Of Ruildian Wild Things. (Solo)

[Avus_Insectium]

(Note: I am weaving several of my character's storylines together. Thank you for understanding. Potentially open to ONE more if an interest takes place.)

Avus was a haunt in Concordia Forest for several years since.

His hunting territory was deep in the wild lands of Concordia Forest. Where there were unnamed things in the shadow. Avus attempted to become a ruler in a wild kingdom. A king of beasts, a king of nothing. Instinctively, he acted on a day by day basis chasing the prey that caught his attention the most: large monsters. His diet was high protein and that meant that he needed to constantly feed. He rarely interacted with the races of men, caring little for their concerns. Avus was a beast folk, he shared his physical structure with an insectoid more than a mammalian or reptilian organism.

Physically, his structure was massive. He had an simple, armor like carapace. He covered his general appearance at all times, so as not to scare off the races of men. He was a kind hearted individual, but he chose exile over the hustle of daily city life. He preferred a simple hunter's life.

Chance and fate had other plans for Avus.

Avus often interacted with the elves of Ruild. They were forest folk like he was, and didn't have the same insanities that the other races of men often had. They didn't shun Avus. Thus, Avus often worked for them when he was not hunting. He would bring some of his gathered resources to the elven town that was developed. Often, he met with an elf leader calling himself Elder Xu. That elf met with Avus regularly to discuss matters of trade, and other important matters concerning their way of life.

It was a Monday, and Avus had skinned a few creatures for their hides as the elves had taught him. The hour was early in the morning, Avus didn't really keep track of time he kept track of the position of Althanas's sun. Looking up, he instinctively knew it was morning. He didn't care for the time itself. That was a concern that men had. Gathering his hides, he put them together in a travel pack and closed the pack. He was ready to trade. Life called for a steady supply of money, to finance the adventures Avus often found himself in.

He found himself on the road leading to the elf's town. There were houses built into the trees, and Avus was more than welcome to barter with the residents in the town. Guards patrolled the area around the town, and their attire suggested a simple military. They wore armor made in the traditional elven craft, however, these were Ruild elves. And they had severed their ties with the elves of Raiaera long years past.

A guard approached Avus.

"Ah, Avus." The guard said in a friendly tone. "Nice to see you again, you get many good hunts this month?"

"Aye. Some." Avus responded in a gruff voice. "Got some good pelts and hides for the town. Hopefully keep you guys warm for the coming winter."

"Agreed. Elder Xu is waiting in the usual spot." The guard saluted Avus.

Avus responded with a curt inclination of the head, and smiled at the guard as best as he could. Then he continued on to Elder Xu's place.

***

"These are some mighty fine hides. Good quality. You get them off Angrom Beasts?" Xu was asking.

"Yeah. There are a few packs further up on the northern ridges." Avus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He was drinking honey berry tea. "Caught a few of the alpha's let the rest go." Avus had honor, he wasn't an evil creature at all. He simply enjoyed the simple man's life.

"These are good hides. Your crafting is getting better too." Xu found himself saying. Xu continued. "You are more than welcome to use the stations located here in town to improve your craft."

"I'm just trying to make ends meet, Elder." Avus responded. "But I thank you for the offer, I will certainly take you up on it." Avus found himself feeling comfortable in the presence of Elder Xu. He had a lot of respect for the elf.

Elder Xu was a stockier elf than most. He had a shorter height too, standing at a mere 5'7". His strength came from his mass, he had blue hair that was braided. It was lower back length. He had angular skull structure, and thus, appeared quite handsome. He was clean shaven, his eyes were green. He had a slight olive complexion to his skin. He wore simplistic robes that had the markings of his station and some gold jewelry.

Elder Xu smoked.

Avus didn't smoke, he didn't like the flavor of the herb.

They were sitting in the dining chamber of Elder Xu's house. It was an old great tree, close to the center of the town. Its branches were long and hung considerably low. The tree was hollowed out in the bark as the elves preferred to make their homes inside the trees. Especially the old large oaks. They were sturdiest of all, and held the greatest number of secrets in the forest. The room was well decorated with furniture that reflected the elves' style of craftsmanship. There were several rugs on the ground, and a complex light fixture hung from the ceiling on a basic chain. There was food cooking on the stove, and it smelled good to Avus. The two were catching up on current events.

