Daughter of the Tiger

[littlemy]

*****RP between Asamara and Remus Adian copied from YIM - apologies from spelling and grammar mistakes - my laziness won the fight with those when I was editing it. I'll get round to it eventually*****

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A faint rumbling could be heard starting in the distance. The lazy roll of thunder clapping across the sky. How long had it been since he traveled here. How long since the familiar storm approched the shores of the lake. Surely this was no ordinary storm. Surely someone may recognize the coming of the archmage. Then again, one could argue that it was a good thing no one recognized him. Maybe all was forgiven by this point. Not that he qas the worst the tavern had ever seen. But he wasnt the nicest either. The storm approached with an unnatural speed and the fact that it began with a sudden urgency might have fortold his coming. Within minutes the gathering storm was looming over the lake. The swirling clouds seeming to revolve around a bright glowing light in the center of the vortex. When suddenly with a loud crackling boom. A bolt of lightning strikes the shore nearest to the tavern. The clouds and all thatncame with it seem to rapidly suck down at the point of impact funneling down into a glowimg humanoid shape. The dusk and the remnants of the clouds would slowly clear revealing a crackling form of pure energy for a few moments before the glowing slowly fades and his full figure can actually be seen. He wore his usual hakama style pants and his head two peg wooden sandels. His usualyblackn heavy coat flap aimlessly in the passing wind. And his short gray hair was carelessly moving about still teeming with a residual electrical charge. His vold gray eyea alowly look up at the tavern and with a deep long drawn breath. He sighs. "Finally... ive returned." And with that he bwgan his approach towards the familiar double doors of the tavern. The archmage had returned.
Mara pulled the reigns lightly, slowing the horse to a stop as the thunder sounded ahead. Leaning forward, she patted the horses neck, “Shh, it’s okay girl” she spoke softly before pushing up in the stirrups and swinging a leg over the horses back, lowering herself to the ground. Leading the horse slowly forward, she attempted to keep the animal calm as the storm quickly approached. Knowing there was shelter ahead, she pushed on despite the skitty beast pulling against her reassuring touch. Murmuring quietly as she approached the rear of the main tavern, she lead the horse towards the stables as lightning struck, sending the horse into a panic. The animal reared up, knocking her from her feet and taking cover nearby, “Umph” she exhaled looking up to the sky with a puzzled look on her face. Moving her attention to the horse as she pushed herself up off the ground, “C’mon” she spoke softly hiding her slight annoyance, holding a hand out to the animal. When it approached, she busied herself removing the tack and settling it in the stall before heading around the building to the front of the tavern, brushing the straw and hay off her simple dark green clothing, grumbling quietly and looking out over the lake for the source of the unnatural storm.
Remus stood silently for a moment or two gathering his thoughts and drawing in a deep breath before finally making his approach. His sharp eyes managed yoncatch the young woman.near thenstables eyeing him cautiously. He wasnt at all surprised by this. After all. He had just arrived in the form of a storm and then a lightning bolt. How much more dramatic can you be. He merely offered a soft smile at the woman as he came to the double doors of thw tavern. As he approached the doors opened themselves for him and quietly shut as he passed. His cold gray eyes slowly look about the tavern as he approaches the bar though not really seeing anyone in particular that catches his attention. So he quietly takes a seat at an empty stool and places his hand on the bar. He could be seen whispering something under his breath until finally he slowly starts to loft his hand pulling a ln elegant tall stemmed glass from the solid wood of the bar top. And just as the glass fully comes out the glass start to fill itself with a broght golden liquid.
Mara paused as she saw the male at the lake. She paused and waited for him to move into the tavern before slowly following him, a gloved hand pushing the heavy door before she stepped inside. The door swung closed behind her as she looked around, pulling the gloves from her hands as she walked slowly towards the bar. Perching on the edge of a stool, she lay her gloves on the bar and surveyed the dimly lit room and its occupants before she turned fully to the bar, “Ale and a night for the stables” she said quietly to an elderly man behind the bar as she reached for a small coin pouch at her belt. Laying two silver coins on the top, she returned the pouch to her belt and shifted on the stool to get comfortable without impeding access to the weapons she carried, the quiver and bow at her back and the short sword at her hip. A mug of ale was placed in front of her, to which she gave a quiet polite nod before looking to the male who had seemingly caused the storm at the lake. Eyeing him carefully, her curiosity got the better of her as a drink appeared on the bar at his hand, “How did you do that?” The question came abruptly but with a soft tone.
He couldn’t help but chuckle slightly at the sound of her question. He recognized her from outside near the stables and slowly turned to meet her inquisitive gaze. “This is actually a recall spell... you see. The cup comes from the banquet hall in my inn... and this fine wine comes from my personal stock." He offers her a soft smile and takes a long draught from his glass. The bright golden liquid then seems to refill itself and without so much as a blink the glass was full again. "Would you like to try some?" His voice was deep and powerful yet strangely soothing and quite pleasant to hear. Now it should be known that Remus very voice is enchanted and the very sound of it is enough to put most mortals at ease and simultaneously make them more susceptible to any spell he would conjure after. However on this fine night he was merely out for a social drink.
Mara stared at the glass as he spoke; staring at it suspiciously after he drank from it. She had seen ‘tricks’ of a similar calibre before and believed it to be another one like that. Shaking her head slowly she politely decline with a small wave of her hand “I’m fine...” she tipped her mug slightly and nodded, “Thank you”. Taking a sip of the ale, she placed the mug on the bar, her hands resting beside it before she looked to him again, “And what of the storm? Was that one of your spells?” While she knew it was more than trickery, she was always sceptical. It didn’t show in her voice as she spoke, her polite tone and manner covered her doubts rather well. She relaxed in her seat slightly, leaning against the bar, although she didn’t mean to. A nagging feeling appeared in the back of her mind as she leant forward, causing her to sit up and tense slightly, her defences were raised as she waited for his answer.
Nods slightly in acknowledgement. He wasn’t surprised. After all who takes strange drinks from strange men in taverns? “The storm? Oh yes... that too is a spell.. a little more complicated than this one." He chuckles softly "travelling as a bolt of lightning is much faster than a horse or any other form of travel for that matter. Normally it would be an extremely difficult feat. But for me it’s quite the opposite. You see the higher the energy content the easier it is for me to manipulate it. Lightning is perhaps the highest energy content of all the elements and is only a little behind raw energy." He was rambling at this point. But what else was he suppose to do. Clearly magic was not her strong suit. " I could demonstrate some if you’d like" he offered her the same warm smile as before.
Her curiousity peaked once more as the offer of a demonstration was made, his explanation was interesting which made his offer more interesting than it would have been otherwise. Pushing her ale away from her, she turned to face him, giving him a nod and a small smile. She remained seated, an elbow resting on the edge of the bar; “In here?” she asked raising a brow. Lightning of any other such force within the building certainly wouldn’t be welcomed by its owners or the patrons. She stared at him waiting for his response, trying to work out if he was genuine or just a very good artist. Taking a moment while waiting for his response, she opened her mind to the area around her, learning the land from the small feline population should she need it at any point. It took less than a couple of seconds before she refocused on the male waiting to see his magic trick.
Remus offers a playful grin, baring his sharp teeth slightly. "Wonderful..now watch closely." He thought briefly about how he would go about demonstrating his innate ability. While there were a number of different ways he was thinking about the most subtle. He takes a long draught from his glass and empties the contents before placing it back on the table. This time the cup remained empty but he had other plans for it. He holds his hand out at the cup and the cup simply stays there unaffected. "Not so impressive right... but if I do this.." using his other hand he slides the glass off the bar. As expected the glass begins to freefall towards the floor. However the freefall lasts only for a moment before it slows to a halt and lands gently on the floor. But once it landed he was unable to move it again. "Did you see what happened? When the cup was still... I was unable move it. But as the cup began to fall it was I was able to absorb the energy of it falling until no energy was left. So it lands softly on the floor." He offers her a warm smile. " this is just a small scale example. The more powerful the force the easier it is for me to manipulate. If you were to look at it in terms of elements. Earth would be by far the most difficult for me... while lightning and fire would be the easiest. I can demonstrate those too if you’d like."
Mara watched, a slightly sceptical expression appearing on her face as he seemed to attempt to do something with the cup. As he pushed the glass off the bar she watched it fall then softly land on the floor, her attention perked up and the scepticism turned to interest. She gave a nod at his explanation before raising a brow at the offer of a larger demonstration. Looking around the room for a moment before looking back to the male she smiled, “The owners might now appreciate it in here” she replied although she was certainly interested to see a repeat of the lightning storm that had been overhead when she had arrived at the tavern.
He couldn’t help but chuckle. His spell had already been cast and the fact that she witness the cup slow to a stop let him know the illusion had taken hold. "Nonsense... I assure you that no one in here will even notice. Want to know why?" He snaps his fingers and the sound seems to echo forever. Without warning the air around them began to ripple and suddenly it was like a big brightly light covered the room. The effect lasted only briefly and as the room faded back into place. Remus was still sitting there where he was before only the cup was back in its original position and the bar tender was only barely pocketing her money from her drink. It’s as if time went backwards. But in truth from the moment they began to speak he began to weave the spell. He was showing her what she wanted to see. But in reality to the rest of the bar she was starring at him blankly. The bartender was actually starring at her to make sure nothing was wrong but as Remus snapped his fingers it was like everything was back to normal. "Everything you just witnessed was an illusion" he chuckles softly. If that doesn’t make you a believer then we can try a more direct approach."
Mara found herself gripping the bar, she blinked a few times before shaking her head. An illusion? She glanced to the bar tender with wide eyes then back to him, “How?” She was almost speechless, not something that happened very often. Everything had seemed to real, right down to the taste of her ale which she found herself reaching for. It was still full, but not for long as she took a few gulps out of it. Reining her mind in, she closed it off to any felines and others around her. It wasn’t a common occurrence that her mind was so easily accessible so she immediately grew suspicious.
He couldn’t help but chuckle slightly at her surprised reaction. This was a very common occurrence when he blew people’s minds like this. But he offers her a warm smile once again " forgive me if I startled you....I assure you I mean you no harm." He truly didn’t and tone was sincere. "You see...my very voice has effects on people. Normally it’s more of a soothing effect. But I decided to try a little something since you seemed curious and skeptical. I’m sure you thought I was just a conjurer of cheap tricks when you saw me pull the cup from the bar." He takes another small sip from his cup. "I assure you... I’m the real deal. My feats have long since been forgotten but there was a time when my name struck fear in the hearts of men and beasts alike." He turns to face her. He held a warm and casual expression definitely not offensive at all. "But that was a lifetime ago... and now I’m simply a travelling mage atoning for my sins" he holds out his large hand. His hands were rather elegant and his fingers were abnormally long and Each finger was adorned with a thick gold ring. "Remus Adian...at your service."
Nodding slowly, she listened to his apology, “I did think you were a trickster” she admitted, “Most are and are out to con people who believe in their party tricks” She relaxed slightly, leaning against the bar as he continued to speak. He raised his hand and introduced himself, she pushed off from the bar and raised a petite hand to meet his taking hold gently but firmly, “Asamara” she said with a nod, missing out the formality of her full title. It always raised more questions than she cared to answer. “And what brings you here to spook other’s animals?” She asked with a sideways smile, referencing to her skittish horse.
He nods gently taking her hand and only applying minimal pressure. His skin is abnormally cool to the touch and even after taking her hand back she may notice that the cold feeling doesn’t go instantly go away. Instead it would linger leaving a strange tingling sensation on her palm. "I’m just passing by... I stopped in to take a short rest and grab a drink before heading out once again. Not that I have any particular destination. I’m simply travelling and stopping were I may be of service. I’ve terrorized this world for far too long. And yes that includes your furry friends" he chuckles softly again "and you miss Asamara? What brings you here?"
A slightly puzzled look returned to her face as he spoke of her furry friends, she would have asked how he knew but then his previous actions would explain that, “Just travelling, the horse needed somewhere to rest, she’s a bit too skitty to stay outside” She rolled her eyes slightly, the horse was a little high maintenance. As she relaxed more, she allowed her mind to reach out to the felines once again. Keeping her mind closed off to those she was made to contact took energy and concentration. “What do you mean you’ve terrorised the world for too long?” She tilted her head slightly; he didn’t seem the sort to terrorise.
The same warm smile as before played across his lips again. "This is a long time ago... perhaps 500 years ago. I went into a sort of self ordained exile and have just recently returned but a year ago." He spoke slow and calm careful not to scare his skeptical new friend. " I’m not proud of what I did. But I feel that it changed the course of history. At the time I thought it was for the best. I fought for my empire because they stood for what I believed in. But in the end I was fooled into believing it was the right thing to do. However. ..nothing would be what it is today if I had never been a part of the war." The great war took place some 600 years before this present time between the world’s most powerful empires. Serdio was the magical capitol of the world and he was its arch mage overseeing all military command. The king, however, was the one pulling the strings. And it was the kings bloodthirsty ideology that lead Remus to betray his kingdom and in doing so guaranteeing its fall. Had Serdio won the war, and it would have with Remus leading it in battle, the world would be a vastly different place. " I pray now that my name has been forgotten by time..." and it should have. After the fall of the empire he returned to wipe all traces of it making it seem as if it never existed. Now the capital remains a fantasy in story books. Little do modern people know that this place was real at one point and the horrors it committed on humanity have long since been forgotten and replaced by a false identity of a glorified fantasy.
Mara sat leaning on the bar with one arm, sipping her ale. She stared at Remus thoughtfully as he spoke and after a short pause she sat up straight, “It was so long ago, I doubt there are many left alive today to remember...” She wasn’t so sure, after all before meeting Remus she hadn’t thought of people living so long at all so it was possible, “There won’t be many like you will there?” Her curiousity kicked in, he didn’t look 500 years old so how would one tell if someone was that age?
Remus chuckles softly "no there won’t be many like me around. I’m afraid I’m one of a kind... at least that I know of." He was sure other immortals existed. But none, absolutely none, would be quite like him. He was, after all, the only son of Athena. "But it’s not a question of who is alive from that time... and more a question of who those people told and the stories passed down. In a periodical sense 500 years isn’t a lot of time."
The thoughtful look returned to her face as she thought of stories she had heard as a child, “My brothers loved telling me stories of wars but none mentioning your name” She said smiling softly, “But then I’ve not heard the stories from this land yet” Sipping her ale once again, she placed the mug on the bar and looked around, “What are you going to do now? It’s not the most interesting place I’ve travelled through” She glanced around the quiet tavern which was in the middle of nowhere.
Again the warm smile returns " I’m a humble traveller now. And I will travel the world to wherever my help is needed." He takes a long sip from his cup which slowly refills itself as he places it back on the bar top. "I will atone for my sins. With every good deed I come one step closer to redeeming myself. Perhaps one days stories will be told of my good deeds and not my terrible past." He can’t help but chuckle a bit at this thought. Remus, the legendary Arch mage of Serdio, a servant of the people. Now wouldn’t that be something. "This land is rich with wonder and magic. But it’s been a long times since any of its people tapped into it." He grins a little, barring his Sharp teeth. "and what brings you here?"
Looking around, she began to wonder what magic could lay within the land. There were plenty of good deeds that needed doing, maybe he would create new stories of his travels. His question brought her back to the conversation, “A humble traveller...” she spoke quietly, staring at the bar in front of her, and it wasn’t quite true. She had been on a revenge mission that had been completed but it left her lost as with most cases of revenge, they didn’t really fix any problems, just created new ones. Looking up to Remus, she shrugged slightly, “I can’t return home so I travel”.
"A humble traveller hmm?" He could almost hear it in her tone that she there was something more. This was confirm when she said that she couldn’t return home. "Well if you have a home then there can always be a chance of returning to it. I made a new home for myself. My home has been gone for many, many years." He won’t tell her he betrayed his empire. There was no reason to. "Would you care for some company then? It seems we both have chosen to wonder the world." He can’t help but smile. How long has it been since he travelled with a partner or a friend. Hell how long has it been since he had a friend. " I won’t bother asking you why you can’t return.... but if you choose not to then i’m sure there is a good reason"
A sad smile settled on her face, “It would be nice to go home one day...” she agreed, not that there would be much left to go to. At the offer of company, she stared at him for a few moments before nodding. It was a lonely road and having someone to travel with would make the quiet times bearable, “Company would be most welcomed” she said, sliding off the stool, “I should settle the horse, she was a bit...upset... after your entrance” It was an understatement but she smiled and began to walk towards the door, pausing before she left and looking back to him to see if he would follow.
Remus couldnt help but smile at her statement. He did make a flashy entrance afterall, and her horse did seen very frightened by it. He makes a mental note to apologize later. " thats wonderful news. Its been a long time since ive traveled with anyone." And as he spoke he could hear the faint whisper in the back of his head ' but master... you never travel alone. You didnt forget the 4 of us did you?' It was his guard, Shiv, the only one of the entities within his body that could manifest himself independent of Remus. The mage ignores the statement and slides off the stool following the woman towards the door.
Seeing Remus following her, she stepped outside into the cool air and glanced over the lake before heading round the side of the tavern towards the stables. The moment she stepped into the dimly lit shack there was a knocking at the stall door, the horse was kicking it as if she was demanding something, “Yes, yes I know....” she said with a small laugh walking to a large wooden bucket of feed. She lifted the bucket with both hands and moved towards the stall to begin feeding the horse, “I’m sorry I took so long, I met a friend” she said to the horse softly as she scooped handfuls of the feed into a smaller container that hung from the door. A lot of the feed went on the floor as the horse tried to push her hand out of the way to get at it. A few scoops later, she patted the horse on the neck and turned to Remus, “How will you travel? I’m afraid i’m stuck to horseback or walking” she laughed.
He stepped through the taverns doors still with his cupnin his hand taking a long draught from it again before releasing the cup. The cup doesnt fall as a normal cup would fall, instead it starts to fade away as it seems to leave his hand in slow motion. Before long, the cup was gone and he made his way towards the stables. He did keep his distance from the horse, though not out of fear of the animal. More out of concern. He wasnt sure how much energy he would drain from the poor horse if he were to come in contact with it. And he certainly didnt want to kill the horse on accident. " thats a fine horse you have there..." she questioned his traveling methods. Well he had countless, but for now he decided on something a little out of thw ordinary. "How will I travel you say?" He was going to comjure his little nimbus cloud right here and now but he wasnt sure how the horse would react to magic being performed right ibefore its very eyes. "I will show you when we prepare to set off. I wouldnt want to scare your friend"
Mara looked back to the horse and nodded, “she is a fine horse” she said turning back to him, “Not my first choice of travel but she was gifted and has been useful” She moved to stand by him, giving the horse space to eat and settle for the night. Folding her arms across her chest, she leant against the door frame and yawned softly, “Where will you be sleeping?” she asked knowing he would most likely have some sort of magical place or way of sleeping unlike her. She tried to hide a smile as she imagined him sleeping on the clouds or in some other strange place.
Remus nodded in acknowledgment "i recall my horses ages ago. And they served me well. Brave and loyal I rode into battle with mine and the followed me untill death claimed them all." He sighs softly. "Sleep?" He chuckles at the thought. " I dont sleep my dear.... I have no need for sleep." He was certain this would be a little shocking to her. But he had no need for it. His energy was replenished by the realm or by draining it from something or simply drinking that rich golden wine that he would later reveal to be ambrosia. " ironically I built an inn a millennia ago. I could take you there of you need a place. But it is somewhat far and we would have to travel there by magic to be back in the morning for your friend" he chuxkles softly atb hia offer and gives her that trademark warm smile.
Mara wasn’t as surprised as she thought she would be to hear he didn’t sleep. “You must have a lot of time on your hands” she said quietly unsure if that was a good or a bad thing. As he mentioned an inn she shook her head, “I’m not one for sleeping indoors much anymore, too cramped” she smiled, “I much prefer seeing the stars” She added reaching for her belongings that the horse had been carrying, a relatively large leather messenger bag which she slung over her shoulder and a rolled up woollen blanket that she tucked under her arm before heading out of the stables. Pausing at the door, she looked to Remus, “You must know all of the stars.” She laughed before walking towards the lake, looking up at the sky and the clouds obscuring the twinkling lights in the sky.
Remus nodded gently and shrugged. Some people couldnt get comfortable imdoors. Just like he wasnt to fond of artificial light. He preferred the soft flickering light that candles gave off. "Very well... I can understand where you are coming from" his tone was casual and not at all disappointed. In fact it sounded somewhat relived. Its not everyday you offer someone something and they refuse it. Especially high class living quarters like his inn. He cant help but grin at her mentioning the stars " why of course I know their names.....I studyed the stars for countless years. For the most part its how I navigate about everywhere."
She smiled at his reply, “They are beautiful” she said as she let the bag slide from her shoulder and lowering it gently to the ground a short distance from the waters edge. The blanket was placed next to it before she sat next to the belongings. She stared at the sky for a few moments before looking up to him, a question burning in her mind. He was immortal, there weren’t many like him, “What about your family?” She already had an idea of the answer that would be given but she was truly curious. She began to relax, her hands placed behind her as she leant back slightly. Her mind opened to allow the felines of the area to feel her presence and she, theirs.
Remus slowly sat down next to her gazing up at the stars as she spoke. "Beautiful indeed its a shame we know not what lies beyond the stars. I imagine a vast never ending universe with infinite possibilities." He smiles a bit and makes his way back casually laying back resting his head in his hands. 'Master...' he could hear the voice calling out again. 'What is it?' Remus replies mentally. 'I will keep watch if you decide to rest.' Remus' eyes slowly close. He wasnt really sleeping more like relaxing 'Shiv...you are suppose to be keeping watch regardless' then the comfort of silence takes over again. "Hm? Family you say?" He hadnt thought about his family in a long time. His grandfather was a renowned sorcerer in the past. But he was not immortal like Remus. Only his mother was of divine blood. His father was actually a high elf that concidered himself the most devoted of Athenas subjects. In return she bore him a child. And this child laid here next to this mortal woman as casually as any mortal would. It was known by very few that Remus' power had actually far surpassed his mothers and even the greatrler gods of Olympus could no longer stand against him. In fact Remus had actually stolen some of their power and now wields it as his own. At one point he actually exploited this fact and while he can be killed that feat has yet to be accomplished even by the mightiest of beings. "I havent any family left.... its hard to explain. But I suppose my mother still lingers... though im sure it would cause problems for you if I told you her name. Her folk are not the kindest to mortals lile yourself." He cant help but chuckle a bit despite it being somewhat inappropriate. "Alas not all powerful beings show compation towards humans... even I at one point had no remorse for causing them misfortune." He proposely refraimed from using the word kill. He was trying to hide the fact that there was a time when he wpuld slaughter legions just for the sake of doing it.
Turning her head to look at Remus as he spoke of a vast universe. She glanced back to the sky for a few moments, she had never thought of what could possibly be beyond the stars. She remained silent as he spoke of his family, “Your mother was...is....immortal like you?” she asked, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees she nodded, “Not all humans show compassion towards humans either...” she added coldly, looking out over the still waters. A few moments passed and she reached to her back to remove some of her weapons, a bow and quiver, placing them at her side. She moved to lay back one hand behind her head, the other resting on her stomach, “Can you turn back time...not an illusion, really turn it back?” She had dreamt of going back in time and doing something to save her family, she wasn’t sure what she could have done but something had to have been better than nothing.
"Oh yes she is very much immortal. Though not exactly like me. She is truly immortal... my immortality comes at a price." His eyes spring open and again fill themselves with the stars. "Unfortunately among my many talents reversing time is not my forte...manipulation of time is a very dangerous thing. As far as I know... ive only know of one other man with the knowledge and ability to preform such a feat. I am limited to stopping time and even then it requires extensive preparation and it only works in a limited area. Meaning that all time doesnt stop. But time within the prepaired area stops." He chuckles softly again " ive always said to myself. If it happened it was meant to be. Changing the outcome of the past can dramatically change the future. Its never been something I studied. Im more fond of a direct approach." He was referring to his usual destructive magic.
She shifted slightly to look at him, “A price?” she asked with a curious expression on her face. It turned to disappointment as she heard he couldn’t reverse time, worth a try she thought to herself, “Not everything is meant to be, i’m sure of that” she said, although the mention of someone else who could peaked her interest, “Who is the man who can do it?” she asked, “Is he like you?” If she didn’t ask, she wouldn’t ever know if it was possible. Seeing her family again was what she wanted, the future couldn’t be any lonelier than it had already been for her, not if she had them back.
"Of course... everything has a price. My particular price is a heavy one.... but I fear that you may change your mind about adventure if I told you all my secrets" he grins slightly. "And the man in question is named Lazarus. He is an old mage that has been around as long as I have. His magic is quite different from mine. He is able to do things I could never do. But, by the same token I have skills that he could never achieve either." A slight laughter escapes his lips as the grin gets wider. " he isnt very friendly either so im sure if we paid him a visit i would have to win a duel against him for him to be willing to help us." The grin remains as he continues speaking " and that would be fine by me. It would feel wonderful to square off against someone as powerful as he."he turns his gaze to her, his eyes giving off what appeears to be a feint glow. "It would be nice to get a little bit of a work out." His eyes narrow slightly as his tone suddenly becomes very serious "should we do battle however. I strongly advise you to stay as far away as possible. I cant promise that I will be able to defend you and me agaisnt his onslaught." The smile returns "however, he will not defeat me I assure you. He will be a tough fight. But in the end I will triumph as I always have."
Mara returned the grin as he spoke, “I’m sure I wouldn’t” she said before going quiet to listen about Lazarus and his power. Maybe he would help her go back in time and save her family, she just needed the chance although the sound of a fight didn’t fill her with great excitement, “I can take care of myself” she replied, her tone as serious as his. So far she had defended herself against a range of less friendly people, some of whom were quite powerful although she would admit they weren’t as powerful as Remus and Lazarus, “You’re not the only one with secrets”. A small knowing smile broke the serious expression on her face. Losing her family meant she hadn’t learned the full extent of her gifts but she knew enough to be able to evade and defend herself against would be attackers.
Remus couldnt help but laugh. She would defend heraelf against an all powerful vampire with control over time? Even Remus had trouble defending against such an opponent. "His magic isnt something you can simply defend. Its not a matter of defending it or not... its a matter of surviving it. His particular brand of magic is unavoidable and any living thing within its range is affected by it. Which is why I said to stay as far back as possible" he smiles at her again " but I like your detirmination." He pauses and looks up at the stars again. " I will take you to him. The journey will be long and difficult but we will get there eventually. Whatever you seek his power for will be between you and him. I will try my best to ensure your safety." This would be one of his good deeds of attonement he decided.
She had survived a lot and come so far, she wouldn’t let one person stand in her way. A smile lingered on her face as she followed his gaze back to the stars, staring at them for a moment. They were very different to the stars above her home but still they were calm. She closed her eyes and let her mind wander, touching the minds of the felines for miles around from small wildcats and domestic pets to the big cats, the mountain lions that patrolled the higher grounds. It was calm and she stayed silent for a few minutes, letting the calmness wash over her before opening her eyes again, “Thank you” she said, still staring at the stars. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to sleep, the promise of seeing the all powerful being who could change everything that had. She was ready to get up and start their journey there and then but her horse wouldn’t have been best pleased with that.
He remained quiet for a while before finally stating " I warn you. he is a vampire with a dangerous thirst for mortal blood..." his eyes remained fixed on the stars. The expression on his face was quite serious. It would be a shame if he took her on this vast journey only for her to become a meal to the one mage they were trying to seek. "I have confidence that you will know what you can handle and what you can not. But simply standing in his presence is enough to make most mortals choke." Remus could do this aswell. If he were to remove his coat and not make a concious effort to supress his bodies constant absortion of energy than any mortal around him would be in serious trouble. " I pray that all goes smoothly. He tends to be a bit unpredictable so its hard to tell what may happen. I could just be worrying for nothing. Which I hope is the case"
Tilting her head slightly, she stared at him as he spoke. She found herself smiling at him as he spoke. The worry, the caring side that she had only seen in a few since leaving her home, it brought back memories of her mother who worried about everything; not being of the gifted bloodline, she had always worried and it turned out it was with good reason. “You don’t have to worry about me” she tried to reassure him, “I’ll keep my distance if that is your wish” she moved to sit, shifting slightly to get comfortable. After a few moments, she gave him a thoughtful look, “I’ve seen one of your ‘tricks’, would you like to see one of mine?” she asked willing to show him a glimpse of her ability, her mind all the time wandering the landscape with the felines.
She was gifted too? Strange he thought. Why had he not felt any magic from her? Usually he was able to feel a persons very pull on the strings that weave spells. He could usually tell what was about to be cast before it was cast. Or easily deduced the nature of someones magic. But she was different for some reason. He was unable to feel it and to his knowledge she was purely a mundane. "Oh? So you wield magic too?" The smile crept across his lips again. Simultaneously he felt somewhat confused that he was unable to feel this even after all this time talking. "I would be honored if you showed me"
The smile remained on her face, “I wouldn’t call it magic...I’m not sure what you would call it exactly” she admitted, it was just ‘her’, who she was, who her family was. It was their blood. Closing her eyes and lowering her head, she focussed her wandering mind to one of the closer felines, a small domestic cat and made a connection. The feline was open to it, being domesticated. Bigger, wilder cats were always harder to persuade but she never forced her mind into theirs. Their minds joined and she took on the cat’s speed and accuracy. A few seconds later, she opened her eyes and looked to Remus. Her green eyes were suddenly more cat like, an oval pupil adjusted to the light and the smile remained on her face, “ta-daa” she said with a small laugh
Remus waits patiently as she prepares to demonstrate her ability and his eyes seem to widen in slight awe. "Oh thats a very interesting technique. " suddenly he was full of questions. "How much attributes do you actually acquire? How long does it last? " he sat up and look at her with anticipation again. "And whats the price? No technique is without its draw backs. Whats the catch? " this wasnt entirely true. He was able to manipulate energy in all its forms and it was an innate ability not necessarily magic related. But it was this passive ability that allows him to be so gifted in the magical arts. "Surely its not just your eyes that change?" He was extremely curious about her now. Never had he encountered one that could take the attributes of other things as their own. But to what extent. That was the question
Mara wasn’t ready for the barrage of questions presented to her; she laughed again and began to attempt to answer them. “My bloodline allows me to connect my mind and body with that of a feline, a small domestic cat at the moment, at will. It will last as long as I need it to but it does take a lot of energy to maintain it over a longer period of time.” She thought for a moment about the price of her gift and shook her head, “I’m not sure of a price, I didn’t finish my teachings before I had to leave my home. I know it can make me vulnerable as my mind is always open. It takes a conscious effort to close it off to those who may seek to cause harm.” At that point, she withdrew from the domestic cat’s mind, thanking him for helping her. As she blinked, her eyes returned to their normal state and her senses returned to normal. “When I make a connection with a feline, I take on their ability, their sight and other senses, speed, balance and so on. I can see through their eyes and hear through their ears if they allow it” She had always been taught to respect the animal and never force her way into their mind, it would be possible but could have consequences if the animal fought against her. What those consequences were, she wasn’t sure but she had always been taught respect.
Remus listened carefully as she explained what she knew of the ability and he came to the conclusion that thus must be so underlying trait unique to her family or bloodline. He too had a unique trait, though vastky different from hers, his allowed him to manipulate ambient energy in just about anyform. His main talent was absortion of such energy and bending it to his will, manipulating it into his varius spells. This though, came wuth a brutal side effect. His body constantly absorbs ambient energy. Its usually felt as a drop in temperature around his immediate perimeter. Unable to shut this trait off he enchanted his coat to dull this effect making it much less noticeable. His skin however still has this at full force and without consciously restraining it a simple touch could drain the average person to unconsciousness. " thats a very interesting technique you have there... and the fact that it has no apparent side effect makes it quite a gift indeed." He spoke with a sort of admiration. She was unique in his eyes. And this sinple fact made her very being special to him. "It would certainly be a shame if anything happened to you on our journey. But with me around we shouldnt have to much trouble." Although he couldnt help but wonder how she would stand against Lazarus' unique magic. She was so easily subdued by his simple illusion just momments earlier. But this time would be different. This time she would be prepaired.
The smile faded from her face and she nodded, “Quite a gift” she repeated quietly before giving him a curious glance, “I can take care of myself” she raised a brow slightly. She was sure she didn’t need his help with any trouble they would encounter. She had seen her fair share of trouble on her travels and had managed just fine although she wouldn’t say no to Remus’s help. “Where is this Lazarus?” she asked, “Where will we be travelling?” She did love an adventure and the thought of travelling to new lands was exciting to her despite the possible trouble at the end of it. She could feel tiredness creeping over her body as she laid back, one hand behind her head, the other resting on her stomach. She stared at the stars for a moment before turning her head slightly to look at him.
He too laid back just after her and began starring off at the stars. He certainly hoped that she could take care of herself. Butb he wouldnt reply to sound like an ass. He simply waited for her to finish and then replied "His tower sits far past this land. Im not sure what its called in modern terms. But I know it as the forrest of woe....on the outskirts of a city known as Alara. It was once a great empire but I havent been there in so long that im not sure what it is now. The entire empire was once protected by a powerful seal that would prevent anyone from entering the city without proper clearance. Which means that I couldnt simply recall us there. That spell only works with places I have previously marked... and since the mark I placed at the tavern there is within the city walls we cannot instantly travel there. Then again it wouldnt be much of a journey if we could just junp there now would it." He chuckles lightly "in terms of distance I will take a month atleast by horse... and that depends on how fast and how kong your horse can run."
“Alara” she repeated. The name stirred a memory although she wasn’t sure where from, “I remember that name from somewhere, a story maybe” Her father would tell her and her brothers stories of old empires and wars when she was a young child, omitting violence when her mother was around although they were the best bits, she and her brothers would spend hours re-enacting the wars in the lands surrounding their home. She smiled and closed her eyes, yawning, “Wouldn’t be as much fun” she agreed, “The horse is temperamental but she is fast and can go the distance” Her tired mind began to wander once again, touching the minds of the felines in the surrounding areas, exploring the depths of the forests through their eyes, “She’ll be raring to go after a night in the stables” she said quietly before letting herself drift off to sleep slowly.

[littlemy]

He nods quietly and kets her drift off into sleep. He remains starring up at the stars with that same warm smile as before. ' Master...' he could hear the voice calling in his head again. 'What is it Shiv...' his scout. Always cautious and always vigilant. ' master are you certain you want to face Lazarus again? He is a terrifying being...' Remus' smile simply widdened at Shivs comment. 'Relax... he wont be a problem. Im more worried about what she is gonna do qhen he creates a blood field and anything in its reach begins to die.' His smile fades and he speaks again in his mind. 'Shiv im leaving her in your care when I do battle with Lazarus....I trust that wont be an.issue.' The scout replies back 'of course not master... I will remain unseen and guard her as if she was you.' The smile returns and he remains silent. The morning would come with a swiftness that was almost unheard of.
Mara slept peacefully or at least her body did. Her mind was free with the felines that hunted at night; she felt the exhilaration of the hunt and the satisfaction the animals felt at the moment of the kill. As the animals retired to eat their kill and sleep, she withdrew her mind slightly and opened her eyes slowly. She blinked a few times at the bright morning sun before pushing herself to sit up, stretching sleepily before looking around, “Morning” she said with a smile looking to her side, to Remus. “Have you been there all night?” she asked rubbing her eyes and giving a small yawn.
Remus was humming a gentle tone when she woke and ask him. He would abruptly stop and turn his gaze to her. "Thats right... ive been laying here all night thinking of a strategy agaisnt Lazarus" he chuckles softly. " but I feel confident I have figured one out. With a little luck he may not be interested in the challenge. " he lowered his gaze and sat up standing fully a momment later dusting off his pants lightly. " im ready when you are..." he'd wait for her to fetch her horse before summoning his nimbus cloud.
She smiled at his explanation of what he did during the night, she had other ideas on what would have been fun to do if she didn’t have to sleep but at least he had been thinking about it. Copying his action, she stood and brushed herself off before picking up her weapons and belongings then making her way to the stables to disturb her resting horse who snorted at her arrival, “I know, I know....you were comfortable” she said with a small laugh as she prepared the horse, attaching her bag, rolled up blanket, her bow and quiver of arrows to the saddle. “C’mon then, we’re going on an adventure” she said patting the horse’s neck firmly. Leading the animal back to the lake, she saw the nimbus cloud and her jaw dropped with amazement, “How do you do that?” She moved forwards to get a closer look, the horse hung back, pawing at the ground unhappily. Realising the horse wasn’t happy, she moved to her side and pulled herself up into the saddle with ease, settling herself and reassuring the animal all was well.
Remus smilled down at her from his little cloud. The cloud was a pale blue color and seemed far more dense than a normal cloud. But it was still a small personal cloud that Remus was sitting on, crossed legged and quite comfortable. "Why...its magic ofcourse. This is my comfortable form of travel. It never tires and I can move as fast as I need to. So I will have no trouble keeping up wuth your fine horse" he lets a slight laugh escape. He was unusually cheerful this morning. Yet it wasnt everyday that he embarks on a journey with a new freind. The cloud was hovering some 3 feet off the ground perfectly still as if it was resting on a platform. "Shall I lead the way then?" He smiles turning due east along what seems to be a long wunding road through the country side. At first he started at a slow oace waiting for her to gather herself and once the horse began to follow he would speed up. Though not extremely rushed. He didnt want to tire her horse to quickly. Afterall. They had a lot of griund to.cover. and all the time in the world to do it in
Mara gazed at the cloud as he spoke, “Now that is quite a gift, I’ll have to try it one day” she laughed before nodding and nudging her now grouchy horse to start moving. As the cloud sped up, she nudged the horse to move faster although not pushing her too fast. The direction they were travelling was one she hadn’t been previously; it was a new land for her which was exciting. It was the unknown and the prospects of adventure that had her in a good mood. Her mind was continually scanning the area around them as they moved, keeping contact with the felines but also using them to sense any other people nearby that could have malicious intentions for the pair. As they travelled along the road, the number of felines lessened making her efforts almost pointless but she carried on. Mara relaxed into the journey as they travelled, taking in the scenery around them. She glanced to the mountains as Remus spoke, taking in their beauty whilst trying to make a decision on the best way to travel. She knew it would be easier to him to travel with his unique gifts but snow and cold didn't appeal to her at all, "I guess it'll have to be the mines..." she said quietly. That option didn't seem great either, the closed spaces and lack of feline contract didn't fill her with the excitement she had felt before. A curious look was thrown his way as he chuckled, maybe a joke she didn't understand? Her train of thought was grabbed by the immense trees that seemed to keep growing as they approached. "What kind of place is this?" She asked nudging her reluctant horse onwards to the edge of the forest. Making camp wasn't a bad idea, he might now have grown tired but she certainly had. Swinging her leg over the saddle, she dismounted and walked to the edge of the trees gazing upwards at their height, "This is amazing" she mumbled to herself, her mind exploring the area for minds to connect with but not finding any close by.
"Through the mines...." he repeated. That terrible place dark and full of all sorts of unfriendly creatures. No matter this was all in the spirit of fun. At least to him it wouldnt make a difference which way they went and regardless of the dangers he was sure to enjoy himself. As they came to the tree line he too gazed instinctively up at their majestic height. He hopes off the pale blue cloud and lets it vanish into thin air. "Despite all the times I've seen this forrest you never quite get used to its grandeur." He spoke almost to himself yet loud enough for her to hear him. " this is the forest that surrounds the kingdom of Mirrodin... deep pasts this forest is a facinating place that few people dare to venture to. And if you think this is bad wait until we reach Nyx..." he was referring to the mines that lead into the city Nyx under the massive mountain range they could still see in the distance. "Did you bring provisions? Of not I can easily acquire some. Do you have any preferences on what you or your friend here likes?" He kneeled at the end of the treeline a picked up a small sturdy looking piece of fallen branch and began to draw lines in a small clear patch of dirt. The shade the trees provided wasnt to friendly to any grass that wanted to grow tonclose tonthe trees and as a result a clear patch of dirt several feet wide running thw length of the treeline extended out towards the field. After several momments the lines began to come together to for an intricate glyph on the ground. " anything at all?" He asked again.
Mara stood at the edge of the trees, still staring into the forest, "So many places I've still yet to visit" she said quietly as Remus spoke, "Who lives in these places?" She queried, turning to him before thinking about what provisions she had brought. Nodding, she gestured to her bag that rested on the horse's saddle, 'I have dried meat, everything else I gather from the land and hunt when needed' Moving to his side, she watched him curiously before shaking her head, 'We don't really need much' she said, her eyes not leaving the ground where he was making the markings, 'Roast duck would be nice' she joked, laughing and shaking her head.
Remus smiles broadly and nods "roast duck huh? Excellent choice." And with that the array was complete and the intricate lines began to glow faintly. " Shiv..." he called out and without warning a tall ehite cloaked man faded into view behind Remus with his right arm bent across his own waist and his head lowered in a slight bow 'yes master?' Shiv wore a smilling white porcelain mask that hid his face entirely with only his short backwards spiked white hair could be seen freely waving behind his mask in the gentle breeze. "You heard the lady roast duck from Mabels." Shiv nods and steps on the glyph and again with little warning vanishes. "He shouldn't be long. Mabel is a good friend of mine that actually lives in Mirrodin so he shouldnt be long he offers her that trademark warm smile and anticipates the string of questions that are about to follow. " youre traveling with an archmage dear....you needn't worry about anything. You need but to ask abd you shall receive"
She stared at Remus with a puzzled look on her face until another man appeared behind him startling both her and the horse. Reaching for her sword, she stopped short of unsheathing it as the stranger stepped forwards and disappeared. It probably shouldn't have surprised her but she stood looking from the glyph to Remus and back a handful of times before finally speaking, "Who was that?" She asked pointing to the now empty glyph, "Where did he come from?"
Remus smiled again at the woman and sat down indian style next to the glyph. "Not an unexpected reaction ." He chuckles lightly "I suppose now is as good a time as any to tell you a little bit about myself. After a full days travel I gather that you have come to the conclusion that I mean you no harm and my intentions are purely noble." He claps his hands together and with a slight pause pulls them apart and a familiar looking tall stemed glass seems to to be pulled out of nowhere. His elegant fingers catch the base as the glass fully forms then twirls it around skillfully to hold it up right in his right hand. The cup then begins to fill itself with the same golden liquid as before. "Remember how I told you that my immortality comes at a price?" The question was rhetorical and he kept on without waiting for an answer "this body before you is but a vessel for me....while it is my original body. My constant toiling with forbidden arts has indeed taken its toll. And if it not for my companions I would be unable to maintain a physical form." He pauses taking a long draught from his cup. "To put it simply.... I share my body with four other souls. Myself included brings a total of five souls in this body of mine. Fear not all but two remain dormant." He tilts the cup in her direction as if to ask if she would like some as well. "Myself...and the man you just saw are the only ones that are always.... awake...n I guess you could call it." He pauses for a moment looking around at the beautiful scenery. The long endlessly flowing fields to his back and the enchanted forest in front that one could hear uttering its usual sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the calm breeze. "His name is Shiv" he continues. "And he is the most loyal of all my guards. His physical manifestation is a projection of raw magical energy that he is able to draw from me at his own will. He is the only of them that can independently do this without my permission. But his specific talents make that trait quite benificial to me. While he may not look like much" Shiv could be seen as being tall and thin, and underneath the white cloak he wore an elegant light bluencolored plate armor that seemed to be crafted by elven hands. And Shivs pointed ears would make that speculated clue into fact. "In his previous life he was regarded as a talent seer. An expert in divination. Although his main occupation was millitary scout he was so talented at precognition that he was hunted down by his own kin. At the time the empire I was allied to was allied with his tribe and whe I heard rumors of what they were planning on doing I immediately began to search for him. He and I grew to be close friends you see. Before the conflict began. I found him eventually." Hebtakes another sip and paused "he was on the brink of death when I did. And not knowing of any other way to save him. I offered him a choice. Eternal life in my servitude....or embrace the cold death that would surely claim him. It wasnt a difficult choice really. And so he became the first soul that I bonded with my own. Not that this wasnt benificial to me either because of my deteriorating condition then. I discovered that by doing this my body becane more stable. And the rest, as they say, is history." The cool breeze passed by them again and the old mage took in a deep breath, the cup refilled itself again and he took another draught from it. The sweet orange glow in the distance shown breifly through the leaves and cast a warm light on Remus giving his a strickingly youmg an impossiblly handsome appearance. "It will be dark soon...i suppose we should gather some wood."
Mara moved to kneel opposite Remus as he began to speak, she relaxed as he spoke although the thought of there being 5 people in one body was a strange one. She raised a hand slightly and shook her head when she was offered a drink, motioning him to go on. She found herself wanting to know more about the others within him, "What of the others? Were like they Shiv" she glanced around as he mentioned it getting dark, noticing the daylight dimming. Nodding, she got to her feet, brushing forest debris from her legs, more detail could wait until they had a fire going. "I'll collect it" she said with a smile before heading off towards the giant trees, picking up large sticks and twigs as she found them, all the while, still taking in the beauty of the oversized forest around her. Her mind was still exploring the area although she couldn't quite pinpoint any specific feline presence close by which was unusual but the thought was pushed aside when she saw huge flowers within the tree line. A smile spread across her face as she took a few steps towards them, her arms full of wood fo the fire, "Remus!' She called to him knowing he would have probably seen them before, "Look at these flowers"
He stood as she stood and headed off in the same direction gathering some wood her and there. "The others each have their own personalities and such but I have to willingly summon them. None share the same relaxed attitude of Shiv." This statement couldnt be truer. The others were more extreme representations of certain aspects. The most notable of which is Mathius, the aspect of death. Sometimes referred to as deaths shadow or a sort of good of death. "Oh yes there as re all sorts of flowers in this forest and im sure we will come across many when we begin our treck through this. There is no set path so I will travel on foot and lead the way." Just as he finished speaking the glyph he drew earlier began to shine brightly for the briefest of momments before Shiv reappeared. His body crackled with energy for a momment or two before finally settling down. In his hands was an ornate box that looked like it belong in some oriental shop and from this box came the most delicious of scents. 'Ive returned master. Mabel sends her regards' Shiv's voice held a soft tone, young and elegantly smooth like silk. A true elf indeed. "well miss Mara it appears that your dinner has arrived." Remus responded with a casual tone yet he was very amused by her pure amazement of the place. Shiv placed the the box near the glyohnbefore whiping the ground clear of the lines. "Scout ahead Shiv try to make sure we dont have any company throughout the night" and with that Shiv bowed and went to leap up. His body was barely a foot off the ground before it faded silently and a fraction of a second later appeared landing on a tree branch high up in the canopy. His cloak fell in place hinting that it wasnt quite teleportation that he was doing and that he was actually moving through that space. A momment later he did it again and reappeared much further into the trees and by the third time he couldnt be seen anymore. "Come. I will set the fire enjoy your meal." He started walking back and placed the wood a safe distance from where Shiv had set down thw box. Remus gathered the wood into a nicely arranged pile then cupped his hands together, the glass he was drinking from had long since vanished. He drew in a deep breath and with a whispered word he breathed fire into his hands. With no visible effort he holds the fire in his hands and kneels down to set fire to the wood. Within momments they had their campfire. The box she would find contained a while roast duck complete with all the trimmings and a nice helping of seasoned rice and even a couple steamed dumplings.
Laughing at his casual attitude to the flowers, Mara finished collecting wood and followed him back to their camp. "This place is truly amazing", she glanced around at the trees before setting the wood down, her attention being taken by the glowing glyph and the reappearance of Shiv. The smells coming from the box, hit her almost instantly, her stomach started to growl and she realised how hungry she was. Moving for the box that Shiv had placed on the ground, she sat and watched Remus setting up the fire in his own special way. It was funny to her how he found her gift intriguing yet he could do so much more. She lifted the lid on the box and her face lit up as she started picking at the crispy skin on the duck and eating it slowly. It had been a long time since she had a proper home cooked meal, not one that she had hunted and prepared herself over an open fire, "Mmm I've not tasted anything this good for a long while" she said with food in her mouth. She had finished talking before she remembered her manners, her hand shot to her mouth and she giggled quietly, "Sorry" she said from behind her hand, "it's been a while since I've eaten in front of other people too" She carried on eating working her way through half of the duck, a dumpling and rice before admitting defeat and closing the lid on the box. "Thank you" she said leaning back slightly.
Remus let out a gentle laugh at her eagerness with the meal and merely nodded at her appology. " please, you needn't appologise to me...I havent eaten anything in many many years. Ive long since stopped requiring food." This was a slight clue as to his current state. Remus had ascended to a higher state of being and his body was merely a vessel that sustained itself through absorbing ambient energy. Now that the fire was liy he would be comfortable removing his coat as she may or may not notice the drop in temperature. Slowly Remus removes the coat an almost immediately the fire seems to die down some and a strange coolness surounds him. He consciously makes an attempt at supressing this drain and for the most lart he is able to localize it to his immidiet perimeter. He lets out a long sigh of relief. "Your quite welcome. I trust you enjoyed it quite a bit" he chuckles lightly and for the first time since their meeting really stares at her admirring her beauty as the light of the fire illuminated her with a warm glow. She was stunning, and for the first time since he could remember he found himself in admiration of a womans beauty. She must be very unique indeed. "So...tell me something. What is it you hope to gain by doing this? Or are you just enjoying the adventure and the company of yours truly." He felt playful for once and let her know that he was at ease wuth his casual smile.
Mara gave Remus a curious glance as he said he hadn’t eaten for a long time, she couldn’t begin to imagine not needing to eat or sleep, it was strange to her but then he wasn’t exactly ‘normal’, just like she wasn’t. Shifting to sit cross legged, she stared at the fire as it died down. She did notice the drop in temperature but brushed it off after giving a small shiver and shuffling closer to the smaller flames. She smiled and nodded to him, “It was delicious, reminded me of home.” There was a hint of sadness in her voice but she covered it up with a wide smile. The smile faded as his next question was asked, she stared into the flames, reaching over to the pile of wood to get a few extra sticks which she placed onto the fire. She sighed softly and looked to him, “I want my family back” she said with a serious tone, “If Lazarus is that powerful, he should be able to send me back so I can save them...” She paused, blinking away tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. It might have been impossible but she would try anything to save them, to see them once more.
The old mage sat calmly and listened nodding gently in response." Hmmm im sure he will be able to send you back. As far as changimg what happened im not sure. I have never out myself in the position to allow Lazarus to send me anywhere so im not entirely certain of his magics limitations if any." He had heard rumors that attempting to change the past was futile. Even if the event was changed another event would siny take its place and the outcome would be the same as the original. The past could not be changed because it already happened. But then. He also heard rumors that one could physically bring someone to the present and that timeline would split and in that past and that future would be changed and this present would now have the people from the past. Now, which would happen he had no way of knowing. "But it is a noble cause that I am glad to be a part of. I suppose this is as a good a time as any to prove that I am not a tyrant." He chuckles again and lays back resting his head in his hands. The plain white shirt he wore was sleeveless and the elegant brands that intertwined about his entire upperbody were clearly visable in the glowing light. He was built quite muscular for a mage yet he retained a lean appearance. Not a monster muscle head by any means. He looked like an olympic swimmer tall, lean, and well built. " soooo... what are your thoughts so far? Im sure you have a myriad of questions. I will try to answer as much as I can."
Mara smiled and shook her head, “You’re not a tyrant” she said quietly, “that is plainly obvious” She looked to him as he lay down, seeing really for the first time his physique that had been hidden under the cloak, the dim light of the fire accentuated his muscular frame and she found herself staring, it was hard to believe he was hundreds of years old, he could pass for someone around her age, if only slightly older. Her horse whinnied, bringing her back to the moment and she looked away, blushing slightly before getting to her feet and walking to the horse that had been waiting patiently for some time since they made camp, “Shhh” she soothed the horse, patting her neck firmly before removing the saddle and other tack as well as her few belongings. They were place not too far from the fire and the horse left to graze close by. She thought about Remus’s question, “It’s all so....strange” she said slowly, “I could have never imagined when I left our valley that all of this could have existed, even you...” she laughed, “How did you learn what you know? Can anyone do it?”
He smiled at her question and shook his head. " unfortunately dear my magic is unique. I have one innate ability that I have been gifted with. And its this that lets me cast my spells at will." He offers that same warm smile that slowly turns into a grin. "Im able to manipulate the very fabirc of magic. The raw energies that all magic is composed of. All spells cast before me are meaningless because I am able to manipulate the very essence that makes up such spells." He grins again. This ability Essentially made him invincible against any magic user. Atleast conventinal forms of magic. This is what also allows him to manipulate kinetic energy at will. "To me... such magic comes as natural as say.... moving my pinky." He chuckles again. "Thats not to say that knowledge isnt a requirement. Naturally I had to learn spells the old fashion way. Reading and practice and being taught. But because of my innate gift I am able to quickly learn spells and use them with complete mastery fairly easily." He pauses for a moment noticing that she was starring at him and he indeed was starring back. " thats not to say certain spells dont require some preparation. But for the most part someone would need to have some for of latent magical potential to be able to weave spells. In short. Not just anyonene could learn. Atleast... not the spells I know." He smiled again looking deeply into her eyes. " the world is a facinating place if you know where to look."
Mara walked around the fire to sit by Remus as he spoke. She sat and thought for a few moments, “How would you know if you had an innate ability for magic?” she asked curiously wondering how people would find such information out or if they were from bloodlines with a magic history like her gift had come from her family. She smiled and brushed a stray hair from her cheek nodding in agreement, “I’m finding that out” she said looking around, “There is so much I thought only existed in stories but now I find almost everything was based on reality.” She found herself blushing again as she made eye contact with him. Turning away, she shivered and turned her attention to the fire again adding more of the chunky sticks and small logs she had picked up earlier.
He smiles again as she sits closer to him. The shivering however, whipes away his smile. "You would know from the time that you are a toddler. Emotions tend to effect a magic users surroundings and most of the first few years of training involve that sort of restraint. Powerful mages has been known to take down buildings since they were barely walking by simply throwing a temper tantrum." He notices her adding wood to the fire. He in turn scoots away from it to help it out. "It seems that youve noticed another of my traits... " his voice sounded somewhat regretful. "My appologies....you see because of my current state. My body is constantly absorbing ambient energy. Heat is a form of energy that is plentiful and in this case the fire is providing quite a bit of it. But the more of it that is preasent the more my body wants to absorb. Im actually making a conscious effort not to absorb so much or the fire will die out and it will be winter like conditions around me." He chuckles softly amd continues looking at her with his deep gray eyes.
She nodded as he spoke and listened intently, still staring at the fire. She turned to him as he moved away, the fire instantly growing in size and throwing out more heat. The heat from it was welcomed by her, she definitely wasn’t a fan of the cold, “It must be hard to control it?” she said making eye contact once again, it seemed he, like her, had to consciously control the ability. Without control, her mind was completely open to all felines around her and that could make her vulnerable. She smiled as he mentioned winter like conditions, “I have yet to see a ‘proper’ winter, with snow and ice.” Just the thought of cold made her shiver despite the new found heat from the fire, “We didn’t have a winter in the Valley, it was warm all year round even in the rainy season” It was a place she missed dreadfully, she closed her eyes and could picture it as clearly as if she was there.
He grins at her words. "Never seen a proper winter you say? You would not like my inn. It is far to the north. So far north is actually snows year round. Not the most ideal of locations for me. But when I built it. It made for a perfect safe house because of the harsh weather." The inn was actually built during the great war some thousand years ago or so from the preasent time. "Thats correct. .. I have to make a concious effort to not take in so much. While its not particularly dangerous to me. It is for any around me. For example. If I were to touch you right now you would feel that my skin is unusually cool despite absorbing all this heat. And if I dont make a concious effort to stop myself from draining energy from you. You would begin to feel weak and eventually pass out. If I so desired a simplye touch would be enough to knock the average person unconscious. " the smile widdens slightly as he starred back. " then again you arent the average person now are you." He suddenly felt the strangest urge to reach out and touch her. To feel the softness of her skin. To feel her warmth. But at the last moment, just before his hand began to move, he thought against it. Best not complicate things he thought.
Laughing, she shook her head, “No I wouldn’t like it” She could see why a safe house would be so isolated, it made sense but the thought of the cold was enough to put her off. She couldn’t even begin to picture what the snow would look like, maybe just white? So white that everything looked the same? It was a strange thought. His explanation of his touch intrigued her, he was right in a way, she wasn’t the average person although with the exception of her gift she couldn’t see how she was much different to anyone else. Without the help of felines she was almost as limited as a normal human. Her curiousity peaked, just how different was she? A smile twitched at the corner of her mouth as she moved closer to him, raising her hand, palm up, “Go on” she said nodding.
He couldnt help but wonder and with a little hesitation he reaches out and places his hand in hers. At first the cool touch would feel tingly on her skin. It wasn't necessarily that it was cold in temperature. It was that it would draw the heat from her skin so it would feel cool only because of this effect. But even after he suppressed the effect to the best of his ability she would still feel the gentle tingle from his touch. In truth this tingle effect would actually fire off the pleasure sensors in her skin. If he were to touch any other part of her body the effect would be magnified since the skin on the palms has so many extra layers. This effect was again entirely unconcious. The fact that he was doing was actually completely oblivious to him. Her soft warm skin felt wonderful in his large soft hand. And the fact she wasnt blacking out was a wonderful fact indeed. "There we go... not so bad right?" He couldnt help but grin. And once again he found himself starring.
Mara held her breath as his hand touched hers, she wasn’t sure what to expect but the feeling was one she had never felt before. His cool skin, the tingling that seemed to travel from her palm up her arm. She smiled with him, “I guess i’m not average” she laughed before staring directly at him, the control she held over her gift loosening slightly. A curious frown replaced the laughter as she felt his mind; it was stranger than the tingling. Her first reaction was to pull away, it wasn’t normal for her to be able to feel other people’s minds, “How can this be?” she whispered, her hand shaking slightly as the heat was taken from it. She didn’t pull away but she reined her mind in and focused on him.
Remus didnt pull back but he did feel a voice in the back of his mind 'whos there?' It was a womans voice. Strong and stern woman at that. Kalista. The great priestess reached out to Mara as she reached into Remus' mind. Remus himself heard Kalistas call and answered back 'whats the issue Kalista? She can only reach feline minds....or am I mistaken?' The priestress replied 'you old fool. Are you that much infatuated that you dont recognize her to be a telepath. If I wasnt in here ahe would be free to roam your mind and you would be none the wiser. Isnt that right Mara?' The priestess directed her voice to the you woman. Remus spoke outloud "Can you hear her? Because apparently she could feel you in my head." Remus smiled broadly. He wasnt upset by this. In fact he was more intrigued by her. "You get more and more interesting miss Mara"
Mara remained confused, "Kalista?" She whispered after a few moments, "Who is she? What does she mean I'm a telepath?" She pulled her hand back breaking their connection, "I heard her but I don't understand" she shook her head and closed her eyes clearing her mind and settling herself with the mind of a lone feline in the distance. A familiar kind of mind was comforting. Opening her eyes, she stared at her hand and rubbed it gently, the skin felt cooler than the rest of her. He might not have been upset by her unintended intrusion but she was confused, "I don't know how that happened" she looked back to him and opened her mind to try again without the touch, "I can't feel you...or her now".
He smiles warmly in understanding. 'I think she has some form of clairvoyance Kalista. It appears that she needs to be in direct contact.' He spoke to his guard inside his mind. "I see. I think I understand now. It appears you met yet another of my guard. She was formally known as the high priestess Kalista of Serdio. She is just as old as me... in fact perhaps even older. With my help of course. But she is the soul responsible for guarding my mind." He spoke rather casual despite the facinating qualities he pocessed. This was another aspect of course. The mind. She had only two more aspects to meet. The body. And Death. She had already met the aspect of life. Shiv. This is why Shiv is able to act on his own and manifest himself independently of Remus while the others had to physically take his place. "Shall we try again. Id like to learn just how that works. Dont worry I believe Kalista will prevent you from diggin to deep" he smiles and holds his hand out again.
Another one of his guards, it was a hard concept to grasp; 5 souls, one body but she was getting there. She wasn't sure about trying again although the nagging curiousity was pushing her to raise her hand so she did albeit more slowly than first time around. She focussed her mind on Remus and touched his hand, the tingling sensation immediately apparent. Her meadow green eyes stared into his, her mind reaching out to his. She touched on his mind and immediately felt the woman, Kalista again. "My apologies Remus and Kalista" she felt the need to apologise, she had always been taught that intruding into the minds of the felines was wrong so the same principles applied with people too.
Remus took her hand almost eagerly but not forcefully. 'Its alright Kalista let her in' he said just before they touched. Sure enough she would be able to feel the two and while reluctant at first Kalista didnt protest to her intrusion. 'It appears your previous assumption was correct Remus' it should be noted that Kalista does not refer to Remus as master and in fact only Shiv uses this sort of honorific despite the fact thatbth two share a symbiotic relationship. 'Its alright miss Mara' Remus, now aware of her presence in his mind replied back 'no need to apologize. ... what do you see?' He was curious just how much she could read from a simple touch. Could she see his past? All the people he has killed? Cities he has destroyed? Empire he has conquered in the name of the Serdian empire. He may not be a tyrant now. But many years ago he was. And would she be able to see his eventual betrayal to that empire and its collapse at his hands. The beginnings of his atonement. He vould only wonder and hope that she would see that changed mage before her now and not the tyrant he once was.
Mara's brow furrowed with concentration as her mind entered his. She closed her eyes and shook her head, "I'm not sure" she said, her voice barely a whisper as she pushed a bit further into his mind, being careful not to push too far and really intrude. Remus's mind was much more complicated than a feline's that ran on instinct. She could feel the energy that ran through him, that in itself was almost overwhelming but she moved past it and started to catch glimpses of his memories, not in any particular order and quite chaotic. "I don't think I can..." She paused for a few seconds when she saw herself through his eyes before pulling away again, "Your energy is too much, it's hard to see through it" She looks down to her hand and rubbed it to warm it up, "I still don't understand" she said looking back to him, "How can I do that? It's never happened before" She sat back, suddenly feeling quite drained by the experience.
Continued starring at her for a few short moments after she broke the connection. His palm was still tingling with her warmth but only briefly before he completely absorbed what was left. He closed his hand putting down slowly. "My appologies if you may have seen to much. Im sure digging through my mind is quite a task. Several thousand years of memories worth makes my mind infinitely more vast than the average person.." he spoke softly and the strong tone his voice normally held was hushed for once. "Im not vertain why you were able to do that. Perhaps your power is growing and you were simply unaware of it." He cant help but smile. "or perhaps its a skill you never knew you had. Then again it could be that you interacting with me has somehow awakened something in you. Not to give myself credit for it. But I have been told that strange things happen to mortals when they come in contact with an endless like myself" stories, ancient ones from his time were told to children about life. How each an every being had a sort of life force or stream. The stream or mortals was always limited given their short life span and their limited time to gain experiences and strengthen their flow of this so called stream. An immortals stream is so powerful that it inadvertently effects the streams around them altering the course of their lives in the process. These were only folk tales from his time. But to his knowledge he had previous encounters were this tale could actually explain the events that occurred after meeting Remus. Perhaps he was drawing her in. Or perhaps she is more gifted than she even knows.
Mara nodded, quite relieved she wasn't the only one confused by the apparently new gift that had appeared. "No need to apologise" she said with a small smile, "It was just new. I am not acquainted with the minds of other people, only the felines and they run on instinct and feelings rather than specific memories. I don't usually see anything when my mind connects with theirs" She looked at him thoughtfully for a few moments. "I wonder if it works both ways?" She thought outloud. Her connection allowed her into the minds of the felines but also allowed them access to hers which in turn gave her their speed and agility as well as use of their senses. "May I?" she asked holding her hand out to him again, her curiousity taking over the fatigue.
He nodded gently in understanding as she spoke. And without hesitation held his hand out again " certainly" he was just as curious as her. Though he wasnt a telepath by any means. He was only able to connect with his guards and only because they already shared a connection that couldnt be broken. He was unable to see through Shivs eyes but he could feel his presence at all times at any given moment. The others he would summon only for specific tasks. Or like Kalista remained dormant inside. But he was more than willing to give it a shot. Afterall, whats the worse that could happen. " it seems quite strange that younmever knew about tis. Surely im not the only person youve touched." If you could even call him a person so to speak. When he touched her hand again.he could feel the connection but despite his efforts he was unable to dive into her mind. "Perhaps its just me... but I think it only works one way" when suddenly 'no...it doesnt' Kalista responded, her voice softer than before and more sympathetic. 'I can see deep into your soul. But Remus cannot. Just as i cannot see what he sees. He cannot see what I see.' In a few short moments Kalista knew everything Mara knew. But that sort of precious information was something Kalista would not give Remus.
Shaking her head, "No, it's never happened when I've touched other people before. I had a connection with my father and my brothers but they were blood and the connection was easy without effort just as with the felines" she smiled slightly, "You're not like everyone else though." Feeling Kalista touch her mind, she didn't resist, allowing the woman to see what she saw and feel what she felt. "I wish I could show you my home" She had vivid memories, almost perfect, "Maybe one day" She said breaking their connection a final time, "It is draining" she said quietly yawning and reaching over to her belongings for a blanket. It had grown dark in the time they had been exploring the seemingly new gift she had. Unrolling the blanket, she shifted to lay down, "I'll get some sleep, we can move again at dawn?" She wouldn't hear his answer as she fell asleep almost instantly.
Remus layed back in his casual pose returning his hand to rest his head on one again. "Goodnight..." he heard himself say. He couldnt help but smile at what just happened. He starred up at the stars for a a long while. Time passed so slowly for him. At snail's pace even. Before long it was the middle of the night and he stood up and began walking away from the fire which steadily grew as he walked away from it. Now some 20 or so feet from her he claps hisbhands together gently and as he pulls them apart the pummel and then hilt followed by a beautiful red blade emerged from his parting hands. His right hand catches the hilt of the sword and as he does the brilliant red tassel forms from the end of the pummel. The sword could easily be recognized as his favored legendary sword. The long thin blade could easily be recognized as a traditional Chinese straight sword thats also commonly referred to as the scholars sword for it thin design and light weight. He didnt hesitate in started his usual elgant forms. The blade sweeping and thrusting in fluid motion with his body. After a millennia of practice Remus' skills with this weapon were unmatched and his smooth fluid movements almost reassembled a sort of elegant dance, and a deadly one at that. In the darkness the blade gave off a light red hue and if one looked closely thaybmight notice the entire bdlroad side of the blade was inscribed with runes and symbols. Clearly this was no ordinary weapon. Renus found the movements and forms to be quite relaxing and without noticing he would still be practicing when morning arrived. The sun made this blade appear quite brilliant and despite the brightness and glare of the morning sun the blade could still be seen leaving red streaks as it moved gracefully through the air.
A sound nights sleep was what Mara needed and she got it. She woke to the morning sun and smiled as she pushed herself up to sit. Giving a long stretch, she moved a hand to her shoulders and rubbed each in turn, a bed wouldn't be turned down after so long sleeping on rough grounds but she wouldn't complain. Looking around she saw Remus moving gracefully with a sword. She moved silently to get closer but stood back to give him room, "That's beautiful" she said, her hands clasped in front of her, "You are very skilled" Her own limited skills with the blade came from sword play with her brothers and they had always bested her, the bow was her choice weapon, a skill which they had never been able to match.
Remus waited to finish the final set of movements before responding. The moves were second nature to him by now and more or less muscle memory but he relished the relaxation it brought him that he often zoned out during his practices. "Thank you..." he offered his usual warm smile. He held the blade at his side for a few moments before holding out horizontally letting it rest on its side one his palms. "This sword has changed the course of history on more than one occasion. " he held it out for her to take it or examine it however she wished. "Its name is Sky Splitter... anything this blade touches will split at the point of impact regardless of the size or density of anything it strikes." In short, this sword was a weapon so fierce that I could not be blocked. Nothing has ever taken a blow from its edge and remained in one piece. Though the ability cannot be used by just anyone.
Mara stepped forward once Remus had finished. She looked at the sword in his hands and tentatively reached for it, taking it from him before lifting it and admiring it. "It's so light" she said moving it from hand to hand. She was nowhere near as graceful with it as he was. "Amazing how something so beautiful can be so powerful" she murmured almost to herself as she turned with the blade cutting down an imaginary enemy. Her inexperience showed in her movements although her technique had been effective when she had needed to use a sword, it wouldn't hold up against someone with experience like Remus.
He smiled lightly as she swung it around. "Often the most beautiful of things are the most deadly. When you feel ready you need just release it from your grasp." She needed practice he thought to himself, but kept quiet. "We should get moving. This forest is rather dense so cutting through it will take a few days travel. Theres a bridge on the other side that will let us get to the other side of the river. Then we can make our journey into Nyx" he paused for a moment forgetting that she may want to eat. And while he would be more than happy provide her with some more of Mabels delicious cooking. He was sure they should probly get going. Once she decided to let of the sword it would vanish in a puff of smoke that immediately traveled to Remus and gathered around his hand. The blade would the reform with his hand gripling its hilt. The sword couldnt be taken from him by force. He was its rightful owner and thus it would not serve anyone else unless Remus allowed it. He too would release the blade which would again vanish into a puff of red smoke that seemed to sink into his hand. The bright morning sun seemed to make the black brands on his body give off a sort of strange glow but only briefly before they returned to their normal flat black color. By this point he had reached hia coat and bent down to retrieve it. He'd swing it around and drape it over his shoulders and instantly the chilly aura around him was suppressed. "Shall we then? " he called back to her as he approached the entrance to the woods.
She continued to move with the sword for a short while before letting go as per Remus's instructions. The amazement at the swords vanishing action showed on her face. She smiled and nodded at his suggestion of leaving and got to work loading the horse up with the tack and her belongings, including the box with the left over duck and trimmings in it that she would pick at should she feel hungry. She didn't mount the horse but lead her towards the trees following Remus pulling her own short sword from it's sheath so she could cut a path for the horse to walk through the undergrowth. Once caught up to him she gave him a wide smile, "We're ready" she said looking into the forest of giant trees.
Remus turned his head to look over his shoulder and smiled broadly as she drew her sword. He then looked ahead and noticed the thick underbrush. This would certainly make it difficult to navigate through. Or would it? "You wont be needing that miss Mara. Wait right there fir just a moment" He raises his right hand in front of him and he begins to whisper under his breath. Within moments his palm began to glow brightly and the rings on his fingers started to glow. Raw energy began to crackle around his hand when suddenly he released a focused blast of heat directly infront of him. The blastbof supwr heated air cut through the brush and anything that stood its path creating a perfectly round passage as far as they could see into the woods. The back draft from the blast made his coat flap back violently threaten to fall of his shoulders. But alas, it remained drape over his shoulders and with his hand still smoking from the blast he cals back to her from over his shoulder. "Ive cleared a path. Lets get moving" and cleared a path he did. Infront of him was a perfectly spherical path ten feet in diameter. The edges of it still smoldering briefly before rapidly cooling as Remus began to step forward. The smoldering ash on the ground too died out as Remus aproached leaving a soft and cool path behind him.
Mara looked from Remus to her sword and smiled before re-sheathing it and securing it to the saddle. She stood and watched Remus create the path ahead of them before taking the reins of the horse and moving onwards, catching up to Remus, "It's just Mara" she said walking a couple of steps behind him on the cooled earth, "You can call me Mara" she insisted. She did have a title but felt they were meaningless if the home that had given her the title had been wiped out. Looking around, she stuck to the path although she paused every now and then to admire the oversized flora around them.
Remus actually walked somewhat slowly at first making sure the ground was cool by the time she and her horse walked behind him but after a short while the ground was cooling by itself and Remus had absorb less and less until finally he had to absorb no more. In the distance behind them the forest could be seen slowly growing back, regenerating some 50 or so feet behind them. Remus was actually casting an aura around them preventing the forest from growing back ontop of them. Of he were there the forest would grow back so quickly that it qould tangle just about anyon or anything trying to lass through. This was the reason people rarely attempted at going through this enchanted forest. The scenery was actually quite beautiful and the lush plants and beautiful flowers of all shapes an sizes seemed to be everywhere they looked. In the trees you could see massive birds chirping and singing away carelessly as one might see in any healthy wooded area. But these, despite being mere sparrows and assorted other species of small singing birds, were enormous, easily large enough for either of them to ride and fly off on. He hoped they wouldnt encounter a serious animal like an oversized panther or something. "I know that my carving of the path seemed a little excessive but if you notice whats happening behind you you'll understand that trying to hack our way through this is an exercise in futility" he chuckles lightly as he slows down a little to walk beside the duo. "The ground ashead is cool enough now." In the far distance ahead of them the path too began to close off and regrow. "Oh? It seems I will have to blast another hole soon enough."

