Author: arcanum, Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2018 8:45 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Frey offered a fanged grin at Fen's teasing, glad to see the boy's youthful joviality returned. He'd already been through a lot and so, Frey mused, his holding onto some cheer was testament to his strength of character… In a way, that already put him leagues ahead of many adults the mage had come to know. Such a jaded bunch - and he included himself in that group.

The mood had lightened now, but the weight of a mystery remained all the same. Raziel's mother had sent her off on a quest of sorts, but her leads were few and, from the sounds of things, perhaps unreliable. Dreams were finicky territory. Things to be delved into with no small caution. Why did he feel as though he knew from experience?

Never mind that. "Of course. If I hear of anything, I'll be sure to send word." It would be no bother to keep an extra ear out - he was already after his own information, too. "Fenriz is right. Folks speak freely quite often." More than they ought, but who was he to complain about their making his job easier?

"Where are you both heading next, then?" He glanced at Fen. "Still considering the Silver Wheel?"

Author: Raziel, Posted: Tue Jun 5, 2018 12:20 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Frey opened her mind to the possibilities of longer names, her cheeks growing red with embarrassment. Why had she not thought of that herself? For being a century old, sometimes she wondered just how smart she truly was. ”No…” she replied meekly, committing his suggestions to memory. The blush deepened at the compliment, accompanied by her chin attempting to rest on her collarbone.

”Thank you,” her voice even softer than before. He was right, she had managed to leave the mountains safely, with very few problems. Of course, now that Fen seemed to perk up, he had his own suggestions to add to the mix. Raziel shook her head sadly. ”I’m afraid not, Fen. The only time she ever uttered the name Gabe, it was only in her dreams. Unfortunately, I am an apothecary, a healer; not a dream walker.”

Once, the angel tried to imagine what it would be like to walk through the dreams of others. Would she see what they saw? Could her mind’s eye see shape and color? But her mother caught wind and explained that active pursuit of such a skill robs people of their privacy. So the idea was abandoned long ago. ”Would you like to help me? I could use all the help I can get. Even if it is a letter, anything will help.”

Author: drbuck, Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 6:39 PM, Post Subject: Searching

For a moment, his thoughts flashed back to his parents. In his head Fen could almost picture the scene clearly. His father at a loss for words, face worn with a hint of disappointment at his teary-eyed son, coming to tears in front of two people he barely knew. But overall demeanor more a stoic concern, as he mentally scrambled to put comforting thoughts to words. Inversely, his mother would have squeezed him so tight as if she was trying to dam up the tears on her own, before somehow verbally stating what his father was thinking. Just another reminder that they were gone, and no matter how hard it might be, he was going to have to carry on without them.

The thought alone brought it all rushing back, and surely enough, the child felt the overwhelming desire to simply cry all over again. This desire was quickly suppressed by a gentle hand landing on his shoulder, a hand that belonged to the lavender-haired angel. She offered some words, words his young mind did his best to reflect on. Words that Frey echoed, albeit with far less elegance. Although certainly a hand on the shoulder was no replacement for his mother's embrace, and Frey certainly lacked his father's… rigidness, the moment brought his thoughts back to home all the same. This time it was with a warm feeling of nostalgia, and suddenly all the fear of never seeing his parents again faded into memories of the time they had spent together, and thoughts about the long list of things he would have to tell them when they were reunited. Either forgetful of the knowledge she had just shared, or perhaps naively hopeful that the sentiment would transcend limitations, Fenriz offered Raziel a bright, warm grin.

"I-I guess you're right" he said. Whether or not regret was actually something monsters were incapable of, Fen couldn't say for certain, but certainly these two would know better than he would. Speaking of the other "And I guess you're right too, Mr. Frey. But I'm not sure it counts since Miss Raziel said it first" his tone blatantly teasing.

With his own gloomy mood temporarily quelled, the vampire felt a renewed desire to assist the angel with her task at hand. The trick was figuring out how. Upon learning that her mother wasn't feeling well, a twinge of guilt came over the boy, although this was gone as quickly as it came. Even if she was sick, that's no excuse to send her daughter out all on her own, especially given the apparent lack of useful information. Perhaps this was a harsh judgement on the child's part, but the greater subtext about her condition was lost on him.

"I think Mister Frey is trying to say you're doing pretty good so far". This time it was his turn to echo Frey. Fenriz spoke as if he was explaining to Raziel, although it was more for his own benefit, as he had gotten caught up on the word 'remiss'

Following off of Frey's questions, he added "Did your mom tell you a place to start looking? We could go there and ask people" he added, inadvertently involving both himself and Frey. He buried his chin in his hand "I think if anyone had heard of them they'd remember. At least I would remember if I met someone named Rammie…"

"If nothing else" he added with a youthful, prideful grin "We can always go somewhere with a lot of people. People tend to talk a lot when they think nobody is listening. I would know"

Author: arcanum, Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 7:29 PM, Post Subject: Searching

A rare patience guided the mage, instinct warning him to wait even after the boy had so vehemently shaken his head - and this patience rewarded him with a tale just as grim as he'd imagined. Frey stood still as he listened, akin to a statue as he leaned against the railing and stared at his reflection whilst in contemplation of Fen's words. He did not look the boy's way, mindful of privacy and of his own probable lack of tact in this kind of situation. Only when Fen returned to them did Frey shift his glance, brows knitted in consternation but neither in fear nor in disgust.

