Open Chronicles The Run

[Ashling Delaney]

Soft rays of light from the sun danced with the breaks of tree limbs, giving way to patches of warmth that Ashling found herself entranced with. Those teal hues disappeared as she closed her eyes, welcoming the warmth upon her face. It had been months.. Or perhaps weeks, since her escape. There was no way to tell just how much time had passed since that night, she didn’t even know what day or time it was when she fled, just that the moon was high and there had been a chill in the air and that was it. A content sigh escaped slightly parted lips. It had been so long since she enjoyed such basic luxuries, such as basking in the sun. Even if she wasn’t entirely out in the open, she could still enjoy what little sun she found. Ashling wasn’t entirely sure where she had ended up, what this place was called and if it was even safe. She’d been walking for days, or so it seemed, and had yet to come across anyone. Luckily. She’d managed to stay hidden among the trees, not daring to go any further into this dense forest not knowing what might lurk inside. Inside, she walked along the tree's edge welcoming the clearing of the grass filled land just on the outskirts. A clearing wasn’t a place for Ash, to open, too easy to spot someone walking and too many would question why a young woman would be wandering around by herself with nothing more than the satchel that hung loosely on her shoulder. She always made sure to stay clear of heavily traveled roads and paths, instead, made ones of her own.

Ashling listened as she drew in the warmth, nothing but the sounds of the limbs groaning just lightly enough to be heard due to the soft breeze. Birds sang above her and somewhere within the thick of the trees a family of deer grazed. There were no sounds of approaching horses or carriages, not even the faint hint of footsteps. Ash took in a deep breath and let her eyes open back up to the world, wrapped her fingers around the rope of the satchel and began to walk, again..

White hair clouded her vision briefly before she tucked it as good as she could behind her ear until another play with the wind. Legs took her through the trees, weaving in and out of them just on the edge of the grasslands. What a funny vision that would be. “Look at what you’ve gotten yourself into…How did this happen..” She said quietly to herself. “You don’t even know where you are!” What conversations she had were normally carried on with herself. Little did she know that she was walking just on the outskirts of what was called the Vale. She’d heard passerby’s speaking of it the last time she was in the presence of others but knew not of what it was, nor that she was heading towards it. The further around from…her past.. she could manage, the better. There was no thought around how she would start over again or even if she would eventually find a place to “settle”. The fear of being hunted kept her moving for she knew if any ever found her and knew what she had done, she would dead. She’d welcomed it at one point but now.. Now that she’d gotten even the tiniest taste of what it was like to be free again, to have her life back, she wanted to live and she would fight for that. Even if it meant she had to stay on the run for as long as she could.

 

[Juancho Ricco]

It was moments like this when Juancho wished he had invested in a steed of some kind. Like a horse, or even a donkey. Perhaps he could find some sort of magic tricks that could summon such a steed for himself. It would likely be a lot easier to care for than one that was living. But although he traveled slowly at least he could do so in relative safety and even comfort.

Currently he was traveling to the spine, to the great dwarven city of Belgrath. A place with great opportunity and great riches to exploit. Juancho believed nothing held a grudge quite like dwarves. Though the travel was tough, often moving alongside the river, upstream and uphill. Though such an adverse trek could only make for an even sweeter payoff he believed. But then again he could’ve likely found some way to use the portal stones to skip it all. However, there was no rush for him, for he had all the time in the world.

He just didn’t want to encounter any brigands or fae with malintent on his travels. He could cause enough trouble on his own; he didn't need others to make that worse. Unfortunately though it would seem as though an even worse fate had befallen Jauncho. He was afraid to admit it to himself, but he was growing more and more. Having diverted away from the river in hopes of cutting time from his traveling he seems to have misled himself. “Blasts…” He muttered to himself as he looked around for any signs of higher ground nearby for him to reorient himself, but to no avail. Letting out a sigh he continued to move forwards. Unknowingly heading south rather than east like he wanted. To keep his thoughts from turning sour and ruining his mood he began to hum a tune to himself. Reciting one of the various songs from his mental musical library.

Ashling Delaney

 

[Keldorn]

Keldorn continued his trek through the Vale. It was the last true hold out of nature on Arethil. And whether people chose to believe it or not, he found that those who called it home, had been able to forge peace.

He would procure his pipe as his black courser continued on, his hawk-like gaze ever vigil, ever moving. His duties to the Sacred Flame had led him across the world several times over, and by now, these treks brought him a form of comfort. Of worth.

That and the slaying of demons, of course. There were rumors of one of the Border Barons being slain by a demon. It wasnt just him, the animal had targeted members of his staff, his people, and fled to the Vale. Naturally, Keldorn would pursue them.

