Demon's Rampage

Of course there was another sorcerer involved.

Skylar couldn't stop the heavy sight from escaping her lips at the news. But they had a trail, and that was good. It would lead to something-- a clue, hopefully, and not a dead end.

The magic around here itched at her sense like claws against stone. The abrasive feel of it made her cringe and she unconsciously moved closer to Arch. Her magic was already humming around herself, emotions in a slight turmoil, though she tried to contain them.

"Should we follow it?" She asked, trailing it with her eyes. It led to the edges of the forest surrounding the estate, in the opposite direction of Arch's hideaway.

Arch narrowed his eyes, as they gazed down the trail his nose ended up with, also following the blood on the ground. The summoner had been hurt, and the blood trail would lead them some way. But with this powerful a scent, he'd be able to follow it for a lot longer, then when the trail stopped showing to the naked eye. His eyes turned slightly, to gaze back at Skylar, having noticed she'd gotten closer. She was nervous. He could taste it in her scent. One of the things Vampires where usually attracted to. The scent of fear. Even the slightest tingle. But it was something Arch had gotten rid of. The instinct to hunt the weak. Then again, even if he hadn't gotten rid of it, he knew she wasn't weak. Far from it.

Then with her question, his lips grew the hints of a smile, as he nodded a single time, placing a hand on her shoulder, just as he started moving. "It's what we came here for. Don't worry. We'll stick to the dark. And if you can try to cameleonite your powers, they won't know we're there, even if they can sense your power." He said shortly, before moving the now slightly glowing red eyes forward, starting to follow the trail, with a crouched back. "What ever we're looking for. It might exclude your Master for all blame in the summoning of a Demon Lord. However. It won't exclude him from stealing your powers. It might show us a reason why." He whispered, as he went on, following the trail closely, his nose giving an ocational sniff. This was his prime. Hunting in the night, where he could be one with the shadows.

An answer would be nice.

She'd like to know how he was able to eat dinner with her, having a lovely conversation, while stealing her powers. How he could teach her the meanings of magic and the way it worked while using it for his own purposes. What were those purposes?

She followed behind Arch nimbly, trying to contain the power erupting within her. She focused her thoughts and energy; thinking of a cool, serene lake kissed with the moonlight's surface, she pretended this was her mind. Cool and still. Like Arch's beautiful frame...

Watching him work from behind was an intriguing sight. He looked like the predator he was, stalking the night with glowing fire eyes, his walk all limber and grace.

But even Arch's distracting beauty wasn't enough to keep her from the thought of her master stealing her magic, of betraying her so deeply. All the years she'd spent in his service had been a lie. Was the lessons he even gave true? Now she had to question everything.

As they moved on, he could feel the unease growing inside Skylar, like it was his own. He stretched his lips lightly, his fangs constantly out now, getting him used to their presence, when traveling with her. He might a well. He had a feeling, that as long as he was with her, his fangs would never retract. And he shouldn't need blood for another week now, having feasted heavily on a deer's blood, not so long ago. So he sneered soundlessly at himself, as he crouched bellow another low hanging branch, the blood trail now wearing out for their vision. They where no longer able to track it by eyes means, only his nose was left as a guideline.

Arch stopped, signaling her to do the same, as he crouched down with the last drop of blood, spilled by the Sorcerer they where following. "The trail stops here.. Only the scent lingers now. And it seems like there is a heavy dose of it, not too far from here. We might be nearing a hideout of theirs." He turned his gaze back up to Skylar, with a somewhat worried expression. "I can smell your worry. Your unease. If we're unlucky, they'll be able to feel it. Try to calm yourself. Forget what ever questions, haunt your mind. We'll have to trust, that we can find answers for them, soon enough. Asking, and doubting yourself, won't answer them." He tried to make her calm down with words, gently taking her warm hand with his own as he stood up. "We'll find answers, Skylar." He promised her, his glowing red eyes, focusing deeply on hers again. He'd felt his touch had calmed her earlier. He hoped it'd do the same again, before they continued.

