Runaway Celestial (Ushima x Remy)

[Ushima]

The world can be a cruel place. It does not care if you are rich or poor. Man or woman. Human. Elf. Dwarf. Or any race in between. Anyone is capable of falling onto hard times. The land of Cadia was home to many such struggles. A human kingdom mostly but it is a diverse land filled with many beings and races. Many travel to the large continent, to make a name for themselves or escape to a new life. Noble families rule fiefdoms for the High King. The chilly frostbitten lands to the north. Frosthowl Tundra. A land more often than not buried in snow, large wooly beasts roaming the lands and a people bitter by the frost and cold. To the East lies the beautiful Gem Coast. Water as blue as sapphires and home to many port towns. On the West lies the border to another country, Arden, who have recently been testing Cadia's patience with small border incidents. Many who live nearby are on edge. A rich forest lies to the South to which many elves tend to make their way there and settle. Ishni'al Forest, they call it. Of course across the country many natural wonders exist. Smaller forests to mountains. But our tale does not take place in any of these major spots. To the North West lies a small village, on the verge of collapse. The only thing keeping it a float is the string of mercenaries that pass through. They and their clients spend the days pay, conducting business in taverns and brothels. A meager economy, a fragile one. The town of hired swords, Bargest.

The sun was slowly rising over the horizon. A small gathering of huts was bathed in the warm glow of dawn. But contrast to the warm scene bodies were strewn across the ground. Blood and gore decorated the grass and trees. The stillness of the eerie scene was broken as someone came rushing out of a larger hut before quickly tripping over a corpse and falling. Emerging from the hut after him, raising a brown cloth flap, came a larger figure. Brown boots hit the ground, the clinking of chainmail and steel breastplate echoing in the morning fog. Under that was a white tunic and black pants. In his hands he carried a bec de corbin. The polearm stained red, glinting in the dawn rays. "No! Please!" Shuffling backwards the terrified man begged. "Whatever they paid I'll double NO triple it!" More fear gripped his heart as he watched the warrior rotate the weapon in his hands, the large spike now his main focus. The man gave no reply as he hefted his weapon up, a two handed grip. With a small grunt he brought the weapon down, the spike finding a home in its enemies' hearts. The man's screams turned into a gurgle as his life was ended.

With another grunt the warrior pulled his weapon out of the man's chest. Red eyes from beneath a red hooded cloak scanned the area. Not seeing anything coming at him he turned back to the huts. "Kyva." He called. A small red glowing light floated up from his waist. On his belt hung an arming sword on his left hip, a small pouch on his right, and what looked like a small lantern with an open top. The red light danced in front of his face a moment. "Search the huts. Make sure we didn't miss anyone." His voice was calm and commanding at the same time. The ball of light wiggled a bit in front of his face before dashing off and into a nearby structure. The man then removed his left glove before bringing his fingers to his mouth and whistling loudly. Putting his glove back on he set about his work, turning his weapon over and sticking the top point into the ground. Drawing his sword he proceeded to take proof of his kills, piling them up. The trotting of a horse could be heard approaching and soon enough a brown steed was soon standing next to the man. "Sure took your time." Standing he patted the horse's side. "Good girl." The horse huffed and nodded its head. Reaching toward the back of the saddle a sack was removed and the trophies were sorted into them. The red light came back to him, shaking side to side. "All clear then? Good." The light then disappeared into the open lantern and faded.

Now that he knew there were no more enemies in the gathering of huts he made quick work of collecting the rest of the heads. He searched through their belongings collecting any bit of extra coin he can. Out of all their equipment only three swords were worth taking back to sell. And in one footlocker he found an exquisite brooch. A ruby brooch, a large gem sat in the center with gold around it almost looking like flower petals, smaller rubies sat at the end of the petals. It was placed in the pouch on his waist. With his cargo secure and mounted on his horse the warrior turned and rode off into the morning sun. He rode all day, stopping a few times to rest his horse and eat. Dusk was approaching when he finally rode up to the gatehouse of a town. It looked to be on its last legs, dilapidated and rotten. Two guards met him at the gate. "The noble warrior returns!" One of them shouts, a skinny greasy looking brigand. "Tell me Ravenhart how goes the hunt?"

Michael Ravenhart was a tired man. From a morning of fierce combat and riding all day the last thing he wanted was to be accosted by two town guard pretenders. They would help you track down someone who stole from you then take it for themselves. But the powers that be that run this town had to keep up at least a meager appearance of security. The punters for the unscrupulous ones in charge. Reaching up Michael drew back his hood, running a hand through his short dark hair. "If you do not remove yourselves from my sight Lord Corvin will be needing two new guards." Not like finding scoundrels will be hard, Michael thought.

Under Michael's hard glare the two stood aside the gate. "Count yourself lucky you made it in time. Another hour and we'd have shut you out." During light hours the gate was open to travelers but closes in the evening. But in a place like Bargest there was always a way in and out. Michael steered his steed toward the stables. Tossing a few coins to the master Michael patted his horse. "Good girl Nerina. Rest up and I'll see you soon. Taking the sack of trophies and the three swords Michael went to the blacksmith. He pawned off the blades quickly. He could have gotten more for them but he just wanted them gone. A few extra silver would not matter much. Now three swords lighter Michael went towards a row of taverns. Entering an establishment known as The Imperfect Serpent. A large man, large than Michael, at the door held out his hands. Michael turned over his weapons quickly. His sword and shield, hammer. It was a seedy bar but it was perfect for picking up work. These places like this were full of dangerous fighting men looking for coin. Like himself. Scanning the bar Michael spotted who he was looking for at a table in the back.

