A Daunting Task (Closed for Cheska)

[Noon_Shadow]

Leomas kept his hood up, even as he settled inside the tavern, covering his face. He kept his features carefully shaded, even though the mostly human occupants of this particular establishment were unlikely to recognize their own Lord. For most of them, one Lord was much the same as another. The only contact a place such as this might have with the local government were the tax collectors visiting twice a year, with the very infrequent company of soldiers who would show up and demanding boarding for a night as they marched. To them, the most unusual thing they might note about this man in the dark cloak were his elfin ears.

Still, his purpose here was secret. He preferred to remain anonymous as possible as he moved, if only to avoid attracting the possible attention if any of his former brothers were still looking for him. After he had left the Order, some of them had been arrogant enough to actually pursue him. Back then, he had not been strong enough to bring the full attention of his fellow mages down upon him, and those who had found him had seriously underestimated him. There had been a reason he had left them, and the bodies of those had thought to bring him to heel sent back down the river had been a message. The hour of his final revenge was nearing, but he still was not ready to face the full attention of Andrometus and Dagmar and the rest.

That was why he had taken to traveling, searching for the right individuals. He was raising, and training, his own sect now, and installing himself as the head of his order. Quietly of course, and at first just those who were conveniently close to his keep. The numbers had proved insufficient. He had not needed many, but what he found were pitifully few, and weak. The magic potential in this district was less than could have been desired. Oh, sure, he had a promising adept or two, but no one with nearly his own potential and strength. And perhaps that had been part of what had brought him here in the first place.

Growing up, he had resented his relatively low station in Selladinus. Applying himself to the study if the arcane had been a fine distraction for many years, allowing him other avenues to power that his lower birth had not yielded, but it served as only a balm for his ego. He had seen the Royals, the true rulers, make mistake after mistake in the application of their own power, and knowing how much better his homeland would be served if he were making these decisions only infuriated him at the injustice of it all. His masters in the Order had tried to teach him serenity, but it had never kept for long. Which was why, over a century ago, he had left and made his way here, establishing his own fiefdom.

As Lord Lemas Carstone glanced around this Inn, he knew that there were no potentials here. This town-Brinwell Falls, it was called-was a fairly smallish town, nearer to the frontier. He had to be thorough in looking for candidates, but he felt that finding new initiates was going to be a daunting task. He might even be forced to slip behind his borders for a while. With a discontented sigh, he sipped on his water, leaning his head back against the wall as he planned his next move.

Leomas

 

[Cheska]

Rashida entered the tavern with basket in hand. This was her final stop for the day and one she enjoyed because it came with fresh dark bread and a bowl of the matrons stew, she had been trading herbs and spice she refined with the Inn keeper and his wife for two years now.
They knew very well what she was and did not care, because she never caused any trouble and charged a fair price for her wares, Rashida felt it would be bad to cheat where you live. She glanced around carefully, her veil drawn to hide, not her face, but her eyes. This was done in case new people had come, the locals did not care, some less, others more.

She moved across the floor, waving to the Inn keeper, his wife would be in the back tending the kitchen, she placed her basket at the end of the long bar and waited quietly, a serving girl brought her usual simple tea and they chatted briefly.
Looking about, she finally spied one new comer sitting off by himself in a booth, she turned her back lest he find her objectional an provoked a scene.
Such would not do for her kindly customers. She checked in the basket for the bundles of herbs and spice, some of the small potion bottles, she had made a healing potion for the Inn keeper whose back had been hurt, this would see him well enough very soon.

The Inn keepers wife emerged arms wide as she embraced the tiefling girl, "Rashida! you bring me treasures again? How sweet.. let us see what you have for me and remove that silly veil, no one cares and neither should you."
Reluctantly, she lifted her veil, "Thank Matron Arranna, you are beyond kindness to me." she then opened her basket and presented her wares.
"Now, I have all the herbs you enjoy plus a few new ones, Also some spices as I thought you might be low.. after all, I have been eating them all up in your stews!"

Both women laughed, Rashida's as the matron began to gather what she would buy, most all of it of course.
"And, for the Master, I bring this potion, it will have his back right in no time at all." she offered the small bottle, it's very nature radiating magic as she passed it to the matron.
"Only an additional Ten coppers for you.. a bargin I think." and anyone worth their magical salt would call madness. Healing potions of any kind would run in the gold, not pitiful coppers, but here was this girl asking beggers wages for Princely offerings.

The matron hugged the girl, smiling brightly, "You are a good child, too good I think.." she waved to one of the serving girls, "A bowl an bread for Rashida and a bottle of our best Rum."
Rashida blushed a slightly darker shade and waved her hands, "No hard drink Matron, please.. I cannot abide it for fear of loosing my self.. you know I can't risk such a thing."
The Matron gave a curt nod, "Forgive me child.. Tea it shall be.."

 

[Noon_Shadow]

Leomas sensed it almost immediately, as she walked in. The female, who interestingly enough kept her face veiled, had potential. His eyes, shadowed beneath his hood, followed her for a moment as he let his senses reach out, very delicately, to sense what she was. Strong. She could be quite strong, if trained. He allowed his lips to slowly curl up into a smile as he studied her thoughtfully for a moment. He could sense...just the tiniest bit of training. The weakest inkling of skill, as someone had crudely attempted to shape her potential into something useful, but had left the work unfinished.

When the boisterous wife the Innkeeper strode it, it became apparent that this girl was known here. As the girl raised her veil he could make out-ah, so she was a tiefling. Also, he noticed, with a grin rising to his lips that he quickly suppressed, she was a lovely young woman. Leomas could certainly appreciate that, even in the unusual cut of the tieflings, with their bronzed skin and horned heads. He made his mind to approach her, just waiting for the fat sow of a hostess to clear out of the way. Listening to their interactions, he was amused by her generosity. She was probably naive as well-he half suspect the Innkeeper was faking his back pains just so he could turn around and sell whatever this girl was peddling for a lavish profit. He deduced the girl was something of an herbalist, but probably not extremely worldly.

