Thread: Full Circle

Title: A Bid Farewell.

The sun is just starting to set as a rather tired young scholar mage pads towards his cabin. Several of the other apprentices give him a few odd stares, but nothing more than that. The chipmunk adjusts his robes and looks around carefully before he works the lock spell on his cabin and walks inside.

Delachiel, sitting on the edge of the bed, smiles at the chipmunk. ~~Good evening, Timothy.~~

Timothy sighs but can't help smiling, "I'm just glad the day is over."

Delachiel tilts her head. ~~A tiring day?~~

Timothy flumps down next to Delachiel and puts his face in his hands and nods, "The council is split. Half thinking I'm hallucinating and say we should really turn the beacon on. The other half think they should turn the beacon back on, try and get another race and make a better deal. Idiots. We don't have much other than natural resources to offer them."

Delachiel nods and wraps an arm around the young mage. She rubs his neck gently. ~~There is no limit for greed, it seems. No matter which world, or which race. It's one of the more unpleasant challenges we face.~~

Timothy nods, "Though your friends from space seemed more interested in making friends themselves. They need resources, but from what they wanted, they could probably find that elsewhere. Actually, aren't they powerful enough to just take what they want?"

Delachiel nods. ~~That they are. But thank goodness greed is not the only universal trait.~~

Timothy grins softly, "And what are the others m'lady?"

Delachiel chuckles, and sits behind Timothy, giving him a more decent neckrub. ~~There are a number, but I'm not going to go into the ones you're thinking of.~~ She bows closer and whispers into his ear, ~~You've learned fast, too.~~

Timothy nods, "I appreciate the lessons. Obviously, the technology side of our teachings is way behind the spacers. Yet it seems several of "Copernicus's" friends didn't really believe in magic. We need to promote magic, I think it would be to Haven's advantage. So, what have you been doing today while the council was roasting chipmunk?"

Delachiel nibs at Timothy's neck. ~~They roasted you well too. Seriously, not much. I've been asleep most of the day, but did take another look at some of your spells, trying to understand the magic of this world.~~

Delachiel nods, and leans back against the wall. ~~Magic is a valuable asset indeed.~~

Timothy hmms, "I'm not sure it's the magic of this world, just our version of it. Having seen that our views on intelligent life are wrong, some of the rumors of the other races on Haven intrigue me. There have always been stories that the native races were much more adept at magic than we have ever been. I have a few hours before bed, and I'd like to do something this evening. Any suggestions?"

Delachiel hms. ~~We could have dinner, or take a walk somewhere -- being a city mage, you should take care of your body as well, because there is no time to do that when the need strikes. Did you have anything in mind?~~

Timothy grins, "I was thinking of dinner. There is a nice place not far from here, where they have outdoor tables in little alcoves and good food and ale."

For those with good ears, the sound of hooves on the wood paths can be heard approaching the cabin.

~~Sounds tempting.~~ The Xardeth sighs a bit. ~~I hate eating with my vei - - ~~ She stops abruptly to listen.

A sharp knocking a the door, and a voice, "Hey Timothy! You in there? I haven't seen you in a while. C'mon, open up!"

Timothy starts and sighs, "Tavos."

Delachiel smiles a bit. ~~Where would you like me to hide this time?~~ she whispers.

The Odoxi rubs his antlers (a nervous habit) and knocks again, "C'mon Tim, I know you had a rough day!"

Timothy hmmms, "I still don't see why you have to hide. I got the conspirators to drop charges in return for not trying to turn them in. Not that I could prove anything anyhow. If you have to hide, there's the closet again if you wish."

Timothy shouts, "In a minute Tavos. I'll be right there."

Delachiel grins, and weaves a short spell with her hands. ~~Or I could just do -- this.~~ No Xardeth in sight anymore. ~~How do you like it?~~

Timothy nearly jumps out of his robes (and realizes Delachiel would probably like to see that happen). He finally says, "Er, that will work fine. Just don't grab at him ok? I've got a poor enough reputation as it is around here."

