Open Chronicles Keep going and don't look down...

[Eena]

Eena struggled moving through the dense forest as it seemed every branch, twig, and rock was out to get her. Until her foot collided with a very unfortunately placed large rock, her face contorted in agony. “A-MPRRhhh!” A guide that had been sent from the castle put his hand on her mouth. “Forgive me Mistress but loud noises end up attracting all sorts of dark things from this place…Things we should avoid until our task is done.” He instructed as Eena pulled his hand away from her mouth as her face kinda calmed down only by a little though. “FIInneee…” She stated lowering her voice though looking at the rock wanting to bash it to oblivion if she just had a hammer handy. It had been a strange journey hopping on that caravan to this place on the borderlands of Vel Anir. They had not only paid well in accompanying them but also offered that the lord of these lands had a certain job that would happily reward any whom applied. Though that job happen to be clearing out an old mansion of sorts the lord used to vacation in.

A certain ghost or maybe even a ghoul had taken over the place and made a mess of things or the Steward told his master. Since the lord had rather in his words precious memories of the place he would pay handsomely to have the undead vagrants removed. ‘Though judging by how dark and dreary this land is i'd imagine that it has a whole heap of undead problems…’ Eena thought since on the way here she had spied some roaming bands of zombies and even some wolves that were extremely large for their size. Nevertheless she had talked up a big game to the lord and how she would vanquish the undying that seemed to amuse him. He stated his steward had hired additional help so he hoped I didn’t mind company. ‘Well a little extra help wouldn’t be harmful. Would mean a split in the reward but I got plenty from the caravan job to last awhile.’ She thought turning to the guide.

“Hey how many people did the lord hire for this?” She asked as the guide put his hand to his chin as if in deep thought. “Sorry mistress I can’t right remember…Think the steward told me one or two…Maybe even hundred…I do hope hundred never hurts to have a bit more swords when dealing with these creatures.” He guessed as they both heard a wolves howl as they seemed to be more on guard but when nothing came of it both of them relaxed. “Regardless they were instructed to meet us here milady I do sure hope they are quick though.” He stated as Eena sighed looking up at the full moon. “Yeah me too.”

 

[Dauner]

Gallios strolled through the undead infested forest, now looking more like a majestic demon wolf than when it first underwent the corruption its master had blessed it with. The beast was no longer edgy about sensing these creatures of darkness, whose dark energy was low and crude. And it had gotten used to now possessing the intelligence of an average human, its level still being at that of a 5-year-old child, though.

Atop the demonic beast was its master, Dauner A. Light. Not too long ago, they had an encounter with undead beasts, who had slaughtered a village. It had been handled, as they all are eventually. But here they were, taking on a job that had to do with even more undead.

Dauner wasn't after the money. He already had one of Alliria's wealthy merchant families under his control, a mercenary guild, and also controlled a good deal of the Allirian underworld. That was more than enough to ensure he didn't lack of money for a few hundred to thousands of years, of his already long life. Instead, he offered his help simply out of boredom. Although he was skeptical whether this little adventure could be as fun, as the undead hounds from the previous village, it was the best he had right now, so he had little choice but to go with it.

It was shortly after Eena and the guide heard a wolf howl, that the beast would come in sight. From the distance, it would be hard to tell much, aside from how it was two to three times larger than ordinary wolves. But upon closer inspection, they'd notice the man seated on its back. When he'd come close enough, Dauner jumped off Gallios, landing beside the two of them. He then stretched out his hand, and smiled.

"I had no idea, when I accepted this job, that I'd be in such charming company" he'd say to Eena. If she'd let him, he would place a kiss on the back of her hand before turning to greet the guide that accompanied her. He'd ditched his as soon as he left the lord's manor, since he remembered the directions and instructions quite vividly.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

Eena turned towards the noise what seemed like a loud thump of something landing near. What she beheld at first was a beast from all the hells she’s heard of! “BWAH!” She yelled jumping back towards a tree and hiding behind it! The guide walked towards Eena and peeped around the tree. “Ah Mistress don’t worry this is one of the helpers the steward hired. If I’m remembering my master’s description of the steed he rode.” He explained as Eena peeked around the corner noticing a man atop of the beast who nonchalantly dismounted as if he stepped off a regular horse. “And you didn’t think to warn me about that I nearly had a heart attack!” She stated a bit angry as the guide bowed “Forgive me mistress…I’ve been quite busy and to my knowledge I thought most mercenaries had 'seen it all?'” He stated a bit naively as seeing some demon was usually something many mercenaries tend to avoid. Eena was soon coaxed out of her hiding spot though when the man complimented her she felt a bit unsure. Nobody had complimented her like that and her aunt for lack of better words never had taught her the proper curtsy to such words. That was until she felt her hand being raised and with his lips kissed it. “I..Uh..Wuh…” Eena became a bit stupefied by the whole thing as her face turned a bright red. She managed to shake out of her stupor thinking that this man was some kind of noble to do that so she couldn’t afford to look stupid! Well not as much as she already had at least…

“Tha-nk..Thank you milord!” She replied a bit forced. The guide soon approached “Thank you for joining us sir as per instructed by the steward I brought three horses for the journey to the manor. Would milord want one or do you wish to use your beast for the journey? Should be no more than a short ride.” He asked as Eena looked a bit puzzled. “Is this all then?” She asked as the guide shook his head. “Perhaps or not regardless the mansion is our destination I’m sure the master can send another to help guide the others should they request though we cannot remain her for long. In my experience that invites tragedy.” He spoke with finality in his voice as Eena pulled her hand from Dauner’s grasp and mounted up on her horse. She then looked over to Dauner something was bothering her. ‘If he is a noble why the heck would he be doing mercenary work…He should be the one hiring us or…Guess it’s just better to ask.’ Eena thought a bit unsure of it might be rude but she kinda had to know. “Milord if you don’t mind me asking…Usually mercenary work isn’t something nobles are in the market for usually.” She asked with a joking tone at the end. “Says the mercenary who hid behind the tree at the first sign of trouble.” The guide mutter almost giggling as Eena gave him a mean skinkeye! Then turned back to the man "So forgive me for asking but are you a noble?" She asked.

