North and South

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Zalindrana
The air was thick with smoke from the pipe of patrons. The tavern was close to the border so some of the people there were also Northerner, though the tavern was technically on the South end. Southern men played against Northern men in cards while women served drinks to them. Others sat at tables, scattered in no perticular order, talking amongst themselves of triumphs they hve accomplioshed. Some real, some altered, some fake altogether. But it was the story that held the attention. The air was warm since it was so close to the North. If it had been deeper into the south it would be much hotter.

In the back corner sat a solitary man. A large jug of Aqivi (strongest in the South) in his hand. He pulled the jug to his lips and drank heavily, the beverage dripping down his chin. He set the jug on the table and let out a soft breath. He wore a standard Southern Dhoti and sandles. Due to not wearing a shirt his musclar chest was exposed showing off the scars he earned in the Circle. (Where Traditional Sword fights accure or Sword Dancers) He was the Blade with No Name. Though others just call him Blade for either lazyness or they thought it sounded better then the entire thing.

He eyed the many patrons around him and then to a man who walked up to him yelling words of challenge. Being a Sword Dancer, Blade could not deny the challenge. He drank from his jug again and stood up. He towered over the Southern man by a foot or so at least. Blade walked by the man and made his ay outside. There he unsheathed his sword, Blessed by his shodo or Sword Master, Kaiden in the North,the hilt was silver with a swirling design, the blade a blue tinted silver, and put the tip to the sand and walked in a large circle, the sand splitting to his sword like butter to a good knife. He then stepped into the circle and turn to the man who made the challenge.

They both stood there watching each other. Neither making a move. At least until Blade spoke. Dance... It was single word that set the other man off in range of flying steel. Blade esily parried the sword upwards leaving the other open. He dropped to one knee and spun on it leaving the challenger wide eyed and empty gutted, that which was only his, displayed on the sand. After a moment the man fell forward and hit the sand, dust rising from the impact. Blade leaned down and pulled the mans purse of gold from his belt hooking it to his own. He walked out of the circle being sure to kick at the cut and to break the ring a was ritual. He made his way back inside to his table and with the dead mans gold he ordered another jug of Aqivi.

Shaggs
Jake slowly made his way into the bar, slightly distracted as he eyed the freshly gutted corpse outside. Upon stepping through the threshold of the door, the bartender instantly recognized him. "Well, if it isn't Jake! Coming to pay his tab I hope!" A wide grin spread across Jake's face and he solemnly replied. "Nope! Just give me the usual and put it on my tab." The bartender rolled his eyes before placing a bottle up on the counter, in the open for Jake. Jake approuched it and put his hand on it, just as a man pulled a young woman onto his lap, much to her protest. The man continually asured her that he would "take good care of her". In anger, Jake spun around throwing the bottle at the man, watching it smash against his head.

Blockhead
Kurrum Redgrill sat at the bar, looking into an empty cup. Business had been a little slow recently and Kurrum prefered to make his gold by hunting down dishonourable men and big game. He called to the bartender and asked him quietly if there was any news of any new contracts available to one such as himself.

Lycanthrope
Thorgrim and his son solemnly sit at the dimly lit table while they ate. "Father i miss mom so very much" Thorgrim replies "As do I son"
Finn spoke again "Why cant we go to the South and hunt down the dogs that captured her"
"Because you are too young" Thorgrim said with a defeated look on his face "and i have lost my wife, i couldn't bare to lose you as well" Finn slams his fist on the table in anger "I am not too young, I have been practicing the sword dance. Together we could find them ,slaughter them and retrieve Mother" Thorgrim, tacking a deep breath replies to his sons outburst "Maybe you are right son." after a long pause Thorgrim spoke with conviction "We will sharpen our weapons tonight and head to the south in the morning. We will make our way to the border tavern. Maybe we can find a lead there"

Shaggs
Angrily, the man turned to Jake and yelled, "What the hell was that for!?" With a smug grin, Jake looked the man dead in the eye. "She said no, so let her go." The man just grimaced. "I don't have to do anything, because you know that women have no rights around here." With an agitated sigh Jake stood up and walked over. "That doesn't mean you can treat her like dirt." The man scowled and balled up a fist, which he launched at Jacob. "Wrong move!" Jake caught the obviously drunken man's fist and threw him over his shoulder. "There, now maybe he will sober up." With a triuphant smile, he returned to the bar.