Her heart surged up to her throat when he became so close. Her hands in his felt perfectly right; his cool skin against her warm flesh. She didn't want him to let go and it was by his touch she felt herself calming. She gave him a brief nod before letting out a heavy breathe.

She could control her power. It was hers, after all. No one else's. It was all within her control. Keeping that in mind, she calmed her nerves, the frantic wave of her energy dimming.

"Do you really think we're close?" She was referring to the wizards, but she couldn't help but glance between the two of them. They were awfully close. But she liked it and she didn't want him to move. Her breathing picked up pace, as did her blood.

Arch noticed how close they where as well, somewhat regretting that choice, whilst cherishing it as well. He sank, and stretched his shoulder, as he felt her calming down. This was as effective a way of doing so, as he'd ever tried. His effects on her, weren't only bad then. He smiled lightly with her, as she asked him her question, nodding a few times, as he cast a short glance forward.
"I believe so.." He also realized the other part of the question, and quickly looked back, with a soft chuckle, placing his hand on her cheek, making sure she gazed at his eyes.

"That's. maybe a bit too calm, Sky. We are still in a dark forest, hunted by Demons, whilst hunting Wizards, and possibly Witches, remember?" He asked, with a soft smile, stroking her cheek gently, before removing his hand. "Let's hope they don't have Vampires as well. Or they would've caught your scent already." He said, not really realizing how discomforting that probably was. "Come on. Let's. Stay on the move, and try to focus on the task at hand, alright?" He suggested, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, before letting go. but even as he let go, his fingers did their best to keep in contact with hers, for as long as possible, stretching out and gently stroking over her soft, warm skin, before he set off forward, towards their destination.

They didn't have to go far, before a hut came to view. Rather small, with no lights inside. As he strained his nose, he caught the strong scent of the blood they'd been following. Leading straight to that house. He gazed back to Skylar, with a small nod. "Do you feel anything?"

His touch was comforting, but it also sent chills to places that hadn't been stirred in some time. Her blood still was racing, but she figured that was probably because of how close he was to her.

She saw the hut in the distance and could feel power emanating from that direction. She gave him a swift nod. "There's definitely something over there... though I do't know what." And that bothered her quite a bit. She ran a tongue over dry lips. "What do you think... it is?" Her nerves were beginning to prickle, but she stayed close to Arch, which helped.

The forest had thinned out here at this point, the hut resting in what could hardly be called a grove. They approached tentatively.

He had to fight to ignore the rushing blood inside her, causing him to stir lightly, as he got his fingers away from her. He wanted to keep touching her. Calming her. Keeping her within comfort. Tasting and hearing the blood race through her. The thought made him nudge his head slightly, as he closed his eyes, just for a second to focus his thoughts back on the current. The hut.

Skylar's answer, made him narrow his eyes lightly, and stretched his neck, causing it to give a slight snatching sound, before he reached for his bow. With his bow, tightly in hand, he whispered silent words, slight traces of power emanating from it. Something she'd be able to feel, but no one would for quite a distance from them. Shortly after, the empowerment spell went dormant again, no feelings or scents emanating from it anymore, as he pulled an arrow from his quiver. At her question he moved his head a bit back and forth, as he started slowly approaching the hut.

"I do not know. But if we are lucky, it's only the residue of the past visitors. And we'll get a nice, and easy hunt tonight. And only find more clues, to lead us forwad with." He whispered silently, with the arrow neatly placed against the bow, as he almost crawled closer to the hut, his ears perking with interest, at what they'd find. He stopped for a second, casting a glance her way. "Hopefully a hunt with less Hellhounds involved.." He whispered, with a soft smirk on his lips, before gazing towards the hut again. His steps where nimble, and practically gave no sound off the earth he stepped on, as if it completely ignored the tall mans weight. And as soon as they reached the hut, he got close to the outside walls, and slowly followed it around, searching for a door to pass through.

The hut was an ominous sight that made Skylar's skin prickle. There was definitely a lingering energy, but she wasn't so sure it was alive. Swallowing hard, she found a window and peeked inside.