He wanted to laugh inwardly. Innocent, young, naive, idealistic? It was almost too perfect. He knew exactly what to do with that type, and with one as lovely as this girl, it would be prove to be delightfully fun. He schooled his face to hide his amusement as the matron finally left to get some tea. As the girl was left alone, he rose from his seat and approached her seat, pausing for just a moment.

"Begging your pardon, Miss," he said, in his precisely clipped speech patterns, schooled from a young age, "may I trouble you for a moment?" Barely waiting for her to nod in response, he slipped into a seat next to her. As he did, he allowed the hood of his cloak to fall to his shoulders, and his eyes locked into hers for a second. Indigo eyes, he could see-he found that intriguing. He settled into his seat, wondering if she was attuned enough to sense what he was.

"That seemed very generous of you. I'm sure the proprietor of this establishment could have afforded more." He spoke slowly, measuring her up with his gaze for a moment, allowing her curiosity about him to grow slightly. "You seem like you might be both trustworthy and capable. Perhaps I could could also make a request of your kindness-though I almost might have something...tempting to offer you. Did I hear that your name was Rashida?"

 

[Cheska]

Rashida only had a second to look up before the handsome man sat down across from her, she raised an eyebrow as he began to speak. While his words were polite, she had heard many such talks begin as innocently, only to become an invite to a secluded room with a bed, but she would hear him out.

"Yes, Rashida is how I am called sir, what might you wish of me?" she asked, sizing him up as best she could.
Granted, he was more handsome than many men who had sat across from her before, but he was a stranger and he wore a cloak, but that only ment that he may valure privacy.

She tore her small loaf of bread in half and offered some to him by way of invitation to continue.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

Leomas smiled as she offered bread to him, and he accepted politely, taking a small piece for himself, nibbling on it with a practiced delicacy. Perhaps her senses were not so finely tuned-she had not seemed to recognize his power as a wizard. Either that, or she was able to school her face in a manner that even most elves would envy. Seeing the almost earnest way she looked at him, he sincerely doubted that. There was almost no way to fake that sort of ingenuousness. He made sure to keep his face carefully schooled in order to avoid frightening her off at the moment.

"I'm sorry, but I could not help but overhear. You are an herbologist of some sort, is that correct?" Hardly waiting for confirmation, he continued with his lie, impressing himself with his own craft in creating in on the spot. "I am seek a particular herb for my uses, which I believe can be found in this region, and I urgently need it for my research. Unfortunately, business calls me away and I must return to my keep in the morning, without it, it seems. Fortune seems to have smiled upon me, since you seem so knowledgeable in the craft, from what little I gathered."

At that, Leomas cleared his throat, apparently looking unsettled for a second, as he affected a bemused smile. "Ah, I really should explain further. I a Leomas Carstone," he paused for a moment to see if the name registered with her at all, "and I have some skill in creating enchantments. I require it for a ritual. In the olden tongue is r'galath. It is grows in wild places, small sprouts, and in the fall it often blooms orange. If you could bring me five blooms worth, I would be willing to pay gold, or, if that does not interest you, perhaps something slightly more valuable." He spoke the last sentence with just enough irony to let her know it was an exaggeration.

Attempting to make his most earnest face, Leomas studied her for a moment, smiling helpless, waiting to see if she would bite on his offer. Someone like this, asking her too straightforward to come and serve as his apprentice would make her too apprehensive. If she thought she was helping him out in the process, though....he imagined it would make her more inclined to come.

 

[Cheska]

Rashida listened quietly, taking small bites of her bread between sips of her tea. She noted his reactions and mannerisms as best she could and began to come to the conclusion that he was being honest, he had no interest in bedding her that she could see, but was really seeking a rare bloom.
His name was just as another to her, she didn't seem to recall any import to it, none that she could recall. But when he came to the gold, she had been in mid sip and now she held the cup to her lips, a bit stunned.

"Gold?" she thought, she looked across the table at him, was there a hint of a smirk, was he jesting with her? He had said gold. She could repair her small cottage, maybe add a better fence.

Clearing her throat as she sat her cup down, "I.. know of this flower and where it can be found. I can gather as much as you need, maybe more." she said quietly, "And, I would bring it to your Keep, just tell me where it is an I shall bring it right away."
She hoped she didn't sound too eager, she was sure she did, he would think poorly of her if she acted in haste.

She tried to take another sip of tea, only to discover an empty cup, "This is acceptable sir?" her indigo eyes looking upon him directly now.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

Easy enough to get this lovely little witch to take the bait. Now it all came down to see if he would be able to reel her in when the time came. It was interesting, however, that she seemed so interested in gold when she could easily ply her trade in potions for greater profits. Perhaps this part of his little district was not quite so affluent as he had thought. He gave her a gentle smile that he hoped portrayed relief, and then nodded to her.

"Thank you so much, Miss Rashida. You're really granting me a great boon." He gave her another reassuring nod and then, seeing Rashida looking into her empty cup, he gestured to the Matron to bring another when she was able. Then Leomas reached into his cloak, and pulled out a little purse that clinked together as he sat it on the table. His delicate fingers dipped inside, carefully seizing a single gold mark, and he placed on the table for her.

"A down payment, then, for your services, since I am asking you to travel so far to assist me. Hopefully that will also ease any suspicions you have about dealing with strangers. I suspect you are not nearly as suspicious as you really should be, though." Leomas then gave her an honestly kind-hearted smile. "A lovely lady like yourself shouldn't be so quick to agree to travel far from home into the heart of a stranger's power." With a soft laugh he smiled, noticing as the Matron arrived, cheerfully refilling Rashida's tea cup.