Approaching the table Michael took the sack and dropped it on the table, knocking a few steins aside. "I believe these are the men you were looking for?"

A blonde woman eyed him cautiously. Setting her mug down she opened the sack and gasped, a head rolling out. That got a round of laughter from several patron in the tavern. The men with her seemed a little put off at a man who would casually walk around with a sack of around seven heads. Closing the sack and pushing it away she looked at him. "I believe something is missing."

"You will get it when I see my coin Lady Maren." Michael replied, returning her hard gaze with one of his own. Maren snapped her fingers and one of her bodyguards stepped forward, handing a small sack. Michael hefted it in his hand, testing its weight. After a quick peek inside he put it in his pouch and drawing the brooch out. "Here you are." He handed it to the man who gave him the coin pouch.

"Maybe that will teach people to steal from me again." Lady Maren said smugly, as if she herself had slain seven men in their camp. Michael was sure they were waiting for their buyer so he was certain the danger had not passed.

"I would say invest more in security next time." Was all Michael said on the matter before turning away. What happened after the job was done was no concern of his, though he did give some small advice. Taking his new earnings Michael sat himself down at an empty table, raising a hand to a barmaid asking for ale. As he waited Michael looked around the bar of the tavern. "Now who here has a contract needing fulfilling?"

 

[Princess-In-Silk-Chains]

The stained glass.

How long had she been staring at it? It felt like a few moments, but her strained legs insinuated in reality that it had been hours.

It was unique, unlike the imagery in the main halls, where sermons were held to only the highest of born, in this little side chamber for those who were about to take baptism or get ready for some sort of special communion, in this room the glass was of a quaint and beautiful beach, perhaps a depiction of a shore off Gem Coast.
In this old and ornamental cathedral, the sun was setting just beyond this elaborately made window, the soft gold hues of the last sparks of daylight making the blue glass that depicted the water seem a bit green as it shined down upon a woman, a bride it looked like, in a gossamer and chiffon gown of pure winter white that matched her skin...and her wings.

She was diminutive but sonsy in appearance, the tufts of fabric held attractively along her sizable bust and thinner waist before billowing out into a ball-gown sequel skirt at the crest of her ample hips.

It was lovely and gaudy all at once.

Not her choice...most of this was not her choice.

Her choice would come soon though.

Her risky, perhaps stupid, and most definitely, dangerous, choice.

"Ambriel." The voice was but a whisper sounding just after the creak of the wooden door.
A portly handmaiden in her mid-late-years stuck her sandy-blonde head in, her dark blue eyes filled with trepidation, "It's time."

"Of course." Ambriel muttered, still staring at that serene window, "I'll be right out, thank you."

A small 'kachink' of the latch shutting and the celestial being finally pried her eyes away. She turned to the full length mirror, surveying herself. Her vermillion hair was left free in its long loose waves with a small veil atop the mass of scarlet. The feather covered appendages that sprouted between her shoulder blades were just a bit over 2 feet long, unfortunately about as useful as a clipped chickens are, but, they were revered by those who saw them and a symbol of her...sought after pedigree.
Ambriel stared into her own bespectacled gaze, sea-green orbs behind oval rimmed lenses boring into her reflection. She noticed how her face looked so calm despite the lump in her throat and her heartbeat playing drums upon her ribs.

She heard the orchestra begin, no doubt a formal way to passive aggressively say it was time. 'here comes the bride' sounding more like, 'Bride, come here.'

No backing out now.

Ambriel was soon walking down the aisle, short veil obscuring her face as she held a bouquet of blue and white flowers, as prestiges looking as the Lord Umbrig could manage. And there he was, up ahead, waiting at the alter. The elven born man in ceremonial robes, gold and gold and more gold, matching that of his long slick hair.
He was a literal eye sore to look at.
Always carrying himself like a king even though he only ever even met one but once in his life...but still, that was enough.

Ambriel's gleam glanced over to the front pew, Her father, Jonathon, and step mother, Anthea, seated there. Her father an older salt-and-pepper haired man with glasses like his daughters, and his wife...only about 5 years older than Ambriel herself with dark umber skin and thick but short black hair and kind brown eyes. Those same kind eyes stared into Ambriel's obscured face, and knowingly, she gave the affianced the smallest knowing nod, privy to something unspoken.

As Ambriel walked up, facing her intended, she thought on her father and this elven lord, and her step mother and the birth mother she never really knew, the one who 'blessed' her with the cloud-descended spoutings on her back, and she thought of such a strange thing, of how all the women she knew, in one way or another, seemed as angels...and all the men, naught by devils.
Heh, peculiar, and of course, an exaggeration, as she knew there were certainly exceptions, and this was but her own personal experience, but still...a bitter funny thought for the few seconds before-

KA BOOM!

The chapel shook and from the double doors to the alter a deep breaking of earth and stone struck, the ground shaking and separating right in-between the aisle, right in-between the bride and groom. The prestiges guests began to scream and shriek, rushing about the benches like rats trying to escape a murder of crows. In the commotion the guards grabbed the yellow haired lord to pull him too safety and the older servant woman grabbed Ambriel's hand to pull her away.

Jonathon stood, looking towards his daughter, but as he leaned to follow after, Anthea grabbed his arm, getting his attention as she was hunched over, other hand grabbing down at her ankle as though she was hurt. He leaned forward to check on her, and as he did so, Anthea glanced over and passed him to make sure Ambriel was not in sight through the chaos before she began tugging him, pretending their escape was more important than her 'apparent injury.'

It was discord, the tremble of the earth slowly breaking away the foundation of the building.

Lord Umbrig was ushered out the front while Ambriel was lead towards another door off to the side.