Darkness shrouded the room, shadows cast in various shapes and sizes all over the space. Nothing was very evident save for the vague outline of furniture.

Taking in a breath, Skylar concentrated, focusing on the room and seeing it clearly. Pulling on the power within her, she reached for the room and tugged, wanting an explanation. Fire erupted on candles set throughout the entire room and she inhaled deeply at what was inside.

In the same manner her master had been destroyed was another body.

"Arch," she said with a shaking step back, "Arch, I-I think it's dead..." What it was. A man? A woman? Something else entirely?

She continued to step back as trepidation ran over her. Was this who had originally summoned the demon? And their punishment was death? Or worse... were they trying to hold back on a deal?

She swallowed again, mouth dry.

Arch gazed halfly over his shoulder, as Skylar peeked through the window, awaiting her assessment. He narrowed his eyes a bit, as she let her powers flow, his eyes then gazing around the forest with a searching expression. He hoped none of the Demon's lackies where close enough to feel her power, or catch the scent of her energy. His upper lip ticked lightly, before his gaze quickly snapped back onto Skylar, with a risen brow. Something clearly spooked the girl, and he didn't even need to smell her blood to see that. Then as she spoke, his eyes narrowed, and he quickly moved to the door, first opening it just slightly, before preparing an arrow on its string. He opened the door with the tip of the arrow, as he slowly pushed it open, before gazing inside the room.

Truly the work of a Demon, if he ever saw one. His nose tingled slightly, as he stretched his neck. He slowly eased the arrow, as he took a step outside the house again, gazing to Skylar. "Very.." he agreed, gazing inside again, his nose perking slightly at the stench of death. "You don't have to come inside, Skylar. I rather doubt neither of us, is going to find anything here, but death and gore. It's clearly the work of the Demon. But I'll try to see, if I can find some identification, of who this summoner was." He said, putting the arrow and bow back in thir rightful places, before looking to Skylar. "Sky? Try to stay calm. Keep a lookout, while I search the hut, alright?" To him, this was clearly just a daily routine, and he wasn't used to a partner, completely forgetting how dreadful this kind of sight could be, to the first eye cast. Even to the second. But he remained outside, watching Skylar, to make sure she was. At least somewhat okay.

"I can come inside." Her voice was timid; it held the note of strength and stubbornness. She walked inside.

Had he called her Sky? She smiled at the thought of him giving her a nickname.

The gore wasn't as bad as it had been with her master. There were only three pieces of the body instead of several dozen scattered across the room. This mess was easier to step past, though she had to keep her mouth covered from the rancid stench. Something told her there was something she needed to see in this house.

She tiptoed into what looked like a kitchen. The stove had fresh wood, but hadn't been burned. There was an ice chest, filled with ice and some food, but not much. Other than that, nothing.

She continued through the house and found a tiny room. It seemed to beckon her and she walked to it, entranced by its strange calling. Stepping through the archway, she immediately went to her left, where a bookshelf was. Her fingers ran across the books lining the shelves and stopped on a black and red bound book.

Swallowing, she grasped the binding and pulled it out.

It was a grimore.

"I think I found something," Skylar said under her breath, but knew the vampire would be able to hear her. A grimore that no doubt contained all kinds of rituals and spells for demons. And what had lead her to this book?

He nodded gently to her a single time, before making his way in first. He wasn't as neat as Skylar, stepping with little care, after making sure there was nothing to step on, that would carry any value. He crouched down in the middle of the mess, tilting his head at the characters torso, and one arm. He reached down for it, turning the body around, so he could cast a gaze at the face. And as soon as he did, he stepped a bit to the side, making sure Skylar wouldn't see it. The kind of things, that would traumatize most humans, the man's eyes had been burnt away, his face slashed in such a way, that it was clear it was indeed a Demon. No human could've done this. Arch gave no reaction to the grizzly sight, only started gazing around the body, checking for signs of his origin. But nothing did he find, and he pushed the body around again. He gazed to his hand, slightly covered in the dark summoners blood. He sneered lightly, before gazing back around the floor.

