Traveling abroad, far and wide (Johan Riketz)

[Zokia Zora]

**As usual the TS is coming soon!**

Zo was tired of staying home. Her young vibrant heart longed to see the world and quite truthfully she was bored, to say the least. And so without much passing time of procrastination she decided to make a trip to the 'forest of light', stopping in many places before she got there. It was rough traveling with an infant child but she somehow managed to do it with surprising ease.

She had a little training with regards to the Rangers but after her short-lived, but unavoidable, affair with S'lon Caliban she didn't have much of a desire to return to that way of life. And in truth she'd much rather possess an occupation that brought in some coins, especially now that she has a child to worry about. So perhaps this 'trip' will open up some new possibilities and hopefully broaden her horizons just a little.

Even though the trip was long and hard she found that it was exhilarating and refreshing, all wrapped up in one. For the first time in a long while she felt like a free bird, no longer confined to the four walls of a house, not that she didn't like having a place to call home but it was also nice to be able to travel, seeing new things and meeting new people… well at least for her the ‘seeing new things’ was an attainable dream but as far as ‘meeting new people’… well that bit remains to be seen and yet experienced by an Esh Elf.

It was now morning and Zo was on her way once more. Her long blonde hair was held back in a neat ponytail beneath the hood of her cloak, a few strands of lose baby hair revealing that she was indeed a female though and so at first glance it was hard to tell what race she was. With closer inspection and a revealed face one would and could discern that she was in fact an Eshlahier Elf, a race that was far and wide shunned by certain ones and held accountable by the prejudice spirit of others still. A few held the neutral stand but Zo never took chances in regard to finding out their views, she simply refrained from impending and unforeseen confrontations, which was the safest way simply for the protection of her child and at times her own person.

A slight steam from her full lips was evidence of her striving breath. It was clear that she'd been walking for quite a while and that she’d need to rest… but where? Zokia stopped and looked around. She wasn’t familiar with this area but she was sure that she would find something, even if she had to make a fire of her own to cook on. Upon her back was her child, bundled and tightly secured by a rather large blanket, it being tight in a tight knot across her front. The infant held no fears and was quite comfortably warm, undeniably and obviously at the mercy of her loving mothers care. It was clear that Zokia was a wonderful mother and she found that her motherly instinct served her well when it came to her baby. So all was well for them both, save for this present situation that the adult had gotten them into.

[Johan Riketz]

Coming out a particular night not very long ago, Johan had once been very-much accustomed to the neverending-embrace of looming shadows, the vast repetoire of mass-murders, and the searing venom of untimely betrayals. The Vysstichi had been quite accustomed to the dark city revered by all, his birthplace, Vortex by name. Mired in controversy, but purposely maimed by intricately weaved lies and truths, The Faceless One had conditioned himself to be immune, to live above and believe in the refuge of that nightmare.... because nightmares belived in him.

But lately... Johan didn't seem to have those wings and the darkness that gently caressed his mental scars felt all-consuming now. Swallowed in it's depths and having traveled, hehad fallen once again and was being strangled... he felt as if he had to get away. So, with much reassurance, his best-friend Hodor, the blacksmith had given him the reprieve he sought. Johan had no escape other than physically, while the master-smith he took residence with found solace at the bottom of a bottle.

Having heard of High Peak, and the drastic arctic-climates, he had decided to take refuge in the small town, but there was indeed a problem. With a great sense of direction, he had lost his way in the enormously wooded area. Only hours ago, it had given him reason to make camp, and even more reason to wield his greatsword, forged of normal steel-alloy. Not having wanted to be possessed randomly, he had learned to leave Redemption within reach and yet, out of his grasp.

The movements were precise and though, he had no shirt, a cloak concealed him and the Vyssie's hair was wound into a bun where a cowl fell low over his head to cover his face. Besides the blindness that came without the hood, none would know his heritage if they left him to the quiet session in peace. Though his hands moved gracefully to spin the great-blade in synocrinous arcs, Johan made no movements for the moment. Lavender orbs scanned his surroundings, the white cloth wrapped about his fists helping to impede some of the blisters forming on his now-callous hands.

Sliding around the fire gracefully, the Vyssie's blade thunked heavily sinking half-way into the trunk of a relatively old tree and he seated himself there. Breathing heavily, his hidden-smile was testimony to his happiness. Not for a moment did he doubt that the Esh would hate him in High Peak, but quite honestly, Johan was ok with that. Many had hated him for less than civil reasons, a few more ignorant, mind-less bigots wouldn't be much trouble.

Digging through his rations, his lavender-orbs brightened visibly when he dug out a stick of jerky. Biting off a slim-piece, he laid back, yawning and his eyes wandered about the trees and the skies a bit, trying to get used to the lighting.

[Shawntay]

I'm a smart one. Wrong PC.... again!

[Zokia Zora]

There was indeed one thing that the male Vyssie and the female Esh had in common; it was the disfavor of the majority of the people that resided within the lands of Alleria. Most times Zo tried to remain faceless while out in a public place though there had been occasions that she felt extra bold and decided to let her features shine for the world to see, this being times that she felt hopeless and actually 'longed' to die. But her efforts were not accomplished for she was still here and at this time glad of it.

It was evening and Zo found herself making camp kind of late, having wanted to gain as much ground as possible during the long sun lit hours. But this was a bad decision on her part, especially due to the package that she carried, her precious cargo that she'd protect with her life if need be.

