Ьȴʊє Ͻ a r a v a n 🚙 🚙 🚙 (new thread!)

Favorite Character Poll Round 10!

Lucien Balthazar Mchale - Vicious hunter of humans and dragons.	27.3%	[ 3 ]
Vasul Calim Shahrad - Crown Prince of Shahrazad and righteous eagle among a flock of vultures.	9.1%	[ 1 ]
Lorelei 'Ellie' Katerini - Knight Errant and Defender of Justice who will kick your butt!	18.2%	[ 2 ]
Inyri Ven - Sharp-minded beauty and budding lady of wares.	18.2%	[ 2 ]
Eriol Epheis - Mysterious man with an eye for the prize.	27.3%	[ 3 ]
Total Votes:			[ 11 ]

This poll closed on November 27, 2014.
No longer accepting new votes.

[Argentine.the.Tangerine]

x
x

The Oasis

The Oasis itself is rather large in size, certainly large enough to afford space for all the travelers of the caravan to relax, stretch out and tend to their wounds. In the center of the oasis is a large body of water, the deepest part of which is at the center, about two and a half to three feet in height. It is about fifty feet across. Clusters of palm trees grow sporadically around the outside, providing shade and a good place to hang a hammock or attempt a tent.

A set of well preserved ruins exists on the far side, and what is inside remains to be discovered.

x
x

[COSMIC ACTORS]

He had a dream that night, out in the cold of the desert.

He was in a forest, sometime in the fall. The trees were thin. He was wading through leaves. He wore the leather and fur that he would have taken out on hunting trips, surrounded by the soldiers and advisors of his House. And this was a hunting trip; he had a bow and a quiver, he was alert. The trees were dead, but life was everywhere.

Then he saw it, it was a deer, it was tall and thin and it looked at him and it froze. He could feel Kozilek everywhere. He drew an arrow, notched it, closed and eye and looked down the shaft until he could see the place where the deer's heart would be. The deer did not move, and he fired.

His body was not his own, but he moved anyway. He dropped the bow and drew a knife, long and heavy. The deer twitched as he skinned it. And then he knew what he needed to do; he cut through the slabs of muscle and pried apart the ribs, the blood flowing as if the deer was not yet dead, down the front of his furs, into his sleeves, spattering his face and seeping into the mud until he had sunk to his knees, the deer and him, still twitching.

He saw a hand. He pulled, he dug now, until he could see the arm, the shoulder, a tunic made from thick fabric, the beginnings of a slim jaw, still covered in baby fat. His body was not his own. He was sinking, up to his waist now, the leaves sticking to the blood and coming apart.

He stopped, after a time. He knew what he was seeing. It was his son.


▅▅▅▅▅


The sword didn't talk to Kosiv until the sun was high. They had been walking all night and for most of they day. Kosiv was out of water, and though the horse didn't complain, he knew it was suffering. The nomads he had met, all cloaked in red fabric and elaborate metal masks, had told him of an oasis next to ruins, close to the mountains. Kozilek had been talkative that day. He said he'd seen death, across the mountains, death in huge numbers, a city torched, a city who, in turn, had killed thousands. Kozilek talked to him as he had haggled with the nomads for food and water and one of the billowing red robes they wore to keep them cool. Kozilek told him about each one, how the leader had killed his two brothers to secure power over the tribe, how the old man in the tent had seen war, long ago, how one of the woman hid a knife in her cloak, and how once, as a child, she had used it. Kosiv was too tired to tell the sword to shut up. He followed the nomad's directions, toward the mountains, toward the ruins and the oasis. He slept little. He dreamed. Kozilek was quiet, most of the time.

"You didn't have to make the dream like that."

It wasn't until the sun was high did Kozilek reply.

"I didn't. What did you think of the forest? I love the fall, Kosiv. The woods, right outside the Castle Viacheslav? Was it good?"

The voice came from nowhere, into Kosiv's mind. He had realized, months ago, that the voice sounded just like his own. He said nothing, walking, leading the horse.


▅▅▅▅▅


They reached the oasis as the sun was setting. Kosiv ate the last bits of dried meat and a few dates that fell from the trees. He had seen birds that made their nests around the oasis' edges, small desert foxes that lived in the ruins. Tomorrow he would go hunting.

"Hunting."

Kosiv said nothing, naked, wading into the oasis' depths. The sword was in a bundle of cloth, strapped to the horse's back.

