<font color="pink">Eliza

"Oh, please... don't leave me." ~ She blurts, reaching out to hold Raymond's arms. As she realises the words she has uttered, her cheeks turn to a crimson red ~ "I... I mean, I wish to talk... I wish for us to talk..." ~ What is happening to me here? Why do I blabber incoherently in front of this lad? A lad who appears as nervous as me? ~ Troubled, she tries to shake her thoughts away, but finds herself accosted by the seasoned man instead.

Instinctively, she backs away from him, her eyes flashing ~ "If you would excuse me. I would much prefer to be left alone to talk this gentleman here." ~ Yet a charming smile dances upon her lips, making it impossible for those perceiving it to feel truly offended.</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

Despite the captivating smile, he recognises a slight when he sees one. His face stiffens involuntarily, even as he strives to maintain his composure ~ "Of course, fair Eliza. It is as you wish." ~ Bowing, he whips around and walks back towards Gavrouche, deliberately avoiding the latter's amused eyes.

Why, you little wench... ~ His fists clench tightly and begin to shake ~ You will pay for this insolence... ~ His eyes are ablaze with a new passion ~ ...one day... you will be mine...</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

She heaves a sigh of relief as the unwelcome intruder turns and walks away in a huff ~ I've made a mortal enemy today, it seems ~ She turns back to Raymond, now whispering in an urgent voice:

"Please... I don't have much time to say this, but I do not trust your friends... they do not seem very upright characters... I can feel it somehow..." ~ Gripping his arms tightly, she continues ~ "I know you do not have much reason to trust me, either... but you've got to!" ~ Checking her voice hastily, she glances away to see the other two men looking away ~ "I may cavort about madly, but I've no nefarious thoughts in my mind... all I want is an adventure, without having to worry about suspect companions." ~ She pauses to allow her words to sink in ~ "Please... come with me on my adventure. Just the two of us."

She gazes at him anxiously, her green eyes glittering.</font>

<font color="silver">Before Legolas can reply, the movement behind the bushes becomes obvious. Three figures now leap out, brandishing blades. ~ "Alright, now... hand over the amulet, and your lives will be spared."

Terror courses through Sorsha's body as her hands move falteringly to her scythe. She drags it out and faces one of them, her face ashen ~ "S...stay away from me.... from us..." ~ Her knees weaken and her heart pulsates with a rapidity she had never experienced before.

The rogue bursts into a hearty laugh and strides over, gripping her right arm until she winces and the scythe falls onto the ground with a tinkle ~ <font color="gold">"Brave words, my little lovely... let's see how you get out of this, shall we?"</font> ~ He bends forward, preparing to force a kiss on her lips.</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

From out of nowhere, anger flows up in him. This man would threaten Sorsha? In the blink of an eye he pulls his long knife free from it's sheath. As the man bends forward, Legolas thrusts him back with his free hand. He places himself between the girl and her attackers. Keeping his knife low, he eyes the rogues.

He speaks, in a soft voice
"Please, stand back. I won't let them harm you."

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Trembling, she replies ~ "B...but what about you?" ~ Somehow, amidst the sense of inertia pervading her body, she manages to stoop down and retrieve the scythe even as the snickers of the three attackers grow louder. She takes a step back, ready to assist Legolas in whatever pathetic way she can.

The three rogues now advance towards Legolas, each wielding a blade (dagger, katana, scimitar). With a shout, they charge towards him, ready to hack him into pieces...</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

As the rogues rush forward, Legolas' dagger bites one's neck like a serpent striking. The man drops his katana and falls to his knees, gurgling.
The elf does not attempt to doge his attackers, as he feels his own life matters not. One blow bounces off his leather armour, while the dagger scratches his left arm, deeply. He staggers back as the rogues prepare for another strike.

Glancing back he can see Sorsha chose not to run. Stalling the bandits would not help get her to safety. They would all have to die.

The bandits charge forward once more. The elf uses the length of his weapon to wound the man wielding the dagger. The other one slams right into him and they both fall to the ground. The impact knocks the air out of Legolas' lungs. They struggle some time, but the bandit is the stronger one. He manages to get on top of the ranger and pushes his scimitar to the elf's throat.