"Miss Raziel is right," he interjected softly. He could have said more. Could have gone on about how Fenriz had clearly not been himself at the time. About how, as the angel had pointed out, he regretted what had happened. But he kept to himself for the time being, deferring to Raziel's kind words. Something about the whole of this nagged quietly at the back of his mind, but he could keep it for later. Better to move past the moment for now, let the boy gather his composure anew.

This newly returned topic of conversation could perhaps suit that quite well. "Hmm…" Scratching idly at nonexistent fuzz on his chin, brows furrowed in thought. "And you are searching at the same time for 'Gabriel' or any possible extensions of 'Rammie,' aye?" Just to be sure. "Were I to seek a person, specifically, I might look at heavily trafficked areas or persons of influence… Asking of those in the know may be a sound strategy… But, did she give you no clues at all?"

Then, with a couple quick coughs to clear his throat, he continued:

"I will say this much: you've already made it this far on your own, milady. Perhaps your mother was not so remiss in her faith in you and your task."

Author: Raziel, Posted: Tue May 1, 2018 10:00 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Little Fenriz theorized her mother cruel for sending her blind daughter to find two people. Maybe he was right. Already, she has questioned the sanity of this quest she has been given. Who could ever expect a blind woman to find two people she never met without even a description of who she is to search for? When asked, her mother simply said “you know who they are.” But she didn’t, having never met a Gabe or a Rammie before in her life. Or had she?

As she listened intently, she felt more withdrawn than ever. Zander sensed her mental struggles and laid down with a huff, his wet head heavy in her lap. Absently, Raziel scratched behind his ear, wanting nothing more than to throw her arms around him and cry into his fur for the first time since she started this crazy journey. Although, the image of a skeletal arm was a bit humorous, a small flicker of light in a falling mood of sadness, it was a curious sight to think of. Yet, her mind could not quite picture things properly, since she had never felt a skeleton before. Were the bones super skinny?

Barely resisting the desire to feel her own arm to assist in her imaginings, Raziel did notice the fall of the mood for everyone. Knowing what she did about vampires, it was easy to picture the child in a room full of mangled corpses, scared and alone, horrified as well. Carefully, the angel stood, hand finding the rail and used it to guide herself to the child. Her hand rested upon the child’s shoulder, surprised to realize they were about the same height. ”You are not a monster, Fenriz. People say that out of prejudice, hatred for your kind. From what I hear, this is borne from the cruel, malicious monsters who use their status as a vampire to their advantage without care for consequence. But you regret what happened. Monsters don’t regret.”

She tried to present a smile, but her previous thoughts weighed down heavily upon her still. With a sigh, Raziel sighed, and gave a silent prayer that she could get through this without tears. ”And you’re right… My mother may have been cruel to send me alone. But she is…. Not doing well. She… This was her… Last request. The angels back home are… They’re doing all they can to keep her… Until I find them. Problem is, I don’t even know what they look like.” The angel was halting, not wanting to admit her mother was dying. Talking about her quest was an easy turn of the subject, which can hopefully turn them away from the harder subject. ”She said I knew them, but I’ve never met anyone with those names before. How can I find someone with a name alone? How many Gabe’s or Rammie’s do you think there are?”

Author: drbuck, Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 10:06 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Whether or not Fenriz wanted to talk about it was a tricky question. When Frey asked, he fervently shook his head. Despite his demeanor, the truth was, yes, a part of him greatly wanted to talk about it. The mental image of their mutilated corpses, his blood soaked hands and clothes, this was an image that was forever burned into his memory. But it wasn't just the incident, but all of it. So many questions trapped in the young boy's head about his very own existence: Why was he a vampire? How long would he be this way? Why did so many people seem to hate him just because of what he was? These weren't things that he constantly thought about, of course, but they were questions that always seemed to be swimming around in his subconscious. But who even had the answers to them? As far as he could tell, only his parents, and where they were was anyone's guess. 

So until the day came, that the Hallowthornes were reunited, if that day ever came, Fen was left with two options. Either constantly be haunted by these questions, or find someone else to speak to about it. Frey definitely seemed smart enough. And Raziel, even if she wasn't exceptionally well traveled, had been alive longer than he could literally imagine. They already knew of his condition, and seemed to be accepting of him despite it. But would it stay that way if they knew he had killed people before?

"I did… a very bad thing", he started, seemingly changing his mind. When Fenriz typically talked, especially among people he liked, it was very hasty, seldom giving much thought into what he had to say until after it had already been said. But this time he spoke slowly and softly, each word mentally hand-picked well before they left his mouth.

"But I didn't know that I did it, until after it was done. Some men attacked our home, my mom just told me to run. And I did. I ran far, far away. But when I got back home, mom and dad were gone. So I went to go find them. But they never had time to tell me that I had changed. After a while I just started to feel sleepy all the time, even at night. And I guess one night I must have just fallen asleep, because I don't remember anything. But when I woke up, I had… this family… they were…"

It was a verbal dance, waltzing around the incident without outright explaining what had happened. He trusted them enough, given all they had already shared this night, but the memory was still too painful to outright say. The snow haired child didn't budge from his spot, didn't turn to face the two to which he was speaking. He had lost the battle to not cry handily, tears streaming steadily from his face to the lake below. Though they likely could hear it in his voice, he was still a bit too proud to let them see it.

"Maybe you're not a bad guy, Mister Frey, but I think I am…" he wiped the tears from his face, only for them to be instantly replaced with more "Vampires are monsters"

That last statement echoed something he had overheard numerous times on his travels, to the point where even he had to wonder if there was some truth to it. A silence followed, before Fen turned back to them.

"I-I'm sorry, I got a little carried away" he presented them with perhaps his saddest smile yet "My mom used to say I talk maybe a little too much. You guys are looking for people too, right? Maybe we can go look for them together!"