 

[Dauner]

Dauner couldn't help but smile at the girl, as she flustered. How cute, he thought. For a mercenary, she seemed awfully jumpy, though he couldn't blame her. Most female mercenaries, he'd worked with before, seemed to have a fear of ghosts and the undead. So at this point he guessed it was a 'normal' reaction.

The part where he was addressed as a noble almost made him burst into a fit of laughter, but he held himself back. It had been years since he was last addressed as such. Although he was indeed a noble by birth, that privilege was lost when his family fell. And even now, he was in a different world from that in which all that had happened, so he was nothing more than a mercenary with gentlemanly virtues. Though, he never actually considered himself a gentleman.

Soon enough, the guide with Eena presented them horses for the rest of the trip. "I'll take the horse, thank you" Dauner said, turning once more to his mount. "Gallios, scout ahead and inspect the perimeter of the mansion" he'd order. In a flash, the wolf would leap forward, disappearing behind the trees. Since it exuded demonic energy, there was little chance for it to get into any scuffle with the lower level undead and ghostly creatures around the manor.

When the question eventually came up, Dauner looked up as if thinking of how to answer. "Well, not really" he's answer. "I'm just an ordinary mercenary trying to make a living" he said, rather superficially. Of course, he didn't put any effort into making it seem like the truth. To those who knew him, they'd know he lied, and that he intentionally let them know he lied. To those who didn't know him, though, he'd just seem like a bad liar.

"You don't quite seem experienced in this line of work" Dauner continued, indirectly referring to when she hid behind a tree. "Are you new to the mercenary world, m'lady...?" he paused, as though asking for her name.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

Eena let out a sigh of relief when the beast left. Though apart of her knew that he wasn’t probably far away. ‘I’ll have to get those nerves under control when he does pop around the corner…Ugh damn his large teeth sends shivers down my spine…’ Eena thought trying to encourage her bravery. As she turned listening to Dauner’s response. ‘An ordinary mercenary…That rides such a beast…Guess it’s better than some of the stories of heard the other mercs tell.’ She thought as it seems to be kinda a waste. “Guess your more humble than most mercs I’ve seen know about a dozen who’d give themselves a title with a beast like that. Probably like The Dreadwolf, Fang Rider, WereDevil!” She states looking a bit excited, She kinda always wanted a title like that though sadly she hadn’t yet proved herself worthy of one and left the company before she could due to…Circumstances.

“Hurk! New!? Of course not! I’m experienced!” She stated her face almost contorting in an unsure grin which had hoped would look more confidant. “I’ll have you know I’m from a long line of peerless warriors, Uncorrupted Stewards, and heroes of this land! For my name...IS Eena Eaglehart of the House of Eagleharts known throughout this world!” Eena had proclaimed though even the lord had not heard of the famous people she referred to. He did know an Eaglehart that had married his nephew awhile ago. Eena eyes seem to glow thinking finally some recognition! That is until he stated she had created quiet the scandal in the southlands. She had bedded a Duke and divorced his nephew getting both families at each other's throats. Though the lord stated he beared no ill will towards Eena still it was something she wished she had never heard. A part of her was glad they had that conversation in private though despite that there still was some hope that someone knew about the legends her uncle told her about their family line that at least one or two were true!

 

[Dauner]

Dauner laughed at the nicknames Eena mentioned. Nicknames were the last thing he was in the market for right now. For someone who had already born such nicknames, as the heavenly demon, the lightning reaper, the great demon monarch, among others, trivial nicknames which didn't reach far were not something he'd get his panties in a twist for.

"I'm not that humble" Dauner spoke. "I am going to get myself a nickname eventually. But it'll have to be something earth-shattering. Something heaven defying" he said with confidence written all over his face, as if to say it wasn't a question of whether he could get the nickname, but of when he'd be getting it. And also that he intended to make it big, like world renown kind of big.

When Eena stated that she'd been in the business for longer than he thought, the only conclusion he could get at, was that she might have been a late bloomer. Combat skills mattered little in the mercenary world, as compared to one's nerves. Nerves of steel were a must if you wanted to survive on bloody battlefields. That was at least what Dauner thought. The next sentence from Eena was said with boastful confidence, or at least an attempted one.

Dauner stared at her. "Eaglehart? Never heard of it!" he said bluntly. "Well, I'm new around these parts, so there's a lot I've never heard of" he finished. He wasn't just new to fallwood or the vicinity of Vel'Anir. Or even Liadain. He was new to Arethil itself. An otherworlder who had fought his way through the void, against beasts only the legends could fathom, only to fall onto a different world from his.

"Well, that would mean you've got a pretty strong backing, being from such a renown family, which make me wonder. Why does a beautiful lady, such as yourself, do mercenary work, when you can make use of your family's resources to hone your skills instead?"

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

“Uh huh…Well my last company leader said if you can make it stick it’s yours. Knew a muscular fellow called Wall Eater who had no teeth and could move his jaw down to his neck, you could see his the skin look like it was made of a really stingy cheese. Then he…he…bleh.” Eena almost lost her lunch again at the thought of imagining that again. “Ugh…I..Uh…What I mean to say is I hope you don’t end up like that…Same for me for my stomach.” She states regaining her composure.