A evil chuckle moves around the room.

Timothy raises his eyes and shakes his head as he goes up and opens the door, nearly causing his stag friend to fall into the little cabin.

Tavos grunts and finally regains his balance, "I heard what they did today. Sound like you had a rough time. But that's no reason to hide from your friends. Hey, how come this place is so neat all of a sudden?"

Timothy ahems, "Well, as I've had a lot of time to myself lately, I just thought I'd clean up the place a little."

Tavos snorts, "A little? Looking at this place you'd almost think...hmmm."

Tavos sniffs the air carefully, wondering if that isn't just a hint of female scent in the room.

Mysteriously, things get a bit more disorderly, a book left open on the table, a pillow not quite straight, and always behind the Stavos' back.

Tavos blinks at the appearance of small "messes" and really hmms. He looks at Timothy and says, "So, we're thinking of heading to the Proud Falcon this evening. We seem to be trying one bad landing after another as far as Taverns go. You want to come?"

Timothy shakes his head, "No, I'm going to go out for a quiet meal tonight."

Tavos nods, "Yeah, after today I guess you deserve it. Just take care ok?"

Timothy says, "Thanks Tavos. I'll see you in class tomorrow. Just don't turn your dates fur color to glowing green. Amy nearly killed you for that last time."

Tavos nods, "Some squirrels are so vain. Take care friend." and then opens the door and walks away towards the group heading to the Proud Falcon.

Out of thin air a voice, inaudible to Tavos, whispers, ~~Do you think he'll survive the Proud Falcon?~~

Timothy chuckles, "Oh, they usually leave the apprentices alone. Enough superstition about magic users still exists that they usually don't bug them.

Delachiel becomes visible again as she tickles Timothy's side. ~~Well, they certainly don't seem too proficient in selecting taverns.~~

Delachiel hms. ~~Good thing you don't have a cat. Wouldn't do to have something rubbing against an invisible foot. I guess I have to work on the scent part a bit more.~~

Timothy giggles a bit, "Probably not, but they'll be ok. From what I learned from our conspirators, that tavern likes the one night a week of respectable guests, just to keep the guard confused."

Delachiel nods. ~~It's not a bad place, overall. So... Would you like to tell me more about those ancient races? The topic kind of interests me.~~

Timothy hmmms, "My background in them is sparce. There are wild stories of races that look like your odd friends, only not feline. The Citeels, like Samantha, are supposedly a native race with a great deal of magical talent. There are rumors even of dragons, and other races. And of course there are these old legends of the smooth, dark skinned evil ones. ;)"

~~Yes. Some seem to be able to overcome those old legends, although I still think paying attention to them would be wise.~~

Delachiel rearranges the little chaos she caused. ~~Oh well. We've been over that.~~

Timothy nods, "True enough. And I think, after your friends land in Haven in about a week as promised, folks won't blink twice at you."

Delachiel shrugs. ~~There are no old legends about the Chirr'Tar, and they're powerful enough to not have to worry about most attacks. But perhaps that will bring some order. Especially, if local traders, in particular the small ones, will start doing business with the spacers, perhaps the council will no longer have a say in the matter.~~

Timothy nods, "Though your friend, the one without arms, he seemed to feel that doing this with respect to our system was important. We'll have to see. And it sounds like his race may not be the only one to come here. A lot of changes are going to happen here. Well, you want to go eat?"

~~Xardeth are too much of sensualists to turn down an offer of good food with mouth-wateringly delicious roasted chipmunks.~~

Timothy laughs at that, "Well, I hope you don't mind if I'm charred in a few places. Those "Chirr'T'Thar"...they are sensualists too, aren't they?"

Delachiel smiles, as she fastens her veils. ~~Indeed they are. More so than most races I've met. They can be quite rough, though.~~

Timothy nods, "I've seen them fight Larctos. Are they rough with other races, or just themselves or?"

