The Chosen [IC/PG-16]

[Andx]

The Chosen of Fire could feel a sense of strain setting in as he ran towards Anis' mount. He hadn't been using Ziiyol's power much but it seemed even simply being fused with her was taxing. The bird had managed to fend off the man well enough but the man's mount now seemed poised to kill her itself. Meaning if Reinaan wanted to help he would have to attack the lizard. Given the time he'd just spent getting one to stand down he didn't much like the idea of attacking one. Why was it even bothering him? There was no time to think on it of course. As he continued he readied the claws of fire about his left hand figuring he would need them shortly against the man or the man's mount. Before Ileca knocked the man to the ground he noticed Reinaan approaching and threw what seemed to be a small stone his way. There wasn't much time to react to it but the young Draken did not think much of such a small projectile. His claws of flame at the ready he swatted at the rock thinking that would be the end of it. But he could not have been more wrong.

 

On contact with the tip of his claws the rock suddenly ignited and all at once exploded ramming the boy's hand back into his chest. The resulting explosion consumed the ends of his left before sending it away with the shock wave. Reinaan's charge was halted as he reeled back in pain and the flames that formed his claws retreated back to his core to await further summoning. He let out a high pitched screech for a moment which mixed shock and anger over the pain. Upon the explosion he recognized what had been thrown at him. He had heard about it and even seen it in use one time back at Blagos. Aggolz his people called them, though the humans who used them had their own name for it, or burning rocks. They were taken from near the volcano and infused with magic. On impact they would explode and were often used for mining. But for them to be so far away from the volcano and in the hands of these men as weapons was something the boy could have never expected.

 

As he looked at his left hand, which he held tight to his chest, Reinaan could see that many of the scales on his fingers and back side of his hand had been scorched. Yet worse there were small patches here and there where the scales had been entirely ripped off by the blast exposing his soft flesh beneath along with a steady stream of blood. Those would take a while to grow back unless Kha's magic was just simply that great at everything. His whole arm felt sore, likely muscles torn from the sudden whip lash of the limb. He could move his hand some but doing so hurt and drew yet more blood from the wounds. His hand aside he was okay and now very much wanted the man who had thrown the aggolz at him dead.

 

This took priority in the boy's mind despite the more present danger Ileca was in due to the lizard mount. He still had his spear in his right hand and his claws were ready to manifest again again if need be. He began his charge anew looking to kill the man still struggling to his feet from Ileca's attacks. But first he decided to be rid of his weapon to perhaps help Ileca. He aimed for the back side of the mount that was preparing to attack the bird and launched his own spear with a fierce strength. The weapon hit its mark sticking into the creature's back. With a cry of pain the lizard stopped attempting to bite at Ileca and instead turned to bite and remove the weapon lodged in its back. Hopefully the bird would get out with that opportunity. Because now Reinaan's focus was on the man who had been riding this lizard and had thrown the aggolz at him.

 

As it so happened that man had gotten to his feet. But where Reinaan had been hoping for a fight he instead now saw a retreat. The man was running north toward the lake. "Get back here!" he snarled out as his focus shifted everything but this running figure out of his mind. The flames gathered around his right hand now forming the claws once more. The Draken continued his pursuit. The man kept running on a northwest path to avoid the lake but Reinaan was gaining on him. His prey wouldn't escape him here. As he continued curving his path Reinaan knew he could close the gap and shortly did so. He readied his right hand and thrust it forward as caught up and the claws entered the man's back, piercing and burning the flesh inside. The man cried out in pain. However both of them had been running pretty fast and the momentum wasn't gone. The two tumbled together head first into the lake with a loud splash and the contact with the water extinguished the boy's claws. After some wild splashing and moving about the man swallowed a fair bit of water as he was face down in the water. His movements slapped Reinaan with a nice face full of mud to which the boy sputtered and wiped away at his face with his right hand. Reinaan wasn't particularly secure either but as he was on top of the man he at least wasn't worried about drowning. However the man's movements made it difficult to not fall over.

 

This needed to stop quickly and so Reinaan reached with his right hand for the back of the man's neck. His claws dug into the flesh as he forced the man's head down further into the water. As he did so the man's struggling began to ease and he was able to position himself better to be able to stand. His feet were on the man's back at this point. The struggling had largely stopped and Reinaan finally got to his feet, sort of standing on the man's back. The water was about up to his knees at this point. His opponent had likely passed out if he wasn't already dead. The Draken could feel a sense of relief as he watched the man's ability to struggle ebb. On top of that he could feel Ziiyol's fire leaving him, the warmth retreated from his extremities and came out through his chest. Before long the spirit of fire reformed at the water's edge, seemingly on edge as if concerned she'd almost gotten wet during all of that.

 

"Reiny get out of there!" she called to her partner as if concerned the water would hurt him somehow. It was almost a relief to hear her though the Draken was slightly dazed from the separation. While his senses readjusted he simply stood there on the man's back, keeping him in the water. By the time he refocused the man had completely stopped moving. He'd drowned. Certainly not the end he'd imagined giving his assailant but whatever worked was good enough for him at the moment. The boy withdrew his claws from the back of the man's neck then using both hands, though somewhat painfully, began dragging the body out of the water. It took a bit but he managed to move the body entirely out of the water and onto the sand. It took quite a bit of exertion as the man had been heavy and Reinaan found himself out of breath. The boy collapsed back into the water coming abruptly to a sitting position. He held his weight up with his right hand as he leaned back. He slowly splashed himself some to clean off his face and left hand to examine the injuries some. Soft flesh. It wasn't something he saw on himself most days. He poked at it with his right hand after sitting up in the water but it was tender and hurt in response. He continued taking deep breaths as Ziiyol continued looking on in concern, likely wishing he'd get out of the water. He couldn't do much more here but then the fight was mostly over by this point he thought. The others would wrap things up. And so he simply sat in the shallow water and felt the fatigue wash over his body.

[Ren✧]

The way life gave and took was funny, Kha thought. He was willing to leave his fate in the hands of the spirits, had practically surrendered himself to the turning of the cycle and still life gave back to him. And yet, his eyes lingered on Ayden's still body, those that fought to stay alive were taken. He didn't dare to question the complexity that accompanied the cycle of life and death, but acknowledged how unfair it seemed. Kha murmured another prayer, his hands shaking slightly, before gently rising from where he had fallen in the sand.

