Nuij watched the others working as they tried to rebuild her home village that had been nearly destroyed in the Marmo occupation of Kanon, as she worked to finish painting the trim on the outside of a recently rebuilt tavern.
"These times have been trying but we'll pull through." She mentioned to a larger man beside her, trying to make small talk. Getting a response from him she continued working.

"Yeah, we've survived this long. You never told me what happened to your father, how he died. But then it seems it always was a touchy subject, he was a great man I just never expected to find out he died."

Sighing she gave a light nod and kept on working, memories of her family depressed her and she hated that.

* * *

Ciprian sat on the roof of a newly constructed house, working on the thatching. He was definitely no thatcher, but everyone who wanted to give aid had to learn these skills. He was in nothing but his pants, even in the cool autumn air. The whole day he had been working hard and that breeze was more than welcome on his bare back.
Already the town was looking better for the week they had been working. The only tavern in the town was just getting the finishing touches of paint. Houses had been rebuilt, the temple to Marfa was just waiting for the priests to arrive and sanctify it. The villagers said it had been a temple to Kardis during the war. They had lost a number of people to human sacrifices. Ciprian wanted to destroy it and build a new temple, but an emissary from Tarba was very adamant that the priests could cleanse it.

"Knight," The priestess had said from the back of her horse. "Kanon was retaken by the forces in the name of Falis, Marfa and Myrii. Did they destroy what was left? You're not rebuilding from the ground up, why should we? It would only mean that Kardis beat us. We will take it back."

Ciprian's mind had changed after that, and a small smile touched his lips remembering her words. Perhaps it was a better idea to salvage it than destroy it, and prove they could do it.

Cip wiped his brow with his arm, then continued nailing a thick strip of wood onto the roof. The undead were still a problem, at night you could hear their moans as they tried to climb the ramparts. That had been the first thing to go up. It wasn't a pretty addition, but essential. The children were terrified at first, they could hardly sleep at night and their crying could be heard across the village. They were starting to toughen though, getting used to the sound, though they still had nightmares.

Up on the hill out of town, a funeral pyre still smoldered where they burned all their dead. Old men and women who had been so stressed by recent events, their hearts decided to give out on them. Two stillborn babies had been added, as well as family dogs that were killed by the dead and even a horse. They used to bury the dead on the hill, but now the graves were empty, their occupants roaming freely.

"Hey Cip!" one of his fellow knights called from the ground. No one called him Ciprian except officials and superiors. "Almost done? We're going to celebrate the re-opening of the tavern!"

Cip smiled a little. "Almost."

* * *
Nuij then just finished the last coat of paint and stood back, looking at her fathers old friend who ran the place she smiled. "Now you need to hang that new sign, just make sure you don't hurt your back. Father told me how you'd always hurt it hanging signs."

"Yeah, and he always was the one to cause it so he's no angel himself." The innkeeper joked as he walked up the ladder and hung the sign up, watching from afar she stepped into the newly rebuilt in and could smell the new wood and food being prepared in the kitchen. "You did alright lass, now can ye tell me what happened to him? Just so I know."

She then sat in a chair to rest and sighed. "Killed by the same demons that hurt me... That do for ya?" She replied as she looked down at the floor, knowing that she would not ever be the same again. The innkeeper patter her shoulder as he gave a simple reply. "Aye, you need not say more." Then he disappeared behind the bar as she waited for the reopening, some funds from her own shop went into this place and it looked good.

Ciprian put his hammer in the loop of the work belt he had borrowed and slipped off the roof, landing quietly on the sod ground. He leaned back, hands on his back and stretched, hearing a few vertabrae pop as he did. It felt good. The fall breeze picked up and blew across his bare skin, making him shiver. He quickly picked up his shirt and pulled it on. He buttoned it all the way and wrapped his arms around himself.

"There, finally done?" His friend said, peeking around a corner of the house. He'd been cleaning under his nails with a knife.

Cip ran a hand through his hair and nodded. "Yeah," he murmured in reply.

His friend grinned and sheathed his knife. "C'mon," he said and led Cip to the tavern. Cip followed, rubbing his arms from the cold.

The two knights, out of armor, entered the tavern and looked around with satisfied nods. They had done a good job restoring it. Cip looked at the few people inside, the owner, a couple of local girls as barmaids. Unlike in the bigger cities, they wore genuine smiles. A few of the local men had claimed a corner and were sipping on mugs of ale, looking forward to getting drunk. Cip noticed a half-elven girl—half-DARK elf—by the bar. To a Valisian and a holy knight, Dark elves were the enemy. He seemed a little contemptuous at first, but she must be a decent person if she was helping out. Besides, he'd heard from the villagers that dark elves could be rough on human women, which sometimes resulted in a half-breed child. Perhaps she was one of those.

Cip's contempt disappeared and instead he offered her his usual honest, charming smile and nothing more.
Nuij looked at the Knight who smiled at her as she nodded politely, sipping her wine she studied the saber and sighed. Recalling her father she wondered what he would be say knowing she survived this well.

"I don't think we've met, I am Nuij Velg'larn and you are sir knight?" She then waited for a response as she returned his courtesy with a polite reply and light nod. 

Ciprian grinned. Even if she was half-dark elf, she was pretty. It was always good to find friendly pretty girls. He bowed to her, in knightly fashion. "My name is Ciprian, my lady."

"Better know as Cip," his friend added with a wink. "I'm Kale," he said, and instead of bowing, he offered to shake her hand. He wouldn't stick around long to get to know her though, Kale was more interested in joining the men over in the corner and having a jolly old time.

Seeing Kale come over and wink made Nuij cringe and remembered her time in slavery as she looked to Ciprian and returned his kind gesture. "An honor too meet you, my father was a knight himself just it's still hard to remember him and my mother, don't ask." She tried to hide the pain in her eyes at the memories as she shut them for a moment and blocked out the memory, which the demons made her witness as they tried to rape her in that awful cell but failed. 

"Sorry, I just had one of my moments. I don't like to remember them much nowadays." She then offered Ciprian a seat as she took a drink of her wine, the innkeeper walking over and refilling her goblet with a worried look on his face.

"She not be one to talk of her past, all even she e'er say about it even to an ol' friend of her fathers is not much. She be a kind girl, I'd not be takin' her silence as mistrust." He then went and returned to the counter as people filed in, and the noise level got louder.

Ciprian's eyes roved over Nuij's face as she cringed. Kale didn't seem to notice, he was never that intuitive. Kale slapped Cip on the back, then wandered further back into the tavern where the other drunks were. Cip could hear a call of "Hey!"

His attention was on Nuij though. Her father was a knight? Then her mother must have been a dark elf. But was her father a knight of Marmo? No, not with the way the bar keep spoke about him. Maybe a knight of Kanon...Well, that didn't matter, the girl was in pain. Cip wanted to ask about her parents, but it didn't seem as if she was willing to talk, yet. Maybe if they got to know each other better. Cip offered her another charming smile. "Well, let's have a seat," Cip extended his hand to a table. "I take it you're a native of this village?"

Nuij stood up and followed him to the table as she sat down and replied, choosing her words wisely so she did not reveal too much. "I am not sure how to put it, but this is my home for all I can remember, I grew up here but did spend some time on the road. I don't talk of them much because it hurts too much, they were murdered." She then sipped her wine as she waited for him to sit down, he was handsome and one of the first she felt she could possibly trust.

* * *

Cian wiped a bit of sweat from his brow, as he entered the tavern. Kanon was in far worse shape than he'd heard, still after traveling for days he was exhausted. He'd spent most of his wares just for food and a few rumbles from his small stomach, let him know it's displeasure at being empty. There was a respectable amount of people here, mostly drinking and few eating. He moved through the tavern attempting to go unnoticed, someone had to have a money pouch that he could lift. He hated to do so, blatantly, but he was starving. It was then he spotted a couple at a table, a blondish haired warrior and an elf? He'd only seen fair folk, in passing from a distance before and then only once. He'd have to be careful, they had strange magics. Moving as smoothly as he could he made his way towards the table, hoping that if he passed by quickly enough he might get a better look at where a hanging money pouch might be. Hhmmnn, they're all wrapped up in their talk, now might be a good time.

Cip slipped into his seat and ordered a bottle of wine for them both from one of the smiling barmaids. He smiled to the maid, but not like he had to Nuij, he held back now out of respect for his company.

The little she revealed was sad, and Ciprian felt sorrow for her loss. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said. "I lost my father while I was training to be a knight," he commented, trying to relate. He was oblivious to the boy sneaking up behind him, Ciprian's attention was on Nuij.

Cian moved slowly and surely, the warrior's attention was focused completely on his companion. Trying not to breathe hard, Cian reached out for the warrior's coin pouch. Unfortunately, while he was quiet and his fingers quick his stomach let out a very loud growl. Cian bit his lower lip and nearly froze. By the gods, not now!! Stomach be quiet!! Cian knew that if the warrior didn't hear that he was deaf, and the elf had to have, he readied himself to flee.

The boy sneaking up behind Cip Nuij noticed and in an instant the saber was pointed at him. "You were going for his money pouch were you not? Now I don't want to see you doing it again, if I catch you a second time the guard will be called. Move along."

Her voice had a sharp edge to it as she re-sheathed the dwarven steel saber and turned her attention back to Cip, making sure the boy left the tavern under her steely gaze.

