i made a map in my spars time for y'all. I hope you enjoy. oh and please dont too hard on me for grammar. i haven't written in three years.
http/hallowfest./post/166822242898/i-made-something-for-the-new-fanfic-to-help
Dulain was a peaceful town, nestled in an Alpine forest hugging Mount Argon and Mount Warduul. Many inhabitants were craftsmen, loggers, and hunters. It was a town that often did trade with the Dwarves of Deep Holm, peaceful and calm. Far away from the troubles of Gale and Assiah. Now, as the four companions overlooked the town, it burned. Before the red headed warrior could take off again Mephisto grabbed her horses reigns. "Let go," she barked, anger and sadness in her violet eyes. Tightening his hold he pulled her horse closer to his. "I can't let you do that," he replied, his eyes no longer glowing like the night before. "Like hell you can't!" With a sigh he let the go, and then quickly dismounted. "Stay here, I'll scout ahead," he commanded, slowly walking towards the town. "And what do you expect to do by yourself," she shouted, wondering why she hadn't taken off by now. With a wave of his hand he suddenly transformed into a raven, leaving Shura dumbstruck. "I'm really starting to hate him," she seethed, gripping the reigns tightly. Moments later Yukio yelped.
Startled, Rin turned. However his brother suddenly plopped down on the saddle behind him. "If I'm not back when the sun is halfway in the sky follow the road East of the town. It leads to Gale.… You'll be safe there… I hope," with her words she kicked her horse sending the giant steed thundering towards Dulain. "How angry do you think brother will be at her?" Yukio asked, earning a snicker from his twin. "How angry do you think she'll be when she finds out we're royalty?" Rin countered, brushing the horse's mane. They looked at each other, then back at the town. "Very."
Thundering hoofbeats rang through her ears as the black stallion raced toward the bridge before the town. Something glistened in the trees ahead. Eyes wide she ducked an incoming arrow. Quickly she reached for her sword, until something big knocked into her side, causing her to fall.
Gasping for air she looked up, only to see a large goblin raising it's bone club. Without a second to lose she rolled to the side. The resounding crash of it hitting where she just lay. "Maybe this wasn't a great idea," she muttered, pushing herself off the ground. Before the goblin could try again her horse had came barreling into her attacker, knocking the creature away. "Good job boy," she greeted, the horse snorting as it rose it's front hooves, proceeding to kick the goblin in the face. It was when she turned towards the village did her heart sink. On pikes were the heads of some of the villagers. Blood red rage filled her veins as she grabbed the now unconscious goblin and dragged him off the road and into the tree's. With some rope she tied him up tightly and began smacking him awake. Not getting anywhere she grabbed a dagger, digging it into the goblins shoulder. It started to scream as it came to before she shoved a rag into it's mouth. "Tell me who your with and I might spare your life. But if you scream for help, well I'll make it a long and painful one," she growled, pressing the blade deeper. Shaking it's head in understanding she pulled the rag away. "Filthy huma-" it started before being slapped across the face. "Try again," she replied nonchalantly. Growling lowly it spoke again, "Boss is takin' over this 'er town. An there's nothin ya can do about it." Wiggling the knife a little caused the goblin to squirm, trying to break free. "Like a goblin clan?" She asked, earning a shake of his head. "Nah, I don't like sittin aroun' praisin' some god for wealth," he laughed, gritting his teeth as she pulled out the dagger. "Ah so bandit's. Got it," she replied, quickly punching her captive. Recoiling her hand she hissed, "Shit!" Staring back at his unconscious form she walked back to her horse, pulling herself up into the saddle. Quickly she made her steed cross the road, deciding to take the long way into town. Once she was far enough into the tree's she dismounted. "Stay here," she whispered to him, patting his neck as he whinnied in protest. "Sssh, I'll be back in no time," she stated, walking away. With a thump the horse laid down, looking after Shura as she walked closer to the village.
There was a small wall that surrounded the village, but it was lower towards the mountain side due to the steep incline. Weapon drawn she peaked from behind a tree. The coast was clear. Whoever was in charge forgot to set up lookouts on this side. Sheathing her sword she nimbly climbed the wall using her two daggers. After a few moments she was on top of the wall. "Over there," called out a voice, causing her to drop to her stomach. "No idiot I mean put the gold in the cart." Curiously she peaked over the edge, seeing about a dozen or so bandits. The one talking was a black haired dwarf. "Not in that cart, the other one without the people." Shura then noticed the cart filled with women and children. "Slavers? What are they doing so far north?" She whispered, reaching for her sword. Sweat trickled down her brow as cold steel pressed against her throat. "Don't move," whispered a voice next to her ear. A million questions raced through her mind, the most important was how he had gotten so close.
"Hey I found someone," he shouted, pulling her up and against him. All eyes turned to her, the beautiful red headed woman invading a camp filled with slavers. What could possibly go wrong. Smiling the dwarf down below shouted back, "Bring her here."
Slowly he pushed her towards the stairs, suddenly whispering in her ear. "Follow my lead and nothing bad will happen, my lady~." Her composure was perfect, her inner turmoil was another story as she mentally threatened to kill him later. A thousand times if need be.
