Mighty Wind (Open)

[Taske]

The small figure clutched the mane of her companion. Wind was beating against her making riding almost impassible for her, so she was left to walk in the rain with only him to keep her on the ground without him her sickly form would have already flown up into the air and away. which made have a large colt so much better then the companionship she had with him. How much farther small one, I don't think you can fight theses winds much longer. Allaire looked up into the horses eyes, her face blank she knew that he meant the best, that he did not want anything to happen to her, but she needed to find Black Star. She would be in only one place and that was at the Blue Boar. They where close, she knew it by the buildings that swayed next to them. And when that inn finally crested at the end of the road the girl screamed with glee, she and Comet would finally get out of this rain and wind. She and the horse moved forward slowly, the Colt pulling the small girl against the wind, and even blocking some of its harshness from her small form.

When she crested into the doorstep she released his mane and looked the horse in the face. "Can you make it to the Stables alright, Comet?" The horse snorted, and pushed his nose into her chest. do not worry about me small one, I am of royal lines, I am able to make my own way yes. Comet snorted then turned to the small stables that was next to the Blue Boar. Allaire was going to stand and watch him go but the wind picked up and pushed the small girl into the the door. She lifted her arms and pushed opened the door, expecting calm people quietly sipping on there ale, but instead seemed to walk into a war zone, people where scrambling about, going around the person on the floor and about the table with a small girl that was about her age.

Allaire blanked and moved into the inn, pulling the door closed behind her. First her eyes traced the two forms with the bleeding girl, it was non other then Erech and Alexa, and they seemed to be in a heated debate, something the small girl wanted to stay out of, she knew that they where now close, and frankly she was happy about it, it was exactly what the orphan wanted, he would be a great king on day and he would respect Alexa like he should.

Then her eyes wondered to the other commotion, a mermaid. Allaire had never seen a live one before, she had only heard stories, and frankly she would never give up this chance to talk to one. Allaire waved to Alexa and Erech and silently greeted Ellesar; not seeing him but knowing the wolf would be close behind Erech and she moved the group that was surrounding the fish woman. She fought her way to the front of the crowd and smiled at the creature. She wondered what the creature was doing there but when she saw the shattered wood and glass she knew, the mermaid must have ended up like she was going to, tossed about on the wind.

[arkainon]

A fresh scream shattered the night air. Smoke from the smoldering houses and huts hid the victim and victimizer, but the small boy hidden in the tree could easily imagine what had happened: Another villager, trying to hide just as he was, had been found, and presumably silenced. Most of the shrieks and screams had died down in the last few hours, and the soldiers were now merely pillaging the spoils of the decimated village. Occasionally the spoils were women and girls, found hiding in lofts and haystacks... Those screams were the worst, thought the young boy. Shock had rendered him an apathetic observer in the systematic rape and destruction of his home. His parents had been beheaded where they stood, but he had managed to escape without being seen. He owed them his life... What few minutes of it he had left, he thought.
*********************************************************************************** The screams returned in force. Shadows came for him; he screamed and leapt from his hiding place in the old oak, tearing off into the darkness, heedless of anything but his desire to escape the shrieking things coming for him, tearing through buildings, slamming doors and shattering windows, grabbing him, wrapping their many arms around him, suffocating him-

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Gavlin awoke with a start. He was half-crouched, half-curled in the floor near his bed, the old sheets of the inn tangled around him. In a moment, he realized that the shrieking and banging he was hearing was not just a remnant of his familiar nightmare, but the sounds of a fearsome storm. Irritably, he freed himself from the clutches of his bedclothes and slammed the shutters shut, cutting out only a portion of the noise. This really is some storm, he muttered to himself. It almost doesn't seem natural. He sat back down onto the bed, rubbing at his temples, the remnants of last night's attempt to drown himself in ale pounding in his skull. Gavlin didn't ordinarily partake in such displays of foolishness, but this was not an ordinary occasion. Last night marked another year past since Muratian soldiers, his own countrymen, had destroyed his village on King's orders. To him, the ferocious storm outside seemed but a reflection of his own tormented emotions and memories. He smiled bitterly at his thoughts, berating himself for the feelings of self-pity. There are plenty of obstacles in your path without making yourself one of them, as his Master would say.
Gavlin forced himself up and pulled on his leathers. He could hear the sound of voices in the common room room. He had intended to meet Black Star soon, but he did not entertain any ideas of anyone, even the rogue leader, traveling in such weather. Perhaps he could negotiate a new contract, he mused. A rumble in his stomach reminded him of his priorities, however. Business could wait; first he wanted to see if the old innkeeper had something he could eat in his condition. He arranged his features into an emotionless facade covering both his inner turmoil and his hangover, and walked out of the small room.
As he neared the stairs, he heard the sound of shattering glass and splintering wood, and a few screams. He raced down the stairs into the common, and stood stunned in the doorway. A strange sight met his eyes. The orphans and various refugees from the storm he had expected. There was a rugged looking man standing by a table with the Princess. A small dark haired girl was lying unconscious on the table, her head bloody. Across the room, a... Gavlin put his hand over his eyes and steadied himself on the door frame... Across the room was a mermaid, covered in blood and debris, glaring at the crowd gathering around her with fear in his eyes. Gavlin noticed the hostility emanating from her, and made sure his sword was loose in its scabbard before stepping calmly towards the crowd, making for the small woman trying to help her. As he did so, he saw a sodden, windswept girl standing at the forefront of the crowd, who oddly resembled the one on the table. Gavlin idly took note of this fact as he tried to catch the eye of the small woman. He wanted to assure her that he meant no harm and would not interfere, so long as the mermaid did not attack.
Gavlin spared himself a moment to be amused at the thought of charging the woman for this small amount of service. No, he thought. I am not yet so heartless.

