The bell jingled and the door to the one of the towns many flower shops Kryas excited to the sound of the shop clerics wishes for him to "Have a good day."
He chuckled a soft dry chuckle at the irony of the statement as took a deep breath of the mammoth sized bouquet of blue tinted flowers.
"Ah, bittersweet life" he said while walking through the market place humming a tune to himself. Today was a day that would always be and had always been entrenched in his mind for better or worse.
Finally stepping away from the fires of the smithy, the halfling wandered onto the streets, having done what he set out to do.
"Thanks again for the help, Kin! There were too many orders for me to handle yet again! I'll call again if there's any more work to be done! The old, overworked smith called out from inside the shop.
Kin shouted back, knowing the fires and bellows made too much noise to hear over otherwise. "No problem, old man! I'm happy to help!" And to have made a bit of gold. He thinks to himself.
"By the gods, Kin, stop it with the 'old man' crap! I've got a name, you know! And you know it!"
Of course he knew, but he was going to continue, regardless, every time. "Yea, yea, Fredrick. I'll be around to talk, and if my blades ever need sharpening"
With that he pulled out his stumbled-upon masterpiece, the beautiful bronze-embellished steel battleaxe he'd nabbed from the Temple of Dorgan; resharpened and shining in the sunlight. Not that he ever wanted to use it if he didn't have to. He prefered the sword on his back, also sharpened. After all, this was one of the freer of his days off work, he wanted to take advantage. Done staring at his favorite masterpiece, he set the axe back in the intricate sheath at his side, which he had made to match it as best he could. Bronze was easy enough to work, after all, and he had studied the axe's design endlessly.
Finally finished, Kin set his focus on his surroundings, in which he soon saw a familiar face. "Kryas!" He ran over quickly, "What in the nine hells you get all those flowers for? Got some sort of date? Can't see any other reason for it." He was honestly curious, but as usual, didn't know how to phrase things any other way but sharply.
[spoiler]http://www.youtube.com/v/dLMQuYbh4q8&autoplay=1[/spoiler]
Kryas could still hear her voice in his head as he was jolted out of his reminiscing. Thinking over his response for the moment he smiled a kind and somewhat sad smile. "Yeah I guess I am aren't I?"
Kryas wasn't sad. He knew that much, but there was a melancholy air about him for a few days now. All his music came with a slightly depressed hum verses its usual sound. She wouldn't want that. None of them would if they were here at that moment they would have socked him in the gut or tried to get him to laugh. Looking at Kin maybe being alone was not the best thing at the moment it was after all one of the main reasons he joined the guild in the first place.
"I'm going to meet her on that cliff that over looks the river and the entire city it's the best spot for miles for a great view. You want to walk with me for a bit Kin?"
Kin could tell something was slightly off about what was said. It's not a lie...but something's off. Not even Kryas' silver tongue could fool me out of realizing that. Though he didn't mean to, Kin noticeably calmed down, looking like he was making a big decision. Considering how simple the question is, that was surprising.
"Sure, I'll walk with ya for a bit." He said after a few moments. "If it's got such a great view, I WOULD like to see it. I'll keep out of your way when we get there, of course. Wouldn't want to steal away your lady-friend." He said with his usual joking. It was a nice enough day anyways. May as well enjoy the nice day with a friend for a while.
"So what's on your mind?"
"Oh just some old songs from my past that I haven't played in a really long time." Kryas smiled slightly "Some happy and others deep and forlorn. Each a fond memory."
Memories of old friends and happier times flashed in his mind. A abundance of sound and light. Perhaps that was an idea. The laughter of children and gasps of wonder if he could bring that back perhaps word would spread farther then he ever could. A performance that would involve the entire guild.
"Hey Kin have you ever been to the circus?"
Kin was actually surprised by the question, "Never have, not sure I want to. Why ask all the sudden?" I have a veeeery bad feeling about where this is going...haha... Considering his height and unnatural strength, Kin had always been nervous about circuses. Namely that they would try to steal him away, making him out to be some freakish halfling. He really didn't want to be part of a circus if he could help it. Then he smiled inwardly, Though if it let me fight something that's a different story.
Kryas couldn't help but laugh at the halfling's trepidations. "I don't think the circus your thinking of is what I mean. It's a little hard to explain, but its more of a group of acrobatic stage performers. I used to be part of a rather well known group from where i came from before I joined the guild. You really have not felt life until you've seen looks of awestruck wonder on the audience face. My favorite by far is the swinging trapeze when your able to sail through the air spinning like a top."
Kryas continued to talk about how they would tell stories through the movement and singers adding ambiance along with all the other on stage rolls. As he went he got more and more animated as they went using hand gestures and striking poses to aid in his story. He seemed to have lost the sadness in his eyes as he spoke about all the colors sights and sounds. The pair continued to walk through the city heading towards one of the town gates as kryas' speech drew a little bit of attention from those around them
Kin smiled somewhat inwardly. So THAT'S what I look like when I talk about weapons and smithing. Poor Fredrick...