Turning her head she caught a glimpse of him. Covered in fur armor he looked nothing like himself, a spell of some kind? She wasn't allowed to dwell on it as he pushed her forward, stopping right as they got to the dwarf. "Lemme see here," spoke the dwarf, looking her over like a piece of meat. "Oooh do you know who this is boys," the dwarf laughed, a look of sinister delight written across his face. "We just caught a rare and dangerous one. The red bronco herself," he shouted, his men laughing in unison. Leaning in closer he whispered, "I know someone who'd pay handsomely for your return. An old friend- oh my apologies, an old lover." Shura spat in his face, "He's no lover of mine," she snarled, earning a laugh from him. "As much as I would love to test the merchandise if I laid a finger on you he'd have my head. So count yerself lucky sweetheart," he chuckled, turning to his men. "Listen up lads. This woman is not to be touched, no matter how pretty she might be. If ya do you'll have to answer to me and to the man that she belongs to." "Hit me," Mephisto whispered, earning a confused glance. "Just do it. Make a sce-" He didn't need to finish the sentence as she threw her head back, smacking him in the face. "Shit she's loose!" Yelled Mephisto, holding his face in mock pain as the bandit's scrambled to catch her. In one motion Shura had unsheathed her sword and cut down two of the men. "Don't be a fool, there's only one of you against all of us," stated the dwarf, pulling out a battleaxe. Silence filled the camp as he just stood there, eyes wide. Suddenly he dropped his axe, everyone taking notice of the figure kneeling behind him. "I told you not harm would come to you," Mephisto replied, standing up with a sword pressed against the dwarfs neck. "Traitor," the dwarf growled, sharp steel nicking his skin. "I can't be a traitor if I'm not an ally to begin with," the elf replied cheerfully, snapping his fingers as the magic dispersed revealing him in his usual cloak. "Now, if you could be so kind and drop your weapons I won't have to sick this lovely lady upon you, or kill your boss. Your choice." A brutish looking orc stepped forward, "I don't care about his life." Smiling, Mephisto shrugged. "You should care about yours then." Ignoring his words the Orc charged for Shura, his warhammer already mid swing. Dodging to the left she did not expect the sudden punch to her head, his two handed warhammer in the other. Loud and clear you could hear the crack as his hit connected, pushing her back. "What were you saying about not being hurt," she hissed at her companion, holding her now throbbing head. Confident, the orc moved to strike with the hammer. Only this time she swung first with reflexes too fast for him to catch. The sword never connected, she only the blur of red hair going past him before suddenly she was behind him. Looking back nonchalantly as blood runs down the side of her face. "Your such a liar," she commented to Mephisto, earning a toothy grin as the orc fell to the ground. Blood soaked the ground as he lay there lifeless. "Anyone else feeling especially brave today?" Shura asked, turning to see all of the bandit's dropping they're swords. "Now what?" She asked, looking back at the elf. Pondering for a good minute a brilliant idea popped into his mind. "Ah! Now I would like for all of you to swap places with the villagers in that wagon." They all seemed to hesitate before Shura raised her sword just a little, sending them scrambling for the wagon.
After all the villagers and bandit's had swapped places Mephisto chuckled down at the dwarf, "Now to deal with you." Nervous the dwarf simply replied with, "If your going to kill me just get it over with." A sinister cackle escaped his captors lips. "Oh no, I have something special just for you."
After giving the wagons to the villagers and setting them off towards Gale they watched as the last wagon left. "I'll kill you!" Screamed the dwarf, currently butt naked tied to the top of the cage which held his men. "That was splendid," Mephisto remarked before being punched in the shoulder. "Don't doo that again," she yelled at him, suddenly cradling her head again. Without permission he took her hand, removing it from her wound. "Leave me be," she snapped, his grip tightening as he caught her other hand. "My lady you ignored my wishes and chose to join the fray. Now, if you were one of my men I'd have you whipped for disobedience. But alas I cannot harm such a lovely lady so I'm at an impasse... So either let me heal you or do as your told." Taken back by his strength she shut up and slowly dropped her hands. Gently pulling back her hair he noticed the bruise and cut below it. "Hmm… I'll need some things from my bag. Your lucky. Before you arrived that orc broke down a door with one hand. He was probably holding back since your a human woman." "Thanks, but I'll be fine," she replied sarcastically, pulling away to walk towards the other side of town. Not even two steps and she stumbled, was she seeing double? An hand grabbed her forearm, pulled her upright. "Your pride has no limit," he remarked with a smirk.
Holding her up they began to walk forward, Shura not so happy to be in his debt. "I'm really beginning to hate you." Mephisto's smirk only widened into a grin. "Do you really despise my aid?" A simple yes followed after and then mutual silence. Once they reached the town gate they noticed Rin and Yukio approaching on the white mare. Shura, to her best capabilities, whistled loudly. In seconds her great black steed came stumbling out of the woods, happy to see it's owner. "I told you two to wait," Mephisto scolded, helping Shura onto the horse. A yelp escaped her as he suddenly hopped up behind her, his hands reaching under her arms for the reigns. "What the hell do you think your doing?" She barked, about to elbow him. "I've had it with your unwillingness," he stated, placing a glowing purple hand over the side of her face. In seconds she slumped against him, unconscious. "Brother what did you do," yelled Rin, obviously upset that he had knocked out they're new friend. "She was injured and being rather persistent about denying my help. I was not about to let her ride a horse when she could barely walk," Mephisto replied calmly, grabbing the reigns and spurring on the horse. "Now follow me, we need to find a more suitable place to camp for tonight, preferably closer to Gale." As they road off he couldn't help but smirk when imagining how upset she'll be.