She hung her head low at his declaration. ‘Ah damn it…I guess it’s better than oh I know an Eaglehart who swindled me and you look just like her…’ A little morbid but since hearing that last Eaglehart tale her expectation wasn’t on a positive note.

She seemed to puff up at his thought that she had some possibly powerful allies. Why not they could be out there…Somewhere. “Well not personally though I’m certain there’s some people all too grateful to our noble deeds eheh.” Then came the compliment. “Cheizza…I bish…Ve wolludnt..su..so..vings.” She stated in utter gibberish as her face turned a bright crimson. She just wasn't used to someone complimenting her about her looks. The mercs were garish and easy to ignore though it also helped that the female mercs in the company kept the boys in line unless they well were also in a festive mood. Then came another question one she wasn’t expecting. If she was a noblewoman why was she a mercenary? She could just have hired someone to train her or even hire mercenaries to do her bidding not that she wanted that…The truth…The truth? ‘I can’t tell the truth! That I was kicked out and forced on a quest to find a man that might be long dead! That sounds pathetic…’ She thought as she huddled to herself in deep thought. ‘Then what?!...umm…OH! I’m on a quest of vengeance against a great monster! Great! What monster? Um…Hydra? No they don’t live around here! Think harder! Goblin? Are you even trying think tougher! Centaur? UgH!’ In went around and around until she saw Dauner looking at her. “Oh sorry…I um…The reason…The reason is…” She began to stammer out. ‘What was the reason…Oh yeah.’ It finally popped in her head. “I got kicked out of my house” ‘NO!’ Her face suddenly contorted. “Uh-I mean I left my house to experience the natural way of an…Adventurer and mercenary!” she quickly corrected ‘Phew!’ Then it kinda just flew out not the whole truth but some of it. “Also to find someone important…Very important to me and someone else but mostly to me.” She stated as a calming feeling took over she really did hope he was still out there until it finally hit her. “Oh…Damn where are my manners I never asked your name mr?” She asked looking at Dauner.

 

[Dauner]

Eena was a wreck, was what Dauner thought. Despite her attempt at hiding the truth, Dauner was just that experienced in telling a lie from the truth. And it didn't help that she stammered, and made an obvious blunder of saying the truth. Even if she did correct it, it didn't the fact that Dauner had heard the first part of it. In the end, he just couldn't but like how cute her reactions were. It had a certain heartwarming effect on him. Well, to be honest, it had been 7000 years since he last got this feeling from speaking with a beauty. Which means 7000 years of only getting to see ugly beasts, who wanted him for dinner, and 7000 years of killing said beast, so he had more than enough reason to want to indulge in this feeling right now.

Dauner chuckled at the girl's nervousness. "Relax. You can speak more comfortably, since we do share similar circumstances" he said. He wasn't lying when he said that. He had left home at a very young age. He was about half as young as Eena at that time. The reason not being because he was kicked out or left of his own volition, but rather because his family was framed and purged by rival noble families. Well, the details mattered little.

"Pardon my manners" he'd say, placing his hand on his chest. "I am Dauner A. Light from the Reaper's Den mercenary guild in Alliria" he continued with a bow, still maintaining his balance on the horse with little difficulty. Though he wouldn't present himself as the leader of the mercenary guild, if she had been to Alliria lately, she may have heard of his actual relation to the guild through the rumors on the street.

"If I may ask" he continued. "Who's this person you speak of? I may be of some help in your quest" he said. As a wandering thrill-seeker, he'd obviously been to a number of places, and would most likely be to more. There was a chance he may have encountered the person she spoke of, though not very likely, there was still a chance he'd meet them in the future, so nothing was off the table.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

“Yeah…Relax just need to calm down…” She took a deep breath and exhaled as she did she saw what looked like a large shadow or silhouette in the far distance. “Ah were almost to the manor. Hopefully just dust bunnies and maybe a few termites have taken residence. That way we just need to gather a few things and I can ask my master to send workers here to start the refurbishment.” He stated hoping for such and easy peasy outcome though if that were the case the party the lord sent here first would have returned with that news. “Right…Just so you know I’m not cleaning anything.” Eena declared “Ah yes mistress only searching the workers will take care of the mess once it’s clear.” The guide confirmed.

“Ah pleasure to meet you Dauner. Strangely I have heard of the mercenaries though only in passing bu-wait you’re their leader?! And you’re here alone?” She seemed to give a puzzled look. “D-Don’t take this the wrong way but usually I would see leaders accompanied by two or even six of their toughest and meanest bruisers. They would either make a point or you know ‘business’ that needs doing.” She stated though after thinking about it. His terrible beast might explain that. “Oh…Though I suppose since you have that great beast I guess there's no need for that. When you have something that can tear through gods knows how many and be gnawing on their bones before you even arrive eheh…” She stated still not relishing meeting that hound again.

