Finding Ietus Part 1 - Tirel (solo)

[Ayithe Solete]

The thunder of the storm shook the night skies of the Tirel harbour, ushering the once calm shoreline of Salvar to strike at the docklands with its mighty land devouring waves. Yet, the re-enforced and sturdy built docks of Tirel had seen much worse, and it took on the stormy weather as it had been designed to, resisting the weathering waves efficiently.

The mighty stone sea wall took the brunt of the offensive, protecting the inner harbour from its perilous wrath. Allowing the now swaying boats and ships to float and rocking rather harmlessly within its confines. Yet it remained haunted by the loud banshee type howls of the blustering wind as it struck the town. Tirel while widely known as the harbour of the north was known by another more daunting name; Tirel, the city of lost souls. Many a traveller would venture here, be it by land or stormy sea. Yet few families chose to stay in such a cold damp place.

The docks were a tough hard working place to live, and the town itself bustled with trade income and temporary businesses that failed to make ends meet. Bars and whore houses flourish amongst the tradesmen and sailors to Tirel, and while currency and wealth grows in abundance, farmland is few and far between on this cold dirty land. If not for the strategic and convenient position of the harbour, this large growing town would be but a small fishing village.

But from humble origins to a reknown trading capital, the future is bright for Tirel. The harbour was the one key feature that defined this town, and because of the sea wall protection, the dockyard rarely shut down. Today as any other day, the many sailors and tradesman continued to work and prepare for their next journeys.

The flickering burning torches along the jetties struggled to cope against the violent wind. Yet as the night drew closer, the few remaining hard workers finished off their loading in advance of the next day's travel.

Ayithe, shivering against the cold and wet like a drowned rat, walked through the dank warehouses and along the soaking dock. Persistent in her search for anyone who could shed some light on the mystery that was Ietus. The question to where it was plagued her mind, it was a sailors legend and folks tale, with most believing it was simply a whisper to spread the fear of the far east continent.

Still, Ayithe had not given up all hope and had the desire and determination to ask throughout Tirel for its location. The docklands were huge, the largest on Salvar's east coast, and there were more than enough people to question. All she needed now was a lead to spur her on further.

She held her black cloak close, desperately shielding her long blonde and brown hair and determined face, the supposed water proof had done the bare minimum to keep her dry from the blustering wind and rain. It was thin and poorly made, the basic material for such a task, the result of buying cheap and Ayithe regretted it with a shiver.

"You're barking up the wrong tree, Miss! We're bound for Corone in the morning." The man shouted through the battering rain as it slapped against them with the every new gust of wind.

"Can you tell me who I could speak to at least?" She begged as they both held onto their coats against the sudden blast of wind.

"Look, Miss, I've a job to do, and unless you've got something worth my while, I'm busy." He pulled his hood back over his rough face intent on ignoring her pleading. "You're looking for a myth, a story to frighten the new recruits from heading to far east. Ietus, doesn't, exist."

It didn't matter how hard faced she stared at him, those dark eyes were not empathic, but careless. He simply turned away and marched back into the group of box carrying men - shifting their cargo from the nearby warehouse to the large ship down the jetty in military style operation, they worked in a single line like worker ants, unfazed by the pouring rain and battering wind. Though, Ayithe knew they were better dressed to endure the weather than herself.

It wasn't easy hearing that same line again, it wasn't the first time and it probably wouldn't be the last. Yet, every time she heard it, it hurt that little bit more. The underlining concern that they might be telling the truth and she had been lied to about this whole thing haunted her worries. She wiped her rain covered blue eyes and pulled the few hanging strands of her blonde hair to one side.

Bastard...

She scowled at him from afar before she turned away and looked down the less active part of the jetty that she was yet to travel. The burning torches that marked the jetty edge were mostly out, and the workers to the next pier had evidently stopped for the night. She walked anyway, like a shadow in the night, unnoticed onto the next pier. Her dark attire fit perfectly into the shadows of the dark alleys and night sky. but she was no thief or assassin - she was a fighter for sure, trained and as beautiful as she was deadly, but her desire to fight lay in adventure rather than that of miss-deeds. The boardwalk itself refused to even creak under her steps; she was a lost gemstone, caste aside and forgotten amongst the other grey rocks at the vast shoreline of Tirel.

Nothing acknowledged her in this place. She had felt rather lonely in pervious travels, but now she really felt it press upon her. With the pressure of her pursuer, though seemingly long gone, and her missing friends, she had not been around anyone for more than a few moments. Leaving her to move on to her next destination alone. Completely alone.

Another gust of wind wrapped around her as she walked by a large closed store. Her rain cover quickly displaced, forcing her to adjust as she tried to protect herself from the elements with the thin and near useless cloak. She tensed up her hand and closed her eyes, trying to take a deep breath to calm her frustrations, as she felt the rain spray against her already soaked face. She grimaced as she leaned against the store wall, there was no shelter over head and the raven black cloak flung about irritatingly in her faltering grasp, then she sighed.

I hate this... I hate this...I don't deserve it!

Ayithe let go of her wimpy cloak and allowed the next gust of wind to give it flight. It soared for a brief moment then sounded with a loud wet slap as it hit against the brick of the store wall. Almost immediately she could taste the salty sea as the rain poured down her face, it was revolting.

Ayithe shivered violently, her lips trembling and her skin goose bumped. She rubbed her uncovered arms in a futile attempt to try give some warmth back; but the cold sea inflicted rain would not let up.

"Fuck you!" She whimpered harshly at the cloak as it matted on harbour floor.

She looked around despairingly, the blurred lights ahead of her still highlighting the men on the adjoining pier, the thrashing water to her side splashed up with the waves and the pattering of the falling sprays masked the silence of her lonely journey. She wouldn't go back, and she didn't know why she even considered it for that moment. She had chosen this path and she would have to endure it - she knew that.

Grabbing the soaked cloak back off the ground, she shook the worst off, and unsurprisingly it was rain sodden and the same as it always was, worthless. Even if it was all she had, there were some things that just weren't worth keeping.

Sod it... She tossed it away frustratingly and continued on.

[Ayithe Solete]

It could easily be considered a mistake to have thrown away your only means of protection from the cold, but Ayithe banished the thought from her mind. Entering the dim, daunting, thin passages of another section of the warehouse district, Ayithe had some minor shelter from the rain itself; the overhanging and sometimes over lapping roofs instead formed small cascading waterfalls down the middle of the thin streets.

For all its shelter overhead, the wind did gain momentum through the tunnelled passageways, continuing to roar like a beast of the night. Walking through here, was like walking through the dark confines of a watery cave or shallow gorge. As stubborn as she could be, she knew she needed shelter at this time and wasn't bull headed enough to think she could take on the weather in her current state.

The dark red and black attire of the Darkling creatures skin was formidable, tough and comfortable, but it did little against the force of nature. Water proof to a point, though it never covered her stomach and stopped short of her biceps. It even cut low at the front with her cleavage somewhat on show, and the cold touched every inch of her skin and crept into every crevice it could reach. With weather like this, she often regretted her choice of clothes, but Tirel was the furthest north she had ever travelled and the cold and wet here could be harsher than she had ever experienced - particularly in the winter.

She pushed on a little further, increasing her pace as she skipped through the rain towards the local inns and taverns.

Pausing by the broader main street of stone buildings and pubs, she remained lurking in the back passage. The silence of the empty warehouses behind her while the sound of bustling voices and string music bellowing out from the street before her. She had avoided so much of this recently but if she was honest with herself, it was becoming more dangerous for her to be hiding in the dark. It wasn't easy leaving the shadows, as the past few months she had become accustomed to it, having to stay hidden from the main crowd. Keeping herself safe from her pursuer, it was hard to shake the fact she no longer appeared to be being stalked.

I guess... I've gone far enough. I shouldn't have to hide. She tried hard to break the paranoia she had invoked on herself.

She took a step out into the cascading blanketing rain, then paused. A small flicker of metal had caught the moonlight just a little further down the street, and a feminine figure appeared to wander against the walls of the tall buildings, slowly disappearing further into the silence that was the near empty harbour. Ayithe watched cautiously for a moment, unsure of what she was witnessing. The brief thought it was her pursuer crossed her mind: her vision sharp with concern, the hairs on her neck stood on end, and her heart pounded with a sudden nervous burst. Then, she had to calm herself as she understood her moment of paranoia and met the moment for what it really was.

Damn it! Don't scare yourself like that...It's only a woman. Though, what is wrong with her? Is she drunk?

The woman didn't seem to stagger, but appeared reliant on the very wall she was feeling with her hands. Her slow uncertain steps were almost clumsy, but then firm once they pressed against the cobbled floor.

Ayithe considered approaching, there was something distressing about her walking through the dark like this. Such a dainty looking woman appeared out of place here, and walking alone on a dark stormy night was far from safe for anyone. At least Ayithe was strong and trained to defend herself.

She could be a trap, a thief... a murderer... am I walking into a trap? Maybe she's lost, hurt...Soon to be. She doesn't look tough. Not like me.

Ayithe looked over her shoulder, the street was empty but for one man entering the nearest tavern across the road. The ambience was filled with the battering the rain gave the land, the muddy cobbled floor flushed with small streams that tricked downhill towards the warehouses, and even the bellowing noise of the drunks from the tavern were muted beneath the storms power and prestige.

Ayithe gripped her wrist blade, the mechanism shielded from the water; it still functioned. She touched it as if the remind herself she could fight back should she need to. Then, rather confidently, she walked towards the strange woman.

"Excuse me," she called out gently through the rain. "Are you ok?"

The woman froze, her posture shot upright as she looked a little startled.

"I'm fine." She pulled her hood up and over her short black hair as if to hide herself. Since she was already soaked, it didn't make much sense to cover herself now and Ayithe wasn't so convinced by her dismissal. She waited in the open rain as she watched the woman walk until pausing by the end of the brick wall. The gap between itself and the next building a few meters at least, she looked daunted.

Yet, in a slow walk with the smallest of steps, she wandered across. Her arms twitching as if resisting the urge to reach forward, even then, she did well not the trip over the uneven cobbles. Ayithe walked slowly beside her, feeling that something beyond what she could currently see, was wrong.

She waited as the lady failed to find the next wall. A few meters lost of its position her arms flailed for a moment before stopping and dropping flat by her side in frustration.

"Yes..." The woman called out deflated. "I'm blind. I know your still there, so stop staring and talk to me."

"I only meant to see if you were ok. I didn't mean to scare you."

The young slim woman pulled her hood back down, her short hair, soaked as much as Ayithes. Her green eyes tainted with a light grey, while her pupils were clearly dilated. Even now she stood slightly unaligned to Ayithes position as they talked, she was completely blind.

"The rain... It's messed with me, and I'm not sure where I am anymore. I think I took a wrong turn. Can you by any chance show me back to..."

"I'm sorry," Ayithe interrupted as if to refuse. "But I don't really know this place. So I'm not sure how well I could guide you anywhere. I'm passing through myself."

"Great," she grunted sarcastically with a pouting lip. "Well, thanks for the chat! I must be going."

Ayithe hesitated in stopping her for a moment, watching the proud woman attempting to continue on regardless. She had to be based somewhere around the docks; her thick boots and her heavy rain coat were much better designed for being around this weather, and no one in land wore that clothing.

It was easy to just move on from this. Ayithe had no obligation to help, she had never met her before and would likely never meet her again, however, leaving a person alone with the potential to get in trouble was not something Ayithe wanted playing on her conscience. So the young woman tried to wander into the dark once more, Ayithe made her decision.

"Hold on a moment!" Ayithe called to her. "I can help at least... try get you back to where you want to be."

Ayithe held out her hand, she wasn't sure where she'd end up, but she couldn't leave the poor girl alone out here. "Take my hand and I'll guide you as best I can."

"You're gonna have to do better than that!" She groaned, her own hand grasping at the air. "How about you take my hand, cause I can't see yours you idiot."

Ayithe gawped a little, her hand covering her mouth in surprise to the girls attitude. Ayithe had not meant to be rude at all, but wasn't used to being around someone who could not see. Ayithe, thought a little shocked, took her hand. She wore thick gloves and felt warm, unlike Ayithe, and she gripped tightly like a child to her mother.

"Right, I was following the taverns along the promenade." Her free hand gestured as if to describe the vision in her head. "The sounds usually guide me along till I reach a certain sign post, I turn off there."

"Okay. I'll take you back towards the taverns then." It wasn't far from where they were, so Ayithe knew immediately that the sign post would probably be the hardest part as they walked towards the road of inns and whorehouses.

"Are you not wearing any gloves?" She exclaimed as she began to squeeze harder while they walked back up the road. "I can feel your fingers."

"No I'm not, can't say I've ever needed them." Ayithe gripped back a litter tougher herself.

What am I doing...I hope I don't regret this, though, I can't see myself leaving until she's safe.

Looking down the long road of taverns and bars, it was clear this was usually a common place of public movement, emptied by the bad weather. The young woman clearly hadn't wandered too far off track, but being blind she had almost no chance of finding her way back without Ayithe.

"I can hear the strings. Violins, so beautiful."

Ayithe smiled to herself as she watched her relax and smile in appreciation of the music. The familiar sounds must have been a relief as her grip lessened slightly. "It's the Leaky Deck Inn." Ayithe read from the hanging wooden sign across the road.

"Great, you can read. I hope that fills you with pleasure," she muttered sarcastically. "Anyway, we need to head downhill from here. The violins always play at the Leaky Deck, then Glynn's Stow Away Tavern is much quieter, but my friends love it in there. There's a signpost that I use to mark where to turn. You can walk me to there."

It felt more like a command than a request, but Ayithe had already decided to help so she couldn't back out now. Especially as she held Ayithe's hand with an iron like grip, she wasn't letting go any time soon, and Ayithe wasn't sure if it was through control or uncertainty. The odd person passed along the way, mainly the drunks, while others more sober, gave them assuming looks as they held hands down the cobbled road.

"So, no gloves. What's your name?" She questioned.

"Ayithe."

"Ayithe, hmmm," she seemed to hover over her name for a moment. "You have a pretty voice Ayithe. A little husky, but light. I bet the men love it."

"Oh... Thanks, I guess." Ayithe's grip naturally weakened as she questioned the reason for such a comment. Yet, there was no letting go from the vice like grip. She looked up ahead to spot the upcoming mentioned tavern, but the blurry distant lights and slow bending street hid it from view. She continued to hope it wasn't too far and then she could ditch this rather blunt and rude girl.

"Mine's L'ven." She smirked almost nervously as she ran her fingers through her short but soaked black hair, dragging it backwards with a few repeated strokes. "I realise you're probably wondering what a pretty girl, like me, is doing wandering alone... in this place? It's mainly just men here, by the harbour I mean. So I am vastly outnumbered, which some would call a bit dangerous for me, but heck, it's not stopping me. I'm tougher than that."

"You sound it L'ven. I'm only passing by anyway. So I'm glad you're okay." She found it difficult to know exactly to say to such a woman, but keeping it short was easier.

"Yeah! Well you scared the shit out of me at first. Sneaking up on someone who's blind, not as funny as you might think! So yeah, I'm okay now. But! I know people here, and your just passing by, so I got to wonder why you were, you know, walking alone off the main street?"

[Ayithe Solete]

"I'm trying to find a ride out of here," Ayithe replied as they closed in on the next tavern, her eyes already peering across in hope it was her stop.

"Where ya going? We're heading out in the morning ourselves. Maybe you can hitch a ride aboard us."

Ayithe's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief, she had already presumed the girl lived by the docks, but she hadn't thought that she would end up being on an actual boat. Still, she wasn't going to believe this blind girl was going to be on a boat that would travel far east. It was more likely that she lived here and travelled on a fishing vessel.

"Thanks, I'm trying to..." Ayithe hesitated. She couldn't shake the anxiety that she may get laughed at once again. Yet, she would ask anyway. "...get to, Ietus."

"Never heard of it! But, you're best asking my brother about that stuff."

Ayithe held her hand a little tighter and slowed them down with a tug. The next sign post before them was jammed into the pavement at a slight misalignment, and to its left the boisterous voices across the street mixed into the rainy weather. The multi-arrowed, old, wooden sign post leaned ever so slightly to one side, but its carved writing, recently filled in with a lick of paint, remained clear and legible in the wet.

Glynn’s Stow Away Tavern,
Glynn’s Jetty

"We’re here." Ayithe announced.

"Excellent! Though, I doubt the guys will be on the jetty anymore. So come on no gloves, you might as well accompany me in!"

Ayithe looked up at the Tavern entrance, the large overhead sign looked rather pristine as it swung in the cold wind. The thick double doors were pulled shut, but ever so slightly ajar, allowing the voices of many a drunk man to escape from within. One large window with panels divided into panes no larger than a hands splay, covered the front at either side of the door. The building raised three floors above, and appeared as if it would be a good place to stay the night at least.

"Come on!" L'ven tugged at her arm as Ayithe dragged her heals.