Lycanthrope
As Thorgrim and Finn sit at the table of the tavern a woman walks up to them Flirtingly. "My aren't you a cutie, so young and Innocent" she addressed Finn. "For a price I could make you a man" Thorgrim interrupted annoyed at the wenches advances "We are not here for pleasure, We are looking for His mother, My wife who was taken by Scum suckin Southern Slavers, unless you can give us some information BE GONE!" Thorgrim said loud enough in hopes that someone would here his plite

Zalindrana
Blade watched as a man took hold of a young Tavern woman. He did not really acknowledge the fact, but his eye caught the man who was the only one to take action. He arched a scarred brow at the man and then shrugged him off. Bar fights were common and one more did not mean anything. However it did peak his interests that it was a fight about the honor and wishs of a woman. A thing that was not common. He watched as the one who threw the bottle throw the man on his back and snickered slightly. Blades ear twitched as he looked over to the man telling off a Tavern girl. Another odd thing in the south. Most men took willing girls. Then he noticed the boy. Now that was interesting. He must trust his own skill to bring his child to a place like this. Even if it was the border. Blade got to his feet and made his way over to them. He did not bow, He did not greet them in anyway. He stood there in his Dhoti and white burnous, light catching on the silver hilt of his blade.

Looking for Southern Slavers? His voice was soft even for his massive build. He himself was uncommon, resembling neither North or South appearance. It would be Wise to not shout about Slavers so close to the border with a child with you. He raised a hand to halt any words of protest if the man thought his words threatening. I mean no insult. Too many are taken by the slavers. The majority of them lie deep in the South. Past the deadly Punja. He indicated the chair at their table, asking if he could sit. Perhaps we can make an arrangement?

Shaggs
Jake listened in on the conversation, taking in the details about the slavers. "For the right price, you've got yourself and experienced sword to fight by your side.", he said, not even turning around, still bent over helping the barmaid up.

Lycanthrope
Thorgrim pleased at his luck that the soft spoken man of stature ,obviously confident in his sword wielding abilities, was willing to help. "Yes friend please sit down." Looking towards the man helping the barmaid up he jested "If you would be so kind as to sit and join us" Thorgrim motioned to the bar keep to bring a round of aqivi. "My name is Thorgrim Valkyrson this is my son Finn, We are from the village Koroth not a days trek from here. Two days ago while we were hunting Cavebear, Southern Slavers raided our village and took my wife captive. We are here to see to it that they do not make a slave of my beloved Rayla. I have seen many battles and am skilled with an axe but I am no sword dancer. My son has been practicing the arts but he is only 17 and has never seen combat and we are but two.I have no way of finding the vermin who took her on my own nor do I poses the powers to take on a large group. I would be most grateful if you gentlemen would consider helping me. I am a Blacksmith by trade so I am not a wealthy man but I have a very good stock of Hardy Thoroughbred horses that I could trade or I can offer to make you a fine sword if you would be so kind as to help. Other than this I have nothing to bargain with. Unless there is a task that we may, in return, help either of you with." Thorgrim pauses for a second as the barkeep places the aqivi down. "Does my offer suite either of you" Thorgrim said pleadingly "Can you help us through the Punja pass and retrieve my Wife and Mother to my Son?"