[littlemy]

Mara stuck close to Remus glancing behind at the quickly closing space behind them, "Mmhmm" she nodded, "I see it" she said before glancing around, "If the birds are that big then bears and felines will be...bigger?" She was concerned, not so much about the felines but bigger animals she couldn't reason with. Her concern could be heard in her tone. Reaching up to the horses saddle she took a quiver of arrows and her bow just incase they would be needed and swung them over her shoulder and head. A small frown appeared on her face as the regrowth started in front of them, at least she knew Remus could deal with that. Her mind opened and could feel felines although she didn't know if they were inside the enchanted forest or not, "How big is this forest?" She asked trying to decide if there would be a threat or not.
He chuckles softly as she speaks "oh yes... bears would be enormous as would anything else that comes to mind. While we shouldn't worry about running into much im not saying that it isnt possible. If we do then we may have to defend ourselves. Or really... we will have to defend ypur horse." The horse was the problem in the equation. Nothing looks more tasty than a 500lb horse to a 2000lb bear. But she had that gift of feline connection so if anything in the felines family would be hunting them she would know. Or at least he hoped. "The issue really... will be tonight. When we make camp in here it wont be anything nice. Fortunately I dont sleep do I will be able to keep watch." He takes in a deep breath and sighs softly as she asks about how karge the forest is. "Oh this forest is enormous. It will take us a few days time to go all the way through it. On the other end we will be able to spend a few days in Mirrodin if you arent in a hurry. Or spend a single night and move on. Either way... we should pay a visit to the magic city. Besides im sure by then you will be aching for a warm bed" he chuckles again and waits for what is sure to be an entertaining response.
Nodded as he spoke about the size of the forest, "There are few felines around but they aren't small house cats" she smiled, "they shouldn't pose a problem though and they can help me keep an eye on other things that might find her tasty" she gestured towards the horse who was walking at her shoulder, oblivious to the danger that could be lurking around them. At the mention of that night she shrugged, "I can sleep anywhere even up there" she pointed to the trees above them, she had slept in much worse places although the mention of a warm bed caused her face to light up, "A warm bed?" She laughed, "I wouldn't say no to that" She would have been more than happy to stay a few days if there was a chance of a real bed, "What is so magical about this city?" She asked, continuing to look around as they walked, the sight of common birds being bigger than her was slightly disconcerting.
Nods gently as she mentioned the canopy "but if we stay in the trees... what will become of your friend here?" He tilted his head towards her horse. "We will just have to bear it out I believe. Just know that after these harsh few days the promise of a nice warm bed and some good ol' fashion cooling await us on the other side." His usual grin flashes for a moment before letting out a short laugh " you mean you dont know? Mirrodin is the magic capital of this side of the world. Its like a sanctuary for mages and magical folk alike. Of course this makes the city quite lively and almost one of a kind. But still a sight to be seen. It would be a shame to be this close and not pay a visit to such a famous place." The other city was Innistrad also known as the city of the night for its uncanny trait of staying night time year round.
Mara shook her head and pointed to the branches immediately overhead, "Nothing would get close to her" she tapped her bow and grinned as he spoke about the magical city, "It sounds like an amazing place" she thought for a few moments, "...do you think anyone would know about my bloodline there?" She asked curiously. A few steps later she stopped and looked into the trees, "Big...very big cat closeby" she warned Remus, not because there was danger but when the jaguar appeared a minute or so later it was huge. Her mind had already connected with the feline who did take an interest in the terrified horse that was rearing to try and escape her grasp on the reins but soon passed by after a mental nudge from Mara. "Wow" she whispered as the big cat made its way through the tangle of trees with relative ease. Looking to Remus she looked up the path he had created, "I think it's best if we move quickly...I don't fancy meeting a bear bigger than him."
He listened quietly for a moment and slowed to a stop as she apoke. He froze as the big cat showed up and then went about its way. "That was quick.... I didnt think anything would pick up our scent that quickly. It seems like we will be in for an eventful night." He grins a little. Finally some action. While he wished to be a peaceful man he still relished battle and loved it more than anything. This is really what had him torn inside. A part of him wished that he could participate in another war. And the other part was trying to convince him that war is never something to lool forward to. For now, he kept his cool but the itch for battle never truly went away. "Perhaps you're right we should get moving" while it wouldnt really make a difference. He doubts they could cover the foresy in less that 4 maybe 3 days even if they hurry. "A big bear wont be a problem for me. Fear not for I am the archmage." He chuckled softly at his former title. He was no longer the archmage because there qas no kingdom to be archmage of. While he had offered his services to the people of Mirrodin, the old king decided to not bestow such a title upon Remus. " we can move as fast as you please..." but just as he finished that the path infrony of them rapidly closed and the path behind them shut almost entirely as well. Thwy were in a small bubble of a field maybe 15 feet in diameter or so that remained frozen. He sighed heavily and started to walk ahead "this isnt good... it normally wouldnt have closed to close to us.... this has to mean something. " he spoke to himself as he held out his hand. "Stand back.." and he bgan to whisper as he did before. His hand began its familiar glow and within moments he once again blasted the same spherical path as before. In the far distance he could aleady see the vines begin to close. Something was doing this but what or who he did not know. "Theres someone in these woods with us...." he spoke quietly as he moved his free hand and motioned for them to hurry. " we'd better hurry. This would not be a good place to get trapped"
Mara smiled slightly at Remus’s prediction of an eventful night, the thought didn’t fill her with glee. His assurance that a bear wouldn’t be a problem for him to deal with did make her feel more comfortable with the situation however. She began to move down the path when it closed, “Uhh Remus?” she looked to him then to the direction they had come from to see that the entire path had been taken back by the forest. Remus’s mutterings didn’t help the dread rising up inside her. She drew her sword, not sure how much good it would be against the giant undergrowth. Doing as she was told she moved behind Remus, firmly pulling the horse to stand behind her and quietly whispering to her in an attempt to keep the animal calm. A frown crept over her face and she stopped whispering to the horse as he spoke, “Who? No one knows we’re here” She began to move as soon as his hand gestured to them. She urged the horse on, moving quickly beside her, sword still in hand as her mind connected with all of the felines she could find in order to find anyone who could be responsible for the events that were occurring.
While he was uncertain who was doing this or why, he was certain thatbthis wouldnt be happening if something wasnt forcing it to happen. "Im not certain...I know this forest regenerates but it does so at a set rate. It never heals quicker or slower. Its always constant." His eyes narrow slightly as he looks around and continues forward. Chances are it could be some silly kids from the city play tricks on travellers. While this wasnt entirely unheard, no kids would ever venture this fare away from the city. Remus was sure it had to be someone else. 'Shiv...have you spotted anything strange up ahead? The forest is regrowing infront of us.' Shiv, who had been scouting ahead since the previous day, responds back 'no master...nothing that shouldnt be expected at least. 'This could mean anything by Shivs standards. Remus' brow twitches slightly in frustration 'enough fooling around Shiv. Did you or did you not see anyone' theres a long paused before Shiv responds 'yes... but he was friendly and went north' well that was strange indeed. North? There was nothing north but the river, which would bend infront of them anyways so theres no reason for anyone to go north. 'And that didnt seem suspicious to you Shiv?' He was growing more and more frustrated. 'Of course it did master... thats why im following him. But he has been sitting against a tree for quite a while now.' A grin crept across his lips and he was about to say take him out when the sudden thought came to him. He was supposed to retire from tyranny and the mage doing this may just be a humble magr that sensed something was wrong in the forest and not necessarily hostile. For now Remus felt he knew the cause of the issue. Yet for now he wouldnt do anything about it. Not yet anyways. 'Keep an eye on him... if he starts to weave a spellnotify me immidietly. ' and with that he sighedd and continued on. "Shiv tells me he is trailing someone and thatbhe stopped a while ago and appeared to be concentrating. I assume he is some mage from the city countering my magic. Though he doesn't appear hostile. Shiv is keeping an eye onnhim regardless"
Mara continued to move, her mind wandering the forest with the felines as she kept up with Remus. She couldn’t use the feline sight while she was moving but she could get information from them without seeing through their eyes. “Can’t Shiv speak to him, ask him to stop?” she asked, the horse protesting at their pace through the unstable forest. She pulled down on the reins, “C’mon you silly beast, i’m not losing you in here” Her tone was firm and it seemed to have some effect on the horse so they could continue forward without her pulling against Mara’s grip. “If he is doing this, i’d say he is hostile” she looked to Remus, “if you had been anyone else we would have been swallowed up back there. If we could just stop I could find him and disrupt him if the felines will cooperate....” she had already begun searching through the few that allowed her to connect with them for one that would seek out the stranger.
He shakes his head. "Thats not exactly true... he may only be trying to protect this forest. Ive heard of a cult that believe this place to be sacred... so what im doing by burning large stretches for all technical purposes makes me hostile to them." Stickting to this whole pacifist thing was provinf to be quite a task for him because ordinarily he wouldve had Shiv simply assassinate the mage and continue on his way without Mara ever knowing any better. 'Shiv... any luck on getting closer to him. Tell him we sre only trying to pass through and we mean no harm.' There was a pause and he heard Shiv call back a few moments later. 'He has erected a barrier around him master. And its quite a powerful one at that.' Remus sighs and shakes his head "no good Shiv tells me that the mage put up a barrier. A common technique for medium level mages that havent learned to focus their spells yet. They do it so it becomes almost impossible to disrupt what they are going to cast. Or are casting." He slows to a stop and the path before them completely closes again. The path behind them had already closed. "I can think of another way to get past this...but i would have to remove my coat. You may even see snow" he chukles softly trying to lighten the mood. The bubble around them however held strong negating the effect that the other mage was having on the woods. "You are welcome to try and talk. But I doubt sound can in or our of his barrier. If he could hear me I could put him under a spell to let us through if he decides not to cooperate. If we have no other choice. You may have to borrow my coat."
Mara, although she didn’t agree with his interpretation of the events, didn’t outright disagree with what he had said. She stopped a few feet away from him, the horse becoming skittish once again as the path closed in around them. She smiled slightly at the mention of snow, “I’m not in the mood for snow” she said letting go of the horses reins leaving her free to roam around the small clearing, the smile fading as she closed her eyes. It was a few moments before her eyes opened to show yellow-green cat’s eyes staring blankly at Remus, Her mind was in that of a smaller feline, one still bigger than her horse within the enchanted forest but nowhere near the size of the jaguar they had seen earlier. “The feline is following his scent” she said quietly as the feline she was connected to padded through the thick undergrowth to the spot where the mage was sitting in his protective bubble. The cat sniffed around the tree and stood a few feet away from the mage, “I can see him...” she whispered, a frown settling on her face. The cat tried to step forwards, not to hurt the man but to disrupt his concentration but it couldn’t get near, “We can’t get to him...is there any way to get through the barrier?” She asked Remus, her stare still blank.
He shakes his head gently "hmmm not directly. Maybe Shiv can get his attention and your cat may startle him." He chuckles softly coming up with the plan on the fly. 'Shiv... fire an arrow at the barrier. Make it a strong one.' Shiv reponds almost immediately ' my pleasure' the scout replies perched on a tree about 100 yards away then without hesitation he holds out his left hand and in it forms a long bow composed out of pure glowing blue energy. The energy string materializes as his right hand reaches for it. Once his gloved hand grips the energy string a long vicious looking arrow forms into places it too made of pure raw energy. Shiv draws backnthe string and as he does energy beguns to gather at the tip of the arrow vissably drawing energy in from its surroundings as well as from the bow itself. Shiv takes aim near the very edge of the bubble opposite the big cat that approached. Remus could feel that Shiv was about to fire and he calls out "prepare yourself... dont be alarm Shiv wont harm your feline friend." And just as he finishes talking Shiv lets the srrow fly. Only when it leaves his hand the arrow is no longer an arrow. Instead it cracks across the distance in the form of a lightning bolt yet it despite its jagged and seemingly randomized streaking path. The bolt strike true just at the edge of the bubble with such force the bubbke actually shatters and the mage looks up terrified as he notices the huge feline. 'Master I think that was a little much' Shiv comically replies. The clap of thunder now reaching Remus. He knew that Shiv fired a lightning arrow at the bubble. "You're free to speak..."
She waited patiently as Remus and Shiv planned a way to distract the mage so the feline could get to him. She informed the cat that an arrow would be fired and remained calm so the feline wouldn’t startle and push her from his mind. The arrow didn’t only startle the mage within the bubble but caused the cat to panic for a moment until Mara got control once again. She calmed the animal and moved him forward to the terrified mage, “I can’t speak to him but scaring him should distract him from his spell long enough for Shiv to speak.” The cat moved slowly towards the mage, hissing quietly. There was never any danger to the man from the feline; Mara wouldn’t allow it unless he directly made a threat to the animal. The cat sniffed around his body, his face and began pulling at his belongings with its giant claws. “Tell Shiv to speak to him” she said allowing the cat to nudge the mage almost playfully like a housecat with a mouse.
Remus nods and relays the msg. 'Shiv while Mara distracts him go tell him we would like to pass through in peace' Shiv reluctantly agrees to this and he hops off his branch and in the same fashion as before vanishes just as his feet leave the branch. He repears with a sort of wooshing sound landing several feet from the mage. "Greetings humble mage... I ask that you let my master and his company pass through these woods in peace. " Shiv spoke in his casual comic relief like tone. His bright bluebeyes could be seen glowing lightly behind his smiling porcelain mask. The old mage replies 'who are you? And who is he? And why is this cat stalking me?!' As the mage spoke his hood feel back revealing himself to be some what young. Shiv replies "oh I dare not speak his name. But if you refuse us safe passage theres no telling what he will do to your precious forrest. You shouldnt anger an archmage you know." He gasps playfully "oh! Ive said to much" Shiv was toying with the mage. Having broken his barrier so easily Shiv knew that this mage was no match for him. And it would be even more ridiculous for his master. 'An archmage? It cant be!' The mage stood up and began running away strangely enough the thick brush seemed to open and part as this mage passed. The forrest actually moved and made a path as he walked. 'Master... theres something strange about that man... he didnt seem.... normal.' Shiv shrugged and then jumped up vanashing and appearing again on another branch high up "I think we are clear." Remus finally spoke as he prepared to clear the next path rasing his hand before him as he did before.
The feline backed off as Shiv moved to speak to the mage, Mara watched on through his eyes. As the mage stood and ran away, she would have given chase had the forest not parted for him. It would have been difficult for the cat to follow the same route. She nodded to Shiv through the cats body and pulled back from the connection, leaving her connection with the other felines in place. "How could he do that?" She asked blinking a few times before looking at Remus, her eyes back to their normal meadow green, "the forest just moved for him" She was well aware she could track him but they needed to move on before he concocted another spell to disrupt their travels. Sword still in hand, she caught the skitty horse and waited for Remus to make another path for them, "Was he like you?" She asked as they began to move again, "He seemed scared when Shiv mentioned you were an archmage...why would that scare him?" She kept glancing around, using the felines as her own scouts for anyone else that was going to get in their way. Her sword remained tightly in her grip ready for anything none magical that might happen upon them.
The old mage let out a deep sigh of relief. He couldnt see through Shivs eyes, and so he was unable to see exactly what the other man had done. But Mara's description gave him a clue. "From the sound of it... the man was a mage of some sort. But apparently one that draws on nature. Not quite the same as I am." He wasnt able to cancel the druids magic because he was unable to see what he was casting. His field of negation would only be in effect in his immidiete perimeter. This is what was making the bubble effect around them. "He shouldn't be bothering us for now...I fear Shiv may have said to much." For a moment he concidered ignoring the question but the thought was short lived and he finally replied. "Mirrodin has no archmage...because I killed the last one. In one hundred years the title has yet to be given to another." His tone sounded regretful and in truth he was sorry to have done it. "He was an evil man... and slowly he was corrupting everything around him. The place would not be what it is today if I hadn't intervened." Truth be told he did good for the city yet his good deeds feel on a divided crowed. Some supported his actions while others protested. Not that he wanted anyone to ever know but as luck would have it a few witnesses came forth and told the authorities everything. Remus, at the time was quite famous for having an academy in the outskirts of the city where he taught young mages the basics of magic.
Looking to Remus as they moved, Mara heard his regretful tone as he spoke, “You helped the people, whether or not they knew it” She gave a small smile knowing what it was like to have killed someone, even someone evil and regretted it, “You saved them, don’t regret something that saved a lot of people” she added softly before pushing on, pulling on the horses reins to make the animal move faster. “I don’t want to spend a moment longer than we have to in here” She said almost to herself, it was a beautiful place but with mages and giant creatures that would prove more than a match for her sword and her bow it made her feel uncomfortable, even with Remus there. She looked to the giant trees then to the canopy above them and realised the light was dim.
He outstretched his right hand again, and it was still smoking from. He again, blasts the next path ahead of them ad this time are able to move on without a problem. "Perhaps you're right... I shouldnt worry about it." He lets his hand down which by this point was almost glowing with heat and smoke was steadily rising from it. But he didnt seem to mind one bit and simply kept moving. As expected, the tangled mess in front of them did not grow back this time around. He looked up and could see the light dimming through the canopy. At this rate they wouldnt make it very far before night fall. "I did what I did was for a greater purpose that some people fail to understand. It never occurred to them what wouldve happened had i not stepped in." He sighs deeply "I suppose its not use worrying about it now. Its been long since passed." But they were actually heading towards the scene of the crime and had he arrived unannounced he was sure no one would pay any attention to him. But since that encounter and Shivs big mouth he wasnt sure what to expect up ahead.
With the light fading quickly, she pushed on quickly wanting to get as far as possible before they would have to stop. She glanced to Remus and nodded, “You did the right thing i’m sure, just because not everyone sees it that way doesn’t make it wrong.” The forest was growing dark making it difficult to see without help, her mind connected to a single feline that was close by and her eyes took on their cat like yellow-green hue. Her sight immediately improved in the dim light which allowed her to carry on at the same pace as Remus. “How far until we reach Mirrodin?” She asked, hoping the answer would be that they weren’t too far from the city and the promise of a warm bed and normal sized creatures.
"Unfortunately. .. Mirrodin is at the very least 3 days travel.... and that event earlier slowed our pace considerably. We could risk a jump but I cant promise the safety of your horse.... and I would rather not do that." He slowly reached had hand up and with a whisper breathed fire onto his hand. The fire was a soft pale blue hue and it did an excellent job of lighting their path for now until they find the base of a suitable tree to camp out for the night. Remus held the flame in his hand without issue and despite its flickering at times it grew to almost a foot high. He raised his other hand and whispered into it but this time what appeared to be a perfectly round ball of light formed in his hand then without hesitation he tosses it ahead of them and sticks to a huge tree some 50 feet ahead of them serving almost like a becon of light illuminating the base of a huge oversized tree. Once they would settle down the vines would once again close their path and only Remus bubble remained.
Sighing softly, she shook her head, “I’d rather not do that either” she agreed with Remus. The flame he produced in his hand caused her to blink a few times until her enhanced eyesight adjusted to the new light. Reluctantly, she followed him to the base of the tree and tied the horse up close by leaving the saddle on the animal in case they needed to make a move quickly. She remained connected to the feline as the closest one to them, again, in case any help was needed. She watched the vines close in on them once again before removing her bow and quiver from her back and laying them with her sword against a tree root. She took the box that had the leftover food in it and sat next to her weapons, looking around into the dark trees as she picked at the food, “Do you think the mage will try anything else?” She asked after a few mouthfuls of food.
Remus shook his head as he too began to take a seat. Building a fire in these thick woods would only attract attention so he opted out from doing that. The vines the closed in actually provided a good deal over cover and protection from anything approaching. "I dont think so.... something tells me he wont try anything foolish now that he has a clue about who I am" he let the light above them fade out and their only source of light was his hand and the pale blue flame dancing carelessly around his palm. "I really anxious to get to the city. The thought of laying back in the hammock beund mabels with the river to my side is driving me on" he chuckles softly attempting to lighten the mood. He silently wondered how the night would go.though he wouldnt say anything he was curious if anything else would reveal itself. Or if she would decide to get closer to him.
Feeling slightly reassured that they wouldn’t have any more surprises from the mage, she relaxed slightly. Her cat-like eyes watched the flame dancing on Remus’s hand and she smiled at his excitement in getting to the city, “A warm bed is driving me on” she laughed quietly as she shivered, the heat of the day was fading as quickly as the light had. It would be a long night, cold and with lots of unfamiliar noises enhanced by the connection with the large cat that was a short distance away. She filtered the noises, allowing the feline to alert her to anything unusual so she could concentrate on trying to get some rest even if sleep wouldn’t be forthcoming. She slid over the tree root that was holding her weapons and wrapped her arms around herself, “Tell me more about Mirrodin” she asked leaning forwards, her elbows resting on her knees, her eyes reflecting the light from the blue flame. She couldn’t imagine a city filled with magical beings, it was hard enough imagining a city so close to a giant forest like the one they were sat in.
"Hmm lets see....." how could he put it into words. "The whole city is very colorful and lively and everyone there even children have been trained in some form of magic. For the most part this is all taught with a form of discipline that is alnost unheard of in other parts of the world.children there are very mature and obidient. Everyone shows a sort of mutual sense of respect for each other and this unspoken understanding between the folk is really whatbmakes it so peaceful. Something is always happening in Mirrodin. Either a festival or carnival or just days declared as holidays for no apparent reason." He chuckles lightly. " before the incident after the great war... I lived in Mirrodin. In fact I had a magic academy on the outskirts of town where I taught children. It was a perfect cover really for what I realy was after the war. Thankfully no one in Mirrodin had ever seen me so when I came to the city I simply blended in like every other mage. It was my little piece of heaven." He smiles warmly and holds out the fire in his hand and lets it flare up putting out much more heat and light than before. He wouldnt want to hold it all night however and he bgan to look around for something to draw on the ground with. With the right glyph she need only sit on it and it would provide warmth. Eventually he found a small piece of branch and he leaned forward and began scratching away little by little drawing a glyph on the ground different from the one that transported Shiv the previous day yet just as elaborate.
Mara sat and listened about the magical city, “It does sound like a wonderful place” she said with a wide smile, the cold almost forgotten about. She could see how highly he thought of Mirrodin as he spoke, “I’m looking forward to seeing this magical city and I have a good guide” As the flame grew in his hand, she shifted closer to feel the warmth it was emitting. Him moving to draw another glyph caught her attention, she leant over to see the beautiful markings, “What does that one do?” she asked looking at it curiously. His world of magic and glyphs was becoming more and more interesting the more she saw of it, maybe Mirrodin was the place to learn more about it.
He smiles warmly as he listens and continues drawing until finally the glyph was completely. He closed his hand the fire went out. "Watch" he said simply as he reached down and touched the outer edge of the glyph. Because it was pitch dark his motion would be difficult to see, but only briefly. When he actually touched the edge the glyph began to emit a soft warm glow. So long as it actibe it wpuldnt wipe away and she was free to lay on it as she pleased. The glow illuminated their little bubble with a soft gentle light. A faint and pleasent heat could be felt radiating from it almost like a heating pad only drawn om the ground. He smiles at her " well go on.. try it out" he waited for her to get over the glyph before lifting his hand off the edge. It remained glowing softly. "Indeed... its a beautiful place that ive been very fond of for as long as ive known about it."
A curious expression settled on her face as he finished drawing the glyph and the darkness took over when the flame went out. Her eyes didn’t have time to adjust to the darkness before the glyph began to glow at Remus’s touch. She could feel the warmth coming from it and she moved closer to it when he told her to try it out. Stepping onto the glyph, she immediately felt the warmth as if it was a nice summers day. “This is amazing” she said crouching on the glyph to get a closer look. She settled herself on it, laying down with one arm behind her head, the other resting on her stomach and staring at the canopy above them. “We just need to get there in one piece” she said closing her eyes and relaxing into the warmth although she wouldn’t fully get to sleep she knew she needed to at least rest before another day of travelling through the enchanted forest.
Simply offered her a smile as he too sat back and laid his hands behind his head. He shifted around and got comfortable before calmly responding. "Im glad you like it... sleep well. We have a lot of distance to make up." Contrary to his earlier prediction the night passed uneventful. And for the majority of it he couldnt help but stare at the beautiful young woman he had been granted the privilege of traveling with. 'I know what you're thinking Remus' kalista spoke softly in his mind. 'You should know she is a troubled young girl. Yet her cause is noble. All this is nee to her. And when you're done amazing her with all this wonder. When all this is nothing new anymore. She will leave you Remus just like every other woman you've ever met.' The old mage shrugged silently and shook his head. 'Thats enough Kalista.you dont know her... and so what if you read her thoughts and know her past. She has a good heart and I will not take advantage of her kind nature.' Remus fired back with a firm tone. And the priestess continued on but Remus paid no attention. He simply looked at Mara's sleepig form with a sort of innocent warmth that a teacher would show a student.
Mara did eventually fall asleep or at least her body did. Her mind was with the feline keeping an eye on the area. It was a preferred way for her to sleep as it stopped her from dreaming and the nightmares that came from them. he stirred and opened her eyes slowly just before the sun rose. It was still relatively dark, the morning light just appearing over the horizon. "Good morning" she said, the words mumbled within a yawn as she sat up. She hadn't noticed him watching her but he was a welcome sight for her to see. Hearing the giant birds start their morning song she smiled, had it not been a rather dangerous place she would have liked to explore some more before moving on. Her eyes still held the cat-like colours but she had no need to keep the connection at that moment so she pulled her mind back slightly, thanking the feline for keeping watch over them. Getting to her feet, she stepped from the glyph and was met with the cool air that hung in the forest. "Do you think we should make an early start?" She said gathering up her weapons and putting them in their places on the saddle of the horse, "I can ride so we can move faster."
Remus had turned over during the night laying peacefully and almost drifting into sleep. But he forced himself awake. He didnt need sleep but this isnt to say he didnt enjoy it from time to time. He too had dreams and sometimes nightmares. But for the most part he didnt sleep because of the things that tend to happen when he does. Mostly dealing with people trying to kill him while he sleeps. For this reason Remus chooses to sleep only when he is comfortable with his surroundings and recently the only place he has felt comfortable was at his inn. He sits up and looks around lettimg his eyes adjust. While, he wasnt sleeping at all. He had shut his eyes in an attempt to relax a little better and let his mind drift away. The glyph ceased its glow the moment she fully stepped out of it then with little hesitation he stood and brushed off his coat and pants. He could kill for a hot bath. He knew there were natural hot springs up ahead and he would make the suggestion as they grew near. "Certainly im eager to get moving. There are some natural hot springs up ahead where we should make our next camp and im eager to relax in them" he speaks to soon anyway. But this may serve as some motivation for them to get moving quickly. "With a little luck tonight will be the last night we have to spend in these woods..." he moves around the tree and prepares to clear the next path raising up his hand once again in the same manner as before and blasts the familiar path before him.
She nodded as Remus agreed that they should move on. The mention of hot springs caused her to smile, "I've not seen hot springs in what feels like a lifetime" She too was eager to relax in them so was eager to move on. Taking the horses reins, she waited for Remus to create their path then mounted the horse once she had settled after the blast. Feeling playful after a good night sleep and the promise of a hot bath at the end of their days travel she nudged the horse to trot once the path ahead had cooled then looked to Remus, "Race you!" She laughed and firmly squeezed her heels into the horses sides pushing the horse into a gallop. She knew really that a horse would be no match for Remus but a bit of fun could make the long day pass quickly.
He laughs a bit as she began to trot forward then relized the horse would be moving onto hit ash if he didnt hurry up. He simply leaps forward and in an almost mechanical motion he lounges straight ahead as if he was being sucked towards his new landing spot. He lands ahead of them and only remains long enough to cool the surrounding earth before leaping again. This time when his feet left the ground he vanished landing a good 50 or so feet ahead of where he disppeared only a fraction of a second later. This was something he came to call a flash step. It was a technique that Shiv favored greatly for its ease of use and swiftness. Shiv was even able to cancel the sound of his movement when he did this. Remus however couldnt and the sound of his flying through the air was quite prominent. His coat wave frantically behind him as he moved and in reality that was the sound that could be heard. As he stopped his coat rushed past him with the momentum. Remus looks back with his usual warm smile. Although he was so far ahead by now he was sure she couldnt tell he was smiling. "Hurry up then! I dont want it to be dark before we get to the springs!" He calls back teasing with amusement in his voice. He'd wait patiently for her to catch up but before she passes him up he leaps again flash stepping ahead once more. She would never catch him. Not on a horse atleast. The distance they had to travel he could cover in an instant. But he qas actually enjoying the trip so far.
Mara urged the horse on although she took care not to over stretch the horse as they had a way to go. She laughed as Remus passed her and seemed to be teasing her with his tricks. He was using his tricks, maybe she should use hers. Opening her mind, she found the same feline that had been watching them overnight and connected her mind with it before pushing herself up onto the saddle and leaping into the trees. The horse continued to gallop on seemingly enjoying the freedom to run. Once in the trees, Mara moved quickly, much more quickly than the horse had on the ground. She leapt between branches gracefully using the agility and speed of the feline she was connected to. She made up some of the ground between Remus and herself however it just wasn't quite enough. She kept moving through the trees until he stopped to allow her to catch up.
He stod and wattched as she leaped into the trees with cat like reflexes and agility. She was quite special indeed he thought as she moved closer and closer in leaps and bounds. Remus didnt hesitate and as she got closer he moved away further effortlessly untilnhe had reached the end of the cleared path. He, of course, blasted the next path and moved ahead once again waiting for her to get close only to move away quickly and stay ahead. The horse had fallen behind at this point and after a few times that this was repeated he was so far from the horse thatnhe doubted it could keep a hurried pace for that long. "I think we should slow down!" He called out to her. "I dont think your friend can keep up!" he continued with amusement innhis voice. He was clearly enjoying himself.
Mara played his game, continuing to chase him as he kept good lead in their 'race'. As he suggested slowing down, she glanced behind them to the horse and nodded, "I guess you win...." she called as she caught up to him and slowed down, "...this time" she laughed as she stepped off the branch and landed on the ground as if she had stepped off a doorstep. Turning to the horse, she clicked her tongue and waited for the now tired animal to catch up and come to her. She wouldn't ride anymore that day just to give the horse somewhat of a rest. Turning to Remus, she smiled, the enjoyment of the 'race' showed on her face. "That was fun" she said taking the reins of the horse and walking her towards him. She was slightly out of breath but nothing too obvious. "I'm sure I'll beat you next time" she giggled and nudged his arm with her elbow as she moved passed him. Her attention moved to the horse, "You had a good run too" she said softly to the animal as she patted it's neck. She broke her connection with all of the felines, keeping her mind to herself for a short while as she continued to walk.
The old mage let a hearty laugh escape his lips. A hard laugh, much stronger than hes had in a long time. He enjoyed himself alright and he wasnt afraid to show just how much. Then again her comments about beating her were quite amusing so the combination of the two really brought it out of him. He followed behind her as she nodged him and he couldnt help but smile "is that so? Are you sure you want to take that challenge? I can be very competitive you know" they had been moving at such a pace that he hardly noticed how long they were actually racing for. In the distance he could see the steam through the trees. "Well it seems we've made up a ton of time.. the springs are just up ahead" he pointed out ahead. "See the steam rising through the foliage? " this was a rhetorical question. He didnt expect an answer. He more expected another race.
"So can I" she replied with a challenging look. She had grown up with two older brothers, not being competitive wasn't an option if she didn't want to be left behind. Spotting the stream ahead she paused, her mind opening to the single feline once more. She grinned as he pointed the stream out to her then she slapped the horse's behind to get her to trot at a pace down the path before leaping into the trees again, moving as quickly as she could across the huge branches. It was more difficult to move in the giant trees because she couldn't grip the branches to swing from them but she made do with using the speed and the thickness of the branches to launch herself tp the next. She didn't look back to see where Remus was knowing he would probably catch her up with ease. Her goal was the springs.
Remus couldn't help but chuckle a but as she jumped into the trees again and expected to race. He quickly turned and with a quick leap and a flash step he was already waiting by the edge of the water with a wide grin. The spring was lined in stones that seemed to resist the growth of any form of algae and were thus very smooth and clean. The same went for the stones in the water several actually jutted out in different spots that seemed to be conveniently shaped to accommodate a person to fit comfortably. Remus wasnt hesitate in removing his coat tossing it asside. Next came his shirt which he pulled off over his head and as he did the full extent of his brandings became clearly visible. The ten ornate symbols symmetrically intertwined into each other like a beautiful ornate tribal tattoo that covered his entire upper body. All the way down to his wrists where they would abruptly end at what appeared to be cuffs around his wrists made entirely of the same black 'ink'. The brands seem to ahimmer with a strange glow as he could feel the heat radiating from the spring. "This spring actually holds a strange healing property and people used to come here to be healed by this water... some call it a miracle. But the people of Mirrodin know that this water was blessed by the high priestess of Serdio. To this day this water purifies the mind and body. A bath in this spring and you will feel rejuvenated to the highest extent." He smiles warmly at her and without hesitation removes his wooden sandles then his pants. He stood stark naked for only a brief moment before slidding into the heavenly water and as he does a long restless sigh escapes his lips. His body, while it drew in the heat the springs offered, seemed to not be effecting the air around him so long as he stayed in the water.
Mara pulled a face as she saw Remus at the waters edge before her. She leapt from a branch and skidded to a halt on the ground as she approached him, "I will beat you one day" she laughed as she walked passed him to look into the water, hearing the horse approach and start to graze on some nearby grass. She could feel the heat coming from the spring, it was very inviting. As she looked to Remus, she saw him removing his coat and shirt and found herself unable to look away from the markings on his body as he spoke of the healing properties of the water. Realising he was further taking his clothes off she blushed and looked away quickly until he had fully entered the water. She made no effort to undress and enter the water herself, the flushed pink of her cheeks remaining as she looked at him with a small smile.
Remus paid no attention that Mara turned away or looked or didnt look. Either way made no difference to him. Remus comes from a time where nudity was nothing to be ashamed of and to him it was really quite natural. He lowered himself in the steamy water and found one of those conveniently shaped rocks to lay back on. The whole time he eyes remained closed until he found the rock and whiped water from his face. Finally he looked up to see she had yet to enter, while the steam made her image quite fuzzy and unclear he could see that she was still standing at the waters edge. " come in the water is great!" He calls out with amusement in his voice. He was actually having a great time and this spring was just icing on the cake. He laid back peacefully rekaxing in the water. His gaze drifted upwards towards the canopy. He could see the tiny streams of light through the steam and his eyes slowly slid shut. Again he let out a long restless sigh in relaxation.
Seeing Remus relaxing in the water, she looked around at the spring and sighed realising she was being silly. The water was almost calling out to her and who was she to ignore it? She sat on a small rock at the water’s edge and pulled off her boots, removing 4 small throwing knives that had been hidden within them. She moved to slide her pants off, and then quickly pulled her shirt over her head before sliding into the water silently, her clothing left in a pile by the water. She too had markings on her body but they were scars that left a permanent reminder of why she needed to save her family. A. The heat in the water was almost like relaxation itself, she smiled and moved slowly through the water to a stone similar to the one Remus was laying against and sat against it. The water sat around her neck as she closed her eyes, “I can see why you like this place” she said pushing her hair from her face with a wet hand.
Remus couldnt help but laugh at her comment. Of course he loved this place. It was like a Mecca for mages of all sorts and these springs were a sure sign thay they were close. "You know... we will make it to Mirrodin by tomorrow. Then you will see what I truly love about this place..." although for now, he was enjoying himself sitting perfectly still in the hot spring. A sudden thought dawned on and he grin at his own mischievous thoughts. Slowly and quietly he pulls his hands from the water and put them together in a sort of complex hand sign the he whispered something under his breath and a small patch of water raised in front of him and turned into a miniature Chinese dragon composed entirely of water. Remus laid back still with his hands clamped together and the dragon began to move away from him with a strange lifelike quality to its movements. The dragon had a long snaked like body with long thing whiskers and the amount of detail could easily fool someone into thinking it was real. With in momments the dragon sinks into the water and silently swims across the spring to where she was laying and with little hesitation the dragon brushes playfully across her legs. And the moves up agaisnt her stomach playfully twirling and finally rises out of the water in front of her and stares at her for a few moments before bursting like a bubble leaving not trace it ever existed. Meanwhile Remus sat on the other side holding back laughter. He was sure this would get a rise out of her. If only briefly.
Mara could have easily fallen asleep as she lay in the water, she tried to picture Mirrodin in her mind, having heard of the magical city she was excited to almost be there. Something brushed against her leg and startled her. She sat bolt upright and looked around, “What the...” she said, a frown taking over the relaxed expression she had held. When it moved up against her stomach and a dragon appeared out of the water, she sat in a startled silence unsure if what she was actually seeing was real or not. The ‘dragon’ burst and disappeared, Mara looked at Remus and gave him a playfully angry smile, “Remus!” she shouted in mock anger before cupping her hands and splashing him. Another one of his tricks but another thing that she found amazing.
He burst into laughter as she called out to him. The water the she splashed with did something odd and as it approached him it seemed to slow in mid air and then gracefully move around him. This effect was actually subconscious mich like the mag negate field he projects which just so happens to be a subconscious effect aswell. Remus doesnt hesitate though and he ducks under water using the steam to hide his approach. He slowly but surely creeps on her from behind with the silence of q navy seal diving team. His hands reach up against her sides, his finger tipa gently dragging agaisnt her wonderfully soft skin before he pops his head out the water. "Surprise" he says playfully. His hands remaining on her only if she let him.
She laughed at the thought of Remus at least getting soaked for his trick, the laughter turned to puzzlement when the water slowed and moved around him. She saw him duck under the water and she lost sight of him. Looking around, she squealed and jumped as his hands touched her. Her heart was racing as she turned to face him, she punched him in the shoulder, “That was mean!” she laughed and looked to him, a smile remaining on her face. Her clenched fist relaxed and rested on his arm, the familiar tingling feeling she had felt when she had connected with his mind returned and caused her heart to race faster. Looking into his eyes, she held her breath as her mind touched his once again, “Very mean” she repeated quietly.
Grin as she punched him yet once again the incoming punch seemed to slow and by the time it struck him there was no force left and it was like a gentle tap. His hands gently gripped at her sides now and he slowly moved in his chest dangerously close to hers even brushing agaisnt it very gently every now and then as the waves move the two slightly. "My appologies.... I didnt intend to be mean" he spoke to her in his head as he heard the last part in his head too. He could feel her warm breath on his skin and while he remained in the water his skin too felt warm to the touch and that ever present tingle take made his touch oh so special was even more prominent. He loved the feel of her soft warm skin and it too caused his fingers to tingle with excitement. Slowly and cautiously his right hand moved up behind her back while he didnt make a move to pull her in. He felt curious as to what she might do. He wasnt being sexual or anything but perhaps he was being a little forward. "You should turn around..." he said softly as his fingers explored her back "you feel so tense...Relax. I dont bite." He said with a smile. Truth be told he wasnt aiming to be sexual, But he may actually come off like he was.
Mara remained still as he apologised and made no move to stop his hand moving up her back although she did tense slightly as his hand moved closer to a large curved scar that ran from the base of her neck across her shoulder blade. She didn't break eye contact with him as he spoke but she did turn around after a few moments. Her eyes closed and she inwardly scolded herself, she couldn't care for him. He was helping her, she was grateful for that but she could feel a growing feeling for him, one she couldn't quite pin point but she was beginning to care for him. How that would evolve she didn't know but she did know that could never be should be be able to go back and save her family. Still, despite this she remained in the water with him.
Remus keeps his eye contact with her until she turns. His hands move down and onto the small of her back and slowly move up gently kissing her skin with his fingertips until finally his hands would rest on the back of her neck. His fingers then begin to massage into her tense muscles working her neck with skill that rivaled a professional massage therapist, his fingers were quite dexterous afterall. He would then move down onto her shoulders, his eyes tracing the scar all the way down. His touch alone was something that the average person would almost crave. But for the time being he decided not to mention anything about the scars he certainly didnt want to break the relaxing mood. His hands would move down her back massaging every inch of it with a sort of sensual touch. His hands then would move down her sides and onto her legs massaging her upper thighs as he moved in and coaxed her to lean her back agaisnt him. With the slowest and most cautious of touches his hands moved onto her inner thighs massaging dangerously close to her nether regions but only for the briefest of momments before moving back down her thighs. He'd rest his head against gently on her shoulder. " gooood... just let go of everything" his voice was soft and smooth as velvet.
The tingling moved up her back to her neck as his hands moved. She let her head tilt forwards as his hands moves at her neck and shoulders. She knew she was tense, it was a long time since she had been able to fully relax and let her guard down but she was almost there. She leant back against him and let her head rest against his shoulder. While she could relax at that moment, she couldn't let go of her self tasked mission so a little tension remained.
Remus continued massaging her thighs for a few moments before his hands moved up against her hips skillfully massaging the inner region of her pelvis before slowly moving up agaisnt he stomach brushing up against the underside of her breasts. He hesitated only for a moment before ever so gently moving up onto her breasts. His touch was gentle and intoxicating and he applied only minimal preasure as he massaged her breasts. His arms did a good job of pressing her gently against him. His skin would produce the same electric tingling over every part that came in contact with him. He remained silently allowing her to fully relax.