Very gently clearing his throat, Leomas looked down at the table, as though he felt awkward speaking his next piece. His eyes slowly dragged up the table to look into her eyes, and then he let his own flash with just a suggestion of his power before they lost their color once again. "Are you aware, Miss Rashida, that you have a vast untapped potential? I...well, I can see how strong you might be, if you had more training. I could provide it, if you wished-at least, enough to help you on the way to realizing it. If you would prefer that to gold...." his voice trailed off as he looked away with a sigh. He rose from his seat.

"I'm afraid I really must be on my way. My duties press on me, and time runs short. My keep lies due east of here, about 8 leagues. If you do not know it, ask at any town along the road as you get closer. They should be able to direct you to me. I'll give my guards your name and description, and tell them to allow you entrance when you arrive." He pulled the hood of his cloak around his face as he looked down at her.

"I need at least 5 blooms for my research, but if you can find more in a reasonable amount of time, please do. I will look for your arrival." With that, he made to leave. As soon as his back was to her, a grin broke out. The coin he had given her, as long as she held on to it, would allow him to track her position, monitor her in at least a vague sense. This might prove interesting.

 

[Cheska]

Rashida stared at the gold, she held between thumb and four finger, turning it a bit in the light.
She had only seen them distantly, in the hands of those better than herself, "I could get that dress I saw last week, two dresses!" she thought, "No.. I must keep it untill I complete this quest.." she giggled and placed the coin within her blouse in a thin hidden sleeve. She looked around quickly and watched the noble leave, "Had he said he might teach her magic?.. that would be worth far more than any gold coins." her mind raced.

She hugged the matron, "I must be off, I have a new client and must tend to this quickly. Be well my friend and love to you and yours." she kissed the matron on each cheek and gathered her cloak and rushed from the Inn, she almost skipped along as she hurried home, already making a mental list of what she would need to travel.

The r'galath bloom was indeed rare and if you did not have an idea where to look, you'd be searching for most your life. But Rashida prided her self on her mothers teachings. The Flower was not rare because of anything unusual, but because it grew in places that people really did not like or belong.
In the deep woods and under heavy cover like the dark places in the woods, is where you would find the flower. It was odd how a flower grew better in dim light than in bright, almost sinister in it's nature.

She gathered her herb gathering tools, her work boots, small spade, clothes that she would dampen to feed the roots water. And her dagger, to keep her safe from things in the woods, the flower was not the only thing in the dark places.

Striding from the village, she didn't even bother to cover her face, smiling brightly, her eyes bright and full of cheer. This had an unusual effect an in that people who tended to keep to themselves, seemed affected by her high spirit, happy as she passed. Her connection with magic an nature brought her emotions to the surface as an semi-tangible force.

Searching through the woods, she seemed in tune with the world around her and was able to find the plants in short order, almost amused at how easy it was, she even gathered a sizable amount of berries as well, they would be good on her trip.

After returning home, she spoke to a neighbor she trusted and said she would be a away for a few days and to allow only certain people on her land.
Then she gathered her belongings and started out from town, she thought about a coach or getting a mule to ride, but that would take more than she had and she knew a few tricks to speed her travel, "Yes, I shall be there quickly, faster than a silly peasant girl could be and impress him.." she followed the road for a day before she stopped for directions to the next town ahead, once she knew where to go, she headed into the near woods by the road.
Then, checking the wind, she spoke a small prayer and waited, after a short time, she felt the air around her pick up and she smiled as she kicked off from the ground and slowly began to glide forward, she kept her skirt gathered and down, but moved a faster pace than a brisk walk.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

Leomas had been in his Keep for three days, after a quick teleportation had put back into into his summoning quarters nearly instantaneously. He had done has he had promised, supplying a quick description to the the shift leaders on his watch to be on the look out for Rashida, a Tiefling woman with indigo eyes and dressed plainly. They knew enough of what he was to realize that she was going to serve as his apprentice. Then he began making preparations for her arrival.

He had large sections of the Keep which he had cordoned off-only he and his apprentices were allowed him. Telling his captains that it was where he was conducting magical research, and that visiting was dangerous, was enough to discourage most anyone from wanting to intrude, and making it a command was just enforcing people to avoid a place they planned to avoid anyway. Only a few select servants entered. It was quite a large section of the keep, actually, including his own quarters, his summoning chamber, his Grand Library, and his alchemical laboratory, including access to a sealed dungeon below where he could meditate, and work with truly dangerous spells. On the ground floor, on a corridor connected to the library, he also had a set of rooms where he could house any apprentices. Two of whom were staying with him at present.

He summoned them to the Library, where he would regularly meet with his apprentices to provide instruction, and to give them assignments. For now, of course, he needed something else. He sat down in his instructing chair and waiting for them to enter. Gabriela, the half elf, entered first, her eyes looking up at him adoringly. She had once been like Rashida, though perhaps a bit less innocent. She knelt by his chair in a pose she had been taught, and he reached out to stroke her golden hair gently before Argen entered as well. He was a human male with great potential. Leomas had great plans for him. He knelt before Leomas as well.

"My Lord," said both Argen and Gabriela at once, in servitude. He smiled at them

"You have both progressed very well in your training. You are growing strong every day, closer to unlocking your full potential. Some day soon, the time will be ripe for us to expand our control, and show the world our power. Our numbers swell. I will be adding a new apprentice very soon." He saw Gabriela's eyes light up with excitement. She did enjoy having more...friends to play with. When Leomas had unlocked her sexuality, she had taken to it rather aggressively. He gave slight chuckle.

"For now, I will require my full attention to focus on her, unfortunately. I will need each of you to leave these walls for three weeks, to allow me time to prepare her for the ordeals to come. You are, of course, welcome to return to my retreat in the Perokian Highlands, but I would encourage you also to venture out in the district, to test your own skills, and, perhaps, to find more recruits." He grinned thoughtfully at that.

