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   Blue Dawn looked up at him biting her lip. "Are you sure? I don't really have much to wear besides what you see. Is that fine?" She seemed to brighten when he said he was only kidding. -------------------------------- When he arrived that evening, he looked every bit the gentleman. Well dressed, and looked quite impressive. When her mother answered the door he put an arm infront of him and behind himself as he bowed. "Pleasure to meet you madam. I am Assirran. I am here to pick up Evangeline."  
   Looking at him she would pause for a second and for a brief moment he saw a soft pain. "Oh, I did not realize I owed you for the scythe. My sincerest apologies. If...going to this festival is what is needed to pay up for the scythe then by all means I will accompany you." She seemed to fret now slightly. --------------------- "I have appropriate wear. I will go change in that. I can come by to pick you up. That is what a gentleman would do. I will see you this evening then. Have a good day." He said and would head up towards his place. Seems politics were moving again and he was interested to see what turn they would take.  
   Blue Dawn heard a familiar voice calling her and turned looking around. Seeing Alexander, Dawn smiled brightly and waved. Sliding off her new companion she would stand there. "Hello, Alexander. What brings you to town this fair day?" ------------------ "I haven't been watching you long. I was just curious on why you would be here." Moving closer he would look at what she held out. "Are you inviting me to be your guest?" He asked calmly studying it. "I see no reason to turn down your invitation. When do you wish to leave?"  
   Alexander eventually gives up his search in the jungle when later that afternoon Lorde spots the redhead in town. He gave out a cry and headed that direction. ------------------- Evangeline doesn't seem to find the trail but after an hour of desperate searching hears a noise behind her and there is Assirran staring at her. "Can I help you?"  
   Blue Dawn:  Blue Dawn was stroking the nose of the beautiful roan mare she had found. The wild mare was a bit older but had taken a liking to her after she fed her some sugar and carrots and followed her everywhere. Smiling she would move over to a tree stump and gets up on her back without need for a saddle or bridle. Stroking her neck she would ride along the road heading into town. Her read hair billowing out behind her as she looked forward to meeting the people in the village. They were all strange and wondrous. Diamond:  Diamond had been flitting around the guild hall when she noticed the red headed elf walk into town. Smooshing her face against the window, she stared looking her horse over. It was a pretty one but she liked her milk white horse. It even had bows in its mane and tail. Of course no one would think it new how to fight but she had stolen it fair and square from another bandit and she was proud of it. A tap on her shoulder and she turned to look seeing a well dressed messenger. "Miss, for you." Looking it over she reads it and squeals in delight. "A party, oh, I love parties of course I will be there. I must go find a dress." She hurriedly flitted off to go look through her things. Assirran:  Assirran as he always did, started his day with a bath in the cold waters of the springs. Before doing his meditation and then training. He had made a simple home for himself up at the shrine. He was there most of the day, tending his small herb garden and training. Hirushal:  Hirushal was grumpy. The messenger had brought two notes to him. One, the invitation. The second was his adopted family insisting he go and make a good name for themselves. Great, they were looking to use him to up their status in some way. Sighing he knew he would go anyways so he packed his few meager belongings and would start his trek there.  
   Alexander and Blue Dawn:  Alexander's Roc, Lorde, cawed from high up in the air to Alexander's frustration I knoww, I knoww, but I can't ssssee what you ssseee from up there Lorde. He snuck through the bramble and brush until something finally hit his nose- but it wasn't meat of any sort. Not from what he could tell. Alexander sniffed, then sniffed again- then a third time What isss that sssmell, smellsss goooood. Alexander ruffled through the brush as the impatient Roc came down to him, waddling behind sour from not pursuing the beast it saw. Easssy Lorde- just a moment....
 At the water’s edge, where the smell concentrated but seemed to go into the water, was an elven woman. Beside her sat a set of hide armor and a heavy looking box. Her red hair gleamed in the light as she washed it. Her clothing seemed foreign and strange but perfectly blended into the surrounding decor. Ohhhh myyy… Alexander snapped his fingers at Lorde, trying to quietly protest in a hushing command No no no Lorde stay here, PLEASE, lotsss of treatsss, just stay, jussst a moment! Lorde gave a loud and boisterous caw as it took flight back into the air- definitely loud enough for the girl to hear. Alexander sighed as he looked back at the girl, awkwardly shouting over Gooood morning, I'm Alexanderr, Alexanderr Gregovichhh. I did not mean to interrupt! Her beauty made him ridiculously nervous- nothing like the forthright power he had dealing with the locals and political matters. Looking up at him her emerald eyes pierced his even as she smiled. Hello Alexanderr, My name translates into Blue Dawn. Pleasure to meet you. Wringing out her hair she would stand, her lithe form moving gracefully. Are you a native to this beautiful forest?
