Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2017 12:57 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

At the news that safe travel was suddenly free, Synthesis nodded with zeal. When they got back to civilisation, she would gladly beg and scrounge on the streets night and day to bring in the money for a feast for all three of them! Just the thought of being safe in a tavern or a restaurant was both bewitching and alluring.
"Perhaps," she chipped in, keen to get going, "We can cremate the bodies. If we pile them close together and cover them up with leaves like you say, I've got a tinderbox. We'd just need to monitor it carefully so we don't start a forest fire."
She had forgotten temporarily about how peaceful she found the forest, how much warning she could get of danger from the trees and how she had been able to get by just fine for two days using just her new, weak knowledge of Druidism and the guide of an aged book on edible plants and magical theory. She was more self-sufficient than she realised; the only issue was that she lacked the confidence and had no nerve in the face of conflict. She would undoubtedly be like a lamb to the slaughter if anyone hostile got hold of her. But if she could have thought without fear, she might find herself able to evade capture very well.
It was for the best that they left now, however, as Synthesis would be battling nightmares for a few nights coming and wanted to be as far away from this spot as possible while she came to terms with everything she had just witnessed. Never in her life had she ever been so aware of her own mortality as she had in the last thirty minutes. She would come through this stronger… but for a small time, the damage to her psyche was done. It would be quite some time before she learned not to depend upon the strength of others for a feeling of safety.
She then looked back to Hakon. She woman looked like she was somewhere completely different, her eyes glazed in deep and troubled thought.
"Hakon?" She asked, beyond the stage of panicking any more, but still greatly concerned. A part of her wished that the other would just admit to being ill and allow herself to be helped. She wasn't fooling anyone anymore, although she'd got away with it beautifully at first, and whatever she asked for, Synthesis would only be too happy to give. She probably owed Hakon her life. For that she would be eternally grateful.
"Harkon! Myouga has asked you a question. And I'd like to know if you're okay too." She ventured to poke the woman on the sholder that wasn't just wounded.

Author: Hanaoni, Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:58 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Myouga squinted her eyes as she contemplated the girl's offering. "Hmm… I don't need any herbs or money. I was kinda hoping one of you'd treat me to something delicious at the nearest eating establishment, buuuut I guess that's what I get for asking. You know what, I'll make the first teleport free of charge! Though for the second trip you'd better give me food." She wasn't even sure if they fully understood what she meant when she said she could take them anywhere. If they really wanted to, she could send them all to the nearest tavern or as far as the next continent. Her mouth formed a small frown when the younger girl, who referred herself as 'Synthesis', said they didn't have any shovels.

"…Oh. I thought you two had a shovel or something, because I don't. Hmm, well this is awkward. I guess there goes that idea then. You know what, I'm sure if we pile them up and cover them with leaves it'll be more or less the same thing. I mean they can't blame you for not having the tools on hand in case you killed some bandits in self-defense." It was better than nothing, anyway. Now if they really wanted to disrespect the dead, they could loot the bodies and strip them bare without leaving them a shred of decency. But Myouga was a scholar not a plunderer, so she had no interest in desecrating corpses.

With that train of thought settled, the arcanist put her hands on her hips and beamed proudly. "I am Myouga Ryou, the esteemed arcanist and graduate of the illustrious Mage College of Iria! But you may call me Myouga." Standing on the tips of her toes, she looked at the warrior woman in the back. "Hey, you alright over there? You'd better not be fainting from blood loss or anything!"

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 1:45 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Hakon simply stared at the sprite-like child as the two girls conversed, still gripping her shoulder painfully. She could heal but with the newly formed nerves, she would remain in pain for approximately the same amount of time it would take the wound to completely heal. Hakon couldn't help but feel highly unnerved by all this, that flash of light and the ease at which this little girl spoke of death… Perhaps it reminded her vaguely of herself, but for the fact that this little woodland nymph, persay, seemed to find amusement in it all.

Tilting her head upward, she allowed her gaze to wander to the fallen men, watching the blood begin to coagulate upon the ground. She couldn't remember ever learning how to fight. But she had fought a thousand battles before, far better equipped and in far worse circumstances. But when? Where? Why couldn't she remember- UGH-!

