Really Feels Alone After All

[Talwyn]

Oswin made a snorting sound, trying to hold back his laughter. In the end however, he failed and started laughing so hard he was slapping his knees and tears came out of his eyes. "HAHAHAHA... you... you... hahahahaha.... it's eyes... ghahahahaha... ha.... ha..." Taking a deep breath he looked at Anykae once more, and once again let loose a thunderous laughter.

"HAHAHAHA...HA...HA...ha... eeh..." He calmed down and wiped away the tears. "Oh dear, I'm sorry. But you where trying so hard to sound a little tough and then you give the most girly reason I have ever heard!" Struggling to keep another burst of laughter in check he shook his head. "Really, I am terribly sorry my dear. Anyway... Shuzgúb might not look like much, but he IS a demon and will use whatever he can get away with to get what he wants. As I said, he is trained to only take with is offered, so he will do whatever he can to make someone offer him something."

Pouring another cup of tea for both Oswin and himself, Brandus felt a little sorry for the girl. Holding up the kettle, he looked at Anykae. Obviously he was checking if she wanted more tea. Oswin grabbed his cup and took a sip. "Well, anyway. Don't you think it's time to tell us what's troubling you me dear? Now now, don't lie, there IS something bothering you. Please tell us and let us help."

[*Kymmi*]

Anykae jumped when Oswin started to roar with laughter. This was the least of things she expected. She laughed a bit herself thinking how silly she sounded. She listened intently to his explanations about demons and found she was a bit interested after all. She smiled honestly as he wiped away his tears.

Anykae caught Brandus's eye as he held the kettle. She thought for a second, scratching the back of her neck. Anykae decided against it and shook her head. 'No thank you,' She mouthed to him. Anykae thought about the next question directed to her. She wasn't sure what to do or say. Oswin seemed to only want to help in some way, but Anykae didn't know if she should keep her troubles to herself or let others try to help.

"Ah....To shorten up the story...Something happened to my village, my best friend was somehow transported out a little over a year ago....I have decided to look for him and left the village when I came of the age I was allowed to...which was just a couple of weeks ago. I lost my map and my directions as well when I found a group of people that I somehow got involved in only to be attacked by a mysterious force. We seperated and now I find myself alone and clueless again...I haven't rested much because I haven't the slightest clue of what to expect in this forest." Anykae explained. She decided Oswin wasn't such a bad guy to tell this to. She found herself needing to vent anyway. Anykae's tongue moved and she realized her mouth dried a little. She looked to Brandus then to her cup hoping for a refill now.

[Talwyn]

Having worked with someone as odd as Oswin for years, Brandus found that it had become much easier to read regular people. As such, when the girl indicated that she would like some more tea after all, he noticed immediately and thus filled her cup swiftly. "There you go." Oswin had been listening intently to her story and was now seemingly in thought again.

"Well... I do believe we have a map somewhere and I am certain that after Shuzgúb's stupor is over I can get you some supplies. Hold on a second." And with that he started rummaging in the pack Brandus had been carrying earlier. "Scroll.... scroll... book... scroll... huh? A teddy bear? Brandus why is there a teddy bear in this pack?" Taking the teddy bear out of the pack he looked at Brandus with a curious look on his face. It was awfully cute with its big, brown eyes and pink ribbon. "Ah, I'm sorry master, but one of the little girls at the village gave it to us as a thank you. I tried to tell her it wasn't needed but it was easier to just accept it."

Looking at it more closely, Oswin made a snorting sound. "Peh, I have no use for cutesy looking things! I am Oswin, master of the arcane! Lord of darkness! Enslaver of demons! Grand warlock! If I were to carry around a cute little teddy bear like this I would become the laughing stock of all warlocks. You're a girl aren't you? Don't girls like cutesy stuff? Wouldn't you like a cute little teddy bear?" Without even waiting for Anykae's answer, he carefully tossed it over to her and continued rummaging through the pack until he finally found the map.

