Continuing An Adventure

[Relairah]

OoC: This is the continuation of Another Town, Another Performance, now in the Archives, between Moon_Song and myself. If you would like to join in, please ask us first.

Sorry it took me so long to get this up, Moon_Song. I started it yesterday and then had to finish it today because I had to do some things and the day got quite busy lol

iC:

At last, Killip had everything Jalen had asked for in an organized pile on is desk. However, as Jalen reached for it, Killip stood between him and the items he wants. "Ah, cha, cha," he said, raising a finger. He stuck out his hand, motioning for Jalen to pay him.

Jalen scowled. He had seen the looks both Nikita and Joseph had given him. He should have known they would give him even more trouble. And at this moment, he knew he wouldn't get away with anything. He wondered if bringing these two along was really worth the trouble. Then again, he remembered all of his careful planning and pushed the thoughts aside. Yes, Jalen had money. But he was reluctant to spend it in general. He also had a feeling Killip would demand more than what he was willing to pay... perhaps even more than these items were worth, simply because Jalen would perhaps be forced into paying it by his oh so helpful companions. Of course the last thought was sarcastic.

Jalen squared his shoulders and produced a coin bag from his clothing. He dropped a few of the coins into Killip's hand, not bothering to wait for the amount Killip might suggest he should pay. As soon as the old man's eyes moved to the coin, Jalen moved past him easily, taking advantage of his brief distraction, and collected the items, moving toward the door. He felt he had already wasted too much time here. They should be on their way already.

Joseph shifted, blocking Jalen's way out the door. He gave a glance to Killip, as Jalen had called him. "Killip... forgive our intrusion and this scumbag. He simply forgot his manners." Upon saying this, he gave Jalen a sharp look, the glow coming to his fiery eyes. "Are you satisfied with your payment? Or do you think he owes you a bit more?"

Killip looked up at Joseph's voice in surprise. He wasn't quite sure what to make of all this. It was obvious he was used to a much different series of events when Jalen came to his shop. He hesitated, visibly debating in his head what to do. In truth, he just wanted these people to leave him in peace. He did have a few coins... that was more than he'd expected to get. He had a feeling he would get more if he asked... these strange companions of Jalen seemed to want to help him.

However, he wasn't sure if he wanted some kind of fight to break out. He would spend so much time cleaning up the mess that would inevitably follow!

He released a sigh and shook his head, closing his hand and pocketing the coins. He moved to return to his seat behind his desk. "I'm fine," he said simply, hoping they would all take a hint. Joseph simply nodded and stepped out of Jalen's way, though glanced at Nikita, wondering if she would have anything to add or do. He had noticed before when she had dropped the bag she was carrying and winced. But he couldn't afford to be distracted, lest Jalen had tried to pull something.

If Nikita didn't stop him, Jalen roughly pushed past Joseph, moving easily through the village and heading out again. They had a long journey ahead.

Joseph took his place a bit behind Jalen, keeping an eye on him though following silently. Jalen went about putting the items he had in various places: some in his bag, some hidden on his person. While he was a bit distracted, Joseph turned his attention toward Nikita. He didn't think she wanted him all pestering her, but he tried to gather her state of being by observation.

[Moon_Song]

((OoC: Forgive me if this reply suck, but I'm writing it on a sleep deprived muse lol and no worries (: ))


Nikita had collected herself enough to get her attention back on Jalen and his interactions with Killip. The edge of her lip lifted slightly as she saw the shop owner demand his pay. Jalen was obviously unwilling to pay the man, but what more could you expect from such a wretch.

Miraculously though, he pulled out a sack of money she had no idea he had. She was willing to bet every single coin was stolen. The amount he coughed up was not nearly enough for what he had taken. He was practically robbing Killip, but she got the impression that any pay from Jalen was far better than could be expected of him.

She had been so focused on what was happening before her that she was a little surprised when Joseph stepped up and began to talk. She knew as soon as he finished speaking, though, that Killip was too small a man to demand his full pay. He didn't have the resources to defend against Jalen or whatever the horrid little creature might do.

The men she met in her travels were either pigs, vile insets, or cowards. She glanced at Joseph. Then what's wrong with this one?

