Ciprian woke with a groan. Despite all the healings, he was aching. Everything had stiffened up over night. He could make out brilliant oranges and reds on the eastern horizon as the sun rose. It was probably about 6 in the morning. Through a thick veil of clouds, he could see a glowing orb faintly. Cip sat up and rubbed his back, then looked over at Nuij and Cian near by.... Nuij sat up and watched the sky moments after Cip awoke, seeing Cip she looked at him and smiled as she. "Last night I managed to sleep without the dreams, you know last night I was referring to both you can Cian. I realize I may have caught you off guard there, so you know." She rummaged through her pack that lay on the palette beside her and pulled out a fresh change of clothes, they seemed to be different than what she wore from before though. They seemed more suited to battle than every day usage, seeing the faint glow of the sun she sighed a little as she moved to sit beside him for a moment and looked into his eyes. "It's hard leaving your home behind like this, perhaps in time I will get used to it and rebuild elsewhere. If you'll excuse me a moment, I'll return. I guess I can say good morning and mean it for once, did you sleep well?" Standing up and moving slowly towards some cover she changed from her clothing that was torn and bloodied into this new set, after several minutes she returned and lay down on her palette. "I can at least walk for now, but I shouldn't fight the next couple of days. He's got quite the spirit; I think even if we have to fight he won't back down at all from the war. I just hope his sister is ok, I don't want to see him lose her at all." She looked to Cian and the back to Cip before she spoke and placed her throwing daggers in their place and buckled them up, sliding the saber into her belt she started to carve on the pieces of demon bone. Cian awoke and sat up, rubbing his eyes he felt his side. Still a bit sore, but not so much that he couldn't move. Looking towards Nuij and Cip he saw that they were both already up and around. The boy quickly grabbed some fresh clothes from his pack and spoke to them as he went hunting for a private spot in which to wash a bit and change. "Morning, Cip, morning Nuij. I'm going to wash and change, I'll be back in a bit." After finding a spot, Cian cleaned up and put on the fresh shirt, and worn tunic he'd had. Another pair of pants, the only other one he had and then proceeded to retie and strap the protective part of his clothing. Replacing his daggers in their safe spots, the boy found a few good stones for his sling and returned to the others. Seeing how the sky looked as he returned he looked at Cip and spoke. "Do you think those goblins were just a for taste of what's to come? I mean, goblins aren't usually organized like that...do you think they were working for someone? And if so why attack...Kanon?" Ciprian buried his face in his hands and shook his head. "I don't know Cian," he replied tiredly. All their work was a smoldering ruin this morning. What could they do but rebuild again? This time maybe start with some defenses, call in soldiers to root out the problem. "They had two Hobgoblins leading them. I can only assume they're starving from this new war. Game is scarce, so they come and take human crops and livestock. All the battles we have heard of in this new war have taken place in cities, and goblins and other beasts were not involved. If you can believe the rumors." Nuij looked to Ciprian and Cian as she put in her thoughts. "There was a demon there too, nobody knew because I took it out first. Call it old hatreds that will never die, they had summoned a demon and it was there. We could rebuild or the people could relocate, it's up to everyone to decide." She then laid a hand on Cip's shoulder and smiled at him, knowing he was going to be ok through it all. Looking to Cian she wondered where things would go for him. They all had formed something greater, the three of them just needed to stick together no matter what. Cian looked at Cip and a mixture of sadness and determination swelled within him. As the small boy stepped over to Ciprian he spoke putting a hand on the knight's other shoulder. Ciprian rested his forehead against his hand. "It's up to the town to decide what they want to do. Whatever they choose, it is my duty to protect them." He felt Cian put a hand on his other shoulder. "Cip..when we..my mother, sister and I were taken. She told me something. I didn't understand it then, but I think I do now. She said, that even though we'd lost our home and possessions even family.. We still had each other and we had memories and the good feelings of those times in our heart. As long as we carried those within us, remembered them and honored their memory. No one could take that away from us...no one. Those words helped me..when Emir tortured me, or beat me. Maybe they'll help you too, I'll stand by you and when this mess is all over, we'll build things anew better and brighter than before." After that, the boy looked to Cip and playfully tagged him on the shoulder, smiling and trying to cheer him up. Ciprian smiled and shifted a little as Cian tagged him. "Well, why don't we see what's cooking for breakfast?" he said to Nuij and Cian. Cian smiled and was about to reply when a large audible growl could be heard from his stomach. putting a hand to his belly Cian looked at his companions and then turned to Cip speaking. "I think you have a good idea there, my stomach's decided it wants to be full." * * * Ciel and Veriss rode in to what was left of Silver Creek. Ciel's eyes widened at what seemed to be an aftermath of a battle. She spotted a group of three people, a human most likely a knight, a dark elf or half-dark elf from the length of her ears and a child. She stopped her horse and got off gracefully as she could. She took her bag filled with healing herbs as well. She saw the people who were left coming out at the sight of a Marfa Priestess. Ciel approached the three, smiling gently, "Ah good morning...may I ask what happened here?" Then she remembered that she hadn't even said her name! "Ah sorry, I forgot to introduced myself, My name is priestess Ciel Starwind and the knight standing near the horse is my guard Sir Veriss Trelem." She held out a hand towards the half-dark elf first. Ciprian watched as two figures on horseback rode in. Awkwardly, he stood to greet them, rubbing his sore back. As they came into view, it was the priestess who held his eyes. She was a delicate beauty with incredibly long black hair, the fairest of skin and bright blue eyes. However, she was a priestess and dammit, he was already feeling obligated to Nuij. The other rider, he assumed was a man, though his face was a little fine featured like a woman. They rode up to them and the priestess was first out of the saddle, she moved so smoothly as if she were a dancer. She greeted Nuij first and introduced the warrior with her as Veriss Trelem. Veriss was a strange name for a man, but Ciprian didn't dwell on it. He walked up alongside Nuij and waited for her to reply to Ciel. Lady Trelem, the giant of a woman, stayed mounted on her horse. One might say that Veriss was more built than any other woman in the land. She was known for her prowess in combat and in military. Not to mention her physical build. She wore little armor or protection. A large two-handed sword lay strapped to her belt, as normal. On her back, however, was the strangely. A mace with an overly enlarged mace head strapped across her back that would probably mess up her balance hung heavy. It looked almost too heavy to use, but, it seemed worth it; A mace head of that size could cause amazingly destructive damage... Lady Trelem did not leave Ciel's horse. She preferred not to be in the conversation. She would rather be in the detestation. Her head perked up to view the chaos created by whatever ripped through Silver Creek. It angered her that this would happen. But she quickly harnessed it. She could never let emotions out like that... Too dangerous... Cian noticed the riders approach and the woman who'd gotten off horseback and introduced herself. Still a bit wary, the young boy stayed near Cip and decided for now until he was asked his name, that it might be better to remain silent. As she approached Cian could see she was very beautiful, she was dressed in the robes of a holy woman. Cian was curious and stepped cautiously closer as he listened to her introduce herself, and waited for Nuij's reply. Veriss continued to survey the carnage. How did she not get word of this travesty?! She was a high ranking military official! She would have words with whomever responsibility it was to tell her about this. Her rage twitched again, but she took a deep breath, and faded it away. Not now... she muttered to herself. She continued to look around. She just shook her head. Finally, she stopped and hopped off the muscular gray Clydesdale. She shifted her weight once more, compensating for the giga mace, as she called it. It was short for gigantic