Author: Firesong, Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:31 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Drake cursed the sun and stars as he tried his hardest to wade through the crowds.  It was by pure chance that he, Danwe, and Xeik had stopped in Baltil while running from an ornery group of assassins, when the draconian had heard a rumor about a one-eyed demon hunter leading a woman into the Dragon’s Hoard. 

That mad man who attacked me?  Drake thought for a moment.  Judging by the man’s insane nature, it was possible the woman was in danger.  He had lagged behind, though, as Xeik scouted the town out for any signs of their own pursuers.  That was when he was passed by none other than the crazed hunter himself. 

There was a look in his eye, as if he were supremely focused on one thing, and one thing alone.  There was no woman with him.  Drake felt a chill, though, noticing that he was covered in blood as the crowds seem to part for him. 

Damnit…  He bounded down the hallway leading towards the hoard.  Already his enhanced senses could smell the blood in the air.  None of it was human.  Finally, the dark haired man found them.  Two bodies, a woman laying over a horribly disfigured demon. 

“Shit,” Drake said, his silver-green eyes surveying the situation.  He was too late.  He knelt down, checking the wounds of both.  It was a clean stab wound, made by a magic weapon that the draconian had never seen before.  But, it had gone straight through both of them. 

He sniffed the air again.  “She’s not human either…”  The scent of the blood was something unique.  It wasn’t unlike the draconian blood that was heavy in the air.  Essence of flame.  Something powerful and magic. 

“The least I can do is bu…”  There was a sharp pain in his head.  The dragon sleeping inside of him.  “What…what the hell?”  He looked again as the dragon willed him to look upon her body once more, to feel the magic in her.  “W-what…!?  She’s still alive?  But she’s not breathing?”  Yet there it was, clear as day.  A small, flickering magic.  He picked her up. 

“Shit…what to do, what to do….”  The inn.  He would have to take her there.  Magnus, maybe?  No.  I can't bother him with this.. There was another sharp pain from the dragon.

“Why are you being a pain!” Drake growled.  Then he noticed.  Her body was growing warmer.  Suddenly, it seemed to click.  “Oh….OH.” Quickly, he put her down. 

“She's…a phoenix?”

Author: Raize, Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:13 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

As both Osiria and the demon fell, Rheankos felt a strange mixture of emotions. He was so close to his goal that he could taste it. The hatred in his heart was hitting an apex. Osiria’s words fell with no response, and he turned away from her collapsed form. All of the memories and good times he had shared with her meant nothing compared to his revenge.

Perhaps, that was what his nightmares had been warning him of. He was past the point of redemption. He had surpassed the thing that he hated most, and become something worse than any demon could be. And he knew it. He had never denied what he was becoming, save to lie to Osiria that once.

“Love…?” he said, stopping at the mouth of the cave as he looked down at his hands. Inima was still active, the blade humming softly. His hands were covered in a mix of his, the demon’s, and Osiria’s blood. “Love is worthless…”

It wasn’t long before he was headed to the Zets’ki Cradle. Nothing would stop him now.

Author: Osiria, Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 5:04 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

The half phoenix struggled with all of her might against the strong demon as he pulled her up. “You wouldn’t be so brash without that damn blood in you.” She choked it out as she tried to claw at his hands. The half phoenix choked for more air the more she struggled. Osiria was tiny and it was certainly playing against her at the moment. Feeling his claws in her neck’s flesh she began to clench her teeth in pain.

Osiria could barely hear over the sound of her own blood pumping hard and the sound of her heart nearly exploding in her chest. However, she had heard enough to hear Rhenakos’ tone and she knew enough about him to know what would come next. If her heart wasn’t beating hard enough it was slowly forming a small crack in it. But you knew didn’t you? That he would sacrifice you for this? You should have run… Why didn’t you run? The reasons though many didn’t outweigh the feelings in her soul and that was where the heart wasn’t as strong as the mind.

She had known she was most likely going to die because of Rhenakos and yet she forced herself to ignore it.

Her body gave up the fight soon enough once she began to tire from the struggle. Her ears caught enough once more to hear the deal be struck and slowly her orange eyes closed with grief following close by. They only snapped open once she felt the surge of power and she had caught him appearing near the demon. His greed and selfishness were enough as he stabbed her in the heart with the very sword he had received from her.

For a brief moment as Inima met and they touched the sword lit brighter than before. “Rhen…” She should have died there and then when the sword went through her heart but there were a few moments. “I love you, Rhen.” It was weak and had taken every ounce of power she had left but a part of her knew he needed to hear it because at some point he would snap out of it. The fire in her had kept the sword from killing her instantly enough for her to tell him what she had to.

The half phoenix’s body laid still on the ground as the last few breaths left.

Author: Raize, Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 3:38 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Rhenakos had charged ahead of Osiria, ignoring the fact that the demon was trying to kill the dragon, and attempted to strike the demon with all his might Of course, such bold and brash attempts were met with a single, effortless swat from the demon, knocking Rhenakos into a stray pile of gold.