“Oh…” She had not expected him to ask. Though honestly she should be asking everyone from the smallest rat to the tallest giant. Yet there was a suspicion in her head that maybe if she did that she might put him in danger. Like putting a bounty on him without knowing. Still Dauner had been nothing but helpful so far and he claimed he was well traveled so it couldn’t hurt. “Well his name is Hans…Hans Eaglehart he left our manor three years ago. His mother and me have been worried sick about him. My aunt even hired mercenaries, adventures, even a man who claimed he had a flying machine which turned out to be not true and a waste. Needless to say I was her last option…I was given my father’s sword and armor and promptly told to find him. After I got the boot from my cushy life ahhh…” The last part she stated with a bitter sigh at the end being flung into a life of adventure isn’t what is all crapped up to be. “As for Hans well he has the same eyes as me. Short black hair maybe even a beard at this point? And similarly colored armor unless he traded it in for something better…He's about one foot taller than me though wouldn’t be surprised if it was two, lucky guy always seemed to tower over me.” Eena seemed to pout at that she was always smaller than most of her siblings and relatives. “He wanted to find his father’s body in the north and he said he’d return but it’s been quite long and despite everything I think he’s out there somewhere. So if you’ve seen him that’ll be fantastic unless you’ve seen him on the opposite side of the world…Then promptly excuse me while I cry at the travel expenses on such a journey.” She tried to sound jokingly though if that was the case she might just do it she had already spent a small fortune trying to look for him in Vel Anir and Alliria.

 

[Dauner]

The idea of not having anything fun to do at the mansion sent a cold shiver down his spine. Even a demon king like him had something he feared, and that was boredom. Sure, some may say boredom wasn't that big a deal, but no one truly understood the deadliness of it, unless they'd spent 7000 years accompanied by nothing other than fleeting hope and boredom. And that, Dauner knew how it felt, all too well.

Eena wasn't wrong. It was common for leaders to have people around to do all the work they didn't want to do themselves, but Dauner was of a different breed from them. Although Eena hadn't realized it yet, there were five shadows following Dauner. Five of his underlings, whose only job was to follow his instructions when needed. They had been explicitly warned not to intervene in matters that concerned him during his adventure. This was why they'd done nothing when he was 'abducted' by pirates at the edge of the Allir Reach, south of the spine. And also when he was lost at sea in a shipwreck, which later had him washed up on the beach of Fallwood. It was also only after entering into the hinterlands of Fallwood, that he found a dying wolf, and corrupted it, transforming it into the demon wolf he now used as a mount.

All in all, he pretty much handled everything on his own. The underlings following him could be considered as little more than ornaments at this point.

“Oh…Though I suppose since you have that great beast I guess there's no need for that. When you have something that can tear through gods knows how many and be gnawing on their bones before you even arrive eheh…”

"You mean Gallios! That little puppy can barely handle himself. Almost got ripped to shreds, the last time I had him take care of a few crazy hounds" Dauner would say, though he wouldn't add that, said 'crazy hounds' were actually undead, and numbered in the hundreds. That just showed how much expectation he had for his followers. To Dauner, strength was an iron rule.

Dauner laughed at the last part of Eena's sentence. "Well, I haven't met such a person in my travels yet, but you can be assured, I will let him know you're searching for him should I come across him" he said offering her a reassuring smile. "As for money. The Reaper's den mercenary guild is still recruiting. Could help you earn your, um, travel expenses, much faster. If you're interested, just stop by the guild house in Alliria whenever you've got the time" he said, pulling out a badge from his jacket's inner pocket. It was a round shaped badge with the initials, 'LR', engrave on it, and with a bolt of lightning engraved between them. "Just show them this. They'd know what to do". The badge was like a recommendation letter, except, it was a recommendation letter from the leader himself. In other words, it was like a guaranteed recruitment sign.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

Eena nodded at his explanation though a part of her wondered what sorts of beasts could even pose a threat to a terror like that. Probably the type that could leave her disemboweled in an instant. “Well I hope you gave him a biscuit for at least trying. Companions can get very cross with you if you don’t reward them with something be it treat or mauling you with slobber…Ugh had a dog once who would do this thing with his tail before attacking me or you know leaping at my face and giving me kisses till I was drenched in saliva.” She stated with a sigh yet wondering if that old dog was doing okay with her aunt despite being an heartless woman to her she did have a soft spot for animals of all sizes. So Eena had no doubt he was at least well fed still she wasn’t looking forward to the reunion of being knocked over and covered in slobber.

“I’d be grateful and be in your debt if you do.” She stated knowing that if he did find Hans she could end this whole Adventure early get out her favorite drink and relax to the end of her days. She looked a bit hesitant at accepting his offer on the guild part though. The last time she joined with mercenaries it had started off well even good with all the knowledge she absorbed of fighting. Yet when she was nearly sold to some merchant her leader was indebted to that had sobered her up to such things. Yet guilds were more tight nit with their rules and regulations than mercenary companies where anything goes. Yet they were also very local she couldn’t explore for her cousin much if she was tied down to one area. Though if Dauner could be believed it sounded like this guild had quite the radius if it could cover her travel expenses. “That’s very kind of you…um I’ll consider it..Though…eheh I don’t suppose your guild has ever um gotten rid of their members to those they were indebted to? I kinda had that problem nearly happen to me from the last mercenary company I joined and although you don’t have to be truthful I’d be grateful if you told me ahead of time…Otherwise I might do…Things.” She asked accepting the badge but really kinda had no idea on how to bring it up aside from asking outright though he could just lie Eena had to hear it one way or another. ‘Oh but if I find out he did…I’ll do worse than my last leader where I only stole his horse and armor. I’ll buy the biggest biscuit I can find! Win that beasts affection and turn him upon his master! OH how deliciously diabolical!’ Eena thought and couldn’t really help herself from giggling at the notion but quickly covered it with a cough. “Must be something in there…*Fake Cough*” She tries to fool. ‘Calm down Eena he hasn’t done anything like our other boss it’s only fair to hear him out’ She thought to herself as she turned to listen.