Timothy gathers his cloak and money pouch as he waits for Delachiel's answer.

Delachiel says, ~~Copernicus's people try to avoid conflict, but I don't know if they have more agressive fractions or tribes. I really meant more intimate relationships within that race.~~

Timothy blinks, "So they are nicer to other races than they are to themselves? Sigh, I guess we'll have to get used to dealing with weird cultures, won't we?"

~~There will be clashes between cultures, and yes, you will have to learn how to deal with that. However, I doubt that you will have much trouble, it's the less open-minded I would worry about. As to roughness... Copernicus's people have strength, and are difficult to hurt. That leads to a certain amount of roughness from our point of view already. And of course, having three females per male... I'm sure I might have fun sharing you with two others.

Timothy blushes as deeply as a chipmunk morph can and ahems a few times.

Timothy says quietly, "I think you're more than enough as it is."

Delachiel kisses Timothy on the cheek, a strange sensation trough the fine silk covering her lips.

Delachiel says, ~~And I'm not sure if I would share.~~

Timothy swallows, "I don't think I could handle it if you did. Shall we go eat?"

~~Gentlemen first.~~

Timothy grins and opens the door to his small cabin and pads out, holding the door for his mysterious veiled companion.

Delachiel closes the door behind her, her fingers effortlessly locking the magic.

With a bit of caution, Timothy leads Delachiel towards the west side of Haven, where a small forest remains as a buffer between the city and the sea. A cafe, called simply "Creature Delights" is nestled in at the edge. A small building with a deck and awning covering tables. From the spots of light in the forest it seems that more private tables exist for good weather dining.

Delachiel looks around approvingly. ~~What a nice place! Thank you, Timothy.~~

Timothy grins, "Normally I couldn't afford it. But the council has given me money to keep me quiet about details for now. ;)"

Delachiel chuckles. ~~I can pitch in as well, if need be. It's not like I'm going to live forever.~~

Timothy smirks and teases, "Oh really? I was wondering about that. Ah, here comes the owner. I assume you want a private table Delachiel?"

Delachiel nods.

Something in Delachiel's voice suggested that she did take the topic seriously.

The owner, a distinguished looking skunk female, pads up in a flowing dress and says, "I don't believe you've been here before. We have few apprentices. Would you and your...friend? like a table?" The owner stumbles a bit as she notes the heavily veiled person standing next to the chipmunk.

~~Please.~~

This startles the owner even more, but she regains her composure and purrs, "I'll be your host. I am Lady Hepzahl. As the private tables are spaced out in the woods, you need to get your drinks and order first, then I'll lead you to your spot."

Delachiel looks at Timothy, then turns back to the owner. ~~I would prefer the chef's choice, something light, with water to drink.~~

Lady Hepzahl nods, "We have some spiced fish and salad for omnivores. And you sir, what would you prefer to drink?"

Delachiel nods approvingly at the choice.

Timothy hmmms, "I think I'd like a pitcher of fruit juice."

Lady Hepzahl nods and diappears inside for a moment. Timothy grins, "Nice place. Can't wait to see what happens when your friends visit here. ;)"

Lady Hepzahl comes back with a couple of maids carrying tableware and the drinks. She almost purrs, "Follow them to your table, and have a good evening. Your food should be there within 20 minutes."

Delachiel bows to Lady Hepzahl, and waits for Timothy to lead the way, following him to the table.

Timothy nods and snugs Delachiel to his side as he follows the maid.

Delachiel rests her hand on the chipmunk's other side, enjoying the closeness.

Timothy grins as they find a very private table deep in a forest alcove. He helps Delachiel with her chair as the candles are lighted and the table set by the maids. A pitcher of water and one of fruit juice is placed there and the maids leave.

Timothy pours Delachiel a glass of water and then fills his glass with juice and grins, "So, have you enjoyed living with a bachelor like me the past week or so?"

