A Break From Searching

[*Kymmi*]

It was bright and the morning birds sang their songs, waking up Rendylwin from his sleep. He stood up from having his back against a tree and, like all the other countless mornings, wondered about his existence, his home, and his best friend, Anykae. He tightly bit his lip and started walking through forest grounds again. As he walked, he took out some berries and other small fruit he had been collecting from his belt. It was good for a morning snack, but he had one too many of these morning snacks just about everyday throughout each day. Their taste was now dull, and Rendylwin wanted to have something else with more spice, but he was not allowed to be picky while he was looking for his small, hidden elvish village.
Like I even have a chance to find them...but what else are you supposed to do at this point? And I'm sure Anykae would like to know what I witnessed a year ago....Anykae.... His thoughts raced through his mind, and once, no, twice, he almost walked into a tree being so absorbed in his thoughts. Then the trees stopped. Not evenly, as nature does not find beauty in perfect lines, but up ahead Rendylwin spotted a lake. The infamous Lonea Lake. He came up closer and sat cross-legged in front of it. He first wondered if he should make his own fishing tool, but then he found himself enjoying the view so he decided to worry about getting his dose of protein later. He stared at the silent lake and wondered what strange life lived under the surface. Rendylwin sat in peace. A preference to fighting and struggling. He closed his eyes and let a cool morning breeze play through his bright red hair. The hair of an outcast.

[Talwyn]

((Dunno if this is open for all. If it ain't sorry for intruding and ignore the post ))

Stretching out his arms, Talwyn awoke with a big yawn. Scanning around he found the improvised fishing pole he had made last evening, and as his stomach was growling he figured he could use it to get breakfast. He rose slowly and checked the firewood he had gathered last night and figured he still had enough to make a new fire.

As he emerged from the forest, he noticed someone sitting near the lake. Ignoring whoever it was, he wasn't really the type to make smalltalk with strangers, he merely pulled his cowl further over his face hiding it even more.

He grabbed his canteen and started spraying water on the ground while stamping. Kneeling down, he digged around with his hands till he found what he was looking for, worms. Reaching into the pouch he carried, he took out a small metal box and scooped up several worms before continuing to the lake.

Sitting down he grabbed one of the worms and placed it on the hook. With a single motion, he swung his fishing pole backward over his head and then forward to the lake. With a small splash it landed in the water.

Feeling the tug on his line, he concentrated slightly and with a swift snapping motion he landed the bite. Easily reeling in the first catch of the day he took the fish of the hook and slammed it against the ground, instantly killing it, before casually tossing it aside. Grabbing a new worm, he wished finding a way to change him back to normal was as easy catching breakfast. Letting out a sigh, he threw his hook into the water once again.

[*Kymmi*]

((Naw! Is open to all~! =w= Thanks for joining))

Rendylwin slightly jumped as the hook disturbed the calm unmoving water. He scowled when he realized that he had been got off guard by that. He looked back towards a blue-ish human...or whatever he was. Rendylwin's eyes narrowed, not so much as a glare but more as an observing look. This person must've also had the same idea as he, to fish for food.

Rendylwin stood up to watch the fish get visciously slammed against the ground. Feeling like he might have got out of making a rod for himself, Rendylwin approached this person, ignoring the fact he looked abnormal. Abnormal never bothered him. He was a red headed elf in the mist of silver, light blue, and black haired elves. And Anykae was even farther abnormal then Rendylwin. Books were not meant to be judged by the cover, and neither should people.

After approaching the person, Rendylwin paused before speaking. He searched for words. "Good morning..." He told the stranger, letting his black eyes drift to the rod. He waited for the stranger's response before asking for a breakfast. If he was friendlier than he looked, Rendylwin would have to waste less time. If not....then back to plan A.

((and sorry for the short post. Posting in school. >w<" And I love your character btw. Read the character profile. Awesome idea))

[Talwyn]

((Why thank you Just an aside though, Tal's clothing pretty much entirely covers him, with his cowl over his head, only his fingertips are exposed ))

Just as Rendylwin said good morning, Tal landed his second catch. A quick glance at him told Tal that this was someone he'd actually want to talk. Elves often had a lot of wisdom and knowledge due to their long lives. That single glance also told him something else, this elf seemed interested in his fishing pole. Maybe he could trade a breakfast for information.