Hakon briefly grasped her forehead, wincing in pain. Another memory- she felt the beast's talons crushing her ribs, tearing through her flesh as it pushed her into the earth- sharp pain lancing through her entire form though her mind remained calm. Through the slits of her helm, she could see the beast was made of smoke and bone, an unholy apparition that screamed she would end here. Alas, a blast of holy light tore the beast off her- her sword flashing with unidentifiable blessings as she managed to push her broken body upward and strike it into the monster's form. A blast of corrupted energy knocking her back, her head bashing against stone.
The paladin blinked rapidly, grimacing rather aggressively and ducking her head quickly to hide her face. Her temple throbbed, it was the same as with Aven Alveron. The memories, each battle brought back more…

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 8:25 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Synthesis really wasn't sure. She had little to offer by way off payment and the other girl seemed to have a much wider skill set than herself so any work she offered would almost definitly be inadequate, especially in her current state. Technically, she did have a cloak and a book on Druid Spells which she was learning from at the moment but she needed both of these and hoped feverently that she wouldn't have to part with them.
"I've only got a few coins and herbs." She replied, opening her bag to peer inside, "Will it be enough?"
She then looked to Hakon, wondering what she made of all this. Did she have anything to offer? Did she even want the help? Hakon seemed almost too proud to pay for an escape when she was a soldier who's job was to fight. She wondered just how much Hakon enjoyed combat.
"And what do we use to dig with?" She added, "I don't know if I've got the strength to dig a hole big enough for two grown men. I feel like I barely have the strength to stand at the moment."
She closed up her bag again and looked up at the other girl.
"I'm Synthesis, by the way. What's your name?"

Author: Hanaoni, Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 3:56 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Myouga put her arms behind her head and piped up to the black-haired, crimson eyed girl. "What do we do with the bodies? Bury them of course. I mean, sure they were the bottom of the barrel but it'd be rude to not give them a halfway decent burial. Most people just dig a hole and cover 'em up but if you want you can get some sticks to make markers or something." Standing on the tip of her toes she tapped her chin with her wand. "Hmmm. So you wanna camp out here even though you were attacked by those thugs? You sure have guts,  y'know? If it were me I'd think of going somewhere safer. Looks like you're in luck–because I happen to know a way that's easy peasy!" She snapped her fingers and twirled again, standing on one leg. 

"As long as you know the place, I can take you there. I'm not gonna do it for free obviously, but I won't be unreasonable. I'll just think of it as a teleportation fee. If you wanna leave, you should hurry. When night falls I'm getting out of here."

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:41 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Synthesis watched in amazement as the wound fully healed. Hakon knew magic and fighting! She was like a whole expedition party wrapped into one woman.
And then there was this new girl. She seemed to know the area quite well and she had the ability to avoid detection if she so wished which was evidently very useful. As such, Synthesis wouldn't mind if she stayed around. However, Hakon looked more than a little suspicious.
"Well," Synthesis started, her voice visibly shaken, "Might I suggest that we set up camp for a bit. I think I need to catch my breath after that."
The frustrating thing was that she'd thought she would be safe if she avoided the main roads. She didn't want to think about where she'd be right now if she'd been alone when those men turned up.
"And," she half whispered, "What do we do with the bodies?" She gestured to the bloodied corpses without looking at them.

Author: Hanaoni, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 5:21 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

The arcanist stopped mid-twirl and put her hands together, leaning forward. "Who me? I guess you weren't paying attention, were you? I guess that's the thanks I get for helping from the shadows." She leaned her head on her hand and feigned a sigh of disappointment. "Well I can't really blame you. Bet you couldn't see me running around all over the place while you were fighting. I didn't even get to use half of my tricks yet before they ran off." Returning to her attitude of amusement, she tossed her wand into the air and caught it like a baton. Closing one eye, she pointed it at them and pretended to fire off an imaginary spell. "Hehehe~"

"But you're in one piece more or less. It might get more difficult the further you go, you know. Those three were kittens compared to the worst things in here. So, what will you do?" Although her mannerisms and appearance were that like a child, there was sense of cunning in her eyes which suggested otherwise. Myouga decided she liked the two, and if they weren't too peeved at her presence she'd tag along until they arrived at their destination. She could always leave whenever she wanted, but they might not be so lucky to have a warp scroll on hand.

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 1:57 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Hakon sighs in relief as the wound is relatively healed, placing her hand over her shoulder- exhaling, inhaling, exhaling meditatively as she begins to focus on healing it as well- her palm glowing with the vagues white light as she finishes what the little girl managed to start.