[Jotari]

CALYPSO

Slapping her tail hard again the young mermaid, sixteen and barely more then a child, once again made it very clear that she didn't like the situation she found herself in. People had quieted and there were questions. The owner of this place, Van, approached her and with his words said that she was not in danger. But Calypso was terrified of the giant man and only hissed nervously. Her back was hard against the tavern wall and every so often her tail flicked out again with strong movements. But these movements were quickly getting weaker as the seconds ticked by, for mermaids must have water and the rain coming through the shattered window was not enough. Perhaps an older and more experienced mermaid would have known what to do, but Calypso was scared to death. But she did not hiss at Marlena. This human female said she merely wanted to help. Distrust still reigned supreme in eyes that darted up to look as the door opened and more people entered. The mermaid noticed a small girl, this girl bared her teeth at the mermaid. Calypso was about to repeat the gesture when she realized that this young thing was smiling, trying to be friendly. The mermaid said nothing still but now nature set in.

As a fish dries out, so was this mermaid. Calypso was having trouble breathing and was feeling extremely dizzy. This only made her fight that much more. Hissing again and slapping her tail yet again she lunged this time into the crowd. Snapping her razor teeth, she demanded room in her animal fashion. But this was not going to work. Biting her lip, salty tears welled in her eyes, tears of hopeless frustration. The mermaid was again, little more then a child. She was scared, feelings very ill and dizzy, and her body throbbed in pain. Her head hung now as she shook herself trying to keep awake and alert. But blackness descended.

The fish damsel slumped in unconsciousness. Rain from the broken window spattered against her heaving sides. Glass surrounded her and several sharps were wedged in her slim body. Her brown hair clung to her shoulder and down her chest, tail relaxed and lay limp, and a single salty tear actually came from those pretty closed eyes. The was merely an injured child, even though she was the femme fatal of the sea. Calypso needed help.

[Taske]

Allaire watched as the creature's eyes darted about, nervous. Then its eyes looked up at the small bit of rain falling upon its head. Tilting her small head the girl looked at the creatures reactions, and then at the dieing fish at its side, then it dawned on her, she must be dieing. Sadness filled her eyes and soon the smile faded from her face. She looked about herself, looking for anything that could give the mermaid the water she needed. she then remembered that there was a bucket next to the door when she came in. The small girl turned on her heels and went to the door and grabbed up the bucket and then went out the door. The a bit of a ways away was a decent sized puddle, but without Comet it was going to be hard for the small girl to reach the spot.

Allaire gritted her teeth and started on her way, hoping that the wind would not pick her up and fling her about. When she stooped next to the puddle her small body fell into the water, she got up and shivered, but that would not stop her, she filled the bucket and then raced back to the door. Nothing much had changed and the mermaid eyes where now closed. Allaire was running out of time, she needed to get this water to her and quick. She trued to the creature again and started to tip the water onto her fish parts. but it was not enough, she had lost to much of her body moisture.

Putting down the now empty bucket she huffed to herself, knowing that she could do little more for the mermaid, that she was to small and weak, but she was not the only on around, no there where bigger and stronger people around the creature, and they could help her better then Allaire. The girl looked up at the big man Van, her eyes pleading. "Van, you need to help her outside into the rain, or she will dry up."

The small girl did not wait for his answer, for she knew that he would do what he could for the mermaid, so instead of waiting around the girl decided to look for Ellesar, she knew he was about and she needed to get warm and the fastest way was to sit next to a furry body. With a last look and wave to the group about the mermaid she shivered and moved near Alexa and Erech. When she padded past the two, who seemed to be a heated debate about adult things she spied the wolf. He was in the next table over and seemed to be occupied with another animal that was small and furry. The Allaire rapped her arms about her small and wet form and moved to find out just what the small thing was, when she came up behind Ellesar she gasped. It was a small wolf pup, ebony with a small patch of black on its chest. But the color was not what made the girl gasp, it was the bleeding that was coming from three scratches on its left eye. But it seemed that Ellesar had stopped the bleeding for the most part and was cleaning it.

Allaire moved in next to the wolf and picked up the small puppy, running her fingers into its lovely black fur. Ellesar had stopped licking it and was now leaning against Allaire giving her his warmth. she blew in on the wind, much like the fish over there. the wolf looked over at there mermaid and huffed, then looked Allaire in the face. She said that she has no family The wolf gave a small whine and gave the small pup a lick on the head. She needs a home.... A human like I do. The wolves ears perked then, Oh I know, you take her! The wolf did not wait for her answer instead he got to his paws and went to Erech

The girl looked from the pup in her hands to Ellesar now at his normal spot at Erech's heels. She blinked then looked down as the pup gave a small sound and amber eyes look up at her. "Well hello small one, do you have a name?" The pup tilted her head and opened her mouth in a small bark. I'm called Taske... Allaire looked the wolf in the eyes and nodded. "Then Taske it is."

