stallion nodded and disappeared once more into his back storage room. After several minutes of rummaging around, Cerek finally appeared with a medium crate in his hands. Setting it down upon his anvil, the horse prized off the top and held up a shirt of white stained chainmail.

"Here, take these. Made of White-Steel, a steel worked and tempered several times over. Put this on under your armor and it should give you a buffer in case they get through your armor. Wouldn't want you dying out there, or else the crowd around my forge would get smaller." He gave a small laugh as he watched their faces light up like children given a sweet, putting the top back on the crate as a pair of the guards took it.

"Now, there are only about 20 there. They were for one of the Houses, but I am sure there head will understand that caravans get raided." He nodded, giving the three of them the Sign of the Aquila as they walked away. Returning to the ingot he had before taken ahold of, and pushing it into the glowing coals of his forge.

[Draven Alcanis]

Sethis:  I noted the slackening of the females pace as we neared the trade town ahead, the fall of dusk giving a soothing peaceful sense to both Nyxis and I.  Quickening our pace a little, I caught up to the equinesque woman and gently touched her shoulder.
"There's a travelers hostel just inside the edge of town here.  I'll show you where it is," I said, taking a slight lead, and going along the left side of the street as we stepped onto it.  Most of the town had dirt streets, until one got closer to the center.  While only a town of perhaps a thousand people, the center was notable for more than just the mayors residence, but also a temple smithy to the god of Fire, Zaharr.  Most of the other business's were drawn up around it, the buildings by far better built and cared for than those on the outskirts, except for the taverns, Inns, and the travelers hostel, run by low ranking clerics of Tu'alla.

A single level building that sprawled a total of twelve acres; it included a large stable, a sleeping hall and dining area as well as a small temple section where travelers could pray and receive healing services.  More often used by travelers who had little to no coin, or kingdom messengers, it was open to all and had wards to prevent violence from breaking out amongst the guests.  Where possible a small donation was asked, but not required.

Situated right next to the main road leading into the city, it would be easy enough to go to the markets in the morning.  Going up to the double doors that led to the courtyard, I knocked lightly, stepping back when I heard the sounds of footsteps on the other side, followed by the wooden bar being slid back.
The gate opened and an elderly badger in a white robe trimmed with gold and silver, peered out at us, small round spectacles perched on the end of his nose.
"Yes?" He asked, voice deep and resonant, eyes alight with interest.
"Travelers weary from the road, Elder," I said respectfully, bowing my head a moment and touching my forehead.  "The ladies are weary from the road and need rest, food, and shelter if you are able to provide it...Please..."
As I spoke, I withdrew a small pouch of coins from a hidden pocket in my vest, and offering it to the priest.  He took it and one eyebrow rose slightly as he noted the weight within, taking a second to pull open the strings and see the three gold sovereigns, and collection of silver pieces within.

"Weary travelers are always welcome, and your contributions appreciated," he replied, bowing a little as well and opening the door further to allow us entry.  I turned to see if the armored female was still with us or if she had gone off on her own...

[Cynergi]

I had stooped short upon hearing the sounds of a Blacksmith's forge. Turning, if only briefly, to look into the building to see several people standing there. Mostly likely engaged in business. My mind wanders in this time back to days long past. The thoughts of youth and family. Penny Falls had one of many blacksmiths in the Northern plains, but one in particular. An old Griffon by the name of Balius ran the forge in the center of the city. His was the finest steel in the land and he was a master in his craft. Balius was a kind of "Adopted Father" to Perrine and her mentor in all things war. He taught her to fight and the meaning of honor. To me he had been like an uncle. We, Perrine and I, would spend hours working diligently in his shop helping him and listening to wonderful stories of Balius' glory days. There I stood, in the middle of the street staring at the figures in the forge's warm glow, missing home and friends. It was not until the human touched my shoulder that the images were finally cast aside and reality set back in. Half dazed and every sleepy I merely turn without a word to follow the human. This day has proven to be the most interesting so far and left me wondering if this wasn't even the worst of whatever comes my way. Time would be the only answer to that question.