The shop clerk proved her right and sat down, exasperated by the stress of their presence in his store. Jalen passed as Joseph moved out of his way. She made no move to stop him. Just before she stepped out, she took one last look back at the store keeper and wondered what he had gone through before with Jalen.

The thought was only brief, and she was quickly out of the door walking parallel to Joseph. She eyed Jalen suspiciously with her fiercely fiery eyes as he stored the items he had collected on different areas of his person. After a while she felt eyes on her. She turned her head and noticed Joseph watching her.

She narrowed her eyes a little and stared back. "Something interesting?" she said to him. She was more snippy than usual due to the more recent cause of throbbing in her arm. She would be less patient for a little while until she could find a good herb for the pain.

She adjusted the bag she was carrying and, if he said anything, would listen to whatever excuses Joseph offered up.

[Relairah]

OoC: Moon_Song, I dunno if you still wanna do this but I figured I'd reply just in case XD I hope you got my pm.. sorry again! >.<;

iC:

Joseph was silent for a moment when Nikita snipped at him. "Just making sure you're alright," he murmured honestly and turned his gaze upon Jalen once again. There was no answer for him to give her but the honest one.

He thought about their recent little experience. He was glad to be out of the shop himself, but he had learned some things about Jalen - things he had perhaps suspected, but they had now been confirmed. He would definitely have to watch him as closely as possible.

They continued to move along at a steady pace, covering much ground. They passed several villages by and the terrain steadily changed, turning from the trees and grassy fields to rock and dirt as they neared mountains that had earlier been far in the distance. Joseph couldn't help thinking about how much swifter things would go if he were on his own, flying. But that was not the case. Now and then he had glanced at Nikita, but for the most part had moved along silently. There was little for him to say, really. Aside from the fact he didn't want Jalen hearing any conversation he might try and start.

((I dunno if or when Nikita would want to find herbs but perhaps she would while they're walking or something?))

At last the sun had set and it was time to set up camp again before all light faded. They would rest, eat, and be on their way again. This journey would continue until they began making their way through a mountain pass, ledges winding their ways up into unseen ends, perhaps even caverns along the way. But what they didn't know of was what would be waiting just up ahead...

[Moon_Song]

((OoC: The herb will be taken care of at the camping site. Don't worry at all about it, its understandable ^_^ ))


He spoke honestly enough, or so it seemed. She paid it little attention though. She had many "concerned" people before. Their concern never lasted. But perhaps...no, never mind.

For a very long time, they walked. On and on the went. The landscape reformed into something almost new, but still vaguely familiar. Little was new with as much as she had traveled. Although, she wished she had been able to grab a few more supplies or a wagon from the remains of the troop she had been traveling with. She had left behind quite a bit with the idea that she would only be able to bring what could be easily carried. She had been right, but it was still a pain.

As they walked on, a good portion of her focus was on the plant life around her. She was fairly good with herbology and she knew enough to keep herself alive. Nothing so far though had turned out to be what she needed. She needed a pain reliever and a disinfectant. She knew which plant that was, but had yet to see it. Did it even grow in this climate? She hoped so. The pain was not so great, but it was set to a dull roar, so to speak.

Through a good portion of the walk she felt like she was being watched. A sweeping glance revealed that Joseph was periodically looking her way. What was he planning? She grew a bit nervous, internally. She made sure her facade never changed. It always made her uneasy when people eyed her like that. Odd that she was a performer with such a phobia, but dancing for an audience and...this were different. She had learned her lesson early on in her travels when another girl she had known was not careful going out by herself in a strange place...

After the long trek through what felt like half the continent, the sun had set below the peaks of the now near-by mountains. Nikita set down the luggage she had been carrying with a bit of a thud. She was tire, sore and hungry. Ignoring all three, she busied herself with setting up a sleeping area, a good distance from both of her traveling partners.

It was when she set out to clean the area that a particular plant caught her eye. It was exactly what she had been looking for. She picked a few of the leaves, took off her arm wrap, and rubbed then leaves over the wound. The relief was wonderful. The plant cooled and soothed the pain, making it easier to think about more important things, like keeping an eye on who and what was around her.

The days passed in a similar fashion. Not much happened except the occasional animal or geographic feature that slowed them a bit. They eventually came to a mountain pass. An odd feeling crept up Nikita's spine as they walked along. She wasn't sure what it was, but she knew this place made her uneasy. What strange things took place here? What would take place? She glanced at Joseph and wondered if he felt the same.



