Crystan: Dawn of War

And then Shar was staring at her dreamily and saying something about her being cute and angry and Chaos was giving a soft hiccup and telling her that she handled herself well in the fight.

It was more intoxicating than the ale. After the enforced isolation from the males of her village it was also a bit frightening.

"Thank you." she told them both simply then looked down at the table and was speechless.

 

"I think we should hold him until Hawk comes, but until then we can have some fun." Elryn said, Hoden gave a slow nod in agreement. Some in the look Elryn gave him made him ponder if there was something he had not mentioned to him. Something dark.

"Do we return the prisoner outside, or leave him here?" Hoden questioned.

 

"Do we return the prisoner outside, or leave him here?"

"Well we don't want to make anymore of a mess in the bar. Let's take him out." Elryn retreated the needle and pulled the man to his feet. "Let's go."

 

The man begged, but Elryn threatened him as the man walked, the needle mere inches from his back if he tried to do something foolish.

Lisky stayed at the bar, bouncing around in a playful manner.

Hoden kept his lance in his hand at the ready, and had made sure this time that the prisoner was disarmed. Garbbing the man by the shirt the tossed him to the ground effortlessly.

Hoden smiled evilly, "Let us try this a second time shall we?"

 

My smile broadened as I realized two things, she was alot shyer than I had expected and that I had some competition. "No need to thank me for pointing out the truth." I told her slowly, hoping I didn't use any words that were to big for her and looked up at Chaos, I had meet him before. "Come, freind, sit with us, share in a drink to our victory." I proclimed though kept the words slow enough for her to keep up with me.

 

Haste is Needed...

Hawk entered the tavern once again, followed by Riana and Raymus. He still clutched his blade in his right hand. His black hair was wet with perspiration and hung in his face. He breathed deeply.

"You've fought well, all of you. But now, more than ever, haste is needed. We must begin our journeys. Now. I am sorry to have to cut your rest short, but once the leaders of this attack hear what has transpired here..." He paused, shaking his head.

"Things will not go well. Please gather your effects and report to your respective guide. We'll wait for you outside."

 

When the soldier hit the ground, Elryn shot a needle through both of his wrists pinning him down, then through the the bone of each of his lower legs. "Now he can't move, it should be easier to persuade him."

 

Piesca was grateful for the summons. It got her out of the pleasantly confusing situation she found herself in. She smiled at Rani and then at the men and politely expressed her hope that they would have good luck on their journey.

Then she ran to her room, retrieved her pack and raced back down the stairs, going to find Hawk outside.

 

Just watches Piesca run off to her room, and then turns his eyes towards Holden.

.......Competition huh? I'll have to plan this out carefully, but I won't lose.....

Chaos, drunkenly wonders over to the female Aelin that is to be his guide. "I'm ready at any time."

 

Aida decided to go find that other young Aelin, Chaos, after hearing the orders of Hawk.
Aida had a perfect plan instead of searching around this was the perfect time to be as loud as he could.
"WHERE IS THE AELIN PEOPLE AT?" Aida said,
"AELIN PEOPLE, WHERE YOU AT?"

 

I sighed as she hurried off, looking grateful to have an excuse to run. Though I was rather disapointed that I could not test wits and personality with the man, a good compitition was good for the soul. I bid them all a good trip, and quickly grabbed my pack from my room, and found my assigned babysitter. "Greetings." I started, this being my first time talking to the person. "I am Sharp, and I belive you will be my guide for this journy.

 

She collected her belongings, wiping her knives off before she left the tavern. Her satchel was slung over her shoulder, with her bow on the opposite. She managed a smile as she nodded towards Sharp. She had been paired with him, Tooth and the mysterious soldier, whom she thought was a friend of Hawks. Definitely a very unique group. A lizard, a feline, and two men. She couldn’t help but broaden her smile.

She watched from the sidelines, not sure what to say as she waited for them to go off on their journey. She couldn’t help but feel excitement, she was doing something worthwhile for the first time in her life.

 

"Ah, greetings again Rani. It is my pleasure to be your traveling compainion for this fine adventure we seemed to have gotten ourselves into." I said and shifted the pack on my back to a more comfortable posistion. "Did you enjoy the free entertainment this morning?" I asked her with a smirk. "Cought me with my pants down, or off, if I do say so." I joked, remebering the swordsman and his insistance on standing between me and my stuff.