As the two women ended up down the hallway alone, their panicked faces became less so, and the servant pulled from her bodice a small blade, handing it back to the cardinal haired run-away-bride. Ambriel, as carefully as she could, began to slice and rip how own dress, cutting it down the middle of the bodice before shirking it off her freckled shoulders and stumbling right out of it as it fell to a heap. beneath this gown was not vestments of honeymoon lace, but instead a simple dark purple tunic with black trousers and leather boots.
The duo made it out the back way of the church, where strangely, the tremors no longer accosted them, only the building itself being plagued by quakes, and what laid in waiting in this little clearing just before a deep woods, was a brown horse with a white spot over it's eye tied off to a little tree with two satchels along side it's saddle.

They clamored beside the horse, the maid-women grabbing what almost looked like two arrow-quivers with lacing and as Ambriel folded her wings close to her back her partner-in-crime stuffed the feathered lengths into each sheath, tying them tight, causing the wedding-deserter to wince sharply as she gathered up her long red-silk tresses into a bun atop the back of her head and when both those acts were done, Ambriel yanked a black cloak over her shoulders, hiding her back, tying it around her neck and then pulling the hood up and over to her brow.

Her snowy hands reached to climb up on the saddle, but the sandy-haired matron whispered urgently, "Wait!" Her motherly hands reached up, holding the cheeks of this lass who'd she'd know all her young life, blue eyes watering as she forced a smile, trying to not think of all the hardships that laid ahead of her, and only the bravery she possessed in fleeing what would have been a life far worse, "I'm so proud of you. I'll miss you."

Ambriel's expression had remained calm, even perhaps rather numb, but with the affection and mourning in this dear person's eyes, a sheen of incoming tears made her cyan eyes seem all the bigger beneath her glasses, and her breath hitched, trying to bat the would-be-tears away as she grasped the back of the woman's wrists, "I'll miss you too." Ambriel lurched forward, wrapping her arms around the woman's stocky shoulders, the both of them hugging with all their might, trying to memorize this familial embrace to cherish in days to come, "I love you Melissa."

"I love you too." Melissa took a hold of Ambriel's shoulders, prying her away, expression determined and steely, "Now fly little dove, fly."

Ambriel sniffed harshly, only two tears managing to break away from her eyelashes before she nodded and hopped quickly onto her stead, galloping away, far away.

Two days she traveled, the first night not bothering to stop and camp or sleep, knowing at most, Melissa and Anthea would be able to stall them for an hour, thinking the winged one would be somewhere in the wreckage of the chapel before spreading out his search.
She camped the second night though once she noticed she almost ran her horse ragged, the beast-of-burden needing to stop, but she herself hardly slumbered, barely able to set up a tent, sitting with hands around her legs and face against her knees, mind alive with ideas and musings of where the least findable places on this continent would be, wondering how likely it might be to travel across the seas to some place even he wouldn't have the finances to search for her.

She soon came upon a shamble of a town, the places along her path getting seedy and seedier. Which, was good in a way, as surely the pompous cluster of flesh that was her abandoned husband would think she too dainty to come to such places.
She hid herself about a mile before the gate, pulling her horse into the trees and leaving her there, slipping off and taking a few bags off to take with her, attaching them to her belt, "I'll be back soon."

The horse gave a little whinny of disapproval when Ambriel stepped a few feet away to which the angelic lass turned her head with a panicked expression, finger in front of her lips, "Shhh Sydney, I'll be right back. I can only risk using them on myself, just...shhhh!" Ambriel sighed, continuing to sneak closer and closer till she was sure she could see the guards at the gate but they couldn't see her. She gulped and then pulled from her pocket what looked like a grape in shape and size, except that is was a shimmering silver color with flecks of lilac. She quickly popped it into her mouth, swallowing it whole, and with a deep exhale, she looked at the back of her hand to make sure it would work.

Nothing.

Literally, she saw nothing as she held her palm before her own face.

The enchantment was active, but would only last a whopping 2 minutes, so, first she began to tip-toe over, getting closer and closer, until 'snap' her heel stepped on a twig and both guards looked directly at her, her breath stopping in her lungs and her blood running cold.
...Though she had to remind herself, they were technically staring at air, so thinking quickly, she grabbed a few rocks, using the clutch of her palm to hide them as best she could so it did not seem like they were simply floating on their own, then threw them against the wall just a few feet beside the left one's head. They both turned, taking a few idly steps, looking about, and Ambriel made a few more strides towards the gate before breaking out into a sprint to enter.
Her foot steps loud, but as they peered inside they only saw the usual folk.

She couldn't risk any guard having note of her entrance to any town, for any lord they reported to could have ties to Umbrig, so she had at least 8 more tries for this sort of disguise before she would need to learn to sneak into towns all through talent.

She waited in an alley behind a barrel for the arcane to wear off, and kept her head low, trying to blend in as she scowered for where best to hire aid.

The Imperfect Serpent. That was a place she spotted, watching a man hand over his bow and arrow before being allowed to enter. Well, an establishment that didn't allow weapons inside, at least it might be safer than some of the other shacks about?

She stood before the towering man that guarded, and for a moment she was about to say she had no weapons, however...how conspicuous would it be to arrive into such a district without a means to protect herself? That would make her stand out as much as her wings would have, she expected.
Ah, wait, she did technically have something.
She pulled out the tiny cutter Melissa had given to free herself from her wedding garment and held it out for the sentry.

He took the blade, it looking almost like a tooth pick in his grasp and he cocked an eyebrow down at her, "Is this it?"

Ambriel nodded, swallowing harshly before she spoke with a mock-impish tone, "Small but deadly."

He stared at her a moment more, looking at the cherub like face beneath that hood, skeptical, before he breathed a chuckle through his nose and shrugged, "Heh, sure lass." and moved out of the way to allow her entry.