mace. She pushed her sword a little over on her belt for comfort. They did get in her way at times, but she was used to them. Without them, she felt naked. She approached the group. Veriss seemed to tower over most of them. Her muscles were extremely toned across her female body. She seemed more man than woman, but it was her eyes, hair, and bosom that told differently. She was amazingly well built, and ready for heavy combat, it appeared. Anyone who knew what they were looking for, however, could look into her eyes and feel nothing there. As if she had no heart. But her face just showed a serious, yet apathetic look, instead of emptiness. She stayed silent, seeming only wanting to hear what they were talking about. Nuij bowed lightly to be polite and looked to the priestess. "Nuij Velg'larn, the name means Fiend Assassin. We come from the village of Silver Creek which was attacked by monsters and had to be evacuated, most got out safely though we lost the village. An honor to meet you priestess, I am not big on formalities so do forgive me. " She then looked to the others with the priestess and nodded before she finished her equipment check. The pieces of demon bone safely in her pouch until she could finish her new trophy's, sighing as she wished she could have at least saved her apothecary equipment. Ciel smiled and nodded and turned to the knight and the child with dark skin. "Nice to meet you both. First if you could tell me if anyone is injured and needs healing first? I would be grateful," A smile still floated on her lips like it was supposed to be there. She hoped she didn't look like an idiot, after all she was still a novice. Then a child ran up to her and Ciel lifted the child and hugged her, comforting the little soul. She murmured something softly and the child stopped sniffling from crying and calmed down, though the child clung onto her. Ciprian gave Ciel one of his most charming smiles. "There are already priests here who took care of the wounded last night. I am Ciprian Tremas, a knight of Valis," he said and bowed. He looked at the little girl who had climbed into Ciel's arm and stroked the girl's hair. "Hey, we're safe now little one, the monsters are all gone." He glanced up at Veriss, who was much taller than he, but Cip didn't spare much more than an glance. As far as he knew, Veriss was just a very big man with pretty features. Not completely unheard of. He returned his attention to Ciel. He was a little surprised by her reaction--or lack there of--to Nuij, a half-dark elf who had just said her name meant fiend assassin. "Well, my companion didn't go in to much detail about last night. We were attacked after nightfall by a horde of goblins. Two clans, they were lead by two different Hobgoblins and even had a lower demon and a ogre with them. Nuij took care of the demon and I slew the Hobgoblins. I think they're getting desperate for food with the current curse that has fallen upon the land," Ciprian frowned and glanced over the decimated village. Outside of the town, and downwind, there were smoldering piles of ash. The goblin corpses had been piled and burned. The ogre had to be cut into pieces and drug to the fires. The villagers and warriors killed in battle were each burned separately on funeral pyres. Ciel barely held her tears back, it had been thirteen years but it still felt like yesterday. After silence of a minute of two Ciel finally spoke, "My home in Valis was medium sized town and was burned to the ground by a large hoard of goblins. I was nine then, it was twp weeks until my birthday. They left destruction and looted, but most were defeated in the end. I heard later that about ten people survived out of hundreds. Nobody was really expecting that attack and we had no time to prepare for it. That's why I became a priestess so I can help people when they have lost their hope and things they held dear. Because I don't want them to go through almost thirteen years of agony like me..." Ciel smiled a little shakily at the knight and beamed, "Oh Veriss is lady knight, though she is tall but is really nice and adheres to her duty far better then most knight I have met." With that comment another child came running with his mother walking behind, and clung to her leg as well. "Veriss, do come and meet Sir Ciprian Tremas." Ciel sat down and strummed the lyre which has been discarded carefully at her feet. Ciprian listened to Ciel's playing, feeling a little soothed. He ran his hand through his sun-bleached blonde hair. I could really use a bath, he thought. He was surprised to know that Veriss was a woman, but tried not to let it show. Cian was silent and merely watched then stepped tentatively forward a bit and waited until the priestess had finished speaking then spoke as he introduced himself. "I'm Cian, an honor..to..um..meet your aqua..acquaintance." Cian stepped back next to Ciprian quickly, figuring if he was going to learn manners and other lessons from Ciprian and Nuij he'd best give it a try now. As the children, and some others approached he was surprised when he saw the priestess sit down and strum a lyre. She had musical talent as well, Cian had seen one once before but it had been a long time since he'd heard one played. Doing his best to hide his excitement at seeing the instrument, the young boy did his best to stand at attention. Figuring he'd talk to her later about the instrument and her talent, for all he knew the goblins might return and he wanted to be ready just in case. She smiled at the boy who was named Cian, then continued playing a soothing music, a comfort to the soul one could say. Ciel then softly hummed to the music, a song sang in praise of Marfa but it was like lullaby for most, a comforting and beautiful music. Nuij heard the music and stood beside Ciprian as well, her mother had hummed that for her growing up. As she listened a tear fell from her eye and she looked to Ciprian, obviously something troubling her. "I still think of them every day, even their end could not make me forget who my parents were inside. My mother would hum this tune when I was a child, it was taught to her by one of the village priestesses to keep me quiet at night. Lady Ciel, can you tell us what is happening elsewhere in Lodoss with this war raging, and I wish we could have met under better circumstances." She then tried to remember what she had always been told about how to handle these things, how her father would always remind her of where true courage comes from. "I have to move on, if not just for Lodoss for their memory... I just hope there is no more demons, otherwise it will become even more personal..." She spoke to herself as she looked up and at the gathering crowd, the shadows in her eyes still showing but they seemed to have faded a little now. She knew that these newcomers could probably sense what demonic taint remained in her soul, though probably not the potent weapon against them most of it had become... Ciel nodded, slightly weary of the dark half-elf but nonetheless she answered her, "I am worried greatly, the Holy city of Roid fell and the great city of Blade also. By cursed creatures known as 'Chaos Generals'. According to the people who escaped the destruction of Roid told us all the hell broke loose and people mostly did not concentrate on fighting...but escape to live. It seems that these so called 'Chaos Generals' are not human at all either." Ciel said as she continued on playing her lyre, slightly more sorrowful tone but still calming. Cian listened to Nuij and stepped closer to her, very hesitantly almost timidly the boy gently took her hand and held it. It was the only thing he could think of, to show he understood and cared. As he listened to Ciel speak about the mysterious Chaos Lords, he thought about it then spoke with determination. "I heard something once...You can't let fear stop you, no matter if you're worried, or frightened. You have to think about those who depend on you, who can't help themselves and how much you can help them. I didn't realize then, what those words truly meant, I'm still learning. But, I think I understand more now than I did then, I'm willing to do all I can to help stop these...things from hurting anyone else or burning down anyone's homes." After speaking so much Cian, went silent and turned to look at the devastated village. As he did so he gave Nuij's hand a slight squeeze, to reassure her he meant what he'd said. Then looking up towards Ciprian he nodded, with a look of resolution on his face. Veriss Trelem only nodded at response. She continued to say nothing. Her face continued to show nothing but emptiness. But she held her stance of authority with anal retentiveness. She moved into the group to listen more, especially to the part about the goblins. They must have had very little resistance to have done this much damage. She sighed. She pulled up her fist, looking at it, and rubbing her fingers through the crevices made by her knuckles. She felt like punching something... She would do so later. Right now, it was social time. Whatever