Tempting Bonds (Neuro+LI)

[Neurok_Shinobi]

It was late Autumn in Myth Drannor, a bright cold morning with the first snows of the year dusting open spaces between the trees. The sun was brilliant on the golden treetops overhead, and the sky was perfect as far as the eye could see. In the shadows formed by the still vibrant trees, Nerin Sitelo fought with every ounce of strength and arcane lore he possessed. His opponent was the Eladrin mage Ditar Yabit, clashing with weapon and spell against spell and wand. Steel glittered and rang in the air as he parried crackling bolts of white force, or deflected shining veils of madness that Ditar attempted to snare him with.

Nerin wielded a rather unique weapon, in the fact that it was many weapons. At any given moment, he could transform the weapon into anything he so desired. A swordmage generally chose one weapon, and used it for the rest of his life, or at least, of the same type. Nerin, however, found that he could not choose on any singular weapon, thus this one was rather valuable to him, as the bond he had stayed with the weapon, even if it changed form. Currently, it was in the shape of a longsword blade attached to the end of a pole arm Ditar on the other handed, had only a mahogany wand, being a pure mage, and that was enough for him.

Dueling was not permitted within Myth Drannor, this encounter was ostensibly an invitation to demonstrate skill through the lists in a tournament of the city's defenders. Nerin had been here for four years, four of which was spent as a Coronal's guard, in skill and duties if not actual rank, and was thus allowed to participate. A small crowd of witnesses watched intently to ensure that the forms were followed. Daried, the spellsinger who had furthered Nerin's arcane abilities stood by to serve as his second. The spellsinger watched with a frown, as the contest was clearly long past a challenge of skill and was a duel in fact, if not name.

Beside Daried stood Alliere, her face pale as she watched the two men fight, knowing the reason just like everyone else did. She was almost painfully beautiful, not much older than Nerin. The Genasi was nothing but a rootless Genasi, a wanderer ho came to Myth Drannor, and earned his current position with hard fought skills and determination, and she loved him. Ditar on the other hand, was a proud and handsome Eladrin of a high house, loved her as well, and had come to bitterly resent her feelings for Nerin. Thus, the two defenders fought over some trivial insult that neither remembered now.

The onlookers gasped in surprise as a large fireball erupted from Ditar's wand, hurtling towards Nerin. He barely managed to summon a countering ward, the fire licking at his body, but causing him no harm, even as the heat seared the leaves and melted the snow around them in a thirty-foot radius. Rather than retreat, he transformed his weapon into a long sword, holding it in one hand as he drew the symbols of a translocation spell in the air. He snarled the arcane word "...Seiroch!", and was instantly transported behind Ditar, who had lost sight of him.

Ditar spun around, sensing him from behind as he brought up his wand, but it was too slow. Nerin slashed updwards in a disarming strike, knocking the wand from Ditar's hand, but carried forward and slashed at the side of the Eladrin's face. His opponent cried out in pain and staggered backward, falling to his knees. Nerin leapt forward, the point of the blade at Ditar's chest. "Yield! You are beaten." He shouted.

He held his blade still, despite the acrid smell of smoke, and the pain of his singed skin, the ward having apparently not deflected all of the fire. Ditar knelt in the snow, blood dripping from his face. A fearsome hatred burned in the man's eyes as he snarled in rage, the wand resting between the two combatants.

"I will not yield to you filth!" He screamed as he rolled, grabbing the wand and facing Nerin, an even stronger fire ball building up. Something cold and murderous erupted in Nerin's heart, and he struck without a second though. Every sneer, veiled insult, every single sarcastic comment Ditar uttered against him coalesced into a black wave swept over Nerin. Deliberately, Nerin leaned in taking off Ditar's hand from the wrist. Blood splattered against scorched ground as Nerin took a step back, flicking the blood from his blade.

He heard the cries of horror from the crowd, and the screams of rage and pain from his enemy.

...Why did I do that? He wondered Dully, knowing that maiming Ditar in that way, when the duel was already won, was a monstrous thing to do. He knew that Daried, and Arielle, and the others who had bee watching were horrified by what he had done. He looked down at Ditar, clutching at the still bloody stump, his dismembered hand still gripping the wand. He looked intently at the cut face of his enemy, and raised his sword again, something in him desired more, maybe an eye next? He had already gone this far, why not indulge a little more.

Before he could take a single step, Daried leaped between the two, his arms stretched out. "No! This is enough!" He shouted, ending the duel. Still, Nerin raised his sword, planning on dashing past him, when the spellsinger suddenly lunged forward, pulling Nerin away. "Have you lost your mind? That was cruelly done!" He hissed into Nerin's ear as the Genasi stared on.

The murderous fury that had consumed him ebbed away, mindlessly sheathing his weapon, his hands trembling. Why did I do that... He asked himself again, trying to clear the destructive impulses from his mind. "I... had no intention of crippling him." He finally managed to say, taking a half-step back.

"Your intentions hardly matter at this point Nerin Sitelo." The spellsinger said with a sigh, looking back at Ditar. "You will be judged for your actions... judged severely I fear."

Nerin ignored the glares of hatred from Ditar's friends as others tended to the wound. He turned to walk away, and saw Arielle standing there in the same spot, her face devoid of killer, and filled with terror. When their eyes met, she flinched and looked away, tears rolling from her eyes.

He was grabbed from behind suddenly, his blade already taken as he was distracted. Three guards stood by him. "The coronal has summoned you, you will come with us." The judge spoke firmly, marching him to the halls. Nerin turned to look for Arielle, but she was gone.

A day later, he came out of the halls in the middle of the night, a dark cloak around his shoulders as he darted between the buildings. Nerin was careful to avoid the gaurds, finding it rather easy, having knoweldge of their patrol routines. Half an hour later, he finally managed to get out of the city, not stopping until he was a qaurter mile out, sighing softly. He was banished from Myth Drannor, buth e still had his life, for what that was worth... He supposed he would return home for awhile, and figure something out from there. His heart was indeed broken, having lost Arielle, but not having his first love... it would always be so.

 

[Captain Island]

• Just outside the town of Taverhault, within the large grove, bright lights were strung from tree to tree. Boisterous sounds of dancing and merrymaking filled the air, the sound carried away by the chilly autumn zephyr. It was the end of autumn, with signs of another frosty winter. Around this time of year was the Autumnfest, a way to celebrate before the winter arrived-- and where there was revelry, the Arenthy would be in the center of it.
  
  "Hear ye, hear ye! The magnificent Arenthy troupe! Those with a head can offer a halfpenny, and those without come free!"
  
  Dressed in gaily colored clothing, a young boy with a lute strapped to his back called out loudly to the citizens of Taverhault, collecting coins and offering witty jokes as the audience congregated in front of the outdoor stage. Two caravans had been built by the Arenthy to for this very purpose. With the proper maneuvers, it could be converted and combined into a stage anywhere the troupe saw fit. The Arenthy troupe often performed on the greens outside of towns, despite the fact their patron was the Duke Haliax, which meant they could receive the best service that the towns could offer. They were humble troupers, of course.
  
  "Sebastian!" shouted another voice over the din of the festival. The boy looked up towards the source. His smile widened and he waved over the tall man approaching him, letting another trouper, Tryk, take over his shift.
  
