Home coming

[Talwyn]

Talwyn knew he was being unreasonable. He honestly did, but right now, he couldn't manage to get over it. Earlier today his current companion, a dark elf named Cordana, had given him a slight sliver of hope and had renewed his determination. Of course, this had all been flushed away at the mere mention of the destination... Ascelia... the one town in all of Valear he wanted to avoid. They probably would have reached it by now if he hadn't been slowing them down.

He also knew Cordana had long since realized he was slowing them down. Most likely she had seen his apprehension the moment she had mentioned the towns name. Thankfully though, the elf had remained silent about it, though that was probably because it was obvious Talwyn did not wish to speak about it.

When the town finally came into view on the horizon, Talwyn slid his collar up higher, making it function like a mask, and pulled his cowl down even further, fully hiding his face. He eyed Cordana hesitantly, before asking if she had anyway to slightly hide her appearance. "The people of Ascelia are nice folk, but people like us hardly ever get a warm welcome." Was all he said about the matter, before shifting his view back to the town.

"While we are in town by the way... You'll have never heard of the name Talwyn Greyoak, and you'll address me as Lukas." He didn't even look at her while he said this, nor did it seem like he was going to explain himself. Again, Talwyn knew he should probably explain his unwillingness to be here, Cordana was helping him after all, even going as far as actually going with him.

After asking one of the villagers where Avar lived, they reached Avars house. After knocking a few times, there was still no answer. "Are ya lookin' fer ol' man Avar?" a voice from behind suddenly asked. Turning around, Talwyn answered the man. "Indeed we are. But it seems he isn't home."
"Aye, yer right lad. Avar 's over at ol' Crowley's farm. Crowley's li'l girl fell ill, so Crowley came asked Avar to check on her. He's a good man, that ol' fellow. Ever since he moved here he has been helpin' with takin' care o' any folk."

Becoming his old impatient self again, Talwyn cut the man off before he could rant anymore. "So, when will he be back?"
"Ye'd best go to the inn lad. Me guess is he won't be back till the morrow. The 'Weary traveler, inn and tavern'..."
"Yes I know. Let me guess, the owner still claims his tavern is the best in town despite it being the only one?" The old man nodded, surprise on his face. Before he could say anything else however, Tal thanked him and quickly went to the inn.

Upon reaching it, Tal grabbed the door handle and hesitated slightly before finally opening the door and entering. Quickly taking a seat in one of the darker corners he watched as a pretty girl of about 18 came in from a door that was probably leading to the kitchen. She walked over to Tal and Cordana and with a happy and melodic voice she greeted them. "Greetings and welcome to the Weary Traveler. What will it be?"
Tal was staring at her for a bit before actually answering. "Dinner and ale for two. Oh, and two single rooms for the night."
"Alright, dinner will be done in about twenty minutes sir. Would you like the ale now or when dinner is server?"
"Now would be fine."

The girl nodded and walked over the kitchen. She could be heard shouting to her father that someone wanted a room and shortly after a man entered from the door, probably her father. He raised his hand in greeting and walked over to Tal and Cordana. "So, two single rooms right sir? They are 10 gold a night."
"Very well."
"Ok, now, lemme get you your ales."

When the man turned and walked to the counter, Tal finally faced Cordana. He knew she had most likely figured it out by now. Especially after the man had come in. If one was to imagine Talwyn as a normal human, and about 20 to 30 years older, the owner of the inn would look EXACTLY like him. Tal's posture had also changed a little. He wouldn't start the conversation himself, but somehow it seemed like he wouldn't ignore questions about it anymore either.

[cordana]

With quick paces Cordana moved forward towards the town, sometimes throwing a look of frustration at Talwyn. At the beginning of the day the man seemed to full of excitement and couldn't wait untill Cordana could contact someone that would be able to give some aid. But now Talwyn was slowing them down and it seemed that he wasn't very excited to get to Ascelia.

