Tales of Almasia ~Closed for Eternal_Blade, and I~

[Euphoria_Lora]

Within the heart of the kingdom of Almasia there wages a war that threatens to consume the entire land. Within these dark times the people of Almasia suffer greatly, each at the whims of this terrifying foe that threatens to take all of Almasia's children; the raiders. The raiders are a dark race of subterranean creatures that have recently grown an adaptation to light, and now rage across the land of the surface, bringing with them the wrath of the under realm. It is unknown what these creatures truly desire, but what is known is that if not stopped, these creatures will destroy Almasia, and rage on to the rest of the world.

In light of this great catastrophe the wise king of Almasia calls forth his eldest daughter Myrja to call upon aid from their long time allies to the west; Rosalia. Little does either of them know that the journey that will lie ahead of her is one that no princess should undertake. Just a hint of this is known as she sets off only to have the highly armed carriage she is traveling in be blown over by the might of the raiders. She fights with all her strength to support the guards that are escorting her, but in the end the last one falls, leaving the princess of the sacred kingdom to fend for herself. All seems lost for the girl, when out of nowhere appears a brave young swordsman who strikes down her foes.

Little does either of them know, this chance encounter will change the history of Almasia; and with it, the entire world.....

 

[Euphoria_Lora]

Profile

Name: Myrja-Lenthier-Almasia
Age: 18
Gender: Female

Appearance: Myrja is a young woman of above average height, standing roughly around 54-56, with a slender, ad curvy frame. She has light silver hair, light complected skin, brilliant crystal blue eyes, and a radiant smile. Her general traveling garb consists of a sturdy blue travelers gown that reaches to just above her knees, and lady-like traveling boots that reach just below her knees.

Story: Myrja is the eldest daughter of the renowned sage, and king of the sacred nation, Alexander-Sinclair-Almasia. Her journey begins as she leaves her castle on orders from her father to travel to Rosalia in search of aid from their military forces. Her life until then was one that might be expected for the sacred nation. Studying, staff training, political intrigues, and magic research. Now however she is thrust into a world where she has no servants to rely on, but instead must learn to stand on her own two feet.

Skills: Magic-arts, Guardian summoning, knowledge of the nobility, laws and customs, some light athletics, and some moderate acrobatics, as well as diplomatic training, in all it's various forms. . She is highly trained in concentration, and has top notch senses that allow her to grub up all the gossip that the castle maids spread.

 

[Eternal_Blade]

Name: Gale Windstrom Rosalia
Age: 20
Gender: Male

Appearance: Gale stands at just under six foot tall with a lean muscular body that has been honed for combat. His shoulder length silver hair, emerald green eyes, and light complected skin are all traits of the Rosalian Royal family. Gale clothing consist of an azure tunic, black pants, black boots with white trim at the top, azure fingerless gloves, and an azure traveling cloak. His sword which is a royal treasure named Blue Dragon rests comfortably at his left hip. The sword it self is a long slender scimitar which has glowing blue runic symbols of dragons in flight, its handle is wrapped in enchanted azure leather, while it's hilt consist of two white curving dragons teeth.

Story: Gales was born the second son of the Republic of Rosalia, he grew up with strict sword practice which he like his father, and brother before him was a natural. By the time he was 16 however his father had fallen ill, and the senate was backing his brother as candidate for the throne throne, while the Imperial Knights were backing him as candidate for the throne. Seeing as how Rosalia was such a militaristic country both sides demanded a fight to determine who the successor for the throne would be. The knights, and the senate knew that Gale was no match for his brother, but this was the way of things and they couldn't easily be changed. The fight took place on the top spire of the palace, and while Gale was no match for his brother he had a lve for combat, and could never hold back, but his brother didn't hold that same love, and while he was the better swordsman he held back. Before Gale knew it he had killed his brother taking his head right from his body. Gale had trouble getting past the fact that he so easily killed his brother without even thinking, but he eventually got some advice from his mother that helped him pull through. When he was 18 his father died, and the senate used the fact that he was not yet old enough to rule, and the fact that he had killed his brother without even hesitating to allegate charges of treason against him, his crime was his own fathers poisoning. He fled his own country, and became an exiled prince who roamed the land like a vagabond.

Skills: Sword arts, senses, athletics, acrobatics, martial arts, perception, deception, stealth, sword mastery.