"We've been noticing an unusual amount of activity of late." Elder Xu suddenly said.

"What kind?" Avus asked. "I will look into it on your behalf."

"Spider Magi sightings on the eastern ridges." Xu took a pull from his long pipe. "There have been scouting parties. No direct conflicts though my people avoid theirs at all costs." Xu continued. "We would need a neutral party to directly interact with their kind."

"What would you have me do, Elder?" Avus asked.

"Investigate the spider magi. Find out what they are up to, and I can give you a good reward for your efforts." Xu said.

"I know. I trust you, Elder." Avus closed his eyes and thought about the situation for a moment. Spider Magi are dangerous foes... Avus thought to himself. He then opened his eyes. "Consider it done." Avus stood up and shook the Elder's hand. "I'll have a detailed scouting report ready for you by the end of the week." Avus said. "Count on it."

"I thank you, Avus." Xu said. "I will include your usual pay for the hides you have brought me today."

***

Avus stepped outside of the Elder's tree and looked on the face of a familiar Elf. Jyn Belthasar.

"Gonna go investigate the Spider Magi reports?" Jyn asked.

"Something of that nature." Avus responded. "Would you like to join me, Captain Belthasar?"

"Aye. Let me gather a few things and we can be on our way." Jyn said, and the two went over towards Jyn's house, the Belthasar grove.

[princeben07]

Upon the travels of his own, Claudius Parallax cared not much for trivial things; he was in for the hunt and to try to find a way for those bothersome headaches to stop.
His adpoted father, Mobius, was still in ill health, but Parallax knew that the old man would do fine sooner or later. Mobius was very, very old, and to some, his age defied reason. Some guessed he was well over 125 years old, but others gave up in the guessing.

Parallax had heard of a creature by the name of Avus in this village, and that the two were about to embark on a dangerous task, but for what? Parallax hadn't even met this creature, but felt drawn to him for some reason or another. He could sense the creature's soul, if it had one that is.

"I wonder what this being looks like? I have been walking for days and have no information on this Avus person or even what I am supposed to assist him with? Why do I always get myself into these kinds of things anyways? Shush yourself Parallax; you're doing this for the old man. Just remember that."He spoke out. Parallax often projected his thoughts verbally, not trying to make an attempt to think to himself because of the headaches that caused his nose and even his ears to bleed profusely at times. He was able to read minds every now and then, and even was known for moving things with his mind from time to time. But that act was draining, making his head throb in violent episodes of pain. It could get SO bad that he would eventually pass out, awaking back at his adopted father's home to recover. It was if his father knew where he was, no matter how far away from home that Parallax traveled in search of those herbs.

Taking a deep breath, Parallax finally stopped to look around. He was certain that Avus was nearby, but just couldn't use his Mind's Eye1 for risk of a bad headache and possibly returning back home and he had been traveling for three entire days; NON-stop.

He wasn't a smallfry neither. Parallax was almost seven feet tall and well over two-hundred and twenty-five pounds, which for a Psion, was a bit extreme. He never knew his real parents, and it would be nice to have a new friend to talk to.


1Mind's Eye--- The ONE ability that allows Parallax to try to locate someone by just attempting to think of the person's NAME. It is very, very DRAINING and can cause SEVERE cerebral hemmoraging if used too often.

[Avus_Insectium]

The grove had a fountain in the center of it. That fountain was decorated with an elegant statue spewing water into it. Avus always admired the Elves' sense of artistic style. They MADE tremendously beautiful art. All works of art they crafted had that flare of elegance and unnatural beauty to it. The statue that spewed water from several different places was made entirely of bronze metal. It reflected the afternoon sun. The temperature was quite comfortable, and it was still late in the day. Avus walked behind Jyn Belthasar. The two made their way through the grove, an elegant garden with the fountain in the center. Several benches were present, and the ground had a nice growth of grass. Some stone was present as well which was paved, and made the single path through the grove. Many trees were visible. Upon their branches, the gift of nature blessed them with fruit.

The fruits were native to the area.

They tasted sweet and had a bit of a chewy texture as well.

Avus always walked with his arms at his side. At the end of the grove there was a particularly beautiful Elven woman named Elyssia Belthasar. Avus knew the woman well, she was a very kind hearted person. Also, she possessed unparalleled secret knowledge of the old ways. Elyssia was Jyn's mother. Avus stood a step or two away from the two when they greeted one another. It was an act out of respect. Avus was friends with the two Elves in question.

