* [A Realm of Uncertainty] * [IC] *

|| Xander Thibault - Greycastle, Gashton ||


The prince patiently listened as the woman went on with her callous attitude. When the man known as Silas took over with his speech, the look of boredom became evident on Xander's face. "My lord." A voice belonging to one of the knights was heard and not a moment too soon. It was likely a stroke of luck for the wild woman. The prince glanced from Silas to the woman, "I need to attend to something so I'm letting you go as you did spare the man's life. I'd listen to what Silas has to say though, should I run into you again and you address me in the same manner, I'll lock both of you up. That's how it works outside of the forest." Xander stated in disdain, before looking to the nobleman, "If you're not happy with my decision you can take it up with my father." With that the prince grabbed the side of his red cloak and turned around before walking off with the two knights, the two city guards that came up prior walked off in the other direction to continue their patrol.

"We found an old tome and a few small leather bags of... well, we're not sure, but it's a fine powder that has a shimmer to it. All of it was hidden under a floorboard." One of the knights explained the best he could as the trio walked down the worn cobblestone street.

"Sounds as if it speaks for itself, we should bring it to my father. Has the owner arrived back at the home?" Xander questioned.

"No. No sign of them yet but the guards will remain there until they do arrive." The knight assured the prince. Once the three men arrived back at the large citadel, they made their way up to the second floor and down a long hallway, passing by various chairs and decorations, their armored greaves clanked against the smooth stone floor. Towards the end of the hallway Xander instructed the knights to continue down and into the council chamber, before taking a few steps back and turning his head to the left, looking into a small area that rested between a pair of pillars.

"Marina? What are you doing?" Xander asked with a puzzled look on his face. "Why are you in there? Did you lose an earring or something?" He asked as he glanced around at the floor. Whatever it was, he thought it was rather odd and looked forward to her response.
 
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Gregory was taken aback by the blade near his back, but as he was turned around he blinked twice as he looked upon the other's face. "Wait..... is that......" His surprised look turned into a grin. "Is that you Hades?" He looked the other up and down once more before continuing. "It's been forever! I had thought I'd never see you again, it's been so long! Where have you been all this time?" He had to stop himself from asking any further questions, a thought coming across his mind.

"Well, we should probably talk inside, huh?" He gestured towards the door.
 
" Yes, brother it is me and yes we should move inside. Ill tell you my tale once we are in good company with good wine."

After they moved inside Hades set his staff beside the door and pulled his cloak off. He set the cloak atop the staff and followed Gregory into the dining room. They sat there and Hades began to tell his tale.

"Brother it truly has been to long. You remember the night I disappeared? the reason they never found me is because I did it I escaped. For days I wandered around in the wilderness with no food or water. Finally I stumbled upon a beautiful woman, she took me in and showed me something I had always longed for at the orphanage...love.

Anyway turns out she was a witch. Despite that fact she treated me as if I were her own, and she even taught me some magic. For the next few years everything was good and I thought that maybe I had finally found somewhere I belong. However it was not to be, eventually she mistakenly attempted an incantation that was much to powerful for her.

She successfully summoned the undead, many of them at least ten, however she used to much of her energy and couldn't control them. They ripped her to pieces before my very eyes, all I know is that I blacked out and when I came to my senses the cabin was covered in blood and none of it was mine.

So I set off! I traveled for a few days retracing myself through the wilderness, when I came out I ran into a company of mercenaries. They called themselves the Demon's Fang, anyway it earned me a living. Their sword smith made me this sword actually, and he taught me to use it. Soon I became a skilled swordsman, I was never the best in camp, however I could more than hold my own. I traveled with them for a few more years, but eventually that had to end as well. We made one bad job, we assaulted the wrong stronghold. Actually we took the stronghold, but after nightfall came a rival mercenary company attacked. Luckily I don't sleep much, that's neither here nor there the rest of my compatriots were slaughtered, and I barely escaped with my life.

For the last two years I have been traveling the kingdoms earning money as a sword for hire. I have killed many men and seen many things. I have done some things people would call atrocities, and some that people would call miracles. That leads us to now, I am here seeking work it came to my attention that your shop may be in need of a guard or a debt collector."

After Hades had finished his speech he rested both hands on the table. He hadn't seen Gregory for years, so he had no idea how he would take any of this. Hades had been quite close to the boy in their younger years, but things could change and he had been gone a long time. As much as he wanted to trust Gregory he was ready to stand and draw his blade at a minutes notice.
 
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Avaline wouldn't be happy with her, Marina knew, but she also knew that she had to know what was going on in the council chamber. On a regular day, her father might see fit to let her in, so that she might gain experience with such things... but today was no regular day. The King hadn't left the chamber since Xander left to the streets, and the guards had intimidated Marina enough that she did not dare to influence them. The lack of information was frustrating, and was not a feeling Marina was accustomed to.

The frustration nearly drove Marina to attempting to enhance her own hearing – a surely dangerous and impossible task – when her brother abruptly interrupted her thoughts.

“Xander!” Marina jolted, guilt flashing on her face before she reined herself in. I have nothing to be guilty for. This is as much my home as his. Clasping her hands in front of her, she let her sleeves fall over her wrists. The Princess hesitated, allowing herself a few breaths to compose herself and make it all look intentional; which, of course, it wasn't, but her dear brother didn't need to know that.

At his question, she tilted her head, arching a thin eyebrow, “ah, I've found it, don't worry.” Marina smiled, encouragingly. “And what of you, Xander? Did you catch the witch? I assume that is what the... commotion was about.” Nobody saw fit to seek Marina out and inform her, which meant it fell onto her shoulders to educate herself.
 
Caelis Wolff - Ormont, Calay, The Prince's Quarters

"Just one more week." the sole occupant of the room muttered. A well groomed, but modestly dressed young man stood by the middle of three large windows along a wall. Beyond the glass was a majestic sight of Calay. Upon a first look, the city looked impressive. Marble foundations stood in numerous constructions. The buildings were placed in organized rows, columns and clusters. Then just beyond the city, in the horizon, lay miles of rolling fields. However, that was the impression a mere cursory look would give. If one were to squint, he would notice the signs of sub par maintenance. Most buildings were slightly slumped, tilted and showing signs of wear. Thus, the original symmetry of the city was actually perverted by meters of decrepit buildings. The cobbled roads had gaps. Finally, the market was unusually peaceful and unpopulated when one considered the size of the city.