As Rhenakos tried to scramble up, Osiria took the demon head on, her reflexes as sharp as her blade as she fought against the demon. Had the hunter not been in a mad dash to kill the demon himself, he might have been awestruck with her prowess. However, he noticed none of it, and finally he was back on his feet. He was fairly certain that his ribs were broken, and breathing was becoming something of a struggle, but he took a step forward regardless, hearing Osiria’s advice on how the demon was adapting.

“A dragon…” he said with a growl. This wasn’t too unlike that draconian he had fought just before meeting Osiria. He had the guy on the ropes had it not been for the stray bolt of lightning. Rhenakos smirked. “Fine….” Pushing through the pain, he took another step as Osiria ran to him.

The demon was no longer in site. Rhenakos cursed, looking around. His sword had landed in a pile of jewels on the other side of the dragon. He growled, reaching into his coat for any other weapons. Damnit. Nothing. It was unlike him to be so unprepared.

There was a sudden flash, and suddenly, the demon was on top of Rhenakos, tossing him aside. It rushed Osiria, and grabbed her, putting her into a chokehold, his claw against her neck.

“I've heard of you…the one eyed hunter. I know what you seek…”

Rhenakos laughed, “Like hell. You're scared…”

The demon tightened his grip on Osiria. “Try your flames, pretty phoenix…I dare you. The dragons blood in my veins will negate the burns…”

“Fine. Tell me where it is…,” Rhenakos replied, growling. “Tell me where he is!”

“I'll give you the information. But…the dragon and the woman are mine. Even trade.”

The hunter looked at Osiria and the dragon. “Fine.”. He spoke with no hesitation.

The demon smiled, his disjointed mix of draconic and demonic teeth showing. The demon was convinced that things would go his way. “Very good. The Zets’ki Cradle. That's where you'll find him. I'm not sure the specifics…but I know his brood are there." He shivered with delight. He would taste the woman's flesh that night, and reap the powers of both a dragon and phoenix.

Rhenakos started to laugh. “Good…good. All right then…” He turned around to start to leave. He made it two steps, and then paused. “Oh….I almost forgot…” His image suddenly vanished, and he appeared inches before the demon, his eye wide in insanity. Power radiated from him; a ring on his finger burning brightly, singing the flesh on his hand.

“I won’t give you Osiria, nor the dragon. They’re mine…” He pushed his hand against Osiria’s chest. His eye met hers, but there was not a single ounce of sanity to be found within him. “Inima….”

Author: Osiria, Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2018 10:17 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Rhenakos’ smirk made her smirk in return. “Idiots indeed.” They weren’t worth her time anymore. They could both put all of them in their place now that her magic wasn’t sealed. It was however like Osiria had told Rhenakos. She was weak without her magic. As much as she could be like a bursting lava river she could always be like a cool stream in the right conditions… And she hated the right conditions.

The trip was oddly quiet and the half phoenix did nothing to try and help the situation. She knew that Rhenakos had most likely lied to her about how he felt and his dreams but there was nothing she could do to make the stubborn man talk. It did hurt a little bit since she thought they had grown closer but his personality had the habit of rearing its head and making her regret being soft with him. Men could be so stubborn…

The brunette watched as her companion sniffed the air and found a trail to where they were supposed to go. However, the dragon cut him off before they could even get a move on the lead they had. “Rhen…” Her voice was so soft under the dragon’s screams that she knew that he couldn’t hear her. He was being reckless. Steel yourself to him or else this will hurt even more when you leave. He doesn’t care. Her mind was screaming it and yet she felt herself being dumb about it. She knew better, didn’t she?

Despite his determined walk, Osiria took to the shadows of the hoard as she looked around piles of treasure and spotted the fight from a distance. It was a demon alright and from the looks of it, he was a rather big creature to boot. He was clawing into the red dragon’s neck as blood spilled out onto the gold and silver below his feet. His razor-like teeth tore through the dragon scales like it was nothing as he started to devour the flesh and blood of its prey. It made her stomach twist and turn. Her foot slipped on stray pieces of gold as the mound came tumbling down. The demon stopped in its motions as its orange eyes met hers.

She took a shallow breath as the creature appeared in front of her. It was lucky enough for Osiria that she was good with her reflexes as she pulled her sword out in time to fend off the creature’s claws. “So very tasty you look my dear.” His voice was almost like silk and if Osiria wasn’t as prepared as she was she knew she would have been hooked.

“You wouldn’t believe how much I hear that,” there was sass in her voice as once more the demon took a swipe at her. This time getting her across her cheek but just barely as the blood came oozing out a little bit from the scratch. His tail took a swipe at her and she managed to roll out of the way but it hadn’t been the only thing she had noticed. It appeared the demon was slowly taking on the traits of the dragons he had been hunting which wasn’t good at all for either her or Rhenakos.

As she laid in the pile of treasure the demon loomed over her. “Nowhere to run.”