"Kosiv. I told you about the burned city, the night we stayed with the nomads. The murder city, which got itself murdered."

Kosiv closed his eyes and dived.

"I can still feel it, Kosiv. They are coming down from the mountains, a pack of them, a small army or some kind of caravan. They will be here by tomorrow."

He opened his eyes, under the water. He could feel the sword, beneath all the fabric.

"What do you suggest I do?" It was sarcastic. Bubbles drifted from his mouth. He broke through the surface, scrubbing off a week's dirt.

"I suggest nothing."

Kosiv sat, for a while, wrapped in the foreign red cloak the bedouins had given him. The fire he built had sunken in on itself. He slept, did not dream. He woke though, in the middle of the night, and found that his fingers were around the grip of the sword.


▅▅▅▅▅


He saw them early that morning, from the top of a nearby dune. It was a caravan, a stretch of black that threw up a thin cloud of sand. He could feel something inside Kozilek, appreciation or pleasure. He made a decision then, gathering the horse, his armor, the skinned and plucked bodies of the few birds and animals he had shot. He waited under the ancient stone of the ruins, the circular tower. His mind was blank. Kozilek hummed.

And the caravan neared, no longer a line of black but the individual carts, drawn by oxen or horses or mules, talk and laughter and argument carried by the wind. They winded through the palm trees, stopping when they had encircled the oasis. People were swimming. They were young, Kosiv realized. Kozilek urged him, breaking through the silence in his mind. He was thinking about the dream, he realized, the hand sticking out from between the broken ribs, still.

Kosiv took his horse by the reigns and led it out of the ruins, under the palm trees and towards the caravan.

[Yuudai Youta]

THE BANDIT
MOOD:Alert.
YANG SHOGEN


Through those three days of traveling, Yang barely spoke to anyone. Early morning on the first day after their escape from Belorner, the bandit was nowhere to be found. She would disappear every morning before the others woke up and would return when the sun rose over the horizon. It wasn't known where the bat went when it flew from the wagons and into the mountains.

"I am Yang, of the Shogen Clan. Forgive me if I seem odd. These lands are... Unfamiliar to me."

Few words were exchanged between the bandit and the others. She wouldn't join them during their cleaning regimens, she never ate with them (at least not in her human form), and refused any offer for anyone to tend to her wounds. Yang's robe never left her body and the mask never left her face. Not in their presence, anyway.

Even as an impersonal figure in those caravans, it wasn't like Yang didn't enjoy their company. There was yet another bandit aside from Rasheik that was accompanying them and she was in awe of how different they were. Where Yang was from, to be a bandit was a thing of organization and sophistication, much like the Royal Guard. They were a part of a family and trained for years to be able to do the things they needed to. Perhaps in Albrind, a bandit was different. Maybe there was another word to describe the Shogen Clan. Assassins. Covert agents. Mercenaries. Ninja. There was no one like that traveling with the caravan.

Albrindians were wonderful. Their accents weren't flat and monotone like Yang's was. Their verbiage was soothing, melodic, and often made her feel as if the words she'd been speaking were incredibly mispronounced. The bandit could barely understand the things that Abel said and found herself completely entranced when Jonathan spoke. Admittedly, few there was as poised as Yang, or as gentle and trained in their movements. She was a graceful creature. Even her footsteps barely made a sound.

Every night, Yang found her spot on the floor of the same wagon and silently slept. It was like clockwork. Then, the morning they found the Oasis, she was gone again. This time, the bat found itself perched on one of the trees. It was such a welcome sight, the Oasis. The land of Albrind was as beautiful as its people... but they were not alone in that fertile land. The man on the horse-- Yang had an eye on him.

[Watervoir]

■ □ ■ - - Evelyn Alinari

┐

It had been a quiet night. Quiet in that it had run ever so smoothly. With the citizens of Belorner held at bay by a magical fire, everyone had retreated to the safety of the wagons intact. Through the efforts of a select few, the gates were no more and the caravan had been ensured a path to the outside world. And her, she had succeeded in keeping the seer safe, as per instructions. When the group had drawn enough distance from the city to rest, Evelyn emerged from Aria’s wagon, having told the seer that she would be working to help guard the rest of the caravan as well. She first tasked herself with putting Velius’s knapsack back in his wagon before returning to the front of Aria’s wagon, her stakeout for the time being. The truth was, in fact, that she couldn’t sleep, at least not peacefully the way most could, and she hadn’t wished to disrupt the woman’s slumber like how her dreams disturbed her own.