  "Kvothe! How now? I was beginning to enjoy myself, and now you're here to steal all happiness, as usual." The boy said teasingly, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. A grin spread over his face, but it faltered once he noticed the darker look in Kvothe's expression. "What troubles you? I was only kidding-- come now, have a drink with me?" Sebastian gestured towards an area with tables and barrels of cider.
  
  "Aye lad, I'll have a drink. Thank you," The older man said. As they retrieved their mugs of cider, the two took a seat in a more private corner of the grove. They could talk freely now, where there was not one ear to accidentally eavesdrop.
  
  "So, Sebastian... how long will you keep this up?" Kvothe said, quirking a brow at the lad. A secret smile played upon the old man's lips.
  
  Sebastian returned the smile coyly, and absentmindedly reached up to smooth down his short, cropped hair. "I am not sure, I've grown fond of being myself." He responded, knowing all too well Kvothe's next words. The boy had kept up this little game of charades for a while, and ending the game would be almost like stepping in a stranger's shoes. Foreign, alien, unrecognizable-- yet familiar all at once.
  
  "What's the meaning of this? Rinwen, you've kept up this disguise for much too long. Several months have passed since you've joined the Arenthy and come under my wing as a lutist, and swordmage-in-training. And with the coming of the winter..." Kvothe's voice trailed off, and he simply shook his head. Glancing at her once more he took a long swig of his drink before he spoke again. "How much longer do you plan to continue your deceptions? Come now, child, show me your true face."
  
  The young man did not flinch as the true name was spoken from Kvothe's lips. Still, Sebastian's face hardened, but doing little to disguise the delicate features, almost that of a woman's. "You are now out of your boundaries, Kvothe. But, we will draw the curtain and let you see the picture," A hand reached up and pulled off the wig... and cascades of dark curls fell forth, revealing the woman behind the delicate features of Sebastian. "Look, sir, such a one I was this present. Is't not well done?" Rinwen held a sly smile on her face as she quoted the Countess Olivia's lines from the famous play they were acting out tonight-- Twelfth Night. Once, she had played the part of Viola, and little did the others save for Kvothe know that the role fit her much too well.
  
  Rinwen Sitelo was her birth name, although most times she was often Sebastian Eindrel. For almost a year she had been on the road, and it was during this time that her parents had died from the plague. Several years had passed since her twin brother Nerin left the family for Myth Drannor, across the entire empire of Arythaea. Left alone, she had been forced to travel the hundreds of miles alone, which was why she took it upon herself to walk under the guise of a young man. She pulled it off well, considering Rinwen resembled Nerin very much. It was to her luck as well that castrati were popular among the nobles, and so she was usually left alone.
  
  Until several moons ago, life on the road was difficult. Upon encountering the Arenthy troupe, she had surprised them with her slight skill in the lute and a few swordmage tricks she remembered from her parents. She had been offered to learn more under the wing of Kvothe, an arcanist and leader of the troupe. He seemed to have an interest in her magic potential-- perhaps he noticed her lineage, but how, she would never know.
  
  Rinwen had learned and practiced many things under Kvothe. From simple sympathy binding to more advanced skills for a swordmage, to hunting and identifying and applying different medicinal herbs and potions. He had a wide range of abilities, and also had Rinwen learn how to hold up her own argument, and her own clever wit grew even wittier, more clever. Soon she could beat Kvothe at his own words... at times. She was still the student, and he the master. Little did Rinwen know that he was already marveling at how she learned more than any other apprentices of him had during the course of many years. Kvothe was a kind man, and he knew of her secret well before he came across her binding by accident. She had been embarrassed to tell him, and thought he wouldn't teach her things that "girls shouldn't know", as her mother used to tell her, but he went to show that he cared not about gender. He only cared for a student's talents.
  
  It was through this that Kvothe became a father figure for Rinwen, and served to be the guidance that she never had in her years of growing up. When she had been found crying in her wagon, he helped change the some of the bitterness inside from her past by teaching her the Heart of Stone, no questions asked. The Heart of Stone allowed her to think clearly without any emotion. By separating her mind into two parts, it allowed her to think of the world in perspectives she had never even thought about in her previous life.
  
  Kvothe chuckled, downing some more of his drink. He smiled and reached out to stroke Rinwen's cheek with fatherly affection. "Excellently done, if God did all. I would wish for you to come out as you really are. But I respect your wishes, I understand you feel more comfortable in the guise of a man... as long as you don't end up actually becoming one! Now, good fellow, play for us your lute!" He responded with a hearty laugh, and to that Rinwen laughed as well. Without further ado, the girl unstrapped the lute from her back, and casually strummed the stringed instrument as she sang quietly. For the rest of the night, her voice was carried by the wind, her haunting song lilting to the ear of everyone who heard it.
  
  Later that night, as the festivities ended, the Arenthy packed up their caravans and prepared themselves for another bout of travels, much to the dismay of the Taverhault citizens. But Rinwen knew as well as anyone in the troupe that those of the Arenthy did not dwell in one place for too long. It was almost in their blood that the dusty road called to them, enticed them with promises of adventure and artistic fame. It was a temptation to be reckoned with, and even Kvothe was anxious to leave for the prosperous town of Hawkteyn, a good place to rest for the harsh winter to come. However it was about a fortnight away, and it would take them two fortnights if they traveled during the cold weather.
  
  In the morning, a young Sebastian sat beside his master Kvothe in the leading wagon up in front, with the lute in a case by his side. As the caravan rolled along the wide road past the vast fields and meadows, Sebastian was deep in thought over his master's words.
  
  I would wish for you to come out as you really are...
  
  "Well then, what is decreed must be... and be this so," Sebastian sighed, and Kvothe glanced at him.
  
  "What was that, lad?"
  
  A coy grin tugged up at the corners of the boy's lips. "Nothing, sir..."

 

[Neurok_Shinobi]

Nerin sighed softly as he left the forests of Myth Drannor, looking back for a moment. It was a good thing his mentor had been there, both during the duel, and at the hearing. He had heard of powerful magics capable of stripping one's arcane ability. Instead, it was banishment. He would most likely never see Daried, or Alliere again. The only thing he had now was his family. He twitched, remembering his twin sister. He rubbed the back of his head, thinking back on their fight. They had made a promise to each other, and he broke it. His parents had threatened to disown them, and various other things. Though, they only told these things to him, and he hadn't been confident in his abilities to support themselves, and their constant pressure made him cave.

He couldn't bring himself to allow Rinwen to convince him otherwise, and simply told her he was no longer interested, earning a not so pleasant response. She had left soon after, and him not too long after her. He had occasionally received letters from parents, they had been keeping an eye on her. It had been several months though, and he wondered how they were doing. He figured he would take a few weeks to collect himself, calm down, then return home. It was the only thing he could think of really.

Time flew by surprisingly fast as he made his way to the nearest city, distracted by thoughts, and what he had done. But he was still mentally and physically exhausted, from the duel, and from dealing with the coronal. He decided to stop, seeing as it was late, he decided to stop and get some rest. He went ten minutes off the trail, taking out his bed tool and laying it down. He took a few bites of his bread and a swig of his wineskin before crawling in, falling into a fitful sleep. A few hours in, the szuldar, the lines of energy found on all Genasi, began to glow brightly. He tossed and turned as the brightness grew, his entire body giving off an intense energy. He groaned loudly, the energy fluctuating, warping his body.