 

The sails on the Albatross filled with an ocean breeze, carrying the small Shalan ship across the blue waves of Crystan. Orillon stood at the helm, whistling an ancient mariner tune as he navigated the ship over the calm sea. On the horizon, another ship emerged. From the design and sails, Orillon immediately recognized it as Shalan made. Whether or not it was crewed by his people was another story. Once both ships were within a hundred yards, he heard the call:

"Hail my young friend!" the captain of the ship yelled. "How do the seas treat you this day?"
Orillon smiled. The man was definitely Shalan. "They treat me well, sir," he called back. "And you?"
"Well, as usual!" The ships coasted towards each other, and the crews sent their greetings back and forth. "We are actually glad to have happened upon some of our people, might we be able to employ your services?"
Orillon looked at his crew, who all gave him approving nods. "What is it you need, sir?"
"We have a shipment due in Maeril," he yelled. "Our escort struck a rogue reef last night and had to turn back."
Orillon looked down. Maeril was a port city in Aelin, and he didn't want to go back. But he also didn't want to insult his own people and deny them their request. He looked at his crew again and back at the other captain.

"It would be our pleasure to escort you to Maeril!"

 

They had to leave, the group was gathering outside the tavern. It appeared as if they were going to start moving, and soon.

Hoden looked at Elryn, "Save him for later?" he asked. The prisoner agreed whole heartedly. "Yes, yes please do! You need me alive!". Elryn didn't give it a second thought, removing the needles quickly.

Lisky barked as Hoden hoisted the man over his shoulder. "Lets find out where Hawk intends to take us." he said, Elryn agreed.

 

Hawk

Hawk exchanged a few brief words of farewell with his two comrades, and then went to find Elryn and Hoden. He found them near a group of scorched trees, holding one of the Lennira soldiers prisoner. Hawk looked deeply into his face.

“I know where they came from. And why they’re here.” He said to Elryn and Hoden.

“We have to kill him. It is likely messengers escaped the battle already, but if not, we can’t risk letting one loose.” He looked at each of the men.

“I will do it, if you wish.”

 

Riana

Riana watched her group assemble, and she felt so unworthy, so small. Diplomacy had been part of her life since she was a child, but now she was a leader. She had people looking to her for guidance. And she didn’t know if she was up to the task.

Aida was yet a child, in form and manner. Him she could lead, for he didn’t know yet how to lead himself. But Chaos…Chaos had the form of a child, but whatever life he had lived had matured him. More than she would have thought possible. Even before his bearing and hidden knowledge, she felt small.

The Mahri girl was a mystery to her. Her silence and focus gave off an aura of calm deadliness. If she did follow Riana, it would be by her own conscious choice…she would let nobody choose it for her.

The only one who brought a smile to Riana’s face was the young Drenning, Arven Dol. His name was interesting in and of itself; he was named after the last week of the first month of the year. That would be just around the time when spring was blooming in its fullness. The Drenning was always in good humor, even after brushing with death. Riana looked forward to getting to know him better.

Trying to mask her discomfort, she stepped forward.

“It seems fate has conspired to put us together.” She said. “I am Riana. I have served in the Coalition Palace in Aelinaust as an attendant and assistant. I know the city and its customs well, but I’m afraid I know little beyond my home. I don’t wish to be a leader to you, but a partner. A friend. You all have knowledge and skills that will help, and to exalt mine above them is both wrong and naïve.” She paused.

“I look forward to learning more about you. But as Hawk said, haste is needed. We should be off.” She looked towards the northeast, where her home lay, and began her journey back.

 

Raymus

In the tavern, Raymus had not attempted to make small talk. He had simply sat back, sipped his ale, and watched the three who would become his team. When the battle had begun, he watched them fight, seeing how they moved and reacted. He instantly took a liking to Sharp. The man was witty and carefree, and he held those axes with a kind of familiarity and comfort. He looked forward to cracking some heads with him, if it came to that.

The Mahri girl, Rani, excited Raymus. She was happy, social, and friendly, but as the battle showed, she was also vicious. She was young and full of life, and she would need those things on the journey ahead. She was exotic-looking and beautiful, as were many of the Mahri. Maybe, if Raymus was twenty years younger, he would actually have pursued her.

In Tooth, Raymus saw a challenge. The Iander was fiercely loyal to his people, a virtue Raymus respected despite the life he was living. Tooth knew his business as a warrior, and he killed without hesitation or mercy. But Raymus also knew that he wouldn’t submit to his leadership unless it aligned with his personal goals. And with that, Raymus was fine. Whether as grudging ally, or potential enemy, he respected Tooth and welcomed whatever future would come between them.