Ambriel grabbed a table at the end corner, wanting to simply observe for a bit before approaching anyone. She waited for awhile, finding it difficult to pay attention without looking too suspect, and each person in the tavern not feeling 'right' for her needs, until someone strode in and very unceremoniously dropped a bad of...a bag of -heads- on a table. The patrons laughed, but Ambriel turned her head away and felt a gag coming on, her eyes shut tight for a second before collecting herself and peering back over, watching the exchange.

He was hired by the blonde woman it seemed.

So...he was hirable.

Ambriel chewed at the tip of her own thumb, disturbed by the scene but also assured of the man's abilities...then he called out to the bar itself, looking for work...

Ambriel waited, her skin feeling as though there were prickles from the back of her neck all the way down to her spine, and feeling light headed, she stood up and walked up to him.
"I..." Her greenish cerulean eyes daring to look into his, clamping her jaw before she continued, "I believe I might have a job for you." She dared to sit down at his table, thinking it best she just get into the details before she even introduced herself, she assumed that a no-nonsense approach would be the most familiar to people like this, "Do you ever take bodyguard contracts?"

 

[Ushima]

A barmaid set down a tankard of ale in front of him. "Thanks love." He tipped her a silver, which she stashed in her bodice. The alcohol went down smoothly. After a long day of travel it was just what he needed to help himself relax. Things around the bar were relatively calm. People were laughing and drinking their paychecks away. A group to the left was being loud and boisterous. But they weren't hurting anyone, yet. A barmaid did get a slap or two on the rear. Lady Meran and her retinue finished their drinks and made for the door. But Michael paid them no mind as the shuffled along out the door, picking up their weapons as they go. It had been a few minutes since he announced that he was open for taking contracts. But he was under no illusion that something would fall into his lap right away. It was waiting game. Not everyone had problems all the time, nor the coin to pay for a solution. Longest he had been without work was six days. When a job finally did come his way he was so antsy and bored he took it. Even if it was fetch someone's prized cow from a rival rancher.

"I believe I might have a job for you." A woman stood before him. Dark cloak and traveling tunic. Glasses and red hair giving her a studious look, least in his opinion. "Do you ever take bodyguard contracts?"

Michael raised an eyebrow as he took another swig of his ale. "Ah that's good." He set his now empty stein on the table, ready to conduct business. "Bodyguard work eh?" Reaching up with his left hand he rubbed his chin, his gloved hand preventing him from feeling the dark stubble on his face, thumbing tracing up and down over a small but thick scar about two inches long. "Every now and then when the need arises. Not particularly my favorite. Bit boring right up until the end. But if the coin is good I believe a deal can be made. So tell me girl. What ales you?" He made a pun as he raised a hand to a server, showing two finger on his hand.

Two more mugs were placed on the table. On in front of Michael and the other his prospective client. "Here you are!" Michael slid more money across the table and the coins were swiftly taken and disappeared between the barmaid's ample cleavage. "Need anythin' else jus' holler."

"Thank you." Michael politely thanked the server. He took a quick drink and set it aside. Gently he patted his right side before resting his arm back across the table. A faint red light came up from beneath the table and floated over the stein before dipping under the rim and disappearing from sight, though the mug did glow slightly. "Explain the situation please. I will at least hear you out properly."

 

[Princess-In-Silk-Chains]

Ambriel inhaled deeply, her shoulders shifting left and right, the constriction upon her back a constant prick, a continued distraction, that seemed so much more uncomfortable in these tense moments, well, tense to -her- of course, the man she was propositioning was in his element, light conversing with the barwoman and ordering.

Her smile was a bit forced, not being opposed to word play on her day to day life, but in these moments it was a challenge not to imagine Lord Umbrig on a stead with a stampede of hired armed help in tow headed right for her, but, it was important so she let out a, "Heh ha.." And a small strained expression.

She glanced to the second tankard, assuming that was for her, but she was too queasy to take it, at least yet, trying to think of excuses or made up backstories for herself, but considering everything, she slowly straightened herself in her seat, and spoke pointedly, "I...can't explain it." She chuckled at herself, rubbing the back of her cloaked head with her hand, "At least, it wouldn't be safe for me to...completely...uh, well, you see." Her head fell forward, hand over her face for a second before she exhaled annoyed-at-herself, and her cyan owl eyes returned to his, "I'm fleeing my husband, he is..." Her expression took a far off look, remembering a very...specific scenario, truth getting to touch her tongue, "A cruel man..." She blinked and frowned at the red sphere, seeming to just notice it, but quickly put it out of mind, along with the memory she recalled, as she pulled a satchel from her waist belt, making sure it did not jingle too loudly or overtly, "That's all I can say, that's all I -will- say, as for my task, I only ask you get me safely to a port, a port with ships capable of extended sea travel, as I want to leave the continent if I can." She placed the bag between them, unlacing the drawstring, and very carefully using her index and middle fingers to spread it open and tilt it towards him, revealing not silver nor gold, but platinum and gems, "You agree, and I'll give you this -right now- and double this amount once I'm on a boat."

She drew her hand back for him to look through it while he considered a job with little intel.

 

[Ushima]

Michael listened to her tale intently. It would not be the first time he's seen a battered spouse on the run. Never been a client of his though personally. Controlling angry men who didn't want their women to far away, especially if they were with child. Manipulative vindictive women who strip their partner of all sense of worth and any moment not by their side was a blessing. "Based on your hesitance to elaborate it can only lead me to assume whoever this husband of yours is he must be connected. If anyone were to perhaps, say, learn of this transaction nay this very meeting it could have unintended consequences. You would not want word to get back to him?" There was also the chance she could be lying to him. "Not pregnant are you?" Casually he looked her up and down, not seeing any hints of her being with child. Stomach wasn't swollen, no enlarged breasts.

