The darker path of demon hunting [private]

[Eyvind Redbeard]

Continue from here.

The group of riders moved slowly down the road following the indications Eyvind had seen on a map held by a half elf who had looked like a person in need of some serious sleep. Aside of him another eleven members of the Imperial Legions, more specifically of the Black Shields, were here to hunt a demon. Eirik the young Warrior-Poet transported a Relequis by the name of Ramadi on his saddle while Argyrdin carried a beautiful Fae on his shoulder and Rabalyn helped Olvann not to fall from the saddle of his horse.

Without looking to the Relequis the red-haired Vagaran spoke slowly and coldly.

"How come you know my name and my face? And why do you say so full of convictions that we share any kind of common interests? Have you by any chance been sent to assassinate me? If so I tell you it is a failed attempt. If I survived the Wolf of Jorel I will surely survive one such as yourself."

The others would be questioned in time.

Secrets : OOC: Just a quick intro

[Olvann Coia]

OOC: For future note, it might be best to let the mod make this decision, or at least ask her? What if she's already written 3/4 of a response? On that note, I'll wait to see what Kalinda wants to do with this thread before I edit this post.

EDIT:
IC:

Ego seemed to be a forthright force directing the actions of the pawns fawning about the fully prepared score of legion soldiers. Their commander had wasted little time in partitioning those he thought useful to his cause and discarding what he thought to be the refuse of the lot.

All to the great and continued amusement of the Hayan.

Though Olvann had hardly taken any measure to conceal himself, he was slightly surprised to find that his observation of the group hadn't been missed by the pointedly perceptive commander.

He supposed he personified the typical look of a priest, though his robes were not the milky white adornment worn by a follower of the Church of Faith. Rather they were a plain shade of grey, more of likeness to the clothing of a traveling healer then to a devout follower of Ioannes. His head was shaven, a matter of practicality more then a statement of his faith and though he looked very much the part of a simple priest, he was much more.

He was beckoned over to the crowd by the commander and instructed to mount the steed of a dark haired man who resembled a cask of ale more then a soldier.

He realized then that these men were not Vysstichi and knew nothing of the respect granted to him below Telath's belly. They did not know he answered to only a select few among the faith. They did not know he had been touched by the dark mother.

He moved over to the soldiers with an inhuman fluidity, as though every movement was a restriction of the coil which contained the zeal of Haya. They were ignorant undisciplined fools.

And they had never met anyone like him.

He didn't speak, he ignored the stupid fat man on his horse, deciding against riding on a creature with a mind of its own. His clothing was unrestrictive, allowing full movement in combat and otherwise. He was not weighed by weapons or armor. He didn't need such paltry tools, he felt they were a weakness.

These glorified rothe might be able to gallop faster then he could normally run, but he would be more than able to match and maintain their traveling speed without breaking a sweat for many candlemarks.

And so he did. Right beside the man with an obviously bloated ego.

[Tiarela Iceglitter]

Against her better judgment on riding along the shoulders of men she knew nothing of, the eleven inch faerie was soon seated upon the shoulders of some nameless elf and being accompanied by a priest in what was either dirty robes or of an order and affiliation she did not know of. The grey was peculiar, though it was a far cry to say it vaguely reminded her of the Priests of Kaimelea from the Forest of Light. She regarded Olvann carefully, not entirely sure what to make of the man quite yet, until the voice of the giant-like human filled her tiny ears.

Tiarela's head pivoted in rapt attention as he began to speak, and for a moment, she was quite confused. Wolf of Jorel? Sent to assassinate? Who was he talking to? The faerie's face contorted in irritation until finally she realized he was speaking to the strange squirrel that had seemed to know the man's name. Withdrawing her irritation, Tiarela crossed her arms and sat steadily on the shoulder of the nameless Elf again. "That'd be a real trip. Squirrel-rat versus giant big-person." The faerie muttered, a slight twinge of amusement crossing her face as she watched for the Relequis' reaction.

Speaking of fighting, she had long since given up any conventional forms of defense. Honestly, what kind of faerie could do much damage with a sword the size of a toothpick or a staff which resembled a metal capped twig? No, the only means of defense and assault in which Tiarela was well versed was that of her mind. It was a terrible thing, really, the mind of a volatile fae. Cross her and you risked having your thoughts tampered with until she drove you insane!... Or at least, that's what she'd have you believe. It was much more likely that Tiarela would turn herself into a rock instead of merely hiding under one and hope no one noticed her while these crazy human-like buffoons were murdered by a demon. Then she would run away screaming. If these companions were lucky enough however, the particular mystic might be able to provide at least some sensory and mental support.