"Well I'm certainly a fan of acrobatics, but I prefer staying near the ground. Halflings tend to have a good relationship with it, heck, we practically hug it! So I stick to tumbling and martial dances. Much more thrilling for me. And then in ACTUAL combat, you can get that same expression of awe in your enemies face! Well, the post-surprise part isn't so great, but you get what I'm saying. Kin continued strutting down the road beside Kryas, and Kin slowly realized that Kryas' story had a crowd slowly forming. It did sound rather amazing. I wouldn't have taken Kryas as the hanging-from-a-trapeze type... Kin thinks to himself.
"I'll admit, it does sound like fun, if you're into it. Why'd you end up in the guild then? Sounds like you had it made, as far as enjoying life goes."
Kryas chuckles as the pair finally reach the city limits "To be honest it wasn't my first passion at all, more a job of convenience."[/color]remembering back with a smirk. He nodded to one of the town guards who waved back excitedly as they past out of the city limits. They were now on one of the major roads that most people used to transport goods and the like.
"You see back where I come from there is a lot of hostility between everyone for a number of reasons, so you can rarely leave your town let alone travel long distances. And so you learn quick that you have to know who's palm to grease or caravan to join. Mostly only specific merchants with the proper permits crossed any kind of boundaries. So in order to get around all that bureaucracy my friends and I created the trope as an excuse to travel and as a cover for our various talents. It's a wonder what fame and notoriety can do when you need to force people to look the other way. Even when they wanted to get rid of us they mostly had to grin and bear it because of the shear numbers of people we could pack in."
They were now in the thick of the foot traffic into the town like fish swimming up stream. Kryas continued to lead the way as he spoke always keeping Kin at least in some what in his sights.
"The path we want is just ahead by the way," [/color]he said pointing up ahead and of the road into the adjacent woods. A small break in the tree line was just barely apparent. Not really anything more then a game trail. "Anyway, we all grew to love seeing the happy looks on people's faces as well each time we put on a show as we went about our business. It was a nice bonus all things considered." [/color]
Just as the pair were backing away from the main road they heard a familiar voice calling out from somewhere behind them. Turning they saw it was in fact another guild member who must have seen the two chatting somewhere along the way.
Kin listened calmly as Kryas told his tale of why and how he traveled, Kin could only think one thing, and was immediately vocal about it, "So...what you're saying is you got a license to entertain people, and made the right friends, allowing yourself to smuggle your whole group out of the country and across borders? I know you're good at talking your way through things, but even so, that's much farther on the underground side of things than I expected!"
He was honestly shocked. Though, of course, he was only shocked because he was exaggerating the tale.
As the conversation continued, the crowd began to make it difficult to hear and pay attention to Kryas, so Kin just kind of toned him out until it passed. After all, he just had to follow the bard and things would work out, right?
But then he noticed Kryas turn around and wave as they got out of the busy streets, making Kin actually pay attention to his surroundings enough to realize they were being hailed by a friend. The voice was familiar but he couldn't quite place it, so he decided to ruin he surprise for himself, turning around to see who exactly was chasing after them.
The knight had seen two of her guild mates, in all honesty she was waiting for Lyolf; the man was supposed to "show her something grand". Right outside the gates was the designated meeting spot, it was probably something that required a lot of room, or perhaps spectators, or more likely both. She inwardly shivered. Anything 'grand' that Lyolf could think up was probably something ridiculous or some sort of prank. For some reason or another, the mage never showed up however, or rather, if he was, he was running a bit late. It was then that Annia saw Kin and Kryas making their way out of the city exits, she had been standing nonchalantly in the corner, passing time making pleasant conversations with the variosu travelers and merchants around. The guild was a known presence in the city, and mostly everyone had greeted her on friendly terms.
"... and of course he never knew how to make them, so when he had a chance again everything was completely ruined! You should have seen the look on his face!"
Annia nodded, attempting to smile at the woman before her. She had been telling her random stories since Annia first greeted her, and it seemed as if she would never stop. Knights were never rude, but at the same time she wanted to catch up with Kin and Kryas who were already moving farther away.
"Next time... you should... teach him how to do it." Annia replied as she started to side step away. She bowed low, and before the lady could stop her, she had begun walking towards the city exit. Kin and Kryas had already gone some ways, but it didn't take Annia long to close the distance.
"Kryas! Kin!" She called out. When she got closer to the two she continued. "Lyolf didn't by chance call you two out here as well did he?"