Author: arcanum, Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 6:58 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Frey nodded, before sharply remembering Raziel would not be able to see him. He shook his head at himself. Would take some getting used to, but that didn't stop him feeling inhospitable just the slightest bit. "I for one had no intention of fighting so, aye, most likely nothing was going to happen." Just two boys being silly. Nothing more.

Then came the onslaught. It was half tempting to bristle and turn away, for the mage was not in the habit of entertaining personal questions, but… He'd always known he would have to start opening up if he wanted to make any progress on his quest. No time like the present to work on it. Others' insight had in the past proven too valuable to dismiss out of hand. And so, he answered best as he could, without gutting himself overmuch in the process. There still had to be some boundaries, some limits.

Fen's reply brought to Frey's face a gentle smile. For some reason, the boy increasingly reminded him of someone - someone with a boyish grin and a trusting-but-not-TOO-trusting attitude, and a flash of bright cyan hair - but he couldn't place who. That was both of these individuals now teasing memories at the back of his mind, and while part of him was grateful and hopeful both, another part of him was wholly terrified. Maybe there was a reason his memories had been buried so deep he couldn't reach them. Maybe he was better off that way. As Fen finished his assessment, Frey's smile faded just a tad.

"I don't know about 'good guys' but…" No, he wasn't quite selfless enough for that. "Suppose I don't consider myself one of the 'bad guys' either." For what it was worth. "My apologies, though. I did not mean to come off harsh. Us travelers must rely on our instincts, and it seems like yours are sound."

He, too, shook his head at Raziel's inquiry. "Never heard of them. I can keep an ear out though, if you like. Might get lucky and cross paths with them - or their names at the least - during my travels." It was the least he could do. And in the next instant, he was glad he had distanced himself some from the water's edge, albeit not quite enough. He was not spared the entirety of Zander's drying process. Regrettably.

It was with no mild surprise - and another sliver of remorse - that he looked down at the arm in question upon being asked about it. Right. She couldn't see that, either… Would she have the same reaction many a towns person had? Once upon a time (or whenever he didn't feel like dealing with people's crud) he had kept it covered. Not so much, these days. Maybe he cared less, or just couldn't be bothered. This, though - this was new. "It's, er. A skeletal arm." Best to be blunt about it. Maybe. "It still functions n' all. Just missing the fleshy bits that would constitute a normal arm, I'm afraid. Thanks to the aforementioned curse. That's all."

Next was Fen's turn, and Frey felt his stomach dip just a little. Oh, that sounded grim... Perhaps that was the lot of many a vampire but this was a kid. Just a boy. Keeping a respectful distance, he too approached the bridge and leaned on it, glancing skyward first, then at the sky's reflection below. "Do… you wish to talk about it?"

Then, recalling just a speck of tact, he added: "You don't have to if you don't want to."

Author: drbuck, Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 8:33 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Fen managed to calm himself down enough to actually take in Frey's response to his various inquiries. A few things stuck out to him as Frey spoke, his name of course being one of them. He personally felt the name Frey was kind of silly, but he didn't say it aloud. Secondly, and more importantly, how his arm came to be the way it is. Hearing him speak about trying to protect his friend sent another wave of guilt flowing through 

He snapped out of his own thoughts when Frey moved to the edge of the bridge. Fen stood behind him as he worked his magic, standing close enough to where he could see, but also cautiously keeping his distance, just in case. He watched silently, flipping between impressed and jealous the entire time, though never once taking his eyes off the spectacle. When Frey finished and turned back to them, Fen swung his head in a random direction, attempting to play at nonchalance. True to his nature, Fenriz had several responses to the information that Frey had granted him, but before he could voice any of them, Frey had started grilling the both of them.

The boy simmered for a moment, reflecting both on Frey's critique of their trusting nature, and his warning about the Silver Wheel. The latter caused him to blush a bit. Frey was right. He had been so careful about not sharing his secret with other people, and yet for some reason, he felt it okay to tell these two that he had just met. 

"Well Mister Frey" he started, mulling over his statement as he spoke "You didn't attack me, even when I said I would light you on fire. You said it yourself that most people wouldn't take that well. Besides, you got your weird arm trying to protect a friend, right? I think that makes you one of the good guys, and that's the important thing"

He finished his evaluation of Frey with a wide smile. Growing increasingly comfortable with his present company, he allowed his hands to rest on the back of his head. Yet, still nagging at the back of his mind was Frey's warning of the Silver Wheel. In the time that he had spent traveling alone up until now, he had grown quite adept at weaving in and out of locations unnoticed. Whether he was there to gather information, safely rest away the daylight hours, or take care of the less pleasant aspect of his vampiric nature, he was talented at coming and going with little trace. He had always thought that as long as he could hide from vampire hunters, he would never meet them. It never occurred to the young boy that he might inadvertently walk into their territory. And yet, he couldn't just not go, could he?

He sat on his own thoughts long enough for Raziel to speak up in his stead. Fen silently sifted through his memories, attempting to recall if he had ever bumped into the people she asked about. Unfortunately, he hadn't really "met" many people in a formal sense up until this very moment. If he had crossed paths with them, he wasn't aware.