The dark elf noticed that his reluctance came after she said the name of the town. Perhaps Talwyn had an unpleasant expiernece with Ascelia. Altough she was curious Cordana restrained herself from asking him. In time he would her. It seemed the best to her.

Finally after hours of walking Ascelia showed up on the horizon. Cordana saw that Talwyn used his cloak to almost fully cover his face. When he asked her to cover herself to, Cordana nodded. "I know all about these warm welcomes, Talwyn. I expiernce them for more then two centuries. It is indeed for the best to stay low."

But when Talwyn told her to forget the name "Talwyn Greyoak and to call him Lukas she frowned. Again she didn't ask why but just nodded. She was sure Talwyn had his reasons and even if she asked it didn't seem he would explain. He would explain to her eventually Cordana thought.

By directions of the villagers, who gazed at them in a strange manner even when they were cloaked, the two arrived at the house of the magister Avar. It seemed he wasn't there. When a villager explained he was away to cure a child Cordana just nodded. This really sounded as Avar, it seemed he didn't change after all those years.

It seemed they had to go to an inn. the fact that Talwyn knew this inn and the way towards it confirmed her suspiciouns. Talwyn has been here before. At arrival at the inn Cordana saw the hesitation. The dark efl was about to open the door herself till Talwyn fianlly opened it.

A girl appeared and something was strange. Cordana seemed to reckognize the magical aura of the barmaid. From where she didn't know but she was sure of it. While Talwyn was speaking to the barmaid Cordana remained silent, thinking about where she saw the magical aura before.

The innkeeper himself, the father of the girl it seemed, the appeared. Then it struck Cordana like a bolt of lightning. The magical aura again! And the face! Cordana's sight shifted from the barmaiden, to the innkeeper and eventually...Talwyn. The innkeeper disapeared in the ktichen and Cordana gazed at Talwyn. her face was completly serious. "The lost son has finally returned home." She eventually said. "But no one is there to reckognize him."

[Talwyn]

((OOC: Well Saiyuki, I am basically fine with you joining, but the inn is in my plans owned and everything by Tal's family

Plus, I am trying to get something done here, so I would at least request you try to play along with it ))

Letting out a sigh, he started saying something but quickly silenced himself as the innkeeper brought the ales. Tal thanked the man and went on to stare at his ale before finally taking a sip. Looking up at Cordana he spoke in hushed tones. "You're suspicion is correct... The other day I told you I was born in a small village near Tamasha. This is the village I was talking about. And with the way you have been staring at him, I think you already realized the innkeeper is my father."

Glancing at the serving girl that had just returned from the kitchen, he went on. "And that girl is my little sister... Though, she isn't exactly little anymore. But I suppose you are waiting to hear an explanation as to why I did not wish to come here." He looked at Cordana again, uncertainty in his eyes. "The thing is... when I was 14, I snuck out of my room and left in secret because I was certain my parents would refuse to let me go. And well... I... I haven't been here since. Befo..."

He stopped as the door to the kitchen opened and a woman entered the room. Like the innkeeper, now revealed to be Talwyns father, this woman too had some similarities with both Tal and his sister. She seemed to be in her forties, but her face still showed signs of how beautiful it had once been. She called to Tal's sister, who quickly walked over to her and took the plates of food she was carrying. "Did you ask them yet?" The woman asked to the girl. "Mother come on, you know father hates it when I bother the guests with questions. Besides not a single traveler you have asked knew about him." The woman sighed at the girls answer. "I know dear, sorry." And with that, she retreated back to the kitchen.

Walking over to Cordana and Talwyn, she placed down the plates at their table. "I hope you enjoy it. Would you like another ale by the way?" Tal nodded at the question, and the girl went off to get more ale. Meanwhile, Tal just stared at his food. Roasted pheasant... with a nice, creamy, mushroom sauce... His mothers specialty, and his favorite. He hadn't even realized how much he had missed his mothers cooking until now. After his sister brought the new ale, he continued with what he was saying earlier.