Surprisingly, she now walked considerably more confident. L'vens stride broadened and once her hand touched the door she pushed in with no hesitance. A large ray of light spread out into the street as they entered, the inside lively and considerably brighter than the dim wet exterior. Ayithe could feel the warmth the moment she entered, the well spaced and well decorated room was no drunken layabout of a bar. Clean and tidy, the room boasted a large oak fireplace that stretched the length of the rear wall. The large round tables sat neatly placed apart along the walls, which left a large walkway within the center of the room.

"L'ven!" A loud male voice called across to them. He leapt up from his chair with enthusiasm and trotted over. Well dressed and well kept, he smiled, while giving a curious look to Ayithe before facing L'ven again.

"You wouldn't believe what happened to me. Crazy, crazy story, but boring and absolutely no reason to tell you about it."

"We were starting to think we should come looking for you." The concerned look on his face was brief but clear as he gave L'ven a big hug. Her elated face proud and full of bliss as she smiled receiving the bear like hug. Her relief was now evident to Ayithe as they embraced, though she had hidden it so well to this point.

"So, you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Unnnh.....Give me chance you horses ass. This is Ayithe, she kindly helped me get back to you."

"Oh, well, thanks Ayithe." He smiled with an attractive broad grin.

"You're her brother, I assume?"

They both laughed lightly, leaving Ayithe a little awkward as she smiled nervously. The joke and situation lost on her as they giggled in an almost mocking manner. As amusing as it was to them she knew no one here and certainly didn't enjoy being mocked. She held her tongue for a moment as L'ven placed her hand on her shoulder. "This is my love, my reason to live."

"My names Dohn, pleased to meet you." He held out his hand in a welcoming manner.

Hilarious... She thought sarcastically. Probably a good job she can't see my face right now.

Ayithe masked her light scowl back into a smile and shook his hand. His large fist gripped firmly but with a sense of care as he lifted her forehand and kissed it gently before letting her go. "You both look like drowned rats. Come over to our table, we're near the fire place."

Ayithe followed last, deliberately walking slowly, the feeling of regret growing within her as they approached a table of grouped gossiping men. If she had time to think about it, she would have much preferred to have packed in for the day and tried again in the morning. This once again felt like a risk she probably shouldn't have been taking.

Well, I'm here now, I might as well see this out.

Leaving a dripping trail of rain water behind herself, Ayithe really began to feel the cold. The change of temperature to the warm Inn seemed to make it more evident against her skin. She could feel the cold rain drops as they ran down her face, arms, and stomach. Her soaked through Darkling skin attire wasn't the most waterproof clothing, nor was it designed to protect against the elements, currently evident as she felt the sticky damp fabric sticking to her every move.

Stopping by a large round table, the group of sailors sat around it, quietly conversing over a few drinks, before peering up at their new arrivals like a pack of wild dogs. They all appeared dressed in rather smart attires; a mix of colours, but each wearing a distinct emblem of crossed spears that sat behind a large mythical type creature in the center - It's mouth gaping, its teeth long, and its design to appear like it was staring at the viewer. Ayithe had never seen that emblem before.

A short box bearded man tossed a towel over to Ayithe, and then a second into the arms of Dohn who kindly passed it to L'ven. Ayithe wasn't sure where to place her eyes as the group focused on her in a rather intimidating manner, inspecting her as the stranger she was to them. She gave herself a quick rub down, drying her immediate body and arms in a hasty manner. Meanwhile her hair continued to drip, so she wrapped it up, giving it a strong squeeze before she let it slap back against her shoulders. It would take some time to dry properly, but at least she wouldn't be dripping everywhere.

The group parted at one side, allowing the women to sit closer to the fire, the curving seats designed in mind to wrap around the circular table while able to seat at least two. Ayithe sat down cautiously, the warm fire slowly heating her back, it felt nice, somewhat relaxing but for the five men all staring her way.

"So. You brought my sister back to us." The cleanly shaven bulky man spoke from across the table. Clearly muscular under his shirt that just about fit him, he looked the larger of the group. Taking a long slow gulp of his drink, while not releasing his somewhat accusatory gaze from Ayithe, he then continued. "You want something in return? Otherwise, why else you here?"

Ayithe looked back at him with a stern look. She wasn't about to let these men make her feel intimidated. "I've been looking for a ride to Ietus. An Island in the east, and your sister, politely, advised me you may have heard of it."

The table fell silent, any chatter stopping as they listened to the new woman. No laughter or mocking, no whispers or shouting, they just stared even more intensely. Ayithe held herself stern; taking deep breaths, she felt her heart racing, her fingers tapping on her knees under the table. This didn't feel like the most pleasant start to a conversation.

"Guh. We are heading east. You think helping my sister earns you a right onto my boat?"

A few smirks met the table and the box bearded man beside L'vens brother took a drink to hide his amused face.

"No. I'll pay if I have to."

Ayithe nervously glanced over to Dohn and L'ven, who had deliberately kept hushed during this moment.

"Don't look at them!" He slammed his fist on the table. "Ietus don't exist, it's a myth, a legend created by fear mongers to keep people travelling too far east. You're wasting your time, love."

Ayithe stood up suddenly, the wooden stool sliding back behind her, while nearly knocking L'ven off in the process.

That's all you had to say you unhelpful prick.

"Woah, where you think you're going?" The nearest man, bald but not old, gripped her arm tightly with his calloused hand.

Ayithe didn't take any chances, outnumbered and feeling under threat, she released her wrist blade and pressed it up against his throat. The sharp steel blade as close to a cut as it could be as she pressed it against his rough chin - it would only take a second. The group surprised by the sudden appearance of such a weapon stood up, some backing off as they all stared her down, yet no one drew a weapon to her. The man, unfazed, but not stupid held his arms up and out wide. His armless shirt revealing the large muscular arms that had threatened her, but no muscle could stop her blade from slicing his throat should he try to grab her again.

"You back off!" She warned, her lips angry and full of venom as she glared at him.

"Guh. I won't do nothing."

"CALM THE FUCK DOWN!" L'ven's brother called across the table. "He's not gonna hurt you. This is not the establishment to which one draws blood. Everyone... sit, down."

Ayithe hadn't noticed the room fall silent around her, but she did notice that no one else had drawn a weapon at her. Then slowly, as he had commanded, they all sat down as she continued to hold the blade nervously by the man's throat. They didn't need weapons to handle her, she knew that by just looking at them. Yet it was clear, not just in her threatening weapon, but in the instinctive look on her face, she was no rookie with a blade.

"How did you know we were heading to, Ietus? You meet my sister to get my attention? Or you working for the old man?"

Ayithe finally withdrew her wrist blade in response to their calmed demeanour, yet, remained standing while the bald man lowered his arms and turned back for another drink. L'ven looked a little startled and gripped onto Dohn as he whispered something into her ear. The rest then relaxed now acting like nothing had happened.

He didn't even care...and I could have killed him.

"I don't know what you're talking about, and I don't know who you are. I'm here for me and if you don't want my money, I'll go elsewhere."

The stomping footsteps of the massive landlord walked into view. The wrinkled long bearded man stood over the group like a giant, trusty war hammer in hand, and glared at everyone with not an inch of fear. He angrily thumped the nearby wooden beam with his giant fist, and everyone's attention was caught by the rattling of the hanging decor and the hum of the beam after impact.

"There a problem here boys? Criz?"

"No. Just a miss-understanding, Glynn." L'ven's brother bowed his head apologetically. "Won't happen again."

Ayithe cautiously remained stood while Glynn, the most giant of men, returned back to his bar having made his point. An awkward silence followed, as only the crackling fire and its light lingering burning smell took back over the room. With that, the calm feeling once again returned.

"Alright, Ayithe. Let's start over."

[Ayithe Solete]

"Everyone but L'ven should leave. Get a drink from the bar, or something."

Criz commanded the others, be it through order or respect, but there weren't any arguments or misgivings towards his request. The bald headed threat to her left continued to glare at her as he stood, his piercing slime green eyes fearless and annoyed at her drawn steel. Holding face towards her as he stepped back, he slowly but surely turned to leave with the others towards the bar. The box bearded man made haste to wrap his arm around his shoulder and divert his attention back to the bar.

"Please, sit again." Criz insisted with a reserved smile, gesturing with his free hand to her chair. Amongst the heat of the situation, he did appear to boast some irenic qualities, which was something a leader certainly needed at these times.

Ayithe returned to her seat feeling a little hesitant, but the dispersal of the group eased her concern enough to remain. She looked over her shoulder; other associates of the bar remained ignorant to their little incident. It was now just the three of them and a horde of empty beer glasses. Still cautious to her surroundings she couldn’t help but notice that the bar where they gathered was closer to the exit. This situation wasn't over for her as being on her own was once again proving to be a disadvantage. Yet Criz kept his sister there as if to ease her concerns that he wasn't there to harm her.

Criz calmly placed his hands on the smooth oak table. "You're the second person today asking about going to, Ietus. You understand how rare that is? Why are you chasing a myth?"

Ayithe's heart almost stopped, the knowledge that there was another person asking about Ietus besides her, that was worrying. The possibility it was her assailant crossed her mind, but it didn't really make sense for them to be asking, it was her destination, not theirs. Then who could it be?

"I know it's not a myth," she declared confidently. "I'm not here to play games with you. If you don't know it, I can leave and you never have to speak to me again. I don't care. But if you know it to be true. If you're taking someone there, then I need to get on your boat."

There fell an uncomfortable silence. A moment where all three knew where the conversation was going, and they knew the facts of which they spoke. Only admission remained, to admit the truth to one another and progress forward. Ayithe knew this to be true, and even with all her desperation to reach Ietus, it didn't overtake her logic. She knew this, because if it was a lie, he could have just sent her away. The longer he stalled his answer, the more it felt right to her, and she found her focus fell entirely on his lips, waiting and wanting him to utter those words she desired so much.

"Okay." He sat forward on the table, leaning on his elbows, his fingers interlocked. "I won't mess you about any further. We're heading to, Ietus by the mid-morning. So be it by coincidence or fluke, you've found a ship willing to take you there. Though it's not an easy journey, and I'll have to know some things about you before I take on you on board."

Ayithe squirmed in her seat. She wanted to shout to the high heavens above and celebrate. Finally, she had made progress, after so long, she had reached the next step. Closing her eyes she sighed with a deep relief that overwhelmed her for a few powerful seconds. Yet, she did her best to remain calm and quiet.

"Firstly, do I presume this is just you?"

"Yes." She replied enthusiastically.

"This isn't cheap, I'm going to charge you, say, fifty, maybe a hundred gold for this. I can decide that later."

A HUNDRED! It was a steep price, but one he knew she couldn't turn down.

"Okay. I'll do whatever I need to do." Her blue eyes appeared dull and sad as they graced the table surface with disappointment at the price.

He took a small drink to clear his dry throat, inspecting her every changing mood. "That includes bringing you back, should you wish to. Our stay there isn't long, but should your trip be short, you're welcome on that return journey. Additionally, you can stay with, L'ven. You two are the only women on board and were a relatively small boat, so you'll sleep together. Bear in mind, you'll have hammocks, so don't expect a proper flat bed."

"That sounds fine."

"One final question for you," he downed the last of his drink. "Why are you trying to get to, Ietus?"

Ayithe hesitated. Her reasons had nothing to do with him, but his question begged a question of her own; why was he even heading to Ietus in the first place?

"I have someone waiting for me there, a personal errand." It wasn't a complete lie, but it was vague enough to hide the real truth. She didn't know how much he knew of Ietus, but she had no intention of making her vulnerable information available to him.

Leaving his empty drink on the table, Criz stood up, not even a dreg remaining in the glass. "Pay me in the morning."

Criz smiled a knowing smile, while Ayithe could only imagine what it was about. Then casually, he turned and walked back across to the group.

Does he know I'm lying?

Finally, Ayithe had a ride to Ietus; the feared myth of the Eastern Sea. It had taken weeks to reach this moment, maybe longer, but she hadn't given in, and this now felt like a reward for her hard work. L'ven sat with a smile on her face, but Ayithe by now had accepted that L'ven had not been very honest with her since they had met.

"You lied to me L'ven," Ayithe challenged her as Dohn raced back over to the table. "You knew of Ietus before you brought me here."

"Yeah I did," she giggled the most amused of grins. "But it wasn't for me to offer you anything. Don't take it so harsh, no gloves. How about you join us for drinks?"

"Thanks, but I need to rest." Ayithe removed herself from the table as a couple of the men returned. A few respective nods, while others blanked her entirely. She had got what she wanted, but she wasn't going to overstay her welcome. It was still nerve racking to be surrounded by a group of men while she was alone, something L'ven wasn't so afraid of at all. Already laughing and conversing with the men on her own, she was very comfortable with her surrounding male friends.

Ayithe could tell that smile was genuine, that girl was in her element with them, wrapped up in Dohn's loving embrace as she sat on his knee like a little girl. A fresh drink sat on the table for her, while the mocking banter started with a few references to Ayithe. She had obviously left an impression.

She could still feel the warmth from the fire on her back, her damp clothes had dried somewhat, but needed time. Ayithe turned to the bar, the quality wood appeared almost pristine clean and very well kept, with its corners lined with a brass pole that formed its frame as well as the beer pipes.

"You alright? Need a drink?" The massive Glynn stood behind the bar, his fist not far from the size of her own head. Yet, as he waited patiently for her response, he didn't feel as intimidating as the group behind her. There was something protective about him and his tavern, a proud man, sporting the most impressive moustache and beard. His posture casual as he leant on the bar with a friendly inviting face.

"I'd like a room for the night. Please." She always tried to remember her manners, more so when someone was polite or nice to herself.

The tavern itself wasn't cheap, but for the quality she saw before her; the smooth oak tables, the brass bar and the polished surfaces - it was to be expected. She left the noise of cheery below, heading up the long narrow stairs. Barely a creak from the wooden steps as she reached the landing. The number five was etched into her room key, and she only had to wander a couple of doors down to find the matching door. She paused by the entrance in the dim lonely corridor; the very windows shadowed by stormy skies outside.

The lock clicked open, and she pushed her way inside, locking it quickly in the eerie silence that was the upstairs of the tavern. The dark room wasn't much; a small toilet to her left with a sink, a typical basic wooden dresser with mirror, a table and chair with a small tray of various items, then a decent sized bed with quality quilt and cover.

She sat down on the bed and sighed a smile of relief, the soft cushioned mattress was a wonder to sit on and she hadn't touched something so soft in some time. While a slight smell of damp touched her nose, it didn't feel it in the bed. She kicked off her boots before laying back, resting her head on the single thick cotton pillow. Then the unlit brass lantern then came into view on the dresser, and a feeling of sadness fell over her. A lonely room for a lonely soul.

I miss you. This tiny solo room reminded herself of being on her own, alone without the one she truly cared about.

Ayithe closed her eyes, her attempt to sleep hindered by the breaking tears of sorrow and loneliness. She missed him so much and this was the closest step she had taken to finding him once again. Her heart cried inside of her, the distance she had travelled, the time she had been alone, and the events she had to go through; all to get reach this moment. Currently, she was still alone.

Finally, though, Ietus didn't feel so far away anymore, and when she could reach it, when she could make them safe; she would find him, and they would be happy again. She was sure of it.

"Raslin..."

[Ayithe Solete]

"AYITHE!" The familiar deep tone of her sky blue eyed companion called out for her.

She stopped, still stood in the long grass of the vast field, refusing to turn around - the back of her head was good enough for them. So long as they didn't believe her, she didn't even want to look in their direction. Her fist clenched and she stomped her foot as she paused, listening carefully to who was calling for her.

"Please stop, this isn't what I wanted at all." Raslin begged as he caught her up, skipping through the long reeds of grass and small plants.

"So? It's been made pretty clear what they think of me!" She almost snorted with anger, her tone upset and slightly broken.

"I don't think it." He told her, a little sad in his voice as he slowed into a walk.

She didn't like to ignore him, and so while hesitant she turned turned around to see him. Those soft blue eyes watched her every expression, caring and loving her with every look and glance. The entire situation upset her deeply. Why did people have to try come between them? Causing arguments over tiresome trivial things. Things that she didn't even really care about. Things that would be forgotten by next morning at the very latest.

"Well then," she groaned. "You're either believing me, or them, and I don't see why you should believe me when they have been part of your life for so long! Just leave me alone, you know you should." It was such a mixed message to him, created by her own mixed emotions and unclear intentions. She desired him to pick her, but she resented the fact that he had known them for much longer, and she didn't desire to take him away from his friends.

She turned away as she spun on her heal, attempting to continue to walk, her hair flicking up in the air to her quick twist. Then his rushing footsteps skipped onto her as she felt his hand lightly grasp her bicep and pull her close. He blocked her path, ensuring his eyes met her own aqua blue as she tried to look away, they were red sore with emotion but calmed at his view. Then he gave her that beautiful smile that she loved so much.

"I'm not betraying you. I never will. If they can't see your telling the truth, then I'll leave with you." He always spoke with such sincerity, but that was a bold decision to make.

"Don't say something so stupid!" She dismissed his loving suggestion as she shrugged off his grip.

"I'm not being stupid," he argued. "I told you, I'd never give up on you. No matter what the situation, no matter how dire it all seems. If I have to travel the world of oceans or fight the mightiest of kings. I'll always stand by your side."

