|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:23 pm
Crossing into Tale hadn't meant anything to Rhonann initially. It was just a little scouting trip, venturing into the soft sands and sparse but thick oases of trees. While Mnyiri was dealing with a few more things in Jauhar, Rho decided to keep herself busy.
She'd learned fairly quickly that she was good with directions. Once she passed through an area, she could rather easily remember how to get to it and through it. She felt like she'd done a lot of traveling before... but there was no memory surge to confirm anything. It was a sense of deja vu that directed her attention tonight. The area seemed familiar, her gut telling her to head in a certain direction.
Reaching one of the small clusters of trees, she found herself wishing she’d ignored her gut. Just inside the isolated forest, a number of bodies stretched out along the ground, each one steaming and fried as though struck by lightning. Oh, that smell... Who would do such a thing?
“You! Who are you,” a strange voice filled with fear and anger called out suddenly. “What have you done?!”
Rhonann looked up at the arriving group, mouth gawking open. What had she done? “I didn’t do anything. I found them like this.” She shrieked as an arrow sped by her ear, hand dropping to grab her slingshot. Why the heck had she left her crossbow back at her little camp?! “Hey! I didn’t-!” Another shriek as someone came at her with a large hammer, and she was running for her life.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:24 pm
Honestly, some nights Kian forgot where he was. The "gypsy" often slipped into nightmares of the cold of Zena before waking up to the heat of a savanna. Sauti had been an interesting experience, but now the caravan was going through Tale. It was all the same to Kian. Land with open skies. No matter where his feet where the boy was still haunted by the memories. It was even more frustrating going through each day with a smile that promised nothing had happened. Life was supposed to be hopeful now, but that shard of light wasn't enough. He wanted to learn more and quickly. It was not his hope to die an old man before gaining greater powers. Today in particular had been extremely frustrating as he had no time alone from members of the caravan. Not like I can't find ways to burn my frustrations. He had smirked as another ran towards him and the glowing blue hue of his runes lit up the night sky. Another day, another night. It was all the same to him really. Fortunately those who met him during the daytime had a much pleasanter experience than those who ruined his night.
"You really hold no light in my path for power." Sighing, the mage kicked another false lead away before wiping his hands clean. He would leave this mess for others to find. Surely that would 'inspire' them to not attempt robbing caravans, his in particular, anymore. It would have been more fun if they actually had more of a fight in them...
A few moments later he had started walking through the trees with no trace of his magic to be found. Instead only the faintest trace of a light melody could be heard as Kian began to hum. Music still had some ability to relax him thankfully. Unfortunately it was as he was just beginning to find his beat that sudden noises destroyed the melody, "Hmm?" Frowning, Kian turned to watch a girl shrieking through the trees. Please don't tell me... He resisted the urge to roll his eyes as the obvious appearances of others confirmed that it was indeed a chase. He could already place the pieces together as well considering the direction that the group was running from. Should I? Perhaps it would be more fun this way.
Stretching one last time, Kian cracked his spine before moving out through the trees in determination.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:28 pm
Thankfully, Rhonann was a swift runner. She nimbly hopped over roots and around the trees, keeping just out of reach of her pursuers. If she could get to the open sand, maybe they would stop following her?
Just before the tree line ended though, a larger body jumped out into her path. She ran smack into it, bouncing back onto her butt. A pair of hands grabbed her shoulders and yanked her upright. Being held out at arm's length by the strong grip, she felt her body go into motion on its own. Her legs curled and kicked, a heel snapping against the assailant's chin. Feeling the grip loosen, she dug her toes into the man's stomach, and she was dropped back down. This time though, she landed on her feet and sprang back into a run.
Of course, she was still outnumbered. All too soon, it seemed like the angry group was on all sides. She spun a couple times, and groaned with dizziness. "I told you, I didn't hurt anybody!"
The man she'd run into stepped up, rubbing his face with a growl. "You made my jaw pretty sore. I'd say that's hurting someone, never mind all our friends you were standing over."
Rhonann shook her head. "I found them like that. Like you did!"
A rather impatient fellow snorted, walking forward with his sword. "Don't think you being a girl will make us go easy on you. You'll pay for what you did."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:29 pm
Smirking, Kian watched with amusement from the shadows. It was always amazing how simple minded others could be. If trouble was brewing they would often latch onto the nearest creature to blame, responsible or not. Brutes like these would always rise to challenge weaker foes and a girl like that was the perfect bait. Anything stronger and they would shat their pants. Perhaps that was what they needed? He could always whistle for Akemi to come down on them...that was the easier option, but not as interesting.
Instead the hybrid pursed his lips and whistled a happy melody that echoed through the trees as he emerged. Innocently he seemed to stop as he stared at the group, "What's this?" He raised a brow towards the group as he 'noticed' Rhonann, "Isn't it a bit harsh ganging up on such a pretty girl?" He smiled lightly as some of the gang took a step towards him, "No offense boys, but could one girl like this be such a threat to you?" Admittedly, he was rather impressed with her earlier maneuver yet that still lacked what it took to take out the group in the forest.