These were all signs of economic hardship. it was understandable and expected to see things like this after a string of bad harvests or after a long war. However, this was obviously not the case in Calay. The young man turned to look at the room. Fine silks, furs, cedar furniture and gold decorated the entire room. The most unfortunate part was that this room was modest compared to the rest of the palace. The great hall had turned into one of those mythical throne rooms that dragons are said to occupy due to the ridiculous wealthy that they contain. Unfortunately, only one man had say in what was in the palace and what the rooms looked like. Even the Prince's room was practically designed by the Duke.

The man in the room suddenly swung his arm in a fit of anger and knocked over a golden candle holder. It landed with a soft thud as it landed on a rug made by cashmere. The man muttered "What a Prince I am. I don't even rule over my own room." The door to the room then opened and an armed guard walked in. The guard said "Your Royal Highness. Is there anything wrong?" Caelis replied "No, you are dismissed." The guard nodded and left the room. Caelis sighed. The guard didn't check to make sure that Caelis was fine. No, the guard was meant to keep an eye on Caelis from making a move and Caelis knew this. The Duke was trying all he could to maintain his power. However, there was a major hurdle for him. Caelis was to be of age in a week. Thus, his regency would end, and thus technically lose his power.

That said, the Duke was unlikely to easily step down. So, he had to figure out how to stop Caelis. Caelis thought about the situation. He placed himself in the Duke's shoes and thought about what would have to be done. What Caelis came up with worried him. He expected the Duke to try to stage an "accident" where Caelis would be left incapable to rule or tragically die before Caelis' coronation day. Then, he would likely try to force a marriage between himself and Caelis' sister, and thus become King. This meant that Caelis had one week. One week to do something. Yes, he could try to overthrow the Duke, but that was simply unfeasible to accomplish. Thus, he would have to flee the palace and go into hiding or on the run.

That in itself was difficult since Caelis could barely have a minute to himself in the bathroom. He was always escorted everywhere and monitored by men that the Duke specifically appointed. He couldn't have private meetings with foreign dignitaries and local nobles. Still, he had to figure out a way, but he couldn't do it alone.
 
"How kind of you." The young woman snorted but said nothing else. She didn't care much for his words, as she wouldn't be in this backwards city for much longer.

As the crowd dispersed, she pondered quietly on the nature of magic versus the fear of it. For her part, magic was worth being feared, much like any force of nature. It is to be respected, as one respects a deer or a bear. She'd seen many strange occurrences in her life: the birth of a child, the birth of countless animals as well as their deaths, the mating habits of animals, the way a tree can be both strong and fragile...while she may not understand these things, it didn't mean they were worth destroying. As such, she couldn't understand why these people would destroy something they didn't understand.

If everyone killed things they deemed dangerous, there would be no one left. A mage, to her understanding, is just as able to abuse others with his gifts as a man is able to abuse others with his own two hands, the nobleman being a case of her point. She looked over quietly to Silas as he scolded her with a bright red face. She only snickered at him and pulled some meat from her pack on her lower back. She whistled and let the hawk land on her protected shoulder. She fed her companion with a gentle smile then looked at Silas.

"You don't talk to the future King sp casually, River! He holds more power than both of us combined! He can have us thrown in jail for such disrespect!!" he sputtered.

"Let him." She said with a shrug. "How dare I talk to him as if he were a normal person. Do I not know that he came out of his mother swathed in the finest robes and jewels of the land? When he shits, they are pretty stones worth more than seventy over my very life." she gave an exaggerated bow then straightened her posture. "He is a man. He only holds power if you let him hold power." She says quietly then resumed her post. "So let him. Let his guards try to jail me because I treat him like the people he looks down on." A certain degree of primal madness entered her eyes and countenance. "He wouldn't be the first of his kind that I've offered to the gods." She said then stroked the beak of her hawk. The bird of prey preened then took off again. The woman let her soar before she walked off towards the forest. Her companion took off towards the large palace however, to fly overhead in freedom.

Her movements were precise, with her flying as skillfully as one that hunted for her whole life. She soared over the palace with keen eyes, then dived for a scurrying mouse as it dashed along a roof. In a rush of wind and seconds, she took to the air again, her prize in hand. The hawk flew to a safe perch just outside of a large hallway structure and gave a loud battle cry as she was trained to do so when she caught her quarry. When no answering call came from her temporary master, the hawk tucked into her meal.
 
Arabella Selwyn - Stormhaven, Eventide

Arabella flinched as the doctor, Arthur Montfort, applied some kind of medicine on her opened wound in her left arm, not knowing what it was or what it did except that it stung as hell. The doctor sighed in irritation when the pirate tried to push her arm away. "Keep. Still."

Arabella frowned at him.
"Well, easy for you to say; you're not the one with a fucking gash on your arm."

"How did this happen anyway?" Tydes asked suddenly, crossing his arms as he threw a "no bullshit" glare to Arabella, who turned to frown at him instead.

"I told you already, it was that crazy woman I slept with last night. Apparently, she was a thief who tried to steal another thief; as you can see, she got me quite unprepared." Arabella explained, while gesticulating with her free arm the whole time, which might have made things a bit more complicated to the ship's doctor, who poked the deep bloody wound. The Captain let go a long list of usual, and unusual swear words, some that might even have been made out in the heat of the moment. In mid her suffering, she didn't notice the extra pair of boots on the floor of her ship, nor the rough laugh coming from the new person, until they spoke.

"Oh, wow. You sound like you're dying, which you might be." Said a rough masculine voice, sounding amused at Arabella's pain. She turned to see an old bald man smirking at her, which made she groan in exasperation. "You must have had a wild night."

"You have no idea, old man." Hissed Bella as she tried not to scream at the feeling of a needle stabbing her skin. "Wha- Wh- fucking pissing lazy swine," she drew in a deep breath, holding herself as to not stab Arthur in the eye with his own needle. "What are you doing here, Estor?"

The old man, Estor, raised a brow in response to Arabella's potty mouth, wrinkling his nose in what seemed to be disgust. "I just wanted to see how my favorite student was feeling." The pirate snorted. "And I also wanted to see if you knew of what happened at the courthouse today."

"Let me guess," Bella's voice took an icy tone, as her mouth curled up in a vicious fake smirk. "Another magic user got arrested for using their powers 'unduly'." She wrinkled her nose and spat at floor, the pain on her arm now forgotten. "Please, this Kingdom is just as bad as Gashton, always painting mages, sorceress, etc., as the bad folks. Forcing us to live in the shadows, especially those who didn't have a choice. It's injustice!"

