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Having left the small town early the following morning the small party travels through the flat plains most of the following week. Towards the end of the week they reach the edge of the mountains and make camp there for the night. * Meghan wakes the next morning and takes a short walk around the camp seeming very lost in her thoughts. * Michelle rises and begins preparing breakfast. She's dressed in the same forest green pants, gray flannel shirt and red wool cloak she started the quest in, though she now wears a silver and blue scarf wrapped around her head. * Kevil sleeps in for the first time on the journey, waking up only as the smell of breakfast fills the air. He crawls out of his tent and smiles at the women. "Good morning." * Meghan disappears behind a small hill a few yards from the camp her fingers clasping the stone hanging around her neck. She sits in the grass and closes her eyes her head bowed. <Michelle> Good morning Kevil. Did you have a good nights sleep? <Kevil> ::glances at Meghan, frowning, then smiles at Michelle:: Yes, thank you. And you? ::he walks over to the campfire and sits:: * Meghan stands looking up at the rising sun and turns walking back to the camp <Michelle> Well enough. I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't have slept better in a real bed. ::smiles at Kevil:: <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Only to be expected, I suppose. * Michelle looks up as Meghan returns, "Anything particular bothering you Meghan or did you just feel like watching a sunrise?" <Kevil> ::smiles at Meghan as she walks back toward camp:: Good morning, bright star. * Meghan reaches the camp and sits across from Kevil offering a soft smile to both her expression less cheerful than it has been for most of the journey. <Meghan> We are close to the castle. We could be there by the end of the day. <Michelle> Are you worried about what we'll encounter there? * Meghan shakes her head lightly. <Kevil> So close? Well. Any idea what to expect? <Meghan> I'm worried that I still have no idea what we are looking for. <Meghan> I was sure by now I would have known. I'm beginning to wonder if we have come all this way for nothing. * Michelle smiles at Meghan, "Usually you don't know until you find it. Heisenberg proved that." * Meghan nods looking distracted. <Meghan> Maybe. <Kevil> ::shakes his head:: I am certain the princess would not have sent you so far for nothing, bright star - even if it may turn out to be a different thing than you expect. <Meghan> ::sighs:: It just doesn't feel right. ::she stands and begins to pace:: Nothing feels right. <Michelle> ::a look of concern enters Michelle's eyes:: Can you describe how things don't feel right? <Kevil> ::eyes Meghan worriedly, then looks at Michelle questioningly:: <Meghan> ::looks over at Michelle:: There's this heaviness. Something I can feel just at the edge of my mind. I just ::shakes her head:: I don't know <Michelle> How is it heavy? <Meghan> ::struggles to put to words what she is thinking:: Something like a heavy dark cloud ::looks around:: moving quickly towards us. <Kevil> ::frowns:: How fast? * Meghan glances up the mountain side they are closest to and gasps lightly seeing a huge bird like animal sitting on the edge of a rocky ledge. At almost the same moment she notices it, it swoops from the ledge heading straight for them skimming the ground very near Michelle and then back up to the air again <Meghan> ::it looks like a huge eagle with the head of a purple demonic stag. very sharp talons and teeth:: * Kevil jumps between the bird and Meghan as it dives, crouching like a cat about to attack. "What the...?!" <Meghan> ::as it turns back towards them two more pour out from the mountain side flying quickly towards the party:: * Michelle rises and gestures with one hand, a small flame appearing in her right hand, "Duck!" * Michelle throws the ball towards the pair then throws turns to face the other, ready to duck out of the way. * Meghan crouches to the ground. <Meghan> ::one of the two gets hit and knocked down by the fire the other swoops close to Kevil the third quickly rushing towards Michelle:: * Kevil leaps as the creature dives toward him, grabbing at its neck with hands almost too quick to see. * Michelle dives out of the way, a bolt of lightning flying up at the creature as she hits the ground. <Meghan> ::the one with Kevil lets out a loud scream it's talons clasping Kevil's clothes and ripping them. The one at Michelle gets knocked by the bolt and falls near Meghan:: * Meghan screams as the one fallen nearest to her is quickly back up