"A long story, and a past I am trying to recover from. He was a good man, formerly a knight of Flaim. Died several years back, my name is literally translated into Fiend Assassin. The monsters called me that..." She then smiled at the memories and pondered about him, her father would have approved of him and would have wanted her to move on. "I just never really expected anyone to even try to understand, I just don't say much because the circumstances of the past would make many cringe. I apologize if I dodge some questions, I just don't want to remember."

She slowly sipped her wine, perhaps she could trust Cip and finally free herself from the shadow she still lived under. Her blue-gray eyes met with his every so often, the shadows that covered them seeming to melt a bit looking into his gentle gaze.

Cip heard a small rumbling behind him, but before he even had the chance to look, Nuij had drawn her saber—which made Cip start—and pointed it passed him. Cip turned and looked to a dark haired boy who was paused in the act of reaching for his purse. Such a young boy, maybe between eleven and thirteen. He wasn't a local, Cip had been here for a few days and had most of the faces in this tiny village memorized. This boy had to be a wanderer. Cip felt instant sorrow for whatever circumstances led to him becoming a thief.

The boy was out the door before Cip was able to say anything to him. And then, as if nothing happened, Nuij continued talking. Cip watched her for a moment, then glanced to the door and back to her. He hardly absorbed what she said, though he tried. Her eyes were starting to soften, it seemed, regarding him in a warmer light. Maybe had had succeeded in charming her, but he couldn't help worrying about that boy at the moment.

Finally, he shook it off and continued his conversation. "Well...uh, I try to listen to people's stories whenever I can. Sometimes it does a person good to tell another."

Nuij considered this, perhaps her progression was hindered by her silence. She then swallowed as she spoke soft enough for only Cip to hear. "I'd call them my dark years, just that they're why I seem mistrustful of most. I learned the art of making poisons and anti toxins from my mom, she was a dark elf. I was about twenty then, and we were headed to Marmo for a delivery, on the island we were attacked. Demons took us prisoner, killed my parents before...." She then closed her eyes and focused for a second, as the memories brought her back there. "I saw them get killed and for six months they used me as a scullery slave, one day I tried to escape and almost succeeded. I made it as far as the exit, with my fists and saber as my only weapon and took several out. After that they trained me for an assassin, tried to corrupt me but after two years I escaped and returned home. Since then I've become somewhat of a demon hunter when one shows itself, I just want to redeem myself for the past and know what truly living is like."

She then sighed as she sipped her wine, now one man knew who she was and time for her to ask. His gentle mannerisms, considerate nature made her see why her mother fell for him. She wanted to think about it though, but she was starting to see something in him. 

"More about yourself, I don't like remembering that three years. You seem like someone who actually will listen, I guarded myself with silence, and perhaps admitting it happened will help."

Ciprian was a little overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge she was just pouring into his lap. It seemed he had definitely found the key to opening her up. Finally, she asked him about himself.

"Well," he said and reached back to scratch the back of his head. His story didn't really compare to hers. "My father was a holy knight, I grew up in Lesmoa. I've got two older sisters, both are married now, and two younger ones. I became a squire when I was about 7. My father died in the War of Heroes. Really, not much to tell."
Ciprian's mind wandered back to the boy thief when he recalled that he was a squire at that age. He would have to find him later, when Nuij let him go.

* * *

Cian left the tavern, he was sure his exit was closely followed by the elf woman's gaze. He was impressed, of course his stomach had given him away. At least he still had his head and didn't have any trouble with the city guard, that was the last thing he needed. Still he was starving, perhaps he'd be able to lift a few purses outside. Hmpf, still she could've given me a good scratch to teach me a lesson, or called the guard. She's, interesting. I think I'll keep tabs on her, could be fun. And with that thought Cian, began to move away from the tavern. He'd pick a few pockets and get some coin, outside and when he saw her again he'd keep tabs on her and the warrior. From a distance.

* * *

To the east of the tiny village of Silver Creek, unknown to the villagers and the knights and soldiers working within, a band of goblins had been watching, and waiting until night fall. The land was nearly devoid of life, and their usual game had disappeared. They were desperate, so their gathered their forces and joined with another clan with the plan to sweep through Kanon and destroy the humans. Then, they would take their meat and ale and retreat to their caves. It was a dangerous and ill-thought out plan (as many goblin plans tend to be), but it was the only thing they could do. Kanon was weak and everybody knew it.

Silver Creek would be their first kill, and they were very confident they could win. There were Marmo goblins and kobolds who had joined the two tribes who were much crueler and powerful. They brought ogres, and the shamans had even been able to summon a demon. It was a lower demon, but deadly all the same. It wasn't very intelligent, as far as the goblins knew, and they trusted the shamans held it's leash tight in their hands. It was an ugly beast, like all demons. It stood about seven feet tall with a gangly humaniod form. Six-inch claws adorned it's feet and long-fingered hands. It's flesh was dark and skin scaly. It's face was almost canine, but with sharp tusks poking out of it's short-muzzled face. On it's head were twisted horns.

A quiet order passed through the army and they advanced, first torching the fields and raiding the farm houses, then moving on toward the village of Silver Creek.

* * *

Ciprian heard screams from outside the tavern which made him straighten. "What was that?" he gasped and looked to Nuij. The entire room heard the screams and the conversations cut short. Now they could hear the sounds of battle.

Without a word, Ciprian stood and rushed to the door. Other knights and soldiers followed and peered out and saw an army of goblins and kobolds pouring into town over the eastern ramparts. Light glowed beyond and illuminated the smoke rising from the fields. "To arms!" Ciprian cried, he was the highest ranking knight in this little backwater town. He drew his sword and rushed outside.

Nuij followed behind Ciprian, using her full training she sprinted past the warriors and sent a kick to the head of one of the kobolds. "You really oughta watch where your going! What the! Goblins!!! Kobolds!!!" She called out as a woman nearly ran into her and she slid the woman behind her into the Inn before anything else.

She then drew some small perfectly balanced daggers and started to move towards a larger group of them, stepping into a shaded area she seemed to vanish into the shadows for a second as she stopped moving and four throwing daggers hit some of them with pinpoint accuracy. Moving past them as silently as she could, her eyes scanned the area for the commander of this group their look was one of deadly intent.

A cold shudder passed up her spine as she pressed on, a familiar coldness like he days she was held and trained of her old masters will. Slipping into the shadows again near where this coldness was she saw it....

Making her way back towards where the Knights and soldiers were fighting she called out, not panicking but concerned for the citizens. "Cip, can you get the citizens out of harms way? I can take care of their commander, we have a demon here. It's mine, I'll explain more later."

She then headed to where the presence was and faced it, her eyes burning with rage. "You'll pay for my parents, all your kind will pay!!!! You can't hide from me, but if you run I will not let you rest... DIE!!!!!!"

She then tossed another throwing dagger it's way and then focused on it, as she looked at it square in the eyes she sent a small gray sphere of energy from her left palm at it fully knowing it could not avoid the second attack even if it could the dagger.

Ciprian watched Nuij for a moment as she ran off, she could handle herself, he didn't fear for her safety. He turned to the knights, soldiers and local men who decided to turn to arms. Ciprian knew well enough that he couldn't keep them from defending their town. "Get the women and children to safety!" he ordered and ran into the fray.

Ciprian had cut his way through the enemy, making his way to the front line. Goblins and Kobolds were beginning to swarm the town like ants and Ciprian feared Silver Creek, Kanon would cease to be. Light flared to his right and he glanced to see the house had just finished thatching burst into flames. "Bloody hell!" he cursed. "Falaris burn you!"

* * *

Cian woke with a start in the small niche behind the tavern, where he'd been sleeping. Screams and the sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance. Moving quickly he emerged from the alleyway to see a goblin advancing on the elf woman's flank. Pulling a dagger, he aimed, threw it and met his mark. The goblin went down, feebly clutching at the dagger in it's throat. However the young boy barely had time to duck a well aimed sword from a Kobold. Ducking another swing, he stabbed the creature under the left armpit. Cian wondered what had happened to cause such creatures attack, his wondering almost cost him his life as he barely dodged another goblin's sword, he could feel the warm wet slickness of something running down his left arm.

Hearing the goblin flanking her she looked back to Cian. "Thanks kid, but this is no place for you especially when demons are involved." She got off before she returned to face the demon and made her attacks, to ensure it was hit by her magical attack she sent another one towards where it could also move. "You've seen your last battle dark spawn... Your going to become part of my collection like every other demon who has crossed my path..."

* * *

Cip took a step toward the house, then a fight between another two houses caught his eye. The boy. The little boy who tried to steal his money was caught in a fight with goblins. Ciprian ran in his direction instead and came in with his sword brandished. With an upward sweep, he caught the goblin that had just barely missed the boy in the ribs. He placed himself in front of the boy, with the house on his other side. "Get out of here kid, they're evacuating on the east side of town," Ciprian ordered, pointing east quickly.

Cian breathed in a rush of air, he could feel the blood running down his arm. The cut wasn't too bad, but it was enough to remind him to pay attention. Looking at the Knight he nodded, "Th..thanks, I won't forget this. You should look after others, though I can take care of myself."

With that he aimed his dagger with his good arm, tossed it and caught the goblin in it's right eye. The boy then turned to the Knight and smiled, "Well, I'm heading off where you said, just do me a favor and stay alive. You and the elf lady are too much fun, ha!!"