Turning to Sorsha, he speaks.

"Hand over the amulet. Now."

Legolas struggles and the bandit returns his attention to him.

<font color="white">Raymond

Uhh...ma'am...? I ...I am new at adventuring, and I am not real good with a sword or anything. I was following this guy Damien, because he offered to teach me how to get into things. I was tired sitting at home...alone on the farm.
Besides, you could not possibly want me hanging around. I am poor company in the presence of a lady.</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Her fingers fumble with the clasp of amulet, while her pulse reaches an insane level of rapidity. Gasping in fear as she watches one of the rogues advancing towards her, she is painfully aware of the crisis at hand.

<font color="gold">"Let me give you a hand with that."</font> ~ The evil smirk on his face terrifies her as his huge hairy hand reaches out to grasp the pendant to rip it off... with a shriek of pure agony, he seems to stiffen before crumpling onto the ground. Quite dead.

She now staggers forward, her head swimming but wanting to reach Legolas. Her legs begin to sway, yet, she persists in her goal, reaching him.

"Let him go..." ~ the tone of her voice becomes rather foreign to her own ears. Seconds pass as the intruders stare at each other in indecision ~ "I said, let him go!" ~ How strange that I sound so imperious! Why, this is the first time I've spoken in such a manner...

The bandits glance at Legolas, who though down, is still struggling. Then, at the haunted eyes of this waif, who wields a deadly power. In unison, they take off, running for their lives...

Heaving a sigh of relief, she finally collapses on her knees, her icy hand reaching out to examine Legolas' wounds. Seeing the scars and blood, she feels the tears streaming down her cheeks ~ "I... I'm so sorry. For getting you into this... perhaps you should leave."</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

"Let me be the judge of that." ~ She replies softly, her eyes pleading with his ~ "Just follow me by yourself... please."

Her hands grip the harp tightly, almost snapping it in desperation.

<font color="white">Raymond

"I...well...what do I tell my friend over there? I couldn't just leave him. He was nice to me. Nobody had ever helped me before like him. I ...don't know what I should do." The young man peered down at his shoes, unable to decide what he should do with this free life that he had been granted. He didn't want to uspset anyone, nor turn anyone away, yet he had a life to live, and had no way of knowing how to live it.</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

A spark of hope appears on her green eyes ~ "Wait here for me, then." ~ Chewing her lips, she then turns and walks towards Damien and Gavrouche.

"Well.. uh... gentlemen... "` she begins rather nervously, fingers strumming the strings of her harp subconsiously ~ "... I have a favour to ask of you, after all." ~ Heart thumping away like a wardrum, she tries to breathe deeply ~ "I would like to take Raymond with me away, to visit someone... I cannot say whom." ~ I can't believe what garbage I'm churning out... ~ "He has agreed to go with me. Alone."</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

His eyes had widened at the sight of Eliza's approach, but now they flash as her words sink in ~ "So... Raymond has had a change of mind?" ~ His silky voice masking the anger he feels rising from within ~ "I cannot say that I understand this, nor do I wish to believe it."

His arm muscles tense up ~ "He seemed most keen to join me on my travels. I will accept his decision only if I hear it from his lips." ~ Gloating inwardly at the look of dismay that crosses her face.</font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

Finally, he gives in to his whim and bursts out laughing, the only amused one in this group of four. ~ "Oh, give them a break, Damien! Can't you see the lovey-doveys wish to be alone?" ~ His loud voice travels to Raymond's ears, and he notes the flush that suffuses from the latter's face.

Chuckling further, he motions for Raymond to come forward ~ "Well now, Raymond my boy... it seems that you're in high demand today. Especially by this exceptionally pretty lass." ~ Here, he winks at the awkward bard ~ "Time to state your position now, lad. Your decision is final, and we'll not hinder your movements."