[/color]

[Relairah]

They began moving through the pass, Jalen ignoring the winding ledges up into the cliffs high above. Eventually they had to begin taking one of the paths up the side. The ledge was wider than it had appeared from below, and as of yet, nothing but a mountain goat bleating had been any sign of life.

Unseen to the travellers was a large cavern embedded in the mountainside where a group of bandits lived, raiding travelers by and leaving them as good as dead.

Even walking ahead, Jalen appeared to become a bit more cautious in his step. Even he knew a mountain pass could be dangerous. He didn't want the same fate he had cast upon others to come upon himself. Within his clothes, he could feel his various blades against his body. He was ready to pull them out on a moments notice should it be necessary.

Nothing would stop him from reaching his goal.

Joseph was alert, though appeared calm. He knew if anything were to happen, he had little to fear... well at least from mere humans.

Soon, they were passing the cavern.

Inside, one of the bandits nudged a budy of his closeby, a malicious grin showing in the darkness. With a sign from their leader, however, he returned to his previous position. They would wait in silence for the travellers to pass them by so they would have them trapped. There would be nowhere for them to run to except straight into their deadly arms. The bandits had scouts all across the mountains, and had seen the travellers approaching. They had laid in wait, prepared their men up ahead of the travellers while the rest waited in the cavern to spring their surprise. At different times in the past, men and groups had been sent to extinguish these bandits which plagued the mountains. But none had ever succeeded, only spreading rumor of their terror. They spoke of invulnerable beasts, men with unreasonable power. It was hardly true.

In the cavern, they counted down, waiting until the travellers were a bit past the cavern entrance. 3...2...1... now!

With a shout, they burst forward, swords and daggers drawn, moving steadily out of the cavern and toward their prey. The leader was behind them, giving the orders. At that same moment, up ahead, more bandits leaped down from a higher ledge, landing on the path with weapons also drawn and snarls on their faces. "Where do you think you're going?" asked one.
"Well, wherever it was, your journey ends here! Too bad for your pitifully short lives."

As soon as the shout was heard, Jalen had a weapon drawn from within his cloak, his black eyes hard, cold, calculating. He moved toward Joseph and Nikita. Though Joseph wasn't one to help a thug, really, they were traveling companions and however he detested watching Jalen's back, they had a common enemy at this point. So he found himself standing almost back to back with Jalen, and glancing now and then at Nikita. He was certain she could handle herself, but for some reason, he had a desire to protect her. Wasn't that the reason he had come along? To make sure Jalen didn't pull anything funny with her after kidnapping her and demanding her services? His eyes were alight, fiery.

"You don't know who you're messing with," he stated to the bandits. "You picked the wrong group of travellers to raid today, thugs!"

With that, a wave of flame burst forth toward the bandits which had come from the cavern, turning the front few to screaming torrents which fell to the earth below. On the other side, the bandits which had leaped down burst forward, attacking Jalen. He was quick and deadly, his dagger not missing each of its marks, the bandits starting to fall though pressing forward. Before Joseph, the rest moved forward more slowly, their eyes greedy. The leader had told them to kill the men and take captive the woman. They would use her till she was dead or close to it and then cast her away. Perhaps even sell her in a nearby slave market. They would decide that later.

"Come, come now. That wasn't very nice!" said the leader, emerging, a smirk on his lips.

Joseph watched him, looking for anything suspicious. It was clear he was the leader. How convenient. He shot forth a directed beam of flame, though the leader lifted his arm and deflected it, or rather turned the flames to mere steam, rising steadily into the air. "Now, now. Will you try the same trick over and over?"

The men behind their leader smirked, pressing onward. Joseph was unphased. So, the leader had a secret. He wielded magic. How interesting. Joseph hadn't had a good fight in a while. He was up to the challenge. The two met in combat, and the battle continued, the sounds of shouts, cries, clanging metal, and whoosh of flames and water swirling into the air.

While Jalen and Joseph were busy, some of the men crept toward Nikita, attempting to seize her. "You're coming with us missy!" they would say. Such stupid men...

[Moon_Song]

As they walked on Nikita noticed the eerie silence. There was no life here. Something had scared all the wildlife away. Her hand instinctively rested on the hilt of her sword. Her fiery eyes constantly scanning the area around her. Something was terribly wrong with this place. What was...