In all actuality, the faerie wanted to tamper with the mind of the demon, though something told her in the gut of her stomach that it wouldn't be possible. Instead, it seemed like a good option to like this Commander fellow and his band of sword-wielding big people kill the demon, say she helped through enhancing their minds or something (how much could they know about Mysticism anyway?) and take a share of the reward. She'd help! Don't get her wrong, yes, she'd help... There was just a doubt in the little one's mind that her skills would be of much help in the overall scheme of things. And so it was with the idea of being a supporting figure in their little band of demon-hunting lunatics that Tiarela continued onward mentally with the group, closing her eyes and sniffing the air. If there was any arcane encounters coming up or materializing around her, hopefully the affinity the fae possessed for feeling, tasting and seeing the arcana around them would come in handy.

[Leon Lyell]

OOC: ...curse it all, wrong account... apologies... let me try this again.

[Ramadi Tanin]

The Relequis sat sideways on the horse that rode at the front with his legs crossed at the ankles, his elbow on his thigh and his chin in his palm. He watched the Vagaran commander with the faintest flicker of amusement, considering his words for a long moment, until a soft and friendly smile spread across his maw.
"That is so very arrogant of you, Eyvy." he said with a touch of smug playfulness,
"While I'm certain your victory was quite... well, 'handy'... I'm sure you've no need to be so rude to people who really only want to help you. If I really wanted you dead, you'd have never lived to finish your, might I say, inspiring speech to the Versian city council."
Offering a dismissive flick of his wrist, the Relequis tilted and turned his head ever-so-slightly to glance at the little insect-thing out of the corner of his eye.
"And watch your manners, Fae-kin, or I will not be so docile for so long. I greatly dislike being compared to some filthy Ratta, scum that they are, and have very good hearing."

Ramadi turned his attention back to Eyvind, his sharp metal talons hovering close to his face as he drummed his fingertips on his cheek. He gave Eyvind no read of what he was thinking, of course, being that all of his smugness and playfulness was nothing more than a mask for his true intentions. Of course, he knew that the commander wasn't going to be refusing his help, or he wouldn't have offered him a horse. He was, however, uncertain as to how greatly the big human would trust him. It seemed to Rami that he had some ulterior motive in the most unusual hunt, considering that Demons were hardly sport-game. Beyond that it may have been to add credit to his political position, however, Rami couldn't quite put a claw on it. Just the same, he knew that it would ultimately serve the silly chimp's motivations, and for the moment, the Relequis knew that they were the same as his own... so they were on the same team, until that moment would end.

[Kalinda]

Spring in Arium, this close to the mountains, was different from spring in the rest of the Empire. Here, winter still had a firm hold on the land, and the sun had not managed to melt all the snow yet. It could still be seen everywhere. There was dry, brown grass under it. Only here and there did a bit of green show itself. The trees were still mostly bare. The sky above was a deep blue. Not a cloud could be seen. The sun was shining – it was almost blindingly bright – but it wasn’t warm enough yet. This was a harsh land. It tolerated no mistakes. The people that lived here were true survivors …

The map they had been given was fairly accurate and easy to read. For a while they travelled on a road – or rather, some kind of path. It was not paved, but it was there, and it made their trip easier. Trees grew left and right of them, and in the distance they could see the mountains. There were few other people besides them. The wilderness outside of Vortex was sparsely populated. The people that lived there were hunters, maybe a handful of farmers, criminals that had fled from the law, semi savage people that had long left the civilized world behind. Even closer to the mountains there were giants, trolls, and a few groups of orcs that terrororized the area, but for now they were safe.

Neither those dangerous creatures nor the demon they wanted to hunt were to be seen …

The cave was situated about halfway towards the top of a mountain that was still covered with snow. The path ended some hundred metres before the mountain, and they’d have to move over rocks to reach their destination. The slope was steep, and it would be hard to get there on horseback …

But that was the only problem they were facing – for now. It was very quiet and peaceful, a nice spring brightening in the mountains of Arium …

[Olvann Coia]

True survivors indeed. Only the strongest of body, mind and soul managed to keep themselves alive in the harshest climate on Telath's surface. This was where Olvann had grown into a man. This place, this beautiful windswept frozen wasteland was a testament to the will of the Hayan. He had lived here until he couldn't any longer.

He had lived here until his father had died.