"But, My Lord," spoke up Gabriela, before Leomas silenced her with a dark look. She was reluctant to leave him, of course, having grown slowly addicted to the way he made her body feel...but she also could not refuse a command. She still gave a shiver of excitement looking into his eyes. Argen, of course, was not entirely blind to this subtext, but then, he had been a willing apprentice from the get-go, always wanting to unlock greater reserves of power.

"Now, go." Leomas dismissed them, and then began to prepare quarters for Rashida. He set a pair of his trusted servants to ensure that she would be overwhelmed with the lavish level of comfort, from sheets of silk and satin, to elaborate wall hangs and murals, and chest and cabinets of dark, stained oak. Feeling satisfied that she would be properly awed-once she agreed to stay, of course-he gave a quick briefing to his librarian about the new apprentice who would be arriving. After that, he began to focus his attentions on her through the link he had created in the coin.

He felt her nearing, three days later. The closer she came, the more attuned he was able to hone in on exactly where she was, until he was nearly able to see the land passing around her. He closed his eyes, meditating, and he realized that she was gliding toward him. Showing off, it seemed. He grinned slightly-well, it was cute that she wanted to make a good impression on him. Too bad he was going to have to make his first...it should make it easier to guarantee that she would agree to his training.

He went to seal himself into his summoning chamber, locking the door, preserving absolute silence. This next bit was going to be very tricky, as he was operating at an extreme range, stretching the extent of his powers. He had to make sure to do enough, but not too much, in order to avoid overstretching himself and shattering the Illusion. Creating believable Illusions was a trick at the best of times-though one he had mastered. Doing so in this circumstance would be an excellent test of his abilities...but it would accomplish many things. With a grin, he began weaving his threads....

...and Rashida would suddenly feel herself struck, behind the ear, as though by a rock. She would look and then see a blunt-headed arrow landing on the ground, having apparently grazed past her. Another one whisked past her as she stopped, a near miss, and a group of bandits approached. They all wore black coats and carried bows painted red. The leader had a curled mustache and appeared in front of her, astride a tall roan horse. There were four of them, and they closed in around her, grinning like crazed men.

"Ah, what have we here," spoke the leader, in a slightly accented voice. He was tall, the tallest of them. Two of the others were human, and one appeared to be...perhaps half-orc? The leader dismounted and stepped closer. "It looks like a lovely little witch has been caught in our snare...and what is she carrying. Something valuable, I'm certain." The leader had a sword sheathed at his waist, and he licked his lips as he studied her. "And the witch herself looks tasty. Perhaps we should take her also."

 

[Cheska]

Rashida had no choice but to settle to earth, she was just a target in the air and had not yet learned the gift of flight that a few witches had gifted to them.
Looking over the band as she touched down, she pulled her cloak about her with her basket protected, “You will not have this or me and you would be wise to turn about” she said calmly and tossed back her hood, her small white horns gleaming in the daylight.
“You know I am Witch, but now you must know I am Tiefling! Demon born and hell cursed.. turn and leave lest I call my kin to me and offer them your souls!” with a subtle gesture, she swept her hand across the ground, fingers splayed and palm down, and a gout of fire blossomed fourth in an arch following her sweep.

The fire, while it could burn flesh, clothes, and wood, was hardly hell fire. A Simple burning hand spell to send fear into these men, so she hoped. She had no desire to actually harm anyone at all, even men as foul as this, but she did not want to be molested or robbed, she would protect her virtue and her charge to the wizard as best she could.
She had a water spell ready to douse the fire once the men left, and she would be more careful in her travels, but she had to scare these men or make a choice of fight or flight and she would prefer flight.

She had no fear of the fire, as tieflings had a natural resistance to fire, cold, and even lightning in small amounts. But she must contain this fire quickly as it would over whelm her immunity and bring harm to the woods as well.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

Leomas grinned thoughtfully as he noted her actions. Very good, Rashida, he thought. It seemed that his future apprentice had just a bit of feistyness in her after all. Of course, she lacked ruthlessness. Given a moment to strike at her attackers, she instead attempted to scare them off harmlessly. It would prove to be a mistake. His illusions were quite strong-strong enough to hurt her, to do the damage he intended. Now to close his trap. His focus had to sharpen, as he was splitting his attention several ways...

...Two of the bandits immediately flinched away as they spotted the flames, their eyes going wide. "Stand your ground," cried the leader quickly, and he dismounted his horse, as there was no way he was going to get his horse anywhere near enough to the flames surrounding the woman. It was clear that, the leader at least, was unimpressed with such tricks. "Encircle," he barked, grinning at Rashida. The bandits closed in, surrounding her, the leader and one other circling around the edge of the flame to cut off the other direction. The others pulled bows and remained beyond the wall of flame, far enough that it posed no risk to them, and would be in position to stop her should she try to run THROUGH it. Suddenly she was left nowhere to run, between the arcing flame and the bandits which cut her off. As if that wasn't bad enough, the leader was barking out more orders, "Pull!"

Four bows were drawn, with four arrows, each with blunt-headed tips. Clearly for wounding, and not killing, leaving her to deal with the implications, as they seemed to glimmer, reflecting the light of the flames dangerously. "Clearly you underestimate us, my dear, taking us but for simple brigands...but you are not the first witch to cross our path. Nor, do I doubt, the last. I believe we will have some fun with you."

The dark-haired, mustached leader grinned wickedly as he licked his lips, looking at the trapped witch. The moment seemed to draw out a second, to slow down, as he issued his next order, "Release!" And four arrows flew directly at the surrounded Tiefling, two aimed right at her head, intending to knock her out, and two at her midsection, to stun her and steal her air.

 

[Cheska]

They were going to hit her, she knew, even as they started to surround her that they would use the arrows and would hit her, now she had seconds to know about where.
Her mind raced with options, no time for a spell and she could not really flee one way or the other, she could only reduce the damage and that ment she had to take be hit one way or another.
My mind is my only weapon, my knife would only make them laugh and my hexes can only heal, but if it must come to that.