work they would do here, she wished to get started right away. Cip smiled a little to what Cian had to say. He was a smart boy, and probably had plenty of experience to learn from. As he looked up at Ciprian, he put a hand on Cian's curly head. "Well said Cian," he said. "I don't think the goblins are coming back. Their leaders are dead, but there is also the possibility of them joining with another clan and returning. But as for what will be come of the village, it's up to the locals. Right now they're in a meeting to decide if they'll stay and rebuild again, or relocate," Ciprian rubbed his brow in exasperation. "Last night, we'd just finished rebuilding from the war. Then, with no warning, we were attacked." Veriss nodded. "It is a cycle. And it does not matter if you think you beat them back," Veriss stated in a monotone matter. She broke the chatter with her voice. It was held back, but demanded such attention. It was no wonder she was a successful officer. Her voice, even relaxed, was commanding enough to not be questioned. "Their goal is not to beat you down. There is something they get out of this. Even goblins have strategy. But, in order to get it, you must be in some sort of good condition..." Veriss trailed off to silence, in thought. Her mind echoed of thoughts about why a tribe would seemingly randomly attacking a village, especially after such damage done to their numbers. It did not make sense... yet. "Has it ever appeared that they had particular targets in their attacks? Certain things they attacked to destroy or some such?" Ciprian looked at Veriss with a raised brow and blank expression. He was an experienced knight and he had spent nearly a year in Kanon fighting off goblins and helping rebuild villages, for her to ask for those details felt like an insult to his ability. "Hunting is scarce, the goblins are starving. They came here for meat, livestock or manflesh," Ciprian replied. "They're desperate." It was that simple, and painfully obvious. They planned to slaughter the local village as a last resort and take whatever food the found or killed. Ciel smiled gently, "I think Knight Ciprian is right...unless there is some sort of new evil arising. Though I feel traces of dark magic, no...more of unholy magic as well." Ciel had seen the state of the villages on their way, fields were starved and temples were filled. Especially the Temples of Cha Za and Marfa. Livestock were quiet thin and she blessed many as she could so at least they can have some peace of mind. "Kanon is in a bad state after the Marmo went through it. Traces of their occupation still remains and the unholy creatures that brought down the holy city of Roid and Blade could also be factor. But nonetheless I am going to go and see those who need healing or calming and then help build this village up again. Till then Veriss and I will be staying here." With that she went over to the people who were slowly creeping back out and greet her. She started to make herbal remedies for cuts, wounds and illnesses. Cian listened to the state of affairs in other places, he'd seen hunger and felt it often in his travels. He didn't know much about farming, but it would definitely explain the attack. Cian spoke as he voiced his thoughts. "Maybe...the fields and poor crops are a sign...of what we have to face?" As he looked back towards the village, he wondered how many other areas were suffering like this one. "I am not so sure..." Veriss replied to the knight. "Goblins are not foolish enough to attack a village with armed people, such as yourself, Knight of Kanon," Veriss said strongly, her voice demanding more and more attention with each word. "Any goblin tribe would have known there were armed people there. They hunt on the weak. Magic is a more plausible factor. The same thing happened right before Marmo last invaded, if memory serves." Veriss looked around again, then turned back to him. "You did not capture one, did you?" Ciprian rubbed his brow tiredly, then looked up at Veriss. The woman was towering, but Ciprian wasn't about to let himself be intimidated. "First of all, I am NOT a knight of Kanon, I am a Holy Knight of Valis, Order of the Braver Might," Ciprian said with a twist to his lips like a start of growl. Of course, it was understandable that she might think he was a Kanonian knight, he was out of armor. "And secondly, didn't you hear me say 'desperate'? I did not need to capture one. I slew the shamans and they scattered. And if I recall, Nuij and I both said they had a summoned demon and Ogre with them, if you can not see the monstrous blood stain there on the street," Ciprian nearly spat at her and gestured to the dark stain in the dirt street through the center of the village. "They didn't fear armed men like me with those for backup. Two clans, joined together in desperation for food, that's what it was. I'm sure after they took care of Silver Creek, they would have moved on to the next village." Ciel came over, seeing some disharmony between the two knights. "Veriss, Knight Ciprian is right, this isn't normal...and if they had a demon they know humans can't normally beat one. They were desperate for something, not for power but for food. Please, Knight Ciprian is right, even the wealthy are just getting by. Temples of Marfa and Cha Za are filled. The land is in desperate race to survive." Then she smiled at Ciprian, "Knight Ciprian, I believe you are right. So please don't get angry with Veriss." A smile tugged at Ciprian's lips as Ciel spoke. "Alas, dear priestess, you are right," he said with a charming smile and took her hand, landing a delicate kiss upon it. Then Ciel turned to Veriss, "Veriss, please don't be angry with Knight Ciprian, you know that the nation is desperate for food except for elven forests. Kanon has suffered a lot" Then with that she carefully looked at both of them. Cian walked over to the other knight and looked up at her, meeting her eyes with his the small boy spoke as he gestured to her to follow him. "I know in your eyes I'm just a child, but...follow me and look at this." As he stepped from Cip and the others for a bit, he gestured to the devastated village and to the bodies which had been burned of many townsfolk. Cian looked back up at the knight, and spoke in a determined but soft voice which portrayed the emotion he felt. Ciprian released Ciel's hand and looked down at the boy. Trusting Cian's judgment, he followed the boy where he led. "Look...take a good look. I know you've probably seen more battle than I have summers under my belt, but I have to defend my friend's honor...Cip um..Ciprian did his best to defend this village so did Nuij, myself and others. Everything he's told you is true, a lot of people died....and this isn't the time or place for blame. If I'm speaking out of line, I'm sorry but..I speak my mind always. All we can do now, is end the cause of this, don't you agree?" Cian looked back up at the knight then over to the others, as he finished speaking. He hoped perhaps separating the two knights, would help to ease the tension. "No knight loses their self control, no matter the situation," Veriss stated simply. Veriss trained some of the best knights of her home. She would expect a Knight of Valis, so he claimed, to be a little more level headed than that. A simple mistake, since there was no way to identify, was nothing to get angry at. It seemed to her that he had set his mind on what they were doing. "A demon... just for food? There had to be something at least a little more than food." Veriss shook her head. She guessed that this man was on the lower level of the knighthood. No king or officer in their right minds would get so frustrated like that. Holy Knights knew how to conduct themselves better than that. "Do not be certain of what you think. I have fought many enemies, and none-Not even goblins-would go to such extremes just for a little food. Summoning a demon is far too extensive for such a menial thing. They would have went to a softer target and hit that... It does not make sense. I do not say your opinion is not correct, but merely that it is not the only possibility. Do you know where these goblins take residence?" "I can't be angry," Veriss said bluntly, and emotionless. "But still...My military mind won't be satisfied until this is investigated." Obviously, what Ciel had agreed with and Cian backed up, Veriss didn't hear. The corner of Ciprian's mouth twitched as he repressed a sneer. "All right, you know what? I'm tired, I'm sore, I watched my best friend get smashed into a wall like a bug by an ogre's club, I nearly got myself killed, and I'm STILL weak from the blood loss, not to mention I haven't eaten a morsel since I woke up. My head is splitting, and you're not helping!" Ciprian paused for a moment, getting his temper under control. "I'm not in the mood for this, and I don't care what you think, madam, sir, whatever the hell you want to be called. If my word isn't good enough for you, fine. Investigate all you want. I don't care. You wont find anything! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get myself some breakfast. Come on Cian," Ciprian turned away and walked at a fast pace toward the tent where breakfast was being served. Cian gave Cip a nod and gave the knight and Ciel a bow as he quickly caught up to Ciprian. As the boy did so he felt a small twinge of pain, he hadn't recovered from his injuries fully either, as much as he tried not to show it he still was sore an had a bit trouble moving. "Breakfast sounds good to me...nghhh...blasted injuries. Food will help us heal quick." Veriss stared at Cian for a moment. "I never said he was wrong. I said it was not the only possibility. And one must first know the cause before one eliminates it. I cannot just go on one man's word. It is both against my beliefs and my teachings." Ciel looked at Veriss, a smile floated on her lips as she spoke, "Veriss, if out of an entire village only one survived and he managed to go to the next village for help, would you believe him? Would you believe his words? With no witness to back him up? He might just be lying, acting like it to cheat people out of their good will and sympathy. For now at least you can believe Knight Ciprian who witnessed the attack first hand." Ciel sometimes thought Veriss was too wrapped up in her own ways that she forgot others did not live her way of life. Even with a hint of the bad things that had happened in her life, Ciel still remembered that others suffer also. Not that she thought Veriss's ways were all wrong but still she needed to open up to others, no matter how hard it was. She learned that from the Marfa priestess who took care of her after she left her home town. Ciel greeted another family and attended to a wound one of the children received. "Ciel... Let me tell you something. Last time I took a man's word, he had lied to me. He had tricked me and I failed my mission as it was set forth by my superiors. I will not be failing again. I do not say he is untrustworthy. I say I do not know him well enough. And I can not find anything about him except for people's word, which can be false. It is my job to ensure that not only does the job get done, but to know why it had to be done in the first place. Only then can we learn to prevent these occurrences in the future. That is the way of an officer." Ciel turned around to speak to Veriss as she keep on doing her duties. "That maybe so, But no one knows what the future holds. No amount of preparation could have prevented or deterred the Marmo force. Same goes for these Goblins, except they are throwing in everything they have for survival of their clan. I would have known if they wanted more then just food and live stock. Kanon is struggling now, and it affects many. But if you choose to go on with this matter rather then help you are free to do so." Then she returned to grinding her herbs and applied it to the bandages to cover up a deep gash across a man's arm. "I will help. The people of Silver Creek and the well being of the area come before an investigation. But I do plan to do a follow-up, if not shortly, then later on." Veriss said. * * * Ciprian sighed. The further he got from Veriss, the more he relaxed. He looked down at Cian and managed a small smile. "I think my stomach is starting to eat it's way out," he said and almost on cue, his stomach growled. Ciprian led Cian into the tent and inside, he was greeted with words of thanks and claps on the back. They knew Cip did all he could and eventually, he was the one who killed the goblin lords and scattered the others. Cian found a table and sat down, as he did so the young boy noticed he just came up to the table top by a bit. With an exasperated look the boy, sat trying to make the best of his small size. Ciprian got himself a bowl of porridge and a sweet roll and sat down with Cian. Looking up at Cip, Cian sighed and spoke with a slight laugh. "Cip? When you teach me to be a knight, can you help me to gain some muscle? Small size is good for thieving but, is sometimes tiresome for other things." Ciprian chuckled and ruffled Cian's hair. "Of course. You'll fill out better as you get older too," he said, then hungrily dug into breakfast. The porridge was a bit plain, but there was a hint of honey sweetening, probably all the cook could spare. Looking around Cian noticed the reactions of the townsfolk and smiled as he spoke once again. "They really appreciate you Ciprian, I wouldn't listen to anything that lady knight said. You fought really bravely and you saved a lot of lives...including mine. I didn't thank you before..thanks Cip. I was just a...maybe a little bit scared. Thanks for getting me out of that nasty situation I got in, I have to remember to be more careful next time." Cip smiled. "It's my duty to protect. I did all I could," he said humbly. Ciprian felt a bit of guilt for the lives lost, but he assured himself he really did all he could. That was all everyone did. "You were very brave though Cian. If you stick with me, you'll make a great knight one day." Cian eyes widened as he prepared to go fetch a bowl of soup and some bread for himself. Cip's compliment caught him off guard, all the time with Emir the only compliment he'd looked forward to was no stings of the lash. And that was only if he'd completed a job well done, praise was a rare thing for him. Quickly returning the boy sat down with a grin that threatened to split his face. As he gobbled down his meal quickly, he looked up at the knight with bright eyes and spoke. "You..you really think I'd make a good knight? Thank you Cip, that makes my day great." Ciprian chuckled and continued eating. After a few moments, he glanced around the tent, looking for Nuij. "I wonder where Nuij is? Maybe she went to go make her little trophies." Again, Cip chuckled. "That's one hell of a woman. Killed a demon single handedly and yanked out it's teeth for trophies." * * * Ciel was brought a breakfast, which she thanked the people for and gave her prayer to Marfa and stared her breakfast when she noticed that Veriss still was standing. "Veriss do come and sit down and eat. You need strength to help." She then took a bite of the bread and drank some water. There wasn't much left but she was grateful that they were willing give what they had left for her and others. Though she was a little weak from not eating breakfast, she hoped things weren't so bad. Marfa please protect us all...she prayed even as she ate her cheese and bread. Veriss nodded and took a ration for herself. She had the same, blank look on her face when she sat down, her face just as blank as a new sheet of paper. She did not seem to be concentrating on much more than the meal before her. Veriss finished her food in silence. She wanted to finish the job. She hadn't swung her blade in a while. And Greysoul was off in the fields somewhere. Something she needed to check on, then. Veriss picked up her tray and brought it back to the server, thanked him or her, and left the eating area without a word. Her mind was single tracked, her face grim, and her heart lost. The clunk of the gigantic mace on her back announced her dissipation from the room. Ciel was also curious as to what really happened, she thought she should ask the knight or the dark elf or even the boy. Then she was greeted by another priestess of Marfa who was residing in the village. They quickly exchanged bows and brief review of what happened. The priestess was glad that she brought more supplies. Ciel turned her head to look for Nuij, Cian or the knight Ciprian. Ciprian and Cian had finished breakfast, but they wanted some time to rest. They hadn't left the bench in the breakfast tent. Ciprian had spent most of that time telling Cian about his years as a squire so Cian would know what to expect, if he were enrolled in the knighthood. Where Nuij was, that was any body's guess. Ciprian expected the half-elf demon-slayer was reflecting on herself and carving up those demon teeth. For earrings she said? Possibly she was having them mounted. She was also an apothecary, so it was possible she was gathering herbs since her store had burnt down. Cian listened intently to Ciprian's tales of his squirely years, and training as a knight. The small boy's eyes grew wide, as he rested his chin on his elbows and didn't avert his attention from Cip once. Something he'd never done before, the life of a knight seemed a lot more fun than, one of a thief. Though he had to admit the rules and regulations were probably a bit of a pain, still he found every word captivating. Thinking for a moment he looked at Ciprian and spoke. "I can handle it, knight training sounds like it'll be good for me. And...if I become a good knight, hopefully as good as you Cip, I can stop slavers. I'll do it, I want to learn to be a knight Cip." Then he looking around he noted that Nuij was nowhere to be seen, probably she was off tending to something. At least he knew she wasn't in any trouble, at least he hoped she wasn't. Ciprian smiled. The boy was determined and intelligent. "That's an honorable cause," Ciprian replied. "That will