 

[Euphoria_Lora]

Chapter One

Myrja sat comfortably in the back of the carriage as her eyes peered out curiously through the window, taking in all they could in the abstract wonderment of the landscape that lay just out of her reach. It's all so beautiful, who would have thought such dire straights could have been upon us. She thought to herself quietly, eyes trailing now over a great oak that rested in the distances with it's long branches stretching out over the planes as if to cover the earth in it's rescuing shades. She sighed then and there, though her head snapped back to a voice from one of the guards next to her as he said. "Milady, is everything alright?" His question was spoken with deep worry as he no doubt had witnessed the flush of emotions that had crossed her face, and Myrja couldn't help but blush as she smiled at him. "I'm sorry Leon, it's seems I'm just a bit more distracted today than I should be. I mean, it's so beautiful, I've never seen anything like it." The excitement in her words shone clearly, and the guard couldn't help but give her an endearing smile as he leaned back, and nodded to her words.

Myrja was about to say another word to Lean, but her lips only got half open before the carriage they were riding in hit a rough spot, sending the wheel reeling up and them shaking around in surprise. The carriage rolled on for a bit before stopping at a lopsided angle, indicating to all inside that the wheel had been broken. She was still squeaking in surprise when the carriage finally stopped, and she opened her eyes to find that Leon had thrown himself over her in a defense from any debris that might have fallen onto her from the carriage, and she couldn't help but give him a soft smile of thanks. "Thank you, Leon." She said to him in a light whisper. Leon however merely dipped in a soft bow, and shook his head. "Nay your highness, tis my duty and honor to protect you." His words were spoken with a smile as his eyes peered back up toward her, before he chuckled and said. "You await in the carriage, I'll go see what the problem is." And with his words, Leon hopped out the side door of the carriage and circled around to see what had happened.

Curiously Myrja sat on the plush seat of the carriage bench, her back resting easily against it as she tried to stop the racing beat of her right, still in shock from the fight she has just experience. She could still hear Leon's voice from inside the carriage as he shouted at someone from outside, presumably the wheel man whom she had guessed was doing something wrong. It wasn't but a few more moments however, and Myrja realized something was terribly wrong for a shriek sounded out from just outside the carriage, and she heard Leon call out to the rest of the guards. "Form a line; we must keep the princess from harm." She shivered at those words, for she knew only one possibility that it could be hinting at; the raiders had found her. Quicly she scrambled off the carriage bench, and tumbled with subtle grace outside the carraige dor, staff in hand, to see what was going on outside.

As Myrja's form tumbled out, she looked ahead and around the carriage to see the hideous humanoid beasts known as the raiders coming forth at them, their terrible claws and fangs pointed forth at the ready as they came in for attack. "Princess! Back in the carriage!" Cried out Leon toward her, as he began to fire off arrows from his longbow at the creatures that advanced upon them, though every arrow that was knocked merely missed, or bounced off the thick hide the creatures seem to posses. "But you can't break the carapace on your own!" She cried back to him, as she charged her staff with magic energy, and send a whirling force of bladed wind toward the nearest of the creatures, causing it to whine in pain, and double over to the next arrow that was loosed by Leon's bow. After that however, the scene of battle became fleeting, and Myrja quickly lost where she was in the heated skirmish.

"There are too many of them." Was the next thing she registered as she knocked one of the creatures to the ground with her staff, only to jump back and send forth another wave of slashing win at the prone beast. "We have to keep it up though." Myrja said back to him in a desperate pant, looking ahead now aware of the many creatures she had already seemed to have helped down. What am I doing? She thought briefly, before her instincts kicked in again as one of the shoulders took an abdominal wound to her left, the claws of a raider still freshly stuck in his gut. "No!" She cried out at the bloodshed, and channeled her magic through the staff again, causing the blades of wind to rush forward again, and take the raider to it's knees. Afterward however, she leaned forward and panted more than lightly, the strain of using that one spell over and over again now catching up with her, but it was the only battle charm she knew.

Myrja didn't have long to rest however as she heard another scream from the front, though this one coming from her dear friend Leon. "No, Leaon!" She cried out toward him as she rushed forward, her staff slamming into the creatures face to double it over before she jumped back, and tried to chant the charm to heal his wound. she didn't get through half of it before one of the raiders knocked her to the ground however, it's rough knee impacting her belly to send her falling to her back with a cry of pain. Leon who was next to her screamed out in rage at that point however, and with a pump of his arm he thrust his blade into the creatures gut to run it through. "Die!" He said to the beast while holding his side with his free hand, though whilst he downed the creature, it made a death throe with it's right arm that took Leon's throat from him.

It was at this point that Myrja cried out for real, the pain in her belly no longer aspect as her friends form fell limp to the ground. She jumped up at that point, and send both ends of her staff into the one closest to her in a high low combo that caused it to double over, and she quickky turned her staff in a deft twist. "Draken, come to my aid." The words rang out with power as the area beneath her shone with a luster, and a draconic symbol appeared beneath her form. It wasn't a moment later and the form of a medium dragon appeared before her, taking it's claw and raking it through the throat of the first of the approaching creatures, before it wrapped it's serpentine form around her in a protective motion, and she thrust her staff out forward toward the horde, and cried. "Draken, attack them with all your might." Tears streamed down Myrja's face as she ordered her guardian beast to slaughter the horde in front of her, but Draken merely did as commanded, and rushed forward to show them his wrath.