Kin scowled in thought as Annia ran up, thinking if he could answer her. "What, that oil-crazed mage? No, I haven't seen him, nor heard from him. I'd almost say I'm glad, as he likes pranks a little TOO much. Why are you searching for him? He asked in honest wonder, as he'd never search him out except for payback. "Did he prank you, or something? If you're looking for revenge, I'm in. I...I found a turkey in on my pillow not even a fortnight ago...another oil-drenched turkey."
Kin then sighed dejectedly, spinning on his heels to face Kryas, "You haven't happened to see him, or hear from him, have you?"
Kryas waved his arms defensively "No I haven't seen Lyolf at all today! I'm sure he just got distracted or something like usual. He'll pop up eventually, I'm sure smug with himself. I find it best just to just to go with it, I really don't think he means any harm. Though I could understand that you as his roommate could see it differently Kin."[/color]
"Anyway," [/color]Kryas chuckled " I was just on my way to deliver these flowers to an old friend of mine and Kin decided to keep me company. Would you like to join us Annia the view we're going is fantastic and you can keep your eye out for Lyolf along the way. Safety in numbers right?"[/color]
"Roommate or not, he's a pain in my ass. Turkey, oil, fire, yatta yatta yatta, it's all childish. I'm not even MENTIONING why you see me sleeping in the main hall half the time." Kin then shook himself out of his rant before he wanted to slash something.
"Anyways, Kryas, who IS this friend of yours? Do they live in town, or something. You talk like they do. And I'm not sure if you ever answered me clearly, but why flowers? Is it a bard thing?" Kin wanted to keep asking questions, but figured he should get some answers first. That, and he needed a breath.
Kryas? smile turns forlorn, "I suppose you?d call her my other half my muse in a sense".
"And I haven?t seen Serena in a long time so I thought I?d bring her some flowers. As for why the flowers, all flowers carry their own meanings. "These," he said lowering the overly large bundle towards the Halfling "are meant to represent the unbreakable bond between two people. And they were always her favorite." He said wistfully before turning to continue leading the way.
?so yes I suppose it?s a bard thing.?
She perked up when Kryas began explaining why he had the flowers and who it was that they were planning to visit. Romance had been something foreign to Annia, and though she did have occasional urges, it was something she had ever explored before. She smiled wistfully.
"You speak as if this Serena was a long lost love. It seems I've missed more than half of the conversation, but you're meeting her again just now? It seems like a story you need to tell Kryas, and I'm interested in this Serena. Is she travelling to Ternadan?" As she followed the two, she kept glancing at the flowers Kryas held. "If you haven't seen her in a long time, you should do everything! Streamers, music, welcome parties, fireworks! Oh I wonder if the city would let us explode a few... Feasts, romantic evenings, roses..." Annia continued to ramble, her eyes alight with her curious nature, imaging and as well as telling the two all the sorts of things that she thought would be fitting, listing off things that she had only read in the books she read in the guild's library.
"It would be grand!"
Kin had to stifle a laugh, he had forgotten Annia was excitable, as her disciplined demeanor as a paladin hid her curious side so well. For once, Kin stayed quiet to enjoy the show. Though Kin could see that her assumption wasn't quite on the mark from Kryas' expression. And yet, he had flowers and spoke of her fondly. Kryas was always hard to read, but this time was even more difficult.
"Well, knowing Kryas, it's an odd relationship, so no kidding it's hard to peg down." He grumbled, speaking aloud with no context.
"Anyways, how much longer? We've talked so much on this that I feel like we need this woman's point of view already!" He said impatiently. "Also, I want to see that view you praised so much."
Leading through the forest path Kryas couldn't help but smiled at Kin's words it helped him put his mind at ease. It was for reasons like these that he chose to hang around with him in the first place.
"Life is very rarely rarely simple or straight forward," he chuckled. Continuing to lead through the forest a few more moments and up a rather steep hill he pushed through the brush to reveal there destination. A grassy cliff side over hang with a large gnarled cherry blossom tree swaying gentle in the wind. From their vantage point the sea was ahead of them and the city off to the left the sounds of the sea and the birds mixing with the distant bustle of the town. It was a breath taking view as the water glittered from the the sunlight making miniature rainbows. The cooling spray was wonderful against there skin.
"So Kin, Annia, What do you think, special right?" Walking he walked under the shade of the tree branches green and having lost all it's blooms, "This place is even more spectacular at night you can see so many stars and the moon is so big she really would have loved it here the view is just like home."
He breathed in the sea breeze mixing with the flowers were holding and in that one moment he felt like he would break down glad to be shielded from the others by the branches and shadow of the tree. Taking a long shaky breath however he smiled stepping just mere inches from the edge of the cliff he felt the air swirl around him. "I hope these flowers reach you carried by the wind and my dreams my dearest Serena." With a short prayer holding the pendent around his neck he threw the flowers into the wind.
"Yes, yes, I think our guild is a testament to that! Haha. You'll not find a more varied group of people and stories than that." Kin said bluntly, then grumbled under his breath, "Some of which I wish weren't told..." He then sighed and shrugged, continuing to walk behind the bard.