Rashida closed her eyes only for a bit, she had to watch the ones that would shoot her in the head, the other two became unimportant in this brief span of time, she gathered up her anger, her frustration at these men, at them and their foul lust and hate. She felt it building quickly as the men drew their arrows back, she felt it growing as she waited for the order to fire, she turned her head just a bit to look at the leader and gave a brief nod, he would pay the most, but then she felt something else.
In the instant his words left his lips, the slow seconds of the arrows being released, she felt a giddy lustful rage inside her, a foul beastial thing inside waking up, she felt her blood ring true as what little demon lived in her, opened it's eyes and said, “Oh yes, we shall enjoy him..”

Rashida screamed as she dropped to the ground, whirling about as the arrows aimed for her head whizzed passed, one just clipping her head, but the remaining two struck hard and true, but not at her midsection, they struck against her sides, still taking air from her as they impacted but it was reduced.

She hit the ground on her knees, crying out in pain, but not so much at the arrows which sent shocks of pain from sides an her head, but at the foulness inside her, “Noo.. stop.. I won't!”

 

[Noon_Shadow]

Leomas was, of course, very tuned into what was going on with Rashida, much more than he was her surrounding environment. The coin she still had in her purse was serving as a link, and as the momentary drew up within her, he sensed it immediately. And he was pleased. Perhaps corrupting this child, this young witch, would simply be a matter of unlocking a hidden away aspect of her psyche....

...Only one of the arrows had missed. Despite her magical ability to reduce the impact, one that struck her side had rent a little tear in her blouse, and one other had left a small bruise on her temple. As she fell down to her knees on the ground, crying out, the leader charged in at her, the other man next to him as well, while the other began circling around the arc of flame, which was threatening to light the surrounding the foliate aflame. Her momentary incapacity proved to be decisive, as the leader was quick and strong, and he lunged for her, grabbing at her arm and dragging her backward. The other next to him managed to grab her other arm, and together they were dragging her toward a tree, pushing her until her back was pressed again it.

The bandit leader had slapped her face and punched her in the gut, bruising, and then reached for her skirt. As he tried to grab at her legs while she kicked away, he caught the material of the skirt, and a long ripping sound filled the air as the fabric was slightly rent, leaving her clothes in tatters. She could feel their hot breath against her now, and see the wicked, lustful intent in their eyes. As the other two bandits approached, they dropped their bows, while the other two had as well. One of the bandits was grabbing at her chest at her chest, and, in that moment, their grips on her loosened. With no weapons drawn or pointed at her, she might have just an instant to flee, if she could could quickly cease. The moment seemed to drown out as the wicked laughter of the leader grew in volume, his face close to hers for her to memorize every detail.

 

[Cheska]

It was the ripping that did it, it was the sound of cloth being torn, she had been pawed at by men before, a woman only once.
But the sound of ripping fabric sent a chill up her spine, it was a final word, it said that "You will be taken without consent." and she froze in that second, the roar of the tear drowned out her own heart beat and silenced the men and woods and the wind.
And in the moment that they paused, for what ever reason, she opened up and launched herself at him, her mouth open, her lips parted as she moved to him, their leader closing the gap, she brought her mouth close to him and bit down as hard as she could.
Her knee jerked up in that instance as well, it did not matter if she met resistance or not, they must know that she would fight or die trying.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" she snarled as her hands tried to claw at flesh, her indigo eyes ablaze with fury for her attackers. Even as she moved, she felt that darkness in her swell, rejoicing in this new feeling, she had never hated like this before, never wanted to hurt someone so much.

Even as a child, she had no hate for the monsters that killed her family and friends, only fear and a sense of loathing for being alive, now, bold broiling hate welled up and sent her forward.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

The leader's eyes bugged out as she seized on that moment's respite by lashing out. She slithered out of the grip of the men clutching her arms, charging the leader, fangs flashing. He shouted, telling his men to grab her, but she was also snarling. He threw his arm up between them, defensively, protectively, and then cried out as her teeth sunk into, sharp incisors digging into the flesh and breaking the skin, ripping. He looked up into her face, full of fear, and then felt her knee strike up at his genitals, connecting. His voice became a near gasp as he fell backward to the ground, her claws digging into his skin. His resistance had ended, but she continued to attack.

Two of the other bandits had fled almost instantly. The third remaining lunged into action, choosing fight over flight as a response, and he quickly produced a club, striking at the back of Rashida's head. He managed to knock her out with a very solid blow, but with his leader bleeding, cowering, and his companions having fled already, his courage was stolen. He left her there, beaten, disheveled, in tattered clothes, and went to drag his leader away to a horse.

Leomas continued to create the illusion, even as she was briefly knocked out, just on off chance she was still subconsciously aware of her surroundings. The two remaining bandits fled, after the one still standing had spitefully kicked over the basket containing the r'galath blooms, scattering them on the ground. He then led the horse away, taking his leader ostensibly back toward their encampment. He then snarled at Rashida's unsleeping form, "I'll get you later, bitch. I promise, we'll all get back at you later." He then fled the scene.

Leomas grinned, very satisfied. This little experiment had gone much better than he could have hoped. He'd learned that his soon-to-be apprentice had a dark side, and he had already made it exert itself. It had taken over, and he had been extremely aware, through the link he'd created, of it's pervasive influence on her. That was his alley to both controlling her and to turning her. It gave him a way in, and once had a hand in controlling her, he knew exactly how to direct that anger and aggression. With a pleased grin, he knelt to prepare a few of his more insidious healing magics, and meditated as he waited on her to arrive. He quickly sent a message to his guards that she should arrive with the next few hours, to take a statement about her assault, and then to send her directly to him.