Ashling Delaney Juancho Ricco

 

[Ashling Delaney]

The mouth of the leather flask hit her lips as she drank in the warm water, having stopped briefly to take that drink. Teals took in the view, seeing what she believed to be a body of water in the far distance. However, she’s learned rather quickly that sometimes things aren’t as they seem. Closing the flask, fingers loosened on it as she dropped it back into her satchel. Those same fingers slid through her hair lightly, brushing the stray strands out of her face. As she took in another breath, she froze. Ashling lowered herself into a crouching position and slowly moved towards the closest tree to her. There was something nearby, the sounds had changed and she could now make out a faint humming and all she could make out was that whoever it was, was male..

Ashlings breathing became shallow, not because she couldn’t breath but because she’d taught herself how to breath without the sounds that follow. Eye’s scanned everything nearby, the trees, the brush, the grass covered land but she could find nothing.. At least, not yet.

If only the clothing she had on or any of the few pieces she had with her, had a hood, it could conceal that white hair of hers. Which, unfortunately, can easily be spotted in the dense of any forest. Her arm moved slightly as dirt covered fingers came to lower the satchel on her shoulder. A hand disappeared inside it, fingers finding one of the throwing knives and waited. This was not the first time she had to hide herself or ready herself for conflict and it likely wouldn’t be the last. Little did she know, there was another out there, watching..

 

[Juancho Ricco]

Junacho unknowing was getting close to finding another individual out here. However, he didn’t know this. A mix of playful humming and not really being cautious made him rather oblivious to any danger that may be lurking close by. Not to mention the cloak over his head limited his field of view. His humming grew louder and into more of a soft singing. However, the language was not the common tongue, it was… elvish.

He continued on for a bit before stopping near a rather large rock. His singing slowed a bit but continued. He thought about taking a break from his hiking. He hadn't eaten all day. Yet he was a bit worried about attracting some varmint animals who’d be drawn to any food he brought out. Stopping his little vocal tune he let out a sigh before reaching into his bag. Pulling out a rather large loaf of bread and piece of cheese. Items that seemed impossibly large, the small bag tied to his hip.

He prepared a bit for himself, to keep his energy up for more of the trek ahead of him. The rather bland food would not do though. With a little rhythmic wave of his fingers and arcane mumble magically bestowed some decent flavor into his bread and cheese for his pleasure. An extremely minor prestidigitation. All this time still unware he was likely being watched.

Ashling Delaney | Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

Keldorn would keep his pace along the trail until he heard elvish. He knew their kind roamed the Vale, but he was unsure of their dealings with man, so the reins of his courser would wrap around one hand as he prepared for a fight with the other.

After all, their kind had many reasons to hate man, but those with issue were more than content laying those sins on those who had not committed them.

As he located a form in the middle of the road, his eyes would begin to scan the trees, cautious for ambush. His steed would snort as he came up on the man now preparing a snack of bread and cheese.

"On your right." He would announce to the traveler, informing him they now shared the road. As he looked to the man, that hawk-like gaze noticed something white amongst the green and the man on the road (and him) seemed to be in their sights. "Get low. There are eyes fixed upon you." He mused lowly to the hooded man.

"You! In the brush like an assassin! Come out as a friend and I promise you will come to no harm!" From where Ashling was, she would see had yet drawn a weapon, and both hands rose to even prove it. "I have food and water, should you wish it, and even some coin should you need it. But if you're here for blood, then you will not be getting what you seek. So please, come out in peace."

Ashling Delaney | Juancho Ricco

 

[Ashling Delaney]

That hum turned to what she thought to be singing? Though, the words were ones she’d never heard before, it was rhythmical and beautiful in it’s own way but nothing of what she’d heard before. Had she truly gone so far without knowing, that she’s now within lands of a place that didn’t even speak her native language? Gods save her if that were the truth, she’d need far more help then. Teals fell upon movement within the grassland, coming up to her left. The singing man slowed and Ash’s fingers gripped the thin handle of the small throwing knife, the other hand seemingly holding onto the tree (as if it alone would save her). She watched as this man took solace at the nearby rock and began to take out.. Food?! Something of which Ashling did not have at the moment. What little food had been offered to her on her run had been eaten slowly, doing her best to make it last as long as possible but it had been a couple days since anything but water filled her belly. With the direction the wind blew, it brought to her the aroma of his bread and cheese and Ashling’s stomach groaned. Eye’s widened at this, hoping that sound didn’t carry and instead got lost in the corrupted wind.

Then she heard it, heavy footsteps coming to join this man but she had yet to see by whom these were produced by. The large rock the singing man was by shielded her view of the other, the way until he rounded said rock. A lump formed in her throat as the man stopped and began talking to the other. Two men.. and far too close for her liking, even if they were still a ways away. Ashlings fear of men was understandable, if you knew of her situation. If not, then most thought her to be just a weird, crazed woman.