"The names don't sound familiar" he said shaking his head "But isn't that kind of mean, to send someone out alone without being able to see? My mom never would do that. At least, not on purpose…"

He stirred uncomfortably when she questioned how exactly he had become a vampire. Placing a single finger on his cheek, he explained "I don't know. My parents always told me that I was just born a little different, but that one day I would grow to be just like they were. I turned ten this year, and on my birthday they told me that I had finally grown up enough to be just like them. My mom told me that they had set up a celebration for me, and led me to this room. Other than feeling really sick for a few days, that's all I remember until we got split up. I didn't even know anything had changed about me until… something bad happened"

He looked away from the both of them again, slowly walking over to one side of the bridge. He placed his chin on the highest part of the railing that it could reach, and allowed his arms to dangle forlornly over it.

Author: Raziel, Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2018 1:32 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Without her promoting, the child answered the question. Raziel nodded knowingly, pieces falling into place, so she altered her question, saving it for a proper moment to inquire. Yet, he presented her with more than she asked for. Fenriz was not a mage. Was he just bluffimg, for personal defense? Puff up and appear big?

"So, all that about fighting was a ruse? Nothing was going to happen?" Den then proceeded to proper the other with questions, accusatkry. While Raziel could pipe in how it wasn't nice to accuse, it was not her place to correct the boy. Another question came when Frey's "weird arm" came up. What was wrong with his arm?

She blushed when things were turned back to her, and Fenriz. There was so much to say, to ask. Turning away, she whistled two high and long, one low and short. In response, the water splashes began to get closer as the wolf turned around. "To start things, I have never been away from home alone. My… Disability makes my people protective. But my mother…" Her throat closed on the word, causing her voice to break momentarily. "Insisted. I'm to find someone named Gabe and Rammie. You don't happen to know anyone, would you?"

Zander managed to come back into the bridge, shaking himself vigorously, sending showers upon any close to him. Reflexively,, Raziel threw up her hands with a laugh. "I'm sorry, but may i ask what is weird with your hand? And Fenriz… Born or turned? How old are you?"

Author: arcanum, Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2018 9:56 PM, Post Subject: Searching

His hand remained midair, half expectant as he waited for her to take it - to no avail. Eventually, upon coming to the conclusion that he was bound to stay that way a good while yet if he waited, the aerkai retracted the extended limb. Brows furrowed in consternation, he rose to his feet, just in time for the boy to arrive and startle the angel. Suspicions niggled at the back of the mage's mind, but for now he pushed them aside. Nine decades, huh? Really couldn't trust appearances. Then again, he was no different.

At the mention of a curse, he felt a shiver course the length of his spine. Something wasn't adding up, that much was clear. Even so, curses were tricky business, and the mage knew as much from personal experience. With a gulp, he made to speak, but Raziel's quiet voice halted him mid-thought. Curiosity further piqued, he lent an attentive ear. No matter how much he had already seen over the course of his travels, he was not prepared for what he heard next.

"You're blind," he echoed dully, brows lifting in surprise. One mystery solved, he supposed. "Hmm."

But there he kept the rest of his mulling to himself, leaving room for Fen to take the floor. It seemed, to all appearances, the boy had something important to say - who was he to deny him? And so, in a flash, that was two mysteries solved. Three, if one counted the admission of lacking magic a part of the equation. He almost couldn't believe what he was hearing. Nor, soon, what he was seeing when Fen walked straight up to him and commenced assaulting him with questions.

For a fraction of a moment, his eyes narrowed at the tone Fen was taking. Giving pause, he had to remind himself Fen was (most likely) just a kid. Fine. "It simply had not come up before. My name is Frey. Happy now?" Evidently not, judging from the remainder of his questions. Bringing the skeletal limb in question level with his face, he flexed his fingers experimentally. "This thing is from a curse of my own. Was trying to defend a friend. I used more magic than I had reserves for."

Padding over to the edge of the bridge, he reached the skeletal arm over the water. A glowing violet circle began to form around it, spinning and readjusting until the runes within it aligned and locked. "Unlike you, I was not pretending earlier at being a mage." There was no bite to his tone, merely fact. As he worked, prying an aquatic plant from the depths and manipulating it to his whims, he grinned and continued: "I can hold stuff with it, yes, and no, it won't break easily. It's become rather useful, even if it sometimes seems to have a mind of its own. It can even detach!" He punctuated that revelation with a whimsical chuckle, unwilling to share whether or not he was speaking the truth.

Meanwhile, the plant he'd been manipulating had grown many times its size and adhered to the bridge, fashioned to form a ramp. "There. Your Zander should be able to rejoin us shortly now," he announced. His work finished, he turned back to his company.

"You two are a bit overly trusting of complete strangers though, aren't you?" He looked to Raziel first, then to Fenriz. "What if I meant you ill?" He shook his head. Naive… but it was nice to see that some people still saw some good in the world.  "You asked about the Silver Wheel earlier, and I'd advise you exercise more caution if you do make your way there - strange, unfortunate places like that tend to draw hunters looking to do right by the world. And word on the street is some of them don't like your kind much at all. They'd probably side eye an angel, too."

Then, with a small smile, he distanced himself from the edge of the bridge - wet dog smell was such a pain to be rid of, after all.

Author: drbuck, Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2018 7:09 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Nine decades? Fen wasn't certain how much time that was, exactly, but he was certain that it meant she had been alive way longer than he had. With the decrease in distance between the two, the similarities in their heights had become even more apparent. His disappointment in realizing that he was in fact the youngest of this motley trio quickly gave way to surprise when she shuttered, which then turned into confusion as she turned away. Fen slowly his hand, worried that he had perhaps done something he wasn't supposed to. When she returned her gaze back to him, he felt some small bit of relief, although her smile wasn't entirely comforting.