Then, her hawk-like eyes lock upon the newcomer critically, biting her lip as she slowly shakes her head," We are fine… Who would you be?" she asks vaguely, furrowing her brow.

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 9:01 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Just st that moment, Synthesis noticed another youthful girl wearing a white hat. She had emerged out the undergrowth like she had been a part of it and was approaching slowly. She smiled like she dad just witnessed an amusing game.
She snapped her fingers and the shadoe guard vanished. She shifted and twirled around in a sort of dancing movement as she adressed Hakon amiably enough, even offering a replacement remedy for Synthesis' best attempt - which was admittedly quite poor.

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:36 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

The side of Synthesis' wrist sting from being slapped away. She cursed herself - cursed it all! Why couldn't she stay calm? Why couldn't she have been more gentle, more useful? Why was she so useless?!
She watched with shock and morbid satisfaction as the arrow was wrenched from its place in Harkon's shoulder. The woman fell to her knees with a thud.
Harkon tried to brush it all off as a scratch, trying to make Synthesis feel better even though the girl wasn't wounded at all. But nonetheless blood ran even more freely now.
Synthesis lowered berself to crouch beside the other. She didn't dare to touch her again but instead she closed her eyes and began to pour as much strength as she could into healing the wound, her concentration growing as a fragile silence lengthened.
When she felt she could give no more, Synthesis released the spell and opened her eyes. She was proud to see the blood had mostly stemmed, even though the hole where the arrow had been still gaped at her.
Beside them, the mysterious individual flickered again, in a way that made Synthesis think of solid shadows twisting reality into shapes that shouldn't be there. They stood like a guard, unmoving apart from the motions necessary to draw breath.
Synthesis was pretty drained now and sat down properly.
"Harkon," Synthesis murmured quietly, "Is there anything I can get you? Anything I can do?"

Author: Hanaoni, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:21 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

"Looks like my job here is done." A voice spoke from the shadows of the trees. A figure in white emerged, with her white hat covering her eyes. As soon as this third person appeared, she snapped her fingers and the shadows returned to normal. There was an impish, ethereal atmosphere around what appeared to be a young girl with black hair as short as a boy's. Hopping from one foot to another, she came closer to the two. "Hmmm. That looks pretty painful, I'll say. I think I might have something for that… If you want it, that is."

The odd 'child' tilted her head from side to side with a cheeky little smile as she looked the other two over. A fighter and…some other mage maybe? Probably self-taught, as she wasn't dressed like someone who learned her spells at school. Myouga twirled around doing a little dance waiting for the warrior woman's choice. She had a potion to help heal that nasty gash in her shoulder, but she wasn't going to give it to someone who didn't want it.

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 6:07 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Hakon blinked as the little shadows appeared, furrowing her brown in confusion. What the hell? But alas, as her temporary companion appeared, she felt her heart sinking. She must have seemed quite the sight, blood spattering her forarms up to her elbows and a steady stream flowing from her shoulder - she opened her mouth to speak but quickly broke into a pained hiss as the little girl pressed against the wound, instinctively, Hakon smacked Synthesis' hands aside. It hurt like hell! 

Seeing the girl tear up, she instantly began to feel bad, but quickly grasped the remaining shaft of the arrow, taking a few steadying breathes before wrenching it out roughly. She wanted to pass out, but instead sank to her knees, her entire body breaking into a cold sweat as pain rolled over her in crashing waves. Nonetheless, holding the bloody arrow in a white-knuckled fist while crouched next to the two corpses, she forces a smile," Oh- it's alright, don't cry, it's just a scratch," she tried between grit teeth, forcing a soft laugh.