When they managed to reach the view, Kin was content. It outdid what he expected from the scenery in the area, and seeing such an old cherry tree gave him a feeling of awe. There weren't many around these parts anymore. "Well I can certainly see how you're partial to this spot, cherry trees aren't common around here, and it's in just the right place." Kin then proceeded to flop down on the ground, staring up at the sky through the tree's branches, letting out a relaxed sigh.
"So now that we're here, where's the girl? I can't imagine anywhere else being the meeting place for-" He then saw Kryas whisper, then toss the flowers over the cliff, a forlorn look on his face. "...Oh. That explains that." And Kin shut his mouth.
Tales of long lost loves have been fluttering through Annia's mind all throughout their journey towards wherever it was Kryas was taking them. Naturally Annia was excited, she never realized Kryas had someone special he looked after, and never even realized that someone like that was near the vicinity of the city. When the group reached the top of the steep hill, Annia was amazed at the view. The scanned the area, perhaps this Serena was nearby? But there didn't seem to be anyone to be found.
"It's wonderful Kryas." Annia replied as she took a place beside Kin, sitting down, rather than laying face up like what the halfling was doing.
All the stories that Annia had read in their grand library back in the guild halls did little to prepare Annia for what was coming next. As the sparkle and wonder in her eyes disappeared, her features seemingly more somber as she watched the bard throw the flowers into the wind. The knight glanced at Kryas, her eyes questioning, but all the same she kept silent, waiting for someone else to break the silence that ensued.
Kryas turned to face the others, the few tears shed now gone replaced by the usual smile.
"There is no need to look that sad you two! I didn't bring you here to get weighed down by the past. " he flopped down in the sunlight arms back warming his face and body. Serena never liked having people worry about her anyway to see people mourning well she'd be scolding me for days." [/color]He chuckled, "it's been an entire year since I've seen any of my old friends. Time sure is ruthless sometimes. I've been doing little things all week for all of them and this is the last of it. Hopefully where ever the winds of fate have scattered us they still know I will make sure we are all able to see each other again the eight of us. My dearest family I hope the winds keep you safe and warm, especially you my goddess of the moon."[/color]
Kryas was thankful that he was not alone in this moment. Having friends beside him kept his hurting heart quite. The key was to always keep smiling no matter the cost and to keep on moving. The sea breeze felt wonderful against his skin as he closed his eyes.
May the goddess mother Alteimaria give us her blessing and support us. Even if that means taring the fabric of reality asunder.[/color]
It was then that the wind seemed to suddenly shift direction though Kryas took no notice of anything as he was lost in his own mind. The air itself seemed to come alive the ocean becoming louder and more violent. Even the sky itself began to shift turning to near twilight spreading as the sun seemed to disappear as thousands of stars took its place.
Kin was set a little more at ease when Kryas explained the circumstances. He still wasn't sure whether this 'Serena' was dead or not. This bard was always way too much of an enigma. So instead the halfling gave up on thinking about it, as he'd been staring at the sky cloud watching before. So he continued just that, enjoying the weather.
Then the scenery began to shift greatly, and Kin became unnerved. He was the first to take notice, as he'd already been preoccupied with the sky when it began changing. "Oi, what in the nine hells! Where'd my clouds go!? And the sun! Even the breeze has changed..." He immediately looked to the other two to see if they were seeing this, too. He had to make sure he wasn't going crazy, after all.
Kryas could not believe what he was seeing when he opened his eyes. The sky had turned to look like one he was all to familiar with. A night sky straight out of his memories. Kryas only faintly heard Kin ask some kind of question to mesmerized by what was happening to really respond simply nodding his head out of reflex then understanding.
Power was alive in the air at that moment sizzling and cracking with the wind. The long strands of energy were pooling in front of them hanging in the air at the edge of the cliff nearly translusent. It felt like everything all of existence was being pulled to that singular distortion. The wind, the waves everything was focused on this swirling disk. Then Kryas felt something warm against his chest. His crystal pendent was shining different colors all throughout the spectrum nearly blinding him.
It was when he saw the light that Kryas finally understood. "This thing is a Gate!" [/color]His voice carrying over the other noise. He was in utter shock a gate here? Now? He did not think that this land had the magical energy required to make such a thing. For his Goddess to be stretching herself so far. Would she truly go to such great lengths, or was this someone else's doing?
"I guess the only way to find out is to open it and see what lays on the other side."[/color] His eyes gaining a strange glow from the light around his neck. The gate was unstable to say the least crafting a doorway would simply cause the connection to collapse in on itself. But maybe if he could make it explode outward.