Rhagrhnd blood pulsed through his veins and enthralled his senses, calling him home, he felt a great sense of nostalgia. He felt odd... As though that life had been a millennia ago. He felt a great sadness, a sadness for the loss of his father and a sadness for what could never have been with his mothers people. It passed quickly, his focus intent on the landscape around him. He was quite aware of the dangers that lurked in the mountains and he knew that preparation and attentiveness were the only shields against death.

He was less prepared then he would have been several eras prior, but his wool clothing would serve as protection against the elements even if they became saturated. He also had arcanic tools to use at his discretion should his body be incapable of fending off the cold nights. That was it. No tools, no field medic kit, no weapons, no armor. Food could be acquired, so could fire and so could a bed mat once they reached the deciduous forests dappling the sides of the mountains.

He had experience here.

His blood was forged in this place.

He chuckled, the first sound from his lips since their departure, these fools would soon find that their horses would be incapable of travelling any further, then what would they do? The commander would be forced to leave the bulk of his force behind if he wanted to come back and find his horses in the same position as when he left. This part of Arium was rife with brigands running merchandise along the passes. They wouldn't hesitate in sweeping in and killing a few imperial soldiers if they could turn a profit.

He kept running, his body easily keeping up the loping pace.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

Forward the column moved. The Legionaires rode silently on their horses or talking quietly among each other. Rabalyn after being ignored by Olvann moved his horse nearby Galdoran the quiet Nimalni in whose shoulder Tiarela sat. While the red haired Elf had tried nothing to engage in conversation with the Fae, the Human didn't wait much letting his curiousity carry him as he looked at the Mystic. The man's face, huge and covered with scars could have been scary for most children in the realm but probably someone has hardened in life as the little one wouldn't be afraid of simple looks.

"Other than being small and being able to hide well, why do you think the boss brought you along?"

The Nimalni chuckled at the Human's comment and sent him a sharp look before glancing at Tiarela for the first time since she had settled on his shoulder. Galdoran unlike Rabalyn was the most mysterious of Eyvind's men. Rarely speaking and always completing his orders only a select few, all of those being members of the Command Manus of the Black Shields, knew where he really came from but aside of that nothing was known. "Why had he become an Exile from Nimal?" was the question everyone formed in their minds but dared not to speak, there was no need as there was a tacit agreement of silence.

Eyvind couldn't prevent his eyes to focus the Rodenti after his words. So he had been there and he had listened to it and had left the city. Maybe...maybe things would start getting more difficult in the future, more than predicted anyway or at least sooner than expected. Fortune had been gentle to the Vagaran giving him this strange looking Relequis who had decided to come straight to him and with seemingly possible offerings. The empty threats weren't even listened by any of the riders or their commander. Late was the candlemark in which they had all learned that death would come sooner or later and that Jalat would make them cross the Umblat, that was why they lived for this change of fate and faith. Their quest for salvation of Mortality and salvation of the People was the fuel to their well oiled machines. They would live for it and for it only until the goal was achieved or the Jalat had sent his hounds for them.

"I am listening."

Three words spoken by the laconic soldier were enough to say hundreds. It was every Brightening that help was freely given. As for the problems between Ramadi and Tiarela they were ignored the same way the threats had been. The last expedition to the mountains Eyvind had taken part had become chaotic because of both empty and real threats from the very group members, it wouldn't happen again. So like children ignored they were.

The mountains closed in and so did Ulgar the short white long haired Raghrnd to the slightly taller shaven head Priest of Haya. Not being naturally stupid, just nervous and restless the only Legionary with ritual scars on the face in the retinue approached the runner with an interested look. Grunting lowly he avaluated Olvann's muscular built and snorted when he figured it out that in a one-on-one confront his strength would do no good, the Priest was better or he had choose to ride a horse and not run all the way. Bowing his head respectfully to Coia the white haired man handed him his waterskin without a smile but without a hostile face either.

"We're closing in the mountains, Sir."

The stern voice of the oldest party member said. Shield Daekin Coates, Vagaran of blood and owner of a greying blond hair and piercing grey eyes, was the second in command of the group and was perhaps the most battle hardened of all Imperial Legionaries in the lot. The Sherian War had been a kids' walk for him compared with others he had fought.

"And it seems we never did leave Sheria at all, the weather is so gentle."

Irony. The Winter that had interrupted the war had been the harshest the province had ever seen in ages. Eyvind had seen a small river freeze completely, not only the surface but also the deeper parts. The soldiers had hide inside their barracks for months, the meat on their meals half raw as the killing cold seemed to take the heat of their bonfires away.

"I wish Dogg was here, he was born in Arium and he probably knows the region better than anything a map can tell."