“Who the fuck is running?” She let fire leave her lips like a raging inferno as she scurried away towards where Rhenakos is. “He’s gaining traits from the magic in the dragons’ blood! Be careful!” She was panting now as her eyes darted about. The demon was no longer where she had last seen him.

Author: Raize, Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:28 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

As Rhenakos and Osiria left the inn, the two noticed the individuals from the night before. Osiria had already been flexing her magic again, and it seemed as though she might go after them, but as they cowered from Rhenakos’ gaze, she apparently decided against it. He scoffed, “Idiots.” He couldn’t help but throw a smirk at Osiria.

They left the city and made their way to the dragon’s hoard, the entire time staying mostly silent. Rhenakos wondered if lying to Osiria had been a mistake, but she didn’t seem to act any different. The sooner she learns who I really am, the better, he thought to himself. They finally reached the point of the diverging paths, and Osiria stopped, her hands on her hips.

“Well,” Rhenakos said, glancing either way. He took a sniff of the air, and frowned. “Definitely a demon scent…” A grin spread across his face. “There’s nowhere to run. I’ll find it…”

Before he could move, there was a roar from the dragon deep within. Osiria shrugged, suggesting that was the way to go, and Rhenakos agreed. The two made their way down the pass, Rhenakos taking the lead with his blade already drawn. He could feel the burning bloodlust rising in his chest.

Kill…

It wasn’t long before they started to spot piles of treasure. Gold and silver mounds taller than Rhenakos, gems that gleamed brighter than the starry sky, weapons that could slay dragons and smite even the mightiest of daemons. The demon hunter didn’t notice a single thing. His focus was the demon that he knew was tormenting the dragon up ahead.

He didn’t even stop to think if the dragon would kill him.

Author: Osiria, Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:52 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

“You don’t have to be sorry.” She watched him with gentle eyes. Once he told her he would be okay she cupped his face and kissed his cheek. “Alright if you say so.” She knew he was lying but he was a stubborn ass. There was no way he would tell her anything different.

Leaving the inn was the best part of everything as she flexed her fire magic. She even thought she saw one of the men who harassed her. They saw her stretch and cowered a bit. She didn’t have time to make them pay and Rhenakos had scared them pretty good.

They left the city to head into the dragon’s hoard. Osiria made eye contact with the dwarven guards as they walked past. “This should be fun.” She put her hand on her hip as they looked at the diverging pass. “So… I think we should have checked maps before we came here… Any idea which way we should go? Or do you think that both ways go towards the hoard?”

Off in one of the tunnels was a crying dragon roar. “Or… that way.”

Author: Raize, Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 12:11 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

"It's nothing new," he said, looking away after Osiria kissed him.  "It happens.  I'll be fine."  He laid for a moment longer, enjoying the feeling of his hair being played with.  It was oddly comforting.  A part of him knew deep down that it would never last though.  Still, after enjoying it for a time, the two started to move.  They had business to deal with after all.  Rhenakos got up, watching as Osiria got dressed.  He followed suit shortly after, and did his own morning routine.  

The two passed each other a few times during the morning routine, but neither seemed to be speak to each other about anything that had happened.  Rhenakos himself had decided to push the feelings of the nightmare to the back of his mind.  Another mistake he knew he would regret at a later point…but right now it was manageable.  It's all fine… He accidentally brushed against Osiria, and he paused. "Sorry," he muttered, and continued on. Whatever feelings you're having…crush them. You'll just drag her down with you…

Osiria finally spoke, asking her question. Rhenakos thought for a moment, and with a fake smile, looked her in the eye. "Of course I'll be okay." The lie he told himself every day. It was obvious, as plain as day. But she couldn't argue with him. He couldn't argue with himself over it.

If this goes the direction you want it to go… Rhenakos thought, It'll destroy you. Heart and soul.

Author: Osiria, Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2018 3:46 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

“Forget how I am feeling…” Osiria brought him close and kissed him soundly. “You were having a nightmare.” He was laying on her still and that was fine as she softly caressed his hair. “I don’t suppose you want to talk about it with you being you.” She kept close to him as she pulled the blankets up onto his waist more. “That’s okay though. If you want to tell me you can eventually.” The half phoenix gave him a soft smile as she rubbed his chest now in comforting touches.

After a bit, she slipped out of bed and got dressed. It was an odd thing that made her heart feel weighted as wasn’t around him anymore. It was silly because she wasn’t even a foot away from him. Stupid feelings. Stupid heart. Stupid Rhenakos.

Her orange eyes looked back at Rhenakos as she buttoned up her shirt. “We should get ready to go into the Dragon’s Hoard. It’s almost time for that guy to show up.” She fluffed her hair out of her shirt before she put her pants on. It was weird for her and she was taking long breaths. Her eyes drifted back to Rhenakos. “Hey, Rhen? Are you going to be okay?”