"Mother. Avus is here with me." Jyn said in a friendly tone.

"So I see." Elyssia responded. "Avus. Come forth." Elyssia said casually.

Avus walked towards the two with a friendly expression on his face and a relaxed posture. "Mi'lady." Avus said with a small inclination of the head. "It's good to see you well today."

"And you. How goes the hunt?" Elyssia asked.

"Very well, thank you. I am making good progress keeping harm away from the town." Avus said.

"He will make a fine ranger before long, don't you think so?" Elyssia asked and looked at Jyn.

Jyn wore an amused expression on his face. "Perhaps." Then he shook his head. "Mother. I need some of the supply packs ready. Within an hour. Avus and I will ride out then. We must assess the nature of the recent N'Jal Spawn movement."

"I know. I will do the best I can." Elyssia said. She looked at Avus. "Avus, take care of my son, okay?" She asked.

"I will do the best I can." Avus responded. Suddenly he saw a flash in his head. In his mind's eye. The flash caught his attention and he turned to look in the general direction of Parallax. "Never seen him before..." Avus said, yet he felt a strange connection to the tall stranger.

"Let's go check it out." Jyn said. He looked at his mother and nodded to her. "We shall return after that is dealt with."

***

"Doesn't seem hostile." Avus noted.

"Yeah but we can't be certain if it's a spy or not..." Jyn responded.

Jyn and Avus walked over towards Parallax, but Avus stopped Jyn.

"Let me try." He looked at Avus who nodded in response. Avus approached Parallax the rest of the way and stopped directly in front of him. "You lost friend?" Avus asked with a warm expression on his face. "If you need a guide 'round these parts perhaps I can help you out." Avus said.

[princeben07]

Parallax saw Avus finally, although Avus probably would not know what he was there for at that precise moment. Pursing his kips to speak, Parallax then replied in a very gentle manner, "I can tell we are going to get along very well. I am correct to tell you of your name and it is Avus Insectium. My name is Claudius Parallax, age unknown. I have traveled quite far to meet with you and discuss a few things if you do not mind....."
But before he could continue, Parallax's nose satrted trickling blood. Placing his hands upon his head, he closed his eyes, trying to concentrate so as to not lose consciousness.

"Not again; come on you stupid headache, stop being such a nuissance!!"

[Avus_Insectium]

Avus felt as though Parallax knew more than he let on. However, Avus saw that Parallax was also in trouble and could not reasonably ignore the plight of the fellow. He turned to look at Jyn. "He needs help." Avus said carefully, then moved towards him to help Parallax stand. "There is medicine and food here in the town, maybe you should get some help, first." Avus saw that Parallax was not a slouch by any means. Observing that Parallax was physically fit, Avus wondered what could be causing the seemingly healthy young fellow to bleed in such a fashion. He can probably use attention from the Elder. Avus immediately thought to himself and turned to look at Jyn who observed the entire time. "Jyn." Avus said carefully, fully aware of his place amongst the Elves. "Can you please fetch Elder Xu for me, this fellow is in need of some medical treatment." Avus looked at Jyn for a long moment, unsure of how he would react.

Jyn nodded. "Aye, won't do to have an exile die on our doorstep." Jyn immediately went to go get Elder Xu.

"Rest easy." Avus said as he held Parallax, or at least, attempted to hold Parallax. Parallax was quite a bit taller than he. Avus, however, knew he had mass on the psionic. That flash I saw earlier, could that have been him causing it? Avus thought to himself. It was curious, the fellow knew his name, even the self chosen title of Insectium. He rarely uttered the word to any other soul, but the fellow spoke it freely. "I have asked a friend to get some help for you, you will be okay if you can pull it all together." Avus said carefully. He kept his voice calm and collected, he didn't make any sudden movements. He simply patiently held Parallax aloft. "Just breathe easy." Avus said.

[princeben07]

"Sorry about this friend. The headaches really tend to be bothersome. I can go days without them and then, suddenly, they start back up again. This is no way to meet new friends Avus."

Parallax only rested for a few moments while someone was to fetch the Elder to see if he could address this seriouly-growing problem. Only things was this: Parallax did NOT know that his Psionic powers were trying to get out to the surface of his mind.

