This role-play is a private exchange between Isaac Levis and myself. Please refrain from posting here. However, if you so desire, you're perfectly welcome to read.

Thank you.

Indeed! Free to read. Thanks people for not posting in on our stuff. I wish i had some pants.

Finally you arrive, my love! Shall we get this thing going soon?

Indeed!))

This world that is for right now to remain unnamed is home to Elves, desert Elves, Halflings, Dragonborn, Dwarves, Beowta, and Humans. The races just listed are the most prominent in the world, at the moment they get along. These races have been known to mix together. The three other dominate races are Drow, Orcs, and Goblins. These three races find it hard to breed out of their own species, even if they wanted to. Drow have an easier time than the other two, on rare ocassions one of the more friendlier drow (from one of the more friendly communities which are few and far between) may succeed in having children with one of the main races (more likly with elves as they are more closly related to them). Now onto where these beings are found. Elves are found mainly in the forest, least social of the main races. Desert Elves are found just where it sounds, it the desert. Dwarves are second place for being least social, making their homes deep in the mountain having an affinity for gems and precious metals they are a valuable allie and the main exort of said gems and metals. Halflings live in the hills and rolling grassy plains, they have the shortest lives of all the races. Dragonborn live in extream climates including but not limited to: very close to active volcanos, frozen wastelands, deep caves, and the occasional swamp. Beowta make their homes close to water, most known for living in swamps though some live near the sea or next to large rivers or lakes. Humans make their homes just about anywhere and are the most social of the races and the highest in numbers. Now onto the three less influincal races. The Drow live in communities ushually located in the mountains due to having a defensive edge and allowing seclusion. Though some Drow communities and cities are located in other places ushually at the base of mountains having homes inside and outside of the mountain. Unlike lore would have you belive Drow can see in the sunlight and their skin does not burn on contact with the suns rays. Their dark skin actually provides quite a resistance to it, odd for a race that burrows into the mountains and dark corners to have such a trait. Some 'tribes' of Drow very much support the other races and trade with them openly, many more do not. The Dwarves deal with the Drow and trade with them constantly, the only race to have constant contact with them. Drow are quick learners and most know common. The Orcs live in tribes much smaller than drow communities (which can be HUGE) and are nomadic traveling as the seasons change. Orc leaders and high ranked 'officials' often speak common, though with an obvious Orcish twist. The Goblins are the size of Halflings and move at random, not having any rules or standings in their societies. Goblins learn some phrases in common that they deem 'necissary' such as, "Me gonna keel you!" or "Don't keel me!". I think thats about it. Dragons are another very intellegent race, the most intellegent in fact though they stick to themselves hardly ever in communities. Most find shiny things very attractive and alluring decorating their caverns with such things. Their greater intellegence sometimes leads them to controlling other beings but they are ushually of the lesser type and their rule often comes with the iron fist, or claw in this case. Dragons live with their spouse, sometimes, and kick their kids out as soon as they can fly, sometimes. Really not much is known about Dragons and many books written about them contridict one another. Many wonder how 'dragon borns' or much smaller versions of dragon humanoids came into being.

Welcome to the world. This world so named Etheaer (E-th-air) is broken down into seven known kingdoms spanning four continents and several large island groupings. The land's terrain varies in every form generally known: Mountains, plains, rolling hills, swamps, grass lands, frozen tundra, deserts. These land forms aid in the distinction of one kingdom to the next. The other primary factor (beyond race) being their stance on the use of magics and technology. Many find it best to blend the two together in daily life, while other feel it should only be one over the other.

Three of the seven kingdoms of Etheaer are of the blended view. These three are both the largest in population, and hold the largest variance of racial types. They are all on good terms with one another, and differ in few ways. The remaining four are very dominate in either race or stance.

Aria, the kingdom in the skys and one of the three blended, is stationed up on the peaks of the Luern Mountains which run along the western edge of the continent of Nei`Yun (N-I-Yun), extending out as far as the mighty mounts will take them. This large kingdom's large towns and capitals are considered architectural wonders as they use both a combination of magic and advanced technologies to keep its structures bound to their unlevel grounding, while the rest is completely suspended in mid-air. Aria's cities are all known for their beauty, elegance, and general splendor, but they all pale in comparison to Nymphael; a city truely fit for heavenly creatures, and capital of Aria. Though there is much diversity among the inhabitants of Aria, a majority of the peoples are elven, and human.

Zoea (Zo-ah), also stationed in Nei`Yun, is very far from it's continental neighbor in almost every way. This kingdom can be found in the southern region of the continent in the swamps and marsh lands. It is primarily home to the Beowta race, who favor more the use of magic, however do not hold it against those who use technological devices and aids. Zoea is much smaller than most other kingdoms in Etheaer and is not quite as formally organized. It's control reaches over all the Beowta tribes and villages of the area, which extends out to the close by rivers and lakes. It's populous is more secluded and reserved to themselves.

Ellesmaer (Ell-es-mare), the last kingdom that makes it's home in Nei`Yun, is home of the elves. It controls the entire breadth of the Wein`Dir forest, which covers much of the northeastern portion of the land. Here the forest elves dwell completely enshrouded in a world of magic, devoid of anything of technology, and in constant communion with nature. The Ellesmaer elves are a very secluded bunch, cutting themselves off from the rest of the world and protecting their lands with magical wards to keep away any who dare trespass on their lands. They loath technology and disowned its use in its entirety. Though, the beauty of their cities are highly comparable to Aria's and perhaps to some, even surpass them.

