Forum Thread

Kaiya watched, still leaning against the wall, as the boy confronted the one remaining man. She glanced down at the man laying unconscious on the ground, the wood beam still clutched in her hands. She hadn't been strong enough to shatter the wood over the man's head, only smart enough to know exactly where to hit on the man's head.

She watched as the boy threw a handful of white powder at the man in front of him. Kaiya grabbed her cowl and pressed it across her mouth, filtering the air she breathed in, just in case. She, schooled in poisons and cures, recognized the powder for what it was. She waited for the paralysis to set in and then tip toed around the two brutes, slowly approaching the boy and the mouth of the ally.

"I thank you, kind sir." She murmured softly, coming to a stop with a safe amount of distance between them. She reached up with her delicate hands, lowering her cowl, cascades of blonde curls dropping down to her hips, framing a fine boned face. Her full bottom lip was split and bleeding and a nasty purple bruise followed the delicate rise of her cheek bone. Despite that, she was undeniably beautiful with a kind smile and warm eyes. She reached up and fixed the gold circlet she wore and then bowed slightly. "You saved my life. I have no way to thank you." She said in her soft voice, deep crystal pools landing on the man again as she straightened, body aching.

"My name is Kaiya of the Holy Order." She left off her lady title and the name of her house, as she often did. She didn't need her title.

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… ◦ • ○ • ◦ † ◦ • ○ ♛ G ц a я d ї a и ₴ ♛ ○ • ◦ † ◦ • ○ • ◦ …

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demonknigh____▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬⚜ // D є м о и • К п ї g н т S // ⚜▬▬▬▬__

// __▶ Brave // __▶ Loyal // __▶ Fearless // __▶ Swift // __▶ Courageous // __▶ Faithful // _▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ from this moment, my sweet child, hand me a bow, and watch the arrows fly ~ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ❛ ♛♛ ｡▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ Dusk watched the man fall, and he sheathed his blade where it stayed until it was needed for real emergency. 'That will keep him down as long as the other, too bad they can't talk now. I would love to hear them screaming profanities at us,' Dusk thought a bit sarcastic. He then turned to face the abused, he was covering his mouth, and Dusk deemed that as a smart move. There was no telling what kind of other added ingredient he might have put in, but Dusk didn't want to harm when he doesn't have to.

_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ The boy approached him, but still remained a good enough distance. Just as well, Dusk didn't like to be around others that can down a large man with only a wooden board. He listened to his thanks and only gave a nod, 'wait, 'sir'? There are two of us, why only single me out?' he thought. Dusk had the urge to turn around but he didn't trust the boy that much to turn his back on.

_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ When he lowered the cover, no she. The hair was in fact a dead give away, 'And she clonked a man ten times her size down in one fell swoop. Maybe best not to anger her,' the thought terrified him. He was about to answer her when Sid started talking, "No need for that m'lady, I was only doing what was right," then it hit him. Sid was only the voice. "I am Dusk of the Demon Knights and the idiot talking for me is Sid of the Demon Knights," Sid said and stepped out of hiding.

_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ "What do you think of my puppet? He puts on quite a show doesn't he?" Sid said with a smile. 'Oh the urge to draw my blade and stain it with him,' Dusk thought.

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Azure watched the forest picking out the movement. A demon looking for easy prey it seemed.

It was large it's scale covered head reared up peering at the small troop before setting down again. It began to crawl back into the forest its belly and tail dragging the ground leaving a trail on flattened foliage in it's wake.

"It is not safe to stay still for long," Azure said her paws softly hitting the dirt as she began walking.

Her steps were light but slowing picking up the pace. Soon she was running and weaving through the trees with a much practiced ease. She knew the forest like the back of her hand. She lived in it all her life.

Her ears continually twitched as she made sure her charge was behind her. It was easy to get lost and harder to survive especially the farther you went in.

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Sheera stretched as she entered Trudale. The capital was completely buzzing with life. Shop owners shouting out their wares and kids playing. It sounded rather different from her home of Armourvale where the forges never go cold. Gods she missed the scent of melted metal.

