Completed How The Wolf Was Haunted

[Ashieron]

Ash walks through the hill layered grasslands, their open space and windy nature made him feel exposed. Bright side about places like this was so was other people wandering around as well, weather they had ill intentions or no. His hair was starting to become pitch black after the night in Elbion. The mark on his hand was still there, no matter how many times he tried to berid of it, with magic or more natural means.

His head was pounding as another wave of dizziness crashed into him, he’d barely catch himself from falling to the ground holding his eye. He was close to a small town that had an inn. There he’d stay until his pounding headache ended.

Once he finally arrived at the town Ash walks into the inn, masking his pain from everyone around him. “Whichever room you got a available please.” He requests the woman behind the counter. The woman takes the gold and counts it before setting it down behind the counter.

“Second room on the left, upstairs.” The black haired woman instructs the elf who gives her his thanks before heading upstairs to collapse into his bed. Holding his head Ash swears many words in elvish, draconic and common.

He has been watching his back ever since the events in Elbion. Where he and a half-elf both got blackout drunk and ended up waking up the next morning with guards pounding on their door saying that they were wanted criminals. Only idea of that night was the marking on his hand, the occasion headaches, and a few blackouts. Something was not right and he also knew that the city would probably have a bounty out for his captivity or death.

That is if Iliris and Freya did not get their hands onto him first. The two of them would be incredibly disappointed and would definitely be extremely mad at him. Either way the elf was going to get an ear chewing, and word would get to them fast considering how they might travel sometimes to do when trying to save dragons.

Taking out his magic stone Ash plays with it in his fingers, running them along it’s rim. Thinking about just sending them a message, but decided against it and tosses it back into his bag. Turning over onto his side, the room still spinning the elf closes his eyes to try and get some sleep.

 

[Jirou]

As far as mercenary work goes, this seemed a bit odd to Jirou. While a questioning man it was difficult for him to turn his neck too far away from coin. Elven male, branded in a certain degree. Heard to have fled from Elbion after a dark night of debauchery leaving them wanted in more avenue than one. Jirou hoped deep in the depths of his heart this would be a quiet mission based in recovery and not one where blades are drawn. Hope was a fickle mistress, however.

The hillsides he followed with little trace of the one he was tracking led him to a suspicious town within this barren outskirts. If one was to stay hidden, they'd likely find themselves retracting to a place they wouldn't expect to be bothered.

The young ronin stepped into the inn and pulled his straw hat back to reveal his soft burnt orange eyes offering a kind look to the inn keeper. "Be it not too much trouble," He spoke as he approached them. "Have you by chance seen an elf with some sort of brand on them? I was asked to bring them home." The inn keeper shifted uncomfortably in a manner that stated either they had no idea and wanted none, or they were not planning on disclosing that kind of information. Jirou smiled through it. "No worries, friend. I wouldn't prod you. May I buy a room however?" She offered Jirou a key and he headed to the first room on the left. Shutting the door lightly behind him.

As he began to set his things down he could hear faint shuffling one room away. Curious, the spirited ronin put an ear to the wall.

 

[Ashieron]

After a few minutes of unsuccessfully trying to get some sleep Ash sits up. He’d take off his glove and look at the mark on his wrist, what was it? Who gave it to him? It was not a good mark either. He’d groan some as another wave of pain wracked into his head, which he held trying to be-rid the discomfort. Some blood dripped from his nose, which he managed to not get onto the sheets of the inn’s bed and onto his clothing instead.

He thought the blood of his would just thicken up on his shirt before drying, but it did not. A bit of air would stir up as the window was cracked open, causing a womanly figure to appear, using his own blood mixed with the air to create its visible form. “Don’t worry little one, you’ll be fine soon enough.” It tells him running her hand along his cheek. The elf felt miserable and looked miserable. Almost like the plague had gotten to him at this point.

“You’re the reason why I’m wanted in the first place.” He whispers at the woman in elvish. The woman smiles, “Nay, it was both of our doing.” She whispers back with a beautiful smile. “Remember we made a deal, I help you save the dragons and give you back memories, meanwhile you agreed to assist me with my own goals.” The woman informs him booping his nose, “And there is no way out of it, only death or me taking hold forever,” Making a pouty face and a little kid imitation, “Now I am sure you do not want that right?”

