Rara Avis

[Theolyn Meijer]

"These all seem to be in order. Move along".
"Yessir.", Theolyn replied to one of the gates guard.

He handed Theolyn her travel papers. She took them with her frozen shaky hands and placed them in the deep pocket of her cloak. Along her two week journey from the distant Kingdom of Fyore the weather had changed dramatically. She started off with a warm breeze at her back and that turned into three days of icy autumn rain. The hood of her cloak gave her some protection but it was easy to tell, by the way her silver locks of hair stuck to her face and the way she was dripping, that she was drenched. She was soaked from head to toe. Theolyn stepped in with a group of traders, following them through the gates and into the city. She watched as the puffs of warm air come from her mouth and the mouthes of others. With all that steam she wished for a fire.

She broke off from the group and made her way to the main street. From the same pocket that she had placed her traveling permits she pulled out a crumpled paper with some scribbled direction. She stared at it and she shivered from the cold.

"Obviously I am in Avaren... which... isn't where I want to be...", she said aloud. Anyone who would have seen her at this moment would have assumed she was just voicing a mental note. If they assumed that they would be wrong. Suddenly from the leather bag she had on her shoulders popped the head of a small red bird. "Linx, where are we going?", she said with mild frustration. The bird looked a around for a split second and then ducked back into the bag. He was always so wise. She needed to find a place to stay. It was nearly dawn and she had been walking all day. But who would take her? She was a stranger to this city and no one would be out so late.

Theolyn walked until she could find shelter underneath the extended roof of a building. She leaned against the wall and slid down to the ground. It was damp and muddy, but it wasn't any different from her current state. She held her bag between her arms and tried to sleep. No luck. She had found a room to sleep in every other day but this one. She was out of money. She was cold and she was tired... but she could rest.

Theolyn sank her head and drew up her knees. She laid her head down and tried to relax. But she was just getting colder. She rubbed her hands together but no use. Then a simple solution hit her. She held her palms inches apart and muttered something under her breath. Then, in the blink of an eye a small fire ball appeared between her hands. While working under a powerful elementalist she had learned a few tricks. Fireball and a blinding light. Two very easy spells. Then she let her hands fall to her sides and the flame stayed in the air. She held herself tightly and started to doze.

[Shadow]

((can I join?))
Shadow, heavily cloaked and disguised, had been roaming the gates, watching for Mages and the like, to warn them and bring them to the safety of Aesir. today, not many mages had walked into the warrior city, so shadow did not need to do much traveling. Instantly recognizable, especially by the way she talked to a a bird she kept in her bag, Shadow noticed the young female almost as soon as she walked past him in the gateway. Watching her closely, he nearly shouted when she activated the spell. Taking his dagger out and covering it with a snowball, he threw it straight at the ball of flame levitating in front of the young woman, instantaneously dousing it. before the dagger could hit her, it was back in shadows hand, but the snow that was around it continued in its path, halfway melting from dousing the fire, but still, it was enough to reach the young girl. making sure his face was hidden, he walked over to where she was, coming to a stop about three feet away from her. "wake up. You will die if you do not reach shelter, and i am not saying from the cold."

[Tyanno Dynam, Allaine mage]

Tyanno too had been loitering in stealth to scoop up any mages that entered the kingdom, unknowing of the danger that lay inherent of being outside the shelter of Aesir. He had spotted the young female instantly as she laid down after casting a fire. He strode over, careful not to draw attention t her or himself, but a familiar figure beat him to the curled figure. He heard Shadow's words and smiled from under his Brandy cloak.

"Glad to see you again, and well, Shadow. Come young lady, for he is right. This city is no longer a place for our people. We shall take you to safety." his words were as crisp as the brisk chilly wind that swept around them on that dreary day. He reached out a hand to help her up quickly, giving a reassuring smile to let her know that neither of them meant any harm. His eyes, however glanced around in a constant check to see if anyone was paying too much attention to three travelers. He pulled off his heavy over cloak and wrapped it around the girls shoulders. It was not matter, for he and his partner came from the cold northeastern reaches, past the mountains, and thus he was well adapted to the cold. But they need to move quickly, and so warming her would help rouse her from her stupor.

"Come now, quickly, and we will explain everything you wish to know. What do you say to a warm bite to eat and a real fire hmmm?" He gestured for Shadow as he began lead the girl away for the crowded entrance way...