Estor raised his brow even more at that, scrutinizing Arabella with a critical eye. "Who are you to talk about justice? You lost that right the moment you chose to become a pirate. Right now, Arabella, you are just as bad as them, a cruel person." Estor had adopted a cold voice, approaching his student who had stood up at her full height, both of them glaring at each other as if trying to set each other on fire with their eyes. "You are no better than those who locked you up at that prison, Arabella. Your heart is just as cold as theirs. So, think twice before calling them monsters, for you may as well be cursing yourself."

"... Why are you here, Estor? Surely, it was not to spat at me about how terrible I am. For I don't need you to know that."

"You're right, that's not why I'm here. An amazing thing happened at the courthouse today." At that, Arabella got curious. She furrowed her brows in confusion, because nothing good happened at the courthouse. "The Prince Erick stood up in defense of a young man, a magic user. It's a huge step to the magical community of Eventide, we should've been celebrating or -"

"Is the trial already done, Estor?" Interrupted Arabella.

"No, I don't think so. I just heard someone talking about it on the streets, actually, the trial is still happening. Why?" Estor didn't get his reply since Arabella was already flying through the door, running as fast as she could towards the courthouse. This was something she would only believe if she saw with her own eyes. If true, then yes, Estor's right, it's a huge step for Eventide. So she ran.

***

Unfortunately, Arabella arrived only at the end, when the Prince was finishing his last speech. It was quite a scene, you see. A member of the Royal Family defending a Mage. Astounding. She watched as the Prince left the courthouse, leaving everybody speechless, including her. She heard heavy steps behind her, and the heavy breathing of Tydes, after having ran all the way towards there. Arabella turned to watch the mage, Sylvander the Prince had said, trying to see if there was anything special about him.

"Captain, that's the man that was arrested yesterday, if I'm not mistaken." Whispered Tydes, not wanting to draw any attention to them. Bella just smirked.

"This, my mate, is the most interesting thing to have happened in a while. Estor was right, this is huge."

"Uh... Captain."

"What?"

"Your wound is bleeding."

"Badly?"

"Quite."

"Damn."
 
|| Xander Thibault - Greycastle, Gashton ||



Xander watched Marina in silence and with a look of skepticism before responding, "The witch that interrupted father's speech? She's in the dungeon and will be burnt at the stake in the morning. I had to search a house which is what I need to go speak to him about. Come on you may as well join me." He motioned with his hand and he'd guide her to the council chamber where the two guards outside opened the large double doors to let them enter. Joining the king inside were a number of knights and other council members as they discussed the newly found items.

"Ah Xander well done with the search, there is no question these items are used for sorcery," The king paused as he noticed Marina, "Marina my sweet daughter come, sit with me." Henryk gestured for a servant to grab an extra wooden chair, which he placed next to the king. "I hope your day is going well." The older man smiled at her, Xander rolled his eyes at the display, casually resting his left hand on the hilt of his sword. Nice of him to offer his son a seat at the table.

"I'm glad you're pleased father, unfortunately the owner was not home though I have guards stationed outside and they will be brought in to answer for it." The young prince assured the king with confidence. "There was a small fight between a noble and an outsider from a forest, though."

King Henryk looked back to his son, "Did you arrest her?"

"I, well, no." Xander managed to answer, "It's just that--" He was cut off mid-speech.

"It matters little to me right now, Xander. Prior to your arrival we were discussing the civil unrest in Calay. I've a trusted source planted there to provide us with information, should the Duke find himself fighting against another party, it could prove a prime opportunity to move in ourselves." The king suggested, taking a sip of wine from an intricately designed goblet. "What do you think Marina? Double the size of Gashton and we can eliminate the threat of magic with more strength, or should we follow Xander's concern with Brill? Reports over the past year suggest no change in that God forsaken land." Was he seriously asking her? He should have been asking Xander such a question.
 
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Sylvander Quaid - 4

He and Emily had not said a word on the way home from the courthouse. There was no animosity, simply disbelief and racing thoughts between them. Though Sylvander was grateful for the prince’s pardon that day, he resented the idea of becoming a spectacle, or any kind of local celebrity.

The two arrived home. Without a word, Sylvander walled himself off in his bedroom. Throwing off his jacket and sweat-soaked work vest and shirt, he sat on the edge of his bed with his face in his hands. Outside his door, he heard Emily speaking with someone.

Moments later, there was a gentle knock at his door. Emily opened it. She looked at him softly. She was clearly happy at the outcome of the trial, albeit a little worried over the state of the matter. What a burden this must have been for her.

“You’d better get redressed, Van. The tavern’s waiting for you to start your shift,” she smiled.

Surprised, Sylvander smiled too, but only briefly before Emily shut the door. Excellent, at least the work will keep my mind busy. Then the questions came. The tavern’s owners couldn’t have wanted him now, could they? The news of the prince’s appearance had been spreading through the city for a few hours. Pardoned or not, many would still see Sylvander as a thug of a mage; it was unlikely the tavern would do well with the kind of attention he would bring. Unless the tavern kept him hired out of fear of court. Or even fear of himself. Sylvander couldn’t decide which “if” was worse. Nevertheless, he needed the money. He threw on a shirt and blue jacket and braced himself for the afternoon.

***
That afternoon’s shift at the tavern was less uncomfortable than he thought. His boss, a plump woman with red hair in ringlets, Ms. Anders, treated him as if nothing were peculiar at all about the day in question. The customers were not as discreet. The first few he learned to silence with quick and deliberate eye contact. But towards the end of his shift, citizens began to show up just to see the ruffian Prince Erick had pardoned. Sylvander was paid for his work (less an hour for being tardy) and took leave for home through the back exit of the tavern.

Past the docks, his friends welcomed and congratulated him.

“There’s my boy, Van the invincible!” The largest shouted. The men crowded around Sylvander.

“Thanks, Ardy.”

“I don’t know how you did it,” offered the smallest.

“I didn’t do anything,” Sylvander replied tiredly.

The smallest returned, “then it’s lucky you have such a crazy prince behind you."

The men laughed and carried on with their banter, and for the first time in over twenty four hours, Sylvander felt relaxed. I didn’t last for long though – Sylvander had spotted someone. Leaning against a docked ship’s mast was a young woman, about Sylvander’s age. Their eyes locked for a moment. She had an acute look of danger, but also of play. Her pretty face and full, dirty blonde hair had her completely out of place on the docks in the fading light, but her attire, the gash on her arm and curious expression spoke “pirate”.