 

[Cheska]

Rashida awoke feeling drunk, or so she assumed as she had never been drunk in her life. She sat up slowly with a dull ache and a sense of too much unaccounted time having gone by.
Picking herself from the ground, she looked around for her attackers but they had fled from her sight and perhaps, the region, she imagined she gave them a new fright to think about.

Gathering her damaged clothing, she used a very simple mending spell to rebuild her clothes to a better state. She then checked her charge, the herbs she had been tasked to fetch and seeing them in no worse a state than before, she began moving again, choosing to be closer to the road and thus, closer to help if need be.
She would not fool herself, people tended to shy away from her kind as much as they tended to flock to her more holy cousins.

"I better find food and water as well, this has taken a bit more from me than i was ready for." she muttered to the wind and earth.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

He sensed as Rashida began to come to. She had recovered in under an hour-it seemed standard enough to him-but as he tracked her movements after that, it seemed she was not going to arrive this evening. He kept a vague awareness of her while his focus was elsewhere. He decided to check in on the quarters that he had prepared for her, and then he need to return to his plans against his former order. He walked down the long stairs from his room to the long hallway of guest quarters within his inner sanctum, adjacent the library. Second door, on the left, as the library was on the right, opposite the rooms.

His servants had done well. The quarters were small-no more than 12 feet by 15 feet-but they appeared lavish-enough to awe a simple peasant. A tapestry with strings of silver gold, depicting a wild scene meant to represent the discovery of magic. A small bed, but with big, goose-down stuffed pillows, with crimson silk sheets adorning. There was a rug on the floor of bearskin, and a small heart, adorned with small glints of silver, with the chimney built in to the rather clever ventilation system of the keep. Enough to keep the room warm. There was also a small desk and chair tucked into the corner.

He felt that his soon-to-be apprentice would be pleased.

Having concluded that, he went down the stairwell at the end of the hall, locking the door at the top of the stairs behind him. His hand glowed as he pressed it into the lock of the large, steel door at the bottom, the entrance to his sacred vault and dungeon. The doors slowly swung close behind, ponderously quiet as they sealed with the power of his spell. He removed his headband, an artifact he had created himself. It greatly amplified his own powers, and it had been entirely necessary to manipulate such complicated and powerful spells at range. He felt a bit of relief-it weighed on him, in a metaphysical sense-the headband itself was quite light. He went to a chest, pulling out the enchanted gem he had been working on. It was a sapphire, fairly ordinary, but it would be important to his plans later. He would need to wear a different skin, a complicated illusion in order to disguise his true identity. The masters of the Order would sense an active spell used to create such an illusion, but an enchanted item, changing his appearance, could be activated and then allow him to remain innocuous. Making it appropriately subtle was the difficulty. He resumed weaving a few threads of magic at the gem, thinking he might place it in a necklace....if he ever completed it. This task would occupy him for the night.

 

[Cheska]

The warm air had started to give way to cooler breezes and she could see birds getting ready for the seasonal changes.

She had found a small way side inn and was in luck that it was run by a human an half breed couple, so she was mostly welcome. The much needed meal and drink refreshed and invigorated her spirits and she made plans to travel with a bit more care.
Through careful inquiry, she was made aware of a caravan of merchants from abroad who were going in her direction, some of her remaining small coin and she secured passage.
This would increase her speed and safety by a degree and she could rest on the journey.

Rashida smiled as she dreamed of her new life, her future. She could learn magic proper and maybe become a bit more respected for her efforts.
Mayhap even return home and impress the people of her adopted town.
She was afforded a small sleeping bunk among the Herbal cart, whcih suited her as the owner and her could talk and compare notes, she even acquired some rare roots for use in making of a potion for bad eye sight.

Things were looking up and Rashida was sure, they would only get better for her and soon.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

As he rose the next morning, Leomas took breakfast with his guards. He had gotten a great deal accomplished the previous day, and now...now he had little enough to do. he had expected Rashida to arrive earlier, but he could sense still on the road. She was more cautious now, after running afoul of the bandits. He had apparently slowed her more than he had intended. Well, he would fill the hours until her arrival. He had claimed lordship over these lands, but one only got to be a lord by acting the part. Which meant that he had responsibilities to carry out.

Over breakfast, he met with his captains. He passed on word that he had reports of bandits in the area. There were some, actually, even if they were likely less dangerous than the images which had accosted Rashida. In return, he listened to their own reports. The Marcher lords in the west had been showing some aggression, but they weren't ranging into his own realm yet. He ordered Stevens to take 30 men to help supplement the scouts on the borders. Lemoas could have handled almost any actual threat himself, but his ability to monitor actual threats was limited. It still required actual eyes to make reports.

"My Lord," spoke up Captain Stevens. "You continue to leave our resources very thin, and leave few enough here to defend the keep. We have less than 300 armsmen here, and it requires half that many just to patrol the walls and watch the gates."

He wanted to roll his eyes. They knew he was a powerful mage, they realized that he had dedicated a significant portion of the castle to his studies and pursuits, but they still believed his strength was best represented by the number of swords he had. Honestly, it was a credit to him that he maintained law and order in his district so well. The guardsmen were a visible presence patrolling roads and keeping order in towns, and he'd appointed fair magistrates to help settle disputes. Only a bare minimum of the 4,000 armsmen were even required at the keep. If there came a threat to his castle that Leomas couldn't take care of by himself, the full complement of soldiers would be as useless as a handful.

"While I understand your worries, Captain, trust me when I believe that protect the borders are less important than defending my keep. We'll be in fine shape to handle any threats as they arrive. Now, is there any other news?" There was not.

He adjourned his breakfast, dismissing his captains, and retiring back to his quarters for a brief moment. He could sens Rashida approaching-she would arrive very shortly now.

 

[Cheska]

Rashida woke the next day and stretched out in her cozy bunk, she had made polite inquiries of Leomas and his lands and was delighted to learn that he was a respected noble man even this far.