The red light from Michael's set aside mug flew up into the air and hovered around the woman across from him. It seemed to inspect her, moving up to her face and down to her stomach before landing in front of Michael. "Hm? She's not?" The light faded a little and seemed to stagger. "Well you would be able to tell these things." Reaching forward with his right hand Michael extended his index finger, seeming to steady the orb. There standing on the table, using Michael's finger to stand, was a tiny humanoid figure. Her skin was pale green with pointed ears and a shock of bright reddish orange hair and amber eyes. A green leafy dress with a hole in the middle to expose her naval. Like a piece of nature itself draped over her. In her hair a crown of small flowers sat regally. Her most notable feature however was the pair of wings on her back, like a butterfly's. Green and burnt orange hues mixed together. "You seem drunk. I keep telling you to slow down." The small girl stomped her foot on the table, making no noise, before flying up to his face jabbing a finger at his nose. Crossing her arms she floated down to his belt again to sleep it off.

"I apologize for my partner. That's Kyva. She's a forest sprite. Pixie, fairy, nymph. Wait no I think nymphs are bigger...and usually naked." Picking up the half empty stein Michael placed it over the coin purse, using it to draw it back to himself discreetly. A smooth gesture that showed his skill at discretion. But glancing down he almost ruined it. Seeing the platinum strips and gems Michael coughed but covered it quickly with his hand. "Oh sorry ale went down the wrong pipe." This much money up front he'd be a fool to not take it even with his client not being to forthcoming with information. A small price to pay for this money. It'd go a long way to finding a new place to settle down. "I believe you have yourself an accord ma'am." He extended his right hand. "Michael Ravenhart is the name. Now do we set off immediately or wait till down and start out fresh?" He'd prefer dawn after a night's sleep but, well, it was his employer's call now. She looked like she needed a solid eight hours herself.

 

[Princess-In-Silk-Chains]

Ambriel's nose creased in light aversion as he described her spouse being connected, wondering why he would spell it out if she wished to avoid it, especially even with just the possibility of other people around hearing,, worried of what might be done with even that extra pebble of info, but perhaps it was merely to show he had the basic reasoning skills to guess and this should be taken as a good quality. Along with her nose creased came a clenching close of her eyes as he asked if she was 'expecting' and then gave her a, to his credit, subtle once over. Considering she was very blessed in the chest area, even if the shirt hid it a bit, she did worry that maybe he would mis-assume her bust for 'swelling', not knowing he could tell the difference, she simply answered through gritted teeth, though her distaste was more at the thought of if her groom -had- been able too...

"No. I am not." She spoke evenly, trying to shoo the very putrid notion out of her mind.

When the aforementioned scarlet glow came back up and near her face, the celestial descended one recognized now what it was, though she had never seen a living one up close.

She wondered if she should say that she already knew what she was looking at with this Kyva, being of supernatural blood herself, she was encouraged...heavily encouraged to be as learned as possible about such things, a part of her studies leading to her escape after all, but truthfully, the notion of carrying that man's demon seed had left her guts all twisted so she simply mumbled a "It's fine." in regard to excusing the behavior after the little show of the sprite that was bespelled by liquid spirits.

Ambriel reached her little hand over to fit into his, giving a shake with a sigh of relief, her shoulders finally loosing a little of their tension as though a rubber band snapped when he officially agreed, "Thank you, and I'm...Brie." Ah, maybe choosing the nickname for her real name was unwise, but it was too late for that, and so she stood from her seat, not caring much of the bags beneath her eyes, "I would like to get started, perhaps just a hour or so and set up camp away from any cities or towns, then we can sleep for the night and truly head forward at dawn?" She didn't like the idea of being cornered in any building, or the possibility of any witness leading to a quick location, the more they stayed among the vast expanse of trees, the less obstruction there would be for fleeing and the more routine head start they would receive. That was her reasoning, "Also I left my horse just outside the gates, and I imagine she's probably quite irate with me by now."

 

[Ushima]

Michael nodded. "That sounds fine to me." All his things were stored in a room upstairs. "Let us get going then. I'll collect my things from upstairs. I had paid for an extended stay." He had been working out of The Imperfect Serpent for months. A reserved room while he took contracts. "I'm sure they'll be sad to see me go." Polishing off his ale he set the empty stein down and dropped a gold piece inside it as a tip for the establishment's fine service. He gestured for Brie to follow him. Off to the side of the tavern was a set of stairs that led to the bedrooms. Quickly he ascended. It was quieter up here. "I hope my question of you being pregnant didn't upset you too much. Any bodyguard worth his salt would ask as it presents a unique set of challenges." How long they could travel, the amount of rations they'd need. It'd effect his decision making to minimize any risk to her and the child. "But seeing as you're not we should have a slightly easier time. Well, as easy as guarding your well being can be." At the end of the hallway Michael opened the door with a key he took out of his side pouch.

The room was quite small. Just a bed, side table and foot locker. No window led to the outside. It suited him just fine as he was only here when he wasn't working. There was a backpack on the bed, a roll of cloth tied at the bottom of it containing a tent and bedroll. Hastily he inspected his pack, making sure everything was in order. Satisfied that no one had gotten and rummaged through his belongings while he was gone he picked up his pack. "Ok I'm all set." Twirling the room key on his finer he left the room and went back downstairs. Approaching the bar he set the key down. "Alvin. I'm heading out for awhile."