Stepping forward slowly to the rippling air he stood to where he could feel it's power pulling but far enough away that he could run if something went wrong. It had been quite some time since he had used this kind of magic. He would have to be confident commanding. Breathing in the power his eyes grew deadly. The same energy that made the distortion was now swirling around him like a tornado. Then everything seemed to go quite as he uttered his next word.
"Shatter!" [/color]It was almost a whisper but as soon as he said it the pool began to bulge then constrict rapidly. Violently it tried to keep itself together and then like someone threw a rock through a pain of glass the distortion exploded outwards in sparkling shards. The hole that was left behind like a gaping maw only lasted for a few moments filled with an inky blackness. In those few moments however something emerged ethereally and began floating down as if suspended by strings. Once the hole closed on it self the energy dispersed and everything returned to normal the wind died down and the sky turned bright blue and sunny.
Kryas however took no notice of any of it he was locked on the thing that was slowly descending towards them. As it got closer they could all make out what he was hoping was true. It was a girl tall and sinewy, with long light blue hair splayed out as she descended. She was wearing a blue dress that matched her hair and a bright crimson red head band and bead necklace. A divine aura surrounded her. She was tremendously beautiful and almost angel like
"Serena" [/color]
She landed in his outstretched arms as if she was as light as a feather. Then the aura disappeared and he winced slightly as her weight returned yet he did not even move cradling her like she was going to turn to dust at the nearest moment. Kryas stood there holding her tears welling in his eyes. He was lost in the moment, so lost that he had yet to notice that she did not seem to be breathing.
Kin had never seen such a focused, extensive magical presence in all his time on Elodria; and he'd seen a lot, so that meant something.
"A gate? What the hell is someone gating here for!? This isn't any normal one, WAY too powerful. Gods, I hate magic." Kin was on edge, ready to fight, or even run, at a moment's notice. The Kryas mentioned 'opening' it. "Open it!? Are you mad!? Mysteries are one thing, but this may be too much to handle!" However, Kin then saw Kryas' expression; he seemed almost familiar with this strange power.
Then in one explosive moment, Kin watched the bard twist and shatter the power before them. A hole opened, a girl fell out, and everything went back to normal. Well, except the girl. Kin walked up beside Kryas, "You're not just a simple adventuring bard, are you? And what in the nine hells is she? WHAT IN THE NINE HELLS IS ALL OF THIS!?" It was obvious Kin was a 'little' shaken.
Then he heard it.
"Serena."
"What." Kin stood there stupefied for a moment. "THAT'S Serena!? Isn't she, well, you know, DEAD!?"
Then Kin saw what the emotionally shocked bard couldn't. There was no breathing. "Damn it all! Kryas, she's not breathing! You've got her there, check to see if there's a pulse!" Kin knelt down to assist if need be. "Annia, you can heal, right? We may need that in a moment."
Kin was all sorts of confused. But he was putting his questions aside for now. There was a person either dead or dying in front of him, someone dear to Kryas. There was nothing else to do but see if she could be stabilized.
When the winds had shifted and when the scenery around them seemed to change and a sudden force of magic appeared in front of Kryas, Annia was already on the alert, keeping her hand on the hilt of her katana invisible in the sheath that Kryas had given her. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she knew that whatever was happening in front of them was something of great power. Anytime something like that appeared nearby, it was always better to stay on the side of caution. With no one else seemingly around them, the huge magical disturbance in front of them wasn't something to so easily trifle with.
But instead of danger, a lady appeared out of thin air, floating gently down towards Kryas. It was Serena, and at the mention of her name, Annia relaxed her grip on her weapon though she continued to keep an eye out. She recalled Kryas' words earlier, about asking Alteimaria to give them support even if it meant tearing the fabric of reality itself. It was as if the goddess heard his prayer. When Kin mentioned that she wasn't breathing, Annia finally drew closer. She still kept a respectful distance away however. Annia knew there was some history between the two, and a divine gift such as this was something to be honored.
"Don't let this reunion come to naught." She bit her lip. She knew the spells granted to her by Valtean, specifically those that granted healing only eased pain and mended wounds. Annia didn't know Serena's conditions, so she was unsure what help she could do. Annia placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Focus on her Kryas. Alteimaria isn't a goddess to take away a blessing that had just been given." Annia was concerned of course, she wasn't sure what Serena's state was, but with no breathing at all, that only gave them more of a sense of urgency.
Kryas could not hear them he was shellshocked by what had come out of the other end of the gate. For her to appear to him now after all this time had past it must be a dream. All he could do was hold her, expecting that at any given moment she would simply easily disappear or turn into sand and slip through his fingers. Then he would wake up in his bedroom as always.
He sank to his knees then still holding her against his chest. It was like he had been placed in a vacuum the rest of the world was almost completely silent. Then he had a thought that made it all come crashing down on top of him.