She had just finished escorting a caravan from her home town. They had cut straight through the Wanderers Plains. She was tired; keeping up a constant tunnel of ice to shield them from demons was hard work. Yet it did strengthen her spell casting skills.

Her feet were heavy against the dirt as she made her way through the streets. One look could tell anyone she had never set foot in Trudale. She looked at everything making notes in her mind where the bars and inns were. Bars were good for finding work and inns for sleeping. She would just have to walk down a street for provisions.

She paused as she heard a faint clamor. No doubt a drunken brawl she surmised. They were often where she was from. A test of strength to prove oneself of greater caliber than another man. Though strength wasn't everything; to her skill was just as important.

She decided to go have a look after all such brawls were amusing. She made her way towards where she heard the sound. There was no grunts of combat though. Pity, she thought knowing one of them was down. She stopped at the corner her head peering around it.

Two men, one woman....no four men. Two laid on the ground obviously unconscious. Either one strong woman or two men who helped a woman. Sheerra guessed the latter. Better safe than sorry however.

"Mess with one woman you mess with us all," Sheerra said having missed the introduction. She was ready to defend this other woman. Her fingers teased her spear hilt as a warning.

---

Seyda watched with slight fascination as the demon slid away, huge tail dragging behind it. She'd been to the Giant Forest several times but there were new things to see every time she traveled anywhere. She enjoyed seeing the new sights, sounds, and people. The demons they had in the Coven Mountains were as monstrous and cruel as the mountains themselves. Huge, frozen, birds and giant, stalking, wolves.

She nodded in response to Azure and followed pace behind her. She let the kitsune lead although she was itching to stretch her muscles and run at her full speed. It didn't take long before they were both tearing through the forest, Seyda skillfully matching Azure's every move. She was always far more comfortable in her demon form thanks to years of being raised by Faolan in this form.

The larger size of the two of them made their progress slightly slower than Azure's. The slender kitsune weaved through the trees with ease, Seyda and Faolan lopping behind, bringing up the tail.

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Kaiya watched the two men interact, a slender brow arched up, an amused smile on her gentle features. She could tell they were good friends, that much was obvious. She bowed gracefully to the mountain of a man, giving them both another warm smile. "Well met, then. I thank you both. Dusk for you steel and powder and Sid for your voice."

She laughed softly and then quickly stopped, her split lip hurting with the motion. She could have easily healed herself but she believed if a healer mended every cut and bruise, they forgot the meaning of suffering and pain. It was good to be reminded of it.

"I think you are both valiant and courageous. The Gods will smile down on you and the Order thanks you for saving one of their faithful." Kaiya said, smiling up at both of the men. There were few people left that would put their lives on the line for a woman they did not know. She was just about to open her mouth and say something when she caught the words of a woman behind her. The voice was slightly familiar.

She'd been facing away from the woman, only her back visible to her, but as Kaiya turned to see who it was, her face was revealed. "Sheera!" She cried, breaking out into a smile, the split in her lip oozing blood again. The bruise along her cheekbone was swelling and angry looking but despite all that she still look pleased to see an old friend.

She'd met Sheera a long time ago when Kaiya had been in training in Chiden. After that, she'd hired the skilled sellsword to escort her to the North Cove. The two had gotten along well enough and had become friends. Kaiya walked to her friend, body aching as she went, and grabbed her arm gently, escorting her back to the two men.

"Sir Dusk, Sir Sid, this is my good friend, Lady Sheera. Don't worry, she won't bite." She teased softly, glancing back at the woman with a smile. "Sheera, this brave men just saved my life."

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Azure lessened her pace to a lope as they neared their destination. Her ears twitched as the trees above her swished revealing the moment of one of her own. No doubt they had already sounded out their arrival.

Upon entering the clearing around a giant tree there home could be seen. Nothing grew beneath the tree because it was so large it placed them in an eternal twilight. Small huts only large enough to fit one or two people dotted the surface. Tools and beams were everywhere some were being used to skin their prey others laid empty waiting to be filled.

Azure shifted back to her human form as she neared the tree. Its roots broke the ground creating natural stairs into branches that drooped because of their sheer size. Only generals and their leader lived among the trees branches. But other rooms filled it's hallways as well.