[Erech]

Erech sat beside a woman, no jsut any woman. This lady had caught Erech's heart, his feelings deepening for here with every pulse in his body. He felt the time was right to ask her of her feelings towards him and with it he awaited her answer. However, much like him it seemed she much more prefer the work of actions over words. Her slender body leaned over to Erech as their lips pressed against each other. Erech's face took an emotion of shock, he had just kissed the princess. Something not many men had the honour of doing. Erech smiled as he looked upon Alexa face. Her answer was perfect, and with the words spilling from his lips Erech had found his woman. That kiss had settled his feelings, she was now the only woman he wanted and he would not rest for anyone else. The thought that he could soon become king dawned on him, but he did not care, he only cared for Alexa. He wanted to seal the relationship with marriage as soon as he could obtain permission from King Crevan. Erech wanted to do this properly. Erech wanted to speak to her, but the words would not roll from his tongue. His hood had been retreated, showing his locks of slightly curled brunette hair. His piercing blue eyes, met with her gorgeous eyes that shared the same colour as his. He simply nodded as he looked deep into Alexa eyes. He then turned to the young girl upon the table, but his eyes were quickly averted by the sight of none other than Allaire, she was with Ellesar, caring for the pup. She loved animals, something else the trio shared in common.

---

The fish woman hybrid slammed her tail against the hard concrete floor on the Inn. Van could tell his sheer size was scaring the girl as she hissed at him. A young girl and Lena his barmaid calmed the mermaid somewhat and she began to slowly stop her struggle. The young girl then vanish to soon return with a bucket of water, tipping it upon her teh young girl cried out for Van to help the young mermaid. He nodded hard and grunted. He didn't care how she would react, he wasn't about to have mermaid blood upon his hands. He rushed over, turning back and shouting.

"Back up everyone, go get some ale and some food. Lena, can you get some bread passed around these people."

Van moved quickly, sliding his arms beneath the young mermaid, his arms being sliced by the glass shards layering the floor. He didn't even flinch with pain, he was determined to help this mermaid and, lifting his into his arm, pressing her against his chest as stamped out into the rains and the winds. He looked for a large puddle and soon found one, rushing over he laid her down into the water. His large build sheltering her the harsh winds as they lashed against his back and legs. Van pushed back against the winds, he was just large enough to hold them off. The hurricane seemed to be passing a little. The winds and rains were not as harsh as earlier, but still enough to cause casualty if underestimated. Van banned anyone from leaving the Inn until the winds and rains had passed. Only himself was allowed outside, as only he was physically strong enough to stand within these winds. There was only one other man he knew that would be able to run in these winds. But he sat within the Inn alongside the Princess. The Ranger. Van held his body over the young mermaid, reaching down to splash water over the places on her body that were drying and lacked moisture. He could only hope the rains and the bath of water was enough to keep her from dying.

[Desperanza]

The Princess Alexa gazed upon the sight of the man before her and she knew that no other words were needed for the bond, the emotions that they shared were far too great and that there was nothing that even could be said to solidify this or do it any justice so she only held his gaze for some time, her fingers entwined with his own still as she looked up at the man, blue eyes matching with an intense gaze that had yet to be broken and yet finally, her hands slid free as she reached out to wrap her arms around him, pressing herself close for a moment as she leaned against his chest, her eyes fluttering closed as she delved into his world and completely forgot the world she was currently in. The inn and tavern melted away as she took in the feel of his rougher clothes, the cloak that laced his back and yet beneath was that strong body of man that encased a heart made of gold, a heart she believed was hers and in return her own belonged to him and only him. She knew that she was spoiled for life, not because she had maids and servants at her every call but because she knew that she would never be able to give herself to another man the way she could to Erech. If for some reason he did not take her at any point in time she would let him go if that was what he wished but there would never be another for her. She believed in his good intentions and his beautiful heart and she suddenly realized that not once in the whole amount of time that she had known him had she thought that he had stayed around in hopes for the crown of Kingship. She had never once even considered the fact that he had held wrong intentions as she had with all other men that had drifted around. For that, she was thrilled. She knew that this time she was reading him right, this one man out of hundreds on earth had truly stolen her heart.

For some time she simply sat with him, finding herself quite content and happy and yet she did not fear that he would push her away and so she sat with her slender arms pressed to his frame with a need and want that she harbored but eventually, she began to hear the murmurs and gasps from the crowd that was milling around the tavern. There were murmurs of shock and surprise and shy giggles of rumors that spread that the Princess might have finally fallen in love and there were many eyes and piercing looks centered towards Erech, curious as to the man that seemed to have wooed the Princess right into his arms. For if he had managed to fall in love with the Princess, and she with him, then he would one day be King if they were married. Now the murmurs did not travel far enough to detail any sort of wedding ceremony but the furious chatter of excitement circled around the fact that the Princess had entangled herself with the Ranger for sure and in public of all places. Oh how her mother would spoil and fester over the fact that the Princess had fallen hard for a commoner, a ranger of all people with no royal blood or ties and no riches to his name and yet he was worth more than any amount of gold or gems that she could ever have and she adored the ranger. She imagined bringing him home, showing her love to her mother and father and her father she worried little about. She was sure that King Crevan would be able to see the good and kind man that she had picked for herself. She was sure that her father would understand her feelings and would respect Erech for who he was but her mother, oh her mother. She would be furious for sure. She would parade around in her shining silks and linens and she would flaunt her power and flare until her face turned blue and yet Alexa did not care. Her mother could rant and rave all she wanted and if she had to, the Princess would give up her power and become a commoner too but she did not doubt her faith in her father and doubted that it would come to that. However, she would wait. She would wait until the handsome ranger gave her sign that this was what he wanted, what he was prepared for. That he would be willing to travel to the castle and to meet the King and Queen on a much more personal level then just to discuss a matter of farming desires or petulant thieving in the market, or desires for more land or higher wages. This was something much higher than that and the thought sent a thrill of excitement into her veins.