He wrapped her up in his arms, giving a long caring, loving embrace that brought her out of her tantrum. She loved him, and he always knew what to say or what to do, even if she found it difficult herself. She embraced him back, her head rested on his shoulder, her arms around his waist and up his shoulders to hold him close. At times like these, she could hold him forever.

Ayithes eyes opened slowly, flickering open and shut like a loose blinking light. She was still tired and somewhat weak as she came to. Her muscles aching, groggy and stiff. The room was as cool as a winter morning, the cold air held back by the blanket that snugly wrapped around her during the night. She touched her cheek, tepid at least, while her warm hand met the cold of the room for the first time.

I'll never give up on you... No matter what...

It was difficult, even now she had gained purpose, to make herself get up. Her burdened blue eyes focusing on the bland ceiling, dimly lit by the morning sun as it desperately tried to reach through the cloudy morning skies. She dragged the covers off her, sluggishly stretching and sitting up to allow her feet to touch the wooden floor. She tensed for a moment as the cold struck the sole of her feet, shooting up her legs like pins and needles.

She had slept with the same clothes on, a little from laziness, a little from security, she had no intention of laying naked in the night here. She slid her feet into the boots, tying the straps and sealing them tight. Then, walked slowly over to the sink.

Her hair was thick enough to hide the fact it wasn't fresh, but it looked messy, ruined by the rain yesterday then destroyed overnight in her sleep. It was only now, as she stared into the mirror did she begin to feel somewhat upbeat. She was tired for sure, but she finally had a lead to that mysterious place that seemed just a myth and was now within reach of becoming a reality. The woman that stared back at her in the mirror, somewhat miserable, somewhat messy, was proud and invested. Now filled with a growing vigour and excitement, she wouldn't let time weigh her down.

She combed and washed her long blonde and brown hair back to normality, knocking it freely behind her ears to lay down her neck. She cleansed her face, fresh and tidy; rubbing off the slight shadow to her eye lids, what she displayed was pure natural beauty. Then she re-tied the cheek long plat she liked so much, leaving it hanging over her right side and tying it up with a small knot. Adjusting her belt she attached her disk blades, then her small pouch and water bottle - freshly filled.

Retightening her attire, the Darkling skin felt as striking as ever. Lace tied at the front of her chest, low cut and matching her curves; her stomach remained on view, while it wrapped around her back and linked directly into her hip high pants. If anyone knew what a Darkling is, they knew how rare such material was. It was an unmistakable misty merge of midnight black and ruby red; it was as tough as it made her feel, and her confidence simmered as she wore it.

I'm coming Ras...Today is the first day... The first day I truly feel I'm edging closer to you.

[Ayithe Solete]

Once downstairs, the warmth of the still burning fire was a relaxing lift from the cool air of last night's room. She wandered with a bold walk, approaching the bar before she placed her room key on the bar side, ensuring Glynn the barman took notice, and then turned away. The condensation still decorated the windows and the blazing fire still burnt away like a roaring beast; only this time, only two people remained awaiting her at the table. L'ven and Dohn sat indulging themselves at the same table as last night; a full meaty breakfast of sausages, burger meat and eggs amongst other things.

Ayithe relaxed as she approached. It hadn't always been easy to act calm after a surge of emotion in the night, her throat often tightened and her eyes often sore and red - but not this time. She wouldn't give away the delicate part of her, not to anyone. She swallowed her nerves and felt the looseness of her throat, she didn't want to sound croaky or distressed in front of them.

"Was starting to wonder where you were," Dohn called out to her still chewing away. Displaying the hint of a smile before returning to his food. "Glad to see you're still going to come with."

Ayithe wasn't sure how late or early it was, the dim outside was misleading as the stormy weather hadn't yet rescinded. "We never discussed how early. I got up when I was ready."

"Oooh," L'ven smirked and giggled at her bluntness.

A plate landed before her, trembling on the table like a unbalanced bottle before coming to a sudden halt. It was loaded with sausages, bread and beans as if they had pre-planned for her arrival. Ayithe looked up at them suspiciously, once again forgetting L'ven couldn't see her facial expression. Yet, neither paid any attention as they continued to eat without response.

L'ven was often rude and blunt as a brick to the face, but she had brought her here, she had given her the opportunity to find what she was looking for - even if a few hidden truths were kept. Dohn seemed nice, he hadn't yet given a reason for Ayithe to feel like he was untrustworthy, any he seemed to spend most of his time taking care of L'ven. Ayithe had noticed last night, those little touches he gave her to assure her of where he was, those little helpful gestures to ensure she never felt inept around them. It was those things that showed regardless of the initial lie about Ietus, that maybe they were actually nice people.

Ayithe took her time with the food, watching them both quietly; unsure of what to say to break the silence she had created. Their mannerisms and small gestures on full view of her, and Ayithe noticed everything; the little smirk that graced L’vens face, the unnecessary touch he kept giving as if to reassure her his love, and the silent giggles caused by the subtle touching of feet beneath the table. Love was a beautiful thing, no matter where it was in the world, there was always time for it.

Ayithe looked away, the display enough to make her feel miserable about her own predicament, if she continued to watch it only served to remind her of the man she missed. Her eyes wandered back to the condensation hazed window panes. She could barely see outside, but at least she could see the rain had stopped. Part of her wondered if she was being too comfortable, forgetting about her assailant and that he might still be out there searching for her. Everything was moving forward now, and as soon as she could get on this boat, the sooner everything would truly feel safe.

The worry in her chest had calmed considerably since last night, yet, she would always remain vigilant just in case. The tavern was empty but for their table; the light giggling of L'ven and the burning fire the loudest within the calm silence, and Ayithe almost drifted off into her worrisome thoughts - she jumped back as if to awake from a dream.

"You done?" Dohn called across the table as he now stood peering over at her. Ayithe scowled, the half eaten plate before her evidence enough she hadn't.

"Yeah," she took a reluctant final bite, "but I haven't paid for anything yet."

"Do not worry yourself with payment. This one's on me." Dohn returned that same smile of kindness; his ear long brown bangs and calm chestnut eyes proved to be an easy face to feel comfortable with.

She was becoming accustomed to having a light meal, even missing meals entirely, so it didn't matter so much to leave at this moment. Still, she remained a little annoyed at what she considered a lack of manners as they rushed on from the meal to get outside. Ayithe shivered as the cold morning air entered the Stowaway, now feeling a little hesitant to step outside after being in the warmth. She felt her skin tingle with her hairs on end as she braved the salty stormy skies once again.

It was only lightly spitting today, the faint droplets almost unnoticeable, but the clouds remained a dark murky grey that dulled the senses and dampened the very air they breathed. The street however; flooded with people rather than rain, no orderly manner or single file movements formed. Just what appeared to be a chaotic mess of busy sailors and travellers moving to their next destination along the docks. Footsteps and busy gossip filled her ears and the tepid silence of Glynn's Stowaway was left behind.

L'ven grasped Dohn's hand as they led the way through the crowd, quickly passing the directing sign to Glynn's Jetty. Barging her way through people on the street was never really her style, and right now it felt uncomfortable. It was hard to make out who anyone was with everybody rushing through; bumping, barging and dashing around without concern for who they were actually pushing past.

I hate this...

Her eyes darted back and forth, face to face, body to body, hand to hand. Who had a weapon? Who were they? Where they looking at her? There was no time and no space to think, and as the blurred images of everything around her would last for only a moment, it was terrifying in its self. She had to realize that this place was not out to get her, and everyone passing by was getting on with their own lives. She forced herself across the busy street.

Stepping into the next slim alley, the main street bustle was lessened and Ayithe's nerve eased. She looked over her shoulder, the passing people not following nor glancing in her direction. She blew her warm breath on her hands, the chill still a little too much, then hurried to catch up. The alleyway may have been quiet, but the jetty itself echoed noise of a similar fashion to that of the main road.

Arriving at the pier side Ayithe was met with a surge of busy workmen, large crates, bags and stacks of inventory remained piled in and out of the warehouses and their ships. Small and large cranes operated slowly but powerfully to shift the largest of the cargo, and people rushed in and out of every orifice of the piers. Glynn's jetty may have had its own small path between buildings, but it remained in line with every other pier along the shore.

"The Church of the Ethereal Sway, is in fact, your route to salvation! Let not your foreign ears persuade you otherwise. For you have come here not just for trade, but for the truth!"

The loud bellowing voice of the enthusiastic dark robed figure did more than just lurk by the seaside. His bold presence stood firmly visible at the top of some old work crates. Sheltered somewhat by netting hanging overhead and stationed just off the main walkway itself, he called out to all those that would listen. His pearl white body length robe, tall white hat and staff to match, were all clean and pristine - even in this weather. Passersby missed him simply by ignorance and not for his lack of trying as he called out louder, waving his arms emphatically and swinging his staff in the air to promote himself.

Yet, as loud and prominent as he was, it was the second man that caught Ayithes attention. Standing just behind him and almost hidden from view, but looking as hawk eyed as the priest before him, he focused silently on the crowd and passersby while they all concentrated on the white priest before him. His wrinkled skin and furrowed brow remained somewhat shadowed under his hood, but Ayithe had managed to avoid eye contact. Ayithe always had a knack of noticing the less obvious, but something about that man made her feel uncomfortable. The magic exterminating Ethereal Sway were well known to all travellers, and Ayithe didn't trust such men.

Ayithe clutched her fire necklace and continued watching the silent priests discreet presence. There was something eerie about him; his tall stature, his arms spread eagle, and brandishing a long black staff that matched his black robed attire, all, while his face remained firmly shadowed by the deep cave like hood. Yet both men, regardless of their prominence held the same mark; the all seeing eye of the Ethereal Sway that decorated not only their robes, but foreheads to match.

This wasn't new to Ayithe, she had seen the white priests before, but never a black one. What it meant and what he may be was unclear, but he was no monk and he was no servant or slave.

"Ayithe!" Dohn called, waiting a short distance ahead through the crowds of cargo. "Ayithe!"

She stepped around the few supporters that kneeled before them, and marched on without making causing a scene. Catching up with Dohn and L'ven was her priority, and these pointless distractions should not have been getting in the way. She knew what magic her necklace held, and the knowledge of what danger these people posed to anyone who used magic concerned her.

She was no Witch and she was no general magic user, but she couldn't deny what power it held while resting on her neck. The small purple stone was easy to miss or overlook, but it was more valuable than any standard gem stone. The light steel clipped necklace was pretty and she only had it given to her as a present, so if she admitted what she truly felt, it was more sentimental to her than anything else.

"Don't stand around the Ethereal Sway," L'ven muttered to her. "Those bastards are more trouble than their worth."

[Ayithe Solete]

Then there it was before them, the boat that was to take them to Ietus. It was a good looking boat, clean and polished with black painted rims and banisters that framed the hull. Yet the term ship did not feel suitable as while it was visibly a sturdy strong boat, its size was not quite what Ayithe imagined. It was broad in width but only hoisted one main mast, strung up with many lines and ropes that linked to the foresail and jib, which in turn linked onto a prominent bowsprit. The golden brown wood gleamed with the few rays of sunlight that reached through the murky clouded skies above. Here, along the outer hull were decorations of sea beasts, small but defined with a black paint. Only the bowsprit on the front held an actual carving that appeared like a dragon of the seas.

For a boat…it’s rather pretty.

Ayithe stood by the boarding plank, Dohn and L'ven to her side, she pressed her boot into the plank to feel its sturdiness; she never trusted these things. Staring up at the tall mast as it reached into the cloudy sky like a tower for a mighty fortress, it felt intimidating as she hadn’t been adrift the land in some time. Why the bad weather seemed to hang over her lately also plagued her mind; was it a bad omen? She had tried not to think about it, especially now she was progressing forward and this band of merchants come mercenaries were her ticket through and past this storm and onto the clearer world ahead.

Heavy stamping footsteps rattled the boarding plank before her, shifting ever so slightly as the boastful box bearded man she had seen last night approached her. He stared for a brief moment, then with a raised eyebrow and laughed. "You're not just wearing that are you?"

She wanted to ignore him, knowing full well her answer was going to be mocked but she had no other answer than the expected. "Yes. I don't have anything else."

His stomach rumbled with a deep laugh that did not amuse her in the slightest. That same mocking laugh he appeared so well at doing, and he continued to exaggerate by holding his stomach as he leaned back to laugh ever louder. He was dressed more suitably than herself, she realised that; his black raincoat, hat and brown pants looked considerably thicker than that of her attire, but she was no sailor.

Then without another word, he just walked off, still chuckling to himself.

What? You just wanted to laugh at me?

"Ayithe, can you take me on the boat!" L'ven called over, her hand reaching out.

"Sure," she agreed leading her hand onto the single chain rail of the boarding plank.

L'ven held on tightly, a little nervy until she could feel the rail. Walking by the waterside obviously wasn't so easy for her; her senses somewhat over taken by the strong smell of the sea, her balance knocked by the wind that blasted in with no resistance from the open water and then the loud crashing of the breaking waves beneath their feet.

"Your hands make mine seem so warm," L'ven made her way slowly and carefully up the plank. "Do you have no intension of getting any gloves?"

"I suppose I should buy something before we leave." Ayithe pressed her cold fingers against her cheek, the temperature difference prised her away immediately. "I'm not used to being out in the cold this way and...Yeah, I've never really needed them."

"Well it gets cold out here; you'll need some sort of jacket at least."

"Alright," Ayithe acknowledged as she followed her up the plank, not entirely sure how confident L'ven was about walking it. Yet as she reached the peak and could feel the wooden rail of her boat, she blossomed back into the confident girl she first met.

"Catch you later no gloves."

Ayithe watched her for a moment, listening to the whispers uttered under L’vens breath. “one, two, three…”

Why is she counting? Her footsteps?

Given little time to dwell on the thought her name was called again. This time from across the boat, the quarterdeck empty but for the man who called her - Criz. He waved her over rather hastily, but her walk over was anything but as she got used to where she was. The solid deck beneath her feet didn't even creak as she walked and then proceeded up the steps to arrive at the quarterdeck.

"Catch!" He shouted as he chucked a deep blue, almost black jacket at her. Somewhat like what she had thrown away yesterday, she just about caught it with a surprised stumble. It felt so smooth upon first touch, the scale like material was tough and the cold bounced off it like water from glass. "You can't go around wearing what you are. Not without catching some sort of illness. So wear that! There are some other spares of clothes in the hold below deck. If you so wish, you can use them. Now follow me, I'll show you to the ship."

Showing her around the boat made everything feel that much bigger, the very walls of the boat thick like a castle. It had been so long since she had stepped foot on a boat and it all felt very foreign to her. What was worse was the fact she was doing it alone, somewhat trapped on what she considered a floating prison, which could very well end up being her grave. Criz showed her own room, it was shared with L'ven and was hidden away at the rear of the boat, a silent staircase behind the Captains quarters until they ended up beneath it.

The small room, enough for a few to squeeze in should they need it, was purposely separated to give them privacy. Maybe she would spend all her time here, that or standing on the stairwell that perceived itself more as a L shaped balcony for the rear of the boat. Criz himself didn't feel threatening and he made it clear where everything was aboard. The large main deck was fairly clear but for the masts and hatch. The second deck was the main crew quarters of sleeping hammocks that mixed into a small gun deck with a couple of heavy iron cannons. Then below that; the cargo hold, the small kitchen, and even a small cell that appeared disused, but its presence was enough.

She hadn't thought about how long her journey would take and how she going to deal with her new acquaintances, but this was it, this was her mode of travel to a place she had to get to. Her greeting with the main group yesterday had definitely made an impression, already she began receiving the occasional stare as they prepared the ship, a mix of both angry and even lustful glances. The bald headed thug who had grabbed her last night hadn't forgotten their encounter; staring at her with the same angry brown eyes that appeared filled with hate and embarrassment. He clearly hadn't forgiven the fact she had got one over on him.

Something feels different about him.

She didn't trust him, not one bit, and she kept him in the corner of her eye whenever they passed. Keeping in mind he was the first and only one to lay a hand on her.

Now though, she was just biding her time, awaiting for the them to cast off, and slowly but surely the cargo moving came to an end and the crew made their way on board. Ayithe stood abreast to L'ven, casually leaning against the black glossed banister at the side of quarterdeck. Now wearing the deep blue long sleeved raincoat that Criz had thrown at her earlier it wasn't quite as cold. The box bearded man stood at the base of the small stairs to the deck securing a rope to its cleat, he took a long smile in her direction, her new jacket hadn't gone unnoticed, and he gave a quick thumbs up.

There was still something mocking about his gestures, but it was better than being glared at and hated.

"How do you do it?"

"Do what?" L'ven asked confused.

"Live with all these men, alone, trusting that they'll have your back. That they won't hurt you."

"Getting nervous now are we?" She giggled teasingly as she adjusted her own jacket of similar colour. "Seriously. I don't trust everyone, but I trust Criz, and he wouldn't let them hurt me. If anything should be on your mind, it should be why our main guest paid for you."

"What!?" She turned to face, her face grimace with a confusion.