 

A part of him wanted to kill the bandit that had taken Ayden's life and nearly his own. It would be simple. He had seen on more than one occasion what a well-placed punch from an orc could do to the more...fragile races. He could return for his sword and split the killer in two. Or, simply snap his neck, it would be as easy as breaking a stick in two. 

 

With a quickness that many would've thought impossible for a man of his size, Kha knocked the sword out of the bandit's hand, quite literally just swatting it away. With a menacing, guttural growl he pushed the bandit over, sending him back several feet as his back hit the sand with a dull thud, the bandit groaning in pain as the arrow in his chest moved about. Kha looked to Ryia. "Do not let him live." 

 

Calmly striding over to where Kha had left his sword, he hoisted it into the air and waited for the battle to be over.

[Alaina]

As the bandit had seemed to try and barter for his life, the Earth Chosen had moved her free hand down to her waist, gripping at the dagger lodged there. Removing the blade, she discarded it to the side as she kept her eyes trained on the bandit. She hadn't really been paying attention to the words of the other chosen around her, simply going through her own thoughts, coming to what she believed was the correct solution. The man was clearly dangerous, was clearly resilient, and given his presumed occupation, she had no reason to think he was at all honest. Given those three things, the presumed large size of the collective he was a part of and there being a man that he reported to, the Earth Chosen could not allow him to escape at this point in time. As such, she was not brokering any agreement with this man. 

 

As the Light Chosen had gone in to disarm him, the man had managed to tumble away backward, only to then see the Earth Chosen charging at him. Shrugging he then said, "nothing personal, kid." Moving forward quicker, he went to her side, finsihing his earlier statement. "You're just too slow" Jamming his fist into the girl's wound, she winced as she felt the pain course through her once more. Unable to act quick enough, she was helpless as the man swept her legs out from under her, leaving her without anything to stand on and causing her to fall. With that, the man had forced the face of the Earth Chosen into the sand below and causing her to be momentarily helpless. 

[Sethera]

Gilly was a bit surprised that this bully had tried to take her weapon from her. What a dummy! Didn't he realize that they had to fight weapon to weapon? Still, she would prevail! Tugging back on her spear, her muscles strained with the effort. "You're strong, but not...strong enough for me!" she grunted. So preoccupied was she with that, she didn't notice the sword heading her way.

 

She only noticed it after Mr. Lindow stopped his attack with a dagger throw. "Thanks, I guess," the halfling said begrudgingly. "Though I probably would've noticed it eventually."

 

"Gilly," Lindow called out to the Ice Chosen, "You need to stop flailing your weapon like that..." Lindow trailed off as he suddenly swung the far part of his javelin into the bandit. The large man grunted in pain, releasing Gilly's ice spear. The halfling took the opportunity to tug back on the spear, putting her weapon out of reach of the grabby man.

 

Panting, Lindow took a step back and drew the javelin backwards once more. "Like you're eating with fork," Lindow breathed before moving forward and thrusting the back end of his javelin into the bandit's chest, causing the large man to stumble back a little. "put your strength into singular strikes." Slightly surprised by how well the bandit took his attack, Lindow sighed before twirling his weapon around and pointing its tip towards their opposition whilst taking up a readied stance. "I want you to aim for his legs..."

 

If you ever asked Gilly, she would swear to the ends of the earth that she didn't need help, nor advice. However, just this once, she might listen. After all, it was Mr. Lindow, and he had helped her out a couple times now. So obviously he was cool, and probably nice. And cool people usually knew what was going on.

 

"So...like this then?" she jabbed straight out, but her aim was lopsided, and the spear ended up crashing right between his legs instead. Whether it hit or not...well, she was too surprised to tell.

[Maeriberii Haan]

---

 

Ileca was so close at tearing the bandit apart, but suddenly she felt a sudden hard blow that had her slammed into the ground. She turned her head around to notice that it was the bandit's mount, the lizard that she had foolishly ignored before. It was ready to strike at her neck, and Ileca's position made it hard for her to kick her opponent away. The strike came, and she chose to force herself to tilt her neck away to the side. It wasn't enough to fully dodge it, as Ileca could feel the pain of her flesh being torn by that strike, but she avoided decapitation for now. The damn thing was on top of her, and it was too heavy, Ileca could barely even raise her head to attack.

 

No way she'd die to just a freaking lizard though. That'd be as shameful as Anis dying by being killed by an apple. She had to establish who's the prey and predator here.

 

---

 

Throwing the javelin took a lot more of Anis' energy than she expected, and she dropped down to the ground in fatigue. The lack of any sound of her javelin tearing flesh meant that she missed. Her concentration and aim was wavering badly. She thought she saw the Draken approaching them, so would it be necessary for her to help? And Ileca was able to fend for herself too, last time she saw. The battle was almost over, she should keep what's left of her stamina for now. Using too much of her magic was a mistake.

 

Lying down there for a bit, she nevertheless ended up pushing herself up just to be able to see what was going on with Ileca and her lack of noise. What she saw made her panic. She was on the ground, with the lizard on top of her, and heavily injured. She seemed to be avoiding the lizard's attempt to deal a killing blow repeatedly, but she wouldn't last long at this rate. The sense of urgency pushed her enough to draw her short sword and rush forward. Ignoring anything else that was happening, she rushed towards the lizard and aimed a strike right on its head. Ileca might be angry that she helped her like this, but no way would Anis let her die like that.

 

---

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

The bandit sneered as the second opponent began to talk to the Halfling right in front of him. He even told her how to attack! How stupid! As Gilly attacked him, he started to move, predicting her to attack where Lindow has said. However the girl's attack went wild and, had he stood still, it would have passed between his legs. As the man was readying to dodge, though, it struck him in the right thigh. He cried out in pain and lost grip on his weapon, instinctively reaching down to pull the ice out of his leg in the process.