Her bright blue eyes fluttered open once more and she straightened a bit, a soft smile touching her features that radiated a wicked fire of thrilled elation as she met the gaze of Erech once more, her hands resting at his chest for a moment before she lowered them within his own once again, her head turning briefly to the commotion that erupted across the tavern as she now watched as Van made his way outside into the rain with the mermaid and she inclined her head, catching movement about a table away. Gasping, she recognized the sight of the child, the features that she could not deny. It was none other than Allaire, the sweet child of whom she had never thought to see again. Her eyes darted across her frame but the child seemed unharmed and currently, her hands were full with the black pup that Ellesar had carried in. Smiling gently, Alexa sighed contently. The sight was heartwarming and no doubt Allaire had found yet another new friend for life. The Princess cast a glance up to Erech briefly to find that his gaze had indeed traveled the path that her own had and that he too fondly watched the pair, the child and the young wolf and she felt a growing sense of elation and satisfaction. Among the storm, the destruction and the array of chaos that the hurricane had brought with it, there were still people smiling and there was peace and care. Each person in the tavern was provided with food and a warm drink from the inn keeper and his bar maid from the coins that she had offered and the goodness of Van’s heart. With the children huddled at the fire and adults conversing and chatting among themselves while the storm raged outside and even with the mermaid that had suffered being carried with the storm, there was still some good left in the world.

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[Deidra]

Marlena watched as the mermaid girl went into shock it seemed and then began to pass out. Then a little girl from the crowd darted off only to return some minutes later, a bucket in hand. Lena watched as the girl dumped what little water she had upon the fish girl and then as she spoke to Van to take the girl outside. It was all so confusing but she would do what was needed of her she thought just as Van ordered her to pass bread about to the people residing inside the tavern.

Walking back behind the into a back room she grabbed several loves of bread and brought them back to the front. Offering it to the orphans first before making a trip around the inside of the crowded room, the storm outside drawing her gaze once more. It was times like these that she was brought to remember her brother, Jazzwinder, and her dainty hand flitted to the necklace at her throat, and with all her might she wished for him to be alive and that she could someday see that face of his again.

She jumped as an orphan tugged at her skirts and held out a hand pleading for another piece of the bread. Lena smiled at the little boy and handed him one and watched as he promptly ran back to the group of other orphans with a smile on his face. Marlena loved to see that they were happy, she was a kind soul never finding a bad thing about anyone. She came to the table where the Princess sat talking to the man who had brought in the young girl, and decided to leave them be as she made her round.

[Tahti]

'Gah! I have to get out of this weather!' thought the red head beauty as she pulled her hood closer around her pretty face. She hardly ever went without her hood casting a shadow over her gaze. She dreaded the fact that she would have to take the hood down as she entered the Blue Boar Inn for she would be soaked to the bone even with the extra protection of her cloak. She was dressed in all black from head to toe, save her knee-high boots, and the belt that carried her sword safely hidden under the cloak. She splashed through the water that was collecting on the ground as she made a mad sprint for the Inn now that it was in her vision. As she approached it, she gripped the hood even tighter around her complexion. Upon reaching the doors she shoved them open despite her small stature, and moved quickly inside where there was shelter. But what she saw inside made her skin crawl. There were thousands of people it seemed, laughing, and talking, and some fighting, some not. Some where doing completely stupid things, while others seemed to be passed out, and drooling on tables. Chills ran up and down her spine for a moment, but she couldn't stand there with the door open for ever. Tähti closed the door gently behind her, before stepping futher into the Inn.

She cursed her stupidity for wearing a white shirt. It was now nearly soaked through, but thank god her cloak covered her chest almost completely. Looking around, Tähti felt nervousness overwhelm her as she grasped the hood between nimble hands, and gingerly removed it from her head. Her fiery hair was wet, and plastered to her skull, and it gave her the most uncomfortable feeling. Without taking too much more time to draw more attention to herself she pushed her way through the crowd, muttering apologies the whole way there. Her face was wet, her clothes were soaked through, and all she wanted in the world was just to get something hot to drink, if there was even anything hot to drink here. She was naturally shy, so it took her a few moments to muster up the courage to ask someone. Her gorgeous emerald eyes glanced about until they settled on Marlena. She cleared her throat, before moving forward toward her.

Excuse me, miss.