"I can't find anything, that'll tell us who this man was. I.." He was interrupted as he heard Skylar's voice, turning his gaze towards the room she'd entered. The door was almost hidden as wooden planks of the door, causing him to raise his eyebrow slightly. How'd she even found that place? He wouldn't have noticed the door, had he not been searching.
He came up behind Skylar, casting an eye on the book. "A.. Grimore? Great." He mumbled with a slight growl in his voice. "Why does humans never learn, not to play with fire?" He whispered, holding out a hand. "Can I see it?" He asked, not just taking the book away from her. "Oh.. And good job. How ever you found that, among all these other books." He said, looking around on the books.

Skylar stared down at the book with wide eyes. When Arch spoke, she blinked, and handed the book to him. "I don't know how I did, really," she said, casting a glance to the vast volumes taking up the many shelves in the room. There were several other bookshelves. Why go to this one...?

Obviously it had to do with the body in the living room.

She brushed loose strands of brown curls from her face, the dark ringlets resting on her shoulder in a large bunch. Her breathing was a little heavy as she wiped her clammy hands on her skirts. The sorceress chewed her bottom lip as she thought the facts over.

Her magic was reacting to what had happened here. That meant this book was connected and they needed to know how. "I think it has something to do with this demon," she said. "Maybe if we can decode it, we can find some useful information."

As she allowed him the book, he took it in hands, placing it on one, as he opened it to the first page. It wasn't old texts. It was resent. The writing faded yet, and had a few spills that still reeked of ink. He narrowed his eyes a bit, eyeing the book as he continued going through the pages. His gaze moved to Skylar a bit, as she mentioned she thought it'd been at the crime scene. He nodded a few times, etting his eyes enclose around the writings again. She could be right. It could've been with the summoner, when he was at her Masters place. Could have used it as a catalyst to the spell. The caster wouldn't need to read from the pages, but with it in hand it would work to amplify the spell.

"That might very well be. There might be Demonic residue on it, which you picked up." He agreed to her idea, nodding a few times again, as he continued through the pages. "It's all a line of summoning rituals. Empowering rituals, to make the final stage of the summoning, even more powerful. That's probably how they got a Lord thr... Arh!" He quickly closed the book, as he'd reached one of the last pages, his eyes shortly getting a bright white glow, before he pinched them shut, and shook his eyes. "Ergh.. Geh.. A. Dispelling spell. Oh gah, how I hate those..." He mumbled, now itching his eyes, before blinking a few times, his eyes now back to normal. Some dispelling spells where so powerful, that should something despellable gaze at it, it would have the effect it had on him, to stop others from erasing it. "That.. Was a really powerful Dispell.." He grumbled, as he got control of his vision again, offering the book back to Skylar. "You. better hold that." He chuckled lightly, itching his eyes again. As soon as she had it, he tapped the tip of a finger on it, as he spoke again. "I'm guessing that spell was meant for the Demon they brought forth. To send it back again." He suggested, as he turned his gaze around the room they where in. "Too bad for them.. That it was a Lord. Too powerful for that spell."

"Are you okay?" Worry filled her misty-blue eyes as she took the book from him. She slid it into her pack, wanting to have a better look at it when they had time.

Before she knew it, her hands were to Arch's face again, this time tentatively pressing near his eyes. Her fingertips were warm and soft, some heavier than others with callouses. Olive dusted skin was a contrast to his pale complexion, but she liked the way they looked next to each other.

If it was a Dispell, it mean that spell was important. She could break it. It'd take a lot of work, but she was sure she could. After holding its power in her hands, she knew hers was much stronger. She wasn't sure if that was comforting or not.

But as her eyes looked into the red pits of Arch's, she forgot about the book entirely and only saw his beautiful face. She wanted him to pull her close, tilting his head so she could reach his lips...

Biting her lip, she tried consigning such thoughts. They had other, more imperative, matters at hand and she was... daydreaming.