Her voice was silky and smooth, as well as soft spoken. She was just as beautiful as her voice as well. Ash could tell there was going to be an issue if the creature thought he was more interested in women.

Ash looked at the woman dumbfounded but he believed her as he squinted at her trying to remember her, she did seem familiar and he somewhat remembered talked to her that night before he blacked out, “Atleast tell me your name, so I have something to call you by.” He faces his wiping the blood from his nose with some water.

The woman chuckles, “About time you asked,” She gives the elf a small bow,

“My name is Satan.“

 

[Jirou]

Jirou listened intently through the wall as quietly as he could. It seemed that something was happening in the room next to him. To his surprise he began to hear a conversation strike up. The ronin's training allowed him a bit of extra room of understanding when it came to listening far off though it was far from a perfect ability.

As the voices picked up he heard something he was waiting to hear.
"You're the reason why I'm wanted in the first place."

Bingo. This was the elf he had been searching for. What he was not expecting was where this conversation went. There was a woman there with him, yet from her voice Jirou could tell something was extremely off. She had an ominous tone. Lusty, but conniving. All he could tell from his life as a medium was it she was anything but human.

She spoke her name. One familiar to the ronin but to the extent western humans may know. All he knew was one thought. "Akuma. Devil." He whispered softly to himself. He pulled from the wall and stood up as quiet as he could, brushing his robes off and lowering his straw hat over his eyes. He placed his cane sword to the ground as a walking stick and hunched over, then moseyed into the hallway of the inn, closing the door behind him abruptly.

The ronin took a deep breath and tripped himself, crying out in false pain. "Help! Anyone please! I have fallen! My leg is no good, please!" His voice was low and raspy, creating the facade of someone sick. If anything he could hope to cause some panic in the runaway. Faced with a devil and the nagging voice of the wounded. A prey in disarray was easier to catch anyways.

As for the devil, it wasn't something Jirou hadn't dealt with in the past. Yet to its strength, he could not speak. Caution was necessity.

 

[Ashieron]

Ash lifts his head at the sounds of a man yelling for help. Standing up quickly the elf rushes towards the door, running through the apparition of Satan who reforms. "I would not do that if I were you." She tells him getting in his way.

Ash scoffs at her, before gently moving her to the side, "But someone is hurt. I cannot ignore someone crying for help." He tells her reaching for the hand. Satan said nothing more in just shrank down into the form of a mini black dragon and perched on his shoulder. "Do not say I did not warn you little one."

"Please stop calling me little one." He grumbles rolling his eyes opening the door and looking down to see what seemed like an old man having fallen because of his leg giving out. Walking over to his side Ash kneels down and offers a hand to help the poor man up, "Allow me to help you, sir." He says with a warm smile and kindness showing in his demeanor.

Satan watched the fallen man carefully, digging her claws into Ash's shoulder with a slight hiss. Ash flicks her snout and a bit of smoke puffed from her nostrils.

 

[Jirou]

While the plan he concocted went over seemlessly, the now draconic devil offering the elf words of advice left him a bit uneasy. He expected resistance but to deal with the underworld today? Not something he's often prepared for. Again, being one who can deal with spirits as an innate ability allowed him to resist fear's pull, but it'd be a fools errand to run into this blindly. The charade had to continue. As well as move.

He knew he'd shut his door behind him so banking on the kindness of his target he decided to try a white lie out for once. His conscious struggled with this deceptive nature as it was most unlike him. He also knew that whoever this elf was dealing with devils could be no grand Samaritan.

"Please, if I may be so bold." He coughed violently to add to his character. "I seemed to have locked my key in my rented room, may I sit in yours for but a quarter hour? I promise to be of no trouble to you." He spoke weakly and as he stood up with Ash's aid he shook his leg to ensure he looked injured.

If this worked, he'd have the elf cornered. He could decide from there how to further manipulate the situation.