The hunt was on. It was essential that she find the perfect spot to build a fire, this much she learned from her basic ranger training. And so gracefully silent she managed to weave in and out of the trees, the same trees that so lovingly granted her comfort since she was clearly in her element here. But something caught her eye and instead of continuing her search she found it to be a good idea to investigate.

It was a fire and laced on its borders was a creature. With further and closer investigation she noted that it was indeed a Vysstichi. Zokia found her breath to be taken with a slight gasp. Surely this male would kill her, or so her first thoughts were as she managed to let them devour her entire frame of mind… and so without a second thought she planned her get-away. But this wouldn't blossom without the hand of imperfection taking the lead. She managed to step on a rather crunchy twig, her weight snapping it in half as it then immediately and rather audibly gave its rewarding sound in kind. Quickly her violet eyes turned in his direction. Would he have heard this or merely thought it to be another crackling sound radiating from his fire?

[Johan Riketz]

Swoosh... shuffle... rustle.... SNAP!... whoosh

The sound of the twig stuck out like a sore-thumb and Johan growled, instinctively placing his feet beneath him. In a crouched position, he searched the ground about him, exotic lavender eyes scanning the immediate area from alien elements. Ever alert, the experienced Vyssie pressed his grasp around the hilt of the cold-steel blade impaled in the rotting trunk of the tree only inches away.

Pushing off his tone-legs, he jerked the ugly-blade free, rushing eagerly in the general direction of the disturbing noise. A warrior as he was and fleet of foot, Johan had miraculous speed by this point and even better balance, even with the weight of the shiv dragging him down. Staying low, hunched foward in a silent stride, he didn't lie to himself. Johan felt the exhiliration of an oncoming battle even though he knew the dangers of what could come and claim his life.

The rustle of the corn-sack shorts would alert his opponent, but a fair battle was of little or no concern. Just crossing over the hill, it was in sight, as gruesome as ever with claws and teeth as long as his forearm.... he was sure. Then.... a seemingly helpless woman and her babe?

Out in the middle of the unforgiving wilderness, on a trek as clear as any, an Esh'lahier was clearly trying to mosey away. In a vain attempt, he could have pretended as if he never saw her and walked back to camp right then, yet it might seem rude or callous. That was what was expected of the Vyssie and it wasn't that he didn't mind holding to that standard, but that things might be easier if he asked direction. Ha, ask direction?

Who was Johan kidding? He could have cared less if he wandered for several patterns out in the middle of the vast wilderness. The Vysstichi hadn't seen the company of anyone in several brightenings and he supposed that being alone was taking it's toll. The look of sheer dissapointment at not finding his battle was truly disheartening and as well-mannered as he tried to be, his beautiful facial features did nothing to hide the bitter-pill either. Allowing his shoulders to slump, Johan allowed his blade to fall off to his left, a gesture to show that he meant no harm.

In as firm a voice as The Faceless One could muster without the usual icy-tone, he spoke almost-passively."Serale.... is there any particular reason you're out here? Night is approaching rather quickly. Perhaps we're headed in the same direction or so?" Not exactly having known what to say in the first place, he stumbled over the words and the pitch of his voice went up and down reflexively. It was quite obvious that he was nervous. This was his problem with talking to strangers on even ground, the reason why he had a preference for battle. You could speak with actions to greet those whom you did not know.

[Zokia Zora]

Zokia began to curse beneath her breath. Slowly she turned to face him... it seems that she's been spotted. Truthfully though she knew that she couldn't have escaped, mostly due to the weight that was upon her back, a precious cargo that was hidden for the naked eyes to see, though perhaps some were smart enough to know that it wasn't a mere backpack that caused the bulge. But in the end she turned and faced the male, or so she thought was a male since his face was still shrouded by the garment that he wore. Zo chuckled dryly as if she'd been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "I really couldn't pin point as to the exact reason that I'm out of doors in the season of winter but I needed to get away and thought that perhaps if I traveled a little it would take the edge off of my life."

The female groaned inwardly and then began to silently chastise herself for sharing of such personal information with a complete stranger. She could have come up with a better reason for being here... in the middle of nowhere, or so it seemed. One excuse could have been that she was merely returning home or maybe that she was on a spy operation for some secret underground organization. Or perhaps she could have told him that she was scanning the land for intruders and for the presence of evil, though that would have likely brought up his guard. Somehow she knew that he wouldn't be buying any of those reasons as to why a female was out in the wilderness all-alone, or so it may or may not appear. And just maybe this male was more attentive then she gave him credit for. Well only time would tell the tale for he seemed to be inviting her to share his company.

A few moments passed and then she sighed as she nodded. Her nose was red from the cold and she hated to think that maybe her child was chilled, though she doubted it since beneath her heavy cloak she was actually rather warm. "Indeed if you are inviting then I am accepting. It likely would have taken to long for me to build a fire out of snow dampened wood." Zokia took a few steps toward him as she pulled her hood free from her head. Revealed was a rather ravishing Esh female elf with vibrant glowing violet colored eyes and a rather lavish lush long blonde hair that washed over her body as graceful as a stream passed over a bed of smooth rocks. She stopped a moment as if to check and see that her response was satisfactory but then her walk ensued. Little did she know but he was a born enemy of her race but then again people have been known to surprise her by their actions.

Only time would tell...