In the Isles of Eshar--next to Nei`Yun on its west side--the kingdom of Ire reigns supreme. This is another of the blended kingdoms, extremely diverse in its populous (much more than Aria), and in it's view of magic and technology. It's capital, Silvermoon City, is one of the largest cities in all of Etheaer; probably only second to Nymphael. The land it traverses is very extreme, changing from hot deserts, to gentle rolling hills and plains, and further still to towering mountains in the north. Though their are many elves (desert elves in particular) and humans who reside here, much of the population is halflings and drawves, with a few pockets of dragonborn to be found.

Next to the Isles of Eshar is the continent of Ikustha, where Drakotal is found on it's northeaster coast. The frigid climate found here suits a large grouping of dragonborn, elves, and a smaller grouping of humans. This kingdom favors more use of magic, and though they disapprove of technology, their hate doesn't run as thick as Ellesmaer's. Drakotal is considered to be the smallest of the seven kingdoms, though Zoea remains a close second.

The only other kingdom to reside in Ikustha is the drawven kingdom of Borugedure. These drawves are found in the mountain halls of the Duneim Mountains, busying themselves with their mining craft. They have little care as for which is better--magic or technology--and will use whatever necessary to get the job done.

Lastly, we come to Keh`Zein, stationed largely and exclusively on the continent of Azlia. This is the last of the three blended nations, and is just as diverse in populous as Ire; however, though they approve the use of magics, it's a common preference of the efficiency of technological devices and aids. This lends to the vast size of most of Keh`Zein's cities. Although, both Silvermoon City, and Nymphael remain larger than any one of theirs.



Well, that proved to take a long time o.o; I suppose we'll pick up tomorrow, love ))

Yes indeed love <33 we shall. Thanks for the donations towards my pants :]

Levi twisted the short wooden toothpick in the corner of his mouth. His dark, pensive eyes staring out in the dim cabin before him, lost in the realm of his thoughts. Most lay quiet as the boat rocked side to side in time with the waves that rolled on underneath them. A passenger somewhere on the far side of the damp hold sneezed snapping Levi back from his trance. His head twitched and his expression changed. Tilting his head side to side, he popped his neck and muttered a quiet grunt. A shifting of a person's weight caught his attention, as Levi dropped his eyes down to his lap. There lay Calinea--lovingly called Cali--fast asleep curled up in his oversized lap. With a wide finger, Levi gently brushed her golden locks away from her face. His expression softened. Cali's porcelain like face was completely relaxed and still--the only movement being that of her eyes lulling about under her eyelids from her sleep.

Is she still asleep? The question rang through Levi's mind with the distinct tonality of a female voice. Levi's gaze departed from Cali to look up towards the stairs that led down to where they were. There he saw a lithe woman walking towards him. The only sounds betraying her otherwise silent approach were the light janglings of the many bracelets she wore ringing off with every movement of her long slender arms.

She sleeps. Levi replied in the silence of their minds. The woman--now revealed to be half-elf--stood over him for a moment peering down at their sleeping companion. She took a seat beside him, placing a hand in her lap. What did you find out, Vivienne? Levi asked. Vivienne glanced over at him with her violet eyes and smiled.

Land ho! She said in light jest.

What part of Eshar?

The southern arc. The port town of Sunell I believe.

Really? Sunell? I--Levi started, but his thoughts were disrupted by a sailor calling down to the passengers below, "Port!" Shuffling noises and low murmurs erupted breaking the quiet from before. The small cluster of passengers all filed out of the cabin hold to make their way off the ship and on into the city. Levi slipped his large, strong arms carefully under Cali's sleeping body picking her up bridal style. He stood up and followed after Vivienne out on to the deck. Before disembarking, he glanced back behind him over the ocean. The last fading beams of daylight painted the horizon all shades of pink and orange and reflected brilliantly off the cerulean waters below. With a soft sigh, Levi turned back around and padded down the boarding ramp and wooden dock into the quieting liveliness of Sunell. Vivienne shook her head with a smile as she watched him catch up with her.

Sometimes I wonder about you. Levi smirked. So what now?

We find a place for the night, of course.

"You know what I think." Alex did not wait for a response, "I think you're a dead man unless you tell me where Dom is." Alex snarled and shook the elf impatiently when a response did not come immediatly.

"I told you everything I know!" , the elf spat out. Alex shook his head as he paced passed his captive, not bothering to step over the body on the ground he instead set his foot directly on the center of the mans back. No sound was made and the body had a limited response to Alex's weight. Alex picked up his pack and slung it over his shoulder, walking towards his freshly painted red hov-bike. He scowled at seeing a scratch in the paint.

"What are you doing! You have to untie me!" , the elf protested, spattering blood during his exlamation.

"I don't have to do anything." , Alex corrected, setting his bulging black-red backpack in the compartment at the back of his bike. The large metal crossbow, scope attached, and shotgun with red accents hung securly to his back thanks two a series of straps and a hoster for each. "I promised to let you live yes, and I am. I also promised to let you go, but on the condition that I recieve some information. Unfortunantly for you this was something you could not provide me with, therfore this second agreement I am no obligated to uphold." Alex reached for a random tool in his toolbox, coming back with large wrench, with this in hand he turned and began calmly walking back to the elven man whom he securely tied to a large tree with a decent amount of rope.