 

[Ashieron]

Satan dug her nails into Ash’s shoulder some more, Why would someone who has an injured leg cough all of a sudden. We have heard no such coughing. She tells Ash’s telepathically, Ash looks at the man before shaking his head, “There is no room sir, it would be cramped between the two of us.” He says apologetically shaking his head. The dragon on his shoulder watches Jirou carefully, Do not trust him, we are wanted criminals after all. She rubs her tail against the back of his neck.

“Go find a doctor or a healer if you are unwell sir. I am not much of a healer so I cannot assist you.” He reaches into one of his bags in his belt and hands a pouch of gold to the man, “This should handle the costs of a healer.” He gives the man a slight nod with a smile and a pat on the hand. “Rest well sir.” He gives a slight bow to the man before disappearing back into the room closing the door behind him.

 

[Jirou]

"Tch" he thought angrily to himself. Any coin was nice in all reality. The coin offered for this elf's returned was incomparable to petty change, however. He watched through his straw hat until the elf and the devil had returned and shut the door behind them before standing up straight.

Clearly he was no good at this whole facade thing. That dragon on his shoulder was likely the voice he'd heard through the wall as well. A dragon-devil? What sort of evil was this elf prying into. He rubbed his temples with his fingers in agitation. So no clever tricks? No way to end this quietly? So be it. He was after someone wanted. No blame would be laid on him for causing a ruckus.

Jirou swung his straw hat to hang on his back and drew the blade from his 'cane'. In a swift motion he sliced off Ash's doorknob and struck the door with his bamboo sandle so it swung hard enough to hit the wall.
The ronin stared with a stoic look upon the elf and his companion.

He sighed, as if completely tired. "Devils offer you no escape friend. I apologize greatly for my own deceit as well." He bowed his head lightly. "Would it not be easier to return to Elbion and face your realities? I do not wish for this to become something either of us will regret."

He held his sword at his side in a non threatening pose, a look of softness slathered across his face.

 

[Ashieron]

Ash chuckles looking at the sword, as he had the air of a warrior with hundreds of years under his belt. “Believe it or not human, I have no recollection of making a deal.” He taps his temple with a finger, “I’ve had memory issues since me and my charge had a near death incident with Siren’s Tongue hundreds of years ago.”

The elf spreads out his arms some showing no weapons, “Besides I’m just a simple elf who travels. Don’t you ever think that Elbion is a predominately human city, and that elves are a minority?” He shrugs. Ash arches an eyebrow at the human.

Satan crawls down his back and hops onto the bed, sitting down on its hind and yawning. Ash smiles at her, “Believe it or not, that is an actual dragon. And I would die defending it if I must, as is the promise I made to my friends and other dragons.” The elf’s ears draw back a bit, showing his intent if he needed to.

“I warn you human, you may be considered an adult in your species terms. But I still have a multitude of years stacked upon you.” Cold and hot air both started to seep into the air, condensation from the elf’s breath puffed up from when he breathed. No words were spoken as the spell started up but no spell had officially occurred yet. Fire licked his hands and it was almost as hot as the sun.

Satan watched the elf closely. Then she looked at the human and shakes her head, “Listen to what he has to say human. For others will be im danger and this man has helped many of thy kin before.” She tells the human, “Don’t want the lovely innkeeper downstairs getting exploded to millions of bits when my friend here uses his draconic spells.” It smiles a wicked smile, “Wouldn’t we?”

 

[Jirou]

Jirou was no stranger to being threatened. Even with magic. Though the claims made by the pair were not ones to go unheeded. His form and face remained stoic, and it was likely that they were underestimating who they were facing. The ronin would not make that same mistake. There were no tell tale signs of he being anymore than a mercenary but he preferred it that way anyhow.

He slid his blade across his cane sheathe and locked the blade in place. Confrontation was the number one thing he wanted to avoid and coin be scarce, no lives were worth it. They were right to have him pegged for someone not willing to throw others away in hopes for his achievement. It angered him, sure. Yet you certainly can't win them all. He looked into the elf's eyes and offered a warm smile. One far too warm for the scenario.

"You certainly aren't wrong about Elbion. It is far from a glimmer of social progression. But you've done wrong, have you not? Do you think it unseemly to own up to your own misdeeds? And to be completely honest, I couldn't care less about dragons or the millenia you've lived." He gave a hearty chuckle. As the devil spoke to Jirou he blatantly ignored her presence but heeded her warning. The ronin shooed away his smile to return to stoicism.