"Morning." Was all Tal said as he took the fish off the hook and slammed it to the ground just like he done with the first. He sounded a bit curt, like a person that wasn't really used to be around others.

He swiftly placed another worm on the hook. "You ?" He asked brusquely, without even looking at Rendylwin, as he threw the hook into the water once more. "If you're willing to answer some questions for me, then I'm willing to share my breakfast." His tone remained gruff and brusque, though not really unfriendly, just like one would expect of someone thats not comfortable around others.

[Deirdre]

((I hope you guys don't mind me joining. >.<))

"Gotcha!" Deirdre hissed in triumph, holding up the wriggling rabbit that was now squealing in fear. “Sorry cutie, survival of the fittest.”

Quickly breaking its neck, she ripped open the soft fur for the fresh meat below. Messily wolfing down everything she could, she relished in the fact she no longer had wait for food to cook before she could dine. After walking almost the entire previous day and well into the night, not stopping for food once, she doubted she could have waited another minute.

“Though I’d much rather have had deer,” she muttered, looking down at the remains of her small meal. Her stomach still not full, she licked some of the blood off her hands in a vain attempt to feel full. Sighing in frustration, Deirdre looked down at the mess of blood splattered up her arms and knew that there must also be a large trail of blood running from around her mouth, down her neck, and onto the upper part of her chest. Briefly scanning her clothes for blood, she was satisfied that they had at least escaped the mess.

Still, I should get this off before I find a village, she thought, smiling wryly. They’d probably think I murdered someone.

Getting to her feet, Deirdre looked through the gaps in the trees until she saw the shimmer of water. After only a few minutes she was out of the forest, and in a few more steps she could be at the water. However, the presence of two human-like creatures at the waters edge brought her to a halt. For a moment she played some scenarios in her head of what could happen, then weighed her options. It didn’t take long to figure out.

Smirking, Deirdre went over to the water. Getting on her knees at the edge and scooping water onto her arms to rub at the blood, she looked at the strangers and said, “Nice weather today, isn’t it?”

[*Kymmi*]

((Yush yush. You may join Deirdre. ^^))

Rendylwin's eyes narrowed a bit more. "...depends on the question." He answered Tal curious of what could be asked about a nobody like himself. He watched the hook glide silently back into the water while waiting for Tal's next move.

Rendylwin tried running through his mind all the possibilities he could think of. He was already getting an idea of what he'd answer depending on the questions asked. While he was still focused on his thoughts, he let his eyes trail back to the dead fish, then to Tal. It would almost seem as if Rendylwin was trying to stare through him as Rendylwin considered what kind of person Tal was and wondering about his strength and abilities.

Rendylwin sharply turned to a new voice. Slightly disturbed by the unexpected sight of animal blood, his eyes widened as he thought and then narrowed to their normal almond shape again. This woman obviously could kill with her own strength instead of borrowing strength from a weapon. The amount of blood she had to wash off her arms suggested it was not simply breaking the neck of a chicken, plus Rendylwin doubted there were any chickens around. She's different...she could be a ...but I'd expect more pale of a skin tone and less of an outgoing personality... Rendylwin continued thinking of various possibilities he had heard about back at home. Then he realized he was being waited on for an answer from him or Tal.

"...The weather is fine." He said, unsure of whether or not he wanted to be a part of a larger conversation. He had hoped to stay away from small talk, but he wasn't going to bother to push anyone away at the moment. He wondered what Tal was thinking, if Tal noticed Deirdre at all or if he was going to ask questions anyway. Rendylwin's mind shifted back to his business with Talwyn.

[Talwyn]

Tal glanced at Deirdre from underneath his cowl. "Could you stop the splashing until AFTER I'm done fishing? It's scaring away my breakfast." As he said that, he made another quick move with his pole and muttered a curse. "Damn, that one got away..."

Grabbing his hook, he placed yet another worm on it and threw it back in he seemed to turn his attention back to Rendylwin. "Well then, do you know anything about any mystical or magical items? Or hidden temples? Ancient, long forgotten ruins? Anything of the sorts."