Her proposition left him with a lump in his throat, rendering capable of only a simple nod as an agreement. Though curious as to what secret she might possibly be withholding, that curiosity internally warred with fear over the price he might pay to obtain that information. Equal to his fondness for asking questions was his dislike for answering them. Fen sat silently through her introductions, diverting his gaze only for a moment to glance at the wolf, having been reminded of its existence upon learning its name. Fen thought to voice concerns over how far the creature was getting away, but the beginning of her confession quelled the idea.

When she paused, Fen gave a small tilt of his head before opening his mouth, intent on explaining how she didn't have to tell them if she didn't wish to, but he pressed his lips shut before any words left them. Whether it was curiosity as to what she was about to say taking over, or nerves blocking the word's escape was anyone's guess, though the likely answer was some combination of both. It felt like hours had passed before she spoke again, despite it being only a moment. Regardless of how much time had actually gone by however, Fenriz likely would not have been ready for the admission that followed.

She spoke so fast, Fen was almost certain that he had misheard her at first. His initial gut feeling was one of disbelief, even having to resist the urge to wave his hand in front of her face. Yet when he started putting it all together, the inability to fly, her jumping at his touch (which only made him regret it even further), it made sense.. Even despite his own recent hardships, owed to his own condition, he couldn't even imagine what going through life without sight might be like.

Speaking of his own condition…

He stood up, once more taking his hood off to reveal his messy white hair. He didn't turn away, but his blood red eyes refused to meet any of theirs. He clasped his hands together in front of himself, his fingers fidgeting anxiously before speaking.

"Well umm… Miss Raziel. If it helps, I have a secret too. My name is Fenriz, and I… I… I'm a vampire". Whether or not this was what she was going to question him on he was uncertain, although something about her willingness to share her secret made him feel a bit more comfortable in trusting her with his.

"I'm not really certain what that means completely. I just know that I can't travel during the day, and it means that I have to drink… blood" Although he didn't much like answering questions, when he did he did so like a tsunami, giving much more detail than anyone had asked.

"I'm also… not a mage. I don't know any magic at all" he added on, as if this was equally as surprising. Though this latter half of his confession did however make him acutely aware that there was still a third among them.

"What about you?" Fen said to Frey, marching directly up to him, face turning as red as his eyes. His embarrassment stemming more from accidentally admitting that he essentially threatened Frey with nothing earlier. Uncomfortable with the situation, he decided to pepper the last of the trio with questions in a desperate attempt to deflect attention "How come we don't know your name? And what's with your weird arm, huh? Can you hold stuff with it? Does it break easily?"

Each question had a very slight accusatory tone to them.

Author: Raziel, Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:41 PM, Post Subject: Searching

There was a harsh sound, of laughter being caught and sputtering against the throat as it was stifled. There was also the thudding of boots as they slapped against the wood. She could feel the vibrations of the man beneath her with each step. Eventually, the laughter won, turning into a pure sound full of joy, a bright light of happiness in the dark. Unintentionally ignoring the proffered hand, Raziel slowly pushed herself up until she was sitting upon her ankles.

Gingerly, she reached up and touched her nose. "I'll be fine. Thank you," the angel said politely, and then joked about her situation while revealing her age. "One would think after nine decades, I'd be accustomed to walking." From out of nowhere, something touched her shoulder, causing her to involuntarily jump, eyes widened with shock and fear momentarily until the boy's apology calmed her nerves. She could make out the fingers now, and it was her turn to blush deep crimson with embarrassment, and turned to appear as if she was staring away from them. It wasn't stupid to be startled when a random object injects itself into her realm of senses, yet, she knew it wasn't normal for people to be startled when people touched them.

Silently, she listened to the broken explanation. Taking his youth into account, Raziel's mind ran through several thought processes. First and foremost, children are very prone to lying, especially if they're trying to hide something. Then he started stumbling over certain words. The wolf's splashing began to fade as he swam back the way they had come. In the company of these two, she wasn't too worried, just hoped he had recovered her staff. With a sad smile, Raziel turned her head slightly toward the boy.

"If I tell you something I don't admit to others, would you answer me a question?" While she continued to ponder the correct path to go, it dawned on her that none of them knew her name, and vise versa. "I'm Raziel, by the way… And my wolf is Zander." Without waiting for his answer to her request, the angel decided to give him the information regardless. "The reason I can't fly is because…" Faltering, hesitating, Raziel swallowed, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "I can't see." There, she said it, albeit a little rushed in the end. But she finally admitted to strangers her biggest downfall.

Author: drbuck, Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 5:16 PM, Post Subject: Searching

With drooping shoulders, Fen's body betrayed any attempt to mask his disappointment. He sighed heavily and elected not to press the issue, despite the fact that for one brief moment, his small heart wanted nothing more than to see a person fly. Yet despite being unsatisfied with her response, the fact that she was she called herself an angel did not go over his head. Fen's parents only occasionally talked about angels, and when they did it was always brief, and rarely positive. He wasn't certain if angels were supposed to be one of the dangers they had warned him about, but if this is what all angels are like, than there's no way they could be a threat, right?

Any doubt that he may have had about the great angel threat was immediately removed the moment she stepped forward.

The moment after face met bridge, Fen tried his hardest not to laugh. This was not a battle he was destined to win, and it wasn't long before restrained snickering turned to full blown laughter, seemingly forgetting that the same thing had happened to only moments earlier. Try as he might, he couldn't convince his body to stop. This was, after all, the first reason the boy had been given reason to smile in a fairly long time, much less laugh, even if this moment had to come at someone else's expense.