He woke, writhing in pain. He immediately knew what was going on, though not why. As far as he knew, Genasi only became tempests during adolescence. He couldn't focus anymore as his body continued to change. Nerin's skin was now an ashen black, the szuldar a rich golden hue. He shuddered as the pain ebbed, sitting up slowly, letting out another groan. He paused, his voice seemed different. "What is..." He stopped again, his voice was female now. He looked down at his body, only to find two fleshy orbs bulging his short. His eyes widened and he tried to stand up, only finding himself flat on his back, still somewhat weak from the new manifestation.

First, he reached over, pinching his skin, wincing slightly. "Could this have been... from the stress? Or when I lost control...?" He started, pausing again due to the voice. He had been so caught up in the duel, he hadn't been aware of the fact that he had temporarily manifested after 'disarming' Ditar. He hesitated for several moments before reaching up, cupping the mounds. He shivered, pulling his hands back. There was little question as to what they were. Oddly enough, there was also no mistaking he still possessed his manhood as well. Despite this, he was fairly certain there was a new... addition down there as well.

He stood up, successfully this time, trying to clear his mind as he focused on his energy. He tried for several minutes, with no progress of returning to his previous form. He sighed, shaking his head. He was too exhausted to do anything about it now, he would try again tomorrow. He laid back down, falling asleep quickly despite himself.

When Nerin woke, it was early morning. He sat up and drew his blade, ignoring his change for the moment, meditating, feeling the eldritch energy flow between himself and his weapon, thankful at least that the change hadn't done that much to him otherwise. Opening his eyes, he focused on the energy once more, attempting to force a reversal. He tried for several hours before giving up once more. He just didn't know enough about the manifestations to force a change, maybe his father would know. He twitched again at the thought, of returning to his family, like this. Perhaps he could go to the city, and see if the mages guild would be of any help.

Once again, deciding that for now, there was nothing else he could do, he packed his bedroll, and resumed his march. He finished off his wine, and bread, focusing on that now, mostly anything to keep his mind off his situation. Another few hours later, he found himself thirsty, heading off to the side of the trail towards a river. He approached it, looking at himself in the water. He stared for several minutes, running his hand along his face, and above his head, noticing an odd, hair-like trail of smoke billowing out. "I was not even aware such manifestations existed..." He mused as he knelt down, filling the wineskin with water, and taking a satisfying gulp before refilling it and returning to the trail.

He reached into his pack, pulling out a rather large cloak and some bandage roll. He removed his shirt, not even looking down as he wrapped the bandages around his chest tightly. He put the cloak on then, not soon after that when he arrived at the city. He spent the better part of the day, consulting with the mages guild, but the only information they had for him, was that his current manifestation was that of a cindersoul... an abyssal para-element. He sighed as he walked into an inn, getting a room. He would rest for the night, and head home tomorrow morning on horse, or perhaps run into another genasi along the way.

He dropped off his pack into the room, then decided on taking a bath. He was going to have to face it at some point, he had not informed the mages of the other changes to his form, and awkward didn't quite begin to describe it. He grabbed a few towels, then headed towards the springs located in the back. He removed his clothing, wrapping one of the towels around his waist as he set the garments off to the side. He gingerly stepped into the water, shuddering slightly at the warmth. "Feels... different..." He mused as he leaned back. Taking a deep breath, he looked around.

Not seeing anyone, he nodded to himself and reached down between his legs, feeling a familiar bit of flesh. Steeling himself, he reached lower still, letting out a gasp as he indeed found a female sex as well, sending a strange jolt through his body. "Everything seems a little... too real." He said with a sigh as he closed his eyes, eventually falling asleep in the warm water.

 

[Captain Island]

• The road to Hawkteyn was silent and desolate, save for the Arenthy troupe rolling along in their caravan, the sound of wheels turning and of horses trotting on the trail. Everyone in the troupe was unnerved by the early signs of winter, a warning of the harsh winter to come. With the weather, it would take more than a week before they could be safe within city walls, and the cold would arrive between a week to a fortnight. Things could not be compromised, and they could rest no more than a few hours a night before having to travel once more at the crack of dawn. If one thought the life of a trouper was easy and carefree, they were indeed citizens spoiled by fine living.
  
  Sitting quietly next to Kvothe, Rinwen tossed an apple back and forth between her hands. Their usual chatter had faded away to quiet more than half an hour ago, and their friendship had grown to a point where silences were not awkward, and in fact quite soothing. Lost in thought, the girl absentmindedly took a bite of the apple, and reviewed in her mind Kvothe's words from a few days ago. He had a point, but how would she reveal her true sex to the rest of the troupe? The Arenthy had adopted her as Sebastian Eindrel the Bard, as a son; not as a daughter, not as Rinwen Sitelo from Cavreth.
  
  Kvothe watched his young apprentice calmly out of the corner of his eye. Rinwen made a beautiful lass, even when dressed as a lad, and he knew that she also possessed great magic potential. While he was not quite a high swordmage or priest, he knew enough to see a potential high priestess and swordmage when he saw one. Alas, he would never know her parents, for she did not speak of them in all the time she traveled with the troupe. He wanted her to stop wearing the guise of a young man, but knew that she would do so in time.
  
  Soon the day passed on, and dusk settled on the horizon. As camp was set up for the night, the troupers sat around the campfire, the sound of Rinwen's lute playing quietly in the background. As conversations between the Arenthy distracted the others, Kvothe sat beside the absentminded lass and clapped the musician on the back. Surprised, she coughed and set aside her lute, glancing at him with a questioning expression. "Hate to ask you this, lass, when it's getting late, but these wineskins need a-fillin' and they ain't gonna fill themselves." The man chuckled, giving her a wry smile. He was also aware that she needed some time to herself, to be herself.
  
  Without an exchange of words, only playfully warning looks, the girl nodded and took the pack of wineskins, leaving the campsite into the quiet, dark sanctuary of the forest. Rinwen drifted off the path, absentmindedly attracted to the sound of flowing water. It beckoned to her, the bubbling noise like sweet singing to her ears. Coming across a serenely moving stream, the young woman knelt by the water, cupping her hand and splashing icy cold liquid onto her face. As she came back to her senses, she began to fill the flasks, her thoughts at the back of her mind. Her painful awareness of the surrounding darkness was at the forefront.
  
  One must never disturb the peace of the forest with conflicted thoughts, she reminded herself, words her mother, a priestess Eladrin, had said. As she let her mind wander into the past, she remembered a few words of prayer to thank the spirits for providing drink, and to let the water last at least two days longer. A cool breeze blew with the scent of magic, Rinwen realized her knowledge of elemental magic was dimming, and she pursed her lips in slight worry. I may be a swordmage apprentice, but I must still remember my mother's teachings... And it dawned on her that perhaps she could become a swordmage if she ever chose to stay at Myth Drannor. Becoming a novice swordmage would also give her reason to stay away from her brother, who wouldn't want to see her anyway, despite the fact she loved him so...
  
  No! Do not think such thoughts. With a hard swallow, Rinwen banished the memories from her mind once more, lowering herself into the Heart of Stone.
  
  The moon was dark and hidden in the sky-- a foreboding omen. During this time powerful magic was hidden and the gentle ebb and flow of the enaid, the energy of the land, seemed to develop into strong currents. Rinwen was only able to find her way through the forest by sensing the magic tides, along with the directions written in the stars. When the girl stepped back on the path, the sounds of soothing silence of the forest and sloshing of water in the skins were shattered by a shrill, bloodcurdling scream.
  