The serpentine dragon glided swiftly through he air, it's form wreathed in flickering flames as he slashed through one after another, before taking out a score with his mighty fire breath. The creatures didn't seem to have as low of an intellect as liked to be believed however, for they all began to charge their sonic artes into one place, and sent it rushing forth toward her Dragon. "Draken, watch out." The princess cried with greater tears rushing down her cheeks as the dragon was torn asunder by the forceful sound, his body falling to the ground below to dissipate back to the plane of spirits, unable to be called upon again for another day. "No!" She cried out at that point, her form backing up from the advance of raiders that closed in on her position, her form stumbling back until her feet tripped over a rock, causing her to fall back and hit her head on a rock so hard that her eyes fluttered closed for a second. As she opened them however the seen the face of a raider, his claw raised high to strike her down, while she brought her arms up in a pitiful defense.

 

[Eternal_Blade]

Gale had been wondering through the forest when a group of three raiders as the Almasian's called them jumped out in an ambush to attack him. "Well gentle men; I'm guessing this isn't about to the taxes I ditched back in the last town now is it?" He spoke almost playfully to them as they seemed to try and understand the words he had spoken not knowing his language or just having not caught the words for what they were gale really couldn't say. One of them began to walk forward, and his hand went to the sword sheath on his left hip and they waited just a second before coming in hard at him. As the first one neared Blue Dragon hissed out of it's sheath to rip it across it's shoulder sending to the ground with a howl of agony. Gale then jumped back just seconds before their claws would have rend him, and then slashed his blade in a horizontal motion sending out a wave of gale force wind that cut the two at their chest level which made them erupt with a wet growl that came from their throats.

Gale looked at them for a second, and only then did he notice that he was smiling, it quickly turned into a frown as he began thinking. Well at least I don't need to feel guilt over killing these beast. He began walking through the forest hoping to maybe catch a ride with a merchants carriage once he got to the rode which was just on the other side of this forest. He was nearing the tree line when he heard a woman scream, and then the sound of a male's death wail caught his attention. Gale began running through the last bit of forest, and not being entirely certain were the echoing sounds came from, he ran up a tree that was slightly slanted towards the clearing that would open up onto the main road. When he reached the top of the tree his feet landing softly on it's branches just barely touching before his weight shifted to a different one, he seen the wagon that was slanted over as if the wheel was broken, and could see dead guards along with dead raiders laying out around the wagon.

He didn't get a chance to get a good look at how many guards were still standing before he ran out of room on the last tree branch, and had to make his jump. He angled it in the direction of the wagon, and had to roll on the ground as he made his landing as to not take any serious damage. He rolled right up into a run trying to gauge the distance correctly, but not exactly sure how far it really was. He was now running next to the road as the wagon came into view, and he could tell it was bad for the last of the beast were surrounding one form. Gale drew his sword, and ran all the harder calling on his training, and his innate ability with sword arts to bring forth the wind art he would need for the job. Their was one of them that seemed ready for the strike, and so he let loose hoping he was close enough for a solid hit. His sword raised, and he took it in two hand and slashed down in a vertical motion, and an azure wave of energy was sent flying towards the one that was rearing it's arm back.

It just barely made the distance to rip into the creatures back blue dragon having enhanced the art to make the attack that much more powerful. The creature arched it's back instead of delivering the final attacks, and all the other creatures turned their attention onto Gale. Oh now I"m really in for it! His thoughts were grim but the smile on his face would have told an entirely different story. Gale never slowed down even as the creatures came forward at him, and he was now preparing to use his most powerful art. The group came in, and he halted allowing them a favored tactic of surrounding him, while keeping up his defenses. They came in at him in coordinated moments which would eventually wear him down, but he waited for the right moment when all of them came from one angled attack or the other. His knees bents, and pushed off the ground his body twisting bringing with it the blade in a complete spin. Again the blue energy swept around him sending out blades of wind energy to cut at the creatures.

The beast which he had initially injured fell upon being further wounded, but the other were still standing. "Man you guys are tough; anyone ever tell you that?" His words were meant to be far more sarcastic than they came out as he was now breathing hard with the exertion of using such a strong art which they had handled with a great deal of pain but were still very much alive. The smile however had never left his face, and when a blade of magical wind cut into one of them he struck out three times with a slash across one their throats, his foot slammed into one of the face of the ugly creatures, and his fist came around from the spin he had perform to slam into the others throat right under the jaw. All three of them as well as the one that had been hit by her spell fell to the ground, the others realized they had been hit hard and came on with a vengeance. The first ones claws were parried by Blue Dragon, while he ducked from under the other bites and claws. However even with all of his quick motions one of them brought down it's foot to hit Gale hard in the chest which sent him to the ground hard.