"Like I was saying, before.... well you know what happened. I figured there would be plenty of chances to visit later. But after... well with how people generally react, I grew to... scared I think. I just don't want them to see me while I look like some sort of monster..." He grabbed his utensils and took a bite from his food. "I never realized just how good my mothers cooking was until now."

[HoudiniDerek]

Please take OOC comments to PM. They are much easier that way. All non-RP posts will be deleted. Thanks.

[cordana]

When the ales had arrived Cordana quickly and drunk a large portion of the beverage. It was more in the manner of a man instead of a female, especially elven. Cordana had stayed to long in the wilds to mind any etiquette. Putting her mug down, she listened to Talwyn that confirmed her suspicions.

The dark elf didn't look behind her at the girl, she knew towards whom Talwyn was pointing. Also it would seem suspicious if both of them gazed at her at the same time. The fact that Talwyn fled from home irritated her a bit. He had a happy home right here and still he wanted to leave it all behind. Just for a little bit of adventure. But Cordana kept silent and keeping a straight face.

Cordana didn't pay any attention towards so she didn't notice the woman till she brought their dinners. It seemed this is Talwyn's mother. The food seemed delicious and quickly grabbed for her own utensils and started eating on a polite manner. That was still something remaining from her life in Elven society. While listening to Talwyn she continued to eat. Cordana understood the feelings of her compagnion. She to experienced the same doubts. "The food is indeed very good."

Suddenly Cordana dropped her utensils and called for Talwyn's young sister. When she arrived Cordana spoke to her, but facing her plate to make sure her face wasn't seen. "Excuse me young miss. I am looking for the residence of a young man called Talwyn Greyoak. I have a message for his relatives." From under her hood she threw a look towards Talwyn that clearly said "Stay quiet!" and it was a serious look. From Talwyn's position he could easily see Cordana's face.

[Talwyn]

If his sisters attention hadn't been completely focused on Cordana, she would have noticed the way Talwyn tensed at what Cordana said. He let out a sharp breath while biting back the words that where on the tip of his tongue. His eyes, easily visible to Cordana, said more then a thousand words ever could. There was a fire burning inside them, and they told her to shut up.

Tal's sister on the other hand, did not notice a thing about this reaction, as her face grew pale at Cordana's words. She took an uncertain step backwards, before turning around and ran for the the kitchen door. As she entered the kitchen, she could be heard screaming "Mother, come quick! Come quick!".

The second this happened, the anger at what he saw as Cordana's betrayal of trust, refused to be contained any longer. "The hell are you doing! I thought I told you not to mention that name!" He just barely managed to keep his voice to a whisper, but the anger in his voice was clear. No, it wasn't simply anger, it was rage. Tal was infuriated, though he kept from making further comments as both his sister and mother came running back to the table, closely followed by his father. His mother looked at Cordana. "You have a message from my son? Please, for the love of all, tell me he is alright!" She asked with a pleading voice.

[cordana]

While speaking at the young girl, Cordana saw the fury in the eyes of Talwyn. Luckily his sister couldn't see it else this would've turned into a rather painful situation. The dark elf could easily read the message in her companions eyes but she didn't had any regret of her actions.

A look of concern showed on Cordana's face when she saw how pale the barmaid had become in a moment. She was about to ask if the barmaid was alright but the young girl had already turned around and ran towards the kitchen.

It was no surprise that the instant the two of them were alone Talwyn would freak out at her but Cordana ignored him. She knew that Talwyn didn't want to make his family with worries about him, so this was the best way. When the whole family came towards them Cordana pulled her hood a bit closer to her face, a claw slightly appearing from the sleeve.

"Do not worry. Your son is alright." Slowly her gaze went towards Talwyn but she still kept talking at the parents. "He says he'll come home eventually but first he has some unfinished business to attend to. It is extremely vital that he completes his task, Mr. and Mrs. Greyoak. So please have patience."

[Talwyn]

"Why is it so vital he completes this task? What sort of trouble did that kid get himself into now?" Tal's father asked. Anyone that has spent some time with Talwyn would instantly recognize the gruff tone in the mans voice. "Oh shush Dunstan! She said he is alright, isn't that good enough for now?" His mother replied before Cordana could even reply to the man's question. Before he could retort however, the door to the inn opened and a young man of about Talwyns age entered the room.