[/i] Her voice was tender, and soft, nearly inaudible with all the noise that was going on around here. She glanced around, nervously messing with the string on her cloak that tightened the hood. I was wondering if...maybe perhaps...[/i] She stammered, looking for the right words to use. She was getting frustrated with herself, that much was evident. Finally she just spewed out the words. Is there anything warm to drink?[/i] She asked, shifting her weight from foot to foot uncomfortably. She lowered her gaze from the other lady, and concentrated on her boot as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. [/font][/center]

[Desperanza]

The storm seemed to be breaking up by this point. The hurricane had come and gone and finally, there was the calm after the storm. The skies were still swirling in angry shades of grey, green, and yellow now as the eerie clouds circled above and began to drift outwards; pulling apart the wicked storm that had brewed upon the horizon and stretched its way across every land in its path. Now, the assassin bothered to begin to disentangle herself from the branches of the tree. She had been hiding there through the storm without any chance to make it anywhere else. She was cloaked in a black cloak and of course she was riddled with her typical outfit, black died cotton shirt that clung to her slender feminine form, black leather pants and thigh high black leather boots with her emerald studded weapons tucked into every crevice. From the pair of emerald encrusted daggers to the inside of each thigh in her boots, the dagger at her right hip, and the twin assassin blades at her back, she was as always shielded in her array of weapons made by her own hand.

The assassin had been in the process of traveling from Murate to Ellsinora with her soon to be assassin in training, the boy that she had picked up in Murate and yet now he laid dead, pulled away in the storm and tossed about to the forest floor. The boy had had no chance. However the assassin was once again hands free of anything clinging to her though she had been open to teaching this one time and now, the child was gone. From her vantage point she had held a clear view of the Blue Boar from her perch but she had yet to approach for the storm had shaken the trees and made it dangerous for her to make her way back to the ground so she had melded herself to the trunk of the tree and now was entangled with broken branches and limbs that were tossed and laid around her, tangled into the limbs of the tree that she had taken refuge in. She was lucky she had not been struck by lightning.

About half an hour in and she was already irritated enough that her hands flashed back, grasping the cold steel and emerald handles of her blades before whipping them forward with the sing of the steel as she began to slice and twist her way through the branches. Pieces of bark and limbs and branches fell to the ground with small crashes until finally, she leaped took a flip in the air and landed upon the ground, catching herself with the twist of one hand before she straightened and slid her blades back into place beneath her cloak before she grinned, satisfied. Making her way forward, the woman strode through the rain, making her way towards the inn as she drew the hood around her face and approached the doorway.

Pushing the heavy door inward she paused for a brief moment to gaze upon the mermaid and the inn keeper that she recognized as he sat out in the puddle with the creature before she turned on her heel and strode into the tavern. Her boots clicked on the concrete floor of the tavern and rain dripped from her clothes and cloak. The leather did not allow moisture in so at least the bottom half was dry. A quick glance through the tavern revealed more people then she had counted during the storm though there for a while, she had been too busy ducking her head away to keep from being damaged. It had been a ravaging storm and she was pleased that it was finally breaking leaving only spatters of rain behind now that soaked all that traveled in it but slowly, even the rain was getting lighter.

As she approached the bar, she didn’t have to wait and she simply hopped up onto the edge, piercing emerald eyes staring out at the world from beneath the shadows of her hood. There at the bar were steaming mugs of warmed and spiced cider and she lifted a mug between her fingers and sipped slowly. She said nothing and she didn’t bother taking her hood down. She had no need to speak to anyone at the moment but she did note that the eldest Princess sat in the tavern. Strange, she would have thought that at a time like this she would be at the castle. Briefly however she caught sign of the woman nestling with the ranger before her and a grin touched the corners of Aurora’s lips as she sipped again, this was all too amusing however her gaze shifted again as she looked to the shattered window, the small girl that was stuck into the crowd, the one child that seemed drawn away from the fire where the rest settled, also strange and thoughtful. With a curt nod, the woman continued to look, her gaze freezing briefly as she seemed to catch a mirror’s glimpse of herself.

There, where Tahti stood, seemed to stand Aurora. The young woman however seemed to be a polar opposite with no confidence and an immense amount of interest in her own boot but Aurora would not count her out, either. She knew nothing of the girl and still, the woman was immensely beautiful as she herself was and at the moment, she was feeling sly and feline and ultimately sexy, especially as she stared across at Tahti for the woman was a spitting image it seemed from the slender, feminine form to the flaming hair and emerald eyes, the sight made the assassin smile and for now, she kept her hood drawn as she perched on the edge of the bar, laid a boot on a stool and crossed her legs. She was radiating confidence and feminine charm and for now, she waited, watching.

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[Taske]

Allaire petted the puppy in her hands, as the small creature squirmed within her hands. The ebony wolf seemed to have forgotten anything about its hurt eyes and seemed to want down. So like a good master Allaire set the puppy on its paws and watched as it sniffed about the floor. So when a clocked figure walked accost her path she saw the dark boots. The girl looked up to see a fiery haired woman, who seemed to remind her of another of the Grellons. But she was different then him, she held herself with grace, something so different then the red haired monkey. But Allaire did not have time to gawk long, another pare of boots flooded her vision but this one was different, she not only held herself with dignity and poise, but with a wildness that seemed to call to Allaire. She had stealth in ever step, Allaire seemed to grow with a small want to know who this woman was.

Something seemed to pull the girl to her feet. And the puppy mirrored her, the small wolf padding slowly to the woman. Allaire gasped, she did not know the woman but it was not a good idea for a small wolf pup to just wonder to a stranger, epically after getting injured like Taske had. The girl rushed forward, scooping the pup up in her hands before it could get to close to the clocked woman, but Allaire lost her footing and soon found herself and the small pup bumping into the woman a small cry lifting for her lips.