[Theolyn Meijer]

((what if I had said no?))

Theolyn could feel herself seconds from sleep. Her body was completely relaxed and her mind was drifting. Suddenly, like someone had punched her in the stomach, she was breathless. The second she looked up at her fireball her face was covered in snow. The fireball was no more than I puff of smoke. She had never been dispelled before. She saw a cloaked man holding a dagger. His face was hidden and he walked no more than three feet in front of her. He had a strange look on his face. Her eyes were still heavy from her long trip and they where only half open. She slid her hood back revealing her face. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold and her nose was a light pink as well.

"wake up. You will die if you do not reach shelter, and i am not saying from the cold.", the strange man said.

She didn't move panicked or fast. She didn't stand and rubbed her eyes. "What do you mean? I will die if I don't reach shelter...", she paused and picked up her bag. It had all her belongings in it. "I have slept outside before," she lied. She wasn't thinking of the worst, she thought she might be arrested at most for wandering around the streets but not death. She could feel Linx rustling around in her bag. She paid no attention to him. It would be best for him to stay where he was. She was awake now and her stare was direct and clear. Her dress was obviously warn and old, it was not covered in mud and had a torn at the bottom. Her cloak wasn't new either, there were patches sewn on and mud lined the bottom. Her hair was naturally straight but in the rain it gained some curl.

Just then another man with some reassuring words came up. He was an appearent friend of this 'Shadow'. She was close to saying, "Leave me alone", or "bug off" but she stopped herself. She took his hand and stood up. He threw his cloak around her and offered food, a warm fire as well. She didn't understand their kindness but she would accecpt it. They seemed trustworthy...kinda. "Alright, I will follow you," she said to them both, "but where too? Aesir?".

[Shadow]

((we would delete our posts and say "oh well, better luck next time."))
Shadow smiled at Tyanno. "Good to see you too." Turning to the young lady once she was up, he bowed. "the name is Shadow. We will escort you to-" he lowered his voice to a whisper. "Aesir." Straightening, he sighed. "i put out that flame you conjured because the city isn't to inclined towards mages right now, in fact they kill any that they find." Shadow looked up at the looming Castle. "Lord Vidar up there believes that we are heathens, and that he is doing God's will by getting rid of us. Nearly killed Tyanno and I." Shadow looked around. "oh, and If you need reason to trust us, just ask. its better to know for sure. trust me." Shadow laughed. 'but i am rambling. you are cold, Soaked, and hungry, I'm sure. so we should press forth. no?" Shadow kept an eye out as he talked. "Where do you hail from, stranger? and what is your name?

[Theolyn Meijer]

Shadow told her that their destination was indeed Aesir. She smiled and could feel her heart flutter with joy. He explained why he had put out her flame but the answer was uncomfortable. Kill us? Heathens?, she thought looking to the castle. She was always seen as little strange for being interested in magic and be able to use it but not a heathen. Theolyn had arrived in a very dark time. And from the way things sounded, it didn't feel like this situation would clear up soon. Tyanno...?. she glanced at him, giving a grateful smile, and then returned her gaze to Shadow. She could trust them. She knew she could.

"I come from a far kingdom, Fyore. It is small, you probably haven't heard of it. And My name is Theolyn Meijer, but please, both of you call me Theo," she paused before speaking again. It would beset to tell them why she trusted then so, intern they could trust her, "As for a question of your trust, you have already earned it. If you two hadn't told me about the magical restrictions of this land I could be heading for the gallows right now. You have saved my life, I think that deserves trust".

[Tyanno Dynam, Allaine mage]

Tyanno introduced himself, "I am Tyanno Dynam of the Allaine Phoenix clan. Yes, the trouble here has gotten out of hand. A shame that protectors such as us have been hunted by leaders of the very kingdom we have served. But for now, that is the way of things. And it will change I assure you. My friend Alezand is already on that. Perhaps you will get to meet him."
He smiled back at her.

And so they trudged through the slosh of mud and drizzling rain. Careful to keep his hood up, Tyanno was sure that every guard here was trained to recognize Shadow and him on sight since the escape. To be sure, this was Tyanno's first time back in Avaren since the incident. "Tell me of this curious bird I spotted from your bag..." He inquired genuinely.