Alvin, the bartender and owner, took the key. He was a man in his late fifties. Gray hair circled his head with a large bald spot in the center. "Shame. You were always a pleasure to have. The girls will miss you too."

"Oh I'll miss them too. Give them my regards." After his concluded his business with Alvin they went over to get their weapons. But someone stood in the way. He was a larger man, basic pants and boots. Leather straps on his chest would normally secure a weapon. A bear pelt draped over his shoulders, the head serving as a cowl. Long dark hair and steel eyes narrowed on Michael. "Brom. Good to see you."

Brom looked past Michael to Brie. "You sure you want to rethink your purchase lass?" Brom poked Michael's shoulder. "I just finished a job and can take his pla-" Brom did not get to finish his sentence as Michael dropped his pack before slamming his elbow into Brom's face. Grabbing Brom's head with his left hand he proceeded to hit him a few more times before throwing him against the wall. Brom hit his face and fell down. All activity in the bar stopped as they watched the barbarian slump to the ground, blood pouring out of his now broken nose.

Reaching into his pocket Michael pulled out some more coins. "Sorry for the mess Alvin." He set the coins on the nearest countertop. Turning to Brie he apologized. "I guess that can suffice as an audition." Michael retrieved his weapons. His arming sword went back on his left side. On his back his heater shield was secured. It was decorated simply. White with two black wings in the center. Finally the bec de corbin was handed to him. The deadly hammer and blade combo was draped over his right shoulder menacingly. Michael went through the door first, holding it open politely for Brie. "We're going to the stables first and grabbing my horse. How do you want to get out? Together? Or should I meet you there?" The stable master was surprised to see him so soon. Nerina though was delighted to see her master again. The brown steed was quickly saddled and ready for travel.

 

[Princess-In-Silk-Chains]

Ambriel didn't pay much attention during following after him as he grabbed his things, the desire to be away-away-away from people making her feathers fluff up, which was so very uncomfortable to feel the pinned and narrowed celestial limbs try and press against their corset-quiver like coverings, nods and mumbles to be courteous with his idly conversing, her heel bouncing in place in the brief moments she could do nothing but stand and wait, that to the point when he was signing out at the desk she was a few feet ahead of Michael, about to lead him since she was the one whom knew where her horse was, but then there was a herculean figure and her chest felt tight, but thankfully (well, maybe not thankfully) the barbaric person wasn't eyeing her, at least not at first, pushing away her panicked notion of a hire-hand of Lord Umbrig, glancing to her guide as he addressed the fur-clad man first.
The owl-eyed woman took a few steps back, unnerved when she was being spoken too, about to politely decline and then step behind her already hired bodyguard, but it seemed more intense actions were in order? Apparently?

Her expression when he turned back and made note of 'audition', was...incredulous. She couldn't help but wonder and reconsider...everything in that moment, it having occurred so fast it took a few seconds to register mentally.

It seemed like such a violent reaction for a more or less, simply rude, counter offer, but, he spoke to him by name, perhaps this Brom was known for being a bad guard, perhaps even unsafe for a lady? There were hopefully good reasons for such a intense reaction.

Though...as he held the door open for her, she bit her tongue and realized, no, this was what she needed. Action first, questions later. She wouldn't want him to hesitate. The golden haired slighted groom would likely send all types after her, perhaps even clever sort that would feign harmlessness in order to get in close.

This was good.

A bit shocking to see in action, but good.

She shook her scarlet head, realizing he asked a question once they were out of the tavern, and she took a few steps away, "Uh, m-meet me there, I'll be around the corner of the gate waiting."

Ambriel rushed off, still a bit flabbergasted by the whole scene, taking this moment apart to, yet again, remind herself that it was very likely she would see far more violence along the way and she needed to start viewing it as the necessity it was.
She ducked her head, hood covering her face as best she could as she walked between the guards at the entrance to this slum town, hoping they cared little of who -left- the city, and came upon her stead who huffed through her nose in disapproval of the wait time.
Ambriel mounted Sydney and guided her around the forest to the side, and while she again waited, she reached down, patting the chestnut neck, that eye with the white patch glancing back at her rider, "So, we're gonna be traveling with some folks, a person, a fae, and another horse...now I know you don't like other horses...or people...or animals of any kind...but you like me right?"
If a horse was capable of cocking it's eyebrow, that was what Sydney was doing.
Ambriel pouted, holding the reigns a bit tighter with eyes wide and brows up, "Riiiiight?"
Sydney puffed a deep breath from her nose, before turning away and giving a quiet whinny with a sort of cavalier timbre, the kind a sardonic tune a family member might have for a younger sibling, essentially a 'I guess.'
"Good, so, if you like me then you'll be on your best behavior because I am paying them, well, mostly him, as I doubt the other two care for coin, but I'm paying him to keep us alive, so, no nipping or angry stomps...alright?"

Pause.

Ambriel lightly tapped her sturruped heel against Sydney's side.

Sydney lifted her head and nodded but made no other noise.

"Good enough." Ambriel chuckled.

 

[Ushima]

"Goin out early this time friend." The stable master handed Michael the reins.

"Client wanted to head out as early as possible. Make up some time." Michael replied. He personally wanted to sleep but that was not up to him anymore. He thanked the man who took care of his mount and left the stables, Nerina in tow. Walking through the darkened streets he was slightly on edge. Being alone on the streets of Bargest for too long was asking for trouble. Drunken scoundrels and thugs could come out of any alley looking for a fight and wanting to take your coin purse. But lucky for him it wasn't a long walk to the main gate.

"Halt!" From the gate house a light of a torch came out. The two guards from earlier approached him. "What's all this then? Headed out so soon?"

"I have work to do. My employer wants me to get started and time is of the essence." Michael replied, mounting his horse. Nerina huffed out of her nostrils, steam appearing in the cool night air.