Author: Raize, Posted: Tue Jun 5, 2018 7:00 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

He could feel the demon in his sleep. A flaming mass clad in iron, with crimson eyes. The flames wrapped around everything, consuming the world itself. There were screams in the distance, the smell of death hanging in the air. Its slow, methodical steps were like hammers in a forge, sending chills down his spine.

Laughter. Inhuman laughter. A burning claw outstretched, pressing against bare flesh, the nail digging into the skin. He could feel the pressure in his left eye. More laughter, echoing. Burning, searing pain.

But the flaming mass was not the demon. No, the flaming mass was Rhenakos himself, his arm reaching out, throttling an innocent woman who stood in front of her demon lover. It didn’t matter. The demon would die, and all those who protected them would suffer the same fate. But he didn’t want to kill her. He had no choice.

The guilt would consume him in the end. All the pain and death he had caused. He knew it would all come back. That’s why he knew he didn’t deserve the kindness given to him. Yet, for some reason….

Her presence was there. Rhenakos opened his eye, glancing up at Osiria. “…oh.” He closed his eye, and took a deep breath. The dreams were already fading away. He knew that they would return again, though. “Morning…how are you feeling?”

Author: Osiria, Posted: Sun Jun 3, 2018 5:18 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

He was slow and gentle with her which was the exact opposite of how he normally was. Normally their sex was rough and had the essence of no strings attached. This time was different. It was sensual and he was paying attention to her.

This did make her feel better if only for the way he made her feel. It alarmed her a lot that he could have an effect like this on her when she thought he was such an ass… Did that mean that she was reevaluated how she felt about him? She shuddered at the thought but it wasn’t a bad thing. He made her feel good and it looked like she did the same for him.

“Mmm?” She rubbed her head into his neck softly as he called her name. Her lips kissed the top of his chest as she smiled. Her smile could be felt against his chest since he was holding her so tight. “I know you won’t.” She wasn’t sure if he could but it was just the thought of it. She knew that he would probably save her and that was comforting that he would try.

“I won’t,” she murmured into his chest as they fell asleep. After a few hours, he began to sweat and groan a bit in his sleep. Osiria rubbed her eyes and looked up. He almost hit her in the face as he dreamed. “Rhen…” She pulled herself up to where she was sitting with her back against the backboard of the bed. She put him against her chest and gently stroked his hair. “It’s okay Rhen…” She wondered what he was dreaming about. “I’m here.” Her other hand gently stroked his back.

Author: Raize, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 11:39 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Rhenakos resisted the urge to roll his eyes when she called him Rhen, but he chose not to. In this moment, he would let her get away with it. Just this once. Still, when she pulled him over to her, asking for a distraction, he was surprised at the look he was given. A being with this kind of power, this fire in her, was laying nearly broken beneath him.

“If that is what you want,” he whispered, leaning in to kiss her. Words were not needed past that point. He kissed her again, and started to take off his shirt. From there, it was a slow road of tentative, light touches, and an unusual amount of affection.

The emotions that he felt during their sex was the closest thing to comfort that he had felt in a lifetime. Everything seemed to last an eternity, and when everything was finished, he found himself holding Osiria’s bare body close. Her warmth was something that he had grown to enjoy. At this point, he might even admit to himself that he would miss it if she were gone.

“Osiria…:” he whispered, barely audible. “I won’t let them hurt you…” He wasn’t sure why he was saying it. He wasn’t even sure if he could actually protect her. He could barely hold his own in a fight. But it was something that he felt he needed to say.

“…on’t leav….” he said, barely forming the words.

Author: Osiria, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 11:17 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Osiria whipped up at him once she was on the bed. When he asked her what she thought she needed she thought long and hard about it. "I just need you. So stay here please." Osiria took his arm and wrapped it around her as she stuck her head into his chest for comfort. He smelled good to her and it was odd to her. It scares her that she was relying on him of all people.

She took his free hand in hers as her thumb rubbed gently across his callous skin. Her orange eyes lulled before she closed them. Her breathing got slower as she turned her head up to him. "Rhen?" It slipped her mind not to call him that but her voice was barely audible as she leaned up and kissed him.

"Distract me." She said as their lips barely parted. She pulled him over her and looked up at him. She looked so fragile in that moment as she pulled him down to kiss once again.

Author: Raize, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 11:06 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

“Here,” he said as he picked her up carefully. For all of her fire and spunk, she was surprisingly light and frail. He held her for a moment, making sure he had her, and then went ahead up the stairs. She pointed to the room, and Rhenakos brought them to it. With a bit of readjusting, Rhenakos unlocked the door and carried Osiria in.

He carefully placed her on the bed, and sat down next to her, steadily stroking her hair. “It’s okay now,” he said softly. “It’s over with.” Even now, he could see that she was struggling. Her shallow breaths were a dead giveaway. “Do you need anything? Water? Food? Time alone?” He wasn’t sure what she needed.

