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 Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 2:02 pm
It was a beautiful day out. Kian could appreciate the fresh breezes of Tale as he rode alongside his mentor. It would be ideal to get some rest, but they were already at the village where the performers planned on playing. "Jauhar is near, correct?" His bi-colored gaze surveyed the area around them. It was obvious that more trees were appearing and the air was beginning to feel thicker. Soon enough he would be in his father's lands.
"Seems like it. As is, don't you owe them some assistance?"
Kian frowned at Nerio before nodding, "Yes, I do." Always the vague answers with the sorcerer. Even his training was slow paced and the mage just wished he could be like a kinfa thrown from a cliff by its mother. He felt that his wings were ready and he was eager to fly. Then nothing could stop him ever again. He could have the powers to break free and protect the one he loved. No longer would the past have control over him or his twin.
The past...
Kian smirked at his encounter from a few weeks previous. He hoped the girl had learned a good lesson. At least he had kept her there rather than abusing the power she had given him. Trust was such a finicky device. Once someone had it you could do whatever you wanted with the person who believed in you. He would never be foolish enough for such a weakness ever again. Even around Nerio he kept his guard up. Who knew what the sorcerer would do should he recognize Kian's own darkness?
If the damn ice mage didn't already know...
Shrugging the thought off, Kian grabbed a string instrument left for him by a performer and walked out into the sunlight. They had an easy to make stage set up and already a small crowd had gathered. Traveling with such a group made his life easier and his tracks were quickly covered as they constantly moved. Forever moving, forever changing~ Closing his eyes the mage placed his fingers to the instrument and began to play. It wasn't his flute, but his experience was the same. His father had been an expert in multiple instruments after all.
It was the sweetest melody, tinged with just a hint of sadness that floated through the air as the performers worked their own magic. Soon enough his song would entrance the crowd, silencing even the little ones, and they would only move again as he finished the last note and made his way away from the rest. He got the attention and then the rest was always up to the group. They knew better than to ask much more from him.
"Thanks, sweetie." As others passed, a well curved wind woman winked at him before moving towards the stage for her turn. "One of these days I'll have to teach you a new melody that we can play together."
I'm sure that "melody" wouldn't be stage appropriate. Kian could only shake his head slightly as he lingered nearby to watch.
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 2:40 pm
While Mnyiri was busy, Rhonann ventured into Tale again. Perhaps it was silly, but Tale was where she had met someone... A special someone who deserved a kick to his face. He was probably long gone by now, but a girl could dream~ She had time on her hands anyway, so not a bad idea to scout ahead a little.
In the little village, she traded for some fruits that she happily consumed. She was even relaxing a little as she walked. A nice little village. A little peace. She could handle this.
Of course, like everyone else, she found herself drawn to the music. What a wonderful sound...
When she saw who was creating the lovely music though, any sense of relaxation dropped away, body filling with tension enough that the fruit in her hands was crushed to mush in her fist. 'Kian.' If that was even his real name! It took a lot of self-control to not leap onto the stage right there. Instead, she hurried off to the side, hiding among some nearby stalls, watching the hybrid like a hawk.
Once attention was on the new musician, she crept out and reached to grab Kian's collar. "I know how to create a melody, too," she crooned far too sweetly. "The sound of my fist meeting your face would be music to my ears."
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:07 pm
His hands covered his runes. If they weren't in such a public space then perhaps he would have blasted some shocks towards whoever was approaching him with such a rough demeanor. He was no fool, he could sense that someone had been watching him. However, a flash of recognition also halted his movement. How amusing. He really hadn't expected his little forgetful one to have found him like this. She seemed rather together so that was good. The bandits must have continued on the false lead leaving the girl alone. It would be a waste of perfectly fine amusement to bury her so early.
Speaking of amusement, Kian grinned at her wonderful comment. "Sounds a bit violent to me." As she held his collar the mage just rotated on a foot so that their faces were barely an inch apart, "We can make other melodies away from the crowds. I tend to be a favorite you know." His gaze glimmered with humor as he carefully reached over to lift her hand away from his collar before continuing, "A crowd can get easily riled if something were to get out of hand. Thankfully there's a clearing away from here that we could talk in."
Pausing he seemed to study her features as if curious, "Though I've never met so an adamant fan before. I don't think I can remember your face very well." If she hadn't truly wanted to punch him before, the snarky comment was making it even more tempting. Others would probably see it as a romantic dispute...that was one easy way to play off things. After all the girl wasn't even aware that the one the bandits had been chasing was truly him after all. But then again his mind flickered to his mentor. They were too close to Nerio for the mage's comfort. Others may have been easy to fool, but that ice sorcerer was another story.