Delachiel drops one of her veils, confident that the dim lighting and her hood will give her enough protection. She places her hand on Timothy's, nodding. ~~There are not too many of those around. I trust you've enjoyed having the company of an alien as well?~~

Timothy nods and softly says, "More than you could know."

Delachiel strokes the soft fur and nods. Her voice is a whisper, as she says, ~~I'm glad I can make you happy.~~

Timothy grins, "So, I'm nearly ready to graduate, and I have to decide what to do for my internship."

Delachiel tilts her head. ~~What are you thinking about choosing?~~

Timothy hmms, "Well, I may be involved with cultural exchanges with some of the spacers, but I don't think I'd survive with the Chirr'T'Thar, no matter how nice they may be. ;)"

Delachiel chuckles quietly. ~~I'm sure you'll do well. You're smart, personable, and have a good heart. If you can stick to that, your world can be proud of you.~~

Timothy blushes a bit and grins, "You flatterer. The other possibility is to explore more of Nexus. We figure the spacers can help us with the travel, and we need to know more about our own world."

Delachiel says, ~~Both do sound like good options.~~

Timothy nods, "I'm tended to do the exploring here first. We're going to wait before we let the spacers take people off planet. Need to build trust up first."

Delachiel says, ~~Trust is... Difficult to achieve. And it will only happen if people are willing to take risks.~~

Timothy nods, "I know. But right now, I think it best I stay here. There have already been some questions about why I made the agreement with the Chirr'T'Thar."

Delachiel nods. ~~I trust your judgement.~~

Timothy grins, "That, and I want to learn more about magic, and I don't think space is where I should go."

~~I don't think it's a good place for magic, no. I don't know if it has to do with the life force of a world or what, but I've rarely encountered magic in barren places.~~

Timothy blinks, "What an interesting theory. So the Chirr'T'Thar homeworld is barren of life?"

Delachiel chuckles. ~~I doubt that. I don't really know.~~ The Xardeth pauses and draws back into the shadows a bit as the food is placed on the table by the pair of maids.

• The soft breeze rustles the leaves and plantlife of the forest. It seems quiet except for a solitary traveller, a knight far from home, desperately trying to save everything he cares about. He sighs to himself. o O {I should go. I don't have the right to ask her to leave this world. It looks like she's found a place of peace and someone who cares about her. It's not right to ask her to return with me into a possibly hopeless situation. I should talk with her before I leave, at least, wish her well.}

• The fox stops and looks at the forest surrounding him. o O {It seems no one has any knowlege of what I'm to face and time grows even shorter. What do I do now? T'Aris you old grump, you didn't prepare me for this!}

The fish and salad arrive and the maids disappear quickly, only one glancing with curiosity at the hooded figure before leaving. The fish is a large filet, mildly spicy. The salad is a mix of vegetables and fruit and a few nuts, covered in a light oil and vinegar. The two enjoy the meal and each others company.

• {I'd best be heading back toward Timothy's place I suppose.} Jarik thinks. His cloak is pulled tightly around his form and he makes his way back toward Timothy's home.

Delachiel sighs a bit, finishing her fish, having eaten slower than Timothy. ~~There is so much to learn and to see, and only so much a Xardeth can take. Shall we return?~~

Timothy takes a last bite and swallows, "I do need to get up tomorrow sometime. Sure, let's head back. I'll leave our money on the table."

Delachiel nods quietly, and lets the young scholar lead her back to his home.

Timothy watches Delachiel replace her veil with some reget and leads her through the more wooded areas back to the scholar mage complex. Many thoughts go through his mind, one being that he has already had more happen in his life than nearly any other scholar mage. The second he realizes, as he looks at Delachiel, is that it is not over yet. He holds her arm in his and sees his cabin approach with a bit of regret.

Delachiel draws in a deep breath of the night air, not breaking the somewhat melancholic silence.

"Beautiful evening isn't it?" asks a familiar voice.

Timothy stops about 20 yards from his home and turns to face Delachiel, but is startled by the strangers voice before he can do anything.