be very good, Cian. My brother used to be in training to be a holy knight for Valis. Marfa bless him if she knows where he is now," Ciel said as she came to their bench and smiled. Her feet shuffled quietly across the floor and she sat across from the Knight and the boy. "My mother was the daughter of a Duke, Honorable Duke Starwind of Flaim. Though she was nearly disowned because she married a non-noble and non-sorcerer. My father just a wealthy merchant." Ciel still held a small grudge against the Starwinds for that. Cian glanced towards Ciel and smiled, as he looked the priestess in the eyes. As he spoke he looked at her with a slight moistness to his gray eyes. "Mmm...what's the word I should use? Um..lady..um Milady Ciel? Yeah that's it.. If I'm gonna hope to be a knight I should learn to talk like one I guess. Milady Ciel..when was the last time you saw him? When you see him again, make sure to cherish the time with him, once family is gone...it's too late." He didn't want to worry about Linette, but still with the troubles that'd arisen lately he did. He wondered about his sister's welfare and if she was even alive, the alternative was too difficult and too painful for him to consider. Cian seemed to get along with everyone, it seemed to Ciprian. He quietly listened to the two talking. They weren't the only ones to have lost family, Ciprian lost his father, but that was nothing compared to your entire family. "No just call me Ciel. The last time I saw my brother was thirteen years ago," Ciel patted Cian's head smiling. "Just follow what your heart wills and you won't be lost." Cian smiled and actually laughed happily, before catching himself. For a moment all trace of the little street thief was gone and he seemed just like another kid. He wasn't used to acting in such a way, but then he'd have to get used to many things. Looking around at the people gathered, he wondered how many others were separated from their families as well? Still he was happy to be with Cip and Nuij and the priestess seemed likable too, even her large knightly friend in a rough sort of way. Smiling still, he looked at Ciel and spoke. "I will..I promise." Ciprian ran a hand back through his sun-bleached hair. He was starting to feel better. His headache was fading. As Cian and Ciel talked, Cip wondered where Nuij was. After getting a meal from where it was being served Nuij walked over to where Cian and Cip were, nodding to Ciel she found a place to sit and ate in silence. After finishing her meal Nuij walked up to Cian and set down one of her spare bands of throwing daggers beside him, waiting till there was a pause in the conversation she spoke. "You'll need these if I am going to teach you what I know, if you need help with throwing technique we can work on it later." She then made her way over to Cip and ruffled his hair jokingly, turning her head a little to the side she smiled a little and finally spoke. "I needed some time to gather my thoughts, after all that happened I guess being around everybody was too much at the time. What do you think, finally finished my latest trophy." She let him see her new earrings as they hung from the silver chains that held them in her ears, they were kept the color of the bones except for crimson bands around the top and bottom. Ciel paled a little at mention of her trophy was her earrings but managed to pull herself back to normal pallor. "I would be with other priestesses, if you need me please don't hesitate to call me." Ciel thanked the village people for her meal and inspected about the plan to rebuild the village and talked with other priestesses. Ciprian smirked as he saw Nuij's new earrings. "Nice work--on both the slaying and the trophies," Cip winked at Nuij. Ciel, however, didn't seem impressed. Much to his disappointment, she left. Ciprian turned his attention to the daggers Nuij gave Cian. Too bad Cip didn't....Wait...Kale... Ciprian thought. "Hey, I'll be back in a few minutes, there's something I need to get." "Thanks I'll be here when you return, I'm not sure if I told both of you about my power against their kind. Ciel seems to be a touch aloof towards me, or perhaps she's just got something against dark elves or related. It just bothers me, I don't really like being around her at all." She spoke before Cip left and then looked back to Cian, sighing she then focused her attention on him. Cian looked over to Nuij with a smile and a mixture of relief and awe. As she showed off her new earrings, the boy looked at them and nodded. Then picking up the daggers he tested their weight, balance and make. Each one was well made and could fit the bill nearly perfectly for whatever use one made of them. The boy looked at the half-dark elven woman and spoke. "Thank you Nuij, I'm honored. I'll start practicing these today, they're balanced better than my daggers. I can probably throw them further, thank you Nuij." Looking at Cian she gave him a smile back and replied, she was still bothered by Ciel's reaction to things and silently wished that the priestess would not be so rude to her. "I'm happy you find them perfect, I bought them from Flaim when I went there to make a delivery. Though I doubt I could buy the same make again as I've heard rumors Blade lies in ruins, though the innkeeper usually has accurate information." As Ciel left, Cian nodded to her then was a bit puzzled by Cip's sudden exit, but still happily the boy turned back to his examination of the daggers, then looking to her rose from the table also and thanked the patrons for the food then spoke. "Well I'm full, I'm going to go practice with these for a bit. I need the exercise, but I guess I'll wait till Cip gets back." She sat at a table with a pitcher of wine and two goblets as she waited for Cip to return, stretching her back she went into silent thought. She'd managed to save copies of all the formulas her mother handed down to her, as well as everything she needed to make the most basic ones and her mortar and pestle. Though losing her home she had lost a lot more than she could ever tell, yet she chose to not let it affect her. * * * Ciprian stood and walked out of the tent, leaving Cian and Nuij to talk. He could get Kale's sword. It had been left stabbed into the ground where the knight had fallen, but it was never very important to Kale. He had no children to pass it down to, nor did he get it as a gift from anyone special. It was only the general issue blade that most knights got. It was probably too big for Cian at the moment, but he could wield it when he was older. Ciprian also debated on what he could train Cian with, then decided he could carve a pair of wooden practice swords for the two of them. * * * The High Knight strolled out into the fields. Sure enough, Greysoul was just grazing. It was comforting to know that her friend was still close by. When Veriss stopped to watch her companion, the sentinel Clydesdale looked up from his meal, staring straight at the warrioress. It felt as if their hearts intertwined, before Veriss turned and strolled away, and Greysoul went back to eating. Veriss found an open spot, away from the prying eyes of the people there. Why her? They could have picked someone more suited to this mission if it was nothing but desperation of hunger. She reached behind her back and pulled out her sword. The war had not been so long ago, but her warrior spirit called for battle. Her heart, shared by both beings, called for honorable combat. She almost craved it. What good was she doing there? Veriss looked down at the hilt of her finely crafted two-handed blade. It was so simple in appearance, but had a grand quality to it. Not many would be able to tell that the large blade had that quality, unless they fought with it. The grand fighter brought the blade before her, and sent out a horizontal cut in front of her, as if cutting the very breeze that surrounded her. She swung around, as if smashing an enemy coming up from behind. She swung her blade defensively, defending against the non-existent attacks on her by the breeze. Veriss backed up a step, and then pushed forward fast, her blade hacking away at the side of an enemy, then moving to cut upwards to finish. She stopped in stance, not moving an inch. She felt the breeze blow past her, the enemy she could not kill. She wished there was an enemy she could fight, someone she could always come to for a true fight of epic proportions. She felt the dulling of time on her nerves, and wasn't pleased. Veriss strolled back into the ruined town with her horse at her side. Greysoul was so comforting in times of trouble. She had annoyed that other knight. Part of the reason she took a time-out was to give them both room. He was unhappy with her professionalism and was unpleased that she didn't like the little investigation that went on. Veriss, as well, had fought goblins plenty of times. But usually their choice of attacks were always more intelligent than an armed town... She could not shake the feeling that something could be wrong. However, her jobs were too numerous to