"Let's go so you can remind me." Not waiting for her agreement, the mage took her arm in his and walked them away from the shadows. It would be rather hard to cause a scene in an open market with such a crowd. However, once they reached the trees things would be different. That much was obvious as he let go of her and took a few steps away. "Normally it's so quiet here, but I'm guessing it won't be anymore for long."
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:33 pm
"Oh, it's going to be more than 'a bit' violent," Rho snarled, glaring daggers as the man turned to face her. The mention of the crowd did get her to back off the tiniest bit, eyes darting over and back. Unfortunately, Kian was right. To many people were around, and they only saw the punk as a good musician. They wouldn't understand.
The tease toward her memory made her forced smile curl sharply, teeth clenched together. Forget just smacking him around a bit... This guy was going to be turned into a pulp. "The clearing sounds delightful," she hissed, digging her fingers in as their arms linked.
Safely away from the crowd, she looked around the clearing a quick moment. Didn't seem to be any obvious traps... She'd still have to be careful. "No, I don't think it will be," she growled, swinging her crossbow it to point it at Kian's head threateningly. "Since you did save my life, I'm willing to spare yours. You're going to regret not giving me something to forget what you did though."
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:55 pm
Oh, there was a reaction. Kian had a faint smirk. Perhaps it was a low blow, but as usual the feisty reactions were worth it. He was almost disappointed that she went along with him so easily. A commotion may have been nice, but then he would have lost her again since others probably would interfere. And that was the last thing he wanted. There truly would be no fun in that.
As she glanced around, Kian grinned. "Make sure you look around carefully. You might even be standing on a dangerous spot." He teased lightly. Not that he had any traps, after all who had been expecting this girl to appear again? He was far from being any oracle, "So to spare my life you aim a crossbow at me? Please Rhonann can you think about that decision a little bit more?" His eyebrow quirked upwards at the scene. So this was what it was like to be on the receiving end of her anger. He had witnessed a little bit of it, but now that he had pulled the trick on Rhonann the girl seemed loathe to forget it. "Make you forget? Now that would have been a shame. I rather enjoyed our afternoon together. If you want I can give you another kiss to stir up those memories as well~" At least those would be real and not fabricated lies by him to string her along.
He quickly held up a hand, "Before you shoot that thing at me I do want to point something out. That herbal concoction was actually supposed to help stir up your memories. Have you had any flashbacks recently?" Kian studied her carefully for any reaction, "I was hoping that the sleeping portion of the drug would help by dreaming, but it's a case by case situation."
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 4:15 pm
"Trust me. I've thought about this decision plenty. This is what you might call... a precaution. In case you try something stupid." Please, do something stupid~
"Enjoyed?!" she snarled, taking a step forward. "You 'enjoyed' taking advantage of me? I was hurting, and you had fun!" Oooh, now she was extra pissed. Her blue eyes were like hot flames, starting to rethink her decision to merely maul the guy.
She shifted the crossbow to point at Kian's knee, finger giving the trigger a tiny bit of pressure before pausing, jaw going tense. "I did remember something," she murmured, raising the crossbow again. She'd knocked her head plenty on her travels, but the last time, not too long after she'd taken that concoction... Her brother... "Don't think I'm about to give scum like you credit for it." With that, she pulled the trigger, her aim just to the side so that the bolt would zip by close to Kian's head, quickly prepping the next one. "The next one's going to be in the center of your face if you don't shut up."
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 5:14 pm
"Me do something stupid?" Kian frowned as if actually contemplating the possibility, "Never." He might do his best to irritate her, but the mage was far from stupid. Distracted or easily tempted may have been better words for his current mood. For some reason it was really exhilarating to play around with Rhonann. Perhaps because such an innocent girl could give such great reactions?
Speaking of fiery reactions...
"Now I think you're taking it a little bit out of proportion. I enjoyed our time together in general, it wasn't like I was completely cruel now. I could have convinced you of far worse things." That at least was an honest statement from the mage. He had done far worse to others, she should count herself lucky for getting away with a kiss and a gentle sleep. "As it was perhaps I just couldn't resist playing along?" He shrugged lightly, "As a performer I aim to please and the hope in your eyes that day...it was hard to ignore. I wanted to let it linger a bit rather than destroying it completely. And then I left you with gentle dreams to help ease the pain...does that make me such an awful person?"