Timothy can feel a slight start, but the Xardeth replies seemingly unsurprised. ~~Indeed it is, Jarik.~~

Timothy frowns a bit at Jarik's name.

Jarik is leaning against a tree, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I've come to say my goodbye's. It's time for me to go." His vioce doesn't betray any sort of emotion. It's straight to the point.

Delachiel tilts her head at Jarik. ~~Good buys? You're leaving?~~

Delachiel steps a little closer to the knight.

Jarik nods slightly, "My home becons and I've got to go. " He pauses a moment, "I know I asked you to come with me, Delachiel. But, I realize that isn't something I should ask. You've found peace here..." He glances at Timothy, "And a few other things..."

Delachiel stands quietly, her expression hidden by her veils.

Timothy hmms at Jarik's comment and asks, "Where exactly do you go again?"

Jarik looks at the ground, "It's wrong for me to endanger you. This is my fight. Not yours."

Jarik looks up towards Timothy, "A small world called Crydon. I left it to seek help. But...I cannot endanger my friends. I must face it alone."

Delachiel lifts a gloved finger to Jarik's lips. ~~Hush, fox.~~

Timothy frowns, "And if you fail against this danger? Won't it spread?"

Delachiel unfastens her veils and turns to face Timothy, quiet.

Jarik's ears fall slightly, "I don't know. There is so little known about what I face there."

Timothy's face looks pensive for a moment and then he says, "Delachiel has told me how greed is a driving force in the universe. I'd like to think friendship is a counter force."

Delachiel's voice is a whisper in the night. ~~I'm needed. I've been happy here, happier than for a long time, but this is not where my destiny is.~~

Timothy doesn't seem as surprised by Delachiel's words as would be expected.

Timothy quietly says, "I'm going with you."

Delachiel lies her hands on Timothy's shoulders. ~~Hush, you too. You're needed here.~~

Timothy shakes his head, "I assume if we succeed, you can bring us back, Jarik?"

Jarik says, "I..I can't endanger you too. You've got so much life left ahead of you. Both of you have a reason to stay, to live. I do not. Whether I live or die doesn't matter anymore."

Jarik blinks, "Easily. I have a point of reference here. But..."

~~Oh, but you are mistaken, Jarik. It does matter, and more so than myself.~~

Timothy says, "But what? And life is always important Jarik. Always. This threat sounds like it could spread, hurt people I care about. I'm going, if you'll have me.""

Delachiel she strokes Timothy's cheek. ~~You're very brave and valiant, my dear Timothy, but... We may not succeed, or even if we do, you may not be coming back.~~

Timothy looks at Delachiel intently, "I don't want to run and hide. I want to help. I want to live my life, not just exist. I want to help you, and your friend, if I can."

Delachiel glances at Jarik, wondering how he is taking the new volunteer.

Jarik takes a breath, "On one condition I'll take both of you..."

Delachiel nods slowly, ~~Yes?~~

Jarik says, "The moment it becomes life threatening, I'm returning you here."

Delachiel shakes her head. ~~Only Timothy.~~

Timothy blinks, "It's my life. I can choose to risk it or not."

Delachiel says, ~~Occasionally. I may also choose that you will not risk it.~~

Timothy looks at Delachiel, "I care for you a great deal. But you can not make that choice for me anymore than I can for you."

Delachiel eyes Jarik sharply. ~~If you bring help, that will distract you and drain your power when you most need it, you might as well just go ahead and stab yourself.~~

Delachiel smiles a bit at Timothy and gives him a hug.

Jarik looks at Timothy and motions for them to sit, "Have you ever seen death, Timothy?"

Timothy nods as he sits, "Yes. I've seen accidental deaths here. Some of the ancient relics are dangerous. And I saw a load of traders that were killed by raiders once."

Jarik finds a seat and nods, "But, have you ever seen someone you loved die?"

Delachiel lowers her eyes and sits quietly, listening.

Timothy nods softly, "My grandparents died of the wasting disease when I was yonger."