She started thinking how to best work with him and decided it was better to just follow his lead and learn with an honest heart and mind.
She worried about that brief moment of anger, that hidden rage she had felt, but paid it no heed as she was sure she could control it with effort.

It was mid day when the caravan leader said they would reach her destination by night fall, she wasn't sure it was wise to come to the gate at night, but he had requested these roots and to be promt about it.

Departing from the caravan, she started trekking across the land, seeing the twon for the first time, she drew her hood over her head and walked as much in the shadows as she could.
To her credit, a long life of not wanting to be noticed had gained her some minor skills in this talent and most seemed to ignore her.
It was night propper when she saw the keep, it was just as she imagined, she strode up to the center door and knocked.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

When Leomas had taken over, this keep had been known as the Everfort. Even the smallfolk in the region had found it to be overly pretentious, for a keep that had stood only a generation in its current form. It had mostly been referred to as The Keep, since peasants cared little for how large the world was, only knowing that this was the only keep in the province. Others might refer to it as Lord Leomas' Keep, if they felt like being specific, or providing any additional information to travelers. It was now more identified with its owner than even with those who had built, or with the province itself.

The town that it overlooked was modest-it was hardly the most expansive city in the region. Leomas had done his part in keeping it from overgrowing-in the event of any attack on the castle, or a siege, he didn't want to responsible for the starvation of a huge city, but there was a limit to the number of any additional mouths he would feed. The main boulevard was wide, wide enough for four wagons with their teams of horse or oxen to travel abreast, and it naturally cut straight through the center of town, leading up to the keep. Even at night, the dark stone walls were visible, lurking in the distance. In times of peace, the portcullis of the main gate was lifted, needing but a moment to be dropped in the event of an attack. Guards on the main wall generally allowed entry at will, to those that had business with their Lord. The young woman the guard observed overlooking the wall seemed so confident that she was obviously one of these, enough that he didn't even cry out a challenge as walked directly toward the main hall.

As she knocked on the large wooden door, though, there was a slight pause. Business or not, you could not enter unchallenged, and the door guards were alerted that the figure on the other side who had approached, in the dark no less, wore a hood to cover her features. It was simple caution to challenge anyone who hid their features, even when the threat from banditry was limited.

Joff was the captain who held the watch that evening, and the main entry had four other guards under his command. Hands were resting on hilts, ready to draw their weapons on an instant's notice, at the slightest provocation. The doors then were pulled inward, and Joff stood barring the entry way, suspicious eyes studying the figure in the doorway. She made no immediately move to speak, so Joff drew his sword, the tip pointing out toward her. "It is very rude to greet guests with bared steel, but it is considered here the very height of rudeness to approach with disguised features. Show yourself, and I would hear your business." His eyes were narrowed as he made a very quick study, realizing that the figure beneath the cloak was female. Not that it mattered-he knew well there were females as dangerous any knight.

He watched as, with a measured care, the figure lowered her hood, and her face was made out. Before her lips opened, he lowed his sword. "Ah yes, the Tiefling." His lip quirked up in a form of mild amusement as he sheathed his sword. "Your business is known, and my Lord requested you be immediately shown to him." He made no move to apologize, however, as he turned. "Godfrey, join me and we'll escort this guest to see our lord."

One of the soldiers in his burnished armor grimaced as they turned, muttering under his breath. "Fucking demon-spawn..." but both men showed her their backs as they strode inward. They passed the outer hallway, connecting the garrison to each of the towers and the arrowslits within the walls, then the central chamber, which led to lower storerooms and barracks. Given the late hour, their Lord was not in the Grand Hall, instead in the most central area of the keep, his inner sanctum. A servant awaited at the threshold, one of the few allowed entry, and was dispatched to summon him.

Leomas, of course, was well aware that she was here, since he could still sense her approach. He was waiting patiently until the servant knocked as his door. He fixed a scowl to his face as he was told that a visitor had arrived for him, intentionally practicised, as though he were upset about being disturbed. He was still dressed in his fine robes that constituted his every day dress-he slept in the nude, whenever he deigned to sleep-and strode down toward the main threshold in his inner sanctum. He gave a very impatient gesture to his guards as he approached, almost dismissively telling them to hurry up and show his guest. They parted so he could see her, and he then paid off his pretenses by letting his face lighten visibly, showing his smile.

"Ah, Rashida! A pleasure to see you-and you arrived sooner than I expected. Joff, thank you, dismissed." The soldiers turned and left as Leomas greeted his guest. "So you had success in finding my...oh, what happened?"

He pretended to just the bruise that he knew was on the back side of her head, around over to the left side. "Were you accosted on the road my dear?" Without asking, he reached up to her neck, his fingers lightly touching her skin, and a light trickle of energy flowed into her body. The bruise quickly began to heal up with the soft trickle of power....and it would also give her a rather pleasant feel as well-a slight rush of endorphins which more than compensated for the pain, and, perhaps, a tiny thrill as well. "You must tell me what happened."

He drew her in, walking casually next to her as he studied her.

 

[Cheska]

The greeting at the gate was not surprising, nor were the guards reactions. She was used to such things by now and allowed them to pass her without allowing them to leave a burden on her.
Instead, before they departed, she gave a polite curtsie and a smile, "Thank you sirs." feeling that politeness in the face of prejudice was more fitting a counter then anger. It left ones enemies confused, but she hoped these men would not remain enemies long.

As Master Leomas began to speak, then his sudden touch startled her for just a bit, until she felt her pain ebb away, he was truely a good man.

She blushed slightly but knew she must give an account of herself, "I am afraid I was accosted by highwaymen on your road sir, that such brigands have polluted your domain is terrible and I am sorry that it delayed me." she reached into her hidden pouch and produced the herbs he had requested.
"But I brought the items requested and plenty more, I hope they meet with your desire sir." she gave a slight bow and lowered her head as she presented the item. Hoping he would be pleased with her work.