  Immediately the constant current of the enaid morphed into a frenzied storm, and Rinwen lurched forward, sprinting back towards the camp. It took longer to weave her way through the tides, as the chaotic sea of enaid left her disoriented in the darkness. A few yards ahead was when she slammed straight into what felt like a stone wall, prickling and alive with enaid. Cautiously reaching up to touch the obstacle, it was indeed a wall of energy, blocking her path.
  
  "My God, what is this...?" she said under her breath, heartbeat pounding in her head as she began to lose hold on the Heart of Stone. "And why?" Pulling her fist back, Rinwen punched hard into the barrier, recoiling in pain. Sharp, stinging energy traveled up her arm, stiffening and nearly paralyzing the muscles. Inhaling, the young woman immersed herself within the Heart of Stone once more, and tentatively probed the wall.
  
  It took a few moments, but she was able to find an aperture within the barricade, and pushed with all her mental strength to widen the hole. With gritted teeth, Rinwen leapt through the rift just before it sealed once more, and without so much a backward glance raced towards the camp. The horrors she witnessed as she stepped foot in the encampment would haunt her for the rest of her life.
  
  "NO!"
  
  Rinwen staggered towards the crumpled body of her friend and mentor lying on the ground among the strewn pieces of torn limbs and mangled corpses. Blood soaked the dirt, and she fell to her knees by Kvothe's side. His breathing was ragged, and his shirt was torn where warm liquid spilled forth from a deep gash. The girl placed a hand to his wrist, feeling his pulse-- it was very, very faint. "Kvothe, it's me, Seb... no, Rinwen," she said, holding his hand and ripping off a large strip of her shirt, attempting to soak up as much of the blood as she could, pressing hard to stop the bleeding. "Take deep breaths now, you're going to have to live for me!" She hissed at him, watching his eyes open in narrow slits. Her hand was pressed tightly to the wound, palms slick with his blood.
  
  "Rin... lass..." His hoarse voice whispered, looking up at her. "How...?" Kvothe's face contorted into a mix of confusion and awe. "The barrier-- I set--" He winced and coughed, the agony written all over his face. Rinwen ignored him, focusing on treating his wound. In time she would listen to his words.
  
  "Hush now, speaking will make it worse," she said, ripping off a piece of cloth from his own shirt with her teeth. Deep lines of concentration and determination crossed her face. Suddenly, her mental barrier was broken, and she attempted to push the intruder away, until she realized the one invading her mind was Kvothe himself.
  
  <What-- how dare you!> She thought angrily, feeling stripped and raw. The woman turned to look at him, her facial expression confused and bewildered. As the Heart of Stone began to lose its hold on her, Rinwen felt as though she were thinking through a thick fog, thick as syrup. Some rational part of her brain repeated to her that the traumatic shock was beginning to set in. The pressure she applied weakened, and the look on her face held so many questions for her teacher. <Kvothe, what happened here?>
  
  <What happened is of the past, look forward to the future now. My time is almost up, please listen to what I have to say.>
  
  <What of Tryk? He was like a brother to me, Kvothe! And yet he is another one of the mangled bodies in the camp... What of the others?> Tears burned her eyes again, and hastily she blinked them away. No, she must remain strong. Nodding silently, she bit her tongue and withheld her abrupt thoughts from him, listening to his words. She noted that while the connection normally allowed for her to enter his own thoughts, he had kept them sealed away, and so she locked her own secrets away in her partitioned mind.
  
  <Rin, do not think of searching for the ones who committed this... it was bound to happen, one way or another, ever since you--> He broke off the thought, and stared at her with horrified eyes. It was clear to Rinwen that Kvothe had not meant to say such a thing.
  
  <Ever since I what? Became one of the Arenthy? Do my sins follow me this far?> Bitter resentment surged through her, and a white hot anger burned at the tip of its sword. Kvothe shook his head ever so slightly, his body quivering as the heat escaped from his body.
  
  <When they come, lass, I want you to run! Run as far as you can and never look back-->
  
  "But why! And who are they? I will fight them to the death. I am strong enough. You have taught me the skills of a swordmage!" She protested fiercely. Her eyes burned with a fire of hatred and vengeance.
  
  <You are but a novice. And you have yet to defeat anyone. You know that better than I.> His eyes were a mixture of sadness and regret. Painful, agonizing regret.
  
  Rinwen swallowed her pride, and felt as though someone had reached in and wrenched her heart into a grievous state. Falling silent, a listless expression masked the tormenting storm of her feelings.
  
  <Find your way to the Isle of Avalon-- and I pray to the Goddess that she will watch over your arduous journey ahead, should you choose to go --perhaps there, you can find your answers.> Kvothe writhed and shivered, his breathing raspy and he glanced anxiously at the edge of the dark forest nearby, as though he could see the wraiths of the night waiting to claim his soul. <The Lady may be your best hope to finding the answers you seek. I cannot provide them all, the Goddess is calling to me, and I must heed her... but remember this, lass, I have loved you like the child life failed to give to me.> Silence befell the man as his last spark of life left him, eyes glazing over as they stared up at the dark sky.
  
  Rinwen felt the power of grief descend upon her, and she simply knelt there by Kvothe's side, reeling. Staring at her bloodied palms, she trembled in shock and sheer rage. Adrenaline began to course in her veins, and the anger built up to an intense pressure within her. She sensed shadows gathering at the edge of the camp, eager to enter the empty shells of the trouper corpses, as they had not been burned nor protected with the prayers of a priestess.
  
  "Leave this place! Begone!" She finally screamed, standing up and releasing her rage, growing taller as she relished in this sense of strength. Rinwen's eyes were wild, and a new sense of power surged through her, fueled by her animosity. Only a small part of her remained human, and she let this animalistic side of her take control. "You demons have no claim to these bodies! Go back from whence you came!" The woman roared, trembling from the sheer force of her voice.
  
  The wraiths hesitated, hovering at the edges of her vision, barely seen, but felt. Then, as fleetingly as they had came, they left the ruins of the camp. Rinwen felt the power drain from her body, and she collapsed to her knees once more, nothing more than the woman she was. All was lost, and she was left to pick up the pieces that remained, to start a new life. Towards this Avalon that Kvothe had mentioned in his dying words. There was no other place to go. She had bitterly pushed aside her goal of reaching Nerin, and immediately vanquished any hope of asking him for help. He had forsaken her, just as she had forsaken God.
  
  Quietly she searched the ruins of the caravan for her belongings, and for once was rancorously grateful that they fit into a small canvas backpack, save for the lute which she tied to the pack for convenient carry. Swallowing her feelings, the girl stifled a choked sob and felt a part of her resent that show of weakness. Rinwen sprinted down the road and into the darkness, leaving behind the part of her that died with Kvothe.
  
  Now, where would she go?

 

[Neurok_Shinobi]

Nerin woke an hour later, hearing someone else enter the bathing area. His face flushed slightly and he got up, securing the towel around his body as he grabbed the clean one. He inclined his head to the elven female that came in, then ducking out of the way. He hid behind the curtain and dried off quickly and got dressed once again The heat seemed to rejuvinate him for a moment, temporarily forgetting about his situation. He went back inside, ordering a stew, a hunk of bread, and a mild wine.

Mid-way through his meal, a conversation caugth his attention.