"What if this was real?"[/color]
Then the vacuum that had been strangling the bard's ability to reason simply let go. The screams of his friends now fully heard. She was not breathing. Putting his ear to her chest he listened. Her pulse was so very faint the rhythmic notes just barely reaching his sensitive ear. This figment could just evaporate right before his eyes.
He could not allow that.
He would never allow that.
Without even thinking he allowed his magic come bursting alive coursing through his veins like a flood he kissed the girl. Forcing his own energy into her he held the half stooped pose a moment longer. The quickly listened for her heart beat again. It was still distressingly faint but better then before. He bought himself a little time he only hoped it would be enough.
"Annia, Kin I need your help! We need to get her back to the guild hall NOW!" He said whipping around lifting up the seemingly limp body. Looking over at Kin, "Kin run ahead and get any many of the guilds healers as you can I need a space in the infirmary and all hands on deck if we are going to save her! Tell them to get moon flowers. There the pink petaled flowers with white and blue in the center. A herbalist will know what I mean as many as you can manage got that? She needs to be in a bath With those flowers before major healing can be applied."
Turning to Annia he then said his eyes burning "Do you think you have enough healing magic to help me keep her stable? My knowledge of the healing arts alone won't be enough while I also carry her back to the guild."[/color]
He would carry her back as fast as he could manage to the guild hall.
"Healers and moon flowers! Got it!" Kin said quickly, as he darted down the hill. All the shouts and cries of frustration meant nothing to him as he dodged his way through the crowd and made his way back to the hall. He barged through the door, everyone nearby turning to look at him. Seeing who it was, some turned back with a sigh, muttering something along the lines of "Oh, it's Kin again."
But those that knew him well could tell there was trouble, the halfling's expression said it all. "We need healers! Now! And anyone who deals with herbs, gather any moon flowers you have! I'll reimburse you later, it's an emergency! The one who needs healing is on the way, they're on death's doorstep. One of Kryas' old friends! Come on, come on, hurry!"
Kin ran around, gathering whatever healers he could find, and instructing them to start up a bath. When they asked why a bath, and what was going on, he answered bluntly, "I don't know, ask Kryas when he gets here, just do it!"
Once the setup was getting toward completion, Kin soon felt his adrenaline give out. He'd sprinted a couple miles at least, and so after staggering to a nearby chair, he closed his eyes, slumped back, and thought. What the hell is going on? Who the hell is this Serena? He was grumbling and panting to himself for a moment as he replayed the events in his head. Then, he realized something, and despite the situation, smirked. He kissed her pretty good there, huh? Well, knowing this place, she'll make it through this ordeal. And when she does, I'll be sure to use that to my advantage...
"That response should solve a lot of mysteries." Kin mumbled to himself.
The knight couldn't stifle a slight blush as she watched Kryas kiss his lover. It was something that she really only grew up reading about. Romances such as those weren't really as encouraged in the temple where she learned her skills and training. She had seen couples kiss before of course, in her time with the Silver Arms, after serving the Golden Dawn, as well as now as a member of Galas'nor. But Annia felt what she had just witnessed was something that seemed more personal. Annia had trouble describing it into words, but as the bard started barking orders, Annia, accustomed to such, began nodding.
Asking a prayer to her own goddess, Valtean, her hands began to glow a soft light. Like Kryas before her, Annia began pouring her own divine power granted to her by Valtean into the seemingly comatose woman. The divine gift of healing wasn't always as specific, and when wounds or injuries came where Clerics could not quite pinpoint where the issue was, divine healing usually had better results. So it was a time like this that Annia prayed. Not just to keep her position as a knight of the Golden Dawn. Nor her duties as a member of the guild. Nor was it just for the deathly still girl slung on Kryas shoulder. Mainly, it was for her friend, the bard, who really did deserve better in life, and that, she decided, was something worth having.
With a glowing hand on Serena, Annia began placing another on Kryas' shoulder. She chanted softly as she began casting a spell to increase his strength. The journey back to town was still a distance away, the hill being a secluded and almost serene area.
"Find the strength Kryas." She said, her words construed in more than one way.
Kryas held Serena like a bride in his arms, and only nodded as Aria laid her hand on his shoulder. His mind was still racing about what was going on, but one thing did standout clearly in the chaos. He had to move fast. If there were any chance of saving her he would have to get back to the guild as fast as possible. Yet in her fragile condition he didn?t believe she would last him trying to run her back their of his own power.
Glancing over side long at Annia he knew that if he made a misstep now more questions would begin to surround them both. But, he was willing to risk it all he was not going to let Serena slip through his fingers again.
"Hold her for a minute." It was not a request but a command as he turned and handed his charge to Annia quickly before she had a chance to say a word. Turning so that his back was facing the two girls completely he let out a shaky sigh. This was not a good time to let nerves get the better of him. No, instead of nerves if he grabbed onto this thread of hope and steeled himself even the gods could not stop him.