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:47 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Suddenly, a flash of light drew her attention. Not too far away, the archer who had previously been so sininster was covored in mud and grabbing at his face like he wanted to take it off. With him looking so pathetic, the young girl couldn't help herself. She ran towards him, taking a small detour to grab her staff before running forward and swinging with all her might. Forget style, forget technique, Synthesis used every ounce of strench she could muster from throughout her body to rap the man around the legs. She must have caught his shins becease he fell to his knees.
He didn't need any more than a nudge now to get him running. "Beat it!" She cried, still out of breath, "Next time, hopefully you think twice before bothering people."
The man scrabbled to his feet and ran, almost doubled over. She watched until he was a small dot.
Turning around, Synthesis was shocked to spot another person besides Harkon, but they were posturing in her defense so she could hardly complain. The she noticed the blood, running unchecked down Harkon's arm. She jogged over and grabbed the skin around it as gently as she could, eying the figure next to her with suspician. They almost didn't look real. They flickered and Synethsis felt a strong presence of magic emminating from them. Where had they come from?
She turned back to study the wound. As she suspected, it had been caused by an arrow and a piece of it was still imbedded in there. She dithered uselessly, unsure of whether she was supposed to get the arrowhead out before she attemped to bandage it, heal it, whatever. And if so, should she try to remove it with her fingures or was magic required? The only magic, she knew was plants and healing, not telekenesis.
As she stood, she noticed two of the men lying in quite a sorry state and one of them only half dead. At least that accounted for all of them. She felt bile rise in her throat but she swallowed it down, along with all her rising fears.
What should she do?

Author: Hanaoni, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 5:17 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

"Hm…still not enough." Myouga put a hand to her chin with a frown. "Now where did Mister Bowman run off to?" The twang of the bowstring told her his location and her mouth widened into a cheeky smile as she spotted the man. This time instead of warning shots, she aimed for a direct hit. All at once, he was assaulted by multiple balls of light hitting him near the face and torso, creating a flash bright enough to stagger and blind him for a few minutes. The brightness would also reveal his location to anyone close by, making him a sitting duck until he could see again.

Teleporting herself to a new location, she prepared to use more heavy-handed methods if they continued being unwilling to run off with their tails between their legs. There were so many different ways to choose. Should she could make him slip and fall on his backside? Or singe the seat of his pants? If she had a clearer view of what he was wearing maybe she could 'help' unbuckle his trousers or drop a beetle down his shirt. Moving her index fingers in a circular motion, she made the shadows around Hakon move around to create the illusion of someone else there, ready to strike. Hopefully that would distract the other hooligans enough for the armored woman to gain the upper hand.

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:54 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

The man with the club had raised it again with a grunt, she braced her aching body against the shield, trying to sit up would merely land her upon her back again. Alas, the ball of mud seemingly from nowhere distracted the man, looking up with a confused sound in his throat. Hakon took this opportunity- with a low roar, she swung her broadsword upward, sinking the blade deep into the meat of the man's side, sending him roaring to the ground in agony as she scrambled to her feet, quickly wrenching the sword free- she releases the shield, her arm aching as she grasps the broadsword with both hands. Holding the blade in a hammer grip, she stepped forward and sunk the blade's pointed end into the man's gut, ignoring his cries of agony, eyes  focused solely upon her prey as he fell to his knees scrabbling at the blade with trembling fingers and blood bubbling from his mouth.

So focused was she upon her immediate attacker that it took a moment for the sudden pain of an arrow latching into her arm to register. The Paladin quickly reeled back, snapping the shaft in half as she released the broadsword- looking around warily. The archer had disappeared off the path and she was very much in pain and exposed. Dammit…

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:35 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

As Synthesis moved from foot to food, she felt something against her hand. She couldn't contain her alarm and curiosity any longer and she opened her eyes to find herself gazing at a wall of bark. Shifting around, she spotted a hole and realised she was inside the hollow of a tree. A little clostraphobic, She wriggled to test her situation.
A bit of twisting and scraping and she was free, looking to see quite a commotion in the distance. She began walking in that direction, aware that she was shaking with adrenaline. The immediate danger was over, she told herself. A minute later, things were much quieter and Synthesis was close enough to see what was going on. She leaned against a tree to steady herself waited to check everything was completely safe for her to approach.
The surrounding trees did look a bit damaged. Then she glimpsed a second person, not one of the men, not Hakon. Who was this?

Author: Hanaoni, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:23 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Somewhere within the wood there were a pair of eyes watching the woman grapple with the highwaymen. "Three against one? That's no fun. Time to make this a little more interesting." A small figure hidden within the branches twirled her wand and the next moment a ball of light exploded against the trunk of a tree nearby one of the bandits. In the forest's silence, the sound of the voice of a child giggling drifted through the air as the voice echoed in an unsettling manner.  