 Alexander attempted to strike a pose that would impress the red-haired elf as he grinned What do you dooo, Blue Dawn? I am new to this forest for I come from another. At his compliment she blushed prettily. I am a priestess of The Blue Dahlia. She teaches of community and protection. I am actually seeking someone who could make a special weapon for me. Ssspecial weapon, eh? Alexanderrr took out his pocket knife from his survival kit and let his venom drip gently over the blade before showing it to her What kind of sspecial, Bluue Dawnn? Nothing that involves venom. She said watching it. This involves a special stone that glitters the green of the leaves under sunlight. It will take a skilled hand.
 Moving forward she studied it carefully before nodding. This material is dangerous. It may make you sick. But your work is beautiful and I would be honored if you crafted my Holy Scythe. Alexander nodded That sshould be no problem for something as beautiful asss youuu. She blushed again. You are too kind. Walking to the box she opened it revealing the viridian within. He could see the box was lead lined. I will stay with you as you craft it. If you get sick I will treat you. Nooo worriesss. If you can't, we have an apothecary in town I buy suppliess from. Very goood. Besidesss- Alexander gave a reptilian wink at the elven girl Living in a foressst makes you sstrong. Alexander waved for the Elven girl to follow him We'll go to my home, my forge iss there for the blade and wood. As she followed him he waved her over and pointed up to the trees Up there, ssseee? A makeshift treehouse extending around three or so trees was directly above them, below a forge in the soil. Alexander then fearlessly grabbed up the viridian and went to work at the curved blade. What ssort of sicknesss will thiss causse? It causes something similar to leprosy. If a piece gets stuck in you it is like greenblood oil. She marvels at his tree house and will set her hide armor down. Only very few are immune to this. Alexander, having never wanted to impress someone as bad as this Elf girl, the elven girl who had red hair and simply accepted the fact that he could produce venom from his mouth, who brought him a material he'd never worked before- decided to be brave as he was on a hunt. 
 Then itss a good thing I met you, issn't it? Just then Alexander's Roc flew down from the tree house and pecked him, *hard*, on his back. Ow what'sss that for, Lorde? Looking the scythe over, Blue Dawn smiled bright. Indeed, I have been blessed. I believe he is hungry. The Roc moved from Alexander to Blue Dawn and playfully lapped at her ankle with its tiny tongue. Alexander scooped him up and threw him up into the air cursing in ]You ass! This is why I wanted you to wait! Alexander grinned as he finished the scythe and handed it over to her Well, if you ever need me to make a deadlly ssscythe again, let mee knoww, will youu? You know where I amm, after alll. Smiling she nods. I do. Go hunt with your companion. I will see you around. Diamond and Sara:  Diamond giggled as she ran through the street. A childlike womanly figure clad in bright colors. It wasn’t long before she was standing in front of the guild. Entering hearing the chime of the bell. Fluttering her wings she approached the board she looked over the bounties there. Every time her wings fluttered it looked like she was shimmering.
 The Spryon walked up to Diamond with a smile Hello- ummm, I'm here to speak with a guild member about help on a bounty... I don't normally have to do this- would, uh, you know who I speak to? Oh! Sara, by the way. Diamond took flight and came up to eye level. Oh what bounty is it? So exciting. Hunting is. I'm Diamond! You can talk to any guild member! Sara blinked for a second before adjusting to her new friend's jolliness Ugh, an annoying little bastard. He's some sort of change-shaper or something, good at disguises. I am too, but non-magic. HE uses magic and used it to skip town. I think he might be some sort of elf or sorcerer, not sure. But it's been two weeks and the bounty bond's owner is getting antsy- say- you're a Fae, aren't you? I mean, if you're not, sorry, but I'm assuming by your size...?
 Sandra paused for a moment to think before continuing You wouldn't happen to know anything about magic, would you, Shimmerling?[ Nope not really. I’m a knife person myself. I just know how to find people or make people come to me. Screw it. Two heads are better than one no matter what. Sara thought to herself.