 

As the lizard shifted its attention from the multiple attackers that were bearing down upon him, and the bird he was trying to eat, he didn't have much chance, tangled up with the bird as he was, to avoid the girl's attack and thus was met with a swift end as her sword buried its way into his brain. Though as he died he fell atop the bird once more.

 

The dread Bandit C laughed, and coughed, a few specks of blood flying into Ryia's face, as he held his dagger firmly. "I might die now but I can't let you take this victory without cost. Would hurt my pride as the third strongest ya know? I killed one and I think going down after two is pretty respectful."

He flinched as he felt something sharp across his back.

 

Keres stood, breathing slowly and heavily, using her magic to hold a thin watery whip in the air poised above the bandit. He got up, making sure to step on Ryia's head and pushing her into the sand again. "And then there's you." He said. I didn't pay you back for what you did yet, did I?"

Without any more fanfare the bandit charged, running across the sand as if it were natural, dagger ready to stab into Keres. The mage, meanwhile, was having issues simply seeing without a blur, she would be in no shape to defend herself.

[spoiler=OOC][spoiler=Before Post]

 

[spoiler=After Post]

 

 

[Ren✧]

Kha felt like a fool allowing the bandit to live as he watched the half-dead bastard retake his advantage. He moved to intervene, as he raised his dagger to stab Ryia again. However, before he could Keres saved the Earth Chosen with her magic. Unfortunately, now she had garnered his attention. Refusing to make the same mistake twice, Kha took Derg-veras Mora and thrusted viciously at the charging bandit. Amazingly, the bandit seemed to catch sight of Kha's movement just in time, halting his charge, causing the blade to stab through the thin air not even half a foot from where the bandit stood. Kha grunted with the effort, moving to swipe the blade to his right, planning to cleave the assailant in two. 

 

Dropping to the ground, crying out in pain as he did so, the bandit rolled away from Kha's attack. He unsteadily regained his feet, his hand clutching his wound that was leaking more and more blood. Despite his earlier bravado, this man wasn't in the shape to keep up with an angry orc. Kha continued to advance, pressing his advantage. The bandit's dagger had fallen out of his hand when he'd fallen to the ground and was left with only the option to dance about the orc's powerful stabs and slashes. His face contorted with pain as he clumsily backpedaled, his breathing becoming apparently ragged. 

 

Knowing that his opponent was close to the end, Kha moved for his final assault. Grasping Derg-veras Mora with both hands, Kha dipped the point of the blade to make it appear as though he were about to stab at the bandit. However, as the man moved to dodge to Kha's left, the orc deftly moved the blade to his left and brought it down in a diagonal slashing motion. Kha hadn't put enough power behind the swing to cut through completely, but there was now a gash moving from the bandit's right shoulder, stopping just a few inches above his hip. 

 

It was over.

 

Kha watched the bandit's eyes as he quickly began to slip away, surprise coating his face. Kha withdrew his sword, letting the bandit's body fall to the ground, the man making one last final exhale of disgruntled pain as blood began to pool around him and sink into the sand. 

 

"I believe I have now paid you back." Kha said darkly, his own words a mirror of the bandit's final ones. 

[Hälō]

Capitalizing on the opening provided by Gilly, Lindow quickly took a stab at the bandit's stomach as the other man attempted to remove the ice spear that was now lodged in his leg. Watching as the bandit moved to avoid his attack, Lindow allowed the tip of his javelin to graze his target's side, before suddenly pivoting to slam the shaft of his weapon into the man's face. 

 

"Got ya!" He jeered as his strike landed cleanly on the side of the large man's head, causing him to stumble. Dropping the javelin, Lindow quickly brought his hands down to his sword, grabbing it's scabbard with one hand whilst using the other to draw the blade in an upwards slash. Though it seemed that the bandit still had some fight left in him.

 

Lindow's eye widened in shock as he watched the man grab his arm just as the blade sliced into his side, saving himself from being cut completely open. "What the hell are they feeding you, big guy?!" Lindow tried his best maintain his air of confidence despite the fact that he was quickly running out of steam. Thinking fast, Lindow kicked down on the bandit's injured leg with all of his might, causing the the man's stance to fold, and his grip to spring open. 

 

"Gilly, now!" Lindow called out to the halfling as he dropped down to his knees and slashed at the bandit's legs with his scimitar. Blood sprayed wildly into the air as the hulk of a bandit toppled over onto the sand, unable to balance on his ruined legs. Panting, Lindow hoped that Gilly would be able to finish the job...  

[Sethera]

"Oooh yay lookit that Mr. Lindow. I did it!" Gilly cheered, her excited actions causing the spear to wiggle around inside of the mean guy's thigh. She wasn't paying attention to her enemy anymore, just super excited that she had actually hit something!

 

Hob, on the other hand, er, hoof, was paying attention. He had stomped on the lizard again for good measure while Gilly and Lindow fought. However, now that the lizard wasn't moving anymore, it was probably safe to step off of it. Jumping off, he ran toward the fallen sword and kicked it out of the bandit's reach with his hooves.

 

Meanwhile, Lindow took his own sword and slashed upwards. The man managed to grab his arm though, causing the Lightning "Chosen" to shout in surprise. "What the hell are they feeding you, big guy?!" Lindow kicked down on the injured leg with all his might, causing the man's stance to fold, and his grip to spring open.

 

"Gilly, now!" Lindow shouted, grabbing the distracted halfling's attention. She had been busy waving at Hob, telling him all about how she had managed to hit the bad guy. She turned around just in time to see the bandit toppling over on ruined legs, falling down onto his back. Tugging her spear loose, she took aim, remembering Mr. Lindow's words. "Hiyah!" the girl stabbed down, attempting to aim for his chest. "Gilly Stab version 2.01!" she shouted.

[Alaina]

Being tossed to the ground, the girl was helpless as the man continued to force her face into the sand. While she continued to struggle to get her way back up, the man started to gloat about how he would be able to kill two people for his own life, and claimed himself to be third strongest. As he got ready to bring his dagger down, she felt the force that was pinning her down lessen, as it appeared the man had momentarily stopped. However, before she could pick herself back up, she felt a quick, blunt force strike right into her head. Being forced back into the ground, any noise of pain she would have made was completely absorbed by the sand. However, no longer being kept down, she slowly picked herself up, her head throbbing from the swift stomp she received, the girl found trouble keeping her balance. However, as she was trying to fight through the pain, she saw that the bandit had been intercepted by the chosen of light, and with his rapid flurry of slashes, had managed to finally finish him.