The second mans voice was heard again as if thundered towards her, even his eyes seemed to look directly at her. Her stomach twisted… Like an assassin?! He thought her to be an assassin? Wait… she understood him! Which meant whatever the other was singing wasn’t the native language of wherever she was.. Come out as a friend and I promise you will come to no harm. Was this a trick? Had she truly been tracked this fast and now they come from every side? Was she cornered? Where they hidden in the forest as well!? Food and water.. Oh how lovely that sounded but it was a trick! It had to be.. Ashling quickly moved behind the tree, out of sight of both men. Back hitting the base and she slumped down, ass hitting the ground..Her heart raced, eyes scanned the dense tree’s ahead wondering how far she could make it within them before either one could catch up? It was rare for her to meet any man that was kind enough to share food, water or shelter without wanting something in return. The ones that had helped her on this…. Journey… had been women, mostly.. And now there were two men! Two! And no one else is around to help her if anything go awry. Fingers slid off the throwing knife as both hands found the ground beside her, fingers digging into the dirt beneath. She had to run.. But what if they had weapons that they just weren’t showing, what if there aim was true and she couldn’t run fast enough to be out of sight before a weapon was either thrown at her or arrows flew. Her breathing was fast, heavy, her heart still racing, panic visible on her face..What was she going to do?!

 

[Juancho Ricco]

As Juancho was about to take another bite he stopped himself before being regarded by the man on a horse. It was beginning to feel like perfect timing. Perhaps they could give him a better idea of where he was and the best way to The Spine. However, his own eyes widened when they mentioned there being another, stalking amongst the forest.

Snapping his head around he saw only but a glimpse of what the man spoke of hiding, before disappearing. Raising an eyebrow he listened to the man continue. Calling them a likely assassin, and up to no good. Before making a kind offer for food and water should they come in peace.

“If I may suggest m’lord” He said with a heavy accent and respectfully. “Perhaps they mean harm. Maybe they’re just a curious druid, or dryad?” Juancho seemingly pondered out loud. Not wanting to escalate things into a bloodshed from a misunderstanding could be avoided. Standing up from his seat on the rock, bread and cheese still in his hand he wondered what his next action should be. He sensed anxiety and fear from their hidden direction. He wanted to approach this new situation he found himself in delicately and perhaps be a little tricky too. Looking back at the riding man for a moment Juancho winked at him. Before facing the direction of the stalker.

If the riding man was perceptive, which he seemed like he very much was. For Juancho would create an illusionary clone of himself where he stood while his true body would turn invisible and step aside as if to flank from the side. His illusionary double would begin to move softly a bit closer to where the stalker was hiding. Speaking as they did. “I don’t wish for any conflict here, oh child of the forest.” Juancho felt like that was the best name to give them for the moment. Not really knowing who he was speaking to. All the while his invisible body would sneak into a better view, finally seeing the perpetrator. Though at the sight of her his heart sank a little. Looking like just a scared young woman, not some veteran assassin or fae trickster. His visible clone continued. “I could leave if you so desire, I would only feel remiss if I couldn’t help in some way. miss. I do not have any ill intent for a cautious observer like yourself.” His tone would be gentle and respectful.

Ashling Delaney | Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

Their stalker would sink behind cover. "Perhaps. But I saw the glint of steel." He would kick one leg up and over the head of his courser and dismounted in a simple slide down the left side of the saddle. "If they were a druid of these woods you would know it. They're a curious sort."

It would still be clear his sword remained in the saddle and his gauntlets dropped to his belt to pull free his belt clip, tucking the weapon into a saddlebag. He would then remove a small sack, noticing the phase and magic use. No amulet burn, no demon. Good.

He would take a circle around the other side in clear view, likely keeping their watchers eyes on him. "I am Keldorn, Paladin of the Sacred Flame, follower of Be'senaar the Redeemer. Step into light and let us break bread in peace." The man with magic would reach her side before he came into view and his approach would leave an avenue of escape should she feel she needed it.

His steps would continue into that arc until she finally came in view, though he had moved no closer to her and maintained the same distance he held from the road. He would swing the pouch before launching it to land several feet from. "An offering of peace." If she looked inside, she would find a small piece of bread, a small length of dried meat, some nuts, and a tiny waterskin. "There is more, should you wish it, lady."

Ashling Delaney | Juancho Ricco

 

[Selene]

Sweet wanderings, Selene had successfully cast off her Dawn shackle and lost the latest tagalong knight that Master Hawken had assigned to her. Now she had the forest to herself, the day long and the weather pleasant. The warmth of the sun along the path and the cool blue stream that trickled nearby brought memories of younger days to her, of roaming with elves and dryads. She could almost hear their songs now, a distant hum sifting through the trees like dusty sunlight.

Wait, no, that hum was no memory, and it wasn't in a dialect she recognized. Perhaps a lone hunter, run further from his home than anticipated. Selene made her way towards the sound, not rushing her steps nor obscuring her path. Eventually the hum stopped, but she was close enough to the source then to not need the sound. Her dark eyes tracked three life forces, orbiting each other and speaking as if they were strangers. Two men out in the open and one figure still obscured, heart racing like a deer caught in the hunt.

"Look at you lot, behaving as if you are trying to coax a kitten out from under the bed." Selene went forward, her long staff clunking against the rocky path, until she was standing between the girl's hiding spot and the two men. "Perhaps if you spoke to the lady at eye level she would be more responsive."