That boy has skill, Ciprian thought briefly as he ran off. Falis, protect him. Ciprian rushed into the battle with a cry.

* * *

Nuij watched as her opponent was hit by her attacks, looking a bit dazed the demon clumsily charged at her. Moving out of the way of it's initial attack her she sent a heel to the back of it's neck, watching as it hit the ground but got back up she back flipped away and readied a few more daggers. "Your kind will suffer for what you did to me, I will see to it you pay for those actions..."

She then sent the poison coated blades its way and watched as they sunk into it's left side, moving around it probing it's defenses with her saber she waited for the venom to take full effect. As she circled a few goblins came up behind her only to have their chests opened up. In her haste the demon raked across her should as she wheeled around and faced it. Bringing her blade to bear she tore it through the shoulder and cleaved it's arm off, as it screeched in pain she sent the flat of her foot into it's face and sent it back a few feet.

Moving towards it she got even more into the fight, her darker side assuming command at this point she ripped the tip of the blade through it's eyes. As more blood splashed onto her clothing she stood there and looked at the demon, her eyes even more shadowed. "Not enough, you will first learn true pain before you die..."

She then circled her opponent knowing it was badly crippled and held her sword tighter as she sliced into it's lower back on the right side so that it's good arm would be more painful to use. In that brief moment she let it flail blindly at her as she dodged it's attacks, clipped by a few that left some lines in her skin. Growing bored she circled behind it and drove the saber into it's spine, slicing it into two halves as the body fell. Taking the first digit of each index finger she went to make sure the women and children were evacuated safely, taking out any goblins and hobgoblins along the way.

* * *

Cian retrieved one of his daggers and began to move in the direction of the evacuees, when he noticed a goblin advancing in his direction. Taking out his sling, he hurriedly loaded it, spun and fired. The creature shrieked in pain as the sling stone, cracked the front of it's skull. It was then Cian heard a wailing from somewhere near him, it sounded like a baby.

The boy hurriedly ran through the chaos around him, until he came on a scene of a woman holding her child in terror as a goblin advanced on her. Cian could only think to himself, this is similar to how he lost his people, the screams, the blood, he wouldn't let her loose her baby. Drawing another stone, he loaded his sling a second time, spun and fired. It met it's mark well enough, to draw the creatures attention away from the woman. Now, he was the target.

"Gods...I think, I've stepped in it this time." Cian noted this goblin looked a little meaner than the others he'd fought. Before he could finish his thoughts the creature was on him, slashing and swiping with a nasty looking sword. Cian's speed, agility and small size saved him from being cut. But he was tiring, the boy knew his dagger was no match for a sword. The goblin would have the advantage of reach, and superior strength. Cian decided his only chance was to wait for an opening, duck under fast and strike at a vital organ. It was dangerous, but if he didn't do something he was dead anyway.

After several tense minutes, Cian feigned exhaustion, the goblin paused just for a moment, raising it's blade high it lunged. Cian dodged but not completely, he felt a slight cut on his side. Still, he had his opening, aiming for the underside of the creature's throat, he met his mark. The boy, pulled his dagger from the corpse, clutching his side he made his way to an alley and slowly slid down into a sitting position. The skirmish had taken more out of him than he thought.

Nuij saw Cian take the hit and snuck into the alley behind him, from her place in the shadows she spoke. "Your not so bad kid. Keep moving and I'll watch your back from these monsters. Don't look back, I've pulled through worse so I can hold my own even wounded."

She stood there in the light of a torch as she felt her injuries causing her some pain and waited for him to move forward, cleaving the head off of a hobgoblin as it approached the alleyway. "I'll be ok, if you still can fight then feel free to join me..."

She then stepped out and sent the last of her throwing daggers at a mixed group of goblins and kobolds before her wounded shoulder gave out and her saber rattled to the ground. Picking it up she continued to the east, keeping behind Cian hoping there were no more surprises for them this night.

Cian hadn't heard Nuij approach his hiding place, and was a bit startled when he heard her speak. He turned and noted that she'd been injured also.

Readying his remaining dagger, sling and stones, he looked at her with a wily smile, "Yeah, I think these things need a lesson. Why don't we teach em one, one they won't forget. Call me Cian, okay? Now let's get some goblins."

And with that the boy stepped out of the alleyway, loaded his sling and caught one Goblin dead on in the left eye. The creature screamed in agony as it's eye socket ran with a thick gore.

Cian heard a clattering sound behind him, and saw the elf woman had dropped her sword, but picked it up. Her shoulder looked bad, but not so much that she couldn't fight, he was also feeling the sting of the two cuts he'd received. Shaking his head, he cleared the cobwebs, loaded more stones into his sling and let fly at two more goblins. One missed, but the other caught one right in the throat, it went down clutching at it's crushed Adam's apple.

"Good idea, let's just move carefully as I don't want any surprises. Names Nuij, what's yous kid?" After reclaiming her saber she moved at another one, taking it's head clean off. Moving forward a little she spotted another two coming up behind a fleeing family, sending one flying into a post with her foot she then broke the others neck with a clean jerk.

Cian grabbed a spare dagger from the body of one of the dead goblins. Then looked at Nuij, and smiled his warmest smile, "Cian, that's my name. What could've set these things off to attack in so many numbers? I thought, goblins were usually yellow bellies for this sort of thing."

Turning quickly to a sound to their left, Cian flipped a dagger in his hand and threw it with his good arm at an advancing goblin. The creature, fell to the ground clutching at the dagger in it's throat.

The boy then moved with speed, loading his sling, spinning it and catching another in it's face, at another advancing some distance behind Nuij. The boy then picked up a few stones from the ground for more ammo, all the while watching their surroundings. Spotting another one, this one actually had the intelligence to try to use a house as cover while it snuck towards them. Cian spun his sling again and fired catching it in the upper chest, his arm was tiring a bit.

"Hnngghh, darn this arm.. now's not the time to be weak," the boy scolded himself as he loaded his sling for another shot, and fired again. This time the goblin's left eye exploded in a bloody splatter.

"I don't know, perhaps food could be involved or some other factor. I do know there was a demon involved but it's been taken care of, they usually leave pretty nasty wounds. Cover anyone whose fleeing and make sure they get to safety, I don't know what the motivation for this attack really is though." She then took down another goblin as her heel smashed into it's skull and caused it's head to jerk violently, after that she hit another one on the back of the neck with a jump kick that smashed a couple of vertebrae. Seeing a trio of kobolds advancing on a child crying in the middle of the street she rushed towards the child and took the kobolds out, their chests sliced open. Afterwards she hurried the child to the main gathering point and left him with one of the priests who lived in the village before returning to the battle.

"I hope Cip and the others are alright, I don't know why but I just hope he makes it..." She spoke softly to herself as she was jumped by a pair of goblins who knocked her down, crushing their throats with a swift strike to each she got up slowly and in even more pain this time. Knowing she could not fight much longer she made her way towards the main front of the battle, hoping her and Cian could help cut off their entry path to the village itself.
Cian saw Nuij jumped by a bunch of goblins and swiftly dispatch them. "Nuij!!!", the boy screamed as he ran towards her, unfortunately he failed to notice the goblin that advanced to his left, before a nasty sword swipe caught him in the side. Cian instinctively rolled with the cut to avoid the worst of it. But he felt a rush of warm running from his side, as he crashed to the ground.

"Why, you...piece of!!!" The boy rolled to avoid another blow. Feinted and stabbed the creature deep in the side of it's throat. As the creature fell, Cian rolled to see another goblin rushing towards him. Cian leapt to his feet, dagger in hand. Dodged the first swing and the second. Before throwing his dagger square in the creature's throat. Cian retrieved his dagger and nearly collapsed onto the ground holding his side. Getting up slowly he looked at Nuij, and laughed weakly.

"I'm ok, hold on a second Cian, I have something that will help us out here. Just have to find it." Nuij looked at him with a nod as well as a light laugh and then inspected his wounds, pulling a vial of greenish substance out of one of her belt pouches she drank half of it and handed it to him.

"If your as serious about defending the village as I think you are then take this, it'll numb the pain for a while. It may taste bad but as long as it helps it's all that matters, doing good just don't give up."

She then moved forward, refreshed and revitalized as well as not feeling her pain. Moving towards a group of goblins Cip was fighting, she flanked a few who were attacking a wounded knight.

"It's not over till it's over, if any of you need something for the pain see me when you can. I am an apothecary, I can help just hold the line! Ciprian, I'm going to go after their other commanders they lose them morale should be damaged. Perhaps if you have enough men we could flank and surround the remaining enemies." She then sent her heel into the left temple of a hobgoblin and saw it spin to the ground, she was not in the best shape but at least now her wounds didn't bother her and she could fight properly again.

Cian smiled and took the vial and drank the liquid. When the taste hit him, he winced slightly handing the vial back to her. "Yurrggh, that tasted just as you said it would, no it taste worse."

But the boy noticed that his wounds didn't bother him as much, and pulling a dagger from one of the dead creatures, he hurried after Nuij. Turning in time with a skill move, Cian ducked under the slash of a goblin's sword. Moving quickly, the boy was able to stab the creature in the instep and slash it's throat as it hit the ground.
Cian looked at Nuij in shock, before moving on. "Ye Gods, it tasted foul. But, it sure did the trick. I can move better and my wounds don't hurt as much. Thanks!!!"