The melodious voice of Eirik Elebsson, yet another Vagaran, echoed. Harp hanging from his belt the young Warrior-Poet of the blue eyes carried Ramadi zealously on his horse.

"You are not going up there, only I and the civilians are. This isn't the kind of fight where number matters and I need you all alive in case I die. Our mission cannot be abandoned, the People must be saved from the grips of tyranny."

Silence befell the two Legionaries. Sometimes they thought Eyvind placed too much weight on his own shoulders and this was the perfect example of one of those situations. He would be out there fighting alone or even worse accompanied by complete strangers who could more likely than not be agents of the Kingdom.

[Tiarela Iceglitter]

The faerie's eyes shot across to the squirrel-man sharply at his stiffened reply. Manners? What kind of creature was he to demand she have manners?! Tiarela seemed much akin to a peacock spreading its feathers in a sort of angered defiance that was all too common of many birds, expanding her translucent, blue wings across the Nimalni's shoulders and biting her lip. He wasn't worth it. Docile. Whatever. What a jerk! He better calm down and not fight with her, or the demon wouldn't be the only thing that was out to mess him up good! She wasn't too much of a Mystic, but she had a few tricks up her sleeve if the need arose. Hopefully it wouldn't. Hmph!

The words of the human brought Tiarela back to her sense of serenity that she desperately tried to keep intact most times, in case the need to enter clara arose itself. It was easier to enter, after all, if you were calm to begin with. Why had the boss brought her along? Tiarela questioned that herself. Perhaps he knew she was a mystic! It was doubtful though, being less attuned to the arcane, the bigger races failed to recognize those that possessed the power of the hidden planes. Tiarela lowered her wings and pulled a knee close to her, draping her arms around it and clasping her fingers together softly. "I don't know!" she said brightly, "Maybe because most races find faeries cute!" A small giggle accompanied that statement, leading into her explanation of her true worth to the group. "I suppose if we're going to be close to one another, I can let you guys know of what use I am in hairy situations. Faeries have the ability to feel, smell, taste, touch and see the arcane. If we're about to walk into something that's been hexed, I'll know it! And well, I've dabbled in a bit of Mysticism. Not very good with a sword or a staff you see - how menacing would I be with a toothpick sized piece of metal?"

Not menacing at all, that's how much. Hopefully they understood that. Tiarela was aware that Mystics were slightly looked down upon because they were thought of as liars and manipulators, but the faerie tended not to mess with the minds of the people she was trying to help unless it was to make them better or quicker or something. She shot a side-long glance at Olvann, the quiet priest, running alongside them. Surely he was getting tired! Tiarela hoped he was of decent use too, since he seemed a bit prideful. All these men and their manners and dispositions. Goober-heads. They all needed to lay back and trust each other as much as the faerie had a tendency to openly trust them. Except for Ramaldi. He was giving her a bad vibe. No respect for the delicate winged-kin. Be nice already! Hmph.

[Ramadi Tanin]

Ramadi's smile never faltered as his offered a brief, hollow laugh that would have chilled the spines of the meek, though they seemed to be in short supply, locally speaking. He was enjoying the game he was playing now with his favorite rebel-King in shining white, with his Knights-who-are-pawns... and the Black Bishop cutting his line quick with the horses and the White Queen who, to the King's hope, would provide a decisive stroke to check-and-mate the enemy. The Black Rook was sure that the game was still up in the air, even though the misguided King, in his chivalry, felt that it was best to leave behind all the pawns. The Rook tilted his head foreward slightly and exhaled, wondering how many spaces of the board would be nothing but solid rock--though he really couldn't know, considering the other side of the board was still out of sight. He shook his head to clear the extended metaphor and dampened his grin just enough to be able to articulate words properly.
"Relax, Eyvy. There's no hurry just yet. For now, rest assured that our aspirations set us on the same road... and it goes that-a-way." he said, pointing down the road in the way they were heading, offering Eyvind one more full grin before pitching his head forward and losing most of his face in the shadow of his hood, looking pensive.
When they arrived at the foot of the mountain slope, Rami's pensive expression stuck with him, and he tilted his head to the side to spy the place to which they were headed. It felt somehow odd to the Relequis in a way he couldn't quite pin, that Eyvind would leave behind the Knight-pawns. He couldn't help but feel that it was unwise to lose the group element when fighting such a dangerous creature in it's own den... but he pushed it aside with a mental shrug, guessing that Eyvy had some sort of plan he wasn't letting on to. Perhaps they were going for a pleasant picnic he wasn't aware of?
Ramadi slid off the horse and tested his extremities experimentally to make sure everything was in working order, then double-checked the straps of his armor were all properly fastened and that his dagger was still hidden under his cloak. Satisfied that he was sharp of talon, fullest of protected and physically functional for an indefinite period of time, he walked over to the slope and lightly hopped onto a two-foot high rock, turning back to the party.
"Shall we proceed, then?" he asked in a professional tone, his taloned hand working as if of it's own accord, preparing for the fight that they were surely in for once they entered the demon's caves.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The mountain was just ahead of them and now the road started to climb its slope at first gently but them everytime becoming more a goats' path than a road. That was their way, for a while at least. Ramadi unmounted and did it correctly since all Legionnaires unmounted as well, Galdoran being careful not to throw Tiarela off his shoulder with his movements. Pulling their horses by the reigns the group slowly moved along the road.