There it was! A shout rang out through the cavernous mountain pass and Nikita drew her blade and took a fighting stance. A horde of bandits crawled out of the wood work and surrounded the trio. She found herself back to back with Jalen and Joseph, a feeling she didn't much enjoy. The coined headpiece and tassels on her brazier were the only sounds she heard as she cleared her mind and readied for the inevitable battle.

It happened so quickly. Men came at her from every angle, but her size and agility allowed her to weave intricately between them, slashing them down with swift grace. She had taken down the last bandit close to her when she noticed a change. A powerful force had entered the area. She looked over and noticed Joseph's attacked deflected by a man who she surmised was the leader. He had the air of power and position. She narrowed her eyes and, gripping her sword a bit tighter, let a throaty growl escape her throat. She cut it off quickly though. She didn't want that part of her to come through. Not again. Not unless there was no other way...

She despised this man. Horrible intentions rolled off of him in waves. Then again, that could also be the combination of the men around her. Yes, she felt them trying to sneak up on her. Foolish, despicable men. They made her want to spit.

The battle began between Joseph and the other man. Fire and water flailing in the dance of death. Nikita took a step forward, intending to help, when a voice behind her caused her to turn on her feet and slash the man closest to her. She help her sword out, ready. Some of her silvery hair had fallen from her headscarf. The rush of adrenaline numbed her to the now almost healed wound on her arm. "The next to try that loses his head."

They rushed at her anyway. The first lost an arm, she twisted and the next had a new slit in his stomach. She took them down one and two at a time. She was not as weak as they seemed to hope she would be. Years of practice and work had strengthened her and built up her endurance. She began to wonder, though, if she should use her own magic. She knew that surprise was always a good strategy, so she withheld her magic for time when she would truly need it.

She had taken a few scratches here and there, but none deep enough to cause any real damage. How many were there? She glanced over at Jalen and Joseph periodically to see how they were holding up. Another man attacked and she held up her sword to block him. He was strong, and she had trouble pushing him back. She could smell his putrid breath from where he stood. In his eyes, she could glimpse the extent of his, and the others', plans for her if the caught her. No. She would never be caught by these scum.

She ducked down and kicked his legs from under him. he hit the ground with a satisfying thud, and was quickly dispatched. Her sword dripped with blood and her own body was splattered with the blood of her enemies. In her minds eye, she resembled the image of the war goddess from her native land. A goddess that also represented feminine strength. She smirked and went on fighting.


((OoC: Hope that was ok, the way I wrote the battle part. It I'm doing something wrong just let me know and I'll re-write it.))

[Relairah]

OoC: It's totally fine XD Lol in this case, the bandits are like free-reign characters who no one in particular has control over. So do as you wish ahaha

iC:

The air grew thick with sweat and blood, bandits falling to their deaths or being sliced up. Their numbers were steadily decreasing and finally, they began to back off, becoming wary of these travellers. No, they weren't ordinary. In fact, they had never encountered travellers like these. Their leader was occupied, and saw no reason to command his men to continue fighting only for their own deaths. Afterall, he wasn't a leader without men to lead.

Joseph saw his brief distraction and took advantage, a blade of flame licking across one side of the leader and burning his clothing and skin. The man screamed though remained where he stood. It would leave a nasty scar.

"Alright, I see you're a worthy opponent. Perhaps we could strike some sort of deal... an exchange."

Joseph snorted. As if! They had the upper-hand, here, for one. And for another, he was already accompanying one scum of the earth. He didn't intend to make any deals with even worse scum. But he had forgotten he wasn't the one necessarily "in charge" of their group. Before he could say anything, Jalen spoke, causing a sudden shot of anger to flare down his spine.

"Hmm, an interesting proposal considering you're losing." Jalen smirked, black eyes glimmering. "I hardly think you're the one who should be making such a suggestion." He paused, "Nevertheless, what did you have in mind?"

The leader eyed Nikita hungrily, his intentions quite clear all over his face. Joseph tensed, his eyes sharpening. There was no way in hell he was letting that happen. In any other circumstance, Jalen would be more than willing to trade a girl for safe passage. But in this case, he had already made a deal of sorts with Nikita and he also was not willing to use her in any kind of bargain.