[littlemy]

Mara allowed the massage to continue as she tried to fathom the feelings she was experiencing for him. As his hands moved up her stomach to her breasts she shook her head and pushed herself away from him, her mind pulling away from his at the same time. It was not easy for her to pull away from him, she was torn but knew it was for the best. "I can't..." she said moving to the opposite side of the spring. She gave him an apologetic glance before moving to the edge of the water and pulling herself out and gathering her clothes. She started to get dressed, struggling slightly as her skin was still wet.
Remus remained in the spring for a while longer as she pushed away from him he gave her an almost puzzled look. " you cant? What do you mean?" His puzzled look should tell her what he means. It wasnt his intention to make her feel like he was coming onto her. "You should know... I meant nothing in appropriate." A frown slowly formed on his lips. "I apologize. .. I meant no offense." He was still stuck in his old ways. And the fact that he was hardly around women started to show. The Serdian empire he helped build and served for hundreds of years under its name was somewhat reminiscent of the Roman empire. Nudity and sexuality were extremely liberal and were concidered quite normal. Remus hadnt gotten with the times quite yet and he started puzzled for a few moments as she pulled herself out. Clearly the moment was over
Finally Mara managed to get dressed, her skin dried off enough as she had been struggling with her clothing. She sat and pulled her boots on before picking up the small throwing knives and staring at them in her hand before looking back to him, "I'm sorry, I... I just feel something for you but I can't" she couldn't put into words how she felt. Everyone she had loved had been slaughtered so had distanced herself from people to avoid the deavastation that caused should it happen again. Her free hand moved to the scar at the back of her neck as she shook her head once again.
He nods silently and slowly moves closer until he is leaning at the edge of the water. " that wasnt my intention.... forgive me... Im ashamed of my actions..." he spoke slowly and sincere. He did truly feel bad. And he slowly drifted back towards the center of the spring. 'I think you ruined that master' Shiv taunts him standing invisible in one of the surrounding trees. 'Enough of your taunting Shiv. Leave us at once!' He answers back annoyed that his guard found it so amusing. Shiv doesnt leave, in fact he jumps down and lands silently next to Mara, only the faint woosh of his arrival and his cloak flapping past him could be heard. He made himself visable seemingly fading into place "he is very old you know..." Shiv turns and looks at Mara, the smiling white mask shinning slightly as the sun beamed down through the trees casting a line or two across the featureless mask. His voice was soft and comical clearly amused at the situation. "Old fashion...really old fashion" he adds. If she were to try and strike him out of reflex anything she swung or attempted to hit him with would simply pass through him like he was some sort of ghost.
Shaking her head, she sighed, "No, I'm sorry" she said brushing a few stray damp hairs from her face, "I haven't travelled with anyone since I left my home" she knelt down on one knee and placed the knives back in their places in her boot before swapping sides and doing the same, "Making friends doesn't come easy to me.....you just seem to be different" She stood as Shiv landed next to her, she turned abd raised her arm to fend off any blows that would be expected from an enemy. Spotting it was Shiv she lowered her arm and gave him an annoyed look. "Do you do that often?" She asked him, the annoyance audible in her tone.
Remus had wondered off into the middle of the spring returning to the rock he had originally laid back on. He wasnt ready to get out. He was still absorbing heat and little by little he could feel more and more strength returning to him. Shiv responds by holding up his hands in a comically defensive pose. "Oh yes... all the time. You might have to get used to it since you're traveling with my master." Shiv had an odd way of speaking. Almost always light hearted and comical nonchalant in nature. He had a strange quality to lighten the mood of a tense situation. Not that it was any magic going on but he just had that sort of lively personality. "In any case...he really isnt used to beimg around people. Its a miracle he agreed to take you to see Lazarus actually. They dont get along very well. Very bad actually. But theres mutual respect there" he says in a sort of matter of fact way. " I do hope you dont hold it against him. His ways I mean... he has the best intentions for you, you know?"
Mara visibly relaxed slightly, her shoulders dropped slightly as Shiv spoke, "A bit of warning would be appreciated" she said to him with a half smile. She knew Remus had no ill intention towards her, he wouldn't have been helping her if he did. She watched Remus move back to his rock to relax before looking up to the smooth mask that Shiv wore, "Can Lazarus hurt him?" The annoyance had turned to concern in her voice. She didn't want to see people hurt in her quest, not because of her.
Shiv shool his head. He was a scout and master of stealth given her warning would be against his personal code. Fact is, he enjoyed slipping in and out of peoples perception. "Master has the unique ability to cancel out the fabric that allows magic in this world. Or absorb it or manipulate it anyway he pleases. Against any conventional magic user master is invincible. " he kept his voice down so as not to let Remus overhear. "Lazarus uses a unique form of magic... that master cannot control. You see... Lazarus uses the very essence of life. He is able to control blood. Anything that is alive will be in danger around him. Master has ways of protecting himself from it but not entirely. He will only be able to withstand it for so long. Or he will be force to unleash Mathius....and no one wants that"
Concern grew within Mara as Shiv spoke, "Mathius?" She repeated the name, "he is another soul within Remus?" Her tone was also hushed as she spoke. Shaking her head she cursed under her breath. She couldn't ask Remus to endanger his life so she could fulfill her mission. It was wrong of her to ask that. "Could you help protect him?" She asked hopefully knowing that even Shiv would have his limits. "Can Lazarus not be reasoned with? Can his services not be bought?" Every living thing had a price, they could be persuaded to act if the right price was offered, she assumed this powerful Lazarus would be the same.
Shiv nods silently as she asks about Mathius and that turns quickly into shaking his head in disagreement. "Mathius is the aspect of death. Master doesnt need me to help protect him. When master releases him everything around him will begin to wither and die including Lazarus. Naturally the vampire is a coward and he will admit master the winner." He nods agreeing with himself. "But Lazarus cannot be bought. He is the oldest vampire that I have ever met and anything he wishes gor he simply takes. He will challenge master. And he will lose as he has before." He laughs slightly and grins behind his mask. "I cannot engage directly in battle. It would be most unwise for me to do so... master and I share a unique connection you see. For I am the aspect of life." He wouldnt reveal all their secrets just but just enough to give her clues about their bond.
Mara wrapped her arms around herself as she looked back to Remus, "He won't get hurt will he?" She asked, her voice almost a whisper. Hearing that Lazarus couldn't be bought was hard, she hadn't met one person who didn't have a price but she had heard stories of vampires, scary fairy tales that her brothers told her to scare her during storms and they were seemingly not fairy tales. She stared at Shiv as he explained about the unique bond he and Remus had, she understood it to a certain extent with the information he offered. "Shiv? Do you think I'm foolish for my quest?" She asked the the strange masked elf. Meeting Remus had changed everything in her mind. He had offered her a solution but the more she knew of him the more she cared and that made her doubt herself.
Remus shifted in the water a little, his eyes were closed, his head and ear underwater and he was simply letting the heat flow in carelessly listening to the water in the spring at peace. Shiv shrugged "even if does. We have been through countless wars together all extremely dangerous. We have battled and defeated countless powerful enemies. Gods even..." he pasuses as he lowers his voice to a whisper "have knelt before him" he thwn returns to his usual soft tone "While Lazarus can be very dangerous I fear he may worry about you. Once Lazarus begins casting his magic everything in range will start to be drained of blood. Even worse if he draws blood from an opponent he could continue drawing blood from a distance. Master can defeat Lazarus, after all it wont be his first time doing it... or the second. .. or the third. Each time however more difficult than the last. Little by little the vampire learned how to battle my master... normally he doesnt allow them to live past their first encounter. Thats the reason we have never lost a battle. No one really understands how to fight him. Sure he is powerful but no matter how strong you are you can never defeat an enemy whos ability you dont understand. Lazarus has adapted time and time again."He shrugs and shakes his head "master needs Lazarus alive." He reaches up and slides his mask up and to the right letting it hang crooked at an angle off the side of his head. His skin was revealed to be a light blue color and his features were impossibly attractive. After all he was an elf. He had sharp features and a thin nose and a thin chin. Almost a feminine quality yet his face entirely when viewed made him almost mesmerizingly handsome. "And I feel your quest is noble. We feel that way in fact. If it was foolish master would not have agreed to help you." His voice was almost seductive soft and smooth a pleasure to listen to. His mask actually changed the sound of his voice to sound more ghostly. But now it was clear. From the sound od his voice and his looks it was hard to tell that he was such a clown at heart.
Shiv's apparent reassurance attempt didn't help much. A soft sigh escaped her lips, "Remus need not worry about me" she said quietly. After all, she was willing to die to see her family alive once more. Hearing that they believed in her quest did lift her spirits slightly although she still had her doubts after learning more about Lazarus. He might have been an all powerful vampire but was it a good idea to be seeking him out? As Shiv lifted his mask, she was taken aback by his appearance and couldn't help but stare. "Do you mind if I ask, why you wear a mask?" She wasn't sure if she would be overstepping her mark in asking such a question.
Shiv smiles " well.... we all wear masks. Only Kalista doesnt wear one. But she is the most important of us so master would never let her out." He shrugs. " it really symbolizes the death of our previous lives and the beginning of our time with him. They all serve their purpose." He reaches his hand out from under the cloak. It was clad in a beautiful ornate light blue armor. He was about to show her his party trick, and really the secret to his ghostly abilities. "Observe...take my hand." He would say calmly, she would notice that he was, for lack of a better term, corporeal and she would be able to physically touch his hand. Once she did he'd offer her a strangely familiar warm smile and with his free hand slid his mask back on. Immidietly he became intangible and her hand would phase through his as he restored his ghost like properties. "See the difference? " even his voice had a sort of feint echo that made it sound like a kind of ghostly whisper. In truth the mask shifted his physical body to a pocket dimension that only Shiv could access and simultaneously allows his apparition to exist on this plane.
Mara gave Shiv a puzzled look as he held his hand out to her. She held her hand out, taking his hand gently. Watching as he smiled and replaced the mask, she did not expect her hand to move through his. She looked at her hand then back to his and nodded, "I see" she said, her gaze moving to the mask, "What do you mean Kalista is the most important? What would happen if he let her out?" She glanced back to Remus remembering hearing Kalista's stern tone when her mind first connected with his.
Shiv grins behind his mask and slowly slides it back off to the right again. "You see we all govern aspects of him. I am the aspect of life. This is why I am able to manifest myself independently of him. However if I die his body will die. Leoric is the aspect of the body. Because of him masters body is extremely resilient and he is gifted with superhuman reflexes and speed. Mathius is the aspect of death. When master releases him his body becomes the body of Mathius and in this form he is able to cheat death. Finally Kalista is the aspect of the mind... she guards his mind and is able to physically will when Mathius is released and when master can take over again. She serves as the gatekeeper. And so long as she exists my masters mind will always exist and in ome form or another he will be reborn. Even if he has to create another body to be our vessel."
Mara listened as Shiv explained the purpose of the four souls within Remus. She smiled slightly, "And he calls me unique." Shiv's explanations were creating more questions but at least she would know a bit more about her new friend. "Has he had to create a new body before?" She knew Remus had lived for centuries but in the same body after wars and battles it seemed impossible.
Shiv laughs lightly and shakes his head. "Not a complete new body but he has created limbs. I know its within his capabilities to create a whole new body from a single limb." He smiles again an notices Remus moving around in the spring. Remus looks up at the canopy, the feint orange glow of the sun peeking through bringing a smile to his lips. By this time tomorrow they would be walking through the gates of Mirrodin. The thought alone lifted his spirits and he finally sat up in the water and began to make his way to the edge catching sight of Shiv talking to Mara he sinply shakes his head and sighs. 'Shiv....thats enough of running your mouth for the day.' He calls out mentally. Shiv, replaces his mask and bows towards his master. "Gotta go. But it was nice chatting with you." And with that he leaps up in his usual manner flash stepping onto a large tree branch high above them. Remus find himself climbing out and the moment he does the air around him begins to rapidly condense and cool. His body was dripping wet but with a grin he snapped his fingers and hia whole body became engulfed in flames though only for the briefest of momments the flame dies down and the fades entirely and his body, now perfectly dry, remains smoking slightly. With out hesitation or shame he moves towards his clothes and begins to dress. Though he leaves his coat off through it over his shoulder. "We can make camp here. We need only travel a few hours more through these woods and then cross the vast fields to get to Mirrodins gate." He speak to Mara slowly walking up, unaware of what Shiv and she were talking about. "Did you have a pleasant conversation with him? He can be quite frustrating sometimes I apologize ahead of time."
Mara nodded and opened her mouth to ask another question but stopped short when she heard Remus moving in the spring. She smiled as Shiv announced his departure, "You too" she said as she turned to the spring, averting her eyes as Remus climbed out of the water. She couldn't help but look as he burst into flames, an arm raised to shield her eyes but by the time her hand reached the level of her eyes the flames had gone and he was dressing. She gave a small nod at his suggestion of making camp and her previous excitement of seeing Mirrodin returned at it's mention, "I'm looking forward to seeing the magical city" she said before laughing lightly at gis apology, "Shiv was almost a perfect gentleman" she shook his head, "He is a nice person...but yes, frustrating at times" she referred to his appearing unannounced.
He couldnt help but laugh a little. " almost a gentleman you say? He must have snuck up on you." He smiles with amusement "he tends to do that to everyone. But you're right he has a good heart though he can be a little to nonchalant when it comes to serious matters. Not to mention he has a tendency to play pranks so I give you fair warning that he may start fooling with you if you give him to much slack" Remus chuckles lightly. "I feel great after that long dip. And again Id like to apologize for overstepping my boundaries. I will certainly be more considerate from now on" he meant it too. He then began to look around for a random piece of tree branch. She should already know whats coming. "Soo.... im sure you're tired of left overs. What would you like tonight? I will have Shivn go get it and I can settle up with Mabel when we see her tomorrow evening." He spoke his usual casual tone and begaim drawing the transportation glyph on the ground near her.
She nodded and smiled as Remus easily guessed that Shiv had snuck up on her. "I can believe he has some elaborate pranks up his sleeve" she replied but she made a mental note to be aware of what he was up to to avoid being the subject of his games. She looked to him as he apologised again and shook her head, "No, I shoud apologise, I overreacted and I'm sorry" she smiled softly. She had to face the fact that she had some feelings for him, she would just have to not let them evolve into anything more serious. Thinking for a short while, she shrugged, "I'd normally hunt but I'm not quite sure what I'd do with a rabbit the size of a horse" she joked, "Surprise me" she added a she moved to the opposite side of the glyph and crouched down to watch him drawing with the stick.
He nods gently in understanding, though he didnt agree with her apologizing to him. He felt he was in the wrong. After a minute or so the glyph was complete 'come back Shiv I need you to nump to Mabels and get some food for our friend.' A moment later Shiv landed in his usual manner behind Mara " surprise!" He didnt wait for her reaction and instead jumped on the glyph which instantly began its pale blue glow and in a second he was gone. 'When she said Surprise her... she was referring to the food you fool' he called out to Shiv mentally again. He could hear Shiv laughing in his head. "The bastard is laughing." Remus sighs and shakes his head. " cant live with him cant live without him I suppose"
Mara jumped once more as Shiv appeared behind her, she closed her eyes for a moment and sighed before opening her eyes and seeing Remus's frustration evident on his face. That caused her to laugh, her hand moving quickly to her mouth to try and hide it, "It was a bit funny...' she said, her hand still hiding the smile on her face. "I guess I shouldn't have scolded him for sneaking up on me....lesson learned" She nodded before moving to the horse who was still happily grazing and removing the bags, saddle and bridle to allow the animal some freedom overnight.
He calmly takes a seat near the glyph in his usual indian style posture. Remus watched the woman relieve the horse of its saddle and bags and after a few moments of watching he claps his hands together forming the familiar tall stem glass he always seems to form when he is in the mood for a drink. He twils the cup in his fingers until finally he grips it right side up and the cup fills itself with the same golden liquid as before. Without hesitation he takes a long draught from it before tilting it her way. "Would you like to try some?" He offers his warm smile. One day, he'd get her to try it.
Once she was finished tending to the horse, she moved back to the glyph and sat next to Remus, looking curiously at the glass in his hand as he offered her some, "What is it?" She asked taking the stem of the glass gently and taking a closer look at the liquid in the glass. She wasn't one for drinking much other than water and the occasional ale, something that had always frustrated her mother, after all, a Lady shouldn't drink ale, it wasn't ladylike to drink the drink that turned men into idiots.
The smile never faded from his face as he spoke "it goes by many names. The most common of which is Ambrosia." He laughs lightly letting her take the cup. "It would be a serious treat for a mortal to taste such a wine made by Lord Bacchus himself" he was in fact referring to the greek god of wine. Afterall he had a connection to the old gods that choose to abandon the world long ago and leave it the hands of mortals. Though their abandonment doesnt deny their existence. Remus was in fact the son of the godless Athena after all. "Have a taste. I promise you will like it." The starnge thing about this wine is that its flavor varried greatly between drinkers. Usually tasting like the most delicate of flavors subtly hinting at their favorite sweet. For Remus, the wine tasted like sweet honey. But for Mara the wine would have the subtle flavor of her favorite sweet. It wouldnt taste strong at all but in reality even half that cup would be enough to intoxicate any human.
She stared at the golden liquid, "Ambrosia, I've heard of that" she said lifting the cup to sniff it. It smelled sweet, she almost turned the drink down but decided a sip couldn't hurt. She glanced to Remus then back to the drink before taking a small, slow sip. Thinking about the taste, she licked a drop off her bottom lip and looked to Remus, "It tastes like barley sugar?" She took another, slightly larger sip to confirm the taste and nodded, "I haven't tasted barley sugar since I was a child." She couldn't have guessed it would have tasted like that in a lifetime. Offering the glass back to him, she smiled, "Thank you, it's delicious"
He grins a little aa he takes the cup back. The glass refills itself as usual. "To you..." he corrected her subtly. "It tastes like barley sugar to you... to me it tastes like the freshest of honeys." He chuckles lightly taking in a long sip. " the wine tastes different to any who taste it. It takes the flavor of your favorite sweet. "Your quite welcome..." and just as he finishes Shiv arrives on the glyph with a similar ornate box as he did before. "Ok Mabel made some twice cooked tenderloins that smell absolutely amazing" it was true. The scent filled the air almost the instant he arrived. Shiv walks silently over to Mara and leans down handing it to her smiling broadly at her. He had his mask pulled asside again so that he could hold the box for her. Once she took it from him he replaces the mask and leaps back quickly vanishing again. "He showed you his face it seems" Remus continues "that means he must trust you."
"It truly is a magical drink" she said watching the glass refill itself. As Shiv appeared, she could smell the food in the box and she heard her stomach begin to growl. Accepting the box off Shiv she nodded to him, "Thank you" she said with a small smile, her stomach growling even louder as she opened the box. The food looked amazing, she was sure it would taste just as good. She began to eat as Remus spoke again, giving him a nod and finishing her first mouthful, "He did, he explained why he wears the mask too" she took another mouthful of the tenderloin and smiled, "This is truly delicious" she said once the food had been swallowed.
Remus nods gently and continues sipping the drink. He could hardly contain the excitement he felt now that they were so close. But he managed to keep his composure without making a scene. " Mabels cooking is worth telling stories about" he laughs a bit to himself taking another sip. "So what are you looking forward to the most?" She probably couldn't answer the question but he was curious to know what she was expecting. True the place is quite fantastic and Shiv hasn't mentioned anYthing about any recent any events so perhaps his chance encounter with the druid like mage the previous day would go unoticed. He sure hoped so atleast. He brifly thought about disguising his appearance just in case. But then he remembered the field surrounding the city would cancel such an illusion anyway.
She continued to eat as Remus spoke of Mabel's cooking, nodding in agreement. The question he asked was a hard one with not one single answer. She sat and finished her meal as she thought about it, "The people, I think" she said thoughtfully, "And the food!" she added with a laugh. Truly, she just wanted to see everything. "I'll be glad to see the back of the forest, thought I won't forget it, that's for sure" she smiled to Remus, "Thank you for bringing me here" She had a feeling she would be thanking him for a lot more on their journey.
He nodded again as she spoke. "Dont mention it. The food is wonderful there but Mabel is by far the best. The whole city is filled with colorful people and just about everyone knows some form of magic." He couldnt wait to step inside the walls again. "Im looking forward to my hammock really." He laughs at his own simplicity. He had already experienced enough for a thousand lifetimes. Now it was the simple things in life that he truly enjoyed. Like thia journey for instance. And her company even. "Im glad that we are travelling together. This journey wouldnt be nearly as enjoyable if it were anyone else."
Mara smiled widely, "I am glad we're travelling together too" She looked to the canopy above them, the light was fading again, it wouldn't be long before nightfall and she was sure she wouldn't sleep for the excitement that was building for the trip to the city. The excitement was tinged with concern over their encounter with the mage, "You don't think that young mage will cause us any trouble in the city do you?" She would have hated trouble in such a magical place with so much to explore. She leant over to her belongings and pulled the rolled up blanket from its bindings and used it to lean on like a cushion. If she wasn't going to sleep at least she would be comfortable.
Remus shakes his head slightly "no I dont think so.... I have a feeling Shiv scared him off. I doubt he will cause any trouble knowing who I am." He sighs and takes another long draught from his cup. "I don't have the best of reputations amongst the mages of Mirrodin. However I have my supporters and they know im not an evil man. Well.... " he pauses slightly "not anymore anyways." He draws in a deep breath. A part of him wished for battle. Nothing thrilled him quite as much as a good fight. This was part of the reason he agreed to help her. A chance to battle with Lazarus again would certainly get his blood pumping. "Even if he does cause a little trouble. I will just have to beat them into submission" he chuckles lightly.
Mara felt somewhat reassured that the mage wouldn't cause them trouble. She stared at Remus and shook her head, "I can't imagine you were ever evil" She knew some of his past but it still didn't sound like he was ever a truly evil person, she didn't want to believe it anyway, "Evil people cannot change, they will always remain so." Her mind opened and began to wander, touching the minds of the felines around them. All was quiet as far as she could tell so she relaxed as much as she could with the excited 'butterflies' fluttering in her stomach. She lay down using the rolled up blanket as a pillow. "Are the people of Mirrodin accepting of those who aren't magical?" Although she was different, she wasn't magical in the slightest.
Remus nodded gently and frown. "Never change you say?" Well that was a littme discouraging. "I suppose now is as good a time as ever to admit this to you." He takes a long sip from his cup, draining it completely letting his cup vanish as he does. He then Lays back next to Mara, but not overly close. He still didn't have his coat on but he was just about full of energy so his prominent drain was minimal. "I enjoy battle. I have participated in every war this world has known....and I enjoyed every second of it." He sighs slightly shameful admitting his vice. "I long for battle. Despite my recent decision to be a pacifist...which is proving to be quite difficult for me" he slowly shuts his eyes resting his head in his hands "but I will stick to my vows, despite my undying desire for a good fight. When I fight... nothing and no one is safe. Shiv tells me all to often that I tend to get carried away. battle is like a drug to me an intoxicating drug that I enjoy far to much for minr or anyone elses own good."
She rolled onto her side and propped herself up on her elbow, her head resting on her hand as he spoke. She listened and let him finish before smiling slightly, "That doesn't make you evil" She raised her free hand and placed it over his heart, lightly touching his shirt, "If there is good in here then you are not evil. I can see the goodness in you and I don't have to get inside your head to see it" She stared at him, her hand still resting gently on his chest. Unless she was stopped, she would lay back down and stare and the ever darkening canopy above them.
He would make no such effort to stop her. He didnt mind her touching him. On the contrary, he liked it. Remus neglected to add the most important part of this. But. "Even if I was the one that started a few of these wars? Only to feel the thrill of battle?" He spoke low and his tone was sincere. It was clear he was very ashamed of thia fact and thats why he now choose to attone for his sins by changing his ways. He sighed and continued " thank you....thank you for believing in me. But I assure you there was a time when I destroyed cities for the sole purpose of taking on an army... to feel the thrill." His eyes open and stare at the canopy as well. "To me... battle was something glorious. Something I loved.... I was so foolish. And even after I retired for that life and saught refuge in Mirrodin. I broke my vows then and killed a man." He was starting to feel like he was no good. But all at the same time he felt she gave him hope.
Shaking her head, Mara continued to stare at the canopy, "The truly evil cannot feel guilt or remorse" she reined her mind in and turned her head to look at Remus, "By your actions, you have shown your good heart" she smiled and reached out for his hand, her mind focussing on his, connecting with his thoughts although she didn't go digging around to avoid his energy overwhelming her or getting a scolding from Kalista. 'Your mind isn't an evil place either' she spoke to him through her mind, 'You are a good person Remus' her mind was calm and she hoped that would transfer to him as it did with the felines when se was connected to them. 'If we come across trouble in Mirrodin we can deal with it together, show the people who doubt you that you are not the same person' she smiled softly hoping there would be no trouble but she would help him show his good side just as he was helping her to find a way to save her family.
Slowly let his eyes close in relaxation. Somehow she was able to out him at ease and her kind words really did warm his heart. Remus smiles as she speaks to his mind 'you're to kind to me... thank you very much Mara. It means a lot to me that you turly feel that way. Once we are in Mirrodin we should stick together, I doubt anyone will recognize me but just in case. I have a feeling that you will be the only one able to calm me down if something happens.' Remus often had issues trying to hold back. And more often than not he used ten times or more the necessary force for anything. Deep down though, he felt a spark of life he hadn't felt in so long he could hardly remember. She was in his mind alright. But could she feel how his heart felt. There was something about this woman. Her innocence, her determination, her noble cause to embark on a journey that could possibly end in death. He admired her and secretly felt even more. He felt the strongest urge to do something b about it. He has never been one to hesitate. But he decided not to act on it. He certainly didnt want a repeat of what happened earlier.
Mara smiled and nodded, "Sticking together sounds like a plan" She pulled her mind back, breaking their connection as tiredness washed over her. Releasing his hand, she shifted to lay on her side, still using the blanket as a pillow, "Goodnight Remus" she said quietly before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep despite the rabble of excited 'butterflies' in her stomach. She slept peacefully until dawn, her mind still for the first time in an age. Her dreams, for once remained positive and dipped in and out of what she perceived Mirrodin to be like, a colourful, vibrant city filled with a happy people who were always celebrating one thing or another. She woke as excited as a small child who knew it was their birthday.
Remus nodded gently as if reassuring the agreement. Hopefully everything would go smoothly and they will be allowed in without a problem. He had a thought that would guarantee them being able to enter and perhaps that would be the safest way to do it. However he wouldn't mention anything about it till morning.~ the next morning Remus was laying back in the same relaxed position he was the previous night. With his eyes closed he was humming softly to himself, his foot tapping his other foot rythmatically. Ad she awoke he simply greets her without opening his eyes. " well good morning..." he still wasnt sure whether she was a good morning person or not so he decided to wait a while before divulging his plan. "Today's the big day" he chuckles lightly.
Mara looked to him and smiled, "Good morning" she said getting to her feet, her arms stretching above her head as she fended off the stiffness of sleeping on the ground yet again, "Yes, today's the day....i'll know what a bed feels like again" She laughed and began packing her blanket away before heading to the horse with the saddle, "And you'll get a good rest" she said lifting the saddle over the horses back and giving her a pat on the neck. She got everything loaded onto the saddle and turned to Remus, trying her hardest to contain her excitement, "Shall we go?" She asked still smiling.
Remus mad no hesitation to stand up. He knew the only had about a mile and a half to cover until the edge kf the treeline then a few hours ride to the city walls. The real eye candy here was that once they cleared the forest Mirrodin could be seen off in the distance. Just the sight of the city would be enough driving force to motivate the trio. Remua dusts himself off then moves towards the treeline. " youre in for a treat Mara" and with that he raises his hand and blasts a path through the last stretch of forest and on the other end the city walls could be visable through the spherical tunnel he created. Remus grins as he steps into the path once again cooling the ground as he walks. Shiv jumos down from his perch and lands next to Remus' coat retrieving it for him and moving to guve it back to him " your coat master.." in the middle of the excitement he even forgot about his coat. Thats just how eager he was. "Shiv... I have a favor to ask you. When we clear the woods. I will jumo into the city. I want you to escort Mara into the city and meet me back at Mabels" he turns to Mara " im sorry I meant to tell you that it would be in our best interests if I jumped to Mabels and didnt walk in through the front gates. If its alright with you Shiv will escort you in. I will be waiting at Mabels"
She firmly held the horse as the new path was created and as soon as Remus began to walk, she followed a few steps behind. She stopped when Shiv appeared to return his coat and listened to the plan. She wasn't particularly comfortable with it but she nodded in agreement as he was probably right in his decision, "You and me Shiv" she smiled softly, "No tricks!" she said with a small laugh. As Remus started walking she would continue as before, smiling as she caught sight of the city walls in the distance.
Remus smiles and speaks over his shoulder. "The two of you are friends right." He teases. "I dont want to take any risks. Mirrodins gates are enchanted with so many barriers that even someone like me would have a time forcing my way in if im denied. Id rather just skip the check point. Mabel has one of my glyphs in her shop so it will allow me to bypass any barrier the decide to put up." He chuckles softly and continues " Shiv go back to the springs and wipe that glyph away I dont want anyone following us." And with that Shiv nods "of course.." and jumps back in his usual flash stepping manner. A moment later he returns. Shiv had his hood pulled back and his mask tilted off to the side. As long as he was standing next to Remus he had to reason tonbe in ethereal form. " and Shiv... no tricks. Im confident that she is quite tired of them already." Shiv raises his hands in a sort of, I didnt do anything manner " what tricks?" He grins playfully.
"We are" she said with a grin before listening to Remus's explanation of his plan, "If that's the safest way then that's the way we do this." After all they would only be separated a short time, only while they entered the city. She looked ahead to the city walls and felt the excited rabble of butterflies in her stomach again. She raised an eyebrow at Shiv when he tried to play innocent, "I'm sure Shiv will be the perfect gentleman, at least for now" she nodded to him, "Won't you Shiv?" As they continued to walk she checked her bow and her sword, carrying them on her person rather than on the saddle. It was a precaution, they didn't know what sort of welcome they would have even if they got past the main gates and Remus used the glyph to get into Mabel's.
Shiv nodded vigorously " yes of course. A gentleman. " and Remus simply sighed and shooknhis head. The edge of the woods came quickly. And before long Remus had begun drawing the same familiar glyph as before. " everyone ready?" He asks as he finishes the ornate glyph. "Shiv, if anything happens you must notify me immidietly. Understand. No games. No fooling around. You know Mirrodin has one of the strongest militaries in the known world. Whatever you do... dont put her in danger." He touches the glyph and it begins to flow brightly mich brighter than when Shiv used it last. " Mara. Take care... I will see you shortly. Shiv remember what I told you " and with that Remus vanishes. Shiv kneels down and wipes away the glyph just as it stops glowing. " you can move as fast as you'd like. I will have no trouble keeping up." He offers her a smile placing his mask back on and pull his head over his head again shading himself from the morning sun.
Mara stood back as Remus began to draw the glyph he would use to enter the city. She nodded to him, "You take care" she said quietly before he disappeared. Suddenly, her excitement shifted to nerves and although the butterflies were still there she would just be glad to enter the city and see Remus again. Looking to Shiv, she gave him a single nod and swiftly mounted the horse, "Sorry girl, one more run and you can rest" she whispered to the horse with a pat on her neck. "Lets go Shiv" she nudged the horse into a trot then a gallop wanting to reach the city as quickly.as she could. The city grew in size as they approached, she was amazed at the size of it. Once she spotted the gates, she reined the horse in and slowed to a trot, "This is it Shiv" she said, her tone as serious as her expression.
Shiv kept constantly flash stepping ahead always appearing several feet ahead of her and as she caught up he'd move again. The process would repeat itself until they reached city gates. And what a marvelous sight it was. Even from the distance one could tell The city was enormous. The walls stood almost 50 feet high stretching as far as you could see. While there was nothing fancy looking about the wall. Shiv knew better that to simply walk in. He moved slowly towards the massive gates each door easily weighing several tons of pure enchanted steel. The ornate designs on the doors seem to give way to a tiny window that Shiv was approaching. He would tap on the window as he got in range, only making his hand solid for that brief moment. "Are you ready for this Mara" the question was rhetorical and the guardsman slid the window open and asked "state your name and business here." The accent was thick sounding somewhat celtic in origin. "Shiv of Avondell and this here is my companion Mara of the Valley" his voice was light and cheerful. The guard could be seen looking down and scribbling something on a pad of some sort then he coild be heard calling back. "Two and a horse coming in. Open the gates!" The main gate didn't budge but instead a hidden set of smaller gates open and allowed them in. Shiv casually walked through and wait for Mara to enter. The city was a sight to behold. Once inside they would immidietly be greeting by warm smiles and faces of all thw folk walking by doing their business the buildings were quite massive and everything seemed to have an old decorated look. A huge banner hung from one side of the street to the other and in multi volored letters that seemed to continously change colors and shades were the words 'welcome to Mirrodin's 1000th annual celebration!' In the distance the street could be seen as quite busy with all sorts of colorful folk dressed in bright colors and robes of assorted styles. They would even get a greeting here and there with a ' good morning' and a 'how do you do' Shiv of course, returned all greetings bowing his head with everyone. The street led up to abhuge fountain in the center with statues of several different wizards and mages arranged all around the perimeter of a small island so to speak in the middle. Atop them all was one large statue with a gold emblem at his feet. 'Our founder Lord Mirrodin' was enscribed directly in the gold. Music could be heard playing off in the distance and way of in the back stood an enormous palace that towered over all the other buildings. "Well what do you think so far?" The city had a certain Romanesque flavor and the architecture would looks quite similar. Evrything about it seemed over the top. But thats what was so amazing about this place everything over the top was quite normal.
Mara stopped the horse short of the gate as Shiv knocked. She was in awe of the size of the city and stared upwards as she dismounted and stood next to her four legged companion. Realising she was holding her breath, she let out a silent sign of relief as the gates opened and she followed Shiv through, leading the horse by the reins. She was cautious, her mind quickly noting where the felines in the city were should she need their help but as soon as she saw the buildings and the people she found herself smiling. The buildings and the people were more than she could ever have imagined. As the greetings came, she returned the smiles and nods, offering a few 'Good mornings' herself as they walked. Keeping close to Shiv, she looked to him as he spoke, "It's amazing, just amazing" She couldn't say much more, the city had rendered her almost speechless. "Should we get to Mabel's?" She was anxious to see Remus had arrived safely and to explore the city with her guide.
Shiv nods silently and smiles behind his mask. "Right then. To Mabel's it is!" He too was excited. While he had been here several times before. Every trip was a new experience. He turned to the left at the fountain and lead the way down another busy street. A few stores were open and some where just opening. Brooms could be seen sweeoing the front of the varius shops with none actually holding them. The brooms just swept themselves around and neatly organized piles of dust and debris to be picked up by the trash collecting dust pans that were also operating by themselves. After traveling down this road for some time he turns into a smaller street. It too was buzzing with life and people were chatting their early morning gossip some still called out greetings as they passed. Once again Shiv greeted back as politely as he could. Mabel's could be seen not to far down the road on the right side the building seemed somewhat subtle compaired to some of the more extravagant shops around. There was a large wooden ornate wooden sign with the simple named carved beautifully into the wood 'Mabel's' it read. Shiv lead the way in and the door chimmed with little bells as he entered, holding the door open for Mara. A moment later a short plump older woman cane out from somewhere behind the counter "welcome to Mab....oh its you." She said with a smile walking from around the counter she moves to give Shiv a warm hug. Shiv quickly removes his mask tilting it to the side to receive the embrace. Remus casually steps out from a doorway behind the kitchen. "I trust you made it here trouble free." Shiv was struggling to get free. "Ma...bel.... yo....ure choking me" the short woman lets him go and moves over to greet Mara. "Hello missy" she holds out her hand "im Mabel....Shiv here has told me so much about you.
Mara could have been knocked over by a feather at the sights within the city. Objects seemingly moved of their own accord and they 'knew' what they were doing. A couple of times, she had slowed almost to a stop to stare at the brooms and brushes but each time, she hurried to catch up to Shiv, it would have been incredibly obvious that she had never seen such sights before. Catching sight of Mabel's, she walked faster, quickly tying the horses reins to the tethering posts and grabbing a messenger style bag from the saddle, "Won't be long girl" she said patting the horse who paid no attention to her as there was a trough of water and food within reach. She followed Shiv into the shop and smiled when she saw Mabel appear, her smile widened when Remus appeared. She held back the urge to run and hug him but she nodded, "No trouble." She then turned to Mabel and Shiv, hiding a giggle behind her hand as Shiv tried to get free from the hug. She was glad when she was only offered a hand which she gladly took, "Nice to meet you Mabel, I'm Mara. Thank you for the food, it was delicious!" She looked back to Remus so happy that everything had been straightforward.
"Thank you dear im glad you liked it." Mabel reply politely. The store was somewhat small and had a warm atmosphere of feeling like you were at home. It was easy to feel comfortable almost from the moment you stepped in. Remus slowly makes his way towards Mara. "Ready for the tour?" He offers her his trademark warm smile. "Shiv stay here and help out. I expect you to work and pay off our stay" Shiv seemed to groan in protest and even Mabel sighed and shook her head. "Now you know thats nonsense Remus. I dont need any help" she said pulling out a wand and waving it about. Instantly the shop came to life and the chairs set themselves around the tables the fires in thenback of the kitchen lot themselves the shutters at the front opened. She was ready for business. "Shiv dear you can do whatever youd like" Shiv turns around and sticks his tongue out at Remus and walks through the doorway in the back heading towards the bedrooms upstairs. Remus sighs again "what is it with him lately" he makes his way to the door holding it open for Mara. " after you..."
Mara's eyes lit up when Remus asked if she was ready for her tour, she nodded quickly, "More than ready" she smiled. Shiv's reaction to Remus's order made her giggle once again but Mabel's magic startled her slightly, she hadn't expected the chairs and shutters to move or the fires to light when the woman waved her wand. She shrugged at Remus as he wondered what had got into Shiv then made her way to the door as it was held open for her, "Thank you again Mabel" she nodded before leaving the shop, "Thank you," she said to Remus outside, "This place is beyond amazing" she still couldn't find many more words to describe it, "Where are we going first?" She asked looking both ways down the street, wondering where they would start in the huge city.
Mabel waved a casual goodbye to the duo as they left the shop. Remus stepled outside holding up his hand "dont thank me. Its nothing." He then started down the street. "The city is arranged like a big circle so no matter where we go we will always end up where we started." He said in a sort of nonchalant manner he placed his hands behind his back his coat flapping in the gentle breeze. "Lets start by going this way..." he spoke over his shoulder. "Everything in this town runs on magic. And I mean everything. There are all sorts of different magical folk here. Mabel is a witch... she needs a medium to channel her magic through. In her case its a wand. But other people around here use other methods each as unique as the other." He figured if he had to start somewhere telling her about the townsfolk would be a good place to start. Everywhere they turned people were engaged in something or another. As they walked the music that she and Shiv heard earlier slowly became louder and louder. "A little ways up ahead is the town square where all the celbrations take place. Im sure its bound to be crowded to capacity by now. Despite it being so early." He turns his head and looks at her "you and Shiv made good time. You didnt have trouble keeping up with him did you?" He smiles again. "This time of year. The annual festival is going on... and it usually lasts for months at a time. It couldve started yesterday or last month its hard to tell." He laughed a little at the thought. People here were always looking forward to the next party and celebration usually the would let kne celebration extend into the next and this is where Mirrodin gets in nickname from. Festival city. " but it sure is lively"

[littlemy]

Mara stuck close to Remus, leaving her horse tethered at Mabel's. She made sure she kept up with him even with all the distractions around her. The lively music drew her to it and she could see what he meant when he said everything was powered by magic. As she looked around she saw so many things she wanted to check out in more detail but then their stay would probably span years. As he asked if she had trouble keeping up with Shiv, she smiled and shook her head, "We kept up with him no problem." The crowds started to thicken as they grew closer to the town square, Mara strained to see through them to the main celebrations. She wasn't the tallest person there by far, "I've never seen so many people celebrating the same event in one place" she said to Remus still looking around at the crowds. The atmosphere was catching and she felt like she wanted to join in too.
"Theres always some event going on here... and more often then not the event is extended into the next event and so on and so on." He laughs a littlw havimg to speak up because of the crowd and the music. He laughs even more when he realizes that she cant see over the crowd. Remus looks around and finds a nice perch jutting out from one of the numerous stone buildings. A sudden idea dawns on his and he leans down and says in her ear. "Take my hand...and dont let go no matter what." he offers it to her and just as she takes it he whispers "jóshó.." and as he finishes the word the pair become practically weightless and begin to rise into the air. He holds her hand tightly to make sure she doesnt let go if she did she would plummet like a stone. Remus guides them to the wide perch high above the crowd where he still doesnt release her hand. The perch was wide enough for the two to stand side by side but only just. Any sudden movements and one of them would fall. The spell however was still in effect so if they so desired they could easily move closer to get a better view. Now that the town square was clearly visable, Mara would be able to see just how vast the area was and a sea of people were gathered listening to the music. In the distance a large stage was visble and while there was no sound equipment of any sort. The singer could be heard as if he was singing through some state of the art speakers. The various instruments to were playing extremely loud. Louder than would normally be possibly that even at their range that Remus had to raise his voice a little when he said "better? " he immidietly began looking sround for a better vantage point.
Mara cast a puzzled glance to Remus as he laughed, presumably at her. The puzzled expression remained when he told her to take his hand, she didn't question it and took his hand firmly. Her grip tightened as they began to move in the air, her free hand reached to grip his arm. While she was used to climbing trees, often to great heights, flying was not something she was accustomed to. Once on the perch her grip loosened slightly but not completely. Her mind was open to the sights and smells around them, she took it all in and now they were holding hands her excitement and awe transfered through to his mind. She didn't speak but she watched everything going on below them. She heard Remus speak, his voice only just audible over the music, "Yes!" She called back to him still gripping his hand tightly, a wide smile on her face.
Remus smilled widely at her the called down "come on lets keeo going. On my count...we go to that parapet wall over there!" He points to a wide open parapet wall on the roof across from them. "One... two....three.... jump!" And he jumps foward with her in tow. The feeling was akin to flying but not exactly. They werent really flying. It was more like a sort of fancy moon walk. The felt almost entirely weightless but not quite all the way. Gravity still had an effect on the pair but not at its normal strength. And as light as a balloon they moved gracefully accross the street and land with a gentle tap on the parapet wall he spoke of. Now they could see the entire square. People dancing, screaming, singing along. It was like a back in the day style vegas mixed with a colorful greek wedding. He leaned down again "when your ready we can see more!" He motioned over to his right as the city stretched out seemingly endlessly.
Her eyes widened as he counted down for them to move to a higher viewpoint. She gripped his hand tightly once more and moved when he moved. The view was much better and she could see the whole celebration, she could feel the music in the air. It was truly a magical place even just with the atmosphere. She stood taking everything in for a short while before looking to Remus, "What more is there?" She asked her voice raised so it travelled over the din. She couldn't imagine more than the excitement and celebration that she had already witnessed.
Remus couldnt help but laugh a little at her innocence she really had no idea. "Oh theres much more to see!" He points off in the distance where another massive structure stood "that over there is the coliseum where people do battle as a spectator sport!" He was having to speak up because of the music. "The over there.." he turns slightly and points in another direction is the stadium where every spectator sport you can imagine is played." They played sports alright, but it wasnt of the conventional sort. The closest one ressembling a modern sport was a sort of twisted form of football (real football not american football). "Then there is a vast museum over there" he points in another direction. "And way off at the edge of town that way" he points at yet another direction "is where my academy stood. Well... im sure its still there but I have no idea whats become of it since I left this place." He then points to the incredibly huge palace near the center. "That is Mirrodin palace...we can visit anywhere you'd like really. The palace included"
Mara had seen cities before but having grown up in a valley with no more than a few towns it had only ever been fleeting visits with her family or travelling through. The cities were dreary places where the fun and colour in life seemed to have vanished, nothing like Mirrodin. Listening to the options put forwards to her she had to think for a short while. The Colosseum where people fought for fun? Maybe not her kind of thing the idea of people battling as if it was a sport on a stage puzzled her but she would see it at some point. The stadium, again not right at that moment. Her brothers would have adored that, any excuse to compete and show off their skills. A museum was more to her liking but when the academy and the palace were mentioned, she managed to pull herself away from the views and the party going on beneath them, "The palace and the academy" she said, the same huge smile on her face that, since they had arrived in the city, seemed to be stuck there.
Remus offered her a warm smile and a nod " shall we then..." he said turning towards the museum. With the float spell still active they would easily be able to traverse the town without having to worry about the dense crowds. How you might ask. By hopping from rooftop to rooftop. Remus grinned as he walked to the edge of the building. He looks up and sees thedge of another statue that happened to be near the corner of one of the many streets that led off into the square. Then something else dawned on him. The nimbus cloud. He could easily taxi them around effortlessly on then cloud. He lets go of her hand and claps them together whispering a few words as he gathered concentration within moments the familiar pale blue cloud formed before him and he stepped onto it sitting in his typical indian style posture. He hds his hand out to her to help her climb on. " come... this is traveling in style" he chuckles lightly. The atmosphere eas really getting to him and everything he did he just wanted to enjoy and be merry.
Taking one last look at the crowds below them she turned and followed Remus to the edge of the building preparing herself to float or fly once again to their next destination. Then he let go of her hand and there appeared the cloud she had seen when she first met him at the lakeside inn. He moved to sit, she was hesitant and stared at it for a few moments before taking his hand, followed by a tentative step onto the cloud and sitting quickly next to him. Her hand moved to his arm, tightly gripping his coat sleeve as she looked over the edge of the cloud. Doing her best to ignore the fact they were sitting on a cloud floating above the people and the city of Mirrodin, she looked around at the buildings. Seeing the palace from the new viewpoint, her jaw almost hit the cloud, "it's huge she said, but so beautiful" She leant forward slightly, still gripping his arm.
"It is quite massive indeed. The king tends to do exaggerate everything." He laughs a little "are you ready? Hold on" he says as he takes off, the cloud leaving its light blue streak as they fly towards the museum. This was a much morning efficient than simply walking. Remus slowly slid his arm around her waist to really hold her well as they picked up speed. The city was actually much larger than it seemed and it would be several minutes before they reached the front steps of the museum and it too was a massive structure. Remus steps off the cloud and helps her do the same before they head to the huge open door inviting people in
She gazed around as the cloud flew, leaning into Remus as he put his arm around her waist. It felt like it could have almost been a dream, their surroundings were like all the stories she heard as a child all rolled into one. As the cloud slowed to a stop at the museum, she accepted help climbing back onto a solid surface before she started walking to the steps towards the museum, again, in awe of the size of the building. She looked back to him quickly before continuing on almost like an excited child. She ran up the steps with ease and turned to wait for Remus. The building was somewhat reminiscent of the Smithsonian. With its massive stone columns in the front framing the entrance and the massive widows that practically made up the front wall. Remus reaches into his coat as he approaches Mara and pulls out two solid gold coins. In Mirrodin all currency was precious metals. Goldnwas amongst the most valuable as one would expect. He offers her his arm for her to take. And like a formal escort he makes his way with her to the door paying the man behind the counter the two gold coins "keep the change" he said carelessly paying no attention to the man. The entrance had all sorts of different exhibits ranging from the flag and history of Mirrodin to memorials honoring all the wars they had faught and all the men that fell fighting such wars. This was actually Remus' favorite section of the entire museum. He once dreamt of ending up enscribed kn these sacred walls.
Mara calmed herself as Remus approached, reminding herself to have some control over her excitement. She politely accepted his arm, as a Lady would, although in her clothing and with her weapons she didn't appear much like a Lady. Ignoring that, she moved clockwise around the hall with making her way to the first exhibition. 1000 years of history was a lot when put in one building, "There is so much here" she said looking around the entrance hall knowing there was more after that, "Should we start at the beginning?" It wss always a good place to start.
Remus nodded gently. "Yes of course. Lets start at the beginning. You.may even see a picture or two of me." Pictures then were captured by a special contraption that was also powered by magic. And it would capture an second in time with beautiful detail but void of color. Almost like those fancy digital cameras that have option for blacknand white only this was printed on a thick and expensive looking paper. He leads the way down to the first exhibit showing the very beginnings of the city. Before it was a city and just a construction sight. Among the founding fathers, stood a much younger Remus near the back of the picture. While he looked younger he had the unmistakable trademark smile he has today. Even in the picture he was several thousand years old. But his ageing had not yet completely stopped and as a result he appeared as handsome as ever in his mid twenties. Compaired to his late thrities look now when his body accended beyond aging. "Ah there we are... lets see if you can spot me" he chuckled soflty looking at the arge ornately frame picture. He could immidietly spot himself. Hell he remembers standing next to Mirrodin himself when it was taken. This would be the concrete evidence to her that he has in fact been around for thousands of years. He simply laughs about it nonchalantly brushing it off like it was nothing. "Long ago I helped build this city and all the enchantments that hold it together." A few older folk passing by could actually be heard whispering Remus' name. Steadily more and more people would recognize him as they continued walking. "It seems people are starting to notice me" he lowered his voice. For now nothing came of it. But he wasnt sure how long that will last.
Mara listened intently as he spoke taking in all he was saying. The photographs were just as amazing a what they had captured. She released his arms and looked very closely at them moving through them until he challenged her to find him in a large picture. She stared at the people in the picture for a few moments until she spotted him. Smiling, she raised a hand, her finger hovering over the younger Remus, it was unmistakably him, "There y...." she started, pausing as she heard the whispers, she didn't need enhanced hearing to hear that. Turning to stare at the whisperers, she frowned, "What should we do?" This was his territory, his city, she would follow his lead.
Remus shrugged casually. " we do nothing for now. Id rather not make a scene if I dont have to. Although if I so desired I could ensare everyone in this building with an illusion and no one would know." He offers her his smile "pay no mind to it dear and lets move on." He was always projecting his magnegate field so no form of conventional magic could ever reach him, or her if she stayed close. "Just stay close." He said all this in a hushed so as to not alert those around him. As they continued on there were more exhibits pertaining to all the festivals, among the the annual festival, the summer, spring, fall, and winter. Then the various balls the concert hall held. Just about one or two every month. Sometimes three. The birthdays of all the founders were also celebrated by the city. Since the city was self sutained it needed no form of imported food. The river ran along one edge of the city. Coincidentally the edge that Mabel's place was on. It provided water and plentiful food. The large fields they cross earlier thay day held all sorts of vegetables that were reaped every year in seasons like clockwork. The entire city was one big self governing body with low taxes and low cost everything and high pay jobs as a result the city coukd flourish in its own little exiled corner of the world. People hardly ever come to Mirrodin. And those that do come to visit more often than not end up staying.
She nodded although she was more aware of stares and whispers from that moment. Her mind secured the help of some of the smaller domestic felines in their area of the city should they need help. Carrying on with the exhibitions, she found everything fascinating. Somewhere so self sufficient yet so big, her valley wa huge but only home to a handful of towns who all traded with each other so it could be said that the valley was self sufficient but each town was not. The whole time, she held onto Remus's arm trying to look relaxed and Ladylike. "You said earlier, Mirrodin has a powerful military. What makes it so powerful? Is it the magic?" It was probably a naïve question given that magic was everything in the city.
Remus ignored all the chit chat around them trying to pay it no mind. He was actually surprised that after nearly a yundred years of not setting foot in the city that people actually still recognized him. "Oh yes Mirrodins millitary is an incredible force of nature. Theybhave technology that no other nation could even dream of. All of which is powered by countless mages. The children here learn from a very young age that magic is a way of life. And for the people of Mirrodin its their heart and sou--" he sbruptly stops talking when his eyes catch something he never hoped to find. There hung a huge ornately framed picture of a more recent looking Remus ,coat and all, near the more recent bits of Mirrodin's colorful history. A gold plack was under the painting and the inscription read 'The archmage Remus, unsung hero of Mirrodin for showing her the way in the darkest of hours.' Remus stood before the picture almost paralyzed with shock. His mouth went to open but he found his voice had left him. He vould almost hear Shiv in his mind saying his trademark phrase 'surprise!' What happened here? How did this happen. And why was he suddenly a hero. He knew he had supporters, but to have his on exhibit in the Mirrodin museum. It was overwhelming. And the people around them seemed to gather closer point at the picture and then at him standing before it in the exact same coat as the picture. He couldn’t turn around. Or he wouldnt. He could feel hundreds of eyes starring at them. This was certainly not what he expected.
Mara looked up to Remus as he suddenly stopped talking, she followed his gaze to the large picture of him on the wall, "You didn't know about this did you?" She asked releasing his arm and taking a couple of steps to the picture. Smiling, she turned back to him, realising he had gathered a crowd, "Err Remus?" She said suddenly uncomfortable with the attention. The picture did say he was a hero, that went against all he had said of his past so surely they wouldn't have any trouble. She had her doubts so moved back to stabd with Remus, tapping his arm gently, "We have an audience" she said quietly, her eyes never leaving the crowd.
It took him a few moments to process it all. He still didnt understand why the sudden change. The again sudden would be a relative term here. 100 years is a long time after all. He slowly turns around and looks at the gathering crowd and from somewhere in the back of the crowd the slow clap began. And in moments it erupts into a glorious splendour. He was still speachless. Why didnt anyone tell him? Why in all the times that Shiv travelled here had he never said a word to Remus? 'Shiv.... when I see you again remind me to cut one of your fingers off' the mage called out mentally to his guard. 'So I take it you found your exhibit in the museum. Surprise!' He could hear the amusement. That bastard was at it again pranking and strategically keeping things from Remus. The mage raised his hands to the crowd to calm the clapping and the crowd. "I..... I don't know what to say." He said ackwardly. Suddenly he felt like he needed to leave. He felt incredibly uncomfortable and he quickly took Mara's hand and whispered. "Hold your breath and dont let go." And in an instant POOF of smoke they were gone. The sensation was a strange one alright. It was like the sudden feeling of falling. Or being sucked through a tube im complete darkness. In an instant they appear again on the roof of the building safe fromnthe crowd and onlookers. The quick jump he preformed was something he didnt like doing. It put an enormous amount of strain on him and whoever was traveling with. Ordinarily it isnt so bad if its just him but he had to use his power to simply protect her. The forces exerted by such a technique would be enough to rip the average person apart. But through his efforts she may just feel a little light headed. Or like Remus has wobbly feet. He released her hand and sat down stretching his legs for a moment before laying back in the warm surface of the roof.
Eyeing the crowd, she looked to Remus seeing he was also uncomfortable with the attention. At his word, she took a breath and held it, only for everything to go black. She closed her eyes, the dizzying feeling quite sickening but when she reopened them they were back outside, alone, but the dizzy feeling hadn't subsided. She let herself sit beside Remus, her legs bent, elbows on her knees and her head in her hands for a moment, "You're a hero" she said, lifting her head once the dizziness had disappeared. She knew it had come to a surprise to him but by the reaction from the others it was correct, "Are you okay?" she asked knowing it had been a shock to him. Her smile returned and a hand reached to rest on his arm.
His eyes slowly slid open and met hers for the first time since the springs. "Im not sure." He said after a while. "Never.... in all this time would I have guessed that this would happen." A small smile slowy creeps across his face. "I guess I am aren't i?" The smile turns into a grin. "But now what?"
Still smiling, Mara got to her feet brushing herself down, "Now we see the city and you accept the praise you deserve" She had a niggling doubt, how could things change so dramatically, it sounded too good to be true but she pushed it aside. He deserved to be recognised for what he did and if it was all above board then no harm would come of it. "Shall we go to the palace?" She asked, "Surely there will be someone there who could explain the changes and answer your questions. The King maybe?"
Remus laughed a bit as she spoke. The amusement returning to his voice. " a hero.." he repeated. There was a warm feeling building in the pit of his stomach. Never, in all his time walking this earth, had he ever been referred to as a hero. Something was strange about this. Come to think of it, he was actually unaware who replaced the previous king after he removed the archmage that had been controlling the power bastard. "To the palace then! I have so many questions" he said standing up wiping off his coat as he did. He caps his hands together and whispered a few words a moment later his familiar pale blue cloud formed in front of them. He made his way on then helped her climb on with him. Once again he'd place his arm around her before they took off heading towards the palace. "Im not sure who the new king is. I haven't kept up with Mirrodin current afairs" he explained and after a few moments they had arrived at the front gates of the palace. Just the sight of Remus was enough to make the guards at the front immidietly make way and open the gates as the pair approached. This was the type of formalities that he was used to back in Serdio.... but not Mirrodin. Had he made a grave mistake by doing what he did? Had he inadvertently turned festival city into a war hungry power house that Serdio bacame? There was only one way to find out. "I have a feeling this is to good to be true." He said softly to Mara as they made their way into the palace, that coincidentally was closed to the general public that day.
Mara gave a small smile as Remus seemed to regain his usual manner. She gave a swift nod as he too thought a trip to the palace would answer some questions. Accepting his help onto the cloud, she gripped onto his arm once again not sure that the method of travel would ever grow on her. The niggling doubt was growing as they approached the palace, she eyed the guards and slowly nodded as he voiced his doubts, "Let's hope not...where is Shiv?" she asked, loosening the fastenings that held her bow to the quiver on her back, her hand moving to rest on the hilt of her sword. Her mind stretched to the enchanted forest alerting the closest felines that they may be needed and to stay close to the treeline. There weren't many large cats in the city and the domestic house cats could only provide a distraction if anything at all, the giant cats in the forest could do a lot more damage.
He eyed the palace closely and entered just as cautious before answering. "He is talking up a storm at Mabel's im sure." It was a well known fact that Mabel saw her youngest grandosn in Shiv. It was a bit depressing really aimce her grandson was killed many years ago in an accident while traveling to Thebes. Ever since then she has treated Shiv like her family. "Mabel can take care of herself I assure you... she had been around quite a while now and she can be just as fiesty as ever if she needs to." He chuckles briefly as they entwr into thw main hall. The entire hall was made of solid white marble massive marble pillars held up the ceiling on several arching buttress. The ceiling itself was enchanted to chnage scenery according to the seasons. At the mommentnit was as bright as a perfectly sunny afternoon on an early summers day. The weather outside wqa simular. "Lets see....if I remember correctly. The Kings chambers should be this way" he says somewhat unsure of where to go. But his gut told him this was the right way and he si.ply went with it turning and heading towards where he believed the kings throne room was.
As they made their way into the entrance of the palace, her hand remained firmly on the hilt of her sword. The building was one to be in awe of, it was truly exquisite but a lot of it's beauty went over her head as she focused on those around them, spotting guards dotted around. She felt uncomfortable facing the unknown buy at least she wasn't alone and she knew Remus could protect them both against a vast array of whatever could be thrown at them. Staying one step behind him, she stuck close, following him towards the throne room.
The duo would eventually arrive there after a few wrong turns and several hallways later. The room had extraordinarily tall cielings and the familiar marble columns lined each side of the path that lead up to the throne. Armed gaurds were also linning the path and a deep red ornately designed rugged lead all ghe way to the throne. The king vould be seen sitting on the solid gold throne at the end. Remus smilled as he recognized the old man sitting there with his massive, serious looking beard. "Regulus..." he whispers only loud enough for Mara to hear. The smile wasnt his normal warm smile. It more a cynical smile. "Is that you Remus?" The old man spoke with a shaky voice. "Yes... it is I the one and only... so the famous prankster became king of festival city it seems." Said Remus as he began to walk towarfs the throne. He whispers to Mara " its alright he is an old friend" he didnt want any reason for the guards to be alarmed as they approached. He certainly didnt want her instincts to be mistaken for ill intent. "So.. I take it the museum was your doing?" Remus spoke casual and carefree once again finally being able to look the old man in the eye. The king retunred the wicked smile in the form of a toothy grin "did you like it? I knew it would catch you off guard" the king started his screechy laugh which only broke as he started to cough violently.
She stared cautiously at the armed guards as they approached the throne room and the King. Remus's reaction suggested he knew the old man who had become King and his confirmation followed. Her hand fell from the hilt of the sword and met the other to rest in front of her. Smiling slightly, she stopped a handful of steps behind Remus, allowing him space to speak to the King. Seemingly the King, like Shiv was a bit of a prankster and it had worked on Remus. The smile faded and became a concerned frown as the old man began to cough and splutter.
Remus chuckles slightly "I shouldve known. Soo the people in the museum? What about them?" The old man laughs a little more after recovering. "Not real.... they were hypnotized into reacting that way when they saw two of you.... your picture and you standing next to it triggered the command." The old man laughs again. "You old bastard...." Remus shakes his head again holding hand out for Mara to take it. "Well Regulus youve you've had your fun. And you certainly fooled me. But I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend." He turnd slightly waiting for Mara to step up "this is Mara... she an I will be traveling into Nyx in the next few days. Heading for the forest of Woe." Remus finishes giving Mara a slight wink as id to say everything will be alright. "You travel to see Lazarus then. And what business have you with the Vampire Lord?" The old man managed to choke out after regaining his composure. "Well she seeks his assistance and perhaps you can answer a question or two for me." His gaze turns back to the king and suddenly becomes very serious. "Do you know if things change im the present when you change something in the past?" The old man cpuld be seen thinking for a long while and slowly his eyes slid open "with Lazarus. Anything is possible. Although... you may get your desired result. The changes to the present will could be catastrophic. Then again... its possible that nothing will change and you will merely alter that timeline and not this one." The old man paused and thought for a moment. "Or there is a third possibility. Rumors surrounding Lazarus have surfaced not long ago claiming he could pull people from the past into the preasent altering that timeline without affecting this one. But these are just rumors."
Mara smirked slightly at the explanation of the prank. It was a clever one indeed although she guessed the usual non-magical pranks she was used to would be practically unheard of in Mirrodin or at least deemed boring. As Remus held his hand out for her, she stepped forward and curtseyed slighly at her introduction, it was the most informal introduction she had had with royalty and it felt rather strange. Remus's reassurance let her relax as he explained her mission, however the King's reply made her heart sink, she couldn't take such a risk to get her family back could she? Her gaze dropped to the floor as she sighed softly. The third result the King began to explain, although just a rumour, caught her attention. She looked to the King, to Remus then back to the King, "He can bring people from the past?" She queried trying to confirm what she had heard. A rumour yes but it gave her hope.
Remus had never actually had to make a formal introduction he always needed no introduction and for all technical purposes the man before them wasnt royalty. While he is king. Mirrodin actually elected their king and the next onenwould be elected when this one dies. The truly had no form of royal hierarchy like traditional kingdoms. Then again Mirrodin was as far from traditional as one might expect. Remus simply remained quiet as Mara spoke and the answer was something even he wished to hear. "That is correct. However... at what price? I havent the slightest clue. All magic comes at a price. Some more prominent than others. And something as significant as that is sure to have a hefty price." Remus nodded gently in agreement. He had a feeling he knew what the price was alright. And he was hesitant to run it by Mara. Atleast until he could confirm it. "I have a feeling I have heard of this technique." Remus spoke softly. "The impure resurrection...." he sighs shaking his head. If Lazarus knew this technique things could get much more complicated than he hoped for. "But its only a rumor right?" He asked the king who nodded in response.
Mara listened to the King. She wanted to hear it was possible but was, again, reminded that magic had a price. She looked to Remus, her expression a mixture of confusion and sadness, 'Impure ressurection?" She didn't like the sound of it and at that moment it felt like her family were lost. She was willing to pay almost any price to have them back as long as it didn't cost anyone their lives, except her own. Her body felt like lead as she stood infront of the King and Remus, "What would the price be?" She was sure they wouldn't be able to tell her but by their tone she knew it wouldn't be good.
Remus was hesitant before saying anything. It was clesr he had to think long and hard about how he would break the news. " to my knowledge there have been only three methods of resurrection. One is only a rumor as no one has ever seen it. The other two both require...." but before he can finish he is cut off by the old wizard on the throne. " a body...." he finishes flatly. Remus sighs deeply and nods. "A vessel....to retain the soul." Clearly in this world they have acknowledged the existence of a soul. And some magics only work because of this principle. Remus is a prime example of it. "This isnt to say that a vessel couldn't be constructed for this purpose. But for lack of a better term. Lazarus would need a body to hold the soul of the resurrected.... assuming their original body was unattainable" he sighs at the reality of the situation. There was always the third method. "There is always the third method... but on record it has never been achieved." Remus continues. The king then replies "on record yes... but this doesnt mean it doesnt exist Remus... you of all people should know that anything is possible. If you look hard enough you will find a way”
Mara shook her head, it wouldn't work. She needed her family back as they were before they were killed, "What's the third method? What does it require?" She looked between them for the answer, formalities forgotten for the moment. It was obvious it meant the world to her, she had refused to accept they were gone, trusting that somehow she could bring them back or go back and save them. Remus had given her a renewed hope that it was possible but barriers seemed to be popping up. She wouldn't give up hope. Looking between the two, "Please, I need to know" she pleaded.
Remus could hear the desperation in her voice. He knew this meant a lot to her and without thinking he answered " divine rebirth...." now even of he were to create a vessel for the resurrection the sould would shape the vessel into her parents. In truth if he didnt tell her there would be a big chance she would be none the wiser. But he didnt want to lie at this point the cat was out of the bag. "Remus.... tell her what you know... by decree of the king" he says with a mixer of amusement and seriousness. "Enough Regulus!...let me think." Remus wasnt nearly as cheerful. He was searching the deepest corners of his mind for an answer he knew wasnt there. He drew in his breath nice a deep and let a long drawn out sigh escape his lips. "Im not sure....in all my years of research and study... I was never able to piece together the art. Lazarus would know more on this sort of thing. He was always in persuit of controlling all aspects of life...even death." Remus had control over these things but limited only to him. He was unable to guft anyone else with it. "Have you no answer Regulus? " his tone was still serious. It was clear he was in no mood for games.
She nodded slowly as Remus spoke ignoring the King and his slightly amused tone, she was in no mood for games either so focussed only on him. When he was finished speaking she looked to him for a few moments, "Then we stick to the plan and go to Lazarus. If he knows, he will tell us." Her voice was deathly serious. She knew what she'd been told of Lazarus, he wasn't to be messed with but neither she or Remus were going to be doing any messing about. Her gaze moved to the King hoping he might shed some light on their quest.
Remus nodded sternly in agreement. "We stick to the plan. If anyone has the answers its Lazarus. Or do you have any better ideas" he starred at the king with a seriousness hardly ever seen in Remus' eyes. He was dead set on helping this woman. No matter what he would find the answers she seeked. The king starred back for a few moments making no note about Remus' temper or disrespect "no... im afraid the only one I can think of is Lazarus. But take care... you of all people know what he is capable of." Remus nods slightly in understanding "then we shal take our leave now" he says as he turns so quickly that his coat even made that classic wooshing sound. But he didnt move yet, he would wait for Mara before speaking over his shoulder. "Good seeing you again Regulus....well played." He was referring to the prank the king played. But still the heavyness of the situation didnt change. "Dont worry... we will figure out a way. I vow this to you now... what ever it takes. I will find a way"
As the King confirmed that Lazarus would be the one they needed to see and with Remus's agreement, she had made her mind up that they would go straight to him and find out what they needed to know whether he wanted to tell them or not. As Remus turned she curtseyed once more, "Thank you for your help Your Grace" she returned to the formalities that the situation called for. Standing straight she turned to leave with Remus. His reassurance that he would help her find a way to save her family gripped her heart. What is something happened to him? She couldn't forgive herself if he was hurt to help her, she had started out the journey not fuly understanding the consequences of what she was asking but as she found those out she became mlre reluctant to ask Remus to face Lazarus. She nodded half heartedly as she continued to walk, the weight of the information she had been given seemingly slowing her down.
He slowed to match he paced and sighed softly. It was a restless sigh, and as they made their way out the sun could be seen slowly fading and the soft orange glow of the setting sun made for some stunning lighting effects throught the marbel gallery they were walking through. "We should get to Mabel's. ... I know that was a lot of information to take in. Lets call it a day. Nothing bette than a warm meal and a warm bed to ease your troubles" he offered his warm smile."we will find a way Mara. Fear not. I will beat it out of Lazarus if I have to. "
Mara was oblivious to the beauty of the fading light within the palace as they walked, her gazed fixed on the floor ahead of her. Remus’s voice broke her train of thought and she looked up to him, she remembered the promise of a warm bed for the night and even such a simple thought made her smile slightly, “To Mabel’s” she said quietly not at all hungry but exhausted from the day’s activities. His promise to beat the information out of Lazarus was heard but not responded to as she didn’t want to think about him having to face such a powerful being. She looked around as they left the palace and began heading towards Mabel’s, her sense of direction at least was useful in the busy city. She broke the connections she had made with the felines from the forest as they weren’t needed; Mirrodin was a safe place for them.
The walk to Mabel's wasnt to long and the majority of it was done so in silence. He felt it better to leave her to her thoughts. He too wasnt in a particularly talkative mood. He was actually deep in thought trying to put the pieces of the puzzle. Even when they reach Lazarus the journey wont be over. Then they have to keep going on whatever information the vampire gives them to try and seek out information on thw divine rebirth technique that could bring her larents back. He thought long and hard anf found a small glimmer of hope in a legendary item that he knew of that would bring people back from the dead but it required the body tonbe there for the resurrection to take place. Just before walking into Mabel's "How long has it been since their passing amd where are , their bodies now?" He finally asked in a gentle tone. He was genuinely concern with what she was thinking.
The information given to her by the King and Remus at the palace was swimming around her head, she couldn’t make much sense of it but once again Remus’s voice brought her back to the present just as she reached out and opened the door at Mabel’s. She stopped, turning to him after a moment’s thought, “About 6 months....” she replied, “Their bodies are in the family crypt protected by the tigers that remained after the attack” She had made sure her family’s remains were safe and protected before she left the Valley to follow the ones that killed them. She looked up to him and let go of the door letting it close, “Why?” she was puzzled why he would ask that, unless he knew of something that would help.
Remus smiles " there is still time then" unfortunately he didnt have the item. Nor did he know where to find it. "Ive searched for this item my whole life... the one who holds it has all the knowledge in the world...the jewel of benevolence." He sighs and shakes his head. "Unfortunately.... I have no idea where it is and ive searched every corner of the world for it. But with this jewel I would essentially be able to cast any spell including the mythical divine rebirth..." he offers her his warm smile. "Or... we can search for another item.... have you ever heard the stories of the golden fleece?" The smile broadens to a grin as he enters the shop holding the door open for her to follow. A few patorns were still sitting at their tables chit chatting. Remus slowly led Mara behind the counter and as they passed the doorway the space seemed to magnify atleast 10 times over. The back of the store was impossibly huge complete with a kitchen that rivalled a 5 star restaurant. But he was heading towards the back where the double glass doors open to what appeared to be an eastern style zen garden. Remus' infamous hammock was tethered in a corner between two of the massive columns holding up the balcony above them. He made his way towards it and continued talking "the fleece was said to be able to heal and restore anything covered by it."
Mara stared at Remus, the puzzled expression still on her face. She shook her head at the mention of the Golden Fleece but her hopes raised slightly, “Even if Lazarus doesn’t know anything there is still hope?” she asked following him into the shop and behind the counter. She paused as the space seemed huge, too big for the building they were in. Glancing behind her to the public area she looked back towards Remus, shaking her head slightly not even asking as the answer would be as it had for most questions, ‘Magic!” Moving through the store, she made her way out of the glass doors into the garden spotting the hammock Remus had spoken about. His explanation of the power held by the fleece added to her hopes, “Do you know where the fleece is?” she asked taking a few steps towards the hammock, resting against one of the columns her arms folded over her chest.
Remus chuckles softly and shakes his head. "Do you want the good news first or the bad news?" He doesnt wait for an answer and simply continues "yes... even if Lazarus doesnt know anything or refuses to help us. There is still hope. Either the jewel or the fleece will be able to fulfill our quest. The bad news is that I have searched my entire life for the jewel and came up empty handed and I dont know where the fleece is. Last time I heard of it was many many years ago in a small kingdom not far from the forest of woe. So we can go there after seeing Lazarus. Assuming he doesnt help us."
She nodded, “I’m sure we can find it if he doesn’t help us” She looked around the garden, “It’s peaceful here” she said with a small smile on her face, “I’ll have to show you the gardens in the Valley if we go there, they are very relaxing” She was apprehensive about returning home, she had very fond memories of her life there but they were marred by the attack. “When do we leave for Nyx?” She was eager to move on, a shame really because she did want to see more of the city but she hoped there would be time for that once they had found what they were looking for.
Remus let smile widden again "we can leave in the morning if youd like. Nyx isnt fsr from here.... in fact... its under that mountain range we saw on the way here. I havent been there in.centuries however so im actually quite curious as to what we might find there." He spoke as he slowly sat on the hammock, then proceeded to lay back placing his hands behind his head. "It is peaceful here indeed... after our journey is complete you are more than welcome to come back here. Im sure Mabel would be happy to have you and your parents stay while you get on your feet. I will be here to help aswell." He shuffled around moving one of his hands into his coat producing an small ornate looking pipe. From his other pocket he pulled out a small bag filled with a bright green substance that held a very pleasent smell. He would put the pipe to his lips to hold it up while his free hand proceeded to stuff the pipe full. He would place the bag back in his coat and with his free hand he would snap his fingers and a small flame ignited from his index finger. Without hesitation he outs the flame to the pipe and inhales. A rich sweet smell filled the air. Contrary to what some may think this was actually a very rare type of tobacco that had a very particular taste and smell. While it burned it smelled like the sweet scent of cloves burning. He grin at her showing that he was holding the pipe qith his teeth. "Im sure eventually we will findnthe fleece. I feel that we actually have some hope of finding it. Im afraid the jewel is a loat cause."
Mara smiled, “My family would love it here, my brothers would love the enchanted forest” She could picture them hunting down the giant bears, competing between the pair who could take down the biggest creature, “I’m not sure my mother or father had ever travelled this far north.” The relaxed atmosphere, the celebrations and the people would have appealed to her who family. She yawned placing a hand over her mouth before wrinkling her nose at the scent of the tobacco in his pipe. She gave a small nod, “Anything is possible” she echoed the Kings words from earlier that evening before looking back through the glass doors, “I think i’ll go and find that nice warm bed, I might not get another for a while” Her spirits were lifted slightly, maybe the original plan couldn’t take place but if Lazarus had information that could help them, they could find the Fleece and return to her home to save her family.
He nodded gently at her in acknowledgement and took another large puff from the pipe. Shiv happened to walk out the back door with his mask pulled off to the side revealing his handsome features and his warm carefree smile "aaah perfect timing Shiv.... see her to her bedroom upstairs will you." And with that Remus laid back in the hammock relaxing once again. Shiv nodded gently and looked at Mara with a grin now. "We are going into Nyx it seems... well this should be fun" he said as he led her inside. He was hinting that he knew something was gling on but he woildnt reveal to her what he meant. He lead her upstairs turning down a hallway before coming to the second door on the left. "Here you go... across the hall from me." Shiv leans back against his door. "So what is the plan?i know we are headed to Lazarus otherwise we wouldnt be going through Nyx but what after that?" He wanted to know the plan for his own reasons. Mainly to try and play a few pranks along the way to lighten the mood. He knew what had occurred in Nyx and for the moment he remained tight lipped about it all.
“Goodnight Remus” she said with a nod before following Shiv back into the shop and up the stairs to her room. “What do you mean fun?” she queried. She wasn’t sure her idea of fun and Shiv’s would be the same. Placing a hand on the door handle, she turned to Shiv, “We get help from Lazarus, if he won’t help then we go to find the Golden Fleece and return to my home to bring my family back” Her tone was serious although her hope could be heard as she finished speaking. She stared at him suspiciously, “What are you planning?” Although she hadn’t known him very long, he could be read like a book and she knew he was up to something.
Shiv's smile widdens into a grin "you know me all to well it seems." He laughs lightly and continues. "I think it will be fun because theres no telling what we will run into... I dont think master knows this. But Nyx has been abandoned for a long time. A terrible tragedy befell the great city and now most of it is in ruins." He grins again "but many times we have gone into the unknown and everytime we make it out we have another story to tell." He laughs it off casually. The prospect of encountering something extremely dangerous in the mountain was actually quite exciting to him. "Fear not Mara. All will be well... you are traveling with us after all" he then opens the door behind him. "Goodnight..."
Her eyes narrowed as Shiv spoke, "It seems I do" she gave him a half smile that promptly faded when he mentioned the fate of Nyx. She frowned slightly then nodded, "I can't be afraid of much with you about except what pranks you'll try next" she joked before giving him a slight nod, "Goodnight Shiv" she said as he entered his room. She turned to enter hers, the bed instantly calling her. She walker to the bed to see a nightgown laid out, no doubt from Mabel. Removing her weapons and her bag, she set them on a chair next to the bed and began to undress, changing into the gown before pulling back the thick covers on the bed with a small smile on her face. She had missed a bed! Climbing under the covers, she pulled them up to her chin and promptly fell asleep, fatigue taking over her body and mind.