"Yeah! You not wondered why he hasn't asked you for the money? I heard he wears a suit and top hat. Rich as shit, happy to pay for a pretty lady."

"I don't understand. I don't know anyone else here..." She looked across the ship, nothing but a few ropes and the mast blocking her view. Yet only the working crew were within view, no man in a suit existed. "Are you sure he wears a suit? I've not seen anyone like that since we got here."

"Well, you know, I've not exactly seen him."

Shit, that was rude of me. "Sorry..."

"It's okay. I've heard the others talk about him, he definitely wears a suit. Maybe, he's real handsome, and he thinks you'll fuck him."

Ayithe felt a little sick at the thought, why men had to be so forthcoming about their desires was beyond her. This man, whoever he was wasn't going to get anything from her, if indeed that was what he wanted. "Stop it! You're giving me horrid thoughts."

L'ven seemed to be enjoying this conversation, laughing aloud while Ayithe felt the essence of a sick churning at the back of her throat. "Well, he sounded the older type. I figure you'll see him sooner or later, boats not that big after all."

[Ayithe Solete]

This whole journey was the most daunting thing she had attempted in her life. It was difficult for her to accept the confusion of mixed emotions that shook her from the inside. The desire to journey towards Ietus and save her own soul from the mercy of, not only her pursuer, but from the deflating loneliness she felt inside. She missed Raslin more than she could put into words, and she wanted to appreciate what this boat and the people who were on it were doing for her. However, until she set foot on Ietus, and until she removed the target off her back, she couldn’t thank anything or anyone.

Watching them cast off from the quarterdeck was somewhat frightening, knowing she was gone from the safety of the land beneath her feet and now left with the unknown abyss that was the sea. Yet, now aboard this vessel she no longer had to worry about being chased, she was free from being pursued, free from the killer, free from her fears. Now she had a new enemy and it surrounded her like an endless void. The daunting unknown surrounded her, that deep soulless endless sea and the uncertainty that each and every man on this boat gave her. If this was what she had to endure, she would suffer it, she would battle it, she would beat it.

She could already feel the sea move them, the awkward uneasy feeling that came with the knowledge that everything now moved with the ocean. The boat had so far forced its way through the smaller prevailing waves that tried to knock it back to shore. The sails had risen as the eastward wind blew over them, and now their journey had officially begun.

While cold, the sea air was fresh and beautiful, and it picked up her long blonde and brown hair. Ayithe stood staring out to sea like a princess up top a castle spire, though with a little less grace as she persisted to push it back behind her ears. She needed something to tie it back with and hold it still, but L'ven with her short hair didn’t care for such things, her small black bangs waving in the wind rather neatly.

To their left another crew member forcefully controlled the ships wheel, the steering somewhat difficult as he focused solely on directing them out into the big blue. Holding onto the thick bannisters of the spoked steering wheel and ensuring he directed into the on coming waves.

What do I do now? What will I do until I reach Ietus?

Even with all her concerns, it was evident she had no real role in this place. Other than being a guest and waiting for their destination port, she had absolutely nothing to do. L'ven wandered off, still counting, as Ayithe drifted in thought, contemplating not only how she would use her free time, but on what she would do when she met this man who had paid for her trip.

I wonder who this man is? It felt like the only thing to do, to find this other passenger was and find out why he had paid for her trip. Yet there was something more than just odd about it, it was kind of scary, to have someone feel they could just pay for her. What type of person would do that?

She wandered down to the main deck, the circling sea gulls overhead squawking as loud as a pair of squabbling screaming girls. The crew had finalised all their preparation, and the boat felt silent, and the lapping of the sail overhead sounded louder than she had imagined it would be. Criz had disappeared too, most likely below deck, which surprised Ayithe as she considered how little they cared for where she was or what she was doing. Was it negligence on their behalf, or supreme confidence that their passengers could do nothing to effect the ship on their own?

Ayithe broke from the thought of searching the boat, the big blue hue of the ocean catching her eye and drawing her over. She leaned back against the banister; the splashing waves underneath and the circling gulls above, there was nothing else for as far as the eye could see. This was the next part of her journey, and as she looked over the vast expanse of water, it felt like it just might be the longest part yet.

Tirel was soon left behind, nothing but a distant silhouette that lined the horizon behind them, marked by stormy skies. Ayithe had nothing, but at least the sun touched the boat, at least that was something.

[Ayithe Solete]

It's a strange feeling to have, when you are surrounded by people, and yet you feel completely alone. Ayithe knew it all too well and it was too common a depression to be healthy. She knew she had to fight through that feeling; if she could find Raslin at the end of all this, it was worth every tear and worry that pained her.

Now aboard the boat Ayithe could go anywhere she pleased without a worry; the main deck, the quarter deck, captain’s quarters, crew deck and even the crow's nest should she wish it. Yet the only place she wished to enter, she was barred from by a lock and key. The locked room at the end of the crew deck held her mystery man, who remained sat behind that door somewhere. Furthermore, he had requested to be left alone.

Ayithe's mind pondered the reasons why such a choice had been made. Why he never showed his face and why Criz seemed so eager to ensure she couldn't peek her head through that bolted door. Being below deck felt uncomfortable, the lustful eyes of the wandering crew lay upon the only woman aboard the ship they could stare at. L'ven often got some glances when alone, but being Criz's sister and Dohn’s partner she was safe and secure. Ayithe, however, wasn't so sure she would be given the same courtesy and thus remained away from the lower deck.

In the end, it hadn't taken Ayithe long to resign herself to her own quarters at the rear of the ship. The men rarely came in this direction and apart from L'ven coming and going she had been left alone. Sometimes she even lay still in silence to convince the blind L'ven that she wasn't in the room when she spoke.

After a few days' sea travel, she had managed to move as far as the balcony outside their room, the wooden banister the only thing separating her from the roaring sea waves beneath. It wasn't safe here during bad weather, but while the sky remained clear, Ayithe enjoyed the salty breeze and solitude that came with it. She watched the ship's white foam-bubbled trail quickly disperse in its wake, the mighty ocean waves leaving no trace of the adventuring ship. It reminded her of her own journey, the long distance she had travelled for miles and miles across unfamiliar lands and mountains, doing her very best to hide any evidence she had been there. Her own tracks had long since disappeared into the blur of humanity's lives and lost souls.

"AYITHE!" The familiar deep tone of her sky blue eyed companion called out for her.

She looked back at him with her arms crossed and hair pushed back behind her ears, a little jaded to the situation. "What?"

"This is serious..." He urged her to listen to Zeon a second time.

Here they all sat and stood around the damp but still burning fire of their temporary campsite. The damp dripping leaves of the dim dark forest layered the wood with a series of glorious greens that kept them hidden from what would otherwise be a relatively open space. The small clearing was enough for a camp and shelter from the elements, yet it was dampened not only by the wet of the rain, but the fragile spirits of the group that dwelled within it.

It wasn't that Ayithe didn't want to believe in the situation, Zeon had done many stupid things in the past, but this time it involved them all - even if it was all his fault. The group remained silent for a moment, their emotions hidden beneath the crackling flames of the roaring campfire. A few warm yellows flickered in highlights against the shadowed Raslin as his fingers tapped his thigh in frustration. His posture remained upright and stiff, he wasn't happy with the situation anymore than Ayithe, but feelings aside they were stuck within these circumstances.

The four of them stood waiting, universally staring at the same individual. Each nervous, angry and confused by the situation at hand, but only Zeon knew what was going to happen next. His usually bright sky blue jacket was rough and dirt stained into the depressing blue that he sported before the others, and his body trembled with a worry created from a mix of fear of death and the disappointment he expected from his four friends. He removed his sweat band off his head, now a dimed dirty blue as he squeezed it tight within his grip - releasing the thick layer of sweat that dripped down his trembling fist.

Zeon stared intensely at the flickering flames from his seated position. "He was called a Contractor. He wore a suit and a stupid black hat. I never really believed in this shit, you know? Not until everything he said started to come true."

"Keep going." The stern voice of the raven haired Canen Darkflight commanded. His emerald green eyes staring with an angry focus that lulled Zeon into complete honesty. He leaned against the nearest tree, his arms folded like a disgruntled parent, with Kai to his left and Raslin and Ayithe to his right.

"I guess... I guess we got a little cock sure. Me and Eric I mean. Cause when some smart ass guy asks you sign over your life in service to Ietus... Whatever that is... for any ability you could imagine... anything... I mean, we were drunk but I'd never have believed it sober."

"I'm actually afraid to believe you're this stupid." The groaning tone of Canen complained with a great disappointment. "There are many forms of magic and power within the world. The fact you choose to ignore the possibility that what he said was true only serves to explain your own stupidity."

"But the ability to draw anything from your bag that you wish for? The ability to have extreme luck in the most plain and adverse circumstances? Yeah... Like I'm ever going to believe in magic like that. Since the guy claimed he awarded me that power, I've won every fight I have engaged, I've hit every roll of the dice I wanted and nothing, absolutely nothing has gone wrong for me."

"This hardly seems lucky to me!" Kai chimed in with a small jibe at his brother, unable to hide his sarcastic amusement with a slick smirk.

"Up yours Kai." Zeon called back with a depressive irritation. His head now falling between his knees.

Raslin's eyes eerily peered over to meet Canen's who continued with his variety of unimpressed expressions towards Zeon. "So Eric's dead and you barely made it out alive... "

"Yes." Zeon nodded exasperated.

"Eric was fairly new to all of us, except for yourself." Raslin gestured with a nod. "I'd be lying if I hadn't heard of this stuff before - though, I've never really believed in it myself. You are granted anything you desire providing you sign over yourself to servitude of death himself, which only occurs if you break any of the rules. What were the rules?"

"There's only one that matters now. That is that I signed everyones name on it for compensation, because our... 'desires' were too much for any one man to request."

Raslin's fist clenched as he forced himself to look up at the trees above for a moment, doing his best to not lash out at his betrayal. "You fucking idiot!"

"Really?" Ayithe rolled her eyes with a huff. "We're believing this?"

"Even if we don't," Kai chimed in a few rare words of wisdom. "Eric's still dead and our names are on a piece of paper that means someone is coming after us. I reckon we take them on."

Ayithe's tired eyes jolted open to the soft rocking of the boat on the sea waves. Resting rather uncomfortably on teh hard wood of the balcony she gripped the spindle and pulled herself upright. Only the deep blue hue of the sea and the wake of the boat returned to focus before her as she rubbed her eyes to wake up. The sky appeared still bright but the orange glow of the shining sun slowly dipped in the horizon, the day was near a close but the open space of the sea granted plenty light to keep the day brighter than that of those on land.

[Ayithe Solete]

Another dream... Another memory... Why must they plague me...

She quickly regretted hanging her legs over the banister, the prolonged position having now made her legs feel like rubber. It took her a few moments to regain her balance and return some warmth to her muscles - She rubbed up and down her calves furiously to release the aching of her muscles as they gradually relaxed back to normal. Still, her arms and skin felt cold and full of goose bumps as they embraced the cold sea air so it felt abundantly clear that she needed to get out of the blustering wind.

As quickly as she opened the door she shut it behind her, locking out the wind as she hoped for more warmth inside the ship. There were no fires or burning stoves here but the air was still and calm, avoiding the coldest part of the sea and its icy blast that blew freely across the open water.

"Good afternoon," a familiar male voice greeted her, though it took her a moment to place it.

Ayithe spun around to the appearance of the box-bearded man who leaned against the wooden wall on the opposite side of the room. Dressed lightly in loose clothing, waiting, staring at her with purpose as she returned to her room.

"What the fuck are you doing in here?" Her voice trembled beneath her defensive exterior. Ayithe glared at him, her surprise overwhelmed with anger. His intrusion into her room was the first she had witnessed. It had only been her and L'ven thus far and rather than knock and requesting entry he had awaited in silence from within.

"Calm down," he gestured his hands defensively as if to suggest he had done nothing wrong. "My name's Farrel. I guess I should have introduced myself earlier, but busy times on the ship. As you can imagine."

Ayithe tried to calm herself, but she hadn't been alone in a room with another man in a long time and the only man she wished to be alone with wasn't here. Even as he tried to play it down, the facts were all around them, he was a male intruding in her advised private room and from here little to no one could hear them. Had she ran, she had nowhere to go.

He watched her eyes dart around him, and calmly displayed he was unarmed with a simple slow rotation. "See... no tricks up my sleeve. I'm not here to hurt you."

"Then how about you tell me..." She leaned near the door, a option to run outside still a possibility. "Why you feel the need to be waiting inside quarters that were designated as my own 'private' quarters?"

"Private? Aboard a boat this size, that's pretty rare these days love." He smirked with a hint of sarcasm.

"Mock all you like... Yet the fucking fact remains the same. This room... is private."

"Look. I'm not here to intimidate you," Farrel stepped forward casually, crossing his arms and then lifting his top up and over his head. "I've seen you notice me." He revealed he was a well toned man, his active days kept him physically fit with a somewhat hairy muscular chest that matched his bulky box beard. Ayithe froze in a shocked silence - Had she done something to suggest to this man she was interested?

"What... what are you doing?" The words uttered from her mouth were from shock rather than naivety to the situation. She stepped back into the wall, her hands behind her back.

"I find you an attractive woman." He began to wander in her direction, smiling seductively as his bold hazel eyes connected with hers and followed as she tried to look away. "Your figure is incredible, your breasts curve with beauty and size."

Please stop...She only needed utter the words, but they hadn't yet left her mouth. She had to consider what this meant. How much danger was she really in? Or was he just a lustful fool who simply wanted to try his luck? She gripped her brace behind her back, it only needed a small flick and her weapon would be drawn to her defence.

"I think you are beautiful and would very much like to court you tonight." There was something polite about his manner: that smile that suggested he was kind, and the compliments that meant just that, to flatter her into submission. She appreciated that, but she wasn't interested.

"What do you say, love?" He stood before her, leaning over as he placed his hand over her shoulder and leaning his weight into the wall.

"Please stop and leave." She asked him as politely and bluntly as she could, this didn't need to progress beyond a innocent mistake.

He heard her loud and clear but his eyes begged her to give in, his confidence brimming with a belief he could seduce such a beauty. "Let me impress you further."

His hands drifted south and she peered down to see him untying his pants, the laces un-looping and untwisting as he felt the urge to reveal himself before her.

"Oh dear God please stop!"

"No." His lips muttered as he leaned in for a kiss. "No God would stop such a beautiful act."

"STOP!" She demanded as she pushed him away forcefully, using both palms of her hands to slam into his chest as he stumbled a couple of steps backwards.

"What?!" He grimaced with disappointment.

"I told you to stop!" She felt a relief in herself as she didn't attempt to use her weapons. A fool he may have been, but a rapist he was not - he didn't deserve to die.

"I thought you were teasing me?" He argued, staring back rather upset as his manhood remained barely covered by his loose pants.

"And cover yourself up," she diverted her eyes as his pubic hair presented itself in a rather revolting sweaty manner.

He hastily re-tied his pants and picked up his shirt as he got dressed, and Ayithe struggled to look in his direction during the most uncomfortable of moments.

"Well, if you ever change your mind. You know I'm up for it, I'd love to see those bre..."

"Shut the fuck up!" She interrupted as sternly and quickly as possible. "I get you don't mean me any harm, but I'm not fucking interested! Now please leave!"

He shrugged dejectedly, a clear air of disappointment over him, but he left without another word. A short blast of cold wind entered into the room as he left with a silent thud, allowing the dim room to fall quiet once more. Ayithe giving a deep sigh of relief moved the latch shut on the door and then shifted over into her hammock, laying so she could see the door if she needed to. Farrel was mostly harmless, just a lustful man who was confident enough to try and get what he wanted. Hopefully he would be the last one to try something like that.

The unnerving feeling that she had to cover her chest even more grew within her mind, her arms instinctively crossing over her front to cover herself. She was well endowed in this respect, so she'd met that compliment many times in the past, but this place, this situation, it made her feel more uncomfortable than ever.

"Should have fucked him." L'vens voice called out from across the room.

"Fuck!" Ayithe almost leapt out of her skin to L'vens announcement. "Are you fucking kidding me? You've been in your hammock the fucking whole time?"

"Whoa, calm yourself, no gloves! This is my room too!" She smiled devilishly with amusement.

"Why did you not fucking say anything?" Ayithe's foul mouth continued to blurt angry questions as she struggled to sit up in the hammock.

"Well, you might have said yes and I didn't really want to ruin the moment. Plus, I've felt that chest before, he's a gooden!"

"Not for me."

"What's your excuse anyway?" L'ven's questioning had only just begun. "Why not fuck him?"

"The fact I'm not a whore?" Ayithe snarled frustratingly at her attitude, L'ven was always a peice of work to talk to.

"Oh shit!" Her higher pitched voice returned. "I heard it in your voice!"

"Heard what?" She slipped her feet over the hammock edge as she raised a curious question.

"You're in love! Who is he? Is he waiting in Ietus? Oh shit! He is, isn't he?"

"Wha..." Ayithe stuttered, unsure of what to say or respond. She had her personal secrets, that information wasn't for sale.