Zalindrana
The Blade With No Name sat, eyeing the man behind him as he did so. He then turned to the on who had the proposition. Koroth... I am not familiar with that place. Is it in the North? He then waved a hand dismissing it as a pointless conversation. .... I do not need a horse for my own is a fine Stud and I would not trade him for all the horses in the South. As for swords I have my own Shodo Blessed Sword. He didnt bother to show off the sword for he was a true Sword Dancer and Boasting was not part of the code. He looked to the woman who brought the Aqivi, a smile coming across his face. Not because of the woman, but of the drink. He poured himself a glass, not bothering to ask if the supply was ment for them all or just the man and his son, and drank heavily. After he wet his throat he looked the man in the eyes. The Punja is a dangerous place for a Northerner. The fair skin of your people will blister easily under its sun. The Sandtigers there could kill even me if their claws sank deep enough.... Not to mention the cannibal tribes there. He tapped his chin a bit. Even if we were to get lucky, not see any sandtigers, avoid the Tribes, there are sandstorms that would tear at your flesh and suck what little water you would have from your body. He didnt bother to lighten the news for the boys sake. If the father ment to cross the Punja then surley he would take his boy with him, and he too needed to know the dangers. After a moment he smiled. Now that I think of it a good horse would sell nicley. Here is my offer. One pure bred horse for the journey. He left a moment for pause. And another one for each time I save your life. Though he had a faint smile his eyes show seriousness. His skin was darker then most of the Southern men within the Tavern. It was obvious he spent alot of his days out in the sun. I call the Punja my home and I am a Seventh Level Sword Dancer. The Highest rating in the South. There are very few of those in the South who can say that let alone both. If there is fighting to be done I will assist as by contract. As for additional help, as he eyed the other man It is up to you. It does not matter wether or not another sword is with us. I am not one to boast, and extra steel is always nice.

Blockhead
The bartender approached Kurrum and spoke to him of two Northerners who were searching for their wife and mother. He also said that they were here, in the bar, and had been approached by other parties thus far. Thanking the bartender with a glint of a silver coin, Kurrum made his way over to the table that was said to seat the Northerners in need of such a man as himself. He kept his distance, wanting to size them up and perhaps listen in on their conversation from afar before introducing himself and offering his assistance.

Kennedyward
Balto sat alone in the bar, enjoying his own amount of his drink. He glanced around at the bar noticing nothing of intrest to him, considering he was almost half sleep. He then took what he knew as his second sip of his drink.

Shaggs
Jake approuched and took a seat. "I fought in the Pendulum wars a few years back.. and I too am looking for my wife. I lost her track of her at the start of the war.."

Zalindrana
((Pendulum? Sounds like GoW2.))

In the short time that had passed his eyes moved to others within the tavern. From the sleepy drunk at the bar to the woman serving drinks to the other side of the room. He also took notice of the man who was also at the bar watching them, Listening. He looked back to the man who had the proposition, but kept the eavesdropper in mind.

Kennedyward
Balto happend to catch the wrods said by Jake and looked towards the table. "Impressive." he says to himself as he turned back to the table which he sat.

Shaggs
((Since there were crystals that magnified the sun, I thought Pendulum would fit in a way. haha))

"Yeah.. the entire war was over the crystals in the desert.. not those sun amplifying pieces of crap. The good ones."

Zalindrana
Blade nodded to the man The Punja is full of tiny crystals. Thats why it is so deadly. And the Sandstorms tend to suck an Oasis dry. If we were to cross the Punja and we hit two in a row that are dryed up or fouled then we would have to turn back... Or die. but I would rather not. He crossed his arms and put his attention back to the man who was hiring one of them or possibly both.

Lycanthrope
Thorgrim showed no emotion, but was bursting with in with the prospect of the men helping him. "Excellent " Finn Exclaimed" "Then you both will help us" "Will you teach me the Sword Dance" Finn said looking at the Sword dancer eagerly. Thorgrim motioned for his son to hold his tongue" "Forgive my son" Thorgim said apologetic "He is excitable and anxious to prove himself" "Sword master You have my word that you will have the pick of my finest steeds" Thorgrim said with a proud voice knowing he raised the best horses in the land. "And you Sir jake, I pledge to stay with you until We find your wife as well, I empathize with the pain of your lose. No man should suffer this . Your experience in War will be a great asset to us, and from your actions i see you are an Honorable man." Thorgrim said this hoping his adulation would inspire Jake. "We should wait out the night in hopes that others may join us on our quest on the marrow." "Sword dancer" Thorgrim said confident the man would agree with his request "I will buy you all the aqivi you want this eve if you would prepare my son with a lesson before our journey?" " Now let us prepare, fill our water flasks ,feed the horses" "Bar keep" Thorgrim voiced loudly "is there a place that we may store our Furs, for we will not be needing them for our endeavors" "The barkeep begrudgingly said "Yes I will store them in the basement, but if you do not return with in 6 months they are mine to sell" "Fair deal kind Sir" Thorgrim replied "I pray to the gods that we will"

Blockhead
Kurrum thought he had heard enough and approached the party of 'wife rescuers'. "From what I have heard, you are in need of Swords to rescue your beloved wives, however they may have been lost to you. For the right price, I can offer you my services and will help you find your wives and bring justice to those who commited wrong-doings." Announced Kurrum, hoping that the party would accept him.