"Asher! This woman knows Tal!" The girl was almost shouting in joy. The mans eyes opened wide and hurried over as well. "You're not joking are you Cailin? She's not joking is she?" He looked at Tals parents as he asked his question and Tals mother shook her head with a smile on her face. "No she isn't." Asher smiled and looked at Cordana. "So how is my old friend? If you see him again, tell him to visit sometime. He needs a good beating for missing his best friends wedding after all."

At the sound of that, Tal cringed slightly. Asher had married? And he had missed the wedding? I'm such a lousy friend... Looking up to his father. "Ahem..." he cleared his throat to draw the mans attention. "I would like the key to my room please." His father stared at him for a bit before nodding and walked over to the counter to get the room key. "It's up the stairs, first room on the left." Taking the key, Tal nodded and went to his room.

Keeping his gaze on Tal until he was out of sight, Tals father suddenly sat down in the seat Tal had been sitting in just moments before and stared at Cordana. "That companion of yours... He knows more about all this doesn't he? Why is he so reluctant to speak of my son." Asher nodded to indicate he to had the impression Cordana's mysterious companion knew more and all four eyed Cordana expectantly.

[cordana]

A frown appeared on Cordana's forehead at the tone of Talwyn's father. She was about to give the man a piece of her mind but, luckily, the dark elf didn't got a chance to do that. Talwyn's mother. Quickly the dark elf swallowed her words and piece of her dinner. Then her attention was drawn to the door opening.

The man that entered seemed to be a childhood friend and, logicly, very exited about the news from Talwyn. It appeared after all those years his family still loves him allot. "I'm sure Talwyn will visit when the opportunity arises." Cordana saw Talwyn grab the key to his room and going upstairs. SHe couldn't blame him. This must be very hard fro him to bear.

Cordana was a bit suprised though when the father sat down in front of her. Quickly she covered her face with the collar of her coat, her clawlike hands being a small bit visible. "My companion has been trough alot and isn't much of a talker to begin with. It would be the best to leave him be." The last sentence sounded more of a warning. "Now if you wouldn't mind I'd love to get my keys. The long travel made me tired."

Talwyn's father handed over the keys to her room and Cordana went up the stairs. But instead of going to ehr own room she went to Talwyn's. "Hopefully he isn't sleeping else he'll be twice as mad." The dark elf thought. Softly she knocked on the door and slowly entered the room. "I think..." Crodana carefully started. "...you need to get something of your chest."

[saiyuki]

Clai was good at going unnoticed. It was one of the things that had gotten her in the position she was currently in, and it was also what had gotten her into a lot of trouble. Now, though, she was thankful that no one was paying much attention. The family of three had huddled around the table of two strangers. While they were busy sobbing and chatting, Clai had snuck past them and into the kitchen.

She glanced back briefly to make sure that no one had noticed. Then she slunk inside and peered around, looking for something even remotely valuable. Eventually, she made her way over to the lockedd cash box. She peered at the basic lock, wondering what would be the quieteset way to break it open. She ran her finger along the edge, contemplating this, when suddenly she heard the door slam.

Silently, and with the speed and grace of a cat, Clai disappeared into the shadows behind the bar. She crouched, watching the shaking back of the sobbing girl. Unsure what to do, Clai remained as silent as possible, hoping not to be caught.

Clai only realised that she was holding her breath after the girl stood up and ran, and then Clai released it in a long gush. Close one.

Working quickly, Clai stood up and grabbed a fork from off of the counter. Using one of the prongs that she had bent backwords, she picked the lock and stuffed the cash into her pockets. Then she closed the box and relocked it, still using the fork. For extra measure, to give her a little more time to escape, she jammed the lock with a toothpick. Now they wouldn't realise the money was gone until they managed to unlock it.

Stealthily, Clai crept towards the door, hoping no one would be standing outside to witness her escape.