Sylvander pulled his gaze away from the onlooker as his dockworker friends continued to make fun. Eventually the men said their goodbyes and wished Sylvander luck at the new job. Sylvander returned to look towards the old ship, but the mysterious woman had vanished. He half-let out a small sigh of relief when a sharp but playful voice came behind him.

“It’s Van… is it?”
 
Marina Thibault ;; Greycastle, Gashton

Marina was thankful Xander didn't pursue the topic; lying came easily to her, but lying to her family always gave her a sour feeling in her mouth, even if she wasn't truly lying. She just hadn't dissuaded him from the lie. Conflicting feelings arose at hearing the news of the witch, but Marina could not dwell on it. Following her brother, Marina inclined her head and smiled at Henryk, leaving her brother's side to sit, hands clasped over her lap.

“It is, father, thank you,” Marina glanced at her brother out of the corner of her eye before turning her attention to the council. As the King spoke to his son, Marina paid rapt attention. An outsider from a forest? Marina frowned, faintly, before Henryk dismissed the subject and continued speaking. The other council members listened in silence, though a few of them raised eyebrows when the King asked for Marina's opinion.

Why would he want her opinion? Should he not be asking Xander, the knight, about such topics? Marina suddenly wished for a glass of wine to delay with, but she would have to do without. Double the size of Gashton... or follow through with Xander's concern. She pursed her lips as she considered the question.

“Xander's worries are well-founded,” Marina began, “but a larger Gashton – with all the benefits that come with it: more income, more resources, more forces – would serve all. The unrest in Calay extends to nearly all of Ormont, I'm sure, and if we phrase our campaign correctly, we can suggest that we would provide strong stability. What farmer would not want a guarantee that the king's roads are safe, after all?” Marina did not pretend to understand the struggles of the peasantry, but there were a few things she grasped, and safety was most certainly one of them. “We should be wary of Kadra, my lord father, as their people are magic-ridden, poor souls. Surely they would not sit on their hands if we were to move.”
 
Arabella Selwyn - Stormhaven, Eventide

Despite the bleeding wound on her arm, which she momentarily took care of by picking up Tydes' bandana and tying it around the gash, she continued to watch the mage from the shadows, following him, and a woman who was of no importance - to her at least - to what seemed to be their house.

"I still don't see the reason for this." Tydes whispered from behind the wall they were hiding, slightly furrowing his brows in annoyance. "I mean, the guy is no one important, look at the place he lives! Is that someone who is worth our time? Also, you arm is open, Captain. Is that guy worth your blood?"

"Oh, shush it, will ya?" Arabella hissed, controlling herself to not put her Ship Mate into a deep sleep, just so he would stop babbling into her ears. "Come on, Ty. I gave you the role of First Mate for a reason, don't let me down." Tydes simply stood in silence, arching a brow to Bella, who sighed in exasperation. Seriously, if something happened to her, her ship, her sweet little ship, would fall into the cares of this guy? Why did she choose him to be her First Mate anyway? Was she drunk? She has no idea, but maybe she was, she remembers having liked him - he is a good guy after all. Funny too. And loyal, brave, a leader without a doubt. No, she did make a good choice, he was just... Dense. Sometimes, which could be very often. "Seriously, Tydes? Think with me, no normal man is going to be protected by the Prince like that, especially a magic user. So, either he is someone very important, perhaps special to the Kingdom, or I'm over-thinking and he's just lucky. Either way, don't you think he would be a good plus to the crew?"

"I... I guess so, but I still think you're over-thinkin -"

"Shh. He's leaving." Arabella said, interrupting Tydes in mid his sentence. Once again, they were both following the guy, sticking to the shadows as much as possible, which was an easy task to both pirates, even more to the Captain. They came to a halt when the mage entered a tavern, Arabella sighing in relief. The pain on her arm was becoming more and more noticeable, and at the end of their little run, she couldn't hide it anymore. Tydes practically begged for her to return to the ship and let Arthur take care of it, and, eventually, she agreed to do just so. So, Bella returned to the ship while her First Mate stayed at the tavern, keeping an eye on the mage.

***


Later that day, Tydes returned. Arabella was laying down on the ship's forecastle deck, napping after having screamed the whole afternoon (thanks to Arthur) by the time he arrived bringing the news. At first, she couldn't hear the sound of his boots hitting the wood, but Tydes could be very persistent when he wanted, so she ended having a rather uncomfortable and sudden awakening. Fortunately, the news were worth it.

"He's coming this way, Captain."

"Wha- Who? Who is coming this way?" The Captain slumbered, trying to make sense of the world as her mind readjusted itself after a good nap.

"The mage. Remember? Prince, pardoning a magic user, courthouse... Etc etc."

"Oh! Oh. He's... He's coming... He's coming this way?" There was a pause of 1 minute as Bella's brain processed the information, when she suddenly jumped on her feet. Indeed, there he was. The pirate watched the man as she leaned against the ship's mast, her brain still trying to take him apart to see and find whatever made this man so special, or if it was really just luck, it it was the latter, she would be really disappointed. Her train of thoughts was interrupted as their eyes locked for a moment, she truly seeing him for the first time. The man was obviously young, probably her age, however, he didn't seem to have the youth of someone truly young, not with his rugged face. He turned his gaze away and Bella took her chance.

Arabella waited for the man to return his gaze to her ship, now standing fully behind him.


"It's Van... Is it?" Her voice was playful, and perhaps a little creepy, which wasn't on purpose, maybe just a little bit. A smirk graced her features, her grey eyes shining with mischief. "I must say, you have made me quite curious. That trial was truly something. It is not everyday the Prince of Eventide defends a magic-user, not quite like that. Obviously, you have captured the interest of people of all sorts; mine, especially." Bella furrowed her brows suddenly, soon relieving them and offering a sort of sheepish smile. "Oh, how rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Arabella Selwyn, a pleasure."
 