It was a strange thing, for Rhenakos to be caring so much, and even he knew it. Getting close to people was something that had long since been something he was hesitant to do. And with good reason. He was half suicidal, crazed, and hell bent on the destruction of demonkind. It was a miracle he was still alive. And that was not even getting in to the emotional trauma of what he had gone through.

Yet, here he was, taking care of someone who he had managed to develop a bond with, a person that, though he would never admit, he might actually care about.

And it terrified him to his core.

Author: Osiria, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 10:56 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Osiria was shaking on the floor. For all of her high and mighty talk. For all of her strength. Once she was stripped of her power she was sterrified and it showed. Rhenakos freed her and that made her feel much better but her legs would not let her move. They felt like jelly and would not get off the floor. Her eyes instead moved to watch Rhenakos deal with the fiends. To her they were worse than any demon.

"I will try to be… My legs can't move." She merely nodded to his slight scolding. "Rhenakos?" Her voice was so soft and shaken as her eyes met his. "Can we just go upstairs?"

She tried to push herself off the floor but she fell down in a shaky mess. "Can you take me please? There's too many eyes on me… It makes me feel dirty."

In his arms she snuggled up to him as he carried her up the stairs.  Her legs were throbbing in his arms and her heart was beating so hard it was easy to hear. She was scared.

Author: Raize, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 10:23 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

All at once, the chains in his mind snapped. His hand shot out and grabbed the man’s arm. “Oh…I warned you…” Rhenakos’ eye was gleaming, but instead of pure hatred, there was a hint of glee. The sadism he felt when there were demons close had overcome him once more, and he felt the need to tear the man to pieces if it meant getting what he wanted.

“What do you think you-” the man started, but Rhenakos interrupted, yanking the man’s arm. Hard. The hunter had not made an idle threat. He pulled the man’s arm right out of it’s socket with a sickening pop. There was a mixture of shock and awe from the other patrons of the inn. A few, though, did not seem very happy, and moved to aid their ‘companion.’

“Oh…?” Rhenakos said, still holding on to the man’s arm as he turned roughly, causing the man to cry out in pain. “You want this…trash?” he asked with a smile.

“Get him already! He’s just one man!” the ‘seducer’ cried out, obviously in agony. “Just kill him, and the woman!”

One started to move forward, but Rhenakos took a step forward himself, and threw the man by his dislocated arm at the compatriots, knocking them down.

“Now…I suggest you leave….” Rhenakos glared at the men. “You’re lucky. Any other day, and I’d have just killed you all outright. But I’ve had a bit of a change of heart…so scram. And…let’s see…if I ever see you again…” He started to laugh a little. “Well…I’m a demon hunter who thrives on information….and I have quite a few new techniques I wouldn’t mind testing out…”

As they scrambled away, Rhenakos turned his attention to Osiria. He knelt down next to her, the bloodlust fading fast.

“Are you okay?” he asked. “And…for future reference…please don’t call me Rhen.”

Author: Osiria, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 9:53 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

"You don't seem the type to me that cares what he sleeps on." There was a smirk from her but a bed with him was always very nice. 

Once to the inn she had this odd feeling overtake her and she knew she had made a mistake. Her fingers twitched at her side as she dealt with the inn keep and the pervert at the same time. Orange eyes looked back at Rhenakos once the man had her in his arms. They were pleading for his help. "I can't get my magic to work."

The man felt at Osiria's bust as he grinned a bit. "Small women like you often rely on magic to keep threats away. What a good trap to get the pretty ones." Osiria struggled in the man's arms as he grabbed her. "So very weak."

Well she had nothing else going for her as she spit at him. The man slapped her across the face as he yanked her arm up. Osiria let out a cry from the twist of her shoulder. No one else in the inn moved which meant this man was bad news. "I'll just be taking her then." He produced a pair of rune engraved shackles and Osiria struggled harder against him now hurting herself even more

"KEEP THOSE AWAY FROM ME. RHEN HELP!" She had tears forming at the edges of her eyes. Would he help her now?

Author: Raize, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 3:45 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Rhenakos grumbled the entire time she was fixing his hair, but when she finished, he couldn’t deny that it felt a lot better than the work that he had done. He started to move again, but was interrupted once more as Osiria produced a small hilt. The hunter looked on with a curious eye, and as she spoke its name, it came to life with the gray blade.

She took his hand, and pushed it to the blade with hers. The weapon reacted in a strange, beautiful way, producing a brilliant orange. Rhenakos was in awe, if only for a moment, at the strange, pure color. It felt like a calm sunset…

Osiria let go of the blade, and it returned to the dull gray color. Rhenakos eyed the blade, sweeping it back and forth for a moment. It’s not as bright as when she held it alone. Perhaps it has to do with mana… He shrugged the thought off, and said its name, letting the blade return to its base form.

He flipped the blade’s hilt around for awhile, finally snapping his fingers. “Ah…” He tinkered with it for a moment, producing a metal piece. It didn’t take long for him to connect the two, and fix it to his wrist. “There…it’s light enough that I can keep it here, and my coat will hide it…” He waved his arm around, “Imina.” The blade shot out, and Rhenakos waved it around again, testing it a but more. “Inima.” The blade retracted.