Inspecting this elf further revealed that he was on the younger side, his lip was busted open and his clothing was ripped, torn, and dirty. It was as if he was in a bar fight, that took place outside, his knee was also scuffed and the elf was missing one of his boots.

"You- You can't do this!" ,his eyes darted to the wrench Alex held.

Alex kept silent, stopping until he stood infront of the elf, "Is that all?"

The elf scrapped his mind for words,"Yes... What are you-?"

Alex revved up his hov-bike, rubbing his hand over the spot of stripped paint near the back of his bike. Alex slid on his sunglasses that rested in his top jacket pocket. The bike responded quickly to Alex's demands, increasing to a high speed rapidly.

That was for scuffing up my paintjob.

Damn...The word spurted across Levi's mind. He sat hunched, chin in his left hand while his right grasped a stout mug, across from Vivienne. Her violet eyes danced around the crowded restaurant in which they sat in the back corner booth. Cali still had yet to wake, and was resting in Vi's lap this time. Her small halfling body didn't even make it to the far end of the booth seat, curled up in a semi-fetal position as she was. Vivienne heaved a sigh. "I can't believe we've tried six different places and still are no where! I know this is the close of the trading season, but we're in Sunell for crying out loud!" Levi ranted irritably.

"Hush! You'll wake her!" Vivienne started in a over emphasized hushed tone of voice, then she continued making sure to keep her voice low, "Not all of them were full you know..."

"They may as well have been! Who charges 147 credits per person!"

"Hotels in Sunell, obviously." Vi remarked her voice cool with sarcasm after shaking her head slightly. "Look, just let me pay for it then. I have more than enough."

"No! No...It's not that I can't afford it. I shouldn't have to. 147 is way overpriced. We'll just keep looking."

"Levi...We can't be looking all night." Vi's eyes searched him as Levi paused for a few moments in thought, and took a few swigs of his ale. Placing the mug back down, Levi sighed and looked up into the half-elf's piercing gaze. He craned his neck back, pressing it into his hand that he'd reached up behind, and rolled his head around in a semi-circle.

"Alright, the next place we go that isn't full we'll take a room. Okay?"

Vivienne nodded. Levi pulled out a card from one of the pockets in his vest and slid it through the scanner at the far end of the table, paying for their meal. Afterwhich, the two slide out and stood up from the table--Vivienne being careful to pick up Calinea very gently. Levi extended his arms out behind him and turned to where his back faced Vi, implying for her to put their sleeping friend on his back. Once situated as so, the trio made their way swiftly out of the bustling eatery. Back on the streets they walked along the pedestrian walk ways towards somewhere they could rent a room, remaining rather silent along the way. Vi's gaze was drawn up to the ever darkening evening sky where she could see the first of the stars glimmering out of the dim navy above.

Alex made it to another traveler safe haven house and locked up his bike. Walking inside he was disappointed to find the place packed to the rim. Every bed and cot was taken, most of the double 'beds' had two people sharing them whether they were together or not. After some searching and stepping between the sleeping crowd Alex found what he was looking for. Not exactly what he was expecting, but good enough. Really it was only half of what he was searching for. A halfling woman lay sleeping on the bed curled up in a ball near the edge. Sliding in as quitly and with as little noticiablity as possible on his 'partners' part Alex made himself comfortable under the covers. As the rule goes, better a bed than no bed, and better a woman, or pint sized woman, than a man. Alex took the time to study his new companion, wearing some sort of pajamas that were not revealing. What a shame, he made a hushed sigh shifting his head to better fit into the pillow. That night, like most nights, he would sleep heavily.

"My friends, still searching for a room are you?" A human, rather on the taller side, walked behind the trio matching their pace. He was a young one, probebly in his early twenties if that. A few whiskers stood out on the bottom of his chin, his face looked recently shaved besides that. His honey eyes shifted between Vivienne and Levi, a sparkle to them. "Let me explain myself. My name is Lucas, it seems on your searching your path often crossed mine. I could not help overhearing on these occassions and I belive I can help. It would be a mistake to deny weary travelers lodging when you know it is available. Expecially when the fates put these said travelers in your path multiple times. So what say you? The rooms are nothing to brag about, but thats what you get for free right? Come follow me to the church, you must be tierd and hungry." The young man insisted that they accept his offer, though all the same polietly waited for their actual answer. He wears a white shirt under his simple brown tunic and green huntsman or traveler pants under those with worn brown boots. His spiked dirty gold hair seemed recently washed and besides his clothing he seemed to be a very clean person, at the moment anyways. A second look over and one might be able to see that the center upper chest area of his tunic was darker than the rest as if spotted by a stain, and the shirt under the tunic had splatches of blood near the color.

Levi and Vivienne exchanged glances after her gaze fell from the sky. Levi adjusted Calinea on his back some then projected his mental voice into Vi's mind. We're being followed

I noticed.

