Dark Travels (Closed)

[JadeKnight]

The Kingdom of Ryule was a prosperous one and had been for the last thousand years. Rhydin, the capital city, was always bustling with commerce, much of which was supported by the adventurers and mercenaries that journeyed across the land. If someplace was a starting for point for travels of any kind, this was the place.

The main gathering place in the city was the Prancing Pony, located just a few doors south of the main market. It was often empty during the day, but the nights were filled with drinking, partying, live music, and all around meeting place. A large wooden board was hanging next to the door, filled with flyers ranging from wanted posters, random advertisements, to the listings for job postings.

Tonight was no exception to a large crowd. The atmosphere was alive with a four elf band singing while they played there instruments. Mugs clanked together from time to time as the patrons drank. It was still early, but the chance for a brawl was there.

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Sitting at the end of the bar, Zentra Blackheart sat nursing a mug of ale. Though she stood at only five feet, she was not one to be trifled with. Despite her appearance of looking young, she was actually almost two hundred years old as a black dragon. She had gotten bored of just being a dragon, living in a cave. The last fity years she had choosen to live like this, finding excitement where she could. She had spent several years as a mercenary before diving into this so-called adventurer's life. That was why tonight she was sitting in the middle of a crowded tavern.

 

[Angeltears]

In amongst the bustle that filled the Prancing Pony, wolfling Bree Clearwoods sat drinking, listening to the people around her gossip and boast as they drank. The music was good and it made for a great atmosphere, even though there was an underlying tension that could spark at any moment. Bree was a thief turned adventurer, she had grown up stealing to feed herself and had been quite good at it too with her agility and her great wolf hearing. But that was her past, now she earned her money exploring and taking on jobs here and there as she travelled.

Thinking about what she was going to do next, Bree’s ears twitched as she caught the start of an argument. Looking over her shoulder she saw a group of men hassling the barmaid and her batting at them trying to fend them off. Thinking that this wasn’t her problem she happened to glance up at the bar and saw that the bar man was distracted by a man having a lively debate. Hadn’t that man come in with that group, Bree watched on and sighed as she pushed herself out of her chair and taking her half-drunk mug of ale. Heading over to the group she went to walk past them as if she was minding her own business. Then as if she tripped on something she poured her ale over the man that had his hands on the barmaid.

Acting as if she had too much to drink she leans against him apologising, in the process she knocks his own drink from his hands. There was a moment when she made eye contact with the barmaid and indicated for her to hurry as she distracting them all, making them angrier as she went. Seems it was going to be an interesting night, she thought to herself.

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[JadeKnight]

Her place at the bar gave her the perfect view for giving Zentra what was happening to the bar maid. She wasn't close enough to help, but it did give her some entertainment. She did feel a little sorry for the bar maid, knowing how the males could get after drinking. Most of the time it was harmless fun, to them at least.

Zentra spent plenty of time in the company of men, but she preferred the company of females. She continued to sip her ale as the bar maid looked liked she might have been rescued for the time being. The young woman quickly tried to get to another area of the crowd, her serving tray covering her breasts. The bar maid jumped a little when her ass got pinched by another patron, but no one else harassed her yet.

The guy who Bree spilled her drink on growled as he stood up from his chair.

"You owe me a drink missy. Now pay up!"

 

[Angeltears]

Looking up at the man who stood taller than her 5’5 height, Bree gave him a drunken smile. When she was sure that the barmaid was safe from these men she held up her hands and nodded. “Your right, it was my fault. How about I get you and all your friends a drink how does that sound?” she told him backing up slowly bumping into another table and apologising to them as well. This seemed to make the man happy so he sat down and watched her heading to the bar.

Turning away from them she couldn’t help but smile to herself as she pulled the bag of money from her pocket. The man would never know that he was paying for his own drinks. As he had been worried about his spilt drink she had lifted his money. Ordering the drinks, she had a look through the bag. Not really a good pick but she hadn’t done it for herself. She would give the barman a tip and then leave the bag by the man’s chair. Maybe this would teach them not to harass people. Just as long as he didn’t realise it was gone.