"I'm not sure exactly what it is you've done to earn the price I was offered on your return, but..." He pulled his hat back on and turned around to leave the doorway. "The way you're willing to offer mass homicide as an escape route says a lot about you, regardless of how ever many old men you help in hallways. I wonder who exactly the devil in this room is, she or you?" He cocked his head back to give him a last glance.

"You'll not always be surrounded by scapegoats, either. No matter how never ending a sprint may seem you will hit a wall. May your sunken ways save you then, friend." He gave a very clear indication that this chase was far from over.

 

[James Lanvarok]

"Hunt a draconic mage who eats souls, they said, it'll be fun, they said!" James grumbled as he loaded his crossbow.

Leaning against the back wall of the inn, he huffed as he tightened the string and placed his finger on the trigger. The arrow was enchanted with a spell which neutralized Ashieron's resistance to fire, which would allow James to burn him to a crisp, if he actually managed to hit him, that was. He had taken the bounty for the pay, without paying too much consideration to the target.

He was in over his head, but if he killed Ash, he would have enough money to get to the other side of the Spine. Picking up his crossbow, he took a breath and stepped through the back door of the inn. Candles brightened the hallway, their discrete, little flames flickering with every step James took. He tried to walk quietly, which was difficult considering his weight, and stared at the door to Ash's bedroom, where a man was standing and talking to him.

James overhead a snippet of the conversation. He seemed to not care about Ash's achievements or lifespan, which James had to respect.

The Elf's intent to massacre civilians in order to escape pressed James' nerves, and his urge to serve justice where it was needed. Ashieron seemed to be toying with the man, who brushed off his threats nonchalantly.

James waited for a space to intervene, and when it didn't come, he simply shrugged, stormed forward and stood behind the man. He slammed down his finger on the trigger of his crossbow and fired an arrow into the back wall.

"Shit. Just. Got. Real!" He barked, then loaded another.

 

[Ashieron]

Ash takes a deep breath, “Thanks for making me look like a dick.” He rubs his hands over his face looking at the devil when a crossbow bolt comes firing from the door way and into the wall. He’d look past the first human and look at the second one with a look that said, You might have just made a huge mistake.

Backing up to the window Ash looks outside, “Tis a beautiful night out. So before the two of you have your merry way in trying to take me back to the city which I am now a wanted criminal in. Lets all just go have a nice stroll, get to know eachother a bit. And atleast let me explain myself.” He offers them plucking the arrow from the wall and looking at it.

With a glow in his eyes the arrow simply became ash and fell to the floor like sand. He’d look over to the bed to see the little devil was gone, “While we still have a chance without her interfering this time. I would never burn down an inn like Maho did to the College. There is a much better way to spend my free time than ruin countless lives.” Ash walks past the two men putting back on his gloves and using magic to fix the door on his way out, “You’re paying for the damages in the wall also boy.” He points at James with a commanding voice as he walked down the hallway to the outside.

 

[Jirou]

Jirou grew... Perplexed. This interaction was swiftly becoming stranger and stranger. As an arrow shot basically through his hair he couldn't help but turn to face the newest arrival eye to eye and cock his head a bit. Giving James a look of "why". It shouldn't surprise the ronin that another mercenary showed up to claim the head of this elf but to think one would show up with such a lack of tact.

He turned back to look at Ash who's voice was giving off a much less demonic vibe than previously established. His change in tone felt as if his whole personality shifted. Was that the devil's doing? He could feel that there was less spiritual intervention going on. That must be the case. Though it still left a million and one questions. And his proposition seemed a lot easier than watching the whole place go up in flames or seeing his head gored through by an eccentric archer.

He scratched his head in thought while closing his eyes tight and let out an exasperated sigh.

"I'm a bit lost on what's even happening anymore, but. If it will put an end to the nonsense I'd be willing to hear you out. A stroll however is not something I find myself trusting you with. Let us go somewhere indoors, perhaps for some food."