Ranga sat in silence in the upstairs portion of his shop where a few towels and pails were strategically placed to absorb and catch water respectively to prevent it from seeping down into the downstairs portion of his home, the actual shop. Dozens upon Dozens of books sat upright and organized in shelves with glass to protect them from any foreign elements in this case water, most of which were rare and with in them; chronicled strange, magical related events that had occurred in history. Ranga knew these books well and had spent the better half of his life collecting these, among other items, and getting to be familiar with them. After a few more moments in silence, Ranga stood up and walked over to a shelf and removed a small black book with golden lettering on the cover entitled: Strange magics, and their origins. It was a small book, and from what he knew the only copy of its kind with no known author, just a name scribbled on the first page that reads: Masa Tavi, in a very elaborate manner. The name had never come up in any other texts to his knowledge and the name was completely unfamiliar to him.

Ranga flipped through the pages, paying close attention to the heading at the top of each one looking for the section on weather based magic.
Upon reaching the page and reading into it a little further it was true, as he had originally thought, that such things were possible, and therewere several documented occurrences, unfortunately if gave no details on how such magics were performed but it was possible that those with a keen eye for magic may be able to see remnants of it left in the sky. Ranga was unsure as to what exactly that had meant but he would need a telescope, a much stronger one, as he had one, but it was small and mostly decorative. He did recall that Gregory Merek had one. He and Merek had met on a few occasions, and had spoke about combining magic and his inventions but this was some time ago and it had been longer since. Never the less he figured it was worth it to ask.

After a short stroll, avoiding the occasional water-logged debris or oversized puddle, Ranga arrived at Gregory Merek's workshop, which much like the rest of town looked to be in disrepair. As he walked up to the door he felt an overwhelming magical presence, this wasn't uncommon as mages of all sorts came through or lived in Arcay, this however felt very different. None-the-less Ranga knocked on the door slowly, bracing himself ever so slightly for the possibility of an attack.
 
Krieg Rockfist

After his incident in a nameless village to the south, Krieg found himself wandering in the direction of Dewcrest. He figured that since he was out here, and the fact that the city was nearby, he could offload his metals and gems he had dug up over the trip from the mountain. Dewcrest was a sizable city, containing tens of thousands of inhabitants and while there were other Half-Giants in the streets, Krieg stuck out over the rest due to his hair.

Thankfully, due to his size, no one seemed to be inclined to get in the way of him as he walked towards the market proper. He sold his merchandise and walked away with a sizable coin purse, filled with copper and silver pieces alike and that was with the discounted price he took. He milled about the market for a short while, browsing the various wares made of earth and metal, stopping at one stall that carries gem-encrusted trinkets.

"May I?" He asked, gesturing towards one circlet of a copper band with emerald inlay.

"Of coursssse." Said a shrewd, older woman with a distinct hint of predatory desire for the prospective customer.

Krieg looked over the seemingly unremarkable circlet with great care. It wasn't until he noticed that there was a strange fleck pattering on the metal and crystal formation of the Emerald before he was able to determine that the entire production was a forgery. Sighing and shaking his head, he put the piece down and turned to walk away, walking directly into a child.

He stumbled and righted himself, and as he turned to apologize, he noticed that the kid was beating feet in the other direction with a large sack. Looking down to his belt, he realized that sack was his coin purse. Krieg calmly followed the kid at a reasonable pace as his fast walk is the same speed as the child's sprint due to the gait of his legs. After a few minutes of weaving through alleyways and back-streets, Krieg finally trapped the kid in a dead end.

"Why did you steal from me?"

That was all he needed to say before the kid went stark white and he went limp, falling to the ground and crying. He slowly approached the child and repeated his question, "Why did you steal from me?"

From behind him, he heard a woman yell at him.

"Leave my poor Billy alone you monster!"

The kid responded with a shrill 'Momma' before darting past Krieg with new-found vigor and into the mother's arms. Krieg turned to face the two and walked towards them slowly.

"Your son has something of mine. Something he stole. I want it back."

The mother became the epitome of indignation as her face puckered and she spat at him.

"My little Billy didn't take nothing from you! Besides, if he did, you couldn't prove it anyhow. You're just a big rock with no brains."

Krieg took a few more steps forward, preparing to end this woman's life. She took a step back and let out a whistle with a grin on her face.

"Besides, rock-man, if my boy did take anything from you, would you be able to get it back from his whole family?"

As she said that, four more men and boys walked out from around the other corners of the alley; each carrying some sort of improvised weapon. Krieg sighed and sprinted towards the biggest male, a young man appearing in his twenties. Unfortunately for the boy, he wasn't expecting a nine-foot tall being to bullrush him like he did. Krieg smashed into him full force and pinned the man to one of the heavy brick walls, to which both the bones of the man and the bricks of the wall could be heard crunching from the force, dust falling from the walls from the impact.

The other three charged him all at once, hoping to take him down with numbers. Their tactic would have worked had they not have been using clubs and bats as the weapons were either easily deflected or broken on impact. With lightning-quick punches, he caved in the chest of one of the boys, about fourteen, to where the ribs could be seen protruding from his back and sides; and to the other boy near the age of fourteen (possibly twins), a quick jab to the face, leaving a visible dent in the head as he flew back ten feet into a wall. The eldest male, looking to be in his thirties, tried to back up and run away but Krieg wouldn't let him. He tripped the man and grabbed him by the ankle, picking him up and swinging him by his ankle like a flail until he released him at the corner of a wall. The man wrapped around the corner with a sickening crunch and splat as his spine bent at a ninety-degree angle before he bounced off and lay limp on the ground.

The boy he punched in the face slowly got up, legs shaking and blood pouring from every orifice on his head. Slowly, Krieg walked towards the kid and broke his neck as to stop him from suffering before turning to the mother and her youngest.

"You really should have just given me my belongings back, boy."

The mother, finally shaking off her fear and horror, tries to run while leaving her son behind. She only gets a few feet before Krieg is on her and delivers a snap-kick to her knee, shattering it and dropping her to the ground. Screaming in pain, and crying over the murder of her family, she looked up to Krieg with pleading eyes, begging to be spared with tears alone. Krieg doesn't buy the guilt and picks her up by her neck then slams her into the ground. He releases her neck and drags her by the ankle back to Billy.

"Give me my belongings, Billy."

His tone was stern and serious but it took a moment before Billy finally reacted, slowly offering the desired goods. Krieg takes them from the boy's hands and then takes one of the hands and crushes it in his own, breaking all the bones in the hand and wrist.

"Let this be a reminder to you, Billy. This is what greed gets you. Remember that and go the rest of your life thinking I had killed you. Or, you can let that hatred drive you. Find me in ten years and challenge me if you must. I will kill you then if you so choose."