"Remember the Sitelo's?" A man asked his freind, causing Nerin to turn and look at the pair. "Yeah, how could I forget? The parents were slaughtered by some kind of demons. Why mention them?" The second man answered.

Nerin's eyes widened, his cracking the bowl in his hand, the other gripping the edge of the table.

"Well, when Rinwen left, I think she joined up with that Arenthy troupe. They had just come back a few nights ago." The first man explained between bites.

"You certain? I didn't see her there, I saw them Both nights." The tender asked.

"Maybe she isn't performing yet? Could just be helping out with cooking or something." The first man said with a shrug. "I wonder now though... does their son know? Didn't he go off for training?"

"Yeah, to be a swordmage like his father. I don't think he knows yet... They don't like outsiders in that place." He first man said, shaking his head.

Nerin stood up, approaching the pair. "You said they came by recently? Where are they going?" He asked fervantly, her knuckles popping. "I... am hunting demons, this girl may know something." He added hastily, to dissaude any other questions.

They looked up at the Genasi curiously. "Uh... I beleive they went up to Hawkteyn? Needed to restock on supplies I think." One of them said.

"Do either of you have a horse? I need to find this female as soon as possible!" He asked, sighing thankfully as one of them nodded. He immediately ran back up to her room, grabbing his pack and pulling out a small, but beautiful jade colored emerald. He paused for a moment, his finger tips brushing along it's edge. It had been a gift from Alliere when he had been granted the coronal's gaurd title. He held it against his chest with a sigh. He hated to, but it was the only form of currency he had. He ran back down stairs, offering it to the man that had the horse. "This gem is easily worth two hundred gold, I need that horse." He said, bowing his head.

The man stared dumbfounded, but agreed. "Feed is in the pack... are you really going to travel out in the middle of the night though? It's been several days at least since they left." He said, taking the gem.

"Yes, I have many questions for her, I can't run the risk of them leaving Hawkteyn before I get there." He said, thanking the man and leaving the key to the room before heading out, finding the horse. It shied away from him at first, but he managed to calm it down with elven. Once it was safe, he climbed onto the saddle, setting off towards Hawkteyn, they had been there several times, it was a big city, and hew knew the way fairly well.

The next three days passed with no incidents, his time spent mulling over his actions in Myth Drannor, his parents, and his sister. Had the fact he found someone else upset her so greatly, she wouldn't tell him about their parents' death? The issue of his manifestation was another problem, not something he was really looking foward to revealing to his sister... or anyone else for that matter. Even with the mage's guild, he had just mentioned it was a change of appearance, not that anything was... 'added'.

Near the end of the third day, the horse shied away from the road, neighing nervously. He again calmed it down with elven, the szuldar along his skin prickling, something was wrong... there was a presence in the air. He tied the horse to a nearby tree, pulling his weapon from it's sheath. He tried to let his senses spread out, but this omninous feeling was clouding it, and the entire area reeked of arcane. The only thing he knew to do this, were demons, or necromancers. He cautiously made his way through the trees,casting sigils of protection overh is armor, his weapon taking on the form of glaive.

As Nerin moved closer, two energies seemed to stand out, necrotic, and fire, carried by the smell of burnt and slain bodies. He found his way into a large clearing, littered with bodies and the shambles of wagons. His eyes widened as he saw a banner, drenched in blood. 'Arenthy troupe'. He immediately scanning the bodies, hoping not to find her dead. "Rinwen! Rinwen!" He called out, staggering about the area, finding no trace. The szuldar grew brightly again, his body gradually being surrounded in flames. He found an older man relatively intact, kneeling down next to him. He severely disliked disturbing the dead, but he had to know.

He took out two candles, a match, and a small pouch. He gently cleared an area around the man's corpse, then set the candles down and lit them. Lastly, he pulled out fine powder from the pouch, known as residium, a reasgent that served well with all manners of rituals.

Finally the ritual was complete, and he could see the man's jaw moving, working out the stifness of death. "I am sorry to disturb your afterlife, but I have dire need of answers. What is your name?" He asked, kneeling down next to the older man.

The body of the dead man stirred, albeit stiffly. He jerked, the facial muscles twitching as he spoke. His voice sounded detached. "Young lad, why do you disturb me so...? I am Kvothe of the Arenthy. What is it you want?"

Nerin blinked slightly at the Lad comment, shrugging it off, it wasn't important. "I am looking for an Eladrin Female, Rinwen Sitelo. I heard rumor she had joined the Arenthy, but I do not see her here. Is it true she joined your troupe?" He asked, biting his lip.

"Ah, Rinwen. Yes, she had, but she is long gone. Why do you seek her?" Kvothe's face seemed to show signs of protective concern. He also seemed slightly interested at the mention of 'Eladrin'. "She is of Eladrin descent? No wonder I sensed such power..."

The Genasi's face visibly softened, his hand resting over his heart, she had managed to get away. He blinked at the question, not something that usually occured with the ritual. He rubbed the back of his head, figuring if he was forcing someone to be honest with him, he could do the same. "I am Nerin Sitelo, her brother. And yes, our mother was Eladrin.... Did she mention anything of them, that they had passed?" He asked.

Kvothe stared at Nerin for a moment, the glassy eyes studying him. "Her brother... you are a swordmage, then, for she has mentioned she had a brother at Myth Drannor. And, I was not aware your parents were in the afterlife, despite having been there myself." The corners of his lips twitched up, as though he were chuckling. Suddenly a look of annoyance was in his eyes. "Is that all? I would like to return to a peaceful rest."

He nodded his head. "I am indeed." He said, a soft smile toughing his lips, she hadn't utterly revoked him at least... "Ah... yes. Sorry again to have disturbed your rest. Be assured, I will give you and your companions a proper burial, and that I will hunt down those responsible. May you rest easy Kvothe." He said, about to end the ritual before Kvothe spoke again.

"Nerin," He said, hesitating for a moment. "Keep her safe... she needs you more than ever." As his words faded away, Nerin nodded his head, ending the ritual. "May the gods accept your soul." He said with a bow of his head before standing. He made his way to a tree, pressing his ring against it, casting an arcane mark on upon, which would apear on his map, so that he would not forget the location. Finally, he cast a spell that would keep scavengers away, and precent the bodies from decaying.

He turned back to where he had left the horse, and climbed back on. "Quickly now, we must find her..." He whispered, ushering the horse on to the city of Hawkteyn.

 

[Captain Island]

• Rinwen had traveled the past three days with little rest, and had sprinted most of the time. She thanked the spirits for giving her the strength to keep moving, sitting down upon a rock and drank the last of her water from her wineskin. Her food rations were running low, as she did not have time to pack more, and did not dare venture back into the forest to retrieve the rest of the wineskins. So the woman pressed on, on her way to Hawkteyn. She was in desperate need of food and hot drink, and a bed to sleep in. It didn't matter if the inn was cheap, anything would be better than the hard life of a journey without proper rations.
  
  Luckily for her she still had an extra set of clothing and a small handful of berries to keep her nourished. All that Rinwen needed was to get through the day and hopefully reach the city by sunset. As dawn broke over the horizon, she forced herself to stand up and stretch, listlessly folding her blanket and stuffing it into the pack. Shivering, she kicked dirt over the burning embers of the fire from the night before. The morning was especially cold, and was beginning to bite through the thick cloak she wore. Checking to make sure she had everything still intact, Rinwen set out on the road once more.
  