Loading his sling, Cian caught a goblin in the throat crushing it, just as it was charging a wounded knight. Though he could tell through watching Nuij, she had silencer training. With a silent nod of appreciation and respect, the young boy looked at Nuij as she dispatched several goblins.

* * *

Cip slashed downward, bringing his blade into the fur covered skull of a Kobold. Blood and brain splattered him and the kobold's body fell bonelessly to the ground. Kale was at Cip's back, fending off monsters from that side.
"We need to retreat! There's too many!" Kale had yell over the snarls and clashes of battle. He was right, there wasn't much they could do for the village with just their swords.

A goblin rushed at Cip and he brought up his blade in an upward arc, opening the beast from groin to rib, where the breastplate it wore caught his blade. It screamed horribly and flailed at Ciprian with it's spear, only managing to bounce it off his shoulder guards. Cip yanked his sword downwards, cutting through the flesh of it's stomach and spilling bloody and vitals. The goblin fell back to die slowly.

"I agree!" Ciprian finally replied. "Run for it!" He had an opening to run to the west gate and took it. Kale bolted after him.

One of the ogres possessed by the goblins had been set loose on the village. It thundered down the main street, swatting at houses and knocking off roofs. Smashing the giant battle axe it carried on houses and people.

Ciprian ran out onto the main street and skidded to a halt when he saw what was coming. "Oh shite!" he cursed. Kale stumbled out bedside him and added his own curse, "Bloody Kardis!"

Neither of them had a thought to run. Instead, they prepared to slay it. If one of them could hamstring it, it would be fair came. "Distract it Kale, I'll go around behind!" Ciprian ordered as he dashed back behind the house they had run from.

"Sure! Take all the fun yourself," Kale growled. "Hey! Ha! Come get me you sack of meat!" Kale cried to the ogre, waving his sword in the air. "I can take ya! You're no match for Kale, Knight of Valis! Ha!"

Ciprian heard Kale as he ran around the back of the ogre. Sure enough, it heard Kale too. It roared and stomped toward him, shaking the ground. Ciprian came out right behind it and dashed behind it's massive legs, looking for the right spot to hit. Kale was up ahead, barely dodging swipes of that axe. "You're gonna get yourself killed buddy," Cip muttered. He backed up a little, then ran at the ogre at a dash and launched himself up to slash his sword across the back of it's knee. At the same instant, Kale was a little slow on dodging that axe and it caught him in the ribs. There was a sickening crunch that was drowned out by the pained howl of the ogre who was now falling to the ground, one leg completely useless.

Ciprian jumped back from the fallen ogre, laying in the main street. Another knight and several farmers were attacking it's head and neck with swords and pitchforks. Cip hadn't seen Kale be hit, but he somehow knew it happened. A farmer slammed his pitchfork into the ogre's neck and ended it's thrashing. Cip heard a loud death rattle and the battle had silenced somewhat.

"Kale?" Cip cried, then glanced to the left. There was a bloody heap slumped against a house. Ciprian ran to it and found Kale. The force of the axe blow had thrown him aside like a rag doll. His chest was smashed in and his eyes glazed over. "FALARIS!" Cip cursed.

Cian was busy loading his sling when he saw several knights fighting something large, he had no idea what it was but readied his weapon to fire. However, the scuffing noise of feet gave the boy just enough time to dodge a large goblin's sword. Rolling on the ground, Cian jumped to his feet with a dagger in both hands. The creature seemed to relish it's small prey and began to circle the boy. Cian in turn began to move in concert with the creature, looking for an opening. The goblin made a sudden move, Cian easily dodged but felt sharp blow to his back.

"AARRGhgh!!", Cian fell forward and rolled. Another goblin had hit him in the back. He hadn't even heard this one sneak up on him which was unusual. Rolling to make himself a moving target, the boy dodged the sword blows of the first one and threw one of his daggers at the other. The creature leaped back, but was caught in the groin. Cian rolled to his feet, he knew that would keep that one off his back.

The first creature ran forward and grabbed him, the boy was still a bit shaken from the hit he took from the other creature. Cian struggled and placed his feet on the creature's chest, he wasn't going to let the thing bite him by any means. But, he could feel his strength ebbing and the goblin was much stronger than he was.

"NNNggg..Can't ..get free!!" Finally wriggling one of his arms free the boy stabbed the creature in an arm. Howling in pain, the goblin dropped him, and that was it's mistake. With two slashes: One to the creature's groin and another to it's throat, the skirmish ended. Cian feel to his knees, holding his bruised sides, gasping for air.
Ciprian left Kale's body, shaking with anger. They had to stop this. Kill the hobgoblins and the rest would run without leadership. Glancing through the village turned battlefield, Cip noticed the boy again, this time hurt even worse. He ran across the street to him, knocking back any goblin that got in his way. The boy was kneeling and holding his sides. Ciprian crouched down next to him. "Are you all right kid?" he asked.

Cian coughed and a bit of blood ran from his lips from a cut he'd received. He looked at the knight and smiled weakly, catching his breath, "F..F.Fine, you..you're Nuij's friend, right?? Nice to meet ya, name's Cian.."

Staining a bit the boy got to his feet and looked up at the knight, "We need an advantage, or something...do you have any ideas?? And um..thanks..for saving me."

Cian nearly bit his lip saying thank you, he wasn't used to depending on others. But, both Nuij and her friend had saved his life today, he was determined not to let them down or this town. He hadn't even gotten a decent bit of coin before these things attacked. 

A low growl issued from the boy as he loaded his sling, these things were slaughtering women and children as well as men. They had no honor or mercy, and he'd show them none as well. Spinning his sling quickly he caught one goblin in the eye, as it rushed towards them. The creature screamed and clawed at it's ruined face, before running off in pain, but Cain felt a sharp pain in his side but ignored it. Trying not to show pain he turned to the knight. "Hey, goblins are cowards right?? What if we find their leaders? And take them out?"

It hurt Ciprian to see a young boy in such bad shape, he just wanted to get Cian out of there. "Yeah, we'll send some knights out to take care of it," Ciprian said, and for a moment, he wondered about Nuij. He put a hand on Cian's shoulder. Falis, he just wanted to get him out, but...he wouldn't go. "Stay with me kid," Cip said instead of telling him to go get out of harm's way. "We'll find those goblin lords."

Cian nodded to Ciprian readying his sling and daggers, he followed along scanning the alleyways and buildings looking for the most likely place where the goblin leaders would be. Hearing a slight scuffle behind them, Cian turned quickly and threw his dagger into the throat of a goblin. Apparently the creature had been stalking them, intent on attacking them from behind. Cian quickly retrieved his dagger and took one from the goblin's belt to replace the one he'd lost in an earlier fight.

Trying to tune out all of the chaos around him, the small boy remembered his training listening for sounds, noting movement and even smells, but it was difficult given the situation. Finally turning towards one building he spied some goblins, which hadn't seen either Cip or Cian yet.

Turning to Ciprian, Cian spoke in as low a tone as he could. "I've a plan, why find the leaders when we can let some of their own lead us to them? The dogs, have to report back to the master? Am I right? If we follow those or some others, they'll lead us straight to their leaders. and then...you get the idea."

Nuij walked up to them and shook her head, she was hurting again and looking in rough shape. Cip clapped Cian on the back. "Smart boy," he commented. "We'll do..." Ciprian saw Nuij walking up to them. She was bloodied and wounded and Cip just wanted to pick her up and carry her out of the battle field.

Cian nodded back to Nuij, she looked in rough shape, at least the priests would be able to heal her. He didn't want to admit it, but he'd actually been worried about her. Looking towards Cip, the young boy sheaved his daggers and spoke. "If were going to do this, well need to do it quiet. No noise, no sounds. You're a knight, so I guess sneaking isn't quite your style. I can follow them, I've done this sort of thing before, sneaking and prowling. When I've found their camp, I'll come back and lead you to it. If you want to come with me you can, but...you'll have to do what I do. Move as I move, can you do this?"

"We have to get the villagers out, they burnt my shop so I don't have anymore supplies to make stuff for us to use. Cip, I am going to help defend the villagers and get them somewhere safe. Cian, you plan sounds ok, just make sure you can pull it off but I think let them win this battle. Too many and we can escape to one side, just have to play our hands right." She set her saber back in its sheath and leaned against a post, looking at them she seemed read to collapse as her wounds looked like they were bleeding more.

Cip nodded. "Yes, of course. Be careful Cian." He really didn't want to let the boy out of his sight though.

"I'm not ok, even I have my limits. I can't feel my pain but I can barely stand, I've done my part for now may all the gods of good watch over us. I'm sorry about Kale, he fought well and deserves to at least be buried in a proper fashion. Just do what you can, I know we can win as long as some hope remains."

"Falis...Nuij," he murmured, then turned back to Cian.

She then limped towards the gathered villagers shakily, looking back to Cian she gave him a curt nod and then sat down where the priests were treating the wounded. As she sat down a tear slid down her cheek as she watched her family home burning and sunk her head into her knees, not wanting anyone to see her tears of pain.
Seeing his new friend hurt, and her pain was all Cian needed to spur him into work. He'd track those goblins back to their camp, where the leaders were. All appearances of a young boy, were quickly replaced as the thief, now was ready to go about his work. Cian put the fear of being killed or any other distractions behind him and prepared to go about his task. Looking up at Cip, he waited for his reply.