Arches eyes still a bit pinched, he nodded to her question, blinking a few times. "Yeah.. Yeah, it's fine. Dispelling just aches.. Well. As long as it's not cast on you." He chuckled lightly again, until he felt her fingers against his skin again, his eyes instantly gazing down for her's. With a deep stare, it was clear he was leering, and probably more clear then ever, she'd see how mutual his feelings where to her's. His red eyes wouldn't pull from her's, as they entangled in a deep trance, pushing all their worries away. The murder of her Master. Of the summoner. The Grimore. Even the Demon passed his mind, for the moment he stared to her eyes.

This time, he would not have looked away, but something more urgent came up, as he heard noises, his red eyes flashing, and glowing more intensely as they shot over his shoulder. "Did you hear that?" He questioned, quickly reaching for his bow, taking it out in a manor of seconds. He would've shunned the urgency of a noise, was he not greatly worried for her safety. He would've ignored it, and just stared into her beautiful eyes for an eternity, if he didn't know something was out there. Something, that wanted to take away those blue eyes from him, and never let him gaze at them again. Weather that is what he heard, or not, he wasn't about to take chances. He gazed back at Skylar, with deep urgency spilling from his emotions. "Grab everything you might think important, we can't linger here for much longer. Anything resembling a notebook, or anything else. I'll keep a look out, outside." He almost demanded, no suggestion in his voice. He wanted them to get out of there, as fast as possible, while he wanted as much evidence as possible.

The way he stared back into her ears, she almost believed he had feelings for her, too. But could a vampire possess feelings for such a young girl? She was nothing but a child in his eyes; one who he'd rescued and had to take care of. How she wished she knew what he was thinking. Her heart squeezed in her chest, knowing he saw her nothing more than a mere child to protect until his job was complete.

He heard something and pulled away, grabbing his bow. She let him, not having heard anything, but she was not a vampire. She double-checked to make sure the grimore was safely in her pouch before following Arch out. She kept a distance back, knowing he wanted to scout the outside before they left.

She felt no inkling to linger; instead, her skin prickled once again in unease and she knew it was time for them to leave. Something didn't like them being here any longer.

He hadn't seen her expression, as he pulled away, but he so feared it was one of sorrow. He kept pushing them away from each other, and for good reason. But this time, it actually felt horrible to do so. Like he was pushing away something good. Something that added flourishing in his life. One who made this old face smile, rather then frown as it used to. But he had to. It was too dangerous for her, to be with him. He'd vowed his life to the hunt for Demons, and the likes. And when spikes of his thoughts hit towards the future. He saw only sorrow. He saw him, above a grave, bloody tears running down the white cheeks, as a complete contrast.

He shook the thoughts off, as he made it outside, arrow quickly pulled to his bow, readied to fire. The red eyes didn't catch any activity, but he was certain his ears hadn't failed him this time. There was something out there. And everything considered. It could be anything. They where hunted by both the shadows, and the light. There was no time of the day, where they where truly safe. Only in each other, might they be able to find safety and security. Which only worked to make it harder for him, her scent still teasing him, which she was obviously innocent of.

He gazed back, and nodded for Skylar to follow, waiting for her to step out, before they started towards the capital, once again. "We need to get to the smith. See if he's finished." Now Arch was much more careful, constantly having his bow out, his muscles tensed. He also knew daylight was nearing. Even more things to hasten them. Felt like constantly having a whip at their heals.

Skylar followed him out into the forest again. It grew thicker the closer to the capital they became and she was well aware of his tensed demeanor. She wasn't sure what was out there, but...

"Halt, who goes there!"

The sorceress stopped dead in her tracks, not too far behind Arch. Before them was a troop of men, dawned in flashy golden armor. They all carried swords and were sitting on mounts of staggering heights. Skylar had to look up to even see the volant of their helms.

"Demon Hunter," one of the men spat with disgust, "what are you doing here? This is our jurisdiction. You're not welcome here."