(OCC: be careful with having a pet, especially if it is magical. there are rules regarding having a pet due to some problems that arose from new characters who were low level and having very powerful critters. generally, you have to earn the pet through one of the moderators, so check with Cain before doing anything more with the bird. just trying to save you from grief from the others.)

[Shadow]

((coughcoughERAGONANDCOMPANYcoughcough... Lets just say, a lot of spamming and ignoring the rules... to the point of being hunted by outlanders))

Shadow trudged along, hood down, eyes alert. "I remember when we were allowed to practice on the streets... mesmerizing warriors... stealing their over-full moneypouches..." He sighed. "not anymore... tis a shame..." Shadow stopped, as he had wound up pretty far ahead of the two, given the length of his legs compared to theirs. turning around, he began to walk back, contemplating something. upon re-joining the other two, he heard Tyanno's question. "yes, tell us of your feathery friend." But his tone was distracted, as he was looking up at one of the rooftops with a menacing scowl. lowering his voice, he spoke out of the corner of his mouth. "we should move faster... as it is almost nightfall, and the gates will be closed... there is a man on the roof..." he shook his head. there wasn't anyone on the roof he was staring at, at least not anymore. but shadow's sense of unease grew. "we really should get moving..." on the least predictable path... the one with the most resistance

[Theolyn Meijer]

Both Tyanno and Shadow explained on about the city situation. The whole thing made her terribly uncomfortable. Tyanno explained that things were already in motion for a fix. That eased her mind a little. She just wished there was something she could do. This place was going to be Theo's new home after all. She wasn't very experienced in magic but she was a quick study. But what could I possibly do? I new here, I don't know what is all happening and I would probably just be in the way... If i see a chance to help... then I will...

At that point she was so deep into her own thoughts she hadn't noticed Shadow doubling back or Tyanno's question. Thankfully, there was a repeat by Shadow. "My bird?", she asked. Theolyn jumped in her shoes realizing that her little pet was still crammed inside that bag of hers. She folded back Tyanno's cloak and brought her bag around. She opened a small spot and the bird wriggled out. It flapped and fluttered for a moment then softly landed on her head. "My bird, Linx, he's just an ordinary bird. My Gran da had an old fat cat that i use to follow into the woods. On day I found her picking at a fallen nest, I shooed her away and found Linx here.I just kept him every since. He just keeps me company".

Shadow encouraged them to move on. They were being followed. That also made her uneasy, what a bad welcoming to her new home. By this time the hard rain and died down to a drizzle and was just annoying. Linx flapped his wings to get the water off. She hopped down onto her shoulder and the under her hood rest and the base of her neck and shoulder. His beak and a few bright feathers poked out of her cloak and between her long silver locks. Theolyn picked up her pace, mud was kicked further up her dress . She sighed and looked down at them. Maybe after... if she got settled then she would make a new one.

[Reno]

((may I join? if not, say so, and I will go away...))
The tall one was right. Partly at least. There was a man watching them, but this man meant them no harm. Reno had also observed the young lady enter the City, but hadn't paid any attention. she didn't look like a fool, and he wasn't about to steal something from a newcomer to the city, especially one so travel-weary. so he had decided to keep an eye on her, maybe she might need his assistance. he was about to dump a bucket of water on the fire she had made, but shadow beat him to it. then, another man, along with the tall one, discussed things with the young lady and they began to walk off. Reno sighed. "they shouldn't be here... the gates close in an hour..." Deciding to follow them, he made his way along the rooftops. But the tall one knew that they were being followed, and even glared in his direction at one point. Reno had quickly hidden himself so the others wouldn't see him, only peeping out when they had moved on. "hmmmm... i wonder... does Shadow know that there has been some major changes over in that sector? I don't think so, because not even he would be able to get out of there alive... especially with the number of soldiers guarding the treasury..." Deciding to alert them of the changes, Reno slid down and jumped off the roof he was on, rolling with the landing, and sprinted to the group. "wait! stop! There have been major changes here! this is no longer undefended, it is probably one of the most defended places in Avaren! it is the area where the treasury is..." he stopped, in front of the group, panting. it's too cold to roll around in the snow.