Cian didn't expect the clap on the back, being that he still felt a bit of pain from his wounds, it served to wake him up a bit. Nodding to the knight and smiling a slightly devilish grin the young boy took off, using buildings and carts to hide his presence from the goblins.

Cian did his best to remain downwind from the creatures, while not smart he didn't know if they could smell him or not. And with open wounds, which bled freshly he didn't want anything to alert them to his presence. The creatures began to move and Cian moved with them, ever so slowly and carefully. The chaos around him only served to hide his presence from the creatures. Then one of the creatures turned, Cian did a quick tuck and roll into an alley, which would have made his former teacher proud. All he received was a bruise or two from his efforts, his right shoulder would be raw for awhile but he didn't care. The creatures hurt, Nuij. They made her cry, they'd hurt people and killed Cip's friend.

Sniffing the air the goblin, surveyed the area for a moment then the creatures moved on more cautiously. Cian looked up and decided perhaps using some of the rooftops of the houses which weren't burning or damaged would be to his advantage. He could avoid, other goblins and follow these few for a bit with relative cover. The creatures had been ridiculously stupid, and never once looked up.

After sometime his efforts paid off, he saw at the near edge of the village a gathering of several goblins, and some of them seemed bigger and better outfitted than the others. Cian was certain those were the leaders. Turning, the boy decided to go back and tell Cip. Unfortunately, the gods were not in a generous mood to him this day, as the thatched roof, he'd been spying from gave away.

"Gods!!" was all Cian could get out as he fell through the roof and crashed hard onto a table. Pain, flooded through his side and his vision blurred.

* * *

Ciprian was getting anxious for the boy's return. Cian had been gone too long for Ciprian's likes, though by time Cip felt like it was time to follow him, Cian had yet to fall through the roof and hadn't yet decided to turn back.
Ciprian followed in the direction Cian had ran, keeping to the shadows, which were very deep now. He had few encounters with goblins, which he easily dispatched. Cip ran swiftly to the fields and ended up by a farmhouse at the edge of the woods. "Cian?"

* * *

Cian groaned in pain as he felt his right side. He wasn't sure if he'd broken a rib or two, but the young boy had other problems. He could hear the grunt and shuffle of someone or something outside. He didn't know if the goblins had heard him fall through the roof, but a hiding place was needed now badly. Standing up, he nearly fell over as the world swayed back and fourth, he could hear a pounding on the door and growls. Apparently, he had attracted some attention. Gods..what now...w..window, yes I can get out through there... Cian thought.
Moving quickly, he climbed up to a window and shuffled out of it, closing it behind him just as the door to the cottage burst in. Cian didn't waste any time, he ran making sure to keep to the shadows, he'd found their camp. But, he could taste blood in his mouth, he was hurt bad. Moving as quickly as he could he rounded a corner and almost ran right into something, it was moving stealthily as well.

Cian couldn't tell if it was a goblin or what, not wanting to fight the boy hid behind some barrels and nearly fainted from the pain. NO!! Can't ...have..hav.. to get to Ciprian..tell him what I've found, Shaking his head to clear his thoughts and the cobwebs, he waited and hoped whatever it was hadn't seen him.

* * *

Nuij was still by the villagers keeping an eye on them, running to the Inn she grabbed her stash of fresh daggers and slipped on the bandoleers. Returning to where they were gathered she tried to figure out the best escape route. "I hope their all right, the priest told me to stay behind because of my wounds but I can't. Maybe a quick reckon would help."

She then headed towards the section of the village the ogres were attacking, seeing them approaching she sent a pair of daggers at one and blinded him. She followed that up by taking out his knees and then sending her saber through his throat. Making her way back she dispatched a few goblins and kobolds before waiting for Cian and Ciprian to return.

* * *

Something made Cip turn around, an impulse, a hunch, the sense of someone. He glanced back and in the faint light of the fires, he saw Cian's small form retreating behind the barrels. "Cian!" Cip hissed and hurried over to the boy. "Cian! Did you make it?"

Cian had just gotten behind the barrels when, he heard Cip's voice. Not that he would admit it, but he was never so glad to hear an adult's voice. Turning he nearly collapsed into the knight's arms, the pain and his injuries were getting to him. Gritting his teeth, the boy pointed in the direction he'd come from and spoke. "F..FF.Found them...goblins a lot of them, a few of them larger than the others...they're better outfitted...chain..mail...has to be the leaders. Ha.hha..some thief...I..am.. I fell through a ro.." With that the boy passed out the pain had been too great, a small trickle of blood ran from his mouth.

"Bloody hell..." Ciprian murmured as Cian passed out in his arms. He shouldn't have let the boy fight, and now he was unconscious. Ciprian picked up Cian and put him on his back to carry him. "Falis, preserve me," he whispered and ran across through the dark field back to town. He prayed the shadows would hide him long enough, or that another knight, or maybe Nuij would meet him soon.

Cian opened his eyes weakly to find himself being carried on Cip's back. His side hurt even more and the young boy could only hold on as he fought for consciousness.

"Cip..wha..wh about goblins...don't bo...bother with me.." Cian couldn't say anymore as he slipped back into unconsciousness, dreams began flood his mind. Images of his mother and sister and of Emir, the burning lash of his former teacher was strong in his mind.

Ciprian glanced back at Cian over his shoulder. The boy just passed out again. "Damn, kid, just hold on," Ciprian muttered. He was nearly back in town and was lucky enough not to meet any conflict.

* * *

Nuij looked to the priests as Cip brought Cian in, knowing they would try to tell her it was suicide she looked to where the attack started with a determined look. "What more do I have to lose besides my life? I lost my family, now my home, and possibly someone who can understand where I come from. I don't care what anybody says, I am going to make an example…"

One of the priests looked at her with concern, speaking to caution her about her wounds he spoke too late. "You could do more harm than good to yourself now, I implore you Nuij don't…" Too late, she had moved forward as adrenaline burst through her and a vial hit the ground. The contents were unknown but a closer look by a priest revealed it was some form of toxin or narcotic, which made him worried. Looking to Cip as he arrived he handed the vial to the knight.

Cip hurried to the safe haven where the priests were tending the wounded. He saw Nuij run out, but she was too far for him to catch. Instead, Ciprian brought Cian to the priests and laid the boy on the ground for healing. 

"I couldn't stop her, all she could think about was that she had nothing else to lose, I know what this is. It induces a hallucinated fury, which she feels no pain, but also loses some measure of reason. Please try to help her, don't let her throw her life away." He then began to work on Cian as soon as he could and tried to mend as many wounds as he could, the boy was among the most serious of the injured and would take more time than most.

Ciprian studied the vial for a moment, considering and trying to make sense of what he was just told. Then, clenching it in his fist, he turned and ran in the direction she had gone.

* * *

Cian awoke with a start and immediately tried to sit up, only to have a pair of hands gently push him back to where he was laying. His wounds had been bandaged, his side felt sore. No longer could he feel the sharp shooting pain, he'd felt before. A man in priest's robes looked down at him and smiled. "Easy boy..easy. Lie back and rest, Falis be raised you're awake. We were worried, we almost lost you. You were badly injured, a lad such as yourself should leave such things to knights and warriors."

Cian turned and looked around, he saw no sign of Cip or Nuij anywhere. He felt his heart jump and looked back at the priest as he spoke in a weak voice. "C..Cip and Nuij..where..where are they??"

The priest stared at the boy, he certainly seemed full of spirit. Considering the daggers and other items they found on him when they removed some of his garments to tend to his wounds, he guessed the boy was a rouge. Still, he seemed generally concerned, a good sign. The lad had a good heart, but was in no condition to go fighting. "Now don't concern yourself over your friends, they can more than take care of themselves. You need to rest, and don't try to get up. I'll be watching you."

Before Cian could reply the priest left and was tending to other injured townspeople. He hated to admit it, but the man was right. In his current condition he couldn't exactly sneak off and even if he had the strength. The man was watching him like a hawk, along with some of the other long robes. Cian hated being helpless as a tear came to his eye, he spoke a low prayer, perhaps the first one he'd ever spoken in his life. "Gods of light...please..take care of Nuij and Ciprian. I don't want to loose them."

* * *

Nuij saw Ciprian catching up to her as she seemed to stop until he had made it to where she was, looking in his eyes she seemed to recognize him but her eyes seemed to be more bloodshot then before. "If I die here then at least I won't have to face all of my loss anymore, don't try to stop me because it won't work." Seeing the vial in his hands she didn't even blink, knowing he knew what it was by now. "Don't ever ask about that stuff, it's nobodies business but my own…" She looked into his eyes for a few seconds more as she then closed them and looked forward again, all of her intent focused at some distant enemy.

After that she pressed forward silently, seeing a few goblins ahead she drew her saber and even while running cut two of them down as well as bowling two of them over with some injuries due to her running over them. Her targets were clear, the shamans and their commander and she was obviously willing to defeat them at any cost. What she did not notice was the wound on her left leg from one of their swords, to her pain was nothing right now.

"Nuij....don't throw your life away!" Ciprian whispered as she turned away. He wanted to tell her aloud, but that would draw unwanted attention. Instead, he followed her, defending her from behind. The two goblins she injured and passed over, he slew. He watched a blade tear across her thigh and she just continued on without noticing it. He had long since discarded the vial. The priests said the mixture made her like a berserker. He'd never seen one in action, but he heard stories and reports of their strength and their tolerance of pain. Once she came down though, the wounds could kill her. Her mind could cut her off from her pain, but her body could only take so much damage. He was afraid to stop her. All he could do was protect her until the job was done.