It hadn’t been long before someone approached her. Before he approached her.

“Hey! I thought I’d never find you!”

She narrowed her eyes, seeing through his complete and utter lie. Her brother was making small talk and she felt no sense of relief nor did she feel the need to greet Caden. She had, however, thought to question how he had found the caravan, but then she saw the smoke from the bonfire curling into the night sky, and following that, noted as well that he had been born with the same extrasensory capabilities she had.

“We should find Velius and notify him of your arrival.”

“It’s always right down to business with you. Don’t get your pants in a knot, he already knows. He told me to find you and then wait for him. I think he’s looking for someone.”

She didn’t reply, only watched his eyes wander to the sights around them. Before long, Velius appeared, motioning them away from Aria’s wagon to join him and another individual. It was the woman from earlier, the one with the tattooed arm who had enlightened her on the Belorner crisis and had later stolen away the invisibility potions from the healer, of whom she was dubious as to the name.

“My lord?”

“Pick one.” Between his fingers were two identical vials that each contained seemingly identical, colourless liquids. She took the one on the right, uncertain of why he couldn’t simply have chosen one for her to take himself if the contents in each were the same.

“If that’s your final decision.” He nodded approvingly, pocketing the other vial and producing a letter for her to take. “Caden here tells me you are to return home.” Evelyn gave her brother a cold stare for neglecting to tell her that. “Take the vial and the letter to my father. Oh, and inform your father that I have found an excellent replacement for Caden –”

“Hey, I’m right here, you know!”

“– I am positive you will find Ko to be more than sufficiently apt for what you are to do next,” Velius continued at the same pace, as if Caden had not just spoken. “She will fill you in on the details on your journey home. The two of you shall travel together.”

She looked towards her soon-to-be companion. Whatever had convinced the woman to work for her charge, and whatever he had offered to convince her to work for him, Evelyn did not know. However it wasn’t rare for Velius to hire on the road, especially for jobs back in Shahrazad, which she was almost certain was the case with Ko.

They departed an hour later, into the dark of the night; the desert sun would have roasted them alive in the morning. It was only once they were well on their way, when it was already too late, that she realized she had ought to miss anyone, had ought to have given someone a goodbye. Nesa, Abel, the bat shifter and the healer woman. Even after their torrent of adventure, they all remained faces she might never see again. Days past, she would have allowed the memory of them slide without a second thought but for some reason the memory of the caravan struck an odd chord that would not stop ringing.

She shook her head, attempting to disperse the sounds. Sighing, she turned to the woman, the only other soul with her.

“My lord Velius... What is it that he has assigned for you?”

She might as well ask now. It would be a while before their arrival.

└

[Watervoir]

Ѵeȴɩus Kɩɾʈɑ
ɳoble

The sun’s light was harsh even in the bright hours of the morning, but it was only because Velius had chosen to seat himself atop the high roof of his wagon. His eyes were closed, his chin angled towards the heavens as he engrossed himself in the rustle of palm leaves, the rippling of the shallow water and the murmurs of the people below. A smile caressed his jaw. Even with this small gain in altitude, it was easy for him to feel all powerful. Completely omniscient. With his head overtop all others’, everything there was to perceive was in immediate sight. Easily, he could view the rest of the desert and make out the horizon, where the rolling dunes would meet fertile soil, and then the solid rock of the mountains. And then there were the occurrences nearby that could be observed, like the conversations between newly acquainted strangers, the shuffle as women made to set up shop, and the coming and goings of people into and out of their wagons.

He was indeed in bliss. Comparatively, the past three days had been nothing short of a complete bore. Even amongst the wave of relief from escape, the merrymaking from the thrills of travel, and the excitement of whatever soft protests existed against the straying from the direct path to Bethryl, nothing could match the spectacle of fire conjured the night they fled the religious city. But lucky for him, his own plans kept him preoccupied. Much time had been spent informing his new guard about the people and habits of the caravan and catching up with the lives of those back at his household, like those of his brothers and sister, and those of a number from the Alinari family. The usual.