Kurrum knew that parties of this size were usually a bad sign, as the job was usually a bigger and higher risk one. Not only that, but the pay had to be divided up. Nevertheless, the amount of work in the recent week had seemily ground to a halt and Kurrum needed to eat and have money to pay his informants, as well as for his equipment.

Zalindrana
He nodded his head lightly in acceptance of the deal, eyes looking over the eager and energertic boy. He then looked over to the other who had joined a moment before. The one refered to as Jake. In the event we are caught by the Punja Tribes the more swords we have the better chance we have to survive the encounter. He looked to Thorgrim as he spoke more and nodded in agreement. My head is filled with the tang of Aqivi. Rousing for the journey in the morning would be best. His eyes seemed to light up a bit at the mention of all the aqivi he could drink for a single lesson to his son. I suppose one lesson wont hurt. Spoken as he filled his cup with the stuff and drank heavily. His eyes, now fogged from the drink, looked up to Kurrum as he approached. He then pointed to Thorgrim and Jake. Their Wives. This Blade only has one edge to it. Patting his chest as he drank even more. He then put his hand up as he remembered. Oh right. Be sure to pack a good supply of water. The oasis are few and far between... though I know where the majority are it still takes time to get to them. If we are lucky and do not miss any of them the trip will still take at least a week. But if we have to divert to another oasis it can take up to a month. The idea might of been laughable if he didnt have such a hard look on his face..... He then started to sway a bit as he drank once more.

Shaggs
"I'll be up until we leave. I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight." Jake made his way away from the table, pulling an old faded picture from his pocket. It was an oddity to most, except for the people at most festivals with their 'magic moment catchers' (Primitive Cameras). It was nothing special, just the two of them in the shot smiling, but it still meant a lot to him. "I will find you..", he muttered to himself.

Zalindrana
((bump))

Kennedyward
"I wish them all luck." Balto muttered as he reffered to what he heard from the other table. "Crossing paths..." he grumpyly said to himself.

Zalindrana
The Blade without a Name, having had his fill of the Aqivi the man had so grasiously bought, got to his feet and made his way outside to check upon his horse. He was a large black Stud who upon seeing Blade, bent his ears back and showed his teeth. You old son of a Salset Goat. I have no time for games. He reached out to the stud who then bite at his fingers. Blade snarled and slammed a fist into the horses nose. The stud shooke its head violently and glared at him, but he submitted and calmed down. Blade nodded his head and then began to brush the thin hair of the desert born stud when a sound from behind the stud sturred his attention. He turned to see three men all dressed the same as the one he had killed earlier. You killed our comrade Sword Dancer. You have no chance against the three of us. Stated the obviouse leader of the small gang. Especially with so much drink in your belly. added the one to his left. They were right. He had drinken quite a bit and he was in no shape to be in a fight. Against three ..... one took a step to close to the stud and in return got a powerful kick to the chest...... Against two... well that seems better. He thought to himself. The one that was kicked by the stud didnt get up, his chest caved inward.

Lycanthrope
Finn had fallowed Blade outside, in hopes that he could start his lesson ,when he saw the three men approach him. Thinking he was in need of help Finn ran back inside. "Father" he yelled from the doorway "Blades got three sword dancers after him and they look pissed". Thorgrim leaped to his feet and ran towards the door. The two made it outside in time to see the one man kicked. Thorgrim, brandishing his axe, shouted at the men. "If you have a problem with my friend you'll have to go through me" "Me too" the eager youth chimed in unsheathing his Broad Sword.