Gale hit the ground but he wasn't down for the count just yet as soon as his head bounced once on the hard surface of the ground he put his weight to his free left hand, and brought his right foot out in a deft spin which brought down two of them but the other three kept to their feet, and tried to stomp him yet again. However gale was already back to his feet bringing Blue Dragon to bear in arcing slashes to fend them off. He still hadn't caught his breath completely from being hit so hard, but he knew he had to keep up a fierce attack or they would have him dead to rights. His own feet were now doing a little stomping one of his feet first slammed into the first one that fell and was trying to stand up only to get hit in the chest were it already had a serious wound which sent the beast down for good while he kicked his other foot into the face of the other beast which sent it down though he didn't have time to speculate of whether it was dead or not for the other three were coming in hard, but then he noted that only two were still up, and then another fell to the ground as who ever the mage he had just helped was sending blades of wind at them to rend their backs. the last one was still coming in hard seeming to think that he still had back up, and so Gale just thrust hard at it Blue Dragon piercing it's heart and then he ripped out through the beast ribs laying it dead where it stood, before it fell to the ground slowly revealing the beautiful mage he had just helped out.

Gales mouth went dry upon seeing her for she had to be one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, and that by his thoughts was saying something. His breath was coming out in ragged pants as he was finally allowing him self to catch his breath from the blow his chest had taken though the smile was stil playing across his lips though whether it was from the previous battle or the sight of this gorgeous young beauty that stood before him, Gale wouldn't have been able to say even if he was aware of his facial features. Gale finally caught his breath, and gave her slight bow that brought his silver hair to fall over his face. "Well milady; are you alright?" His words still came out in a pant as he spoke to her, and the feeling in his ribs as he had bowed to her told him he had at least cracked a rib. As he rose to his full height his flicked his head back sending his silver hair out of his face once again so that he could look at her, his left hand falling over his right side to hold at the rib he now knew was not cracked but rather broken.

 

[Euphoria_Lora]

Myrja had closed her eyes tightly as her arms had raised to full attention, and she winced tightly in preparation for the death bow she knew would come. Oh no; not here! She thought to herself with tears streaming through her tightly shut eyes, but just as she thought the claw would be coming down hard to rend her form, she instead heard a gurgling scream, and opened her eyes to the sight of the creature arched high in pain. Now my chance! She thought at the sight in desperation, and leaped up to her feet as she flipped her staff back in her hands, and brought the left end hard into the creatures face, before clamming the other into it's groin area. The first caused it to quake in pain, but the second caused a spurt of blood to fly from it's mouth as it fell backwards to crash into the ground, presumably dead. That was for Leon She thought aloud with a whimper, when all of a sudden she realized that the others were no longer surrounding her, and she turned only to see the sight of a young man rising in a whirlwind strike, obviously using strike arts to do it. Sword arts?! Impossible that's a Rosalian technique. She thought with alarm as they began to immediately surround him.

Myrja didn't know this man from Adam, but the bottom line was that he had saved her, and if she couldn't muster up he energy for a few more spells then they would very much be in trouble. As such she rose her staff and mouthed a silent prayer to the wind spirit, before twirling her staff again to charge it with the energy of wind, and whipped it outward sending another wind slasher toward the form of a straggler that laid behind the warrior, and watched as the wind blades literally sheared it apart. The blades grew stronger? She thought in her mind, thinking now that her spell shouldn't have taken such effect. Her thoughts were cut very short however as the man whom had saved her was knocked back a good ways, and she knew then she would have to move in for better ranger. Now or never. She thought to herself before moving in hard to meet up with the raiders before they could sunder her form.

As Myrja drew into the fray, she noticed the warrior stand to fend the remainders off. She noted clearly that while he was fairing greatly against one, that the three of them together may overwhelm him. I've got to help him. She thought as she conjured a spell she hadn't quite learned how to control, and sent the energy blast toward one. The multi-hued wave of spirit energy flew forward toward the beast, and impacted hard against it's right side, but unfortunately for her it had managed to lose strength as it went, and thus only did enough damage to piss it off Oh no! She thought to herself with a shake of her head as they both rushed in at her, and she ducked low in a crouch, rising with a strike from each end of her staff, the first connecting with the closest squarely on the jaw, knocking it back several feet. The second thrust impacted the remaining one in the stomach which caused it to bellow over, and quickly afterward she spun into action to finish them off. Here goes. She thought to herself as she twirled both ends of her staff in a circle that caused both tips to ignite in whirling blades of wind, before throwing them out at each opponent.