"No? Then where is he?" L'ven sat up too, listening to Ayithe's response, be it verbally or otherwise - Ayithe's breathing could give plenty away.

"Stop prying! You don't know me, and I'm not telling you."

"Guh, I get that you don't want to, but you can't sit here and be alone this entire time. You've been quiet enough and I need some girl chat."

Ayithe slipped back into her hammock without a word. The thought of L'ven's girl chat was nothing more than an irritation.

"Come on, Ayithe. If there's something we girls like to share, it's our love life! Come on, I'm not asking about his cock, I want to know who has you so loved up, so tight, that you won't embrace another man? Dohn's my love, who's yours?"

[Ayithe Solete]

"Come on, don't make me nag you..."

Ayithe felt like she was already nagging and pictured the persistent request for information becoming an irritation. She didn't want that annoyance and felt it was maybe worth just giving in.

"Alright, shut up," Ayithe sat back up, L'ven ready with her ears perked. "I have someone who's important to me. I don't know if I've ever used the word 'love' for him, but, only since I've been separated from him can I truly admit I miss him and how much he means to me. I guess I don't like to admit that stuff."

Even admitting that was difficult and she felt her chest tighten with an emotional pain of seperation from him. Yet she still looked over to gauge L'ven's reaction to her comment, she may have been blind but her face was still as expressive as ever.

"What's his name then?" She pried again, much to Ayithe's regret for opening her mouth.

"Raslin."

L'ven felt how softly and lovingly his name rolled off her tongue. Followed by a small but clear breath of sorrow, she could tell she missed him. "You're going to Ietus to meet him?"

Ayithe held her tongue for a moment. "To find him."

A million thoughts crossed L'vens mind as she listened to the silent tremble of sadness coming from Ayithe. Even as she straightened herself up; holding in the tears, her voice never broke, and her nose never sniffled, L'ven could tell. L'ven had become keen at reading the emotions of others since losing her own sight, she could feel Ayithe's pain even if she couldn't see it. How far had this woman come to find this man? What had she gone through to reach this boat? L'ven felt an appreciation for her, she was more than just a tough-faced girl with a sword, she was strong woman chasing her dreams and desires. Though, she did hope she could lighten up a bit.

KA-BOOM!

The mightiest of watery explosions erupted from outside as the boat rocked violently from side to side. Both Ayithe and L'ven, protected within the hammocks, swung awkwardly but safely left to right as a few of the rooms objects crashed onto the floor. L'ven always struggled with this part of life, any large swinging could really knock off her balance and disorientate her, and her hands grasped the hammock tightly as she held on.

"What the fuck was that?" L'ven shouted out, her voice terrified by the power of the blast.

A loud spray of water then fired over the ship, hammering the surface like the start of a heavy downpour. The uneasy feeling that followed was filled with the unease of both fear and suspense. Yet as Ayithe felt her heart race with nerves, she couldn't help but be drawn to discover the facts that awaited her outside of the cabin. She had no intention of laying the hammock and awaiting their fate. "I'll go find out. Wait here."

Ayithe slid out of the hammock, her voice but a whisper as she rushed out of the door and onto the balcony. The shifting sea beneath her, the panic-stricken voices calling overhead, and the faint but unmistakable outline of a ship approaching from behind.

I never saw it before

The boat continued to rock, slowly starting to steady itself after its sudden disturbance. The rushing of feet and stumbling legs sounded almost as loud as the explosion itself and yet Criz stood surprisingly steady in balance, his position held through a tense concern for his boat and crew.

"How did we let it get so close?!" Criz called from the quarterdeck.

The clear defined banner of the Ethereal Sway flickered proudly overhead the ship like a banner of war, bearing down on them like a shark nearing its prey. Ever slightly bigger than Criz's ship, but faster and bearing forward facing cannons of considerable power. This was a Chaser, a ship designed to catch and destroy even the fastest of boats that graced the waters. Famous for their forward cannons great range and power, their fearful stories had reached the ears of even those who never graced Salvars waters. Criz knew he couldn't take this one on, that last shot was a warning and by the time they came in range to fight back, they could be all but destroyed.

"Slow the ship." Criz ordered cautiously, if not reluctantly. "We're well within their range, they've already won."

Their meeting was inevitable and it couldn't be delayed or dismissed, this was a ship designed to destroy and kill without remorse. It shook the hearts of many men and only a fool would deny its sheer brutality. It was a modern day legend, a dragon of the sea, and they were nothing but ample prey. What they were chasing Criz for, he wasn't a hundred percent sure of, but knowing the true value of his passengers he had to be careful. He stared out at the ship, the approaching bastion of the Ethereal Sway. Criz was no fool and he felt angry and anxious, yet even then he was always planning, thinking and considering his options. He leaned against the ships banister and rested his head in his hands, picking his lower lip nervously, the worst of his nervous habits.

Farrel approached slowly from the main deck, his entire demeanour showing what Criz refused to let grace his face; fear. "They after..."

"I have no idea," Criz didn't let him finish. "This isn't good, we're supposed to be beyond Salvar's reach. Or at least we should be. Prepare the ship, we have to be real careful with how we handle this. If they chased us this far then they believe we have something important."

[Ayithe Solete]

The daunting wait was the worst part. Like being tied to a post and waiting for the sun to reach the peak of the day, torture at its finest. Ayithe felt like they were all awaiting their execution as Criz gathered everyone in a line across the main deck. One by one pushed into single file he marched them into place like some sort of drill instructor. L'ven to her left flank, they remained the furthest left in the line of the crew, standing by the bow of the ship. Underneath the perilously climbing ropes overhead, stretching towards the sails and the bowsprit at the far front. More crew appeared from beneath, but Ayithes eyes glazed past them and beyond, her focus looking for someone in particular from that of the crew.

That faceless man at the forefront of her mind, this mysterious passenger that was yet to reveal himself to her. Who was he? What did he look like?

For all the fear of the approaching ship, all she wanted to know was who he was. She couldn't shake it, the mystery, that opportunity to finally discover who he was. Staring at the deck door she couldn't break her trance. When would he come out? Who would he be? The wait was frustrating, she felt herself leaning forward as if about to walk over, but she had to constantly remind herself this was a serious situation.

"Come on, come on!"

Criz had been shouting, ordering and organising since they stopped the ship. His expression as intense as it could be, as his orders as clear as day; Keep yourself armed, all stand on deck, give them space and time, do not step out of line and do NOT touch your weapon unless instructed.

Dohn finally came out, rushing across to L'ven, his thumping footsteps heavy and hurried as he reunited with his love. Ayithe rolled her eyes at their embrace, hardly apart for a few moments and yet they kissed and touched like it had been a thousand nights.

So dramatic...

She glanced to her right, the bald bastard she continued to hate beside her and then the persistent stare of the box bearded Farrel peering in her direction. She had thought better of him, not expecting his intentions to continue to infatuate on her. The urge to shout at him had waned as she didn't care that much providing he kept his hands to himself.

Then, interrupting all thought deep or shallow, the boat shook, and the dominant and prominent sail of the Ethereal Sway blanketed her view of the sky before her. It's flying flag marking their entrance as the ship slowed alongside them, nearing a kiss of a touch, before the sudden thud that shook the boat a second time.

All eyes of the crew affirmed its arrival, the countless heads of the enemy now staring across at them, but none more imposing that the captain of the crew. He stood on the ships banister, holding onto a ratline to steady himself while his fine sabre like sword protruded out from the other. He peered back at them, imposing in his board stature as the boardwalk slammed down into place beside him. It hooked into position between the two boats so it didn't fall as they rocked on the waves. His white buttoned shirt and smart pants were bold, and his large navy blue jacket hung loosely on his shoulders, swaying in the breeze as it did. It was a surprise his short but plump hat did not blow astray in the gust but instead, it remained steady upon his head.

None of his crew moved before him, instilled in order as he walked slowly across the plank and then dropped with a thud onto Criz's deck.

"You're Chris, I take it?" He faced him head on after a brief glance at the rest of the crew.

"Criz. Yeah." He corrected him as the two captains stood face to face, but only Criz acted like there was any threat. "Why have you felt the need to fire a warning shot at my crew?"

"Let me be blunt on the matter," his admiral blue eyes focused entirely on Criz as his crew held their patience by the boardwalks entrance. "We're looking for a shapeshifter. An assailant who attacked and killed a priest of the Ethereal Sway back in Tirel. We've tracked your ship along with various others and he could well be on here... escaping Salvar."

"A shapeshifter?" His expression said it all. Criz found it hard to believe he had seen many creatures but a shape shifter was not one of them.

"Yes. I couldn't be more serious in my life, and its magic like this that proves our resolve is important. We are here to search your ship and then kill it upon its discovery. Now I need your crew to be forthcoming and allow us to make this search as quickly and as carefully as possible. You have everyone aboard up here?"

"Yes."

"Sweep it!" He signalled in the air with his free hand, a quick circular flick of his wrist. "You would do well to keep your crew in order. I don't desire to have to kill everyone on board, but it will happen... if I have to."

The threat was clear, his face more stern to that comment than any other. Criz was no fool, knowing full well they remained at the other crews mercy. Out gunned and out manned; this uncomfortable moment would have to remain just that.

A set of men jumped to his command, leaping into the boat and charging down into the depths of the ship. Searching and scouring for anyone else hidden below, leaving everyone on deck to listen to the thudding and crashing of their belongings. The look of displeasure was expected and the captain cared not, this was a vital search that was going to happen regardless of anyone's hurt feelings.

"How do you expect to find it? It could be anyone, right?"

"It really doesn't matter who it disguises itself as. There is one clear sign that will differentiate it from everyone else on board. Its blood is blue."

Criz didn't have to comment he had carefully watched him wield his sabre the entire time he stood before him and it was clear he had a firm grasp of its use. He did not take unreasonable risks, so Criz slowly held out his hand to him inviting a small cut to prove he was human.

"Turn it over," he requested with a twist of his wrist. "Cutting the hand safely is a myth. I have no desire to see you unable to brandish your weapon."

A small but clear cut with the tip of his sabre sliced over his forearm, a little sting for sure, but nothing that would ever leave a scar. A small trickle of red blood ran down his forearm and stained the wood by their feet and the captain smirked with a gratuitous nod.

Then, as his returning crew marched onto the deck, a similar nod was flaunted at the two of them, the boats crew was all confirmed up top.

"My name is Captain Wertz. Criz," he gave a respectful nod. "I would like your help in obtaining a quick blood test of everyone on board."

[Ayithe Solete]

A part of Criz hated this. He hated the feeling of distrust and disrespect it showed his crew, a crew that he had known for some time and one that he earned a loyalty from through his actions alone. Yet, this was an important occasion of which he knew it had to be done. He nodded his head back respectfully and agreed to allow any and all checks of his crew. There was no doubt in his mind that they were all who they said they were and even as his eyes questioned them momentarily, he was eager to have them confirmed human and then returned to normality.

The crew looked concerned and uncomfortable to this type of investigation. The fact of the matter and everyone knew it, was that they were under duress here. Either they submitted to this bizarre request of they would be blown into the depths of the sea. Criz had agreed, but it was very clear to everyone that he had no choice in the first place. It was courtesy for Captain Wertz to have requested his help.

Ayithe stared across at the invading crew as they stared at them, hands on hilts and handles and eyes watching vigilantly for any sign of dismay. She fiddled with her platted hair as it lingered over her right eye, the blonde strands straying from her main plat and teasing her eye like a feather to the back of a neck.

Then her elbow clashed with the white shirt of her bald enemy. How she had ended up standing beside such a thug was unbelievable having ensured for the majority of her trip she had avoided him. He turned to her and glared with those burnt brown eyes as he battered off her sleeve as if to removed her mark from it.

He gets me so angry... What a knob head...

Ayithe snarled back with a disgusted look then turned away with her arms folded. She had no desire to even look in his direction anymore as everything she did and everywhere she went he seemed to be there. She would be pleased to be rid of him once she reached Ietus, but for now, she would have to put up with his existence. Right now it would look suspicious if she were to move and everyone else did seem to be patiently waiting in line.

She hated the fact he always seemed to be in a mood with her, glaring and staring whenever she appeared in the same vicinity as him. She hated that he always wore the same dirty white shirt and never attempted to clean it, even after noticing that he had stained it brown back at the tavern. She hated the fact he had grabbed her so forcefully that night and never cared to apologise. She hated his face, and his bald head, and his green eyes, and his...

His eyes were green. They were definitely... green.

Even as she said it to herself and the colour rolled off her tongue in a confused and horror-struck manner. She tried to convince herself it was a lie, a false memory that was formed by mistake; she had to look at him again to be sure. Her skin trembled and goose bumped as a gust of wind blew over her. Leaning forward and turning to see him face to face, her gaze moving up his rough chin and faintly scarred cheek until they settled on his eyes. The angry brown eyes gazing back at her were not the same as those that looked back at her that same night, and yet, this was the same man.

"I don't understand..." She muttered confused.

"Don't make me slap you down, bitch. Get out of my face."

He always seemed to be looking for a fight with her and yet this now felt different as she could now see something that she had never seen before and as much as he tried to hide, he couldn't. She hadn't even uttered what she had noticed but her clear lock on his irises was obvious to him. Had Captain Wertz not stopped their ship with such an accusation then she would never have noticed, but as they now stared at one another, even as Farrel attempted to move her with a forceful grab of the arm, they both knew exactly what she had seen.

"I guess it was only a matter of time," he spoke softer than he had ever spoken before and peered down the single filed line of the crew. Each man another second before it reached them to draw blood. "Now you're all going to have to die."

His eyes deepened into a pitch black and his purple veins pressed against the surface of his pink skin. His body unevenly bulged and his size increased with his arms abreast and outright as he roared himself into shape and stature. His clothes began to tear and his boots practically exploded off his feet with a loud pop.

The Shape Shifter had revealed itself.

Everyone stepped back except the alert Captain Wertz, who remained eagerly focused on the manifestation before them. He had found his target quarry and with a great delight and anticipation, he licked his bottom lip. His sword still in hand and his posture up right and tall as he pointed his Sabre towards the shape-shifting beast.

"ATTACK!"

[Ayithe Solete]

It exploded in silence. There was no ka-boom or roar as its body erupted into an explosion of war and blood. Yet its sheer power and shifting ability could manifest itself into anything it so desired. The once humanoid looking creature bubbled into a sphere that knocked each and everyone within its immediate vicinity off their feet and crashing back into the deck of the ship.

Ayithe and Farrel lifted from the air as the large purpled veined mass knocked them back like they were a fly to a fan. There was nothing they could do as it struck and sent their surprised selves thudding into the wood of the deck. Many a man stood in shock, failing to react to what their eyes now saw before them. Yet the roar of Captain Wertz was enough to spur his men into action and the war cry of the sailors echoed over the ship like a scream in the dead of night.

The fall was nothing more than awkward as Ayithe gathered herself to the thunderous stamping feet that marched past her into battle. Cutlasses, Sabres, double-edged short swords and more swung through the salty sea air and attempted to strike down the fleshy mass. Yet its raw power was more than that of any one man, and it formed spikes as sharp as steel, sledgehammers as hard as granite and blades as sharp as any man-made knife. While its own purple blood sprayed across the ship, many men began to fall before it.

Ayithe, now sitting up as the second crew danced around her, looked around in despair. L'ven now crawled helplessly across the deck, lost and alone in the sea of fighting men. Farrell, now standing disappeared into the crowd and the familiar faces she was only just getting used to vanished before her eyes into the blur that was foreign faces.

She stood up almost knocked back down as charging shoulders knocked their way past and then she peered over the swinging blades to witness the mighty pink and purple veined shifter that mercilessly attacked the ship. It flung men effortlessly into the air as its mighty sledgehammer type arm cleared its immediate path and piercing spikes fired out into the oncoming men that encountered it. Stabbed through the chest, stomach, legs and even the face, men cried out in pain as the morale of the two ships seemed to falter quickly.

Ayithe felt her heart racing with fear as she remained still and motionless. Unsure of what to do, what to say or where to go.

"Dohn?!" L'ven's screams reached Ayithe's ears one again over the overwhelming ambience of war. Yet Ayithe still remained frightened and confused to what exactly was going on, where had this thing come from? Did this mean the end of her trip to Ietus?

No... This thing isn't getting in my way... If I die, then I die trying.

Determined and valiant to the end Ayithe released her wrist blades from their prison. The blades sliding out from her wrist braces and revealing their deadly sharpness to the world for the first time in a long time. They were her secret weapon and only used when she needed them the most, and now was just the time.

Here I come...

She glared back at the beast and called out with a roar to rile herself up and then she stormed into the fray. Her breathing heavy, her heart racing and her legs while trembling, remained full of vigour and grit. She watched another man fall before her, the protruding spike from the creature stabbing right through his gut and down into the wood of the ship's deck. She danced around him with flowing crowd, rushing forward like a channelled river, and they all struck with deadly accuracy.

It wasn't hard to miss the creature, and yet, as if it made no effect it continued to attack. Forming one mighty wide pan shaped object with one of its extremities, it arched its attack and then slammed across the front of their attack.