"Hee hee hee… Won't you play with me? Come and play…come and play or I'll curse you~"

Myouga teleported herself away from her current location to one closer, but still hidden from the archer's sight. A ball of mud then splattered against the tree narrowly missing him as she giggled before changing her location again. It wasn't funny to hurt people, but it was funny to see grown men soil themselves silly. Her small stature made it easy to hide and conduct her acts of mischief from a distance, and should the men ignore her 'warning', she would up the ante. A few more blasts of light should get them shaking in their boots.

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:54 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

As she finished the spell, she remembered a location several meters down the path, a tree where there seemed to be a hollow large enough to hide a person for a time. Synthesis would open her eyes and find herself there, tucked away safely. Perhaps she would even hear the sounds of battle from that little hollow? Hakon did not have time to worry about such things when the first arrow whistled toward her, thudding neatly into her shield.

20 Meters.

Keeping her head low beneath the kite shield, the Paladin finished drawing the sword fully from its sheath, listening as she began a slow jog forward, her eyes half-closed in concentration. Her muscles worked instinctively, as if she had done this a thousand times before in much worse conditions… In fact, she knew she had.
Gritting her teeth, she heard the first of the heavy footsteps, daring to peek around her shield as an arrow whipped past her face, thankfully he seemed a mediocre shot. But his companion-
The first club slammed into the shield, jarring her shoulder painfully. With a grunt, the young woman shoved back against it, bracing the flat of her blade against the rim of her shield, quickly striking the heavy blade forward until she heard a squelch and a cry. She grit her teeth in a grim smile. Quickly shoving her entire body weight into the blade until the cries stopped and gurgling replaced it, she didn't need to look to know she hit her mark squarely with the stench of blood. Alas, she had forgotten- her mind not yet fully compiling her old knowledge as she looks up just in time to see the second club-bearer raising the massive branch above his head. Hazel-grey eyes widen a fraction as she sees the great wood descend upon her head, quickly ripping her sword free, Hakon slips upon her heel as she pivots her full weight around.Her broadsword skittering on the ground as she lands heavily on her back, the shield upon her chest. Instant the air knocked from her lungs as the club connects with the shield squarely, causing her to groan instinctively… She should have saved up for armor dammit!

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:31 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Synthesis nodded, quite unable to speak. She snatched a last glance at the men before closing her eyes. She assumed that was what Hakon wanted so she had to trust that she would be safe if she did as she was told.
She sensed some sort of magic building in the air and her stomach rolled strangely. What was this sensation? There was a sound, something a little like speech but it seemed to shrink away from her ears. She kept her eyes closed. More sounds, as if they were coming from a distance away, and even as she listened they became more and more alarming. What was going on?
Harkon had sounded so scary just then but because the hostility wasn't directed at her, she had felt safe. Now she worried, and she couldn't decide who she worried for…

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:09 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

The vaguest warming sensation seemed to surround her head, offering the 'soldier' some relief. She focused more harshly upon the men, speaking firmly," None to be spared for the likes of you, I am afraid." It was clear there was not the slightest hint of fear in her voice, as if to accent her words, she drew her sword just enough from its sheathe to allow the blade to ring through the air eerily. She did not blink, nor move, it was akin to looking upon a living statue.

" Tha's a shame, truly 't is," The archer croons, straightening as he notched an arrow into his bow, keeping the arrowhead facing downward even as he drew the string back, causing the wood to screech slightly in protest," suppose we just find tha' out fer ourselves, darlin'? Just a quick search, nothin' more, nothin' less. Ye wouldn't want anythin' te happen to tha' thar lil' girl, would ye?" 

The threat to her young companion instantly seemed to trigger something within the depths of her mind, a sleeping memory. The same thread had been made long ago. Hostility suddenly seemed to roll off of the Paladin in waves, she carefully tugged the shield from the ground and murmurs to Synthesis,"… I do not want you to see this." Her voice low, gravely… Deadly. Briefly, her sharp hazel-grey eyes flicker to the halfling at her side," Do not look, no matter what you hear. Is this understood, dearest one?" Her words held command, offering no argument, already it seemed a spell was forming on her lips, a small circle appearing beneath Synthesis' feet- clearly a minor teleportation spell…