He remained silent a bit. "The same question goes for you missy." He added it a bit like an afterthought. Though he doubted Deirdre would know anything. She seemed like a regular, if a bit eccentric, human of about his age. Still, who knows, maybe she did know something.

[Deirdre]

Deirdre snorted derisively at the cowled male.

“Like you would have had luck anyways. This is fisherman territory, so I’ll bet half these fish enjoy a worm-free diet by now –or at least any of the ones that have lived long enough to be a meal-worthy size.”

Kicking off her sandals and rolling her skirt up until it barely covered her derrière so that she could tuck it in at the waist, she walked out into the water. As she walked she continued to speak.

“As for things mystical and magical, hidden and forgotten, I’ve seen plenty. Have I seen the one you’re looking for? Hard to say since I don’t know what it is. But I can’t guarantee I’ll be much help anyways since I see so much it’s hard to remember everything.”

Once the water was almost reaching her skirt she crouched down slightly. Watching the water with sharp eyes, she waited for the startled fish to come close once again. Eventually one slightly longer than her forearm had a lapse of judgment, probably deciding her legs were just odd plants, and came within reach. Swiftly lunging at it, Deirdre snatched it up out of the water. Digging her claws in to keep it from flopping away, she went back to the shore and walked up to the cowled one.

“Bon appétit,” Deirdre said, holding the fish (who was now making much weaker movements) in front of his face. Turning her head to face the other male she belatedly replied with a wink, “oh yes, very fine. A great day for catching fish.”

[*Kymmi*]

Inside, Tal's reaction to Deirdre's splashing amused Rendylwin, but looking at him, you would guess otherwise. Rendylwin closed his eyes and imagined Anykae laughing. The thought almost brought a sad smile to his face, but Rendylwin controled his feelings and grew serious again.

Rendylwin watched Deirdre reply first, then catch a fish with inhuman ability. He watched as the fish was held in front of Tal's face. Rendylwin did not know how to handle Deirdre's wink. Besides Anykae teasing him now and then, Deirdre was the first to do so. He nodded to her, still trying to be polite, but not more than necessary.

Tal's question was not one he had expected. Rendylwin closed his eyes once more and thought of the things he was taught. "I am still a young elf...and don't have expertise with that sort of legends and history yet...however..." Rendylwin grew silent as he thought back. He knew Anykae took an interest in this sort of thing. She had hoped to find someway to increase the abilities of the elf inside her. Rendylwin always prefered learning the spells and how to do things rather than focusing on any of that which he thought was nonsense.

Once Anykae told him a riddle before he was taken away from his home. It was one of his last conversations with her before he left. He used to try to repeat it in his mind to ensure he would not forget her or her personality. It had been a year since then.

"They look at gold. Look past mold. It's a tower in the land of flat. It is dry where you spat. Sing the song of your land. Blocks will grow from sand. Northwest the ridge. Find the stone bridge. Your mold that's yet not mold, will turn to your gold." Rendylwin recited. "An old friend told me that riddle...if I found her by now she could help more...She liked that sort of thing and neglected her magic studies just to read about that sort of thing..." Rendylwin stopped there and preferred not to spill much more of his information.

"I'm sorry I can't help you more..." Rendylwin could not recall much of Anykae's riddles or interesting findings. He regretted not listening to those more and hoped Anykae didn't realize he didn't find them interesting enough at the time.

[Talwyn]

Tal's eyes went wide with amazement when the girl caught a fish with her bare hands. Taking it from her when she held it in front of him he nodded appreciatively as a form of thanks.

"You say you saw a lot of things of the sorts I just described. Now thats interesting. Please join me and the elf for breakfast and tell me all you remember. And I do mean EVERYTHING. Even I do not know what item I am searching for so any tiny bit of information is welcome."

He grabbed his stuff and the fishes and got up. He turned to Rendylwin. "Thanks for that, I'll remember it and see if someone can make sense of it. Now come, my camp is just over there."

He started walking and when he reached the edge of the woods he suddenly turned around. "The name is Talwyn by the way, Talwyn Greyoak." Having said that, he continued on towards his camp. He was still brusque but it became more and more clear that he wasn't really an unfriendly person, just someone that wasn't used to people.