The girl fell back cradling the small puppy. "I'm sorry I was only trying to keep my wolf from doing anything to your clock." Which was true enough, The pup had it written all in its thoughts just what she wanted to do with the moving object flowing behind the humans legs. The girl got to her feet then, her small body keeping the animal in her hands steady and away from the clock. With that Allaire looked up at the woman, her green eyes shinning. She wondered what this woman could do, could show her, and soon the girl found herself wanting to find out just what this woman did to make herself so nimble, so light on her feet. "I'm Allaire, could you show me how you walk to silently?" The girl was a little to trusting, to forward, she was not aware that not everyone was like Alexa and Erech, that there could be bad people in the world and the woman she was talking to could be bad. No Allaire trusted the the heart that lies within her chest, just as she trusts Black Stars.

[Desperanza]

The assassin’s eyes flitted around the inn, gazing around the immense crowd that seemed squeezed and crammed into every corner and cranny of the building. Taking a slow breath, she inhaled the spicy scents of the cinnamon singed cider that was cupped between her hands as she sat perched on the bar, her eyes gazing throughout the crowd. Her emerald eyes turned, gazing to the Princess and her lover for a mere moment, her brow arching briefly before her gaze traveled on again within a split second. So many people and the first thing that flashed through her mind was the sight of them all, dead on the floor. Imagine the blood bath with a scene such as that. Bodies tossed everywhere and more blood then the floor of the tavern could handle. Her killing thirst would be quenched for weeks. She quivered at the thought and eased her arising boil as she flitted her gaze to a flash of black, a small pup that darted out towards her cloak between the legs of the bar stool that she rested her foot on. Her emerald eyes flashed to the little creature and her fingers clung a bit more tightly to the glass of cider in her hands as a bitter smile touched her face, the girl appearing not long after to snatch the wolf from the floor.

The emerald orbs flashed to the child, her own green eyes peering back at Aurora from a young face and she gauged her age for a brief moment at first thinking eleven before she settled on ten with a light smile, nodding curtly to the child in greeting. Only a few shifted to look at the stranger and the child, finding it strange that the woman had come in with no intention of lowering her cloak but she had killed a homeless thug about two weeks ago and she didn’t really feel the need to make herself known at the moment, even to the child, at least not yet. But as the child’s pleas came forward, her apology, Aurora sighed, her breath silent and her head nodded forward, “Tis fine, child.” She replied simply as she cast a glance to the pup thoughtfully for a moment before turning her gaze away again. She did not keep pets herself.

The assassin eyed the child thoughtfully, vaguely remembering the boy that she had briefly taken under her wing and whom had been killed in the storm on their way to Ellsinora. She sighed, frowning as she set her glass aside and stood from the bar. She circled the child thoughtfully, steps silent as ever as she circled the girl, glancing over her thoughtfully with a slight smile as she eyed the child with a curt nod and she came to kneel beside her, inclining her head with a glint of her emerald eyes at the child, “You are a beautiful little one, yes?” she inquired softly, her tone silken and inviting to the child as she looked towards her before she straightened swiftly and stretched her arms, coming to lean one hip against the bar as she shifted her slender form to lean slightly, lifting the glass mug to drain the last of the cider in her glass before sliding the glass back down the bar and turning to Allaire once more, “Child, the things that I do, the skills that I have they take years to learn. I would be happy to show you, to teach you but surely your mother would not appreciate you spending so much time with me. My movements take much skill, child and with a child your age you should be out playing and running about with the other little ones.” She replied with a slight nod though she knew that this was not the case with her. By five, she was finely skilled in the arts of wielding a small titanium sword. She was learning to doge and whip around and she was learning the ways of keeping out of the way of another’s attacks. She had even learned to split an arrow in flight with a blade, by the age of ten. Sighing, the assassin offered a placid smile, her hood remaining for now. She would not have traded her childhood for anything for the monk that had taught her and of which she had killed had taken her in at two when her parents had been murdered and he had indeed taught he well. Everything from defending herself to forging her own weapons. She had skills that were delicate, and far more intricate and complicated than many knew as she looked down at the child and fell silent, peering down at the lovely child’s sweet face.

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[Taske]

Allaire looked up at the woman, she could see her face within the shadows. She had a lovely face, angled and very beautiful, Allaire could see the red hair fall within her face as she bent forward to look Allaire over. She seemed to hold some wonder in her green eyes, she seemed to approve of the little girl for she smiled and seemed to agree to teach her what she knew. The girl smiled up at her, her eyes shinning. She nodded her head at her, knowing that it was a common phrase that everyone about her seemed to keep telling her. But she did not always get it, she was small and weak, but even so everyone still tell her that she is beautiful.

She was about to put Taske down when one of Allaire's more painful memories filled her mind, it seemed to be a double whammy. Not only did she bring up her dead mother but also the friends she did not have. The child looked down at her feet then, tracing the mud on them with her eyes. "My mother and father are both dead, my mother died just last year and my father when I was very small . And I cant run and play like the other kids, I am sick see and I have a weak body, sometimes its hard for me even to get out of bed." But the girl looked up then, a blaze in her eyes, she knew what she wanted, she knew that she wanted to get stronger so she could help both Alexa and Black Star, she wanted to gain something that would allow her to help them, so that she can become someone that was of use for once and not just a burden. The fire grew within her eyes, her small face set in a determined look as her eyes meet the woman. "But I don't want to be a burden, I don't want to just sit by and watch as my new family ran off to fight in the war of life! I want something that can make me strong, something that will make me able to help my loved ones! That is why I need training!" The girl held the wolf to her chest, making the animal squirm and complain to her about not being able to breath. But Allaire ignored the wolf and only looked at the woman, wanting her to understand her need to be useful.

