Forever on the run }{ ~OPEN~

[Kilaray]

He felt uncomfortable passing through these mountains. High altitudes tended to make him a little dizzy. But he knew this was the better alternative. A near miss with a small group of Alaron's lackeys had forced him to travel in this direction to avoid a head-on collision with trouble.

Jarrah didn't normally hide out in mountainous areas. With any luck, these freaks wouldn't expect him to start now. He would put up with the inconvenience for a few days until the heat was off, then head back into the forest.

With twilight setting in, the medic decided he should stop and set up camp for the night. Thankfully he had located a mountain pass that wasn't high enough up the ridge to make him uncomfortable, but hidden well enough that it limited the chances of him being found. So he rounded up the materials to get a nice fire going and settled in for the night.

For a time he sat in silence, knees curled up to his chest as he stared at the dancing flames. Before long his mind began to wander, as it often did to keep himself from becoming bored. The downside, though, was that the only thing he really had to think about were ways to keep from being caught by his brother. The life of a fugitive didn't allow for much else.

After a while he tried to shove those thoughts from his mind and stretched out so he was lying on his back, using his satchel as a pillow. Having nothing better to do, he stared up at the sky until it was dark enough to see numerous stars. He tried several times to fall asleep, but nothing he did worked.

It wasn't uncommon for him to have trouble nodding off - and when he did he often couldn't stay asleep. The need to be alert for pursuers allowed for little more than quick cat naps, unless he was staying at inn in some village. It was something that, unfortunately, he had quickly become used to.

[laraine]

"Persistant aren't you?" Echo growled from underneath her hood as two men closed in on her. She took a couple steps away from them. "Don't make me send you both to the underworld."

Not good..I only have one element left for today. And I shouldn't waste it on these idiots. But I may not have a choice.

She held out her arm and concentrated as they ran towards her. Her hand glowed a bright white, suddenly a large tornado appeared and the two men were sent hurled through the swirling mass and into the next country.

"Later boys!" She smirked, then winced.

She pulled the right side of her cloak over her shoulder and looked at the deep wound in her arm. She grasped it with her other hand and started to pant.

Not good....if I don't find shelter or food soon...I'll pass out in this coid..

Already she was showing signs of fatigue, her body was sluggish as she walked up the mountain, looking for anywhere to hide or rest.

She pulled her hood from her face to reveal blue eyes and cropped short black hair. She wore men's clothing, a white shirt stained with blood and brown pants with boots. At her side was a simple dagger and a small pack which was empty at the moment.

She continued to trudge up the mountain and thought she detected the smell of a fire.

"Maybe there's a house ahead?" She wished.

Her body was slowly failing her even as she got closer and closer to the source of the fire. Finally she almost seemed to stumble up to a strange man lying down near the source of fire.

She met his eyes before the pain and weakness overtook her and she passed out.

[Kilaray]

At some point, Jarrah was sure he heard someone approaching. His first thought was that one of his pursuers had tailed him up here, so he was a little tense as he slipped his hand to his belt for one of his daggers. But as he lay there and listened more closely, he took into account that the footsteps were rather sluggish. That alone gave him reason to believe it was someone other than one of Alaron's lackeys.

Still, he stayed on guard as he shifted his position to be ready to move at a second's notice. His instincts rarely failed him, but he could never be too careful.

Admittedly, he was a little surprised to see only a young man approach. Or at least, he assumed the stranger to be a young man at first glance. The person was wearing men's clothes, after all. And from this distance, the lanky figure sure didn't look feminine.

When the other person passed out, he released the grip on his dagger and was on his feet. As he approached the stranger and knelt to check them over, he quickly realized he had been mistaken. The person was actually female. Off hand, though, the only injury he could find was the gash on her arm. Otherwise, it seemed she was just worn out.

Removing the stranger's cloak, he carefully lifted her up and brought her over to lay her closer to the fire. He rested his hand over the cut, and a pale white light shone from his palm. Within a few minutes, the injury was long gone. The only hints it was ever there in the first place were the tear in the sleeve and the blood stains on the cloth.

Jarrah went back to grab the cloak and draped it over the stranger before he began digging in his bag. He knew there was a good chance she would be when she awoke, so he brought out some dried meat he'd picked up in a nearby town the day before and then slipped his bag under her head. After that he settled in to wait for her to wake up.

[laraine]

Echo slowly awoke a couple hours later. She opened her eyes and pulled herself up to a sitting position. That's when she realized her arm no longer hurt. She glanced down and saw where it had been. But was amazed to see that the cut itself was gone. She then looked up and around and spotted the man she met eyes with before she fainted. She quickly got to her knees and bowed. "Thank you for saving me there." She said with her head lowered.

That was close...if I had passed out in that cold, I'm not sure if I could have survived...

It was then her stomach gave a protest. She blinked and sat up, blushing a bit from her stomach's interruption.

[Kilaray]

Jarrah managed to sneak in a short nap during the downtime by resting his forehead on his knees. So by the time he heard the girl beginning to stir, he was more awake and alert.