"We call her Mother," Azure said answering a question she knew would come as she stopped at the trees stairs.

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Sheerra threw them both a scrutinizing eye. "Well at lest they were protecting you. I'm just sorry I missed the fun. A good brawl is never dull; then again i think this was more one sided," she said looking at the foes on the ground.

"I do bite by the way," she huffed then smirked a mischievous glint showing in her eye.

"As for you Kaiya. For goodness sake heal yourself. I know you like pain but a bruise is an eye sore on a pretty face," Sheerra said sternly know her friend.

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((Figure Sheerra and Kaiya will wait for Sid and Dusk))

Seyda slowed along with Azure, making sure to stay behind the kitsune, out of respect and necessity. Faolan bristled behind her, his voice rumbling her in mind again. We're surrounded, Little One. She glanced back at him, flicking his nose gently with her tail.

And what we're you expecting, Old One? He only rumbled at and left her with, Let us hope they are friends, indeed. Seyda could tell Faolan was unhappy with the situation. It went against all of his natural instincts, letting himself and her be surrounded by strangers. Still though, Seyda knew that if things went south, the two of them could easily escape.

She came up beside Azure, her eyes wide as she examined the amazing structure. She was filled with a sense of awe as she looked it over. "Wow, this is.. amazing.."

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((Indeed))

"Indeed she is," Azure said motioning her company to follow. She never tired of talking about the old tree. "She has survived many decades. Countless fires from lightening and gusts that could knock down all other trees. She is scarred like the world we live in but she survives somehow. Her strength is our own and reminds us that no matter what is thrown at as he can survive so long as we say rooted."

They walked through the corridors the branches weaved together growing into firm walls. There were many halls and everything was quiet. It seemed almost deserted.

"Only those of highest honor live here," Azure said stepping through a curtain made of Ivy.

"My Alpha," Azure said stopping to the left of the door and showing proper respect by bending knee.

"My Guardian," said a woman turning around from her bookshelf. Her angular features and shrewd eyes showing her displeasure at sudden company. "Shown respect girl," she said to Seyda. She had the air of a woman who knew no happiness.

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Seyda hesitated for a moment and then returned to her human form, listening to what Azure was saying. Truly, it did sound amazing. What a lovely thought. She could feel Faolan's own approval coursing through her. He liked the Guardians. Were you a half-breed, you'd be one of them. She thought to him slyly, casting a smirk over her shoulder at him before she followed the other girl up the stairs.

She stepped through the ivy, taking a swift step to the side and quickly took stock of the room. The woman was angular and sharp. She looked hard as steel and just as steady. She also incredibly unhappy. Seyda bristled at the way the woman talked down to her. No one had dared call her girl in years. She grown up wild and fast and had always demanded the respect she deserved.

She was a Shadow and Shadows stood alone in the darkness, bending knees to no one. Everyone assumed the Order had a leader but if it did, it was a jealously guarded secret. If decisions were to be made, a Shadow punished, or a course of action needed, then a meeting of Elders, those skilled enough to survive past 30, met and made such decisions. She didn't bow or drop to her knees but she inclined her head, a finger gently tapping Faolan's nose to make sure he did the same. That was all the respect she needed to show. The woman before her was not her Alpha. She waited respectfully for the woman to speak first.

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"As much as I can expect from an outsider," the woman said displeasure tainting her voice. "Why have you brought her here fox," venom seemed to lace her every word.

"She sought information in exchange for information," Azure replied calmly her nerves were shot though. She knew she would pay for this.

The alpha humphed at her words. She disliked outsiders greatly this much was assured.

"Speak quickly then. I do not have patience with outsiders," she said her hands resting on the desk. She purposely tapped her fingers the claw like fingernails showing how dangerous she was.