and almost on top of her. * Michelle vanishes from sight. * Kevil twists his entire body, and the bird-creature falls to the ground, broken in neck and back. He runs toward Meghan lightening-fast. <Michelle> ::Yohko falls on top of the creature facing Meghan, driving a spear through it's chest and pinning it to the ground.:: <Meghan> ::the bird shakes for just a moment before collapsing dead in front of Meghan:: * Kevil pulls to a stop as Yohko appears, then dives immediately between her and Meghan, protecting her from the newcomer. * Meghan stares at Yohko not moving from the ground. <Yohko> ::the spear glows white for a moment, then dissolves away:: * Yohko hops off the creature and faces Meghan and Kevil, "Are you two alright?" * Kevil backs somewhat closer to Meghan, watching Yohko unwaveringly. "Who are you?" * Meghan nods laying her hand lightly on Kevil's shoulder * Kevil does not relax or take his gaze from Yohko. * Yohko smiles and bows to Kevil, "I am Yohko, a companion of Michelle's. I apologize for not making formal introductions sooner." <Meghan> I think so. Thank you Yohko. * Meghan stands slowly still trembling slightly <Kevil> ::glances briefly at Meghan:: You know her? * Meghan nods to him. <Meghan> She is a friend. <Kevil> You're sure? ::he eyes Yohko suspiciously:: Where's Michelle, then? * Yohko looks around, "This really isn't the best place for a demonstration. If you're willing to take Meghan and I's word for it I'll try to explain." <Kevil> ::stands straighter and crosses his arms:: Explain. <Meghan> She would better explain that I. I am still trying to figure all that out. * Meghan suddenly sits pulling up her legs and resting her head on her knees * Yohko heads over to the campfire and begins trying to salvage breakfast. "A long time ago a man named Brad was born on a very different world." <Yohko> "He spent about a quarter of a century on that world, then somehow found himself transported to another...Unfortunately it wasn't he who arrived on that other world, it was Michelle." <Yohko> Since then we've traveled from world to world, never having any control over when we leave or where we arrive. Sometimes gaining new powers, other times new companions. * Meghan stands and walks over to the camp sitting back in the same spot she had the first time <Kevil> ::eyes Yohko's preparations, then suddenly squats by the fire and begins helping.:: <Yohko> The problem is, only one of us can appear at any one time. Michelle couldn't reach Meghan fast enough to save her, so she summoned me. But in order to do that she had to banish herself. And as I said, this terrain is not particularly conducive to my summoning her back. <Kevil> ::looks around:: Why not? * Yohko suddenly points behind Meghan and Kevil, "What's that?!?" * Kevil looks at Yohko with a dry glare. "I am not an idiot." * Meghan starts to turn and then glances to Kevil * Yohko looks at Kevil, "You're going to make this difficult for me, aren't you?" * Meghan shakes her head lightly and stands. <Meghan> I'm going for a walk. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: Not deliberately, no. What conditions must be met for you to summon Michelle? <Kevil> ::glances briefly at Meghan:: Don't go too far, bright star. This place is obviously dangerous. * Yohko smiles at Kevil, "I can't give away all my secrets." * Meghan turns and walks slowly back to the same spot she sat that morning <Kevil> Ah. Then I'm afraid I *am* going to make this difficult for you, then. <Kevil> ::he continues to assist with breakfast, glancing over at Meghan every few seconds:: * Meghan sits with her head resting on her knees every few minutes her body trembles softly. <Yohko> I'm afraid you're just going to have to take Meghan and I's word for it for now. <Kevil> Very well. ::he continues to help with breakfast and watch Meghan:: * Meghan stays where she is every once in a while brushing her cheek with the back of her hand * Yohko glances at Meghan and softly beginnings cursing in several different languages. <Kevil> ::Eventually, breakfast is finished. Kevil prepares a plate, then stands and looks at Yohko somewhat coldly:: I assume, from your transparent earlier ruse, that you do not wish the summoning witnessed. If you had only said so, I would have been happy to comply. I do not appreciate being deceived. ::Without saying anything else, he turns on his heel and walks over to Meghan:: * Meghan glances up as Kevil approaches her * Kevil crouches by Meghan and offers her the plate of food. "Bright star, what troubles you?" * Meghan shakes her head lightly at the food <Kevil> ::shrugs and sits next to her, still holding the plate:: * Michelle