Hello all! Exams are over and the holidays are here! Oh yeah baby! =D Hope
y'all had a terrific Christmas and got what your lil' heart desired. I know
I didn't . . . but hey! There's always next time. =P
Disclaimer: Diablo 2 and Lord of Destruction are the property of Blizzard. Please don't sue since I am not making any money from this, and I am a poor poor university student. ^_^;;
----------------------------------------
For Money or Honor
Chapter Five: Payback
I squinted as the sunlight hit my eyes. If it wasn't for all this evil business about, I would have called this a beautiful morning. Apparently the rest of the camp didn't share my views as they created quite a fuss near the entrance. Pushing and jabbing my way through the crowd, I managed to move to the front.
Lying on the mud and grass were a few Rogues. Their leather armor had huge slashes in them, and their skin was pale. Blood dripped down and mixed with the dirt as Kashya and a few of her Sisters tried to stop the bleeding with ripped pieces of cloth. The one Kashya was holding whispered something into her ear. The Rogue leader stiffened, visibly paling herself.
Curiously, I drew nearer. There was something bad that had shaken up the usually dauntless Kashya. I was interested in finding out what.
"Pardon me," Akara said as she moved by me. The throng parted for her like water before a powerful finger. She headed back to her tent no doubt to get some healing potions.
"All right, that's enough. Anyone who can't heal or isn't helping in some way, move off. Go back to whatever you were doing," I yelled and made shooing motions with my arms. It took me longer than I liked, but I eventually managed to disperse the crowd. Some of the caravan men gave me sour looks, but I just glared right back. Cowed, they shuffled to their wagons, talking among themselves.
"Here," I said as I crouched across from Kashya. Taking a clean cloth, I wiped the sweat and grime from the injured woman's forehead. Kashya didn't say anything, but I thought I caught a thankful look from her.
Akara came back a few minutes later with two other Rogues. Their arms were laden with bandages and healing mixtures. She tended to the more seriously wounded Sisters while we were left to watch over the others.
As soon as Akara started on my charge, Kashya left. I excused myself as well and let another Rouge take my place. Following far behind her, I eventually saw her back at the central fire. She had her arms crossed in her usual position, but this time I saw something different on her face. There was anger, but also, there was a lot of sadness. I watched as she wiped something from her eyes.
Making up my mind and hoping I knew what I was doing, I marched towards her. I purposefully made my steps loud so that she knew I was coming. I didn't think she would appreciate me catching her during an emotional moment. Kashya didn't come across as the emotionally free type to me.
"My Rogue scouts have reported an abomination!" she burst out before I could even utter a word. "Blood Raven, one of our greatest Captains, has risen from the grave. Now she summons an undead army to wipe out the camp."
"Oh," was all I was able to say. Kashya looked at me. I stared right back. Apparently, I wasn't an emotionally free type person either.
"Ummm, well I guess you guys have to stop her."
"We can't," she said, turning towards the fire in disgust. "The majority of the Rogues are either on scouting missions or guarding the camp. We can't even spare enough to make a raiding party at this point. But perhaps . . . " she trailed off.
Quickly she headed back to Akara's tent. She entered it without asking for permission. I just stood outside, wondering what to do now. All the hurt Rogues were now cared for. And as for myself, well, Akara had done a marvelous job healing me. I didn't even have a sore muscle from yesterday's escapades.
I cringed at the memories. Those were creatures I certainly didn't want to see again. Unbidden, thoughts of those undead zombies entered my head. It must be terrible to have one's corpse re-animated. From what I remembered, the person's soul was no longer in the body, but it was still an unpleasant thought. The stench invaded my nose again, the smell of death poignant and sickening. Making a face, I breathed in the fresh air. I was safe now; there was no need to worry.
Shaking my head in disgust, I headed back to the central fire. My food had been lost from my cloak when I had used it as a make shift sack. Perhaps Warriv had some extra fare he was willing to part with.
"Good morning," I said to him as he climbed out of his wagon.
"Hello there, my friend!" he smiled broadly. To my surprise, he scooped me into a crushing bear hug. "It is good to see you well! I was worried for your safety when you left the camp."
"Ah, well, I had no problems," I smiled wanly. "Err, you wouldn't happen to have . . ."
"Food? But of course!" he grinned and retrieved a packet from his wagon. "Here, enjoy."
"You bet I will," I smiled. Inside was some hard cheese, more of those biscuits, but this time it was fresher, and some meat. It looked different from the beef I had previously, but food was food. I wasn't picky.
"Shame on what happened to those girls. I know some of them. It breaks my heart to see them having to fight when they are in their own lands," he chatted.
"Uh hmm," I said around a mouthful of cheese. It was cheddar. I hated cheddar.
"I know this area quite well in fact. I always used this route to get to the Eastern lands. The Monastery pass was always the safest way to get there. The Rogues kept it free of thieves and wild beasts. Now, it is blocked by some terrible evil. I wonder whether I will ever see Lut Gholein again."