Myrja smiled as the blades of wind slashed through her opponents with ease, cutting them down before she straightened her back and glanced over to the man whom had just downed the last of the wretches. Who is this man? She thought to herself as she lowered the staff and moved a step or so closer to him, watching as he rose to hold his side. that rib has to be broken. She thought with worry as she moved closer to him despite the introduction, and came in close to him to plant her hand square upon his side. "Hold still." She said in a somewhat shaky voice as she channeled the divine essence of healing magic into him, and winced as she heard the ribs in his side crack back into place, and his back straighten as it realigned from the battle. "Are you alright?" She asked him in a worried tone as she tilted her head, eyes still red with tears, but her spirit having calmed enough from the fight not to cry in front of the man.

It was only after this action that Myrja realized she hadn't introduced herself in return, and her cheeks grew a sudden rose to them. After all, she really hadn't even listened to his. "How rude of me kind sir. I'm Myrja- Lenthier_Almasi...Err." She began to say, but trailed off after her words were half spoken, only now taking in effect that spouting her name off in front of a man she didn't know might have been a bad idea. "I'm sorry sir, I'm afraid I went blank." She said to him in a crimson flush, turning her head from his to escape his gaze. Oh your looking like such a little girl here. She thought to herself in embarrassment before she sighed deeply, and turned back to face him. "Apologies sir, but I'm afraid in the rush of it all I failed to catch what you said your name was?" She inquired lightly, feeling embarrassed that she hadn't caught it when he had tried to say the first time.

 

[Eternal_Blade]

Gale gasp as she came forward quicker than he thought she was, and laid her hand on his side, and he felt and odd energy wash over him as the healing took effect. What was that? I've never heard of arts that can heal. His thoughts were clear as the pain subsided from his ribs to give way to the feeling of her hand lying against him, the gentle touch reminding him how long it had been since he had felt such a touch. "Yes Milady I'm fine, bu..." he was cut off before he could place his own question about her arts by her speaking once more. It was at this point that he took note of her tear reddened eyes, and began to think upon why a wealthy young noble girl would be out in the wilds with such a small contingent of guards.

He heard her words of her name, and grew a curious expression as she suddenly didn't finish her sentence. He didn't by her lie of going blank after all who would have believed that some one could go blank halfway through their name, but he let it go at that. "Of course milady." His voice was soft as he spoke to her in an almost comforting way deciding that his questions would wait til she had calmed down. "Ah yes milady I actually didn't say my name, but since you've already given yours, I shall give you mine." His voice once again soft as he looked upon her form with both admiration, and respect for both her beauty, and skill with magic arts.

"My name is Gale Windstrom, and I'm a traveler from Rosalia looking for a new start." His words were fluid as he looked into her eyes feeling the strength that lied within, and also sensing her embarrassment. "Though I have to admit, you have a gentle touch that seems to have the ability to heal wounds." His words wistful as he reminded her that her hand was still placed on his ribs. Gale inwardly smiled as her checks flushed in slight embarrassment. God's she's beautiful, but what is she doing out out here with such a light contingent. Sure it would be reasonable in normal times, but with these creatures traversing the area making travel even more dangerous than usual; it's absurd. He tried to shake the dark thoughts out of his mind, but once again his father teaching came to mind and he couldn't help but have a bad feeling about this meeting.

 

[Euphoria_Lora]

At his introduction, and the words of having not already done it, myrja turned an even deeper shade of pink, and made whimpered giggle. "I'm sorry for not noticing that sir, and it's a pleasure to meet you." She said to him in a meek tone, as she pulled her hand away from his previously injured side, looking at the place she had been touching with only slight embarrassment. "Well, I thank you for you help Gale, but I'm afraid that I have important business in Rosalia, and not the time to talk, especially; after what just happened." She said to him in sighed tones as she shut her eyes tight to bite back her tears, now not wanting to show her weakness before the man that had currently proven to be her savior.

After her words Myrja made a curtsy to him, and began to walk around the well defined man. She got no further than three steps however, before she turned back and bit her bottom lip. "Ummmm, your from Rosalia right?" She asked as a hopeful look entered her flashing eyes, and she sighed again before proceeding. "Well, you see I'm on my way there now, and I'm afraid that I wouldn't make it far without a guide, especially after: that." She said with some difficulty as she pointed toward the massacre of her guardsman, and sighed deeply as she swallowed the lump in the back of her throat, dreading the question she was about to ask the mysterious stranger next. "You seem capable, and I know it's out of your way, but would you please help me to get there; I can pay you whatever you ask." She said to him, desperation now clear in her voice.