"AH! Here it is. Please take it. Brandus and I know the way so we have no need for it any more." At that Brandus coughed. "Err master... we did get lost a few weeks ago in the mountains remember?" With an angry look on his face he turned to Brandus once more while levelling a finger at him. "Yes we did and whose fault was that hmm? Hmmmmmm!? I told you we had to take a left at that one intersection! But nooooooo you insisted on going right because that path was less steep." Again he continued muttering while Brandus just shook his head and looked at Anykae while rolling his eyes.

By now she must have have spend enough time with them to realize that it had been Oswin that had wanted to take the easier path. "Master Oswin likes passing blame. You'll get used to it if you spend enough time with him." He said with a slight chuckle.

[*Kymmi*]

Anykae caught the teddy bear and examined it. She wondered if the incident with Shuzgub didn't happen, he wouldn't have given her the bear. Well...I mean...might as well right...er....gifts shouldn't be thrown away....right? Anykae decided to keep it. Looking away guiltily. "Er. Thanks." She said trying to sound tough again. When she realized Oswin wasn't looking she smiled and rubbed it's head, almost as if it were a puppy.

Anykae gratefully took the map with a "Thank you" that sounded a little more lady-like. She listened to both sides of the story at the intersection, and chuckled a bit. She nodded to Brandus. It seemed Oswin was that way.

"Ah. Yes. Of course. Maybe he'll listen to you next time." Anykae told Oswin with a smile and a shrug.

Anykae unrolled the map and studied it. She frowned and attempted to concentrate. "So....do you know where we are on this map?" She asked confusedly. Anykae was horrible with these things, but denied it. I can figure out the rest if I know where I am....I think....

Anykae sipped from her cup a little more. She found herself liking tea a little bit more. It still had a strange taste. She poked her teddy bear's bow, wondering what kind of name to give it. Maybe Brandy? I could remember this experience better this way...haha Brandy, shortened for Brandus, made a much better name for a teddy bear than Ozzy, short for Oswin. She smiled, chuckling to herself again.

[Talwyn]

Oswin strolled over to where Anykae was sitting and took a look at the map. A frown formed on his face as his eyes darted over the parchment, obviously unable to find where they currently are himself. Shaking his head, Brandus let out a sigh before joining them and with one glance at the map started laughing. "Master of the arcane, Grand Warlock and other fancy titles... and he can't even figure out the map is being held upside down." Turning it around, he found their current position in mere seconds, making Oswin look slightly embarresed.

"Well... I eh... I knew that! I was just checking to see if you where paying attention Brandus! Hahaha." The laughter sounded terribly forced. "And you where! Good show old friend."
With a slight nod, Brandus accepted the "compliment". "Well master, when one travels with you, staying on your toes at all times is something you learn rather fast." The way he said it made it obvious that being around Oswin could be dangerous. Of course, considering his field of expertise and the fact his samples would be trying to kill him more often then not, this was hardly surprising.

"Are you sure that is all the help you need dear?" Oswin asked her. "If you want, you can join us for a bit. Until you're a bit more sure of where you need to go and what you need to do."

[*Kymmi*]

"Ah well...." Anykae was red with embarrassment. She was horrible with maps and directions. Anyone who knew her knew that. She considered the offer. If she was alone, she wouldn't have to drag anyone into her situation, if there was still one. She wondered if her parents killer would target her too or even knew about her. The problem was, she didn't know if she could survive much longer on her own. She hated being selfish, but it seemed like she would be foolish if she didn't join Oswin.

"It seems I don't know where to go anyway. I'd be very grateful if you allowed me to accompany you until I learn more about my...situation." Anykae stood up and slightly bowed to Oswin and Brandus gratefully. "I hope I won't be a burden." Anykae smiled.

"Also, thanks so much for the tea and toast. Ah and the bear of course." Her grip on the stuffed animal slightly tightened. She pushed in her chair and stared at the table and it's contents.

"Can I help clean up in anyway?" She asked trying to be polite. Oswin's offer seemed great, and Anykae felt she should be at least a bit of service in attempt to make up for it. She smiled, thinking about how silly, but fun it could be to travel. She had always wanted to learn how to fight with a team. So far she had only fought for herself without anything to lose or protect. This could be a good way of achieving more experience fighting.