“There. And, it’s easily removable in case I need a spare weapon in hand.” He smirked. “Thank you, Osiria.”

The next few days passed with no real issue. Rhenakos stayed, for the most part, in a calm, even pleasant mood, but that changed when they finally reached Baltil. There were more people about, so Rhenakos kept to himself mostly, trying hard not to snap at the useless things that he heard.

When Osira mentioned the plan to get an inn, Rhenakos nodded in agreement. “It would be nice to have a bed again,” he commented. Which was unusual, since he rarely slept in one to begin with. But perhaps Osiria was having an effect on him.

When they got to the inn, though, things started to go south. Immediately he felt the eyes of someone on the two of them, though more on Osiria than himself. Disgusting. He ignored the man, though, and waited for Osiria to get the key. They weren’t a viable threat. However, when his partner went to the counter, the man moved in to her, slapping her ass and pressing himself against her. For a moment, Rhenakos thought the man would be killed on the spot, but she held back for some reason.

A strange twinge of emotion shot through Rhenakos. Does she…not mind it? He crossed his arms, waiting for her to do something, but still nothing came. No retort, no smart remarks. Simple acceptance. That was when the man looked to Rhenakos, offering coin for her services.

“I-I doubt…that would be wise,” Rhenakos said, his eye twitching slightly. “If I were you, I’d stop.” There was a strange, violent undertone to his voice that was not unlike the tone that he had when he felt the bloodlust from killing demons. Still, he made no motion to stop him. Osiria simply finished her transaction, and started to move away. As she did, though, the man pulled her back, toying with her.

“Look,” Rhenakos said, moving forward, his emotions running wild, “It seems like you two should just get a room already. However, if that’s not the case…” The demon hunter’s right eye gleamed with near insanity. “I suggest you go ahead and let her go, lest I rip your arm from its socket…”

Author: Osiria, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 3:13 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Osiria watched him put up his hair. “I’m not all that strong Rhenakos. I’m just hot enough to keep most people at bay there are those that can get through that defense and… well, that’s when you see that I am weak.” She offered up the best smile she could. “But Gods your hair.” She stopped him and made him sit down so she could fix it. Finally, she got it all out of his face. “There.”

The half phoenix listened to his wants and she pondered a bit. Her lips ran up his neck now that his hair was away. “I have something for you.” Her tone was sultry but she came around to his front and summoned an odd looking blade. At the moment it appeared just to be an odd hilt but Osiria whispered its name, “Inima.” The blade shot out as pure light energy though it was gray in color.

“It was given to me as a gift by a master craftsman after I finished a job. I will give it to you on the condition that you take care of it. Its name is Inima and it means heart. It changes color depending on the user’s heart.” She brought up his hand and touched it to the hilt of the blade. Together holding it the blade turned an orange color. She had never seen it so beautiful in all her years having it. Her hand left the hilt and it faded to a white. How odd.

“Learn to use it and you will be able to keep yourself from being hurt so much. I can make you feel more alive than any wound.” There was a smirk on her face now. “You summon the blade by saying its name. You do the same to retract the blade.” She kissed his lips softly. “This is a gift from me to you so don’t lose it or break it.”

The travel into Baltil lasted until two days from that time. It was in the afternoon by the time they crossed into the city. She stretched and looked up at Rhenakos. “We should rest up before we hunt this bastard. He only comes out in the early mornings so we have time.”

She found them a cozy little inn off on the side near the exit so they didn’t have to waste a lot of time. She caught the attention of one of the patrons as soon as they walked in. His eyes were probably undressing her from the way he stared. “I’ll get a key,” she softly said as she approached the owner. They were negotiating prices when the man pushed himself up and smacked her rear roughly grabbing her as he did so. He took her by the waist and Osiria hardly responded.

Her eyes slid up to meet his. She couldn’t make a scene here or else they might be chased out. “I am going to offer you quite a bit of a silver for your lady friend.” The man looked back at Rhenakos. “Show her a good time.”

Oh great. She knew from Rhenakos’ response the last time someone had said something like this that he would probably let her deal with it. “Thank you,” she handed the silver over and got the key. Osiria continued to ignore the man even when he pulled her back when she tried to get away. Sometimes she hated to being physically weak compared to some people.

Author: Raize, Posted: Sat Jun 2, 2018 12:06 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

For the most part, Rhenakos was silent as Osiria spoke. The Rose family’s circumstances were not unlike it own. He wasn’t exactly sure why she was telling him this, but he appreciated it all the same. Despite this, though, it didn’t make him feel better. Perhaps that was the point of it all, that it wasn’t supposed to. Even though he loathed to admit it, her warmth around him was somewhat of a comfort.

Finally, he cleared his throat. “You’re a real charmer,” he said finally. “And a real pain in my ass. But…” He turned away from her, and muttered something that sounded like a gruff ‘thanks.’ He looked back to her, after a moment, and nodded slowly. “Right…rest….” He turned onto his side, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her and her warmth closer to him, closing his eye.