 

[Dauner]

Dauner was always clear on punishments and rewards. To have enough intelligence to know when a fight is unwinnable, but yet bravely pounce into it on the orders of its master, was commendable by Dauner. That was something that guaranteed its loyalty to its master. Or its fear of him. Certainly the latter might have been the case, since Dauner was someone who was unforgiving of treachery, and had explicitly made it known to the wolf when it first gained its intelligence, upon mutation. Failing to follow his orders would probably have meant certain death, whereas fighting the horde of undead hounds still meant it had a chance to survive.

Its reason didn't matter. What mattered to Dauner was that, it had carried out its orders properly. As a reward, it was granted a name. Not just any kind of name, though. It was given a true name. One which would consolidate its power as a demonic entity, and give it room for exponential growth in the future. But also a name which unconditionally bonded it to Dauner for the rest of its existence.

"You could say I gave him a REAAALLY big biscuit" he replied, trying not to think about the drenching in saliva part. He would 100% dropkick it if it tried something like that. Cuddling was fine, but not licking.

A cold shiver would run down his spine as Eena giggle mischievously. What crazy plan she was hatching was probably something Dauner would want to see happen. Not that he'd let it be known, though. "No need to worry about that. Whenever there's a debt to be paid, I'm always on the collecting end" he said, the last part sounding rather ominous, and accompanied by a rather shrewd grin. A grin he quickly rectified. "*Ahem* you can rest assured, we do not sell one of our own. Anyone who tries to will probably be sleeping in some gutter soon enough" he finished the last part, trying to keep a reassuring smile on, as though he hadn't just said something scary.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

Eena was starting to think her paranoia on the subject was putting Dauner in a rough place. She sighed thinking ‘Well he seems sincere about it and I can’t pin all merc leaders to be like Bo.’ She thought of her mercenary leader who taught her many valuable lessons about the sword and even tactics. Despite being a hard ass he was fair and kept everyone moving. Though what was under his facade is what nearly got her. Still she wasn’t about the start flinging that every leader was secretly a slave trader seemed not only a bad idea but could land her into trouble too. What if he was? It wouldn’t take much for that beast to tackle her then for Dauner to put her in chains and that’s it! 'Well he hasn't done that so let's keep it that way.' She finished her thought.



"I believe you, sorry about putting you in a tight spot just have some trust issues is all, and you seem to have a good head for coin. Still I won’t say I will or won’t but I’ll keep you in mind if I ever visit Alliria after this.” She stated giving a winning smile as she soon saw what appeared to be a vine covered gate that connected to a ruined wall that had more than a few missing bricks. “Ah here we are friends!” The guide stated climbing down from his mount and cutting away the vines. He then took out a chain that held many keys as he found a one that was made of copper. He turned as the latch unlocked and a loud screeching noise could be heard from the gate obviously not taking too kindly of being moved after all this time. When they entered the courtyard they would see a pathway that led to the mansions door flanked by ill-kempt hedging trees. Just beyond the hedges you could see two large fountains that seemed to have a statue on top of each of them. Though they had to have been smashed to oblivion leaving whoever was there to pieces as well as devoid of any water. “Oh dear me…This is awful! Nature has truly taken over! I can only hope the vines haven’t gotten into the structure! Please wait her milord and milady. The keys to the manor should be in the gardening shed only over there.” He stated pointing to a rundown shed that actually looked better than the fountains as far as structural integrity was concerned. “I shan’t be but a moment!” He declared moving to the shed and closing the door there was some rummaging but nothing that sounded serious but if anything he seemed to be having trouble finding the key.



Eena dismounted and took a glance around seeing that there was a statue to the right side of the manor that was missing it’s top part. It’s bottom frame seemed unharmed aside from being covered in outgrowth. She then took a look at the fountain much of foundation was still good though it seemed to have something on each of it’s ends. A head or symbol it was difficult to tell and the gravel below signified it had been smashed to pieces. When she looked a bit from the windows it appeared there was still furniture inside the manor. “Guess either the staff revolted or some bandits decided to hit this place? Judging by the ride here I don’t think we’ll run into them.” Eena stated smiling. “Which means after our friend finds the keys just need to take his little inventory and we’ll be on our way!” She stated almost elated and well a bit smug that she thought she had solved the mystery of this place’s fall.

 

[Dauner]

It wasn't like Dauner didn't understand her caution. Had he been less arrogant, and maybe been half as cautious as Eena back then, he wouldn't have fallen for the trap his enemies had laid for him. He wouldn't have had to go through all he had as a result. But all that was in the past. It mattered little now, and served only as a reminder that, if it breathes, it can't be trusted. That was what he believed in now. At least this way, he would suffer another 7000 years of torment, after receiving another knife in the back.

Before he knew it, they had arrived at their destination. The place was a wreck. It had become a natural habitat for the plant life of the forest. More than anything, it reeked. Not of the normal stench, no. It reeked of a fouler stench than that. It was a stench an untrained nose couldn't detect. The stench of death.

Dauner didn't want to break it to her when Eena was happily declaring the job done, but the job was barely just beginning. Just then, Gallios jumped into the compound from the other side of the wall that surrounded the mansion, landing right behind Eena, while she was still unaware. This would change quickly, though, as the sound of growling from behind her would make her aware of his presence.

Gallios panted happily as it barked once at Dauner. There was a black stain on the side of its mouth. An indication that it had eaten something during its time away from Dauner. But What?

"That looks fun ominous"

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

Coming down from her smug thinking she glanced at the shed still waiting for the guide with the key’s. ‘Come to think of it…I never asked his name…No wait he did tell me…Phillipe? Jamie? Dontest?’ She began thinking as every name appeared wrong as they became more abstract. However her body would jolt up at the sound of growling. Faster than you could say Wallace her body leapt over the hedge tree landing roughly on the grass on the other side! “YEOWCH!” She complained loudly rubbing her sore bum but quickly regained her senses drawing her blade as she peered over to see! The beast that Dauner had brought with him. It seemed he had just snuck up on them or rather her. Eena put away her sword but seemed to have a relieved but terrified look on her face. Having been not only once but twice surprised by this beast hadn’t put her mind at ease.