  Unlike the times she had traveled with the troupe, she was tortured by the silence of the journey, which forced her to think more about the past, to dwell on it. Questions raced through her mind, and Rinwen bit her lip, this time breaking the skin. She muttered obscenely and sucked at the wound, relishing the metallic taste on her tongue.
  
  Suddenly, a light rain began to sprinkle on her, and the morning grew even colder. Rinwen drew the cloak around herself tighter, pulling the hood over her head. The night before, she had taken a sharp dagger to her hair and cut it off, her long dark locks used as part of a prayer to keep herself safe for the rest of her journey. Not only that, but the woman decided she would remain as Sebastian during her journey and for the rest of her time in Hawkteyn, as she regained her bearings. Women were more likely to be attacked by rapists and thieves, and she had enough people hunting for her already.
  
  The day wore on, and the rain fell harder, dampening her cloak. Coughing, she felt herself growing weaker, and every once in a while tilted her head back to have a few drops of water on her tongue. Rinwen longed to sit by a warm, roaring fire and ached for a hot meal. She found it odd that while she neared the city, there weren't any travelers that passed her on the road. Does this mean the rumors of war are true? She asked herself worriedly. If so, this meant the number of highwaymen and deserting soldiers would plague the roads. If she were to travel to Avalon, then protecting herself would be a greater priority.
  
  The past few days she had been completely bound by the Heart of Stone, never letting it release its hold on her. Rinwen dared not to know how emotional she could become. If she were to survive, she would have to learn to remove all compassion.
  
  It wasn't long before she arrived by the gates of Hawkteyn, the towering outer stone walls of the city imposing and invincible. Heavily guarded, the heavy gates that led inside were carved with the symbols of the empire. It had been so long since she had last visited this majestic city, and the young woman could not remember the merry summer fairs she had attended as a young child.
  
  After finally passing through the gates, it was now that she could see just how grand and large Hawkteyn really was—a labyrinth of inns, houses and taverns, with street urchins stalking the dark corners of the crowded streets. Losing herself in the bustle of the city, she slipped into the tavern of a nearby inn.
  
  "Excuse me sir," she said, placing her lute on the counter. "What will I get in exchange for my skills as a musician?" She had hoped he would be a more sympathetic innkeeper, but he merely scoffed at her offer.
  
  "Like hell I would hire a musician! Go on, get out of this place! You are not allowed back in my inn unless you have money in your pocket!"
  
  And so Rinwen tried again, and again, but they all responded to her with different variations of the same words. The end of the day was drawing near, and if she wouldn't be able to acquire a place to sleep, then she would be forced to sleep in a freezing, dirty alleyway.
  
  Well, if I can't get a place to sleep, I might as well get something to eat... She was completely out of food, and felt her empty stomach growing increasingly restless. The smell of delicious meals in the air did nothing to curb her appetite. Despite how desperate she was, Rinwen couldn't get anything to eat unless she had money in her pocket. Must I be forced to steal...?
  
  It was then that the most tempting opportunity came before her… a rather corpulent man walked past her, and while he was still in her sight the woman noticed he had a large, bulging purse hanging from his belt, jingling with gilded currency. While Rinwen wasn’t a saint, never before had she stolen so much as a loaf of bread. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t do it if necessary-- merely because there was no need. Still, she needed the money, and the girl was certain that a man such as he could spare a few coins. After a few minutes, Rinwen stalked after him, following him in the crowd. Quietly she was enough steps behind him to reach out and… grab the purse…
  
  “What are you doing?! Thief!” cried the man, spinning around and grabbing her by the wrist. “I’ll have you arrested for that—guards!” He motioned for two city guards, clad in uniform, to take her by the arms and arrest her, pinning her against a wall as they clapped iron handcuffs on her wrists. She winced, feeling the tight metal cut into her skin. Rinwen gritted her teeth in regret later that night, as she sat in a jail cell, eating meager rations. Who knew that she would get what she wanted? Shelter and food in a prison!
  
  Sitting on the cold hard stone floor, Rinwen curled up and hugged her knees, resting her head between them. So many things had happened within less than a fortnight. From an Arenthy trouper to a common, petty criminal, what else will follow? She thought worriedly. Surely they would not keep her here for long, thrown in with murderers and rapists. At least they still had her mistaken for a boy; however there were stories of inmates who had a thing for boys with delicate faces… the thought frightened her, as much as she hated to admit it.
  
  Footsteps resounded and echoed up and down the dank halls of the prison, and she looked up, watching a guard approach her cell. Immediately she tensed, and bolted upright to stand tall before him. Never would she let anyone see her in her weak state. Despite all, Rinwen knew she had to remain strong, as she represented the last of the Arenthy. Regarding the man with a cool and indifferent stare, she remained silent as he returned the gaze.
  
  “Guess what, we have something for you to do, considering we don’t have room to waste on a petty thief like you, what with murderers and deserters running amok," he said gruffly, handing her a dirtied paper with a crude artist representation of a man and the name ‘Veris’ scribbled at the top. “Look, the Chief says that you can be released as a bounty hunter, and within a year’s time if you manage to bring back this guy dead or alive you can win your freedom. If not, then you will be hunted down with a bounty on your head as well, for harboring a fugitive and avoiding prison time. Do you understand? We are letting you go.”
  
  Rinwen nodded, staring blankly at the paper. So this is what follows-- from being the daughter of an Eladrin and a Genasi, to an orphan traveling among the Arenthy—to finally: a bounty hunter? Fifty-thousand gold coins for this guy’s head! She didn’t even have to kill the man; she simply had to find him, capture him and bring him towards the nearest constable. Even if she didn’t find this guy, she would probably be able to avoid the authorities… somehow. But that would be a year ahead, and Rinwen didn’t want to waste this opportunity.
  
  “Sign me up,” she agreed, and an hour later she was back on the streets with twenty silver in her pocket, beginning her search for this Veris—her new target.

 

[Neurok_Shinobi]

He urged the horse to a speed that was perhaps faster than it should be, considering the weather, but he knew how to handle the steed, and they never faultered. He seldom stopped, only for horse to rest, and so that they could replenish themselves. By the second day, he had to forage from food, but didn't spend too much time on it, his drive keeping him focused. He no longer even required a full night's sleep, having learned to enter a trance instead, as the Eladrin did, and now that time was of the essence, he could scarcely afford to do otherwise. The ritual to kepe the bodies composed would only last long enough for a group to come nad gather them up and start their journey back, and if he could not find his sister... a search party as well.

He wasn't too sure if they would provide, but he could promise is service in lieu of payment, h was fairly skilled in his chosen art after all. The forest opened up into a large, plainy area, and he could see the city from about a day's journey out. When he finally approached the city, he sighed softly, slowing the horse down to a trot, dismounting it. He walekd up to the guard, reigns in hand. The man gave him a suspicious look, checking a scroll for a moment before letting him pass.

He wondered what that was about form a moment... but was more concerned with finding his sister, and a group to retrieve the bodies. He asked the guard for directions to the guard headquarters, reporting a slaughter. He was given directions, and tethered his horse near water, thanking it before heading to the the tavern. He four days without substantial food caught up with him, the surge of adrenaline from the events starting to die down. He approached the bar keep, ordering a meal, and wine, sitting down at one of the stools. After doing so, spoke, somewhat loudly. "Sir... I was wondering, have you heard anything of an Arenthy Troupe member coming into town? I would have words with her, about an event that occured roughly six days ago." He asked, slipping silver for the meal, and a gold for incentive.