Kennedyward
"God dammit, what is all that recuse!?" Balto angerly said as he tried to ignore it and continue with his lonely time off.

Zalindrana
Blade looked back to see Thorgrim and his son Finn come outside both brandishing weapons. He looked back to the two who did not seem at all worried, then back to Finn and chuckled. These are not sword dancer. If they were they would challenge me in a circle not attack in the middle of the night. They are simply men who are angry their friend died. He tapped his chin a little as he sized Finn up. Finn was it? You want a lesson? Alright here is one for you... Shodo. That is the name you will refer to me as. Not Blade. Shodo. Now for a Second Lesson.... Beat them. He nodded to the two who laughed at the idea of a boy fighting them. Blade didnt look back to the two. He kept his eyes upon Finn, right into his own eyes. If you can... He arched a brow. Was this a test? If it was it seemed pretty simple.... or was it?

((Note: there is a right answer for this but it doesnt matter if you get it wrong. stick out tongue Ill still do the "training the boy" thing.))

Zalindrana
((He nodded to the two who laughed at the idea of a boy fighting them. Blade didnt look back to the two. He kept his eyes upon Finn, right into his own eyes.))

((that is supposed to be black to represent an action. Sry the Colors got messed up.))

Blockhead
Kurrum followed the group outside and merely observed the fight, he liked to remain neutral in these kinds of brawls; extended life expectancy somewhat. He leaned against a wall and watched the fight, hoping his contracter would survive long enough to pay him at some point.

Lycanthrope
Thorgrim thought to himself {I would prefer for these men to just leave knowing they cant beat us all but Finn needs some experience in combat. This is as good of time as any. At least the odds are good} No sooner then Thorgrim had decided to fight Finn,wanting Shodo's respect, charged at the men unleashing his best War cry "YYEEAAAAAHHH" Thorgrim quickly through his axe at the bigger of the two ,hitting him between the neck and shoulder practically cleaving him in half. Blood spewed like a high pressure fountain all over his partner, distracting him for a fraction of a second. Finn coming at the other with sword over head took pause at the carnage, giving the man time to compose himself. Blind with fury the adversary swung his sword at Finn. Out of instinct Finn managed to avoid the blow. Seeing the man was at a disadvantage with his missed strike, Finn awkwardly swung his sword wounding the man in the arm. This guy,although not a Sword Dancer was an experienced Warrior and was not going down easy. Thorgrim watched, wanting to help his son but knowing he had to fight his own battle if he was ever going to become a proficient fighter. The man quickly recovered and lunged at Finn. Finn,feeling confident at his wounding the man, in one motion, parried the thrust and and came up with his sword slicing the mans throat. It was a killing wound. The Fighter fell to his knees gargling blood starring at Finn in disbelief before falling over dead. Finn Stood there, chest heaving from the exertion.

Shaggs
Jake slowly walked out side, both his hands were lazily behind his head as he did so. "That was pretty sloppy kid."

Zalindrana
Blade just stood their watching. Judging the boys technique. As Jake had said. Sloppy. If they had been true sword dancers the boy would never have won. He walked up to Finn and put a hand on his shoulder. Alright. Thats enough. Its late. Go rest. I will teach you more tomorrow. He turned and walked back to the stud. He pat the horse behind the ear, the Stud baring his teeth in satisfaction. Blade didnt look back but spoke to Finn. How did you know you could beat them? Where you unsure that you could? Was it just absence of fear that allowed you to charge in as you did? He turned around to look at him. Never... Never charge in recklessly. The first kill was simply luck. It hit him high in the neck. He could of easily ducked. If he hadent, there was a possibility his friend would not of been distracted as he had been. What then? Perhaps he had a longer reach then you do. Even though you killed them, the three of you were not trained. But he is.... was older then you and though he was not trained he had more experience. He looked away from the boy. His reaction might have seemed cold but the boy needed it. Blade walked to his horse and began to check his hooves. He might of broken the mans rib and possibly hurt himself as well. Without looking at the boy he spoke again. ...but you do show promise. I will train you to fight with a level head. But first words must be spoken before action is given. Most likely the boy was confused by that. He looked over and smiled lightly. In other words I will talk and you will listen before we go into practice combat. Go rest up. We have a long walk tomorrow.