She wasn’t in luck today it would seem. “Hey who stole my money” the man roared and rose to his feet looking around. Turning around with a look of confusion his eyes met hers and he went red with anger. “You” he roared and charged towards her. Dropping the bag on the bar she ducked as he went to grab at her. “What’s wrong I was just getting you a drink like you said,” she remarked, moving back every time he came at her, he was drunk and she was sober so that was quite easy to dodge his hands. “You stole my money” he roared as he kept trying to grab her only getting angrier every time she dodged him and he knocked into other people.

 

[JadeKnight]

The fights were starting early tonight, it seemed to the dragoness. She finished her ale up, setting the mug down as she watched the drunk fool take a swing at the girl who had stolen from him. It seemed that the bar owner wasn't planning on trying to let the fights get started so early, do he ducked out to go and fetch some of the city watchmen for help.

The drunk's friend, who had been distracting the bar man before he left, was also a bit drunk himself. He turned to see what his buddy was up to in attacking Bree. This gave Zentra an idea as she picked her mug, grinning. With a nice little throw, the wooden mug sailed down the bar to hit the guy in the side of the face.

Thinking the guy next to him threw it, the blonde swung at the innocent patron. However this patron turned out to be a rather burly fighter, taking the punch without flinching. The fighter turned towards the drunk, a right hook swinging at the same time. The hit connected with a solid thump on the side of the drunk's face. It only took a second for the drunk to stumble backwards into a table before slumping to the floor.

The drunk going after Bree saw his buddy go down, turning on the fighter. He was also taken out with a right hook to the face as the door burst open. The bar man had returned with two city watchmen. The fighter grinned as he pointed out the passed out fools.

 

[Angeltears]

Bree saw the barman leave and swore under her breath, she really didn’t feel like dealing with the city watchmen tonight. In that moment of distraction, she felt the drunks hand brush past her arm and she leapt off to the side away from the bar. As she was now facing the bar she saw the mug fly along the bar and hit the other man. Ducking a swing she watched as what happened unfolded in front of her.

A hand grabbed her and her eyes grew wide as he smiled at her pulling her towards him. Cursing she tried to pull away from him but he held her tight. “Now you’re going to pay for stealing from me,” he spat. “Um I think your friend is in trouble,” Bree quickly said as she saw the man get punch and pointed behind the man, unsure if he would really look back. But the sound of his friend hitting the table made him turn around.

She felt his grip loosen and she pulled away and winced as she saw him go down too. Looking up at the bar she looked to were the mug had come from and saw the girl with no mug. “Thanks” she said with a smile and a wink, just as the doors burst open. “Time to go,” she said ducking down in amongst the tables. Weaving her way around keeping low she saw the watchmen heading towards the two downed drunk men. As she passed by the bar maid saw her and keeping her hand low she pointed to the back. “Thanks,” Bree whispered to her. “No thank you,” the barmaid said stepping forward to tell the watchmen what had happened. Distracting them while Bree slipped behind the bar and out the backdoor.

Once out of there Bree smiled to herself as she pulled her hood over her head and walked away from the Prancing Pony. Even though the she might not have gotten in as much trouble as the two drunks, she had mostly kept herself out of trouble latterly. Well unless it involved helping someone and it was exciting.

 

[JadeKnight]

Zantora gave a smile and little with her clawed hand for a moment when Bree thanked her for helping. She watched the theif head out before turning her attention back to her surroundings.

The city watch dragged out the two drunks, but their appearance didn't put a damper on the atmosphere. Everything had gotten quieter till the guards left, the crowd getting rowdy once more. She knew things would get more exciting later, but the dragoness felt she needed some air.

Her things were up in her room in the tavern, but she didn't need anything to go for a walk. Maybe what she needed was to go on a little hunt for that girl who had just left, but she wasn't quite sure what her end game was yet. Standing up from her seat, she noticed that the drunk's bag had been left on the floor from the little scuffle. She picked the bag up and took it outside.

The best way she knew to hunt was by scent, and this bag was heavy with it. It took a few moments for the dragoness to figure out what scent was Bree's, but tracking her in the city would be difficult. She attached the bag to the rope she wore around her waist before leaning back against the tavern front. She was going to give the thief a bit of a head start before going after her. She closed her eyes as she listened to the sounds of the city winding down for the night.