He shakes his head at the stern expression on Damien's face ~ "We've to play by the rules, my man. It's considered poor taste to coerce anyone into doing anything, whether veiled or openly."</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

Meanwhile, Raymond figits trying to decide...He thinks inwardly...
"What do I do? Why does this lady want me to go adventuring with her? Where does she think that I can take her? Is she just so interested in me that she would say anything? What about Damien? I do not want to betray my newfound friend...
Oh...what would mother want me to do?!"</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

She tiptoes her way towards Raymond, and whispers in his ears ~ "Please... come with me." ~ Nudging him gently, she adds softly ~ "Imagine the fun we'll have, without too much danger."</font>

<font color='AACCFF'>Legolas

As the amulet was removed, Legolas came back to his old self. The box had opened and he could reach his regular thoughts once again. Yet he had not forgotten his short time spent with Sorsha, and the way she looked at him, talked to him. And now, she is asking him to leave.

"No Sorsha, I won't leave you. These men would have hurt you. The wilderness is dangerous, but not as dangerous if you there's a ranger to guide you. I have abandoned my plans to visit my friend already, and now I will help you avenge your friend."

He is determined to see her to safety, knowing that he has no choice in the matter anyway. Once before he had left her behind, unaware of the power she wielded, and leaving again would not change anything. He would only be forced to return to her later on, and while he was with her he could do at least something useful.

Bending over to retrieve the amulet for her, Legolas suddenly halts. He is certain the amulet won't harm him for now, but there is something familliar about it. He is unsure as to what it is, and it does not look like anything he's ever posessed. But the trinket disturbs the elf.
Finally, he picks it up and ands it to Sorsha. He decides not to ask any questions about it just yet.
"Come, Sorsha. Let's get moving. We can rest once we've put enough distance between ourselves and this place."</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

Desperately, Raymond tries to solve his dilemna of not knowing what to do. He could go with the girl, and maybe get broken of the terrible fear he has of them, or he could honor his commitment to Damien and fulfill his challenge that he originally set out to do.

..."I must stay with Damien. I have made a pledge to stay with him and help him, and I cannot back down."

Raymond feels his throat getting choked up, and his eyes start to glare over. He could not believe that he had been placed in such a situation as to hurt a person's feelings by choosing one over another. Yet, if he was to be a man...honor was something that he should cherish. He droopingly made his way to Damien's side.</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Wearily, she nods ~ "I could protest a million times, but to tell the truth... I do appreciate your company." ~ She gazes into the horizon, counting the number of travelling days ahead ~ "I think we have about 3 more days before we reach the village of Ankhmor."

Together, they set out once more, Puka now trotting beside them more warily. He had apparently learnt this lesson - that no road was safe anymore, from this day. The day that the amulet came into the possession of his new mistress...</font>

<font color="yellow"<Damien

Not bothering to hide his smirk, he grins widely at Eliza ~ "It is as I said." ~ Turning to Gavrouche to silence him ~ "That's all I'm saying."

He slaps his left hand across Raymond's shoulders ~ "That's the right spirit, my lad! I can see you'll make a fine one..." ~ His eyes dart back to Eliza, and the silky voice speaks again ~ "You are must welcome to join us, lovely Eliza. There can be no doubt about that." ~ Euphoria strangely flowing in his blood ~ Why am I so elated over this triumph? A triumph which hardly matters to me?... Gavrouche is right... this youth will likely be a liability more than an asset... and yet, because of this wench, I gloat over my victory over him...

Smiling, he waits for Eliza's reply.</font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

Darn... another one of those self-righteous lads. ~ He had hoped to see some drama, but this is turning out to be an anti-climax ~ "Well, I guess we should be on our way." ~ He prays that Eliza will not agree to join them. ~ An unnecessary distraction, and certainly our group of three is already more than what I would have preferred.

Gritting his teeth imperceptibly, he too awaits the bard's reply.</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

Having heard Raymond's words, her face had turned quite ashen ~ Refused once more! ~ The sense of despair she feels is complete ~ Have I lost my art of persuasion?... Or is my appeal now lacking?... ~ There is no more time to think, for that detestable man has asked another question.