((Does that work? Or would you rather I change my post to fit some other scenario?))

[Talwyn]

As Cordana entered the room, Tal looked up. His long, hooded mantle was hanging on a hook next to the bed, while his scabbard had been removed from his belt, and placed against the wall, also next to the bed. Tal himself was sitting on the bed with his head hanging in his, gloveless, hands. The gloves where laying on the beds headboard, near the single source of light in the room, a small candle that was also placed on the headboard. "I think..." the elf carefully started. "...you need to get something of your chest."

He smiled lightly as she said that. "How come," he replied after a while. "that you seem to know me better then I know myself?" He shook his head to clear his thoughts. "I owe you my apologies. Not only have I been lousy company since we started moving this morning... but I had no right to rail at you like I did earlier. In fact, I feel rather... grateful you said what you said. Well... not only for what you said to my parents, but also for the effort you are making in aiding me, even after I behaved like an ass. So far you have been nicer to me then I have deserved and I should have just told you the truth from the start." Having said that, he stood up and extended his arm towards Cordana. "So please, accept my apologies, gratitude and friendship."

The smile on his face vanished however, as a crimson flash of light illuminated the sky. Turning around, he grabbed his sword, and ran for the window. Looking outside, he saw several houses where ablaze. And not only that, he heard a scuffle underneath his window. Lowering his gaze, he saw someone pinning Asher, who was seemingly just leaving the inn, against the ground. Without hesitation, he pushed the window open and jumped down, drawing his sword as he did so. Quickly stabbing the person that assaulted his old friend, he noticed the person was dressed as a common bandit. Rough, leather armor, a sword that wasn't maintained to well... smelly...

"Asher, are you alright?" He asked as he turned to face his friend. Looking at the light of the fires, his friend could only see the outline of the person in front of him. "Yes I am but... who are you?" Instead of answering however, Tal turned his head as he heard people scream. "Cordana!" He shouted as he looked up at the window he just jumped out of. "The village is under attack it seems, we have to help them!"

He didn't even wait for an answer, and ran towards the front of the inn, leaving his friend to ponder about who he was. As he turned to the front of the inn, he bumped into someone, causing both of them to fall down. Quickly getting up, he was ready to attack whoever he had bumped into, but noticed just in time the other person was an innocent looking girl. Opening the door to the inn, he grabbed Clai, and shoved her inside. "Stay inside girl! The village is under attack, it's not safe outside!" Quickly closing the door again, he dashed toward a group of bandits across the street. This time, I won't fail in protecting the village!

[saiyuki]

Clai stumbled out of the door, glancing around, trying to look innocent. Then she turned and tried to walk away, looking care-free. And the moment she turned she was knocked over by a brash male who seemed not to be looking where he was going.

"STay inside, girl!" He had practically screamed in her face. "The village is under attack, it's not safe outside!" Then she was roughly shoved back inside. Well wasn't that just gentlemanly of him. Almost the moment that he shut the door Clai was opening it back up again, curious of what was going on, unworried about the stolen treasures that lay hidden inside of her pockets.

She wasn't too surprised by the look of chaos outside, she had been warned, after-all. She saw the man rush away, obviously wishing to join the fight. Stupid. He was just going to get himself killed. She strode quickly over to the man called Asher, who was inspecting the near dead body of a soldier. She noticed that the soldier had dropped his sword.

Without hesitating, she swooped down to pick of the poorly taken care of sword. It would have to do, for now. Until she could get her own back. Ignoring the protests of Asher, Clai turned, ready to join the fight.

[cordana]

When Cordana had entered Talwyn's room she expected a tirade for more then an hour. But instead of screaming and furious eyes she received a smile and an apology. Eventually Talwyn reached out his hand. "I gladly accept, Talwyn." Cordana said with a smile and clasped her hand in Talwyn's.

Quickly after that the sky turned red and Cordana followed Talwyn to the window. Seeing the scenery through her magic sight the dark elf frowned. "It seems a raid has arrived." And before she knew it Talwyn was jumping down. It seemed Asher, the childhood friend of Talwyn, narrowly escaped a painful death by a bandit blade.