Quickly making a pile of the firewood, he suddenly started chanting. "Efreet, source of all fire. Light which burns beyond crimson, let thy flames gather in my hand and scorch those who oppose me." As he finished, energy gathered in his hand and ignited in a ball of flame. This spell, fireball, was generally an easy but still powerful offensive spell. Having mastered this particular spell long ago however, Tal let the ball shrink until it was merely as powerful as the flame from a matchstick. Dropping it on the firewood, it ignited immediately.

After preparing the fish and placing them on sticks around the camp fire to roast them, he grabbed some jerky and offered it to the others while they were waiting for the fish to be done. Taking a bite for himself he suddenly asked another question. "What do you know of chimera's? And I don't mean the legendary ones, I mean the man made ones. They are creatures that are a combination of multiple creatures and are created with magic. What do you know about them?"

[Deirdre]

Following the cowled one, she stared blankly ahead, trying to drag up as many memories as possible for him. One might think a person would remember things considered so marvellous, except Deirdre had never really taken much interest in magic or historical value. Not to say she was totally unaffected by it, but she could recall more about math (her weakest subject).

Deep in thought, she almost ran into the cowled one when he suddenly stopped and announced his name.

“Talwyn, eh?” Deirdre said, almost surprised he would share this; because of the cowl she was under the impression he’d hide his identity with tight lips as well. “Well, I’m Deirdre. No surname.”

Once they reached Talwyn’s camp, Deirdre sat down cross-legged and arranged her skirt so that she wouldn’t be flashing her underwear to them. She wasn’t too concerned either way, but she doubted the red-haired elf would handle it very well. He seemed rather shy to her.

Taking the jerky offered to her, she chewed on it without much enthusiasm. Deirdre preferred her meat fresh –and red, she thought, eyeing the fish with little more enthusiasm than the jerky.

The random question surprised her, and she wondered if he had forgotten his earlier question. Happy that she didn’t have to try and drag up more memories, Deirdre said, “to be honest, not very much. I know you’re often better off avoiding them since they’re rarely created with good intent, but that’s about it.”

[*Kymmi*]

Rendylwin followed Tal as well, his cape flowing behind him from the movement. He stopped trying to remember the things Anykae mentioned. Realizing it was now time for introductions, and he preferably didn't want to be known as 'the elf, Rendylwin slightly eased up and opened his mouth to speak, but shut it as Deirdre went first. Then he opened his mouth again.

"Nice to meet you both. I go by Rendylwin." He spoke. This was probably the most he had said to them at a time. He thought about both names. Talwyn and Deirdre. He was unfamiliar with such names, but he expected so. After all, they were obviously not elves.

Reaching the camp, Rendylwin slightly distanced himself from Deidre, trying not to be obvious. Her personality and speech seemed confusing to him. In an elvish way, he sat also cross-legged, but his back straighter than one would be comfortable trying to relax. He stared at the fire and noted the spell Tal used.

"You have learned an interesting way of spells and enchantments..." Rendylwin commented. He wondered if other races besides his always needed to use words to cast magic. He remembered Anykae's mother always did.

Rendylwin took the jerky and bit into it. He found its taste and chewiness irrating. He'd rather just take a bite and swallow. After swallowing the first bit, he set the rest on his leg and stared at it. He pondered whether he should just save it for later along with the berries he held on to, or be less rude and just get it over with now. He also considered handing it to Deirdre or hiding it under a rock or bush. Looking to Deirdre, however, she did not seem to enjoy it much either.

Rendylwin pondered on yet, another questiong. He let Deirdre go first again. After she finished, he decided to stay silent. No need to repeat what she said and he found the subject unpleasant. When Talwyn turned to Rendylwin, he just shook his head as if saying 'No idea what you're talking about.' He did know a few things passed down from stories though.

[Talwyn]

Tal grinned at the fact that neither of his companions seemed to like the jerky. "I know it tastes horrible, but it doesn't spoil so its easy to keep it while traveling. As for the spell, its a rather basic shamanic spell. When trying to learn this sort of magic, that spell is one of the first you'll learn."