"My friends, still searching for a room are you?" The stranger's voice called to them. Levi and Vivienne stopped and turned to face the human man. Before him, Lucas, saw a human taller than himself by at least half a foot with the girth equal to that of a muscular dragonborn. Levi had a rather brooding appearance with a pensive, yet rugged facial structure. He was not clean shaven like their new 'friend' having a rather dark five o'clock shadow covering his chin line. This was only broken by a scar that ran up the side of his chin up over his lips near the right corner side. His dark eyes were fixed on Lucas studying him over with subtle suspicion. On Levi's back, Lucas could see Calinea's small arm--covered in the narrow white sleeve of her dress--drape over his thick, broad shoulder and her head resting on this same shoulder facing inward towards the man's neck. At first glance, one would easily take her for a young child; her golden locks dangling down before her and ending in sweet little spirals a good 15 inches away from the top of her head. However, it was her halfling ears that gave her away, along with the subtle head shape difference which were much more difficult to catch; especially in such low light as they were in. Vivienne, standing beside Levi with her hands on her hips, stood at about the average height for a female human, or in this case, half-elf. Her ashe brown hair was short in the front cut in a very sever angle which started even shorter in the back and led down to about an inch past chin length in the front. Her bangs and front-most locks of hair were streaked with a purple dye that matched her violet eyes. In the back the remainder of her actually very long hair was tied back in a secure pony-tail (which at the moment, Lucas probably wouldn't be able to see from his angle). Her attire was very intricate and so unique it style that it was a dead give away she'd originally come from Aria, or at least had to have bought somewhere in their boarders. Though, everything about Vivienne was very beautiful and very pleasing to the eye. Lucas, eh?

He seems harmless enough

Oh yeah, especially with those blood stains

Old blood stains. And who's to say it wasn't in defense? There are still wild things abound.

Alright, so we give him a chance.

What are you so afraid of, Vi?

Nothing.

Nothing...His mental tone held a note of sarcasm. Vi stifled the urge to roll her eyes.

"Tired we are, hungry we are not. And we are of no religion." Vivienne spoke for them after a brief pause from when Lucas left off, for their private exchange happened within seconds.


-_-; bah...bad post ))

Unaware of the suspicion towards him Lucas spoke clearly with a kind voice, "Religion does not matter, I offer this as a kindness between strangers."

Lucas had no scars on his face, his golden dark brown skin very clear and clean. For the weather he was wearing less than he probably should be to stay warm, though he did not seem any less comfortable. Lucas held himself upright and proper, a slight smile on his face.

"Though I hope you don't mind my last errand is so close to our destination that I should probebly stop in and take care of it. That won't take but a few minutes." The group was standing still now, as they talked. Lucas looked between the three of them taking in all of their features. Despite the low level of light left he saw perfectly. He found it odd that a halfling would be traveling, not the race most known for traveling but hey some of them had to. Besides he did not know their stories, and thats exactly where he left his questions. He did not know and he knew that was their buisness, no matter who they turned out to be his offer of shelter would still have been extended.

((no worries mine is extreamly short also, bad on my part))

Aww, it's okay love <33 Mine's extremely short o_o; ))

Vivienne and Levi exchanged glances then each gave a short nod to Lucas. "Are we to follow you then, on this errand? Or are we to wait for you here?" Levi asked with a certain directness that spoke volumes about his character and his age. This being that he must of had several years of military experience; perhaps more than Lucas was old if Levi's guesses of his age were correct. Vi diverted her violet gaze away from Lucas over to Levi as he spoke. There was something about the commanding nature of that voice that never ceased to impress her.

Lucas did not seem phased by Levi's voice and tone, he continued to wear the same smile. "You can follow me." He replied simply, turning after seeing Levi's second nod.

Most of the buildings in Sunell are made out of bricks and wood. They passed shops of all different kinds, with all different areas of specialization. The stores ranged from selling things from the 'old' to the 'new', magical or tech based. Before long Lucas stepped into a tailor who leaned towards making older styled clothing. A older man who stood behind the counter greeted them on their way in, and told the group that he would be right back. He left for the back and retreaved two sets of clothing, exactly matching what Lucas wore at the moment.

"Excuse me one second." Lucas said to Vivienne and Levi, taking the clothes and stepping into a dressing room. Soon he appeared in new clothing, paying for the clothes he dropped the older set in the trash can on the way out.

Walking four buildings over brought them to the entrance of the church, where Lucas greeted one of the monks working there in words that a normal person would not be able to understand. He showed them to the back of the church where their room awaited. Two beds and a desk with two chairs, a simple and small space.

"I can bring in a air matress." Lucas offered.

Levi and Vivienne followed closely behind without a word. Vi let her eyes scan over the various shoppe fronts and buildings they passed by. The elven she had in her blood aided in her ability to pick out the smaller details in the dim of night. Levi, on the other hand, trudged onward keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead, which caught on to the sight of the top of Lucas's head and just a little bit beyond that. Before long, Lucas stopped them and brought them inside a tailor's shoppe to apparently switch out his filthy clothes. Inside, Levi took a minute to readjust Cali on his backside some. Vivienne made a quiet offer to take the sleeping girl off his hands, but Levi declined. This made Vi smirk and shake her head. You treat her as if--

Don't. Vi glanced over at him and furtively gave him a questioning look, but decided not to press him on the matter. Then some minutes later once Lucas left for a dressing room, Levi's voice entered Vivienne's mind again; though, much less intensely than before. You know my reasons, Vi. Please, in this don't state the obvious. Vivienne looked over at Levi, then took two steps over to stand infront of him. She placed a gentle hand on his cheek opposite Cali's face for a brief tick then let it slide down and brushed her fingers over the halfling's forehead. With a sigh she took a step away and stood with her back to Levi. She quickly took to looking through the closest rack in order to distract and occupy herself until Lucas was done. She does love you Levi...just not in the way you think... These thoughts Vivienne kept to herself.