His gaze gleamed mischievously as he raised a hand against protests, "If you want to claim that his girl is intimidating your superior strength then go ahead. However, the longer you waste time here the more likely that figure I saw moving away towards the south will be getting further and further away. He seemed pretty massive with some others alongside of him. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to run this way instead. Much safer, yes?" He could already see them glancing towards the louder man with indecision. They had two options here admit that they were afraid of a small child or leave and go towards those who had caused the true damage. Kian smirked as he weaved between some of the thugs, "Also it would be a shame if you hurt my dancing partner."
His arm wrapped around Rhonnan as if it were the most natural thing in the world, "What can a traveling bard do without his dancer after all?" As if in testament an instrument case laid across his back, "So if you don't mind I will just take my friend out of your way and let you get back to finding your true culprit."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:32 pm
Just as Rhonann was getting ready to bite the hand reaching for her, everything stopped when a calm voice called over the ruckus.
All eyes turned to the man approaching the group so nonchalantly, raising a few grumbles of disapproval. Right there was a man more likely to take out their group than some young girl. Or maybe the two had worked together. "You seem to underestimate what even a youth like this can do," one man said with a scowl. Still, the alternative option the stranger offered was much more appealing than beating up some kid. The lead speaker seemed to pause a minute, looking at the pair. "This is our land. If we find out it was you, there won't be any place for you to hide." Jerking his head in gesture, he turned away and the others followed, heading in the direction indicated by the stranger.
Rhonann's heart was thudding in her chest, scared and confused. Were they really going to let her go? The strangers forward arm and words made her look up at him with even more confusion, but that was quickly followed by delight. She was his dancer?!
Waiting just long enough for the attackers to vanish from view, she rounded on the stranger with a big smile and wide, hopeful eyes, the questions rattling quickly. "You know me? I'm your dancer? Why wasn't I with you? How long were we apart? Why weren't you with me when I woke up?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:36 pm
"I'll remember that." Kian saluted as the group headed away from them and towards his false lead. More like keep your pride intact while you can boys. He smirked faintly as their backs disappeared from view. That would clear the way for the caravan as well. It was perfect for him that this girl allowed him to interfere, after all how better to mislead that group?
A bunch of idiots...
As the girl slipped out of his grasp Kian blinked. I suppose I'm grateful that she played along. His trust in the stranger to act along for her own sake had been valid, but now that she was questioning him Kian had to take a step back. "They are gone now so you don't need to...." He raised an eyebrow in concern and paused thoughtfully, "Can you not remember anything?" He tested the question out carefully. This could be even more interesting than he had believed, "I mean you don't even know my name?" A girl without memories out here by herself? That was an interesting twist. Here he had believed she was just playing along for her own survival, but this...this was different. A tiny shard of his heart twisted in protest as Kian pondered all the possibilities that this could bring, "Do you remember your name at least?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:41 pm
The surprise on the stranger's face made her feel awful. He must be shocked that she can't remember him! Cheeks heating up, she huffed and shook her head. "Obviously! If I could remember you, I'd know it!" Crossing her arms into a pout of irritation and embarrassment, she nodded finally. "My name's Rhonann, I remember that much." If she'd been thinking, she would have asked the guy to tell her what her name was.. she was too excited by the concept of a possible old relationship though! "What's your name? Maybe that'll help me remember something."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:43 pm
"I suppose." Kian sighed quietly, almost as if he truly were disappointed in the fact. Not that she could ever remember him considering he was someone that she would never know in the first place. It would be amusing to drag her around with us for a bit. That wouldn't go well with Nerio. Gods only knew that the sorcerer would come up with some concoction to try and help the girl instead. Not even magic can solve everything. Memories in particular were a nasty subject that he doubted could easily be found.
"Rhonann." Kian shook his head at the name, "You really do have to ask?" He sighed once more before looking up towards the sky, "Kian, my name is Kian." He could have given her a million names, but his real name slipped out. Perhaps it was because he was afraid of faltering when she called to him? Or it could be that a little part of him did pity the girl for what it was worth.
"Perhaps you really did do it then." He glanced over at her as if hit by a sudden thought, "Rhonnan for you to lose your memories...did you black out? I know they say magic can sometimes make a person do strange things and then not remember....has your gift really appeared?" He glanced towards her as if worried, "I don't know if I could take you home if that were the case. It may be too dangerous for everyone, perhaps it's better this way." That would be simple enough. He could just leave her to wandering around scared while if anyone else tried to track down a mysterious mage these new rumors of a lost girl would spread...
"Don't worry, Rhonnan. You weren't that much of a dancer anyways, you always wanted something else with your life. I suppose..." He frowned, "This might have been it." Nodding his head the hybrid made as if to leave before pausing. Why the hesitation? He had nothing more to do here. He had already taken what he wanted and covered his tracks fully now. What more was to be done?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 6:47 pm
Kian? Rhonann waited for a flash of recognition, but none came. Stupid not-remembering... She hated seeing the disappointment on Kian's face...
As Kian went on about the blackout, Rhonann spent about a full minute being horrified. Could she really have done that? Did she have magic?! Something put its foot down in her mind though, and she glared at Kian sharply. "But I remember coming here from far away. Been traveling with Mnyiri for days!" There was no way she could have done this! ...right? The bodies had still been steaming from the kills... But, what if she'd blacked out when entering the woods? What if-? What if-? What if-?