"How ironic, here I thought that I would be the one to help YOU out and look at me right now; as vulnerable as a mere babe. I have not been to this place in some years, but I was pretty familiar with these lands when I was still training with my father some time ago.I understand that we are to investigate something to that matter then friend? That will be great." he said, closing his eyes, knowing that the light sensitivity would began to weaken him some. Raising his left arm, pointing to a small bag that was around his neck, Parallax spake out once again to Avus, "In...........my bag.......orders from my father. I was to read them to you Avus, but, as you can see, hehe, I am a bit incapcitated to even do so."

[Avus_Insectium]

Meanwhile-

Jyn arrived at Elder Xu's place.

He nodded towards the guards that were present. A moment later, they let the captain pass. He rushed into the Elder's place attempting to avert a tragedy from occurring. The stranger is sick, he could potentially bring an illness to our village... Jyn thought to himself. He found the Elder meditating, and approached him casually.

"Elder." Jyn began. "We might have a problem on our hands."

Without opening his eyes, Xu addressed the Captain. "Speak."

"A stranger has come to our midsts that seems to know something about that fellow, Avus." Jyn continued. "The problem is that the stranger seems to carry some sort of an illness with him. I cannot allow it to spread."

"Describe the symptons." Xu said calmly as he gathered himself and stood up.

"It causes the man's nose and ears to bleed directly..." Jyn said and he spoke he was physically uncomfortable.

"This is more than a problem. We have to make sure the man is not contagious." Xu stood up. "Avus is an ally, but we do not simply accept strangers here." Xu said carefully. "Describe the man as we walk." Xu commanded, and Jyn did so.

***

"Claudius!" Elder Xu suddenly yelled as he approached Avus and Claudius. "You've been away a long time."

Avus was surprised that Elder Xu knew the stranger in his arms. Avus turned to face Xu. "You know this man?" Avus asked.

"I do. But he's never been this sick before." Xu responded as he was preparing a medicine. "I somehow knew this day would come when you would return to our woods again."

Avus held Claudius aloft. "He's weakening."

"Lay him down, Avus." Xu said. "I have a remedy that should do the trick from my previous encounters with him." He looked at Jyn. "Stand back Jyn, you can do no good here."

"Very well." Jyn said and bowed his head, moving away from the situation.

Avus moved Claudius so the fellow could lay down on the ground. "Trust the Elder. You two have history, you know he is trying to help." Avus nodded towards Elder Xu. "Administer the remedy." Avus said carefully and held Claudius down in case the fellow got violent.

Elder Xu walked towards Claudius and knelt down. He took one of the many potions in his possession and uncorked it. It was a violet colored potion he'd given Claudius before. The effects seemed to have worn off. "You should have come back sooner." Xu said with an annoyed expression on his face. He then attempted to place the potion at Claudius's lips. He opened the boy's mouth first. "Drink. And don't stop drinking until the phial is empty." Xu commanded. He knew that Avus was strong and could hold the boy in place. Xu held the potion's phial in place at his lips until the moment came that Claudius drank all the medicine. "It's a little more potent than the one I gave you last time. I readied the batch thinking that you would return some day. I was correct in assuming you would."

Avus nodded. "He seems to know me." Avus told Xu.

"He's a very mysterious boy. I am certain you two will get along well." Xu responded.

And they could only wait until Claudius drank the potion.

[princeben07]

Claudius opened his eyes, seeing the older creature.

"I am glad that you still remember me Elder Xu. The Headaches are getting much worse and it is hard for my mental abilties to properly function without my bleeding nearly to death my Elder. Yes, thank you sire. Just hold it steady for me please."

He then began to drink the entire contents of the potion, not missing one, SINGLE drop. Parallax knew that, without Xu's potions, he would most certainly be in big trouble. After a few brief moments, his nosebleed suddenly stopped, as Parallax begn to sit up quickly. He could FEEL the effects of the potion taking effect. But he did not push himself; he also knew that it was to be a least a few more minutes before he would regain his balance; you see, a Psion of his calibur and stature easily loses balance when the headaches begin to take control. He was to extend his humanistic hand to Avus, gesturing for assistance to his feet fully so that he could gather his bearings.