The laughing fit was short-lived, and upon opening his eyes again he was immediately struck with a twinge of guilt. He noticed the staff she was carrying was nowhere to be seen, nor was the wolf. Once a quick glance around revealed that the furred creature was in the water, he had his suspicion, but Frey confirmed what Fen feared. The staff had been lost to the lake. Fen would follow Frey's lead and also kneel down beside her, dropping to both knees before placing a small but gentle hand on her shoulder like his parents had done for him in situations where he didn't feel his best. He wanted to say something comforting like they might have, but only a sheepish "I'm sorry" left his lips, any other words lost among the remorse he felt.

It was just as well, as Frey started speaking to him again. Hearing him speak about there being more frightening things than vampires brought him an odd sense of comfort to the young vampire. Whether it was intentional or not, Frey had done a great deal in setting his mind at ease, though this too was brought to an abrupt end.

What brings you out here all alone?

It wasn't as if he had a choice, after all. Traveling while it was light out was deadly to him and traveling with a companion was an equally dangerous prospect, at least in his experiences, little though they may be. Yet, how to explain that was an unknown, at least without revealing what he actually was. And although this group had been kinder than most so far, this wasn't a secret he was willing to spill yet. A brief silence proceeded Frey's question before he spoke

"Well uh…" he stammered "My brand of magic is special, and it doesn't work when the sun is out, so I have to travel by night"

Seemingly learning nothing, he returned to the mage bluff once more. And much like before, his voice wavered with uncertainty "I was uh… cursed! And if I go out during the day, I could die. I mean… lose my magic… forever!"

He took a deep breath before speaking, and when he did open his mouth again, his voice was a bit more steady "Do you guys know anything about a Silver Wheel? I was on my way to investigate some of the strange stuff that people say has been going on there. It's kind of strange that adults sleep at a wheel, now that I think about it. But I'm hoping to find someone that can tell me more about my… curse"

Author: arcanum, Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:04 AM, Post Subject: Searching

He checked the urge to quirk a brow. The kid had a point, even if it had hardly been Frey's intention to 'sneak,' per se. A slow smile dawned across the aerkai's features as Fen turned away. Things were going to be all right, it seemed. He took a moment to himself to calm his own nerves, and then looked upon his company anew - only to find the boy was thinking much along the same lines.

Silence featured now between the three, and Frey wondered idly as to whether he ought to break it or if he were better off to be on his way. But curiosity, his ever present and staunchest of companions, stayed him. What were a boy and a tiny lady doing out at this time of night? The girl, at least, had the wolf, but the child…

And yet, he was the braver of them, launching off into conversation with a sudden confidence. It reminded him of someone…

… but who?

"Can't fly?" he echoed in quiet surprise, dragging himself from his musings. What was the point of having wings, then? Evolution gone wrong? Some other reason? Suppose it wasn't his business but he couldn't help wondering all the same. It didn't matter, in the end - Fen's flood of questions dashed that particular train of thought rather effectively.

Monsters, eh? He might've had some say in the matter, and was about to pipe up, but Raziel beat him to the punch.

And then face planted rather fabulously. Ten out of ten. Wow.

"Miss, are you all right?" he asked, having at once hurried beside her. He knelt and offered her his good, normal hand up. "Better that your staff went over than you, at least." Silver linings in everything… Glancing over at Fen, Frey grinned and shook his head whimsically. "Y'know, your mother was probably right about the dangers of creatures that go bump in the night… but if you ask me, there's a lot scarier than vampires out there, formidable though they certainly can be. But if you know there's so much out and about, what brings you out here all alone?"

(Never mind that he had yet to answer the question himself.)

Author: Raziel, Posted: Sun Apr 8, 2018 8:25 PM, Post Subject: Searching

The older one, and obviously the farther of the two, said he was just teasing. Raziel was having difficulties identifying whether or not it was an honest statement. Having just met them, it was hard to judge anything on character. There was too much missing information. Old scolded the young, yet it wasn't harsh like it could have been. A small smile played with the corner of her lips as she barely made out the muttered words.

"To be fair, you could startle me quite easily." It was the closest she ever got to outright pointing out her disadvantage, her deformity to strangers in the first five minutes of meeting them. Although, it was quite situational as to how successful someone was to actually sneaking up on her. This time, however, proved to be quite the exception. While she had been talking about physically startling her with a surprise attack, be it friendly or not, the young boy asked a question she had never heard before.

Blinking, even if it was a bit unnecessary, her smile spread as the single question turned into a flood. It was obvious he was quite young, and still very curious as to his world. "No, I am an angel. Well, half anyway. My wings work, but I can't fly." To demonstrate, she spread her wings, flapped them once before tucking them back behind her. It was her lack of vision which prevented proper flight. Content with the lowering of tension, Zander plopped down, lounging in a relaxed position, his tongue hanging out as he panted, tail thumping against the bridge. Raziel chuckled as he continued on about the dark and the dangers lurking within the shadows.

She lifted a hand, as if to catch his words and halt his train of thought. With his quiet voice when talking about vampires, Raziel wondered what he knew about the subject. It was obviously a sensitive topic for him. "Slow down and I'll explain. You see," 'Odd choice of words.' "I… I've never traveled from home before." Before she could allow herself to fall into another bout of uncertain doubt, the angel went to take a step. Unfortunately, Zander's paw was in the way and could not be moved in time since he was not anticipating her sudden decision to move. Once more, she face planted, her staff clanking against the bridge. She groaned as she heard a splash, her wolf bark as he picked himself up and darted after it, splashing into the lake as well.