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 2:30 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Harkon was already drawing her sword by the time Synthesis noticed the three men ahead on them. They looked nasty. She immediately rearranged her staff in her hand, remembering how the man she had bought it from had insisted that it was a "Bo Staff" intended for combat. She's only wanted a walking stick then and she only wanted a walking stick now. The thought of fighting off these brutes was terrifying.
Thankfully, Hakon was dealing with them like a professional, demanding what they wanted as though she had the strength of an army to their measely three.
The archer was the most worrying, for even if she ran she wouldn't be able to avoid a flying arrow. Even up a tree she wouldn't be safe.
The men, although perturbed by Harkon, managed to smile as the archer replied. Said archer even took a step forward, his lackeys following suit.
Harkon looked fine now but to alleviate her own worries, Synthesis reached out her healing ability to try and sooth the others head. The effort was so pitiful, however, and her concentration so disturbed that she doubted Harkon would even feel any benefit at all.
She felt a coward, hiding behind her companion, but what else could she do?

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 2:03 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Hakon opened her mouth to protest, insist she was alright, that she was fine… But something caught the woman's attention- down the path, three men stood. An archer, and two men wielding two crude clubs, all wearing the same rather twisted smiles. Before them they saw two woman, one who thought herself a knight and a little girl… Who thought herself perhaps a gardener, how cute.

Hakon stopped short, instinctively placing hserlf between Synthesis and the men. She counted under her breath. 20 yards. If the archer was skilled, he could loose anywhere between 5-15 arrows in that time, if he was bad, maybe 2 or 4. This heart-stopping moment, alas, was when her mind began to work at the fullest of its capacity. She wasn't donning any armor so she would have to be quick about her movement, not to mention the little Druid at her side.

Pursing her lips, she brought herself to her full height, staring down the men in silence as she swung the shield about her back, slamming the sharp bottom of the point into the soft earth of the path. Making a statement that she would not move backward from that spot. This deterred one of the men but- not enough to make them retreat. Only when her hand gripped the leather bound hilt of the broadsword did further uncertainty bloom. Every movement the blonde woman made was of a practiced predator.

" State your business," Her voice turned instantly gruff, a bark of a commanding officer, hazel-grey eyes sharp as a hawk's.

The men hesitated before the archer hums," Simply gatherin' some tribute, lass. Ye wouldn't 'appen to have any spare coin on ye fer us, would ye?" He extends a hand as he leans upon the bow with an upturned grimace of a grin.

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 1:44 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Synthesis was momentarily stunned. Had Hakon really just said that? Her small mind wressled with the idea, all the while joy and gratitude bloomed from deep in her breast. Hakon accepted her. She grinned from ear to ear like an idiot. But it didn't last long. She noticed that the two of them had slowed walking considerably and Hakon was wincing and breathing a little heavily. Quite frankly, she looked  under the weather. On closer inspection, Synthesis scolded herself for not noticing. The taller had tried to hide it, Synthesis supposed, and the woman had such an air of confidence that she carried off the normal signs of sickness like it were nothing.
Synthesis stopped and dared to grab her friend's arm to get her to do the same.
"Hakon! Are you okay? I… I've got water in my bag somehwere… or, or… I can try to heal you. I'm not very good but it might help a little. Or herbs: I've collected some that I thought might be useful. I don't know the first thing about herbology though…"
She trailed off. Talking loudly might not help, neither would making a fuss: Harkon still looked grand enough. But she was her new friend who'd been so nice - and the first living soul she'd seen in two days - so it was natural to feel concerned.

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 1:00 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Admittedly, Hakon was only vaguely surprised by this revelation, so she made sure the girl knew it," That's alright, I actually fell in love with a demon." She blinks, she said that so naturally. She fell in love with a demon? She felt as if that was true but she couldn't remember… But it was true. God- what was all this? What were these fragments of a life she could not remember? Why did she have to be tortured like this?

she pressed her hand to her forehead, wincing and taking a shuddering breath. This earth as she knew it wasn't her original birth palce. She knew this. That much she was certain of. So where had she come from? She shook her head before looking toward the girl, forcing a smile," Or… Something like that-" she reached out, awkwardly patting the girl's head,"- But don't worry, I see nothing wrong with you as an individual, if that is why you look so worried,"