A slight falter in my step I, otherwise, remain composed under the heavy brown cloak silently following my "companion" further along the road. It was a rather old looking in, but still quaint in it's own way. Most inns faired only slightly better from what I had seen around the towns that surrounded Penny Falls and this was, after all, a border town and thus heavily traveled. I sort of focused on the new face in our tiny group. Some odd looking woman who had suddenly appeared. Where had this one come from? Had she been following him or me? I put it out of my mind. She hadn't spoken or, at least, had not spoken to me and that seemed suitable for now. I did not know her nor she I. Hooves clacking loudly on the old wooden floors as I find myself inside now. I could have moved silently, but my focus had waned badly in the last hour or so and I was not concerned with it. Bed. I just wanted to find someplace to lie down and I didn't really care where. I head up the steps and stumble lightly into the first open door dropping my pack and the staff. Coming back into the waking world only a little as my hand goes to Elder Edge's handle and the small silver buckle that held the belt around my waist. Should I? Wearing this thing to bed would be awkward and I would have to keep the armor on......sighing I pull the cloak off then fumble with the buckle until it finally gives allowing me to lay the blade, in it's scabbard, on the bed quietly. The sword looked completely normal. As if no other blade in the this word differed from it even slightly. The clasps for the armor are proving to be somewhat difficult to undo. I simply cannot focus enough to make this simple task simple.

[Draven Alcanis]

Sethis:  The old badger led us inside and towards the dorms set aside for travelers.
"Go with the female and make sure she at least falls asleep, Nyxis," I sent silently to my companion.  She raised an eyebrow as she glanced at me but nodded after a moment, following the woman as I turned to enter a room across the hall.
There were no real doors, only curtains across the doorways allowing for a small amount of privacy.  Pulling off my boots, I set them by the bed and then pulled my dagger from its sheath placing it in the shadows of my body as I laid down.  I was exhausted, not in a physical sense, but mentally, my mind screaming for rest from the tension I had felt since the encounter with the Grelisalfar.  Taking a deep breath, I waited for the embrace of sleep to come, but found a void of stars behind my eyelids instead...

Nyxis:  I follow the female as asked, pausing at the doorway to her room and noting that she seemed to be the worse for wear on her journey.  The fact that her hands seemed to tremble and fumble with the buckles of her cloak and sword belt, were clear indication of that.
"Do you need assistance with your armor, M'Lady?" I inquired, voice soft, soothing and respectful.  My expression calm and compassionate with the hint of a smile.  "Your nerves must be shot with the stress of today's events.."

[Cynergi]

"hmm..." Turning to face the odd female human behind me. "No." Shaking my head and just standing there for a moment. Not exactly wearing anything under that armor and certainly not going to show myself off to someone I didn't know.

(Don't wanna get too far ahead of Hoss)

[Draven Alcanis]

Nyxis:  I nodded a little before turning away without another word, entering Sethis's room.  Though I had always been close to him, it was rare when we spent a night or even a full day in the open together.  Seeing that he had already lain down on the cot against one wall, I smiled a little, taking in the peaceful expression on his face, something that was all too rare now days.  Sending reassuring thoughts to him as I sat down on the cot beside him, I gently caressed his cheek, a warmth flowing through me that had only happened a few times before.  Sethis shifted a little and made room for me next to him, and I laid down, my smile growing as I felt one of his arms slide over to be draped along my side.

Sleep wasn't something I required, but a form of rest was still much welcome.  Taking his left hand in my right, I held onto it gently, letting my eyes close so I might share his dreams...

***

Sethis:  ...I woke to the ringing of bells, and the sounds of the hammers from the forges of Zaharr sounding not only from the works being done, but also in cadence to the morning hyms.  The sounds of voices carrying the masculine hymns was just barely audible above it.

Letting the rhythms waken me slowly, I became aware of Nyxis laying next to me, her chest rising and falling slowly, more out of habit than need.  Even knowing what her nature is, what she really was, there were moments where I could almost forget all of that and desired to just have a simple life with her...Something that was far from possible.  Sighing, I opened my eyes, taking in the early morning light and the promise of a new day ahead.
"Well?" She asked, turning to look at me, a warm smile greeting me.
"Well...what?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
"What's the plan for today?"