Soft humming accompanied by tender touches slightly stirred her from her forced sleep. The fog of sleep still weighed heavily, her body wanting more rest. Something in her mind told her to get up, but she couldn't help but relax against the warm pillow, and with the divine massage her scalp was receiving was icing on the cake. Oh wait. She had no pillows. And since when were pillows warm? Grogginess slowly started to fade as she opened her Violet eyes, looking up at emerald green hues and an all too familiar smirk.
It was like a kid getting caught stealing some cookies. She could feel the blood rush to her face as she shot up, accidentally smacking her head into his, both shouting in pain. More so Shura as she laid back down, holding her forehead. Mephisto held his now red nose, his smirk never faltering. "Good afternoon, or morning. Whichever you prefer," he greeted, that stupid grin forming at her embarrassment. It was in that moment she realized her head was bandaged, the scent of mint and honey in the air. Carefully trying to sit up she also noticed her head had been in his lap. He only chuckled softly as her face turned a darker shade of red, her back facing him. Silently he mused that she was adorable when embarrassed, and downright beautiful when angry. Speaking of anger she was currently yelling at him for knocking her out. Mephisto didn't care, he was too busy taking in the expressions. Truly the tales were not lying. "Don't knock me out like that ever again," she commanded, glowering at him. "I could kiss you next time to shut you up," he teased. Never in her life had she tried to back away from someone so fast, stumbling and falling flat on her face. In pain, and embarrassment, she covered her face with her hands. "Hell no," she barked, slightly muffled. "Saving your first for someone special," he mused, standing up and walking over to the campfire he has set up. A boot suddenly connected with his head. Turning back he saw embarrassment and frustration written across her red face. It matched her hair so splendidly. "Don't be stupid," she remarked, rolling her eyes to try and regain some composure. He simply chuckled, stirring a pot of tea before pouring two cups. Gracefully he walked back over, extending an offering of peace. "It'll help with the headache," he explained, watching as she reluctantly took the warm drink. "Where are the twins?" She asked, Mephisto sitting down next to her. "Off gathering more firewood, they'll be back soon." Taking a sip she was surprised at how good it was. Honey and the light taste of a cake she had once in Paladim. "Where did you get this? She asked, a sincere look in her violet eyes. "Believe it or not but I used to visit Paladim as an ambassador for my King. And there was this tea store that a herbalist shared with a baker…. I'm still perplexed on how they did it, but the taste of two of my favorite things in one made me fall in love," he replied, earning a melancholy look from her as she mulled over something. "I know, I've been there once. The cake was vanilla strawberry," she stated, taking another long sip of her tea.
The Dwarves conversation from earlier hovered in Mephisto's mind. She probably didn't think he over heard them, but he heard everything. And he remembered everything. Including when he originally first met her.
A beautiful phoenix caged like some trophy, always looking out her balcony longingly. Yes, he definitely remembered. It was when he first became enamored by her. Never had he met her face to face, for her jailor feared she might fly away. But just from afar he watched every night as she would express her emotions. Be it anger, sadness, or joy, he witnessed it from afar in his palace room. He never figured out or met the man responsible for her captivity. All he knew is that he was an elf with great wealth who befriended some noblemen. Mephisto could hardly recall all the times he had thought of what he'd let her do if he released her. There had been a night where he contemplated it, until he noticed the house was warded. Now, to see his wishes realized, well he was enjoying it thus far. Almost as much as when he defied his father and left the realms of Gehenna. "Earth to asshole," Shura commented, waving her hand in front of his face. Apparently he had been reminiscing too hard. "Apologies, I was just thinking," he mused, enjoying the hint of worry on her face. Before either could say another word Rin and Yukio walked back into camp. "Oh your up," Rin smiled, obviously pleased. "Yes," she responded curtly, taking a sip of her tea again. "Sorry our big brother knocked you out," Rin commented before Yukio slapped his hands over his brothers mouth. Shura choked on her drink, coughing as it went down the wrong pipe. Mephisto sat in silence, glaring at his younger sibling. "When were you going to tell me you were all related," she spat, still coughing. With a sigh Mephisto spoke, "We're half siblings. Same father, different mother. There was some bad blood in the family so I'm escorting these two as far away from them as possible." "That's a bit extreme," she responded, finally stopping the coughs. "Not with our family," he commented, taking a sip of his own tea. There was something he wasn't saying, but she didn't feel like prying into it. "For now let's just make some dinner and be on our way to Gale tomorrow morning." As she put down her cup she couldn't place what was worrying her. It was on the edge of her mind. Something she had encountered before. Shrugging it off she figured it could wait till morning.