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 12:22 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Synthesis appreciated the change of subject away from a potential point of contention. The last thing she wanted was to making things awkward or even hostile. However, her name, if she were to tell the truth, would lead to the topic of her heritage which also felt risky to discuss. Her parents had warned her that some people might not understand. But then Hakon spoke without any trace of judgement and it wasn't as if she could really hide what she was if anyone cared to look at the soft mass of feathers pressed to her back or even her eyes.
"My parents named me." She said, a little slower than before. "They argued quite a bit about it because they're polar opposites in almost every way, which I guess is why they get along so strangely. You see, they're both of different races. I'm a mixture of the two - a Synthesis - and they wanted to celebrate that."
Synthesis remembered her childhood with fondness and into her mind flicked many images. One of which was her mother and father standing in the kitchen. They had their arms slung over each other's sholders and were smiling: her mother slightly sassy and sly, her father innocently in love; adoring of his family. Her mother told her never to be ashamed of what she was. Her father said she could do anything she wanted and anyone who judged her on her bloodline was someone she didn't want to know and someone who didn't deserve to know her.
In all, they'd warned her of the dangers but encouraged her to believe in herself.
Now, Synthesis liked Hakon so she was going to be honest. She hoped Hakon, and others, would do the same for her. All the same, she braced herself for a potentially violent rebuffal.
"My mother was an angel. My father was a demon. But they're both good people. I… hope you understand."

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:52 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Hakon hesitates, she fought when she was provoked, she fought when she was forced to, but she also fought… For the sake of War? Maybe. Her memories were a fog, she just knew she had swung a sword and spilled blood a hundred thousand times before, yet she could not remembef for certain for what purpose. Perhaps in the name of God? Perhaps in the name of King and Country? But what King? What country? She couldn't remember. Trying to remember made her head ache, she just knew she wasn't from HERE, this plane, or this world… But HERE.

she blinks rapidly and forces another smile," Hakon Kilandre, that is my name," she answers carefully," Synthesis, who named you?" She asked, the question seemed so natural and instinctive she couldn't contain it- the girl's name was certainly unusual-

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 11:01 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Beathing a sigh if relief, Synthesis visibly relaxed. She's never spoken to a soldier before, only seen them from a distance patroling or, once or twice, throwing their weight around. She'd never seen them smile unless they were being boisterous with one of their own. This woman certainly seemed serious but at the same time she'd smiled a couple times already and told the smaller girl not to worry. She seemed quite considerate actually.
"Well, that's good. As long as your not a bully to picks on people who can't defend themselves. I detest bullies. I… I'd fight them if I could… to help people. I think one has to defend themselves. I think it's okay to fight then. Is that what you do?" Synthesis looked up hopefully. Maybe her friend was the same and would approve. (Why did she want this stranger's approval?) But then maybe the woman would think her pathetic, fanciful and naive. At worse, she could take offence. It could go either way really. It was only then that Synthesis realised she didn't know the other's name.
"And, I'm sorry, but I don't think I caught your name?"

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 10:01 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

" Fighting is what I am good at- what I can remember… At least," she answers carefully, a pacifist, eh? Well hopefully she wouldn't have to listen to preaching lecture after lecture. She couldn't imagine life without the sword and shield.

Her constant prayer and song was also a reminder of what possibly life could have been before, before several months ago. Nothing but fragments remained of that old life, but what she knew for certain was she was a soldier, a knight, yet she lacked a path and purpose.

" Do not worry, little one-" she spoke instinctively,"- I have no plan on robbing nor being robbed," she flashes a tiny smile, the gesture unsure yet warm nonetheless.

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:58 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Synthesis, upon finding the woman didn't seem to have a destination either and hearing her speak so softly, felt a little more confident.
"I've heard it can be dangerous traveling via the main roads. There are highway men and all sorts of low types who'll pick on the weak ones. I'm traveling alone and about as weak as they come because of…" She paused. Was it wise to advertise her disadvantage? In addition, many people didn't like demons or even angels for that matter! "I guess you could say I was born different to most. I also haven't any money to buy food so I have to find it myself. Off the beaten track I don't have to worry about thieves and I can find all sorts of edible stuff which I can help grow a little for eating."
The steady clack of metal filled a short silence as they walked, reminding Synthesis of the sword and shield flashing whenever the light broke through the canopy above to shine upon them. A niggling feeling of worry clawed in her stomach.
"When you say trouble, you don't mean fighting do you? Something dangerous? Something…"
Synthesis was torn. Her new friend seemed nice enough. But swords were for killing. Who (or what) was so dangerous that it needed killing? Or was the dangerous thing walking right next to her?