"Go on, Nuij, I have your back," he murmured as they came closer to the Goblin lords. He didn't know if she'd hear him. Nuij looked forward as she caught Cip's whispered concerns, some part of her knowing the same concern. After the blade bit into the back of her left thigh, just above the knee she came across a few more. As her saber tore into two of them her foot crashed into another's jaw, twisting its head and the sound of its neck breaking could be heard. Barely hearing Cip say he had her back she looked back with a glimmer of recognition as an arrow struck her right shoulder, a dagger in the throat of the archer as her response.

Upon reaching the goblin lords she looked at them, her eyes focused on the one that appeared to be a shaman. Giving it a knowing look she launched herself at it, knocking it back with a firm foot to the chest causing a few broken ribs. In this action she narrowly avoided a sword strike and an arrow, focusing on the downed shaman she sent her fist into its throat in a leopard strike as it stopped moving with a crushed throat. Standing up she seemed a bit shaky as she engaged another of them with her blade, blocking and parrying as she waited for a hole for her to slip a dagger concealed in her other hand through. The fight seemed to be more difficult than she expected as it was apparent she had fought herself into a corner, and was barely holding her own with them. She managed to take out one of its arms and then got her dagger into it's side, though through this she was unaware of the other one sneaking up behind her and about to strike down to where her neck met her shoulders… Her strength obviously waning as she was slowing and reactions seeming to stall somewhat, this mixture was no longer as effective as it used to be. Her body was becoming more tolerant to it, and its effect didn't last long at this point. Turning around as the blade came down she was knocked over by a shield, and one of the goblins was grinning as she fell to the ground and was having trouble getting up from the feeling returning to her body…

Ciprian brought his sword down on the skull of an approaching goblin and glanced back at Nuij to catch her glance, and see the arrow that buried itself in her shoulder. He winced for her, and was nearly caught off guard by another archer. On arrow glanced off his breastplate and grazed his neck, another impaled itself in his forearm. Cip yanked it out without a second thought and hissed in pain. Ciprian had no daggers, nor the aim to take down the archer, so he raised his shield ran on and the archer, in it's haste, nailed a few of it's comrades trying to hit Cip.

"Cip, don't become a target yourself. Get away from here, the village is lost and even if you did finish this I don't think I can make it back… I'll try, can't promise anything. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to endanger us both." She spoke as she could just lay there, her left arm catching the seemingly dead goblin lords arm as it's blade tried to strike her but finding only it's side. After that she looked at her attackers in the eye and spat at them, giving them a daring look hoping to distract them from Ciprian's potential attack.

"I'm a knight Nuij," was all he had time to say. The remaining goblin lord turned his attention to Ciprian. Cip was ready. He held his shield in front of him and charged the goblin lord.

"Just don't get yourself killed, I was wrong thinking I had nothing to lose now. I'll be ok I just need to rest, just be careful please." With that she sheathed her sword with her good arm and relaxed her body, the tension that it had been filled with now seemed like a relaxed calm. Trying not to fall asleep she lay there helpless as Ciprian finished the fight, knowing now she was going to live. Focusing on keeping all of her remaining strength focused on survival she tore out the arrow from her shoulder unsuccessfully, only breaking it off at the point it buried itself to.

The goblin assumed Ciprian would just run on, so just before Cip would have hit him, the goblin stepped aside. Ciprian, however, was anticipating a dodge, so he spun in mid stride and slashed at the goblin. He barely missed as the goblin lord leaned back. It was a quick a duel, Ciprian matched the goblin lord for skill and finally rammed his blade through the beast's shoddy armor and stomach.

At that moment, another goblin took advantage of Ciprian's distraction and charged him. It's blade slipped beneath his armor plate and ripped across his stomach. "Augh!" Ciprian gasped and brought up his elbow and hit his attacker in the face and knocked it back. The goblin fell back and scurried away. Their leaders had fallen and nothing was there to hold them together. They were nothing without the goblin lords. The warriors around them started backing off and disappearing into the woods.

Seeing the goblins retreat she let a few tears fall as she spoke to the sky, as if she knew they were listening. "I did my best, but now even the house is gone. All I can do is continue to fight and live, forgive me father as I feel like I have not done enough to avenge your memory."

Ciprian fell to his knees, resting on his sword that was still impaled in the goblin lord. On shaky legs, he stood and pulled his sword from the carcass. He used it as a cane while he staggered down to where Nuij lay. "You're a foolish girl," he spat in painful frustration. "I'm a bloody knight for Falis' sake. This is my job. You would have died just now if I didn't follow you."

"Foolish or nothing to lose, you don't know what this loss meant to me. First those fiends take my parents and my freedom, now goblins take the only true home I ever had… My past is gone Cip, it is now all in ashes except for my fathers sword which I carry and use in his memory. They had a demon with them, the fact they enlisted help from demons made it even more personal to me… If you knew why then you'd understand, it's like facing the past all over again. Right now though we will need to get to shelter, this place is no longer safe." She still had the finger bones from the demon, knowing that they would adorn her body like the belt buckle from a previous kill. Though this time they were going to become earrings, each one bearing the demonic glyph of strength.

With great effort, Ciprian knelt beside Nuij, using his sword for support. He reached down and tipped up her chin to look at him. "Nuij, why are you living in the past? I don't know what you've been through, but I can tell you that you can't throw away your life because of the past. Not when there is a future for you. Let's go back." Ciprian slipped his arm under her waist and pulled her up with him.

Nuij looked at him and nodded in agreement, her past was something she still struggled with and had a lot still to make up for. Moving as best she could she finally replied as they got halfway there, her voice sounding tired and pained. "I know that, something in your words makes me imagine what the future holds for me. My father himself was once a knight of Flaim, a great man who gave his life so that something could carry on. There is still a chance for me to redeem my family name, until it is not redeemed I will not bear it. At least the people are safe, but now where do they go?"

She had a hidden look in her eyes as she spoke, this knight had caught her eye just like her father had caught the eye of her mother. She didn't know what it was about him, though when he was near she felt like nothing could truly harm her. For now she had to focus on the situation at hand, her home was gone but a house could be replaced and she knew all of the herbal mixtures off by heart. "Is Cian ok? For someone who tried to steal from either one of us in the start he proved his worth here. Something about him tells me that he is only trying to find his own answers, perhaps with the right help he can."

Ciprian managed a small smile, then went back to wincing in pain. Using his sword as a cane, Ciprian and Nuij slowly made their way back to the village. "I'm glad you're understanding Nuij," he told her in a pained voice. Come on, I can make it. Just one foot in front of the other. "I hope Cian is fine, I left him with the priest. The only thing they can't heal is his exhaustion."

The goblins had mostly disappeared once the word of their leaders' death reached them. Ciprian and Nuij were not attacked, the only goblins they saw were retreating.

* * *

Cian lay on the pallet the priests had placed him on, twice he'd been offered some food and water and twice he'd refused. Fighting against resting, he'd stared at the village. His only thoughts were focused on Cip and Nuij, he was worried. In his current condition he knew there was little he could do, but he so desperately wanted to do something. Then he noticed one of the priests with a bowl of something looking down at him sternly.

"Now boy, I've heard you've refused to eat twice. I can understand that you're upset over your friends, but you won't do them any good with that attitude. So unless you want me to feed you like a baby or perhaps have one of the women feed you? I suggest you eat!!"

Cian gave the priest a hard stare for a moment then took the bowl and began to eat, his stomach had been grumbling. Looking back at the village he could only wonder as his heart filled with worry. 

* * *

Cian had been staring at the village, he'd done his best to fight off sleep as much as he could. Cip and Nuij were still gone, as much as he didn't want to admit it he was worried. He wondered if anything had happened to them? He'd just met two people he respected, maybe even could trust and now he wasn't sure if he'd lost them or not. The priest that had tended to him had stopped by a few times and attempted to converse with him, but Cian wasn't in the mood to hear about the gods. The gods had never been real to him, he focused on what he could touch, see and knew for the moment.

The priest asked him about some of the old scars on his back, Cian didn't answer. Those were best not remembered, the beatings with Emir were a result of his former captivity. Something he didn't relish remembering. Turning on his side the boy closed his eyes and began to fall asleep, several tears finally began to roll down his face as he felt his heart sinking. Thinking to himself as he drifted off into slumber. Cip...Nuij..if I loose them, it'll..be because ...I was too weak.. helpless just like before...damn.

* * *

Cian awoke with a bit of a start, as a damp cloth was being gently pressed to his forehead. One of the priests was tending to him, redressing his wounds while he'd slept. The boy felt warm, he had a very mild fever. Trying to sit up, he was edged back down to the pallet where he'd lain. The priest looked at him sharply, then finished and spoke. "Easy lad, you'll heal soon enough. You have a slight fever, we've treated your wounds and they'll heal. But you won't if you keep moving around so much. Now rest!!!"