Follow them? ~ Her quick mind begins to churn out possible scenarios ~ It is my only chance to try again at a later time, when Raymond sees the truth in my words... yet that lecherous character nauseates me beyond endurance. ~ Indecisively, she lifts a right hand to tuck a wisp of her hair behind the ear ~ Is Raymond worth the effort? What a foolish and rigid person he is! He doesn't deserve my attention at all...

Glancing at his beetroot face, she feels herself relenting. With a heavy heart, she replies ~ "I accept."</font>

<font color="gold">The group of four begin to make their way around the city, still gathering information. Soon, they more or less reach one conclusion - there are several treasures being sought after, and they could be anywhere, including the city sewers.

At length, they decide on the sewers and unaminously vote Raymond to be the leader ~ "It'll be a chance for you to prove your manhood."</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

He was not about to shy away at a chance now to do good in his teacher's eyes. Someday...he will be a great leader...just like that. For now, he would have to be more of a tag-along.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air...he descended into the blackness below. The footing was very unsure and quite slippery, yet their was adecuate lighting with all the holes in the roof from the streets to empty into this place. Instantly, Raymond decided to head south in the tunnels. Taking his time on the slippery surface, he still was able to move alot faster than his followers...though Raymond did not know if it was because of his youthful gait or their reluctance. He wondered if he should have his sword out. Sometimes...rats can get rather large...</font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

"Hey... be careful there..." His hisses go unnoticed by his neighbour, and he sighs inwardly ~ I wonder just how much stealth Raymond has... ~ As he grins at the thought, the smile on his face freezes as the air echoes with Raymond's yells and some eerie howls.

His hands instinctively draw out his dagger and he begins to hide in the shadows, moving silently in front, hoping to catch the enemies unawares...</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

Too late does he realise the sudden movement from the left and he grunts as he feels a chilly hand tightening on his left wrist. Drawing out his longsword with right hand he thrusts it at the invisible foe, smirking as he hears the resounding scream of agony.

The grip on his hand loosens and he directs a forceful kick forward. Gaining confidence, he strikes an aggressive pose, ready to engage the unseen attacker once more.</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

Her eyes and ears only for Raymond, she sprints forward, hollering ~ "I'm here, Raymond!" ~ Then shrinking back in horror at the sight ~ I am no fighter... ~ Her quick mind begins turning, and without further hesitation, she begins strumming on her little harp.

A sense of calmness soon envelops her, followed by a wave of optimism and valour ~ I could smite a devil with this current mood! ~ She continues playing, watching her companions gaining luck in their battles ~ Who says music has no value?</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

They reach the village halfway through the third day. Legolas had spent most of his time thinking, wondering about what happened and what he would do. Wondering if his feelings for Sorsha were real.

The rest of the journey had been quite uneventful but for the howling of a wolf pack during the nights.

He looks around, examining the buildings in the village as he walks beside the girl. Most are made of a dark brown wood, as one would expect in these parts. A number of old men sit in te shadow of one of the larger homes, chatting and drinking. A lot of women are outside, attending to their daily buisenss.

"Where to now?"</font>

<font color="silver">Sorsha

Feeling the eyes of everyone on her, she takes a step back involuntarily ~ They still remember... ~ A quick glance confirms her suspicions, and sinks her heart further.

With some difficulty, she finally finds her voice ~ "That way." ~ She points to a path leading to the left. They make their way towards it, the crowd parting for them to proceed. The eerie silence of the surroundings quite frightens her.

The path is lined with some shrubs, lovingly tended, with blossoming flowers. Momentarily, her face lights up at the memory of happy days almost forgotten. But Puka's whining and scratching at the familiar wooden door up ahead draws her attention back to her companions. Now advancing towards the hut, her azure blue eyes greedily devour every aspect of it. This was the hut where she had known pleasure, pain, dread and worry.

There is no response after her three hard knocks.

After a while, she gathers courage and raises her left hand. It shakes slightly as it reaches out for the knob. Gritting her teeth now, she turns the knob and the door swings open. They step in, and she stiffens at the sight that greets them.