"Go southwest to Kingsport and take a ship to Lut Gholein," I said as I struggled with the meat. It seemed like it was rabbit. "It's longer, but it's still available."
"We could not load all our wagons onto the ship, and I refuse to leave anyone behind," he said resolutely.
"Hey, it was just a suggestion," I shrugged. "Suit yourself."
"I WILL NOT STAY!"
We looked up at the sound. I heard someone noisily making their way here. Soon Kashya stormed in with Akara close behind. It surprised me that the much older woman could keep up with the large strides of Kashya.
"Listen to reason, Kashya," Akara used her gentle but firm tone. "You cannot go after Blood Raven yourself. I know she was one of your closest friends, but you must stay in the camp."
"She was more than just a friend to me. She was like a true flesh and blood sister! I cannot bear to see her soul trapped within a cursed body! I failed her when I did not save her from death at Tristram. I cannot, no; I WILL not fail her in un-death. By my bow or blade, I will free her tortured soul."
"And if you cannot?" Akara said flatly. "What if she slays you and raises you as a minion of her army? The Sisters would be without a Battle Leader, and we would truly be lost. I know how you feel, Kashya, but I cannot let you go. You are too important to the Order in this time of darkness."
I saw her mouth move, but the red haired woman said nothing. Mixed emotions clouded her face, and I held my breath for the outcome.
"I . . . I cannot leave her like that," she said in an almost childish voice. The despair was obvious in her tones.
"No, we will not abandon her to this Hellish servitude," Akara agreed. "Isn't this correct, Traveler?"
I looked around to see whom she was talking to. They were all starring at me.
"What? Wait, no, no, no! Why do . . . but . . ." I sputtered.
"Did you not say you wished you could repay our kindness?" the High Priestess asked.
"Well yes . . ."
"Did you not prove yourself worthy in battle?"
"I suppose . . ."
"Then I ask of you to repay us by killing Blood Raven."
Everyone was quiet as they waited for my answer. The newly made fire crackled loudly as a thousand thoughts raced through my head. Could I face those monsters again in combat? It was a horrifying proposition and made me want to spit out the bread I was chewing. Painfully, I swallowed the lump.
"Err, well, can I think about it?"
"Of course you may," Akara nodded. Kashya glared angrily at me, but I averted my eyes to the ground. For a few minutes I just looked at the grass, stones, and mud. My mind wandered a bit as my eyes traced the outlines of a twig. When I did have the courage to look up again, the two women were gone.
"Thanks for the food," I sighed as I walked past Warriv. He said something to me, but I didn't pay it any attention.
Aimlessly I strolled through the camp. Again I was struck with the relative silence here. Even the prisons I had gone to were louder. The sound of a hammer on an anvil attracted my notice, and I suddenly remembered my items. Following the noise, I soon found myself standing in front of a large wooden shack. Adjacent to it was a large mound of earth. It was hollowed in the middle so a hot fire could burn for the smith's use. Hung or laying against the shack were all sorts of weapons and crafting tools. Curious, I made my way towards it.
"Hey there, I'm Charsi, the black smith of this camp," a child-like voice unexpectedly said from behind me. Whipping around in astonishment, I came face to chest with my speaker. Charsi stood a good foot or two higher then me. Her tanned skin literally rippled with muscles. The bulky clothes and apron she wore accentuated her muscular figure, but her face was open and friendly. Her blue eyes were innocent and trusting and seemed to go along with her golden blonde hair.
"Wow, you're a big girl," I uttered mindlessly. Immediately I clamped my hand over my mouth, wondering if she would pound me.
"Ha, ha, ha," she laughed good naturedly as she walked towards her improvised kiln. "I'm part Barbarian. My grandfather came down from the north and met my grandmother on some sort of adventure. The two eventually fell in love, and he stayed here."
"That's wonderful," I nodded. "But tell me, did you fix my items yet?"
"Oh, you must be the owner of the things Debi gave me last night. Let me get them for you."
Going to her cluttered worktable, she retrieved my possessions.
"Here you go."
"Thanks," I took back my helm, armor, belt, buckler, and weapon. She watched me as I donned them on. After pulling my boots on tighter, I saw her still starring at me. "Oh sorry, did I not pay yet?"
"No, I got your gold last night," she shook her head. "It's just that . . . I wish I could go adventuring like my grandfather did, to be free and helping those in need."
"Well let me tell you, that is not what true adventuring is. In my opinion, it is all about getting dirty and putting yourself in danger. It is about running from the enemy, starving in the wilderness, and wondering if you'll ever live again. THAT is adventuring."
Charsi frowned at me. "If that is what it is all about, why do you do it?"
I opened my mouth. I didn't say anything. "I . . . I must be crazy then."
"I haven't seen a weapon like that before," she changed the subject.
"My katar? Yeah, not a lot of people have them," I muttered as I gripped its handle. The whine it made as I swung it through the air told me its edges were razor sharp. "For someone who's never seen one, you've done an amazing job."