After another couple of minutes, Lucas had reappeared and lead them out of the tailor's back out on the streets. Looking forward now, Vi could see the church building that their human escort was directing them towards. She found it adequate enough, though no where near the standards she'd grown accustom to. But a bed would be quite nice regardless, so she wasn't about to comment or complain. Levi seemed rather indifferent--like always.

All seemed fairly normal until Lucas spoke with a monk that stood outside the front gates of the church. Their language rang as foreign in both Levi's and Vivienne's ears. The two glanced at each other once more, and Vi shrugged. Neither decided to pursue Lucas about it as he guided them down to the back of the large building to a small room. Here Levi was quick to carefully place Calinea on one of the two beds. While he did so, Vi responded to Lucas's suggestion, "That would be good, thank you."

The pair watched as he left the room then looked over to their sleeping companion. Vivienne pulled out the bed covers and tucked Cali in before taking a seat beside her. "It'll be a tight fit, but I'll sleep with her tonight." Levi nodded without reply, and extended a hand out towards her. Vi, knowing him well enough what he meant by this gesture, took off her shoes and pack and handed them off to him. Levi took these and placed them on one of the two chairs along with his own things underneath on the floor.

Lucas responded with a nod, holding his courteous smile, and turned to head down the hallway. He admired the old stone, which had recently received a make over from the cities rebuilding program. The gray stone of these walls held many stories... Tracing his way through a few of these hallways Lucas found the supply closet he was looking for. After pulling aside a simple wooden door he clicked on the lights and easily found the inflatable mattress in the clutter free room. Taking it up in his right hand Lucas turned off the light and closed the door.

Heading back to the group he crossed the path of several monks, who greeted him friendly just as the monk at the door had. Lucas had come to expect such from the very devout, fully knowing that he was treated no differently than any other brother.

In coming closer to the room he had allowed the trio to stay in Lucas could feel that the air around him was heavier than it had been just a few minutes ago. Lucas walked into the room and set the scrunched up soon to be bed on the floor. He decided not to push the issue, besides Lucas could not tell which of them the effect was coming from. Cutting his thoughts off there Lucas flattened out the mattress to its full size, after which he laid his hands on a corner. He breathed in deeply, and exhaled very slowly. As he exhaled the mattress slowly filled, bringing the limp shape to life. After a good sixty seconds Lucas retracted his hands from the fully inflated 'bed'. Getting to his feet Lucas gave each of them a slight bow, "If you need anything I have conveniently gave you a location directly to the right of mine. Please if it is anything I assure you I do not mind at all." Lucas waited to see if they had any immediate questions or comments. If they did not or if they told them that was all they needed for now he would retire to his own room.

Levi stood up just as Lucas reentered the room. He thought about offering to help with the mattress, but deferred at seeing that the youth had a handle on it--quite a handle in fact. Lucas's ease in blowing the thing up impressed Levi and his face conveyed as much. All of his actions, from when they met until now, made Levi plug him away in his memory as someone to trust. After uncrossing his arms (he had previously crossed them while watching the air-bed take form), Levi took a few steps closer to the boy. He inclined his head at Lucas's bowing, then listened to polite instruction. "As far as general hospitality needs we're fine, Lucas. Thank you for your generosity." Levi's voice was rough but sincere, and simultaneously suggested he had more to say. However he paused as the sound of Vivienne standing up from the bed where Calinea slept. She crossed over to stand near the two men. "I was under the impression that this was your room. Though, it's all the same to me. Thank you for according us this space." She remarked.

Levi waited until Lucas had the chance to respond to Vivienne's comment before continuing on his previous train of thought. "Though, do you perhaps know the quickest way to Silvermoon City?" Vi eyed him acutely but refrained from comment, either aloud or mentally, while her mind raced. What was he thinking! Then again, Silvermoon City was rather large, and attracted a many sort of folk on touristy reasons. Perhaps Lucas wouldn't question their motives for the particular destination.

"You are quite welcome." Lucas responded to Levi and Vi before continuing to address his next question, "Actually I am traveling through there myself, how soon where you looking to leave? I'd be happy to show you the way, or if you wish i could just sketch a map for you to follow."

Lucas stood with his hands cupped in front of him, his muscles relaxed. His eyes held no suspicion or concern in them, and he truly had none. There was no questions in him for them, Lucas did not know anymore than they wished to tell him. Until then he would wait patiently and unassumingly. Lucas had some muscle to him, now obvious in the well lit room, but not to much. His muscles are coiled in tightly, very tone but not extremely bulky in size, seemingly ideal for a nimble huntsman. As he breathed in again Lucas could feel that the air was becoming lighter, whatever extraneous stress that was here was begining to disperse at least slightly. Good...

◊ ◊ ◊

The daylight sun shone clear in the bright sky above. Large cumulus clouds rolled by in the sharp, late autumn breeze taking with it the last remains of plant life before winter reared its frozen head. The wind rustled through the dead or dying trees that lined the path they were all walking. It had been agreed previously that morning that they'd need to catch a transport from the next town to fly them over to Teao, a suburban town that conjoined the large capital city. From there, they would rent smaller mounts or vehicles to get them to whatever part of the city they needed. Though the flight would take the rest of the day, if not two if it were beast-back.