 

While the girl had been making her way to aid him, she was relieved to see it was no longer necessary. Looking around, with a large cluster of spots clouding her vision, the girl hadn't seen much in the way of action and figured that the fighting had been taken care of. So, she continued to make her way over to the water chosen, seeing that she was much worse for wear and attempted to help keep her steady as she said, "here," offering herself for the girl to use as a crutch. The girl then looked to the orc, worry still on her face as she asked, "are you alright?" 

[Maeriberii Haan]

---

 

"Ileca, Ileca, tell me that you're fine! Please, say anything!"

 

As soon as she slashed through the lizard's brains, she pushed its body away from Ileca with as much of her remaining energy, barely capable of getting Ileca from being crushed by it. Her partner was really seriously injured and the sight made Anis started to panic. She was her soulmate, the one who had been with her longer than anyone else, even her husband or child. She had let go of the two after they perished on the plague, but the thought of losing Ileca now...she refused to think more about it. She couldn't think of a life without her partner. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Yes, it was supposed to be their final journey due to Ileca's ailing health. She was meant to let her go on a final adventure so her partner could rest in peace. But...right now as her partner was on the death's door, she just couldn't. That resolve of her willingness to let Ileca go if she passed away before her disappeared from Anis.

 

She refused to think about it any longer. Ileca could still be saved, she still could survive this. She kept repeating those words when she was not chanting to cast her magic to grow some herbs to treat the immediate wounds on Ileca's head, neck, and body, and she went to use her magic again to try fixing the most damaged part, at the very least as a temporary relief. She was too weak to fully heal Ileca, but at the very least she was able to stop her bleeding and brain hemorrhaging. She was still too weak to move though, and it wasn't clear whether with how much she had lost, she would be able to go on. As the battle slowly died over around her, Anis held the bird close to her and sang a lullaby.

 

Perhaps it was selfish of her, but...even with the knowledge of others being injured, Anis couldn't move on to help them while Ileca was like this. It was her fault too for choosing to neglect her. 

 

---

[Andx]

A few minutes passed with Reinaan merely sitting in the shallows of the lake, the water not even quite up to his waist. The young Draken stared blankly at his own feet not stirring much as he felt the strain of the recent battles catching up to him. His neck was holding out alright though so that was one thing to not have to worry about. After about a dozen or so inquiries from Ziiyol Reinaan stirred and began looking around the battlefield again with some ability to focus. Most everything was taken care of at this point. The last man or two were being dealt with by the others. With a groan Reinaan began sitting up and leaning forward and after a bit of exertion found himself on his feet once more. Water dripped off the lower half of body as he stepped out of the lake back onto the hot desert sand.

 

Looking around Reinaan saw his things he'd left in a pile near the lake were largely undisturbed. His jacket was there neatly folded covering his bag. He needed the jar of salve at the moment and so he slowly made his way over to his belongings. Thinking on it his spear was still stuck in one of the mounts wasn't it? He'd have to go looking for it before they left. After rummaging a bit to ensure the jar was still there, Reinaan scooped up his things into his arms and began making his way to the side of the mount he had fought with earlier. He could patch up the arrow wounds for her and hopefully send her on on her way peacefully.

 

"Hey there." the boy said gently as he approached the lizard. It didn't look like she'd done much during everything that had gone on. She'd been watching him closely while he was away fighting the men but as he approached she turned her head to the side as if to not pay him any attention. The boy set his things down nearby and sat on the sand near her. He took the jar of salve out and after opening it made sure it was plainly in her view. It was meant to help Draken's scales heal faster to cover up injuries. How well that would work on non Drakens Reinaan could only guess. Granted her scales didn't seem all that different from his aside from the color. Reinaan figured it was best to show her what he was up to before just attempting to touch her injuries. With his right hand he gathered some of the salve onto a claw and carefully applied it to his left hand where the scales had been ripped off by the explosive. It helps take the edge off the pain if nothing else but he wondered what good it would do for this kind of damage. He showed the injured hand with the salve to the mount who turned her head to sniff at it some before turning away again.

 

"See? It's to help. Now hold still..." he said as he gathered some more onto his claw and moved his hand toward the lizard's chest injuries. He'd sat far enough away he had to get up on his knees and inch forward a bit to actually apply the substance. There didn't seem to be any real protest. As gently as he could Reinaan applied the salve to the two arrow injuries. It seemed to bring a bit of relief to the creature. Looking back at his jar Reinaan noticed he was running low on the substance. He had the herbs and tools necessary to make more so he made a note to do so when next he could. Meanwhile Ziiyol simply looked on at the interaction between the two reptiles. She seemed entranced. Ideas were filling her mind and they brought with them wonder and awe.

 

"Oh could it be? Has my Reiny found love?!" she called out with a dramatic flair as she twirled over to the reptiles' sides. Reinaan nearly fell over in surprise and the mount moved back from him some with a huff for flinging sand around. "What are you on about?! I'm just helping her out!" he yelled back at the fire spirit. It must have been odd to the lizard to see the Draken yelling so as Ziiyol was not currently visible to any but the Chosen. "There's no need to hide it Reiny, you two are adorable together! We should bring her with us don't you think?" the spirit continued in unusual excitement, no doubt a lingering effect of having been combined with her partner during the battle. It was an interesting idea to be sure. It wasn't like this creature was used to surviving on its own and her rider was dead.

 

"Uhh... well yeah how about coming with us?" he said awkwardly to the mount as Ziiyol tried her best to contain her excitement. The mount looked Reinaan in the eyes for a moment then knocked the boy over onto his back with her head. She turned her head away again with what seemed like a smirk. "Hey knock it off with the pushing!" he yelled as he got to his feet and brushed the sand off of himself. Just what he needed, another crazy woman in his life.

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

"Gilly Stab version 2.01!"

The bandit, having been brought down by Lindow, was struggling to move when the littlest Chosen made her attack. The man was slow and weakened by several serious injuries and her attack struck true, piercing the bandit's chest and finishing the job.