"Boss doesn't like traffic coming in and out during the night." The other guard spoke up.

"Well then you can explain to your boss how you're keeping me from earning money I can spend in their establishments. And paying their bullshit taxes? Want me to tell him you're hurting his bottom line?" Michael threatened the two. They looked at each other now suddenly nervous. Their boss hated nothing more than loosing money and anyone who has a hand in that paid a terrible price. Quickly and silently they opened the gate for him. "Thank you for your assistance." Michael said sarcastically. Nerina neighed as they exited. "I agree girl. If they didn't try to intimidate everyone they come across they might make something of themselves." The two, and a lot of hired help employed by the town lord, hated anyone who was even moderately successful. Ashamed of the choices they made to end up a brutish lackey.

The night air felt cool against his skin. He could feel his chainmail and plate sapping his body heat as it cooled against him. Like his horse his breath was steaming in the night. Slowly he approached where Brie asked him to meet her. But he couldn't see that well. "Kyva, shed some light please?" The pixie emerged from her dwelling, casting red light for her master. Michael could see the trees ahead. It would suffice until his eyes adjusted to the darkness. Ahead he could see a horse standing there. Casually he raised his hand to wave to Brie. "Sorry it took a bit longer to get out of town. The guards at the gate were trying to throw their weight around. I had to remind them their boss wouldn't like me not earning them money." Michael explained. "Now if you want a boat out of here, the Gem Coast is that way." Michael pointed to the East. "Lets get going then shall we?"

 

[Princess-In-Silk-Chains]

Ambriel's foot continued to lightly tap against Sydney's side, having begun once the first few minutes went by. She didn't have a huge frame of reference for how far away from the gate the stables were, but she guesstimated is wasn't so far that he should be taking as long as he was.

Was it possible that he just got into another impromptu brawl on the way? Was that his 'thing'?

Or, maybe not so much a brawl but a, one-punch knock out.

Or maybe he has found some serious trouble already?

Though, it wasn't as though this were some huge township, if it was a big enough fuss she should hear the chaos from here right?

Sydney whinnied, causing Ambriel's shoulders to stiffen and she looked down with her heart having briefly jumped in her throat, "I, -rude-...What?"

The horse turned her long neck to stare at Ambriel's bouncing foot that was ramming into the equine's ribs, expression flat...though to be far she was a horse, so that was the norm.
Ambriel, slightly embarrassed, managed to stop her foot and clear her throat, "Oh, heh, right...sorry."

The partial celestial began to wring her hands around the reigns, fiddling with the bit of leather until she heard some muffled voices.
Sounded like the guards, since she was just around the bend, but still just far enough that she couldn't make out the specifics of the conversation.
Oh wait, that was Michael's voice wasn't it?

Her sitting squirming became more fidgety until he came into view, but by the squint of his eyes he didn't seem to spot her. Oh, right, human...he probably didn't have dark vision as she did.

Oh gods, should she have pretended to be visually impeded as well?

The red light of Kyva came out, so, it's not as though he could see her before she blinked on.

Ugh, too many variables to think at once.

"It's fine." She intersected about the wait, more so just wanting to get away from trouble if there was any as opposed to discuss it, at least nearby, and followed his finger as he pointed out their first spot of directions.

"Yes, we shall." She smiled lightly, it was a bit strained, finding it difficult to relax, but she wanted to be amiable.

As she had mentioned, they trotted forth for about an hour, before finding a spot in the woods, a clearing among the trees, and began to set up camp.

Ambriel made a...very unimpressive sort of tent, using a random rock to help keep the foundation up and the tarp attached but...haphazard.
Enough to shelter her is she was sitting upright, not so much if she wanted to lay down.
Which she did sit after she tied Sydney to a strong branch nearby. Sydney had pretty much behaved well, though she was posturing a bit, not looking at the other horse, and even shaking her head with a snort through her nose, wanting to show the animal desired her space to stay just that, -her- space.

As Ambriel sat, her back against the boulder that was partially in the tent as it's base, she wrapped her arms around her bent legs, chin atop her knees.

Perhaps she should try small talk?

Eugh, it seemed so frivolous considering her predicament, but what was she supposed to do? Just be a silent little bird the whole trip? This was supposed to be about coming -out- of her cage.
What would she even ask him? It seemed like there might be quite a bit of violence involved in most topics...would that help to know? Or possible unnerve her?...or help desensitize her so that she was more prepared the next time?

She debated within her own head for a good few moments, again feeling her wings try to fluff up and flap, a natural body-language, that tight casing pinching her.

Perhaps a softball at first, to get an idea for the sort of air in which he carried himself.

"So...do the guards usually bother you when you come and go? I can't say they paid me much mind either way. So it seems outside the norm?" To be fair, one of those times she was invisible.

 

[Ushima]

Michael stopped Nerina in the clearing. "Good girl." He patted the side of her neck and rubbed it lovingly. The horse neighed happily at the praise and pats. Dismounting he grabbed his backpack and found a suitable spot for himself. Dropping his pack he pulled out the gear for the tent. Small iron nails, rope, stakes and canvas. Grabbing a small working hammer Michael went to work. But as he was working his employer asked him a question. "So...do the guards usually bother you when you come and go? I can't say they paid me much mind either way. So it seems outside the norm?"