[Talwyn]

"A burden? Of course not dear. And don't worry about the cleaning up. I'll have Shuzgúb do that... Speaking of which, let's check on him for a bit." Oswin walked over the golden pillar of light which held the little imp and looked at the small demon. It was still a bit unsteady on it's feet, but it was no longer having hiccups and it looked at Oswin with a curious mix of satisfaction and dread.

Cancelling the barrier, Oswin's face showed his anger. "Shuzgúb! You KNOW you're not supposed to eat unless I tell you to!" The imp shook his head in disagreement. "Nonononononono. Shuzgúbnotallowedtograbhimself. Isallowedtoeatwhatisoffered!" In response Oswin levelled a finger at him. "Don't get technical with me you little rat! If it weren't for the fact I need you to clean up I'd be roasting you on a fire right now!" Once again the imp's eyes turned all big and teary. "MasternotlikeShuzgúb?Shuzgúblikemaster!Shuzgúbbehavesnow!"

Looking at the imp's eyes, Oswin's anger dissipated. "Sigh... very well. You're forgiven, this once! But you'd better clean up for me and fast. And after everything has been brought back to the kitchen, you'd better fetch Marie and tell her there are dishes waiting for her." The imp let out a scream of joy at not being punished and quickly set about to get everything back into the grey nothingness. "Oh, Shuzgúb." Oswin called after him when the imp was almost done.

"Yesmaster? MoreworkforShuzgúb?" Oswin shook his head at the question. "No, not really, just tell Marie she can send you back. That way I can close the rift without having to wait until you found her." The imp nodded to acknowledge the order but it looked a tad sad. Obviously it did not like being send back to the demonic plane.

After Oswin closed the rift, he stretched his back and looked at Brandus."Well, let the way old friend. Also, how far is the next village?" As he took the lead Brandus started considering their current position and his knowledge of the area. "Depending on how well the young lady can keep up with us master, we should reach it shortly before sundown."

[*Kymmi*]

Anykae raised her eyebrows. She obviously wasn't the only one who could be persuaded with those eyes. Feh. I'm not so girly then if it's normal. Anykae shrugged. She felt a little bad that she couldn't do anything, but also a little more relaxed. She wasn't convinced that Shuzgúb should take all the blame, but what could she do about that?

As Oswin ordered Shuzgúb around, Anykae wondered about the name Marie. She gave Brandus a questioning look, curiously. Anykae also wondered if Shuzgúb liked to work more than being in the demonic plane. It obviously didn't sound like a warm and friendly sort of thing.

"Well let's make it before sundown then." Anykae grinned. She didn't have all the qualities of a pure elf, but she definitely did not inherit the slowness of humans. Anykae was confident she could keep up. She had always been grateful to have the speed of an elf. It was useful in many ways.

Anykae waited for the next commands. Suddenly she felt a surge of energy flow through her body. She considered the tea helping this, but she didn't ask. She felt like the world was in her hands for a short time again. Determination to find her friend filled her mind and she was eager to travel.

[Talwyn]

A mischievous grin appeared on Oswin's face as he noticed Anykae's questioning look to Brandus. He started walking next to her and nudged her with his elbow. "In case you're wondering." He said in a conspiratorial tone. "Marie is a woman living in the village near my little estate. She is basically my housekeeper. Keeps it clean and on the few occasions Brandus and I are there she cooks for us. And she has a crush on good old Brandus. And while the crush is mutual, sadly enough for her, he is to scared to admit it."

Brandus' head snapped back, red as a tomato. "M-master Oswin, come on! Would you please stop saying that. She doesn't love me. We are just friends. Friends!" Unfortunately enough for Brandus, that was just the reaction Oswin had been hoping for as the widening grin showed. He gave a playful wink to Anykae and went on. "Oh come on you silly sod. Ever since she met you she has not laid her eyes on another man. Not only is she about your age, she is drop dead gorgeous, so thanks to you she has broken the hearts of god knows how many men! Just admit it, tell her and be done with it."