[littlemy]

Remus laid back in his hammock smoking the pipe in silence until it puffed out. He sighed heavily and slowly slid his eyes closed. For the first time in a long time he slept. He never actually required sleep. But he did enjoy it now and then to help clear his head and out him at ease. His eyes slide open a few hours later, it was still dark out and all the lights were out by this point. 'Shiv...' he calls out. 'Yes master?' His servent responds and in an instant appears next to Remus. "Shiv..... tell me something.... what do you know about Nyx?" Shiv shifts uncomfortably but he cannot lie when asked directly "its abandoned. It has been for a long time now. It was overrun by a multitude of creatures. Troll, goblins, even ghouls I hear." Remus sighs shaking his head "and when were you planning on telling me this?" Shivs laughs lightly " I wasnt... I figured it would be entertaining." Shiv, despite his playful demeanor was a vicious force in battle. Almost as ruthless as Remus and twice as blood thirsty once the shit hits the fan. After a long pause. Remus finally continues "fine... I suppose we could enjoy ourselves a littlw. But priority is the protection of Mara. Understand?... dismissed" he casually waves his hand and packs his pipe again waiting for morning to finally arrive.
Mara opened her eyes and stared up at the ceiling. It was still relatively dark although it was getting lighter by the minute. She smiled as she remembered where she was but she made no move to get out of bed, instead pulling the covers up to her chin savouring every moment because she didn't know when or if she would get to sleep in a real bed again. A short while later when the sunlight was filling the room she begrudgingly pushed the covers back and climbed out of the bed. She got dressed and went over the plans she and Remus had made the previous night in her mind. The information was much easier to process with a clear mind. Once she was dressed and hae collected her belongings, she made her way down the stairs to the garden where she spotted Remus, still in his hammock, "Good morning" she said, standing in the doorway, leaning lightly against the door frame.
Remus looked up as she walked through the doorway and he offered a gentle smile. "Good morning to you.." he nodded a greeting. He too didnt want to get up from hammock, he was far to comfortable. During the night he had removed his coat and he lay there in his tight white shirt. "Are you ready to get going?" He asked reluctantly shifting and sitting up with a slight groan. He then slipped on his two pegged wooden sandles and rubbed his face. He was restless but despite this he was prepared for what lay ahead. "Shiv told me about Nyx last night.... its not to late to turn back you know.... not that im questioning your resolve. But this journey has been a cake walk sonfar compaired to what lies ahead." His tone is serious yet somehwat nonchalant. The dangers head were exciting to him despite how dangerous they might be for her.
Mara nodded, despite her earlier reluctance to get out of bed she was eager to get going, "I'm ready when you are" she said pushing off the doorframe. Remus's offer of turning back caused her to raise an eyebrow, her arms foldint over her chest, "Our journey has been a piece of cake compared to mine before that" her tone was the same as his.
He grins and nods slowly standing he puts on his coat. "Then lets get moving. We have a lot of ground to cover. We need yo atleast make it to the base of the mountain before nightfall. There we rest and set up camp and prepare to journey into Nyx." He starts to walk to the door and waits for her to enter first shuting the door behind him. "Mabel....we are taking off. Thank you for your hospitality" mabel came running from some unknown room off to the side and gave Remus a tight hug then moved to embrace Mara "now you take care of him. He never knows when to quit." She said with a warm friendly smile. Shiv came down the stairs only to be practically tackled by Mabel "and you too. You better be careful out there. Nyx is a dangerous place now'n'days." She looked tearful and despite her cheerful attitude she didnt want to see them go. "Relax Mabel.... we will be fine. Remember who I am." He chuckles softly and goes to move out of the shop calling over his shoulder "take care of yourself Mabel... we shall return and with a little luck we sha return with Maras parents" he smiles at her one last time before stepping out. Shiv follows after saying hia goodbyes.
Mara stepped aside and let Remus pass before following him through into the building. She smiled as Mabel hugged him and moved to embrace her. She hadn't expected it but returned the hug, "Thank you Mabel and I will" she said with a nod as they parted and she stepped out of the front of the building. Moving to the tethering posts, she patted her horse, "Are you ready" she asked the animal as she took the reins. Mara began walking to in the direction of the gates slowly, taking in the sights of the city one last time before they left for the unknown.
The gates approached far faster than he wanted them too. He still never got a chance to visit his academy and for the most part that was probably a good thing. He silently vowed to return if only to see what became of his school. He reached the gates greeting the guards with a simplen" good morning.." then let them open the gate. After the trio was past the gate Remus quickly summoned hus cloud. "Shiv... go ahead of us and secure a camp sight nesr the entrance. We will want to rest up before heading into there. Once we are in I want be able to push through until we get out...if we can help it. Id rather not stay over night in there." He draws in a deep breath as he starts to lead the way. Shiv nods and takes of immidietly vanashing in his usual flash stepping manner. "Mara..." he calls out to her easing his pace to match hers. " do you have any objections? I have a feeling we will have to fight our way through the city. Even if we employ stealth tactics to try and avoid a confrontation I doubt they will help and in the end only force ua to make camp in the heart of the city. What do you think? "
Mara gave a nod to the guards as they moved through the gates. She mounted the horse as Remus summoned his cloud and Shiv disappeared to secure their camp site. Shaking her head at his question she was happy to push on to avoid running into whatever or whoever they might run into in the city, "No objections here" she said nudging the horse to move faster, "We will get through quickly" She was sure between the three of them they would be able to deal with whatever the city had to throw at them, "If we get stuck in the city, there will surely be places we can make safe?" That was most likely a naive question but if they were resourceful it would be possibly "How long until we arrive?" she added nudging the horse slightly faster.
Remus nodded slightly "we should arrive just before sunset at this pace. Even if we go faster we should still spend the night outside before heading in. So a steady pace is more efficient. Tomorrow we will want to rush through." He cant help but grin. Little did she know what was on the other side of the mountain. The hydra marsh home of a plethora of nasty things. Off in the distance the bridge was coming into view. It was actually quite a sight to look at with tall sides and a massive statue on both ends of the bridge. The statues were of two very distinct looking mages both frozen in time in thw middle of casting a spell it seems as they both were in the middle of using hand symbols to cast whatever spell they were about to let loose. The two stone structures were some 50 meters in height and detailed to the outmost extent. Beneath the bridge was a waterfall that dropped another 50 meters or so and the whole thing had a myst limgering about the bridge. It had an almost majestic look to it and behind them the city of Mirrodin was stillnclearly visable. "There...." he points at the glorious bridge "we cross the bridge and it will only be a few hours from there."
Mara agreed that a steady pace was best, she kept the horse from galloping away but kept the speed up. While she was eager to get to Lazarus and find out what he knew, she wasn’t in any rush to find out why Shiv thought it was going to be fun in the city and why even Remus wanted to rush through it. . As the bridge came into view, she made out the statues and stared at them curiously, “Who were they?” she asked as they got closer and the detail could be seen. She glanced to Remus before looking back to the bridge and slowing the horse to a trot so she could get a better look at the statues through the mist.
Remus slowed as she slowed taking in the magnificent sight. "The one facing away from the city is Lord Mirrodin. The other" he points at the other statue. "Is Izzet the Firebrand. He was an exceptionally gifted fire mage. The two faught here infront of their armies to spare the lives of their men. They fought to the death and averted a terrible war that would have most certainly ended in tragedy" he smiles at the statue of Mirrodin "the old man died a glorious death. I can only hope that I follow in his example some day." Then with a grin he turns back around to continue onward. "They battled for days before the two cast some very powerful spells. Izzet was killed on the spot... and Mirrodin died moments later right here." It was clear that his views of battle and glory were quite different from todays standards. Once again he was stuck in his old ways.
Mara, in awe of the statues, continued staring at them. “They died a good death, it’s clear that they have been honoured for that” she said, “To save so many people...why were they fighting in the first place?” she looked back to Remus with a small frown before looking across the bridge, her hands relaxing on the reins allowing the horse to move at her own pace which, once the slack was given was a fast canter. Her views of wars fought was very different to his, they were opposites in that respect, most didn’t have a purpose other than wealth or land.
He chuckles softly at her question "what other reason is their to fight a war other than to conquer and expand?" He offered her his warm smile "Mirrodin was a peaceful man and he would not have fought if his city was not in danger." He sighs turning to look at the statue of Izzet. "Izzet was marching his army accross the land seeking to conquer this entire continent. He wouldve succeeded too but Mirrodin just so happened to be in his way. Lord Mirrodin challanged him instead of starting a full out war. Izzet accepted the challenge and the two battled without any form of intervention from either army." he smiles again "when a mage challenges another mage...its out of respect that the challenge is accepted. A sort of understood mutual code that we al share." Being a mage was far more than just being a magic user. It was a code of honor. A way of life. And in some cases the inspiration to do great things, good or evil.
She nodded although she would never understand the need to conquer and expand. Defence, she could understand but a war for lands and wealth meant nothing to her, “I don’t think i’ll ever understand war for those reasons” she gave him a small smile in return while shaking her head although she understood accepting a challenge out of respect. Moving the reins to one hand, she raised the other to brush her hair from her face, the mist causing it to stick to her skin. “What is in the city?” she asked thinking ahead to the next day when they would need to push through and have ‘fun’ according to Shiv. The question had been on her mind but as their camp grew nearer she wanted to prepare for whatever they could encounter.
He nods in understanding "there are other reasons. Like me... I fought for glory and the thrill of battle" he sighs again "but that was the old me... while I still enjoy battle as much as ever. I will not start any wars ever again." He thinks back to last night and what Shiv told him. "Shiv claims the city was overun by goblins and trolls and quite possibly ghouls. And if thats the case there is bound to be hundreds of them about the place if not more. Once we alert the horde though they will start coming at us like ants." He grins to himself a little. "While individually none of them are very strong. They attack in huge numbers and it is easy to get overwhelmed." His brow raises slightly realizeing that he isnt familiar with her form of fighting. "What is your preferred range? Im comfortable at any range. In fact the further I am from you the easier it will be for me to slaughter legions at a time." It would be difficult for him to cast area type spells while sparing her and her horse. "Or I can stay close and focus on other kinds of offense and defense. We can work out a battle plan when we make camp." He was eager to actually begin strategizing.
Goblins and trolls? She raised an eyebrow at the mention of such creatures having only heard of them in stories but then she was quickly grasping the fact that anything was possible including the existence of trolls and goblins. She could imagine a swarm of creatures moving through city streets, it wasn’t a nice thought and she shifted uncomfortably in the saddle, “I’m an archer, distance is good for me” she smiled knowing he hadn’t thought much of her skills with a sword. It was her brothers that had been skilled in close combat, “I also have my feline friends if they are willing to help us” she could feel there were felines in the area but had made no effort to contact them at that time so there was no guarantee they would be forthcoming if she did request their help. Looking ahead she felt a nervous excitement as they grew closer to Lazarus and finding a way to get her family back.
Remus nods and grins as he hears shes am archer. " oooh an archer are you. Well thats good you and Shiv will be at my rear then. He too is an archer and ranged support is always welcomed." That gives him freedom to move ahead and dramatically thin out wave after wave. If not take the waves out altogether. "Im not sure if anything in the city is still alive. I doubt anything survived their assault. But dont worry. We will make it out I will make sure of it. Goblins typically use crude close range tactics as do trolls. And ghouls are practically a mindless undead horde. But they have no form of weapon except their unnatural strength and the fact that they are undead so the feel no pain and are relentless in their assault." He laughs a little at himself. He was excited to actually do battle for the first time in what felt like ages. In the distance the mountain range was growing closer and closer and the grandeur of it all was quite breath taking. He could feel Shivs presence wasnt much further. "It seems we are making better time than I originally anticipated. This is good. We can rest up and discuss our tactics. Tomorrow will be a hard day."
Hearing she would be following Remus with Shiv at her side was both welcomed and dreaded. What pranks would he pull? Would be pull pranks at such a serious time? She hoped not but she knew she was in good hands with people who knew what they were doing. She gave a nod, her expression serious as she looked up to the mountain range happy to be getting closer. It meant more time to plan their moves to make getting through the city easier, if that was possible. Her mind reached out to the larger felines on and around the mountain, letting them know she was there and asking for their help. She didn’t expect an answer straight away; those that would help would show themselves. She thought about Remus’s evaluation of the creatures they were heading towards, if avoiding such a fight was possible she would do it but the journey was never going to be easy.
Remus couldnt wipe the grin from his face. He almost wanted to rush in and clear out as much as he could in one go. 'Shiv... have you gone in yet? What does the entrance look like?' There was a long pause before he heard a reply 'im inside now master...mapping out the area. Im going to map our way all the way to the exit before meeting the two of you outside. I set a glyph at the entrance. Dont worry im phased so im not alerting anything in here. The numbers are astronomical.' Remus listens closely before replying with a simple 'good work. Let me know if you find anything unexpected.' The mage then turns to Mara "Shiv is mapping out the layout of the city. This will help us navigate to the exit more efficiently aswell as give us a better idea of the terrain." Shiv was about to give them extremely valuable information. Knowing the layout and terrain was a pivotal point in warfare.
Mara watched as the mountain seemed to grow in front of them as they approached. Hearing Shiv was in the city gathering information was reassuring, at least they wouldn't go in blind. Taking told of the reins, she pulled on them gently, slowing the horse once again as they approached the base of the mountain. "Are we staying around here" She glanced around, it seemed peaceful enough. The calm before the storm she thought pushing her nerves away. There was no time for doubts or nerves and she knew it.
As they approached he was sure that he would find the site Shiv was supposed to clear for them. However the site was nowhere to be found. 'Shiv... where is the camp site? We are arriving at the base.' There is a pause before he replies 'i hid the site under my cloak. Be right out.' Remus sighs and shakes his head. Shiv was just as paranoid as Remus it seemed and he was willing to make the sight invisible to hide their presence. "Shiv took some unnecessary precautions and hid the camp site. He will be out shortly he says" and just as he finishes Shiv appears next to Remus seemingly out of nowhere. For once he wasnt wesring his cloak and his beautifully or ate light blue plate armor was finally visable. His entire body up to his neck was covered in the elegant armor. While technically it could be concidered light armor it could take quite a beating, that is assuming he was even tangible. His spile short white hair was in its usual backwards angle that gave him the appearance of being in motion even when still. His frame was tall and thin typical of an elf like him. "And ive returned" he announces his obvious arrival. Shiv moves over to a seemingly random spot and reaches up grabbing hold of some invisible object and pulling. The cloak immidietly regains its brilliant white color and the camp site is revealed. Shiv swings his cloak around him pinning it in place "welcome to home away from home" the site was actually quite nice a big tent set up with all sorts of amenities inside. Even a cot to sleep in. "I even brought your hammock master." Shiv said as he moved to pick up a folded hammock sitting next to a pair of trees that seemed to be soaced perfectly for hia hammock. Remus walked to the edge of the tent and lifted the edge slightly to reveal a piece of a large glyph drawn under it. "You went back to the inn collect all this did you?" Remus chuckles as he pats Shiv on the shoulder. "Excellent work...." he then turns to Mara. "Well.. make yourself at home." It was still daylight out and they had a couple of hours before sunset.
Mara wondered how Shiv could hide a campsite; however that was quickly revealed when he appeared. The announcement he made of his return caused her to stifle a giggle, however she could hardly take her eyes off his armour. He certainly was a stunning sight, if only he didn’t play so many tricks! Her eyes widened at the sight of the tent and a bed, albeit not as comfortable and extravagant as the one at Mabel’s but no sleeping on the ground. She swung a leg over the saddle and slid from the horse’s back to the ground, pulling the reins over her head and leading her to the side of the tent where she was loosely tethered. Peering inside the tent, she turned to Shiv, “Home from home” she repeated with a smile and a nod, “Thank you Shiv” She went to the side of the cot and removed her sword, bow and quiver of arrows setting them against the campbed. “Shiv, what is the city like?” she wondered what volume of creatures they were going to encounter and how clear the path through the streets would be.
Shiv turns and faces her slidding his mask off to the side as usual and smiles wide. "Theres hundreds of them. I spotted at least 4 or 5 dozen hordes of maybe 50 or 60. So we are talking about maybe 2 to 3 hundred goblind. All armed to the teeth. I noticed a couple dozen trolls. Didnt see many ghouls though." Remus steps in shaking his head. "Those kinds of numbers were able to overrun Nyx? Something isnt right." Shiv grins "you are right... something isnt right. Maybe the rest moved on." Remus shakes his head again "no.... I think thats just their scouting regimen. Those are just the ones you see... for every 1 of them theres atleast 10 hidding in a burrow somewhere and they are liable to come our of the ground when we are on top of them. The map Shiv..." Shiv reaches into his cloak to a small compartment between the plates of armor and produces a map. Drawn with extraordinary detail. It outlines the vast majority of the city all the way to the exit on the other side. "Excellent scouting as always Shiv..." Shiv smiles and nods "what do you expect" Remus then stares at the map for a while and sets it kn the floor for the three of them to look at. "I suspect that they will be hidding in several spots throughout. More than likely the road will be swarming with them but I dont think its anything we cant handle" Remus looks up at Mara with a smile. "What do you think?"
She listened to Shiv’s run down of the numbers of goblins, trolls and ghouls in the city. Hundreds. She had never faced numbers like that before and when Remus said that would only be the tip of the iceberg, she moved to sit on the cot. She could see the map as Remus laid it out for them to see and she nodded, by the sounds of their normal behaviour they would be all over the road, more waiting to replace the ones they lose in battle, “I think i’ll need more arrows” she said looking back to Remus with a smile on her face. She was unsure of his confidence but then he could do a lot more damage than she could. The horse started kicking up a fuss outside the tent, she stood and stepped around Remus, “We have visitors” she said the smile remaining on her face as she walked outside. There stood two very large tigers side by side staring back at her. Without any hesitation, she moved silently to the tigers and lowered herself to one knee in front of them; they moved closer to her and lowered their heads to meet hers. There were still for a moment before she rose and turned to the tent, “They are willing to help wherever they can” she said gesturing for them to move to the opposite side of the tent to the horse which they did, almost completely ignoring both Remus and Shiv.
The pair paid no mind to the two tigers and simply nodded a greeting to them. Remus was confident neither of the beasts would attack. And even if they did he would be able to stop them. The two went back to the map "excellent we have more to stay close. They should stay close to you Mara. I.would hate for them to be caught up in one of my spells." Shiv actually stand and moves to one of a large trunk in the back of the tent. After a few moments Shiv pulls out an elegant looking bow. "This is not just any bow" he grins handing the bow to her. "This is a legendary war bow know as The Windforce...it will fire arrows simular to my bow." He was referring to his energy bow. The Windforce was only one of the many treasures in Remus' personal cache of weapons. Just like the sky splitter that Remus claimed. The Windforce was one of Shivs bows before he became what he is now. "I give it to you as a gift"
The tigers settled themselves in their own space, at least for the time being. They wouldn’t attack the trio or the horse not after pledging to help them. Mara nodded to Remus, “Yes, they will stick close to me” she said following him back to the map. She watched Shiv move to the trunk and pull the bow out before moving to hand it to her. She stared at it for a second before taking it, “It’s beautiful. Thank you” she said before looking up to him, “This needs no arrows?” she asked running a hand over it gently, it seemed strange but after all a bow like that seemed imbued with magic of some sort.
Shiv nods in response "thats right. It takes a little getting used to. But just think of it like this. Imagine you have an arrow in your hand... then draw then string. The arrow will form in you hand." He offers her a warm smile as casual as ever. Remus then takes over "are these figures worrying you?" He could see the look in her eyes. They would be hopelessly out numbered. Yet he felt the outmost confidence that they would have no problem.gettting through. "Try and relax. Concentrate on not getting hit. Shiv an I will take care of the rest. I doubt anything will get remotely close to the two of you. And you even have to extra body guards that I didnt even account for so thats even better."
She stared at the bow as Shiv spoke, “Imagine the arrow....” she repeated with a nod, “Got it.” She added looking back to him, returning the smile. Remus’s question was received with a simple nod. Relax. That was funny. She was about to enter a city full of creatures she had previous only known to exist in stories, “I’ll relax when we get out of the other side” she said after taking a deep breath, “Not getting hit, I can do that” She knew he was only out to protect her but she would pull her weight if needed as would the two tigers. She gave Remus a reassured smile and looked to the map, “What’s the plan?” she asked making note of the streets and pathways Shiv had drawn.
Remus, now focused on the task.at hand kneels down infront of the map pointing at the labeled entrance "ee enter from here... I will lead with a thirty pace lead. I dont want anyone getting caught in any spell I cast so I need everyone to stay minimum 30 paces behind me." He labels a set distance on the map with his finger leaving light blue traces on the paper that quickly darken as he picks up his finger. "Anything within this range of my vision will be in the kill zone" he draws a shaded cone of vision infront of his little figure on the map. The kllzone is a semi circle about 220 degrees in front of him. About as much as his field of vision in front and to his sides. "No matter what do not step into this boundry...I cannot stress that enough. Stay behind me." He turns to Shiv "remember the battle of Aldaris? Same principle stay behind me and catch the stragglers that try and go arround me. Dont worry there will be plenty of action. These things attack in hordes. I will thin them out as much as possible but im certain some will get through." He outlines how he expects them to pour behind him. "I will be casting a few defensive spells before we even enter so you neednt worry about covering my back. Worry about covering your own back. And your flanks. Shiv I trust you wont have a problem with that." He turns to Mara and smiles "Mara stcik close to Shiv and you ahould be fine. Mount your horse and try not to run ahead. I will be moving at a set steady pace so it will be more predictable for you to follow." He turns back yo the map. "We are going to be following this path. I will alter the terrain if I must incase we start to get overrun. Though I doubt that will happen with what I have in store for them." He chuckles softly. "Remember. .. they are like ants. Crush them early and swiftly with no remorse."
Mara stared at the map and nodded every so often as Remus explained their plan of attack. She had never been into a true battle before and never with a plan so she did her best to take it all in while relaying the instructions to the tigers who were laying to the side of the tent. "No problem" she said as he instructed her to stick with Shiv. No remorse. She didn't take pleasure in killing anything let alone possibly hundreds of creatures but in this instance she pushed her feelings aside and gave a sharp nod, "No remorse" she gave him a small smile. "I should get some practice with this" she held the bow up and examined it, "just imagine the arrow" she repeated to herself quietly before heading outside to find a suitable area to try out her new bow.
Remus nods gently as she walks out of the tent. He atarred down and his battle plan and nodded. "What do you think?" He asks Shiv. "I think it sounds like a sound plan master. By this time tomorrow we should be coming out on the other side." He replies. Shiv then sloy makes his way to the entrance of the tent. "Im going to help Mara. She may be a little green to real combat." And then steps out to go meet Mara. "How is it coming along? Need any pointers? I think I told you already but that used to be my bow back when I was still normal." He laughs at himself a little and takes a seat on a nearby tree stump. He slid his mask on just in case. After all, he wasnt sure just how good she was and he certainly wouldnt want to get shot by a stray arrow.
Finding a small patch of trees, she readied herself and raised the bow when Shiv arrived. "I think I've got it" she nodded spotting him move his mask out of the corner of her eye, she laughed, "Thanks for the vote of confidence" she said as she pulled the string back, imagining an arrow as she felt the tension increase. Pulling the string back to her chin she felt an arrow form. She released the arrow at a tree in the middle of the patch, it flew past a few other trees and hit her target off center, "Definitely need practice" she mumbled, not impressed at her aim although she was pleased with the bow.
Shiv laughed a little behind his mask. "It does take some getting used to. Mainly because the arrows it fires fly true. They are not effected by wind or range so you have to get out of the habit of accounting for the two. You simply aim and fire." He smiles despite her not being able to see it. "I know its muscle memory to account for these things... but that bow is quite special. It can even fire multiple arrows at once." He grins a little raising his hand forming his bow that looked strikingly similar to hers. Only his was made out of pure energy. "Look familiar? " he holds out the bow and draws the string forming three separate arrows and firring them at her target. One hits on center an the other two hit directly above and directly below the middle. The spread could be controlled by the drawing hand and you could potentially hit targets on the sides up to 7 at a time when fired correctly.
Lowering the bow she turned to Shiv as he spoke. Getting her head around the fact she didn't have to compensate for anything with the bow was hard but she could give it a go. At the mention of it firing multiple arrows, she gave him a puzzled look, until he demonstrated it with a bow that resembled hers. Watching him fire three arrows, she couldn't hide how impressed she was, "I think I should master one arrow first" she grinned wanting to try multiple arrows when she had time to put that practice in. "It's an amazing bow Shiv. Thank you again" she smiled and turned, raising the bow again. She remembered not to compensate for anything she would normally do subconsciously as she pulled the string back and fired another arrow as it had formed. The arrow flew true as Shiv had said it woud and hit above his three arrows, dead center. "Better" she nodded, pleased with the second attempt.
Shiv nods gently "very good. Thats one arrow down." He grins behind his mask rasing the bow again this tim forming 7 different arrows. He tilts the bow sideways and fires. The arrows spread out and with inhuman accuracy and precision strike seven different trees three on either side of the target and the middle one hitting dwad on again. "Volley shot... " he chuckles softly relaxing his hands letting the bow disappear. "You'll get the hang of it eventually. It takes a lot of practice. But the bow is only limited by the users skills. So the better you get the more powerful the bow." Remus walks out of the tent now holding the map and stroking his chin. He makes his qawy to the hammock Shiv set up earlier for him laying back in it sighing slightly. He shuts his eys after a while, letting the map.rest on his chest.
Mara watched, her arms folded over her chest, her bow held loosely in her hand as Shiv fired seven arrows at once from his bow, "Show off" she said with a slight side ways smile after all of the arrows had found their mark. She nodded as he spoke, "I'll practice that" she added as Remus moved to his hammock. Her smile faded slightly, "I've never been anywhere like this city before. It's going to be a bit different to hunting deer isn't it?" She looked to Remus, "He'll be fine won't he?" she asked quietly.
Shiv nods slightly "he will be fine. He just knows he will be spending a ton of mana tomorrow so he needs to stay rested today" Shiv turns to face her. "Dont worry. Nothing will happen to any of us. Master will make sure of that you have yet to see him in action. He is incredible when it comes to combat. I have a feeling he will be using a lot of lightning. Which is why he drew that cone." Shiv continues "it will arc from goblin to goblin clearing waves at a time. But I feel he will focus it ahead of him... thats why we need to stay back. Or he could do other things in combination." He chuckles softly. "Whatever he decides to do... we are sure to see some fireworks come tomorrow."
She smiled softly at Shiv's reassurance. It was somewhat reassuring but a niggling concern remained. Hearing what the possible things Remus would be doing helped with the reassurance. "Mana is his energy, his magic?" she asked before nodding in agreement, "We should all get some rest." She glanced to the resting tigers and had a feeling they would need all the energy they would be able to muster. She began to walk slowly towards the tent, passing Remus, "Goodnight Remus" she spoke softly before entering the tent and setting the bow next to her other weapons . Moving to lay on the cot, she closed her eyes and let her mind wander as she drifted off into a light sleep.
Remus nodded gently saying a quick "goodnight Mara" as she passed and once again.he shut his eyes. Tomorrow was already itching in his mind. And he would spend the night without his coat slowly but surwly draining energy from his surroundings. The next morning Remus was already preparing a few spells. He would be found near the entrance whispering to himself what semmed to be a long incantation. A large glowing aura was encasing his body. After a few moments the aura seemed to come of his body in 8 different spots condensing into 8 separate octagonal shields. The shields appeared to be made out of a thick glass that was semi reflective each about 2 feet wide. The eight shields slowly revolved around him rythmatically waving up and down and random intervals all the while he was free to start his next set of spells..his coat was no where yo be found and even his shirt was removed so that the black.brands around hia body could be seen glowing and shimmering softly in the soft glow of the morning Sun.
Mara slept although it was restless. She woke and laid still for a short while, one arm behind her head, as she thought about the upcoming journey through the city and they would be coming face to face with all sorts of creatures. Sighing, she sat and pushed her hair from her face thankful for the cot Shiv had set up for her as she stretched without the usual stiffness. Walking to the entrance of the tent, she glanced to the tigers who were sat watching Remus cast his spells. She moved closer to them and sat next to the smaller of the two, her gaze following theirs to Remus. She rested a hand on the tiger next to her and closed her eyes for a couple of seconds. They took on their yellow-green cat-like hue when she reopened them. Using the tiger's sight and hearing, her own skills would be enhanced and she hoped that would help the trio and the animals get through the city and it's inhabitants. She continued to watch Remus, seeing his aura sharply through the cat's eyes.
The next spell he cast summoned 6 seperate and quite unique swords each only visable for brief moments as they appeared to be dancing around him fading in and out of sight. The shields did this too dancing around him pulsing and fading in an out of sight. He looked over and caught Mara watching him and he offered his smile. "Are you ready? When you mount your horse I will set up the last of the protective spells on your group." He was obviously refering to Shiv and Mara with her horse and two tigers. " a powerful barrier that will allow things to move out but nothing in. Which means that you two will be able to shoot butbthey cannot shot you. However... they can walk in so close range will be left to your tiger friends and Shiv...I will thin them out as much as possible."
Nodding, she stood and moved ino the tent to collect her weapons. Her old bow and quiver were secured to the horses saddle along with the sword and the new bow loosely secured to her back. She untethered and mounted the horse, pulling the animal around to face Remus, the tigers taking up their position behind her so as to not spook the skitty horse. "Ready" she said, her tone serious. She was as ready as she would ever be to face the creatures in the city. A quick glance to the tigers assured her they were ready too, their calmness passing through the connection to her.
Remus nods and walks over to them Shiv was late to join but he stood next to Mara, his mask still on. "Ready!" Shiv repeated cheerful as ever. Remua clapped his hands and began to whisper after a few moments a massive glowing circle began to draw itself around them in a 20 foot diameter with Mara as the center. A few moments later the circle began to produce a bubble that slowly rose from the ground until it completely encased around them. Remus, stood on the outside of the dome and offered a smile again.before slowly turns to lead the way to the entrance. The base of the mountain gave way to a large opening with two massive doors for a gate. The doors were ornately decorated the steel was black and the beautiful decorations were made of solid gold. Though time had taken its toll and the gold seemed extremely dirty. Remus stepped to the gates placing his hands on the double doors and whisepring a few words the doors began to open slowly.
Mara gave Remus a small smile as he approached to set up his spell around them. As the bubble grew up around them the horse shifted on the spot but was quickly calmed with a few whispers and pats from her. She made sure her connection with the tigers was strong and reassured them the spell was protection. As Remus began moving towards the entrance to the city, she nudged the horse to follow although at a distance and as they reached the huge gates she hung back, watching the gates begin to open. She loosened the reins, attaching them to the saddle, keeping some tension to stop the horse running away with her and pulled the bow from her back. She was ready, her legs gripped the saddle ready for the horse to begin moving through the streets.
The group had barely entered the city all the way when the gates slowly shut behind them. The city was faintly lit by several vents that were carved into the side of the mountain. Nyx was once a beautiful city and it architecture was noticeably of Victoria decent. Beautiful buildings with ornate structures and gargoyles and all sorts of statues all with a sort of beautiful gothic theme. However, now Nyx was a shadow of its former self. Most of the buildings were either completely destroyed or halfway there. A lot of the statues were also half destroyed if not destroyed altogether the many fountains scattered throught were also dry and partialy destroyed. Remus looked around in silence and moved on slowly and carefully. Stepping on a trap would set off the horde. For the time being he qould try and get as far as possible without alerting the goblins. However he knew that this was borrowed time. At any moment the horde could swarm of them like a swarm of ants on a dying insect. It was several minutes before they could hear the clanking of armor. And steadily the ground began to rumble as hundreds and hundreds of feet pounded the ground in a hurry. They were off in the distance and they were approaching with speed. The gates must've alerted them. Remus didnt hesitate to stop and begin prepping a spell ready for the horde. Shiv, from inside the bubble whispers to Mara. "Here they come... get ready"
Mara followed Remus into the city making sure she kept at least 30 paces behind him, the tigers hanging behind and to the sides of her. She felt the rumbling of the ground through the tiger's paws and gently patted the horse as she felt her tense up. Shiv's voice confirmed what she thought, they were coming. She nodded and sat straight, pulling the bow across her lap, her fingers resting on the strings as her yellow-green eyes scanned the area around them for any movement that would give away where the hoard would be surfacing.
Remus had finally finished his spell when the horde finally came into sight running over a huge pilenof debris they just seemed to endlessly pour out and onto the streetsn then without warning they began to rise from cleverly concealed holes in the rubble. It was an ambush, and a damn goodone at that. But Remus didnt care he immidietly unleashed his spell and 8 seperate softball size spheres of pure arcane energy materilized around his body. The 8 shields then moved around him and periodically one would swing infront of him and one of the spres would hurl itself at the shield. Interestingly enough the shield didnt reflect the sphere, instead it refracted the energy turning it into 50 or so snaller beams of raw energy that immidietly fire into the crowd piercing multiple goblins with each of the beams in a wide area infront of him. A momment later the next sphere did the same. While this was happening by itself Remus quickly gathered energy in his hand and it began to crackle wildly with pure electricity then as he extends his hand multiple streaks of lighting fan out infront and strike the nearest goblin arcing to the next and the next so on and so on it was like a beautiful chain reaction. Some.goblins coming fron odd angles behind hi. Would get immidietly sliced in half by one of the 6 invisible swords dancing around him. The shields would instantly revolve around him blocking arrows, stones, spears and all sorts of other projectiles. The spheres of arcane slowly reproduced themselves and a few moments later all 8 had refreshed themaelves and prepaired their next volley. His hands then again charged the next volley of lightning. Shiv in the bubble begisn to quickly fire seven shot volleys of arrows with inhuman speed and accuracy. He laughs a little seeing the lightning. " ha I called it!"
Spotting the hoard ahead of them, her grip tightened on the bow as she raised it and pulled the string back. The goblins coming at them from the hidden entrances didn't surprise her as much as she had thought, it was to be expected they would have hiding places and tunnels all over. It was their city after all. Forcing her grip to relax, she took a deep breath and began firing at the goblins. Her accuracy was not at Shiv's level but she hit the majority of her targets no thanks to the the horse shifting underneath her. The tigers moved towards the edge of the bubble but remained inside, attacking and ripping apart anything that dared breach the protective spell. Hearing Shiv laugh seemed out of place to her but not for him, "You enjoy this too much!" She called pulling the reins to turn the horse to face the outside of the bubble. She would have been taken in by Remus's spells but aside fromthe crackles and flashes seen out of the corner of her eye, she all but ignored him to concentrate on keeping the creatures away from her and the tigers.
Remus slowly began to move up 'move up between waves Shiv. This isn't going to stop' he spoke telepathically to his guard. Every ten seconds or so the aracne spheres would re manifest and hurl themselves at the spinning shields with perfect timing tonclear out latge chunks of the horde. His lightning would charge every 10 seconds or so too but at alternating intervals which meant that every 5 seconds he was releasing a devastating area attack between arcane and lightning. He would slowly start to move forward wave after wave he moved up. The air around him began to grow heavy. And the cold slowly began to set in. After several minutes of this pattern they had moved quite a bit but the air around themnhad become almost freezing and he became well aware that he would have to incorporate a different element to counter act the cold. While he was hesitant at first to use it because of the destructive consuming nature he felt at this point he had no choice and with a slight pause between lightning attacks he formed a few quick hand seals and drew in a deep breath. Without warning he breaths out a wave of fire so massive that it easily engulfed theentire area in front of him quickly spreading throught the horde. The heat was insteanse at first but slowly it became bareable as they made their way forward.
Mara nudged the horse on slowly, continuing to fire arrows at stragglers that got through Remus's onslaught. Her breath came out in clouds as the air around them became freezing. That quickly changed when Remus used fire against the continuous hoard, the change was a shock to the system but she shook it off and pushed the horse on. A handful of stragglers attacked one of the tigers injuring it's flank as they all swarmed over it at once. Feeling it's pain she grimmaced and spun the horse to fire 3 consecutive arrows taking out two of the goblins, the injured tiger got it's claws into the third and the other tiger pounced on, and quickly dispatched the remaining two. Looking to the injured tiger, she checked it could continue and they carried on as they had before.
Remus continued on alternating between the two elements meanwhile his arcane barrage seemed to.continue on its own. At this rate they would have no trouble getting to.the end. While the walk was several miles and they were only moving 20 or 30 paces a minute it would take some time but if all went well they would make it eventually. Shiv broke off from Maras side to assist the injured tiger fighting along side it with two short swords he pulled from his cloak. On a few occasions he was even struck innthe back by a goblin sword only for the sword to phase through him untouched Shiv would immidietly turn and slice off the head of the attacker before swinging back around and leaping cleanly over the horse and Mara landing just on her other side with his bow ready constantly firing and ckearing wave after wave. Occasionally he would leap back to the injured tiger to make sure they didnt fall behind. In the middle of the fray Shiv could be heard laughing with amusement. This was his true nature, and the somewhat sadistic nature of Shiv really came to light as he laughed and laughed slaughtering more and more. Meanwhile Remus remained up front barely showing any physical effort to keep up. He simply continued walking at a casual pace and let his magical assault continue with nor mercy. Remus continued on alternating between the two elements meanwhile his arcane barrage seemed to.continue on its own. At this rate they would have no trouble getting to.the end. While the walk was several miles and they were only moving 20 or 30 paces a minute it would take some time but if all went well they would make it eventually. Shiv broke off from Mara's side to assist the injured tiger fighting along side it with two short swords he pulled from his cloak. On a few occasions he was even struck innthe back by a goblin sword only for the sword to phase through him untouched Shiv would immidietly turn and slice off the head of the attacker before swinging back around and leaping cleanly over the horse and Mara landing just on her other side with his bow ready constantly firing and ckearing wave after wave. Occasionally he would leap back to the injured tiger to make sure they didnt fall behind. In the middle of the fray Shiv could be heard laughing with amusement. This was his true nature, and the somewhat sadistic nature of Shiv really came to light as he laughed and laughed slaughtering more and more. Meanwhile Remus remained up front barely showing any physical effort to keep up. He simply continued walking at a casual pace and let his magical assault continue with nor mercy.

[littlemy]