With all the bandits taken care of an eerie silence fell over the group. They had been fighting for so long, and so hard, that this peace must have felt unusual.

Of course it was a peace brought with a price. Ayden's corpse still lay out in the open, clear for all to see, and the group were in bad condition.

None worse so than Ileca, the bird who took on a bandit on her own, who was being tended to by her partner, Anis. The injuries were severe but the Nature Chosen's quick nursing managed to keep the bird on the side of living.

 

Keres had seen death approach her. And saw as the Orc, Kha, kept her from death. She wanted to thank him but she had to evaluate. Her mind raced as she took in what she noticed about the battle.

This was their first fight as a group and one of them had fallen. However they were against larger numbers and opponents on mounts. She had expected more to fall. It wasn't a victory but it wasn't a total defeat.

She didn't know the man who died but she still felt a sadness at his loss. There was something about him that was familiar and now she would never be able to investigate.

The others seemed to be fine barring Kha, who was clearly affected by what happened, and Lindow...Who Keres was certain now was steeped in evil magic. She would not let that man out of her sight if she could help it.

But, for now.

 

"here,"

 

The moment Ryia offered, Keres fell onto the girl, unable to keep standing on her own. She heard the girl's question towards Kha and turned her gaze towards the man who had saved her. "Thank you." She said simply.

Then, to the group, she mentioned. "Shouldn't stay." They were near to the city and if the bandits from earlier had chased them and fell upon them now it would be all over for them. Keres then spoke softly to Ryia. "Thunder Chosen. Needs watching."

-----------

The bandit chief grunted as he lopped off the cowering bandit's head. Running away from a fight was not acceptable. He'd punish those cowards who stayed in the outpost soon enough but for now they had to move. "It seems like that damned city sent for some help." He announced. "Why don't we go pay them a visit?"

[Sethera]

Gilly was too busy cheering about her defeat of the "bad man" to notice the tragedy that had happened around her. When she did, she sobered...somewhat. "Ehh, so the dark and shadowy man is gone now?" she asked. "But...looks like we got someone else instead," she looked over at the lizard next to Reiny-boy. "Oooh, she looks cool," she squealed, rushing over. "Hey hey, we have another cute animal in our group." She looked at Hob. "Say hello, Hob!"

 

"Baa," Hob greeted, turning to look at the lizard. He blinked his large, sheep-y eyes at the newcomer.

 

Gilly turned around to the rest of the group. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving! When's lunch? We have plenty to drink at least, since there's this large lake here. And since the bullies are gone, we don't have to share, which is fine, since I don't wanna share with them anyway. They were mean. I hope we don't meet more meanies on the road, but we probably will. Hey hey, do you think the demons will be meanies too?"

 

Looking up at the sky, she squinted. "It's too hot here. I'm going to go jump in the lake again." And she did exactly that, unconsciously cooling the water in her immediate vicinity.

[Alaina]

With the fighting having been finished, the earth chosen had managed to keep the water chosen on her feet. As she said her thanks to the light chosen, the pink haired girl couldn't help but nod in agreement as well. Thankful that the man was able to save her, the earth chosen seemed to be filled with a wave of grief through her as she looked towards the blond haired man. Not keeping her gaze lingering on him for long, she turned, expression clearly down trodden as she had lamented what she could think of as a failure on her part to keep him safe. Looking around, everyone else had seemed worse for wear as well, and it started to feel like some mix of skill and, for the most part, luck that had allowed them to emerge from this with only one casualty. As Keres spoke, saying that they shouldn't stay, the girl nodded, agreeing with the notion as well. However, before being able to say anything, she was taken off guard by the girl's statement to watch the Thunder Chosen. 

 

Given how he had treated the water chosen, it wasn't strange for her to be wary of him. Even more so as the man had a natural aura about him that was somewhat off-putting. Keeping an eye on someone with a somewhat wild card nature like him was probably for the best. However, not turning to look at him just yet, the girl simply nodded in affirmation. As now was the time to get going the earth chosen said, "she's right, we shouldn't stay here." As the earth chosen said this, she saw the carnage across the field, thinking it be best to get away from this as soon as possible. As she was getting to leave, though, the ice chosen had decided it was a good time to jump in the lake for a swim. The girl was not sure what to feel at the halfling girl's, either, lack of awareness or completely buoyant nature. But it was something akin to a mix of confusion, charm and defeat. "Can, um, someone-" Not really sure what to say, the girl just motioned to the ice chosen, as if trying to see if anyone else was able to take care of this situation.

[Andx]

However roundabout she was being about it, the lizard mount seemed to agree to the idea of going with them. Reinaan gathered his things, including his jacket, into his bag and hung it over the saddle on the creature's back. He scanned the area and spotted his spear having been taken out of the lizard it had hit. He left the mount's side for a moment to run off and grab it then returned and secured it into place with his other belongings. With that he took a light hold of the reigns and attempted to lead the mount towards the group gathered around the lake. With a huff she followed without much other protest. While looking off toward the Earth and Water Chosen his eyes fell to the fallen Chosen of Darkness. A second death among them so soon. Reinaan had hardly known anything of him but it bothered him. For that matter they had just killed twelve men. He'd had little issue doing so in the heat of battle. But these weren't monsters they were people. Memories of a certain fallen Draken brother were surfacing and the young man closed his eyes tightly attempting to not tear up. With a shake of his head he looked back up to see an excited Halfing in his face.

 

"Ehh, so the dark and shadowy man is gone now? But...looks like we got someone else instead." The girl excitedly proclaimed as she approached the lizard mount. The lizard seemed unsure how to react to the energy but something about the look she shot Reinaan said she wasn't a fan and she held him responsible. "Oooh, she looks cool. Hey hey, we have another cute animal in our group. Say hello, Hob!" Gilly continued as the sheep greeted the lizard. She simply huffed back. A simple exchange. Yet it had Ziiyol intrigued. She studied the animals long and hard attempting to grasp something of their conversation. Getting no where she placed a hand on Reinaan's shoulder. "Hey Reiny, can't you tell me what they said?" she said with a longing look in her eyes. Reinaan was caught off guard by the warm feeling on his shoulder and the question itself. "What? No I don't know what they said!" he protested. "But you and her are both reptiles and she seemed able to communicate to Hob. Surely this all works out." Ziiyol said nodding, confident she was on to something. "I'm way more dragon than I am lizard you know." he said implying he was much more than just a lizard and as such shouldn't be expected to understand one. Ziiyol giggled and seemed content for the moment. Gilly continued rambling about the bad guys and questioned if the demons would be bad too. But before Reinaan could attempt an answer the girl was off swimming in the lake. With a sigh Reinaan, Ziiyol and the mount made their way to Ryia and Kere's side.