Still with a face as red as a tomato, Brandus decided to ignore Oswin and turned his attention back on the road which incited a grumpy sounding "Bah, you're no fun" from Oswin. The warlock however, was not deterred so easily. Nudging Anykae once more he tried to convince her to join in. "Well! Luckily for us, we have a source of insight with us today Brandus! What do you think my dear? Should he, or should he not tell her?"

[*Kymmi*]

"W-well of course!" Anykae gasped. She grew much more excited. "Who would've thought? Brandus you got to!" Anykae took a skipping step towards him and stared up at him with thoughtful worried eyes. Just like most girls, she was big on the 'love' subject. She grinned when she noticed his tomato-red face.

"Girls don't like to wait, and they won't wait forever! Sounds like she's waited a bit already. Brandus! Those three words are words many girls want to hear and she's obviously wanting to hear them from you!" Anykae sighed and rubbed the side of her head. "Everytime poor Marie sees you her heart probably breaks when you'll only consider her a friend....Or...perhaps you don't care for the woman or her feelings?" Anykae asked Brandus intently.

"Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase?" Anykae begged again. "What do you have to lose?" Anykae walked a few steps in the other direction. "It's never easy for woman to have her feelings ignored..." She trailed off on the subject. She was only 17, but love still seemed to be that beautiful fantastic world where people should live happily ever after. "La la oh my love, fix my heart..." She sang in a voice not much louder than a whisper. She grinned at the memory of popular love songs the elves sometimes played in times of celebration and dance. Hardly was she asked to dance, however, and only by those who hadn't learned she was only a half-blood. Anykae started humming the rest of the song, looking at Brandus for some type of answer.

Anykae grinned at Oswin like a puppy that finally found something fun. She wondered the outcome of this situation. She considered her opinion valid for the most part.

[Talwyn]

The more Anykae went on, the more Brandus face turned red and the wider Oswin's grin became. The warlock wasn't certain if the girl was just going along with his teasing, or if she was serious with childish dreams of how love and romance should work. Not that he cared, he had gotten the reaction he was going for which was all that mattered to him. When she started singing and humming, he started whistling. He did not know the song of course, but he whistled along to the best of ability. Despite how he might appear, it did seem he had an ear for music as the tune he whistled matched the girls humming pretty well.

Brandus eventually seemed to gather some courage and spoke up about the matter. "...Lets say I do like her. I'm not saying I do! But for the sake of argument, lets say I do. If I were to admit as such, I would have to settle down in the village. It would be unfair of me to travel the realm with you making her worry about me. And I sure as hell won't take her with us, you are to reckless master!" Clapping in his hands Oswin laughed once more. "Splendid, splendid! So you DO like her Brandus. I knew it!"

"NO! I spoke hypothetically!" Brandus said heated. His face was so red it looked ready to burst apart. "Right, right. Sure he was, eeeh Anykae?" He asked with another playful wink. "Anyway, maybe you should settle down Brandus. You're not getting any younger you know."
"You're one to talk, you're older then me!"
"Yeah, but I'm special."
"Also, there is no way you could survive without me, you'd get lost in a heartbeat."

"Oh come now, I have been travelling long before I even met you Brandus. This old fart can handle himself don't you worry. When we get back to Madiras I'll make sure you tell her"
Brandus sighed and started focussing on the road once more. He knew the warlock well enough to know that he could do nothing but hope that by the time they did get back he had forgotten about it.

Both remained silent untill Oswin finally broke the silence. There was a little matter he had to clear with Anykae. "Say Anykae..." He started carefully. "Uhm... you don't mind if I make certain that Brandus and I can err... earn some money in the next village do you?" The way he said it made it obvious that whatever he was planning, was at least morally questionable.