He peered back at James with hopeful eyes. "What say you, stranger?"

 

[James Lanvarok]

As the Eastern looking man looked at James, the empath, totally nonchalant as to why he had just shot an arrow in the wall. It had mostly been to get Ash's attention and to incite a response, but the Elf simply turned the arrow to sand and stood up from the bed. He looked at James with the expression of a dire warning, letting him know that he was in over his head.

He was obnoxiously polite, which pissed James off. He had been expecting a fight, not a stroll and some honeyed explanation.

The bounty had described a dangerous individual, and Ashieron was contradicting all the prior warnings. Eyes wide, like the sky on a cloudless day, James loosened his finger on the trigger on his crossbow and lowered it, one eyebrow raised. His empathetic senses combed Ashieron, detecting his ill-intention. His words were laced with honey, but James could tell he was trouble.

"I don't trust him either." James shook his head. "He says he's not gonna harm anyone, but all I sense is death."

When Ashieron told James that he was paying for the damage to the wall, he screwed up his features and smirked.

"I'm not paying for shit!" He barked.

James did want to know the extent of Ashieron's crimes and why he was wanted. He wasn't about to engage him when he couldn't win, so he would allow him to explain himself. Narrowing his eyes, he lowered his crossbow and arched his neck back, matted, curly hair falling in front of his eyes.

"Yeah," he stated. "Let him talk." Brow furrowed, he stared Ashieron down, his eyes baring a hole in the wall he had just fired an arrow into.

 

[Ashieron]

Smiling Ash chuckles, “Wonderful, I could use some dinner after all the traveling. Oh and that death you sense might be the wars Ive been a part of of the devil” Thinking for a moment he shrugs and heads downstairs, drags a table to the side. He’d chant a few words in elvish to one of the innkeepers a full dinner with chicken, veggies, mashed potatoes and fruits appeared on the table. The warm food steaming as if they just came fresh from the fire. A few chairs, silverware etc. popped up onto the table also. The wine was superb just as he requested it to be.

Sitting down Ash makes himself comfortable, taking a few sips of wine and a few bites of food before leaning back in his chair with his fingers together. “Truth is I do not remember any of that night that I supposedly committed crime upon crime. Only product of that night is waking up with a male half elf sharing a bed with me, guards knocking on our door and escaping Elbion in mid day only to discover the mark on my wrist along with one on my friend.” He sighs rubbing his eyes, “The guards literally did not say what we were wanted for and came in blades drawn. So neither of us have no idea why we are wanted.”

The elf’s ears were drooping a bit and he looked confused as he was legitimately trying to remember the night. But all that came up was darkness. “I know you two must think this is bullshit, but even I am isolating myself as much as I can from my organization until I get this sorted.“ The elf coughs into his elvow some for a few seconds giving them the one moment finger.

 

[Jirou]

To his relief, the bounty hunter beside him had some sense in him. He was a a bit worried about the case. James' unkempt manner aside it seemed that this could have some reasonable conclusion to it. He did find himself happy to have some backup in the matter, though. Jirou may have not been made afraid by the concept of dragons, but most would consider that a fatal flaw to wield.

Jirou followed suit behind Ashieron and took a seat on the same side as he. As he listened to the elf's regalling he pulled out three small cups from his satchel as well as a bottle of sake. He took a glass of the ordered wine as well out of politeness. He poured himself a small cup of the rice wine and set it on the table for the others to enjoy should they please. He grabbed an apple from amidst the fruit bouquet and continued listening intently.

After the elf explained himself the ronin took a bite of the apple and chased it with some of the wine Ash had presented.

"What I find interesting about this is how we were both introduced to the debacle." He leaned forward and turned to look at Ash. "You nor I were informed of the wrong doing specifics but the claim made about your capture was grand at the very least. The sum offered for you would only be turned down by a fool. Or perhaps we were all made to be fools."

 

[Ashieron]

The elf listens to the human, wiping his mouth from some blood with a cloth. He did not have an illness, more of an injury. “It is very interesting, that’s what has me pissed off about this whole situation. But what can you do.” Ash shrugs taking a drink of cooled water.