Growling to chase the fears off, she looked to Kian with a scowl. "I want to go home! You don't gotta take me, but my friend will. Tell me where home is!" All at once, her demeanor softened. Was there really a home to go to? ..Did Kian mean it? "..please. I'm sorry I don't remember you. Even if I get in trouble at home, maybe being there will help.. I want to remember."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 7:12 pm
"You sure?" He frowned thoughtfully. Perhaps she wasn't so easy to fool as he had originally believed. Yet, the challenge delighted him. Her spunk actually brought some amusement to him after all. This was the girl who he had seen fighting earlier that had caught his interest. His gaze held the faintest of glimmers as he watched her mental debate. It seemed there may be some doubt to her passionate denial after all.
Still hearing that she had a companion made him wary. I should probably end the game soon. It was already past the time he had meant to return to camp. Nerio would be doubting his innocence if he came in too late today. His thoughts tumbled to a halt at the sudden declaration, "Didn't I just say it was dangerous?" He protested, but his words were gentle with almost pity in them. Was she so determined to find out who she was? Not all memories are the best you fool. If she had lost them then there may have been good reason. Reasons that she shouldn't question and fight.
Sighing Kian laid his head back as if making some drastic decision, "Alright. I'll tell you something really important, Rhonann." He glanced towards her and took a few steps so that they were just a breath away, "But I want to see if I can do something to trigger your memory of me first. Do you trust me?" If he had to leave her here soon then he might as well get a memento of their encounter and leave her with something to truly remember.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 7:13 pm
Blue eyes staring hard, Rhonann set her jaw and nodded. He sure had said it was dangerous, but, apparently, so was walking around the rest of the world! In her mind, dangerous or not, finding out who she was would be worth the risk! ...She didn't want to risk Mnyiri, but risk to herself was fine!
When Kian seemed to finally concede over some revelation, Rhonann gave him the utmost attention. As the distance closed between them, she balled her hands into fists and stood her ground. If he had something to tell her, she wasn't going to let him intimidate her away!
His question made her pause. Trust? She still couldn't remember him, and something about him put her slightly on edge... however... "You saved me back there. I trust you about as far as the truth takes me," she said enigmatically. She trusted him up to a point for now. That was enough for her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 7:18 pm
"Alright then." Kian studied her thoughtfully, his bi-colored gaze seemingly endless before he finally smiled. "You might not remember me, but perhaps something like this will help jog your memory." Moving forward the hybrid gently placed a hand on the back of the girl's head and brought her even closer. Ever so carefully he captured her lips with his and took his time in a sweet kiss before pulling back, "Anything?" The way his gaze shimmered with hope was almost the best illusion he could offer. Not that he was truly suffering. A kiss from someone not wanting something more from him for once was truly pleasant. Plus, the curiosity of what her reaction would be served as potential amusement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 7:20 pm
Rhonann waited quite impatiently as she was stared at, her foot even tapping a little. When the hand moved to cup around the back of her head, she stiffened but didn't move. Was he going to try hitting their heads together or something? ..She'd already knocked her head a couple times on the journey, but maybe this would be different?
Right up until their lips met, she remained hopeful for a shock of memory. ...While the kiss was certainly a shock, there was no flood of memories of any sort. Instinct told her to slap him, but she waited. She wanted to remember... Kian's lips were soft and gentle. ..Had he really kissed her before? Did she know him that well? She truly couldn't remember... She wanted to remember...
Her eyes fluttered open as their lips parted, and Rhonann felt her heart ache when she looked into his eyes again. The thin hope she saw in them... Tears welled up as she shook her head slowly. "I.. don't remember," she said softly, voice full of regret.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 8:02 pm
Disappointment shined in Kian's gaze, "I see." Of course if she had remembered him then that would have been a fun surprise. I suppose it's impossible to remember someone you never knew. The thought almost created a smirk, but he remembered his place and cast it aside. This was amusing and he wasn't quite ready to end it yet with the girl.
"I just don't understand, how could you lose your memories?" He tapped his fingers against his chin thoughtfully, "Yet you remember your name...is that all? You just remember that you're Rhonann?" Had she taken a bad fall or had something else messed with her mind? Other than me of course. He glanced over her as if seeking answers. Perhaps if she could lose her memories then he could also find a way to rid himself of such bothers. Kian frowned at the thought. That would make life too easy, now wouldn't it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2016 8:06 pm
Rhonann felt so.. off. Something wasn't right here. Then again, would she know it if it was right? Her eyes slid off to the side, avoiding that disappointed gaze. A hand rose to her lips, brow knitting. Who was this man, trying to help her remember with kisses? Kisses were intimate, important things, weren't they? How could she not remember someone so important?
How? Squeezing her eyes shut to chase off the tears, and aimed an irritated snarl at Kian. "If I knew anything more than that, I would have done something about it!" Huffing sharply, she crossed her arms tightly. "Fine. If you're just gonna stand there being sad, you're not going to be any help. Honestly, I can't tell what I saw in you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