"You're meal'll be ready in ten minutes." Was all the man said, as he gestured casually to a corner of the tavern, Nerin turned, seeing what seemed to be a young man, dishevelled. "An ale as well please." He said, the tender nodding and passing him a glass of wine, and a muf of foamed ale. He approached the man, with a soft smile. "May I have a chat with you, sir?" He asked the... Eladrin? Yes, a rather handsome one at that, with a slightly girlish figure. "My name is..." He faltered for a moment, not wanting to use either of his previous identities. "Nallis. I ask because I came across the caravan... what is left of them." He said, softly, not wanting to attract too much attention until he informed the guard.

 

[Captain Island]

• Rinwen sat in a dim corner of the tavern, observing its patrons quietly. The paper lay on the table beside her, and she stared at it, studying the features of the man depicted. It unnerved her that while this was such a churlish sketch, there was something about him that made her think she recognized him. So familiar, yet she couldn't quite put her finger on who it was. Taking a small bite of her food, the girl sighed and flipped the paper upside down, mulling over what her next step would be. Based on previous information, Veris was last seen near Myth Drannor... should I go there myself? Find my brother and request his help? What would he say to me? She debated staying at Hawkteyn a while, to search and see if he would be within its walls. It was plausible, and a better place to start rather than race across the rest of the empire.
  
  Thoughts wandering elsewhere, a frown crept upon her lips as she pondered Kvothe's last words. For the past few days Rinwen had suppressed the memories as best as she could, in the fear that if she were ever to relive those memories, a torrent of tears would burst forth. Thus, the woman forced herself to live within the Heart of Stone, without a care to the welfare of her mental state, of what the damage would be. Once she released the magic's hold on her mind, would she even be capable of any compassion? But what did it matter... it wasn't as though she had anyone left to show kindness towards.
  
  The cold feeling still in her chest, the woman downed the last of her hot spiced cider to warm her spirits, and pushed the chair back as she stood up to retire to bed early. Perhaps sleep would be a comforting escape. Alas, when she looked up, she noticed a peculiar looking woman within the tavern. Stepping back, Rinwen looked her over, and felt her interest piqued as she noticed the strange lady was a Genasi. As the girl herself was half-Genasi in thanks to her father (she took her mother's Eladrin appearance, while being capable of limited Genasi abilities-- 'twas her brother that took after their father), she felt curious to speak to one. The young woman also noticed the Genasi wore the garb of a swordmage, and immediately felt the urge to ask of her brother, in case the strange traveler had come from Myth Drannor.
  
  Rinwen tensed as she was approached, then nodded and gestured for the woman to sit down. As she listened to the swordmage's questions, the girl took note of the Genasi's features. She seemed slightly similar to the man in the picture... but this was a woman, and Rinwen clearly remembered her target was a man. This unnerved her greatly, but she shrugged it off for now. Later, she would feel brave enough to approach the subject.
  
  "Ah..." Rinwen said slowly, frowning slightly as she searched for the words to say. Her hearing was placed on full alert once the Arenthy's caravan was mentioned. She thought to herself, What does she know? Can this woman help me? Does she think I'm responsible? Does she know anything of Avalon?
  
  Still, Rinwen placed her thoughts on hold, and simply nodded, albeit somberly. "Yes, ma'am, the caravan is... my troupe." Although she was still deep within the Heart of Stone, the girl found it hard to keep her voice straight. "Do you have any word or what have you...? Anything that you wish to speak with me about regarding... that?" She suddenly had a burning question in her mind, but she was unable to speak it for fear that there would be a heartbreaking and disappointing answer.
  
  Did she see anyone there? Anyone alive?

 

[Neurok_Shinobi]

He shook his head with a sigh. "I'm assuming then that you came back after the fact? Unfortunately, you may be only one of two that made it..." She said, taking a sip of her drink. "Did you happen to see the ones that did it? I am not certain... but I believe demons were involved, I could still feel their pressence... I did my best to preserve the members of you're troupe, I will soon send word to the gaurd captain to reetrieve them, so that they be given a proper burial." He said, bowing his head. He edged forward after a moment, his eyes focused. "Please, is there anyone else that made it with you? I heard that an Eladrin female joined your troupe some time ago. Her name is Rinwen." He asked, his voice slightly on edge. His mind quickly worked on some explanation, placing the glass down. "I'm a family member, Nerin." He said, extending his hand. Given their situation before, he doubted she would have mentioned him. He just hoped that if... No, when he found his sister, that they would be able to put the past behind them. The trail of smoke that billowed from his head increased in volume slightly, wavering in the air.

"I left from Myth Drannor for... personal reasons. When I got to an inn, I heard she had supposedly joined the troupe after our parents died. Please... tell me she made it with you." He whispered, clutching at the table tightly. Part of his mind was already planning in the event worst case scenario... considering ressurection... maybe even necromancy for a moment, then shut the thought from his mind. She was going to be alright. He was going to find her, give the bodies a proper burying, and then hunt the demons.

 

[Captain Island]

• Rinwen felt her heart's pace quicken, and she sucked in a sharp intake of breath. The woman's words forced vivid scenes to resurface in her mind, along with new questions and suspicions, chaotic and rushing at full speed, only to be restrained by her teeth biting down on her tongue. One of two? Who could be the other one? Was it Tasha-- or was it Aaron? I don't recall ever seeing their bodies, but then again anyone other than Kvothe was torn up and impossible to distinguish individually... She felt a slight nausea, almost recalling the horrific stench of fresh blood and death from the camp, the traumatic images of dismembered limbs and broken bones. Rinwen bit down hard on her tongue, refusing to have a second taste of her dinner.
  
  "I-I wasn't able to see the p-perpetrators..." she said shakily, licking her dry lips and racking her mind to find the words to say. How ironic it was, that there were so many words running through her mind, and yet-- she was left speechless. Clearing her throat, she avoided the other woman's gaze and attempted to continue. "I did sense demons however... they--well, the power I felt was overwhelming, and strong." Rinwen felt her eyes glance towards the paper on the table, turned upside down. She wanted so badly to flip it over and compare features...
  
  "Th-thank you for taking the time to do that, honestly I don't know if I'd be able to bury them myself-- to, er, put their bodies back together." The young woman continued to listen to her words, and felt like she should turn away as she inched closer, and yet compelled by the Genasi's eyes and could not look away. Suddenly, Rinwen could feel any sense of hope in her expression dissolve. She was looking for a 'Rinwen', and lo and behold, she was talking to her. But how would she know her real name? The past several months Rinwen had been careful not to disclose her true identity to anyone but Kvothe. It wasn't possible that around these parts, a single person could name who she was. Not unless her brother had hired someone to search for her. It was plausible-- but highly unlikely. An unsettled feeling was at the bottom of her stomach, and she fidgeted nervously.
  
  "No such..." she began at first, hoping to escape the situation. But as the woman's words dragged on, her voice trailed off. Rinwen listened to what she had to say, and she herself began to put two and two together. "You can't possibly be Nerin," she said, crossing her arms and frowning slightly. "As I recall--" she suddenly stopped herself. Rinwen had almost let out the fact she was exactly the person the Genasi was looking for. "--Rinwen had a brother, not a sister. You must be mistaken."
  