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… ◦ • ○ • ◦ † ◦ • ○ ♛ G ц a я d ї a и ₴ ♛ ○ • ◦ † ◦ • ○ • ◦ …

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demonknigh____▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬⚜ // D є м о и • К п ї g н т S // ⚜▬▬▬▬__

// __▶ Brave // __▶ Loyal // __▶ Fearless // __▶ Swift // __▶ Courageous // __▶ Faithful // _▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ from this moment, my sweet child, hand me a bow, and watch the arrows fly ~ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ❛ ♛♛ ｡▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ Dusk looked and seen the other woman, he now felt like he was stuck between the claws of these two 'Lovelies' as Sid would put them, and the large wall of muscle that he knew he wouldn't be able to get past. Sid smiled at that remark, "I like the ones that bite, they are always the best," Dusk only wanted to leave. He did a good deed, even though it was a cheep shot with dust, and wood. Still, he helped. . . a little bit. 'Great, now that I've thought about it, I was only a distraction,' Dusk felt a little used, and it wasn't because he was Sid's 'puppet' before. It was because the only one that did the fighting was the girl. 'While I threw sand in his face,' he was glad for the hood hiding his face from everyone.

_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ "Dusk," he was shaken out of his thoughts by Sid calling him, and giving him a small shake, "what do you say we treat these two lovelies to dinner and a drink?" The hand never lifted, meaning that Dusk had no choice in the matter whatsoever. "Very well then, my treat," Sid said suddenly. 'Does that mean I can escape somehow?' Dusk thought hopeful, and started to wonder if Sid could read his thoughts, because the hand tightened on his shoulder. He didn't want to be in the company of these dangerous woman that can possibly down Sid in a split second, and out run him and use his powders against him.

_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ He folded his arms, waiting to escape, he knew patients was Sid's strongest points. But he had to let him go at one point. . . right? Sid gave a laugh, "Don't mind Dusk, he has a bit of a phobia of pretty girls," Sid smiled at Sheerra and said, "you wouldn't have liked the battle, Lady Kaiya clobbered one of the men with a wooden board, and Dusk thew some paralysis powder on the other. It might have have been laced with some sleep powder as well," Sid raised his other hand to his chin in a thoughtful look. Dusk wasn't going to talk, and he wasn't going to tell.

_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ "One thing for sure is," Sid said nearly startling Dusk, "Violence is the last thing on his mind, for now the weapons he has are just for show, and possibly a distraction. He doesn't harm unless nothing else works, or when faced with a demon." Sid seemed to slow down in his speech, appearing thoughtful but Dusk knew better. The man was trying to get him to talk. 'Try something better, or let's move on, because invoking me into speaking is not working.' Dusk thought a little irritated.

_ ▬ || 『 ♛ // ♚ 』 || ▬▬ "Aw, I don't think 'Master' is happy with his loyal and faithful puppy, I wouldn't blame you, I did use you as a puppet earlier," Sid laughed and started shaking Dusk. 'If you don't stop, I will let you taste my blade, and shove. . .' the thought stopped as soon as the shaking stopped. Dusk started to wonder if Sid really is reading his mind, or if it was because they knew each other for a long period of time. It was then silent, and Dusk started to wonder what was wrong with Sid. He was about to ask, but stopped himself and turned to look up at his friend, the sudden out burst nearly threw Dusk back, "I know the perfect place, they have real good drinks there and the food isn't that bad either," Sid said with a smile, Dusk remained unmoved by the outburst and went to look back at the two women wondering how they were fairing his friends behavior.

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((I didn't like how this one was rushed, so I re-worded it, but still the same. I also dressed up my posts. Feel free to use it if you want. I just got bored.))

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Seyda was greatly put off by the woman's atmosphere and attitude. She'd come expecting a wise leader that could tell the difference between ally and foe, one that would be grateful for any information that might help save her people. She could feel Faolan's approval quickly dwindling, leaving very little left in herself.

Despite herself, Seyda took a small step forward and inclined her head again. When she spoke, her voice was deadly calm and betrayed no emotions. It was impossible to tell how the Shadow was feeling in that moment. "Wise leader, I come seeking and bringing news. As I've already told your very clever scout, the humans are on the rise. They venture further and further into the few remaining wilds of our world, bringing with them fire and blood. In response, demons all over the world seem to be rising, becoming bolder and attacking more humans. It will be an all out war soon and the humans will be at your doorstep before long. Your Guardian was smart enough to realize how important this information was and brought me right to you."

She paused, looking at Azure and inclining her head respectfully. "For that, I thank her. I can see now that not all of your Guardians would have done so." She turned back to the Alpha, icy blue eyes calm and emotionless.