Leaving the scarred and broken child, crying and screaming in pain due to both physical and emotional reasons, and the slowly dying mother by his side, he makes his way out of Dewcrest all while ignoring all the scared looks at the blood and gore covered Half-Giant...not even the guards got in his way as he left the city walls and back into the grazelands.
 
Sylvander Quaid - 5 (Stormhaven, Eventide)

"Oh, how rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Arabella Selwyn, a pleasure."

Sylvander looked at the open hand the woman was offering. Peering back up to her face and mischievous smile, he gave a polite nod of acknowledgement.

“My pleasure as well, Miss Selwyn,” he gave her, keeping an open ear to the backdrop of lapping waves and creaking hulls. Was this one of Ajax’s associates? He disguised his guard and vigilance well. “I have no explanation for the trial this morning, but what can I do for you?”

“Oh… well that’s disappointing,” Arabella frowned. “I was hoping for a good story,” she said, her frown morphing back into a smirk.

A pause.

“Sylvander… that’s gallant. A western name?” she continued, taking the man in.

“I’m Ormenian” Sylvander posited.

“Well then,” her smile grew bright and amused as she rested her elbow in her palm. “That explains the look.”

Sylvander raised an eyebrow. “Miss, I –“

“Son of a magistrate?” Arabella blurted.

“Pardon me?”

She squinted. “No… if you had any power you would be in Ormont. Perhaps one of Prince Erick’s… comrades.”

Sylvander snorted, “I’ve never met the prince.”

Arabella laughed girlishly. “Oh my,” she caught her breath. “Perish the thought.”

“Miss Selwyn…”

“Bella,” she turned her head and smiled.

Sylvander retook, “…I’m no one special. I assume the prince was just in the right place at the time.”

The pirate dame began to curiously circle around him as he spoke. She had seeded doubts in himself though.

“Or perhaps,” he continued, “It was a little more than that.”

She had him hypnotized as she raised her chin. “Show me a trick, Mr. Quaid.”

“I don’t…”

“Oh, spoil me, Van,” she giggled.

Sylvander was tired, but he was beginning to enjoy the attention, strangely. He spotted a copper mark in the dirt. He stomped beside it and it was brought into his hand. Arabella perked up, captured for the moment. They locked eyes briefly before he flipped the coin into the air with his thumb. The coin spun, suspended. He stared strongly at the piece as it twirled faster and faster, becoming buzzing blur. Sylvander’s eyes visited the pirate’s face once more, then with a grin, he blew a puff of air. The blurred object was knocked off its axis, and proceeded to float away, still buzzing. Arabella watched the newly conjured bumblebee with delight, though secretly she’d hoped for more. Apart from the great control, there was nothing “special”, as far as she could tell, about the man’s magic.

“Thank you, Van, for that,” Arabella grinned one last time. She wondered if she might have any use for the man after all, but something piqued her curiosity still. “I shall let you be for now. Perhaps I will see you another time.”

Sylvander nodded and watched as Arabella turned and walked away back through the docks. She laughed to herself, then Sylvander was on his own way home. He patted himself down briefly. At least she didn’t steal anything.
 

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Kadra Royalty
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Prince Roland

Prince Roland was in his royal chamber, he was reading up on magic. He had heard about the psycho woman in Greycastle. He couldn't believe that someone would do that. Sure Kadra and Gashton had different views but Prince Roland would never go that far. Thanks to people like that, Prince Roland would have an even more difficult time of assuring people that magic was good.

That would have to wait for another time. Right now Prince Roland had his own problems. He had to make sure the people of Arcay and the surrounding villages were ok. The rain storm damaged so many homes and buildings. Firstly Prince Roland had to get some items, he needed to patch up the badly hurt villagers quickly.

Prince Roland went down to the servants quarters. He found Nurse Katherina . "Katherina, would you mind accompanying me? I need a steady hand to help with the villagers." Katherina was one of the royal nurses of Kadra. She was a well trusted friend of Prince Roland's as well. Katherina bowed her head and walked towards Prince Roland. Katherina curtsied Prince Roland. "It would be my honor, My Lord." "Excellent!"

Prince Roland with Katherina, they walked towards the village. With the help of Katherina and his spirit magic, Prince Roland should have no problems with healing the villagers. Once Prince Roland made it to a battered home, he could tell that the owners needed his help. Prince Roland kindly knocked on the door. The woman of the house answered.

With shock, she bowed her head. "My Lord, it is a pleasure to see you." "The pleasure is mine, I see that you might need my assistance." The woman shook her head, Prince Roland stopped her. "You are a proud woman but I am here to help, that's final." Prince Roland ushered Katherina to give the family the supplies. The children came out of the back room, they grabbed up the food like starving vultures. The woman broke out in tears. "Thank you My Lord, thank you." "Your welcome, now you just take care of your family, do be sure to have some food yourself." Prince Roland left the house, he made his way to the next one.[/bg]


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Kadra Knight
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Marcellus B. Matthews


Marcellus was in the middle of a practice fight. Marcellus loved to study techniques of his foes. If only he could practice on his real foes. For now another Royal Kadra Knight would have to do. "Wow Kenneth, you sure suck at this." Marcellus was taunting the knight, he loved to humiliate his opponent. He also knew that it toughened up the knight.

Marcellus didn't even try to use his magic on him. All he did was use his special sword. "Yeah, Marcellus is a natural." All of his knight buddies cheered him on. In the end Marcellus won. He smirked at Kenneth. "This time your lucky it was me, next time it could be a real enemy." Kenneth just walked away.

"You keep doing that, you'll have more enemies then friends." "Yeah but you'll still be uglier then me." Marcellus buddies laughed at his joke. Marcellus sheathed his sword. "Alright I'm going for a little walk." Marcellus walked away from his friends.

Marcellus made his way to the main village of Kadra. He saw the Prince, Prince Roland with a nurse. It was Katherina. Marcellus had occasional "encounters" with Katherina before. "Prince Roland, My Lord!" Marcellus would accompany, Prince Roland on his stroll to heal the sick. He stared at Katherina, who in turn looked at the ground.[/bg]
 
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Arabella Selwyn - Stormhaven, Eventide

Arabella smirked to herself as she returned to her ship, a new goal settled in her head. She came to a halt, turning her head to look at the already remote retreating back of Sylvander.