Calinea shivered. Her hands were shoved up under her armpits as the followed her companions, and her bright light blue eyes squinted from the intense sunlight. "Ugh! What's the one season us halflings don't like? Winter. Why? Because winter is horrible! It's too cold!" She moaned, making Vivienne chuckle and Levi gain a look of happy complacence.

"Well, of course winter is cold. But it's not even winter yet, Cali." Vi responded lightly.

"Yeah but!!"

"But what?"

"But halflings aren't made for the cold! So it should be summer all year round! Or at least spring..." Vivienne just shook her head with a light laugh. Levi maintained his inward joy, walking on in silence like always with Calinea walking very close to him as best she could. Her strides were about of fourth of what his were, so he had learned to take his steps very slow and methodical. After a short brief of no speech between them all, Cali spoke out once more in complaint, "Is it lunch yet?"

"Not yet, Cali. It's only a quarter past mid-morning." Levi answered. Cali fidgeted and smiled secretly before responding.

"Yeah, but that's plenty time since breakfast for the next meal."

"For a hobbit maybe." Cali rolled her eyes and stuck her tounge out at Vi.

"I can't help you people don't eat enough!" This finally got Levi to smile. Before Calinea could react further, Levi had paused and took Cali up in his big arms sweeping her up off the ground. Holding her on his side like a mother would hold their small child, he walked on. "If you're really that hungry, I have an apple or two in my pack you're welcome to have." Calinea grinned brightly and leaned back to dig through his backpack. Once she found it--which she announced to everyone--and closed Levi's pack, Levi adjusted her to where she sat firmly on his shoulder. It was an interesting sight to be sure, a man with a young lady sitting on one of his shoulders munching away at an apple, but Levi was large enough and Cali was small enough to make it work. A light smirk entered Vivienne's face. Quite a pair you two make. Quite a pair. Levi merely smiled.

Vivienne then quickened her pace a few steps to reach Lucas's side. Once their she leaned out and around to peer up towards him at a slight angle. "So, what brings you to travel to Silvermoon, hm?" She asked, curiously.

Lucas was smiling from all the recent happenings. Today Lucas wore exactly what he had yesterday, along with a brown leather backpack and a metallic walking stick that was more comparable to a pole enclosed on the top and bottom. Despite being slightly underdressed for the weather Lucas has shown no signs of being uncomfortable because of the chill.

He looked to Vi after she had questioned him and responded in a cool, calm, crisp voice, "You all do." Lucas paused for a moment before explaining, "Not often do I get to travel in the company of others. I do not have an agenda at the moment, wandering works perfectly fine with me." He spoke loud enough so that Levi and Cali could hear him as well. "I go where I am needed, and when I am not needed I go."

Lucas had drawn his eyes back to the road infront of him, a light smile still on his face. The wind that attempted to toss about his hair failed to do so, swishing past him without changing his appearance in the slightest. With every other step he brought up his walking stick and set it back down. His bulging pack shifted slightly with his movements, a similair movement effected his gold bag as the few coins in it lightly jingled against his hip from time to time.

Vivienne raised an eyebrow and glanced back towards Levi who only made eye contact with the half-elf. Calinea giggled hearing Lucas's response and despite her mouth being full she remarked childishly, "Ohh-So you're...trying to be like Levi!" She gave herself a moment to swallow before continuing, "Ha, come to think of it, your names both start with 'L'! Well, I approve of your behavior choice Mr. Lucas, but I still like Levi best so ya know." Levi's gave lowered as a light grin overtook his face. Vi paused in her steps and span around to face Cali. "Cali, I don--" She started but was abruptly cut off as a crudely made arrow wizzed past her, nicking her arm, and making a rip in her sleeve in the process. Vi immediately drew her hand up to apply pressure to the pain and threw her head towards the woods were the attack and drawn from. Levi had reacted much faster than Vi, and perhaps faster than one would think a human should be capable of. In a mere hand full of seconds, with smooth, quick movements, he had reached up grabbing Calinea around the waist pulling her down off his shoulder and placed her down behind him. It would take a few moments more before Cali would realize what was happening. After securing Cali, Levi quickly drew out his special, custom made blade--it was definitely more technologically based, but roughly resembled that of a flachion--and stood at ready. Vi, during this, spat out some low words and her small gash mended itself with a soft glow. Lowering her gave she reached her hands out before her mid-section. More of this low toned chanting drew from her lips and slowly the air around her immediate person grew colder, and her eyes started to glow.

At this point a fuller volley of arrows arched out of the foliage that stretched out in front of the party. With quick, fluid arm motions three of the arrows headed in Vivienne's direction froze in place and fell shattering against the ground. Four more of these arrows Levi deftly deflected away with his large semi-rectangular blade. This unleashed four loud dings, and clatterings. Cali yelped at the sounds, causing Levi to loose focus and tense; thus letting an arrow slash open his left cheek and another to pierce into his side (which he promptly ripped out with a small grunt). "Levi!" Calinea cried at him getting hurt.

"Hush now. Stay behind me." Levi gently commanded rather effectively.