Not that she would let that happen herself anyway, even if he had tried.

The leader seemed to pick up on this, for his gaze shifted away from the woman traveller. "Give us all your money and possessions. And we'll leave you alone." Afterall, that was the only thing left of value which interested the leader now. Jalen frowned. It was clear he placed a high value on what he had. "No. I'd much rather exterminate your worthless lives," and with that, Jalen started the second attack.

The leader laughed, "So be it. You'll regret not taking my offer." Indicating of course that he thought the end would be quite different.

The blood bath continued, though this time some of the bandits seemed to be fighting to survive rather than because their leader was telling them to fight for these travellers' possessions. Some of them only saw their greed and hunger for evil, but either way, they were gradually cut down in numbers. Some of the bandits had already run off and escaped to hide amongst the mountains and regroup for a group of easier travellers to handle.

The leader and Jalen were now locked in hand-to-hand comabt, and Joseph was also using a blade on the bandits rather than his magic. He was saving his energy, since what magic he had used had drained him of some however helpful it was.

Jalen whinced at the feel of the leader's blade in his shoulder and the leader also felt the sting of Jalen's blade across his face, barely avoiding his neck spilling its liquid of life. It wouldn't be long now.

[Moon_Song]

Her sword clashed with the short blade of one of the younger bandits. A solid kick to the chest sent him flying back and crawling away to abandon the battle. For a moment, there were none who advanced on her. She looked around and noticed the fight between Joseph and the leader. It had grown increasingly intense. They way they were fighting, it would take only a small distraction...

And that's exactly what happened. The leader had one misstep and Joseph used the same magic that had saved her before to burn the leader badly. Good. He looked like he needed a good hit. At that point though, he claimed Joseph a worthy opponent and asked for an exchange. Was he that full of himself that he thought they would give in to him while they had the upper hand?

What had he wanted anyway? The way he eyed her made that painfully obvious. She was certain now that the despicable vibes she was getting earlier were from him. His malicious, disgusting intents were open. She doubted he even bothered to try and contain it. She gripped her sword too tightly and spit to the side, letting out a curse in her native tongue. "Saan tubas nefa menot" (Choke, you vile pig).

Nikita took a few slow and measured steps nearer to Joseph and Jalen. It had little to do with the idea of being taken by the leader, and more to do with the idea of getting a piece of whipping his arse. From the way Jalen and Joseph glared at the other man, it didn't seem like she would get the chance. The other man quickly changed his mind. A wise idea, if it hadn't been for what he asked for instead. He really thought himself so intimidating that they would give him everything. She could care less about Jalen's junk, but he would never touch her sword.

Jalen had the same idea. He began a new fight with the bandit leader, both men obviously sure the outcome would be in his own favor. A few of the lesser bandits came again, but with less ferocity. Their eyes no longer held greed and lust, but rather the need to survive. They knew they stood little chance of survival here, but until their leader called off the attack they had little choice. Many had already tucked tail and run off, but that is to be expected with any group like this. Nikita wandered if there really was such a thing as honor among thieves.

Joseph fought near to her, taking down his own little horde of scum. He held up just fine, but she couldn't say the same for Jalen. He was taking some serious hits, as well as delivering a few nasty ones. She wondered if they would do every one a favor and take each other out. An idea came to her then. "Joseph," she called over the sound of metal on metal and groans of men in pain, "do you think we should question this man before we kill him? Surely" she kicked a man off of her sword and blocked another, "he would have some information. Thieves get around, do they not?"

If he had no information for them, they could simply kill him and move on, but if there was some sort of valuable information there, why waste it? She wanted this quest nonsense to be over with so she could get back to her major goal. She hadn't had a lead about her sister in months. She needed to get out, away from here and look for her. Maybe she could sneak in her own inquiries if they did question this leader of bandits. She could only see how things played out.

[Relairah]

As the fight continued, though he took blows of his own, it was clear Jalen would be the winner. Perhaps because Joseph had already sufficiently weakened the man. Or some other reason... who knew. Their blades colided, their muscles tensed, eyes sharp. Jalen shifted, lunging forward, the leader blocked and leaped to the side, lunging toward Jalen. He sidestepped, and with a swing knocked the blade from the leader's hand. The leader lost focus, stumbling for a second. But that was all Jalen needed. He reared back, about to issue the final blow.