 

[Angeltears]

Unsure of where she was going to go Bree just roamed around for a bit. She had been intending on having a quiet night, a few drinks in the Prancing Pony, staying out of trouble. Oh well change of plan, she thought with a laugh as she followed the road, watching as people roamed the streets around her. Many were heading to their homes and others seeking a good night out.

Slipping down a few allies she wove her way through the city. Knowing the city quite well she knew were to avoid and where was safe to cross. Heading to another ally she glanced around before leaping onto a stack of boxes and then grabbed the edge of the roof and pulled herself up. The street was good but sometimes it felt good making your way across the roofs, especially as Bree knew where she was heading now.

Crossing the city, she blending in with the night as she leapt from roof to roof until she reached her goal. There before her was the old look out perch which was no longer used since they had built the wall with new look out for the guards. It was boarded up but Bree knew of a way to get in. Sliding a loose board aside, she slipped in and climbed to the top. Once she reached the top she sat on the edge and looked out over the city. Now this was a good place for a quiet night.

 

[JadeKnight]

After relaxing for a few minutes, thed ragoness decided to was time to hunt for Bree. What she would do when she caught up to the girl, she wasn't sure yet. Mostly it was for the fun of the hunt.

It was a little bit of a challenge to follow Bree's scent, intermingled with the rest of the denizens of the city. She had to backtrack a couple of times before nearing the alley where Bree had climbed up. She was still a block away when a sound caught her attention, follwed by a knife thunking against the side of the building beside her.

She grabbed the knife and pulled it out as four men seemed to come out of the shadows a few feet further down the alley. Her nightvision was enough to pick out the characteristics of the four men. They were all dressed in dark clothing to try and blend in with the shadows. Two of the men looked to be barely out of their teens, one looked about middle aged, and the fourth had a bit of greying hair. It was the eldest who beckoned towards her as he spoke, his voice gruff.

"If you want to go further missy, you best be handing over that bag of gold."

She grinned for a moment before smirking as she glanced down at the bag. It barely had a handful of gold, not even worth hanging onto. She plucked the bag off and tossed it towards one of the young men, who caught it with a look of surprise on his face. Even the eldest one seemed to have expected her to try and fight to keep it. He regained his composture with a smile, licking his lips as he looked over her body.

"That was too easy. Well boys, how about you say we have us a taste of exotic? Get her."

The three others began to move towards her, their hands out to grab her. She moved her hands in front of her as she spoke softly, lightning beginning to dance over her claws. The middle age man noticed her hands, stopping where he was. However the young men thought they could overpower her, moving faster.

Just as the young men closed to grabbing distance, her hands grabbed around their throats. Their cries of pain were short-lived as electricity ripped through them, causing them to go stiff in her grasp. It wasn't enough to do any serious damge, just enough to overload their systems. She let them drop to the ground in a pile with a smile.

"You might want to take your boys and run."

It took the two men a moment to understand what was happening before they went for the young men. They quickly gathered the two up before running as fast as they could.

 

[Angeltears]

Bree had only been resting a few minutes looking over the city, when she saw lights in the city were there shouldn’t be. Standing up Bree focused on the spot and as a wind blew her way she thought she heard the cries of pain. “Not my problem,” she told herself, even though she had already started moving without thinking about it.

Curiosity was getting the better of her, it wasn’t the cry of pain that had her running back along the roofs, it was the light. The hair on the back of her neck rose in excitement. Could it have been magic? she wondered as she lept getting closer to the spot, not really paying much attention to the noise she was making until she realised something. Skidding to a stop she looked ahead and then behind her. This had been the way she had come before and the light had come from if she wasn’t mistaken the ally she had climbed onto the roof.

Oh this was getting more curious and she knew she couldn’t turn around now. As she was nearly there she made sure she was moving quietly so that no one could hear her moving closer to the ally.

 

[JadeKnight]

Zentora growled softly as she wiped her hands together for a few seconds. It was a little fun playing with the thieves and would be rapists, but they had cost her valuble time.