She did not shy away, or make any defensive gestures. These were her woods, and she would walk them in the daylight without hesitation.

Ashling Delaney Juancho Ricco Keldorn

 

[Ashling Delaney]

Head laid back against the bark as if the tree itself would just suck her in and hide her away from the two men. The singing man’s voice broke then and the words he spoke weren’t like the ones he had been singing. Both having now given their word that neither wished for any conflict and yet, Ashling couldn’t help but feel as if this was all just a trap. What else could it be, for many would just be on their way and not even bother to find out who she was, so why now!? How would her death be if she was caught, would they send her back or just deal with it at this moment? Would it be swift, maybe a beheading? A blade through the heart? Or would they do as they’d done before and leave her on death's door just for her to heal herself and do it all over again?

leaning her head to the side just enough to see both men starting to make their way towards her, yet keeping their distance at the same time.. What have you done! What would she do? What could she do? She could perhaps still make a run for it and chance getting away? Teals looked once again, only, something felt off.. The air around her wasn’t right and it caught her attention as those eyes darted back to ground around her. Something was there and yet, she couldn’t see it but she felt it..”Who’s there” her voice barely above a whisper but loud enough for whatever was around her could hear it..Magic was at hand and she’d not felt such in a long time.. She listened to what both men had to say.. Child of the forest.. sounded lovely, only she was nothing that special. Both spoke of good intentions but was that not just to make her feel safe, make her think that all was right and then ship her off?

Ashling could hear each footstep, from both, getting closer and whatever plan she had was now nearly impossible to accomplish. Fear wrecked her thoughts and froze her body to the tree and she knew not why.. She’d been able to get out of situations similar as this one before, only this felt.. Different. The other man, the one with the horse, began to introduce himself. His titles didn’t mean a thing to her for she had no idea what the Sacred Flame was, nor this Redeemer? Just as he finished he came into view at one side of her and Ashlings hand searched for her satchel until her hand fell inside of it. Then another seemed to fall near her which only confused her.. An offering..or a lore?

Just as lips parted to speak, another voice chimed in, only this one was female and seemed to come out of nowhere within the trees..Eyes darted to this woman as she spoke and wondered if she too, was in on this? Ashling stood, quickly, back still pressed against the tree and hand within the satchel upon the handle of the knife. They really did come from all directions, just like she thought they would. Was this it?! “Who sent you?” She spoke to them all, voice shuddering and yet as stern as she could make it, teals darting from each one just waiting..

 

[Juancho Ricco]

Then came another, Juancho was certainly wrong for thinking he was alone. Or perhaps “fate” had something to do with it all. The newcomer was a bald woman who very much looked to have an arcane background of sorts. Not only that, Juancho could sense it as well. An imposing woman, both Juancho’s invisible body and illusionary double had their eyes narrowed in on her. He didn’t like the way she spoke, he felt her words were full of judgment, and implied ill intent on his behalf, though he could not say the same for the other man with him, the paladin, at least according to him.

He wasn’t sure if she could see through his illusion. He wondered if he should end his tricks now, or continue to wait on it. He would go with the latter for now. Hearing the fearful woman's voice ask who sent them. “No one, well, at least for myself, I can’t speak for these two.” His tone was a little different now. It sounded a bit more harsh, like he’d lost his patients. “I’m but a lost traveler, who’s arrogance has led him off the beaten path.” He felt like that wouldn't really make much of a difference for the panicked woman.

Juancho’s image stepped back some, to create some more space between himself and the now rapidly growing number of individuals that were in the area, and to think that he was just going to take some rest and have some food only a moment ago.

Ashling Delaney | Selene | Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

Keldorn had cursed beneath his breath. A new arrival, a woman. And by the tone in her voice, she seemed to take in the view of two men talking to a woman as if they were trying to corral her for ill intent. He wasn't. And though the other man had used an illusion to get closer, had he meant to do harm, he would have.

"I drew forth to give her food and drink. Nothing more." Selene would be able to see that he was unarmed. "And you must be one of the druidic knights in the Vale." it wasn't a question, he could tell by the way she carried herself. "I maintained my distance because.." he would nod to the woman and how she was standing, her panic. "She is clearly hunted.. and not by us. Any closer and I fear she would harm herself to escape some fate unknown." his tone was even.

By the looks of it, she was human, and based on her reaction towards men, there were only two or three things that it could possibly be, and given his lack of faith in this world, he believed it to be the darkest option. "She would do better with a woman's touch." he would give the druid a knowing look, hoping she would catch on. "I will leave this resolution to you. I am headed to your Monastery for a re-supply, so any are welcome to join me on the trail."

With that, Keldorn offered a gentle nod of his head to the scared woman and retraced his steps, never getting closer the entire while. Reaching Vekna, he paused to speak quietly to his steed, one hand scratching at his courser's jaw. Once Vekna snorted, he would arm himself, keeping a vigil over the group should more show up.