There was nothing anyone could do as it crashed brutally through the poorly armoured crew. No amount of steel could stop such as force as it slammed into the first man, then the second and continued to knocked them all one by one from the surface of the ship like nothing could slow it down.

Ayithe became wrapped up in the pile of flying bodies and felt her feet lift from the floor. The crunching crushing corpses that slammed into her provided no cushion from the attack as her breath was taken from her in the impact. Then as she tried to gasp for another, she crashed into the ship with a head banging thud.

Her vision blurred and her focus was lost, her hearing merged into a nonsensical noise that warped her dazed mind and her body fell limp, the weight of her weapons now too heavy to let her move.

Then everything had no touch, everything fell silent and everything went black.

[Ayithe Solete]

Ayithe breathed in slowly as she stared into the bleak nothingness of the black unconsciousness. Slowly the cold and salty sea air filled her lungs, once clean, but now tainted by the smell of blood and death. The sound of battle felt more distant now as if she had travelled away from the anguish to distance herself from the pain of battle. Screams still echoed in the distance and iron and steel still clashed, sliced and stabbed to create a portrait of death upon the ship's deck.

She felt her eyes urge themselves open like the heavy door to a steel prison and the colour of the world filled in once more before her. The momentary feeling of sadness touched her heart as she realised she was still alone from Raslin, but then it raced into action as she remembered where she was.

I'm alive...

"I SA## CAST OF#!" Criz's voice bellowed out in a numb unclear hum as he leant over her. She could feel his arm support her neck as she looked up at him. A view of the side of his face only as his momentary attention was drew by the panicking crew around him. "Ayithe... look at me."

The rough stubble ridden but concerned face of Criz looked down at her. He hadn't shown such a care since her arrival and under normal circumstances she would have questioned why, but for now there was no time.

How long have I been out? What's going on?

"Come on. Get up!" Criz gripped her hand tightly with his and pulled her immediately to her feet. A dizzy unsteady feeling rocked her as she stood, and she rubbed the side of her head while peering down at her hand. Yet, no blood stained her palm. They were escaping, casting off from the second ship, from the screams and spreading of blood.

"Where did it go?" Her soft voice laden with some panic in regards to the creature.

Criz leant over the decks banister, "it leapt onto the other ship."

The loud shrieking snap of the boardwalk erupted before them as it failed to hold the sheer weight and power of the two ships together. It's remaining splinters and pieces becoming the first of the debris to fall onto the seas surface. "Almost clear!" A voice called out powerfully overhead as Criz maintained his tense view over the ships side. Ayithe, uncomfortably stepping over the bodies at her feet, stood beside him. This ship, having been a rather quiet ferry, had turned into a horror - now filled with death and pain, silence and cries, fear and impending doom.

Then, as all appeared ready for escape, the mightiest of explosions erupted from the other ship. A fiery ball of ridiculous red and overbearing orange filled the sky and set fire to everything around it. Everyone universally dropped into a crouch as they shielded themselves from the explosion. Many dropping flat and falling over as the ship tilted to an outstretched angle as if to tip, before swaying back and forth like a ticking metronome.

Ayithe dragged herself to her feet, holding onto the banister as best she could grip. The deck around her now covered in debris and dead bodies, while the second ship, the Chaser, now displayed a mighty hole it its hull. The gnarled and broken planks and beams had been blown apart in a vicious and brutal explosion that Ayithe did not understand.

"What happened?" She gasped to herself as she inspected the badly damaged ship. The base of the ship still held true, so it wasn't going to sink outright, but as it burned intensely and its sails began to crumple away under the heat, it was clear it was only a matter of time. A few hundred yards separated the two ships as they floated awkwardly from one another, but by some stroke of unexpected luck Criz's ship still held together with minor damage.

Another wailing cry came from the second ship, managing to call out over the loud crackling of the burning fires, but through the thick swirling black and grey smoke it was difficult to spot anyone on board.

Criz stamped hard on a loose torn cloth that had set alight before grabbing a charcoaled but still burning piece of hull, and then clearing it out into the waves below. Calling out to the others to clear the ship of any dangers he began checking on the wounded, frantically leaping to his crew first before he considered the others from the Chaser. Ayithe barely moved, checking herself down for any injuries - to which there were none beyond any small bruises.

I'm okay... I guess I could help the others.

Many were already dead, their stale, pale eyes staring into nothingness. The few injured wrapped up their injuries and propped themselves up against the ship. The eerie silence that fell over the two ships was broken only by moans of pain and the burning of the Chaser's wood, and once things felt in order Criz turned his attention back to the Chaser as it floated it a small spiral after its explosion. Criz's ship had survived, his crew minus a few injuries had survived, but his pursuers were still in a silent peril.

Did he just leave them to die? Or did he return to save the few who did not deserve to die alone at sea. They were just doing a job after all. He stared at the burning carcass of the ship, the sails alight and the deck smothered in smoke and bodies that lined its exterior. It was unclear what had caused the explosion and if the Shape-shifter had survived at all. Criz always put his crew first, but he was honourable enough to know it was wrong to leave men to die without just cause.

Ayithe jumped as she felt L'ven grip her arm. It was the first time she had seen L'ven since her blackout, but she appeared unharmed. Dohn held her steady and caringly as they both smiled to her presence. "Still with us, no gloves?"

Ayithe smiled at that cheeky grin, she was happy to see she was okay. "Yes, and I'm glad you're okay as well."

Dohn looked over to Criz. He knew that look and he knew he was about to make a decision that went against his inner belief. "What are we going to do, Criz?

Criz as stern faced as ever had made his choice, even if he wasn't totally happy with himself for choosing it. "That ship is done for. We need to see who is still alive, and while we're at it see what we can salvage before it..."

Criz paused in his speech as not only his eyes, but everyone's aboard the boat were drawn to the rising of Captain Wertz. His hat astray, his shirt torn and bloodied, but with a limp he wandered into view at the stern of the Chaser. He waved his arm and called out at the top of his voice, asking and pleading for them to turn around and help. He staggered, gripped a ratline and stared back at them as if to expect nothing.

A single thought crossed Ayithe's mind. Is that him? Or is that the Shifter? A thought that must have not only been on hers, but everyone's mind.

[Ayithe Solete]

The boat floated but did not sail, drifting slowly from the Port side to the Bow of the now stranded Chaser. The localised debris from the explosion was a stain on the clean blue beauty that was the ocean, now beginning to float astray from the wreck of the burning ship, pushed apart by the light timid waves of the calm sea.

It took that moment alone for Criz to realise exactly what he wanted to do. He had made a decision that conflicted between his head and his gut, which refused to give him a definitive answer. He couldn’t afford to be indecisive, not now. The welfare of his sister and his crew were dependent on this decision. The battle of his own morals had begun and he realised it wasn't just in his morals that were about to be questioned, it was everyones.

Criz looked to his nervous band of crewmen, as stern-faced as ever as he cleared his throat to speak and he did so slowly and clearly. “I’m not risking the lives of this boat. Nor am I risking the few survivors that are now stranded with us. We have a common enemy, and we should treat it as such.” He adjusted his shirt, unbuttoned the top and stepped up high onto the bulwark and then the banister, holding onto a ratline to steady his stance. “I’m going across in a small lifeboat to check for survivors.”

The group universally gasped at his decision, their concerned faces pale and glum. Filled with the selfish and powerful drive to save themselves while they still could. The idea of saving the men who almost commandeered their own ship seemed outrageous. Yet, Criz continued.

“I know how to detect this creature. So anyone I bring back will be checked before boarding. If anything goes wrong, if anything doesn’t look right, you leave without me. Should someone wish to volunteer to help me, you do so at your own risk.”

"Don't even have to ask," Dohn called out enthusiastically as he marched to out of the crowd.

"Same," Farrel huffed reluctantly, but stepped forward only to be stopped by the outstretched halting hand of Criz.

"I'm sorry Farrell, but I need your experience here on this ship. You'd be in charge should the worst happen."

Farrell flung his arms up in the air dejectedly, and then turned away. He actually didn't mind staying back, it was his preferred choice, and yet, he would have liked to have made that decision himself. An element of relief flaunted his face as he stepped back, Farrel didn't really care.

Another man stepped forward, bald with a grey cap and short beard. He pulled out a short sword to express his intentions and then wandered beside Dohn. His light grey pants and jacket sat over his white shirt that appeared unblemished, and his eager grin looked unfazed. Then, there was a pause as Criz gave a moment for anyone else, and as the crowd began to disperse, Ayithe stepped forward.

Criz looked back with the sternest of stares. He didn't want this and he made it clear as he shook his head and tried to ignore her.

"I'm going." She insisted as they began lowering the small lifeboat towards the water. She knew it seemed a little odd for her to volunteer, but this was her own choice. This creature was in their way, and this meant it was in her way. The least she could do was help the man who was sailing her to her destination.

"Nope. Not happening." He replied refusing to turn around and look her in the face.

"Why exactly can I not come along?" She tried to think of a reason to throw at him, but only one came to mind. The one that always worked. "You think I'm not strong enough?"

Criz huffed at her comment. He really didn't want to get into an argument. His decision was final. "Forget it Ayithe. you're not coming and that's how it is."

Ayithe scowled at his decision and watched forlornly as the boat gradually lowered until slapping against the surface of the sea. Ayithe, still instilled with determination, got up and clambered over the ships banister. Climbing down the rope ladder and then dropping gracefully into the now unstable boat, she was aboard. Criz crouched to get his balance as the boat rocked with her sudden landing. Dohn smirked to her arrival.

"Get off my damn boat!" Criz growled under his breath, doing his very best to avoid shouting as he regained his footing and glared at her.

"Look, my trips already paid for, what do you care if I die? If I fall into this water and drown? You've barely said a word to me this whole trip and then expect me to accept your order as law?" Ayithe stood upright and glared back bemused, her balance supreme as the boat rocked under foot. "So no... I'm not going back on your boat."

Criz 's brow furrowed and his jaw clenched. He hated his orders being questioned, but at this point arguing or fighting over nothing wasn't worth it. She wasn't in his crew anyway, and persisting even more might even arouse her suspicion. As much as he didn't appreciate her attitude and disobedience, he decided to let this one go.

"Then sit down and don't do anything stupid." He grunted in his deep tone, then pointed at the oars. "Dohn, Gord... Get rowing."

Ayithe didn't appreciate his tone, but it was hard to kick up a fuss now that she was getting her own way. Yet, something else about his attitude bothered her. A series of thoughts crossed her mind: Why would Criz desire her to stay on the boat? Why would he avoid giving a straight answer? And where was this mystery man who had paid for her trip? She hadn't seen him appear at any point during their journey, or during the boarding, and she was now starting to think that something beyond what Criz had been saying was happening here.

Is there something you're not telling me? Ayithe's gaze didn't break from his persistent stare. Are you realising I'm suspicious of you? I know... Something more than just this creature is going on here...

The heavy wooden oars dropped into the water with a clunking splash as both Dohn and Gord rowed in a slow sync towards the doomed Chaser. The slow daunting drift was a like a slow silent slither of a snake that slipped through the water's surface towards its target. The dejected row was not one of positivity, but laden with fear as they floated through a sea of dead bodies. Men torn apart and mangled lay floating aimlessly on the blood misty surface, while pieces of the ship's hull, still burning and charred, had turned the clean blue into a watery wasteland of death.

Ayithe tried to avoid looking at the dead corpses of the men, their final disfigured expressions before meeting their maker, were expressions she feared to witness. She looked right ahead at the burning vessel, lifeless and dormant, getting on board wasn't going to be a problem, but this swiftly turning ghost ship was looking more terrifying the closer they got.

A heavy sudden thud sounded as a floating body bumped into the lifeboat, and the group all averted their eyes as the headless remains began to sink beneath the boat. Ayithe took a deep breath to calm herself as they entered the shadow of the Chaser. It's size suddenly felt intimidating as its still standing but fiery mast towered overhead. The loud burning and crackling of the ship roared before them but nothing could dampen the sound of their beating hearts.

Then, their boat bumped into its hull with a heavy wooden crash and Criz quickly placed his hand against the wood of the ship.

"We're here." He announced.

[Ayithe Solete]

"AYITHE!" The Familiar deep tone of her sky blue eyed companion called out to her.

She continued to pose herself in that grumpy displeasured expression that always got him sympathizing with her. Raslin always crumpled when she pouted with displeasure, and while she told herself she wasn't doing it for that reason, she knew she could play on it to get her own way.

She was stubborn in many ways and arguing wasn't something she liked, however, in situations like this she felt it was vital that she did. He took the longest and deepest of sighs as he eyes dropped to the floor before briefly closing and then peering back up at her. They had gone this far, they had escaped long enough to assume they were doing something right, so why stop now?

They stood at the base of an unfamiliar mountain, stuck at a way point of multiple choices to reach the same destination. The stone laid path that took them around the mountains and past civilisation, but extended their journey by an unknown amount of time, or the quickly dissipating but considerably shorter route directly over the mountain.

"Give me a break will you," he pleaded, trying not to look her right in the eyes as he felt himself giving in to her demands. "I really think passing over the mountains is a bad idea."

"It's quicker!" Ayithe gestured with frustration, her open palms directed at the floor.

"It's also has a higher possibility of danger. It's not exactly renown for being a safe passage, is it?"

Ayithe resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It wasn't like she disagreed with what he was saying, but she honestly felt that it was no more a risk than taking the longer route around the mountain. "If we go round, we're not just going around one mountain for a day, were talking the whole mountain range, and that could takes days... weeks... It could catch up to us in that time."

The concern on both their faces appeared etched in for some time. They had lost track of how long they had been running for, their grit and determination showed through sweat and tired muscles. Filled with a fear of death and the mystery of the undead assassin that had not only tracked them down, but had killed all of their friends and colleagues. Eric, Zeon, Kai and Canen had all been lost to the journey behind them, and after several close calls themselves, they had reached a point that had given them some breathing space.

They both knew it was only a matter of time before it caught them up, as no matter where they hid, no matter where they ran, this creature always found them. They faced one another in the shadow of the mountain, a moment of silence and denied love as Raslin took Ayithe's cold hands and palmed it in his own caring warm hands. The handsome ranger looked her in the eyes, the blue of their own iris' almost matching in tone, and then urged her into a hug with a small tug.

"We won't end up like them." Raslin spoke with confidence into her ear - instilled with a deep belief that they would escape, reach Ietus, and be okay. "We've reached this far... It won't kill us."

Ayithe held him taut, her chin upon his shoulder as she rested her head against him, and her fingers gripped tightly into his studded leather top as she squeezed him for comfort. "I don't want to lose you. You're too important to me."

"You won't," he adjusted to whisper into her ear again, his deep tone soothing her with every word. "I'm a survivor. You're a survivor, and no undead creature can change that. No matter what happens."

Ayithe looked up the dry rocky mountain path as they held one another. The dirty rocky path was not an easy one, no easy footing to walk and no flat grassy path to wander - but it was many days faster than traversing around the range. She wanted this to be over sooner rather than later, and while she had never uttered the words, she loved him. She had to keep him alive as much as he desired to keep her alive.

Ayithe stood up straight and looked at Raslin once more, his face always a fraction of a second from another smile. Her front plat over her right eye had come loose with blonde strands flicking out and threatening to send her appearance all wild once again. She never asked him to, but he instinctively reached forward and re-platted it for her. It made her heart warm and her sore face smile every time, but something always seemed to hold them from a kissing embrace.

"Can we take the mountain pass? Please. It's the fastest way... I know it!" Her voice urged with hope as her soft eyes pierced through the stern persona she worked so hard to keep up.

"You're stubborn... You know that?"

[Ayithe Solete]

Ayithe gripped the rope and climbed up against the hull of the boat like a professional climber. While not on the side of a ship before, this wasn't the first time she had been climbing. Dohn reached out as she gripped his forearm and he eased her over the banister and onto the deck of the wrecked ship. What she witnessed before her was worse than she had pictured as they had approached, and both Dohn and Criz's face expressed the same stunned shock that didn't want to believe that was before them.

As the smoke still billowed out from within the ship's belly, the deck of light and polished pine wood was scarred black as night. Bodies lay upon the floor like crumpled daisy's from a grassy field. The beauty of this supreme ship had been destroyed in a single moment and where a proud nation was stood, a blood massacre remained.

"Wertz..." Cris muttered with recollection as she passed under the shadow of the smoke which blocked out the sun above them.

Ayithe almost gasped as she stepped out the first of many bodies. The men who stood at arms just a few moments ago were now strewn across the floor with the rest of the burning debris and charred wood. She gripped her Disk blade with a fear filled caution as she watched Criz approach the heavily wounded and bleeding Captain Wertz. His commanding persona now crushed into a fragile state of a man who struggled to stand on his own accord.

"I guess we know he's not the shifter," Dohn uttered under his breath as he watched Criz take the Captain's weight and lead him towards them.

The smell of death began to rise around them, battling to meet the mix of the salty sea air and the smoke that blanketed the very sky around them. Ayithe rubbed her nose as if to alleviate the terrifying smells, but it failed to lift even for a moment.