do an investigation herself. The citizens came first anyway. She wondered why she was even there. The reports said the goblins were decimated. What need would they even have for her here that they could not get out of a regular group of construction workers? * * * Ciprian whittled away at a hewed sapling with his belt knife in the woods outside of the village. It was about three inches wide, and six inches around in total, just bigger than an eye socket. It would be Cian's practice sword. Cip had another to make as his own. It's weight was close to a sword of equal size, and if it was too light, he could always add a little metal to weight it. Cip was very careful with his work, wanting to make it as perfect as possible. However, after a good hour of working on it, his wrist and back were aching. He'd had enough. Cian's practice sword was near perfect, but Cip hadn't even touched his. The holy knight stood with a groan and arched himself to pop his back. "Argh....It's time to head back. I wonder if I could get Nuij to give me a massage? Or maybe that lovely Ciel..." Ciprian wondered aloud, then chuckled to himself. He picked up the wooden sword, the uncarved sapling that would be his practice sword, as well as an actual sword--Kale's--and walked out of the woods back towards Silver Creek. He wondered if the townsfolk had come to a decision about what they would do. After crossing the razed fields, he walked down the main street of the ruined town, back toward the make-shift camp. "Knight Ciprian!" The mayor called. He knew most of the relief workers by name, and Cip had no commanding officer here, so it wasn't too surprising that he was seeking him out. Cip turned and paused. "Yes sir?" "We've reached a decision, mi'lord," the mayor replied stoically. "We believe it is best for our villagers to leave Silver Creek and go to Bly until this darkness passes. We cannot keep rebuilding in these conditions, I find it would be best to wait out the storm." Ciprian nodded, what ever they wished, he would accept, it wasn't his place to tell them what to do. "Understood. Do you wish for me to escort you?" The mayor nodded, "That we would." "Very well, when do you plan to leave?" "We want to reach Bly before nightfall, but it will be close, we will leave as soon as possible. I've ordered the message to leave spread through the village, some people might wish to stay, I can't make them go." Cip nodded yet again, "I'll go prepare then, and spread the word. Good day." Ciprian continued on, and as he passed through town, he noticed the particularly masculine female knight who rode in with Ciel leading her large gray horse. Ciprian gritted his teeth. He had to pass the message along to her, most likely. He walked on, gradually approaching her. When they finally met, Cip gave a nod of his head, then spoke, "Pardon, ah...Veriss, ma'am," Ciprian wasn't certain how to address her, there were very, very few women in the knighthood, he'd never met one in his life until now. Certainly, lady would not suit her. "I just spoke to the mayor, he plans to evacuate Silver Creek and move on to the village of Bly. He wishes to leave as soon as possible, so I suggest you prepare to leave as well." "I had yet to even unpack my things. All that is needed is to saddle up," she replied swiftly. She then looked down at the ground, and looked up with her void-like eyes. "Knight Ciprian," she titled him quickly. "I believe I owe you an apology. I fe- I... believe that it may have been just desperation. The only thing at fault here was me dwelling far too deeply into the subject. I hope you accept my apology." "Oh, eh," Ciprian chuckled just a touch uncomfortably and scratched the back of his head. "Well, I'm sorry for snapping at you back there. Like I said, I was exhausted. Apology accepted." Ciprian reached out his hand to shake hers, as if to make all the apologizing official. Veriss looked at it for a second, her empty heart seeing nothing but a hand. Her etiquette told her differently. She grasped the hand that was slightly smaller than hers. She looked up to him and nodded with that same, eerie, empty face. "Are there things to be done?" she asked, with no change except for the intonation rise at the end, making it an actual question. Ciprian was quite shocked to realize just how large her hands were. It was quite obvious she was bigger than he, but it still surprised Cip. He didn't let it show, of course, that would have been rude and something a squire would do. Cip's eyes raised from her hand to her face and couldn't help but feel a bit chilled by that empty expression. He couldn't tell how or why she became that way, there was just nothing there to read at all. Her voice was just the same. Blank. "Well, there's nothing to be assigned. If anyone asks for help, just give it," Ciprian replied, as evenly as he could. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go prepare as well," Ciprian nodded to Veriss, then walked on. With his back turned, he barely suppressed a shudder. She's like a bloody block of ice. Veriss nodded with the same exact nod he gave her. She then turned and lead Greysoul off towards the entrance of Silver Creek. * * * Cian waited for Cip to return but was restless. Finally decided to get some air, turning to Nuij the boy spoke. "I'm going to go exercise a bit while we wait for Cip to return, I want to try out these daggers." Excited the boy left heading outside, then found a small alley and began practicing a few moves with the daggers. They were indeed light and well balanced, moving with quick thrusts and jumps; the boy proceeded to limber up a bit as he practiced. It was one of the few times in his life anyone had given him anything, they were fine gifts. And he was appreciative, still while Cian practiced he found his mind wandering a bit. Linette was never far from his thoughts, he wondered just what she was doing and how she was faring. A few townsfolk wandered past, while he practiced he saw a woman and two children. The woman hurried past with something in her arms a sack or something, while the two children followed. Cian wondered for a moment, as he tried to remember the face of his own mother and sister. Shaking his head the boy, began practicing again, he could only pray that his sister was well. Perhaps he'd speak with the priestess Ciel later, and ask her the proper way to offer up a prayer. * * * Ciel made her way through the crowd gathering to evacuate the village. She was looking for either Veriss or Knight Ciprian. She found Ciprian first, "Sir Ciprian!" she said as she caught up with the knight, smiling she asked him, "Have you seen Veriss? I think people are little intimidated by her. They keep asking how come I am not afraid of Veriss...I told them she isn't that scary...but somehow I think she needs to melt the ice around her heart. I hope you can help me do it. If it's not much of a bother..." Ciel trailed off, blushing she was speaking to him openly like that. Ciprian gave Ciel his most charming smile, even though most of what she said threw him off guard. "Umm...I talked to her a moment ago, she's probably somewhere in the village. It's kind of hard to miss her," Cip replied and started packing up. Remembering how sore he was from working on Cian's practice sword, Cip groaned and put a hand at the base of his back. "Ow....priestess, could you do me a favor?" He asked Ciel, rubbing his sore back. Ciel smiled, "You have been working hard, Sir Ciprian. Maybe for others not used to her, it might be hard miss her but for me it's a different story. She does stand out but not in the most way people think." As she talked, she gently hovered her hands over the place he pointed out, closing her eyes, she briefly murmured a prayer and small glow formed underneath her hands. The glow sank into the knight's skin and dispersed. "It should be done, I hope." Ciel said as she took a step back. Ciprian leaned back, testing the healing. His back felt much better. With a charming smile still on his face, he turned to Ciel. "Thank you my dear, it feels as good as new," he said. "The villagers are planning to leave, if word hasn't reached you yet. Everyone is packing now, they want to be gone before too long." Ciel nodded and smiled back, "Good to know that, since I am still a novice priestess. I will go and look for Veriss first then I will get my things, since a lot of my things haven't been unpacked yet." * * * Veriss sat silently among the villagers. She did not look to anyone. She just sat, unmoving as stone. Inside, she was just strengthening her hold on everything through emptiness. Ciel saw Veriss but didn't go to her straight away, she quickly picked her belongings up, which wasn't much, and followed the last stream of people preparing to leave. Some of other priestesses joined her. She then looked around for Nuij, Knight Ciprian and the boy Cian. Veriss stood up from her calming state. She, again, towered over those peasants around her. She swung her gigantic mace over her back again and checked her bastard sword. All set. She looked