On the ground lay three corpses.

Her frozen state only partially thaws as she tries to identify the bodies to Legolas ~ "Philip, my guardian... his wife..." ~ The last body is placed face-down, and she bends down, acutely aware of the growing terror engulfing her.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she takes a deep breath before reopening them and her trembling hands reach out to turn it over... this time, she gives a single scream ~ "J... Justin!" ~ The horror is complete ~ "B... but he died... two months ago...I... I thought I saw him then..." ~ Her voice quivers ~ "The corpse... it's too fresh..." ~ Just what is going on?... ~ Another glance reveals that all three have died not from physical injuries. ~ Poison...

More and more questions, all of them threatening to send her mind spinning into oblivion. She gets up and turns to Legolas, yet the sight of his face drains some colour from her cheeks. Hurriedly, she looks at her feet, not knowing what else to do.</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

He had seen two bloated, rotting corpses just stand up and come moping towards him. Who wouldn't scream? He had never seen a walking dead person before, and he wished that he still had that luxery. He was sick to his stomach and scared out of his wits. He tried to pull the sword from its scabbard, but his hands would not respond. In the distance he heard music from a harp. He also heard his two companions fighting their enemies. Meanwhile, Raymond just hid against a dark part of the wall, too frightened to move.
One of the undead reach out and grabbed ahold on Damien. It had taken him by surprise. That hand of his that was touched by the ghoul was paralyzed, and useless in this battle. He gritted his teeth against the pain of icy fingers and jerked away from it's grasp. He thien kicked out at it, knocking it into the other undead. One advantage that they had was speed and accuracy. The ghouls were much more slow and unprecise in their actions, due to their bloated state. </font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

As he had suspected, not only was this boy unskilled in the art of stealth, he even lacked the wits to do something else other than huddle against the wall. Shaking his head, he now stalks forward, a glint in his eyes...

Watching the ghoul reach out to touch Raymond, he darts to its back and jams the dagger firmly between what appear to be its shoulder-blades. The dimly-lit corridor echoes with a long, anguished scream... he staggers backwards as the resounding cacophony beat against his eardrums relentlessly.

Before he knows it, the ghoul has turned around, the dagger still jammed firmly in its back ~ Shit! ~ He curses, sidestepping just in time to avoid its deathly touch.</font>

<font color="skyblue"> Jaime
(for Legolas and Sorsha)

Hearing the men brag about their evil deed gave Jaime an idea. If he could hurry over to the house and loot the place of any valuables...
Was it too easy? Would somebody catch him and think that he was the murderer?
He had to try. Quickly, he sneaked into the house by the window that faced the empty sideway. Running through the house, he nearly tripped over the bodies. Quickly heading to the bedrooms that he could find would prove most fruitful. The best stuff are always in the bedrooms. Then, a door opened in the other room. The front door, possibly. Jaime stayed still. His arms and pockets full of items. Then, a woman cried out. Jaime hid under the bed. It was all he could think of to do to save his hide. He hoped that they would go away to look for the authorities...which would buy him time to escape. What a spot he had gotten into. He couldn't be caught here! His parents would kill him!</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

What the heck is she doing, playing music at this of all times?! ~ As he silently swears, he senses the renewed advance of the ghoul. His eyes begin to grow accustomed to the dark and he now notes the outline of the hideous creature.

With a cry of newfound courage, he lifts his blade and strikes out ferociously at the creature again... the blow glances off the ghoul, to his annoyance, and it creeps forward, its arms once again extending forward.

Just as a hand reaches out for his wrist, he hurls himself onto the icy floor, rolling himself away as fast as he can.</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

She nearly trips as some massive object knocks against her feet ~ "Whoa...." ~ Her hands flail around trying to grip anything for balance. The harp falls onto the ground, snapping into two. She begins to experience real fear, for the first time in her life...

Glancing up, she sees the ghoul reaching out to touch Raymond and Gavrouche with each hand. She mentally runs through the spells in her mind ~ Let's hope this works...