Jarik nods slightly, "I can't lie. Chances are high that most of us won't make it even if we succeed. But, the loss of any of us, Timothy." He glances toward Delachiel, "Can not cause any hesitation in our actions." He takes a breath, "Even I knew love once. I also remember when she died. I would have done ANYTHING to have died then, too. And I can't have you feeling like that if you come. Do you understand?"

Timothy frowns for a moment as he starts to comprehend what Jarik means, and looks at Delachiel for a few moments. Finally he nods, "I understand."

Jarik smiles a bit, "I'm cursed with being an empath. I know how you feel toward Delachiel. It's understandable. She's very special, and in more ways than you know. If things were different with me, I'd probably feel the same."

Timothy starts as he thinks . o O (He can sense my feelings?)

Jarik leans against a tree, "I know quite a bit about her race. Most of them are beyond evil." He looks at her, "She, however, is a bit different."

Timothy blinks as he remembers her saying that she wasn't sure if her race caused the ancient legends or not. NOW he understands her doubts.

Delachiel's face has assumed a gentle smile, too perfect to be anything but a mask.

Jarik takes a breath, "Okay, if you insist on coming, I'll tell you a bit about who else will be helping."

Timothy looks at Delachiel's expression, and just hugs her.

Delachiel wraps an arm behind Timothy's back, as gracefully as ever, but still with some hesitation that hasn't been there before.

"There are two other members of my order. Arik and Liaris." He chuckles, "Yes, I know of the similar names. We have an odd tradition of using 'ik' to denote commoner birth and 'is' to denote noble birth. Anyway... Arik is an impressive mage and a fine knight. Liaris, she...she's difficult to explain. An amazing swordswoman, no magical ability and an attitude, thanks to how her ftaher treated her."

Jarik says, "Arik is the grandson..or is it great-grandson of T'Aris, my mentor. I forget which..."

Delachiel's only reply is an attentive nod.

Jarik keeps glancing at Delachiel, trying to determine what she's feeling.

The young male at Delachiel's side notes her stiffness and holds her close. He wonders how it would affect him, to be reminded that his race is considered deeply evil.

Delachiel's mental shields stay up more effortlessly now, and she relaxes a bit in Timothy's embrace.

Jarik says, "Now, when can you both be ready to leave?"

Stuffit mrfffs in his sleep and rolls over in Delachiel's pocket.

Delachiel says, ~~Half an hour for me is plenty.~~

Timothy hmms, "Let me write a letter and get a few spell components, and I'll be ready. So about the same for me."

Jarik nods, "Good. We've got one detour I need to make on Crydon, then a short ride to the Hall. You two get ready then. I'll prepare to open the gate."

Timothy looks curious, "You can open portals?"

Jarik nods, "I can. Yes. I'll explain later."

Timothy nods and looks at Delachiel, "Shall we get our things? Will we need bedrolls or other equipment Jarik?"

Jarik hmms, "It's less than a day's ride from the point I'm going to gate to. You shouldn't need any bedrolls. But, any weapons and such you wish to bring may be useful."

Delachiel stands up. ~~We'll get ready. Half an hour. Meet you here?~~

Jarik nods, "I'll be waiting."

Timothy hmms at the mention of weapons, "I think I may know something that will help. I have to run to the museum, but I'll be right back."

Delachiel nods, and begins to pack in Timothy's small room.

Timothy races off towards the museum.

After about 20 minutes, Timothy comes running back, with a sack over his shoulder and an odd metal spear apparently. He puffs, "Let me get the rest of my stuff and I'm ready."

Delachiel nods, and lets Timothy do so before asking, ~~What is that thing?~~

Timothy hmms, "It's some sort of energy antennae. We've found it focuses some types of magic. It's also very hard. Makes a good spear. It might be useful, it might not, but it can't hurt. Well, we're ready Jarik, I left a note on my door for Tavos at the main college.

Delachiel nods quietly, a backpack on her back and staff in her hand.