Mara kept glancing to the injured tiger until she saw Shiv move alongside to help. She then focused her full attention on moving forward and firing as many arrows into the groups of goblins as she could whilst controlling the horse and staying far enough behind Remus to avoid being caught up in his spells. One goblin got past the uninjured tiger and made a grab for her leg. She kicked out, kicking it square in the face causing it to stumble backwards. As the goblin fell away she moved to raise her bow, however the closeness of the goblin spooked the horse which danced sideways throwing her off balance and almost from the saddle. Grabbing the reins she roughly pulled the horse to a standstill, raised the bow firing one arrow into the neck of the goblin, felling it instantly although death didn't happen instantly. She could hear Shiv laughing and almost wished she could take pleasure from the battle but with the throbbing pain in her side that was flowing through her connection with the injured tiger she was in no mood for laughter.
Shiv was actually surprised that some managed to make it through and he quickly disposed of most of the ones coming into the bubble at first he was more or less fooling around but seeing how much pain Mara was in he quickly became serious and his movements sped up quickly thinning out quite a mass of goblins with ease trying to buy their little group some breathing room. Suddenly extremely heavy footsteps could be felt and as they approached they got stronger and stronger. A troll was coming and a freakishly huge one at that. The hulking gaint was so massive that it was swatting waves of goblins out of its way as it came charging forwars. Remus doesnt hesitate to prepare a spell just for this big bastard and after a moment he claps his hands pulling themnapart to.form a long javelin shaped rod onncondensed energy. As the troll approaches he quickly launches the javelin at the troll causing an extremely powerful explosion. While the explosion itself physically rocked the hollow underneath the mountain it also moved arounf him. The shockwave rolled over their bubble behind him and for a few momments they had peace. A momentary pause bedore thw hirde began closing in again
Mara shot two more goblins before feeling the rumbling footsteps of the troll. Her eyes widened at the sight of it compared to the goblins. The spell Remus cast against the giant being was just as impressive as was the explosion. She flinched, the sound enough to leave her tiger-enhanced ears ringing. Shaking her head she caught her breath and looked around, taking the moment of peace to check on both the tigers and gather herself before strengthening her connection with the felines. That increased the pain she felt but reduced the tiger's discomfort allowing it to move more freely. She only needed to fire the arrows, the horse did the rest. "How much further?" She asked knowing more goblins were approaching fast, her voice shaking despite her best efforts to hide it.
Remus could feel more coming and he prepared another one of the javelins. Before it came into view he launched it into the distance. The explosion was powerful enough to blow a hole in the side of the mountain and daylight could be seen on the other side. Shiv calls out to Mara. "It would have been a little further but master just blew a hole in the other wall. We should hurry. If he took out one of the supports lart of the mountain will fall on top of us. Remus quickly fired off a few more blots of lightning letting it arc off the final waves in front of him. He quickly leaped back.behind the group inside the bubble yet he couldnt stand to close to thw bubble or he would inadvertently cancel it out. 'Go rush to the exit. I will cover you and seal the hole as we leave.' He would wait for them to rush through before he started making his way backwards fighting the horde back with his two elements and the arcane barage firring at regular intervals. Asthe group would make it out. Remus kicked off his wooden sandels to come in contact with the hard rock beneath hjs feet that made up the base of the mountain. With a quick stomo the ston grew and rose up sealing the hole he made without issue. The momment the hole was sealed he immidietly released all three spells. His body quickly begins to zap thr air around him. After a few moments the bubble around the group lowered as it to was dispelled. "Shiv.... my coat please. I wouldnt want to freeze our companions" shiv reached into his clocl and produced his masters coat seemingly from nowhere. Remus quickly placed it back on though still shirltess. And even in the few brief momments he had no coat the air had become extremely chilly around him. His body was sucking up energy very quickly to replenish the vast amount of mana he just used.
Mara flinched once more as the explosion rocked the mountain. She saw the daylight and directed the tigers towards it before either Shiv or Remus had spoken. Pushing the horse forward, she flipped the bow onto her back and gripped the reins tightly. The horse didn't need much encouragement and sped towards the light, quickly making it outside. Once out of the mountain, she slid from the horse, steadying herself against the panting animal before moving to kneel by the injured tiger. She pulled back her connection slightly to reduce her pain and let her eyesight return to normal. Making a 'shhhing' sound, she calmed the tiger and checked it's wound. It was non-life threatening although it would limit the tiger's movements for a while so the wound could heal. She smiled and leant towards the feline, resting her head against it's own, her eyes closed. Thanking both of the tigers, she sat back and watched them take up a spot under a tree to rest before they returned home. She remained connected to the injured tiger helping to reduce it's pain for as long as she could.
Remus retrieved his sandels and slid them back on his feet before making his way to Mara "is everything alright? Your friend looked a little wounded." Shiv on the contrary was in the background still shadow boxing with his short swords placing them back in his cloak after a while. He seemed pumped to the max "yeah! Im ready for another round! Whos coming with meee!" He looks around noticing the silence he lowers his head . Remus gives Shiv a casual wave of dismissal and with a slight bow Shiv jumps into a nearby tree. They were atanding at the edge of the marsh though still on solid ground "forgive Shiv... he gets a little to excited at the most in appropriate of times."
Mara nodded, "He'll be fine with a few days rest" she said quietly, "the goblins got a bit too close." She moved to stand and realised she was shaking, the throbbing pain in her side reduced to a sharp ache but still present. "You were amazing" she said with a weak smile, "they didn't stand a chance" Hearing Shiv, who seemed very over excited, she shook her head, "You were great too Shiv" she called out to him as he disappeared into a tree.
Remus shook his head hold his hand up as if to stop thw praises. "Please Mara I wasn't so great if I allowed my allies to get hurt. I told Shiv to stay close but I suppose he disobeyed as usual. He is quite the clown afterall so what can you expect." He sighs slightly his breath could be seen in large puffs as if his body was freezing despite the warm humid air of the marsh. "Well we can rest here for a while. The next leg of the journey will be crossing the Hydra marsh." He offers her a warm smile moving to a nearby tree and sitting down resting his back agaisnt the truck stretching out his legs. "That was some battle... they just kept coming. Im glad no more trolls showed up. They require heavy hitting artillery to take them out"
She glanced to the resting tigers who had promptly fallen asleep. She knew how they felt. Shaking her head at Remus, she followed him and sat against the same tree, relaxing as much as she could, "You can't protect everyone all of the time" she said brushing a few stray hairs from her face and looking at him before closing her eyes and resting her head against the bark, "Shiv did as he was asked" she added knowing he had done what he could. She did mumble an agreement about the trolls before falling asleep. Her body exhausted from channelling the tiger's pain.
The old mage did nothing to disturb her as she nodded off, he too felt tired and that was a strange thing. Normally a quick battle like that wouldnt have drained him as much. But he felt somewhat off though he did not know why. He simpy laid back agaisnt the tree and shut his eyes. Shiv was entirely the opposite and he was jumping from tree to tree still unnaturally full of energy. It was clear what was happening. Shivs over excitement was actually tipping the scales towards him and the bond the two shared was becoming detrimental towards Remus. While this wasnt always the case. It was typical of a post battle situation where Shiv enjoyed himself entirely to much. After some time passed Shiv landed on the tree that the duo rested on to keep watch. And as Shiv relaxed Remus started to feel his strength return to him.
Some time passed and Mara stirred, opening her eyes and sitting forward from the tree. Her muscles protested but she ignored them and stretched. The ache in her side had subsided as the tiger had pulled further back from their connection to allow her to sleep. While she felt somewhat refreshed, she was still tired after the battle. Standing she stood and walked to the horse who had been grazing quietly. She checked the animal over for injuries and was pleased to find none. Giving the horse a pat on the neck, she then checked all her belongings and weapons were still secure and added her new bow to the others before turning to survey their new surroundings and the marsh.
Remus slowly let his eyes open still leaning back on the tree. He still felt a little tired but that was perhaps due to the excessive amount of mana he consumed in such a short period without recycling any. "How are you feeling? " he calls out to Mara with a soft voice. He knew he needed to replenish what he used and his coat was inhibiting this from happening to quickly "if you dont mind... id like to rest a little longer before we continue... this is hydra marsh... and on the other side are the fields of Albion... thats the next city we need to stop in. Mainly to get a good night of sleep and resupply for you and your friend. Atleast we are no on the correct side of the mountain range." He chuckles weakly and shuts his eyes again. "Shiv...." he speaks without looking but he knew Shiv was in the tree above him "jump to the inn and bring me back the buggest chalice of Ambrosia you can find." Shiv immidietly jumps down and draws a new glyph on the ground more ornate than the ones previously drawn by Remus. This particular one lead back to his inn several thousand miles northwest of where they were. After a few moments Shiv had completed the glyph and vanished leaving the glowing symbol on the ground. "We will need a few specific items to cross this marsh... namely antidotes for the several different poisons that can be found here. Some are airborn and can be inhaled with little or no warning... some cause paralysis but the majority lead to certain death without the antidote. We must tread softly"
Mara looked to Remus as he caled out to her, "I'm fine" she said with a small smile, "just tired" She wasn't one to make a fuss over things but was glad when he suggested resting up a while longer and moved to sit at the base of the tree again as he described the marsh they were soon to cross, "It just gets better doesn't it" she said in a sarcastic tone, staring out over the marsh. She turned her head to look at Remus, "Are you OK?" She asked noticing he wasn't acting himself. She hadn't imagined he would have been tired after the battle, after all he didn't need sleep.
The old mage smiled and nodded "I will be fine... I just used up entirely to much mana and in an effort to protect everyone from the constant drain I have on my surroundings ive stifled my mana regeneration." His eyes slide open as he turns to look at her. He was in a very weak state and having Shiv summoned was taking its toll. But he needed to keep him materialized until he returned wuth the wine. Suddenly Shiv returns with a large chalice of the beautiful golden liquid. The guard promptly kneels before Remus and hands him the large over sized cup. Remus gladly takes it and draws in a long drink. Almost instantly he could feel strength surge through his again. By the time he finishes the cup he would be back to normal. "Aaaah yes.. this is the finest Ambrosia ive had in a long time." He chuckles softly and drinks again. With each drink his voice got stronger and stronger until it was back to normal. "Shiv..." he finally says restored to an acceptable degree. "Clear that glyph I wouldnt want anyone or anything tracing jt back to the inn." Shiv gies to clear the glyph "master I scouted the whole area around here and there is nothing out here but bugs and the occasional hatchling"
She nodded as he explained. It was obvious how much energy he had used to get them through the city safely. As Shiv returned she sat back and watched Remus begin to drink the Ambrosia. She smiled when he seemed back to his normal self, her smile changed to a puzzled expression as Shiv mentioned 'hatchlings', "What are hatchlings?" She asked warily, unsure if she actually wanted to know the answer. She assumed Shiv meant insects when he referred to bugs and she wasn't at all squeamish when it came to creepy crawlies.
Shiv turns to her with a smile moving his mask to the side to let her see his nonchalant expression. "Hydras of course... you know 3 headed serpent like creatures... cut off one head and 2 take its place." He laughs a little " why do you think its called hydra marsh?" He grins a little "but these are just hatchlings... I havent seen any adults yet. Though im sure they are around here somewhere. Maybe deeper in there." He shurgs casually meanwhile Remus was slowly but surely finishing his cup "dont scare her Shiv." He looks at Mara with his trademark warm smile "yes... its called hydra marsh because its the home of the entire hydra population on this side of the world. But they are usually rather passive and bot aggressive even if we run into an adult or two.. they are bound to just go about their business and pay us no mind"
Mara stared wide eyed as Shiv explained about the hydras. She wasn't squeamish with bugs but huge serpent like creatures were enough to make her cringe. She looked out over the marsh until Remus spoke up and assured her the hydras shouldn't cause a problem then she raised an eyebrow to Shiv for trying to scare her. "When do we set off?" She was ready to go and get through to the next city. Seeing people again would be nice after the swarms of goblins they had just encountered.
Remus chuckled soflty at her reaction and took another long sip. "We should head off in the morning. It would be unwise to travel this marsh at night and despite us making extremely good time through Nyx." He looked up at the warm orange glow of the sun. "I swear sometimes it feels likemthe days are getting shorter and shorter." He sighs and looks back to her. "Relax... we will get to Albion tomorrow afternoon and spend the night at a nice inn that I know. Its not as extravagant as Mirrodin but its better than anything out here. Shiv.. the tent please.. " Shiv nodded gently and moved away to a soft patch of dirt not fsr from them and began enscribbing another glyph. The tent on the other side of the mountain would be tranfered here a few moments after Shiv was done. "Despite Shivs resourcefulness with the tent situation." He laughs lightly his eyes starring at Mara with a strange look of desire. He quickly looks away and takes another sip.
Mara felt relieved that they would stay the night at the edge of the marsh, she was tired and there was no real quick fix for that other than sleep. Another night in a warm bed in an inn was enough to put a sile on her face as she watched Shiv draw a glyph and fetch the tent. She did notice Remus's staring at her, she looked away and blushed slightly, "I should get some sleep" she said quickly as she stood and brushed herself down. It was a pointless action as through their travels, her clothing had become rather dirty and worn. She would have to get more the next day. Moving towards the tent, she turned before entering, "Goodnight Remus" she said with a soft smile, then to Shiv, "Goodnight Shiv" she gave him a nod before entering the tent and climbing straight onto the cot. She was almost instantly asleep.
Remus nodded a goonight to her as she walked away. He sat for a while longer sipling his wine making a mental note to himself not to excert so much of his own mana again. He should recycle it using fire to attack then absorbing the heat to replenish the mana used to cast it initially. This was really his reason for fire being his preferred element because it was essentially free for him to cast it. He grins slightly as the night slowly rolls in his eyes trail up to the stars. "Lazarus. ... I know you can hear me... we are coming... in peace and I wish no quarrel with you.." his voice was but a whisper when suddenly the deep ghostly voice responds and any around Remus could hear its ghastly terrifying sound " I can feel you approaching from worlds away. I know that blood anywhere. Why do you return so soon?" The voice was deep and powerful with a starnge demon like reverberation. "Keep it down will you. You might wake my companion... I seek your help Lazarus. " the demon vampire then replies " so you will bring me fresh blood as payment? You know our pact. I will not do whatever it is you wish for free." Remus smiles and nods "yes I know the pact. Fear not I will have you seek." He looks over at the tent to see if Mara was still sleeping or if she had heard any of the conversation.
Mara laid almost perfectly still except for her breathing. She woke with a start as a voice seemed to boom through the air. Sitting up, she looked around but only heard Remus. Unsure if the voice had been in a dream, she stood from the cot and walked to the entrance to the tent, "Remus?" She said, fighting back a yawn, "Who was that?" She asked almost hoping she had dreamt the terrifying voice so it wouldn't be real. She rubbed her eyes and looked around from the doorway of the tent not seeing anyone but Remus sat in the same spot she had left him in. Taking a few steps out of the tent she looked around once more, the marsh looking a lot spookier in the darkness.
The mage slowly turns his gaze to her " so he did wake you.... that. Was our friend Lazarus. He knows we are coming..." he waa debating with himself if he should tell her the truth about the relationship between the two. Remus and Lazarus are in fact cknmected much deeper than he lead on. But for now he bit hia tongue holding back the secret. Surely if ahe found out she may change her views of Remus and what he truly is. "He can feel me getting closer. And im fact we are about half way there so its no surprise that he can feel me coming." He chuckles lightly sipping on his wine again "I simply told him I need his help with something when he asked why I was coming. I wasnt specific of course. That part I will leave to you to explain. In any case....tomorrow we clear this marsh and attempt to cross the fields all the way to Albion... then we cross the north sea... make a stop in Avalon.... then move onto Crete. The outer forest is known as the forest of woe... which is where we will find Lazarus. It wont be long before you see your family again." He promised although their was still plenty of ground to cover. The path was not as harsh as it sounded. The north sea however secretly had him worried.
She frowned slightly, the vampire must have been powerful to feel Remus from such a distance. "Can he be trusted not to try and kill us when we get there?" She said quietly, moving to Remus and taking her seat next to him again. She didn't want to see him hury because of her quest. She gave a weak smile as he said it wouldn't be long before she saw her family again and the journey seemed exciting, "I've never been on a boat before" she said, her tone slightly apprehensive, "Will it take long to get over the sea?"
Remus laughs a little at her question. " will he attempt to kill us. Most certainly. Will he succeed? Of course not. He cannot kill me, nor can I kill him." He laughs a little more. Though he did say this without actually stopping to think about it l. Perhaps he revealed a little to mich already. He hopes she wont catch the clue. "The north sea is quick vast indeed.... we will be stopping at the island of Avalon. Some know it as the island of the dead...but all those stories are just wives tales to keep people away. The town is actually quite religious in their own stra ge practices and dont usually take kindly to outsiders. But I know we will need to stop there. Sailing all the way across the north sea without stopping halfway would be madness." He chuckles soflty tdrinking from his cup again. His cold gray eyes onve again drift over to her to stare slightly before turning away. "Never been on a boat you say? If the water is calm it wil be a nice experience. However if the seas are particularly rough... Perhaps it qould be best to have a few drinks and attempt to sleep through it." Sea sickness was no joke and unfortunately once someone is seasick they stay seasick until they are back om dry land.
Mara pouted slightly as Remus laughed at her. She didn't catch onto him giving a bit too much information. Shaking her head, she leant back on the tree and stared up into the leaves, "I don't drink that much" she laughed shortly, "My mother always said 'alcohol turns Lords into imbeciles'. She thought worse of a Lady who would drink to excess" she looked to Remus a soft smile still on her face, "So far, she's been proven right with the people I've seen in a few towns." She continued to stare at him in silence for a few moments, "Promise me, Lazarus won't hurt you." It wasn't a question, more of an order, "I couldn't bear it if something happened to you because of me" she spoke quietly.
Remus shakes his head slightly. "I cant promise that Mara...Lazarus is very cunning and if he wants to hurt me he knows how quite easily." He sighs again and takes another sip. "Its alright though. I can promise he wont kill me. Im sure if he could he would most certainly try. However I fear that he may try and kill you. He is a vampire after all. He will need to bite you... and if he drains to much you may fall to sleep and never wake up. However in order for his magic to work and send you back to where you want to go... he needs your blood. So I lm certain that you need to offer him your neck." He nods slightly agreeing with himself. "But after that it wont be to difficult for him. Atleast sending you back wont be difficult. Im not sure what happens from there."
She sat in silence as he spoke of her offering Lazarus her neck. A hand moved to her neck as she thought of the vampire biting her. If it had to happen then it had to happen but then a thought hit her and created a new sadness, one she hadn't expected, "When...if...he sends me back, we would never meet would we?" She knew she had to do what she could for her family but then she would lose her new friends and she would even miss Shiv, "Would I remember all of this?" The thought of time travel and everything that came with it was a complicated thing and even then there were the dangers that had been spoken off previously.
Remus nods gently "of course you will remember this. The real trick comes when he explains all of it to you. Unfortunately that is not my area of expertise I couldnt begin to tell you the principles of it." He looks over at her with a hunger that would perhaps rival Lazarus. Truth be told he had been growin rather hungry, but it wasnt food he was craving. No, something far more exotic. But for now he would try to stifle his forbidden thirst. While he didnt drink blood like a conventional vampire. Remus was a whole other sort of being, and one need only notice his particular attributes to understand that he doesn't hunger for blood or food. "Now... the question is... how will he send you back? Will it be body and all? Or is it just your consciousness? If he sends your consciousness back then your mind will take over your younger self... but if he sends you back then their will two of you in the past
Mara pushed her hair from her face, her hands coming to rest on the back of her neck, her fingertips lightly touching the scar that ran down her upper back. Closing her eyes, she sighed softly, "What happens if there are two of me?" She asked after a small pause, "Only one will be able to live with my family..." There were more questions than answers and she knew the only one who could answer them all would be Lazarus but she was unsure he could be trusted.
Remus shakes his head " I dont know. But im sure your past self would be mighty surprised to see your future self. The scary part is that what if your past self attempts to kill your furture self." He cant help but chuckle. He was semi joking with her. "If he sends back your conciousness then you will have two bodies but only one conciousness. Your past body in which your present mind will go to and your present body that will be at Lazarus' tower." He sighs shaking his head. "This is why time travel never became my forte. Far to many variables. Im certain he will be able tk answer all your questions." He offers her a warm smile "cheer up.... I hear a vampire bite is quite pleasurable even"
She shook her head and opened her eyes to look at him, it was all too complicated for her. As he joked about a vampires bite being pleasurable, she frowned, reaching out and pushing his arm gently, "I doubt it" she said trying to sound angry at his joke but her uncertainty about the whole situation could be heard in her tone. Leaning back against the tree, she closed her eyes once again and tried to clear her mind of the confusion and the questions. They would only drive her crazy on the journey if she let them. "Do you trust him to keep to his word?" She asked, her mind opening to the lands around them as she tried to relax.
Remus nods gently at her question. "Lazarus is a noble... perhaps the oldest vampire in existence. He is someone who values his word beyond all. If he agrees then i have no doubt he will keep his word." He cant help but smile " I can convince him to help. In fact I can make him an offer he will not refuse. You neednt worry yourself about it. The time will come when these bridges need to be crossed but until then theres no need to worry. One way or another we will make him." He offers her a warm smile again
Opening her eyes, she looked to him and smiled slightly. She reached a hand out to his and took hold of it gently that familiar tingling feeling made it's way up her arm, "Thank you Remus" she said quietly, she knew he didn't have to help her but he was and it wasn't a straightforward journey, "I don't want to see you hurt though" she was concerned for him, Lazarus may not have been able to kill him but he could hurt him and that didn't sit well with her.
The mage shakes his head gently taking her hand in the process. " I assure you its quite alright. Im more worried about you. He will have to bite you.... and I know you are against that im sure but thats juat how it works." He sighs holding onto her hand with his usual smile still on his face. "Besides if he does something drastic he will have me to answer to and even if I cant kill him. I can certainly make him wish he was dead...well more dead than he already is." He laughs a little sipping his wine a little more. "You're quite welcome. The journey itself is and a new companion is well worth the trouble." He cant help but grin. A playful grin he had yet to show her.
She sighed quietly and nodded, leaning against him, her head resting on his shoulder, "I hope you're right" she said quietly, her mind touching his but going no further without his permission. "Tell me about Avalon" she said changing the subject, "Why don't they like outsiders?" She lifted her head slightly to look at him, a small smile on her tired face.
Remus welcomes her resting on his shoulder, and he in turn returns the gesture gently laying hismhead against hers. "Avalon is necromancer island... its filled with people who worship the dead and practice reanimation and all sorts of dark arts as I've grown to call them. They twnd to be rather secretive bevause most of their practices are looked down upon by the outside world. Me included. I dont like them, not one bit." He sighs gently, lowering his cup a bit swirling its contents slowly. "But alas, its the only thing between Albion and Crete." He grins a little " those wives tales arent exactly lying about avalon... but they arent all that truthful either. Necromancers tend to be extremely religious and have rituals for everything including human sacrifices so you can really get a picture of why they are mostly misunderstood. Every now and them one may drift into the outside world. But they are few and far between." He sets rhe cup down next to him and reaches up to gently run his fingers through her hair, his nostrils flare taking in her scent. "Its this seclusion that allowed them to become masters of death.... but before you ask what I think youre going to ask. Know that they do not resurrect people.. they raise the dead yes.. but they only animate the body. Nothing more."
Mara listened as Remus described the people of Avalon. She stared into the darkness of the marsh as he spoke, her eyes closing as he ran his fingers through her hair. She smiled as he guessed what she was going to ask, "I thought you couldn't read my mind" she said quietly joking, squeezing his hand gently. Tiredness crept over her once again but she didn't want to move from under the tree, "They sound...interesting" she said sleepily, shifting slightly to get comfortable, "What about Crete?" She asked with a yawn, "What's it like there?" She was doing her best to stay awake, to listen to him but sleep was winning the battle.
Continues to stroke her hair as he continues talking. "Crete is a little mor lively... yet it is quite a militaristic state. It has a powerful navy and some of the finest soldiers the world has ever known. Its been quite some time since I have visited but I am well respected there. We should have no issues there. Fortunately it will be the final stop before the forest of woe. That place is my biggest worry. Its a cursed forest that slowly drives people insane with visions and illusions. Most people that walk into never find their way out. Lazarus lores people here and then feeds. Like clockwork people wonder intl the forest at night. Rumor has it he actually goes into town and hypnotizes a person or two into wondering into the woods never to be seen again." He chuckles softly careful not to startle her.
Mara relaxed against Remus as he spoke. She was glad to hear the rest of their journey wouldn't be all about death, at least they had Crete before they met Lazarus. Hearing about the Forest of Woe caused her to tense slightly, "Lazarus sounds like a really friendly person" she said quietly, sarcasm evident in her tone. Shifting slightly, she let herself drift off to sleep doing her best not to think about the forthcoming journey ahead of them.
Remus nods gently as he lays back a little more against the tree letrinf her get more comfortable on his shoulder. His arm moves to wrap around her gently. He was doing his best to suppreas his constant drain, his skin however, still felt a bit cool to the touch. "Lazarus can be quite charming if he pleases. But for the most part he simpmy takes what he wants with no remorse. The only reason he bothers to kill people in such a sneaky manner is that he would rather not draw that attention to himself. And he doesn't want to scare off his steady food supply. Im sure if they knew that a vampire lord made his home so close to the city they might try to wage war against him. Not that he wouldnt have trouble slaughtering their army, that is well within his capabilities, but im sure he doesn't want to waste all that food." He chuckles lightly then sighs slowly taking his hand back ketting it fall back down to his cup.
Considering Mara didn't like cold, at all, Remus's cool skin didn't bother her in the slightest. She half listened to him, his voice quite soothing as she fell asleep, a small "Mmm" was all she could muster before she was fast asleep. For all she had tried not to think about Lazarus, she dreamt about him, about people going missing only to end up a meal for him. Knowing she would end up, for lack of a better term, a meal too certainly had unnerved her. She could almost feel his teeth on her skin when, some time later, she woke with a start. Sitting up from Remus's arms, she looked around and tried to calm herself and stop her heart from racing. The marsh had an eerie pre-dawn light about it so she knew daylight wasn't far away.
Remus smiles as she wakes up with a sudden jerk. "Having a bad dream were you?" The question was rhetoric and as he sat up with her he still kept his arm around her. "Its beautiful isnt it?" The sky lit up with a pale orange glow in the distance and the dim light seemed to cha ge to a purplish hue as it neared the marsh. The air had a sort of early morning mist that hung low over the tree tops. "We still have some time if youd like to relax a little before we set off." Shiv hops down from a nearby branch "we are clear to go master. Everything ahead is calm. We are in for an easy day of smooth sailing"
Nodding, she leant back into his arms and moved her hands to her face to rub her eyes and push her hair from her face. "It is beautiful" she agreed, the morning mist carried a small chill with it that hung in the air. Shivering slightly she moved closer to him despite the fact he would not make her any warmer. She looked around seeing the horse standing almost perfectly still by the tent. The quiet stillness around them was relaxing but she couldn't relax with the thought of what was ahead. Nevertheless, she didn't move and gave a small nod at the suggestion of trying to relax, "When will we set off?" she asked looking up to him after Shiv had given the all clear for them to go when ready.
Remus sighs gently relaxed in this position "when the sun is fully up we will be setting off." He turns to look at Shiv "pick up the tent and be ready to set off. You picked up antidotes from the inn before you came back I assume" Shiv bows slightly and replies "why of course I did. Even she or the horse become poisoned we have the necessary antidotes. Nothing to worry about" Shiv contonued talking aimlessly as he walked away seemingly to himself. "Now then.." he held her close his eyes narrowing slightly at the marsh and as the orange glow started to overtake the cool mist the multitude of flowering plants seem to close up their leaves and return to looking like vines and buds. The hydra marsh bloomed beautifully at night but last night the sheer darkeness of it all and the lack of a full moon to illuminate the marsh made it quite impossible to really take in its beauty. Right now, however, in the last fleeting moments of darkness the marh really stood out as an otherworldly area streaked with glowers and plants that were dashing with a plethora of colors. But as the sun rose even more the flowes and blooms slowly closed and went dormant making the marsh seem strangely ordinary. It was this dual personality of thw place that made it impossible to navigate at night. One weong move and the beautiful flowers could sting and poison a person. But their toxic beauty made it all quite breathtaking.
Mara sat in Remus's embrace doing her best to relax ahead of the next leg of their journey. She managed to at least let her body relax as she watched the day take over the lands around them. Shiv's matter of fact explanation about the antidotes was both comforting and not at the same time but she pushed the thoughts of poison aside and concentrated on the moment they had and feeling safe in his arms. After a short while she pulled her mind back from his and sat up away from his embrace. Smiling, she moved to stand, "I should prepare the horse" she said, her tone much more relaxed than it had been.
Remus nodd gently as he follows after slowy standing he replaces his coat in the same motion. He stretches out a bit before slowly heading towards the marsh. The floor was covered with several inches of water and moss could be seen floating, slowly drifting across the surface. Remus kicked off his wooden sandels and made his way to the water stepping on it as if it were solide. His feet however did make small ripples giving the illusion that he was making the water solid as he stepped. But in reality he was simply walking just along the surface. In a very jesus like manner as one would say. "Alright.m here we go. It is extremely important that no one touches anything. And I meany anything. Rule of thumb is. The brighter it looks the more dangerous it is. As we walk im certain that some flowers may bloom to tempted you into picking or smelling or even touching them but do not... under any circumstances touch or smell anything. Breath lightly and dont run.. if there is some brush in our path either I or Shiv will move it but dont touch anything. We have antidotes but thag doesnt mean thag it wont be excruciatingly painful if any of these things poisons you." He smiles warmly "dont worry it will be perfectly safe as long as everyone does exactly as I say"
Mara readied herself with her weapons and started to prepare the horse for their journey. She finished just as Remus began to speak about travelling through the marsh. She listened intently and nodded as he gave the instructions, "Got it" she said shortening the reins she was using to guide the horse. She was sure she would be able to follow his orders but she couldn't pass them onto the horse so would keep the animal closer. "Here we go' she spoke to the horse quietly, patting her neck before starting to navigate the marsh slowly, her steps were slow and tentative as she followed Remus, watching out for any plants or flowers in their path.
Nods gently in response and turns walking on water his feet making tiny ripples as he does. In his left hand he held his two pegged wooden sandels. For a while the walk was uneventful and the subtle sounds of a few birds chirping and several different kinds of insects filled the air as the sun began to rise. The light poured kn dimly at first blanketing the travel crew with warmth as the sun came into view. Shiv was walking in the rear, behind her horse and judging from his pouty look and body language he was not to happy about it either. "Do I really have to walk in the back?!" He called out in a semi whiny tone.Remus chuckles softly and replies with amusement in his voice "yes! Think of it as payback for playing all your pranks that only you think are funny. I pray the horse breaks wind at you too then it will really be payback" Remus begins laughing loudly and Shiv could be heard groaning in protest in the back. Suddenly in the distance a massice head rose above the trees and looked about casually munching on what appeared to be the local vegetation. As the head lowered another two heads slowly rose and looked around also with.mouth fulls of the greenish substance. Remus stopped in his tracks "shhhhhh dont move.... let him pass by..." the head seemed almost like a cross between a snake and a toothy looking dinosaur purple in color with bright yellow triangular spike like appendages that lined the back of its head and trailed down its long snake like neck. The creatures eyes narrowed in their direction for a moment before the two heads lowered back down without commotion. "We should wait for it to move rather than go around it" Remus whispered back.
Keeping the horse close, she continued to follow Remus carefully although at Shivs protesting, she did giggle along with Remus until the creature was spotted in the distance. She automatically froze but quickly grabbed a piece of fabric from the saddle and covered the horses eyes before freezing on the spot again. She stared at the creature, holding her breath as it stared at them before continuing with it's breakfast. Her gaze moved from the creature to Remus as he whispered. She didn't respond but her grip on the reins tightened as the horse shifted on the spot, displeased at having her eyes covered.
Remus stood quietly with his hand raised up to signal that it was not clear to go. Several minutes passed before the heavy footsteps of the giant creature could be fently felt as it moved on its way grazing in a strange horse like manner. "Stay in the brush while we sneak past him. Their eyes dont see to sharply so even if we stay in some light cover we shluld be alright" The mage slowly and cautiously begins to move forward. Lucky for them they had yet to run into anything dangerous plant or animal alike. It wasnt until some rustling in the under brush ahead forced him to stop that it dawn on him. Hydras, while normally not aggressive, could be extremely territorial if their young are threatened. And as luck would have it a small bipedal purple scaled hydra poked one of its heads behind the bush. Without thinking twice Remus immidietly points his hand at it whispering a spell under his breath and before they youngin could react it seemer to stumble and then dose off lowering down and slumping into sleep until finally collapsing on its side. "This is not good. ... he need to hurry. At any moment the parent could return or call for its young...and when it doesnt get a response it will be a big problem for us if we are discovered. Come..quickly now" Remus starts to speed up summoning his beautiful red sword to begin quickly and rather silently slashing a clearing as he moves. If thwy cannbuild enough distance then they should be safe. But thats a big if at this point.
Mara silently soothed the horse but kept the cloth over it's eyes as they moved so the animal didn't spook at the sight of everything else. She barely dared breathe as they quietly moved, making sure neither she or the horse got too close to any plant life. The rustling caused the horse to stop and raise it's head, trying to shake the cloth from it's face. Pulling it's head back down to her shoulder, she stroked it's nose and whispered to it as Remus put the small hydra to sleep. Ordinarily, she would have been fascinated with the creature but as soon as Remus moved, she moved. Remus said they needed to move quickly and she had no qualms with that. She kept the horse close as she moved behind him watching her step carefully.
The mage lead the way as quickly as he could while still moving as silent as possible. Though these two thingsbhad to be traded off. They could only move so fast without making to much noise. Suddenly in the distance a loud roaring sound could be heard. This was the mother calling for its young, Remus knew now that it was only a matter of time before the big one would relize that the youngin wasnt coming. That momment camev faster than expected when the distress call previously uttered became one that sounded enraged and judging by the loud boomin footsteps and thrashing about that could be heard along with the crushing of trees and bushes and everything else in its path. ".uuuuuuh master..the mother is coming. I think she smells our trail!" Sure enough the footsteps were getting louder and louder. Now there was no time to be quiet, now they had to run for the lives. "Run!" He calls out behind him. Remus quickly gathers energy in the hand holding the sword refusing to drop his sandels from the other. Within moments he blasts a focus beam of heat carving a perfectly circular path for them to run along. The end of the marsh could be seen in the distance but the footsteps of the gaint were approaching fast. And the roaring was becoming almost deafening "Shiv slow it down...buy us time to get out of this damn marsh!" Shiv immidietly leaps into the air to reveal himself to the massive hydra and with a single quick fluid motion he is able to form his bow and fire an arrow into the creatures leg. Though to little effect the hydra continues its pursuit relentlessly. Shiv quickly flash steps to one side firring another arrow at it trying to draw its attention. But again to no avail.
The almost deafening sound from the hydra was enough to send the horse into a frenzy. Mara couldn't keep hold of her and avoid the hooves as the horse reared up so she released the reins. When Remus blasted the hole in the undergrowth ahead of them she quickly grabbed at the reins again and yanked the horse in the direction of the newly cleared path before slapping it's hindquarters and sending it off to the edge of the marsh. She followed quickly, trying to avoid touching any of the plant life at the edge of the path. Glancing behind her she saw Shiv trying to distract the angry mothet but it wasn't working. She moved faster, her agility certainly helping but she wasn't sure she was moving fast enough.
Remus looks ober his shoulder and actually sees the massive clawed feet of the pissed off hydra raging towards them. Any moment now they would be outrun. "Go on ahead I will cover you!" He calls out as he stops abruptly in hia track turning around to face the massive creature as it barreled towards him. Without warning the creature lounges down with one of its head aiming to take a chuck out of the mage if not bite him in half all together. Remus however had already prepaired for this and he immidietly stomped his foot on the ground and the few inches of water that covered the ground rose up as commanded gathering water from a around to instantly shoot up to create an extremely dense wall of water. The wall was powerful enough to push back the creatures head and force it to come to a skidding halt. Remus didnt stop his attack though and ass the water wall came crashing down he manipulated it again into the form of a massive wave rising up higher tha. The wall originally did cresting down and crashing directly into the massive creature forcing it off its feet pushing it back and carrying it quite a distance. Remus wastes no time in turning and following behind Mara. Shiv had already regained his position behind the horse. The wave would only buy them time. The hydra would recover as the wave slowed down and again it would resume its pursuit. But the edge of the marsh was clearly visable and in a few minutes they would cross into the fields of Albion.

[littlemy]

She slowed slightly as she heard Remus, glancing back to see him stop. Catching a glimpse of the huge creature that was following them, she picked up the pace once again and didn't look back despite the sound of the water and the hydra crashing together. She focused on the edge of the forest and ignored the burning in her legs as she started to tire. Hearing things go quieter behind her she turned quickly to see Remus catching up to her and the, now very, angry hydra mother starting her persuit once again. Looking forward, she saw the horse reach the edge of the marsh without incident and carry on for a short distance before stopping to catch it's breath. She slowed as she got to the edge of the marsh, her lungs protesting at the extended sprint they had just had to endure.
Seeing the duo finally cleared the marsh Remus was now able to do what he initially wanted to do to the mother. While he didnt want to harm her he certainly wanted to stop her advance. Finally reaching the edge he stops and turns around once again stomping his foot at the edge of the water forcing water to rise up in a large wall having it crash down and forward like the previous massive wave only this time he called out to Shiv as his servant lept into the air apparently already aware of the plan. With his bow ready to fire he began to charge a shot and just as the wave crashes into the behemoth Shiv fires the arrow at the base of thw wave turning thw entire thing into ice. The wave freezes solid around the creature leaving its three heads to flail about snapping and roaring randomly but its body was frozen in place nonetheless. Remus turns to face Mara walking away from the marsh. He cant help but start laughing at their misfortune. "That certainly didnt go as smooth as I anticipated" Shiv lands next to Remus laughing aswell "well that was fun!" The two laugh for a bit. Remus slowly makes his way to Mara and her horse. "Are you two alright? That was quite a rush"
Mara made her way to the horse, grabbing the reins and trying to stop the spooked animal from fleeing again. She watched Remus and Shiv freeze the hydra in place and walk away rather casually. Resting her head on the horses neck, she caught her breath while they laughed. Shaking her head at Shiv's enjoyment she looked to Remus, "We're fine" she said once her lungs were happy with the oxygen they were receiving. She looked passed him back to the marsh making sure the hydra wouldn't be following them out, "The infant will be fine won't it?" She asked knowing the mother was only protecting her offspring as any mother would.
Remus nods gently "of course I merely put it to sleep. But a spell like that would not work on the full grown mother. And I didnt want to harm her either. The afternoon sun will soften the ice enough for her to break free but by then we will be near the walls of Albion" he points to the city in the distance. The massive city could be seen way off in the distance but its impossibly high walls could easily be seen. The sight made quite a statement of their engineering. Afterall this was a dwarf city they were heading to. "Behold the Dwarf city of Albion.... now come lets get moving before the hydra is able to move again" he chuckles lightly at the thought and casually places his sandels on and starts his walk towarfs the city.
Mara smiled as Remus assured her the infant hydra and it's mother would be unharmed after their encounter. She began walking with him once he had put his sandals back on. She stared at the walls of the city thoughtfully, "My brother always wanted to visit a Dwarf city" she said, her gaze not leaving their destination, "He was intrigued by their engineering" she added looking to Remus with a small smile before looking back ahead of them,"It's very impressive" she said almost to herself.
Remus nods gently in agreement. "Oh yes the dwarves are some of the finest builders that have ever lived. Not only are they skilled they build very quickly due to their fantastic work ethic. With a little luck we may be able to enjoy one of their famous banquets. They make enough food to feed an army only to have it consumed by a hand full of dwarfs. That means when the feast begins eat as much as you can on your first go because chances are there wont be seconds" he laughs a bit "we can take our time walking though, your friend here looks a bit tired from that run" Shiv, of course, has to chime in "tha's ri'ht... the foods grrr'at!" He mocks the dwarven accent comically thick and semi impossible to understand. Remus cant help but laugh at the comment "I do warn you though some dwarves have such a thick accent it makes it very difficult to understand. And they usually have a fiesty temper too. But overall they are good folk"
She listened as Remus described the Dwarves, shaking her head in disbelief as he mentioned about their eating habits, "They can't eat that much surely?" She laughed, not believing that a handful of them could eat enough for an army. Shivs impression of a Dwarf made her laugh even more, "I hope I can understand them" she said through her giggles. After hearing about them, she was quite looking forward to getting to the city and seeing what lay beyond the huge walls. "Do they have a King?" She asked once the laughter had subsided, she wanted to know more about them before they arrived.
The mage nods gently "indeed... they have a king and its strange how they decide who becomes king. They have no real formnof social hierarchy. Instead they decide their king by who is able to drink the most and still maintain conciousness." He cant help but laugh a little. "Strange little people they are... strong as an ox and almost as dense for anything but battle and building. But I have a feeling those two things are in their blood.... and when they arent fighting or building things they are eating and drinking ale by the barrel. Maybe not a whole army but a well built dwarf can eat maybe 5 times what a normal human could eat... perhaps more. Some of their larger brethren I have no doubt can out away 10 times what a man can eat." He laughs again his voice full of amusement. "Im particularly fond of them really. They have a very strong sense of honor and respect despite their social shortcomings. And they can throw festivals and feasts that rival even Mirrodin." Shiv chimes in his two cents "nonsense... not even Mirrodin.... Mirrodin cant hold a candle to Albion in terms of festivities." Shiv laughs his playful light hearted laugh and Remus responds "that of course is only because the people of Mirrodin dont drink nearly as much. A handful of dwarves could drink a bar in Mirrodin dry in a matter of hours."
She grew more intrigued as she heard more about the people they were soon to meet. As she heard about them drinking she laughed again as Shiv chimed in, "I'm sure that's entertaining" she said, a smile still on her face as she continued walking. "They sound like wonderful people" she said glancing to the ever-growing city walls. The sight of the city they approached was quite breathtaking, the excitement of meeting the people that lived there was almost enough to push the thoughts of Lazarus away at least for that moment.
The carvings and ornate designs on the walls that reassembled almost keltic markings slowly started to come into view and before long one could easily see that the entirety of the wall was covered In these beautiful intertwining patterns. "Oh yes they are characters. Quite friendly too. And trust me we will need a bit of a break before tackling the north sea. Luckily it is the perfect time of year to cross it. A few months from now the frigid winds and high seas would make crossing it a task for fools. But either way it is a long journey. And I pray that you do not become seasick during the voyage." Remus nods lightly and Shiv speeds up to walk next to them "dont let him scare you Mara, the sea is a fine place to travel. Beautiful views fishing for days and great food...er...depending on the cook." Remus chuckles and shakes his head "for someone who doesnt eat you sure talk about food quite a bit. Do you even remember you last meal?" The mage laughs a little expecting Shiv to answer with his usual silly answers "well no... but I remember your last meal... it was tha-" but before he can finish Remus snaps his fingers and silences Shiv. He didnt want her to know his secret. Not just yet although he was sure at some point she would find out. Shiv gave Remus a surprised look and then he tilted his head back and nodded in understanding "uh...that huge cup of Ambrosia you had earlier" Shiv continues as smoothly as possible.
She took in the designs on the walls; beautiful intricate patterns that showed the passion for their work. Pulling a face as sea sickness was mentioned; it reminded her they had a rough journey ahead. Turning slightly, she looked at Shiv as he spoke, a wide smile on her face as he chatted away. Remus's action to silence Shiv shocked her slightly, she hadn't expected anything like that but she didn't mention it, at least not at that moment. She gave them both a puzzled look then smiled as Shiv finished his sentence with what was obviously not what he was originally going to say. They were quicky approaching the city walls, "Wow" she said softly, stopping as they got close to the gates. She looked up at the unbelievable structure in front of her then looked back to Remus and Shiv, "This is...unreal" she said struggling to find the words to describe what she was seeing.
Remus smiles gently and nods "I know what youre thinking. This is a magnificent structure indeed" he slowly makes his way to the massive gates that bore a strange resemblance to the gates of Mirrodin. Fact is that both walls were built by dwarves. Remus knocks on the gate in a peculiar pattern that sounded almost like a primitive form of morse code. Then the impossibly huge gates slowly parted inwards opening just enough to let them in. The city was quite beautiful on the inside and all the buildings and structures seemed to be completely done over the top. No exoense was sparred in any of its construction. Shops and inns and bars and all sorts of things seemed to be made into a single building thay continued on and on down the street even where streets cross a massive bridge or walk way connected buidings across streets. The whole city appeared to be connected. Each building connected to the next in some form. Everything seemed to be honed out of a single piece of granite n even small building shops appeared as solid as a vault that weighed a million tons. Warves of all shapes and sizes filled the streets but even the tallest of the lot may only reach Mara's chest area. "Welcome... to Albion" Remus said as the gate shut behind them with a heavy clunk.
Mara entered the city, walking slowly behind Remus, the horse close behind her. She let the reins go slack in her hand as she simply stared at the sight that greeted her once she was through the gates. The buildings, the people, it was all like a dream although she could never have dreamt she would have been standing where she was at that moment. Lazarus all but forgotten she stuck close to Remus, feeling quite tall for the first time in her life. The structures around her seemed impossible yet there they were.
Remus chuckles softly as he looks around with a smile. The scent of food being roasted filled the air. Something was always being cooked in Albion. The seasoned scent was almost intoxicating surely making anyones mouth water. "Come... we should find an inn and some stables for your horse. I may need to go into town to arrange a ship to take us to Crete." He reaches into his coat and pulls out a small bag that was tied losely at the top. "Shiv...you and Mara go find a suitable inn... I will areange for our travels. Keep her safe Shiv nods gently taking the bag from the mage moving his mask to the side revealing his face. They had no enemies in Albion and for now they were in a safe zone. "Of course master... I take it you are on your way to see the king?" Remus shakes his head "no.... im going to see our friend general Borlin" Shiv nods gently and turns to Mara "best we sit out on this one... so it looks like its just me and you again. Come on then lets find and in.... and wherever that lovely food is coming from." He says casually placing the bag into his cloak. Remus turns to Mara with a smile "I wont be long...I will see you before you know it. Let me know if Shiv misbehaves will you" he laughs lightly before turning and making his way to the heart of the city.
The smells around her did cause her mouth to water. She looked around trying to take everything in. As Remus told them to find an inn and stables she nodded and gave him a smile, "See you soon" she said, "I will" she laughed before looking to Shiv, "After you" she gestured into the city knowing he would at least have some idea where the inns were. She would follow him, staying close while still trying to see as much as possible. Waiting a short while, she looked around then to Shiv, "Who is General Borlin?" She asked wondering why he thought it best they did their own thing while Remus saw the Dwarf.
Shiv smiles a little and laughs "Borlin is a grumpy old dwarf that faught several hundred battles in his life all of which were served under masters command. Borlin is a talented and intelligent dwarf but he has an extremely bad temper. And he has a thing agaisnt human women. Perhaps because he faught against the infamous Leona of Crete... and she left one hell of a scar on his fave besting him in armed combat. Ever since then he has despised human women." Shiv laughs a little more, his playful nature coming through full force. "Anyways...I think its best if we left thay to him. He will arrange us safe passage and we will more than likely be on a large military vessel so we should have no trouble making good time." He nods gently sighing a bit before turning down one of the less crowded streets. A different well seasoned smell filled his nostrils as they came around the corner "mmmmm you smell that?... that has to be some fine rosemary lamb I smell roasting" he chuckles a bit finally coming to a large beautiful building with the most obvious of names hanging on a well crafted sign 'Ye olde inn' was written in an elegant font in beautiful crafted metal. "Here we are... leta go around tonthe stables and arrange a couple of rooms"
Raising an eyebrow slightly as Borlin was described, she shook her head, "So because he was bested in battle, he holds a grudge against half a race?" She thought it seemed petty and she quite liked the sound of the woman who bested him, "Who is Leona of Crete?" She followed him to the inn, hunger gripping her stomach as the smell of the food grew stronger. Leading the horse to the stables, she removed her bag and her weapons from the saddle, her sword placed at her hip and the bow that was gifted from Shiv rested on her shoulder, before letting a young dwarf take the reins and lead it away. Moving from the stables she looked up at the buildings and smiled knowing that once everything was done, her quest completed, she would have to re-visit the places they had been with exception of the city of goblins and the Hydra Marsh and take in the sights properly.
Shiv smiles broadly taking out thw bag Remus had given himnoaying the dwarf with a single solid gold coin. The dwarf eyed the coin carefully as his browed raised high the nodded vigorously. Shiv offered the little one and smile then turned to Mara. "Leona is the queen of Crete. And she is the misy fierce woman I have ever encountered. She is a brilliant strategists and even more brilliant warrior. As you might suspect she has no king and nor does she desire one. The entire empire repects her unquestionably. You will like her I assure you." Shiv seemed to hold the smile permanently mich like the white mask that seemed to cling effortlessly to the side of his head. "Borlin is as stubborn as dwarves come... they are all stubborn but he takes the cake. Stubborn, petty, prideful. You name it he is probably it." Shiv chuckles lightly and makes his way around towards the lobby, inside the structure was made up of beautiful oak, the cielings had beautiful arch ways that were seemingly carved from a single tree and in some instances they were. Shiv approches the counter and asks the dwarf "two rooms please. Preferably next to each other." He reaches into the bag and pulls out 5 gold coins and slides them across the counter at the dwarf, who had a beard that nearly reached his feet, then replies 'I's to much laddie' Shiv waves his hand casually at the dwarf "keep the change then" offering the dwarf a smile who simply nods in return. "Now then shall we get some food..errr... shall I show you to some food?" His expression was a little puzzled and he says to himself "no.. that doesnt sound right either" Shiv looks at her with a playful look "lets get you some food" he says outloud apparently satisfied with that he makes his way to the door. The dwarf behind the counter calls out ' 'ey! Don' forget yer keys!' Shiv stops in his tracks then walks backwards as casually as he could manage and swipes the keeys from the counter. "Right then. Off we go"
"I like the sound of this Leona" she grinned as she followed Shiv into the inn admiring the interior of the building as she had the exterior. She couldn't help but stare at the dwarf with the long beard however after a few moments she realised she probably seemed rather rude so she smiled and thanked the dwarf before following Shiv again. His puzzled look as he tried to find his words caused her to smile, stifling a giggle, "You are strange Shiv" she said shaking her head. Once they had the room keys, she turned and thanked the inn keeper one more time then left the inn in search of something to eat. There seemed to be so much choice for food, Remus had been right about their eating habits it seemed. She wasn't sure where to begin so left it to Shiv to recommend somewhere.
Shiv walks out the door holding it open for her and only letting it shut after shes cleared the doorway. The various smells filled the air and made any attempt at narrowing down their origins almost futile. He did,however, know of a place not far from the inn that made exceptionally good food. "That may be true. But what can I say...im an eccentric elf. With a taste for good wine and battle. Both of which are ,admittedly, acquired tastes." He laughs a bit parting his cloak and letting boths sides swing over his shoulders giving it a sort of cape like appearance as he pulls his hood back. The beautifully ornate light blue armor finally saw the light of day for longer than the briefest of momments. A rare sight indeed and a sign that he was in a particularly cheerful mood. "Master says that I talk far to much. But im still in his service so it doesnt bother him as much as he leads on." He laughs a little more. "The old man would be lost without me thats for sure. He has the worst sense of direction" his usual smile turns into a grin. "So....what do you think about the joirney so far? We were almoat overrun by a goblin horde...then almoat eaten by a hydra.... hopefully we arent attacked at sea... or become meals for master Lazarus. Though...I doubt he would find me very tasty."
Mara looked up to Shiv as he spoke, one thing was true, he could talk! She didn't mind though, his cheerful manner was almost infectious. Walking along next to the eccentric elf, she thought for a few moments about their journey. There wasn't one way to describe it, "It's been...different..." she said, not sounding convinced by her description, "....I've actually had fun" she added, slightly shocked at that admission. Certain parts of the journey hadn't been fun but the company had, and she had learnt so much in the short time she had known the duo. "I can't thank either of you enough for everything you've done" she smiled to him. Her stomach grumbled and her hand moved to try and quieten it, "I think it's time for food" she laughed.
Shiv cant help but chuckle lightly at her comments. Different she said. "Well theres a place just up the road where you can eat as much as youd like. And they have a fine wine selection to boot. So both of us can enjoy it atleast." The place actually came into view as he was talking also with a big metal sign hanging from the over hang above the door. 'The Squeal' read the sign and the smells emmitting from it doors were simply over powering. "Thats the place!" He exclaimed with excitement. Making his way to the door and opening it for her. "Order whatever you like I have plenty of gold to cover it." Shiv actually had a bad habit of over oaying everyone for everything. But two things came of it. Everyone loved him and thieves tried to target him. Though thueves never got very far. Despite his nonchalant cheerful demeanor he could be quite the bad ass if need be.
The smile remained on her face as Shiv pointed out where they would be getting food. She nodded thanks to him as she walked through the door he was holding open. The atmosphere seemed to carry through from the street inside the building and Shiv must hve been right about the food being good as it was busy. Spotting a small table, she walked between a few others and sat, feeling once again tall as the tables were smaller than she was used to. She laughed quietly to herself as she removed her bow resting it out of the way against the table along with her sword. "I'll have whatever is good please" she said to a female dwarf who wandered over to the table, ignoring her protesting stomach, "No wine for me though" she added, "just water, thank you" she looked around then to Shiv, "Will Remus be joining us soon?"
Shiv shrugs as he sits down at the table, he too was oversized despite his thing frame. He had long legs and the proble was quite apparent as he crammed into the tiny spot. "Once you find a comfortable position you just have to stay there." The plump dwarf lady comea up to the with a writting pad 'what'll ye 'ave' Shiv motions for the dwarf to duck down so he can whisper in her ear and after a few moments she nods scribbling madly onnthe pad then walks off. "Its a surprise" the grin returns to his face. 'How much longer master? Surely that grumpy dwarf is done with you.' To his surprise Remus does not respond to the mental call. "Thats strange he wont answer....well no cause for concern whatever it is im sure he can handle it himself. I just want my wine" he playfully plants his fist on the table only producing a small thump. It wasnt for another few momments before Remus answered back 'preoccupied with this old bastard. He wont give me an answer and keeps on goin around rhe question. Keeps on talking about Leona this and Leona that.' Shiv laughs outloud "master Remus is having a time with Borlin... the old fool is still chatting away about Lady Leona and seems reluctant to send a ship accross the sea to her. But fear not... master Remus can be very convincing... he could simply command him to but I doubt he wants to magically take advantage of him." The dwarf lady returned with tall cup of ice water and an entire bottle of some expensive looking red wine and a tall stemmed glass. 'Yer meal'll be up sh'rtly' the dwarf managed to say as politely as a dwarf could manage.
She bit her lip to stop herself laughing as she watched Shiv squeeze into the small space. She raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a suspicious look as he ordered a surprise. That quickly faded as he said he couldn't get a reply from Remus, she grew slightly concerned until they finally got an update. "We could go and speak to him?" She suggested, "After all I'm not your typical human woman so he shouldn't hate me" she shrugged, it was true that she wasn't 'normal' and that could set her aside from being grouped with the General's hatred of human females. She looked to the dwarf woman as she set the drinks on the table, "Thank you" she said picking up the cup and taking a long drink before setting the cup back down on the table.
Shiv shakes his head "I dont think so" he says pouring some wine into the cup then tales a long sip before continuing "you certainly look human. And I know you aren't but he doesnt. And even if he did I doubt he would change his mind. If all else fails he will just bribe him into doing it. Im Borlin would fancy a nice new legendary wepon. Master has a multitude of weapons that we have collected over the ages. You know he actually is in possession of the Caliburn. Most commonly known as Excalibur." He laughs a little taking another long drink "and dont worry about thanking us this is just another excuse to go on an adventure. We have walked the world for centuries wondering from pace to place town to town without a cause. Even is master Lazarus doesnt have the answers you seek. We can always adventure to find the legendary golden fleece." The dwarf lady returns with a huge platter that could easily feed a group of people. Bbq everything. It had assorted chicken and turkey and roast pork sliced thinly, even two racks of some delicious looking ribs. The dwarf sets the platter down and si.ply walks away silently. "Dig in..." Shiv could clearly be seen eyeing the food with a hunger that rivalled a starving african kid. But alas, he would be unable to eat. He sighs at the smell of deliciousness "I ordered the small assorted sample platter and she brings this monstrosity. Everything smells incredible. I have to admit im jealous"
She stared at Shiv and blinked, her eyes changing to their yellow-green hue for a few moments as her mind reached out to the few domestic cats in the area, "It wouldn't be hard to show him" She didn't push the matter though if Shiv didn't think she could help then she probably couldn't. As he spoke of 'Master' Lazarus, she grew slightly puzzled, opening her mouth to question his use of the term 'Master' when the food was set in front of her. Her jaw almost hit the table as she stared at the platter, "Small?!" She laughed not knowing where to start, "You could feed a small town with this" she said noticing Shivs jealousy, "I wish I could share it with you" added, her tone sympathetic. She picked up a small piece of chicken and started picking it apart, eating small mouthfuls, savouring the taste, "Mmm it is good" she said between mouthfuls. A few bites later she paused, the chicken still in her hand, "Why did you call Lazarus, Master?" She queried, putting another small piece of chicken in her mouth.
Shivs brow quirked slightly, realizing that once again he had spoken to much but it was to late to go back now. "I suppose now is as good a time as any to explain a little bit." He takes in a long drink nearly draining his glass then refills it manually as he speaks. "Master Lazarus and master Remus formed a pact several thousand years ago. They two are connected quite closely though not quite the same as he and I are. Master Lazarus is the one responsible for completely stopping master Remus' age." He sighs shaking his head gently " master Remus had to become something terrifying in order to complete the pact and still is to this day that scary being." He nids gently. " master Lazarus is the oldest of vampires, some say the first one ever and his gifts are quite unique and his alone. Master Remus is the only son of the goddess Athena... and for a time he lived his life as a simple man...his father was an elf like myself. Another of the greater gods... the ruler of the underworld cursed Athena for having a half breed child and in turn placed a curse on master Remus. He would age twice as rapid as any normal man so that Athena could only have her child for half the time." He takes another long sip. "Master Remus having been born with an unusually powerful magical ability was studying the magical arts from his father and he learned of this curse one day when his mother reached out to him through a dream. So seeking a solution he eventually learned that this curse was unbreakable and he was doomed to die an early death. However he stumbled across Lazarus and impressed him with his magical talents by besting him in a contest of might and wits. Lazarus theb made a pact with him...changing him into what he is today cheating the curse." He offers her a warm smile before taking another long sip. "You see.. Master Remus is what is known as a soul eater....he consumes souls and by doing so remains immortal."
Mara sat in silence, still continuing to eat from the giant platter in front of her as Shiv explained the history between Remus and Lazarus. She stopped eating as he ended his explanation and placed the rib she had been picking at back on the platter, "You mean, like yours and Kalista's souls?" She hadn't expected to hear that about her new friend. She took a quick drink from the cup of water and sat back in her chair waiting for his answer. She knew Remus wouldn't be happy about Shiv's revelation but now she felt like she needed to know. She was trusting Remus with her life yet he was leading her to someone who he had a pact with, who was a cold blooded killer. All of a sudden she didn't feel very hungry and what she had eaten seemed to weigh heavily in her stomach.
He shakes his head at her question and sips his wine again. " no no.. dont misunderstand. The four of us joined master Remus voluntarily. He didnt consume our souls. We are here to help him maintain his body on this plane. You see he has grown so powerful thats his body and soul alone could no longer contain it. He was on the vurge of acceding to a higher form of being but in doing so he would be unable to interact and enjoy all the things he loves." He chuckles soflty "besides he has consumed enough souls to live for an extremely long time already. The countless wars and battles he has faught in provided quite the meal." He offers her a smile again "this is why he said that they cannot kill each other. And master Lazarus will not go againt his wishes because master Remus has something that the vampire lord has always desired." He refills his cup again. While not directly trying to put her at ease. He would hope that his humble explanation would be enough. "In any case you have nothing to fear. I know the two will battle. And im sure they will wound each other. But to them its more like a game. The only difference is that master Remus has a deep rooted concern for human life...and master Lazarus simply doesnt care about human life. While he may not directly atempt to kill you. Their battle will be quite dangerous for by standers sinply because of the nature of the vampire lords attacks and abilities. But dont worry, you have me to shield you from that."
Continuing to sit in silence, she listened to Shiv and nodded her understanding of what he was saying. The connection between Remus and Lazarus still made her uneasy, moreso since she hadn't been told about it before Shiv had said too much. The uneasy feeling wouldn't shift, although she knew Remus wouldn't hurt her but the thought of him consuming people's souls turned her stomach. She stared at the table for a short while before pushing to stand, "I'm going to lie down for a while, could I have the keys for my room?" She held her hand out to take the keys if he offered them up to her.
Shiv nods gently and reaches into his cloak producing the keys without argument. "I would appreciate it if you didnt tell him what we discussed. And please do not be to critical on my master. He did not intend to become what he is now... it simply... happened that way. He is in the process of atoning for his sins." He holds her key out for her to take from his elegant gauntlet. "In this case he choose to help a perfect strange travel for weeks to meet with the very being that made him what he is now. And out of sheer concern of your four legged friend he choose not to simply take you there through magic." His sighs shaking his head reliazing fully that he had perhaps single handedly ruined the friendship. "He is not a monster.... please understand." And with that he lowers his head starring at the feast in front of him and the half of a cup of wine he had left. He sighs deeply and places his free hand to his temple. 'Master.... don’t be too angry... but...the pact kind of....slipped out"
Mara nodded as she took the keys, "I won't Shiv, I promise" she gave him a small smile before picking up her weapons and heading back out of the restaurant. She walked back towards the inn, entering and giving a small nod to the dwarf who Shiv had previously spoken to before she headed up to her room. Entering, she closed the door behind her and took a few steps into the room, removing her weapons once again and setting them gently against small dresser. She moved to sit on the edge of the bed, the new information about Remus spinning in her mind. On one hand, she knew he was a good person, on the other, the soul was a the essence of a person. She didn't know what to do and trying to sort her thoughts was starting to give her a headache. Laying back on the bed, she stared at the ceiling and let her mind wander.
Remus was still in the meeting with Borlin when he hears Shiv. His brow twitches slight and he grits his teeth. 'You what?!!' His tone was firm and clearly angry. "Borlin.... im terribly sorry to cut you off. Yes I know you do not like Lady Leona but do this for me and I shall reward you with the finest axe ever made" the old dwarf stopped mid sentence and nods in agreement 'see it be done.' He commands a few dwarf soilder at his side they bow and exit. "Verywell we will depart in the morning. Thank you General Borlin." He reluctantly gave up the axe. Not that Remus was ever fond of axes but it was a piece of his personal collection. He instantly turns and walks out of the military compound immidietly flash stepping to outside the squeal. He did not know where Mara was or what inn they had chosen relying only on Shiv to track location. He burst into the restaurant without regard for anyone else or the and makes his way to Shiv and wuthout warning reaches down and grabs him by the edge of his armor spinning him around and grabbing him by the throat. Remus lifts the elf clean out of his chair holding well completely off the ground by his throat. "If you ever... open your mouth to much again.... I swear that you will never see the light of day. Understood!?" The patrons had all but stopped everything they were doin and even a few of thw hefty looking males began to stand 'wha's yer pro'lem' Remus only turned his head "sit down!" He exclaimed and all the dwarves slowly took their seat. Shiv was clearly choking at this point reaching up with both hands to try and pry his masters hand from his throat. Remus finally releases him dropping him on back in his chair although sideways. "Tell me what inn... and do not speak to me until i command you to. Understand? Nod!" Shiv nods quickly before replying "ye olde inn master" then lowers his head. "Good. Pay the bill and disappear. NOW." His final word was stern and he storms out the outside windows freeze over the instant he passes the doorway. It was only once he was outside that he realized in his rage he forgot to ask for the key to the room. He sighs shaking his head placing his hand to his temple. Little by little he was becoming overwhelmed by his urge to feed.
Mara laid on her bed, her mind wandering the city through the domestic felines that roamed the streets. There weren't many of them but there was enough for her to spot Remus burst into the restaurant. The closest cat was a small tabby female, who had sat outside the window watching the mage berate the elf and storm outside. Mara frowned but the cat just sat and watched Remus, it's yellow-green eyes staring intently at his every move. After a couple of moments it stood, ready to follow him should he start to move through the streets.
Shiv did as he was told, paying the bill and apologizing to the patrons bowing several times before making way way out quickly replacing his mask and vanishing from sight altogether. Remus sighed heavily as he shook his head in frustration. The more angry he became the stronger his urge to simply pull the soul out of someone became. Remus shakes his head snapping out of it. 'No old man... you dont need to so stop thinking about it.' He thinks to himself slowly walking away making hisa way towards the inn. Stepping inside he regains his composure before talking with the dwarf "an elf came in here not long ago. He was wearing a white cloak and he had a woman with him. What rooms are they staying in.?" The dwarf was hesitant before he said 'sorry bu' I aint tellin' Remus' brow twitched slightly in frustration and his eyes flashed red for a moment remaining red as he spoke "tell me what rooms.... now" his voice was slow and venomous. And his eyes returned to normal just as he finished his command. The dwarf produced the information without a second thought and Remus made his way up knocking gently on the room he believed to be Mara's but it was actually Shivs empty room. "Mara..." he called out calmly. The air around him was still quite chilly and he had to put some serious effort into controlling it.
The small cat followed Remus through the streets until he got to the inn and moved inside. The cat stopped at the doorway, looked around then turned and walked away as Mara ended their link. She sat up on the edge of the bed knowing he was on his way up to her room. Hearing him knock on the other room door, she stood and walked to her own door, pressing her ear up to the polished wooden door. She thought about ignoring him, she didn't know what to say, but she couldn't not answer him. Her hand reached for the door handle and pushed it down, pulling the door open slightly, "Yes?" She answered quietly, keeping her hand on the door handle as she stood, visible in the small opening of the door.
Remus turns and faces her with his usual warm smile "well good evening. I understand you had an interesting dinner with Shiv." His voice was calm and sounded normal. Inside he was still burning with anger feeling betrayed by his most trusted guard. How could he betray him that way for a woman he had just recently met. Sure theyvr been traveling for a couple of weeks together by now but still. " id like you to know that I planned on telling you eventually. Perhaps if you grew more comfortable with me. I certainly dont want to scare you off. I promised I would help you bring back your family and I intend on sticking to my word. I assure you I mean you no harm. Nor anyone else for that matter."
She sighed softly and let go of the door handle as she turned to walk to the window in her room overlooking the street below. The door swung further open on it's hinges. She crossed her arms over her chest, "You didn't think I needed to know before we reached Lazarus?" She spoke quietly although her anger was evident in her voice. She wasn't sure she could face him and stay calm enough to talk to him, her feelings for him had grown as they had travelled and as much as she had tried to ignore them and push them aside, she couldn't for much longer. "Please don't be angry with Shiv" she added almost wishing she had ignored his slip up during dinner.
The mage slowly entered shutting the door behind him "if anything my connection to Lazarus should put you more at ease. Even if he tries something he knows I will be there to stop him. I can feel his intentions just as he can feel my presence." He slowly makes his way towards her "I intended on telling you after we made it out of the forest of woe. Now that you know this...its just another piece of information the forest will use agaisnt you. You must understand that I did it to protect you. To make the final leg of this journey easier. But unfortunately that doesnt seem to be the case. The forest will turn your your deepest fears and your worst nightmares agaisnt you. Shiv should never have opened his mouth I am extremely disappointed with him. Of all the people... knowing where we are headed. For him to tell you that feels like a betrayal to me." He reaches her slowly placing his hand on her shoulder if she would allow it of course.
Mara tensed as she heard him enter the room. She listened as he spoke, her anger slowly ebbing away as he explained why he didn't tell her about the connection between him and Lazarus. Lowering her head slightly, she felt his hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him, her eyes filled with tears, "It wasn't his fault, I asked. I should have kept quiet" she knew now why he didn't tell her but the fact remained he took people's souls to keep himself alive, she wasn't sure she could overlook that fact. Her hand raised to his at her shoulder and her mind reached out to his. He would be able to feel what she was feeling if he allowed her into his mind, the anger but also the confusion over how she felt about him. The feelings that were growing to be more than simple feelings for a friend to the disgust at what she had found out. She couldn't voice any of it so would let him feel it should he choose to. "You don't scare me" she said softly, "I don't know how I feel" She let her hand drop from his, her mind leaving his at the same time.
Remus looked down at her with sadness in his eyes disappointed with himself for keeping his true nature a secret from her. While he did not immediately have a need to devour souls the day would come eventually when he would have to feed again. With a little luck this would not happen in her life time. But the fact remains that he is a monster and even if he may save a thousand lives for the price of a single soul thats still one person no longer alive because of him. While he didny necessarily fear death. He felt he still had a greater purpose to his existence. As she reached out to his mind he would in fact let her in and feeling everything she felt only saddened him further. How could he allow her to feel this way for him if in her eyes he was a killer too. As she drops his hand he leans in slowly wrapping his arms around her embracing her in an affectionate hug. He plants a gentle kiss atop her head before gently resting his cheek where he planted the kiss. "Im truly sorry that you had to learn this way....but I want you to know it was never my intention to become this." He pulls back slightly and reaches up to her cheek gently whipping away her tears. Remus then lowers his hand to her chin slowly tilting it up so that he can look deep into her eyes. "I have a greater purpose on this earth. I can feel it. Its not some petty self preservation. Its for me to to be able to help someone like you accomplish something greater than myself." He slowly leans down aiming to plant a kiss on her forehead. As innocent yet reassuring as possible.
Feeling his arms around her she leant in to the embrace, feeling at that moment safe from whatever they were about to face. Every touch of his skin against hers, the coolness, the tingling just made her want more, she made a huge effort not to take his hand once again or reach out to touch him. She nodded as he spoke, he wasn't a monster and she knew it. She just couldn't shake the feelings she had, that would take time. As he planted the kiss on her forehead, she closed her eyes, her mind reined in to avoid exposing him to the chaos that was her emotions at that moment. "It would be easier to hate you" she almost whispered before shaking her head, "But I can't" she moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest, "Please don't be too hard on Shiv, he talks too much" she looked up to him and gave him a weak smile knowing he felt the same way about the elf.
Remus nods gently drawn in a deep breath letting it out as a long drawn out sigh. He knew he should let go but he didnt want to. He knew that the time would come when she would learn all the secrets he kept. He quickly blocked that from his mind regaining focus of the task at hand. "Ive arrange for a ship to take us to Crete. The ship is large and it holds enough provisions to take us directly to Crete without having to stop in Avalon." This was specially important because of the ghastly rumors that surround the place. While he had originally planned to use a smaller much fast vessel, he would be puttig everyone at risk concidering the rumors he heard from the general that some large sea creature had been attacking ships out at sea. To date only a few ships have made it to Avalon. Instead he choose to go with a heavily armored military vessel with enough firepower to dispose of whatever creature lurks in the deep. "We depart in the morning. It would be wise to rest well" he still didnt want to let go. He didnt want to leave just yet.
Pulling back from the embrace slightly as he spoke. She had been quite interested in Avalon but she was eager to carry on with their journey with minimal stops. Sniffing quietly, a hand moving to wipe her eyes, she nodded, "I should try to sleep then" she said although she made no effort to move. A few seconds passed and she looked up to him, "Would you stay a while?" She asked. She could sense he was upset by her finding out about his connection with Lazarus as well as his concern for her. Knowing he felt that way helped cement her knowledge that he was a good person, not the monster he believed he was.
The mage nods gently at her request " i would be more than happy to stay as long as you like" he offered her his warm smile. Yet he knew he shouldnt be getting to close. Not when they will soon be venturing into the most dreadful forest in all the lands. Reluctantly, he releases her leting his arms fall to his sides he makes his way to a small table set up in the room. The chair was far to fall to support him and instead he opted to sit on the table itself. The bed however was full sized and even he would be able to easily sleep comfortably in it. Placing his hand down on the hardwood table he slowly raises his familiar long stemmed glass, which then began to fill with the usual bright golden liquid. "I will try to control my temper with Shiv.... but talking to much is no excuse for revealing valuable and important secrets. Now that you know what I am im sure that very fact may make you uneasy." He takes a sip of his cup, the gden rings on his hand seemed to shine usually bright in the pale orange light of the setting sun. The window to the room faved west, and was high enough that it overlooked some buildings letting the duo catch a small glimpse of the sunset through her window. The light that poured in seemed to illuminate the mage in a soft warm glow giving him a stricklingly divine appearance.
Mara also let her arms fall to her sides as Remus released her from his embrace. She walked to the bed and sat down, the feel of the mattress was inviting as she realised just how tired she was after the excitement of the city and the information that had been revealed to her. She pulled off her boots and left them where they fell before removing some of her more restricting clothing, leaving her underclothes on. Climbing under the blankets and sheets on the bed, she sat and looked over to Remus as he sat on the table with his signature glass looking out over the sunset. She couldn't help but stare at him in the glow of the evening sun. He was right about her feeling slightly uneasy after Shiv had revealed his secret but at least she knew, "You don't have to keep secrets from me" she said, "I trust you to keep your promise and I trust that your intentions are good" she yawned quietly and pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as she continued to watch him drink from his glass.
Remus slowly turns his gaze over to her but only after she was under the covers. He then quickly finished his glass before removing his coat and sandels. With a little hesitation he made his way to the bed, sliding on top of the covers to gently wrap an arm around her. "I will keep my word indeed... and nothing will change that." Secretly though, in the back of his mind, he could feel the urge tingling up his spine. He grits his teeth silently choming back the overwhelming feeling. "We should go visit other lands and other cities after our journey is complete. There are still many places I would like to show you." He smiles a bit leaning in to rest his head atop of hers. "Like the flying city of Shevat. Or the holy empire of Solaris. Both of them are high in the clouds and are quite beautiful." The interesting thing is the Solaris was created with the same technology as the Serdian empire that he omce served. It floats by using advanced technology that the rest of the world has never seen. Shevat on the other hand, also called the city of sages, was the complete opposite, being held afloat by magic alone.
She shifted on the bed slightly as Remus climbed on. As he put his arm around her, she felt his hand on her skin causing the tingling. She leant against him and rested her head on his shoulder as he spoke of visiting other places, "I would like that" she said quietly. "How can cities stay above the clouds? Magic?" She asked, her gaze fixed on the window as the light outside slowly faded as she spoke. She liked hearing him talk of far away lands and cities, each place he spoke about seemed magical and exciting. Even the places they had already seen had made her home and lifestyle very simple, "I can show you my home too, although it's not as exciting as a city in the clouds or a Dwarf city" she shook her head slightly. Although her home wasn't as exciting as these places she missed it a lot and grew more and more home sick for the people and the familiar felines there.