If anything, Rasheik’s’s choice to have them to divert to the middle of nowhere was about as exciting as life had gotten. That decision would only set his familial arrangements back about... oh, a week or two, perhaps even a month in the perspective of the more ambitious projects. The king of bandits must have thought himself to be the king of the world, due to bring masses of utter strangers to any land of his choosing without consideration of their own goals. In spite of the inflated view, with a majority of the caravan goers seemingly aimless waifs, there weren’t many people with sound points to argue for a hurry to the mountain vista. Velius was beyond that and far from aimless. However, the only thing that demanded urgency was family business, which was second in line. There wasn’t any need to engage Rasheik over that. He travelled for his own, personal benefit, reaping the rewards as they came until there was nothing left, and it would be a folly to rush through that.

He descended from his perch to the ground below. Straightening out the wrinkles in his tunic, he marvelled his surroundings from his new vantage point. A finger was brought to his chin. What source of pleasure would Velius pursue next? There were newcomers to the caravan, so perhaps he could shift and play with them for a spell. Alternatively, he could explore the ruins and the oasis, or make purchases from the merchants in the caravan. Then again, he remembered, there was some unfinished business he had been itching to take care of.

So it was settled. He always had a knack for navigation and it wasn’t long before he had managed his way to a certain, if not only, seer’s wagon, his destination.

The night of their departure, Aria, a commoner, had dared to raise a hand against him. At such insolence, it wouldn’t have been unexpected for a self-respecting noble, if not skip everything and simply behead them, to disassociate all ties with the offender. Seeing as there weren’t any deals between them, ignoring her would have been effortless. However, Velius was an intellectual. If nothing else, Aria’s power was a valuable asset, he would not let his emotions trample on an opportunity like it. It was difficult; on one hand, he wanted access to learn all about her power, to unlock it to its fullest potential and use it for his gain. On the other, he wanted to mock her as he always did, to have some modest fun to exact trivial revenge, but it would have been at the expense of their relationship. Either way, here he was, and once he set his plans in motion, he would not stop. For now, there was little question as to what to do next.

He gave the door two quick knocks. “Hello, anyone home?” With the woman being a habitual creature of the dark, he had little doubt that Aria was in there, and it was reflected in his voice, as if mocking her for her perpetual entrapment in the dank space. Noticing the accidental inflection, he layered it with a touch of solemn grief and sincerity for his next words. “Evelyn had left something behind. Let me in to search for it. It will only take a minute.” In the tune of the old nursery with the pig and the wolves, Aria, Aria, let me come in. If she turned him down with her chiny chin chin, or otherwise chased him away, then he would leave her be, never come back and pursue some other entertainment. Easy. He had all day, and the world was his oyster.

[Nacht s t e a m p u n k]

Watch ❅ My ✾ Arrow ❂ Fly ❃

❅ When the destruction of Belorner was well and done, the caravan soon reconvened and set out with the burning blaze behind them. Lucia had made sure to remove Bahira's tack before entering one of the several wagons. As soon as she had settled her bed roll, her eyes closed and her body was finally able to relax. One thing Lucia did not expect though was to remain unconscious for more than three days. When she woke, she found her clothes stuck to her skin in old sweat and blood. Oh, yeah. Fever. Even when she awoke, her head seemed to grow a pulse and pound loudly in her head as her body cried in stiff, sore movements. That entire day, she went about re-bandaging her shoulder, stretching out her limbs, and checking on her animal companion.

The next day though was a great surprise. At finding themselves in the oasis, Lucia went straight to business by going to the water source, about the size of a large pound, and began to wash herself by the shore. The water was not deep enough for her to actually bathe in, so the woman had to use the bowl from her mess kit to pour water over herself. The cool water felt like silk against her skin as it prickled in delight of being clean. Soot, dirt, sweat, and blood was rinsed away and then scrubbed out with small, vanilla scented soap she always carried. After cleaning, her hair was the next part, and for this, Lucia decided to lay out on a long, flat rock that jutted out from the shore in her fresh subligaculae and strophiae with her hair floating in the water. After an hour of relaxing like this, she washed and brushed it of its tangles. Before long, Lucia's long hair was brushed out as a long cloak around her. As the sun rose, its bold, golden color began to wave in the wind.

Three hours before the sun reached its zenith, Lucia finally dressed in her white gown, tying her hair up, then walked around the camp feeling quite refreshed. She thought of finding Velius, but after seeing him attempt at trying to get into a wagon, she thought better of it and went to check on Bahira. "My sweet girl, once we reach a city, I will make sure to buy you a bushel of apples as a treat." The horse's ears perked forward at the mention of apples and began to sniff and n** her pockets in hopes of finding said treat. Lucia let out a laugh, giving the mare a strong pat on the neck. Pulling out a brush and comb from the mare's nearby tack, Archer began on caring for the horse.