Jarik slightly and stands from the position he waited patiently in, "Then, to Crydon we go." The fox closes his eyes and slows his breathing down to a quiet rythm...

A point light appears infront of the three. Slowly, it brightens, pulsating in time to Jarik's breathing. It flares and becomes a glowing bar dancing with energy. From each side another bar of energy streaks down to the ground... Another few seconds pass... Arc's of energy ripple along the gate structure, forming a hazy image of a grassy hill during a cloudy day...

Delachiel turns her eyes quickly away, waiting for the gate to stabilize.

Jarik's eyes open and he smiles a bit, "There. It's ready. Do you want me to go first? It's a bit disorienting, but it'll pass..."

At this point the loud clopping of someone running on hooves heads towards the group, not visible, but audible as he shouts, "Tim! Wait up!"

Delachiel shakes her head and steps trough the gate.

Timothy oopses, "I'm next. I don't want Tavos involved."

Jarik nods, "Then go..."

Timothy waves at Tavos as he walks into the portal. The snobby dear looks totally speechless for once, and just stares at Jarik, questioningly.

Jarik takes one last look around the dark forest and steps through the portal...

Everything seems to spin and break up into thousands of points of light. Is it dark? is it light? Is it neither? Impossible to tell. Moments seem to stretch into hours, and the next thing the three can see is a grassy hill infront of them. Behind them the gate shudders and begins to break up, only offering a glimpe of the three beyond...

Tavos blinks and eeps, "And Tim calls me reckless. Good luck ole boy. And though you didn't say it in your letter, I sure hope she's worth it."

Jarik takes a breath. The air is crisp, it's morning just after a storm. The wind blows gently across the grassy plain, keeping it cool.

Clouds pass lazily overhead. If the end was comming, there sure aren't any signs of it. Jarik seems to relax slightly, "Well, welcome to Crydon."

Timothy just looks around in awe, realizing he's on another planet so easily. Stuffit meanwhile, wakes up and peaks out of Delachiel's pocket and chitters at her *New market?*

"Now, if you two would wait here, please." Jarik says, "I've got a few...personal things to take care of." His voice seems hesitant and slightly upset. He manages a smile, "Shouldn't take long."

Delachiel pets Stuffit, refastening her veils, trying to see the world around, feeling the cool air, smelling the scents.

Jarik ohs, "You don't need those veils here, Delachiel. No one save the order knows of your kind."

Delachiel says, ~~It's too bright.~~

Jarik nods slightly, "Please, wait here." Without another word, Jarik heads up the hillside and over. Nothing save the wind is heard...

Delachiel shrugs a bit at Timothy, eyeing the chipmunk curiously.

Timothy calms down a bit and looks at Delachiel, "You find something about me intersting?"

Delachiel nods. ~~Yourself.~~

Something cracks under Timothy's foot.

Timothy blinks and looks down, "What was that? And what about me do you find interesting Delachiel?"

There appears to be a semi long whitish stick under Timothy's foot.

Timothy blinks and reaches down to pick up the white twig and looks at it?

Delachiel frowns and squats down to take a closer look. (Bone?)

The 'stick' comes free from the ground. Fragments of other bits of white hang from it. Timothy finds himself holding whats left of some poor soul's forearm. The hand bones are even still partially there. A black retractable looking claw hangs from a stubborn tendon. A fox's claw.

Timothy shudders just a bit and carefully puts it back on the ground.

Delachiel takes the claw. ~~Not so pretty a place after all.~~

Timothy catches his breath and says, "There is always good and evil in every place Delachiel. Hard to avoid one or the other sometimes."

After a moment, more glints of white can be seen going up the hill.

Delachiel nods, and stands up again, listening.

Timothy looks around the hill and gasps, "They all seem to be of the same race. Was this what Jarik meant when he asked me if...I've had a loved one die?"