[littlemy]

The mage smiles broadly at her question and her suggestions. "I would really like that. And then I will show you where Shiv and I are from... the elf city of Avondell that can only be found by those who already know where it is." His arms holds her tightly pulling her close. While he did not intend on sleeping with her he would stay until she fell asleep. "Its funny you should ask that. Shevat remains afloat as a constantly moving city and it accomplishes this through sheer magic and enchantments. Solaris ln the other hand is a giant floating military empire that uses advances technology the likes of which the rest of the world has never seen. I am not welcome there but we can view it safely from afar." He chuckles soflty shifting his hand to her cheek moving back some hair and slowly tucking it behind her ear. He then slowly leans down and plants a soft kiss on her cheek. His lips were impossibly soft and the tingling sensation was somewhat magnified by this fact.
Mara continued to gaze out of the window as he spoke of the cities and how they stayed afloat. It seemed completely impossible to her that an entire city could float so high so she would have to see them with her own eyes. As he brushed the hair from her face and kissed her cheek, she held her breath. The kiss, unexpected although not unwelcome, made her feelings for him shoot back to the forefront of her mind, the uncertainty of what she wanted was enough to make her pull away despite part of her wanting to return the affection. She shifted to lay with her head on his chest and closed her eyes hoping she would get some sleep before they set off on their voyage across the sea.
Remus smilled broadly as she shifted. She wanted to sleep on his chest and for now he would allow it. While the kiss to her cheek seemed affectionate it, in fact, served a whole different purpose. A dormant spell that was designed to activate only during certain circumstances. While it was nothing harmfuland not quiye defensive. It was more or less a mark for him. He didnt intend on using it to track her or any of that nonsense but if for some reason the would become separated he or Shiv could instantly jump to her location. He would, of course, not mention any of this to her to not arouse any wrong ideas about the affectionate gesture. He draws in a long breath and lets out a calm sigh as his eyes slowly slide shut waiting patiently for her to fall asleep.
She lay still, her eyes closed. A short time passed before she fell asleep but once asleep, she slept peacefully on his chest. Her mind took her home, her friends, her family, life as she knew it before they had been attacked. She could almost feel the warm sun on her skin, smell the scent of the forest around her. It was bliss and given the chance, she probably would have chosen to stay there rather than face what was ahead of them but she knew she would get that life back, eventually. She sighed softly and rolled slightly on the bed so she was laid on her back, Remus's arm being used almost as a pillow.
Remus didnt move, and instead decided to lay there all night with her eventually wrapping his other arm around her holding her close. Though through the sheets making as little skin to skin contact as possible. The morning arrived eventually and the mage remained in his close embrace until she would wake up. His hand made its way up to her hair gently stroking it as if encouraging her ro wake up. "Todays the day we cross the sea" he whispers softly in her ear.
Stirring as Remus stroked her hair, his voice woke her. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked a few times as they adjusted to the light streaming in to the room. Looking up to him, she smiled slightly, "Another adventure awaits" she replied as she sat up. "You stayed all night" she said turning to him, she wasn't sure he would. "When do we leave?" She asked, giving a small stretch and pushing the sheets back over her legs.
The old mage couldnt help but stare at her as she sat up clearly much more comfortable than when they were at the springs. He smiles broadly, reaching to brush some hair from her cheek. "Im certain the ship is ready whenever you're ready. Dwarves tend to be quite the workaholics and they worked through the night to make sure the ship was prepared for us in the morning." He remains laid back attempting to relax before the long sea voyage ahead. Remus wanted to relish this moment as long as possible. His hand drops slowly to his side and after a few moments he reluctantly sits up turning sideways to let his feet off the bed. He contemplated taking a hot shower atleast be fresh for the long journey ahead. He sighs after a little while and stands. "A nice hot shower should get the blood flowing" he said changing the subject rather dreaded what lay ahead. Afterall he was heading straight for his greatest adversary.
Nodding, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. Her arms reached over her head as she stretched, her body well rested after the full nights sleep. At the mention of a shower she smiled, "A shower sounds great" she said bending down to pick her clothes up from the pile on the floor where she had left them. Placing them on the bed she moved to her bag and pulled out a small band before running her fingers through her hair and tying it up in a ponytail exposing the scar on her neck. Looking back to her clothes, she made a mental note to ask about getting new clothes once they reached Crete.
Remus nodded gently as he move to the table and reached for his coat. While the prospect of showering with her was quiye tempting he was certain she had other plans for that. Remus grabs his coat and turns to her with a broad smile "take your time we are in no rush. The voyage will be long and this may be the last time you feel solid ground for a few days. So enjoy it while you can." His tone was light hearted yet he meant every word. They would be on the ship an extra day because he choose the large safer option vs the more risky yet faster ship. With ass little hesitation he makes way to the door. "I suppose I will be next door. I will have to summon Shiv to open it for me" he chuckles a bit trying to forget the events of the previous day.
She nodded at his suggestion of enjoying her couple of hours on dry land, "Oh I will" she said with a small laugh. She was quite apprehensive about the voyage, her first time on a ship wasn't going to be relaxing, she guessed that much but she also hoped the seasickness Remus talked about stayed away, that would make things much more miserable. She stood by the bed as he started to leave the room, "Remember...go easy on Shiv" she said sincerely before heading to her own ensuite and turning the shower on. Holding her hand under the water for a few moments she smiled and began to remove the rest of her clothing before stepping into the steaming water. It felt amazing on her skin, almost like the hot springs, the heat certainly did get the blood flowing. She stood under the water for a short while before turning the water off and reaching for a towel. Feeling refreshed and awake, she wrapped the towel around her and made her way back to her bed to start getting dressed. She wasted no time with that because the air in her room was much cooler and she wanted to keep the warmth the water had given her.
Remus stepped out as she whent to the shower area and walked next door tapping gently "I know you're in there. Open the door" Shiv reluctantly opens the door and steps out of the way to let the mage through. Remus walks through the door and makes his way to the shower. After a while he comes out in a different outfit. Now he wore loose flowin white hakama style pants and and his trademark coat was now white in color though it was stil the same identical coat simply with a new color. His wooden sandels were the same of course. Shib simply shakes his head and goes to sit in the corner of the room refusing to speak. Remus smiles at the elf "good.... you're actually listening for once. Now get ready to leave. We will be departimg shortly." The tips of hia gray hair were still dripping with water as he walked out. His chest was now bare, entirely void of an undershirt. He was prepared for a several long days in the sun alright and his all white attire made thatbfact quite clear. He steps out and walks next door gently knocking on the door.
Hearing a knock, she finished pulling her boots on and walked to the door, pulling it open. She smiled and opened it further noticing his change of attire, she didn't mention it but he did look handsome. She turned and began to collect her bag and her weapons, her hair still tied up in the ponytail. She figured if she did get seasick then at least her hair would be one less thing to worry about. Looking back to Remus she walked towards the door, "Ready?" She asked pushing aside her apprehension. It was just another leg of their journey and she wasn't alone so she had very little, if anything to fear. "How is Shiv?" She hoped the elf wasn't too upset about being chastised after saying too much.
Remus smilea at her as she opens the door and grins " of course im ready...Shiv will be fine." 'Meet us at the boat we depart in one hour.' He commands the elf who again, doesnt reply back. "Shall we? We need to retrieve your horse and head to the docks. Ive given Shiv one hour to meet us there if he doesnt show I will aimply unsommon him and summon him on the boat" he chuckles softly. He was cutting the elf some slack. If he so desired he could force him to come now. But for now he left him to sulk alone. "We can try and find you something to wear. We will be in constant sun for several days I highly advise something a little more... comfortable" he offered her a smile and stepped aside for her to pass.
Stepping out of her room, she closed the door and locked it behind her before starting to make her way down the hallway, happy at least to hear Shiv was OK. She glanced down at her clothing then to his, "I didn't think anywhere would cater for...taller...people" she hadn't considered getting clothing in the Dwarf City because of her height compared to theirs but if she could she would so she gave a nod "I think that would be a good idea" Even just clean clothing would be preferable. She walked to the main entrance of the inn and handed her key to the Dwarf who she had seen the previous day,"Thank you" she said politely, "The room was lovely" she gave him a wide smile, noting he grew slightly nervous as they appeared but, shrugging it off, she left the inn and stepped out onto the street to make her way round to the stables.
Remus followed closely behind her as she stepped out. He offered the small dwarf a smile as they walked out, the dwarf didnt return the gesture. "Perhaps we should head to the store before retrieving your horse." He commented noticing they were heading towards the stables. He point to a store out in the distance " over there. The wicked tailor." He chuckles softly at the name. Which in fact was 'The Wicked Tailor' was written on a beautiful ornate metal sign even the the font of the words were apparently forged steel. The man inside was rather tall for a dwarf approaching her size in height. "True that most of the things in this city are made for dwarves but this tailor will make clothing on the spot to your liking. And he is remarkably fast at his job. Its quite impressive really." He smiles leading the way. "His services are rather pricey but your you.. its worth it." Remus offers her a slight grin.
Mara paused and turned as Remus spoke of The Wicked Tailor store. Nodding she followed him towards the tailor's store , "What would be suitable?" She asked as they entered, not sure exactly how hot their journey was going to get. Spotting the tall tailor she smiled, "Good morning" she said hiding her surprise at how tall he was compared to all the other dwarves they had met. "Surely it can't get that hot this far north?" She turned to Remus with a questioning look on her face.
The olf mage chuckles softly. "You make some really good observations you know. But this time of year out on the water it will get quite toasty. The lack of any form of shade can get a little overwhelming at times. You can always go below deck. But you dont want to spend much timw below deck of a dwarf ship" he laughs a little at himself. "We sre going on a sea voyage you see" he explains to the tailor who nods in response. "Make her something that breathes yet can be warm at night." The tailor simply nods holding out his hand to Mara 'if yo'll step righ' this way miss' the tailor headed off to the back leading her into a separate, private room so that he could take measurements of every possible angle. "Make it the finest of silks sir." Remus calls out to the dwarf who simply reponds with a ' aye!' And continues his work.
Her eyes narrowed slightly at his comment about her observations but she smiled as he chuckled. She didn't ask why one wouldn't want to spend much time below deck, she could guess. Seeing the tailor offer his hand, she took it and followed him to the private room where she stood perfectly still as he seemed to rush about gathering measurements. She heard Remus shout about making the clothing from the finest silks and she shook her head before leaning towards the tailor, "It doesn't have to be the finest silk" she whispered knowing cost wasn't a problem but she didn't want a fortune spent on clothing just for her.
The dwarf finished a taking measurements a few moments later and casually walked into another room calling back over his shoulder 'be done sh'rtly missy sit tight'. Remus took a seat in the lobby taking time to lean back placing his hands behind his head and closing his eyes. He would then use the table in front of him to prop his feet up and push back agaisnt letting himself tilt back in the chair with the two front legs rising up as he did. The tailor returned moments later as promised having worked with remarkable speed and efficiency he held in his hands a beautiful silk shirt and some nice flowing pants that ressembled the ones she wore yet they werent skin tight or constriciting at all. ' here ye are...' and with that he headed out back to the front of the store. Remus simply stood and made his way to the tailor slipping out a small pouch drawing the bag open he places several gold coins on the counter slidding them over to the tailor with a smile. The tailor nods gently and returns the smile taking the gold without question. Remus too, had a habit of over paying. But what good was havings tons of gold and nothing to spend it on.
Mara stood in the room as the dwarf tailor left to make her clothing. She hadn't expected him to return so quickly, his return startling her, "That was fast" she laughed as he passed her the clothing, "They're beautiful" she added, admiring the clothing as he left again. She began to change, folding her old clothing as she took it off. The new clothes fit perfectly and were perfect for the weather Remus described. She glanced at herself in the mirror before fastening her belt around her hips, adjusting her sword slightly. Packing her clothing into her back and swinging it over her shoulder, she picked up her bow and walked into the lobby, "What do you think?" She asked, holding her arms out slightly and turning slightly.
Remus smiles and nods "you look wonderful!" He exclaims with amusement in his voice. " come... let us go and get your horse. We should meet Shiv at the dock shortly. Im xertain everyone is waiting for us." He holds his hand out to her to join his in their walk out through the door and down the street. The small dwarf at the stables alreadyb had the horse ready to go from them as they arrived. The horse, was beginning to be quite the baggage to lug aroundm but once they arrive at Crete. The final leg of the journey would be much better alone. But he decided he would try and convince her then. He paid the dwarf, again in gold.
She smiled and looked to the tailor, "Thank you" she said giving him a polite nod before taking Remus's hand and following him out of the store back towards the stables, "And thank you Remus" she added looking up to him. Heading straight for her horse, she patted it's neck and checked her over, "All rested?" She asked with a small laugh as the horse seemed to nod her head, "Come on then" she slung her bag over the saddle and took the reins thanking the young dwarf for caring for the animal before she lead it out to the street and through the hustle and bustle that seemed to be the norm there. Her apprehension about the long journey over the sea was growing but she knew it had to be done so she stayed quiet as they walked.
The mage smilled and nodded again "youre welcome" he said as they walked out. Once they collected the horse Remus begins to lead them through the streets moving at his usual casual pace. "So... do you think yourself ready for the journey ahead. It will take us a few days on the water to reach Crete. If you feel ill at any time you need only tell me. I will have Shiv jump to Mabels for a quick remedy. But hopefully that wont be the case. Once we are near Avalon jumping will no longer be possible. And the same goes for Crete." He offers her a smile " I have faith... you will be just fine." He then decides to check up on his scout 'Shiv...is the ship ready for our departure?' But after a few moments he gets no response. It wasnt until it dawn on him that he had previously asked Shiv not to speak to him until he had permission that he called back to him 'you have permission to speak Shiv....now give me a status report.' Shiv of course answers back with his normal smart ass tone. 'I was wondering how long it would take you to figure out why I wasnt resounding. Everything is all set. We are awaiting your arrival.’
Mara bit her lip as he asked if she was ready for the next leg of their journey but she nodded, "I'll be fine" she repeated his words, "Hopefully, it'll be smooth sailing" she smiled and certainly did hope the journey would be smooth. "Will we be stopping in Crete before moving on? I was hoping to meet Leona" She said with a small smile was hoping to meet the woman who had caused the General to despise human women so much. She was also hoping for something to keep her mind off the fact she was leaving solid ground for a few days and learning more about where they were going could help with that.
Remus nods gently " of course we will need to stop in Crete. And I would be more than happy to introduce you to lady Leona. She is quite a presence. A force of nature that woman." He chuckles softly making their way to the docks. "More than likely we should stay the night in Crete and make our way to the tower by day. Lazurus is much weaker by day... and while he has devised methods of walking in the sun he prefers to be out at night when he is at full strength." He looks over at her with a quick glance. "I suggest we stay out of the woods at night. Or outdoors at night even. Once he approaches if he does not knoq you are with me their will be no escape. You should know it is impossible to overpower him at night"
She nodded, "I'd like that, she does sound fierce" she smiled widely and looked ahead towards the docks as Remus spoke of Lazarus and the forest. Her expression grew serious and she nodded again, "I understand, stick to daylight" she said. After a few moments, she spoke again, "What does Lazarus look like?" She asked hoping to know the vampire if she saw him but really she knew it wouldn't matter, not if he could hypnotise people as Remus had said before.
Remus smiles broadly at her comment of Leona. Secretly Leona was once a lover of Remus many many years ago. But he doubts that will actually come into play in any form. Both he and Leona parted on good terms. Her talk of Lazarus however brought a small frown to his face "lets see... the last time I saw him. He had long black hair and he is somewhat tall though not mich taller than you are. He is usually shirtless and wears a heavy red coat that also seems to be apart of him because he is able to freely manipulate its shape and form. Not to mention when he is getting ready for battle the inside of the coat bleeds. Its really quite creepy. He has red eyes that pierce down into ones very soul. And a voice deep and powerful that most mortals wince at the sound. " Lazarus sounded like a creature out of a horror book. And in his particular case he was. Something that hungered for blood could move faster than the human mind could perceive and was much more powerful than nearly any mage in the land. This is before mentioning the fact that he could drain his surroundings of all light effectively turning day into night in his general vecinity and the ability to manipulate ones own blood. Lazarus was not someone to be trifled with by any means.
She listened to Remus as he described Lazarus, her grip on the horses reins growing tight as she realised just how frightening the vampire was, "So you'd see him a mile off?" She asked quietly trying not to picture him in her mind, the thought of what Remus described was scary enough. As long as she did what Remus said and stuck with him and Shiv she would be fine, or at least she kept telling herself that. Still looking ahead, she caught sight of the docks, "Almost there" she said with a nervous smile.
Remus shakes his head. "Thats not necessarily true. He can easily disguise himself to look normal more or less. His eyes are something that he cant hide. But his features are that of a very handsome man. He is truly ageless after all. But perhaps his usually pale skin might give him away. " he laughs a little. " personally... its his eyes. Never look into his eyes. Thats how he hypnotizes you. It can happen in an instant to.. you may not even realize it until its to late." The port was just up ahead and the massive ship that was to take the accross was docked and the last of the supplies were being loaded on. Shiv stood at the top of the ramp waving vigorously to them as if urging them to climb aboard. "Here we are.... shall we then" he said as they approached the boarding ramp.
She shivered slightly thinking that the vampire could be anyone but she made a mental note not to look him, or anyone who could be him in the eye. Glad they were approaching the ship, she saw Shiv waving, she waved back to him as they got closer. Boarding provided a welcomed distraction to thinking about Lazarus. She gave Remus a nod and gestured for him to board, hesitating slightly before she led the horse slowly onto the ship. She was amazed at it's size, it was bigger than anything she could have imagined although the skitty horse seemed to feel the lack of solid ground beneath them more than she did and it snorted in her ear before pulling against the reins. She tugged back and rested her hand on it's nose, whispering quietly to the nervous animal in an attempt to calm her.
Remus chuckles softly at the horse but reframes from coming in contact with the horse. "Oh its alright. Once youre on here the ship is so sturdy it would require some very high seas to be able to feel you arent on solid ground. It is a dwarf ship after all. And like much of its city it feels like its honed from a single piece of marble." This fact was very evident once they were fully on and the ramp began to raise itself back. The engins of the ship the fired up with a deep nautical muted roar. The ship was indeed sturdy and stood strong enough that it woukd fool most that into thinking it was solid ground. With little warning the ship began to move. "Well it seems that they were only waiting for us." Shiv approaches them "they set up a nice room for your horse miss Mara" Shiv finally speaks since the previous days ordeal.
Mara smiled and nodded, "Ignore her, she's scared of her own shadow" she shrugged and agreed with Remus, "I didn't think it would be as solid as this" she looked around relaxing as her apprehension began to disappear. As the ship began to move, she watched the city and the docks go by, her thoughts going back to Lazarus and what lay ahead. She quickly pushed those thoughts to one side as Shiv appeared, "Hello Shiv" she gave him a warm smile, "I think she'd prefer being somewhere not on deck" she looked to the horse and raised a brow before handing the reins over to an older dwarf who led her away. "Are you OK Shiv?" She asked, hoping he didn't feel too badly about their revealing conversation the previous day.
Shiv nodded vigorously as he was spoken to "yes of course im ok. Its not the first time ive been scolded for talking far to much after all." He cant help but laugh at himself a little. A stocky looking dwarf took the reigns and lesds the horse below deck to a nicely prepared room of seemingly luxury standards. Remus chuckles softly at his guard and shakes his head " and im certain it wont be the last. Somethings just never change." He slowly begins to make his way to the front of the ship the cool sea breeze poured over them and made his long flowing coat whip about his body elegantly exposing his bare chest. He loved this warm feeling mixed with the cool breeze. Shivs cloak was also waving about freely flapping in the wind and hia armor could be seen shinning and glistening with the soft morning glow. The ship seemed to slowly make its way out of the port and didnt actually ooen up its engines until it was well within the bay. But that wouldnt be for some time. "You dont get seasick do you? I doubt a ship this size will rock to much buch once we move out into open water its a whole different story" Shiv remained close to her in an atempt to lighten the mood and out her at ease.
Mara smiled at the two as the anger of the previous day seemed to have dissipated. She walked slightly behind Remus to the front of the ship, still amazed at how smooth the ship sailed. The cool breeze was welcomed on her skin as she moved. A few stray hairs that escaped her loose ponytail fell around her face, she occasionally pushed them behind her ear as she looked out over the open water. She looked to Shiv as he spoke and shrugged, "I've never been on the sea like this before so I don't know" she smiled slightly, "I hope not" she added as she caught up to Remus and looked out in the direction they were heading, "There is so much out there isn't there?" She asked quietly, glancing up to him.
Remus and Shiv both nod. But only the mage replies "oh yes... this world is quite vast... and while ylu may think we are far north.. there is in fact much much more even further north. My inn is actually directly north of Avalon. The north sea has several tributaries that branch off. One drains west into the open ocean another heads north into another lake... on the north side of the lake is where my inn is located. " he cant help but smile at this revelation. Shiv chimes in of course "yup... and to the far east of here is yet another city whos name I always forget." Remus finishes the sentence "Aldaris... the city of high elves" Shiv snaps his fingers "thats it! Those stuck up bastards live there"
She leant on the railing that stood between them and the drop to the water. Looking down into the swirling water, she was quiet for a moment, "I'd like to see all those places, even if it is cold at your inn" Since leaving her home, she had learned about so many different places she hadn't thought could have ever existed and by the sounds of it there was so much more. She giggled at Shiv's description of the high elves, "Why are they stuck up?" She asked giving him a curious look.
She leant on the railing that stood between them and the drop to the water. Looking down into the swirling water, she was quiet for a moment, "I'd like to see all those places, even if it is cold at your inn" Since leaving her home, she had learned about so many different places she hadn't thought could have ever existed and by the sounds of it there was so much more. She giggled at Shiv's description of the high elves, "Why are they stuck up?" She asked giving him a curious look.
Shiv laughs a bit and Remus steps in "now now no need to be rude Shiv. They do hold a sort of higher standard than most.... but they arent as bad as the people of Solaris. They see all land dwellers as sheep. Im sure you havent forgotten about them" Shiv laughs some more before responding "well the high ekves of Aldaris wont even give you the time of day without turning up their nise and sneering... and thats assuming they even speak to you. I am quite hated there." Remus shakes his head " no you arent... not hated at least. Looked down upon maybe but certainly not hated." His gaze turns to Mara and the boat began picking up speed at a rapid pace and the ships bowe broke the water with a pleasent gushing of sound. "I would love to take you to all these places if you so desire. This is my little corner of the world. There is far more to it than you think and then some more after." He chuckles softly and offers her a smile leaning back against the rail resting his arm half over the edge and half grabbing the rail loosely. "In fact if you wished we will be able to jump to the inn when we make port in Crete. Though by then the end of this journey would be quite near and im certain you would like the answers you seek."
She laughed as Shiv spoke, "I'm not sure how anyone could hate you Shiv" she shook her head then looked back to Remus, "I'd like to see your inn" she replied before pausing for a moment knowing he was right. Their journey to find Lazarus was almost at an end, if he sent her back to save her family she might not get another chance. Turning her gaze to the water, she shook her head, "Maybe one day" she added knowing things would be very different if she saved her family, it would be like her adventure had never happened, at least with most people.
Remus smilled again and turned back to look at the sea. The ship was now going at full steam and after some time even the port of Albion could be seen shrinking in the distance. While not particularly fast the ships massiveness had quite a commanding presence as it cut through the water. Shiv slowly pulls back his mask reveing his wide smile "youd be surprised. I can be quite irritating. Specially to people that have zero sense of humor like them." He laughs a little again then begins to wonder off walking away along the rails of the shit laughing occasionally to himself. Remus sighs heavily "cant live without him... cant kill him. I suppose he just grows on you. The tolerating part comes later." He turns his gaze back to Mara " so whats on your mind. We have a few days to kill with nothing but time."
Mara stopped herself laughing at Shiv, "I can't imagine why" she smiled, watching as he wandered off. She gave a small nod in agreement with Remus and couldn't contain a giggle as he spoke of tolerating his companion. Looking back out over the water, she closed her eyes and let her other senses take in the new experience; the salt in the air, the fine salt water spray every now and then, the sound of the engines over the waves. There were no felines on the ship and with the city shrinking in the distance she couldn't connect to the felines there, which was a strange feeling for her. On hearing Remus's question, she opened her eyes and looked to him. She shook her head, "If Lazarus sends me back then none of this would ever happen or it would be as if it didn't happen?" The time travel idea got more and more confusing the more she thought about it, "And if I get sent back, I'll have to..." she paused and bit her lip, "Have you ever had to do something you didn't want to do?" She asked, a small frown creased her forehead.
The smile fades as she asks her question "unfortunately. Ive been forced to do many things I did not want to do. Even now im forced to do things agaisnt my will." He offers a weak smile. "Im not sure how that will work honestly. Perhaps all he will send back is your consciousness into your younger self. You will have to ask Lazarus that when we meet him. Or perhaps I can ask him to tonight at dusk." His cold gray eyes turn back to the water. "Even then... you know where to find me. Even if these events are unknown to all but you.... I can give you a way of contacting me." He turns gis gaze back to her "hows that sound? "
Mara shifted her weight to one side and rested her head on Remus's shoulder, "That sounds perfect" she smiled softly, at least she wouldn't lose her new friends if Lazarus was able to send her back home. Sighing, she lifted her head from his shoulder and leant on the railing again, "When...if I get home, I'm not sure how easy it'll be for me to leave again. The people, and my family, don't view outsiders in a good light..." she stared at the water, her green eyes reflecting some of the blue in the water below them.
A slight frown slowmy creeps across his lips "while that may be disappointing. Im sure that is more important to you than traveling with an old mage and his misfit companion." He chuckles softly at himself. "You realize what that means...no matter what events take place now... if you alter the timeline none of this will happen. And it will be as if I never met you. But you will remember me." He sighs gently "or... im not certain how that will work"
She nodded, "I guess you're right...I just knew there was more than the Valley" she said quietly. It was selfish, she wanted more than what she had. She wanted her family and the freedom she had whilst on her journey but it didn't seem like both were a possibility. "Anyway" she pushed off the railings and smiled, "How about a tour of this ship?" She turned to look around at the huge ship then back to Remus, the smile still on her face as she pushed the stray hairs behind her ear once again.
He laughs a little and shakes his head "unfortunately I have no idea what the may out of this ship is. You would have to ask Shiv to show you around. He has been running around the ship all morning in his usual restless manner." He cant help but grin. "Let's see. Would ylu like to know a little secret about Shiv and why his personality is so brash? Its really quite comical"
Mara gave him a curious look, "Now you're giving out his secrets?" She joked, acting shocked at his offer of the information but she nodded, "Why is he like that?" She asked. It seemed a lot about the strange elf was quite comical so the secret was bound to follow suit.
Remus nids and smiles a little. It wasnt anything to secret someone should have noticed by now but his fast speech and fast movements shouldve made it obvious "Shiv sees everything in slow motion... rather. He moves and is able to process things at such a high speed that everything and everyone around him is move in extremely slow motion so he is always waiting for the world to catch up." He chuckles soflty turning around and macking his way back towards the entrance to the lower quarters. "He once told me how he sees the world and he described it like this. In his words... imagine you are in a hurry and you go to a store to pick something up. But the man in front of you cant find his money pouch and when he does he has trouble counting and it takes forever for him to produce the right amount. Well imagine being in a world where no one can find that pouch and no one has the right change"
She nodded as Remus explained why Shiv was the way he was. It took her a moment to get her head around it but it clicked and she tilted her head slightly to one side," I get the slow man in the shop" she said pulling a face at the memory of it happening to her. Following Remus to the entrance of the lower deck, she thought about the 'man in the shop' senario happening constantly, "That must be so frustrating for him" she said not finding it all that funny even if his mannerisms were comical. "I guess it's what makes him so unique" she added.
Remus laughs a little at her comments on it and nods "oh yes. You have no idea how frustrating it must be." This was the reason Shiv was always separate from Remus. The guards all have unique abilities and while they are inside him they each grant Remus a certain attribute. Shiv grants him the fabled super speed and he rarely recalls Shiv because of this reason. "Just imagine that slow man.. being everything. He had to practice for many many years to become accustomed to it and he has to make a concious effort to move slowly so that the outside world perceives him as moving at a normal pace." They seemd to have walked almost to the other end of the ship skipping the entrance all together.
She shook her head unable to imagine how hard it must have been to fit in with a 'slow' world, "I don't think I'll be challenging him to a race any time soon" she laughed softly, "I wonder where he is..." she looked around for the elf, wondering what trouble he was getting up to. Realising they were almost at the back of the ship, she moved to the railings and looked out over the water, the land fading away in the distance.
Remus laughed for a minute at her comment of not challenging him to a race. Shiv could read a book and drink tea and all sorts of stuff in between and still make it to the end of the race and win without even trying. "He is below deck somewhere from what I can tell. But he can be quite difficult to track properly" he stares out onto the water Albion fading in the distance. So long as the ship powered on the motion of the water wouldnt really be to prominent. 'Shiv... come on deck will you. We need to know how to go below deck and what rooms we will be staying in.' A moment later Shivs image seems to fade into place. While one might think he merely teleported there, his cloak flapping against the wind furiously as he appeared hinted otherwise. "As you wish master... " he holds his hand out to Mara "right this way"
Mara nodded. Remus's connection with Shiv was not all that dissimilar to her link with felines. She smiled as Shiv appeared, guessing he didn't just 'appear' as she had previously thought. Taking his hand, she followed his lead, wondering what they would find below decks. "Remus said you would be the best person to ask for a tour of the ship" she said giving him a wide smile, "Would you mind showing me around?" At least a tour would help pass some time and take her mind off the coming events.
Shiv offers her a smile and nods "thats correct. Ive been going up and down the ship since early this morning." He says walking away from the edge heading towards the entrance. The ship was shaped like a massive battlecruiser of modern times with four cannon batteries that each housed 3 cannons a pieces. Two were near the front and two were near the back. The barrels on these things were large enough for a dwarf to actually crawl through and the way it was rifled meant that each barrel got larger towarss the base which by then would be large enough for said dwarf to physcially stand. The main brig was a massive structure in the center of the ship towering atleast 50 meters above the deck. It two house a multitude of weapons and armaments. The entrance seemed to be quite subtle yet large enough for even Shiv to walk through without having to duck down. He would lead them through a series of doors and corridors that each were sectioned off by heavy steel doors. Finally the would be to the main hall of the ship. "From here we can go to any oart of the ship. That way leads to armaments" he points off to a seemingly random door. The ship despites its size and sophistication was not very rookie friendly and nothing was labeled or anything to give anyone a clue where that particular door actually lead to. "That one leads to the bridge. That one leads to living quarters. That one leads to the mess hall" all the while he was pointing at doors "anywhere in particular you want to see?"
Trying to keep track of where they were walking, she listened to Shiv as he started his tour, getting distracted at the size of the ship once they started exploring. It seemed impossible to remember where they had been and where they were going. She snapped back to his voice when he asked her which way she wanted to go. She stopped and looked at the doors, thinking for a moment but her decision was made by her stomach that growled quietly causing her to smile, "The mess hall" she said with a small nod. She wanted to see the whole ship but it seemed like a good place to start. "It all seems so confusing here" she laughed trying to keep her bearings.
Shiv nods gently and heads towards the door that he had previously pointed out that will lead to the mess hall. And even that was a small maze as it lead through several corridors and doors. Until finally after a few moments of walking they reach a massive room that seemed to span the width of the ship. The side walls were lined with windows and the sea was clearly visable through them. And the bright morning sun lit up the room quite nicely. "Here we are..." at the far end there was a large cafeteria style arrangement where a few dwarves stood in line awaiting their turn to order food from the other dwarves running the counters. "Are you hungry? Master sometimes forget that others need to eat actual food."
She followed Shiv as he lead the way through the maze, glancing back every few turns trying to remember the route they were taking, "How can you remember all of these hallways?" She felt pretty lost in the midst of the corridors and doorways although that feeling lessened when they reached the mess hall. The mess hall was bright, the sun streaming in through the windows and the smell of the food made her mouth water although the played down her hunger slightly giving a short nod to his question, "A bit" she laughed lightly, "I forget that you don't eat" she looked around at the queuing dwarves and wandered over to the end of the queue looking ahead and what food was being offered.
Remus Adian: Shiv laughs lightly and nods "and I wish I did eat. This food smells delicious." He cant help but laugh at himself. "By all means lets go wait in line and get you something to eat." He casually turns and starts walking to the counter "and I can remember all this because I have a near photographic memory. And a very good sense of direction. If you notice master Remus did not join us. Because he will wait for me get to his room then jump to my location. He has a terrible sens of direction. After a few corridors and turns in here he would be lost." He laughs a little more.
Mara inhaled and laughed, nodding in agreement, "It does smell pretty good!" She moved to stand behind the last dwarf in the queue as Shiv mentioned Remus's bad sense of direction. That revelation came as a surprise to her and she raised an eyebrow at him, "His sense of direction is really that bad?" She queried stepping forwards as another dwarf was served. The thought of Remus getting lost was quite funny, it didn't seem possible. Her sense of direction wasn't too bad but it did seem rather easy to get lost in the similar looking corridors. "Mmm...what to have?" She looked at the food laid out in front of her and she saw the advantage to the dwarven appetite, they got to taste everything whereas she would have to choose and it was be a hard choice.
Shiv laughs a little more and nods "yes... it really is that bad. He could get lost in the most obvious of places. Now this particular setting its a little more understandable." The elf waves his hand casually at the dwarf behind the counter signalling that he was not getting anything to eat. "This aroma is so.... delicious smelling" he could be seen wafting some of the scent towards his nose. "Mmmm absolutely perfect." Meanwhile. Remus remained topsidebwalking back and forth on the deck smoking his infamaous pipe.
She laughed and turned to the food, pointing at a couple of the foodstuffs on order, "I have that and...that please" she said with a smile. She wasn't sure what the food was but it certainly did smell delicious. Taking the plate from the dwarf, her stomach growled again, "Thank you" she said before turning and carrying her plate to a nearby table. As she sat down, she immediately began to eat quickly. It turned out she had a chicken dish and vegetables and it did taste as good as it smelled, "Mmm this is delicious" she said once her immediate hunger had been satiated. Sitting back in her chair, she stared at the food left on her plate and began to pick at it, "What's Crete like?" She asked before placing a small piece of chicken in her mouth.
Shiv follows her silently to her table and takes a seat across from her. "Lets see Crete is like that big party that all the popular people go to and kick out everyone who wasnt invited. Its very segregated based on social status. They have a strict hierarchy and an even more strict set of laws that its citezens must obide by. Only the very privileged and rich get to enjoy the party that everyone else works to throw. If that makes sense." He offers her a smile "but dont worry master Remus will be treated like royalty and any that are with him just the same." And with that he nods to himself as if comfirming his own words. "But its this strict hierarchy that is the source of their strength. Every citizen knows there roles and where they belong. Which gives them all a strong sense of unity. Itsbhard to explain. But lets put it this way. In any sort of military body. Two things really determine the strength of the army. Leadership and trust. The guy next to you is a whole lot more willing to die for you if you trust each other."
Picking at the food, she stared at Shiv with a small frown on her face. She wasn't one for hierarchy, she knew her manners and how to act in formal situations but she wasn't fond of them, "Why would they treat Remus like royalty?" She asked leaning forward in the chair, her arms resting on the table "And how do they determine who has what status? Is it by birth?" She pushed the plate of food into the middle of the table, more interested in their conversation than overeating.
Shiv chuckles softly and shakes his head "no its not by birth actually. When a person reaches the age of 13 they are given a series of tests to detirmine their roles in society. And another series of test when they come of age at 18. The first tests detirmine a branch of study and the aecond tests detirmine a specialized field of study. Judging from those two thimgs will place the individual in one of the branches of the hierarchy. They wont lose a potentially brilliant mind because their father is a peasent or any of that nonsense. Their system allows everyone to prosper through a sort of shared weatlh and security. Now some have it more comfortable than others. But the people of crete are all quite happy with it." He pauses slightly prepairing to answer the other question he takes a deep breath "master Remus is treated like royalty because they worship the goddess of wisdom known as the goddess Athena.... and he is her son."
Mara nodded, understanding the unorthodox way of giving people their status, "Very Interesting" she said thoughtfully, "I'm looking forward to getting there" she said with a small smile, "And meeting Leona" she added. Pushing her chair back and looking around to see a couple of dwarves placing their empty plates at the side of the food counter, she followed suit, only with her non-empty plate before returning to the table, "Where to next?" She asked, "What is there to do to pass the time?"
Shiv shrugs a little at her question "well a dwarves definition of fun is somewhat limited. They have drinking games or eating contests and that seems to be about it. This is a military vessell so its void of any conventional methods of fun. Although there is a fun game on deck that the sharpshooters use to practice." This game was almost like shooting skeet except the booeys land in the water before you shoot them. The idea is to be able yo accurately land a shot while on the deck of the ship calculating for the rise and fall of the ship in the water as well as the booeys on rise and fall. Its actually deceptively difficult to do. "But other than that not much at all. Although im almost certain master Remus could easily jump anywhere with you so long as I remain on the ship he should be able to jump back at anytime." He groans at the prospect of being stuck on a ship full of dwarves alone.
Mara didn't seem overly excited about the drinking games, "Drinking games always end up with the same ending" she smiled and shook her head, "But a shooting game?" The game sounded like it involved skill and concentration, a far cry from unskilled drinking until passing out, "Could we go and watch? It sounds like there is quite a lot of skill needed" she turned and began to head towards the door before he had chance to answer. When she reached the door, she paused and laughed softly unsure which way to go, "Maybe I need a map" she said turning back to him still laughing.

[littlemy]

He follows her wuthout question and only nods gently at her suggestions. "Why certainly im sure someone has set it up by now." He smiles broadly walking towards the door. "And about that map. I will start working on it this afternoon." The smile widdens to a grin as he phases through the wall and moves ahead of her. She was blocking the doorway and despite it being large for a dearf it was much to small for the two of them to fit through it at once. It would perhaps even be difficult getting ahead of her in the narrow corridor. "Lets go back up then." He leads the way to the top and just as they round the corner to open the door a loud bang could be heard outside. "I called it.. looks like they started already. " he opens the door and heads out leading the way to a group of dwarves some gathered around two of them laying ina lrone position. One had a heavy guage rifle with what looked like a massive scope mounted on top. The other held a pair of long range binoculars. Despite the time period the dwarves had pretty much mastered black powder and explosives. There was already a booey flooating some 200 meters off the starboard side of the ship. The dwarf had missed thw first shot and thw lo ger he took to make the next the further and further the booey got. Finally he fires again with a loud echoing boom that booms out from hia rifle. After a slight delay the booey explodes in the water and the dwarves around him start cheering. Remus could even be notices leaning against the rail pipe in hand enjoying the show.
Laughing, she followed him after he had phased through the wall "Show off" she said quietly although loud enough for him to hear. The bang they heard as they reached the deck made her jump slightly, but she followed him through the door and towards the group of dwarves. She flinched slightly at the second shot but joined in with the applause as it hit it's mark. "Doesn't look very easy" she said looking to Shiv then spotting Remus. She gave him a small wave and walked over to him, "Not having a go?" She asked with a smile as she took up a similar position to his, leaning against the railing.
Remus shakes his head laughing slightly. "Its to easy for me. But I can demonstrate why if youd like." He looks over to the crow of dwarves and signals them to launch another. The dwarves nod and a couple move to work the booey catapult. After a few moments they launche the next booey. "Hmmm I should've told them to launch it further" he chuckles slightly shifting the pipe from his right to his left hand. He then bring up his hand and points at the booey with his imdex finger in the classical fake gun pose that little kids use. His index finger seems to be pointed directly at the booey his eyes focus and in an instant and quick burst of energy gathers around his finger and fires in the form of an extremely focused beam of lightning. The booey is practically vaporized on impact and the dwarves cheer and jump around near the launcher. Remus simply chuckles soflty his finger still smoking from the intense heat. He pulls it close and blows the smoke from the tip of hia finger like he would a gun. "Your turn.* he offers her a broad smile.
Mara watched Remus pretty much win the game without even trying. She laughed and shook her head trying not to look overly impressed, "I don't think I work like that" she joked holding her finger up, "I'll give that a go though" she pointed to the rifle and pushed off the railing, "How does it work?" She asked a dwarf holding her hands out in front of her to take it should he offer her it.
Remus can't help but laugh and follows her to where the dwarves are gathered. The stocky dwarf with the rifle hands it to her " ye pull this 'ere" he pulls the bolt back which let out the spemt shell. The brass casing lands on the deck and rolls off into the water. "The ye push't back" he pushes the bolt forward loading the next shell into position. "Ye aim thru' the lense 'ere" he points to the scope. "Jus' hold it tight to yer shoulder An' squeeze the trigger" he points to the trigger. "I's loaded...careful lassy" shiv promptly places his mask over his face.Remus simply watches her careful then signals the other dwarf to launch the booey. And after a few moments the booey launches overhead. "Careful now... it has a strong recoil." Remus warns her not wanting the force of the recoil to bust her eyebrow with the scope.
Mara watched the dwarf carefully a he showed her how to reload the weapon, it seemed trickier than a bow but she got it. Pulling a face at Shiv as he moved his mask, she took the rifle and raised it to her shoulder, her expression growing serious as she concentrated on the booey that had flown overhead. Looking through the scope she aimed for the booey that was bobbing up and down in the water and took a deep breath, exhaling and pulling the trigger at the same time. The recoil was strong, had Remus not warned her it certainly would have taken her by surprise. She laughed seeing the shot hit the water not too far off the booey, "Not easy at all" she lowered the rifle, "You made it look too easy" she said pulling the bolt back and pushing it forward to take another shot, she wasn't one for giving up. The booey was further away and moving even more than the first shot, she couldn't even rely on her feline ability due to the lack of cats onboard so she was on her own. Raising the rifle, she took aim again trying to compensate for the extra movement.
Remus actually smiles and nods at her almost hitting the booey. "not bad for your first time shooting a rifle. These things hance their advantages and disadvantages. Im willing to bet that you would be able to easily make the shot with your Windforce" he grins a little then lights his pipe again the sweet yet powerful scent of Tobacco fills the air around him momentarily before it gets swept away in the wind. Meanwhile Shiv starts to clap "well that was a really good try. Very nice shot... but I think master is right. You would hit it with your bow." Remus chimes in "silence. stop talking let her concentrate" Remus waves his hand casually over his shoulder eager to see if she could actually hit it on her second try.
She gave a quick nod in agreement, there was no doubt in her mind she could hit it with the bow but the rifle was completely different. Blocking Shiv's voice out even before Remus silenced him, she stared at the booey, following it's path in the water as she aimed before squeezing the trigger, the recoil pushing her slightly off balance. The shot grazed it's target causing her to grit her teeth. She wasn't used to missing. Reloading the weapon without saying a word, she took aim a third time, the annoyance clear on her face. She was ready for the recoil when she squeezed the trigger and she watched the booey take a direct hit through the scope before lowering the rifle, "Third time lucky" she said turning to Remus and Shiv with a triumphant smile. She handed the rifle back to the stocky dwarf, "I'll stick to my bow" she said as it was taken from her.
The dwarves all cheered and clapped. Particularly the one that took the rifle back "nice shot lassy" Shiv claps again "you actually hit it!" He says in surprise "I could never work those things." Remus laughs a little and nods "its true... but you are from a different time Shiv... like me.. seeing these things for the first time was quite comical. It only made it easier for me to redirect their projectiles." He grins and turns his gaze to Mara. "Good call... that bow of yours is very special indeed. And far more useful than any rifle"
Mara raised an eyebrow at Shiv, "Of course I hit it" she said with a shrug, "I always get my target...eventually" she laughed. Nodding to Remus, "Hurts less too" she rubbed her shoulder and pulled a face at the ache she had never experienced with a bow. "So that's the entertainment...that or drinking" she laughed again, "I hope they don't mix the two, that could have interesting results" she looked to the group of dwarves then back to Remus.
Remus chuckles and nods "of course they mix the two together. Chances sre no dwarf on this ship is sober. The ironic thing is that most of them actually preform their jobs better when drinking. Like that dwarf that made the shot earlier... he has had quite a few drinks before taking his turn." He laughs a little. "But it should be noted. Dwarves pricess alcohol much different than humans or even elves do." Shiv takes over slowly walking up and taking a spot next to his master. "Dwarves process alcohol almost the same way as a human processes water. They do eventually get intoxicated but it takes a huge amount of it to do what a few drinks do to a normal man. So dont mind the drinking... its not as bad as it seems." The water was steadily getting a little rougher the further out they went. Remus lights his pipe again with a small fire emmiting from his fingertip.
Mara was surprised that the dwarves had been drinking, it wasn't noticable, "That's quite astounding" she said looking to the dwarves setting up another shot. Her gaze moved past them to a booey that flew overhead into the water that was growing choppy. She shifted slightly as she looked out over the water silently reassuring herself that the ship was solid. "So we've seen the mess hall and the entertainment, where to next?" She looked to the pair hoping to take her mind off the choppy waters.
Remus shakes his head. "Oh no... I dare not venture into that steel maze." Shiv laughs slidding his mast to the side as usual "master will get to frustrated and end up tearing the ship apart." He jokes comically yet quickly backs away from Remus almost fearing a sharp correction. Yet none comes and Remua simply nods his head. "You're quite right" he chuckles lightly and take another long drag from his pipe. Shiv turns and faces her with a smile "hmmm lets see.. how about the training arena? Its a huge room that lets you hone your skills. With and without a weapon." He spoke in his usual carefree nonchalant tone. "Ooooor what else do you like to do.?"
Mara stifled a giggle as Shiv said Remus would tear the ship apart with frustration, “Maybe not inside then” she shrugged lightly, “The training area sounds interesting.” The question of what she liked to do made her think carefully, she hadn’t thought about that in a long while since she had left her home, “I don’t really do too much...” she paused thinking back, “I’m not sure, it’s been a while since I did something because I liked it but it’s been a while since I did any training.” She smiled and gestured for Shiv to lead the way to the training room.
Shiv smiles at her again and nods "alright then to the training room!" He exclaims with a sort of over the top comicness that one only finds in comic books and cartoons. Remus simply shakes his head and leans on the rail sighing and puffing his pipe that hung loosely off the side of his mouth. Shiv heads towards the entrance demonstrating his lightning fast speed by seemingly appearing at the door holding it open for her. His cloak rushes laat him from the sudden burat of speed. "Come on come on lets gooooo!" He seemed overly excited at the prospect of going to the training room. Deapite his sillyness, he could be a fearsome terrifying force in battle. And she witnessed only the tip of the ice berg concidering his movements were severely limited to the confined space of the protective bubble. On open ground he was nigh impossible to defeat.
Placing a hand over her mouth, Mara giggled quietly at Shiv’s excitement and his show of speed as he seemed to disappear and reappear at the door, “You definitely not coming?” she turned to Remus and nodded towards the door, “I’ll make sure you don’t get lost” she smiled at him before turning and walking to the door pausing to see if he would follow or not before she gave in to Shiv’s child-like excitement and walked through the door, letting Shiv walk past before she carried on so he could lead the way, “I take it you like the training room?” she knew she was stating the obvious.
Remus shakes his head in response tomher question. He wouldnt join quite yet "I will catch up. You go on ahead" he calls out to her hitting his pipe again. Shiv leads the way through the confusing maze of corridors and doors until finaly they end up in the training area. A huge open space the spand the width of the ship and almost half its length. They actually had to go down a few levels to get to it. The walls in this room were heavily reinforced so that it could even take a direct hit from all but the most powerful of attacks. Both from inside or outside. The room was well lit and contained several different areas each designed to train a specific thing. Many obstacles were arrange in one section to train in balance and agility. Another section had targets set up for target practice. Another had what appeared to be like a primitive weight arrangements, this section along with the open arena section were by far the most populated. The arena was a large circle some 15 meters in diameter that was meant to train either weapons or hand to hand combat. Currently around 12 dwarves were gathered around the circle while two where in the middle. Two mor dwarves would enter the circle and begin hand to hand combat with the two inside. Then another join lto make it three on two. And finaly another joined tk make it four on two. "They will continue to join in until the two in the middle are overwhelmed. This is a type of training that teaches you teamwork...and sacrifice. That scenario isnt suppose to be won but they are trained to take out as many as possible before being taken down themselves." Shiv explains the training. "So what would you like to try out first?"
Following Shiv through the maze, she paused at the doorway of the training room taking in all of the different sections. Her attention was drawn to the circle where the dwarves were training. Their discipline and strength was impressive as more entered the circle. She pulled herself away to look once again at the other sections, the obstacles drawing her in, "There" she said pointing to the section, "That looks like a good place to start" she looked to him with a grin on her face. She did know she was no match for him but there was probably something she could learn from him.
Shiv smiles broadly and nods "fair enough." And he slowly makes his way over to the obstacles but before actually entering the section he walks over to the side and unpins his cloak, folding it neatly it seems to shrink down to a very small size as he folds it over and over again. His beautiful light blue plate armore now in full view. It did indeed cover his entire body and the only area of actual skin that could be seen started at his neck. He then stuffs the cloak into a small locking compartment on the side of his chest plate. The compartment was so well hidden that it couldn't even be seen. He turns and smiles at Mara, his white mask still off to the side giving him a somewhat comical look. "So... do you challange me?" The smile grows wide.
She followed him to the obstacles and watched him take off his cloak, silently admiring his armour. Stepping forward to the beginning of the course she looked each obstacle over and grinned knowing they wouldn’t prove much of a problem for her although challenging Shiv wasn’t a wise idea, “I don’t know...you have an unfair advantage” she laughed. She was good, but not that good, “Even with a little feline help I couldn’t be as fast as you.” Folding her arms over her chest, she nodded to the obstacles, “You first?” She added, not one for ‘ladies first’.
Shiv chuckles lightly and nods. "Then here I go!" Without hesitation he leaps into the start clearing the rope wall without even using the rope to climb. With almost impossible grace he leaps off the top twirling and flipping a single time to land on the top of one of the many balancing poles that made up the next section. The idea was to jump on the tops of these things which were only about 20cm in diameter. Shiv lands on a single foot and then leaps to another and then another easily clearing the section without incident. The he moves on to the next of the obstacles a giant rolling pin some 10 meters in length that was rolling in one direction at a somewhat medium oace. Half way through the pi. Was split and was rolling faster in the opposite direction. Shiv runs down the first section and then the secons section leaping off the end to land on the net wall. A loose net of thick rope that was loosely hung from the tall wall ahead. He scales this too without a problem. Once on top there was a series of ropes that hung from the ceiling one had to leap to thw first and swing from one to the next in order to clear the obstacle. Shiv leaps and swinga to the next grabbing the next rope and then the next without issue until he reaches the other side. Standing atop the final obstacle he offers her a smile before slide down the inclined wall on the other end thag lead to a tall almost perfectly verticle wall that one had to run down the slope then reach up to pull themselves up at the top. He does this too with ease si.ply running up the wall. He kept hia pace within human levels knowing that he could clear it all without the clock even noticing he started but what wluld be the fun in that. "Your turn" he calls down to her from ontop the wall.
Mara watched the elf move through the obstacles with ease, her arms remaining folded over her chest. She smiled as he finished and nodded as he call for her to start. She began the course, following the same path Shiv had albeit at a slightly slower pace. Using the rope, she cleared the wall quickly and with relative ease. Crouching at the top of the wall, she leapt with a cat-like agility to the first pole, treating the small surfaces as if they were nothing more than stepping stones to the next obstacle. The rolling beam proved more difficult for her, she ran across the slower half without incident but there was a split second where it seemed she might lose her balance on the faster half. Recovering, she jumped to the net and scrambled up quickly. Taking in the position of the ropes over head, she took hold of the first and swung to the next with no problem, easily making it across the ropes in no time at all. Surveying the final obstacle she sprinted down the incline, jumping as she reached the wall and grabbing onto the top of it, pulling herself up to where Shiv was standing, “That was fun!” she exclaimed panting slightly.
Shiv watches her carefully taking note of her movements observing her speed and reaction. She was certainly above normal human reflexes perhaps some un natural trait that had to do with her relationship with felines. As she finally gets to the top he claps and nods approvingly. "Very good.." the from the entrance of the training room Remus could be seen walking up to them "you move well..." he finishes Shivs sentence for him. "Im actually quite impressed. No normal human could clear that with such ease and swiftness" the mage smiles warmly at her. He wasnt about to take part in the obstacle course. Despite his athletesim he mostly preferred direct confrontations. "Shiv you didn't use your full speed did you?" Shiv shakes his head "of course not master..." Remus gives Mara a wink. In close quarters combat without the use of his power even Remus was not able to match Shiv in physical combat. Shivs sheer spees could easily overwhelm the mage. But because Shiv moves so quickly Remus could easily snap his fingers and absorb all the energy he is excerting while moving at which point he would slow to a crawl.
Giving a small bow, she smiled at Shiv knowing he hadn’t used his full ability but she wouldn’t pull him up about it, it wasn’t fair if she couldn’t actually see him do the course. Looking to Remus she laughed lightly, “Well i’m not all that normal” she returned his smile and shook her head as he asked Shiv about his use of speed. “Are you joining us Remus?” she assumed he was now that he had ventured into the ship, “It’s Shiv’s turn to pick our task” she nudged the elf with her elbow quite looking forward to seeing what he would pick. She was beginning to see why he was so excited to get to the room in the first place.
The elf looks around at the assorted tasks and immidietly thinks of the arena. The smile on his face turns into a grin and he points over to the circular arena. "That one... I want that one" then he leaps off twirling in mid air adding a flip in the middle for the hell of it gracefully landing and walking to the arena in one fluid motion. Remus shakes his hand holding up his palm as if to signal that he wasnt interested in the trials "no no. Im here only to spectate." His eyes met hers for the first time in a long time and after a moment he moved to the sidelines and took a seat indian style. Shiv makes his way to the dwarves and smiles at group "are you up for a challenge?" He asks the gourp adresaing no one in particular. The dwarves all looked at each other and seemed to agree " aye" one of them said "good...." he turns to Mara "would you like to go first?"
Mara nodded, laughing at Shiv’s excitement once again. She stepped off the edge off the wall, landing lightly close to Remus. The dismount was simple, nowhere near as extravagant as Shiv’s. As Remus’s eyes met hers she paused for a moment before nodding and giving him a smile. Following Shiv, she stood at the edge of the circle as he spoke to the dwarves. She wasn’t sure what he had in mind until he challenged them and offered her the chance to go first. Surprised at that offer she answered “Aye” as she took a couple of steps towards him, “What’s the challenge?” she queried unsure about taking on a relatively large number of dwarves with a good amount of training behind them.
Shiv grins at her and nods "alright the challenge is simple. One by one dwarves wil enter the circle and start to fight you. Dont be afraid to hit them. They are tough as nails. They will continue entering until you say stop. By the time the second dwarf steps in you will be outnumbered obviously. But the challange is to see how many you can take. If you manage to throw the dwarf out however he cannot step back in." He chuckles lightly. "Ideally you would want to throw them out as soon as poasible so as to not get overwhelmed to quickly." He nods lightly. "Its fun you can handle it."
Listening to the challenge, she wasn’t so confident but she would give it a go. Nodding, she stepped into the circle silently wishing there was a feline on board to help her out but she’d just be relying on her own skills. “Weapons?” she asked hoping to have at least something to help her. The dwarves were small but she knew they would be strong and skilled. Understanding the challenge, her main aim would be to get the dwarves out of the circle or at least to keep them as far away from her as possible.
Shiv smiles and nods "whatever weapon you choose." The back wall was lined with weapons ranging from small daggers to giant greatswords and huge pole arms. "Are you prepared fellas? Do you think you can handle her? I doubt it" he taunts the dwarves a little and they seem to get bucked up in unison. Shiv moves closer to her "pss... whatever you pick let me know I can summon one of masters swords... and then you could easily defeat all these oafs" he whispers so that only she can hear.
Looking to the weapons, she bit her lip trying to decide. Shiv's new found confidence in her was nice, but it wasn't her own feeling. Moving to the wall and holding her hand out, she walked along trying to decide which weapon to use, her hand came to rest on a long stick which she picked up and took into the circle. Shaking her head as Shiv offered a sword, "I am not as skilled with a sword" she replied quietly tossing the stick from hand to hand as she eyed up the dwarves that seemed to be getting quite excited, "Thanks for the vote of confidence" she said glancing to him.
Shiv nods and offers her his warm beaming smile "of course! You can take them have no fear" he slowly backs away from her taking a seat next to his master to observe. 'Shall we have a little fun then?' Shivs smile widdens into a grin as his master responds with 'do what you'd like' and Remus too returns the smile. Shiv cracks his fingers slightly as the first stocky looking dwarf wabbles into the circle he was unarmed but he wore some heavy armor that looked like it could deflect a direct blow from even the mightiest of weapons. Shiv slowly stood tilting his head from one side to the other cracking his neck as he does. He was preparing to dash in and out of the fight. So fast that no one would actually see him move. Though it wouldnt be like he was going to actually harm anyone. But she might notice that every time a dwarf went in for the offense he was seemingly diatracted by something which made him hesitate. However looking back at Shiv he would appear to be standing silently next to Remus. This subtle action should be enoigh for her to easily overwhelm quite a few of them. But he didnt want to make it obvious that he was assiting in the fight. So naturally he let some dwarves alone all together.
Mara nodded sharply and stood ready for the first dwarf who entered slowly. She held the stick parallel to the floor as he approached, and she knew seeing the armour that direct blows would be pretty much useless. She didn't move until the dwarf got close then she stepped to the side and spun, her hands moving to one end of the stick as she lowered her body to the ground. She moved quickly, aiming for the back of his knees to throw him off balance. It worked and he staggered, his weight working against him. Straightening up, she wasted no time striking a blow to his chest before he had recovered, knocking him clean off his feet. He was still in the circle so she quickly prepared herself for two attackers once he got back to his feet. Turning to the dwarves, she waited for the second to advance while listening out for the first.
Shiv watched her closely moving in at key moments just as she struck the dwarf in the chest he moved in to pull him back assuring that the dwarf would fall on his ass. Then in an instant he moved back to his original spot. As two more dwarves moved in so did he giving them a stiff yank on their armor which would cause them to momentarily lose focus creating and easy opening for her to take advantage of. Remus sar on the side chuckling softly to himself shaking his head. While he couldn't see Shiv's moments clearly he could actually feel the movement. He knew when shiv was moving but he wasnt entire certain what he was doing.
Seeing the two approaching dwarves seemingly get distracted, she ran between them and used the stick to clothesline them adding to their distraction. Planting one end of the stick on the floor she pole vaulted towards one, landing both feet square on his back causing him to stumble and fall forwards out of the circle. There was no time to celebrate knocking him out as the other dwarf grabbed her from behind, his short stature making it hard for her to break free. Using all her strength, she pushed backwards to the edge of the circle before stamping her foot on his to make him loosen his grip enough for her to slip out and wipe out his legs from under him. He landed almost on top of his friend. The first dwarf had just about recovered from his fall and she was ready for his attack, letting his momentum work against him, she stepped aside and used the stick to merely push him out of the circle.
Shiv watches her take advantage of his little favors and he quickly becomes curious just how much she can do on her own. He remains still waiting to see how things will play out. "She moves extremely well " Remus says under hia breath so that only Shiv can hear him. The elf nods in response "lets see how much she can do without me playing any games" Shiv takes a seat next to his master again and watches all the movements very carefully, to him it was all entirely in slow motion. Remus is tempted to take out his pipe but he decides better of it. Atleast while they are battling. For now he wat hes the fight carefully with a slight smile painted on his lips.
Three dwarves make their way into the circle, two unarmed but wearing body armour and the third, much larger dwarf carrying an axe. They seemingly had a plan and surrounded her. Lowering herself slightly to maintain her balance she watched the dwarves within her view and focused her hearing on the one behind her waiting for them to make a move. They all dashed at the same time, her only option was up. Leaping into the air, she used one's shoulder to propel herself higher and further away from the trio. Two of the dwarves crashed into each mother knocking each other out but the third managed to avoid the collision. Landing silently and keeping low to the ground she turned to see the larger of the trio coming at her with his axe raised. He brought it down towards her shoulder and she managed to deflect it with the stick and give him a sharp blow to the ribs. It wasn't enough to floor him and his free arm swung around making hard contact with her shoulder blade. It was her turn to be knocked off balance, the blow weakening that arm for a few moments. Straightening up, she swung for him with the stick making direct contact with his ribs once again. More blows followed, she pushed him, forcing him to the edge of the circle before giving out one final blow that sent him sprawling on the floor at the feet of the waiting group. She was tiring but she wasn't one to give up. Taking a few steps back to the centre of the circle, she gathered herself, shrugging the shoulder that had taken the blow to stop it growing stiff.
Remus sat with a look of disbelief, she was holding her own without issue against a group of armored and trained dwarves. He nodded with approval silently. Shiv was much more receptive cheering silently on the side at this point his arm high in the air rooting for her. 'Are you watching this master? Why arent you cheering' Remus eyes Shiv and shakes his head 'i am cheering im just not being a child about it like you' and the old mages gaze turns back to Mara a grin slowly playing across his lips his usually pointed teeth bared slightly.
It seemed the dwarves weren't overly happy about losing a fight to a girl. Mara stood and watched four dwarves enter the circle. She didn't show it but she knew they would knock her flying at some point. There was a difference between training with dwarves and fighting unhappy dwarves. Holding her ground, she let them get closer before launching an attack on the closest one to her right. Aiming to unbalance him, she struck his legs before using the stick to lift herself up and plant her feet on his chest. It worked enough to send him flying into the next dwarf, pushing the second out of the circle. The first regained his balance and joined the remaining two who were armed, one with a sword and one with an axe. She knew they were the main threats as the other was unarmed so she focused on them. The one with the sword ran at her, the weapon raised above his head causing her to use the stick to block his attack, the sword embedded itself in the wood and got stuck, the two remaining dwarves attacked from the sides hoping she was distracted enough for them to take her out but she knew where they were. Keeping a tight grip on the stick, she jumped and leapt over the sword wielding dwarf, their wepons still locked. As she landed, now back to back with the dwarf, she pulled the stick down sharply and the sword went with it, coming away from it's owner. She turned and kicked him in the back sending him stumbling out of the ring. Whilst she didn't particularly want a sword, her weapon was damaged so it would do. In the time it took to pull the two weapons apart and get a good grip on the sword, the two remaining fighters had regrouped and were attacking once again. She saw the axe and it's owner moving towards her at speed causing her to once again use her weapon to block the attack. The dwarf was stronger than the others and the blow caused her to stumble backwards letting the unarmed dwarf get a blow to her ribcage and jaw in. She hit the ground with a thud, tasing blood and dazed but on hearing the dwarves cheering their team mates she gritted her teeth and pushed herself to stand, wiping blood from a small cut on her lip. She was shaking as she found her grip on the sword once again and waited for them to attack.
Remus' eyes widden slightly as the events take place and he slowly begins to stand. The ground beneath him almost instantly freezes and the air grows heavy in his immidiete vecinity he quickly holds out his right hand and the familiar red mist that she witnessed before quickly forms into a long thing blade. The sky splitter had arrived. Shiv slowly slid his mask on preparing to jump into the fray but before he can act Remus calls to him. 'Stand down. I will handle this.' In an instant Remus preforms a flash step landing with a heavy clunk of his two pegged wooden sandels between the two dwarves and Mara his sword pointed directly at the two dwarves. "This is suppose to be a training exercise not an attempt at bullying a young woman" as he spoke the other dwarves slowly walked into the circle even the ones that were already tagged out. One by one they armed themselves and alowly stepped into the ring forming a circle around the duo. Using magic in a confined space like this on a ship would be quite dangerous so he would have to handle them by hand. "Are you alright Mara? It doesn't seem like they want to back down. Im sure their pride is hurt. I suppose we can teach them a lesson. You are more than welcome to step out if you wish" he speaks at a lower tone when addressing her then raises his voice to the dozen dwarves about to engage him. "While I wont kill any of you...heed my warning. I will not show mercy." The two armed that were already in front of them smhust shrugged at his words and made an advance chearging at him full force. The one with the axe came swing hia axe down full force. While the one armed with a sword came in with a wide horizontal swing aiming to catch him if he attempted to sidestep the axe. Remus held his ground as the axe came down blade first on top of him he immidietly swings his sword upwards the edge stricking the side of the axe causing the steel to split instantly, in the same motion he sidesteps to the opposite side that the opposite side that the sword was coming from. Now with his sword still raised from the swing he raises his foot and plants a solid kick to the axe wilding dwarf which sends him flying into the other dwarf who at the time was mid swing causing the two dwarves to skid out of the circle. Just as he had completed the kick another pair of dwarves were coming in behind him both armed with swords. His sword arm was still raised because the entire action was peformed in one fluid motion and he had yet to lower his arm. He is able to feel their approach despite his back being turned and with the same fluid swiftness he begins to turn his wrist spinning the sword downwards as he turned to face the two new opponents. They both swing down on him at him and he immidietly responds moving forward and sidestepping to his right. He slows the sword tk a stop at an angle deflecting the sword away from him, letting the dwarfs sword slide down the length of his blade as he stepped in with his free hand rising upwards in the forn of a fist connecting hard with the dwarfs face. The second dwarf whos swing completely missed goes to turn his body to the left as he recovers from the swing but by the time the stocky fellow manages to do this Remus had already leaped high into the air moving in a wide arc his body flilping upwards with his feet to the cieling he positions himself just above the dwarf swinging down at his head with the flat side of his sword. With a very audible 'wack!' The blade hits him right on the temple causing him to crumble ontop of his other companion that had only juat recently fallen from thw blow to the face. Remus lands gracefully on his feeet and once again holds his sword straight out at the other dwarves closing in. "Surrender now... or face the consequences"
Mara looked to Remus, her gaze leaving the dwarves for the first time, as he entered the circle. She saw the other dwarves all step into the circle, armed and angry. She tried to stop her body shaking as Remus spoke to her, "I'll live" she said quietly, shaking her head at his offer for her to leave. She wasn't one to back down, it was her fight and she moved in the ring so she was back to back with Remus. The sword suddenly felt heavy in her hands but she didn't have much chance to compensate as two dwarves rushed at her, the others focussed on her new partner. It wasn't a friendly sparring match anymore and the dwarves behaviour made her realise why the General had such a hatred towards human women once he was defeated by Leona. Both dwarves were unarmed but wearing armour so her blows with the sword didn't do much damage but it kept them at bay. She was aware of Remus's fight going on close by but she couldn't stand by, her attackers didn't give her much on a chance both attacking in unison. One blow got past her weakened defenses, hitting her in the chest and winding her momentarily. They saw a chance to end their fight with her and they took it, but in the split second it took them to make that decision she prepared herself to defend against their attack. She raised the sword ignoring her screaming muscles and swung it at the first fighter, hitting his helmet a hard as she could. The second followed close by, she spun and caught him on a joint of the leg of his armour, causing his leg to give way. Moving back to the first once again, she used the sword to hit him once again, sending him sprawling onto his back. The weight of his armour meant he struggled to get to his feet. Hearing Remus offer an ultimatum, she knew what the answer would be. A couple of the dwarves glanced at each other unsure if they should continue. The rest, however seemed determined to defeat the pair despite the odds being stacked against them. Knowing she couldn't fight many more advances off, she stepped up to Remus, "Remus" she said quietly, placing a hand on his arm, "They got carried away I'm sure... as did I. We can all stop this now. There is no need to keep fighting" she stood tall and looked to the dwarves who remained, a sincere expression set on her face. Her grip on the sword loosened slightly but she didn't let go of it as she waited to see what the others would do.
Remus shots a quick glance at her as the dwarves began their advance ignoring her reasoning. The mage quickly prepared for what would be another assault when suddenly every advancing dwarf falls backwards holding their throats caughing and rolling around in agony. Shiv stood next to Remus in the blink of an eye before the dwarves could even fall. His mask on "she said stop!" He was serious and his voice sounded quite stern and powerful. No longer the soft playful cheerful tone. This one was venomous. He stood tall and perfectly still his head lowered slightly which made the white porcelain mask seem quite menacing despite the ever lasting smile. A slow motion look at it would reveal that as the dwarves began their advance Shiv immidietly took action knowing that their intentions were no longer in the spirit of sport. They meant to harm her and he simply wouldnt allow it. Remus shakes his head slightly "despite your disobedience. Good job." He then turns to Mara the sword fading away in the familiar red mist. " are you alright?" Meanwhile Shiv kept watch on the other dwarves taking pleasure in their pain.
Seeing the dwarves beginning to advance again, she lifted the sword to ready herself. The sudden turn of events was more than welcomed and she had never been to happy to see Shiv than she was in that moment despite his complete change of character. Her arms fell to her side and she let the sword drop to the floor as Remus turned to her, "I'll live" she repeated, that much was true. She ran her fingertips over her lip, wiping away a fresh trickle of blood from her lip, "I've had worse" she gave him a weak smile, "but I think the fun is over with now" she looked to the dwarves who were still sprawled out on the floor. "I could do with some fresh air" she took a few slow steps towards the door trying to remember the way through the maze of corridors and stairs.
Remus nods gently and take her hands without asking permission. "Hold on tightly. I marked the upper deck so I can freely travel back up" he offers her a smile then turns to Shiv. "And you... head to my quarters and her quarters and mark those as well so that I may freely travel between those places at will." Shiv nods and replies " of course master" and without hesitation produces his cloak and in an instant its pinned around him again, before the cloak can even settle his fades from view. Remus then grips Maras hand tightly and that uncomfortable sucking feeling happens aa it did before and everything fades to black for a brief moment before everything returns and the cool sea breeze welcomes them on the deck. Remus releases her hand and quickly conjures up his familiar cup. "Im going to offer you a drink and I advise that you take it this time. Only a small amount shouldn't effect your judgement but it will hell you recover much faster." The cup fills only about a quarter of a way up with the familiar golden liquid.
She nodded, allowing him to take her hands. She welcomed the tingling sensation his touch gave and smiled as he spoke to Shiv, "You found a way around getting lost down there" she said quietly before preparing herself for the dizzying, falling feeling. The cool breeze hit her and could have knocked her down if Remus didn't have hold of her hands, she shook her head to get rid of the dizziness, "I don't think I'll ever get used to that" she laughed softly as he released her hands before gritting her teeth as the laugh sent a sharp pain through her bruised ribs. Watching the cup appear, she looked doubtful as he offered the drink to her knowing what it could do to a 'normal' person. She did take the cup, looking at it for a moment before taking a big mouthful and savouring the taste. Mara drank the golden liquid slowly after the first mouthful, her aches and pains subsided slightly. She raised her free hand to rub her jaw and check the cut on her lip had stopped bleeding, "I didn't think they would turn like that" she said, her hand moving to the back of her neck.
Remus sighs heavily and nods "unfortunately dwarves are known to be quite stubborn and prideful. They hate being defeated by those they feel are beneath them. Which is nothing personal since they feel they are better than everyone else. They even chose to attack me despite knowing who I am and despite my warning. They truly believe they stood a chance. Shiv couldve easily assassinated everyone in the room without even so much as tripping the alarm or even anyone in the room actually registering they were under attack until they are all basically dead" he smiles at the thought. " he can be very sadistic in battle. If I cut him lose he will massacre entire armies and enjoy every minute of it." He chuckles softly "then again... we are trying our best to reform. On any other day every dwarf that dared raise their hand to me would have been slaughtered." He sighs turning from her somewhat ashamed to be admitting this. Then heads towards the rail.
Finishing the golden liquid with another big gulp, she handed the glass back to him, "Remind me never to pick a fight with a big group of dwarves again" she said with frown. Her frown grew as he turned away from her. She knew of their past, who they used to be and he didn't need to be ashamed of it. Following him to the railings, she reached out and touched his hand gently, "But you're not that person anymore" she said smiling at him, "Look at everything you've done for me including helping me in there" She took hold of his hand with both of hers and if he allowed it would pull him to face her, "Don't be ashamed of who you are, you could have killed them all...but you didn't. That's who you are."
He nods gently droping the cup she handed him earlier. The cup vanishes before it ever hits the ground. He hesitates at first when she takes his hand but not for long. Giving in to her reasoning planting a small feint smile on his lips. "Does it make a difference if I wanted to? The thought crossed my mind. I decided not to at the very last momment just before my blade hit him on the head. I wanted to split his head open like a melon." His tone changed slight as well as the expression on his face. But only for the briefest of momments returning back to his nonchalant gaze and warm smile on his lips. "Thank you...thank you for truly believing in me. It means more to me than you will ever know." He starred deeply into her eyes as she turns him the sudden urge to take her in his arms threatens to get the better of him. But he fights the urge. Something warm stirred deep down inside him. A feeling he hadn’t felt since before the start of the great war. And a feeling he forgot how to understand.
Mara tried not to laugh as he spoke knowing that it would hurt. She shook her head, "I've wanted to do things to people before but haven't, only just though" she could think of many, many times she had stopped herself acting on impulse, "If you truly wanted to do it, you would have." She met his gaze, her stomach felt like there were butterflies trapped in it. She kept hold of him, her gaze eventually moving to their hands and her smile faded. Squeezing his hands, she reluctantly let go and turned to look out over the open waters, leaning on the rails for support.
The smile widdens a little as she speaks and with great regret he releases her hands as she does. Remus turns back to the rails and leans forward letting the cool wind blow effortlessly through his light flowing white coat. He sighs, the spell broken and the momment over. Somehow he wished something had come of it, but perhaps its best he left it alone. "Mara.... what do you plan to do after our journey is over. Theres no telling what will happen when we meet Lazarus in the next few days. "
She continued to stare out over the water as he spoke, resisting the urge to take his hands again, "I don't know. I know what I 'should' do but..." she shook her head and lowered her eyes to the railing in front of her. "You've shown me so much in the last few weeks, I want to see more, the floating cities, your inn in the north. There is a whole world out there I didn't know existed outside of stories" she paused for a couple of seconds, "I just don't know if that is possible" she looked to him, torn between going back to how her life used to be and completing her task, saving her family then continuing to explore.
Remus smiles at her and nods gently "I see.... this world has so much to offer and it has mysteries that even I have yet to discover. Like the jewel of benevolence. The one treasure thag as eluded me for a thousand years. And after searching for that long I have still come up empty handed." He sighs and turns his back to the water still resting on the railing. "I will tell you a secret." He grins. Why dont we go to my inn while the ship travels to Crete. I will have Shiv remain on bored and you and I take a quick...leave of absence. Who knows we may be back before anyone notices" the grin grows wider as the younger him shines through.
Mara nodded in agreement, the world did have much to offer. The somewhat serious expression on her face relaxed as he offered to take her to his inn, "Really?" She stood straight, a slight excitement in her voice. "I would love that!" she smiled and turned to him, wrapping her arms around his neck, hugging him. The embrace lasted a couple of seconds before she pulled away, her hands remaining on his shoulders, "I'm sorry" she looked slightly sheepish at her random burst of excitement, "I just can't wait to see snow" she smiled managing to contain her excitement as she thought about what the ice and snow would be like.
Remus grins even more broadly as she hugs him and he too returns the wmbrace without hesitation and almoat reluctantly lets go. "Great let me inform Shiv and then I can start the preparations. A long distance jump like that requires a little time. Shiv can do it freely but I need to take some steps." He instantly pushes off the rails and makes his way to the only wooden part of the top deck a small expansion ring that thankfully was large enough for the two of them to comfortably stand on. The ring made an entire circle around the ship. It served its purpose when the time came by actually opening up and revealing and extra set of armaments beneath. It was simply easier to make such a structure out of wood. It was convinient for Remus because he could only draw such arrays on organic material. Steel, being synthesized by blending metals together had a strange repelling quality to such magic. 'Shiv watch over the ship, Mara and I will be jumping to the inn for a little while.' Remus kneels on the wood placing his palm on its surface. He shuts his eyes and begin to whisper under his breath. "Net of black and white. Twenty two bridges, sixty six crowns.Footprints, distant thunder, engulfing land, hidden in the night." A brilliant blue glyph forms itself on the wood beneath him "Sea of clouds, endless lines, form a circle and fly through the heavens." The circle the quickly begins to fill itself with intricate lines and symbols he stands and holds out his hand. Once she takes it he finishes the spell "divine rickshaws through the heavens" and just as he finishes the words they are instantly sucked down into the floor and that sickening feeling of free falling takes hold this time lasting a momment or two before restoring the ground beneath them. However, it wasnt the ship the stood on anymore. Now as the light faded back into place they were standing back in the lobby of what looked like a beautiful structure. The floor was a dark mahogany that shone brightly through the mid day sun.the outer walls were made of glass each window easily 4 meters in height. The beautiful white snow was coming down in tiny flakes and the trees all around were frozen and coated in white. The lobby was dimly lit by pure candle light and in the other end of the room was a massive fireplace with a portrait of Remus overhead. Everything about the place was clearly made of the finest materials. "Welcome" he releases her hand "to the winter nights inn"