After hearing what both had to say about chimera's, Tal kept his gaze fixed on Rendylwin, as if he knew the elf knew more then he let on. Sighing when no further information came from Rendylwin's mouth he seemed to ponder something and started staring into the flames. He sighed once more as he seemed to make some sort of decision. Looking towards Rendylwin again he spoke once more.

"Rendylwin wasn't it? Its obvious you haven't told me all you know, and it is of the utmost importance to me that you do." Having said that, he slowly pulled back his cowl, revealing his face. Glancing to Deirde he continued. "As you said, they are rarely made with good intent. And all I care about, is finding a way to become a regular human once again. So I will ask again, tell me everything you know." The last part he said while looking at Rendylwin once more.

Grabbing one of the fish he took a bite before adding a slight warning. "I always prefer to keep things peaceful... but I will do whatever it takes to find a way."

[*Kymmi*]

Rendylwin was annoyed with Tal's persistence. He guess he might as well continue his story though, to avoid fighting. "If you insist...though for future warning...I would not be a weak opponent." He said with a thingyy smile. Rendylwin thought back to a certain memory and crossed his arms.

"Some time ago..." Rendylwin started, "A sorcerer and scientist with a certain chimera tried to steal from our village. Of course, with our security, it wasn't difficult to fix their mess and capture them. A group of the elders of our village, the blistin, or 'blessed ten', tried to question the two normal humans for not only their behavior, but also the making of the chimera. We did not want to help the poor being, but rather prevent it from causing future destruction. The two laughed and said it was impossible to change back, and as we kept it imprisoned, it would go crazy and cause chaos. They mention one would have to gather fifteen scales from different dragons and some magic wondrous pebbles or something from the bottom of the sea. Which of course was the cure for their chimera. They mentioned something about a certain enchantment to get it to all boil together into some drink for the creature. Of course, the blistin did not want to go through such an effort or learn an enchantment our kind was unfamiliar with. So the scientist and sorcerer was then killed...and the chimera was furious. Although it was changed beyond recognition...it had some connection with the sorcerer. It indeed wrecked havoc and killed few...but we killed it with stronger spells...."

Rendylwin thought for a moment. "I do not know if they told the truth...or if it works for other chimeras...I do not recommend this method. I naturally thought it best not to be brought up." He eyed Tal, expecting some reaction. "That chimera was specifically made to find us and kill us. Who knows if it was simple hate or orders, but a year ago...we lost a powerful elf...and a magician...But please refrain from telling these stories to others. My village has a certain ego about their reputation. And same goes for you." He glanced at Deirdre.

"If you don't mind...." Rendylwin turned his head to the fish but kept his eyes on Tal. "May I? Or perhaps you have yet another question?"

[Talwyn]

Tal smirked when Rendylwin warned that he would not be an easy opponent, though he kept silent. He had no interest in starting a fight, especially because Rendylwin might give some more information.

He seemed interested when Rendylwin told him about the sorcerer and scientist, though his face turned sour when he heard they had been killed. It wasn't like he didn't understand the decision though, but he would have loved to have a chat with those two.

When Rendylwin told him about what the men had claimed to be a "cure" for their chimera, there was a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism on Tals face and as Rendylwin gave his opinion on the use of the provided method Tal's face clearly showed he'd be interested in learning more about it.

Nodding in response to the elfs request about not telling the story to others he absentmindedly told him to go ahead and eat. He naturally had more questions, but he wanted to think about what he had heard first. Could he gain entry to Rendylwin's village? Maybe one of these elders knew more, or even better, maybe they had confiscated journals or something from the scientist and sorcerer... He took one final bite from his fish, and threw away the stick he had used to roast it.

"I thank you for this information Rendylwin. I am sorry if my earlier remark sounded like a threat, but I assure you it wasn't meant in that way. I revealed more about myself then I usually do, and I merely wanted you to understand just how important every scrap of information about this subject is to me. That said, do you know more about this duo? Their names? Where they are from? Anything? And if you don't, would one of your elders know? Would it be possible for me to seek out their aid? Surely they interrogated them thoroughly, so maybe they know something that can help me."