Cian looked at the man and nodded, he was right. For perhaps the first time, it began to sink in. Maybe Cip and Nuij didn't need his help? Cip was a knight and Nuij...well she had the skills of a trained silencer. Cian watched the priest leave, then turned his gaze back to the village. Reaching for his pack he removed his flute and began to play a song his mother had taught him. It was a soft gentle melody full of happiness and sadness, the boy played with some skill as some of the people around stopped to listen. Cian closed his eyes as he played, trying to remember the face of his mother and family, hoping to calm his mind.

* * *

Cian had finished playing, he was glad that some of the townsfolk had enjoyed his flute playing. It gave them something else to think about rather than the loss of home and hearth, the death of loved ones. The priests were still tending to the sick and wounded, but he could no longer hear fighting. It could be that the few knights that were fighting had routed the goblins, had been defeated. Either way things were dying down, Cian fought to keep his eyes open, but he was still exhausted and the fever didn't help much. Finally giving in to sleep his eyes closed. Damn..can't stay awake. Too tired, maybe I'll just sleep a bit.

A priest approached and checked on the boy, his fever had yet to break. The rest would do him good, at least he'd stopped fighting sleep and was resting. Noticing the flute he picked it up and placed in Cian's hand, smiled and went on to assist his brothers with other matters.

* * *

Nuij looked as the goblins were in a full retreat, knowing that this battle had been won and they were safe for now she moved as best she could. "I think he should be fine, though we won even if it seemed like the battle was against us." As they approached where the priests were one of them motioned to Ciprian and Nuij as they were both given places to rest. Nuij glanced at Cian as she passed him and let him know they were ok and she wanted to talk to him, using the hand code common amongst thieves and silencers. "Thanks Cip, I do owe my survival to you. To be honest, I feel safe when your near and I thought you should know that." She then lay there as the priests tended to her wounds once again and fixed her up as best they could given they had done so much already here, quickly falling asleep as a blanket was placed over her to keep her from getting too cold once they were done.

Cip's mouth hung open for a brief moment, and then he grinned. A priest came and guided him away to be healed and Ciprian's grin faded to a pained wince.

The innkeeper walked up beside her and looked at her, shaking his head he looked to Cip. "She's got a lot of spirit and the way she was lookin' at ye I think that you've left quite an impression, she's ne'er really been to open with anyone. Don't let this chance slip away lad, I think she likes ye but can't admit it to herself yet." Nuij was sleeping and didn't hear his words; if she had of and had been able he'd have gotten a good elbow to the side for that.

Cip was laying on a blanket on the grassy hill outside of town. He was healed, but still weak. The front of his shirt and breeches had been stained with his blood and as the innkeeper spoke to him, Cip chuckled weakly to himself. "I know opportunity when I see it..." he murmured and dozed off.

* * *

Cian breathing heavily, his heart was beating fast as he'd just come out of a bad dream he guessed. Only he couldn't remember it for the life of him. He was still sore and noticed it was much later, than when he'd fallen asleep. The encampment of townsfolk was still a bit hustled with people busy, or a priest here or there checking up on the wounded. Looking over he was relieved to see Ciprian and not too far away Nuij, the boy was relieved. He hated to admit it to himself, but he'd become attached to Knight and dark elf woman. Cip treated him well, and was kind and friendly. Nuij respected him and also treated him kindly, he felt a special kinship with her considering the similarity in their chosen trades.

Cian groaned a bit as he got up on shaky legs, his shirt was sweat soaked, apparently the slight fever he had either broke or was breaking. Reaching into his pack he removed a fresh shirt, then stopped one of the priests. After asking the holy man where he could find a water barrel not being used for drinking, but with clean enough water where he could wash some of the sweat from him. He headed off to do so.

After washing up a bit and changing into a fresh shirt, Cian headed back to the camp. He was surprised to see the priest that had healed him was waiting, with crossed arms looking at him sternly. "Lad, you are one of the most obstinate person's I've ever known. Well..at least you seem well enough to walk. I wanted to ask you how you came by those lash scars on your back? I was wondering...was it your father?"

Cian looked at the priest and spoke. "Sigh..you're just determined to pester me aren't you? Very well...no..it wasn't my father or mother. They're dead, it was my owner...I'm..I was a slave. And if my previous owner ever catches me..he'll probably kill me or worse. The lash is no..stranger to me. Thanks I know you're trying to help..but...I trust my friends. If I tell anyone anything, it'll be them."

Ciprian opened his eyes as he heard Cian's reply and he listened, staring up at the dark, overcast sky.
The priest looked in shock, but Cian didn't really feel like talking anymore. Looking at the boy with a mixture of pity and sorrow he replied. "I see child, well if you ever do wish to talk. I will be here and from what I've seen you've chosen your friends wisely. Be good to them." With that the priest went to see to others. Cian returned to his pallet, pulled out a few stale biscuits from his pack and ate slowly pondering the man's words.

Poor kid. Slavery is an abomination, Ciprian thought. Slavery had been outlawed decades ago in Valis, long before he was born. He has so much potential, for anything he could want to do. If he'll let me, I'd like to train him, maybe he could make a good knight one day.

Ciprian propped himself up on his elbows and looked over at Cian munching on a biscuit not to far from him. "Cian, why don't you come over here?"

Cian was feeling a bit better. Grabbing his things the boy moved over to where Cip was and offered him a biscuit. "Want one? They're a bit stale but filling. I'm glad you and Nuij are okay Cip. You guys are..are..great. If you'd gotten hurt I'd be..sad."

The boy opened his pack took out three colored balls and began juggling them with the adept skill of trained jester. Cian was happy he had his friends back, they were okay and he was fine. The goblins were gone and the town could be repaired. An innocent, happy expression filled his face as he enjoyed one to the all too brief moments in his life he'd actually felt like a child and not had to act as an adult to survive.

Ciprian took the offered biscuit and chewed on it. Indeed it was a bit stale, but he didn't want to be rude and refuse it. Cian started juggling and Cip smiled a little as he watched. Cip decided not to ruin the moment by saying what he overheard moments before. He laid back and relaxed, then glanced over at Nuij. She was still asleep, wrapped in a blanket and looked very defenseless at the moment.

After several minutes Nuij stirred lightly and rolled over, awake but her whole body weak enough to make only minor movements possible she did her best to smile. Seeing Cian was up and juggling she watched for a few moments until he noticed she was awake, not really wanting anyone to see her in this condition but it could not be helped. "Good, it's just the two of you. I hope not many were lost in the battle, and I'm glad to see your both alright. I need to tell the both of you something, which is something I've not told anybody since it happened."

From when she was turning parts of criss-crossing scars could be seen around the area of the back of her shoulder blades, some resembled three headed whips and others just single headed ones. Though from what was visible the rest of her back was obviously going to bear worse marks, she didn't seem to care if they saw them now as she could trust them. "Don't mind the scars, what I want to say involves them. It's time you both knew what happened to me in the past, why I am sometimes so tormented over it."

She pulled the blanket tighter around her as she shivered slightly, she felt so cold right now and only wanted to warm up. Her mind drifted to her parents and what her father told her before he was killed; speaking it in a very low tone she held the blankets with an iron grip as she also spoke to herself. "Don't let then take your virtues, always remember your mother and I will be with you... I'm sorry it had to end like this, but now even the house is gone. We got everybody out safely though, I know that would be what you would have only really wanted."

She looked to the two of them as a tear fell to the surface she was laying on, the memory hurt so much though now it also reminded her of what she saw in Ciprian. Within his strong eyes she saw so much of what her mother had seen in her father, now she knew why they stayed together till the bitter end. She didn't know how to approach the topic, she just wished she could tell him the truth of how she felt yet still she was scared to.

Cian listened as Nuij spoke, she had so much in common with him, she'd even been beaten and lost her family also. For a person with her strength and determination to bare their soul to anyone, took a lot. And it meant a lot to Cian. Placing the balls down he, looked at Nuij a few tears filled his eyes and the young boy removed his shirt to reveal a myriad of scars also along his back. Some were deep and some had the shape of thieves code, they were leftovers from one of Emirs training sessions. The boy began to speak in a slow steady tone as he looked at them. "Nuij...we have something in common. I lost my family..my entire people. We were known as the Han'eel, it means 'Those who give joy and laughter.' My people were nomads performers, musicians, acrobats and artists, my father was the leader of our small troupe. We'd travel from place to place providing entertainment for a modest fee, food or whatever people would give." Cian stopped for a moment, before continuing. His throat felt constricted but he soon continued.

"I was..so young I..don't remember why or how it happened, but we were raided by slavers. They slaughtered everyone and took the women and the children, my mother and sister all of us who survived were taken to a place I doubt many know of. Slaves are bought there or traded, my mother devised an escape plan with some others and was badly beaten...she...she never recovered..she died in my arms." By now tears streamed down the boy's face, as he stopped fighting back a sob. Tightening his fists, as he spoke, his voice began to quiver slightly. "I was sold separately from my sister Linette...a man named Emir bought me and trained me, I'm nothing but property to him, if he finds me he'll probably kill me. Emir let's nothing escape that's his, but I don't care, I decided to be free... to find Linette. I don't know how, but I will find her. I know she was bought by a well to do family, and.....and I hav..have to find her. So I know...at least a bit how you feel Nuij...please don..don't cry."