"I should have skinned one of you before letting you go. Too late now."

She spoke aloud to the air, not really caring that no one was around, or so she thought. She turned around for a moment, trying to pick up Bree's scent once more. The wind had picked up a little, wiping it away more. However she did notice a bit left on some boxes that were further up the alley.

She grinned as she moved towards the boxes, examining them for any clues. From what she could tell the girl had climbed up somewhere to the top of the building. She gave a little smirk for a moment.

"I think I'll take the faster way up."

She took a deep breathe for a moment before she began to flap her wings. It took only a few moments before she cleared the alley and was hovering above the buildings as she looekd around.

 

[Angeltears]

As Bree got closer to the ally, she heard a voice and froze on the spot. Her eyes going wide at the mention of skinning someone, maybe she wasn’t that curious after all. To risk being skinned or just leave and try and salvage her quiet night.

Then her ears twitched as she heard movement before her. She should be safe on the roof, very few people used the roofs the way she did. “Up,” she whispered suddenly realised that she needed to decide very quickly. Still unsure she scampered to the other end of the roof away from the ally. Turning back, she saw something, no someone rising from the ally. Just as she thought about leaping she realised that she recognised who it was. The dragon girl from the Prancing Pony, the one that had helped her.

Standing right on the edge she smiled at the girl, “Well hello,” she said with a smile, “Thanks for the help back there. Also, thanks for not pointing me out to the watchmen.” Bree pulled her hood back to reveal her ears. “Just two questions, why are you following me and who were you going to skin?”

 

[JadeKnight]

She hadn't expected to see Bree so quickly or even actually come to her. That made things easier for her tho. The dragoness dropped down on the roof a few feet from the girl, folding her wings behind her. Her three foot tail swung slowly back and forth behind her, giving her body a little bit of a sway as she walked closer to Bree.

"Hello. You are quite welcome for the help in the tavern."

She stopped in front of the taller girl, tilting her head a litle as she looked at her ears with interest.

"Well, I was hunting you for a little entertainment, but I really hadn't thought about what happened when I caught up to you."

She lifted her right hand and pointed her thumb claw over her shoulder.

"As for the skinning, I had ran into a group of thieves who thought I would be easy prey to rob and rape. I made them think otherwise."

 

[Angeltears]

Taking in the way the girl swayed as she walked towards her, Bree couldn’t help but admit the girl had a grace about her, especially the way she moved. Looking down at the girl she smiled but under her relaxed position she was still ready to leap back in case she didn’t like the answer the girl gave to her questions.

Bree didn’t know what to think about the being hunted for entertainment especially when the girl admitted that she didn’t know what she would do if she had caught her. That was if she had caught up to her Bree was good at vanishing. In her past she had had others try and hunt her down usually because she had stolen something from them but never for entertainment without knowing what the end would be. This Girl was getting more curious by the moment.

“Oh,” she replied when she looked behind the girl to the ally. Then she looked the girl up and down, “They most likely thought you were an easy target being all small and cute as you are. Silly fools! It seems the night is full of them.” Bree relaxed a bit more now that she realised that threat of a skinning had been directed at someone and not just a simply urge.

It was then as she relaxed she remembered the light and her own eyes lit up. “Where you the cause of the lights coming from the ally?” excitement filled Bree’s voice as she asked, sounding more like a pup than a 20 year old that she was.

 

[JadeKnight]

She laughed for a moment at being called cute before smirking. She grinned and stepped back for a moment, spreading her wings wide.

"I may be cute, but this small package can be very deadly."

Her wings flapped a couple of times before refolding behind her. It took a moment to figure out what light Bree was talking about.

"The light? Oh, you must mean this."

She whispered softly for a few moments as she held up her hands, lightning dancing between her claws. She turned away and flung two small lightning balls into the distance over the city. They dissapated before they reached any solid matter.

"It is a lightning spell I created. I use it for hand to hand mostly, but as projectiles from time to time."

She reached forward with her right hand for a moment, her claws lightly running over Bree's left ear.

"I never got your name. I am also curious about what race you are."