[Jotari]

CALYPSO

She revived. Gasping and breathing hard, the young femme revived and was startled to have Van standing watch over her. At the moment, Calypso was to weak to really struggle at the moment. But there was enough water here to keep her sustained. She say up and enjoyed the feeling of being soaking wet again. Her voice was almost polite, though still untrusting, " Thank you......and um, sorry about the window." The mermaid, if just a few months older, would have been trying to seduce him. Her eyes showed admiration now for his large stature. Trailing over his hulking form, the merwoman was impressed. You didn't see men like this at sea, that was certain. But biting her lip concern filled her eyes. But you should not be out here, and I need to figure out how to get back to the sea. I think I can survive with enough water in these streets to at least get into a river..." Her voice trailed off again. Another voice chimed in now, a darker voice that made Calypso whip around suddenly in fright. " I will see that you make it back."

Black Star

The outlaw queen loomed over the mermaid, looking with cold eyes. Her hair was several inches shorter then it had been just an hour ago. Her face also bore a few scratches, like cat scratches. But her features were that of anger. Not at the mermaid, not at Van, but at what she had just been through. But she knelt and quietly checked over the mermaid, ignoring the warning hiss. " You are beat up, but you will make it back to Kai just fine." Her tones were calmer. Standing she looked around and snatched a piece of cloth that whooshed by in the wind. There was all kind of debris flying about, boards, branches, items of clothing, you name it and it was flying about. Black Star though simply helped Calypso create a sort of skirt. " You need to form legs." The mermaid's frightened eyes met those dangerous dark ones, "I can't, I'm to tired." The outlaw just shook her head. Calypso sighed and legs forms instead of the fin. The river that ran through Kiyer was not far at all and that led to the sea only a few miles away. Calypso walked with a very unsteady gait, leaning on Black Star who was not even flinching in this storm.

The outlaw queen moved quickly and very soon Calypso was back in the water. She smiled and waved, with a splash of her tail she was gone. Safely back in the water where she belonged. Black Star turned, still possessing inhuman strength in this storm. This storm was part of her making of course, not a typical storm. With silence, she stalked back into the Blue Boar. Keeping the hood over her face, the furious woman simply leaped over the bar as she had before. Though she was angry, she was still generous, leaving a small bag from her pouch on the back counter. Grabbing her favorite drink, Black Star made her way to her favorite corner. A few Grellon men were there, obviously waiting for her. The outlaw queen sat down and drank heartily. Her eyes, black fire, and her entire aura was dark. Black Star muttered to her men, " Ellsinora will fall before the first snow." They said nothing, only silently drinking from their cups and keeping a close watch on their extremely moody and irritated leader.

[Desperanza]

Aurora’s eyes gazed upon the child as she spoke. Her voice was desperate and eager, as if her whole life depended on Aurora knowing and understanding fully just how true this child’s words were. This was no joke to this girl. This girl had intentions far past her years. There were people in her life for which she cared for and she had every intention of finding a way to help them. The assassin listened, something she didn’t often do for long to people but Allaire’s words stuck her, intrigued her. Something in her words struck her to her very soul and memory lane opened up like the yellow brick road to Oz.

She remembered being there, not when she was ten but when she was two. She remembered being there when her parents had been murdered in their bed and she had come inside to find them. She had remembered the pain and the fear, the feeling that she was helpless and the burning desire to find something to help them, to save them and restore their memories. Their deaths would not be in vain. Fueled with the wicked fire of rage and revenge, Aurora had studied hard from the monk that had taken her in. She had become one of the most deadly weapons in the world and not because she had magic but because she was extremely intelligent and skilled.

She grit her teeth, her emerald eyes blazing dangerously with a sharp spark. She felt the sting of bitterness. She was alone even now just as this girl was but she had people, others that cared for her. She would be a good candidate, perhaps. Straightening swiftly, the assassin nodded curtly to the child as she gazed down at her thoughtfully as she cast a brief glance around the inn. The door swung open and a furious Black Star strode in, emanating fury and the fact that she was not to be bothered but that was not what struck Aurora. She had seen the outlaw with the child before. Just once but once was enough. This child was a member of the Grellon.

Arching a brow, the assassin cast a glance to Black Star thoughtfully before looking to Allaire again with a slight nod as she bent forward and brought her head close to the child’s ear, “Come now child, if you really want to train, to help your family then you will meet me just outside of town among the trees. Wait there and I will find you. Do not make me wait any longer then tonight. For if you do not show, I will not wait for you.” She whispered fiercely into Allaire’s ear, her words simple and commanding. If Allaire did not listen, she would never train with her. The child had a decision to make and her first test, her first show that she could do this was to make her way alone to the trees just outside of town where Aurora would find her.