Nuij looked at Cian and nodded gravely, so he knew how she felt. Motioning to him to come over and sit she smiled and tried to sit up, the truth had to come out. Looking to Ciprian as well she finally spoke. "Your people would be proud that you chose to fight against this atrocity, nobody should be a slave as it is wrong. I know more than you may think on the past, for women slavery is often more scarring and emotionally damaging. I was twenty and my family was making a delivery to Beld, my mother was an apothecary who made poisons and herbal mixtures. I can barely remember it, we were attacked by demons who instead of killing us they dragged us off. I woke up in a cell, chained to the wall with a simple long cloth tunic on. My family was beside me, almost dead but severely tortured. All I can remember from then was being forced to work for them, a few times they were touching me and they even had me pinned and tried to take me after tearing away the tunic. One of them always guarded me, as in essence he was my owner and each time they tried he stopped them. After six months my father tried to escape, what they did to my mother was so horrible. First she was taken then they killed her, forcing us to watch. He died after that, in his death he left me an opening to escape. I ran, took out several of them with his sword but got caught. It was after that they brutally beat me, those scars on my back are from that whip. After that my master trained me as an assassin, they tried to corrupt me so I would serve them as an agent in the outside world. After a few years I escaped, stole a small boat and drifted till I reached a fishing village. They brought me back to health and I returned home, since then I have turned my skills on demons. I will not forgive their kind, I have an ability to make them weak. Their taint when brought with light gave me a powerful gift, one I have used effectively. It's ok Cian, I'll help you find your sister and get Emir off your back. You don't need to worry anymore, I'll make sure he knows your no longer his. I know what it is like too, at least you have a chance to know true family. I just hope that your sister is alive and well, so that you can find her. I worry about her now, what I faced was harsh enough and she could be in the same situation..."

She then smiled warmly and lay there, showing them the scars in her back. She seemed to tremble as the memories of her life before this came back, a loving home and family. Tears did not come but instead a sense of calm about her, she was trying to remember something important.

"I know my name, don't tell anyone this but I have a name. Ankira Katumas, my father was a knight in the service of the kingdom of Flaim He was a shining example of all that was true, and the reason I have sought to redeem my name before I use it once more. Cian I can train you in the arts of a silencer, because when Emir has to be faced it should be you who faces him. I can teach you all I know for then, but I cannot face him for you. You do understand that, you have that strength inside of you to defeat him and win your freedom for good. Even if he must die then do what you must, though you have shown so much today in that battle. That is true courage, facing whatever comes your way and standing up for your beliefs." She gave him some hand code indicating that she would protect him like her own kin, then looking to Ciprian she drew in a breath and spoke.

"Ciprian, I don't know what to say. I guess I was afraid to admit it to myself but I need to tell you something, you mean more to me than I have said before. My father would have approved of you, I can't deny the truth that I do feel for you more than a friend." Reaching out with her good arm she laid her hand on his free hand and held it lightly, wondering how he would react to her confession about him and her past. She hoped he would know what she was saying, but at the same time her eyes showed she was unsure of a lot With her other hand she held something and looked at Cian.

"My mother once gave me something, when she did she told me that whenever I felt scared to wear it, I am going to let you have it now as long as you don't ever lose it or otherwise. If you ever need to wear it, just always remember the true strength you have inside." She then placed a silver ring in the shape of a looping wolf in his palm; inside the band was an inscription in elven. `Courage breeds strength'.

After stepping over and sitting down near Nuij Cian listened to her story and thought. Once she'd finished he reached out slowly and very gently took the ring, as he stared at it he looked at Nuij. Smiling he felt more tears running down his face, the boy placed it in a secure belt pouch and spoke to her as he held her hand gently. "Nuij..I.. don't know what to say..I'm honored, very very honored by this. I promise I'll never loose it, I'll cherish it forever, I'd like to accept your offer for training. I'll try to be a good student. And thank you..it's been..difficult not having anyone else to talk to."

The boy turned back to Nuij smiling as his gray eyes, filled with few tears. Then he took his flute and spoke, Cian's voice was softer very warm and gentle. "Nuij..for what you've offered me, offer you my friendship, courage and loyalty. From now on I consider you blood-kin and you as well Cip... you saved my life. Please, Nuij allow me to play for you, I know a few tunes my mother taught me, there's one she learned when she was little. She used to play it for me whenever I felt sad..or happy, it always made me feel warm inside. I'm not as good as her but, this is my gift to you."

Cian then began to play a long soothing melody, it was an old tune filled with memories of happiness, places and history. Jovial in some respect and sad in others, the boy played to the limit of skill then pushed himself past them. Many of the priests stopped and some townsfolk gathered a short distance away listening to the delicate and beautiful sounds. Cian's eyes were shut as he played, the music seemed to come alive as he did. Finally when he finished he put the flute down, staring at the ground, a few times a hushed sob could be heard from him.

She laid a hand on Cian's shoulder after he spoke and spoke, looking him in the eyes with the look of someone who was not in so much pain anymore. She felt some tears falling as she spoke, tears of joy that she now had people who were like family to her once again. "Sometimes that silence can be painful, I know what it feels like to know that nobody could truly understand. I can only expect you to try your best to learn, though you do possess unusual talent that would take you far. I would be honored to hear you play as I have always enjoyed music. Your welcome, you can consider me family as well. I have no need to feel alone anymore, again in my life I have a reason to continue. You both have given me back a part of what I lost, something that I had thought I wouldn't ever find again. Thank you, it's been so long since I could call anyone family."

Nuij lay back as she listened to Cian play and let the music carry her on it, the tune was similar to something she had heard years back as a child and it always mystified her. She looked over to Ciprian and smiled, hoping that he would return her feelings. For now the music made the air lighter, and the people could for a splinter in time forget about their troubles. As the hushed sobs came she wondered how long it had been since she had been able to feel like she had more hope in her future.

Ciprian was a little surprised at Nuij's confession, and he had nothing to say, so he just smiled and squeezed her hand. He couldn't say anything until he got to know her a bit better. She was beautiful, but he'd only known her for a few hours. Already though, the three of them were bound together. Ciprian would do all in his power to keep them safe.

As Cian played, Ciprian watched Nuij while she was turned away until he finally decided to make some sort of move. He wouldn't kiss her yet, but he would offer some physical comfort. Cip placed his hand on her shoulder and gently pulled her back to lean against his chest. 

A priest came in and set three mugs of water and a plate with some bread, cheese, and a few strips of dried meat down for them, bowing his head to excuse himself he carried about on his task of bringing the injured something to keep their energy up. Taking an equal portion of it she listened to the music and ate what she could to keep her strength up, sitting up enough to properly eat.

Cian finished playing and smiled, wiping away his tears. He spoke with a somewhat embarrassed sounding voice. "I...thank you Nuij and you Ciprian. Nuij..you do have something to live for, you have new family now. Both of you have taught me much...I..I'm..learning to trust..and care again. No greater gift could I have ask for."

As the boy saw the food placed before them, he sighed for a moment then looked very exhausted. While his wounds were healing he was still weak, and apparently more rest was needed. Taking a bit of food he ate and drank with a very happy expression on his face. Then turning to Ciprian, he spoke, after finishing his voice beginning to sound very tired and sleepy. "Ciprian..could..could you teach me as well? I didn't want to be rude..I thought it would be..what's the word..polite to ask."

"Of course, Cian. I would be honored," Cip said with a smile. "Go get some sleep kid, it looks like you need it."

Nuij looked up to Ciprian and smiled, this was going to be different but things would also be better. She watched as Cian finished and saw he was exhausted, after Ciprian spoke she sighed a little. "Best get some rest there, you'll need your strength for what is to come. That was great, you learned well from her." She then moved the plate of food away and finished the water, this was one moment in time that she just wanted to enjoy the moment. Wondering now if the talk of war was their next problem she hoped they would not get caught up in it, though inside she knew it could not be avoided. "I just hope we don't get caught up in that war, though I don't think we will have much say in that matter."

Ciprian ate with his free hand, while his other was around Nuij's shoulders. "It's probably inevitable," he replied. "I can't avoid it, I do have a duty after all." Cip continued eating, then added, "Though hopefully Kanon will be safe. Major cities were attacked, there aren't any left here. I think we both need some rest, go on back to bed Nuij." Ciprian said and shifted his shoulder beneath her.

Cian nodded to them both and spoke. "Thank you both, I'm so tired..going to go rest. I hope war can be avoided too, but I'll do all I can to help you Cip and you too of course Nuij. I..I hope Linette is safe.. Goodnight." Returning to his palette, the boy took a blanket and curled up then sighing he smiled and was soon fast asleep. This time no nightmares or bad dreams, only two smiling faces of his companions, his new family filled his dreams.

Nuij smiled and nodded. "Yeah, we're all going to need our strength. This war will take a lot, I'll be ok now that I have you." She then looked back at him as she finished her water and smiled, seeing how peacefully Cian slept she went back to sleep after a few more seconds herself. "She hopefully is, and when we find her she will find the same welcome with me. Now get some sleep and I doubt we can avoid this war, we'll be ok." She replied with to Cian before she fell asleep, for once a restful night of sleep where the dreams were not bothering her.

Ciprian was taken aback by her last comment, but he just smiled on anyway. Was he getting in too deep, too soon? Only a few hours after they first met and Nuij had just claimed him. As she walked away, he shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. Even for him, women would be impossible to ever figure out. He just hoped SHE didn't push him into a relationship before he was ready, and he had a feeling a relationship was where they were bound. Was that a good, or a bad thing? Cip was uncertain. He laid back down on his pallet and dozed off.