The red bloody mess that was Captain Wertz seemed, at least for the moment, that he was the only one alive besides another two men that groaned with pain on the side before them. Dohn and Gord moved to attend, Dohn eager to spot that the injured sailor before him was bleeding a clear blood red. Gord on the other hand, carelessly rolled the man over as he checked for scars before cutting the man lightly on his shoulder to ensure he was exactly what he was.

Ayithe had barely moved, frightened and eager to head back to the ship already. Why she had felt the need to be here so much suddenly crashed as the reality surrounded her. Now she wished she had remained on the ship, a fearful thought, but one that definitely crossed everyone's mind at some point. She knocked back her plat and rubbed her eyes as she felt the smoke lightly irritate them - the uncomfortable sore tickle that wriggled along her eyelids and urged her to rub them repeatedly.

"You came back," Captain Wertz smiled a foolish grin, had this been the other way round, he's have considered sinking the ship with any remaining survivors on board.

"Yes. I'm not so hard-hearted as to leave men to die for doing their job." Criz stepped aside and pointed overboard towards the small boat that now sat tied to the base of the rat lines off the ships port. "We're taking you... " he glanced around them. "Three out of here. I do not wish to take any further stupid risks."

"You can't leave without checking the rest." Captain Wertz rubbed a free smear of blood off his hand and onto his pants. "Then you have to ensure that things dead by blowing up the ship."

"He's right Criz," Dohn nodded reassuringly. "We came here to get the injured, let's do this properly."

Ayithe felt the urge to insist on leaving now, but she knew Dohn and Wertz were right, they couldn't just leave people to die who may have been injured below. Criz's eyes looked directly at her as if to gage her own response, her moment to back out and run, but she could only blink nervously and nod in compliance. After all, this was the exact reason Criz brought them here in the first place.

"This isn't a job for the faint-hearted. You can't save three men and call it job done. This isn't a country stroll it's a god damn storm with a fifty-foot wave and they don't get much more serious than that."

"I do not need a lecture from anyone here." Criz slammed his fist into the nearest banister, then looked back at Wertz. "You are in no real state to move, so me and Gord will check the lower decks for survivors and Dohn can help you aboard the boat for leaving."

Little was said after that, Criz's stern words sent himself and Gord away from the deck and off into the smoke filled lower deck. The plume of smoke was getting more frightening by the minute and the burning flames were spreading, evident by the increased smoke, noise and heat that began to arise from the gaping ship. Yet time began to pass as they hadn't yet emerged, and Wertz seemed worse for wear as they continued to wait. Even their calls seemed to fall on flat ears.

"I'd say we should go grab him..." Dohn stopped himself, knowing Ayithe knew they couldn't leave one another.

"Yeah... Maybe we should leave. Come back for them." She insisted, nervous about just about any move them make.

Coming here felt like a mistake and Wertz moaning and groaning was becoming an irritant. Ayithe stared into the smoke blur of smoke and heat haze, ignoring the argument that arose from Dohn and Wertz, waiting and hoping for Criz's re-emergence. Yet the dull tone of the Chasers Captain remained echoing into her timid ears.

"This is ridiculous, we're waiting too long!" Wertz snorted in frustration and a flare of fear. "None of this matters anymore, it's clear they are dead and we should get ourselves out of here!"

"I am not leaving Criz on this ship. That's all you need to hear, now shut up and sit quietly!" Dohn almost shouted back, his raising voice and tone filled with the same anxiety that filled them all. Wertz would take this one on the chin.

Ayithe could feel the heat on her skin, urging her to move back and steer clear of the burning wreck. It was unclear how long this place could remain afloat while it burned, but the desire to leave together was one that drove them to remain and wait for their captain.

Finally, the heat hazed dragging footsteps arose from the stairwell and the blurry figure forced itself past the smoke and into view. Gord limped and coughed his way towards them, a little worse for wear and now blacker than the night sky, but he was okay. A heavy cough was a warning that anyone going below had very little clean air to breath.

"Criz... is... coming." He coughed again after each word.

Ayithe gripped her disk blade as he advanced, she had almost forgotten not to be suspicious of his approach.

"Cut yourself!" Wertz shouted as Gord continue to repeat a deep painful cough that seemed to reach all the way into his stomach. Then after a briefly annoyed glance at Wertz, he put a slim slice over his chest through the loose shirt that now seemed a little ripped.

Then, he leant to one side and coughed over the banister. "Everyone's dead... and I couldn't hack the smoke."

"Take your time Gord, we're not going without Criz."

Dohn always seemed convinced of everything that left his mouth. There was no uncertainty that Criz would return from the smoke, and they could all leave together, and yet Ayithe felt like staying alone was only ever going to be a bad thing. It gave way to an infinite amount of questions that scared her, and she had never truly felt comfortable aboard the ship as it was.

"Steel yourself, Ayithe," Dohn said with a calm voice. "You should be as confident as you were when you first met us. Do not let this thing scare you into making a mistake."

"Yeah, thanks." She almost smiled at his assurance.

"I always tell myself that everything has to work out. Because L'ven and I are meant to be!" His voice filled with excitement as he chuckled to himself. It was simple logic, but it worked for him.

Ayithe smiled, even with the pressure of their situation and the fear of death that loomed over them, he still found the light of promise and happiness. She was envious of that, all she had seen since her arrival was misery and fear of being alone, and the light that she reached for felt so far away that she rarely got excited by it. She had the drive to get to Ietus, but the excitement was something she feared was lost on her as she hadn't felt it in such a long time.

[Ayithe Solete]

Criz ran, walked and even crawled through the wreckage to find even just one survivor within the bowels of the ship. He could hear some screams, some cries for help through the inferno they begged with a desperation and desire to survive this infestation of fire. Yet Criz could not see nor find as he tried to navigate the wreck, and it became abundantly clear that there was no route or path that could be cleared to make way for more saved lives.

Criz coughed like a sneezing bull, a heavy deep cough that hurt with every breath as the smoke forced its way into his lungs and gripped his insides. He covered his mouth, no to avail, and stumbled across the inner deck, stepping over the fallen beams and shifting around the flailing fire until he could finally see the stairs once more - a little worse for wear but still in one piece.

"WAIT!" A voice called out through the grey mass of killer smoke. It's cold look enough to compete with the heat of the fire within this place. The shifter, appearing as his old bald compatriot with the knowledge that Criz had never understood nor ever would to how long he had hidden within such a persona.

Criz drew his sword instinctively, his vision blurred as his eyes watered and his stance low rather than tall and firm.

"Just try and take a swing at me," the Shifter goaded him with a bold grin that slightly flashed his teeth. "Just see what good it does for you."

"You're not get...uufh, uufh... getting out of here! Uufh!" Criz held the nearest beam to steady himself, though not on fire he could feel the heat on the beam as he adjusted his placement.

"Neither are you." The shifter wiped the beads of sweat that ran down its forehead as he cautiously walked towards Criz. It didn't draw a weapon, and it didn't threaten in its slow movement as it stopped just a few meters away. "Let me make myself clear, I could kill you before you reach the steps... But I shan't. I could massacre everyone else on this ship before you reach your little life boat... But I shan't. No... I shan't do any of that."

Criz watched as the now human leant on the shadowed post before it, peering across at him like a predator preparing to leapt its position. He held a tight his blade, his grip firm but held back by the weak feeling in his convulsing chest. "Try it!" He called back, his determination and mind-set more confident than his body - He knew it was up to some devious plan, but could only wait to find out.

"Give me some credit, Criz. I was slaughtering men before you were born." He smirked and pointed with a brash arrogance, yet he remained in his position and was still yet to cough like Criz was suffering. "MY only problem being that I have no way off this ship without transport upon yours... And let us be honest with one another here Criz, I never harmed any of your crew. Let me on your boat... Let me on and I will leave you alone and unharmed."

Criz stared back in disbelief but again wiped his sore eyes from the tingling pain that the smoke burned into him. "Why don't you just swim. Turn into a fish and go wherever you want to go?"

"You could call me... a human shifter, with a few extra's to ensure... of my prey's demise. I cannot turn into objects of anything that resembles other than that of a humanoid shape."

"That doesn't make any sense!" Criz snapped back with an angry scepticism.

"It's not supposed to make sense, Criz. It's how I'm designed and it is my existence!" The angry response came swiftly as he began tapping the beam with irritation. The tone of his voice gargled with anger as he continued speaking that little be quicker."Should I question why you don't have webbed fingers and gills? You spend so much time at sea you'd think your God would have gifted you some. Hmmm?"

He awaited a response as Criz seemed too stunned to answer, he had a point if he was telling the truth, but Criz simply couldn't tell one way or the other. So the Shifter continued.

"Fuck, Wertz, neither of us cares for such a man who works for the Salvic state. The land of such biased plutocracy, which leaves little for those who do not fall in line with their own beliefs and desires. Take me back, Criz... As an injured soldier if you can lie, or as your prisoner - where I will lay behind your iron bars and await your dismissal. As I am not strong enough to take your ship even if I wanted to... this, place... this fire... has taken its toll on me."

The shifter presented itself in clearly light as he stepped forward, it's transformation, now more in sight, was not as perfected in presence as it first appeared. It flexed its image, and rapidly shifted through its appearance. Scarred skin, scarred shirts and clothes, its perfection was no longer intact, its presence no longer indistinguishable. "Wertz may personify an honourable captain, but even if I'm dead, he'll turn you around and have you hanged for having her on board..."

Criz's eyes widened as he stumbled back to the steps, his concern that the shifter knew exactly why they had her on board. This was supposed to be secret, and only himself and L'ven knew. "What?!" He exclaimed as he stood up by the stairs broken bannister.

"The necklace she wears, it is of magical decent. Wertz knows this, and he'll have you arrested for harbouring a fugitive of the law."

Criz calmed immediately, he didn't actually know that - but now he had to question if Wertz really did. One thing that was true was that Wertz was a loyal member of the Ethereal Sway, and should he find anything that went against the law, he would undoubtedly arrest them for it. "Bold claim Shifter... That's a lot of assumptions."

"Indeed. Yet when you head to, Ietus. With a knowledge from previous experience... Then you have plenty to hide. Do you not?"

[Ayithe Solete]

"... And that's when she kissed me."

Dohn smiled at the memory, almost smug at his achievement to gain such a woman to hold in his arms. Gord had done nothing more than roll his eyes at the story, then he would stare impatiently at the charcoaled smoke that seemed to be getting thicker by the moment. Then, a loud wooden crack echoed out over the crackling burning boom that rattled the ship, and then the boat jolted with a light but obvious tilt.

Ayithe gripped the bannister as the group each gained their balance. The ship was definitely sinking as it leant slowly to the rear of the ship.

"It's time to leave. This boat will be submerged before Criz can return!" Captain Wertz pulled his bloody injured self to his feet and stared at the motionless group. "What are you all waiting for?"

"We're not leaving without Criz!" Gord shouted back, his chin up and tight with disdain as he pulled off his now grey sailors hat.

"You idiots!" Wertz wobbled slightly as he adjusted his footing and stood up without the aid of the ships bannister. "We'll all drown on here... Do you have any idea how cold that water is? We're not going to simply swim back to the ship. You'll freeze or drown...probably both!"

The group didn't faze to his warnings, and even as Ayithe looked over for assurance, their response was one of none motion. They were staying as long as they could for Criz out of loyalty, it would take something monumental to move them before they had to go.

"Get over yourself Captain... You'll wait with the rest of us." Dohn rolled his eyes and returned to ignoring him.

Wertz snarled at his words, his brow tense and full of anger at his disrespect. He hadn't worked his way up to being Captain of a Chaser Ship to just to be disrespected by the mouth of a common sailor. His eyes focused solely on Dohn as his breathing intensified, the pain of his injuries didn't help but his anger raged out in a series of huffs and grinding of his teeth as he tensed up. His fingers reached down, padding the surface of the deck by his feet, before landing on the handle of the nearest discarded crossbow. Fortunate it was both near and loaded.

The group didn't seem to notice, paying him little attention as they disregarded his authority and threat as an injured man. He wanted to make him pay for that comment, and he pictured his kill as he wrapped his fingers firmly around the hilt of the bow and lay his first finger with an intent on the trigger. Then, as he raised himself back to his feet, the loud coughing and staggering of feet thudded out of the thick smoke to reveal two men.

Criz stepped out of the dirty warm cloud as he held his tugged shirt to his mouth like an air filter, while another figure phased out of the dark and into the light behind him. The group tensed, all nervous with weapons at the tips of their fingers.

"Wait!" Criz shouted as he raised his hand before them. "There must be no killing! Only reason."

Wertz knew what this was, a dire plea to save them all and potentially leave him with nothing. He knew his prey and he knew his position here, this wasn't going to go well as long as that creature was alive. "Don't take another step!"

"We are running out of time, and there is much to explain!" Criz continued as they group remained uncertain to the unidentified figure behind him. He had to explain his thinking, he had to explain why this was a good idea, and he had to do it quickly.

"I...I don't like the sound of this, Criz!" Dohn responded, his sword now out before him, twitching as he expected the worse.

"There is nothing to explain," Wertz turned his crossbow in their direction and Criz held both hands up in the air. "You're a fool to believe anything but the truth before you! Is that the shifter behind you?"

"Yes, but..." The sharp whistle and thud of a crossbow bolt struck Criz so suddenly no one even flinched. Any form of discussion fell silent as Criz looked down himself to see the bolt sticking through his abdomen. He wobbled and stepped back as Dohn's shouting was silenced by the deafening roaring fire behind him. Then, he fell backwards.

Before anyone could move the Shifter launched into action. It's body whirled and flexed before firing it's arm into a spear type weapon that ripped through the smoke and then stabbed instantly into Wertz. Ayithe almost fell backwards as the purple spear of flesh flew past her and pierced Wertz's chest. His angry screams quickly muffled into a gurgle of blood bubbles and then silence. Dropping to his knees the spear retracted with a slither and his body fell limp to the wood of the deck. Dohn roared with aggression as he swung his sword and recklessly charged towards the shifter, and Gord slipped down to Criz, using Dohn as a distraction, and began to drag Criz towards their escape.

Ayithe couldn't just stand there, she knew she had to fight before they were all killed. The ship was sinking ever quicker into the abyss of blue beneath them and the violent fire raged with its choking black smog of smoke to their right. So as the Shifter swiftly ducked and swept Dohn of his attacking feet, Ayithe moved into an action that would end this situation where they stood, and maybe, maybe they could survive.

[Ayithe Solete]

"From the fire in our hearts to the heat from a kiss, I will burn my enemies, ensure I do not miss." Ayithe's lips gently kissed the purple gem of her necklace, and she watched it glow a deep ruby red.

Like the light of a thousand suns, fire burst from the released wrist blades, the short but deadly weapons that stabbed out from over her wrist guards. The erupting fire flickered, roared and burned as hot as the fire that destroyed the ship they stood upon. Yet as the escaping flames reached for further destruction they never burned the deck beyond the few moments they rested upon its surface - leaving black marks like small footsteps in her wake. Ayithe's demeanour changed as her unsure footing adapted into a confident stride towards her target. The nervous blonde now looked a fiery fearless fighter as she stepped into the fray.

Her revealing moment was enough to pause the shifter in its attack on Dohn, just as well as he lay in its shadow and at its mercy. Practically kicking Dohn aside his focus fell firmly on the burning sight before him, and the moment felt set for him to kill the woman who had held that blade at him back in Glynn's Inn. "Fascinating..."

It struck out, its arm launching forward into yet another spear, as deadly as the one that skewered Captain Wertz but filled with a greater desire to put such a woman in her place. Yet Ayithe was more than just a colourful display, side stepping to her right and slicing with an explosion of fire that stretched out of her blades edge and sent the hot blade cutting right through the shifters tough exterior. It's limp fell with a wriggle to the floor, the purple flesh writhing with pain before it set fully alight and shrivelled into a black mess by Ayithe's predator like pose.

"ARGH!" It roared out in resistance to the pain, but it didn't falter and step back. Bending it's body like a wave of water it rushed forward as if to swarm and engulf her. Ayithe knew she couldn't step to one side here, and but for a moment of worrisome thought she stepped into its attack and sliced right across its full gaping body. Striking from the deck floor and up until there was no more.

A bloody roar echoed over the ship as the shifter split into two and spewed its discoloured blood across the surrounding deck. The bright burning flames that fired from her blades burned and scarred the beast as it snarled and cried in agony to the fast disintegration of its once perfect shifting body.

Dohn had struggled to make himself move as the fire engulfed the creature, but as he watched Ayithe attack it with a magical fire that did not seem to burn her own skin, he regathered his composure. The grit and determination within her was not fighting arrogantly but was pushing her fight for not only their lives but her own. Again she struck it as it tried to rally itself together, its burning other half shrieking in a high pitched alien-like scream while she continued to attack its main body. Dohn climbed to his feet, sword in hand and ran towards the burning carapace. As the flames died down, he stamped hard on the arm forming mass and then struck it repeatedly with his weapon. The double edged blade hacking into it like an axe as he struck again and again until it moved no longer.