She patted Allaire’s shoulder and straightened once again, giving a flick of her cloak as it settled against her slender and beautiful frame once again, the cloak still around her face as she had yet to remove the cloak from around her face, the shadows still enclosed around her facial features. As she straightened, she had gained the itch to leave now but her veins were flooded with thrill. Perhaps it was because of her now prospective child to teach, or perhaps it was because she had not killed in some time. Either way her fingers tingled and she grinned, her eyes coming to rest upon the eldest Princess whom sat close to the door at a table with her ranger. It all seemed so simple and yet there were many people here, but many did not pose a threat as they were simple towns folk with homes and jobs and not much weapon training and though speckled here and there might be a problem but still she did not worry. Alexa sat with her back to the door, facing her ranger. Perfect. She laid out the plan in her mind within a matter of seconds.

Now, she did not look at Allaire any longer, the child had her instructions and that is the last thing that she would offer her. Her slender hand rested at the shoulder of the girl for a mere moment before she swept forward, her stride long and sweeping as she strode forward towards the door as if she was leaving. Alexa was currently glancing up at Erech distractedly, she paid little attention to the cloaked stranger approaching and as Aurora passed by the pair, her cloak billowing out around her, her hand snapped out and fingers clenched the arm of the Princess with incredible strength and within a matter of seconds before the Princess even had time to scream, Aurora turned, pulling the Princess before herself as her free hand whipped back and selected one of her assassin blades before sliding it to the throat of the Princess, resting it there threateningly as she backed towards the door with a grin, her emerald eyes gazing about the inn.

As the Princess reached up, attempting to claw her way free, her fingers reaching at the arms of her captor and she gasped, this was a woman and yet the hold was like steel and the blade at her throat was cold and piercing, the edge of the blade sang against her skin, the sharp edge teasing and warning that she could cut. As the assassin backed to the door she eyed a few people that screamed, shocked eyes turning to the scene and looks of fright for the future Queen now, “Hush, if anyone moves to stop me, she dies.” She hissed simply, the blade shifting at Alexa’s neck before a tiny trickle of crimson oozed onto the steel blade and the Princess flinched. The cut was not enough to kill her, yet, but much further and it would be.

The assassin knew that in moments she could bring the blade across that throat. She would feel the gush of warm blood over her fingers, the taste of the kill flooding her system and the adrenaline that would kick in at the prospect of the royal blood that she spilled. It was like a drug, the killing. She would be all too happy to end the life of the Princess for Queen or not, Aurora listened to no one so what did it matter to her whether Alexa lived or died? For certainly, it did not.

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[Erech]

Erechs eyes gazed into those of Alexa's he wasn't paying any attention to anything that happened around him. He did catch a glance of a hooded woman figure, but he shrugged it off, many people stood in the Inn hooded as they came in from the rain. Erech's fingers were interlocked with Alexa's as time seemed to stop. All of a sudden, Alexa was ripped from his grasp. Erech stood immediately, his hand drew back and retrieved his bow and an arrow in a flash of green. As his cloak settled, the people gasped. Alexa in the arms of the assassin and Erech stood but a few meters away with a arrow loaded in his bow. Everyone inside this Inn, knew Erech was a perfect shot. Van was still with the mermaid outside, or he would also have reacted. His fingers twitched as he held the string of his bow with his index and middle finger. His eyes had turned from a gorgeous gaze to a dark, intimidating stare. Erech would not have his love taken so quickly.

"Alexa, Do Not Struggle."

Erech's word were blunt and serious. If he struggled just once, there was a sure chance of her getting seriously injured or of her death. Erech's eyes scanned the womans face, he could see through the shadows of her hood, he would remember her face. She dared challenge him by taking his lover from his own hands. She would pay. Erech's finger with a flick released the arrow upon it's path. The spiralling arrowhead seemed to move in slow motion in Erech's eyes as it spiralled towards the assassin, his shot was aimed perfectly, Alexa was not in harm by the arrow and he would act while she deflected it. He body moved quickly, he stepped forwards, kicking the chair Alexa had previously been seated on. The chair creaked as it slid quickly to a stop, Erech;s other foot took a step upon it, as it leaned towards the Assassin and his soon to be Wife. Erech's leapt, drawing one of his twin blades. He would strike down at the assassin with a slash of his steel, simutaneously with the arrow arriving at the Assassin. This woman ment everything to Erech, and he would not see her leave this world so quickly and so easily. He would surely fight for her life.

---

Van's hulk stature stood over the young mermaid as she recovered, his eyes stinging from the rain drops that pelted his face. He managed to keep his eyes open as he saw a flash of a cloak, then as his vision blurred from the running water over his face, He shut and reopened his eyes to see Black Star. He was relieved to see her well, but he instantly recognised her anger, and he saw the stratched upon her face. Something had happened, but Van knew it was for the best that he kept his mouth shut and let her calm down naturally. Black Star took the mermaid off Van's hands as he ran back towards the Inn.

He instantly saw a commotion rising, a hooded figure holding someone. He couldn;t tell until he got a little close that the subject being grasped was the Princess. Van didn't care who it was, but he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her. He saw Erech mid flight with his blade drawn, he then knew that something had happened. Van began a charge at the smil hooded figure. She would not notice his presence due to the incoming Ranger attack, however Van lowered his shoulder as he charged towards the figure. He would arrive just after Erech had landed. They had completed a chain combination that this assassin would not be able to keep ahold of Alexa, and she would not have the time to deal with the incoming attacks before she could slice her throat. If Alexa's throat were to be sliced, the Assassin would lay dead next to her also.