Shaggs
Jake looked at Blade and smirked. "You seem pretty good at what you do. There any chance you participated in the war?" Jake went back to his old memories. Hundreds of enemies charging from all over. Death would eventually become as simple as going to sleep. It was just something that happened, and if you quit paying attention, it happened a lot. In his memories, he went back to his belt, new and perfect. Now, it had exactly three-hundred and forty three cuts along it, all made during that war.

Zalindrana
He stopped in his tracks, eyes going distant at the thought of the War. He lost many good friends in it. He shook his head slightly to get the memories out of his mind. Yeah.. I was in it. Killed many.... Lost many. I dont like to think about it. Prior to what people may think not all Sword Dancers are blood thirsty killers. We have a code to follow. Many didnt even participate in the war....

Shaggs
Jake didn't look up. "North or South?" He knew that his allegiance to the South might not go over well with his new ally.

Scarlet Fox
~A figure stayed in the shadows of a nearby Alley watching the men and the fight that had just happened. Eyes watching and ears listening towards the men as they spoke. The figured stood there, Perhaps one of the men would see, but it was dark in the already narrow alley and if they saw their eyes would be very good.~

Zalindrana
He got to his feet and looked to Jake. South of course. I was raised here. I figured it would be obviouse by my deep tan. He shrugged a bit. He had not seen to person in the alley. he made his way towards the Tavern to get a room. Maybe some company as well. I will see you all in the morning Spoken as he walked back inside.

Blockhead
Kurrum said nothing, remaining true to his neutrality. He quickly booked a room and got some sleep, awaiting the morning.

Lycanthrope
As Thorgrim sat at the table of their room ,cleaning the blood from his axe, Finn spoke up. "I did it father. I was Victorious today, are you not proud of me." Thorgrim took long pause then looked up at his son with a grin. "Yes son, I am very proud of your courage today but, courage alone wont guarantee winning in battle." He said just feeling relief his son was still alive. "But Father you always told me FORTUNE FAVORS THE BRAVE" Finn said proudly." "Aye and it does" Thorgrim said happy his son actually payed attention. "Today was proof of that but, there are many other factors involved in combat. Being brave is the first step and I have brought you up to be brave but being skilled is a main factor. I have taught you all I can. Shodo has promised to teach you the skills you need. Now get some rest. We have a long arduous journey ahead of us on the marrow" Thorgrim turned his attention back to his Axe, recalling the days fight and feeling fortunate his aim was good enough to dispatch the adversary or his son, with his reckless charge, might not be alive this night.

Ripper Jacc
Cade and Asha sat atop the highest ridge in the village, overlooking everyone working below, having shrugged off their duties for the day in order to go goof off. Having heard they would be sent off to fight against the Northerners soon, they wanted a last chance to kill some time together before things got strict, all business and whatnot...

"So, Ash... Long time we've been here in the village, right?" Cade's voice echoed in his own mind as he said it, not 100% sure why, but knowing that the two had needed this talk for some time. "I mean, it's not like we ever got out and found another place to go or anything..."

Asha looked up at the clouds, staring into the sky as though she had not seen it in weeks. "Yeah, but I'm gonna miss it when we get gone."

"Right. So I was thinking... Since we're both about to take off to go fight... Why not agree to something?" He watched as she kept staring at the birds, not entirely sure if she was paying attention. "So... what say... I'll watch your back, and you watch mine... but if something happens to either of us, the other has to make it back home, right?"

Asha sighed a bit, rolling her eyes and smirking. "Morbid as always, Cade. But alright, you got it."

Zalindrana
Blade awoke in the middle of the night, a southern woman beside him, under the covers. He signed softly and pushed himself up to his feet and put his dhoti on. Like all Sword Dancers he grabbed his sword, strapping it to his back. He left his cloak and sandals on the floor and walked outside. There he stood in the middle of the empty street putting a hand to his head. The stud stomped his foot now seeing him and blade looked over and smiled lightly. I just needed some air old man.