[*Kymmi*]

Anykae giggled along while listening to the conversation. She kept humming until she got to the last few lines and sang. "Mmm But you couldn't could you. Ah, I was alone anyways...and I'll stay alone like the lonely blue bird left in the snow." The last part she finished in a whisper to keep the sad ending to herself. She shrugged and smiled as Oswin was still teasing Brandus. She honestly didn't know right or wrong, but she doubted she'd regret pushing Brandus a bit.

She barely caught Oswin's question addressed to her. It took her a minute to gather her thoughts and come back to reality. She shrugged. "Of course not. You need a little money now and then right? I could do something too you know. Maybe find a little inn I can show people there rooms or anywhere people need help."

Anykae looked at Brandus and grinned. "I'm sure Marie will be happy." Anykae ended the topic with that. She stared back through the many trees and returned to her thoughts. She closed her eyes and breathed in the pleasant fresh air. She knew it'd still be a bit, but she would always prefer nature to busy towns. Maybe this village will be smaller and less crowded tho? Hmmm. Anykae rolled a small rock under her shoe back and forth, concentrating on the thoughts that flooded her mind.

[Talwyn]

Oswin chuckled at how innocent the girl was and Brandus just shook his head. "There is no need for you to help Anykae." Brandus told her with a friendly smile. "Master Oswin has more than enough money... he just always needs more to buy some of the rarer items his studies require. And... Well... Let's just say the way he earns it is not exactly honest..."

"The way *I* earn it Brandus? You are as much a part of it as me! And keep your righteous rambling to yourself would you? You never seem to complain when I give you your share of the profits!" Oswin snappingly chimed in. "Ah but I but serve master, it is not my place to question your actions is it? Besides I never said I had troubles with it, I am merely informing our fair lady, so that she might do the smart thing and avoid getting caught up in our web of lies."

Opening his mouth to give a rebuttal, Oswin closed it again immediately. What Brandus said was true. "Well, she could always point out that I am a well known demon banisher! And that I saved her village!" A grin formed on his face as he shrugged. "It wouldn't even be a total lie now would it?" Brandus just shook his head in humorous disbelief and left it at that.

As they were getting closer to the village, they paused giving Oswin time to summon Bazgáhrk. A patch of green flames erupted, almost looking like some hellish gate, and the felguard stepped out. It was roughly humanoid in shape, but it looked rather grotesque. It's skin was black and leathery and it almost seemed like it was being stretched to it's maximum, as if the skin it was "wearing" was to tight. It had powerful legs, and it's feet had four toes with wicked looking claws.

It's long and powerful arms left little doubt as to its strength and its back was lined with bony spikes. The most terrifying part however was the face. It looked like the skull of a horse with the black skin being to tight for it. Two dangerous looking horns were fixed at the top and instead of eyes it had two pitch, black holes from which green flames continuously erupted. And it's screech would cause even the bravest of man to wet his pants out of fear.

"Now, no need to be afraid dear. This is Bazgáhrk! My loyal felguard. Isn't that right Bazzy?" He said as he patted the demon on its back. At the sound of "Bazzy" however, it let out another terrifying roar and it almost seemed like it wanted to strike at Oswin, but it quickly decided not to. "Hehehe yeah that's right, don't even try it." Oswin grinned. "The big oaf hates it when I call him "Bazzy". But he knows better then trying to kill me. Right you big oaf?"

The demon eyed Oswin with unconcealed hatred but the warlock stared right back at him without even batting an eye. Eventually the demon lowered his gaze and with a thunderous voice that seemed to be coming from miles away it slowly answered. "....YES..........MASTER......."

Clapping his hands together with a mischievous smile Oswin nodded. "Right! That settles that. Anyway, you know the drill Bazgáhrk. Scare them, but DO NOT kill anyone. You are allowed to enjoy yourself out here until after sunset so long as you make sure you are not seen by anyone and again, DO NOT kill anyone. You know what happens if you defy me." The way he spoke that last part made even the seemingly harmless Oswin sound menacing.

