Searching for the Outlanders

[Verdan]

The Outlanders. Who were they? Where did they come from? Why were they here, in the land of Avaren? Those were the thoughts going through Verdan's head as he tramped down a well-walked path in the Dark Forest. How he wished to meet one of those Outlanders, he would give them a piece of his mind. A big piece that would leave them bruised for a while. Those Outlanders, traversing the lands, attacking innocent travelers. But Verdan was prepared. Just let them attack and he will show them that he is no innocent traveler. He would show them the power of a mage.

As Verdan was walking down that path, thinking strong thoughts, he stepped on a dry twig, causing an unusually loud crack which sent an echo running through the Forest. A flock of birds rose into the air, disturbed by the sharp noise. Verdan winced. If every single creature did not know of his presence by now, he would be surprised. And if a creature, in fact, did not hear him, that creature was either deaf or dead.

Verdan took his staff in his left hand as he drew a complex character in the air in front of him while muttering an incantation. Blasted twig. Verdan set up the energy shield around himself as at least a bit of protection. It was a weak one and would only withstand a few direct blows. However, it offered some protection and Verdan felt at least a little safer with it up. Cautiously now, he continued his way through the Dark Forest, now apprehensive of meeting an Outlander.

[Seraphis]

((If you dont want my reply here just let me know and I'll delete it))

The Dark Forest was such a wonderful place to meditate or be alone! It was so dark and uninhabitated, Seraphis loved it! Not to many people came to these woods. No, it was far too eerie for any normal person to spend much time at. Seraphis wasn't a normal person, and she spent a large majority of her time roaming about or sitting quietly to meditate.

Seraphis was doing what she did on a normal basis, just sitting on a relatively low branch in the forest, quietly meditating, when she heard a twig snap. Seraphis opened her eyes observed her surroundings carefully. The chances were very likely someone about 5 yards away from where she sat, only not in a tree. She mentally debated with herself whether or not to make her presence known as well. In the end, she figured it wouldnt hurt. "Hello? Is someone there?"

[Verdan]

((Teh w00t, you're not a nub either.))

Verdan ducked down sharply in fear of someone about to attack him as he head the voice. Realizing that nobody was going to, -yet-, he slowly straightened up, swearing under his breath, cursing himself for his own stupidity. He looked around to locate the source of the voice, thinking about whether to give away his position. Deciding against it, he took several cautious steps off of the path, walking to the nearest tree and covering his body with this cloak, blending in. Unfortunately for Verdan, he disturbed the bug populace living under the bark of the tree. A tiny creature had crawled out from under the tree covering and bean to make its way down Verdan's face. Seeing the bug, Verdan sneezed loudly, sending it flying off, but also giving away his own position. Verdan was ready to kick himself.

[Seraphis]

(( : P ))

She waited for a response, but she didnt get one. Though she sensed someone, or something, moving closer to her. Perhaps her idea to speak was foolish. If this was an outlander and she was to be slain, no one would know anyways.... She heard a sneeze and moving at the bottom of a tree. She decided to try to converse with whatever it was that was at the bottom of the tree, if worst came to worst, she could always climb higher or into a different tree or something like that. "You are not an Outlander are you?" She had to hold her tongue from saying 'If not are you just a clumsy oaf?', though that would be extremely unpolite of her to say to someone she just met. Or rather, hadn't even met yet.

[Verdan]

Verdan, finally pinpointing the source of the voice looked up into the tree from where the sound was coming. "Nay. I'm no outlander." he spoke up, taking several silent steps away from the tree and back onto the path. He looked up at the tree once more. "And I mean nobody harm. However, I haven't gotten the same assurance from you, stranger. Who are you?" he asked tentatively, dearly hoping that this stranger was no overly powerful outlander either. Verdan had quickly changed his mind about meeting one. He no longer wished for such a meeting.

[Seraphis]

Sera was hoping that the person wasnt someone evil, and it seemed he wasnt. "Me? I am no evildoer! I'm just trying to improve my skills as a mage... I can't say I am very good yet...." She trailed off but soon remembered she had not even introduced herself. "Oh! I'm sorry for not introducing myself! My name is Seraphis, or Sera for short. And you are...?" She stayed in the tree just in case the guy was lying. Perhaps he was an outlander trying to trick her. Sera just realized she had admitted that she wasnt very strong and she slapped herself in the head. "My God I am stupid.." She whispered to herself.

[Verdan]

"Well, at least now we know we won't kill each other on sight. That's reassuring..." Verdan said sincerely. "Unless one of us is lying. But had you wanted to kill me, you would have done so by now, unless you're amazingly stupid and pathetic. But seeing as I don't think you are, and you haven't killed me yet, I'll trust you." Verdan grinned at his own flawless logic. "And as for who I am, people usually call me Verdan. I am a mage like yourself, unless you were lying to me. In that case, I am a mage, unlike yourself." he was about to continue rambling on and on, but in time realized that this was no time for pointless chatter. "Come out of that tree, before you fall out, Seraphis." Verdan laughed. "Don't be afraid. In any case, you have the upper hand over me, for you know my exact location, while I only know that you are in a tree..."