Shaggs
Jake stood in the middle of the dark street, visibility was very low, and his chances of being seen were slim. Two men stood infront of him. One was Blade for Hire, much like himself, and the other was a collection agent. "Jake.. looks like you owe quite a bit, and I think it would be wise to pay it all off." Jake did nothing and just stood there. "How dare you dishonor me like this! Pay me my mon-" Jake still stood there, this time with his hand held out forward, a knife pushed into the agent's stomach. The man fell back as the Sword for Hire stepped forward, his blade at the ready.

Scarlet Fox
~The figure stood in the street again, dim firelight illuminating the person just slightly. Clad in black clothing with long black hair and a Sword hilt showing over the right shoulder, the person stood there, not in the middle but to the side next to a buildings wall. The light brightened the eyes showing a very blue sheen. Eyes watching Jake and his killing of a man and the sudden advance of the other. ~

Shaggs
Closing his eyes, Jake dodged the man's first blow. The man retaliated by pulling his sword up, but failing as Jake brought his sword down and deflecting it. "Don't do this comrade.", Jake said, no emotion in his voice. The man just swung again, this time falling in half. Jake drew in a deep breath and sheethed his other sword, not the one he was originally holding.

Scarlet Fox
~The dark figure came into the light towards Jake. It was a woman. She wore a black burnous, black boots, and a black tunic with gold trim. She eyed the two dead bodies then looked back to him with bright blue eyes. She didnt speak, she just gave him a curious look before slowly walking past him down the street.~

Shaggs
Jake grunted and looked back at her, his eyes without emotion. "You need somethin'?"

Scarlet Fox
~She turned her head slightly back to him so only one of her blue eyes look to him. She said nothing, still walking ahead and then looked away. The Purple tinted silver hilt glistening in the candle light nearby.~

Zalindrana
Blade stretched his arms high over his head as the sun began to rise. He could feel the heat already rising. He made his way back into the tavern and up to where he had slept to gather his things and prepare for the journey.

Scarlet Fox
~She made her way into the tavern and sat down in the back in a dark corner. She blew out the candle to make it even darker and watched as people scuttled about starting their day.~

Zalindrana
Once Blade was ready he went back outside. He noted the woman in the corner and his eye twitched as he noticed the sword. It was odd for a woman to carry one. But he didnt bother to bother her. He went to his horse and gear the horse up looking around for where all the others went off too. Sorry Old man but I have to gear you up now. Its time to cross the Punja.


((Where is everyone? Did ppl just up and decide they didnt want to do this rp anymore?))

Lycanthrope
Thorgrim and Finn stepped outside to saddle up their horses when they saw Shodo. "Where are the others" Thorgrim said to Shodo, worried that they may have lost their nerve.

Zalindrana
(( only Finn is supposed to call him Shodo. Thorgrim can call him what ever. ))

Blade looked to the boy and shrugged. How was he supposed to know. I am not their keeper. Where they are is their own buisness. It may have seemed a bit harsh but he had woken up in the middle of the night and didnt sleep again after that. He was a little tired still. They know where we are heading. They will catch up to us. He finished setting his things upon the Stud, putting his foot in the stirup and jumping on. the Stud bent back his ears a bit as if he was about to buck, but he didnt. Blade let out a sigh of relief but did so lightly. It would be just like the Stud to wait for you to be relaxed before attempting to throw you off. He looked back to the boy and his father. Be sure you have plenty of water. When we hit the Punja it wont be a fun trip. With that last bit spoken he turned the Stud and made his way towards the Punja.

Lycanthrope
Thorgrim answered, "We have all the water we can carry. I am relying on you to get us to the water holes." Thorgrim said uneasy about what lay ahead "Im in hopes that you will find water so that we have enough to last the trip" with that Thorgrim and Finn mounted there steeds and pulled at the reigns to fallow Blade.

Zalindrana
Blade didnt look behind him as the Stud walked on in their desired direction when he spoke to them. There is always a chance an oasis is either burried or Tainted. If we hit two that are gone we will have to turn back for we will not have enough water to try for a third.COLOR] The small group left the Border city and into the desert of the South. His mind went to the woman he saw in the Tavern with the sword. Though she had black hair her eyes were briliant blue and her skin was pale. It made him think she was Northerner. But one was never supposed to assume anything.