"Sylvander Quaid, huh?" She grinned to herself. "No one special, just an usual man." Bella retook her walk, the ship coming closer as she walked. Perhaps, I'm asking the wrong question. It's not about who you are, but what the Prince sees in you. I do wander, Van. The pirate smirked once again, letting out a huff of laughter.

"Captain, you're back!" Arabella heard Tydes' shout from the corner of the ship's deck, along with the noise of a blade being sharpened.

"Indeed I am! And you were right." Bella pouted at her first mate, who rested his cutlass on his legs and frowned in confusion.

"About what?"

"Over thinking."

"Oh."

"But," she grinned. "I did learn something. Like, it seems not even he, Sylvander, knows why the Prince did what he did. And that, my friend, is something to wonder about." Arabella turned, starting to walk towards her cabin. Tydes got up and followed her, though he maintained some distance.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Nay." Tydes sighed in exasperation while Bella smirked in amusement. Sometimes it was just too fun to mess with Tydes, it did make her day better. Once she reached the door of her cabin, the Captain immediately noticed something different, wrong. She extended her hand to touch the knob of the door, but instead of touching it, she let her hand linger above it. Her eyes were glued on the little gap of the entrance.

"Captain? Everything alright?"

"No." And then she kicked the door open. Tydes, scared, jumped a step behind, his dark eyes wide open. Arabella studied the room, her eyes stopping on her big treasure chest. As she went to take a step forth, her boot stepped on something that made a familiar noise of clank. With cold expressionless eyes, she kneeled and picked up the golden coin, turning it around and messing with it. Her gaze returned to the chest, them fixed on it as she approached once again. And then she opened it.

"Captain?" Tydes whispered, not liking the silence of his captain. Said captain turned around, locking eyes with her first mate. Bella's grey eyes carried a fury only rarely seen, a look that promised blood and death. In that moment, she wasn't Arabella Selwyn anymore, she was Captain Selwyn, Captain of the Lady Death - The Trickster.

"Tydes, I want you to gather the whole crew. I want all of them at the deck. Right. Now." Bella's voice was sharp like the cutlass she just picked up and was now hanging on her hip, it burned like fire. Tydes did as she asked.

***

Arabella circled the whole crew, watching them like a predator watches its preys. She picked up the golden coin of earlier, extending it into the air so that everybody could see it, there was only confused faces.

"Alright, you sacks full of meat!" She started, her voice full of venom. Immediately, all of the crew member straightened themselves, knowing how to behave whenever the Captain got mad like that. "Someone got into my cabin, and stole the exact amount of 500 pieces of Gold. Now, I am pretty sure all of you know this ship's code by heart, for I made you all memorize it. Now, tell me, show me you deserve to stay on this ship; which rule mentions theft within the Company?"

A pause.

"Code number five, Captain." A member blurted.

"Excellent, mate! Now, tell me the rest, what is the punishment?"

"To be marooned or... Killed."

"Wonderful, see crew? This is someone who knows what's good for themselves." Bella said in vicious sarcasm, her smirk cruel and deadly. "Now, one more thing. Whoever had the audacity to steal from me, has invoked the ire of your Captain, and I swear to you, you will regret ever being born into this land!"

"C-Captain." Tydes whispered.

"What?"

"There are only 22 members present, ma'am. You and me included."

The was a long and silent pause, the heavy breathing of Arabella and the sound of waves and sea being the only noises to feel the air. Until ropes came to life and danced in the air, one of them accidentally knocking an unlucky pirate unconscious. All of the members trembled in fear, for they were never at the receiving end of Bella's wrath. "Who is not here?"

"Wi- William Bonet, Captain." A member murmured.

"I see." The ropes went back to being immobile, resting on the floor of the deck like dead snakes. She turned and walked towards the little bridge that connected the deck and the dock, stopping besides Tydes. "Stay here and keep an eye on them, I will try to find Bonet."

"As you wish, Captain." And with that, Arabella was gone.





 
Gregory was shocked by all of the sudden news. He had known Hades to be a daring type of person, but he would have never expected him to become a mercenary, much less be around the presence of a witch. As Hades' tale came to a close he put a few fingers under his chin in contemplation. "My..... that is quite a series of events, my friend." IT was the only comment he could really think of making on it.

He took a sip from his drink he had been holding during the other's speech. "As for the now, I am more than happy enough to offer you a job with me, but due to the recent weather here in Arcay I've run into a bit of trouble. Most of the rain leaked into this workshop, damaging the wood I use to create my goods, and make my earnings. I can only imagine almost the entire town is in the same situation, so I don't believe it will be possible to pay you a hefty sum of money for your services for now. But......" He stood up as a thought came to him.

He walked over to one of the drawers at his work bench and pulled out a map and showed it to the other, clutching it in his hand. "I have an idea." He walked back to the table and opened the map on it. "I don't believe the town will be in well stock of wood for some time, so I think with the money I have saved now, we should take two horses and travel to Kalay. Surely we can find some good resources there for a better price than here for the time being. I'll have you accompany me as a bodyguard and once my business gets back up and running I promise to pay you more handsomely. What do you say?"
 
"Sounds fine, however you must know that traveling with me may bring attention to you. I do have certain noticeable features. I'm going to purchase us some transportation wait for me here."

Standing Hades walked to the door and threw his cloak over his shoulders and the cowl up. Suddenly he sensed magical presence near, and not his own. There was a knock on the door and Hades opened it to reveal an elderly man standing there. His eyes narrowed and he jerked his head toward the dining area "Gregory is in there, if you have business with him I would recommend you either make new plans or finish it quickly we shall be departing soon"

With that Hades stepped past the older man and walked into the street. As he passed the man he made sure to let him see the sword across his back and his tattoos. He walked for a few minutes before coming to a stable and walking inside. There was a man tending to horses and Hades approached him. "I would like to purchase some horses for transportation"

"Very well, but I must warn you horses can be quite expensive. What type of steed are you looking for?"

"I'll take that black one" Hades gestured towards a tall black charger. "I'll have that one as well" he stated pointing to a smaller white horse. He threw a small bag onto a table and the man reached into it. The man poured a small handful of rubies into his hand that Hades had stolen from some noblewoman some time back. "you sir, have yourself a deal"

Thirty minutes later Hades was riding down the cobblestone street with the white horse in tow. Both had saddles and saddlebags, and Hades's horse had his sword strapped to the left side. He rode in front of the Artificers house and called for him.
 