He straightened up and started to respond but cut himself off when her stomach grumbled. Unable to stifle a small laugh, he reached for the meat and held it out to her, his usual smile in place. "I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess that you could use something to eat," he teased lightly.

[laraine]

She was still kind of blushing, but grasped the meat and ate it at a rapid pace, finishing it in mere seconds.

"Yeah after a day I had I guess it burned my six fish I had for dinner. Ah well, thanks again. Is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?"

[Kilaray]

He had to chuckle again. Six fish, huh? She didn't look like the type to eat so much. Wonder where she kept it all.

With her question of some way she could repay him, he just shook his head and gave a small wave of the hand. "Nah, no need to concern yourself. It's fine."

A small part of him was curious why a girl her age was way out here in the middle of nowhere by herself. But he tried not to make a habit out of poking his nose into other people's business, if for no other reason than he knew how much he disliked it when someone butted into his own affairs. Besides, he rarely hung around anyone long enough for it to matter, anyway. He didn't expect this encounter to be any different.

Digging his canteen out of his bag, he offered it to her as he added, "But you're welcome to stick around until you feel you're ready to head out again. I'll be here a day or two, myself."

[laraine]

She nodded. "Thanks!" She took the canteen and drank some of its contents. She handed it back to him and looked out. " I shouldn't stay too long...the people I'm after wont rest until they've destroyed every village in their tracks. I have to stop them...before more families are destroyed." Her eyes narrowed at this. "It's my mission I guess..."

"Ah by the way, My name is Echo.. what is yours?"

[Kilaray]

He kept quiet as he tucked the canteen back into his bag and listened to her words. She may have been speaking out loud, but she didn't seem to be talking to him. Yet he could assume, by the way she spoke of these "people she was after," that one of the families they must have destroyed was her own.

It was a shame, really. By his estimate she couldn't have been older than maybe fifteen or sixteen if she was human, as she appeared to be. What an age to develop the idea that there's nothing left but revenge... And he didn't know too many teenagers who could fight well enough to carry out such a mission.

Had his own situation been different, he might have offered to lend a hand. But he knew it would likely bring more problems than anything else, so he bit his tongue. And he was sure there was no talking her out of it, so he wasn't even going to try.

His thoughts were cut short when she offered her name and asked for his. Mentally smacking himself for his momentary lapse of manners, he bopped himself on the forehead and gave a somewhat embarrassed laugh. "Right, of course. My name's Jarrah."

[laraine]

She gave him a small smile. "Jarrah, thank you for everything you have done for me. I want to at least stay here until my powers have fully recovered if you don't mind. Though if I am too much of a burden let me know. I'll leave." She fiddled with a piece of her short black hair.

"But anyways I feel I can trust you so it shouldn't be a problem."

Still, Echo's blue eyes seemed sad, even if she was somewhat smiling on the outside.

The next village is too far away I hope I make it in time...

[Kilaray]

Her underlying sadness hadn't escaped his attention. But rather than point it out he simply flashed his usual upbeat smile in hopes of cheering her up if only a little bit. "Well, that's nice to know. It's no problem at all, Miss Echo. Take as much time as you need."

He just prayed Alaron's minions didn't locate him before she went her own way. He'd hate to get her caught up in this ridiculous family feud.

[laraine]

She nodded to him and looked over at the fire. They both were silent, which seemed rather awkward to Echo.

I should say something....this silence is almost deafening...

"......um..." She closed her mouth, thinking more about what she could say.

I'm not sure what I should ask...Oh I know..

"Oh, so what are you doing up here in this mountain anyway?" She then realized she may be nosy and instantly regretted asking the question. "Oh, if you don't want to talk about it I understand."

[Kilaray]

He didn't.

But at the same time, he didn't want to be rude by giving her no answer at all. He had tried that in the past and it seemed to give some the impression his friendly demeanor was a cover-up for some big dark secret. Granted, he didn't make it public knowledge that he was on the run. But he always did what he could to keep his situation from causing problems for others.

So rather than give someone the cold shoulder when asked such questions, he had taken to bending the truth a little. Enough that it didn't tell the entire story but wasn't a complete falsehood, either.

Making sure his smile didn't falter, he kept up his usual upbeat attitude as he gave a casual answer. In fact he almost laughed a bit. "I'm just trying to avoid somebody. I've got this rather annoying tail that likes to follow me wherever I go lately."

To hear him speak of it, one might assume he was referring to some kid who had latched onto him and wouldn't leave him alone, rather than an insane vengeful brother looking to kill him.

[laraine]

Echo nodded and didn't ask anything more.

I'm so stupid I must have sounded like such a snoop. Especially when I myself wish to keep everything hidden as much as possible....still...there's something about this guy. I don't know...maybe I should talk to him....

Echo stood up and smiled. "I'll be right back...I need to do something for a second. Its...female things if you catch my drift,," thinking that would stop him from being too curious or alarmed she walked until she was out of sight and sighed.

"Sorry, Jarrah.." She whispered then got down on her hands and knees and prayed.