Then, another mighty explosion ripped the deck apart. Wood, flesh and fire flew through the air as they all collapsed, and the ship arched rapidly towards the water as it began to uncontrollably sink into the depths of the blue abyss. The black smoke blanketed the ship like a cloud covers the sky and Ayithe struggled to breathe in the now unclear poisonous air. She looked around at her new position as she knelt up from the deck, nothing and no one was clear, covered in black and blurred vision only created more confusion.

Dohn gripped her arm as she tried to stand, his arm covering his mouth as he urged her towards their exit. They scrambled across the deck as they heard the surge of water fill the lower deck, the rushing of water and clanging of wood and metal beneath was now louder than the crackling of burning wood.

"Where's Criz?" Ayithe shouted as she rubbed her stinging smoke-filled eyes.

"Help!" A voice called through the black. Ayithe gripped the bannister alongside Dohn, and then looked behind them. It sounded like Criz, but they couldn't see him, nor did they know of his current state. Was he alive or dead? Where was Gord? Was the shifter finished? And if the boat was tied to the Chaser's rat line, would it just get dragged under with the ship?

"I'll go get him," Ayithe announced as she turned back. "Get the boat free for me!"

Dohn leapt overboard and towards their small rowing boat as Ayithe ran across the now uneven ship deck. She could still feel the heat from the ship, but her blades were retracted and no flames continued to escape them. Her senses seemed to scream danger to her, and it was hard to ignore the urge to run for safety. The cry for helped echoed out again, and Ayithe called back, running towards the call until she could find a body. Then there he was, lying almost flat as she dropped to her knees beside him, his wound bloody and half patched, but clearly unconscious.

Ayithe panicked inside struck by the sudden realisation that she had been drawn back into danger by the Shifter. She looked around her, but her sore eyes blurred and her mind feared the uncertainty. She hadn't time to think and worry, but was the shifter waiting for her? Was it masked by the smoke? Was it hidden behind some debris? She fought the urge to run and slipped her hands under his armpits for leverage. Then she dragged him, digging deep into her strength to be able to shift his body through the carnage and away from the impending water that threatened to doom them.

A voice called out to her, the coughing rough voice of smoke filled lungs, but still recognisable as Dohn's deep tone. She focused on his voice and pulled and dragged as fast as she could, the friction of the dirty wood trying to slow her down as she struggled to shift Criz's heavy body. Louder Dohn's voice became as she exited the black plume and witnessed the free salty sea air once more, yet, into view flowed the blue water of the sea. Devouring the ship in a slow engulfing horror of a silent show. Apart from the bubbles that raced to the surface, pushing through the beams of the deck before water sprayed out and swallowed it hole.

Their rowing boat hung a few meters adrift of the Chaser, and Dohn waved and called out to her as she peered over the edge towards him. Sat alone in the boat and desperately calling for their survival, but he feared to get any closer to the submerging ship. The relatively calm water disrupted and swirled as the boat sank, and Ayithe did the only thing she could think of, and she gripped Criz with both arms and lifted him to the side. The water rushed up not from behind her, but it was in its entirety before her. There was no escape.

She had always been a good swimmer but the sea here was as cold as Wertz has claimed, and not only did she have to carry Criz, but her steel wrist blades would weigh her down. Her heart raced with a knowledgeable fear that made the dark blue water scarier than it had ever been before to her.

She could drop Criz right now and save herself. She knew he could drag her down, most likely she could only do this on her own. Would Dohn blame her? Would they let her back on the ship if she knowingly left Criz behind? Maybe. But as her heart trembled and her mind raced with fret, she knew she couldn't ever just let him die. This navigator who promised to take her to Ietus, unknowingly saving her from the loneliness that she feared, and the brother who looked after his blind sister in this world that took so few prisoners. No, she couldn't leave him behind.

Pushing with her legs and gripping him with her hands she leapt into the air. Then seconds later she splashed into the water, she could feel the tug on her, dragging her down and weighing her away from the surface. She kicking and swam with her free arm, holding onto the limp body of a man who may already be dead. Yet the light seemed to fade as she failed against the current of weight and water. Then, just as she felt she was to let him go, he moved, and his body lifted for a second, and then again and again as she felt herself rise. The urge to breath in again grew as her body weakened, but she was so close now, she was so close to the safety of the surface and fresh air.

She kicked and she kicked until she broke the surface of the sea. Her lungs desperately wheezed as she begged for air and the relieving feeling of the cool breeze filled her lungs once more. Gord was there, to the amazing timing they needed he was in the cold of the water and he helped them surface when they could not alone. Yet this temporary reprieve was just that, and she felt her arms weaken and tire before then she fell under once more. The salt stung her eyes as she strained to stay afloat, but as Criz floated with Gord and they swam towards the silhouette of the boat, Ayithe began to sink. She had no energy to force her way up anymore, and the heavy wrist blades tired her arms.

She tugged at them quickly, the ease of use clasps untied and released her arms from as their true weight saw them sink below her quickly. The second fell off just as quick and without a thought she let them sink into the irretrievable void. The damage felt done, as her vision became completely blue and her energy to swim up never returned, her chest tugged at her to breathe but only the icy cold water awaited them. She had never imagined drowning in her life, but this was terrifying and as the seconds passed by, only the sound of rippling water could distract her from her fearful doom. Glancing around she felt the grip of a man's hand on her flailing wrist. It had a warmth to it that the sea tried to swallow with her life, but it pulled her up and she kicked with legs once more until she could see the light of the sun through the surface of the water.

But it was too late, she had to breathe and find strength. So as the water filled her lungs, and the cold froze her muscles, she watched as her memories and lost wishes flashed before the sunlight as it filtered through the aqua blue of the cold icy Salvic waters.

[Ayithe Solete]

Ayithe moved awkwardly, her muscles sore and weak, her legs difficult to move as if trapped beneath a weight. Her eyes opened to the dim sky above, the beautiful blue of the midday sky now murky with the dirty grey of the rain clouds that hovered overhead. She was lay there covered in crumpled dirt and loose stone, lucky to avoid being crushed beneath the mountainous amount of earth. There had been a landslide of epic proportions and somehow she had managed to survive it.

Holding her head in her hands she sat upright, legs covered in the land, but none more so that her right leg which remained completely hidden up to her hip. She couldn't remember where she was exactly, somewhere in the mountains on the edge of Salvar perhaps? Exactly where seemed beyond her memory at this point, while her head throbbed and dried blood marked her fingers upon her touch - she had definitely taken a heavy blow to the head.

The earth was heavy and dry, but upon breaking its surface it shifted off her leg quickly. Nothing appeared broken, and she sighed with a great relief as she pulled away free. Two large peaks stood either side of her, like wings of a dragon they arched over her position, the inner edge a visual sign of where the landslide began. Standing was rather difficult at first, but as her balanced returned she it gave way to weakness - Where was, Raslin?

She missed her with every breath and wanted him with every heartbeat. Though her denial was strong, she had nothing to deny when she was alone to admit her feelings. The first urge was the dig through the collapsed hillside and find him, yet she knew it was not safe to remain here. Her hunter would not be astray for too long and currently, it wasn't clear just how long she had been unconscious upon the ground.

"Raslin!" She called out desperately, her voice breaking from the dry and course throat she now suffered. She could hear her voice echo over the mountain but no reply came back to her from the other side. A few tears trailed down her face as she feared the worst, this man who had touched her heart, this man who had stayed to keep her safe and travelled the world to keep her alive. Had she lost him? Was she now alone and destined to die along with everyone else?

She felt the urge to weep rising within her and closed her eyes tightly, her hands hovered over her face as she tried desperately to keep it all in. Her life had fallen apart and he was the final piece remaining - now lost.

"Just remember," he said softly into her ear. "I won't leave you, ever. And should the worst happen, and I be forcefully separated from you, I will meet you at, Ietus. Don't ever forget that."

She hadn't forgotten. Yet she hated the idea of leaving and taking that risk of all risks on her own.

Taking a step back Ayithe almost tumbled, the large meter long sword of her assassin lay lost at her feet. Half covered in loose dirt, its size and design still indistinguishable. Was it crushed before her? Did she as the quarry not only survive but supersede it? Maybe. But that assassin was no mere human, and no landslide could destroy it, this was only a delay in time - time that she had to use to escape.

"I'm coming to meet you, Raslin!" She shouted passionately into the echo of the mountain. "So you better be waiting for me when I get there! You said you never lie! Don't lie to me now!"

Being alone was tough, but she was strong enough to deal with it. She had to be.

[Ayithe Solete]

Criz's tired eyes looked up at the boring but familiar board of the wooden ceiling above him. He had been staring at this more mornings than any anywhere else in the world, but as bland as the dark wood was it remained a reminder that he was still alive.

He sat up, masking a cough as he looked around his room. The captain's room of his small boat had been his for years now and it held everything he owned, his hammock bed, his desk and daily diary, and then his cupboard of clothes and many books. He had never been taught to read as a child, so learning as a young adult was a pride of his own.

His wound was recovering well, and having at first used his desk to recover he felt much more comfortable having returned to his fur quilted hammock. The sound of the ocean outside was rather quiet, only the silent howling whistle of the salty sea air managed to find its way inside.

Criz has drifted off again in his chair, he had been sleeping a lot lately, recovering from his wounds his rest seemed to be a large part of that. He had been waiting for a meeting today - Ayithe had been waiting on him even longer. The captain of her transport had not only been recovering but delaying the opportunity to speak to her, mainly as what he had to say explained more than the question she was asking.

The knock at the door sounded and he promptly called them in. Ayithe and L'ven were led in by the calm hand of Farrel.

"Welcome, Ayithe. Take a seat." He directed towards the chairs before his desk as Ayithe walked L'ven to the seat. "Not even having to ask you for help? I hope you're not becoming her slave."

"She's learning." L'ven giggled under her breath as she sat.

Ayithe smiled in greeting. "Good to see you're feeling better."

"Thank you." Criz stood and gathered the nearest jug of water before returning to pour them a drink. "They told me you practically drowned saving me."

"Yes, I did." Ayithe frowned a little at the thought, it scared her just how close she came to drowning that day. "I decided the taste of the sea wasn't for me. Too salty."

"Haha, we can both agree with that one. You learn to fear and respect it, for those who don't, they will die. That is for sure." Criz silenced himself with a slow chug of his water.

Ayithe certainly feared the water, and had Criz seen the full truth, he'd have known she passed out and was saved herself by Dohn and Gord. Coughing up water was painful, to say the least, and a big reminder how much she missed dry land. "Anyway, you are welcome."

"Good, but I'm not here to just thank you for your bravery. While I'm greatly appreciative of that, the best way I can thank you is to tell you some truths."

"What truths are these?" Ayithe's ears widened at the comment. Since saving Criz she had been treated much better by the crew, but only Criz could answer the questions that plagued her upon finding this boat.

"I lied about the other person, there was only ever you." His words felt full of shame as he took a deep breath and stared down his cup. "I needed an excuse to bring you on board safely. You are one of a rarity, a true person destined to reach Ietus on the only ship capable of getting you there."

"What are you saying?" She reached the edge of her seat in anticipation while L'ven didn't move like she knew the process.

"I'm saying that... We knew you were coming and you were always meant to find us." Criz never looked more serious, though a little guilty as he admitted the shocking truth to her.

Had he really been lying to her from the start? Her heart raced as her mind wandered and questioned everything, why, why, why? Standing up she stepped back and paced to the wall - was she safe? She had to be, otherwise, there was no point in her being here now... was there?

"Don't freak out." He ushered calm as he stood up, almost reaching out to her as if to apologise but no apology came.

"Why? I don't understand anything anymore." She felt angry as much as she felt upset, but as her mind raced with panic the only thing she needed now was answers.

"A long time ago... Me and L'ven lived in Corone, a small village not far from the Bradbury Orchards. It's rather quiet there so I doubt you'd have heard of it. No noblemen came and certainly no Kings or political people travelled there. We were peasants who spent out lives farming and fishing. Then one day a plague hit our village... They call it the Invisible Plague. It strikes without malice and leaves no evidence it's there until your body finally packs in and dies... You lose a function a day, you legs, your hands, your eyes, your lungs or maybe your mind. But either way, you die at the end.

It didn't just kill my family, it killed my entire village. Everyone, mothers, fathers, children. Everyone... Everyone but me. I watched my parents die and was told there was no point in running, you'll die anyway. But I refused, I refused to sit down and watch my family die, so me and L'ven left to find help, a healer, a mage or a witch who could break this curse that fell upon us. Then one morning, L'ven couldn't walk, so I carried her. The next day, she couldn't talk, then next she was blind... Well, you see how this goes."

Ayithe listened carefully and stopped pacing, it was a terrible story but since L'ven was sat beside her, she knew something was going to happen. She knew Ietus would be involved, but what exactly? "What did you do?"

"After it, all seemed pointless. After I almost gave up. I met a man. He stood over us as my sister convulsed in pain and had only hours to live. He promised me he could do what no other could do. He promised me her life, but at a cost. So I took it." Criz's nervous eyes met Ayithes, giving the occasional glance at his silent and blind sister. "I was told to move to Tirel, to live as if I were a mercenary or a fisherman. I was told that I was a ferry... a transport directly to Ietus and that I can pretty much do whatever I want, providing I do what I am told when I am told.

Several days before you arrived we were docked and the same man met me. He told me a woman of your description would be looking for my boat. So we simply waited for you."

Ayithe stared in disbelief. Could this story be another lie? The first truth? But there was no real way to prove it. The room's silence said it all, as it fell as quiet as the night. No one really knew what to say next, and both Criz and Ayithe stared at one another as if to await the others next comment.

L'ven coughed to bring the attention to her way, "Let me break the silence. You'll notice I'm still blind. Apparently saving my life didn't mean giving me my sight back."

Criz scowled at L'ven, a slight growl leaving his tense lips. "It's a condition."

"If we do as they say, maybe one day they'll give me my sight back." L'ven folded her arms in frustration. "Although, I'm honestly not sure what all the fuss over you is about."

Criz sat back down and took another sip of his less than fresh water. "Everyone on this ship is in some sort of debt to Ietus... You are now the key. The last passenger aboard."

Ayithe rushed out of the room, the door crashing open as she did. The honest truth had been given to her and yet she wasn't sure she was ready to hear it. Criz hadn't planned on telling her at all, but having experienced her bravery, it was about time they opened up more than they had offered.

Squeezing L'ven's shoulder Criz left after her. Feeling the cold chill of the sea air for the first time in several days he shivered upon its touch. Ayithe stood at the peak of the bow, her hair floating in the wind and her gaze firmly forward and not looking behind her. Both L'ven and Criz approached slowly from behind, before stopping once they could grasp the bannister.

Ayithe could hear as L'ven counting as she walked alone to stand beside her. No longer holding Criz's hand for guidance she seemed to reach Ayithe rather comfortably. "I'm not one for consoling the sulking."

"Why do you count? I've heard you count before." Ayithe ignored L'ven's comment.

"As long as the boat is steady I've mapped the space between locations. I count my footsteps so I know where I am." L'ven replied running her fingers through her short hair.

"That clever, I never really thought about that." Ayithe's stare never broke from the endless sea before her. A warm tear filled with worry rolled down her cheek before being wiped away by her forearm - she missed her wrist blades, but she wouldn't change what she did. "Do you think I'll ever see him again?"

"Raslin? You think I'll ever get my sight back?" She retorted expecting the same answer to share.

"I hope so." Ayithe wished it deeper and harder than anything else in the world. "What's waiting for me in Ietus?"

Criz placed a hand on her shoulder sympathetically. "We don't know. The better question would be, what's waiting for us all at Ietus because none of us have ever been there. We've all been waiting for this trip for two years."

Ayithe turned to L'ven, her emotional face finally seeing L'ven and Criz for who they really were. Then she turned back to face forward once more. They were a trio now, a trio of mystery and secrets, a trio of lies and of painful history. But a trio regardless of their past discrepancies and potential futures.

Ayithe nervously smiled to herself - fearful of the future but forever determined to get there and find out what it held for her. "I guess we'll discover it together."

Was Raslin waiting for her? What was Ietus really? Just how long would it take to reach? Either way, all Ayithe could do was wait. She has been controlled and pushed in a certain set direction, not just by getting this boat, but for some time before hand - though for how long was questionable.

She was nothing more than a passenger. Fearful of the future, but forever determined to get there.

To be continued....

[Storm Veritas]

Ayithe Solete receives for 2160 EXP and pays (40) Gold!

Additionally, she receives the Tirel Raincoat!

Tirel Raincoat

The raincoat is as stated, a coat designed specifically to protect Ayithe from the weather. It is a deep blue colour and made from Baccan, a material derived from the sea creature of the same name. This material appears very much like scales, but these are tightly woven to form a solid but flexible material. This also reaches down to her hips, and covers her full arms.

Originally made in Tirel, Salvar; the trades and boatmen here commonly use this when at sea. This heavily water resistant material is also designed to withstand acidic and poisonous liquids. It does not however, hold any additional protection from physical damage of blunt force trauma. Although lightly resistant to cutting or tearing, its strength the equivalent of Drakescale.

[Shinsou Vaan Osiris]

All rewards added!