 I told you! Giggled brightly. I am Diamond! Having a partner is always good. Where you think he went. Sara sighed Sorry, sorry. This has just been wearing me down to the nerve! Alright, so he started- Sara took out her map of town Here, not too far, I caught sight of him while I was playing outside a clinic that night. I acted like my act was following him, but by day three when I was about to snag him he took off into a crowd. I can't chase people during the day- it kills my eyes. Normally I am able to snag them when they sleep, but this guy's been a night owl, so he sleeps when I sleep. Last I saw, he was just about to skip town and was about a half a day away from the border. That's when I stopped by this guild house on my way, during the day, to see if I could get some help.[ Sara finished her sentence with a big breath and itching her forehead with her tail It's seriously been a b+!&$. I can do the day while you do the night. Sara sighed in relief Ah, thank you. You need anything up front? And, uh, you're looking for anyone with an odd and distinguished black cane. He can change his appearance, but I think the cane is an heirloom. Outside of that, it was originally an older human- gray peppered hair, bronzed skin, etc. etc. She nods. Ill meet you at the edge of the town By whistle tavern. Assarrin and Evangeline:  Assarrin walked up the old worn steps of the mountain path. It had been many many moons since he had walked this path. It seems the shorter lived races had forgotten its importance. Stopping by a shrine that was nothing but rubble he would straighten and clean it before doing his prayers. The quietly move on to the next. As Evangeline made her way home from across town like so many times before, she looked up to see the moon as it glowed over her Oooh, pretty! As she did so, a new scent caught her nose- she'd been living on this same side of the mountain, and exploring it, for nearly two decades, and one and a half of those decades she explored the mountains almost daily. Following the scent slowly, and losing it now and again, she came upon some sort of man- he looked strong, powerful- Evangeline could not help but giggle as she called out Umm, excuse me!!!Oooh, yes, hi, ummm..... What.... are you doing? heh. The man turned, piercing solid emerald eyes gazed at her as she took in his feature. Pointed ears and dusky skin. Silver hair hung loose down his back. Each movement was slow and calculated. Not one ounce of energy wasted. I am following the old path of pilgrimage to the holy cave. Evangeline etched closer, though it was like her body was leaning away Ummm.... Holy Cave? You're.... Kind of a serious type.... aren't you… A mischievous smile crossed over her face while blushing- she didn't even try to stop it. The man made her laugh inside her head without even trying, and looked like the type of man her father probably was. Well Maybe a little more humorous. Yes, long ago a sacred animal was born in the caves above. In the cave reputed to be its birth place is a small shrine. It seems that the pilgrimage has been forgotten as I take it today. I have been repairing and restoring what small shrine I could along my way. Oh my. He has no idea. I wonder how close I can get to him. Evangeline continued to etch forward as the man talked while she looked at him with a crooked smile and cocked over head in interest What's your name, then, stranger? Annnnd do you take guests on these pilgrimages? He looked at her as she moved closer but didnt move a muscle. I am called Assirrin. I don't take guests but if you wish to participate then I will show you the way.
 I'd LOVE for you to show me the way! I'm useful I promise, see? She opened her backpack to show him all her healing herbs and potions I run the clinic down on that nearest corner of town just there. Evangeline then walked up to him, and in a semi-hug and completely informal pressing into his body she pointed over his shoulder And my little cottage is just... There. She giggled before backing up again So, ummm... Where to now? Should I know anything? A hymn or prayer or? As she moved to hig him she found herself standing where he had been and him by her side and she wasnt exactly sure how she got there. She wasnt even sure if they touched. We walk slowly down this path. Each step take a moment to reflect on your inner self. I will teach you a prayer when we get to the next shrine. He would motion for her to walk beside him as he started moving down the path. Damn it! Evangeline giggled again as she mockingly said in her head Each step I'm going to take a moment to think about you, me, and some rubbing oils on those arms of yours Mr. Assiran. Very well, I will, um...take a step… She took a few steps side by side the man as he did before going And instead, I'm going to tell you that you should come to my clinic, if you need... Anything. Anything at all! You will, won't you? Oh tell me you will! If there is a need then I will take it into consideration. He said quietly. Each step was measured and slow as he looked around him. He was enjoying the forest and its peacefulness. Sensing the youth and rambunctiousness of the one beside him, he would let her be herself as they walked. After a long moment of silence he held up a hand and pointed to a doe with a fawn. He held still and watched them with her until they moved on. Why didn't we kill one of those doe? That would have been easy pickings for the folks in town, and us, even, Assiran. Did you not see the fauns they were guarding. There was no need to take their lives as they teach their young to live. I have no great need for food at this moment or for the near future. Neither do you. Also, this is a pilgrimage not a hunt.
 No, you discontinue the line of deer that could feed many down the line. Hunting should be done carefully. After a bit he stopped and looked at her. I would not wish such a thing but it could be done. Evangeline melted, but kept quiet for the rest of their journey, trying her best to keep her blushing as low as possible as she glanced at him, then away, at him, then away. He is sooo serious. I wonder what it would take to frustrate him, he he. He would stop and teach her simple prayers at each shrine and it isn't until moonrise that they make it to the cave. Once in he would step inside and move a large stone exposing a small shrine. Removing incense from his pouch he would light it and rolls out a meditation mat. Here we meditate. The simple figure on the shrine was that of a great dragon.