"Dear protector of my life and one who granted me these powers, I seek your wisdom and knowledge. Please, come before your humble servant Echo the elemental."

When she opened her eyes she saw the glowing figure of a man before her. She smiled at him and lowered her head.

"It is a honor my lord." Echo said gently.

"My dear, why have you called me?" he asked.

" I wish to know something...can I...trust the man I am with? I am so tired of being alone...and he also seems to carry such a heavy burden...maybe perhaps we could help each other out?"

He sighed. "Echo, you know as well as I do that cannot be allowed. You cannot hold any attachment to this world, especially to people. You must not let yourself get close for their sakes. Once they find out what will happen..."

Echo looked down, her hands forming into fists. "Of course.. you are right....he cannot know...a deal is a deal....no matter what...I need to save some people from the heartache that I will give...I'm sorry for asking such a silly question my lord."

"It is to be expected..you are young...but do not forget your mission. Your body...."

" I know..." Echo said. "Thank you again...master..."

" I am always with you..." with that the man disappeared.

With that, Echo arose from her position to stare up at the stars.

Its better this way..

She turned and headed back to the camp.

[Talwyn]

The men were watching silently as the hooded stranger was arguing with their captain. Not many of them had the guts to actually second guess the man, for he was quick to dispose of those that questioned his orders. The shrouded adventurer however, showed no fear as he pointed up the mountainous trail. "He went this way I'm telling you! Look at the tracks. If he had not gone up this trail he would have walked straight into our arms!"

Anger and impatience crept into the captains voice as he replied. "He has always avoided the mountains. According to my information, he is uncomfortable with heights."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures captain. He must have realized this was his only chance at escaping." Clenching his fists, the captain had to resist the urge to just kill the man and be done with it. He was forced to admit however, that so far the stranger had not let them astray.

"You hired me for a reason, so I suggest you start following my directions. I want those scrolls you offered in return for my aid. Why would I send you off in the wrong direction and risk losing the reward I so desperately sought?" The captain had no choice but to see the logic of that statement. But still... he didn't trust this cloaked man that seemed intent on keeping everything about him shrouded in mystery.

"I suppose you make a valid point..." The captain started off, but the stranger interrupted him. "It's not just a valid point, it's the truth. So either you order your men to start marching before the trail gets cold, or give me my payment and I'll be on my way."
"What? Give you your payment? I hired you because your knowledge of the wilds could help us track our target. So far we haven't even seen a glimpse of him!" Several of the men were going for their weapons now, their captain was getting more and more agitated. No doubt he would soon order the strangers death.

Shaking his head, the adventurer seemed unfazed. "I am not leaving without my payment. You hired me to help you track this man down. If we fail to find him because you refuse to heed my advice and directions, it is not my fault that we lose him. The thought of losing my payment due to someone else's mistake does not please me captain. Now, shall we go up the mountain or part ways here?"

The captain forced himself to calm down. The stranger was right. Besides, he had an idea what his master would do if he failed to capture or kill the target. "...Very well. Come on lads, lets get moving!" And with that, the mercenary company followed the hooded stranger up the mountain trail.

Eventually, they spotted a plume of smoke, likely from a small campfire, and quickened their pace. Without warning, the stranger bolted off while motioning the others to remain silent. He returned several minutes later. "It's a small camp. Two people. I got as close as I could. One of them seems to be a young boy, no older then 16. The other might be the one your after." He quickly described the man and the captain nodded. "That's our target alright. Let's go boys!"

As the men started moving, the stranger spoke. "Wait. If you just step out into the open he'll flee again. There are many twists and turns on these paths and you'll quickly lose him. We should surround them quietly before making our presence known." Considering this, the captain nodded and gave his consent. It took some time to get all men into position, but eventually they were ready and the captain drew his sword. "Okay then, go and get them mister Greyoak."

"What? Why me, all I was supposed to do was help you find him and I did." The captain shot him a look that could kill. "And now I'm telling you to get them while me and my men keep all escape routes closed off. Now do it!" None of them could see the strangers face of course, but they could just feel the hostility coming from the cloaked men. "...Fine."

He walked over to the camp, not bothering to hide himself anymore. He threw back his cowl so it would not get in the way in case he had to fight, finally revealing his face, though the only ones close enough to see it in the darkness were Echo and Jarrah. He pulled out his sword and noted he had been mistaken. The younger one was a girl, not a boy. Oh well, it did not matter.

"My name is Talwyn Greyoak." He pronounced to the two campers. "I have nothing against you two, but my current employer wants to see you in chains." The last part he said as he pointed his blade at Jarrah. "We have blocked off all escape trails so do not even bother running." Glancing at the girl, a small hint of regret appeared in his eyes. "I do apologize for getting a little girl mixed up in this. But I have no choice... I will do whatever I must to get the Scrolls of Ushtor. They are my only hope of ending this curse..." The last part was but a whisper, that only those with a heightened sense of hearing could possibly hear.

((OOC: Long post is long ))