It really was comforting.

—

The stop in Karith was brief. Rhenakos’ mood shifted back to his usual ass of a self when it involved people, though when Osiria got involved, he backed off. Soon, they found themselves travelling Northbound, leaving Karith in their wake.

“Say, Osiria,” Rhenakos said as they worked the trail. “You’re really powerful, you know that?” He pulled his crimson hair back, tying it in a half-assed ponytail to keep it out of his face while they moved. “I can’t help but be a bit envious of your sword and armor, though. These weapons…” he referenced his two blades, one across his back, the other strapped to his belt. “They’re barely usable anymore. I’ve been thinking about getting something else. But you can’t just buy something like that. It has to be found or made…know of anything?”

Author: Osiria, Posted: Fri Jun 1, 2018 10:51 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

“It makes us stronger.” She gave a smile in his direction. Osiria felt his body react to his nuzzle and knew he was going to be an ass about it. There was a certain shield to Rhenakos that she had discovered. Right now he was calm and sensible but whenever he needed to he became an asshole to push people away.

She rolled over and straddled his chest after he apologized. “But you do.” She took a deep sigh. “My people have been through a lot.” She put her hands on his chest and pushed up. “Did you know that once upon a time we were weak. Egjora and Adeluna invaded our home while my grandma was in the conclave. They killed, raped, and tried to take what they wanted. A lot of my family died trying to save our people. Grandma was furious when they finally let her out of the conclave and she sent them home.”

There was a shiver for a moment as she came back down to lay on him. For such a warm creature as she was, it was sure cold to her suddenly. She pulled the blankets up as she laid on him. “Furtuna blows up cities, ships, and everything else that has a connection to the people who led the attack. She was just a girl when it happened. Watched her relatives get slain in the streets as she was held back. My family is strong because of circumstances like your own. I hate humans for what they did but at the same time I know that you are not the one who did it to us.” She put her hand on his face caressing his jaw.

“So stop being an asshole alright? Here, alone in this room you can just be yourself. Stop putting up a dumb barrier like I know you have been. I won’t say a word to anyone because I understand.” She kissed his chin before wrapping her arms around him.

“We should probably get some sleep before we start our hike to Baltil. We’ll be docking in Karith soon enough.”

Author: Raize, Posted: Fri Jun 1, 2018 10:29 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

The hunter was genuinely surprised when Osiria grabbed his hand away from his eye, taking the time to tenderly kiss each one of the fingers. It was something that he was unsure of how to respond to. In the end, he decided to stay silent about it for the time being. Finally, he shook his head, “It’s a compulsion at this point…pain equals the ability to know that I can feel alive…it means i can keep moving.”

Even he knew what a terrible concept that actually was.

Rhenakos wasn’t sure how to take the fact that Osiria’s family had been victims as well, other than to listen to the plight and nod when appropriate. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he said, genuinely meaning it. “It’s just another reason to keep going.” Still, it was oddly comforting to hear that his own problems seemed justified.

As Osiria nuzzled at his neck, he stiffened a bit, a few different thoughts running through his head. Her words of encouragement were nice, but he felt as though they were undeserved for the monster that he knew he was.

“I don’t need your pity, you know,” he said, choosing to believe that her actions were nothing more than looking down on him. After all, despite his remarks, she was a part of a powerful family. Even with his own strength, he couldn’t compare. Did the Goddess Angela take pity on him and send her family to watch over him?

“I’m sorry…that was uncalled for,” he said after awhile. “I don’t….deserve this though…”

Author: Osiria, Posted: Fri Jun 1, 2018 10:18 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

“At least I’m not a Roseweed anymore.” She chuckled at him as he climbed onto the bed. Gods he was even better with two arms.

Osiria propped her head up as she laid next to him. Her fingers gently doing shapes against his shoulder. It was odd to lay with a man that had the potential be such an ass but in a way, it was fine with her.

She grabbed his hand halfway through the story to make him stop before he finished digging into his eye socket. She kissed eat his fingers while he finished. She was sure that he didn’t know what to make of it. Once he was finished telling his story her eyes turned up at him. “Don’t hurt yourself like that. Alright?” She kissed the top of his hand as she let it go.

“To me, that is a perfectly good reason to go hunt this demon down. My family has suffered because of a woman who wanted to use demons to kill us all. I have not lost many people I grew up with but the struggle for my family has been very much a reality. Most of the Black Court branch was wiped out. Their half demon blood used in a ritual to turn their mother into a demon. They never found the bodies so we assumed she had eaten them. If I was in your shoes I would be doing the same thing Rhenakos.”

Her voice was soft and even gently as she moved closer and put her forehead against his neck. This was the first sign of affection she gave him. She wasn’t rude or mean. She was just gentle. “We’ll get your eye back and then some.” Moving her head up she gave him a gentle kiss. "It will happen you'll see." They were words of encouragement though she was fully aware he was going probably to bite back at her for it.