(Go ahead and skip me until either you guys join on the road or what. Hes just dealing with saddle bag stuff)

Ashling Delaney | Juancho Ricco | Selene

 

[Selene]

Selene mirrored the one stranger's expression, narrowing her eyes at the hooded man in return. When he stepped back she stepped toward him, peering strangely at the figure of the man in front of her, or perhaps through him. She leaned in a bit closer and sniffed at him, disregarding anything like personal space.

"But a lost traveler, I see..." she mused, letting the disbelief ring clear in her voice. Then she stepped away to face the other man that addressed her.

"It's true, I live here, and I am of Anathaeum," Selene responded lightly. She left her title off. That sort of thing only mattered to nobles and squires, of which there were none present today. "The rest of that, I don't know about." She nodded at the tree that currently sheltered the young woman. "I would feel better if I heard it from the young lady herself."

For all her showmanship, at least her and this other knight - for he did look like a knight, with the armor and the nice horse and a passing knowledge of her own Order - seemed to have similar goals. He politely and cautiously backed off to mind his own business some distance away.

Selene left her staff leaning against the branch of a nearby tree and approached the girl. She waded through brush and bramble to do it, and before she got too close something caught at her long robes. Stopping in her tracks, she leaned down to undo the snag. Fingers working the fabric loose thorn by thorn, Selene spoke from her crouched position. "My name is Selene, and you, all of you--" she eyed the true shadow some ways away in the brush, his form obscured, though he stank just like the illusion that stood on the road. "Have found yourself in the land of the Vale. I am steward of this place, and it is my duty to see that none of its residents come to harm."

Having freed herself of the bramble, Selene stood back up again. She folded her arms, considering what the paladin had said. Was there some sort of womanly charm she was supposed to possess, that would make a heart still and a lostling trust? Well, she didn't know it, but she would give it a shot. She lowered her voice and her eyes, hoping her tone was soft and not demanding. "Tell me girl, what has got you shaking so? If there are hunters in my wood I would like to hear of it. They will not make it far."

Ashling Delaney Juancho Ricco Keldorn

 

[Ashling Delaney]

The magic being used by the singer seemed to dance lightly upon her causing goosebumps to form upon well hidden skin. In all her years, she’d never really experienced any other who could use magic and honestly wasn’t sure if that’s what one would call it. A curse maybe? For that’s what many called her “gift”. Her eye’s roamed between the woman in front of her and the men to the sides/behind her but she knew something else was present, closer really, then those she could see.
Ashling the one known as Keldorn curse under his breath and wondered to herself if it was simply because his plan was no ruined due to the newcomer? As Keldorns voice moved through the trees aimed at the woman, who looked as if she knew her way around these parts. So, could she really be a part of those tracking her? A light sheen of sweat began to bead just slightly around the outline of her hair, not enough to be noticed by those looking at her but enough that she could feel it. While the other was busy talking to the woman, Ashlings lips parted, and she spoke just enough to see if her thoughts were true about the magic. “How are you lost?” Her voice soft, questioning his response. She knew little of magic but what she knew was that depending on what it was, it could be use in different ways.

A confused look flashed upon her face with the mention of her possibly hurting herself to escape, that was the last thing she wanted to do. Now, hurt others to ensure her safety was, different. It never occurred to her that while all this was going on between the others, that she might easily be able to sneak herself away without much notice. Instead, her body was still stuck to the tree, hand within but fingers no longer wrapped around the handle of one of the knives. Eyes darted towards Keldorn as he began to move, surprisingly away and back towards his horse.

Ashlings breath let out in a soft, unknowing shudder. Movement caught her eyes again as the woman started to make her way closer, only to pause to fix something with her robes. Her voice was, soft, welcoming, calming even. The land of Vale, a place she had heard amongst passerby’s but knew nothing of. It wasn’t long before her eyes found those of the woman’s and locked on, she found no ill intent within them but that too could be hidden, just harder to master. How would she manage to answer such a question without giving too much information? “ I don’t believe there are any hunters in your woods, that I know of anyway.” Her voice finally rising above what she’d been able to muster before. It wasn't a lie, she didn't know she only thought there might be. “My..” She paused “Experience with..” she paused again “ strangers has not been great and has caused my defenses to rise.. It’s not often I come across those who’s intent is good. “ would that be good enough to believe? Not that it mattered, that’s what she went with and they could either take it or leave it.

---

Juancho Ricco Keldorn Selene

 

[Juancho Ricco]

Juancho watched as the paladin began to move back to his steed. Again wishing that he had one himself. When he looked back to the two women he noticed that the arcane mistress had approached his illusionary double. It seemed as though she could sense that it was likely some sort of deception. She also seemed to cast some doubt on him being a traveler. Sure his intentions for his destination were not the most pure of heart. But he was still a traveler who had actually gotten a bit lost.