[*Kymmi*]

"Ah? What do you mean "not exactly honest"?" Anykae raised her eyebrows. Anykae's expression appeared more and more worried as Brandus and Oswin spoke. She felt confused, it was almost like they had an inside joke that they didn't know if they should let her in on. At the mention of her village she shrugged. I can't really complain about that afterall...not that their fate ever interested me...Oh! I really shouldn't think that way. That was horrible, Anykae! Horrible! What would your parents say? Not that they are around but....OH!

Anykae gasped at another gate being opened. That seemed to answer 99.9% of her questions. "Oh...haha..." She laughed with a smile. and pointed at the thing that entered. It took her a bit to fully comprehend what was going on. Oswin introduced the creature as Bazzy. She didn't wake up from her thoughts until it roared.

Anykae shrieked in fear. She had never seen anything like it in her life. "GEWAHHHYEEEE!!!" She screamed and jumped behind Brandus. Oswin was much too close to the creature and was unpredictable enough. Anykae would never have the guts to even call the thing an 'Oaf.' She wondered if she was strong enough to defeat a thing like that if it was even nescessary. Avoiding eye contact with the large demonic thing, she studied it and wondered.

Anykae slowly inched herself away from Brandus and tried to look at it in the face. For some reason, she thought if she could look it in the eye, then she had the strength to defend herself against something like it. She shifted her hands around themselves nervously as she looked at it up and down. Anykae knew her decision, she'd tolerate Oswin's and Brandus's actions for various reasons, but not participate. 1. The beast was so intimidating, Anykae never wanted to face it. 2. It was unfair for the villagers. 3. The poor creature must hate being defeated like a fool time after time again. She had these reasons not to participate, but she had to still accompany Oswin and Brandus for their support. Anykae would do her best not to look involved with their actions. Finally, Anykae looked the at the beast's eyes.

"Er....Oswin....Brandus....this may sound silly but....does things-er- beings like him and Shuzgabob or whatever his name....do they have feelings?" Anykae asked embarrasingly. She wouldn't normally asked, but the curiousity tore at her.

[Talwyn]

At Anykae's scream Oswin made a dismissing motion with his hands. "Oh hush dear. Bazzy..." At that point Bazgáhrk roared angrily again, interrupting Oswin. Reaching into the sleeve of his robe he grabbed the most unlikely of items: a single, woollen slipper. To make matters worse, he used it to slap the demon across it's face. "OH WILL YOU SHUT UP ALREADY. YOU OVERGROWN OAF! "

"What I meant." Brandus told the girl, while he ignored Oswin's 'disciplinary action'. "is that master Oswin makes money by saving villages from demons..." He eyed her as he paused and let it all sink in. "However... how often do you hear of a demon attacking a village? And besides that... Valear is pretty big, what are the odds master Oswin and I are there while a real attack is going on." He added knowing she had reasoned things out with Bazgáhrk's appearance. "Also, there is no reason to fear him. Bazgáhrk will do exactly what master Oswin says."

Seemingly done with his... "punishment" of the demon, Oswin kicked it's rear. "Get going already, get going! You know what I expect of you so go have some fun until it's time." Continuing on towards the village, both Brandus and Oswin where dumbstruck when Anykae asked if Shuzgúb and Bazgáhrk had feelings. "I don't know to be honest." Oswin finally said carefully.

"The little rat seems to harbour some attachment to both me and Brandus. Even to the point that we often treat it more like a pet than a demon... As for Bazzy... I know he can feel pain, fear, hatred and something akin to joy. As you noticed, he seems to hate it when I call him Bazzy, but than again... he simply hates me because I enslaved him. However, no matter how much he might hate me, his fear of me is much, much greater for I used powerful magic to enslave him. Any action that might harm me causes him unbelievable pain and any action that could kill me will trigger a special destruction spell that would utterly destroy him."

He smiled reassuringly to her. "So, don't worry. He won't harm me or anyone else. As for your question... I don't think my answer adequately answers it but it is the best answer I have to offer you I'm afraid. I am sorry." He started saying something else but stopped himself. He looked at her a bit more closely before finally staring at the ground as he continued walking. It was obvious he was going to say or ask something, yet it seemed like he was unsure of whether or not he should.