"We will make camp half way up the mountain, over there in that little plateau." The one handed Vagaran pointed. "Coates will stay there with the other Black Shields while the rest of us continues. Leave everything expendable with them. Coates...guard the horses and stay alive."

The older Vagaran grinned evily to his commander and nodded sillently as he continued walking and pulling his horse's reigns. Once the group reached the little plateau the soldiers prepared a bonfire and set some tents in a disciplined way. This was just what they had been trained for after all. The horses were tied to a pointy rock and two Legionnaires took their positions as sentries.

Secrets : OOC: sorry for the small post but it was all my poor brain could remember and imaginate

[Kalinda]

The plateau was a good place to make a camp. Nothing would be able to approach them unseen from below – or from the side. A little grass grew here and there, trying to fight its way to the surface, through rocks and snow. There were no trees, nothing that would hinder their sight. It would be a little harder to guard the camp from above – their were a few large rocks behind it – but not impossible.

They could still see the top of the mountain. The cave was somewhere below, not too far from their current position now, although it would take them a while to get there due to the nature of the terrain.

The horses were whinnying softly as they were tied to the rock. They didn’t seem to want to stand still. They seemed to be slightly uncomfortable, as if they didn’t trust the peace, as if there was something in the air – or something nearby – that only they could feel.

[Olvann Coia]

OOC: Okay guys, lets get this moving.

Darkness began to fall. His time; the dark mothers time. The suns of Telath began to dip lower and lower, cascades of shadows lengthened, slipping across the frozen terrain like a plague a locust. Little did his group comprehend, that the most dangerous creature of the night lurked amongst them, placid and unremarkable. He was in his element; excited, enthralled and oblivious to the chattering fools around him. They were dispensable; the only one who seemed the least bit interesting was the single-handed commander, the red haired monster of a man. He carried himself like he had seen no lack of battle, presumably then, his hand had been taken recently. How...? Why? They were questions that the insatiable curiosity of the Hayan wanted to rip from his brain. What mostly excited him was the pendant that hung about his neck, dangling, glinting in the failing light. The father of lies. More questions...

As was normally the case, his complete control of his emotions played to his favor; he gleaned much information from the seemingly pointless conversation that was being exchanged between the furry humanoid and the commander. The Wolf of Jorel... Quite the title, perhaps an individual he would be interested in meeting; unfortunately it seemed that most of these titles seemed to be self-proclaimed with little to back them. Perhaps this was the creature who had turned the commander into an amputee? Regardless, he seemed to be reasonably capable - or enough so that he could confidently lead a score of men.

He took a moment to pull the tart air of the Arium mountains into his lungs, allowing the permeating smells of flora to overwhelm his senses. He had forgotten... Perhaps overlooked the splendor of the of the beauty that had surrounded him during his growth into adulthood. Fortunately, there was still much beauty to sate him and how much more delicious it would be with her accompanying him. The smell of horses filled his nostrils, sweaty and stinking of a stable. His mouth twitched irritably and he moved along, taking the opportunity to run up the side of a boulder that had been plucked from the earth, allowing for reasonable vantage in all directions.

He assumed the cavern they were heading towards was not far off; he wondered how his companions were going to contend with this demon... Or if they had even considered what they were going to do once and if they confronted the creature. He had already lain a few plans in his mind, though he highly doubted that the creature would in fact turn out to be a wretched chaotic being from the abyss. But... If it was, hopefully he wouldn't have to kill the thing, his curiosity had been peaked, he would much rather learn from the thing.

He wondered when the commander would seek an audience with him, surely it would be before he slept. He decided he would join them around their campfire, he had no intention of being rude and it would give him a much needed oppotunity to question and be questioned. He was but a humble healer, who could fault him...?