He thought for a moment taking a bite of meat from the chicken, “Since you’re after me and you’re obviously an experienced merc. How about we come to a deal, one which either of us could benefit from until this thing gets sorted out.... or worse.” Ash sighs looking down at his hands that had a small bit of black veins on them. His expression terns sad as he hid them away with his glooves.

“Say human, what is your name? I’d rather not keep on calling you, “you.” He asks offering his hand, “The name is Ashieron Faelyn. What else about me I could not remember.”

 

[Jirou]

Jirou took a small shot of sake while he listened to Ashieron speak of some deal. There was a great deal more than met the eye in this situation and he was more than open to seeing what could be behind it. He was no stranger to conspiracy and corruption. And with a devil being involved there had to be a tremendous amount of secrets behind whatever was happening here.

"Most of my curiosity lies with the concept of multiple hired swords coming for you, rather than the guard themselves coming to find you. We aren't that far from Elbion in terms of guard watch, you'd expect that they'd send watchmen to do this dirty work. Are they trying to keep it quiet?" He took a bite of his apple and contemplated what the Elbion guard may have to do with the dark arts. It was a city of magic with the college and everything, but what could they gain from something so heinous if this was indeed their doing?

Jirou peered over to the elf as he finished chewing his food. "I am Jirou. No family name. It is nice to meet you, Ashieron. So pray tell, what is this deal you speak of." He leaned in and began to listen intently.

 

[Ashieron]

“Since we both know that a demon has me technically in its devily grasp, how about we travel together. That way if and when she takes control, you can end it. Both me and her, then you get to take my head back to Elbion for the prize whatever the hell it is.” He waves his hand while talking about the coin prize, “So then I get to go on an do my own thing if there is an afterlife, and you get your coin.”

The elf smiles, he was not scared of death, after all he was going to die eventually even after hundreds of years after this human has long passed on. “On the fact of the guards trying to keep it quiet, Im an elf with some friends in the college. Of course they’ll try to keep it quiet.” Ash yawns some and leans back in his chair, “Theres nothing else to the deal, just what I said. Other than the fact I atleast want to do a few more rescues before the end.”

 

[Jirou]

Jirou's facial expression was somber. Though he'd known many who were far from fearful of death; for one to accept it so callously never left an easy feeling in his stomach. Especially now that he was talking genuinely to the Ashieron that existed in this world, not the one contorted by a devil. He was kind, and certainly undeserving of his fate. Not only that, the crimes he committed were done by this devil and now he had to face the consequences of its actions. A tale as old as time.

Though the offer weighed heavy in Jirou's favor, it still wasn't something he was sure he could accept. "While I appreciate the thought, Ashieron. I don't think I can in good conscience take that offer. I've seen souls driven to their actions via devils before, and know you to be a victim in this. I hope it not lead to your death. I hope I need not take your head to get to the devil at all." He spoke in a low monotone.

"I'll happily travel with you though to ensure what must be done is done. Though should we not aim to find out more about the creature? I may be an exorcist but I am no scholar. My blade can cut through the realm of spirits. That is about all I am good for here."

 

[Rhiannon]

Ash thinks for a moment, taking another drink of wine. Smiling he nods his head, “Agreed, lets go find out who this devil is. Buuut she won’t be happy if I am around for it.” He puts his finger over his lips in a sort of a “hush child” manor. “So I might not want to be around where you ask about, juuuust in case she pops up.”
The elf chuckles some, “We should have a tell for when she is around...”

He looks around thinking, “Bah, we’ll figure it out later. You’ll probably be able to tell anyways.” He says dismissively. Before his eyes lit up again and he smacks his hands into his legs, “I know where we could go try for some information without tipping off this devil!” He says with a lot of excitement in his voice with some longing. “Lets go to my fellow Dragon Keepers within The Spine. A few of them might know a few things.” His ears were perked a little bit with his excitement, Oris will probably know a few things as he was the oldest out of all of them by a long shot. That grandpa dragon would hope be able to point them in the right direction.