Meanwhile, Joseph had thought quickly over Nikita's suggestion and agreed. He nodded toward her, and turned to their traveling companion. "Jalen!"

It was spoken in the nick of time. Jalen glanced toward Joseph sharply, a snarl forming on his lips, as if to say, "What?! Why stop me all of a sudden?" His blade was pressed to the leader's neck, both men panting from the fight. Sweat trickled across his brow.

"Perhaps we have use of this creep." He gestured toward Nikita.

Jalen glanced at the leader and shifted so that he now held him captive. The leader knew he was defeated. But perhaps this would be his chance. He glanced at the woman warily, wondering what she had in store for him. Well... now he had a card to play, he thought to himself. "Fine," Jalen grunted. The leader gestured for his men to disperse, giving a particular look to one in particular. They knew if he should die who the next in line would be and how to carry on.

With that, the travellers were alone with the leader, the bandits disappearing as quickly as they had come. Jalen shifted once again, forcing the leader against the mountain wall, Joseph moving to box him in so he couldn't try to escape anywhere. He assumed Nikita already had questions in mind she would want to ask, so he looked at her, waiting for her to start.

As soon as she might approached, the leader would smirk. "I'll give you any information on one condition." He paused as Jalen and Joseph both glared. How appalling that he was still trying to pull the shots when he clearly had lost! "My life is to be spared." Jalen smirked. He had no intention of letting this man walk away with his life. But, he didn't show that. No. "Deal," he said simply. He just wanted this to be over so they could be on their way. Enough time had been wasted already!

Once Nikita had finished gathering her information, unless Joseph had any questions to ask, he may ask one. Then he had every intention of slicing his throat.

[Moon_Song]

Joseph stopped Jalen from killing the other man just in time. She had to admit, she was surprised that Jalen had any self control at all. She wondered what other things he held up his sleeve.

Jalen held the man hostage and, with a wave, he sent his band of thieves away. She didn't miss the look he gave to one in particular. She would make sure to remember his face for a very long time. Nikita looked back and Jalen had the man held against the wall.

Even in such a position, he was trying to maintain control. He was either very bold or very stupid...or both. He requested his life for the information he could potentially give them. Jalen agreed but Nikita added on "You may keep your life," She maintained eye contact with him, her own eyes frigid and sharp, "if your information is valid and believable." She didn't think it wise to let this man think he could get away with whatever he chose to cough up.

She walked closer to the man, arms crossed across her chest. She was still splattered with the blood of the men she had cut down. She imagined that, to a lesser man, she would look terrifying, or at least intimidating. She was silent for a moment before she started her interrogation.

"Who are you? What is your name?" It seemed the first logical question to ask. Going straight into asking if he knew about this blessed/cured item Jalen was searching for seemed foolish. Besides, she was in no hurry.

If he answered with his name, or a name he chose to give them, she would go on with her interrogation. "How long have you patrolled this mountain pass?" The timeline would be crucial to figuring out if he could even offer viable information about the special item, or even something about her sister.

If he would not give his name, she would raise a brown and ask a question based off of what his answer was.

[Relairah]

The leader's eyes remained on the woman, thinking how foolish these travellers were... thinking they'd won. Bah! Sure, they had him captive, but not only had they offered him a way to bargain out his life, but they were going to let him go for nothing but measely information. And once he was free... who were they to stop him from returning to his band and wreaking more havoc? Or from slicing their necks in the future? He would just have to plan better and be more stealthy.. assassinate them instead of openly attack.

But he pushed these thoughts from his mind as she began her questioning. She asked his name? Of course he didn't mind giving that out. Many knew it already. More to spread his fame and terror! "Laertes. Famed for the bloodshed and fear spread at my hands or commands. I am the one who has kept this mountain pass famous with a fearsome reputation." He smirked, just waiting for her next question. He certainly was arrogant.

She asked how long he had been here in this mountain. He was silent a moment, pondering. It had been a very long time, he knew that much. "Nine years," he stated at last, his answer quite honest. That had been plenty of time for him to establish himself, rise in the bandit ranks, and spread the reputation this place has, he realized as he thought about it.