Michael sighed. "It depends on who you are. Most of the guards are washed up soldiers and they hold a grudge. They get jealous of anyone who any hint of skill or talent. Reminds them of what they can't do. Earn fame and fortune." Michael was hammering nails into the ground to secure his tent. "So what little power they have they try to use it to intimidate anyone they can. You just have to stand firm and give back what you get normally and they cave. I don't think I've ever had to actually fight any of the gate guards. Threatening to tell Baron Loid usually does the trick too. The town lord relies on people coming in and spending money at the taverns, brothels, fighting pits and other places to keep the place running. Because as you can see Bargest is barely holding itself together." With the tent propped up successfully Michael stood to admire his work, at least what he could in the dark. "Bargest is a tough town. Three rules. Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy." Grabbing his bedroll Michael set it up inside his tent.

Happy with his work Michael went to take care of his steed. Nerina was brushed and was happily eating some of the grass next to his tent. He tied her to a tree that was near his tent. "Rest up girl. Long day a head of us tomorrow." Giving her a few more pats he went back to his tent. Tossing his weapons and backpack inside he emerged with some bread and his water skin. "So what about you Miss Brie? Anything you'd like to share about your journey?" He took a bite of his ration. Michael thought about lighting a fire and cooking something, but they were going to sleep soon and the effort was not worth it for how tired he was. Just a small meal and then bed. He'll cook properly in the morning. He enjoyed cooking, it was something he had to learn being on his own. Either that or learn to eat bad food. "What was your home like? Was it nice before...you know?"

 

[Princess-In-Silk-Chains]

Ambriel listened earnestly, nodding her head faintly. Well, that certainly made sense didn't it?

Strike first. Strike hard. No mercy.

That would answer her query about that one man he knocked out stone-cold...at least partially. Though, again, it was only a brief comment.

Should she ask? Though, ugh, again, how many questions was too revealing and how little was too suspicious?

She was debating when he sat beside her with some food and inquired back.

Her ocean-green eyes stared into Michael's face for a moment, her expression far off and somehow...small, in a way. She thought seriously, trying to find the good things.
Warm bed, roof over her head...fine clothes...She saw Athea and Melissa's faces in her mind's eye. Melissa teaching her to swim as a tot, cooking for her, reading to her, and Anthea being kind, the two of them hiding far from her father during one of his...loosing fights with the bottom of a mead filled stein. Finding comfort in fiction books, Ambriel able to sneak Anthea some reading material even though she was not consider high born enough to be privy to them.

"Some things..." Ambriel's voice finally broke, her owl eyes wandering to the ground as she whispered with the tiniest smile of fondness, "Some things were nice. Yes. 'before.'"

Her shoulders fidgeted, not sure how much she should talk, and with her heel lightly digging down, she cleared her throat, and doubled-back a bit, deciding she might as well find out, her curiosity would likely drive her mad anyway, " 'Strike first and strike hard'...so, that even means in...some conversations?" She smiled, though not sure if due to discomfort or trying to see the action in a more comedic light, "I just...that Brom fellow, from before...I...is it just as common to lay out someone offering to take your job? I just... it was...sudden, and, I could have just told him now? Or, is he more trouble than the guards? Everyone certainly seemed alright with your response to him."

 

[Ushima]

"Brom is...not one of the best elements to have around." Michael answered, taking a bite of his rations, a salted strip of meat. "He does not take no kindly to rejection. I shudder to think what he would have done if you had said no. For Brom thinks he deserves more than he actually does. It's why no one stopped me back at the tavern. Hell I'm pretty sure some would have bought me a drink for shutting up that brute. And while he might be large and strong, strong enough that even one on one I would have trouble, Brom is not the most honorable either. He can and will do anything for money. Even going so far as to sell out his employer. I came back to Bargest one day and in the center of town someone was strung up from a building. It was a man. Brom had been hired to kill someone and they offered him more money. So he betrayed the man who originally hired him and put him on display like his new employer wanted. He will turn on you when a better offer presents himself. If you husband offered him enough money you would be on the way home before you even realized what happened."

Michael sighed and took a drink from his water skin. "It isn't a life you should get used to. Always looking over your shoulder. The amount of times I've been accosted on the street is too many to count. Men and women would often do various displays of strength to remind everyone just how strong and capable they are. I was just lucky Brom presented himself when he did. One hand though. I can count on one hand the number of times I had to do it. Hell sometimes it can even lead to you getting hired if the right people see you. Makes me glad you came along when you did. If you deliver in full I can finally afford somewhere to settle down. My own little plot of land and just rest finally." Kyva flew around Michael, perching on his shoulder. "Hm? Yes, I will. Kyva says thank you for the job too. She doesn't like Bargest. We'll both be happy to leave." The bound fae wasn't producing any magical light, sitting happily on her master's shoulder.

After finishing his evening rations Michael started fiddling with the straps of his breastplate. The clasps at the side were undone quickly and he lifted it over his head. Michael let out a small sigh. "We should be getting to bed." Standing up he went back over to his tent, setting his chest piece inside. Next to come off was his chainmail. The metal links hit the floor of the tent with a series of clinks. Rolling his shoulders and neck a few joints popped, quite loudly. "Ah that feels good." His tunic came off and he arched his back, more sore cracks. His upper body was lean and strong. Muscles packed with experience and war wounds decorated his skin. Knife wounds, cuts, arrows. "We'll get up at dawn. Kyva is in tune with nature, being a fae creature. She'll wake me up." Michael entered his tent. It was a two person tent. quite large. "After tonight you should think about staying in here with me. It'd be easier to protect you being in the same place. I can keep an eye on you better." His bedroll was undone quickly and his boots were kicked off. "Good night Miss Brie." Michael closed the flap and laid down. Kyva floated above him. "Keep an eye on the campsite. Wake me if you notice anything suspicious." Kyva flew out of the tent and took refuge in a tree. Pulling a blanket up over himself Michael closed his eyes, the events of the day finally catching up with him and letting him fall asleep quickly.