Delachiel says, ~~There are things of great evil, that man does to man, or that demons or gods bestow upon men. These are things that should not be learned, for they are too horrible to know.~~

"Yes, Timothy...." Answers a voice, Jarik's voice.

Timothy nods softly, "Well, some of them are easy to learn unfortunately. But we can always fight them."

Jarik is standing atop the hill, motioning for the two to approach.

Timothy hmmms, "Well, let's go see what he wants."

Delachiel follows the motions, a short delay before she sees well enough to discern the signs.

As the two approah the hill, they can see what lies beyond it. Or rather, what did lie beyond it. Burned remains of posts dot the landscape. One or two bits of walls remain, save for one large structure that lies in pieces, collapsed. Even the wind seems to howl across the plain here, perhaps as a reminder of the final moments that must have been.

Jarik looks over the remains of the town, "I'm sorry for bringing you two here... I had to say goodbye to a few people I knew." He wipes his eyes, "Anyway, there's a town about an hour's walk from here. We can get horses there. It's about a day's travel to the Hall."

Timothy pads up with Delachiel and looks about, "Is this what happened the last time your great evil got loose?"

Delachiel takes her time looking around, imagining the battle of long ago. She looks at Jarik, but remains quiet.

Jarik shakes his head, "No. This..is nothing to what will happen. This was simply caused by the greed at stupidity of others. This place is where I was born. I came here to remind myself of what I'm trying to stop from ever happening again. What you see here...this is nothing to what that creature is capable of."

Jarik looks at Timothy and mainly Delachiel, "You may have to face your past. The creature can twist reality to whatever it desires. Nothing must be able to stop you from continuing. No matter what, you must remind yourself that it is just echo's from the past."

Jarik looks to the horizon, "Be prepared for anything."

Delachiel nods quietly, voice deceptively soft. ~~I can handle that. I just want to do whatever I can to stop it. Life, as Timothy said, is valuable, too valuable to be wasted like this.~~

Timothy nods, "Though I'll admit to being a bit nervous. I'll do my best to help."

Jarik almost looks surprised, "Good. You'll admit you're afraid. I would have sent you home right now if you said otherwise."

Timothy nods, "Oh, I've never been afraid to admit I'm afraid. Those Chirr'T'Thar, when I saw them fight the Larctos, scared me to no end."

Jarik 's ears swivel, "Only fools claim to never be afraid. The key is to still be able to act."

Timothy swallows and nods, "I'll do my best."

Jarik smiles, "That is all anyone could ever ask, Timothy."

Delachiel's voice regains some of it's earlier, less reserved, tone. ~~You'll do fine, Timothy.~~

Timothy fingers the metal rod in his hands and the pouch of spell components at his side, "We'll beat this somehow."

Delachiel nods, and pats Timothy's shoulder.

Jarik says, "Now, I'll also tell you this; I don't expect to survive this. Don't worry about not getting home, Arik can handle that. The last battle killed the founder. I assure you, I'm no where near as powerful as he was."

Timothy looks startled, "You've given up on your own life already?"

Jarik 's ears swivel, "Timothy, my life...I have no choice with it anymore." He waves a hand, "Look around. I am the last. I devoted my life to protecting others when this happened. I will give everything to stop this creature, without hesitation."

Delachiel hms. ~~Let's just see what happens before we start giving out anyone's lives, shall we?~~

Jarik says, "Now, we should be going. The town's about an hour from here and the hall is a little less than a day from there. Arik and Liaris will be meeting us there."

Timothy nods, "Let's go then."

Jarik nods. The fox quietly heads down the hill and toward the horizon...

Delachiel says, ~~Timothy, guard the tail please. As long as it's light I'm not much use.~~

Timothy nods, "A shame we can't get you some smoked glass to look through. Help your sight in the day."

Delachiel nods. ~~Interesting idea.~~ She ponders this as she follows the fox, her back pack carried in a admirably effortless fashion.

The fox guides the two along a trail hidden in the grass. It's been four years since he travelled this path and even lobger with company. It seems history has indeed gone full circle.