As she stood there, waiting anxiously for a reply, she felt the tears beginning to well in her eyes again, and only through sheer willpower did she back them away. No, you must be strong before the people. Remember the teachings. Your a princess first, and a person second. She reminded herself, now straightening her back as she took a deep breathe, prepared for whatever answer he may give her. After all, it was a dangerous journey, and one he obviously hadn't planned on making for some time. She only hoped that he would accept. As she seen his lips part to answer, a desperate look crossed her features, and moistened eyes flashed in the sun. "Please..." She asked again in a whisper, cracks now present in her voice for the first time since they spoke.

 

[Eternal_Blade]

Gale smiled widely and shook his head at her apologizing about her hand having not having left his previously injured rib. "Did I complain lady Myrja? After all if you hadn't placed your hand there I might have punctured a lung." Gale spoke once again in soft tones as she took her hand from his side, which left him smiling slightly until she spoke again about being in a hurry. He studied her for a second as she seemed like she was trying to keep her self from breaking down on the spot, and he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Gale sighed as she closed her eyes shut realizing that once again he hadn't given thought to anyone's emotions over the people who had died in the battle, including his own.

He watched her curtsy, and then walk right by him. Gale's breath went shallow as she walked by him, and time seem to stop as she was just inches from him. Then the second was over and she began on her way. Gale gripped his right fist around the handle of Blue Dragon, and his gloved left fist tightened as he thought on his dilemma. You need to stay away from there Gale; you can only cause trouble there. Remember you most likely wouldn't help the young lady on any endeavors there, but rather harm her progress. As Gale thought back on his home land and the troubles he had left behind she turned back after but a few feet of walking, and spoke to him. Gale turned around to face her as she spoke his decision having been made. Gale nodded "yes, I'm from there."

Gale winced at her next sentence about not being able to make it there, and could feel the previously built armor fade. Then he seen the look of pure desperation on her face, and another chink in the emotional armor chipped away. Even still after she asked her question he was going to tell her no, but then the look of a deeper desperation crossed her features, and then she nearly cried please and his armor broke. "yes milady I know the way; and no you will not have to pay me, I have plenty of gald." His words were spoken with a sigh as he began to walk past her, his hand rising just above his hip at an angle, and then the tip of the sword peeked into the sheath, and the he slammed it down. Even as he had raised it the sword was unmarred from the blood that should have been staining the enchanted blade.

He began walking in the direction of the forest, and the he turned his head to the girl that had convinced him to take her to Rosalia. "Hurry along now; we need to cross the forest. Once were past the forest; we'll make our way to the Rosalian frontier town known as Badarac." He let that information sink in for a few seconds, and could see the desperation leaving her features which brought the smile back to his lips. "Once were in Badarac we won't have to worry about Raiders, but that won't stop your usual monsters from ambushing us: so I hope your prepared for a long journey." His words were still soft, and his smile revealed that he wasn't too bad off with going back. Well so much for running away from your problems Gale! His thoughts were scolding however his smile was genuine as he began to walk towards the forest, and back home to Rosalia.

 

[Euphoria_Lora]

Myrja's eyes stopped glistening abit as she heard Gale's words, and she bit back the rest of her tears as she bit her bottom lip. "Thank you; Gale." She said to him in a gentle tone as he brushed past her on his way to take point, her eyes now dropping to the floor. She stood there lost in thought on his kindness for a few minutes longer before she heard his hurrying words to her, and for some reason she couldn't help but crack a soft smile at his seemingly more cheery attitude. "Alright Gale." She said back to him in a slight chirp as she turned her form around, and began to walk back toward him as she placed the staff on it's resting position upon her back. It was only then she noticed that he was trailing on ahead of her, and she had to rush up speed to make it back to his side, and she gave him a gentle smile as she reached it, her eyes now trailing to his as they walked.

As she walked alongside him, Myrja couldn't help but give a late reply to some of his words, for despite his cheery state, they seemed slightly doubtful. "and be assured that I can make the trip; after all, I'm well in shape." she said to him in a soft and gentle tone, though despite this her hair did flick in a bit of a haughty motion. "So, whats Badarac like?" She asked him conversationally, now trying to keep herself in that lighthearted, and for the most part, distracted mood. As they walked on though she couldn't help but wonder if she might have been burdening him slightly; after all, he had seemed reluctantly to offer his help. "Ummmm, is coming with me to Rosalia a distressing issue for you" She asked in a sheepish tone, hoping with all of her that it wasn't a burden to the young warrior. After all, she needed his help but couldn't stand the idea of him helping her bringing him pain.