 

Looking at the two it didn't appear Keres was in very good shape. But they likely couldn't afford to rest here. Ryia said something to that effect apparently agreeing with what Keres had said but a moment before. "Hey are you alright?" he said to Keres and bringing the mount closer to her. "Here she can ride on her until she's feeling stronger." he said this time to Ryia motioning for her to help lift the Water Chosen onto the mount. The lizard didn't seem particularly happy at the idea but wasn't putting up any open protest. Thinking on it Reinaan would have to give her a name soon. If she was going to be joining them it only felt right. Something to think about later. Right now thinking would serve only to depress him with scenes of the fallen chosen and the draken from his past.

[Ren✧]

Kha absentmindedly cleaned his sword, fighting against the adrenaline that coursed through his body. His instincts still told him to fight, to survive, but there was nothing to fight now. The desert landscape was decorated with broken bodies and maimed corpses. The sandy was thirsty, he thought, watching the ground drink heavily from the blood of the dead. He recalled the words of his den mother, something she would say often after a battle. When too much blood is shed, the ground develops a taste for it. It wouldn't be long before the relentless sun and desert winds worked their twisted ways on the fallen, making them unrecognizable.

 

"Ehh, so the dark and shadowy man is gone now?" Kha looked at Ayden's lifeless body. There was no denying it. He was gone. In truth, Kha didn't know who to blame. The bandits? Lindow? The most obvious answer was, himself. The orc returned to Ayden's side, sorrow nesting in his chest. His large hands gently closed the fair man's unseeing eyes. Kha felt the familiar presence of Kal'bri return to his shoulder. 

 

"I really did like this one." She said, her voice much less shrill than usual. "Such a waste." She muttered. Kha could tell she was trying to be sensitive, perhaps feeling true empathy for the first time. 

 

"It really is." He agreed, rising from where he knelt. He turned to face the majority of the group. "We go nowhere before he receives a proper burial." Kha then set to work digging a grave with his hands. 

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

"Here she can ride on her until she's feeling stronger."

Keres looked at the pair of lizards. These lizards were mounts and thus unlikely to try and eat Keres. Well that wasn't true. They had tried to eat some of them before but this one seemed to be on the tame side. Perhaps those bandits weren't the best of owners. Which wouldn't surprise her. She heard the Ice Chosen splashing around and, once Ryia helped her onto the lizard, steered the creature with surprising ease towards the water.

 

She directed the lizard towards Gilly and, seeming to understand the order, grabbed the girl by whatever spot the lizard could without causing injury, and picking her out of the water. "Mud." Keres said, pointing at Gilly's dripping form and the sand. It would be difficult to travel through the desert without being covered in mud with how wet she was. Thus Keres intended to have the lizard carry Gilly until at least she dried off.

 

Then there was Kha, who was trying to dig through the sand to make a grave. "Vultures" She said, then pointed to the patch of land just outside of the desert itself. If Kha buried Ayden here it would never be deep enough. "Please hurry." If they took too long it's possible someone could catch up to them which would be the end for them all. She didn't like the idea of leaving the body but she also wouldn't wait around. She started to head out, Ice Chosen in tow.

-----

It was another several hours, with the sun still shining bright, before the group finally reached the city. Or rather what would be expected to be the city. On the way they found a scattering of buildings with cover from the sun that likely was an encampment used by the bandits. They couldn't stay for longer than it took to find some more food and drink but the brief respite was helpful.

 

Sol, the only city in the entire desert. A large city with walls over a dozen feet high, made of wood, which had been brought over from elsewhere long ago when the Council first decided to allow for a city in this dangerous land. In recent years an unusual structure was created to keep the citizens safe from the unrelenting sun. A huge wooden roof that was covered in a special tarp kept the sun out when needed. This structure was built so that it could open up so they didn't suffer from the opposite problem of eternal shade.

 

At the time the city seemed to be locked up tight, without anyone so much as responding to the group that was now on the outside of the city for a long time. Were they to approach the gate, however, they'd eventually hear a voice. "Who goes? It's too early in the week for the payment and too late at night for anyone at all. Who comes to a city at midnight anyway?"

[Ren✧]

Kha shoveled handful of sand after handful sand, barely making a divot in the desert's surface. Each time he would scoop the earth away, more would just trickle in. None of the others jumped to help him, but he didn't really notice. He had failed Ayden, the second Chosen he had failed, and it was the least he could do to ensure that he rested peacefully. 

 

"Vultures." Keres caused the orc a moment of hesitation. Kha realized she had a point. This desert did not honor the dead, it ravaged them, just as it did in life. "Please hurry." He nodded solemnly. However, he refused to leave Ayden's body to be forgotten. 

 

Picking up his corpse, Kha, as carefully as he could, draped the swordsman over his shoulder. The act in and of itself felt sacrilegious but it was better than the alternative. Kal'bri was respectfully silent, hovering a couple inches above Kha's head. Taking his sword in the opposite hand, the orc prepared for their continued trek across the wasteland. 

 

---

 

It was impossible to tell how long they were walking, although Kha suspected it was several hours. He did his best to ration the water he had, but it didn't take long for his tongue and throat to turn to sandpaper beneath the heavy sun. Slowly, the sight of the massive wall appeared through the heat waves and shifting sand. At first, Kha thought it was a mirage, however, the closer they got the more solid it seemed. 

 

"Who goes? It's too early in the week for the payment and too late at night for anyone at all. Who comes to a city at midnight anyway?"

 

"How's anyone supposed to tell what time it is here anyway?" Kal'bri mocked. Kha raised his hand to silence her. 