((Will reply as Kaiya when I get home!))

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The alphas eyes remained hard a moment more. "Then be sure of the facts young one. Human nature is to destroy so there are bound to be attacks now and again," she said suddenly turning away. "Although even I feel the changes. Most demons do not talk but the sense and act differently."

"A great war just may be upon us," Azure said. "Demons are bold by nature to grow even more so is dangerous even for us."

"Fear not child," the alpha begins to say turning back to them.

"I do not fear," Azure said standing. "But I do know."

"So be it," she huffed. She looked to Seyda her eyes narrow but her posture accepting. "Humans too have grown bold. Too much so. We have had to close our trading port to the due to them stealing our ware," She paused eyes becoming hard again. "Your turn child what movement have the Shadows noticed?"

(I'll wait for you)

---

It was an easy job. Or at least that's what it was supposed to be. A single demon had been reported to attack people a bit East of Amourvale, near the edge of the Great Forest. Since Armoured Souls was the closest base they had to Amourvale, it was merely logical to send a man to deal with it from there. That man was Raider. Perhaps it would have been wiser to be safe than sorry and have some backup as well. However, Raider was more than capable of getting rid of one demon by himself. That wasn't his arrogance talking either, mind you. He was way past the days of overestimating himself.

Either way, there was no point in dwelling what could have been wise since it was way too late now as Raider was currently standing over the still form of the troublemaker demon with its blood slowly dripping from the blade of his sword. Everything would have went perfectly if it wasn't for the second demon that was jumping on the lone demon knight from behind. Perhaps the second demon had been there all along but hadn't bothered to slay people mindlessly no matter how unbelievable that sounded. Or it had just happened to wander to the area as well more recently and Raider just had bad luck, which sounded like the more likely option.

Why the second demon was there didn't matter much though as Raider spun around just in time to lift his right arm to shield his head as the demon crashed into him, sinking its sharp teeth into the knight's arm and sending them both to the ground beside the corpse of the first demon. Stars danced around Raider's vision as his head collided with the ground, dazing him for two precious seconds. His own blood mixed with the beast's saliva dripping on his face along with the animalistic growl coming from the demon was what cleared the man's head. Even if his arm wasn't clamped between the monster's teeth, he was still quite efficiently pinned under its weight. There was no wiggling free for him.

Thankfully, he didn't need to wiggle free to kill the thing. Raider still had his sword quite firmly grasped in his left hand and with a quick movement, he brought the blade down on the demon, right into its eye. The reaction he got was instant, the demon released his arm and hurriedly scampered off of him all the while letting out an ear-splitting screech. Raider winced at the loud high-pitched sound but he had no time to waste as his sword had been efficiently yanked out of his hand and was still firmly sticking out of the demon's head. With few quick leaps, Raider was on the beast that was too busy clawing at its face, trying to remove the weapon embedded in its eye. The demon knight was more than happy to help the creature but as soon as his sword was free, Raider brought the blade to the demon's neck, sinking it deep into the flesh.

The unholy screeching came to a sudden halt as the demon slumped to the ground, dead. The area fell eerily silent besides Raider's slightly ragged breaths. Removing his sword from the dead creature's neck, Raider stood still as he concentrated on listening to his surroundings. He couldn't hear anything threatening anymore and a quick visual scan of the area confirmed his temporary safety. However, the demon's screeching had been loud enough to alert any nearby demons if there were any and it would be foolish to stay put without backup.

Raider glanced down at his right arm and frowned slightly. Being a demon's chew-toy was never fun but thankfully the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been and he'd be as good as new in no time. Besides, he was left-handed anyway so the wound was barely a hindrance.

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((Alright, I hope that was a legit way to start off. I might have just wanted to write my lil' Rai killing a demon. xP
I probably won't write this much in the future but I guess that depends on a variety of things.))

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((So sorry guys! I tried to log in before and poke heroes was down and then I ended up going out of town. You guys should continue on without me however you can like with Sid and Sheerra because I'll be visiting family till Monday))

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((I've been busy as well unfortunately however, next week should be less of a hassle. I've had to clean for inspection.)

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