It was at that point however that she noticed the jeweled sword for more of what it was; it seemed special somehow. She gazed upon it as they walked, and before she knew it she wasn't even listening to him anymore, but rather just thinking on the origins of the sword, and where she had seen it before. What book was that in; it has to be a relic of sorts? She wondered slightly as she looked upon it in wonderment, and stopped before him to study it without realizing what she was doing. "Fascinating...." She muttered aloud in an absent minded tone as she reached her hand out to the touch it, and ran her finger along the smooth hilt. "Odd, it looked rough." She muttered aloud yet again, now fully taken into wonderment by this odd item.

It was at that point that she realized what she was doing, and looked up to him with a beat red face. "I'm so so sorry: I just; -I didn't mean to..." She stuttered toward him before trailing off, her eyes darting to the side in embarrassment. Oh sweet tree of mana, your looking like a child. she mentally scolded herself as a pout grew upon her lips, and she crossed her hands before her, and trailed her foot pouting along the ground. She hated seeming naive, and she seemed to be an expert at it when around this young man; or perhaps she only noticed it when in his presence? Either way she really couldn't say for sure. Soon enough however she let loose a final sigh, and smiled at him politely. "Sorry for that." she said with a bat of her eye lashes, before she turned to be on their way again, her silvery locks managing to catch a soft breeze as it flushed through the air about them.

 

[Eternal_Blade]

As she made it to his side, and told him she could make it, and that she was well in shape in a slightly haughty voice he couldn't help but drop his eyes along her ever so curvy form. Gale nodded before speaking to her in more than slight admiration. "It shows, you seem very fit, and I would have to say one of the more beautiful women I've ever met." After his own words he heard her speak on what Badarac was like, and Gale nearly laughed. "Well lady Myrja it is not like the rest of Rosalia. One could sum it up in these words; A city full of ruffians, misfits, cutthroats, and thieves. All in all a very lively place if I do say so my self." His words were more sly as he spoke to her gauging her reaction to his words, and then she caught him off guard with her questioning his want to go back to Rosalia. "Hmph! Well Myrja I will speak to you more on that later; when we camp." His voice had gone slightly sullen for a second before his turned to look at her with a smile only to find her in front of him stopping his progress.

Gale was slightly startled by her positioning before he noted what she was looking at, and he smiled at her placement. As she started to turn red, and began to stutter an apology he merely placed his index finger under her chin to bring her back to a standing position. "Don't worry about it. Their was absolutely no harm done by it, and you were obviously curious about the blade. It is rather unique." His smile told leagues of the pride he held for the weapon, but his tone was soft and reassuring. She however apologized once more anyway, and began to walk of in the direction he had been previously headed. He caught up to her easily, and patted her softly on the back noting the firm muscle, and how they contrasted well with her soft smooth skin.

"Well Myrja might I ask you why you're headed for Rosalia, and more importantly why it's so urgent?" his voice was soft though inquiring as he thought he deserved to know seeing as how he was placing him self at risk not only by acting as her body guard, but by returning to a country that he was wanted for treason, and would be killed on sight if he allowed him self to be seen. He could see the look of apprehension on her features as she seemed to not want to tell him, and so he spoke once more. "This bit of information would comfort me, so if you could tell me I would consider us even. Of course seeing as how I'm going to tell you my reasons for being apprehensive about going to Rosalia tonight over dinner; I would find it acceptable if you just told me then." His voice took more the tone of a noble as he spoke showing his slightly high born nature as he asked as politely as he could.

He looked ahead to note they were nearing the tree line, and knew the Raiders were less thick in the forest due to the monsters that prowled the area. Well another trip through this forest will do me good; after all I won't refine my arts if I don't get some practice: and well I still have some of those pheromones that repel monsters for when we sleep. His thought were upbeat as he thought of future battles, and the fact that he was no longer traveling alone. gale in all was content with the current situation, as he gazed upon the beauty he was traveling with and noted her looking at him with as much curiosity as he held for her. This will certainly be an interesting trip, and most likley an enjoyable adventure. Gale smile was wide as he looked from her to their first obstacle together which was the forest ahead all the while listening intently for anything she might say.

 

[Euphoria_Lora]

Myrja couldn't help but perk a small smile at they way Gale said she needn't be sorry, and a giggle protruded from her now parted lips as she felt the mans hand impact gently upon her back , causing a light sway forward as she giggled again. His next question however caused her back and stiffen, and she felt a course of danger rush up the back of her spine. "Ummmm." She began to say with a tad bit of apprehension, but then he cut her off short, and said she could simply wait till later tonight. "Alright, Gale." She said to him lightly as she nodded her head his way, but still she couldn't but feel unsure of telling him. After all, while he may not have been a ruffian he was still a vagabond, and as such was a little unpredictable. After all, his simply said words of the ruff and tumble sort that badarac held was more than a small indication of this, and as open minded as Myrja was, this still worried her a slight.