"Show your faces cowards!" Vivienne cried out to their mysterious attackers. This prompted several strange voice like noises. Fairly soon they could distinguish that the voices were goblin ones, being as shrill and gargled as they were. Though, a few other sounds started erupting from the cover of the trees. These were much lower and gruff in nature--almost like growls of a large predatory beast. The trees took to shaking and shifting before completely crashing down in the wake of a charging hob-dragon. This beastly creature very closely resembled its grand dragon kin, but on a much smaller scale despite it still being a rather large creature. (Don't forget, dragons are huge). It's scales furled as it scowled and roared the instant before it plowed right into Vivienne. Levi felt trapped, knowing he could of reacted and saved Vi from harms way, but that would have left Calinea completely open and utterly defenseless. So he stood enraged watching his friend get rammed and thrown off a few feet into the distance. Vi cried out in pain and anger as it's horn partly impaled her torso than flung her off like a limp rag.

Levi let out a terrific battle yell to draw the creature's attention--and on further inspection he realized it was actually a mount as a Goblin sat with reigns in its one hand and a poorly crafted axe in the other. "Calinea. Stay with me, and behind me." He whispered in instruction to the trembling girl behind him. Cali sounded a small tone of understanding and nodded her head. The hob-dragon and it's rider were quick to charge in for an attack on their large human opponent. Levi was quick to brace himself for impact and held out his blade diagonally before him to block the beast's horn. The creature crashed into Levi's blade, and the unrelenting alloy cause it to turn its head, but it kept pushing. However, since the distance it had to mount its attack was much shorter than before the hob-dragon had lost much of its momentum based strength thus allowing Levi to hold his ground...mostly.

The enraged beast pushed ferociously at Levi, and Levi pushed back, but could feel his feet making trails in the dirt as he was indeed being pushed by the beast. He grunted trying to regain his stance and control. Calinea was being obedient and remaining behind him, but had to make small steps backward to ensure such. Though after several painstaking minutes of this tension, Levi found a way to hook his sword under the creature's chin and with a massive exertion of brute strength throw the large beast off of him and slamming into the ground--which sent the goblin rider tumbling on the ground beyond its mount. Though, by this point, 12 more goblins had began to make their presence visible with various melee weapons drawn. None carried a firearm, thankfully.

Lucas did not look to see their responses, at listening to Calinea his smile grew. He saw the arrow past by him in slow motion, grabbing at it with his hand only to return in under a second later empty handed. Lucas quickly snapped his head to face towards the area the arrow came out of, just in time to give a good few spins of his 'staff' breaking all three of the arrows that threatned him.

Lucas's eyes darted to the beast that barrled past him, but they did not stay there. Seeing goblins emerge from the woods saw to that. With a fluid lifting up of his left hand, a few mumbled words, and half of his pole resting on his back, Lucas created a small fire under a group of three goblins. The flames were so insignificant that they burned out almost immediatly, but made the goblins play a game of hopscotch as they attempted to avoid the heat one shouting, "Ayeee!". During their jumping spree Lucas waved his staff at their feet, catching each by at least one leg and forcing them to fall to the floor. Taking two descisive swings he reared two of the goblins arms, the ones holding their weapons, useless. Snatching the weapon away from the third one mentally, tossing it into a thick bush.

Two goblin axes landed heavily against Lucas's mental barrier, one of the goblins had actually attempted to jump into him. The force left him with a stunning head ache, breaking his concentration enough for the goblin that shouted, "Tricky human!" to clip Lucas on the side with a second swing of his axe. Speckles of blood hit the dirt and the clothing around the small gash began to turn a different color. The hit forced Lucas to spin around, the adrenaline allowing him to act immediatly.

Striking the goblin, that had cut him, about the head sending it to the ground. Blocking the other one's attack he quickly disarmed his opponent, knocking him backwards with a strong kick to the shoulder. He took this moment of peace to glance around at the situation, not yet feeling his wound.

Levi's eyes widened both from exhaustion and from seeing how the situation could worsen in a heartbeat. Lucas did seem able to hold his own, though he had received a nasty gash on his side. Vivienne was still no where to be seen for the moment, and for the sake of time, could reasonably be considered KO'ed. The hob-dragon began to grunt and stir out of being temporarily stunned by the fall, but that still left Levi a few moments to act before either it or the goblins--about 5 of them--made their way back over to confront him. He also noticed two others had gone off to find Vi. On top of this, there was Calinea who still stood, terrified behind him. He knew his next decisive action was crucial to how the rest of this battle would play out. Levi prayed no more enemies would confront the group.

"Cali, listen to me. I want you to run and hide in a tree, okay? Stay there until either myself, Vivienne or Lucas comes to get you. You got that?" Levi commanded.

"But! What about--" Cali began to protest.

"No buts, child! GO!" Cali stumbled back, with a whimpered gasp. The power Levi's voice commanded frightened the halfling-child, but she quickly obeyed and took off running in the direction they had previously come from. Levi sighed then tightened his grip on the handle of his weapon. Two of the goblins that were moving in towards Levi noticed the child's flight and made the shift to go after her. Levi, however, quickly prevented this by jumping out in front of them blocking their path. The two foes growled at the human, and with clumsy hands swung their weapons at him. Levi easily parried them, simultaneously carrying both their minuscule weights with a swing of his blade and cast them off to the side. He made no reaction at the sounds of their necks and backs snapping upon impact with the ground. Two of the three remaining goblins glanced at each other with looks of fear and uncertainty, while one thrust himself determinedly at the brute human.