He didn't even wince as the arrow flew past. This girl wasn't a murderer, maybe she would try to maim him, but he couldn't see a killer's instinct inside of her. Maybe he was wrong...but what wasn't that the fun of taking a gamble? "You know there's much better ways to shut me up." He teased playfully before pausing thoughtfully, "I suppose then you don't want any more potions? I can always create a new draft. Something with a sweeter taste perhaps?"
His gaze was direct and frighteningly calm as he took a step forward, "I doubt you'll kill me. Would you really want to bloody your hands like this? Once one killed then their life would be forever changed. After the first kill the world changed and suddenly killing just seemed so simple, so thoughtless. One body right after the other...
His focus completely on Rhonann, the mage finally let his guard down enough so that it was actually a surprise with a voice broke out behind them. "She may not, but we could." Twisting around, Kian cursed as he noticed a gang of thugs behind them. Great, a bunch of pests... Each seemed to have their weapons ready and had Rhonann and Kian surrounded. Kian's hesitation was real as he noticed a two had arrows pointed on Rhonann while others were pressing in around his own back. He was too close to the camp and it was still daylight...he couldn't...not here. His attacks would be too obvious then.
Cursing, Kian just held up his hands as the thugs moved closer.
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 5:49 pm
Rhonann bared her teeth angrily, pointing the crossbow again. "What good does it do to be the one who creates hope in one moment and then crushes it the next?" she asked. "You can take any other potions and shove them up your-!" The shift over Kian made her take a step back, brow knitting slightly. When did he get so serious?
Her head snapped around at the new voice, eyes narrowing. "As if! If anyone's killin' him, it's me!"
"Nobody is killing him!" a high voice rang out. Pushing her way through the larger males, a curvy female pushed her way through, chin high with superiority. Her clothing was well fitted, and her bare arm bore the same tattoo as those of the men surrounding them. Her bright green eyes were locked on Kian from under a mess of brown curls, lips pursing as she cooed to him. "You. Song bird. I have a special little cage just for you. I'll keep you safe and comfy." She glanced over at Rhonann, and then back to Kian with a smirk. "Don't make me have the boys clip your wings~"
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 6:21 pm
Kian raised an eyebrow, "It gave a lasting experience." It seemed she didn't appreciate his little lesson at all then.Memories and trust were such deceiving little things. Anyone could be pulled to the left and right should you know the correct methods. Perhaps at one time he would have actually considered feeling guilty or some sympathy with the girl, but now there was nothing. Just a faint amusement from being able to play with someone so interesting. At least that's what he told himself...there was no time for such weakness. Teaching her a lesson was his gift to her so that she could learn and grow.
"I mean if you would like to fight it out with the lady then go for it. Those left can try to kill me then~ His voice rang out lightly while he quietly tried to calculate the situation. A few runes here and there...but once more the knowledge that they were so close to his own camp made him pause. It would be too risky. Dammit. What could he do then?
His gaze shifted as the woman made herself known. "Surely you're joking." Kian raised an eyebrow, 'If you wish to hear me play then you can come to the next performance. I do appreciate the compliment, but this isn't the best way to show yourself as a fan. Still, as it is this was a nice talk, but my acquaintance and I must leave." Apparently his words weren't taken lightly with the group of men surrounding them as they moved closer.
"Didn't you hear the lady, she's going to keep you all nice an' pretty." A wind man, gruff around the edges with pale blue eyes and wild light blond hair, moved forward with chains as if taunting Kian. A few of the men snickered, but one look from the main thug shut them up. "You'll like it there. No worries for a hybrid pet like you."
Oh the perks of his heritage. He knew he was an attractive man whose music could be enticing, but seriously? Kian resisted the urge to roll his eyes. If this group thought they could even try caging him then they were in for a bit of bad luck. I said we had to go. As it is I can keep myself safe and comfy, thank you." His gaze was cold as he turned towards the woman, "I'll take flowers, not chains at my performances. You don't want to leave the wrong impression with me either. Trust me, you don't want to do this."
"Oooh, really?" The woman raised an eyebrow at his defiance, "I do enjoy a bit of a game at first. Perhaps if you don't have an acquaintance to leave with then you can stay a while."
At the words the archers made to fire their arrows at Rhonann, but that was a distraction from the actual knife that went sailing through the air towards the girl. Cursing under his breath, Kian did something truly unlike him as he realized the true weapon hurling towards her. He darted forward and pulled Rhonann into his arms, moving her away from the thugs approaching her with their weapons. But his movement put him in line of the knife and Kian winced ever so slightly as the blade cut through his sleeve and bit into his arm. "I hope you can really fire that bow of yours, but for now you better not fight me."