up to the sky, then to her side. Greysoul stood off to the side, seeming to have found something caught up in a hole. Veriss strolled up to him and looked at the hole, then to her horse. "What do you see?" Greysoul just looked up and shook his head. He took a few steps back. "I will look then." Veriss knelt down, looking into the hole. She couldn't see what it was that was there. She looked up. "I see nothing." Greysoul did not budge. "Very well." Veriss looked back in, looking deeper. She saw a flash. Two of them... Eyes? She looked back up. "I saw it." The horse just shook his head and continued staring at the hole. "You are sure there is something else of importance in the hole." Greysoul gave a bit of recognition and gave a whispered neigh. "I will wait until I can see it." Veriss knelt, unmoving, off to the side of the crowd. The famed soldier looked like nothing more than a child, staring into a rabbit hole. Greysoul looked on intently without moving. * * * Cian continued practicing with the daggers, finally getting into moving with the daggers more easily with their movements. Stopping for a moment, boy looked and noticed he was being watched by one of the priests who'd healed him earlier. The priest stepped over as the boy went back to practicing and spoke. "It's good to see you up and about lad, where are your companions?" Cian continued to practice, making dips and strikes as he answered the priest. "Cip had some business to take care of, he's around somewhere and my other friend Nuij is inside finishing up her meal. I got bored so I came out here to practice a bit, if we have another attack I need to be ready." The priest smiled and shook his head then spoke once again. "I admire your courage lad, but you should leave the fighting to the knights and other protectors of this village. Waging war isn't something for a child to concern himself with, I know you want to help but there are other ways." Cian continued practicing, he knew the priest meant well and he was probably right. Most holy men usually were about some things, still he'd never put a lot of stock in them. Speaking as best he could considering he was starting to get winded, the young boy hoped he could finally get his point across to the man. "Sir..I know you mean well, but I'll be fine. I've lived on the streets for a good while, a lot of things I've seen. I'll survive..I always have, I won't abandon Cip or Nuij and...I want to help. I don't have many skills, but I want to use the few I have, to help stop this...I don't know..madness that's happening in villages. So..so no one else will have to suffer." The priest smiled a bit as he heard the boy finish his statement. Then spoke. "Well lad, your heart is in the right place. Try not to ever forget what you've seen good people suffer through and keep that helping attitude. You'll be blessed for a pure and good heart, I suppose you want to become a knight like your friend?" Cian stopped and knelt as he breathed heavily, all he practice had him a bit winded and he was still recovering from his past injuries. Looking up at the man with a bright smile, the young boy spoke in a bright tone. "Yeah, Cip's the greatest he doesn't hesitate to help people. And he's not stuffy, he's friendly. I know that being a knight isn't all glory and fighting, but..it seems to me that it's a good thing to train to help defend people that can't help themselves...even if you have to follow all those..echh rules. Still, I couldn't ask for better friends than he or Nuij. Speaking of Nuij, I'd better go find her or Cip, don't worry about me okay? I'll be fine." The priest nodded and patted the boy on the head, as he turned and walked away he spoke. "Well lad, may Marfa be with you. And if you ever consider another path, perhaps you might consider becoming a priest? There are more ways to help people than by just the sword you know." Within moments, he was gone. Cian stood and considered the priest's words for the briefest of moments, then shook his head smiling as he sheathed his new daggers and went off in search for his friends. "Heh, me a priest..naaah. I'd rather be a knight like Cip." "A knight whose also a trained killer, someone who could prove far deadlier there, come on Cian let's go find Cip." Nuij walked up behind him carrying more herbs and various ingredients as he spoke, chuckling she looked at the various plants she had in the baskets. "How's the practice coming, you hitting your mark more easily?" She asked him as she walked, heading to where their gear was knowing Cip might be there waiting. Cian was startled by Nuij's earlier comment; the boy nearly jumped when he'd heard her voice. Turning he looked up at her and smiled, his warm gray eyes seemed to almost sparkle as he spoke in a joyful tone. "Yeah. I hadn't thought about that, you're right Nuij. It's going to be great learning from both you and Cip. As for the daggers, they're taking some getting used to. But, I'm able to hit a lot more accurately than before and they're so light I should be able to throw them twice as far as my old ones. Thank you, Nuij I mean it. These are great. So...what's with the umm...are those herbs or something? What are they for?" Cian's curiosity was getting the better of him once again, as he tried to get a better look at what Nuij was carrying. Ciprian had his armor strapped back on, his bay warhorse saddled and belongings packed, now he just stood waiting for Cian and Nuij to show up again, or for the order to move. To kill time, he put a few finishing touches on Cian's practice sword. Nuij had finished packing her bags as she made her way through the people, indicating to Cian to keep very quiet as she needed silence here. Moving through the crowd on the balls of her feet she came up behind Cip with an arm around his shoulder, looking at him she grinned. "Sorry I was gone for so long, gathering herbs for more mixtures. Have to let them dry when I can, so you ready to move Cip?" She was happier than before, perhaps it was because she had found what her life lacked. Despite a war raging even the pain could be forgotten. Cian snickered quietly as Nuij snuck up on Cip, the boy had no idea what the knight was doing but apparently he seemed lost in his work. Looking around while Nuij talked, the boy wondered about their other companion the priestess and the lady knight. The thought at traveling again appealed to him, especially now that he had friends to travel with. The small boy could almost barely contain his excitement, as he grinned. Noticing, Cip's large horse Cian very timidly patted the animal gently from the front, wishing he had a carrot or apple to give him...or was it a her? * * * Veriss, still not taking notice of the rest of the group, squatted before a hole in the ground without moving. Greysoul stood with his head down, peering in with her. Ciel wondered around after speaking to other priestesses about the preparation. She had to find Veriss... "Veriss!" Ciel said gladly as she found Veriss squatting near a hole. "Veriss, we need to get ready to guide the village people from here, any investigation can be done after we know they have safely arrived at their destination." She said as she stood behind Veriss. "Very well..." Veriss said in a breathy tone. She stood up, towering over Ciel. She turned to Greysoul. "We can return to the hole another time," Veriss said in her usual monotone voice. Greysoul just looked at her unhappily. The veteran knight walked silently to the side of her horse and lifted her massive body atop the Clydesdale warhorse. She nodded to Ciel. "I am prepared for departure." Ciel smiled, "Okay, I will go and check for anyone struggling you might want to go near the gathering crowd. Maybe you can help out Veriss..." Ciel paused then took Veriss's hand, "You should smile more, what ever happened in the past...things can only move on and get better if your soul does. Okay?" With a pat to Veriss's much larger hand, she smiled and looked around for any stragglers. Veriss just stared at her in the same empty eyes. It was hard to smile unless you could feel the emotion that caused it. Ceil didn't understand. No one understood. She wanted to keep it that way. Less bother. More work. * * * Ciprian jolted upwards as he felt an arm wrap around him. Glancing back, he saw it was Nuij. With a small smile, he turned to her, "Well, that's good to hear. I'm ready myself." Cip paused and glanced at Cian who was timidly petting his war horse. The bay gelding sniffed at Cian's hair, then lifted it's impressive head and gave a whicker toward Cip to see if he was done saddling him. "Nuij, do you have a horse?" Cip asked. If not, she could always share with him. Which would have been nice, but if she had her own, Cian could ride with him. Watching Cian she smiled and then lightly shook her head, she often did not have a horse at the moment. "I don't have one yet, but I'm sure something can be done about that. He reminds me of how I was then, so full of hope and strong willed. I guess I never did change though." She then sighed as she