“C-Can't you put some bells on that beast! I don't wish to die from shock before we reach our journey's end!” She asked a bit vexed as she started picking out the leaves that got caught in her hair when she leapt over the hedge tree. As Dauner seemed occupied with something either on the beast or perhaps something it did.

“What is? Is he hurt?” She asked almost tenderly despite how the beast terrified her she didn’t like it when animals were in pain which made her a rather poor hunter in the grand scheme of things.

 

[Dauner]

Gallios snickered. It clearly did that on purpose. Although it had gained intelligence, it was only as developed as that of a five-year-old. That explained its mischievous nature. That, and the fact that Dauner wasn't interested in drilling any strict discipline into it. All that mattered was that it grew stronger, and was loyal.

Gallios wasn't the only one who found the situation funny. Dauner was suppressing his laughter by the side. Eena, however, didn't seem the least amused. The idea of putting bells on Gallios was dismissed, even before it was registered as a valid suggestion. Dauner didn't fancy having bells giving away his location to every nearby living creature. But all he'd say would be, "Noted".

Eena soon noticed the black spot by Gallios' mouth. She seemed worried about him, thinking he might be hurt. Dauner simply sighed. "Quite the messy eater, aren't you" he'd say. That was more than enough to let Eena know that it was from something he just ate.

Dauner wasn't exactly thrilled about fighting undead. This would be the second time this week. Oh well, knowing Dauner, he would most likely conceal most of his strength, so that the fight can at least be a challenge. If he went wild and used all his strength, it won't even be a fight anymore. Just one-sided annihilation.

He turned his attention to Eena, having completely forgotten about the guide. "How good are you in a fight against a horde" he asked. He wanted to be sure of her skill, so as not to accidentally let her die later on.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

“Ohh…Ew…” She commented on seeing the black blood knowing that their furry companion had been no doubt chowing down on some undead. Which if he was like her would be violently vomiting up said rotted flesh. Though judging that the beast seemed like he had no trouble keeping down the filth his stomach must be made of sterner stuff. Eena then turned to Dauner.

“Well um…I have fought them before…” She stammered out though she had fought as a unit not by herself with pikes infront and flaming arrows. ‘Cut at their legs and burn the poor sots let’s give em a pyre as a final prayer!’ Her former captain said before leading them to victory over the undead. Yet by herself that would be trouble but she couldn’t exactly take back all that she said before. She was still an Eaglehart! Not only that she had to live up to her words to the lord she had sworn to do this! So she took a deep breath and regained her composure.

“Fought and defeated! A host of zombies and skeletons! They were no match for thy fire and pikes!” She states with a smug smile as she heard the door swing open from the shed as the guide seemed to walk out.

Though he only took two steps forward then he took a step back wobbling a bit against the doorway but quickly managed to straighten himself. Then he took long steps stretching himself to the brim with each one as he walked around the front of the shed. While he did so he bob his head up and down like a curious bird. Eena blinked at the guide.

"He must really be having a hard time finding those keys huh…He’s walking like he thinks he’s an ogre and well...I don’t know what to make of him bobbing his head like that…I mean he’s not even looking into the windows…S-Should I say something?” She asked Dauner as it also kinda worried her that he had not said one word even though he saw them.

 

[Dauner]

Judging from her response, Dauner could tell that she had only ever fought the undead along with others. It is much easier for a group to annihilate a horde, than for a single person to, so Dauner worried that she may not be able to handle herself. This was made obvious by the doubtful glance he cast at her. Well, it was no use worrying about it.

"Well, I can at least make sure you don't die. And even if you did, I can just bring you back," he joked. He couldn't bring the dead back to life, except as an undead. It was possible for him to save a dying person on his last breath, but not someone who had already breathed his last. The past him, with all his powers intact, could wrestle with the keeper of the afterlife, and claim the soul of the dead from him, reviving a dead person, but the current him could not. Having been made unable to use most of his powers by the universal law of Arethil, Dauner was now only able to muster less than a tenth of his original powers. But he was able to regain them bit by bit. Left as they are, he would need another thousand years to completely recover his powers, but he could wait.

The essential thing, was to make sure she wasn't completely dead at any point in time. Then came the guide. To the untrained eyes, it looked like he was just feeling reeeeally down. But to the trained eyes, it was obvious what had become of him. Dauner said nothing in reply to Eena's query. Instead, he breathed out a black smoke from his mouth. The smoke would aim for Eena's eyes, and give chase if she tried to dodge. Upon contact, Eena would now be able to see the dark miasma of death that surrounded them. If she didn't have a strong enough heart, she'd probably pass out from a shock. Well, it wasn't anyone who could handle knowing that they had been standing on death's grounds the whole time. At least now she could tell what was up with the guide.

"Still want to say something?" Dauner asked rhetorically. He didn't rush to grab his sword, though. A newly turned wasn't much of a threat to him. Instead, he'd watch for Eena's reaction.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

“Bring me back? Not exactly something I’d like to experience…” She replied unsure of what he meant. Was he secretly a necromancer able to bring her corpse back from the dead? A vampire willing to give her the kiss of death bringing her back as a loyal ghoul?! So many possibilities and worries to trouble her mind yet before they could she would see something infront of her that looked like a dark mist. She squinted her eyes trying to get a better look before she saw nothing but pitch blackness. “GAHH!” She yelled covering her eyes with both of her hands trying in vain to pull out the thing she saw dig into her sight or at least rub it out. “It’s in my eyes! Something is in my eyes!” She warned stepping back toward the ruined wall as she clenched the wall to feel out where she was. ‘What was that?! A spell, ghost, a poisonous cloud that will melt my insides! Gods does Dauner have it too now?!’ She was freaking out unwilling to open her eyes in case it was a ghost of some sort maybe if she remained them close the spell/ghost couldn’t finish it’s diabolical plan! At least that was the mad hope.