 

[Angeltears]

Watching the wings unfold and flap, Bree was amazed. Oh she had no intention of underestimating the deadliness of the girl before her, you didn’t grow up the way she did and under estimate anything.

Bree’s eyes seemed to get even wider as she watched the lighting appear in the girl’s claws. “Pretty,” she whispered almost mesmerised by it. Her head snapped as she watched it lighting fly, her eyes never leaving it until it vanished. “That is Amazing,” she murmured in excitement at having witnessed magic. She had seen magic but never this close up before.

Bree was surprised and when the girl touched her ear, for a moment she had wondered if she would have been shocked at all but she relaxed when there was only the feeling of claw. "My name is Bree and I am a Wolfling,” Bree told her and the smile fading slightly, even though the light touch of the claws felt good. “When a wolf demon and a human mate you get wolflings, or so I am told.”

“What’s your name?” she asked her smile returning back to her face.

 

[JadeKnight]

She continued to smile as well, her claws gently rubbing Bree's ear. After a few moments, she did pull her hand away.

"A wolfing? I haven't met many of your kind, quite cute. As for my name, I am Zantora Blackheart. I am currently in between jobs, so to speak."

She turned away from Bree so that she was sideways to her, folding her arms behind her back. She looked towards the moon for a few moments silently before grinning. She turned only her head up towards Bree.

"I do believe I decided what I was going to do with you after I found you. I am looking for a traveling partner for a bit. I planned on trying to find a job tomorrow, but going alone is just so boring. What do you say?"

 

[Angeltears]

The way Zantora rubbed her ear felt good and Bree was a little disappointed that she pulled away. Blushing slightly when she called her cute, Bree played with her braid.

So Zantora was in the same situation as Bree was, between jobs. But Bree wondered what kind of job the dragoness did, what did this cute but dangerous girl do to earn her living. Tilting her head to the side she watched her turn and seem to be lost in thought for a moment. Bree took this moment to admire the girl body, especially those wings.

Eyes snapping back to Zantora’s face when she starting speaking. “A traveling partner?” she repeated. “Sounds interesting.” Bree’s eyes narrowed for a moment, the child like manner slipping from her. “How do you know you can trust me? You look smart enough to know what happened in the tavern, so you know I have…. shall we say light fingers. Do you often chase down strangers and offer them such interesting opportunities?”

Bree was curious about the dragoness and she had been interested in finding a job over the next few days. But she wanted to know the intentions of the one making the offer.

 

[JadeKnight]

She laughed for a moment and grinned. She placed her hands on her himds for a moment, her right pointer claw tapping lightly on her waist.

"Of course I saw what you did in the tavern. I'm not exactly blind, silly wolf. As far as trusting you, I just met you, so I can't answer that question just yet."

She reached up with her left hand, tapping a claw on her lips before answering again.

"As far as my offer, let's just say I want to try something different. I've been traveling with mostly meat-heads, but that has gotten boring. However, traveling with a cute and complete stranger could be quite the adventure in itself. So what do you say?"

 

[Angeltears]

Silly wolf, Bree raised an eyebrow at being called a silly wolf. The whole time bitting back laughter, she tried to keep her face serious. The more the Zantora said the harder it became to remain serious.

She really was an curious one, Bree thought to herself. A smile slowly spread across her lips. Finally feeling more comfortable around this girl, she moved away from the roof edge. “Your more observant than many,” she said with a laugh, “Which would mean if I did try to something on you I would have to very good and I do like a challenge” Bree slowly walked around the back of Zantora as she said this looking the girl up and down.

Giving the dragoness time to think about this she did a full circle around her. “But I do not steal any more, unless the need really arises and the target deserving. That is mostly in the past for me.” Placing her own hands on her hips she tilted her head and gave her best smile. “Your right it could be an adventure the two of us traveling together, I’m in.”

 

[JadeKnight]

The dragoness smirked a little as she watched Bree walk around her slowly in a circle. Her tail twitched back and forth slowly as she studied Bree in return as well. She had a feeeling the wolfling would accept her offer, so she remained quiet.