Chanting, she conjures some magic missiles and they fly towards the ghoul, striking it. The ghoul wails again, now focusing on herself in its attack. He steps forward, slowly, but surely...

What have I done?!...</font>

OOC>>> Lunchtime :( Be back in 1 hour.

<font color="silver">Sorsha

After a moment, she regains some measure of composure. ~ "I think we should look around the house... for some clues." ~ Without waiting for Legolas' reply, she begins to examine the room and cross over to the next one...</font>

<font color="white">Raymond

Seeing the ghoul turn it's attention to Eliza really bothered Raymond. She had been attempting to save his pathetic life, and no...the thing was going to kill her! reaching down and finding the sword, Raymond brought it out and looked at it for the first time. It was seemingly normal in appearance. A normal longsword. It had been well kept, and was in excellant condition. Looking up at the Ghould heading toward Eliza gave him some ability to move. He had to do something! He couldn't let her get hurt! Running foward, Raymond drew back the sword and let fly. The sword bit into the creature's neck and kept going. Raymond's momentum caused him to stumble and trip right into the ghoul, but now...the thing had no head. He had killed it! Fumbling around on the ground on top of the unanimated corpse, Raymond finally was able to get up. He was wet, smelly, and happy. He had killed something! Well, he had put something back to where it should have been. That sounded more appropriate. Just then, he remembered that there had been two of these...</font>

<font color="lightgreen">Gavrouche

His eyes widen in disbelief as he watches Raymond send the ghoul back to the abysss where it belongs ~ There's some hope for him, after all! ~ Remembering Damien, he whips his head around, but all he sees are a remaining ghoul and the shaken Eliza. ~ What the...

Peering down, he now sees Damien scrambling to his feet, trying to reposition himself as the remaining ghoul walks towards the party...</font>

<font color="yellow">Damien

He crouches momentarily, his eyes glittering ~ I must fight back! I'll not be outdone by a village boy! ~ Realising the enormity of the situation, he hurriedly pushes himself off the ground, wincing slightly as he feels the slight cut he had given himself while rolling away ~ I'll need to practise more on this technique...

Now on his feet, he steps forth, his blade pointed towards the ghoul's upper torso. Grunting, he makes a quick movement and attempts to slice off its head, just as Raymond had done...</font>

<font color="pink">Eliza

Shocked into silence, she falters backward and lands on the ground. Eyes widening as she witnesses the others fighting their way out of this mess.

Why did I even agree to join them?... This is far too exciting for me... ~ She crawls towards the broken harp, reaching for it.</font>

<font color="AACCFF">Legolas

He lets Sorsha examine the house by herself. She would not need him, and he doubts he can help anyway. Where the girl seems familiar with the house, Legolas cannot tell if anything is missing. He examines te corpses instead.

The man she identified as Philip did not seem to be wounded. Legolas searched his body for any clues, but discovered nothing other than a small hole in the neck and slighty yellowish eyes. Probably a poison dart, which was later removed by the killer. Philip wore a pouch around his waist, still containing money. The ranger had already guessed this was not a simple robbery, but now he was sure.

Philip's wife was in much the same condition. Pale face, a hole in the neck and a yellow in the eyes. She did not have anything other than her clothes and a simple brass bracelet on her.

As Legolas examines Justin, he stops when he sees the face. This man looked a lot like himself. Sure, his nose was a little smaller and his eyebrows more angular. He had a darker tone of hair and his eyes were set higher in his face. But this man showed many similarities to Legolas himself.

He realises now why Sorsha had stepped up to him, why she had seemed so unsure around him. He looked like her late friend, and she knew it. She must be afraid of seeing Justin in him whenever she looks. The elf feels sorry for her.

But there are more pressing matters, he reminds himself. Justin, much like the other two corpses, was poisoned. Legolas notices two rings onhis finger and removes them.

The corpses are fresh, no more than a day old. There are no signs of a struggle, so someone must have dragged them here. Why, he does not know.

Legolas leaves the house to look for any suspicious tracks, though it seems the killer hid them well.</font>