As they walked back to the worried woman and spoke some more, and gave their name. Then replied the frightened lady who seemed to be getting less tense. Junacho supposed he should be thankful for the arrival of Selene. With that he figured he could lower his own defenses, especially since Selene likely saw through it. His imaginary double vanished and his now visible form stood up from behind a bush a little ways back. “Call me Juancho, my apologies for misleading anyone with my illusion. Just a simple precaution was all.” He explained as he got a bit closer and stood where his double was only a moment ago. “For what it may be worth, I am a traveler, left the main road I was using to get to The Spine.” Under his cloak his purple eyes looked over at the white harried mistress and nodded. Believing that she was in no real state to make up lies at the moment. So he took what she said as fact.

Juancho himself has had some experience with hunters who had ill intent towards him. Likely for different reasons though. However, he did silently ponder to himself if that meant she had some sort of hefty bounty. But now is not the time to let his greed get the better of him. “Miss Selene, you undoubtedly have better knowledge than any of us here in the Vale. Could you offer any insight as to areas to avoid in our travels. Perhaps an area where the funa isn’t so kind, or invested with brigands. If not for me, then for our friend here?” Though he didn’t like asking for help, at least he could feel a little better if said help was only directed to the other.

Ashling Delaney | Selene | Keldorn

 

[Selene]

As the conversation started to flow more naturally, Selene eased up. Not that she had been particularly tense before, but some hidden current of energy shifted within her, pooling calmly around her feet. She only nodded when the girl denied the existence of any hunters, not believing her entirely but perfectly willing to let the topic lie still for now.

Turning away from the girl, she started back towards the road, where the ground was clearer and less prone to brambles. "Ah, yes," Selene hummed in acknowledgement as the stranger (now much more solid) asked her of safe travel. "The wilds will grow deeper before you reach the heights of the Spine. It can be unwelcoming to the lone wanderer."

Selene stopped at a sunny patch filtering through the trees. She did not bother with a boulder or a fallen log. Instead she simply kicked a couple of pinecones out of her way and sat squarely upon the ground, legs crossed. Placing her open palms face-up upon her knees, she sat as if she were in her own halls, a placid look upon her brow. "I can provide a hearth spell that will guide one safely to their destination. It does not take long to prepare, though I will need a green yew branch and a truth from each of you."

Ashling Delaney Juancho Ricco Keldorn

Spoiler: OOC

EXTREMELY sorry for the late reply on this, I somehow missed the part where it was my turn.

 

[Ashling Delaney]

Ashling made sure to keep a lookout for Keldorn, just as a precaution, watching him as he kept his horse company. One could never be too aware of their surroundings, more so when all that filled it were strangers with weapons. Movement caught her eye’s as The man now known as Juancho began to move to stand.. Confusion set in.. Was that the magic she felt? Was there really magic out there that allows someone to make a double of themselves? There were so many questions, so many things that she knew nothing about. It was going to take months, years even, for her to learn the knowledge most occupied easily.

Eyes then flickered to the Selene, watching the woman move from the brush towards the road. Her own arms finding the strength to push herself up from where she sat against the tree. Listening as Juancho spoke about areas to possibly avoid for them both. She nodded lightly to him in thanks for him inquiring about such information. She’d not been surprised that they took her explanation of why she was so.. defensive. None truly questioned her for her reasonings, even if the story changed often.

She moved away from the tree, legs taking her closer to towards the road were most of them seemed to be gathering. The sun was a welcomed warmth upon her face, and it seemed Selene was finding a spot to enjoy it as well. The woman sat and she thought it a bit strange how she held her hands out, palms up. Was it a way to recharge the body within the sun? A glance between the two men, a silent questioning look to see if either knew what she was doing. A hearth spell? Another confused look passed ashlings features. “What if one doesn’t know what their destination is?” She asked. “What sort of truth do you need?”. A secret to be told? Ashling bit at her lower lip awaiting the answer. Did she really need that spell of protection?

---

Keldorn Juancho Ricco Selene

 

[Juancho Ricco]

What Selene said didn’t really inspire confidence in Juancho. But he also felt rather capable of getting through the vale, whether or not it got harder to do so as he went on or not. But it seems to make it easier for him and likely white haired mistresses would perform a ritual of sorts for them for aid. Though he worried some about the supposed requirement for the truth. Something that Juancho has made a bad habit of avoiding.

Looking over at the platinum blonde woman he heard her speak. Not only was she rather stressed, but also aimless? Definitely not a good match. Junacho had figured that he could try and make a gentlemanly offer to escort her to destination if she so wanted. But he had his doubts she would want such company, and it would be difficult to even do so if she had no clue where she wanted to go. Also she too seemed a little reluctant to want to tell the truth as well. That made two of them. Though if things only got more dangerous for her he figured she wanted such aid even more.

“I second her later statement, is there some question we must answer honestly, or is it perhaps a confession we must provide ourselves?” He questioned, more so curious as to how the spell would work. “If you would like I could also search for the green yew you require. Though I myself am no herbalist.”