Towards the end of Bahira's rub down, the horse's ears began to flick back and forth in trying to hear a nearby noise. Lucia felt the sudden tense of the horse's muscles beneath the brush and began to look around as well. Scanning the edges of the oasis, she saw a male figure and a horse coming towards the caravan. Shushing the horse while petting her nose, Lucia watched the man approach. When he was twenty yards or so away, the woman stopped her brushing and approached the man. "Hello, traveler. Passing by this fine oasis for a quick drink?"

[COSMIC ACTORS]

He could see the individual figures now, starting to move between the carts, lighting campfires. And this was a caravan; he could see traders setting up their stands. Perhaps the nomads would come in to trade their animals and strange metalwork.

"They killed in the mountains."

Kosiv stopped. He knew this was a risk, but what did he face if he left the oasis. The horse was suffering in the heat. If it died, and it would, Kosiv would be on foot, carrying his armor and enough food and water for days. It had taken weeks to get this far. It would take weeks to get farther, and then there would be the question of the mountains. He had heard of a town there, hospitable, a place called Belorner. But he would need another pack animal, more food and water. He could risk it in the desert, or he could risk it here.

He continued along the oasis. A figure in white had broken from the caravan and was making its way to him.

"Kosiv. Look." Something tugged at the edge of his vision, suggesting. It was nested in a tree, clinging to the palms with the claws that sprouted from it's wings. It was a fruit bat. It was looking at him.

"She fights with a diamond knife."

"What, Kozilek?"

"These people killed in the mountains, and they killed before that. It's nothing, Prince."

The figure, a woman, was nearing him. She was pretty, in a foreign, rough way. And the fabric of her robe was expensive. Kosiv payed no mind to that. The woman was unarmed. But this was not an advantage.

"I'd hope to be passing by." He looked at her eyes and felt himself laugh.

"They killed, Kosiv, remember that." But it was not a warning.

"My horse, though, isn't liking the desert heat. I was headed to Belorner, beyond the mountains, but that will have to wait until I can find a stronger animal."

[Nacht s t e a m p u n k]

Watch ❅ My ✾ Arrow ❂ Fly ❃

❅ When the man spoke, she immediately put him out of mind as she saw the condition of his horse. If Lucia had no compassion for mankind, it would all be given to horses. Having been raised by people who worked with horses for a living, they were more her blood than any man. Bahira was enough for her, but if she could dream of a perfect life, it would most likely be spent raising such fine creatures. Lifting her skirts a little, she went to the horse and held out a hand to its nose for it to touch. It did so, sending the woman a sign to approach. Coming closer, Lucia saw the sweat that practically dripped from its body. She looked at its eyes, trying to gauge its ability. "You have a truly fine horse here. But it was not made to face such endurance as you have put it through. However, do not think it weak. It would willingly serve its master to the death if need be."

The woman then took a look at the man, a small smile gracing her face as she stroked the beast's nose. A good looking man standing several inches above her to a point that she almost needed to crane back her neck. He was not rough though, like most well-rounded travelers were. In fact, he seemed almost too fresh to be in this place. Her eyes traveled over him, sizing him as she did. Definitely a more noble class. The woman did not sense any harm though, plus if he was here for a fight it would be better to bring him closer to the more able fighters, she waved a hand towards the middle of the oasis towards the pool of water.

"Unfortunately, I think you may have to turn back the way you came. Belorner is currently... well, gone. We, the caravan and I, just came from there. Thankfully, we were stationed outside of the city when an attack was made within it. We had could not help since we are a neutral sort. We left, but we caught sight of the city burning." She gave him another soft look of pity.

[COSMIC ACTORS]

"Belorner is gone." That was all Kosiv heard.

"It was them. There is no other way. They burnt Belorner." Kozilek laughed. It did not have a demon's voice, but there was unlife inside it. It took joy from remote, horrible things. It was alien, no matter that it used Kosiv's voice.

"How can you be sure?"

"You think it is coincidence? You are a fool. These are not your good people, Kosiv, no matter how young they may be. What kind of people travel? People like you, Kosiv, would you say?"

"And you would want to go?"

"If you left you would be dead, somewhere in the desert. And I would be lost in the dunes. Neither of us want that."

Kosiv, laughed, inside the chambers of his head. "If you would care about me."

"These people have flexible morals, Kosiv. They would have made good Viacheslavs, back in the days when your horsemen ruled the steppes. I did not find my way into your family's hands because they valued peace and order."