Before Levi could stop the goblin's attack a loud roar sounded off and he was completely tackled to the ground--along with the greenish foe--by the hob-dragon. He cried out in pain as the vast weight of the beast crushed at his legs and side. The hob-dragon let out a fowl, laughing like noise and continued to press further in order to completely smash Levi's hulking frame into the ground; in fact, the creature was already successful in smearing the goblin's body, who it had inadvertently tackled, into the dirt. The desperate, and abruptly cut off cries of agony, and the grotesque sounds to follow made Levi's face wince even further. There was a loud snap moments later and Levi's voice rang out strongly in excruciating pain. The hob-dragon had broken his right femur bone.

Meanwhile, Vivienne found herself opening her violet eyes to the sight of underbrush and the base of a large oak tree. She groaned and moved to get up onto all fours, but was suddenly cut off at a torrent of extreme pain ripped up from her abdomen. She groaned and slowly reached her hand down to source and came back up smeared with blood. It was at this point that Vi noticed her head was throbbing which made her vision twitch in time. Closing her eyes, she drew in a elongated breath in attempt to collect herself. Slowly, the half-elf managed to push up off the ground.

She was barely back up on her feet when she saw the two goblins approaching her. In gut instinct, Vivienne instantly took to chanting. With in a few seconds, the air around her started to flicker and crackle. A few seconds more, and Vi thrust her hand out towards the creatures casting a lightning bolt at them. The screaming bolt hit one of its marks dead on with a loud bang which cast the second off their feet. This attack, however, left Vivienne waned out of energy from her loss of blood and she fell back to her knees. Dammit... She cursed to herself. The throbbing of her head set in a dizzy spell, and she closed her eyes to keep herself from purging her stomach. It was in this way that she heard the goblin storm up to her with obnoxious, and enraged battle cries. Vi lifted her hands to her ears to block them out as they seemed to worsen the pounding ache in her head. "Lucky, ugly she-elf! Luck, ugly she-elf! Kill you! Kill you!! To boss bring you alive!! Lucky, ugly she-elf!!!" The ugly creature screamed in a sort of battle chant when it stood a few steps away from her. Vivienne cringed and couldn't focus enough to fully acknowledge what it was saying to her. Then there was a light 'whooshing' sound and the thud of a club smacking her on the back of her head. The last sound Vi heard before her consciousness completely fleeted away was that of Levi's tormented cry of pain.

Lucas had turned in time with the violent crack that immited from Levi. The hobdragon had one of Levi's legs pinned, and one could only assume the crack could have came from that leg. Lucas boiled over with increased strength, his muscles bulging tearing his clothes slightly in some places. He took up his staff as if it were a spear, with the first step he could feel the energy he had sparked channeling where he wanted it. Another step, the power coursed through him down his arm and legs to every finger and toe. With his third step Lucas released his grip on the weapon, blue streaks followed it from his finger tips and forarm, breaking as the pole gained more distance away from him. To Lucas this was all in slow motion, but to the on looker they happened in a matter of seconds.

The pole slammed into the side of the hobdragons head, a crack insueing as if a giant walnut shell had been hammered open. The metallic staff hit and was returned half its distance vibrating as it hit the ground with a ringing thud. The hobdragon fell, without making a noise, to the left, freeing Levi's leg. Half of it's yellow teeth vibrated out of it's gums, and the jaw was open tounge hanging out.

Adrenalin carried Lucas's through the next tiersome movements, reaching the terrified goblins who had only began to turn away when lucas swept their feet out from under them caving in one of their heads with his heel. The other he kicked roughly in the ribs, not hearing a snap but assumed the creature would stay down after that.

Without losing the momentum the chemical spur of Adrenalin had provided him with Lucas unloaded his pack next to Levi. "Remain still." He said simply, sprinkling different powders onto the swelling area of Levi's thigh. Next was a warm clear liquid. Followed by a dab of honey, along with a broad, thick, dark green, dried out leaf. Lucas mixed the ingrediants over Levi's skin with his smooth hands, pressing down lightly. Lucas let himself be absorbed into the situation, the regrents making it easier to calm both Levi and himself, preform the healing more effectivly, and better visualize what it was he was exactly doing.

Visualization was the key, visualization and mental endurance. Lucas knew the best he could promise was a quick fix able to hold Levi for now so that he may limp on the leg. Through the next week Lucas would have to doctor up Levi, even with that it would be a good month or more until that bone was back to it's full stength and the muscles around it recovered.

Lucas was forced to move quickly, visualizing the repair of the muscle conncetors to the bone, and the reconnection of said bone. With a quick magic seal he made the two peices stick, and from there went about fixing the other damages such weight caused. Not taking the time to fully heal any area, meerly hoping to give Levi's body a better slab to start off the healing proccess with.

In a good eight minutes Lucas was finished with that, the regrents he had used has almost compltly dried up. The huge dried leaf was now more the size of a cred stick, the liquids had disappeared into the air the drop of honey becoming a thick solid sphere, and there was no trace of any of the powders he applied.

His thoughts immediatly raced to Vi. Lucas spun around and went to get up, though all he found himself looking at was the grass. Lucas laid on his side, his cheek against the cool dirt, the grass tickling his nose. Lucas was able to push himself up, but the second attempt to stand proved that his legs had turned into jelly as again he stumbled and fell.