“As Hawk told you, my name’s Raymus. I’m bringing you to Maeril because Hawk is my closest friend, and I respect his judgments. If he says there’s going to be war, there’s going to be war. However, unlike Hawk, I hold no secrets or mysteries. I’m a soldier. And I will be as long as I can still hold this.” He motioned to the greatsword slung on his back.

“If we go to Maeril as individuals, this mission will fail. We have to go as a united team. We work together, everybody contributes, and maybe this thing has a chance of getting done. You have any questions, you can ask ‘em as we walk. It’s a long way to Maeril and I’d rather not be late.” He stepped forward, holding himself high.

 

The soldier on his shoulders attempted to wriggle his way out again. Hawk had come towards them.

“I know where they came from. And why they’re here.” Hawk said knowingly.

Hoden and Elryn both felt that the chance for torture had been snatched from them, but they solidly agreed to it.

“We have to kill him. It is likely messengers escaped the battle already, but if not, we can’t risk letting one loose.” Hawk continued coldly, offering to do the deed himself.

Hoden shook his head. "I think we have something better in store for him." the knight said, dropping the trooper from his shoulder. Hawk stayed and watched to make sure they finished the job.

Elryn shot four needles and pinned the trooper to the ground in seperate places than before, the soldier squealed. Lisky trodded around them, eyeing the soldier. Hoden gave Lisky the signal, a low whistle.

Lisky feasted on the man's entrails with a savage animal instinct. Ending the man's existence. Seeing the job done, Hawk told them both to follow him.

They caught up with the group, Hawk returning to fill his leadership position. Hoden and Elryn trying a conversation with their fellow members.

 

Aida looked at Riana and listened to her speech. Aida shifted his feet in his armor. He would follow her only because he wanted to know how she knew about the seven prodigies or how she knew Bell.
As Aida had remembered, Bell had no family and had nobody. Just like Aida had nobody. Bell became a father to him.
Aida wanted to know how she knew Bell, and why she was with his father. She was to wretched to be with Bell. To cursed to be with Bell.
"Lets get a move on and save some people," Aida said.
That is the first time, while thinking negative thoughts, that Aida had said something so positive.

 

Elryn followed Hawk with Hoden back to the group. "I believe we are going to Sard are we not Hoden?" Then Elryn added "And I bet Piesca is going to be angry about it."

 

"I believe we are going to Sard are we not Hoden?" Elryn asked the crimson haired man.

Hoden nodded. "And I bet Piesca is going to be angry about it." the Solan added abruptly.

"I don't know if it will effect her that the Aelin lord will be going to where he has the most influence. She may have a negative reaction to it." Hoden said, still wondering why he had undertaken protecting the youngsters. He had to concentrate on restoring the Erissi place as a stronger power, and nothing would stand in his way.

"How do you feel about going to Sard?" Hoden asked the fire conjuror.

 

Hawk

Hawk watched as the wolf devoured the soldier. It then struck him that he could watch it, and not be revolted. Guilty, yes. He was still man enough to feel guilt. But towards the physical destruction that was wrought, he felt nothing. He sighed. The short, violent years of his life lay heavily upon him.

He turned away and looked at the two men, so very different from one another, yet very much alike. They had the same core; a mutual understanding and agreement about life and death. Even though they were so very different in appearance, they seemed to draw upon one another like brothers.

They returned to the group, where Piesca and Ostran waited. Upon seeing Piesca, his guilt stabbed through him again. One so used to growth and life would be lost in the barren waste to which he would take her. But what were the alternatives? In either Aelinaust or Maeril, she would have been torn apart by the prejudices that had begun this war.

Ostran was most like Hawk, of them all. Quiet and mysterious. He would watch him.

“Let’s go.” Hawk said. He took his first step into the future, praying again that he really was doing the right thing.

 

"How do you feel about going to Sard?"

"Indifferent." But really Elryn had a deep seated hatred towards the Sardites. "I didn't think she would be angry about leaving Choas, but rather about traveling with me."

 

"I didn't think she would be angry about leaving Choas, but rather about traveling with me." the Solan said with a small dose of hurt.

"Ah." Hoden said, "Why does it bother you that the Alarin girl be angry with you?" Hoden said, slowly attempting to draw out the true feelings of Elryn. Hoden raised an eyebrow as he waited for the response.

Lisky barked to emphasize the wait.