Author: drbuck, Posted: Sun Apr 8, 2018 11:48 AM, Post Subject: Searching

Fen was immediately distracted by the appearance of a new person. He shifted his entire body her direction, as he hastily began surveying the newcomer. The first thing that caught Fen's attention was her four-legged companion, a wolf staunchly keeping a barricade between the three of them. Fen locked eyes with the wolf, then looked back a Frey. He would rapidly shift his attention between the two "threats" several times before taking a defensive step back, one palm pointed at each of them, charging his faux spell.

The woman spoke, declaring her desire to pass by unharmed. The way she talked, and the way she carried herself almost, it almost seemed as if she was going out of her way to seem non-confrontational. This, combined with the fact that the wolf was doing no more than holding it's ground quickly convinced Fenriz that they were not a threat. Then he overheard Frey explain to her that he meant no harm. Although he wasn't as hasty to believe Frey's intentions, the raised hands were enough to bring Fen around. A brief moment would pass, before a realization clicked in his head. The only one being even remotely hostile, was himself. Embarrassed, he threw his hood back over his head, and shifted away from Frey's gaze, instead opting to stare into the water.

"Well sneaking up on people isn't a good way to make friends either" he muttered, crossing his arms with a huff. Although he would never say it aloud, even he had to admit he may have slightly overreacted this time. When he felt as though he could, he turned back toward his two new acquaintances. Feeling much less on edge, he took the time to examine the second of his guests. The first thing that caught his attention were the…wings? He went slightly wide eyed upon the realization. Between Frey's skeletal hand and her wings, Fen felt that for once, he wasn't the most unusual person in a group of people. He also noticed that she stood around his height. Perhaps he wasn't the youngest this time, either.

"Hey lady, are you a bird?" Fen asked with a tilted head, his curious side almost immediately overtaking his cautious one, as well as his tactful one, apparently "I don't think I've ever met a bird person before. Can you fly like them, too?"

Almost as if he had never been at odds with them, he started excitedly chatting away.

"What are you guys even doing here, anyway? Can't you tell how dark it is? Bad stuff tends to happen to people at night, you know. You could get attacked by bad guys, or even eaten by a wild animal. My mom once told me that the most dangerous animals come out at night"

Fen would continue to ramble, bouncing his gaze between the both of them, becoming increasingly animated as he described every situation these obviously inexperienced travelers could meet a grizzly fate, if they weren't careful like he was. After listing off a few more examples, ranging from goblins to swamp monsters, he suddenly grew quiet. Staring at the ground in a low voice, he said "Also you guys know there are vampires out there, right? You don't know anything about vampires, do you?"

Author: arcanum, Posted: Fri Apr 6, 2018 4:13 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Ah. He'd overdone it. He could but blink in surprise as the other stumbled over himself. To his credit, the boy bounced back remarkably quick, but was just as hasty in picking up where he'd left off. This time around, Frey's doubt as to whether his appearance belied his age began to fade. With a pronounced sigh, he frowned and lightly pinched the bridge of his nose. He'd obviously erred and this was turning out to be more of a headache than he'd bargained for - and all that aside, it was an annoying reminder that he'd never been great with children.

Hand slumping to his side, he glanced over to the boy in question and was of half a mind to bare his own fangs - smaller though they were, but undeniably there - in return. But he'd been childish enough already. Time to clear the air.

"Look, kid," he started, but faltered upon the arrival of two more - a wolf and, more interestingly, a winged woman. Something about the wings in particular jolted him, scattering his thoughts and summoning faded memories. For now, he brushed those thoughts aside and offered a weary smile and an innocent show of hands slightly raised in surrender. "No, no," he continued, looking back and forth between Fen and Raziel, "I was just about to tell him how I didn't actually intend to bring him any harm. Just teasing, was all." That was the best apology the boy would get. 

But he wasn't quite done yet. Pinning a pointed stare on Fen, Frey shook his head. "By the way-" though he hardly considered himself to be the most apt in social situations himself "-I'm not sure threatening strangers is the best way to meet new people. It's bound to ruffle feathers, you know."

Author: Raziel, Posted: Sun Apr 1, 2018 4:00 PM, Post Subject: Searching

Things were warming up for the angel and her wolf companion. Soon, she was able to remove her warm cloak, carefully tucking it away in her pack. It was obvious she had stepped into a whole knew world. New sounds surrounded her. Chirps and tweets, feathered wings flapping. Yet, things seemed to be absent, such as the wind blowing through crystal clinks of icicles hanging off trees and the buildings of her home.

Somewhere in the distance, there was a rapid sound, so fast, not even a person's heart after a vigorous exercise could keep up. Rap-rap-rap! Squeaks and rustles of underbrush told her little creatures played along the floor. There was even the sound of dripping water here and there. "Oh, listen to those sounds, Zander!" The mentioned wolf pressed against her slightly as he began leading her forward.

It was partially a game to him, yet he knew that this was necessary. Bumping against the staff gripped tight in her hands, Zander could easily steer her any direction he required. In an emergency, the wolf would push against her legs, not to mention his barks or yips would help her access the type of situation he deemed it to be. Thus the pair of them walked long after night had fallen. Raziel had noted the quieting of nature, replaced by the gentle hum of some creature, like a little song, gentle and sweet for any to sleep by.

Lapping water was also very noticeable. Her boots went from crunching leaves to clicking against wood. Where the tip of her staff would find nothing in it's path, her hand would find a railing of sorts. Curiously, Raziel knelt down, and reached her hand as far below the structure as she could until she felt the surface of water. A bridge, then. Zander bit her clothing and pulled against her. Together they pressed on until there were words being passed between two people. Both male, one supremely young.