Kosiv knew what it wanted.

▅▅▅▅▅

He did not bat an eye, but he allowed disappointment, maybe a trace of outrage, to cross his face.

"Belorner burned down? I didn't know the city had enemies, I always thought they were the quiet, religious kind of people." He paused, looked skyward for a moment. It would be a hot day. "I was hoping to head eastward, perhaps back to the northern steppes... This changes everything a bit." He laughed, self-consciously. There were no other figures approaching him form the caravan. Maybe they didn't figure a single traveler, half-starved, as a threat.

"My name is Kosiv." He smiled. The woman seemed to know horses; this was good. "I'll need another pack animal, if I'm going to go any farther. Food too. You're caravan folk, I understand, I have money." He sighed, stretched. "I'm sorry, it's only morning and I'm a stranger." Those were empty words, half an apology and half an offer. Kosiv was curious, at heart. He had been too long in the desert. He wanted to talk to people, something strange after weeks with only his horse and Kozilek, speaking a few short words every day. This was something new, perhaps dangerous, but something he might be able to escape from, should things go wrong.

[jadeshaw88]

If only night could hold you...


Ari never really cared where she was headed so it made little difference to her that they had turned south rather than head to the next town. In fact, she was actually glad. Considering how things had worked out in the last two cities, it might be nice to disappear for a while and the oasis that the bandit had lead them to was gorgeous...at night anyway. She couldn't say what it looked like during the day. When they first arrived, she had debated washing up in the lake/pond/puddle but decided against it. She would let the day walkers try out the water first. She had heard of poisoned waters in the desert and some with a salt density so high that you could almost walk across it. Yeah, definitely safer to wait. She had explored before retiring to her wagon, however.

Now she was biding her time until darkness fell again. She was anxious to talk to the other passengers and make sure that those she cared about were okay. Beyond Velius' guard and Jonathan, she hadn't had any visitors and that always made her nervous. Usually when her friends didn't stop by, it was because they couldn't. Beck was probably safe. She didn't think that Rashiek would leave without the eccentric slaver but he hadn't come by to see if she was alive. She imagined that that meant she wasn't his slave. She liked the man and all but she very much liked her freedom and didn't like the idea of being anyone's slave. Velius hadn't come by either but then, she hadn't expected him to and she was glad that he had stayed away. He could have gotten left behind for all that she cared. No, that wasn't really fair. She didn't want him dead...maybe writhing in pain but not dead.

As if summoned from her thoughts, she heard a few sharp raps on her door and then his voice. She rolled her eyes at his comment and chose not to answer. He knew perfectly well that she was there and if he didn't, he could take himself elsewhere. Like off a cliff maybe...or he could tie rocks around his ankles and try to walk on water. He was certainly self righteous enough. He wasn't fooling anyone with the Evelyn excuse either. The girl was very alert and Ari doubted that she forgot anything...ever. "Just come in, Velius, your excuses are ridiculous." Why she was letting him in was beyond her. She quickly put on one of her new veils and then felt for the door to open it for him. "I heard that you received a bit of a beating at the wall. What a shame, it seems you have a tendency to upset people. Not a very good quality for a noble."

...Where I can see you, my love

[John Van]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxӺatђeɍ Ƚȋnuʂ Ӻoωʆeɍ

• • • • • • • • • ⊶ ✠ ⊷ • • • • • • • • •

Had it really been three days? The time shifted hour to hour, refusing to let Linus catch up. He stayed mostly to himself, cracking open the good book now and then to gather his thoughts and try to reach some kind of balance. The destruction of Belorner griped his mind. He was indifferent to the destruction of the pagan temples and their cannibalistic followers, but his brothers were ever present in his thoughts. Had they survived? Where were they now? Would they rebuild from the ashes or were they already dust and ash? He had written a letter, explaining his account of the events, addressed to the Holy City. Hopefully when they reached a city or temple, he could send it. In a few months they might even send troops to the city to see what could be salvaged.

The boy, Daniel, was tremendous help. Linus was sure that his story telling would turn the boy away, but he had listened to every word. The story hadn't progressed all that far, mostly little asides with helping the poor or trying to resolve conflicts between neighbors. It was the story of his early days in the church, before he had the right to wear the purple sash around his waist. They were the best of times.