"Do not worry Avus, I am not diseased. It is a condition that I cannot figure out as of yet, but noone can become ill with MY condition. Everytime I try to read someone's minds, the headaches start. I wasn't born in this place, but I frequented here on many an occassion to speak with Elder Xu. I'm not sure how he knows Elder Mobius, my charge, but they seem to know each other very, very well. I don't bother in asking, for it is not my place to do so."

It was now pretty obvious that there was more to Parallax just "Showing up" than was being revealed.

Prep 1: "Potion" is now taking effect to counteract the headaches.

[Avus_Insectium]

Avus felt that a big clue had just popped up. He did not hesitate to assist Claudius to his feet. Once that was done, he looked from Claudius to Elder Xu. Xu is a man of many mysteries as well. Upon hearing the mention of the man named Elder Mobius, Avus frowned. Avus did not like thinking of the past, he preferred to live in the present. Where the moments mattered most, the here and now. Avus saw Jyn nearby as they all spoke. He noticed Jyn was strangely very quiet. He's more talkative than this.

Jyn's mother, Elyssia, approached the group.

"Gentlemen, I have readied some refreshments for us all. If you could please spare a moment or three to have them, I would be greatly pleased." Elyssia said with a small smile on her face.

"Lady Belthasar." Elder Xu said. "We are in the midst of something." Xu suddenly looked at Elyssia very carefully. After that, her demeanor completely changed from being a seemingly social person, to receding from the event.

"Forgive me, Elder." Elyssia said. Then she returned to her home with a rather quick pace.

Xu looked at Claudius for a moment. "Mobius is a name I have not heard mention in sometime." Xu continued. "I am surprised that you have finally caught up with him."

Avus still was not certain of what they were discussing. He sighed. Then walked over towards Jyn. "They have some sort of history and we need to be on our ways. Matters of the Elder are not our concern." Avus said, remembering the various lectures Xu put him through about stately affairs.

Avus preferred the simpler life of a wilderness man. He didn't like being around too many people and even then, around those considered allies, Avus felt discomfort.

"I know what you must be feeling, Avus. But we must wait until the Elder lets us be on our way." Captain Jyn said casually.

"Very well." Avus responded. He turned to face Xu and Claudius.

"How is Mobius doing these days, Claudius?" Xu asked the question of the day.

[princeben07]

Reaching into his satchel, the mighty and strange Parallax only sighed; he hated to be the bearer of bad news.

"I'm going to read this aloud to everyone. I know how people tend to stray away from things that really matter; I can sense that Avus wants no part of this, but the Universe interweaves people into other lives of lifeforms whethere we like it or not." He first said, staring very EVILY at Avus, then turning his attention away from the creature, to begin reading the letter from Mobius.

"By the time you hear of my taking of an ill-state Elder Xu, my Foster Son, Claudius Atrix Parallax, will have that bad headache once again, so please be sure to give him one of your infamous potions to relieve and alleviate the pains and nosebleeds. I am very ill and only Parallax can find a special set of herbs so that YOU Elder Xu can make the potions and the crushed powder so that I may drink of them and heal in a few days time. Parallax has spent almost 12 days walking to your village, bleeding almost to death twice. Although I cannot move around much and my entire body aches, many are trying to come to visit me, but I don't take very well to strangers.

Please show him the ways so that he will be able to learn of his Psionic abilities.

And to Avus, I do not know you very well, but I know that you and Parallax will see very different on a social and political level. I taught him the best way that I know how to be an old man. Please assist him in any way that you can; do NOT under-estimate his tall and slender frame; Parallax is extremly strong for his age, for which I have not figured out, even for MY great Soothsaying abilities. I am sending him to YOU because you know of the humanistic ways of the homo-sapiens. My Foster son does not know exactly what his species is. Please do everything that you can to finish your quest, help him get the herbs so that ELder Xu can mix them for me and to help guide him BACK to my home. It's going to take 12 days to get back to my home, but I am quite sure you can function just about anywhere. Please trust in his abilities, whatever they are.

Sincerely signed,
Elder Mobius Parallax Sr."


He lowered his head and started crying immediately.

"Stupid, STUPID old man. Why did you send me ALL Of the way HERE of all places? What in the hell are you trying to DO to me? Stupid OLD MAN!!"