Myrja soon found that the slight worry was in all honesty little compared the warmth of her traveling companion. After all, he seemed bright, resourceful, and oh gods did he seem strong. All in all he held a certain sway that made her insides tingle as if butterflies were swirling about her belly, leaving her knees a little weak at the muscles. It was at this point that she noted he hadn't spoke in a while, and her eyes followed his to the forest that lied ahead. "So that's where were going, huh." She asked the question in more the form of a statement, having already figured it out for the most part, but still somewhat wanting an answer. The look he gave to her was more than indication enough however, and she couldn't help but crack a small smile, even amidst the chaos that had happened only a while before hand.

Myrja decided at that point that she like Gale. He was indeed a traveler worth following alongside into a dragons horde, and for that matter even the serpent queens forest. How true their abilities would match up to those tasks however were another story, but to Myrja it mattered little. It would be enjoyable journey, even in spite of the way it started out. As they reached the tree line however, she felt the tingle of nervousness in the pit of her stomach, and glanced over at Gale for support The simple look of Confidence that lied deep within his tender eyes was enough to boost her morale, and with a giggle of excitement she said. "So we embark into the dark woods?" It was question only because she wasn't sure where they had stopped off, and truly had never been out of her own castle until now.

In spite of her excited exterior however, Myrja knew she was merely escaping the haunt of what had happened to her dear friend Leon, and knew the memory would haunt her for many a night to come. However he had held his duty as her guard just as she held her's as a princess, and knew well that the man was ready to give his life for her at a moments notice. It was this fact alone that allowed her to move past the ordeal, and even continue on with all that Leon had showed her. After all, if she were to stop now all would be in vain. Before they had made it even six steps into the forest though, she heard her belly give a soft rumble, and blsuhed in response. "Ummmm, Gale? Would you mind stopping for lunch; I'm afraid I hadn't the chance to eat while in the carriage today." She said to him in a sweet tone, though her chest were still flushed with the embarrassment of the noise her body had made, and no sooner did her cheeks soften that another came through, causing her to giggle with slight embarrassment as she titled her head to the side at him with a bright smile.

 

[Eternal_Blade]

After Gales slight pause in speech, and her words of them heading into the forest. He looked at her and nodded. "Yes this is where we will cross from Almasian territory. You guys weren't far off if you had cut through the forest, but travel by road would have taken another tenday." His answer he knew was just so she could feel a little more comfortable about the trek, but he gave it even still. He continued on and when they reached the tree line she seemed to pause, and asked if they were to embark into these dark woods. He looked back to her his eyes glinting with excitement for the journey ahead, as he waved for her to continue forth with him instead of answering her. She caught up quickly enough, and he continued once more leading her deeper into the woods. Dammit! Here I go getting all excited about pissing off the senate again. Oh when am I gonna grow up! His thoughts were more pushing him along than scolding him, but non the less they came to mind.

He walked another few feet when he heard a loud gurgle like noise almost as if a monster was growling, and his back stiffened for a second. That was until he realized where it was coming from. He turned back to look at Myrja only to see her blushing madly at the sound that had just come from her belly. Gales look that had gone to alert soon turned to a look of amusement as he listened to what she had to say. He nodded to her about lunch, and thought about the Raiders he had killed in the forest, for just a second before shaking his head with a light hearted chuckle. "Lets see if we can find something to cook; if I had something on me I would just stop now, but alas I'm not carrying any rations." At that point he began to walk a little deeper into the forest, turning back only to wave her along and wait for her to catch up. Oh now where had i seen that turkey nest earlier; they'll be hell to catch, but it will be worth it, and not to mention I haven't had an egg breakfast in almost a year! His thought were filled with his own need for food as he waited for her to make it to his side.

As she caught up, and he turned around to progress further into the forest with her on his heel, he spoke conversationally to her about the turkeys. "I seen a group of turkeys a while before I ran into a group of raider this afternoon. If I'm right it was an entire nest, and we should be able to get some food for tonight, and some eggs for tomorrow morning as well." He looked at her hoping she like many of the nobility wasn't a vegetarian, but non the less continued on. He figured it wasn't too much farther over to the west, and they would find the nest. He was right, and there was the bit of grass that had been piled on the ground in a lump as to provide shelter for the eggs that the turkey was no doubt nesting over, and Gale figured the turkey would fight hard to protect the eggs. "How much accuracy do you have with those wind blades you cast; can you direct them once their cast, or do they like my wind arts just fly forward?" His words were spoken almost tactically, as he wanted to know how accurate she was with her arts not only for this task, but also for future battles to come.