  With a soft sigh, as the quiet seconds between them ticked by, Rinwen felt like those moments were hours. For some reason, something like this didn't surprise her as much as it should have... after all she had been through, it was rare to be surprised by something. The young Eladrin simply hoped for things to pass quickly so she could move on to a new part of her life. One that would allow her to heal her wounds and regain some semblance of humanity.

 

[Neurok_Shinobi]

He nodded his head slightly. "I see..." He said with a slight frown, but figured that made more sense. If it were demons, they weren't likely to leave any actual witnesses, unless they had a message to deliver. Something didn't sit right. There was bodies, so it wasn't feeding. The demons he had encountered usually had some kind of purpose, unless they were summoned by a mortal. But who of the Troupe would do so, or who would summon demons to attack them? He arched an eyebrow. He looked intently at the male now, sheer luck? He didn't seem much like anything other than a troupe member...

"I'm sure the clerics of the city would be willing. Do you happen to know the family of the others? If not... i'm sure there are some cities that will know at least some of them." He said with a sigh. He noticed the change in facial expression as he mentioned Rinwen, his own face falling. "Y-you didn't see her then? I see, well i'll go and..." He trailed off, figuring the male had not actually seen his sister... hoping she was somewhere else. He had started to get up when the Eladrin spoke again, causing him to pause. He blinked a few times in surprise, she had talked about him?

He frowned again, fidgeting nervously as he sat back down. How to explain himself? The only thing he could think of... was the truth. He leaned in a little, trying to keep his voice down. "D-despite my current form I ah... I am indeed Nerin... Shortly after I left Myth Drannor, I ended up like... this. " He said, gesturing down to his body. I'll spare you the details, but it's some kind of manifestation that some Genasi go through, mine triggered by er... stress..." He tried to explain. "Did she tell you something about me, something that only..." He trailed off, if she would tell other people, then it wouldn't be much of a secret, would it? His brow furrowed as he rubbed his forehead. "She is with you though, right? Take this necklace to her. She'll recognize it." He said as he took out a small necklace adorned with colorfull stones, and gave off a small amount of heat when rubbed. "She gave this to me when we were younger, when we were going to..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "That much isn't important. Meet me by the guard quarters, I would like the bodies to get here relatively whole." He said, standing up.

 

[Captain Island]

• "I'm all that's left..." Rinwen murmured under her breath at first, but then realized the other woman wouldn't be able to hear her. Clearing her throat, the girl spoke up a bit louder. "Family? With us, the troupe is the only family. Really, I'm all that's left." She stiffened, jaw clenched as eyes burned, as if she should be crying-- but the Heart of Stone prevented that. Rinwen was grateful for it, because it would be humiliating for her to represent the last of the Arenthy and to cry before this woman.
  
  It suddenly dawned upon Rinwen just how close she had grown to the troupe within the past several months. She had been adopted as another member within their family, and it was almost as though she had been borne under their wing. Unfortunately, the realization came too late, and she swallowed it down, pushing it to the back of her mind.
  
  She felt herself growing tenser as she listened to the woman's words. Her hands clenched into tight fists, the knuckles growing white. Biting the inside of her cheek, Rinwen watched as the woman pulled out a brightly colored necklace... she recognized that necklace. What she wasn't familiar with was the whole manifestation idea. Never before had the girl heard of such a thing. Then again, she wasn't entirely too familiar with Genasi, as she was Eladrin by her mother's blood. She was too busy with her own training and education to pay attention to her brother's.
  
  With the amount of magick and mystery that had been surrounding her the past few days, and lying in the Heart of Stone, she would have to keep an open mind. Rinwen swallowed nervously, and stood up, her hands slamming down onto the table. She stared eye to eye at the woman, studying them. Those eyes-- she had seen them before, and Rinwen knew them so well. The soft features were almost a mimicry of something more masculine... the girl was beginning to see it.
  
  Nodding slightly, she held her breath. She was still so unsure to trust this woman. Something about her didn't sit well with Rinwen. It was a feeling unlike anything she had felt before, and yet it felt so familiar. Perhaps she had felt it, long ago. Still, even if the woman was actually, er, her brother then Rinwen knew she would still have to keep herself secret. She had to know for sure, a validation that couldn't be doubted. Nowadays, after coming to the realization that she was being hunted, Rinwen didn't want to have any doubts before trusting someone. Or something.
  
  "Right. Well then, Nerin," God. It was so weird saying that name after all these years. "I'll meet you later tonight. Or... tomorrow? Would it be safer that way? There's an extra bed in my room, and you're more than welcome to share it. You look like you've been traveling for too long." She forced a warm smile, and nodded her head towards the stairs, leading out of the tavern. "I'm sure I can arrange things last minute with the innkeeper."
  
  Rinwen also had so many more questions for this woman... Nerin... whoever he -- or she -- was.

 

[Neurok_Shinobi]

"I see..." He said, not really sure how else to respond to that. He figured that the man was still under shock, a perfectly understanble reaction to what he witnessed. He blinked as he noticed the tensing of the person. People under pressure often snapped, at anything, or anyone, and this Eladrin was close to such an event. His hand immediately lept for his blade as the hands slammed down on the table, the tavern's eyes focused on the pair.

He relaxed after a moment, though he remained still as the eladrin stared intently at him, unnerving the genasi slightly. He could of course understand skepticism in the situation, but this was something far different. He leaned back as the other finally seemed to somewhat accept his words, it was a start. His facial features and body relaxed visibly, surely, this man knew where is sister was! He reached forward, clasping over his hands, eyes watering slightly in happiness at the knoweldge she was ok.

"F-forgive... the past week has been... taxing. It was all I could do to make it here." He said, pulling back as he wiped his eyes, taking a steadying breath. "And indeed, tomorrow would be best. I would imagine she would like some time to compose herself. She was always strong-willed, but the death of anyone always ate at her, friend of stranger..." He said with a soft chuckle as he stood up. "For now, i'll report the incident, and then get a room here. I will meet you down here in the afternoon? You can take the night to talk with my sister, and show her the necklace." He said with a nod, his face practically beaming. He bowed his head in respect, and said goodbye before heading to check on the horse, then heading to the guard's office.

As he entered the building, several of the guard's stared at him in disbelief, again, unnverving Nerin. As he approached the desk, they looked between some poster, and himself. "Nah... it's a female... color's all different too." A few of them said, and variations there of. He rubbed the back of his head. "Er... I would report an incident. The Arenthy Troupe was decimated, most were found brutally slain, and i'm fairly certain it was some type of demons." She explained, ignoring the stares. "I performed a ritual that wil keep their bodies, and prevent them from being raised, but I am no expert... I request a group sends or them quickly, so that they may be properly buried. After several questions, he gave the location, and the captain agreed, another look of shock on their faces.

He returned soon after, starting to wind down now. He let out a soft groan and asked for a room, smiling wearily at the keep. He grabbed the keys and made his wau tp to the room, shrugging off his pack, rubbing his shoulders, and is back. He seemed to mostly have adjusted, balace-wise at least. He wasn't sure if he would ever really get used to it... hoping it wouldn't be an issue. He collapsed on top of the cot and passed out within minutes. He slept fairly peacefully, all things considered, waking in the morning. He unfotunately only had the sam clothes, and would have to purchas some later... though, earn money first. Shrugging that aside, he meditated, until noon, then headed downstairs, sitting down in the same booth.