Keldorn | Selene | Ashling Delaney

 

[Keldorn]

When they began to return to the road, the Druid had suddenly stopped to squat, possibly to tell a tale, or cast a spell. It then proved to be the latter. His forehead would rest against Vekna's broad neck as he scratched the underside of it. "Hold the road, my friend." He would mutter quietly before moving to the saddle.

He would pull a waterskin from his saddlebag and begin to head over, if only to hear what was going. The druid needed truths.. something that would perhaps be too hard for the young woman to give. Such was the way of tortured souls.

"I will provide two. One for me..." he didn't need such safe passage. ".. and one for the girl." He would come to a stop just outside the circle. "I was a broken man when the Redeemer found me.. gave me purpose.." his gaze then shifted to the road. ".. the second, is that the purpose was found by his words, but my life wasn't changed until I was saved by a young horse."

Ashling Delaney Selene Juancho Ricco

 

[Selene]

Naturally, there would be questions. It wasn't uncommon for newcomers to the Vale to find the inherently magical nature of the woods a bit jarring at first. Patiently, she sat and heard their complaints, reminding herself that the rest of the world was not nearly so enchanted a place.

"The truth is not for me." Raising a hand, Selene tried to ease their concerns. "We are asking the spirits for safe passage through their woods. You must show them something of your intentions, though they do not weigh words in the same way that we do. I can never tell what kind of confession they are looking for."

"The green yew is easier to solve. They are in season, you cannot miss the bright fruit." Unceremoniously, she hitched a thumb over her shoulder, pointing at a gnarled evergreen that squatted along the edge of the road. Between its broad needles were clusters of red, bell-shaped berries. "There's one right behind us."

The distant knight was a might less cautious than the other two. He came forward again, and supplied some personal information without hesitation.

"Your honesty suits you, sir knight," Selene said. She couldn't help but smile at his earnest words, following the man's gaze as he looked to his steed down the road. The loyalty that horses inspired was not something that she fully understood, but it was a bond Selene had come to respect in her own men. "But I'm afraid that will only work if the girl treads the same path as you. She is welcome at the monastery, of course. All are."

Her dark eyes turned to the ashen-haired girl, then. "I was like you, once. Lost without a destination," Selene said. Reaching into the wide collar of her robes, she pulled a pendant that had be around her neck up over her head. The pendant dangled from her hand, a bird in flight carved out of a rusty red wood. In its talons was set a round, green gemstone. "An elf took pity on me and gave me this charm. It always points you in the direction you need to be, whether you know that place or not. Little good it does me these days, though. The thing's been pointing the same way for years now."

She raised her hand higher and offered the pendant up to the girl. "Perhaps you can make better use of it. No truths required."

Ashling Delaney Juancho Ricco Keldorn

 

[Ashling Delaney]

The fact that Ashling didn’t even know where she was also meant she had no true destination. There was no end point for her, nothing waiting for her at the next stop like so many others, no grand journey. All there was for her was making sure she stayed on the run so she never got caught and never returned to that.. Hell. Sad fact is, Ashling hadn’t known where she was once she was sold to the Duke, hence, she spent years not knowing where she was, which also meant she couldn’t even tell anyone where she ran from.

Juancho spoke his peace regarding the protection spell, it seemed as though he too felt apprehensive about the whole speaking a truth. Was he too hiding something, was there some darkness amongst them all? It was hard to read him, he seemed so calm but was he? Her attention was quickly taken off trying to read Juancho as Keldorn moved over to where they all stood. She then remembered the satchel that he had thrown towards her as a sort of peace offering. Moving away from the group as he started to speak, fingers crazed the ground as she grabbed the satchel off the ground.

He was willing to give a truth for her? That caught her completely off guard, pausing to look towards the man as he explained himself and then towards his horse. Feet carried her back towards the group but right to Keldorn. “Thank you for the offering but I can’t take it, I’ve done nothing to receive it.” Teals looked up to him as she held out the satchel for him “I also appreciate you willing to give a truth for me but I don’t believe such will suffice if the spell is to work for me” She could be wrong but if the spell was to work on her then she’d likely need to give her own truth or it won’t work correctly.

Once he took the satchel back she’d make her way back towards Selene as she began to explain how this would work. Maybe this would be something she didn’t have to say out loud for it to be known. In that case, she could easily do this, right? The green yew was throughout the forest, she’d seen many of fallen branches before this little situation took place. Ashing looked toward Keldorn as Selene explained, basically, that she’d have to do her truth herself and not him and she nodded as if saying it was ok.

She locked eyes with Selene, watching as the woman reached for something around her neck. The pendant was beautiful, the gem stone seemed to glow and yet, not? Maybe it was just her and the fact that she hadn’t had a good nights rest in some time. Lost without a destination. As sad as it was, it was true. She watched as the woman raised her hand and offered her the pendant. “ I.. I can’t take that.. It’s beautiful and I can’t say I’ve ever owned anything like it. “Ashling touched it as Selene held it there in her hand “I don’t think I can take it..” She’d never received a gift in her life and it showed.