 

[Jirou]

The biggest issue with the concept while it was a good idea to have a tell... Was she probably already knew. A devil not communicating did not mean it wasn't listening. Jirou did not break eye contact with the elf and held a smile. On the inside a grave sadness overwhelmed him. It was impossible to tell with possession the severity of it. All the outburst upstairs did was confirm that it was possession. This thing had taken a great hold of Ashieron. The silent oath the ronin made was to ensure that this creature paid for its crime. As well as whoever cast such a curse on the dragon keeper. He thought it best to agree with Ashieron, and not press the matter too hard. Especially since the elf had already accepted death as a possibility. It wasn't his place to take his pride in that by speaking more of the horror.

He just hoped the worst case scenario remained an if, and not a when.

He nodded and closed his eyes with a bright smile aimed at the elf. "That sounds amazing, I'd love to meet the rest of those who deal with Dragons. Especially if they have knowledge about what we're dealing with. I'm sorry I'm not more learned on the subject, exorcising is still a bit of a new field to me. But, should we not finish this wine? May as well start our journey off right." Jirou sort of hated himself for saying that knowing inebriation inhibited mental function. The weaker Ash was in his mind the easier it would be for the devil to take a stranglehold.

Though he couldn't dismiss the nagging thought that this may be the only time he gets to share a drink with the one he aimed to help.

 

[Ashieron]

(Quick OOC: Totally not listening to this rn:

Im a sappy mfer rn)

Wine. One of the best drinks Ashieron loved, as well as one of his comforts when times are tough if he could get his hands onto some. With glass in hand he makes a cheer, “Here’s to you gaining knowledge and a safe journey.” He would drink the wine and finish off his glass. Alcohol did not affect him as much as those unicorn shots he had that one night, it usually took hundreds of glasses fo make him even feel the littlest bit of buzzed. “We start off in the morning, bright and early.” The elf yawns pouring some more wine and laving some for his new found friend.

Once they finished the wine Ashieron will retire up to his room. He’d lay out the blankets onto the floor and curls up on them. Looking at his hands he sees a quick hallucination that they were blood covered. The whole doom was quickly covered in blood. Before it snapped back to normal. His heart was racing and the elf was scared to look around in the case the vision started again. Shaking like a leaf he’d curl up till morning and get some rather disturbed rest.

It would be the morning when he is last seen again, sitting outside petting a wild deer that walked up in search of water which he was happy to provide with a bit of magic. The beast has beautiful spots and antlers accompanying them.

 

[Jirou]

Jirou forced the smile to stain his face for this moment and rose his glass in tandem with Ash. They shared their wine with laughter as they finished off what remained of the bottle and the food brought before them. Full and content the two had called it a night. "Sounds perfect. I'll meet you outside of here and we shall depart. May we be swift." After that they both headed to the rooms that shared the wall where this whole mess began.

The ronin sat upon his rented bed with his eyes to the ceiling. Had the spirit of Masahiko still been here perhaps he would know more of what to do in this situation. He was still a novice at ridding the world of evil deities and felt an enormous guilt for not knowing how to help Ashieron. This lack of experience, this level of adversity... He grew so afraid he'd have to watch another innocent die on this journey.

Jirou got very little sleep that night.

When he did rise from his from minimal slumber he headed downstairs and purchased a bit of fruit for the coming journey. He thanked the inn keeper and went outside to find Ashieron already out and about petting a wild doe. This simultaneously brightened and devastated the exorcist. He tried to pay no mind to his ever changing emotions.

"Shall we then?" He gave Ash and his deer friend a bright smile and a look of preparedness.

 

[Ashieron]

Ash and the deer look up at Jirou simutaniously. The deer just snorts and lays walks off. Leaving Ash to wish it luck in life in his first language, elvish.

"I'm ready as I'll ever be." The elf smiles and starts heading to the east with nothing on his back nor any weapons. "It'll take us loner, probaby a month or so since Elbion might have the portal stone near there guarded on the lookout for your's truely." The elf comments cracking his back, "Though a morning run sounds about the right way to start off this journey again."

Ash has taken the same journey many times. From all over the known world, so he basically knew the quickest ways to and from even without the portal stones. "I know this great village a few weeks or so along the way, the have the best shepards pie. How about we go by there and get some, hopefully settling down that day early."


(OOC: Sorry its short on my phone rn ^^`)