Even with the sound of something crashing to the bridge, the lavender haired angel felt confident that her wolf would let her know if something was wrong. As it was, he planted himself with a warning stance between her and the two males, judging and watching. "Um… I must ask, if there is to be any fighting… Could you perhaps wait until I pass, please?" she asked, in a voice only loud enough to be heard as she seemed to duck into herself, practically bowing her head to them in her shyness.

Author: drbuck, Posted: Sun Apr 1, 2018 10:41 AM, Post Subject: Searching

For a split second, Fen believed his bluff had worked. He had made a demand that they keep their distance, and they had paused. Fen kept his hands raised, palms pointed toward the stranger, feigning as if he had sort of powerful spell, charged and ready to be unleashed, although the considerable shakiness in his arms might have been a bit of a giveaway. He took a small step toward the intruder, attempting to size them up, one of the few things he had gotten somewhat good at in his time alone. They were… considerably taller than he was. Outrunning them would've been a long shot, not that he had too many options to flee, anyway. But the most striking thing about them was their arm. There was no skin! How was that even possible…

Fen's concentration was broken, as the stranger almost immediately called his bluff.  From one mage to another… he thought to himself. Although he had yet to experience it first hand, his parents had filled his head with tales of the amazing things magic was capable of, and he knew that if this person meant him harm, he was certainly in trouble. Yet there was something… off, about the way his "opponent" talked. His young mind couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was but there was something about this individual's tone and stance that told him, he was not being taken seriously. Whether or not this was the intention, Fen definitely felt he was being mocked.

When his guest stepped forward, Fenriz quickly jumped back, in an attempt to keep his distance. Due to his frayed nerves his step backwards was taken in haste, and consequently wasn't a stable one, causing him to stumble over himself, landing flat on his behind.

"Oww…" he complained with a grimace, momentarily taking his easily distracted mind off of his predicament. Yet the moment was fleeting and as quickly as his small arms would allow him, once more with palms outstretched and face slightly red, embarrassed at having fallen over. Silently he hoped to himself that the low light shrouded that part.

"I-I'm being serious" his voice noticeably quivering due to some combination of fear and anger. Angry at the condecending tone the stranger took, or at least what he perceived as condescending. Fear out of having no real plan if this person really did turn out to be hostile. He barred his fangs, as a sort of last ditch intimidation tactic "I don't want to hurt, b-but I will! I'll take us both out!"

Author: arcanum, Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:46 PM, Post Subject: Searching

"Is that so?"

He'd been wandering the length of the bridge, somewhat taking in the sights but for the most part ruminating over this and that - the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his presence in Parvpora in the first place for starters, as well as the events that had taken place thereafter. He often considered himself a lucky man, but there had been nothing fortunate about the portal that had rather rudely upended him from his business in Canelux and unceremoniously - not to mention painfully - deposited him a little ways south of Jasumin Lake, in the middle of godsforsaken nowhere.

But where he'd thought himself alone, he saw now this was clearly not the case.

Now that he looked closer, however, he found his surprise doubled. A boy? Appearances could be deceiving, and yet… Inhaling deeply through the nose, Frey shrugged and decided to oblige. He would keep his distance. For now. But that wouldn't stop him poking a little fun. Lifting his arms casually to the side, he smirked. "Why don't you go ahead and show me? From one mage to another, I'd absolutely love to witness such a display of raw power. In fact, your offer almost makes it tempting to not stay back."

Frey took a single step but stopped there, head tilted slightly to the side as he better observed the stranger before him. He made sure not to come off as malevolent - gentle teasing was the worst of his demeanour, by far.

Author: drbuck, Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2018 10:43 PM, Post Subject: Searching

The sound of small footsteps against wood echoed through the tranquil night's air. Fenri's glowing crimson eyes were glued to his boots, watching them aimlessly propel his body forward, feeling detached from the entire process. Acting on their own, his legs had led him to the Jasumin Lake, almost as if they sensed that he deserved a bit of peace. Between being separated from his parents, slaughtering a family without knowledge, and learning he was now a vampire, peace was a rare commodity in his life as of late.

About halfway across the bridge his legs had decided they had enough, and he sat himself down, allowing his legs to dangle over the bridge, although they weren't quite long enough to reach water. Fen pulled the hood off of his head, freeing his snow white hair as he peered out over the lake,  staring at the reflections of the moons off of the still body of water. A fair amount of time had passed since what he was mentally named 'The Incident', yet the memory, seemingly waking up to the mangled image of a family he had never met, still stirred in his head as if it had happened only hours before. Since then he was on a quest to find his missing parents, or even the vampire that had tutored him in the ways of his new, albeit unwanted vampiric lifestyle, a quest that he had been so far extremely unsuccessful in, as people aren't exactly jumping at the chance to talk about vampires, never mind what may happen if people found out that he was one himself.

Yet, the silent nature of the lake at night allowed him some comfort, and allowed him a much needed moment to collect his thoughts. Through his time spent eavesdropping on others, fishing for any information that might aid him in his journey, he had learned about a nearby inn in which strange things were occurring. Although he doubted his vampire tutor nor his parents were responsible for the happenings, he was hoping that maybe he would find someone more willing to discuss his plight.

But before he was willing to do that, he wanted to take the opportunity to collect himself. Fenriz was close to getting back to a tranquil state, before the sound of footsteps caught his ears. He stood up, glancing around for a place to hide before realizing the bridge yielded none.

"S-stay back" he called out cautiously to the approaching presence "I'm a powerful mage and I'll… I'll light this whole bridge on fire!"