The Oasis was a welcome relief from the desert heat. His robes, tattered from the previous three nights, needed a good washing. He only had two pairs, wearing one while he scrubbed the fabric against itself in the water. Blood was particularly hard to get out.

He stared with a wry face at the whole in the shoulder of the robes, as well as the frayed edges that the caravan guard had stripped a piece of cloth to use as a bandage. That would need repair later. He didn't have room in his box for a sewing kit.

Just down the stretch of sand, he spotted several figures. A man, a horse and a whore approaching them. Sounds like something out of an old testament story. Or a raunchy tale. In all fairness Archer was more of a brute than a whore, but it felt good to have an outlet for his frustrations. Even if he just kept it in his mind. She had a rough few days judging by how long she had slept. Once or twice Linus had attempted to bring her some water or food, however he figured such a thing would only infuriate her if she had suddenly woke up. Best to keep his distance and let her do as she pleases.

He pulled his robe out of the water and hung it on the side of the wagon he was assigned to and began walking towards them. As he approached, he only heard the last snippets of conversation. Something about Belorner having enemies and needing pack animals.

"A religious city always has enemies, especially when they live together."

⊶ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ⊷

Here abidith Faith, Hope and Love, these three
But the greatest of these, is Love.

[Nacht s t e a m p u n k]

Watch ❅ My ✾ Arrow ❂ Fly ❃

❅ They walked towards the caravan as Lucia carefully judged his face as he spoke. Though his face showed the right emotions, his eyes did not. A good liar, but not a master. Maybe not a noble then? Hm. Something to ask about later. When he introduced himself, Lucia smiled, "Welcome, then, Kosiv. We may be a caravan, but if you talk to our leader," whoever that was, even Lucia did not know really, "or someone who has more power, we can probably set you up with something."

When the two reached the fringe of the caravans, the priest decided to come up and join them. She gave him a smile with her usual hint of tease, waving a hand between Kosiv and the Father, "This is one of our traveling priests, Father Linus. Father, this is Kosiv, a traveler who was making his way towards Belorner. I was just telling him that he would need to turn back since we just managed to escape the attack that happened there." Lucia tried to convey the message to Linus that the whole story need not be shared with this man through her eyes as she spoke.Hope he understands. If not, that priest is going to earn himself a black badge of honor on his right eye.

Looking back at Kosiv, Lucia continued, "As for a better animal, I do not know if we could help you much there. Another topic to bring with someone of power." They had now reached the heart of the encampment at the edges of the watering hole. Her bowl that she had used earlier still drying on the shore, Lucia picked it up, filling it with water. As she bent over though, her back was completely revealed showing old scars criss-crossing across her back as well as part of the bandaging she had on her shoulder that the shawl was meant to hide. Standing up, she handed the bowl to Kosiv for him to drink.

[Fuushin]

xxx☑ A french maid, a foreign chef
xxx☑ A big house with a king-sized bed
xxx☐ Come on, come on, love me for the money

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"Look, I don't care what you think or how you feel, I'm telling you, as in ordering you to stop that right now. I'm going to ride, this stupid sand is killing my feet and if I slip one more time I'm going to have to hurt somebody." When there was no response from his conversational partner, he went on: "It's not fair that you haven't let me ride this whole time. You hear me? Let me ride." Apparently there was no change, for the man who was speaking just kept right on walking, hand holding onto the reigns of a camel. Two, in fact. They were joined together so as not to get separated, and they were each loaded with gear and trailing a wagon equally loaded behind them. Admittedly, a wagon was not the brightest idea for a place covered in sand, but that hadn't stopped him. There wasn't much that could stop a hot-headed, stubborn and self-absorbed noble like Ryanne.

"Alright, here's the deal, when we get up there," he pointed ahead with his free hand, gesturing to an oasis that was only a couple hundred yards off from where they were, "I get to ride, and you get to walk. Don't argue with me." But there was no arguing, his companion remained as quiet as ever. How like a woman! So, the noble just kept leading the camels ahead, mumbling and cursing to himself, slipping and sliding and getting his nice shoes filled with sand. He had to wonder if coming all the way out here was really worth the hassle. In the end, if he got what he wanted, it would be, he thought. But there was so much desert left, and how in tarnation was he supposed to find anything in such a vast area? He supposed that worst came to worst, he could hire a large number of people to do it for him.