prepares a plate for herself, but seems to spend more time pushing the food around than actually eating. <Meghan> ::softly:: I'm just beginning to wonder if this was all such a good idea <Kevil> ::cocks his head:: Do you not trust the Princess? <Meghan> ::shakes her head:: I don't know Kevil. She has never given me a reason not to. <Kevil> ::grins:: But neither has she made a compelling case for your trust of her, either, eh? ::He almost glances back at the campfire, but stops himself:: <Meghan> ::She nods at him:: I guess I was so ::she pauses looking away:: I just felt special. Thinking she picked me for a reason. <Meghan> ::sighs softly:: no one has ever needed me before. It felt nice * Kevil takes Meghan's chin in his fingers and turns her face back to his. "Bright star, you are special. What makes you think you are not?" * Meghan blinks at him a tear slowly sliding down her cheek. "I've never had a reason to think I am." <Kevil> ::sighs and carefully wipes the tear from her face:: Of course you are special, and it does not take... empathic powers, or a quest from a ghost, or even the love of another to make it true. <Meghan> ::whispers:: what then? <Kevil> ::smiles slightly:: You are special, bright star, because you are *you*. Because you are unique. What skills you have, what love you inspire, is the sparkle of light shining on a gem, not the gem itself. * Meghan nods to him and looks away letting his words sink into her mind <Kevil> ::he slides an arm around her, comfortingly:: What caused such a thought? Was it the attack? <Meghan> ::she leans against him:: Partly. Seeing that thing ::she shivers:: It just made me realize that you and Michelle are here because of me. And the danger is real. If something were to happen to either of you ::she stops pressing her head to his shoulder she whispers:: I don't know what I would do <Kevil> ::hugs her:: Bright star, we knew there might be danger when we agreed to join you, d'va? I have been in dangerous situations before, have learned and learned and learned how to react, yes? And it seems that Lady Michelle's... companion, also, is skilled. <Meghan> ::nods lifting her face to look at him:: I still feel responsible <Kevil> ::nods solemnly:: I understand, and I would not take that feeling from you if I could. You must only temper that feeling with the knowledge that Lady Michelle and myself are... capable. It is better that we step first into the danger, knowing better than you how to deal with it. How do you think we would feel if you were hurt by something we might have deflected with ease? * Meghan nods to him pulling back and picking at the food on the plate on his lap. <Meghan> I guess we will all just have to get through this without a scrape and get back ok then ::she smiles softly up at him:: <Kevil> ::chuckles softly:: That is what it seems like, yes. ::he smiles and almost turns back to look at the campfire again, but stops himself and instead eats a few bites from the plate:: * Meghan looks over Kevil's shoulder at Michelle and smiles <Meghan> It's ok Michelle is back <Kevil> Is she? Good. I *hate* having my back to a potential danger. ::he stands and offers Meghan a hand:: <Meghan> ::takes his hand and stands:: <Meghan> Potential danger? <Kevil> ::he glances from Meg to Michelle and back, sighing:: What am I to think when a warrior bursts from nowhere, and then insists on trying to trick me in order to preserve her secrets? * Meghan nods to him <Meghan> I understand your concern. I wish I knew what to tell you Kevil. ::shakes her head:: I just don't <Kevil> ::he shrugs:: It is not your puzzle to solve, bright star. It is something I will have to take up with Lady Michelle and her... companions. <Meghan> ::nods to him:: I think that is a good idea ::she takes his hand and walks back to the camp with him:: * Kevil smiles somewhat stiffly at Michelle as he sits back by the fire. * Meghan sits across from Kevil <Kevil> ::carefully:: I would have... appreciated warning, Lady, that such a thing might happen. Had our attackers been more dangerous, or more numerous, the surprise could have been disastrous. * Michelle stares into the fire. "I'm sorry Kevil. Yohko doesn't believe in revealing ones abilities and limitations. The truth is that most of us can't switch with the others if someone can see us. That why I had to use this." She holds up her hand showing a large, jewel encrusted gold ring. * Meghan glances between Michelle and Kevil but says nothing * Kevil looks slightly grumpy. "Then why didn't she just go into your tent? Surely she's enough of a warrior to know how her sudden appearance would have appeared to me." * Michelle