Scarlet Fox
~After a good hour or so after the group had left, she gets to her feet and makes her way out the tavern. She goes into the side alley and walks back out with a Tan colored Bay. Supplys and the like had already been set on the saddle. She jumped onto the horse and rides off after them but careful to stay out of sight. The one with no name was interesting if anything.~

Scarlet Fox
((Bump))

Zalindrana
They traveled a good distance into the desert and Blade suddenly stopped. He looked back to Thorgimm and Finn and smiled. Can you tell me where we are? He figured the boy didnt know so he answered. The Punja is right there. This is the border. He jumped off his horse and picked up some sand in one hand. He took a few steps forward and picked up sand with his other hand. He then went to Finn and opened both hands. The first handfull of sand showed nothing special. The second however had hundreds of tiny crystals. alot for just a handful. The Punja is full of these tiny Crystals. They intensify the suns heat and throws it back up. So not only do you get hit from the sun but also from the sand. You need to be able to see the border as easily as I do. He dumped the normal sand and wit hthat hand grabbed Finns hand and put the Crystal filled sand into it. He then turned and pulled himself back up onto his horse. Any questions before we continue?

Scarlet Fox
(( I think the rp died. No one seems to want to rp it. Plus many of those who said they were going to havent even posted anything.))

Lycanthrope
Finn looked up and said "Ya,, how are we going to make it?"

Zalindrana
=Blade got back on his horse and smiled. One step at a time kid. He turned the Stud around to go on but he saw dust forming in the distance. Five men on horses where approaching them. Blade glared and pulled out his sword. We have company.... Slavers. Thorgrimm. Now is the time to get some questions answered. He looked towards Finn. I hope you know enough to do something. =

Zalindrana
((Okay... Seeing as how no one is interested in doing this anymore I have to say the RP is dead. It was a good Idea but you guys just seem to have lost interest.))

Lycanthrope
You were running it. You didnt give us anything to work with.

Scarlet Fox
((Well it is unhosted so Technically he isnt the only one who can advance in the story. And I would say the part he said that Slavers were coming was a bit of an advancement. would progress thorgrimm/Finns story))

Lycanthrope
((So was Thorgrim and Finn supposed to charge in. We were waiting for advice from the "Sword dancer" on how to handle it But i guess it maters not now))

Scarlet Fox
(( Well I dunno. Maybe he is letting you ask questions. do your own thing. Its not so fun when people dont make mistakes. From what I figured on Thorgrims story he would of ran ahead, Despite what Blade says, in a blind effort at Revenge. I dunno. Im not your char. We will jsut have to wait to see what Zalin says. ))

Zalindrana
(( Its more of a active thing. I like to leave gaps for people to make comments. If I dont I tend to ramble on with one post. But ill stop and give more details if thats what you want.))

Zalindrana
The riders stopped a few meters from them. They were all Southern born, all with swords strapped to their belts. Obviously not Sword Dancers for they wear their swords on their backs. They looked at the small group and the one in front, apparently the leader drew his sword out. Kill all but the Northern Boy. He will sell high. Take what you can Carry afterwards. With that the remaining 3 Slavers drew their swords and began to charge. Blade spoke to Throgrimm and Finn without looking at them. Four against Three? Seems unfair. They should of brought more men! Blade kicked the stud in his sides and charged forward to the oncoming group. The two in front swung at his neck and he bent back just as they went over him. After they missed they continued towards Thorgrimm and Finn. He sat up again, blocking one sword and being kicked off his horse by the leader. He scrambled to his feet slashing out and killing a horse. It fell on its side pinning its Rider, who yelled in pain, by his leg. He twisted to block the sword of the Leader once, knelt down bring his sword down on the pinned man and got into ready position as the Leader turned for another run. He eyed Thorgrim and his son fighting and knew he could not help until he had killed his own target. He looked back to the Leader as he came He swung down at Blade who parried quickly and spun bringing his sword down on the back legs of the Horse to take the rider to his own level. Come and Dance with me at my level. Obviously Thorgrim would like to speak with this man so he had to be careful not to kill him.... Perhaps he will just take a leg off.

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