His free hand reached into his bag and the faintest glow surrounded the area as an impact on the higher trees distracted the group from the thick mist that erupted along the ground. As both events happened simultaneously Kian picked Rhonann up in his arms and bolted. I've never been one to run from a fight, but I suppose there's a first for everything.
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 6:48 pm
Rhonann turned slightly, trying to make her frame smaller for less of a target for the arrows trained on her. Time to forget about Kian for a little. These big heads needed their own lesson. She idly listened to the conversation Kian and the strange woman were having, and snorted to herself. There were benefits to just walking away and letting Kian be put in his cage... but no one deserved such a fate.
Ugh. She couldn't believe she was thinking like that! Having even the tiniest bit of empathy for that jerk...
Her lips pressed as an acquaintance was brought up. ...Damn! That was her! She turned toward the bows she saw rising, pulling the trigger quickly. Another bolt was being locked into place as her target gave a holler of pain. The corner of her eye saw movement, and Kian was on her before she could aim again. She yelped sharply, eyes widening as the thrown knife sliced right by her head, giving her a clear view of it catching Kian's arm. Had Kian just-?!
With her lips pressed together, she brought her crossbow up with her as she was plucked off her feet, and fired it through the growing smoke. She was pleased to hear another holler telling her she'd hit her mark. After that though, she could only hold on as she was swept away. Even in the heat of the battle, her cheeks were pink. To think Kian was now saving her again, and carrying her around like some damsel... UGH!!
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 7:24 pm
The benefit of having been on the run so many times before was that you built great endurance. After what felt like forever Kian stopped running and slowed to a walk. The trees had grown thicker around them and it was almost as if they had crossed directly from the plains to Jauhar. His mentor had said that they were close, but this was something else. A place where boundaries meet then. For a split second it was almost as if he looked longingly around them before the male glanced back down to the girl in his arms.
For a brief moment amongst the regal trees and in the calm silence it was like a picture. A handsome dark prince with some princess in his arms...a knight who had saved his darling...any artist would have been eager to paint the portrait just then. Of course, the image wouldn't last long...
"Hope you enjoyed the free ride." Ever so not gently, Kian dumped her on the ground."You know I could do without all this trouble you attract." He commented sharply, "First the original bandits hounding after you and now you separated me from my caravan so that that crazy woman could try and snag me." His movement to point his finger while accusing her brought a stinging pain. Oh. Blood was dripping from beneath his sleeve. Sighing the male placed his hand around his upper arm and squeezed tightly.
He had been cut worse, it wasn't too shallow but not deep enough to completely bleed him dry. "As it is shouldn't you be on your way now?" Kian glanced towards her while secretly his gaze searched for any injuries, "Or do you want to go ahead and shoot now? I'm fine with a bit of more blood since my clothes are already ruined." He just worried about getting home. It truly would be a hassle if those pests were still lingering. It would probably be a few nights out on his own again...
If he could navigate safely back. In his panic the mage had run blindly through the forest and the strange area gave him no signs of directions back to the caravan.
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Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2016 8:13 pm
Rhonann had her arms crossed tightly, wondering if Kian was ever going to stop. When they finally did, she couldn't help being curious about that strange expression on Kian's face. Had he not been to Jauhar before? She dropped with a squeak of surprise and looked up at Kian with a glare that would certainly not make it into the painting. "Free ride, my foot!" she grumbled, pushing herself up to brush the dirt off her seat.
"I attract it? I'm not the one the crazy lady wanted to turn into a songbird! And it was you're idea to leave the crowd. Shoulda just let me punch you there and we'd already be our separate ways again. But no-o-o-o-o-o~"
Kian's wince drew her attention, and her features softened for a second. He'd really pushed her out of the way of that blade... Rolling her eyes, she started digging around in one of the pouches at her waist. "What kind of person would I be to go after an injured man?" she grumped, pulling out a small roll of gauze. She held it in her hand for a moment, debating, before holding it out to him. "Here. Just wrap yourself up before you start leaving a trail. I don't have any blood on my clothes, and I don't need yours on them either."
She crossed her arms again, lips pressing tight. She was going to regret this, probably. "And.. if you're worried about crazy lady and her goons... I can give you a safe place to sleep tonight." Right. Some revenge seeking killer she turned out to be... "Only 'cause you didn't let them kill me." Her cheeks heated up again, eyes shifting to the side slightly. "Thanks for that, by the way..."