nods, "Would you have trusted her more if she had?" <Kevil> ::he grins suddenly:: Probably not, but I wouldn't have been inspired to such anger, either. * Meghan pushes the dirt around with her toe keeping her eyes on the ground <Michelle> Yohko has a tendency to provoke anger. If it can be provoked then it weakens an opponent. It is better if ones allies do not have such easily exploited weaknesses. * Kevil snorts. "Anger can also strengthen a properly trained opponent. She'd better be careful where she tries it." <Kevil> ::he looks at her curiously:: How many of you are there? * Michelle turns to Meghan, "I'm sorry for vanishing on you like that little sister, but there was no other way I could save you in time." <Michelle> ::to Kevil:: There are seven of us currently. Once there were as many as nine. * Meghan nods to Michelle. "It's ok I understand why you did it Michelle" <Kevil> Seven... Where do you go when you are not... active? I think I should meet the others, soon, Lady, so I am not startled into hasty action again. <Michelle> For lack of a better description Kevil, we sees to exist. <Michelle> And I am willing to introduce you to some of the others, but it would be dangerous to let Harold out. <Kevil> ::he gasps:: You do not exist at all? You know nothing while you are not... out? But what cruel magic forced this upon you? <Michelle> I can remember what happens, but it's like being told the tale by one who lived it, rather than actually remembering what occurred. As for how it happened, none of us has ever known. <Kevil> ::he shakes his head:: That is terrible. Like a... a circle in reverse. <Michelle> A circle? <Kevil> A circle is my people's word for marriage. ::he grins at her:: I have seen a circle of seven, but I will tell you they are rare. Four or five is more usual. * Michelle smiles at Kevil, "I can see how a marriage between seven people could be difficult." <Kevil> Too many bushes in the garden, for one thing! ::he chuckles, as if at a private joke:: * Meghan stands and walks over to her tent slipping in and beginning to pack her things together <Michelle> Do you have any other questions Kevil? I didn't mean to keep this a secret from you, but it's not something I enjoy talking about either. <Kevil> ::glances back at Meghan:: Ah, without words the shining star reminds us that we have other duties than to sit and trade stories. ::he smiles:: <Kevil> ::he shakes his head:: I was only surprised - a bad thing, under attack, d'va? At least, while we travel, perhaps, you may describe the others to me, yes? <Michelle> True. ::Michelle begins cleaning up from breakfast.:: * Meghan comes out from the tent with her bag and goes to the horse to pack it on there <Michelle> Certainly. * Kevil goes into his tent to begin packing. * Michelle finishes cleaning up from breakfast and begins to pack her own bags. * Meghan leans against the horse resting her head on her arm she takes a few deep breaths * Kevil looks at Meghan with concern. "Bright star? What upsets you?" * Meghan shakes her head a bit but doesn't answer * Kevil frowns and glances at Michelle. * Michelle finishes her packing and puts her pack on her horse before walking over and gathering Meghan in a hug, "If you hold it all in it will only fester little sister. And then it will affect what you feel from everyone else." * Meghan pushes away from Michelle and turns lowering herself to her knees she whispers "I just don't feel well." * Michelle begins to giggle brightly, "Forgive us Meghan. In the troubles of the morning we forgot your condition." * Meghan glances up at Michelle "I'm glad you find it amusing" * Michelle kneels down next to Meghan and strokes her hair, smiling at her. "I'm sorry little sister. But I feared for you. To find it is only this...Forgive me. I do remember the unpleasantness. It will pass." * Meghan nods and pushes herself up off the ground * Kevil grins and digs through the packs. He offers Meghan a small piece of plain bread. "Eat. My sisters said it was worse when they hadn't eaten." <Meghan> We should get going * Meghan takes the bread from Kevil and takes a small bite <Meghan> Thank you Kevil <Kevil> ::smiles:: No reason not to share what little I know, if it will help you. * Meghan smiles back and goes to pack up the tent * Michelle finishes stowing her pack and picks up her staff. * Kevil packs up his own tent and helps Meghan with the ladies'. * Meghan looks around to make sure everything is in order and then begins walking leading the group along the edge of the mountain range. * Kevil waits for Michelle, then brings up the rear. |
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