[littlemy]

Nodding, Mara followed him, quite happy that he didn't pull away from the embrace. Watching him as he began to perform the spell, she stood in silence keeping a lid on her excitement so as not to cause him any disruption. As Remus stood, she smiled and took his hand, moving close to him and closing her eyes. Her grip on his hand grew tight as the ground seemed to disappear, the dizzying sensation hitting her once again. The ground reappeared and she dared open her eyes after the world stopped spinning. She turned and looked around the room before moving from his side to the windows, her eyes wide. She was silent for a short while, "It's so beautiful" she whispered looking back to him then around the room. Holding her arms out to gesture to the lobby and the white world outside, "This is all just...beautiful" she smiled widely.
Remus smiles broadly as she looks around in awe. The roomnthey stood innwas adorned with sculptures of various things and people both male and female scantily dressed if dressed at all. The counter and the entire desk seemed to be made of solid marble. The columns throught thw room quite massive at almost a meter thick in diameter and they too appeared to be made of solid marble. The beautiful stairs the opened up like the grand stairs at some 5 star hotel in modern times were so beautiful that most people are almost dumbfounded by them. The rails were actually made of gold so the color scheme of the entire structure was gold and black. Black marble and black wood and every single piece of trim in the building was actually made of solid gold. " im glad you like it... this inn is quite a structure. And it is incredibly resilient as it has been headquarters through many wars throughout the centuries and still here it atands as beautiful as the day I completed it."
She walked slowly around the lobby examining the statues and features in the room. She really was in awe, "It's amazing" she said, the smile still plastered on her face. Turning back to the window, she looked out into the winter wonderland, "Is it winter all year here?" Despite hating being cold, she had always wanted to see a land in the middle of winter, "Can we go outside?" She was willing to brave the cold to feel the snow.
The mage nods gently at her question and the ten gold rings on his hands begin to give off a feint glow. He used up a ton of mana transporting them there. Such a long distance jump with such little time to prepare was a rare thing for him but he figured for her it was worth it. "Ofcourse we can go outside. Once you have stepped inside this place you will be able yo find it." He pauses slightly as he makes his way to the doors parting them without issue the frigid air pours inside in a steady flow. "You see this place can only be found by those who already know where it is. We are perfectly safe out here. This entire forest is enchanted. Its my domain." He grins broadly. "In this place... I make the rules. And all who enter are bound by those rules." He chuckles lightly making his way outside the snow crunching softly beneath his feet unfazed by the cold.
Mara nodded and followed him to the doors, shivering slightly as the cold air hit her skin. Ignoring the cold she followed him out, the snow crunching under her boots and her breath coming out of her mouth in clouds. "Wow" she said quietly, stopping and reaching out to a nearby bush to feel the snow that had settled on it's leaves. A snow flake landed on her cheek and she giggled at the cold feeling before looking to him and smiling, "What are the rules here?" She asked walking quickly to catch up to him
Remus chuckles lightly. "Its no fun if I tell you what they are." He slowly removes his coat and as she catches up to him he flings it around her shoulders. His breath was clearly visable but his skin didnt tighten and he showed no visible discomfort from the cold. "Lets just say that all techniques before me are meaningless in this place. So long as I am within these grounds my power is limitless." The inn was almost like a leyline of power and it could feed Remus faster than he could spend it. Essentially granting him unlimited mana and unlimited potential. "Unfortunately the effect only works here." He raises his hands showing her the ten rings. "When these rings glow like this.. it signifies that I am running close to the pre ordained limit I have set on my power. This body isnt strong enough to contain it. So these rings were forged to hold it back. Limiting my output to one fourth. This inn constantly feeds me... and thus the rings will glow as long as I am here because my mana supply is as full as possible so full that it almost beckons me to let it out" he chuckles a littlw more and turns to take in the sight of thw familiar forest. He draws in a deep breath. " it feels so good to be home"
Welcoming the coat that was put around her, she slipped her arms into the sleeves and pulled it across her chest. It was far too big but it gave her much needed protection against the cold. As Remus held his hands up, showing her the rings, she took one of his hands and got a closer look, "So you can do anything here?" She looked up to him as his gaze moved to the forest, the smile still present on her lips despite the cold. Her gaze soon moved to the trees and she found herself walking towards them, looking up to the snow covered canopy, "It's a whole different world" she said placing a hand on the trunk of a tree, the coldness of the bark almost catching her by surprise.
He nods gently in agreement "yes it is.. and its mine to control. Every aspect of this place is at my command. The trees. The day. The night. The weather. Anything in choose. Anything I can imagine is possible here. Naturally it has to be within my normal boundries of knowledge. Afterall I cannot preform a spell without actually knowing it. But all spells that are within my reach have no cost here. I can manipulate the very fabric of reality here." He laughs a little bit watching her amazement, enjoying it, releshing its sweet innocence.
Returning to him once again, she took his hand in both of hers and stared at the rings for a few moments before looking to him, "Thank you for showing your home to me" she stood on the tips of her toes and kissed his cheek softly. Pushing away the the urge to let her lips linger at his cheek, she pulled away, "This means a lot to me" her smile remained although it was softer, the excitement calmed for the moment. She hoped their travels could continue once she had saved her family but she knew her family and duty came first but, she knew what winter was, how the snow felt and how beautiful it could be and she was thankful for that experience.
He smiles and for the briefest of momments wishes that the kiss didnt stop. He wished that for once their lips could meet. He quickly puts the thought out of his mind and relishes the affection he does get. "You're quite welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you here." He turns and looks upon the giant structure that is his inn. The building seemed like something outnof fudel era japan. Massive in size towering into the air high above the tree tops. Each level with its own sort of roof that curled up at every corner making it truly seem like an old mansion out of classical era japan. "Care to walk inside or could I interest you on a little walk"
Mara kept hold of Remus's hand as he turned to look back to the inn. She looked at the building, it was like no other building she'd ever seen before. Feeling the cold, she was tempted to take up the offer of going back inside but she shook her head, "A walk sounds perfect" she said quietly, "I want to see more snow" It might have just been frozen water but it was beautiful and she would put up with the sub-zero temperatures to see more. Releasing his hand, she turned and walked back into the forest, once again looking into the canopy as she walked, "Are there many animals here?" She asked without looking back, instead choosing to weave in and out of the trees.
He walks behind her still holding her hand. Following her steps without issue. "Unfortunately..... no... this inn exists on a separate plane from the rest of the world. Which is why I said it can never be found unless youn already know where it is. By bringing you here and telling you this. Despite it beimg imna seperate plane you will be able to see the gate at the edge of the grounds. And stellong through that gate leads you into this.... pocket dimension so to speak"
Stopping, she looked to him, "Do many people know of this place?" She was curious, if the inn had many visitors besides Remus and now herself. She bent down and scooped up a handful of snow, "Is it true that no two snowflakes are the same?" She asked looking at the snow closely as if trying to make out the individual flakes, an almost impossible task. Passing the snow from hand to hand, she formed it into a small ball, rolling it into an imperfect sphere.
Remus ponders how he should answer the question and finally he responds "including you only 5 beings know about this place. And I say beings because they arent all necessarily human or even mortals for that matter. Lazarus knows of this place but he dares not venture here. In here he is but a man... and he just wont have that" he laughs a bit and grins "even gods are but men within these grounds." His eyes narrow on the snowflake. While he did not pocess any form of super human sight he could notice the slightest of details on things. But even a snowflakes uniqueness escaped his eyes. "Im not sure. I hear that is the case but I have never looked closely enough to really be able to tell. Even if I did..they are each so incredibly small i doubt I could notice a difference"
Mara continued rolling the snowball in her hands as Remus explained what happened to others in his 'world'. "What of me?" She asked curiously, "Am I 'ordinary' here" There was no easy way of checking her gift as there were no felines there. She looked closely at the snowball also unable to make out the fine detail of each fake, "It'll be a mystery for a while longer" she laughed softly as she tossed the loosely packed ball to him.
The mags laughs a little and grins "if I so choose it. Then yes you would be completely ordinary." He continues his little walk moving ahead of her slightly "but for now your particular set of abilities, while extraordinary in their own right dont pose a threat to me so I see no reason why I should restrict them. Although you may find it difficult to use them anyway. There are no felines anywhere near here." He takes on a deeo breath his fingers shaking slightly. He could feel the overwhelming power surging through him. He almost needed to start spending mana. But for now, he kept it under control.
She turned and continued walking through the trees, "It feels strange, not being able to feel them..." she said kicking the snow at her feet at she walked, "Here and on the ship" she glanced back to him momentarily before continuing. A small flurry of snow came through a clearing in the canopy sprinkling her with fine specs of white. She pulled a face and giggled at the coldness as she pulled his coat around her again, "Even though it's cold I love it here" she brushed the remaining flakes from her hair, the ones on her skin, quickly melting.
Remus smiles warmly at her and with a slight grin he decides how he will use some of the built up mana. He slowly raises his hand and snaps his fingers. The sound seemed to echo in a endless slow motion sort of way and as it rang through the air the snow quickly fade and the temperature quickly skyrocketed to a pleasent spring like warmth. In a matter of momments the snow was gone and the woods look as if it was a warm spring afernoon. Even several flowers budded on command as his eyes darted about the area. The sudden change in temperature might be a little shocking to the system but surely nothing she couldnt adjust To rapidly. "How about now?" He said with amusement in his voice. The echoing snap of his finger stops only when the entire area was completely transformed in this new lush green wonderland.
The rapid change was a little disconcerting but once it was complete, her jaw dropped and she released the grip that kept Remus's coat closed around her. Looking up into the trees, she smiled as the sun shone through the leaves, no longer being blocked by the snow. "You really can do anything" she laughed walking to him as she slid the coat from her shoulders to offer it back to him. Closing her eyes she welcomed the warmth on her skin. After a short while, she opened her eyes and looked to him with a wide smile on her face. "How big is this place?" She wondered how far they could go before reaching the edges of the 'world' if there were any.
The mage nods gently "anything at all." Her next question was a little harder to answer. "The grounds can only be entered and left by the gate at the edge of lake not far from here. Any other direction you travel in will only bring you back to where you started. If you travel due north from the face of the inn you will reach the gate. But any other direction will eventually lead you back to the inn. " he smiles warmly at her. The explanation might b have been a little vague. But it was as simple as he could explain it. Purple could easily get trapped in a loop if they don't actually know to travel north. He cant help but chuckle at his genius ingenuity.
Mara laughed, "So hard to get lost" she moved alongside him, "Would you show me around the Inn?" She asked linking her arm with his. She was relaxed, her injuries from the ship almost healed thanks to Remus's ambrosia and easily ignored with the sights she was being shown. She was happy; as happy as she had been in a long time and it showed in her smile. Looking back to the inn, she admired the structure once again, the new spring view around the building gave it a whole different scene, warm and inviting just as the forest around it.
Remus nods gently taking back his coat and throwing it around himself letting it rest on his shoulders wuthout actually slidding his arms in the sleeves. "Well let me give you the tour then." He says almost casually making his way back to the magnificent structure that is his inn. The doors open by themsekves as he approaches and they remain open until she walks in. Just as she enters fully Remus snaps his fingers again and the area outside once again becomes the winter wonderland it was when they arrived. The lobby was quite large to the left of the left of the entrance was a sort of waiting room area complete with severak beautiful chairs and even a fancy looking couch made out of the finest of silks. The fireplace was in this section and the fire was constantly raging here putting out a god bit of heat keeping the entire lobby warm. This section was obviously the warmest part, even when Remus was sitting on his favorite arm chair that was positioned next to the fireplace the warmth seemed to move past him unlike a normal fire. The other side of the lobby held the main desk and the massive marble structure had a small cubby linned wall behind it. Each cubby appeared to have a thin semi transparent layer of what appeared to be liquid over it. This layer would later be revealed to be a kind of barrier that protected the small glowing orbs that each of this cubbys contained. To the right of the cubby wall was a set of double doors that when opened lead through to a long hall way that ran down the edge of the structure. The right side was lined in windows and the left lined wuth many pictures of people and events that took place at the inn. The center of the lobby played host to the massive stair case that was illuminated by a beautiful chandelier that held atleast 100 candles. The light it gave off played along the marble walls and even the black marble stairs reflected the candle light to create a certain soft inviting aura. "This place is quite massive... any place in particular you would like to start? The banquet hall? The pool area? Just some suggestions"
Mara smiled and walked with Remus to the inn, following him inside. She turned to see the landscape become wintery as the doors closed behind her. Once inside, she took note of the features in the lobby, admiring the decor and the warm fire. She walked around for a short while taking in the detail of her surroundings stopping at the desk. Leaning on it she looked at the cubby holes with their liquid-like cover, "What are they?" She asked glancing to him as she pointed to the orbs. Given the choice of where the tour could go next, she gave him a curious look, "A pool? Inside?" She pushed off the desk and walked back to him, "I'd like to see that!" She smiled widely.
Remus slowly makes his way tonthe counter and walks behind it Reaching into one of the cubby holes he picks up the orb. "These orbs are the keys to the doors." He offers her a smile and replaces the tiny orb. Then walks out from behind the counter and makes his way to the door on the right. The door opens by itself, just as the front doors did, leading into thw hallway that lead back to the banquet hall. And to the rear of that was a set of large double doors. These double doors lead into the pool. Another set of double doors the was opposite the wall of windows lead to the kitchen area. "This place would be full of life....a millennia ago at least" he says sadly walking past the banquet hall towards the double doors. These doors dont open on their own and Remus holds one of the doors open for her to walk through. Once inside the room revealed itself to be enormous. Entirely lit by candle light as qas the rest of the inn each candle lit itself as Remus walked nearby until he stood at the edge of the massive lagoon like pool. The cielings were at least 20 meters high in this room and the floors above were supported by a multitude of massive columns that lined the room and some were even in the pool. The water was pleasently warm to the touch and impossibly crystal clear. The pool was lined in a beautifulight blue marble giving the water a subtle blue appearance.
She gave the orbs another look before continuing on after Remus, lagging behind as she got distracted with the pictures that lined the hallway. Jogging to catch up, she slowed as they walked past the banquet hall as she heard the sadness in his voice, "Why can't it be like that now?" She asked as she walked through the door that he held open. Looking from him to the pool she stopped and smiled, "This building is amazing" she said as she approached the pool to stand next to him. The pool itself with it's almost blue glow and the light from the candles gave off a very relaxing feel. Crouching down, she dipped her fingers in the inviting warm water, moving them back and forth as she looked around the room.
He frowns at her question not answering until they were in the pool area. "This place is my sanctuary. And one point it was full of life and open for any and all to enter. But after the great war when I was away. This place was attacked. At the time I was married to a mortal... and we even had a daughter together." He sighs, pausing slightly before continuing "when I returned.... their bodies were hanging from the trees out front... right in front if the doors." He sighs again shaking his head making his way to the coat hanger placing his coat on the rank. "Ever since then... I secluded this place from the world. It became my sanctuary sealed off from the rest of the madness that is this world." He says over his shoulder. It had been some thousand years since these events took place and he had long since healed from it. The memory was still something fresh in his mind. Something he would never forget.
Mara's hand stopped moving in the water and the smile faded from her face as Remus explained why the Inn was no longer full of life. She stood, turning to him as he placed his coat on the hanger, her excitement gone for the moment, replaced with a familiar sadness. Walking slowly to where he was standing, she placed a hand gently on his arm, "I'm sorry" she said softly with a small frown on her face, understanding his sadness. Her mind opened to his while her hand was still on his arm, not intruding but letting him know she was there. She could share his feelings and the pain of the memories, even the memories themselves as she did with felines should he want to.
Remus, shooks his head slightly and held back all the feelings he possibly could. Not that he was completely dead to it. And that sort of feeling doesnt ever really go away. He had accepted it long ago yet the memories lingered and they were coming hard and fast desoite his best efforts. She may even be able to see the rushing images of him holding his daughter. Playing together. His wife scalding the two of them. Remus seemed to cheerful then. Much different from the man he is today. Finally after a few moments he is able to regain control. He inhales deeply and nods "forgive me.... thank you for your concern. But it happened a lifetime ago... not that I dont care. But the pain has dulled significantly since then." He slowly turns tonface her. "But pain like that is never forgotten. And memories bring a fresh wave of it all right back to you." He sighs deeply and decides to change the subject. After all they came here to ease their minds before the next step of the journey not to bring up painful memories. " could I interest you in a swim? " he offers her a weak smile.
She saw him with his family, his wife and daughter, random images flashed through her mind along with the emotion linked to them. A happy family. Something that she once had. As he turned to her, she gave him a sad smile, her eyes glistening with tears. Her hand moved from his arm to his face, gently touching his cheek. The touch was brief, she let her hand fall to her side as he suggested a swim. The water was very inviting, she wouldn't say no. She nodded, "I'd love to have a swim" she said quietly, her smile growing a little wider.
The snile grew a little wider as she agreed and he nodded in return. " good... I believe some relaxation time as at hand." In the center of the pool was a slightly raises circular mini pool that he eould enchant to become a Jacuzzi of sorts. Remus walks back to where he coat hung and began undressing. Once again he showed no hesitation or shame and within moments he was walking into the pool stark naked. He would quickly make his way to the mini pool in the center of the pool and whisper a few words under his breath. Instantly the bubbles began shooting up through the water like a full blown jacuzzi swilring the water and porluring bubbles and heated water into the pool from the center. Remus found the edge and laid back sitting on the bench like seat the tiny pool held.
Mara turned her as Remus undressed, starting to remove her own clothing at the same time at a slower pace. She folded her clothing roughly before making her way to the pool and stepping in, less self conscious as she had been but still obviously uncomfortable at walking around naked. The water was as nice as she had imagined. She followed Remus's path to the small pool, giggling softly at the bubbles that tickled her skin. Moving to the bench at the edge, she sat back and let herself relax in the warm water.
The bubbles in the hot tub section actually did a wonderful job at hidding the fact they were both nude an in relatively close proximity. He wouldnt make a move this time. Not to touch her or even tease her. The mage simply laid back a little dipping his head in the water breifly before coming back up. "Better than being confined to a military ship full of angry dwarves. Miserable little bastards if I do say so myself" he chuckles softly as he relaxes some more stretching out his legs, his feet gently brush againsy hers and the feel of her soft skin almost jerks him awake. 'No, dont persue it old man' he tells himself "uh... sorry about that" he quickly pulls his feet back certainly not wanting to overstep his boundries once again.
Sinking down into the water she stopped as it touched her chin. The warmth seemed to help the last aches that remained from her fight with the dwarves. Her hair, although still tied back trailed a little in the water, bouncing around as the bubbles hit the surface. She laughed at his comment about the dwarves, "I won't disagree with you there" she said trying to avoid getting a mouthful of water. His feet brushing against hers was unexpected, she looked to him shaking her head and smiling, "No need to apologise " she said flicking some water at him with her finger before closing her eyes once more, a small smile settled on her lips.
He laughs a little as she splashes him breaking the tension that was building inside him. He too laid back and closed his eyes reaching over to her with his hand. He was, of course, reaching for her hand. But instead his hand found itself on her thigh. He quickly pulls back his eyes springing wide. "That wasnt your hand..." he says awkwardly and decides to keep his hands to himself putting them together under water twiddling his thumbs together almost nervously. He feared she would get out and leave him as she did before. He sighs and scoots a little further from her to prevent him from reaching out in temptation.
The hand on her thigh shocked her as did his awkward apology, she realised he was acting differently as she opened her eyes to look at him. Seeing him scoot away from her, she sat up, the water sitting just below her shoulders. She copied his action, scooting along the bench so she was once again sat next to him, "This is my hand" she said lifting her hand from the water and offering it to him with slight smile. She was somewhat amused by his awkwardness and the change from their last swim, it was sweet.
Remus smiles warmly as he reaches out and take her hand. He was content in doing so and the while tension of the situation once again melted away. "I certainly didnt want to push you away like last time." He rises his head a little and stares into her eyes "I assure you I meant nothing out of line. Now and before." While this wasnt entirely true he felt the comment would suffice. He very much desires to touch he in every kind of way imaginable but it would only distract him from the task at hand
Mara smiled and squeezed his hand gently as she nodded, "I know" she said meeting his gaze. She still wasn't sure how she felt about him, she definitely had feelings but her self tasked mission came above all and kept forcing her to push everything else away. Settling back in the water, she rested her head on his shoulder, "I'm happy I got to see this place" she said, looking around.
He nods gently and slowly he rests his head on hers and sighs. What wouldve happened had they not met under such circumstances. What if they had met before he made his vow of redemption? Or worse. While he waa still the tyrant the ancient world feared. Suddenly the urge to hold her close became overwhelming and he could take it no more his arm slowly and casually moved around her shoulders and pressed her against him. A sort of comforting one armed hug that was only reassured by what he said next "I wouldnt want to share it with anyone else." He smiles with his eyes closed. "I am truly happy that you are here.... and With me of all people." He sighs again. "Thank you.... thank you for believing that i can be much more than just a monster."
Mara didn't resist when Remus put his arm around her, the action was welcomed and she leant into him smiling as he spoke. She closed her eyes and relaxed against him, "You are not that person now" she said quietly, "I can see that..." She lifted her head without moving away from his embrace, her face close to his, her green eyes meeting his and her mind opened to him once more "and I can feel it" she said holding her breath as she felt his on her skin.
Remus smiles warmly down at her. His eyes meeting hers in a sort of trance that felt almost overwhelming. The sudde. Thought that she could actually see what he was feeling and thinking almost horrified him but he was unable to look away. And almost impulsively he leans down before thinking and only barely stops himself. His lips incges froms hers. He breathes in deeply as if to say 'that was close' but he hesitates to pull back. He remains almost frozen at his own surprising action.
She didn't pull away as Remus moved closer. His feelings and hers felt jumbled in her mind. Her heart felt as if it was going to expload out of her chest but she didn't pull away. Instead, she closed the gap between them, her lips meeting his for a few moments. The tingling of his skin was magnified, almost an electric feeling throughout her body, afeeling she didn't want to end. Reluctantly, she pulled away slightly, "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me" she said, her fingertips moving to her lips as she stopped herself moving in to kiss him again.
This was a welcome change of events. The whole time he had been secretly wishing for this and now it was finally here. He held her close and didnt hesitate to return the kiss despite how breif it was. He too didnt want the moment to end and as she pulled back and apologized he shook his head "Mara, dont be sorry" he managed to say before he moved in and kissed her for real. With full intention and full one passion and desire. His lips meet hers like two lovers that were seperated for ages. He held her close and didnt break the kiss until she would pull away.
The return of the kiss was not expected but she was glad she hadn't overstepped any boundaries. She felt his body against hers, the tingling from the kiss seemed to spread all over her skin, almost becoming unbearable but she didn't break the kiss. Her hand moved to his cheek, the other to his chest as she leant into the kiss, her mind pushing against his, their emotions mixing to the point she couldn't separate them. After a what felt like a few moments but had been longer, she broke the kiss, her eyes remaining closed as her head was spinning. Resting her forehead against his, she kissed him again, lightly and briefly, her fingertips stroking his cheek softly. them. After a what felt like a few moments but had been longer, she broke the kiss, her eyes remaining closed as her head was spinning. Resting her forehead against his, she kissed him again, lightly and briefly, her fingertips stroking his cheek softly.
Remus enjoyed every second of this precious moment until a sharp pain in his head suddenly began and Kalistas voice spoke to both of them. "Stop!" The sound echoed in his ears as he reluctantly pulled back "Remus, you know what will happen is this girl falls for you.... you of all people know that you are cursed to walk this world alone till the end of time. Nothing you or anyone can do will change that." The sudden realization that Kalista spoke the truth and that he would be a lonely man till the end of days hits him like a bulldozer. But now what? What if its to late. "Im sorry... " Remus says in a weak voice. "Ia should not have let this happen. Only misfortune comes from loving me. And tragedy follows soon after. It is as Kalista said. I am curse.... curse to be alone for eternity. "
Kalista's voice startled her. She pulled away from him but kept her hand on his chest as Kalista spoke. She was quickly brought back down to earth by the faceless voice. Moving closer to him, her hands moving to either side of his face, "Curses can be broken" she said softly, closing her mind to Kalista. Her forehead came to rest on his once more, 'Do not think a curse frightens me' she spoke in his mind before pulling away and reluctantly removing her hands from his skin, breaking their contact.
The mage smiles warmly. His eyes remaining fixed on hers. He cant even fathom the misfortunes that this would certainly lead to. But for now, he would enjoy their temporary happyness. Shiv suddenly contacts him "master..... when do you plan on returning? Its been a few days." His eyes widden at the sudden realization that time passed very differently in the inn. Of course, how could he forget. The inn and the grounds were located in a seperate dimension and time seemed to move at a crawl from the outside. But in reality, a few hours in the in translated to a few days outside. He was never really aware of the exact ratio but a frighting amount of time would pass if they spent even a full day here. This was unfortunately one of thw downfalls of being here. To Remus it was of no consequence since the concept of time is really lost to him. But to a mortal, time was precious. "Shiv tells me they have almost arrived. He can see Crete in the distance" the smile fades from his lips. "Thank you for this.... I cant thank you enough for wanting to go through this with me despite knowing what you know." 'Shiv... delay the ship. Tell the captain to slow down we will be arriving shortly'
Mara gave him a puzzled look, "How long have we been here?" she asked knowing they had days left on their journey when they left the ship. She had come to the conclusion that time moved differently but she still asked him. She gave him a warm smile, "Nothing is set in stone" she said leaning towards him, "If it was we wouldn't be on this journey in the first place" she placed her hands on his cheeks and kissed his forehead before scooting along the bench, "We shoud go?" she asked, already starting to swim back to the edge of the bigger pool.
Remus shrugs slightly unsure of how much time passed in the outside world "I never really got the hang of how quickly time passes here. To me every day is just the same as every other day. Time is irrelevant" he chuckles lightly then follows her out of the pool catching her at the edge and climbs out just as she does. He the moved to retrieve his clothes, quickly dressing himself before waiting for her. He actually forgot to dry himself and his clothes clung to his body making it difficult for him to fully get dressed. He paid no mind to it. Every precious minute was several minutes outside. "By the time we leave the ship will be arriving... which means we missed our chance to see Avalon... " he frowns slightly dressed by now and making his way to the main lobby where the spell was originally activated. "We have to recall from the lobby because thats where we arrived. Come lets hurry."
She climbed out of the pool, also neglecting to dry herself for the sake of saving time. Pulling her shirt over her head she found herself wishing they could stay there, her mind moving to the next step of their journey. She finished dressing and began walking with him through to the lobby, "We'll see Avalon one day." She said reaching for his hand, her fingers interlocking with his, it was more a hope than a fact. The time for relaxing seemed to be at an end and although she wanted desperately to return home and save her family, she also wanted to stay with Remus and continue on their adventure.
Remus took her hand as she reached for it, slowing down slightly in the process. He had a longer stride than her and in the hallway with his head start he would outpace her if he sidnt slow down. So he did, crossing the doorway into the lobby back to where the glyph on the ground was giving off a feint glow. He wouldnt have to rechant the spell. This time he was recalling the two of them back. After they stepped on the glyph the familiar sinking feeling to over their senses and after a few moments the smell of the water and salt omce again filled their nostrils. His eyes took a momment to adjust to the bright afternoon sun but as they came into focuse the massive seaside city that was Crete came into view. And what a magnificent view it was. The outer walls stood impossibly tall hidding most of the city from view and all but the tallest of buildings were hidden safely behind the great wall. The entrance to the port held two enormous statues each atleast twice the height of the walls both clad in traditional greek armor one male and the other female. Shiv rejoined them on the deck with his sudden reappearance he said from behind them "magnificent sight isnt it." Remus smilled gently and nodded "mother looks as magnificent as ever"
Mara kept close to Remus as they moved over the glyph, closing her eyes as the familiar feeling took over. She wasn't fond of the sinking feeling and it left her feeling nauseous. Once back on the ship, the fresh sea air made her open her eyes and she was greeted with the sight of the magnificent city making her forget the residual nausea. Taking a few steps towards the edge of the deck she smiled, "Wow" she said, quickly turning to Remus as he mentioned his mother, "That's your mother?" she asked turning back to the city and the statues, her gaze landing on the one of his mother, "She's beautiful" she said with a small nod of confirmation. "Who is the other one?" she asked looking back to him and giving Shiv a smile.
Remus nods gently but Shiv buts in to fill in the response "thats lady Athena and the other is her twin Apollo. She is the goddess of wisdom and battle. He is the god of the sun. The bow you are using was actually his bow crafted by Haphestus himself." Shiv grins proudly and Remus waves his hand casually "thats enough of the history lesson Shiv dont bore her. Send word to Lady Leona." Shiv responds with a simple "that wont be necessary master....look" he raises his hand and waves at the people on the dock. A large crowd had gathered to watch their arrival. And the ship drew ever closer. In the middle of the welcoming party stood a woman clad in a beautiful armor with a pair of servants at her sides one with a brilliant ornate shield and the other held her legendary sword. "Ah... it seems she is awaiting our arrival"
She listened as Shiv spoke, quite interested in what he was saying when Remus waved his hand. She reached out, prodding him in the ribs, "He wasn't boring me" she laughed, glancing to Shiv, "History lesson later?" she asked, hoping he could tell her more about Athena and Apollo. Her attention was taken by the large crowd and the warrior woman at the centre. She realised before it was said that the woman was Leona. She hadn't quite believed there would be such a greeting when they arrived but it was there. "That's a lot of people just to greet us" she said looking at the crowd and finally back to Leona, "She is beautiful too." The woman seemed to be what she had imagined, and she grew more excited to meet her. Seeing some dwarves on another deck, she looked back to Remus, "Do you think they're over our 'sparring' match?" she wondered if they would still be angry about almost getting beaten by a woman.
Remus chuckles lightly as she prods him and then nods "that indeed Lady Leona and I was actually expecting an even bigger greeting than this. The last time I came they had air ships trailing banners welcoming me. By comparison this is nothing" he laughs a little and glances over at the dwarves on the deck. "Im sure all of them will be quite sour, that woman beat their general with relative ease. And you will surely be able to do the same with a few years of training. Maybe Shiv can give you some lesso s if you're interested. Along with your history lesson" he cant help but laugh playfully teasing her. The ship was slowly pulling into the dock, yet the massive thing took some time to maneuver it perfectly into position.
Mara couldn't imagine air ships in the skies above them. She added them to her mental list of things she wanted to see. Her eyes narrowed as Remus teased her, her elbow finding it's way to his ribs, "I'd like that Shiv" she said with a smile before heading to the rails to watch the ship manoeuvre into the docks. She was looking forward to two things, solid ground, hopefully for a long time and meeting the woman who had beaten the dwarf General. Her eyes were drawn to the woman while her mind began to wander the city and the surrounding land feeling the feline presence.
The ship docks completely and the ramp quickly lowers down extending from the upper deck. Remus chuckles lightly as she elbows him but ia otherwise unlhased. After a few moments dwraves began to pour out of the ship one even started to head towards their group with her horse. "Well then... lets get moving. Im sure you are dying to meet Lady Leona." The mage begins to head down the ramp Shiv walking behind him he whispers in her ear "Leona can be a bit fiesty. Choose your words carefully. Also. She used to have a thing for master Remus." He laughs a little letting her imagination run wild. Remus never returned the affection, Leona had been enfatuated with him for many years. But its been 10 long years since Remus came to visit Crete and time had certainly took some of the ferocity from Leona's eyes. As they would walk down the ramp Leona opened her arms "my favorite elf" she said with a calm voice. Her voice was quite powerful for a woman despite her muted tone. It could easily be heard as a commanding voice demanding respect. Even now, im her mid 50's she had a commanding presence. Remus offers a smile to the armored woman "I had no idea I was your favorite" Leona immidietly dismissea his words "not you idiot." Shiv moves last the the crowd and gives Leona a tight hug "its been a long time" she continues, turning and patting Shiv on the shoulder walking away leaving Remus and Mara on the ramp. "Well isnt that something...." Remus says watching his guard and the queen walk away causally as if they were beat friends.
Giving the dwarf who brought the horse to her a smile, she thanked him quietly before following Remus down the ramp towards the crowd, patting the skitty horse's neck and whispering to her to keep her calm around the crowds. Shiv's advice about choosing her words didn't phase her, she had become accustomed to it at home with guests of her parents as she grew up. His next words caught her off guard, she hadn't expected that Leona would have had feelings for Remus and she felt a pang of jealousy although it didn't show on her face. Leona's reaction to Remus almost made her laugh, she bit her lip and looked up to him, "What was that about?" she asked once they were out of earshot.
Remus chuckled soflty and shook his head "im not sure..." he continued walking down the ramo as the myriad of dearvws poured out unloading all sorts of crates and boxes. Apparently they took advantage of the trip to trade some goods. "But it would have been nice if she would've have atleast stayed around to properly greet us. It may be a long night" he sighs a little and shrugs "oh well.. we will stay the night here. I wouldnt want to head into the forest of woe at night.... its Lazarus' domain... and he is much more powerful at night." He grins a little. "Are you ready? By this time Tomorrow you will be face to face with the vampire lord." He cant help but hold the grin and he slowly reaches his hand out to find hers. "Dont worry. He may be in a good mood. I am prepared to make him an offer he cannot refuse."
Mara nodded as Remus spoke, it would have been nice to be properly introduced to Leona. She had been excited to meet her but the brief interaction couldn't be considered any sort of introduction. She glanced to the dwarves getting down to work before looking back to Remus as he mentioned Lazarus. The nerves that had been all but forgotten resurfaced, only dampened by the tingling from his hand as it touched hers. "I'm ready" she said, all of a sudden not to sure about the whole plan but it had to go ahead and she knew that, "What are you going to offer him?" she asked keeping hold of his hand in a firm but gentle grip.
Remus meerly smiled and stayed silent for some time before finally answering "my blood...." the smile widdens slightly. "My blood is a treasure he has never had the pleasure of tasting. And if im not mistaken it will empower him far beyond what he is now. Which consequently may actually make him more far more powerful than my current state." He nods gently as if confirming his thoughts. "But if he tries anything I have my ways of dealing with him. He has dominion over any living thing. Anything that has blood pumping through its veins is his to command if he so chooses. So I mist resort to using someone who ia not among the living" the grin widdens knowing what all this meant. He may be forced into unleashing Mathius, but he would certainly try his hardest to avoid it. "But if it can be helped I would rather not." They beging walking into the city now past the massive gates of the port. The city itself looked like something our of a history book mixed with flavors of old and new. Like a hybrid of ancient greece meets steampunk. And just about every crossroad where four roads meet was a massive statue dedicated to some hero or some lesser god. In the far distance atop a large hill overlooking the city stood the temple of Athena, the only one left in the world. "And dont worry about Lady Leona... we will have plenty of time to get to properly greet her. She is headed to her palace. Im certain there is a banquet being prepared for us." As they walked down the streets people from everywhere knelt down and bowed as Remus passed.
She frowned slightly, the idea of giving the vampire his blood and making him more powerful was a frightening thought, "As long as you don't get hurt..." she squeezed his hand slightly. Her attention was quickly grabbed by the city as they walked through the streets. Another awesome, beautiful place. Each city they visited seemed to be more stunning than the previous. Mara kept a grip on his hand as they moved, her other hand leading the horse at her side. "I look forward to meeting her properly, she..." she said not finishing her sentence as she noticed people bowing and kneeling as they passed. The attention, although not aimed at her, did make her feel uncomfortable.
Remus sighs a bit and dismisses the thought " just ignore them.... sure it was nice at first but it gets old. I really wish they didnt do that." He looks around as more and more people gather to watch him pass. And older woman, perhaps in her late forties approached the pair with a child in her arms 'please.. bless my son. He is ill' Remus simply put his hand up to the woman to forcibly stop her where she stood. Then he spun his fimger around and she turned obediently and began marching off. He sighed again "I believe theyr have a very different idea of what and who I am... im not some healer that cures people of ailments. I cannot bless someone and magically transform them..." he shakes his head. "They think im some kind of savior. They forget that my mother is goddess of battle...and I in turned follow that moniker. I destroy things....I know not a single spell to heal nor do I care to learn them. As far as im concerned I lack the capability to perform such spells." He chuckles lightly "I suppose it cant be helped. They have no idea afterall. " he made them turn walking up towards the great hall. A massive building of stone and marble complete with a long set of steps and colloums so large that 5 men arm in arm would hardly be able to wrap around them. He could feel Shiv inside and therefore knew the queen was there aswell.
She moved to tether her horse as Remus spoke. The horse seemed happy to be with the other horses and began munching on the food provided. She removed her weapons and belongings from the horses back before turning back to him. Shaking her head, "But if you don't know your history, you'll make the same mistakes that have already been made...Does Leona know the truth?" she agreed with him, re-writing history wasn't a good thing at all. She took his hand again and let him lead the way up the steps into the building, admiring the structure as they went.