 Evangeline respectfully recited the hymns until they were done before looking at him How... did you even find this place? I came here when I was younger with my teacher. This was many many moons ago. Probably more moons than you have been alive. He's older than me, too? Mmhm. Evangeline stood and gave a respectful bow I, unfortunately, have to hunt early tomorrow and search for herbs. Promise you'll stop by and see me at my clinic, ok? 
 He watched her go in silence before continuing his meditation. It would seem things had become more lively in this area since last he was here.
 Nathan and Hirushal:  Nathan had had a boring and uneventful day so far, nothing like the Day of the Spyron he had recently had, that was, until he saw another Spyron walking by. Something was different about him, and Nathan could not resist but call out Hello! Yes! Sir! Free sample! Yes you there, the one that looks like me! ONLY OTHER ONE IN THE STREET! Yes! Come now come all! You, YOU look like my next customer! Yess, yes indeed! Hirushal was irritated with his day. Now this wasn't an exception but a general rule of thumb. His pale blue scales and lack of bright coloration generally had him stand out. But now, of all things, a peddler was trying to sell him wares. Turning towards him he hissed. I am no customer of yours. What do you want? Well, ha ha, FIRST! Nathan quickly took out a vial and squirted his venom into it before holding it up to the sun Ah, yes, you see- you probably weren't aware- you can tell your health, my fellow Spyron, from the color, or discoloration, of your, ah- yes, aaaaah, open wide! Your venom! Nathan rambled around his trinkets and kits under the cart before popping back up I also have a free poison for you to try, oh yes! Yes indeed, Drow Poison! Very very deadly, can kill a lesser being in a matter of seconds! Come on, just the price of a little squirt of your venom into this vial and the poison is yours! Practically free, eh? Now I've got him! Nathan thought to himself with a smirk. The blue Spyron came over and studied the vial and then him. Lunging forward he grabbed his arm. You want my venom, then here you go. He yanked his arm out and bit Nathan's arm letting his venomed bite fill his body. My venom is stronger than drow poison. He said even as he walked away.
 Nathan ran up from his cart to the creature pointing at the puncture holes You see, normally our venom causes a sort of, a sort of fester around the primary fangs' entry point, but, you see- Nathan held the arm up in front of the creature's face No festering, and I don't feel faint, or dying, or, well... Um... Anything? Nathan then, almost instantly, fell to the ground. While he felt as if he now WAS indeed dying, he was mystified Now I absolutely need a sample of his venom. Nathan popped the remove poison potion open and glugged it quickly before bouncing right up with a smile You wouldn't happen to be in the business of DONATING that venom, would you? It would be, for, you know, eh hem, Science! He would swish his tail irritably as he glared at him. I don't donate venom. It is mine and mine alone. Looking at him he saw a terrible scar along one leg which is why he hobbled slightly. What is it to you? Well I'm sort of in the business of studying the Spyron. We're a violent and good at hunting and killing race- but amongst one another we don't even know much about ourselves! I plan on changing that! Like how I discovered the darker our venom, the shorter our life spans tend to be, or the closer illness is for us- which is rare, and often dangerous. Oh my- Nathan got into a full crouch to gaze at the scar For something to do this to YOU, well, I'd hate to see how that ended up for them. Looks down at the strange Spyron and thought a moment. He could use this. Indeed, it is now the fur on my bed. So you are studying Spyron physiology. Why does acid effect the Spyron?
 To further examine would require a dead Spyron and to test its flesh with venom vs. acid, but, such a thing is... Grotesque to do inside a town, unfortunately. Indeed. Though you may look into taking prisoners bodies as donations.
 I am Hirushal. Keeper of the eastern swamp. He said. Now there were all kinds of strange tales about the keeper of the eastern swamp. Each tale more unbelievable than the last.I do not prefer the whip. Crossbows are more what I use.
 It then hit Nathan and he couldn't believe he didn't bring it up before- he whispered the question to Hirushal like a secret though almost no one was in the streetYou.... wouldn't happen to be, uh, eh hem- are you weak to acid, like, like me? Like most of us? Looking at him he shook his head. I am not. You HAVE to let me take a sample, please- LOOK- you bit me, and I'm absolutely fine with that, but there's just a tiny little flesh debt between us. You bit me AND you rejected my products for essentially, free. Look- just give me a tiny bit of your venom, and a needle prick of your blood and tissue for me, and I'll be out of your hair, er, scales, or, scar, tail, WHATEVER- out of your way, I swear! And- and- I can make almost anything- I'll owe you one, free, weapon, hm? Yesss, you like that! A free weapon! Or, or or, or armor? Hm? Free Armor? Looking at him he would shift I will think on it and flesh debt does not apply. You harassed me first. I will trade you herbs from the swamp for your wares.
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