 

"We seek refuge. From desert. From bandits. From sun...To bury our dead."

[Hälō]

Per usual, Lindow remained silent for the beginning of the interaction, preferring to hang back and read the situation before stepping in. It didn't take long for the voices from within the city to respond to Kha, and when they did Lindow let out a small sigh. 

 

"Whoa you have dead? And...is that one of the bandit's lizards? You guys are gonna bring them down on us aren't you?" The voice replied, obviously nervous about the possibility of invoking the wrath of the bandits. It seemed that the thugs a tight grip on the entire area...

 

Stepping forward, Lindow spoke in his usual smooth tone. "We're with the Mage Council, and no, we'd hope not to bring anyone down just yet. That's why It would be in everyone's best interest for you to open up and make sure that they don't show up and find the mercenaries you guys hired to get rid of them hanging around your gate..." The implications of what he was saying were crystal clear, and he punctuated his statement by saying the last part in a inflection that was laced with deadly seriousness. They needed to get inside quickly, and if that meant threatening an entire town then so be it. 

 

"What but...Mage Council...they haven't shown any interest for years why...you get the elder, hurry hurry." The voice responded quickly yet again before leaving the group in silence. 

 

Seeing this as an opportunity, Lindow turned to face the rest of the Chosen. "I'd say this is as good a time as ever to get our story straight and any plans laid..." He said in a low whisper.  

[Alaina]

The earth chosen was a bit confused and nervous as one of the lizard mounts strode up to them, seemingly under the control of the fire chosen. While she was a bit wary about the mount's change of heart, the draken seemed to have a good enough handle on it, and thus she gave the water chosen to him in order to help her travel. As the orc went to give the dark chosen a proper burial, he was informed that it would likely have to be quick, as the native buzzards would make quick work of the corpses and likely anything in the way of their prey. Once everyone had gotten their things together, the group had started to move, and while the orc seemed to be disgruntled at the nature of the desert, it deterred him none at all in his mission. 

 

The journey across the desert was harsh, and the earth chosen was somewhat unsettled by the orc carrying the corpse of their fallen comrade the whole trek through. However, after a brief respite at a camp, the group had finally made their way to the sole city of the desert, Sol. Once at the gates, the guards seemed to be wondering what the group was doing at this time of...night? The girl looked to the unmoving sun, wondering if they had created their own way to tell time in the face of this problem. 

 

As the girl was not the most forward and outspoken member of their group, she had allowed for others to parley with the guards first. While they seemed to be getting somewhere, the group had some time before the elder of the city came to asses them. While this was happening, the Thunder chosen seemed to want to make sure that everything was set, but the girl wasn't sure what there was really to prep for. "Um, wouldn't the uh, truth be fine?" She didn't quite see the merit in lying to the man, as they hadn't actually done anything wrong and were likely to only help them in their quest. That, and they also needed some direction to start moving in in order to find the country's demon gate. 

[Andx]

With Keres directing the lizard mount rather easily and retrieving Gilly it seemed like the group was ready to depart. Kha had been attempting to dig a grave for the fallen Chosen of Darkness but the sand was not cooperating. And so the orc carried the body with them as they departed. Reinaan didn't say anything to him but he did feel it was the right thing to do. Leaving his body to simply be devoured by beasts was no proper way to attend to the dead. Granted the Draken wasn't entirely sure what the custom funeral rites were for a human. At his village an entire cave was devoted to engravings devoted to each Draken's life and the bodies of the fallen were laid to rest in the magma chutes below. It seems humans buried their dead in the earth. And inasmuch as the Draken of the boy's village believed the volcano gave them life, Reinaan could see humans as believing the earth gave them life so it made enough sense to him.

 

The travel through the desert was tough, mostly for Reinaan's fatigue. The heat didn't bother him though the fact that the Sun showed no signs of even beginning to set gradually began to trouble him more and more. The water and food he'd brought from the tower were holding up well enough for him but it was clear he'd need to be getting more provisions soon. The Draken stayed close to the lizard mount while they traveled and occasionally checked up on Keres. He hadn't really spoken much to her. She'd stared at him some while he had stretched out without his jacket on at the Mage Tower. Here he was now close by again his jacket off, walking through a desert with her. As they walked Ziiyol hummed to herself and Reinaan pondered on a name to give the mount. It was proving a difficult task, perhaps a little rest would help him think better. The mount seemed mostly content to walk and carry though she huffed a bit whenever Reinaan attempted to lay a hand on her side. If Reinaan took the front at all she seemed interested in watching his back and tail but made sure to never do so while he could see her doing it.

 

After some number of hours the battle-worn group arrived at the desert settlement Sol. The city appeared to be closed off and the man guarding the place said something about midnight. But the Sun was still high in the sky. It was late at night yet still bright as noon out. How that was possible confused the boy to no end. Lindow spoke with the man and appeared to be threatening the people. If the bandits were to see them now what would they assume? That the village had gathered forces against them. That would end up with everyone being killed no doubt. If this bandit group was very large at all they didn't stand much of a chance in direct confrontation. The men shuffled about in the city saying something about getting the elder. Now the group needed to decide what to do.

 

The Earth Chosen spoke wondering if the truth wouldn't suffice. Speaking with the bandits hadn't proved very productive but Reinaan wanted to believe talking with the people here would work. "We just need a place to hide out for a day or two to rest up and gather supplies and information." he added to the group's consideration. "That much can't be that hard right? And we have the cards to prove the Council sent us. We could buy things from them in exchange for the shelter." He then turned to the lizard mount. The bandits would recognize her on sight from what it sounded like. "I'll take responsibility for hiding her since it was my idea to bring her with us. If they can't keep her in the city I'll stay with her somewhere outside it." If the mount was impressed with the sentiment she certainly didn't show it.

[Maeriberii Haan]

---

 

Anis and Ileca was silent for the rest of the journey following the aftermath of the fight. Anis opted out to not ride on her partner due to her injuries, but at least she was glad that Ileca was strong enough to walk now, albeit a lot slower than she usually was. Perfect for the group's current pace though. The sun was always at their head, and the heat was starting to get more and more unbearable. It wasn't the worst Anis had experienced, but it's even worse than it should be with how drained she and her partner was, and in general she just wished for an opportunity to rest, not that she would ever voice it to the rest of the group. On occasions when she had gathered some magic energy within, she went on to fix her arrows  that she had gathered earlier before they left. 