Cordana nodded at Talwyn when he yelled at her that they should help. Just as her companion, the dark elf jumped out of the window and made a soft landing. Still hidden by her cloak she spoke to Asher. Hide in the inn where it is safe. Me and my companion will deal with the bandits. the dark elf turned away and dashed towards a bandit close by.

The bandit noticed her and drew his sword. "Well, lookie here. Another throat to slit?" The man chuckled. Cordana remained silent and stepped towards her adversary. The bandit ran towards her and sliced at the cloaked dark elf. Cordana easily sidestepped the attack, grabbed the arm with the sword, misplaced it's shoulder, took the arm with the sword, turned the blade towards it's owner and shoved it right into the bandit's stomach. The bandit fell on the ground, killed by it's own blade and Cordana drew her own elven sword.

[Talwyn]

Having easily dispatched of the group he ran towards earlier, Talwyn already found himself entangled in combat with another group of bandits. This group to however, quickly fell prey to Talwyns sword skill. After that, he suddenly made a slight jump to his right. He didn't know why he did it, maybe it was because he had heard something, maybe he had seen the incoming blade from the edge of his view or just maybe it was pure instinct. Whatever the reason, the fact he made the evasive move saved his life.

Quickly turning to full face the bandit, he glanced at his left arm. Or more precisely, the small cut on it. This opponent was good. Not only did his skills seem better then the bandits Tal had fought off so far, but the force behind that thrust was so great that he even would be able to cut through Tals skin with a dull blade. And this ones blade was in a perfect condition. Noticing the bandits feint, he moved quickly to dodge the real attack, and kicked up some sand in the process. The bandit sidestepped this easily and a grin formed on the mans face. This won't be easy...

What followed was an, to onlookers, amazing fight. This bandit was actually superior in skill to Talwyn. Though by focusing on surviving, Tal managed to stand his ground. It was however, impossible for him to force an attack of his own. Damn... I can't defend forever... It's also to dangerous to use most of my spells... Blocking yet another blow, an idea crossed his mind Wait! That one might work... He jumped aside to avoid a powerful thrust, and started whispering while dodging the bandits attacks. "Lumina, keeper of light. I pray to thee to let thy power gather in my hand, and let it illuminate my path."

Having prepared his spell, he now had to wait for the right moment. When this came, he caught the bandits blade with his own. As he did this, he trusted out his left hand, while closing his eyes and turning his head away, which was followed by a flash of bright light being released from his hand. Normally, this simple light spell would create a globe of light that would hover above the caster and could last up to three hours. This time however, Tal had used it slightly differently. Instead of using the same amount of energy to get light for three hours, he used the energy to produce light that lasted only a second or two, but was so bright it would blind those looking at it. And with that, he finally had his opening. One quick thrust was all Tal needed to finish of his opponent.

His face was covered in sweat, but still he looked around to see where his help would be needed.

[saiyuki]

Clai stood inconspicuously among the distracted bandits. They stood in a circle, watching the fight. It looked like the fighter who had pushed her inside was losing. He barely dodged a powerful thrust from the bandit, but still a ribbon of blood trailed down his arm. Clai stood, almost spellbound by the impressive fighting going on before her. Midway through, Clai noticed that the man was muttering almost silently to himself, face dripping with sweat. She had only a moment's notice before she realised what was going on and dropped to a crouch on the ground, shielding herself from whatever was going to happen.

Suddenly, a blast of light so bright that she could see it through closed eye-lids flashed around them all. Shrieks of pain echoed around them, and Clai stayedd crouched, allowing her faded cloak to fall over her face. A moment later, she dared to open her eyes, noticing that all of the men were on the ground, moaning in pain. She quickly straightened up, leaving the bandits for whoever else might want to deal with them.

"Nice work." She said quietly to the man who had cast the spell. "Should we finish them, or leave them for now?" She asked, her fist tightening around the stolen blade.