He waited, curious what her next questions would be. So far, her questions seemed almost pointless to him. What did it matter? But apparently she thought they were necessary and he had happily given his answers... he was prideful indeed.

Joseph listened calmly, curious as Nikita was. Jalen on the other hand was growing a bit irritated. He also wasn't sure exactly where Nikita was going with all this and wanted to get a move on. But he supposed he didn't have much of a choice. So he waited.

[Moon_Song]

Laertes. Where had she heard that name before? It seemed so familiar. And he had been here nine year...he should have heard something in that amount of time, both about Jalen's special object and about Accalia.

"That long, huh?" She pretended to ponder over her next question. "So you must hear a lot of rumors and stories, being they type to take everything from others, why not stories, no?" She placed a hand on her face, her pointer finger over her lips. "That being the case, have you heard of any one on a quest for strange items?"


forgive the shortness but I'm exhausted

[Relairah]

Laertes' eyes showed he wanted this woman to get on with her point. At last, she came out with her real question. He snorted, even rolled his eyes. "Of course I hear stories. I hear everything." He paused, raising a brow as if she thought he were an idiot. "Who isn't on a quest these days? Everyone wants something or other and everyone's heard some legend or other of some magical item that will do such and such. What do I care of every tiny thing or detail? Especially when most of it is bull shit." He had contempt in his voice.

"Come now, what are you talking of, specifically? You're wasting time."

Jalen had caught on to what Nikita was asking. She wanted to save time on their quest too. Probably because she figured the faster they got it over with, the faster she could be set free. Well either way.. he smacked Laertes, somewhat because he felt like it and could get away with it, and because of the tone he had taken on. He sounded too much like he was comfortable when he shouldn't be. Laertes spit and glared at him, a snarl forming though vanishing. He did have to remember his current position.

"Obviously, she means something in the near area." Jalen wasn't sure why Nikita was questioning this buffoon about their quest and its goal. He knew all he needed to know already, being a thief, and had a map. He knew where he was going and how he was going to go about it. Well, perhaps Nikita thought she needed to verify this thing even existed or something. Who knew. In any case, he wasn't about to let this woman or thug leader get in his way. "Up beyond this canyon, there's a city around a castle is there not?"

Laertes glanced between Nikita and Jalen and finally nodded. "Yea. The people traveling to and from are our main victims. They provide us with oh so much juicy goods and wealth." There was a glimmer in his eyes as he said this, like a wolf thinking of the fresh taste of blood. "The Lord of the castle is getting older and is known for his violent and strict nature about enforcing law. He has no heir and the city lives in anxiety for his death. Which makes it the opportune time for collecting the treasure of the city. It's kept beneath the castle in an underground maze, which can only be accessed by one of the castle chambers."

Laertes stared at Jalen silently a moment, as did Joseph, the latter a bit surprised. Laertes smirked briefly. "Well, you seem to know a lot, don't you? Yes, yes, all you said is true. Which also makes it the opportune time for our successes in this canyon. Many come seeking to win the heart of the castle lord to choose an heir to rule, though most don't even make it to the city gates." A chuckle escaped Laertes' throat. "Or, if they do and return, usually disappointed, they're stupid enough to get defeated. What fools! Oh how a city in ruin benefits me." He stopped when he got another smack from Jalen. He was obviously conceited.

Joseph was staring at Jalen, completely ignoring Laertes. It was interesting that Jalen chose only now to reveal all this information to his traveling companions. He wondered why he hadn't before. Well, perhaps he thought they would discover it on their own upon arrival. But still... it would have made things easier, perhaps. In any case, he glanced at Nikita, curious to what she was thinking about it. Either way, she perhaps had the information she needed? Or was there more?

Jalen noticed Joseph glancing at Nikita curiously, and he did also. Laertes followed suit. "Well? Is that it, girly? Since your companion answered the damn question for me, can I be on my way?" Jalen was just waiting for Nikita to say she was done with her interrogation. With her word, Laertes' blood would stain the ground. But he waited. Would she have more questions? He couldn't think of anything else for her to ask.. but then, he didn't know her past.

[Moon_Song]

Well, she had wanted information about this little trip of theirs, but she didn't expect it to come from Jalen. Regardless of where it came from, she felt better knowing more on the quest she had agreed upon for the sake of the possible innocent involved.