 

A guard blocked them out of the city when they finally arrived however, and a half delirious Anis noticed he mentioned something about midnight. How odd. Nevertheless, Kha and Lindow went to talk with him, and soon it was group discussion time. It seemed that they were considering whether they should tell the truth or not.

 

"Just tell the truth. If that is what can we do to finally have rest, then so be it. I am not trying to sound whiny now, but none of us are in any condition to continue on our way now. I don't know how they would react, but the proofs we carry would at least give enough weight for us to enter."

 

She really had no idea about what she was saying in her delirium, but she kept talking despite of that. Shirin considered to come in and talk on her behalf, but held itself back at the last moment as it wasn't necessary for now.

 

---

[Sethera]

Gilly was surprised when she was picked up like that. "Whoa, what's the deal?" she squawked, but her question was soon answered when the quiet girl said, "Mud," pointing at her dripping form and the sand.

 

"Ohhh, heheh, I guess that would be bad, me being muddy," she giggled. "Thanks a lot, guess you're not so doom and gloom after all!"

 

They continued on in that vein, though eventually, when Gilly dried, she started wriggling around, prompting the lizard to drop her. Laughing, the girl rubbed its neck before scampering ahead of the rest of the party, quickly burning out and dragging her feet, and then running ahead again when her energy returned. Eventually, passing by what looked to be where the bullies had been, they reached a large wooden structure, that looked to be a gated city.

 

"Who goes? It's too early in the week for the payment and too late at night for anyone at all. Who comes to a city at midnight anyway?"

 

Then started an exchange that Gilly quickly got bored in, instead choosing to brush Hob's wool. "You've been getting dirty, you got to look nice and pretty," the girl cooed. Then they started discussing how to get in and stuff. At that, Gilly spoke up. "Tell them we're heroes here to save the day! I'm sure they'll appreciate that! They better, if they've got any brains at all."

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

Keres was very glad she had spent many days learning about animal handling otherwise she had a feeling this lizard wouldn't have been so compliant. Though her quiet nature probably helped. Handling the lizard wasn't much different than handling Lucky, after all.

 

After the brief rest in the bandit's apparent settlement, and filling up her water, Keres felt much better about their situation. Seeing the Orc carry the body, however, was quite the sobering sight.

 

It pained her to let Lindow be one of the first to greet the gate guard but she knew she wouldn't be able to explain their situation well. She examined the structure that was in front of her. The cover seemed to be made out of a material different than the walls. Which led her to assume it was built some time later. She didn't know much about the apparent curse that covered this land but it was reasonable to assume that it happened after the city was founded.
She wondered how long those bandits had been here and how long it was since the Council last had any control over the region.

 

Her musing kept her from most of the conversation and she wasn't sure what the decision they had come to was. However as the gate opened up and the short, possibly Dwarven, and very old man stepped into view she knew there wasn't much time to figure it out.

 

She stepped forward anyway, along with whoever had decided to speak with the man, while he called out to them. Getting closer Keres could notice several prominent features. a bulbous nose, bushy eyebrows, and a cloak a peculiar shade of green. "I am the elder of this city. We don't have many visitors, none, actually, and the only people to come around to our city are bandits. Speak up now why I shouldn't turn you away." The voice was commanding but also a bit wheezy. Keres wondered how long this man had left to live.

 

Before anyone spoke Keres did something rather bold. She pointed to herself. "Chosen." She said, before gesturing to her side, where Flux appeared for all to see.

The guards near the elder reacted with shock and suspicion at the sudden appearance of the creature. The elder, however, didn't seem to change his expression. Keres gestured for the rest to do the same as her and, once all who planned on doing so did, she allowed the rest to speak.

 

They had evidently agreed to tell the truth. They spoke about how they were on a quest from the Council and had encountered the bandits, and fought off a group of them, while seeking refuge.

The elder listened to their words solemnly, watching the spirits while the Chosen spoke. "It has been...a long time since we've seen anything of the Council." The way he spoke it seemed clear he didn't think much of that group. "They believe themselves still in control of this area and don't care to so much as check up on us....So I know you weren't sent here for us. However..." He pondered for a moment. "Spirits. Of all the things I've seen I never thought I'd see a group of those at my doorstep." More pondering. Keres could respect the time he took to decide on things but she hoped the others would share her sentiment. "Come into our city, stay the night, but by tomorrow night you'll have to leave. Do what you will in the city as long as you break no laws. If you do anything to endanger or harm my people, however." He spoke the last part with grave certainty. "I will turn you over to the bandits myself."

 

They were led by the elder and his two guards, who seemed nothing more than a pair of young men with sharpened sticks, into the city itself.

It was dark. Torches were lit, in high poles stuck to the ground, here and there but the city seemed to be asleep.

The buildings, seemingly homes, were all in close proximity to each other, making the streets a mess of narrow alleys and sharp turns, which could be confusing without a guide to see them to the other side.

They were led to a crumbling structure on top of a hill, a shrine of some sort. "You will be able to rest here. This once was a shrine to the Great Spirit of Fire, also known as the Sun, before...the curse. No one will disturb you here. I'll send for blankets to use as bedding shortly. Also...In the morning if I could...speak to some of the spirits myself, I would be gracious."

 

Keres entered the shrine first, looking around at the almost barren structure. It was large enough for them all to rest comfortable but there wasn't much more too it. In the center was what seemed like an alter. A pedestal with steps leading up to it. But the pedestal was cracked down the center and it seemed as though something had been removed from it.

The Water mage took up a place near this altar and sat down, looking around at the worn architecture and wondering what it was like in the past.

 

[spoiler=OOC]You can fill in the blanks I left yourselves if you wish and anything you need to ask for your post come to me. If you wish to just wait until morning that's fine as well but you may interact here in safety in the meantime if you don't just want to skip to that. However I'd prefer you didn't skip right to morning in your post without seeing if it's fine with the rest of the group.