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 7:55 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Quickly reaches out to steady the girl, but quickly retracts her hand as the young girl steadies herself, a tiny smile tugging the corners of her lips as she murmurs," I'm not much of an experienced traveler myself, just… Looking for trouble, I suppose," she muses quietly, looking down in order to fully take in the young lady's appearance, she was not completely human but seemed to have no ill intent.

" So I suppose I am just wandering aimlessly until I find a path- why are you so deep in the forests?" she inquires gently, arching an eyebrow curiously.

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:53 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

"Well, I'm a traveller." Synthesis blushed at how proud she sounded but couldn't much help it, "I wanted to see the world and do somthing different with myself while I was young. So I left home. And now…" she lowered her voice to a excited whisper, "I've even learn a little bit of Druid Magic!"
Then she triped on an overgrown root because of craning her neck to look up at her compantion. With sheer luck managed to steady herself and immediatly set about rearranging her bag unnessessarily on her shoulder and using her staff with superlative precision.
Casting another quick glance at her tall friend, she added "Sorry, my name is Synthesis. As you can probably guess, I'm not a very expirienced traveller yet. I still don't know what I'm going to do with myself in the long run. But you look like you know what your doing. Where are you off to? If you don't mind my asking."

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 7:09 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

At the edge of her hearing, she heard the quick pattering of unsteady feet, which instinctively caused her hand to slide over her shoulder, behind her a back to grasp the soft leather hilt. Already she prepared to swing the great kite shield forward defensively but stopped herself as she noticed what seemed to be a little girl. Well, perhaps not girl but certainly not quite a woman trundling over to her. Slowly she relaxed, the female looked mostly human and seemed too small to do any true damage to her, or so she thought. She had yet to even begin to delve into this land's dangers.

Cracking a tiny smile, she nods silently, her thin lips shutting quickly as the girl caught up. Continuing her journey in relative silence, though she cast the girl a curious look- subtly inquiring 'what would you happen to be doing out here?'

Author: Illusory Angel, Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 2:23 PM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

Synthesis had been practicing Druid magic in the forest, gleefully channeling all her efforts into growing a quaint trio of mushrooms until they were each as tall as her thumb. Any more and she would begin to feel too tired so she leaned back against a tree and prepared to eat an apple she had procured earlier that day.
She tuned into the whispering of the flora around her and quickly became aware of a few trees becoming gossipy. Someone new was in the forest. Someone notable, because otherwise they wouldn't have cared enough to pass the message round. A minute later, Synthesis understood why.
The clack of metal, brisk footsteps and well timed singing soon reached her ear, followed by the sight of a tall woman of excellent stature walking and looking around with casual interest.
Synthesis grabbed her bag and staff, scrambled to her feet and ran unsteadily over to the human. It had been a while since she had spoken to anyone and she wasn't about to let this chance slip away. Besides, this particular person looked interesting and was going in the same general direction that  she was.
"Can I walk with you?" Synthesis asked. Then regretted it. The song had been nice.

Author: AevumEternity, Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:47 AM, Post Subject: Begin A Journey With a Tune (Open)

" A dark cloud came from forest bound, from the Mountains,
will it be a drizzle mild, will it be fierce storm?
Ah, my old man, heavy times!
The plow moves barely and after you plant a seed sweat from forehead, hail from eyes!
Tell me, old man, why do you cry over these long black stripes;
from black cloud are you afraid,
or are your children small dying? Tell me, old man, for I recall, what a champion once you were-"

Hakon sang freely, not loudly but enough for her presence to be known as she moved through the forest, along the small path that cut between the great oaks that littered the forest floor with light and leaf. The shield and broadsword at her back thudded rhythmically as one. Each step a small bounce upon the ball of her foot as her heavy braid swung to and fro like a joyful dog's tail.

" -May God forgive grandma Stoina, she sang, you plowed. Another time - remember?
last year, it was: I went through the forest, among champions you were sitting like the father with the beard.
What you were, then!
Now you cry - why, old man?
Is flag not flown, or have you not a young heart?"

The Paladin's hand reached up to her breast, her thumb tracing over the small ornamental bauble that hung at her neck as her song trailed off into murmured lyrics. This was the beginning of her journey alone- she was optimistic. She had supplies, knowledge and a heart full of excitement- what else could one need?

Perhaps… Caution, as that seemed to be utterly lacking to the young woman at this very moment.