Upon that last scream, a nearby tree was to begin creaking and cracking, suddenly falling down to the ground; but how could that happen so quickly?

"If I don't do something soon, he's going to DIE!!!"

[Avus_Insectium]

Without understanding how or why, Avus acted on impulse.

It was his nature to help people and the tree started to fall of it's own volition. Avus had tremendous strength, and would need all of it. He could hold the tree's bark for a few moments before he got tired. Long enough for Xu or Jyn to move Claudius out of the way. Upon hearing the note read, Avus knew he had to protect Claudius with his life if need be. Without realizing it, Elder Mobius had given Avus the purpose he desperately sought for. With every muscle straining, he held the tree aloft. It was a smaller oak, thankfully, but it weighed a ton. Avus knew that the tree could undoubtedly crush Claudius if it fell on him. One thing he noticed was that the tree felt incredibly hot to the touch. Did Parallax cause this!? Avus thought to himself and he growled, then push the tree safely off to one side.

He was thankful that the tree was not one of the heavier oaks, it could have been a real problem if it were. The tree fell off to one side, it had been severed at about the direct middle so. The trees in that area had strong roots, Avus knew that from spending a lot of time with the Wood Elves. I hope they can fix the damaged tree... Avus saw that Elder Xu had attempted to move Claudius.

Jyn assisted.

Once that was done, Avus felt a burning sensation. He looked down at his hands and saw that they were red. Without realizing it, the psionic's power had also affected Avus directly. We have to get his power under control. It is dangerous and if left unchecked, I fear could cause a lot of problems. Avus thought to himself, and walked over towards the small group. He saw Elyssia approaching Avus.

She motioned for him to show her his hands. "Your hands are discolored. Let me take a look at them." Elyssia said.

He hesitated, but after a moment showed her his hands.

"A moment's contact did all this?" Elyssia's eyes went wide for a moment. She investigated Avus's hands with concentration on her face. "Elder we may have a problem. I believe I know the herb that Elder Mobius speaks of."

Elder Xu looked at Elyssia. "Which herb?" He asked plainly as he tended to Claudius.

"Black Root." She frowned. "It has known properties that assist the potent energies of the mind."

Elder Xu sighed. "Come Avus. Do you remember the root she speaks of?"

"I do. It is deep in THEIR territory." Avus shuddered for a moment. Only they could make the insect-like beast man afraid. They were Spider Magi, and he shared similar characteristics to them.

"Would you risk everything to seek the herb for your friend?" Xu asked.

"I would." Though he was afraid, he knew what was being asked. He had to go DEEP into Spider Magi territory, no, into N'Jal's territory. Deep into the web where predators lurked. Where he was not the king of the jungle. Avus sighed. "I want to take him with me Elder Xu. But it is getting late now, and I would rather approach their territory in the day time."

"You have learned much, Avus." Xu responded. "Very well. Rest here before you scout their activities on the north ridge. Find out what they want, what they are after." Xu continued. "I want you to find samples of the Black Root as well if you can find. You remember where it is, and there should be plenty there once you are past the Spider Magi."

Avus suddenly felt a flash again. It was likely an effect of being near Claudius. The flash saw a short man, like a shadow.

"What's wrong, Avus?" Elyssia asked.

"...Nothing." Avus said in response, but the short man's image disturbed him. It was strangely familiar to him...something out of a dream.

[princeben07]

Parallax was now fully at his feet, noticing the falling tree and Avus' red hands. He couldn't process just what happened and it was more boggling than ever.

"Wait, wait, who are THEY? I mean, my Father mentioned of a quest, but is it THAT dangerous? Could someone enlighten me about what I'm supposed to be doing in the process? I feel a bit in the dark about all of this."

He then thought to himself,

"I feel nauseated. That tree seems as healthy as ever. Did my emotion trigger something for that tree to fall? And just how strong IS Avus anyways? That tree should've crushed him. Looks like I'll have to dig deeper into this quest to find out about what exactly we are getting ourselves INTO. Should I even DO this at all? Well Claudius, you said it yourself, it's for the old man. Just keep thinking that. And who is our enemy that we are to face? Or are we doing the right thing at ALL? Someone's got a pthora of elaborating to do soon, and I'm betting that Elder Xu knows the answers. I mean, it's not like I don't trust him or anything, but my Father really means alot to me. Okay, okay, just.....gather your bearings and follow along Parallax; it can't be THAT bad old chap."