Pushing all the negative emotions free from his mind. He bit hard into his thumb till he tasted blood.
Hear me oh winds of fate
My authority is law, and by my power and blood as catalyst.
I call to you to open a seam within reality so that I may open a gateway.
Creating a passage to the place I see within my heart and mind.
Swing the doors open wide for those I wish to give passage
As is the right given to me by my blood and heritage
Kryas flicked a droplet of his blood into the air in front of them and it suspended in mid air as he said the final line. Hovering there the blood began to glow a luminescent purple color as waves and sparks of magical energy began to spring from that spot. The energy quickly devoured the blood entirely as the now orb of magical energy continued to osculate and grow where the blood once was. Until it had formed a thin oval shaped disk about seven feet tall and three feet wide. The disk began to pull apart at the center until it became an oval ring portal. On the other side of the gateway a dark looking cellar stared back at them. Thee sounds of people running around frantically drifting to their ears.Without another word Kryas began pulling Annia through the portal.
As they crossed the threshold the portal closed behind them and they found themselves in the lowest basement level of the guild's spirit storage. The sound of Kin?s work carrying down from the upper floors. As Kryas turned to fac Annia he put his finger to his lips to signal her silence before lifting Serena?s body from her arms, and carrying her up the stairs careful not to be noticed and to walk into the bathing hall from a side entrance so that it raised less suspension
They were still getting the final parts of the bath together as strode confidently over to the head cleric. He lowered his unconscious charge into the water. Her long strands of hair spreading around her. Soon after she was placed in the bath he whispered something in her ear, and the water started to glow. The flowers that shared the bath with her also began to change. The pods of this flower normally bloom under the light of the full moon, and yet every one they had managed to pack in began to open up in full bloom. They released a sparkling perfumed pollen that made it feel like starlight.
Reading the scene the head cleric began barking orders to the other healers to begin the process of mending her. In all the commotion All three of the other guild members were forced out so as to not distract from the delicate work.
Kryas looked exhausted now that the full emotional toll that had just occurred. He needed to sit down and maybe get a drink. He absent minded lay began to make the trudge back to the guild's tavern. A private room meant only for those of the guild in the back where he could relax would be nice about now. He didn't even recognize if the others followed or not until he reached his destination.
Kin was satisfied with how quickly things were coming together, and fairly surprised people had actually listened to him so quickly. The bath was mostly set and the healers within the guild were preparing a variety of different magics so they were prepared for any situation. Kin had decided not to try to explain her condition because, frankly, he didn't know. And as a battle veteran, he knew misinformation about injuries was often worse than not knowing. Just as he was about to turn around and announce 'Now we wait', Kryas and Annia came marching through the door, headed for the bath, Serena in arms.
The halfling didn't even waste time with details, nor asking how they made it here so quickly. He'd gotten here only 5 minutes ago himself. Mystery was this bard's plaything, after all. Kin wasn't convinced he'd ever get used to surprises from him. "Alright, let's go, let's go!" Kin shouted as he ushered Kryas toward the head priest and the bath. Though he'd said that, the halfling could only watch at this point. It was far beyond his expertise, after all. Though he'd been looking forward to seeing the whole process, especially once the flowers bloomed, the clerics quickly escorted them out of the room.
He watched and followed as Kryas marched downstairs, and knew from his demeanor that he was looking to drink. Without hesitation, Kin ran ahead, knowing well that Kryas probably didn't even notice him. Upon meeting up with the bartender and making sure the back room was open (he had to 'shoo' one patron from it), he asked for Kryas' favorite drink, along with a mead and some ale. "You probably know better than I what that bard'll enjoy, but once all is ready, could you bring it to the back for us? The half-elf's been through quite an ordeal."
Kin waited patiently, and in a few moments, both Kryas and Annia walked in and sat down. Kin decided to wait until the drinks arrived to start talking, otherwise Kryas would never be settled enough. However, he only decided this after trying to speak in the first place. "So would you mind telling us what in the nine hells just happened?" Pause. No response. Sigh.
Finally the drinks arrived, and Kin quickly took a swig of his mead. He had no idea what was brought for Kryas, but from the looks of it, it certainly matched the bard's taste. Without a word, he deftly handed the bartender a gold piece for the sudden trouble.
"So, are ya ready to talk now?" Kin asked, giving Annia a side-long glance to check that he wasn't the only one curious.
The situation was tense, and Annia knew well enough that Kin would do most if not all of the talking as the halfling had a tendency to blurt out the first things that came to his mind. As usual, the bartender of their guild's tavern, gave her the usual apple cider, knowing full well that the knight chose to avoid any sort of alcohol.
When Kin prompted Kryas to talk, Annia was more than just a bit curious.