Several dunes of trudging later, the oasis was... still really far away. "Alright, I changed my mind, just let me ride now, just to the oasis, this is killing me." This time, the camel jerked and gave a groan and the man looked up, frowning. "It's not that far... oh, nevermind," he growled and trudged more, the camels making noise in protest now. He urged them on, tugging to make them follow, practically pulling them toward the water. It felt like days, but finally, and with great effort, they managed to reach the outer perimeter of the place, and had just now noticed that there were others who seemed to be gathered around. Well, it was on public property, so to speak, so he would just have to -- he shuddered at the thought -- share.

When he got up to the water he let go of the camel he was leading and went back to the second beast to get something out of the many bags it was carrying. A few minutes of rummaging and he produced a cup from somewhere in the overly-stuffed depths. Like the noble he was, he wouldn't be caught (even out in the desert) drinking like a common worker, using his hands to shovel it into his face. Oh no, he'd brought a goblet from home, as if he were trying to impress the sand with his possessions. He glanced up at the first camel as he passed, but said nothing and went to scoop up some water and drink first. He drained the whole thing and went back for another half a cup, draining that as well. When he was all finished, he then returned to the camels, unhooked the wagon and the two of them, and went to his companion. "Well, come on. Go get a drink. We'll rest here for a little bit, and then I get to ride. Say something, already!"

So she spat at him. That's what he gets for arguing with a camel.

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xxxxxxxcome on, come on;
xxxxxxxxxxxxx❥ listen to the money talk.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxRyanne Lorien Eamon Asphoriet IV

[John Van]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxӺatђeɍ Ƚȋnuʂ Ӻoωʆeɍ

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Linus returned Archer's telling eyes with his own dead pan stare. Was that really necessary? Apparently she didn't trust him with revealing information to a stranger that may or may not be important. Linus wasn't stupid, he was just honest. If the man asked directly, he would not lie for her. Nor would he lie to her. He had promised back in Belorner after all.

She offered the man some water, revealing several scars and her wounds in the process. Perhaps she did it purposefully to further drive this man away from Belorner. No doubt the area would be hostile as the infrastructure waited to be rebuilt. Looting was also a huge possibility if the city wasn't completely destroyed.

"Even if there is anything left, it would be too dangerous to try and shift through the chaos. I just pray that my brothers are safe, God willing."

Linus moved towards his assigned wagon and let the door hang open. He didn't bother to lock it, there was nothing valuable in it. In fact, there was nothing in it at all. Just his box and a pile of hay in the corner. Sliding it out of the back, he dropped it down next to the knight and took a seat.

"As Ms. Archer said, you'll have to get permission from the leader of the caravan. I don't know much about him, but he commands the respect of many of the people here. It's rare to see someone traveling by themselves in this day and age, especially one that is well armed. Are you on some type of crusade? Or just overly prepared?"

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Here abidith Faith, Hope and Love, these three
But the greatest of these, is Love.

[artfreek]

~~~~Nesa Comec~~~~


Nesa held the tunnel until the last of the caravan was through. Then she let it go sending gust of air out around the gate and with a powerful gust of wind she pushed what was left of the doors closed. She ran off towards the caravan leaping onto the top of the last one. She was still filled with the energy their escape excitement, but it wouldn't be long before that wore off and she would crash.

She sat with her dangling off the wagon as it jostled away from the burning city. She hadn't realized how much damage they had done, but there caravan had gotten out safely and she hoped that this would be the end of the cannibalistic festivals they had. How many people would survive the burning? There had to be a few right? The visitor that had come to Belroner would wake up to the destruction the next morning not knowing that there life's had been spared not once, but twice. At least that's what she hoped. There had to be a few survivors, just a handful at least that were saved from the burning blood bath.

She stared unmoving at the shrinking city trying not to think of the loss of life. Eventually her eyes began to droop and she made her way into the wagon she was on. As she as she layed down she was asleep.

For the next few days she went around talking to random people and wandering around. She was not at all happy about being back in the dessert, and as soon as they got to the oasis she sat at the edge of the pond and stuck her legs in. The water wasn't that cold, but it was much better than the hot sand she had been walking on. As she sat she washed off as much of the grim on her skin as she could with out actually diving into the water. She even washed her hair. That had taken some trial and error to accomplish, but she got it done.

Now she still sat with her feet in the water, but in a different spot now. She had moved so she was under the shade of a tree the likes of which she hadn't seen before. She moved her hand around picking up grains of sand and swirling them into a spiral. She had attempted to do the same with the water, but all she only managed to make it splash around, so she stuck the sand, twirling it around into different shapes. Nothing to complicated though.