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Caelis Wolff - Ormont, Palace Grounds

People lined the courtyards in throngs. However, rather than the usual nobles and officials, these people were the poor, ill, and lame. This was a weekly tradition in the Wolff family. The giving of alms at the end of the week to the unfortunate and wretched. Typically, at least one Royal member would personally hand out these alms, and today it was just Caelis. He walked down the courtyard with a small bag of silver coins. It used to be a bag of gold, but the duke believed that giving away gold was frivolous. Thus, the Royal family was only given silver to hand out. Caelis took the hand of a blind old man and placed a silver in his hand. "Bless you, my child." The old man said. Caelis felt a strange mixture of guilt and pity. If he had the power, there could be much more that Caelis could do for his poor old man. Yet, here he was...only able to give him a single silver coin.

Of course, the entire time Caelis had been escorted by some guards who were there more to watch him rather than protect him. Caelis' arm was grabbed all of a sudden. A man pulled him closer and with his other hand reached into Caelis' hand that held a silver coin. The man took the coin, but at the same time the man left something behind. Caelis could feel a small piece of paper in his hand now. He quickly and quietly kept the paper clenched as he slid it into a pocket. The guards shoved the man away so that the procession could continue. Caelis then continued to hand out his alms as if nothing had happened just now.

After handing out the alms, Caelis returned to his room. He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out the folded piece of paper. Caelis unfolded the paper and read its contents. "Window. Dusk." Caelis took the paper to a candle and burned it to make sure that no one would know that Caelis had received that note. Perhaps this was a ruse to assassinate him? A staged accident where the Crown Prince fell down from the castle via his window? Sounded plausible, but why go through such a discrete method? The Duke could probably just take him along a boar hunt and quickly get rid of him in the midst of the hunt. Thus, Caelis would cautiously listen to the note that was handed to him.

When dusk settled, Caelis approached his window and opened his window. Nothing happened. Seconds passed, and still nothing. Then all of a sudden something fluttered in front of Caelis. The next thing that he knew, a pigeon sat on his window sill. At first, Caelis was confused. However, he took a closer look and noticed a little pouch attached to the pigeon's leg. It was a messenger bird. Caelis reached for the bird and extracted a small folded piece of paper from the pouch. Caelis opened it and there he saw something that brought a smile to his face. The coat of arms of the Abrams family. The Abrams family were a minor noble family, but was notable for their record of meritorious military service to the Wolff family for generations. In fact, the Abrams family become a noble family due to their undying loyalty and successes on behalf of the Royal family. The Abrams were one of the few nobles that the Wolff family could still trust in these troubling times and they had just established a way for Caelis to communicate with the outside world without the Duke knowing. It wasn't the best method. He could probably only send one message a day in order to avoid any suspicion. Still, he finally had a lifeline to the outside world.

Caelis took a moment to think about what he should send. Time was important, and every message was valuable. He then took a piece of parchment on it and wrote "Arslan, Kadra. Honor our family's alliance." That was just about all that he could fit on the small piece of paper. Caelis folded it and attached it to the messenger bird. He then sent the bird on its way back. Hopefully, the Abrams family would understand what Caelis wanted and that a military family could also be successful diplomats as well. For now, he would have to wait until tomorrow when the bird would return at dusk to send another message.
 
Thrain had heard of what the Prince had done, but he didn't quite support the actions he had taken. Yes, he believed that a lot could be done to better Eventide, but the way he flexed his royal muscles bugged him. He didn't hate magic, he just didn't trust it, especially considering it is something that he can't fight with his sword.

His train of thought was interrupted when his niece surprised him with a hug from behind.

"Uncle Thrain! Can we play in the fields?"

Morgana was energetic and threatened to overwhelm him with cute, childish antics. He thought about what he had to do today, to which his only task was to train. He sighed then chuckled,

"Alright, little cub. Go get dressed and eat and we shall be off."

"I did, Uncle Thrain! I knew you would say yes!"

Thrain turned to his niece to check her truth only to find that it was. The girl had planned this from the start. She would make a dangerous woman when she grew up. He laughed and wiped off some egg that was on the corner of her mouth.

"Crafty at such a young age! I wonder if your grandmother is teaching you all sorts of tricks and traps. Right?"

"That's a secret~"

She turned and skipped out of the room, calling to him down the hall to hurry up. Shaking his head, he donned his leather undercoat and strapped his sword to his waist before heading out.

The two walked in what could only be described as a one-sided silence; Thrain was ever-vigilant and protective over his niece whereas Morgana was constantly babbling about every-which thing. On several occasions, he had to pick her up and set her on the right path again, lest she get lost.

In an hour, the two made it to the river basin of the Adelbryne. The sun was not even at its high noon before Morgana began bounding across the fields and on the river's beaches, picking up shells and rocks and sticks, only to bring them back to pile them up next to Thrain...it's almost as if she expects to keep all of these things.


She did her collecting for well over an hour, finally settling down with a massive pile of items and splattered in mud. With great diligence, she began to sort through the pile, choosing which ones to keep and which ones to leave behind. While she was sorting, talking about all the things she had found, Thrain had an odd feeling forming in the pit of his stomach.

"Silence, little cub. Something doesn't feel right."

Morgana shut up instantly and became immensely alert of her surroundings. While she was a child, she was still being raised in a household of warriors and when one said something doesn't feel right, everyone becomes alert, even the children.

"Uncle...I don't see anything."

She was right. There was nothing there. The treeline was miles away and the river was placid. The only thing that was moving were the shadows of the clouds.

"Wait a minute."

He looked up to the sky. Not a cloud in sight. Those shadows were unnatural and they looked as if they were closing in on the two of them. Wonderful. Something I can't hit. I have to protect Morgana. We have to run.

Thrain picked his niece up and began sprinting towards the city, only looking back once to see if the shadows were still approaching but they had vanished as if they weren't even there. He shook his head in doubt but continued running anyways. It wasn't until they had reached the city gate before he put her down and caught his breath.

"What was it, Uncle?"

"You saw the shadows of the 'clouds,' right Morgana?"

"Yea, I saw them, why?"

"There aren't any clouds in the skies. Those shadows...weren't natural. I still can't shake this gut feeling that something bad is going to happen. Let's get back to the Clan and warn them. We need to prepare for something, I feel."

The two of them made their way back to the clan hall and told the short story. The clan as it is now is known for telling the absolute truth when it came to gut feelings and they accepted it without question. They were preparing themselves for a battle against things their swords could not hit. They had to plan, and plan they did.