He then walked over to Avus, whicing his eyes a little. A glow of blue would suddenly envelop him, as if he was trying to focus on Avus' aura. The Glow sputtered, then suddenly stopped.

"Why doesn't that WORK?" He exclaimed, placing his hand over his face in bitter frustration.


"Look, I'm not trying to be a bother, but will someone please tell me what it is that we are supposed to be doing next? And who are THEY?"

[Avus_Insectium]

It was Avus who spoke. He didn't want Elder Xu to worry over such matters when there were more serious things to consider. "They are the children of one of the Thayne." Avus explained. "The Thayne are like patrons and matrons here on Althanas. They are exceedingly powerful." Avus walked over towards Claudius. He knelt down before him. "Spider Magi are the children of N'Jal." Even speaking the name of the spider Thayne repulsed Avus. He dreaded thinking that he could have any sort of connection to the Spider Magi. "I dare not speak of her here." He said. "To do so would invoke her power here, and I do not wish such a fate for my friends." Avus continued. "Listen." He did not pause as he spoke, somehow knowing Claudius would understand. "We are going on a journey to figure out what it is the Spider Magi are doing out there on the North Ridge. We will investigate, and attempt to keep from agitating them directly. We could not survive a direct assault from their numbers. If the scouting reports are indeed accurate." Avus added.

He didn't doubt the guard's sincerity this time. Spider Magi were the one creature that Avus actively sought to avoid at all costs. He didn't want a confrontation with them or their ilk. "The root you need for the potion is deep in their territory." Avus stood up but kept watching Claudius. "I would prefer it if you would accompany me on this task." For some reason, Avus felt an urge to protect and to guide Claudius. "It is not a completely rare root, but the location is what sets it apart." Avus hoped that the explanation would be sufficient to calm the young adventurer down.

[princeben07]

"Hmmm, I can understand this then. These Spider Magi have me a bit intrigued actually. Very well then; we can set off for this in a few days. I am quite sure we would need to gather supplies before we head out then, is that correct? Where can I go hunting? I might LOOK tall and thin, but I have a prowess for hunting for food with such ease that it gets boring at times if I am NOT in the hunt." He repsonded, patting Avus on the shoulder, smiling some. Was The Parallax crazed? Spider Magi could poison and kill their enemies without effort. Why was Parallax un-nerved by this simple mention of these creatures? He turned to Elder Xu and nodded, as he spake out, "Spider Magi eh? Well, if it doesn't matter to many, they certainly won't see me. Once I finish learning how to use these abilities that my father CLAIMS that I have, I am sure to make a worthy opponent to these things. But, until then, I'm going hunting. I'lol take my leave for now Elder..excuse me.."

Parallax seemed pretty confident that they would finish the investigation, grab the roots and get the hell out of there before "They" would try to give chase and possibly kill them BOTH.

[Avus_Insectium]

Avus kept his eyes locked on Parallax.

"Where do you think you're going by yourself?" Avus asked and took his place by Parallax's side. "You'll need a guide around here, if I am not mistaken and know this part of the forest extremely well." Avus said. "If you're hungry, I know of a good place we can hunt some game at." Avus took a look at Elder Xu and Jyn. The two were conversing on their own about matters that did not concern Avus. He then looked back at Parallax. "Come." Avus said. "I will teach you how to properly hunt and gather food around here so you don't starve to death." Avus was attempting to tell a joke, though he knew that the words chosen were likely a bit harsh.

Avus took the lead and made it a point to provide the point guard to their expedition into Ruild. Avus was not good at small talk, but Parallax was. He was hoping that Parallax could engage Avus in some sort of a meaningful talk on their way to the area he knew about it. It was a place filled with ample hunting grounds. The North Ridge could wait until after he had taught Parallax basic survival skills. Avus flexed as he walked, stretching his muscles out from the earlier event. He'd lifted a heavy tree, and that proved to be more tiring than Avus had initially realized. He sighed. He was rusty, he needed to train more.

Avus walked towards the edge of the village hoping that Parallax would follow him. "This way, Parallax." Avus had just the proper game in mind, it's meat was known to be succulent and nutritious. They weren't very difficult to hunt either. Avus waited for a response from Parallax.