“Dauner if your there! Don’t panic theres a dark mist that goes into your body! I have no idea what it does but I feel like I’m still alive…mostly…Do not breath it in or just close your eyes if you see it!” She tried to warn Dauner unsure if he was even alive at this point. All the while the guide seemed to still be aimlessly wandering around the shed unaware of the girls meltdown.

 

[Dauner]

Dauner chuckled at Eena's meltdown moment. It was quite funny to see her freaking out, and yet still try to warn Dauner of something he made. This wasn't the first time something like this happened. When you live long enough, you get to see so many things, that there is hardly anything that can be considered new. Dauner was one such person. But the advantage Dauner had over the other thousand-year-old freaks, was that he had spent 7000 years without contact with another human, and as such, could feel the thrill of reliving such moments as though it was his first time.

"Ahem" he cleared his throat. "There's no need to worry. The black mist is… well, you can call it a buff. It's not gonna eat your insides" Dauner chuckled as the last words came out. It was still funny how Eena thought closing her eyes would stop anything bad from happening. At most, it would simply make you unable to see what happened, but not stop it. "It's a little something from me to help out"

"Well, actually" he paused. "It can melt your eyes. Slowly. But surely. It will feel like there are a thousand creepy crawlers, crawling beneath your eyes. Offering your nothing but deep discomfort and pain. And then, your eyes will turn to goo, and begin to leak out" he added, trying to pull a little prank of Eena. Dauner's words were true, though. However, such a thing would only happen if he continuously granted her shadow vision as soon as the last one ran out. But as long he didn't there was nothing she had to fear.

Dauner would wait to see if she'd freak out, before letting her know it was a joke. "Just kidding. The shadow vision is a hundred percent safe. For now" he'd say, reassuringly.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

Hearing Dauner was at first relieving for Eena knowing he was okay. Though that was short lived when he mentions that he was responsible for the black mist. Her look was one of shock that quickly turned to anger! “Are you mad!? You didn’t think it would be a good idea of letting me know before you had some dark miasma float into my eye sockets!” She stated with all her might at his direction or at least where she thought where he was. Then however came his little jape as her heart started to slink to the dark corners of her mind. ‘That bastard! He intends to blind me! Then gods know what else?! Rip out my tongue! Cut off my ears! Encase me in a living doll so I might fit his perfe…No I really should stop before I drive myself mad with fear…’ She thought trying to calm her fears but failing to do so.

“Y-You! You won’t get away with this I’ll defeat-” Yet before she could finish those words he lightly laughed off a “Just kidding” If Eena couldn’t be more madder well she surprised herself. “YOU THINK THAT WAS FUNNY!? OHHH! I didn’t think anyone could be so low! When I open my eyes I’ll give you your just punishment!” She stated as she took a deep breath. ‘Okay…On three…One…Two…’ She mentally counted up as she opened her eyes and immediately felt a wave of energies circling around her. A dizziness nearly overcame her as she stumbled forward almost falling with each step. Until finally her legs gave out and she tripped towards Dauner. Whether he caught her or she fell to her knee’s she would turn to him and ask in an almost fragile but dizzy voice. “I…I thought you said it was a boon…Why does it make me…Feel like this…I can taste the air…” She asked blushing a little bit. It was a weird way to put it but she did feel like she could feel something and it was all around them. Perhaps it had something to do with the mansion or mayhaps Dauner himself?

 

[Dauner]

Dauner was a being who enjoyed mischief and chaos. Even though he'd expected Eena to panic on seeing the dark mist enter her eyes, he purposely didn't tell her beforehand. It was an old habit that had stuck to him since his younger days on Segora. A sadistic tendency he developed while running amok and inflicting immeasurable pain on the targets of his revenge. Dauner believed death was too good to be a punishment to some people. As such, he'd always made sure he showed them pain and despair beyond their wildest dreams, before ultimately killing them off. This had created in him the tendency to act sadistically on instinct. Perhaps Gallios had also inherited this trait from its master, which would explain its earlier prank on Eena.

"Now that you mention it, it wasn't really that funny. I'll use it as a reference for the next time" he said, taking a mental note. When Eena mentioned giving him his just punishment, Dauner leaned closer to her. "If by punishment, you mean a kiss, then I'd be delighted to know how it feels to be kissed by an angel"

Eena began to stumble as she struggled to keep her balance. However, her feet soon gave up, sending her falling forward. Now, Dauner wouldn't be Dauner if he let her fall. He'd have to be an imposter with a complete lack of Dauner-ness to do that. As Eena stumbled forward, Dauner would catch her in his arms. It seemed like her brain was having a hard time adapting to the sudden change. However, that would fix itself quickly, without Dauner having to do a thing. That is, unless Eena had some condition Dauner was unaware of, that would react negatively to the shadow vision.