She admired Master Leomas, finding him appealing in a noble and yet, fatherly way, which only caused her to blush more.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

He let his hand linger on her neck for a moment before he turned, smiling as he gestured her to walk next to him. Wait, her cheeks are coloring. Is she blushing? I don't know her kind well enough to recognize that. Worth studying further. But as she started speaking, he looked down at her, letting his eyes narrow slightly in displeasure, his lips parting. He shakes his head and then nodded, resolved, adopting a face as though he had fallen into thought. "Bandits. Aye, it is ill news to hear that they are acting so brazenly in my lands. On the highway itself, you say it was?" Leomas knew that she'd been off the road, of course, but he had feign ignorance. "And doubtless wearing black cloaks, with bows painted red? They call themselves the Burned Men." He scowled slightly. "They're becoming more than a nuisance-I will not tolerate them accosting travelers for much longer."

Only then did he appear to notice the blossoms she'd procured, handing him a small pouch. He let his face lighten up once again, and he opened up the pouch, peering in. "Oh, excellent! The r'galath! I should have plenty for the potion I was creating. My sincerest thanks to you, Miss Rashida." He gave her another smile and then stepped through an open doorway. It was a small dining room, with a table that seated only six, adjacent to main kitchens. This was where he ate when he had no use for eating among the members of his hall.

"Come now. It's late, but you are a friend, and I would show you proper hospitality." With a slight wave of his hand, Leomas used a very simple spell, producing the sound of a bell tolling. A servant wearing the House colors walked in, a woman just shy of middling years with her hair pulled up. He smiled at her. "Please, bring some of the green herb tea, for me and my guest. And some of the sweetbread, if it's fresh." She bowed her head lightly, with a quick, "Yes MiLord" and ducked back into the kitchens.

Leomas then turned to Rashida once again, letting his eyes examine her. he did this silently, almost brazenly, just long enough to confuse her about his intentions, before he asked again. "Are you well? Any other injuries? Any other discomforts I can help you ease, Miss Rashida?" He let just a hint of suggestion enter his voice, but made no move to act immediately. She declined any other treatment from him, somewhat shyly, and he smiled gently.

He sat down as the tea arrived, thanking the servant as she poured two cups, looking across at his companion. "So tell me, have you decided? Are you going to remain here and train with me? I'd love to see your potential abilities properly harnessed. You seem to have a deep well of potential, a surface barely scratched. I could help you reach great heights....if you desire." He pretended to be unaware of possible sexual connotations his sales pitch might have.

 

[Cheska]

She felt flush as she listened, smiling, she gave a nod. “Yes, I would like to become your apprentice Master Leomas.” such a kind and gentle man.
She looked to him with hope in her eyes, knowing that with his teachings, she could become a great healer or even more.
She took one of the cups and sipped lightly, not wanting to be rude, she paused to smile “Thank you kindly sir.” she said.
“I will do all I am able to, to make a good student.” she moved to sit down, slowly becoming aware of how sore her feet were, how worn she was from travel, but she did not fully settle down as Leomas might require her to stand again. To live here, in such riches, granted, the soldiers did not seem to keen for her to be here. She might win them over eventually, but she would not fret if they never came to really like her.
Leomas was the important one here and he was the one she should work to please.
She was not ignorant, but his play on words had passed her by, such things had never been granted to her, so she had no idea about flirtation or even subtle clues to a mans desires.
She reached up and undid her cloak, revealing her slightly open blouse, she seemed to be truly unaware of the effects she had on people in the positive manner, only how some did not like her presence.

 

[Noon_Shadow]

He reached out to take his tea as his serving woman bowed out, and then took a deep sip of it. It was strong, as his servants knew that he had come to like it, with just a bit of mint-it was always mint tea this late in the evening. As she sat down, he took note of her posture. She didn't relax, she was still poised-perhaps uncomfortable. And he studied her form, as well. He found her pleasing, both in a general aesthetic sense, and also as an object of desire. Her blouse was slightly open, exposing the upper curves of her breasts, proportionate to the find curves of the rest of her body. Yes, she would do very well, once he got her into some better clothes. Which would be very well-an apprentice of his would be expected to dress the part.

He allowed her to note the smile as he inclined his head slightly. "Yes, thank you, that's very good. To everyone else, I am Lord Leomas, or occasionally Lord Carstone. But if I'm to have an apprentice, I prefer Master Leomas. That is how I will want you to address me." He smiled slightly, thoughtfully. "And it's been it a long time since I've had a student, so it should help to remind me of the arrangement as well," he lied.

The serving girl came back with a plate and a loaf of sweetbread on it, fresh as he had asked, still warm from having just been pulled from the ovens. He gave her a bright smile. "Thanks very much, Vicki." She bowed again. "At your service, miLord," she replied, before vanishing once again. Leomas broke off a small chunk of the break, taking a bite of it, chewing very carefully. Then he smiled.

"Please, help yourself Rashida, and be at ease. I'm sure you could use some refreshment to recover from your journey. I'll need to have some quarters arranged for you, but for now, relax and be comfortable. We'll put you somewhere fairly permanent, since you'll be staying on as my student." As he looked at her, he reached out with his other senses, his magical essence, doing a gentle probe of her. It was a subtle means of gauging her potential, and her current abilities. Leomas narrowed his eyes slightly, a subconscious gesture-it was hard to separate his physical senses from the more ethereal ones. He wondered if she felt it, the slight caress of his energy mingling subtly with hers.

His lips turned up in a smile as he looked at her. "Now, it would please me to hear about you. Or specifically, your abilities, and your training. How your abilities manifested, and what teaching you've had to date. It should help me to get an idea of where to begin with your training, Rashida." He made sure to address her by name. Eventually, simply saying her name should be able to generate quite a strong response in her.