looked back to where the had been and a tear slid down her cheek, what she had lost was more than she could imagine in her past. But for it all she had gained just as much in her life, perhaps it was all for the better. Cip smiled warmly and was about to ask her to ride with him when he noticed a tear trickle down her dark cheek. Without a second thought, he reached up and brushed it away. "Don't worry Nuij, we'll make it. Things are tough now, but they'll get better," he assured her. "Oh, if you want to ride, you can ride with me." Nuij smiled and looked at him as she knew he was right, perhaps that home was important to her but she had everything she needed with her and was alive. "I am still alive here, so it should all be ok. I just want to see the people can rebuild their lives, even if the old village remains in ruins." She smiled a bit and then held him close, she felt safe by him and never wanted to let go. Veriss, atop her steed, strolled out into the crowd. She could hear the whispers of people. A few of them were intimidated by her. Others spoke of what they had heard of her. Words of her kill count and how vicious and strong she was were quietly discussed as if she could not hear them. She took no visible thought to it. She rode around the group, looking for anything out of place before riding over to Cip and the others. "Are we prepared?" Cian did his best not to disturb Nuij and Cip as they conversed, patting the horse gently once more the small boy turned as he heard someone approaching. It was the lady knight, looking up at the powerful figure on her horse Cian smiled slightly. In all his training as a thief, he hadn't received a lot of training with the animals. To tell the truth, though he'd hardly want to admit it animals far larger than him frightened him just a bit. But, Cip's horse was nice he liked it, the sniff to his hair tickled Cian as the boy could hardly stifle a delightful playful laugh. Quickly covering his mouth afterwards, something like that wasn't something he was used to displaying. Turning back towards Cip and Nuij, he waited until they'd finish speaking and asked the knight a question. "Cip, what's your horse's name?" Ciprian was a little surprised by Nuij's embrace but he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her and hugged back. She didn't answer his question, but he heard Cian speak, so he turned to the boy instead. "His name is Agel," Ciprian replied. Looking at his two companions--Nuij still clinging to him--he decided that maybe he should have Cian ride with him instead. He wanted to talk to him about becoming a squire anyway. "Nuij, I'm sure someone can provide you with a fine mount. Cian, you can ride with me. And..." Carefully pushing Nuij off him, he produced the practice sword he'd carved for Cian. "I've got a little gift for you, buddy. Here, it's a training sword." Veriss watched the touching gift without a single tingle of interest. She could remember the first time she got a training sword, though. It did not last long. It was only two weeks after she brutally murdered her own brother. She broke the wooden replacement for a real sword from swinging it too hard. She was ready to leave. She was expecting to leave immediately. Cian's eyes widened with wonder as he accepted the gift from Cip, the small boy's face nearly split from his grin. As he looked back up at Ciprian, he thought for a moment then spoke in the best way he could think of. "Cip..this..this is for me? Thank you, I promise to use it responsibly, train hard and learn everything I can that you teach me. I know this means I'll try my best do well and prove worthy of this great honor. Um..did that sound okay? I'm not good at speeches.." Turning to Nuij, the boy held up the sword showing to her and with joyful eyes spoke to the elven woman. Elated since it was one of the few if only gifts anyone had ever made for him. Truly one of the rarer moments that the street smart thief was gone and the child shined through, as the boy happily held the precious gift the knight had given him. "See Nuij, see isn't it great. Cip made me a wooden practice sword and that means I can learn swordsmanship, you're both the best...the best ever." Ciprian grinned at how well his gift was received. "I'll start training you once we have a chance in Bly," Ciprian told Cian. "But we need to get going. The town's emptying out." With that, Cip mounted Agel and reached for Cian's hand to help him up. Finally, Veriss thought, we will be on our way. The knight of muscle and skill shifted slightly so that her mace was more comfortable on her back. She looked up to Cip with her void-like eyes, as if waiting for command. Ciel was smiling as she guided her own mount with several things, suspiciously looking like bundles of herbs and food towards Veriss and Ciprian. "I think we had better get going. Other priests and priestesses have almost guided out other village people." Her horse neighed as she patted its mane. "That sounds right," Veriss replied with her normal monotone voice. She had come accompanying Ciel. She decided that she should leave accompanying the priestess. She nodded her head to Cip. "I will be riding along side you, Priestess Ciel, if you have no wishes against it." Greysoul moved calmly over a few steps toward Ciel. Ciel nodded, "No, not at all, it would be a great pleasure to meet some more people." With that, she gently turned her horse and started towards the gate of the village. Cian nodded as he listened to Cip, then as the Knight reached down to pull him up the boy felt the first real twinge of fear he'd felt since the incident in the village with the goblins. Agel wasn't the problem, but the height however did give him a bit of hesitation for a moment. Shaking it off, the boy reached up and grasped Ciprian's hand as he found himself pulled up into the saddle. Once secure, Cian's fear subsided as he spoke softly. "Well, that's one fear beaten. Agel sure is big, but I guess he'd have to be and strong too, to carry you and your armor. I'm glad he likes me, he could squash me without trying with his size." Glancing over to Nuij, Cian smiled and waited anxiously for them to move out. The boy took in everything in sight, including the female knight. Managing a small smile in her direction as well, it made Cian think about what might lay ahead in his training as he hoped to go from squire then to knight. He never thought there could be female knights, but as he'd been in the presence of one it appeared women could be knights as well. Thinking to himself, as his Grey-eyes seemed to sparkle, Cian grinned once again. Well if she could do it, so can I. And I'll make both Nuij and Cip proud. Veriss took no notice of the child. She only took notice to the ground before her as Greysoul turned to follow Ciel. Greysoul's strong legs pushed off into a trot to move next to her. Going back to Ciel's pace, they rode smoothly next to each other. Veriss did not look to Ciel. She did not look at anything but the ground before them. She said nothing. she did not even make a sound except for the shifting of her equipment as they moved. That same, empty look came over her again... Nuij returned with another mount as she looked to Cip and nodded, it has already been prepared and her gear was on the horse. "I'll let Cian ride with you so I can ride beside you, I don't want to weigh down the horse too much. I guess this is goodbye to my home, I'll be ok now that you two are here." She then mounted the roan mare and was quickly ready to leave, she would keep pace with Cip for the duration of the journey. * * * Ciprian and Cian rode alongside the townsfolk who either walked on foot, rode in carts or rode one of the few horses they had. Now that they were on the road, Cip struck up conversation with the boy. "I do have another gift for you, but only when you're ready," Cip said, glancing over his shoulder at Cian. Leaning to the side, he patted a sheathed sword hanging from his saddle. "That sword is for you one day, if you can prove you're worthy of it." Cian audibly gasped at Ciprian's statement, even more than the wooden sword was the offer for a real sword should he prove worthy of it. Glancing down at where the blade rested, Cian could only gape for a moment as he thought at the prospect. It also bought a tear or two the child's eyes as he was silent for a moment then spoke in a clear and determined voice. "Cip..I'll try my best to prove worthy of it, what you've offered me today. I never thought...never thought that people were so kind. What I'm trying to say is. Thanks...thank you for everything I haven't been this happy w ell I don't know when I've been this happy..so I'm gonna enjoy it." Ciprian grinned and felt quite touched himself. Reassuringly, he reached back and gave Cian's leg a pat. It felt good to be helping this boy. Ciprian recalled the night before when Cian had tried to lift his purse, and how much it hurt to see someone so young having to turn to thievery to survive. No longer. Cian would make some thing of himself if Cip could help it.