Overall, Dauner would wait for Eena to regain her composure, before letting her stand on her own. Until that happens, he'd keep her in his arms. Awfully close to him.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

As she fell in Dauner’s arms she slowly took a look at his face then looked from side to side. “Everything is just soooo…Bluey…No…Not bluey, bluey spirits!” She described as everything was a shimmering blue, kinda like a flame that would flicker in then out. The ruined architecture, the overgrowth everything that was in the courtyard and the mansion was shimmering blue. To the experienced eye it was just residue left by an apparition or ghosts. Powerful memories and old hatreds of the former living occupants perhaps even some dead ones. Yet most of the memories in the courtyard were on a positive note. “Sooo many happy people were here…All warm and fuzzy! Smiling, playing! Then…Then…” An odd sense of terror filled her mind “Then someone comes…who…Who…WHO STRIKES IN TERROR AND THRIVES ON THE STATE OF CHAOS WITH HIS FELLOW KIN!” Her eyes went wide and terrible when she said this. However she then took a more soft expression followed by a weird yet comforted smile. “Oh…Hehe…That was intense…” Eena giggled almost smiling like a buffoon. Yet to Eena it was all just blue, a pretty blue but none the less blue. The spell had seemed to take a more in-depth vision of the place showing her memories of what was once was. However it seemed despite this gift her mind wasn’t prepared for it and thus she became very light headed and a bit ditzy. Not to mention much of the memories were a haze to her she could only feel the emotions of the memory rather than seeing it.



“Ohhh even poor Wallace is blue…That’s weird…I should go see how he’s feeling~.” She tries to move away from Dauner only to twist around and fall back into his arms from her rear. She seemed amused at her klutzy nature. “Ehehe…Go up legs the spirits want me to go up!” She commanded her body as her legs seemed to flounder. It was obvious that as long as the spell was active at least in her state she wasn’t much help physically though she might help with some clarity if you could make sense of her ramblings. Though if Eena could express herself right now she’d be dying of embarrassment. “Mr. Dauner I think we should see how Mr. Wallace is doing…But my legs don’t wanna go up…If you can carry me to him I think the Bluey Spirits around Mr.Wallace will be happy…I think…” She guessed as she fell a bit deeper into Dauner’s grasp feeling like a cat that was getting a bit too comfortable in their masters grasp.

 

[Dauner]

Dauner's eyes widened in surprise. A genuine surprise. Something that rarely ever happened, as most of the time he shows surprise, he's faking it. But this time was different. The shadow vision was supposed to only show Eena traces of energy. Nothing more. However, she was able to draw out an even deeper effect out of it. She could somehow 'feel' the memories that existed in that place. A feat that was by no means small. Could it be that she was a gifted person? Could this be a manifestation of her innate talent? The questions soared in Dauner's mind, almost blocking out his consciousness from the real world.

He, however, managed to snapped out of it. It wasn't the time to get. Literally, lost in thought, as scary a thought as that was. Right now, he had a pretty girl in his arms, and a Dauner who didn't pay such a beauty enough attention under such circumstances was either an imposter, or a possessed Dauner, both of whom are nothing but fake.

He smiled at her, as he thought of what she could become, if she was trained properly. Unfortunately, though, Dauner had stopped taking in disciples ever since the last one he had put a knife in his back. Well, there could be chances for him to help her learn in the future, so nothing was certain.

When Eena asked Dauner to carry her over to the guide, he paused for a second, but then agreed. "Sure thing. I've never been one to refuse an offer to carry such a pretty girl around" he'd tease as he got to his feet, holding Eena in a princess carry. He then walked over to the guide. If he did attack, Dauner was sure he'd be able to protect Eena, but more than that, he wanted to see what she was going to do. No one felt more excited than Dauner when it came to things that were a mystery to them. Predictability only adds to his endless and near insatiable boredom, so it was nice to have a change for once.

---

Eena​

 

[Eena]

“Gee you say such weird things! Like the bluey spirits!” She then seems to turn to her side as if someone is there. “What’s that Bluey?” She brings up her ear as if the spirit is whispering something to her. “Him? Nooo…He’s not that.” Her face turns a bit agitated “Now that’s just rude! Calling him that! Now go back down and think about what you just said!” She seemed to scold the secretive spirit. Eena sighed. “Sorry about that mr Dauner these spirits don’t seem to like you very much despite how nice you are for carrying me.” She apologized as the duo finally made their way to Wallace.

As the two stared at the now still guide Eena would look upon him as his blue aura was near blazing. “Bluey Spirit here I am! Are you talking to Mr. Wallace? He’s such a nice guide and good servant of the lord of this land.” Wallace seems to stir at that. “Lord…Which lord?” Eena placed a finger on her chin trying to remember the name of their employer though nothing comes to mind. No matter in her simple thoughts. “Ah that’s easy he’s from the family that’s ruled this place forever!” She seemed to huff in pride despite failing to name him. “Ah…That lord…Then I have nothing more to say.”

His head turned all the way around and his eyes were completely white. “TO YOU! OR ANY OF HIS SLAVES!” Eena seemed amused by that. “Whoa…That was a neat trick Wallace!” She seemed to clap as it he pulled off a magic trick unable to comprehend the spirit had just killed Wallace. “NO TRICK! JUST DEATH!” He shouted as he opened his mouth as his teeth started to grow into large fangs while his gums protested the growth by bleeding all over his new fangs. He soon twisted the rest of his body around as his fingernails grew six times larger than normal and seemed to take the appearance of claws as each finger bled terribly at the growth. Wallace or whatever he was now gave Eena and Dauner a smile that showed each of his stained teeth before leaping at them with unnatural speed intending to both claw and rend them to shreds. Eena still seemed like this was some sort of show. “I wonder what he’s going to turn into next Mr Dauner!” She said excitedly! Sadly her version of the shadow vision didn’t do much for her common sense or sense of survival as she didn’t even move to defend herself at all!