Closing my eyes, I took another deep breath, then slowly climbed over Nyxis and too my feet, stretching a little.
"Depends on what the other female is planning to do," I told her, glancing towards the corridor and frowning.
"Is she really that important?"
"I don't know, but my intuition says she is.  For what reasons, I cannot say.  Our other main concern is the raiding party we saw yesterday...they need to be dealt with," I told Nyxis as she sat up, allowing me to reach my dagger and sheath it.

"We can deal with the leader...but its followers...it would take us far too long and by the time we dealt with them.." She shook her head, grimacing at the thought of just how many raiders might be under the control of the Grelisalfar.  I nodded in agreement, heading to the window and looking up the street towards the fire temple and the forges.  "Not to mention better weapons and some armor," she added, reading my thoughts.

"That's if we-"
"-Have enough?" she finished, amusement and pride mingling in the tone she used.  I looked at her with a quizzical expression on my face that quickly changed to one of surprise as I noted the melon sized leather pouch she was holding.  She moved it slightly and the sound of coins gently clinking reached my ears.
"How?"
"You didn't think I just disposed of those thugs without thinking of how you were going to afford you next meal?" she asked nonchalantly, her smile broadening.  I thought about it and in truth, it wasn't that much surprising, after five years traveling the length and breadth of the kingdom.  More than enough fights had happened, and not a few had died, either directly, or indirectly from confrontations with Nyxis and I.

"My thanks for the forethought," I told her, bowing my head respectfully.
"Don't mention it.  Just means that you owe me dinner sometime," she replied, using an expression we had overheard.  "Think there's enough here for what you need?"
"More than enough I'm guessing.  Shall we see about breakfast and whether our companion is awake?"  I said with a grin, offering a hand to help Nyxis up.  Her smile broadened and she took my hand as we left the room...

[Cynergi]

It took several tries, but that armor finally came off. Rooting around in my pack I find several comfortable garments to slip into. I figure it is best to keep the blade with me for the night so it is going under the covers along with myself. I silently cast a simple ward spell. One I learned as a young girl long ago and one I have been using. Simply meant to alert me should someone enter the room without permission. Can't be too careful in a strange town filled with strange people. Sleep is not far off and I am out within a few minutes. To sleep and, perchance, to dream. Until morning......

I wake with a slight groggy feeling. God how I needed a bath. I had to stink like heck right about now. Noting that I quickly vanish into what appeared to be a bathing room. There was no one there just yet so I do my best to make it fast so I can get dry and get dressed. With that done it was back into my armor and cloak. With the sword safely strapped to my side and my pack and staff on my back I ready myself to head out again. Time to get some fresh supplies and make my way further south. I emerged from the room just in time to see the human and his......had she been staying in his room with him?

[Draven Alcanis]

Sethis:  I smiled slightly as I noted the equine female was also up and about, apparently ready for the day ahead since all of her gear was in place.
"Good Morn, M'Lady," I said in greeting, bowing my head respectfully.  "I hope that you are feeling better after a nights rest?  By the way...My name is Sethis, and my companion is Nyxis."
"Good morn," my companion said, giving a slight curtsy and bow of her head as well as I introduced her.  Her smile was warm and compassionate.  Many a male and not a few females had felt their heart quicken at it, but I doubt that would be the case here.
"Careful, we don't want to frighten her off," I sent silently, keeping my eyes on the woman before us.  Nyxis said nothing, but I felt her acknowledgement...

[Cynergi]

Didn't know what to say really. I was supposed to travel the world and learn all I could about the lands and cultures that surrounded the Northern Plains and my home of Penny Falls. I understood that, at some point, in my travels I would have to rely on others I met for any number of reasons. After yesterday it was somewhat apparent that this strange human and his odd companion had honestly meant no harm. Still I had reserves about openly trusting anyone at this time. So many years spent within my homeland had left me with uncertainties about those from other lands such as this. And that group yesterday.....

"Elita" once again sounding way more timid than I had sounded in my head.

I was refraining from taking up too much of their time. I had no idea what plans these two may have had for the day. I still needed to buy fresh supplies and visit the local Temple. I merely pass them a somewhat awkward glance as I begin making my way out.

"Sorry. I must find Temple and supplies.......uhm....good morn to you and good day."

Sounded like I was scared out of my mind. Meeting new people was harder than I thought. I wasn't trying to blow them off, but I just didn't know what top say or do without looking and sounding like some shy child at this point. Making my way outside I already find myself lost so I just follow the flow of people who seem to be headed for the center of the town.........