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Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:36 pm
Kian smirked at the reaction, "Would you rather have the crowd try to mob you?" He shrugged lightly, a mischievous expression dancing across his fine features. "I was just trying to save you from trouble, but I suppose that's not even appreciated." Though her comment did make him pause. Since leaving Zena that had been the first real encounter with someone who wanted to collect him. The thought cast a shadow over his gaze. No one would ever be able to tie him down. That woman was fortunate that Rhonann was there else the field would have been in ashes by the time he was finished...
Rhonann's reaction caused the hybrid to blink. Was that an actual moment of consideration from the feisty archer? "If you insist then." Taking the gauze Kian sighed, "Care to turn around for a moment? I'll just take this off and work on it then. I know it'll be tempting, but I'm trusting you~" Perhaps the sleeve could be saved so instead of ripping through the cloth Kian just simply lifted it over his head. His victory at earning her compassion once more almost made him forget himself. He had wanted to see if she would be embarrassed to see his bare skin, but at the last moment he did hesitate. Scars, many from long ago, were etched into his dark skin, especially on his back. The last thing he wanted was for her to become curious about that.
But bandaging his own arm seemed hard with just his left hand. Kian sighed loudly as the gauze slipped from his fingers again. As he reached down and grabbed it, he paused. "You want to offer a place for me to sleep?" He grew quiet almost as if thinking about it. "I suppose then. Does the include a free meal? I'm rather starved."
Of course leave it to Kian to ruin any moment, at her thanks the mage chuckled. "It wasn't like I was just going to let them kill my best amusement of the day. If anyone messes with you then it should be me." He grinned before frowning as the gauze slipped through his fingers again before he could tie it. Of course things like this would be easier with two hands. Kian could only sigh as the gauze rolled this time towards Rhonnan through the grasses. For the first time he was almost tempted to be embarrassed, "Just give me a few years and I'll be wrapped up and ready to go."
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Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2016 12:57 pm
Rhonann snorted. "At least the mob would probably have just kicked me out of town, rather than try killing me just for standin' there." Honestly. What kind of people were in this town if they were willing to kill for someone they thought was cute? How revolting.
Brow rising, she growled and quickly spun to the side, cheeks tinted with pink. "Like I'm turning my back on you," she huffed, watching Kian with her peripheral vision. She tapped her foot with irritation, unwilling to admit... that what she could see... didn't look so bad. "I don't want to keep you around. Just am, 'cause I'm a decent person. Not that you'd know anything about that."
Rho grit her teeth as Kian continued teasing, shaking her head. "That meal's gonna cost you extra now," she said, glaring over at him. When the gauze fell again, she gave an aggravated groan. "Oh, by the gods, I don't have years. Com'ere, Songbird." Stomping over, Rhonann grabbed the gauze sharply. She grumbled under her breath as she wrapped his arm, though her movements slowed a little as she noticed the scars. Now that she was close, she could see them clearly... He still looked quite good... Cheeks flushed, she tied the bandage a little tighter than was needed, and stepped back. "There. ...Camp is that way," she murmured, pointing further into Jauhar.
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Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2016 1:10 pm
"Point taken." At least she realized that. Most likely creating a commotion would have just drawn his mentor's attention and that was the true tragedy he wanted to avoid. Anything that involved the sorcerer always meant trouble for Kian. And knowing Rhonann, it wouldn't take long until she spilled the beans about what he had been up to.
"As you wish then." It was obvious that her cheeks were tinted with color and Kian had to resist the urge to laugh. For such a feisty tomboy, she could have her cute moments. It made it all the more fun to play around with her. "You would be surprised." He replied quietly at her jab, but his gaze was still playful. He was awful, but not completely ruined...not yet.
Her taunt caused the male to stiffen. Songbird. Hadn't that been his whole life? His father's own tale had fallen onto his shoulders. It was more than physical scars that decorated his body, the emotional and mental ones ran far deeper. "Don't use that word." A ripple of power shuddered through his body, but remembering it was Rhonann now and not her from back then Kian took back control. The internal struggle against his dark desires brought by the memories of his past had caused the teasing gleam to leave his eyes. So with his gaze distant, Kian just simply stared at the trees around them as Rhonann wrapped his arm.
Blinking, Kian shook his head and as he returned to himself. "Perhaps I should just be on my way before you attract more trouble for me." He grinned, but there was something still lingering behind him. Despite being only for a split second, his other side had been visible. He had to remind himself that he didn't want to kill Rhonann, "I should be..." A whistling wind broke his sentence and Kian frowned. Perhaps they weren't completely in the clear. If he went back now...what if they tracked Rhonann? Dammit.
"Maybe just the meal now. We can try cuddling another night."
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