She thought over what Jalen had finally spit up,and what Laertes had dished out. What exactly was Jalen after? Was he like Laertes in that he was simply after the material wealth to be had from such a situation, or was he after the throne? She looked at Jalen a little differently...she had a thought, but pushed it aside for later consideration. At the moment, it seemed out of the question.

She turned one last time to Laertes and asked one final question. She moved quite close to hi while still maintaining some distance, both for safety and to avoid some of his stench. She spoke quietly then. "Seeing as you know so much, what do you know of a woman known as Accalia di' Roma?"

She acted just as she had before with her previous line of questioning, to throw off any suspicion. She prayed that neither Joseph nor Jalen made any note of the fact that the last name was the same. Yes, she was asking for information on her sister, but so long as Laertes didn't know that, she hoped she could get something useful.

If he chose not to answer at all, or if he had no useful information, Nikita would simply nod to Laertes, turn and begin to walk away. Whatever Jalen did she did not see.

[Relairah]

Laertes grew uncomfortable when she drew closer to him all of a sudden. Due to the men on his either side, he couldn’t lunge to grasp her, but he put that thought aside. Instead, his eyes grew quite serious, and when she asked her final question, a slight frown grew on his lips. Indeed, he recognized that name. What he wanted to know was what this woman had to do with it. He didn’t ask her relation, having a feeling she wouldn’t grant him the answer. But he remembered the brief encounter all too well.

((So, I made this up after reading your characters’ pasts a while ago and hope you don’t mind <.< if so, let me know and I can change my postie. I think it’ll be interesting hehe))

She had come through quite some time before, and of course he and his bandits had attempted to capture her. She had been a rare jewel in their eyes, and they were certain she would bring profits. But she had transformed into a beast before their very eyes and escaped. It wasn’t that they had never heard of such things happening. But at the time the group had still been young in this area and were hardly familiar with such an occurrence. In any case, they hadn’t realized she had had a companion either. Her companion reached her and called out her name, also giving further distraction and aid… well, to her.

After the encounter, Laertes had sworn to himself not to be so unprepared again. He had done extensive search on her, and discovered her last name as a result. Oh yes, Lord Konstantine di’ Roma was quite well known in a more distant region, as well as all the events of his house spreading in the nearby cities, especially once his daughters vanished and he sent many out to search for them, of course for a large reward. Laertes had spent some time himself searching for her, but to no avail. Needless to say, he heard various rumors but that was all.

At last he spoke, looking Nikita straight in the face. He relayed all he had learned and his brief encounter with her before. He wasn’t sure why he chose to give her any information at all. He just had a feeling. Besides, he was banking on being set free after this. “My guess if you’re looking for her, is to continue to the land of beasts to the North.” He paused, a smirk crossing his lips, “if she’s even alive.” Typical of him. He couldn’t simply be kind to give information without adding some sort of mean to it.

It was clear that had been Nikita’s last question, unless of course his response sparked anything else in her mind. If not, Jalen had briefly considered letting Laertes go for giving so much information. But with his last words, such a thought was quickly discarded. In most cases, Joseph would have moved to interfere, but he turned his gaze and walked away also, letting Jalen finish the job. They would then be on their way once more.

Soon, they would reach the end of the canyon pass, the tall wall of the city looming before them as well as the great city gates. By the time they reached the canyon’s end, the time would be close to nightfall, the sunset lighting up the sky in brilliant colors and giving a different sort of beauty to the rock of the canyon walls. Jalen would stop, indicating Joseph and Nikita should as well. “Let us rest until midnight. It is then we will make our move.” He did not state it as a suggestion but a command. Whether they liked it or not, he was still the leader of the group, or so he was trying to act.

Along their walk, Joseph had occasionally glanced Nikita’s way, his mind filled with curiosity though he said nothing. Just who was this woman? And what exactly was going on? He had a feeling there was a lot he didn’t know – and yet he also had a feeling deep down of wanting to do something to help. Maybe it was just him getting ahead of himself, so he put it aside. When Jalen stopped, he took note of the city. They were close. Soon, he hoped, he and Nikita would be free of this jerk and on their way. But he waited, nodding briefly and moving to set up camp. They would not be lighting a fire for secrecy purposes. And certainly they needed rest – especially after their recent ordeal.