The first man who had spoken shot the other a glare. It silenced him and the first in command said, "This is a private investigation. Your business is not needed in the matter. Now leave the capital. We've already seen your presence here once too many." His eyes flashed to Skylar. "The apprentice no longer has a home here, either."

"We just need to grab something from town," Skylar said with a jut of her jaw.

"You won't be getting it," a new man spoke, his voice like ice. "You two aren't welcome here anymore, understand? Now scat."

Skylar narrowed her eyes at the man and could feel her magic beginning to sizzle. She took in a deep breathe, not wanting to let her powers make the situation worse.

His eyes slowly narrowed, certain he heard something again, shortly glancing behind him, until he heard a voice in front of them, and the red eyes instantly turned that way, the arrow on the bow being pulled back, and read to fire. It was, however, quickly lowered and eased again, as Arch stood up straight again. His eyes completely ignored the spatty guard and his clliché comment, keeping his eyes focused with a deep glare on the commander. He let the men speak, not even giving them the satisfaction of an answer, letting Skylar reply first, and try her solution to the mater. But she was pushed back with words, harmful ones at those, causing Arch's eyes to narrow in rage, as his blood started raging. His fingers tensed against the bows string, as they fiddled with the feathers of the arrow, giving the guards a long deep stare, after they finished speaking.

What seemed like ages of silent later, he finally let his lips part. "Have you ever seen a Shadow Hunter, at work? Knight?" He started, staring deep into the Commanders eyes, with a deeply narrowed gaze. His gaze then fell upon the one who'd spat his disgust. "And do you know why it's 'Shadow Hunter', and not 'Demon Hunter', Pawn?" He questioned, not taking his eyes off him immediately. "That's because, we don't only hunt the Demons in the night, that would make your little metal pants shake in fear. We hunt scum of all sorts. Spectres. Vampires, like myself. Giants. Even Dragons. And especially. Scrawny little kids, given a sword in hand, and armor on their bodies, before they even come of age..." His voice a clear sneer, as energies started rising from him, as if channeling or chanting a spell. But Skylar would feel, that it wasn't a harmful one at sorts, but a Charming one at such. And his eyes drew from soldier to soldier, as he finished. "Do you really wish to stand in our way. Knight?" He finally ended, with a deep stare at the Commanders eyes. He'd cast a manipulation spell, in the hopes the weak minds of Guards wouldn't resist it, and they'd be able to pass. The spell wouldn't last much longer then minutes, and only just give them enough time, to reach the smith, and, if they where lucky, get out of the capitol again.

Skylar felt the air around Arch change as he cast some kind of spell. She wasn't sure what it was, but, for whatever reason, the soldiers buckled, allowing them to pass.

Keeping up with Arch's long strides, she sent a quizzical glance behind them. "What did you do?" She asked, genuinely curious. Even if it would allow them passage now, how would they leave unnoticed? They'd already made note of their several passages through town.

She stayed close to his side, letting the static around her ease until it dissipated to nothing. When her magic finally seemed in control, she let out a heavy breath.

Why weren't they allowed into the city? What was it that they were trying to hide? And why from her and Arch?

"Even if the smith's shop isn't open, he'll let us in," she said as she realized the late time.

Arch narrowed his eyes at the Guards as they passed, before quickening his pace, moving them a bit faster, making sure Skylar could keep up, by glancing back to her. He grinned lightly as she asked what he did. "You know how.. Charming my kind can be." He just said with a soft snicker. "But the spell will wear off in little time. We won't have much more then a few minutes. And I'd prefer not opening fire on the Guards here. That would only make it even harder for us to return." He explained, as they neared the shop.

Her words caused him to tilt his head lightly with a soft grumble. "Open all hours.. Tonight he'll have to live up to that." He remembered the sign, as they approached the smiths door, stopping next to it, gazing behind them, letting her try to catch the Smiths attention. So they werent allowed into town? He damned his luck, seemingly ending up in yet another mater of corruption in a Kingdom. He so wished, he wouldn't have to shoot any kids this time, images of the fourteen year old kid, deeply corrupted by Demons, popped into mind. He kept telling himself, that the kid was already dead. Which was the truth, that kind of corruption took the life of the host away. Shooting the body, at least released the kids soul. That was always something.
"I really hope your smith knows his craft well. The Yildrith would really become useful."