[littlemy]

Remus nods gently at her question "of course she knows. The city council and the elected officials know the truth. And they in turn pass down the truth to the next leaders of the city. This is partly the reason she doea not approve of how I am treated here. She feels it is uneccesarry. I couldnt agree more." He offers her his warm smile as they finally step into the structure. The walls of this place were lined with beautiful ornate art work. Entire murals that depicted the history of Crete. The many battles it has won the many lands it has conquered. "These walls tell the history of this place.... and it waa forged through blood and ambition. The general public is not allowed in this building. And the only reason no one said anything is because we are together." The walls were not only lined in the art. The were lined with soldiers in full armor and armed to the teeth. The interior of the hall seemed very dimmly lit until they would crest the a large set of stairs that lead into a throne room of sorts. In the distance they could see Shiv standing in front of the nassive thron that Leona sat at her sides were more guards and her two personal servants that held her own weapons. "Here we are at last"
"Why doesn't she speak the truth? Tell the people they are being lied to?" she shook her head unable to comprehend how an entire history could be erased and lies put in it's place without people protesting. She grew quiet when they entered the building, the art on the walls telling her the real history of the city and while it wasn't all happiness and peace, it was the truth and that was what mattered. The soldiers got her attention as they walked through the dim hall, "Why are there so many soldiers?" she asked, leaning closer to him and almost whispering. She stood straight as she saw Shiv and Leona ahead.
He sighs and nods "I agree. People should know the truth. But I doubt any would believe it. Leona came in many years after thia decision was made and before becoming queen she took an oath of secrecy. ..before knowin the secret you see." He two whispered. "The soldiers are here really as a formality. But you never know what may happen in Crete. This city is so large that its almost impossible to monitor it all. Some things happen in Crete and no one sees a thing." Still whispering he leans in and whispers even lower. "This is why Lazarus has his tower so close. He comes here at night and feeds and hardly anyone notices." But suddenly Leonas commanding voice echoes effortlessly "and what are you whispering on about Remus..." her voice sounded venomous. She was, afterall, a very dangerous woman. Shiv chimes in with his mental link "she knows about Lazarus master.... and it wasnt me that said anything." Leona continues and as they got closer her northern accent becomea more clear (sounding very london english) " you wouldn't be whispering about my little vampire problem would you? If you could get rid of that pest I would deeply appreciate it" her tone was very smug. Remus straighten and responded "now now Leona you knoe I cannot do that. It wouldnt be wise to anger Lazarus. You are actually quite fortunate he is choosing to take so little when he could so easily take everything from you and this forsaken city."
Nodding, she understood why people would probably not believe such things about their city even from their leader should she said anything. Still, it was wrong and the people in th city were living a lie but it wasn't her place to do anything. Leona's voice echoed past her, she looked to the woman but kept her mouth shut as she hadn't been directly addressed. It was hard for her to do as the queen's tone was rather provocative but she would be as respectful as the situation required. Her mind reached out to his, 'Is she usually like this?' she asked him silently, giving him a sideways glance. She was beginning to see why the dwarf General might have a dislike for the woman.
Remus shoots a quick glances back holding her hand in his firmly yet not painfully 'indeed. She has a very commanding attitude. But its this thats made her such a beloved leader. Leona will not back down from anyone.' He offer Leona a grin and she continues again "and who is this you bring in my hall. You know commoners are not allowed in here." The grin widdens and Remus responds "this is my dear friend Mara and she is not your citizen and so long as she is with me then she will go where she pleases. You of all people know that I choose it I may have authority even over you." He pauses and he could see the anger rising in her eyes but she doesnt respond "if I were you...I would choose my words wisely. You may insult me as you see fit... but I will not have you insult my company." Leona's upper lip began to twitch. It was clesr that no one ever dared to speak to her like this even Shiv was slowly inching away from her like she was about to explode at any momment. But instead she abruptly changed the subject "what business have you here then half breed? Have you come to bask in your glory? Or have you come to temp the beast into assaulting my city?" Remus shakes his head "neither. I was looking forward to a quiet night before we set out at first light. Im not here to visit, simply passing through."
Mara's gaze moved back to the queen as she spoke, being called a commoner didn't sit so well with her, her grip on his hand tightened momentarily as she stopped herself saying something to the woman, the excitement over meeting the warrior all but dissipated as she spoke. 'Everyone except you...' she bit the inside of her mouth to stop herself from smiling at his words. 'I can see why the General isn't a fan of hers...' a warrior and disrespectful to guests. It wasn't particularly queen-like behaviour. She stood quietly, her gaze settled on the queen, watching her annoyance grow more and more visible as the conversation went on.
He cant help but smile ' everyone backs down from me... except one.' She would soon learn who that one person is. And for a very good reason. Leona responds "good. There wont be any banquets and celebrations for you this time Remus. Stay your night and then be off in the morning." Remus nods gently " I ask only to be left in peace Leona, dont think I came here to incite conflict. You and I have bad blood and if I can help it I will not revisit here until long after you have left the throne." Leona didnt like his answer and she let it be known "I will leave this throne when my body is a rotting corpse. Now get out of my hall." She waves her hand at the pair. Remus doesnt respond and sinply turns with Mara and begins to head out. Shiv silently makes his way behind Remus and begins to walk away with them unwillingn to stay around the queen any longer. 'Master... she forced me to come. She is terrifying' he was sure Mara could hear him through the connection as long as they were holding hands. ' Shiv thats enough... I saw you two being best of friends at the dock.' Shiv laughs a little now out of earshot of the queen 'well I had a suite arranged for us. The usual spot.' Shiv says before dashing ahead and vanishing near the front entrance. 'Well atleast the suite will be nice. You're in for a treat Mara.'
Mara's excitement, meant for the queen had quickly turned to annoyance and as they were waved away, she complied by returning the disrespect. She turned her back on the queen as they left, something she would have never done prior to meeting the woman. 'She is formidable but not terrifying' she replied to Shiv before looking to Remus, "What is the bad blood between you? You didn't return her affection?" she spoke quietly as they made their way from the hall, "I think I'll side with the General" she smiled and shook her head. Shiv's last statement made her give Remus a curious glance, "What suite?" she asked shooting him a questioning look.
Remus nods gently at Mara. "Oh yes I turned her down several times. She has yet to even touch my hand or my skin for that matter." He held her hand tightly "im certain that us holding hands made her quite sour when we arrived. Let her sulk I say. She wants a little play thing. She doesnt want a man. And I am far to much man for her." He chuckles loudly once they leave the hall. Now the afternoon sun beamed down on them with a vengeance and despite being so far north the heat was quite intense during the day. At night the cold would be quite dramatic. He grins at her question. "You wouldnt expect a semi diety to not have his own suite here? This is Crete...land of the extravagant and overly wealthy." He spoke the truth. Not one person they had encountered so far seemed famished or poor. Even the woman wuth the sickly child had golden tassels and rings and even bracelets galore. "Naturally.... I am overly wealthy too." He grins again as they begin to make their way to what apleared to be an enormous gothic looking tower whos architecture was quite different from the rest of the city. They would reach it in no time as it was relatively close to the grand hall. The entrance was heavily guarded but as Remus approached the gaurds bowed and moved asside. The massive twin doors however, did not opwn until Remus stepped up them and placed his free hand on the cold steel. Slowly the double doors began to open "welcome....to the archmage's suite." Inside everything looked ebtirely overdone, things were made of gold and encrusted with a myriad of jewels. A set of stairs spiralled around the inner walls leading up to the top of the tower where the suite would be found. "I must say...though I rather dislike these stairs"
The earlier pang of jealousy she had felt when she had learned that Leona had feelings for Remus disappeared when he said he had never returned her affections. Mara could tell she would have been an incredibly beautiful woman when she was younger, she still was beautiful but he spoke the truth. She hadn’t wanted a man, just a plaything. Her free hand moved over their joined hands as if to cement the bond they had through their contact. Feeling the sun on her skin, she smiled widely. It was warmer than home but it did stir good memories of the height of summer, lazy days eating ripened fruit and not doing much of anything else. Sticking close to him, she glanced behind her to make sure the horse was still happy, and she was, before following him to the building that did seem a little out of place. Her eyes widened at the sight of the gold and jewels, “I think you underestimated your wealth” she laughed, her hand releasing his as she moved inside and reached out to touch the shining jewels that seemed to be all around her, “I have never seen so many jewels...” she said looking at the staircase that led up the tower. “Why do you dislike the stairs?” She questioned him, moving to the bottom of the staircase, her eyes following their path around the walls, up into the tower.
Remus chuckles soflty and shrugs "money is of no interest to me. I have had an eternity to amass my wealth and after so long money becomes quite irrelevant. After all, what good is having fortunes if you have nothing to spend it on" he glances up the stairs and sigh "because they climb for what feels like forever." He cant help but smile and slowly make his way to her. "Shall we?" It was a rhetorical question and he slowly started moving up the stairs. "I built this tower long before this city was built when I was a younger me and I did everything by magic." He laughs a bit and grins "eventually you realize that there has to be some balance in life and using magic unnecessarily is just.... wrong. Sooo for now we walk up the stairs the old fashion way." He cant help but chuckle as he continues to walk "at least the room is quite breathtaking so we have something to look forward to."
She returned his smile and took his hand as he made his way to the bottom of the stairs. As they started up the stairs, she realised what he meant when it seemed to take an age to get to the top. "I don't mind walking" she said, quite grateful he wasn't using magic to take them to the top. After both Remus and Shiv had mentioned the suite, she was eager to see what they were talking about so she picked up the pace.
Remus laughed at her reply and meerly nodded "sure you dont mind them the first few times. But after a while it gets tiring. " after sometime they would reach the top and the large double doors that lead into the main room were made entirely of gold. The doors seemed so heavy that it would take atleast ten men to open them but as Remus approached he meerly placed his palm on the doors and they open all by themselves. The room was entirely lined in curtains, hidding the fact that every pice of the other walls of the room were actually windows, large massive windows with arched tops to distribute rhe weight between the pillers that held up the cieling. The room itself was as grand as anyone could hope for. Complete with what appeared to be a hot tub in the center of the room recessed into the floor. The bed was quite large four poster and took up a section of the circular room and in another section was a large desk with a multitude of books pilled on it and behind it. This, apart from the entrance were the only two parts of the room that were not lined in windows. "Are you ready?" He smilled as he slowly lifted his hand and the curtains began to draw open by themselves. The sight was quite breathtaking as the dying afternoon sun light the room up quite beautifully. The floor appeared to be made of a beautiful white marble complete with ornate designs that bore a strange resemblance to the runes and glyphs that Remus was fond of using. This was actually not far from the truth. The entire room itself was encrusted with such runes and the floor they stood on was in fact a massive glyph. "The sun will be setting soon and Im going to have to lock down the tower. The night life in Crete is very exciting but im afraid Lazarus will be hunting here tonight. Shiv should have no problem avoiding him but we would not be so fortunate." He sighs a little and takes a seat in one of the large arm chairs that was facing out over looking the city. The view was simply incredible as the stower stood taller than most any building in the city they could easily see the vast majority of the place. And the city actually stretched as far as the eye could see in three directions. When they faced east however, a vast field seperated the outer city walls from the thick green forrest in the distance. And even further still near the horizon stood a single black tower high above the treeline. Remus points in the direction of thw tower. "There.... that is the tower of Lazarus. And where we will be tomorrow. I advise that we leave your horse here in the grand stables. I will have Shiv bring her there so that we need not leave." The lihht seemed to be fading quickly and off in the distance a strange darkness seemed to slowly creep over the woods. Within a few minutes the darkness slowly crept onto the field and effortlessly and silently drifted towards the city walls. " alas... the vampire lord approaches." Remus says quietly clapping his hands together the golden doors that lead to his room shut and the heavy steel doors at the bottom of the tower shut qith a heavy sounding clang that echoed up. The glyphs that adorned the room would shine brightly for a few momments before the massive one on the floor pulsed for a brief second. The tower was now sealed and secure. Nothing could enter or escape.
Mara was slightly out of breath when they reached the top of the stairs. The doors were impressive but the room was more so. She stepped into the room, her mouth wide open, "This is just...." she shook her head and turned to him unable to find the words to describe the beautiful room. She looked from the bed, to the hot tub to the desk and back to Remus. She gave him a puzzled look as he asked if she was ready, then the curtains opened. She looked around the room and smiled widely. It was even more beautiful with the sunlight spilling in through the windows. She turned and walked to the nearest window, looking out over the city that seemed so far beneath them. Hearing that the tower would be locked up for the night was disappointing but she nodded, not wanting to come face to face with the vampire until they were ready. She moved over to Remus and stood by the armchair where he had sat. Seeing the forest and the tower in the distance, she stared at them for a few moments before frowning softly as the darkness began to creep towards the city, before nodding at his suggestion of leaving her horse in the stables. Removing her weapons and her bag, she placed them on the floor beside the armchair and moved closer to the window as Remus sealed the tower. She watched the glyph on the floor pulse, "We'll be safe from him here?" she asked, growing more apprehensive over meeting the vampire lord and trusting he would do as she asked.
Remus nods gently "Lazarus cannot enter this tower... but he knows im here. He can feel my presence just as I can feel his. He will know im in this room, he may even pay us a visit." He laughs a little "he will stare at us through that window but despite his immense power he cannot enter. Not without an invitation atleast." What a silly draw back that Lazarus could not enter a dwelling without being invited first. Now this could easily be counter acted by him simply hypnotizing his victim into inviting him in. But the population in Crete was so large and the nught life was so lively that that would never be necessary. He could juat come in, kill a few people and leave and no one would ever know. "But fear not... we are safe here. We wont have to meet him until you are ready”
Mara nodded remembering that vampires couldn't enter without an invitation from books she had read, at least it was true. She gave him a small smile and moved to perch on the arm of the chair, "So what do you do to pass the time if you don't join in the city nightlife?" she looked around the room, her eyes landing on the desk. "May I?" she added gesturing to the books, not waitig for an answer before standing and walking slowly to the desk. She wouldn't look at the books without his permission incase they were private but it had been a while since she was in the position to sit and read. Another one of the many things she missed and looked forward to doing again when she got home.
The mages nods gently "yes of course helo yourself." The books were varried anything from topographic maps to spell books describing the principles of magic and all sorts of other subjects. Some books were in different languages, some are actually in elvish. None of them were ordinary reading. "I read.... or I play music" he smiles knowing that she had no idea he could play instruments. Mainly string instruments his main forte was the violin. "Unfortunately my instruments are all at the inn and the charms I activated wont let anything in or out. So for now we only have each other to keep ourselves entertained. Im sure we can come up with something" he chuckles lightly starring out over the city as the creeping darkness made its way up and over the wall. He was sure at some put Lazarus would come and visit them, but until then all they could do was wait. Or keep each other entertained "perhaps i shoulve thought about our lock down a little more thoroughly."
The mention of music caught her attention as she sat at the desk. "You're full of surprises" she laughed softly, "What instrument do you play?" she asked turning away from the books. "What else don't I know about you?" she smiled and leant back in the chair, getting comfortable. Maybe being locked in the tower would give them a chance to get to know each other a bit more. The conversation would definitely take her mind off the darkness that was creeping over the city.
Remus smiles gently as she states the obvious. Of course she didnt know mich about him, they've only known each other a few weeks and Remus had had several lifetimes worth of experiences already, she knew very very little about him overall. "Well... I play the violin" the smile widdens a litttle "I have always loved the sound... and so I began playing it many many years ago. And which practice and time I grew quite fond of it. I should have brought it back with me when we returned from the Inn.." he gets a sudden message from Shiv 'master... Im sure you are aware by now but master Lazarus has entered the city and he has killed quite a few people already.' Remus narrows his eyes slightly and nods 'stay away from him Shiv...stay intangible or he will be able to feel your presence' Shiv repsonds with a simple 'of course master' and then no more. "Lets see... what else qould you like to know? Ask me anything you, anything at all. I am but an open book"
She pulled a knee up to her chest, wrapping her arms around it as Remus spoke, her other leg dangled slightly. Smiling she nodded in agreement, "I love the sound of the violin. Will you play for me one day?" she asked, her mind moving to what else she wanted to know about him. She knew she would never have enough time to learn everything about him. "What about books?" she asked, one hand moving to the piles of books on the desks, "What do you like to read about?" He had probably read most books ever written but everyone had a type of book they preferred.
He chuckles softly "of course I will play for you. I would be playing now if I had it here" he laughs a little "and books...hmmmm" he thinks about how to answer that question "spell books.... ive read countless spell books like the lmes on that desk there. Some books contain only two or three spells throughout the entire book deoending on their complexity. The most important aspect of sorcery is understanding the spell and the forces that are at work. Many times something as simple as summoning something entails deep understanding of space and time and the waeping of thay very fabric. This understanding is what allows such a wormhole to be created." He offers her a smile as his gaze rises to meet her beautiful green eyes.
Mara continued to smile as he spoke knowing she would never fully understand his magic, but that was fine with her, "I always liked books about far away lands and adventure" she laughed lightly keeping eye contact with him for a few seconds, "...I'm living those stories now" she turned to pick up a large book that contained maps before flicking through it wondering if she'd see her homelands within its pages, "Have you been to all of these places?" she asked, pausing as she glanced back to him.
Remus nods gently "oh yes... I have been all over the world traveling by foot, or by horse.. or even on my nimbus...ive travelled just about everywhere." She may notice that the book she was hding had several places marked and outlined with tiny marks as if crossing out these places. "That book was one of the first I used when I began my search for the legendary jewel of benevolence. Even to this day the jewel eludes me... if it even exists. Though I have little doubt it actually does. I have already obtained the other two treasures so the final one must be real and it is hidden somewhere." He chuckles lightly "if you would like... I could take you all over the world... and show you sights that you have never even dreamed of." The sun was completely set by this point and not even a moment after he finished speaking a deep ghostly voice filled the room. 'Well of course you can show her.... there are many things that you can show her Remus' the voice hung heavy in the air as it was telepathically transmitted into the room. Just outside the window now a dark looking mist slowly crept up the edges of the window and massed into a shadowed figured taking shape and becoming solid after a few momments. There just outside the window directly infront of Remus, was Lazarus, his blood red coat flapping aimlessly in the wind his bare chest held a pale tone with an almost lightly blue tint to it. His long thick black hair was flowing backwards and his deep red eyes were shinning brightly at the pair 'why do you travel all the way here? What is it you hope to ask me?' Remus remained seated unphased by his appearance, afterall, it wasnt entirely unexpected "I knew you would show yourself eventually Lazarus. I have come to ask a favor of you" a small cold smile plays accross the vampires lips 'and what are you willing to pay for my help?' The mage meerly holds out his hand palm up with his wrist exposed. No words were needed to understand the offer. 'What you seek must be very precious to you Remus' he slowly floats closer to the glass and inches his way sideways to get closer to Mara. 'So rude of you to not even introduce me.' The vampire grins and bows his head slightly 'I am Lord Lazarus....it is a pleasure to meet the woman that is the reason for the archmages return' the voice was quite powerful yet combined with his impossible beauty he was quite hypnotizing. A lesser woman would easily fall under his trance. But currently she was protected from any effects because of the enchantments on the tower itself. Even his eyes would have no effect of them.
Even though his answer was expected, it was hard to believe one person could travel all over the world. But then he wasn’t a normal person. Her gaze moved back to the book as he explained its purpose and at his offer, she smiled and opened her mouth to answer him when the voice filled the room. Her smile faded and was replaced with apprehension as she looked to Remus then to the window. As the mist became solid, she closed the book and sat up straight in the chair, the book resting on her lap. Remus’s calm demeanour reassured her that the vampire wasn’t getting any closer to them so she sat and remained quiet as they spoke, her eyes not leaving the strangely and almost scarily handsome man even as he moved closer to her. Almost like a gentleman, he introduced himself and Mara saw what had been explained to her about him, he was mesmerising. “I am Asamara” she said, her voice calm despite the fear inside of her. She gave him a small nod in return, not giving away anything else of herself but still her eyes didn’t leave him.
Remus nods gently as the vampire floats carelessly outside the window knowing good and well that Lazarus can get no closer. "Why have you come Lazarus? You have known that we were on our way to you. And we will arrive at your tower tomorrow. So why the rush?" The vampire smiles again before responding 'a pleasure meeting you Asamara.' He pasuses slightly before answering Remus 'merely curious.... go on tell me what you desire.' All the while he would no remove his gaze from Mara. Remus stands and walks over to Mara placing his hand on her shoulder "I need you to send her back in time to stop an event from happening or to alter it somehow to save her family from a tragic event." Lazarus remains still for a few moments clearly in thoughy before speaking 'verywell... I accept your terms. But why not let me in now Remus? Invite me in and we can take care of this now' Remus shakes his head "no.... you will not enter this place...not at night you wont. This must all happen in daylight and only when she has safely accomplished her mission will you get your payment" the vampire omce again remained still in thought and his upper lip curled slightly almost in frustration. 'Verywell... I accept these terms.' He then bowed again and with a venomous whisper 'i bid you good evening' and with that he reverts back to the black mist and vanishes. Remus sighs slightly "well that didnt go so bad"
She continued to stare at the vampire even as Remus placed his hand on her shoulder. It almost felt like she couldn't take her eyes off him, either that or she didn't want to for fear he would somehow get through Remus's tower defenses. She lowered her gaze once he had vanished and the mist had disappeared, her body relaxing under Remus's touch, "He is terrifying" she said quietly with a small sigh, her voice wavering slightly. She was relieved that they wouldn't be coming face to face with him, not truly, until the next day. "Do you trust him?" she asked looking up to him, "Will he keep to his word?" she had her doubts, the tone of his voice stuck in her head. It was enough to give someone nightmares.
Remus shakes his head "absolutely not..." laughing slightly. "But I know he wants my blood bad enough that he wont double cross me. Im not a push over but I would risk uneccesarry harm fighting him at night. Thats why I didnt let him in tonight." He sighs slightly "but he agreed to do it... which means what you desire is possible in some way." He only now noticed now that Lazarus didnt ask any questions or give any details about what all was involved. He sighs and leans down planting a soft kiss on her neck "he can be very terrifying. .. but It will be alright. Everything will be alright"
Remus's words brought a small amount of comfort. She knew that he knew Lazarus better than most and he would do the right thing but it didn't stop her feeling anxious about their meeting with the vampire lord. Her hand moved to his at her shoulder as he moved to kiss her neck. She smiled as his lips touched her skin and at that moment she believed that everything would be fine. A small flutter of excitement grew in her stomach over the nerves. In a day, she would be back with her family, she would be at home. Leaning slightly to one side, she turned in the chair and pulled him closer, her lips finding his, returning his affection.
Remus of course returns the affection. He was almost certain that the previous kiss was actually a fluke. But this one, this kiss occured immidietly after an encounter with what is perhals the most terrifying being in existence and she was actually the one to initiate it. Remus holds the kiss for a while before breaking it to whisper a simple "mmmm that was unexpected." The grins a bit before standing up straight and waving his hands and the curtains pull themselves closed. The room was now dimly lit in its soft candle light. "Well now that you have meet the great vampire Lord.... I trust your resolve hasn't weakened." He smiles and turns his gaze to her. "No matter what happens. Even if you are the only one that remembers al these events. And we never meet. Then go to that tavern on that day... the morning that we met and tell me what occurred. I may not remember you... but if you tell me something that only I would know then I will believe your story."
As Remus pulled away from the kiss, she did too, a soft smile on her face, "Sorry" she said unconvincingly , the smile remaining. Glancing around as the curtains closed, she shook her head, "He might be terrifying but he can give me what I need. There is no backing out now" she said firmly. His next words made her smile fade, "You might not remember?" the question was rhetorical, "What can I say to make you believe me?" she asked, standing and turning to him, taking his hands in hers.
He smiles warmly at her and nods "depending on how his form of time travel works. You may return here and you and your family will be saved in an alternate version of reality... and they will go on living and that version of you will go on living your life with them but the present you will come back as if nothing changed. In other words you wotn reap the benifits of it. But they will in a different reality. The other possibility is that he sends you back into the past into your body in the past. .. just your conciousness and after your task is complete everything takes effect and only you will be aware of what happened and everything we went through will be erased from everyones memory except for yours.... if that is the case. Then I urge you to travel to that tavern and meet me again. And tell me...." he thinks for a momment..."tell me that I told you about my daughter Ariel...when I took you to the inn. You can describe it to me. No one in the last few hundred years has seen it so your story can only be true if you had been there." He grins hding her hand tightly im his.
She nodded as he spoke, "I will do that if I need to" she said quietly before moving close to him and resting her head against his chest. A sudden moment of doubt hit her like a ton of bricks, "What if I can't protect them?" she didn't move, "What if I'm not strong enough?" She sighed and lifted her head from his chest, shaking it gently, her gaze lowered to their hands. It could all be in vain, she could return to the time her family were attacked and the outcome could be the same. Closing her eyes, she tried to push the doubt away but it was a nagging thought that didn't seem to want to be forgotten.
It suddenly dawned on him that he didnt know exactly what happened and therefore had no real answer or suggestion. "Hmmm what if you went back before it happened and simply evacuated everyone? That way no one will ever get hurt?" Or perhaps it wasnt so simple. His eyes narrow slightly. Suddenly the solution dawned on him "I know! What if Lazarus sends you back to a week or two before the event. And you travel to Mirrodin and contact Mabel...have her contact by glyph. Then I will come to your valley and save the day." He felt like Shiv suddenly, and his tone felt almost out of character but he went with it for now.
Mara shook her head slowly at Remus's first suggestion. His second, however, could work. She opened her eyes and looked up to him, "You'd do that?" Hope returned to her voice. She knew that with his help, she could defeat the attackers before they could hurt her family. Releasing his hands, she flung her arms around his neck and pulled him close, standing on her tip toes, "Thank you Remus" she whispered before pulling away slightly, her hands moving to rest on his shoulders. "Thank you" she smiled, her eyes shining in the candle light.
Remus smiles and nods holding her closely for the first time. He gazed down at her with a very warm look in his eyes. "You're quite welcome. Tell Mabel the emergency password. Strawberry shortcake. She will know what it means." He laughs lightly at himself. Then simply leans down and kisses her softly on her forehead. "Everything will be alright. And before you knowit... your family will be saved and you will be happy in your old simple life" he offers her a warm smile again. "The catch is that i will have to get to know you all over again. Potentially anything we do tonight... will only be remembered by you.... Everything we have been through will only be remembered by you...so Shiv have to be a loud mouth all over again. And you will already know my secret." The smile doesnt fade he somehow he wiahed for more than a kiss.
She gave him a puzzled look and giggled quietly, "Strawberry shortcake?" It seemed like a strange emergency password but at least she'd remember it. The thought of being the only one to remember their whole journey was a sad thought. It hadn't been easy but at times it had been fun. Her hand moved to his cheek, her thumb moving along his cheekbone then to his lips. It could be the last night they spend together where he would have feelings for her. Her hand moved to the back of his neck and pulled him closer, "I want more than my old simple life" she whispered before moving to kiss him, her lips meeting his once again.
Remus smiles gently as she repeats the super secret password. It dawned on him that she would have to get to Mirrodin on her own in order to contact Mabel, that would be her true test. Or perhaps she could hire someone to guide her there. But as she put her hand kn the back os his neck he understood her desire and all of thoae thoughts were pushed aside as he leans in and returns the kiss, his arms wrapping around her and pressing her against him. For the first time he truly kissed her with full intensions and intimacy. This was his first real real kiss in ages. And the feeling was almost foreign to him but itbheld a sort of wonder and amazement that he wished it would never end. Then again this may be the final night they would spend together with him actually knowing her. She would have to try and rebuild their friendship and their relationship if she desired. For now he poured everything into the kiss and his hands gripped her back passionately unwilling to let go or break the kiss.
Mara's mind reached out to Remus as he pulled her close, her mind was completely focused on him, nothing else. Even Lazarus was forgotten as their lips and minds connected. She could feel the passion as he returned her kiss and she could have stayed in that moment forever had it been an option. Running her fingers through his hair, she pulled back momentarily and smiled before moving to kiss him again, her tongue slipping through her lips to flick softly against his.
Remus actually slept that night but only for a brief period waking at sun rise laying in bed next to Mara. The light that barely made its way into the room from under the curtains let him know that it was in fact morning. He slowly stood careful to not wake though her after the multiple amazing acts of awesomeness that took place that night he qas certain she wouldnt be an early riser. He makes his way to the smaller window just near his desk and pushes it open sitting carelessly in the chair. He reaches into his desk and pulls out a tobacco pouch and another of his ornate glass pipes. He produced a small flame from the tip of his finger. He sat there, nude, smoking his pipe after an incredible night blow the smoke out the window assuring that none strayed back into the room. He smiles broadly at everything that just happened. Its a shamed that there was a strong possibility that none of this would matter because he would not remr any of it. He would wake up somewhere in his study perhaps on his inn or somewhere else. But no matter. The mission will be accomplished.
The night passed in a blur of passion and heightened emotion. Mara hadn't slept so soundly for as long as she could remember, even her mind rested while she slept. A while after Remus woke, she stirred slightly, opening her eyes slowly. A few moments passed as she woke properly before she stretched and moved to sit, holding the sheet around her body, "Good morning" she said quietly with a smile, pulling her knees up to her chest. She looked from him to the light coming through the open window before sliding to the edge of the bed, standing and making her way to the desk, the sheet loosely wrapped around her, a corner tucked in at the top to keep it from falling.
He slowly turns his gaze to her with a broad smile, lowering the pipe and placing it back on his desk. "Well good morning..." the smile turned into a grin "I trust you slept well." The question was rhetoric, of course she did. "Well we arent in any kind of a hurry. When Lazarus sends you back there is a good chance none of this will matter. I wil remain here in this reality but you will move back and creat another one where we meet 6 months earlier before your village was destroyed. This reality will go on and you will more than likely be gone as well. This me will charrish your memory but the me that you will meet will have no recollection of you." He chuckles lightly. "At least this is the most likely scenario. Ive been thinking quite heavily on the subject. Fear not, your horse will be in good hands. She will be a good reminder of our journey together and of you." The smile never faded from his lips. "But I trust we will meet... you must find your way to Mirrodin in the past."
Her hand moved to his neck, her fingers gently brushing against his skin as he spoke. She smiled, "I can do that" she said quietly, the journey to Mirrodin wouldn't be easy but she knew what to expect along the way and she would be prepared. Moving around the chair, she sat on his lap, resting her head on his shoulder. "I wish you could come with me" she looked up to him and kissed his cheek softly. If he could have been sent back with her, it could have saved her time but she was prepared to cross oceans should she have to to get to him again.
Remus nods gently and holds her close returning the kiss on her cheek. "Unfortunately I dont think Lazarus can send me back. Im not exactly ordinary and he would have to send 5 different souls back. Im not certain on the limits of his power. But I very much doubt that he could. In any case. We should make certain thatbhe sends you back far enough that allows you enough time to get to Mirrodin. Even if you must leave your horse there. Once Mabel contacts me I can be there in an instant... we can travel to your valley in no time at all if you leave your horse with her. Beyond that... you can let me take care of it." He chuckles lightly at the idea then wraps his arms around her again kissing her cheek again.
Mara nodded understanding that it was highly unlikely that Lazarus would be able to send them both back. She looked out of the open window, "How long will it take to get to the tower?" She asked feeling the excitement of seeing her family and her home again. Her whole journey had been about trying to save her family. She had not expected to fall for anyone and feel torn about returning home to complete her mission.
The mage doesn't answer immidietly, thinking about how long it would take but the answer was right in front of him. Truth is he didnt want to take her, having experienced all this intense emotion again stirred his judgement and for a moment he hesitated. "A few minutes if we fly over the forest, which I highly recommend. The inside of the forest makes people hallucinate....and make the deepest fears come true. To Most people it will break their resolve and crush their will. I would like to fly over it and in that case it will only take a few minutes to get there. We have plenty of time before dusk."
She gave a slight nod as he spoke, "We'll fly then..." she said not moving from his embrace. Walking was preferable to flying under normal circumstances but Remus was right and flying, although she wasn't fond of it, was the safest way to get to the vampire's tower. Flying also gave them more time together before she would be sent back, she was happy to sit in his embrace until the time came they needed to leave. Leaning against him, she smiled and closed her eyes. It wasn't long before her stomach started protesting and she realised that her last meal was technically days ago when they first boarded the dwarf ship. Still, she didn't want to move and she ignored the hunger pangs for the moment.
Remus chuckles lightly at the sound of her stomach "forgive me... I often forget that food is a necessity for most." He moves his hand up to run his fingers through her hair. For the first time he looked down at her in the most intimate of poses and smiled "you know. I dont think I've told you this. But you are quite stunning. Stunningly beautiful even." He chuckles lightly again "well... what would you like to eat. I can have Shiv bring it up.... although im sure we should get dressed before all that. He would have a heart attack if he saw you." He couldnt help but laugh playfully.
Giggling at his reaction to her stomach grumbling, she sat up slightly as he ran his fingers through her hair. Her cheeks flushed as he complimented her, her hand moving to tuck her red hair behind her ears. She shrugged at his question, "I don't mind" she stood from his lap and looked around the room for her clothes, laughing at the thought of Shiv walking in on them in their current state, "I guess clothes would be a good idea then!" She said still laughing quietly. Spotting her clothes on the floor, she bent down to pick them up, placing them on the bed before letting the sheet fall from her body. She began to dress, the lightweight clothing sliding easily over her skin and once she was dressed, she moved to sit on the end of the bed, staring at him a smile still settled on her face.
Remus watched her intently ss she made her way to the bed and began to dress. He would admire her form for a moment or two before standing and making his way to his clothes. He was hesitant to get dressed and when hev began he actually took his sweet time with the whole process. "Well then. .. I think we are ready to out and about." Then suddenly it dawned on him that he could actually request his scout to bring it up. Whatever she desired even. "Or we can have Shiv bring it up whatever you'd prefer is fine with me " he says with a casual tone. He was doing his best to hide the dread he felt. And for now he did a damn good job of covering it up.
Smiling, Mara watched him get dressed from her seat at the end of the bed. She shrugged lightly, "We could see some more of the city before we need to leave? If you don't think Leona would mind" she laughed, remembering the woman's reaction when she had seen them. Sliding from the bed, she moved to stand in front of him, looking up to him the smile still on her face, "How long do we have before we have to go?" she glanced to the open window in the direction of the woods. She was anxious to get going but also anxious about what was going to happen when they reached the vampire's home.
Remus nods gently as he finishes getting dressed "im sure Leona will mind but I honestly dont really care. She has a mich bigger problem living juat outside her city and there is absolutely nothing she can do about it." He chuckles lightly "and now she has me taking pleasure in taking our sweet time to leave, and theres nothing she can do about it either." He laughs a bit slowly standing. "Im sure she is quite frustrated with all this. But fear not... you have me to make sure no nonsense happens" he grins as he makes his way towards her holding out his large hand for her to take "shall we then?"the mage slowly made his way to the entrance and as the large spiral staiecase came into view he leapt up onto the level part of the railing just before the stairs turned downwards. He waited for her to do the same "the way down is much faster than the way up. Come on up here you'll see"
She laughed as Remus spoke, moving to him as he held his hand out to her, "I hope she doesn't try to cause trouble" she said, "Her jealousy is quite pointless" she added taking his hand and walking with him to the top of the winding staircase. Her expression grew puzzled as he jumped onto the railing and invited her up. She glanced over the rail to the staircase below then looked up to him. "Much quicker?" she raised an eyebrow and hopped onto the railing, getting her balance quickly then waited for his next instruction, "What next?" she asked with a smile on her face, wondering how he was going to get them down the stairs without using the actual stairs.
Remus had a wide grin slowly creep across his lips "whats next you say?" He doesnt hesitate and moves closer to plaving his arm around her waist "why this of course!" And without hesitation he steps off the rail pulling her with him. The fall, while quite sudden, is actually brief and starting from about 8 or so meters from the ground their decent dramatically slows down to the point that by the time they land their feet make gentle taps agaisnt the marble floor. "Much faster..." the grin never faded from his face. He was exercising his innate ability to manipulate energy, in this case the momentum of them falling. He merely absorbed all its force at such a controlled rate that by the time they landed there was almost no force at all. It provided a sort of illusion of weightlessness. Unfortunately once her feet touched the ground her full weight would return somewhat abruptly. The sensation was something that one would surely have to get use to. "Now... anything in particular you're in the mood for?" He then calls his scout 'Shiv... before we step outside... how are things looking?' The response came a few moments later 'all clear master...' and with thay he moved to the door placing his free hand on the cold metal which instantly began to unlock itself before easing open.
The puzzled look returned to her face as Remus placed his arms around her waist. As he stepped off the rail, she held her breath and clung to him tightly not expecting the slow down as they grew close to the ground. Feeling the deceleration, she opened her eyes and looked down, a wide smile on her face, "Much quicker" she said holding onto him for a few moments after their feet touched the floor. The sudden heavy feeling that followed the fall was unexpected but she quickly pushed it to one side and released him, taking a small step back as he spoke. "What does the city have to offer?" she asked as he moved to the door, "Does it have any local dishes?" She had already had Mabel's home made food and food from the Dwarves so Cretes delicacies would complete the set on their journey.

[littlemy]

The doors fully swung open and the bright morning sun was blinding for a few moments given how dark the tower was inside. "The people here eat a very rich diet consisting mostly of red meats. They are quite a military state and they feed their soldiers quite well from the time they are children." He continues speaking as he leads them outside. The doors begin to close themselves just as the clear the doorway. "I hear their lamb dishes are absolutely to die for." He grins again looking about the city. 'Shiv... find us a decent place to eat aome lamb.' "Im having Shiv scout the area for a good restaurant to sit at amd enjoy the morning before the madness that im sure will come" he sighs lightly.
Mara blinked as the light poured in through the doors, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust. Stepping outside, she looked around seeing the city in the morning sun and took in the beauty before nodding an turning to Remus, "Lamb sounds delicious" she said stepping closer to him and taking his hand gently, "Shall we walk?" she said quietly, sensing he wasn't looking forward to what hey had to do later in the day. She stood on her toes and leant in to kiss his cheek softly, "Everything will be fine" she whispered before starting to walk, her hand still holding his. She believed it would be fine, maybe not an easy task but they had made it that far, they could finish what they started.
Remus nods gently and receives the kiss that only weighs down his conscious more. He knew deep down inside that something bad was going to happen. He wouldnt be able tk ask Shiv what the outcomes could be because Lazarus, of all people, manipulates time and is thus impossible to be able to forsee any event that involves him becauae he can easily alter the timeline. This particular thing has him very troubled. Remus usually consults his scout on important matters like this but knowing the limitations of his scouts ability is immensely important. "Certainly lets walk" he responds finally, though with a warm carefree tone. He didnt want to worry her with everything on his mind. For now, he remained silent on the issue. He begins leading them in no particular direction and the grandeur of the city becomes more apparent. They could walk for days and never reach the end. "This city stretches as far as the eye can see... it's basically its own country"
She could see Remus was troubled. If there was another concrete way to get her family back she would take it. Even if the plan went as they hoped, she would lose him and have to try to find him and hope his feelings for her would be the same. Giving his haned a gentle squeeze, she walked, absorbing the beauty that was around them. The huge city was breathtaking in both it's size and appearance, "The city must have been here a very long time to grow to this size" she said almost to herself as she admired the buildings they were walking past.
The mage smiles and nods "this place has withstood the test of time. Its seen many many wars and stood strong through it all. It’s been here for more than a thousand years and as time passes the city only grows larger and larger. Of course it’s all meaningless in comparison to a country like Solaris. They are a small fraction of the size but with their technology could whipe out almost any country they please to." He chuckles lightly as he continues walking about. 'Master I found a nice restaurant that you can take her to. Its only a little ways up the road. Make a left by the big fountain I will be waiting outside' the mage nods "well it seems Shiv has found us a place to eat"
"I can quite believe it" she said looking to him, "It's amazing." At the mention of Shiv finding somewhere for her to eat, she grinned and nodded, "Good, I'm starving!" she exaggerated, laughing lightly. Carrying on walking, she waited on directions as her stomach started rumbling at the smells around them. She hadn't realised just how hungry she was before that moment but the phrase 'could eat a horse' would have been appropriate. "Where are we heading?" she asked eagerly.
"Just up ahead theres a fountain. There we turn left and look for thw elf in a white cloak" he laughs a little. Her eagerness was actually quite cute and it lighten his heart a little given the circumstances. He had a feeling that today was the last day he would spend with her like this. And for a moment he felt extremely selfish wanting to delay this whole ordeal. However, the quest wasnt about him, it never was. In fact its strictly for her. "You know... you get really cute when you’re hungry" he chuckles playfully at his own comment hoping shed feel the same.
Mara saw the fountain ahead and quickened her pace laughing as he called her cute. She playfully punched him in the arm with her free hand, "I do not" she pouted then continued laughing, keeping her pace as they drew closer to the fountain. She moved, leading Remus towards the left of the fountain, her mouth almost watering at the thought of a good meal, after all, despite her hope she was well aware it could be her last.
Remus continued laughing as she sped up and actually lead him to their destination. Shiv stood in the distance quickly catching sight of the duo and waving his arms frantically in the air in an attempt to get her attention. Remus didnt need that at all since he coukd easily pin point where Shiv could be at any given moment. For now, the mage simply shook his head and continued on. After some time Shiv would actually start walking towards Mara, and as if he knew what they were going to go through today, the elf wraps his arms around her tightly. Then whispers in her ear. Careful not to let Remus hear as he was behind a bit by now"No matter when and where you end up... remember these words. " he pauses to make sure Remus is def not within earshot. The continues "shinning heart, laughing jester ,whispering wind, I offer my soul to thee corsair of the moon. Hear my call.... then you speak your heart. And no matter where you are... I will hear you. Then I shall guide my master to you..but dont tell him I told you my command phrase..."
Mara caught sight of Shiv in the distance and started towards him, speeding up while giving him a calmer wave than he had been giving her as she giggled to herself. His embrace was unexpected but welcomed as she returned the hug and listened to his words intently repeating them in her mind as he spoke. Her smile faded slightly as she concentrated on the words but she nodded slowly and looked up to him as he finished, “I promise, thank you Shiv” she spoke quietly before pulling back from the embrace and turning to see if Remus had caught up to them. His words might save her if she ran into trouble on her travels; she just hoped she would be able to remember them when she returned home. She smiled as Remus grew closer, “Where is that delicious smell coming from?” She asked looking around at the buildings around them.
Remus had was still several feet from them when Mara turned, and the warm smile on his lips would let them know that he was none the wiser to the plan. "That smell, I believe, is coming from the restaurant that Shiv kindly picked out for us..." he finally reaches them and holds out his hand towards the double doors beckoning them to come in. "Shall we.." Shiv is the first to turn and make his way to the doors, his mask omce again hung on the side of his head as if somehow it was magnetized to him. His brilliant white cloak flowed loosely in the morning breeze once again giving him a strikingly elegant appearance. Remus then slow moved his hand and sought out hers for a brief moment before he pulled back with hesitation. This felt like a goodbye. And in some ways it was. For now however, he maintained his warm facade and mafe his way to the doors.
Looking around, Mara saw the restaurant he was talking about. She nodded, the food smelled delicious and her stomach agreed with her. Following Shiv, she walked towards the door. She noticed Remus's hand moving towards hers and his hesitation. She was without any as her hand moved for his, taking it gently without speaking as if she knew what he had been thinking. It wasn't a goodbye, not to her. They would meet again although under slightly different circumstances and she would have to convince him their adventure had happened but with Shiv's words she was quietly confident. Sticking to Remus's side, she followed Shiv into the restaurant.
The mage walks in lastand Shiv had already secured a table from the hostess, putting the gourp in a booth against the window. The restaurant itself had a upscale look to it. While not exactly on par with a five star example, it was certainly nice. Remus made his way into the booth sitting against the window resting his arm on the window sill. His cold gray eyes surveyed the room as a strange tingling crept up his spine. Shiv, would wait for Mara to sit across from Remus and then slide in next to her with his usual playful smile. The waitress had barely sat them down and started passing out menus when suddenly the temperature in the room drops. Remus' breath becomes clearly visable and he can only whisper "he's here..." just as he finishes talking time dramatically slows to a crawl. Everyone around them slows to a stop and the only ones unaffected by the phenomenon are the three sitting in the booth. Remus slowly turns his gaze to look out the window only to set eyes on the tall figure that stood outside. Lazarus stood in the shadow of the building, wearing a peculiar wide brimmed hat that has a strange triangular shaped rim that seemed to cast a shadow over his face regardless of which way he was facing. His deep red eyes could be seen glowing slightly and the crimson red coat he wore the previous night wooshed carelessly in the morning breeze. His long flowing black hair did the same as he alowly approached the window and spoke. " and good morning to you...." he spoke to the trio through the glass. His deep powerful voice passed through the thin barrier as if it wasnt even there. "I know you planned on meeting mw at my tower today and I realized I would be a somewhat of a disadvantage.... why meet so secluded... after all... theres so much blood waiting for purpose here." A cold heartless smile slowly played across his lips. Remus had grown very tense and before the vampire began his approach he whispered to his group. "Something is very wrong. Something is different about him. He shouldn't be this powerful in the day time." He spoke softly so that only they could hear his words "dont hurt anyone Lazarus" the mage raised his voice "I was going to propose a deal that even you cannot refuse." The vampire slowly switched his gaze from Remus to Mara then back to Remus again "go on... you have my attention" the longer Lazarus stood infrony of them, the longer he would make eye contact with any of them the more overwhelming his presence became. Even his speech was deliberately slow and calculated and his tone alone was powerful enough to subdue even the strongest of mortals. But the real terrifying feature Lazarus possessed was his eyes, the cold piercing crimson eyes of a demon the walks the earth.
Following Shiv into the restaurant and to the table, Mara let go of Remus's hand to slide into the booth. She was impressed at Shiv's choice of restaurant considering he had no idea what the food would taste like. Returning the playful smile and taking a menu from the hostess, she noticed Remus's demeanour change then she felt the temperature drop. Her smile faded quickly and was replaced with a worried frown as he spoke, the menu slipped from her hand to be forgotten about on the table. Suddenly she wasn't so hungry. Looking at the hostess and the others nearby, she saw time slow then she spotted the vampire. Fear gripped her and she tensed as she looked to both Remus ans Shiv for reassurance, it wasn't given as Remus spoke quietly once again. Lazarus's voice sent shivers up her spine causing her to shift uncomfortably in her seat but his gaze almost paralysed her as she caught his eyes, her body felt numb and her limbs heavy. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't pull her gaze from him.
Remus forced himself to concentrate on what he needed to say "Lazarus, I need you to send this Mara back in time so that she can prevent her family from being killed. This event couldn't possibly affect you or anything you do." The mage spoke as calmly as he could manage, repeating his request from the previous night. He knew that here in the city, Lazarus would virtually have a massive supply of blood at hia disposal. Afterall, he could easily just pull it out of anyone he so desired. " and ...what do you have to offer in exchange?" The vampire lord asked simply his gaze shifting back to Mara as the grin on his lips widdened givin her a much more clear view of his lomg fangs. Remus, without hesitation reaponds firmly "my blood.... I will give you what you have always wanted." Lazarus seems surprised by the offer as he quickly turns back to Remus "are you sure you are willing to give me that Remus. You and I are nearly equal in strength but if you give me what I want you are aware that you will stand no chance if I change my mind" Lazarus chuckles softly to himself and Remus responds "I am aware of the circumstances . Do you accept my terms or not?" He was clearly trying to make this meeting short. He didnt want the vampire to start a massacre on everyone around him. Shiv was sitting quietly this whole time wanting to act 'master....of he takes advantage of you after drawing your blood... you will have no choice but to summon Mathius.' Remus doesnt respond but does acknowledge this fact. 'Fear not... if that will be the case then I shall care for Mara as long as your mana allows me to remain here.' The mental link they shared needed no response. Shiv knew that Remus was silently thanking him. Lazarus finally reaponds "I accept your terms. Meet me in the center of town at sunset" then without waiting for a reaponse his body breaks apart into hundreds of bats and flys away. Time instantly returns to normal and everyone in the restaurant returns to what they were doing beforr the freeze. Remus is breathing a little heavy at this point and his breath is still quite visable despite the temperature returning to normal. "I have a feeling I know his intentions. But no matter...our quest will continue. In a different time and place."
Mara sat in silence as Remus and Lazarus spoke. A feeling of dread sat in the pit of her stomach as she stared at the vampire, she felt he wasn't going to stick to his word, even if he did send her back she didn't know what would happen to Remus and Shiv. His grin caused her to pale and tense as did his nonchalant reaction to the proposal. Finally the deal was reached and Lazarus left them, leaving behind the bats causing Mara to jump, startled at their appearance. She blinked a few times and was silent for a few moments before looking to Remus as he spoke. The hustle and bustle around them carried on but the mood at their table had gone as cold as the temperature had been. "He won't stick to his word will he?" she asked, her tone sounding her concern.
Remus was actually foreshadowing with his last statement. He had a feeling that after she was sent back and Remus had to keep his part of the deal. Lazarus would be powerful enough to kill the two of them. He would be forced to release Mathius, and doing so in the city would be a catastrophe that Remus would rather avoid. He had to chose his next words very carefully. "He will keep his end of the deal im sure... because he doesn't think that anything that happens in the past will affect him now. Then again he has a much deeper understanding of how time works." Remus slowly turns his gaze to look at Mara for the first time since Lazarus arrived. "The real problem comes afterwards. When it comes time to keep my end of the deal. Once Lazarus has my blood he will be much more powerful than he is now and given that we are in a city full of people, at night. I would be at a severe disadvantage if he decides to end me once and for all. Really nothing would be able to stop him." A small smile creeps across his lips "even if he does... I will still be alive in your timeline. But I will be eradicated from this one." Shiv seems to grin aswell "so then you suggest we will die in glorious battle." Shiv chimes in strangely cheerfulness in his voice. Remus chuckles lightly and nods "that... or unleash Mathius.. and have him drain the souls of every living thing around him and given the compact structure of the city he would end many many lives. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives would parish simply being in his presence." Remus sighs and stares at Mara. "A noble sacrifice don't you think? "
Tears stung Mara's eyes as Remus spoke. If Lazarus chose to use the extra power against Remus then either he would die or all those people would die. Even though it would have no effect on her being back in her home before the attack she would have to live with the knowlege that someone would die because of what she wanted. She shook her head slowly, holding back the tears, "All of these people might die because of me..." she paused and leant back, her head resting against the back of the booth bench. Even Shiv's cheerful demeanour wasn't enough to take her mind from the possibilities of the future. She was beginning to doubt her mission with the new revelation.
Remus shakes his head gently "don't be upset. Ive walked this world enough for a thousand lifetimes....I would rather die trying to stop him than use a forbidden power to kill him because it would also mean the deaths of countless people. Im through killing... I will not take another life if I dont have to. My sacrifice will ensure your mission and the survival of your people." Shiv gently places his hand on her shoulder "its alright you know... master and I are prepared to face what comes. And theres no guarantee he will turn hostile. After all master will give him everything he has dreamed of. His blood will make master Lazarus the most powerful being that im aware of." He smiles again and looks over at Remus with the smile " are you ready?" The mage simply chuckles lightly and nods "you know I've been ready for a long time Shiv."
Feeling Shiv's hand on her shoulder and having their comforting words reassured her slightly but they didn't get rid of the fear that remained inside of her, "Thank you, both of you" she shifted to lean on Shiv gently, her hand moving for Remus's. Unsurprisingly, she wasn't hungry after the surprise visit from Lazarus. The meal they were there for was forgotten as she sat with the pair, the two people who, at that moment meant as much as her family did to her. Looking out of the window, she saw everyone going about their lives unaware of the danger they were in. Remus and Shiv's smiles made her smile softly and although she said nothing more about her concerns, they still lingered.
The mage slowly reaches out for her hand and takes it with his. His skin was surprisingly warm this time around, yet his breath was still quite visable. The temperature in the room was slowly returning to normal when he spoke "you don't have to thank us...its the least we can do to attone for our crimes against the world." His voice was soft and smoothing. A tone he had previously avoided using. "Besides.. I know when and where we are meeting. I plan on setting something as a failsafe." A small smile creeps across his lips. "While Lazarus can control time, I can manipulate space..." Shiv grins from across the table “temporal shift...." he whispers and Remus nods, "Exactly. I have the time to lay down the glyphs. And when the time comes I will activate it and shift the entire central square far away to a secluded location. Lazarus will be limited to his own blood supply and mine. So his options wil decrease dramatically. If only I could negate his magic" he sighs knowing this was impossible to do given the nature of the vampires ability. Shiv grins now and turns to Mara "worst case scenario. We shift outside of town and unleash Mathius, amd regardless of how powerful Lazarus is, he will not defeat the shadow of death" he chuckles softly as his hand gently grips her shoulder reassuringly. "Assuming Mathius answers the call of course." Remus chimes in " he wont have a choice but to answer. I have my ways of manipulating him. But once he is released I need you to keep him focused on Lazarus. This is extremely important given that he will be starved by now. He could simply shift back and feed, although that may just lure Lazarus back to the city... in which case many many people will die anyway." His eyes shift up to Mara and he smiles warmly... "it will be quite a gamble. But once you are in the past it may not be relevant. Quite possibly this future will cease to be...and the new one you create will replace this one. Or... this timeline will continue without you, and perhaps without me." He sighs gently "I simply dont know... I dont have an answer"
Mara listened as the paid spoke, she was glad of the explanation of their plan and nodded, giving Remus's hand a gentle squeeze as her mind reached out to touch his. His calm, soothing voice made her relax. They knew what they were doing and she had to trust them. She did trust them, "Hopefully it'll be a gamble that will pay off" she nodded again. It was the unknown but something needed to be done. "How long will you need to prepare for tonight?" she asked sitting up straight for a moment, moving her hand from his, before leaning on the table slightly.
Remus places his free hand on his temple massaging it gently as he starts to think just how he is going to pull this off. " you have seen the array that Shiv used to teleport to Mabels right? That is the temporal shift spell. But this one has to be large enough to cover the whole central square. Normally it would take days to prepare. But now I suppose I should get started. Its the best plan I can come up with to complete our quest and still survive. While not letting innocent people die." He draws in a deep breath "Mara... this is where I take my leave... I will need to start this imidietly if I hope of finishing the array in time." He reaches out to her hand and smiles warmly at her "dont worry.. everything will be alright. Shiv here will stay with you" he stands and without looking back he starts to walk away. This was a sign that while he was confident in his plan. He didnt want a long goodbye. This would perhaps be the last time he will see her like this. And this would perhaps be the last time she would see him in this state. But he was clearly hiding his emotions. Shiv on the other hand simply watched as his master walked away before speaking "dont mind him. He gets distant before a major event. And this could very well be our final act." His voice was strangely cheerful. "You remember what I told you right? Remember those words and speak from your heart. I will hear your call..." he offers her a reassuring smile.
She nodded as Remus explained he was leaving. As he took her hand she fought the urge to take it and not let him go. Their journey was almost over and despite it continuing in a different way she didn't want it to end. As he moved to leave, she released his hand, her own falling to the table. Shiv's reassurance and cheerfulness made her smile slightly, "I hope you're as cheerful next time we meet" she said nudging him with her elbow. "What should we do until sunset?" she wasn't particularly interested in doing anything but they needed to pass the time.
Shiv, now alone with Mara, nodges her back gently with his elbow. "Hmmm we can do anything you want really. I remember the last time we spent alone time together we had a nasty encounter with those dwarves on the ship." He cant help but laugh lightly " but atleast it was fun. You have some good moves." He grins a little before slowly shifting in his seat scooting his butt against her hinting at her that they should leave if she wasnt going to eat. "Lets go for a walk. Im sure you have a lot on your mind. Why even I have a lot on my mind. And thats saying a lot from someone that can glimpse the future" he laughs again fooling around with her. "And don't worry. I'm always cheerful, even in the face of de.." but his words are cut off when his wondering eyes manage to spot something across the street. Or someone really. The crimson cloak and peculiar shaped hat stood out from the shadow across the street. There he was again Lazarus, Starring them down from the shadows. His piercing red eyes eyeing Shiv carefully. "Uuuuh... please tell me im seeing things" but his pale blue eyes weren't deceiving him. And as if there was some lapse in time. Lazarus was no lomger standing there. Instead, he now sat at the table with them his long black hair falli elegantly on his shoulders. Even his hat was off, and placed casually on the table. It was clear what had just occured. Lazarus once again, had momentarily frozen time and because Remus is no longer near them, this timw it actually affected them aswell. The vampire then casually walked across the street, entered the public establishment, took a seat in front of their frozen bodies, casually removed his hat and let time start again. The entire event happens quite literally in the blink of an eye. A momentary skip in perception caused by Lazarus' perfect manipulation of time. "Finally...we can properly meet." The vampire spoke slow and deliberate his voice deep and powerful and strangely seductive. He turns his hand palm up and offers it to Mara. His skin had a very pale complexion and almost had a hint of blue to it. His skin was impossibly soft and cold as a dead body. His nails were naturally black and pointed slightly. " I am Lord Lazarus.... and ive been waiting to meet you...in person" Shiv went to react but instantly thought better of itm "yes Shiv...dont do anything stupid. You are well aware of what I am capable of. Just sit there like a good boy and be quiet."
Reminded of their sparring match on the Dwarf ship, she laughed quietly, "Not good enough to beat a group of grumpy Dwarves!" she joked as he shifted in his seat. Doing the same, she shifted to the edge of the seat, her hand reaching for her weapons as Shiv stopped talking. Mara turned to him, a questioning look on her face. She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong when Lazarus appeared at the table. Once again she was frozen, her gaze stuck on the vampire, her body tensing as he spoke. Despite her fear, she felt drawn to him, her hand moved for his as he offered his introduction but part of her mind screamed in protest as she moved, "Asamara" she managed to speak after a few moments, her voice shaky.
Lazarus grins slightly from one side of his mouth exposing one of his fangs in the process. While they appeared to be only slightly larger than a normal persons canine, albeit more pointed. The truth is, however, his fangs grow dramatically whenever he pleases, and often times they elongate by themselves when he uses any of his vampiric abilities. He takes her hand and leans in planting a gently kiss atop it. His very touch was seductive, as was the case with many high level vampire, their touch and particularly their kiss can be almost intoxicating to most humans. But Lazarus was the most powerful of all, his influence was at times overwhelming for most. Tob the point were some people in the restaurant were beginning to have trouble breathing. But as he raised back up he peered into her eyes with the same toothy grin as before "what a beautiful name..." he says plainly as his eyes narrow before his voice becomes venomous once again "I wonder.... what makes you so special that Remus is willing to risk his very life." The grin widdens as his fangs ever so slowly start to elongate. "Shall we find out?" His words were damn near irresistible. And she would have to exercise extreme amounts of will and self control to refuse.
Mara was taken in by the vampire Lord's seduction, it was almost impossible to resist him. Her hand relaxed in his as he kissed it, her gaze still fixed on him. She was unable to look away. The rest of the restaurant, even Shiv seemed to disappear. Part of her mind was resisting him though, it was pushing her to move away from him, to find Remus. Her mind opened fully to all of the felines in the city, flooding her thoughts with the minds of those cats around them. It helped somewhat, his seduction lessened and as he spoke of Remus she shook her head slowly, "No" she said, her voice almost a whisper, "Please don't..." It was all she could get out as her mind tried to focus on more than him. Her hand was still in his, she couldn't break his hold on her fully, no matter how hard she tried she couldn't move her gaze from his hypnotising eyes.
Lazarus stares at her for a few moments and as she pleads for him to not draw her blood he simply shakes his head and casually says "ah ah ah you don't get to decide" and ever so slowly with his other hand he moves in with a deliberate and slow motion. Drawing out every moment of suspense. Shiv decided this was the perfect time to take action with his incredible speed he manages to snugly fit his mask on himself with his left hand. His right suddenly grab hold of her leg in almost the same instance and the two of them become intangible. Her hand falls from the vampires hand and phases through the table. "Dont panic and hold onto me. In this state he cannot harm us" Shiv can’t help but smile behind his mask standing up through the table tightly gripping Maras hand at this point. If she let go then she would become tangible again and not only be stuck in the middle of the table but also directly defying the one being that should never be defied. Lazarus' approaching hand falls lightly on the table and he chuckles gently "clever clever Shiv. You know just how to avoid getting caught. But fear not. You cannot run forever." The vampire slowly reaches down and places his hat back on. Shiv instantly walks through the outside wall with Mara in tow and once theu cleared the wall Shiv very frantically starts to outline the familiar glyph on the ground "we have to leave. And we have to leave immediately" the glyph had barely finished before activating sucking the two away from the city street. Moments later they are standing inside Remus' tower. "We cant be outside. The only reason I managed to move fast enough to put on my mask is because its daylight outside. At night he would've frozen me before I could fully become intangible." He sighs in relief as the two become solid again. "That was very close."
The first thing Mara knew of Shiv's plan was when her hand fell through Lazarus's then through the table. She snapped back into the moment and felt Shiv's hand in hers. Keeping tight hold of him she moved with him then stood in silence watching as he drew the familiar glyph. She couldn't help but look back towards the restaurant to see if the vampire had followed them, her mind, although still connected to the local felines, was still focussed on Lazarus. Everything quickly changed, they were in the tower. Safe, for the moment at least. Letting go of Shiv's hand, she nodded slowly, "Very close" she said quietly as she moved to sit in the chair at Remus's desk her mind breaking the multiple connections she had hurriedly made and making her mind her own once again. Running her hands over her face, she sat forward and rested her elbows on her knees, "Is Remus nearly finished?" she asked looking to Shiv.
Shiv slowly moved to the nearest walla and leaned back against it slidding down the wall until finally sitting down. He slowly slid his mask to the side again and breathes another heavy sigh. "I doubt it. He was only gone a few minutes. But time usually acts strangely around master Lazarus so it will be hard to tell how much time actually passed. For all we know that conversation lasted hours. Or seconds." He shrugs slightly looking out towards the sun. It seemed like a long time had passed. Already the sun seemed to be setting relatively early. "From what it looks like, the conversation lasted much longer than we felt." He points out the window to the sun "its already in the afternoon and when we arrived there it was barely morning." He shakes his head wrapping his brain around what occurred just now. He openly defide Lazarus. This would mean that Shiv would be his priority target just for the hell of it in what he was sure to be an upcoming battle. "Master... Lord Lazarus came to us at the restaurant just moments after you left....we are back in the tower. How long until you have completed the seal. We will most certainly need your escort to central square."
Nodding, Mara stared at the window and tried to gauge the time as Shiv spoke. She was shaken up by the ordeal; Lazarus was certainly more than she had though. He terrified her but at the same time she was drawn to him and even though she resisted, she couldn't stop him or even attempt to get away from him. She was powerless. Standing slowly, she walked to the window and looked over the city and beyond. "Lazarus won't be happy...will he?" she asked, turning to face Shiv, her arms wrapped around herself. She shivered at the thought of his touch.
Shiv shool his head as she spoke " no he wont be happy at all. Im sure he is wondering why my master is willing to go to such lengths to help you." His eyes slowly drift up to meet hers "I wonder the same thing sometimes. But then I realize that you are actually a wonderful person and I havent seen my master as happy as he is now in a very long time." He offers her a warm smile "master Lazarus may think that we have some other motives. But truth be told that isnt the case. He is helping you because he wants to. We enjoy it" he laughs playfully "I wonder what that vampire is doing now anyway... I wonder why he was so damn powerful just now. He shouldnt be that strong. It doesnt make sense." He looks out the window and stares at the sun for a moment "and its not like he is getting weaker. By the time the sun is set he will be far more powerful than how we witnessed him earlier"
Mara listened as Shiv spoke, her heart sank as he agreed the vampire wouldn't be happy with the events at the restaurant. She smiled softly as he complimented her, "I will never be able to thank the two of you for your help" she looked out of the window, "I had never thought I would see places like this or meet the people I've met and without you and Remus it wouldn't have happened." Turning back to the window, she looked out over the city, the sun elongating the shadows of the buildings as it began to decend, "I would have remained lost, without hope of seeing my family again but now we're so close..." she stopped. She was scared of what was to come over the hours that followed but they were close and she could almost feel her family once again. Pushing her fears aside, she knew they'd be facing Lazarus again, "We'll have to go soon" she said noting the suns position in the sky, feeling the fading warmth through the glass on her skin.

[remus]

Shiv sighs once more sitting in the corner with a worried look. 'You dont need an escort... Lazarus is here with me. Come to the town square so we can get this started.' Remus suddenly speaks to Shiv through their telepathic connection. Shiv suddenly raises to his feet. "We are safe to leave, It seems that they are both waiting for us at the town square." he offers his hand to Mara "come, we should move quickly im sure Lazarus is growing more and more powerful by the minute." He waits for her to take his hand before whispering a few words under his breath in some unknown language and with a blinding flash, the sudde appear behind Remus. This, was not the same spell he used before, this particular one would only return him and whoever he was holing, back to Remus' current location.

As promised by Remus, Lazarus stood before them, this time in a sort of black armor, lined with thin golden lines about each seperate plate. The armor appeared very light, and rather form fitting allowing for a full range of free movement. He now wore a black cape that hung around his neck line, only allowing a small portion in front of him to actually be seen. Lazarus held he arm up and spoke "welcome....so kind of you to join us." The inside of his cloak was a deep crimson red in color, and gave off an almost strange glossy look, as if the inside of the cloak was actually some form of liquid. This speculation would soon be confirmed as suddenly the cloak began to bleed, and within a few momments a pool of blood was slowly forming at his feet.

Remus, meanwhile, was slowly weaving a spell behind his back, his hand could be seen switching motions until he finally shut his hand tight and the 5 gold rings gave off a soft glow as he held the spell in preparation. "no one look into his eyes" he whispers slightly.

Lazuras then speaks again, his voice as deep and venomous as ever "Now now, no need to start a scene here, this is all in preparation for the next part of the adventure." He turns his palm face up and a thin line of blood from the pool at his feet, begins to enlongate and make its way towards Remus. "Just hold out your hand old friend, let me take my payment and we can get this started shall we."

The old mage shook his head for a momment, and hesitantly holds his hand out "I'll give you half your share right now Lazarus, the other half when i know she is safe." Remus turns his hand face down, and the instant he does the thin line of blood flowing on the ground suddenly rises up and like some impossibly fast spear pierces into Remus' palm.

Lazarus smiles boradly as the mages blood flows into the thing barb. Then after a few momments he frowns a little. "so that all you're willing to give me..." the barb pulls out of his hand and returns to the pool at the vampires feet. Within seconds his eyes widden and the smile widdens into a toothy grin. "My my...even just a small taste and i can feel the power." He now turns and points at Mara "Now, its your turn...come here" The pool of blood at his feet slowly starts to expand, now with an almost 10 foot diameter around him, with him at its center. His red eyes now giving off a soft eary glow, his wind seem to blow elegantly in the night air as the sun fully set. He was now at full strength.

Remus, quickly takes his hand back, making a tight fist as his body quickly begins to heal, atleast just enough to stop the blood flow entirely. "Go Mara, We have you covered, he shouldn't try anything to crazy. I only gave him a little blood."

The vampire stood with the same toothy grin as before, his fangs bared slightly, and his eyes locked on Mara. That strange hypnotic gaze that no mortal could deny.

[asamara]

It was time. If all went as planned, she would soon be home with her parents and it would be as if nothing had happened to them, she would be able to save them. There was an anxiousness building in the pit of her stomach, a sort of small churning feeling that instantly grew as Shiv spoke. Pulling her gaze away from the view of the city, she gave a small nod and stepped towards him, her hand finding his and gripping it tightly. She knew if she didn’t, he would feel her shaking. Knowing Shiv wouldn’t be travelling by conventional means; she held her breath and closed her eyes as the light flashed around them.

In an instant, she felt the cool evening air around them. Opening her eyes, she saw Lazarus and Remus; her gaze falling on Remus and avoiding the vampire lord even before Remus spoke. Seeing Remus casting and holding a spell, she stared at his hands until Lazarus spoke. His voice seemed to grasp at her, to pull at her, forcing her to look over to him. Her eyes widened at the pool of blood that began to snake its way towards them. Tensing, she stared at Lazarus unable to look away, his voice held her mind but part of her was fighting him. She barely noticed the trade begin with Remus’s blood, she felt quite dazed as she stood by Shiv.

Lazarus’s command brought her back to the moment although she hesitated before slowly stepping forward. His appearance, as frightening as it was when they had first met, was thoroughly terrifying. As she walked, she was aware of Remus’s voice but it was drowned out by the sound of her heart racing, the deafening thudding seemed to get louder as she got closer to the vampire. Her eyes met Lazarus’s as she moved closer, her mind and body conflicted as she wanted to run, to get away from him but she kept moving forward.

Reaching the edge of the pool of blood, she carried on; leaving footprints that disappeared behind her. She stopped in front of the terrifying being that was going to either kill her or help her and she couldn’t be sure at that moment in time what he was going to do.