"Serena is in good hands, the clerics of our guild haven't failed us yet." Annia said, attempting to placate at least one potential worry. The knight she knew however, that learning more of the bard's tale was something Kryas had to choose himself whether or not to tell. So the knight patiently waited, keeping a close eye on the seemingly troubled bard, sipping slowly at the cider she had been given.
Kryas breathed another sigh as the bartender brought out a large crystal decanter filled with a clear liquor and a small dish like cup. He had brought the substance with him when he first came to the guild from his travels. He had asked the barkeep to hold onto it in the cellars for him. Pouring a tiny bit into the dish he was surrounded by the smell of peaches. Though the bard rarely drank when he did he perfered something like this. Smooth fruity, but deceptively potent.
Downing the drink with one flip of his wrist he let the warmth of the drink coat his tongue. It was better severed warm but still this is what he needed.
Opening his eyes and finally taking notice of Kin and Annia. He could guess at the question clearly written on the halfling's face. They deserved an explication of some kind after seeing what they had seen. Though he was not totally sure how much he was willing to share or even where to begin. "I guess the best bet is just sticking to the obvious and working your way backwards.? he thought to himself. He was struggling putting his own thoughts together so talking it out even if he did not say everything that was on his mind would be helpful.
?Sorry guys but, I don?t have a clear answer for you I have basic guess not much more.? Half true he would need to chat with Serena but he had seen such magic before and knew pretty well what would have had to happen to pull it off. The only problem was that it would have been almost impossible for her to do it on her own unless the circumstances were perfect.
At the expectant face of the Annia and Kin urging him to go own he took a deep breath. ?I can only assume that she was pulled here by our bond.
More blank stares.
?Okay, how do i explain this?? he said grasping his head while he thought filling his cup and then emptying it again.
?Where I come from we are taught from a young age that from the moment you meet anyone for the first time you become connected to them. What that connection is made from my teachers used to argue about but for this lets call it a ?string?. Now this connection when first made is no bigger then a single stand of silk. Easily ignored by the world and the powers that be. But as you interact more and more with someone else that strand grows thicker and thicker exerting it?s own pressure on the fabric of the world.
As it strengthens the two people are supposedly forced to meet each other again and again creating a cycle to the point that they will always meet. That is how my people explain two dead lovers reconnecting in their next lives. The bond between them was so strong that it remained even after death urging them together.
Even friends are said to rub off on each other because of this bond. Their energies transfer and mix along the length of the string altering them both. Even miracles can occur if the bond is strong enough.
This process also works in reverse however, rivals or enemies who clash on the battle field are said to find each other because of that bond. That they will continue to clash unless the bond is cut or their relationship changes.
It is said that once the bonds are truly massive not even the god?s can attempt to separate them. Only those trained gods or others, in shattering that bond have the hope of separating them. Either that or the creation of an equally strong bond that pulls them apart. Even then however it is said that they are not truly free of one another the thread has just changed course but they are still bound to one another.
If I had to guess it was that bond that brought her here. as to why or how you would have to ask her.? Another lie she most likely not know herself but it would at least stay that question till later.
After his question, Kin saw that Kryas didn't even realize he was speaking, and thus waited until the bard downed the strange (most likely fruity, having seen Kryas' obsession with such scents and foods) liquor. Finally his eyes lost their cloudy gaze and the Kryas they knew could be seen.
Kin listened intently for his friend's sake, though once or twice he nearly lost focus over all the mushy, romantic bond stuff. Once Kryas noted that he and Serena shared such a bond, Kin's eyes lit up a little in assumed understanding. "So you ARE lovers! But, umm...question. You talked of her as though she was dead...so was she. DID YOUR LOVE BRING HER BACK FROM THE DEAD!? Talk about fairy-tale-gone-reality! Eesh." Kin took a swig of his mead to distract himself from the absurdity of the situation. "I mean really, when are you NOT surrounded by odd magics and situations, Kryas?" He said this in rhetorical frustration, obviously not sure how to take the news.
Kryas could not help but make a somewhat hollow laugh at his friends outburst, ?Kin, life is strange beyond our wildest dreams the magic always existed it just takes the knowledge and experience to realize it. Magic is in the blood of my people, so I?ve had plenty of experience, I've made such things into my livelihood after all.?
Taking a sip of his drink again, ?And as to my relationship with Serena I won?t deny we have a past, and we do share feelings, but it is more complicated then just love can cover. There are very few fairytale endings in life that work that way." He took an extra breath in that moment looking pained then turning it into a smile. ?Not that we are anything like scorned lovers or anything like that. Just complications?
?As for bringing her back from the dead I very much doubt it. She may look fragile now, but she can take a punch better then Golas could in armor. Killing her would take quite a feat. Wherever the magic pulled her from it was most likely the transit that left her in her current state. What she needs now is some rest and care once she?s on he feet again you can ask her yourself.?
?Thank you by the way Kin, Annia I don?t think I could have got her here without you two. I really am eternally grateful?