Author: Raize, Posted: Fri Jun 1, 2018 9:37 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

Rhenakos was more than willing to go to the ends of the earth to find what he was looking for, so the fact that it would be a long travel barely registered to the demon hunter. Osiria was being playful with him, but he didn't mind. After all, this was all just a part of it. He smiled. "Then let's get going. To Baltil, then."

The demon hunter enjoyed the fact that, as a companion, Orisia was an even match for him. It left most of the other people they met with a disgusted look a their arguments, which made everything all that much easier when getting around. The consistent sex, as well, was helping with the rage issue he had, though he had to admit that Osiria did a good job at riling him up just before they went at it. He had a sneaking suspicion that it was intentional, but he honestly didn't care.

There was a point, though, while they were stopped in Karith, when finally their argument broke. "No, fuck you!" He was met with a sharp slap across his face, which sent a shock through his body W-what? He blinked. This was probably the first time that he had ever been slapped by a woman. Well, maybe not, But that barely mattered. Then, there was the demand.

"Our cabin, ten minutes."

Rhenakos smirked. "Don't be late," he said. It was a long ten minutes, but as the time limit hit, he walked in the room. The feast of leather and lace before him sent a weird shiver of emotions through him, freezing him on the spot momentarily. After a quick insult, he moved to close the door, and started to strip. "Don't call me stupid, fucking Rose," he growled as he climbed onto the bed.

After they had finished, Osiria finally popped the question that he had been waiting on. At this point, though, she was invested enough that he didn't mind speaking it aloud. For once, there was a lack of anger and bravado in his voice. It was almost calm and steady. As he started to speak, his hand went to where his left eye should have been, tracing the scar.

"It's barely a viable reason," he started. "But, I had loving parents. They were traveling traders. They did good business, and were good people. I don't remember all that much about how it happened, but we were stopped by a horde of demons. They destroyed everything, and killed my parents…" He chuckled. "That wasn't the kicker, though, The leader….he came up to me…a broken child, and gouged my left eye out. I remember as clear as day, the scalding pain as he tore it out…and laughed. He said it was a mere trinket to remember me by, and should I happen upon the strength…to come take it back."

"As it turns out…" Rhenakos continued. "My mother didn't die in the attack." The anger in his voice was back. "No, instead…she found herself nothing more than a tool for breeding half demon abominations…" His hand, tracing where his eye should have been started to dig into the flesh a little. "I've already killed a few of them…white haired abominations that hold a resemblance to me…." He growled. "I doubt there's anything left of her at this point…nothing worth saving. But…I'd at least give her mercy…and take back my eye."

The tension in his voice lessened. "I need to find him. Even if it kills me….:

Author: Osiria, Posted: Fri Jun 1, 2018 9:13 PM, Post Subject: There Be Dragons[P/R]

[The first part of this thread takes place on the airship]

Osiria had an easier time getting dressed as she fixed her hair with a comb. “A compliment from you… I think you are going soft on me.” She chuckled a bit more. “Had to make it interesting since you couldn’t participate fully. Something to remember me by until next time.” If there was a next time.

“Give me a second.” She got out a piece of paper and scribbled on it before it ignited. She put her hands on her hips and waited a good ten minutes before there was a single reply. It was on a flag of all things. “This one is from Furtuna… Gods I don’t want to get caught with her.” It was a pirate flag. “She wrote a message on here. Been a demon ransacking the dragon’s den in Baltil during the early mornings. Been pissing off the big dragon that lives there.”

She walked up behind him and slapped his ass playfully. “We’re heading to Iria to catch the airship to Karith… Then we’ll walk from Karith to Baltil’s entrance. Depending on the time of day we’ll have to spend some time in the city. Isn’t a bad idea if we have to stock up on supplies.”

They made the few days journey to Iria with minimal interruptions. Well, the only interruptions being the two of them and their sex drives. Getting onto the airship was fine enough but it was the actual ride over that was hilarious for the two of them. People were avoiding them because of their heated arguments.

They were getting into another one about getting supplies in Karith first when Osiria slapped Rhenakos across the face. “Our cabin ten minutes.” There was a smirk from him as she left him be. His arm was healing up rather nicely and now he had use of it again. She always loved to piss him off before she offered it made him in her opinion a better lover. There was a shiver across her skin as she thought of him as much. She, however, stop in Iria for something special before they set off. Perhaps he would enjoy a little lace and leather.

When he opened the door and saw her she pushed her hair over her shoulder. “Close the god damn door Stupid.” That was all it took to get him going like usual. Osiria could reward him and she did. New toys. New lingerie. New methods. She was creative, to say the least.

After they finished she laid on the bed with the blankets up her. “Why the hell are you hunting down demons anyway? I get they are a pain in the ass but you are a pain in the ass too.” She drew shapes onto his healing arm lightly with her finger as she stared at his flesh.