Upon hearing the agreement from Bree, one hand reaching towards Bree's face. He claws traced lightly down her soft cheels for a moment before pulling away.

"That is wonderful news to hear. I had hoped I wouldn't have had to force you in agreeing."

She grinned for a moment, winking before turning to face the egde of the roof. She stepped closer to the edge, pausing before looking back.

"Then we should return back to the tavern and get some sleep. The place will probably noisy, but I've slept through worse. Keep up if you can."

Her wings went wide for a moment before she jumped into the air, gaining a bit of altitude. She soon went from climbing to gliding towards the tavern, looking to see where her new partner was.

 

[Angeltears]

Bree’s eyes closed slightly as she felt the claws run along her cheek, her cheeks took on a slight shade of pink. She was enjoying the way that Zantora seemed to have a thing for touching her. Tilting her head when she mentioned forcing to agree, Bree was tempted to ask how she would have planned on doing that. But instead she kept her mouth shut.

Watching as she moved closer to the edge, Bree was surprised by the invite to stay with her. She had been planning on staying at the old watchtower but the idea of staying at the tavern sounded better, even with the sound.

Smiling at the offered challenge, Bree watched as Zantora took off from the roof. “Oh, you just watch me,” she laughed as she ran to the side of the roof and leapt to another roof. As she run she glanced up into the sky keeping an eye on Zantora every so often as she leapt and wove along the roofs, climbing higher and making great leaps as the buildings rose and lowered.

As they got closer to the tavern, Bree leapt from the roof and pushing off the opposite wall she landed in the ally. Looking up she smiled as she still saw Zantora, then started running towards the tavern through the streets. Ducking from sight from the sky and taking a short cut she knew she found herself in front of the tavern.

 

[JadeKnight]

She was able to keep track of Bree for most of the way, up to the point of nearing the tavern. She gave a little smirk at not seeing the wolfing till she was at the front of the tavern. She glided down to land behind Bree and moved forward, her arms wrapping around the girl's waist.

"I got you. Not quick enough to get inside."

She held close to Bree for a moment longer before releasing her and moving around her. She paused at the door to grin at her new companion before opening the door to the tavern. They were greeted by a full swinging party of hooting and hollering. It was much more crowded than before, and a large area had been cleared in fron of the band. A few couples were dancing there, as well as singles. Even the tavern owner and the serving girl had been dragged into the mix.

Zantora laughed softly as she made her way back to the bar, finding an empty stool there. She reached over the countertop and grabbed a full mug of ale before settling back to watch the partying.

 

[Angeltears]

Bree had been about to enter when the sound of something above and behind her made her ears twitch. Knowing who it would be she was about to turn around when she suddenly felt arms wrap around her and pull her in close. Laughing at what Zantora said she had to admit she had been caught and though she wouldn’t admit it at this moment but it felt good being wrapped in the small girls strong arms.


Watching Zantora pause at the door, Bree grinned back at her and followed behind her when she entered. Pausing herself as she entered, Bree had to admit that she had been a little worried about the man’s friends being still there but as she looked over the party that was before her she couldn’t spot any of them. Going to follow Zantora, she made it half way around the room before there was a squeal and she felt her arm grabbed.

Looking at who had grabbed her Bree saw that it was the barmaid, before she could say anything the barmaid dragged her were everyone was dancing. Deciding on whether to make her escape and join Zantora or go with the flow, she realized that the decision had been made for her as she found herself dancing with the barmaid and others. Sparing a glance at where Zantora was at the bar she shrugged and laughed, enjoying the party.

 

[JadeKnight]

Zantora gave a little laugh seeing the barmaid take Bree into the dancing crowd. She raised her mug for a moment towards Bree before taking another drink. After all, Bree did save the barmaid and needed to be thanked for it.

Watching the other races had always been a favorite past time of hers, so tonight was no different. The rest of the party went without incident, dancing partners being passed around as well. Zantora had down her third mug of ale as the band decided to call it for the night, along with the tavern keeper bellowing out calls for last round.

Zantora stood up from her seat, leaving her mug on the counter. She gave a little yawn for a moment, looking to see where Bree had gotten off to.