She gave him a smile and said, "He is," before slipping inside.

True to his word, the place was still open.

Behind the counter stood the rune smith, running a hand through his beard. He looked up when the door opened and nodded grimly at their arrival. "I'm surprised to see you here. I saw the guard out there." He reached behind the counter to grab the rune and placed it on the counter. "Here it is, freshly finished."

Skylar nearly beamed at the man as she approached. "Thank you," she breathed. "We did have problems getting in. Getting out..." She glanced outside, frowning softly. "After a spell to allow us to pass, I'm not so sure they'll let us leave quietly."

The rune smith looked between the two and gave a heavy sigh. "I have an extra loft upstairs-- ye two can use it for the night. Sneak out during the day, when they least expect a vampire to try to run out."

Skylar gaped at the man. "You'd... let us hide here?" She asked in a quivering voice, from joy or shock, she wasn't sure.

The man nodded. "There are ill things afoot and you're involved, Skylar, lass, whether ye like it or not." He then shook a meaty finger at Arch. "But no blood sucking in my shop. Or... anything like that." Not sure what was going on between the two, he rather not step on anyone's toes about it. "I'm going to be keeping the shop open all night, so go ahead and go up. You know where the room is, lass?"

Skylar nodded, having gone there when her master and the rune smith did business. She looked to Arch, asking, "Do you think that's a good idea? Staying here tonight and leaving tomorrow?"

Arch joined Skylar with his face towards where they left, only turning as they entered. He gazed to the smith, with eyes that would seem hopeful for one who knew and understood how his emotions worked, but the smith would probably only see an emotionless expression. Then, ast he rune was placed upon the counter, Arch sighed softly, with a soft smile on his lips, and a single nod. "Thank you, smith. You outdo yourself." He admitted, reaching out for the rune, grasping it and casting a glance. "Quite powerful. This'll last me a long time. Make sure you don't cause any havoc with that incantation, though." He smirked lightly, as he reached the rune into his pouch in his belt.

Then as the two considered staying in town, Arch's glance moved to the outside. It might actually be a good idea. The authorities very rarely used Witches in their ranks, so he doubted they'd be able to find them here. But he'd have to warn the smith about them though, gazing to him as he mentioned the cliché image of a Vampire. Arch chuckled lightly a single time, holding up the hand he still had covered in summoner blood. "Might need a little water to clean up though." He grinned softly, but nodded a single time. "I promise, none of the sort. Trust me, if that was my intentions, I wouldn't be bringing Skylar along in my hunt. I would stay as far away from her, as possible." He comforted, or at least so he thought.

He cast a glance back down to Skylar again, and nodded a single time. "Yes, that'd be wise. However, I haven't brought my cloak. I will be weakened as we leave, even if I do borrow a cloak. And we'll have to hope we can get out, before my body starts reacting to the sunlight." He explained, still waiting to be shown somewhere to clean his hand, still holding it up in front of himself.

"Get him cleaned up, aye?" The rune smith said to Skylar.

She nodded and led Arch behind the counter and up a small flight of stairs. "There's a bathroom connected to this small room," she said as they approached a wooden door. She wrenched it open, the hinges cringing loudly from the movement.

Inside was a bed tucked in one corner, a bath, sink, and heating utensils on the other side. A small screen was erected between the areas, though it wasn't much privacy.

"You can heat the water if you want," she said she gestured to the buckets already full of liquid. Magic, of course, with a burner that could heat them without being danger of lighting a fire.

She eyed the bathtub, wanting to clean the filth from her body, but not sure if it was such a good idea...

She swept her skirt under herself as she took a seat on the bed, letting out a long sigh. "It's been a crazy day, hasn't it?" She asked no one in particular.