“What do we need to do for our truths?” she asked, still eyeballing the pendant.

---

Keldorn Selene Juancho Ricco

 

[Juancho Ricco]

Juancho watched as the other man, Keldorn, started opening up with some truths of their own. Even trying to cover for the white haired woman. What a gentleman, and in a typical goodie toe shoes paladin way. Under the shadow of his hood Jauncho rolled his eyes as Selene explained that it didn’t seem to necessarily work that way with the spell.

Then the mystical woman offered to give a pendant of some kind to the girl. Juancho rarely trusted other users of magic, especially when they “gifted” magical items. But Selene had seemed genuine so far, and he wasn’t gonna make a scene over a necklace that was most likely harmless. All the while Junacho was internally mulling over what could be the least consequential thing he could be honest about. Could he tell half truths? Two lies and one truth? He brought his hand to his chin and thought it over a bit. Flutily wondering if there was some loophole he could exploit. Though magic rarely had loopholes from his experience. “Show something of our intentions huh?” He repeated to himself, very likely overthinking the whole thing.

After all, his intentions for his destination were anything but pure. Going somewhere to con and trick locals of their coin was difficult to deem virtuous. “Okay okay, I think I got it now, where and how must I confess?” He asked Selene, a bit more confident now on what to do. He wanted to avoid giving away details unnecessarily like their paladin friend here.

Ashling Delaney | Selene | Keldorn

 

[Keldorn]

Keldorn would push the satchel back to Ashling. "You stopped hiding, that was the trade for the food. Consider it earned.. and yours." Food could be re-attained, so he had no concerns, but the girl looked as if she didn't truly know how to survive in the wild.

Then the druid offered an amulet to the woman. Had he not heard of the kindness of her kin, he would questioned it. "So does it point to the Monastery for you? Or somewhere you wish to forget?" Keldorn would question Selene. It wouldn't be the first time a magical gift doubled as a torment.

This other man, Keldorn did not trust at all. He understood the girls reluctance to answer, it was written all over her. The man was either mistrusting of the magic, or had something to hide. He would keep an eye on the man.

Selene Ashling Delaney Juancho Ricco

 

[Selene]

Selene squinted a subtle smile out towards the young woman. She tried to deny the gift, claiming she had never owned anything like it. "That's a flimsy excuse," Selene responded with good cheer. With a smooth confidence, Selene took the woman's outstretched hand and pressed the pendant into her palm. "Why not take something beautiful, when its offered?"

The knight, Keldorn, had given an honest answer, earlier, when he had provided his truths. She would remember that now, when he asked his own questions of her. Sitting up straighter, Selene looked up at the man. "It points to the center of my self." Her tone was candid; the statement was no metaphor.

Then, there were more questions. Annoyance was a luxury that Selene did, contrary to common belief, indulge in from time to time. She thought she had properly explained the spell the first time. Quietly, Selene reminded herself that the two souls in front of her were strangers to the Vale, and could not be faulted for not understanding something so simple as a hearth spell.

Unoccupied with whether the girl decided to accept her gift, Selene would leave the pendant behind. She pressed her palms against her knees and pushed herself back up to standing. "Here, perhaps you would benefit from a demonstration," Selene said to the dodgy man, trying not to imbue the must-I-do-everything-myself attitude currently afflicting her. Over to the yew tree she went, drawing an ornamented dagger from her side and hacking off a young green branch. Bright red berries stuck in clusters between dark needles, weighing the branch down in a springy curve.

Selene went back to the roadway and scratched a circle into the dirt with a few arcs of her foot. She stood in the center of the circle, the yew branch held up lightly in two hands. "Spirits love a good circle," Selene explained as an aside, looking at Juancho, the man who had previously been invisible, in a curious way. "Put any kind of barrier up and they'll come around just to see if they can knock it down."

Closing her eyes and taking a settling breath, Selene went back to standing tall inside her circle. "I call upon Sigale of the Long Branch, who walks this land. Grant me passage through your princely halls. One truth for one true path."

A light breeze kicked up where there had only been the warm midday air before. Leaves rustled overhead, and tall grass below. She raised her voice some against the gentle commotion. "Show me the way to Yotul Lash, for I would like nothing more than to abandon my quest and my charge to go dance with the orcs in their solstice festivals."

The breeze stopped as suddenly as it started, and in that newfound silence, the yew branch in Selene's hands burst into a cool blue flame, a fragrant sappy scent filling the air. In a few seconds the branch turned completely to ash, and the flame wicked out. Some ways off in the distance, towards the east, the same little flame reappeared, flickering steadily in midair. If one were to follow it, a day's walk later they would find themselves in the territory of the Yotul Lash clan, where a merry gathering of orcs did indeed plan to wash their nights away with revelries.

"See?" Selene said, dusting the ash off her hands. "Nothing to it." She stepped out of the hastily drawn circle, careful not to break the line in the dirt. "It doesn't matter terribly much what you say, so long as you get the forest's attention."

Ashling Delaney Juancho Ricco Keldorn