[Draven Alcanis]

Sethis:  "And I thought you were shy," Nyxis remarked, watching the female depart and shaking her head slightly.
"Regular cup full of cheer that one," I said, nodding in regards to my companions comment.  "Well...might as well follow her.  The only temple in town is that of Zaharr, and we'd be going there regardless..."
Nyxis shrugged and, giving a mischievous grin, took my arm in hers as we started to leave the travelers hostel...

...Barely a block away from the travelers way station where we had spent the night, I felt the familiar tugging sensation, only it was different now.   Pausing for only a moment, I closed my eyes and concentrated, eventually becoming aware of a second 'thread' drawing me forward.  The first from the equine woman was still there, though not as insistent for some reason, but the second was even stronger, as if linked to a being who's essence was equally strong.  Or perhaps their will.  Again, I wondered who it was, and why we were being drawn to them.

The market was just starting to gain a bit of life to it, the vendors just finishing setting up their stalls for the day.  Bypassing them, I headed for the forges dotting the exterior of the temple to Zaharr, looking from one of the cleric smiths to another, trying to determine just who it was that I was supposed to encounter.

Coming around the side of the temple, I paused again as I felt the pull strengthen, but it was at a forge that contained quite a crowd of people surrounding it, the rhythmic ringing of hammer against anvil sounding clear in the early morning air.  Carefully moving through the crowd, I emerged to one side of the forge's entrance, seeing another equine humanoid tending it, bearing the rune engraved iron forearms of the temple forge masters...

[Cynergi]

A lamenting sigh as I wondered about for a bit, but found no temple or even a shrine to Karea. Different region different god. The only temple around here was to the God Zaharr. Karea's younger "brother" so to speak and not a wise idea for me to pray to if I sought Karea's favor. Mother would be so displeased with me. Why does that bring a smile? Trying not to favor the thought any further I turn my attention to the market place. Making a list in my head of what I will need to buy for the days ahead. A map should be highest on that list. The one I have is only of the Northern Plains. This region is far different than my homeland and I fear getting lost. A map would be of utmost importance. I wonder who here would have one? In my wandering and wondering I find myself right back in front of the Blacksmith's shop again. With yet another sigh I realize I am going to need some assistance with matters at hand. Not far ahead a crowd seems to be gathering in front of a shop. My own curiosity piqued at the moment I wander over to see just what the commotion is all about. There I see the human again and go to stand near him trying to look over the crowd of gathering people while trying to keep from being noticed too much.

[HossTheStallion]

Cerek stood before his forge, hammering away at another piece of iron as was his daily ritual. His eyes flitting up to look at the crowd that once more gathered before his forge, before returning to his work that lay before it. It was the latest order for the temple from one of the Bannoran Houses, a head of house wished for their son to have a ceremonial sword for events. It was to be a simple iron blade, with the hilt and guard of shaped gold silver. As beautiful as it could be, it was just as simple piece of work. Nothing special about it, it in itself was nothing more then bent and flattened metal. It served no purpose but to hang from a young boys side, to be admired but never used. It was something Cerek did not like, something without a purpose. Not meant to protect, not meant to slay. It just was.

His hammer fell upon the iron blade in a steady rhythm, sparks flying as metal struck metal. His hand pinning the forming blade to his anvil while the work went on, the stallion paying little attention to the eye upon him until he threw the blade into the water barrel. He needed to let the iron temper, also to address the crowd before him.

"Welcome to the temple of Zaharr, those new and those that have been here for longer then need be. I am Cerek, one of three resident ForgeMasters. If you have any questions, or have any work orders to place. Please see the head of the temple."

With that he gave a curt nod to the crowd before pulling the blade in progress from the water, thrusting the iron into the blazing coal that was his forge. Letting it set for a time as he moved to his back store room, returning in a few minutes time with thin strips of gold and silver. The were far too fragile to set directly into the heat, he preferred them in solid state after all.  Setting the strips along the edge of the burning forge as he plucked the blade from it's fiery rest. Pinning it once more to his anvil as he hammered out the edges this time, for soon after the grinding wheel would get its turn at this piece of iron. Tossing it once more into water before taking a small break, a respite from the heat and hammer.