[Tyanno Dynam, Allaine mage]

Now Tyanno had not seen Reno since the zombie fight in the citadel. And even then, there really wasn't a time for introductions. So it took Tyanno a moment to remember where he had seen the face. Frowning towards Shadow, he stayed back with Theo. Shadow could handle it if there was trouble while Tyanno, knowing the alleyways and backstreets as well as he did, could continue to lead Theo to safety.

"What have you, man?" He asked blatantly as the warrior approached. Even if he meant no harm, Reno was drawing more undue attention to the party than was warranted in getting out of here unscathed. Subtly was one of the reigning traits in the Allaine pair. Stealth was their primary weapon, but it did work if allies blew your cover. Shadow had better silence the newcomer quick, or Tyanno was about to get very annoyed. "Stay by me." He whispered to Theo, stepping closer to shield her...

[Shadow]

Damn it reno... you are about to blow our cover... Shadow quickly cuffed reno on the side of the head. "You idiot! shut your mouth!" sighing, he shook his head. "what's the first thing I taught you!?!" shaking his head again, he grabbed reno by the ear and walked him over to where Tyanno and Theo were standing, the former at a ready stance, ready to protect.

"don't worry, it is only a a foolish theif...isnt that right Reno?" Shadow laughed and released Reno's ear.((sorry about the god modding there, but twas nesescary...)) "Reno, do you speak the truth? is the way seriously barred? What time do the gates close?" Looking up at Tyanno, shadow nodded. "don't worry, no need for fear of treachery from this one, I know every trick he has, and more." Turning to Theo, Shadow smiled again. "Theo, this is my friend Reno. Please do not be alarmed by him, he is only what you see, no magic."

[Theolyn Meijer]

As they were rushing the came to a stop when a strange red haired man jumped of from the roof and ran toward the. He was yelling, rambling about something. He wasn't make any sense to Theo. She waited a moment to react, but the reaction was minimal. Just only side. This man had done a fantastic job of getting them noticed, but perhaps that wasn't all bad. That might quicken the pace even more to Aesir, which that is what Theolyn wanted.

Theo wasn't imitating or afraid of this new man, but she listened to Tyanno and stood behind him. By Shadow's reaction he obviously knew the Reno fellow. He grabbed in by the side of her noggin and scolded him like a child. Theo couldn't help but giggle. Shadow pulled Reno by the ear and made him stand in front of Theo and Tyanno. She had a grand, amused smile on her face. "I am glad to meet you Reno.", Theolyn said with cheer. Another one to the party, she supposed.

[Reno]

Reno spluttered when Shadow cuffed him. rubbing the back of his head, he tried to say something in his defense, but Shadow grabbed him by the ear and marched him over to where Tyanno was standing protectively in front of the girl. Thankfully, shadow let go of his ear, and Reno could stand straight again. bowing to the young lady, Reno smiled. “As am I, ...Theo? Is that your name?" Reno smiled. "Well, of course I speak the truth. The gates close an hour before sunset, and this way no longer leads to a safe-house." Reno shook his head sadly. "the people who kept the safe-house were captured and executed by a wicked, scythe-wielding devil girl." Reno shuddered at the memory. "no defense, nothing. they never saw it coming and didn't have a chance to defend themselves... but we should really get moving....." Reno looked into the sky. "I don't even think you would be able to make it to the gates at this rate... might want to stay at the tavern..." Reno sighed and returned his gaze to the ground. "I was trying to warn you earlier, but you kept moving before I could fully get your attention..."

[Theolyn Meijer]

"As am I, ...Theo? Is that your name?", Reno asked her. She replied quickly, "My name is Theolyn but I ususally go with Theo". At this piont she knew it was safe. She smiled at Tyanno in silent thanks and stepped out beside him. Reno explained about there being a safehouse. Probably for mages that were being hunted. Appearently that was no longer an option, as Reno when on to tell about the excution. Sythe-weilding?, Theolyn though to herself. How gruesome...

The gates closed an hour before the sunset, how unfortunate. She too looked at the sky but sighed. She never thought reaching Aesir would be so taxing. Then Reno suggested the Tavern as a place to stay. It sounded good to her. She stepped foward and addressed the group, "I think the tavern would be a good idea. We could start off in the morning when the gates are opened". She looked around hopfully. What she didn't say was that she was also wanting to sit by a fire, wanting to eat a good meal and rest.