"Well I've always had a knack with weapons," she grinned happily at my compliment. That naïve kind of happiness she had made me sorry that she was stuck in a situation like this.
"Anyway, thanks for the fix," I nodded at her.
"You're welcome."
Contemplatively I strode back to the campfire. Warriv was still there, puffing on a pipe now. The smoke it emanated smelt familiar.
"Hey, you've got some Narlant weed," I suddenly smiled. "Mind if you spared a pinch?"
"Of course," he said as he took a little out from a velvet bag and placed it in my hand. "Do you need to borrow a pipe?"
"Nah, I make do without one." Taking a small piece of parchment paper he was using, I placed the Narlant weed in the center and rolled it up. Licking the end to make it adhere together, I now had a 'stick' as the beggars used to call it. The paper made it burn fast at times, but it was better than having not smoking at all. Lighting one of the ends, I puffed at it. Immediately I felt myself relaxing as the tangy flavor of the Narlant weed entered my mouth.
"This is some good stuff."
"Yes, just don't tell Gheed I have some! Then he'd never leave me alone!" Warriv laughed.
"Who?"
"Gheed is a merchant who is traveling with my caravan. He's set up shop southwest of here. His ethics are questionable, but his wares are undeniably sound."
"Ah, sounds like my kind of man," I smiled. "You wouldn't happen to have a sack do you?"
"Yes, I have a few spare ones," he pointed at the base of his wagon. I saw several large sacks made for carrying heavy cargo. "Help yourself."
"Don't mind if I do," I said and took a well-sized one. My cloak was nice to wear, not to stuff things in. Clipping the sack to my new belt, I donned my cloak over my entire outfit and walked to the portal I had opened last night.
"Good luck," Warriv shouted after me.
Raising my katar to him I stepped through. Once more I felt myself traveling at incredible speeds, but this time, I was ready for the end of it. I stepped through on the other side, back to the cleansed Den of Evil.
It was amazing what a little monster clear out can do. The cave no longer stank at all. The air seemed fresh and cool. Light burst in from various holes in the wall and made the once oppressing cave seem welcoming. Walking through the den, mice and bats scurried away from my path. Even these animals seemed relieved that the monsters were gone.
It took me a while to reach the exit since I didn't remember the path, but once I emerged from the cave, I looked into the sky. It was cloudless and clear. The never-ending blue was breathtaking to see with the large golden sun shining down on me. For once, I was feeling a little optimistic. Whistling softly, I walked in the opposite direction of the camp. Following a path I found, I soon came upon a large thicket of woods. The path went right through it, and I stopped whistling. There was no telling what could be lying in ambush in there.
Gathering my courage, I held my katar tighter and walked towards it slowly. My steps made no sounds as I traversed the distance. The thicket didn't seem dangerous; the sun shining through it actually made it look picturesque. But as I have learned in my life, looks can be deceiving.
I heard something beside me and raised my buckler to block any blows coming.
"Halt! Who are you?"
I didn't recognize the voice, but I could distinguish that drill sergeant tone anywhere.
"I'm on a quest for Akara and Kashya," I said calmly to the Rogue. "Who are you?"
"My name is Flavie," she replied, her bow moving down. "If you do indeed go on a quest in the Cold Plains, beware. Mortal danger lies ahead for the likes of you."
"Yeah I sort of figured that out," I smirked as I moved past her.
Disclaimer: Diablo 2 and Lord of Destruction are the property of Blizzard. Please don't sue since I am not making any money from this, and I am a poor poor university student. ^_^;;
----------------------------------------
For Money or Honor
Chapter Five: Payback
I squinted as the sunlight hit my eyes. If it wasn't for all this evil business about, I would have called this a beautiful morning. Apparently the rest of the camp didn't share my views as they created quite a fuss near the entrance. Pushing and jabbing my way through the crowd, I managed to move to the front.
Lying on the mud and grass were a few Rogues. Their leather armor had huge slashes in them, and their skin was pale. Blood dripped down and mixed with the dirt as Kashya and a few of her Sisters tried to stop the bleeding with ripped pieces of cloth. The one Kashya was holding whispered something into her ear. The Rogue leader stiffened, visibly paling herself.
Curiously, I drew nearer. There was something bad that had shaken up the usually dauntless Kashya. I was interested in finding out what.
"Pardon me," Akara said as she moved by me. The throng parted for her like water before a powerful finger. She headed back to her tent no doubt to get some healing potions.
"All right, that's enough. Anyone who can't heal or isn't helping in some way, move off. Go back to whatever you were doing," I yelled and made shooing motions with my arms. It took me longer than I liked, but I eventually managed to disperse the crowd. Some of the caravan men gave me sour looks, but I just glared right back. Cowed, they shuffled to their wagons, talking among themselves.
"Here," I said as I crouched across from Kashya. Taking a clean cloth, I wiped the sweat and grime from the injured woman's forehead. Kashya didn't say anything, but I thought I caught a thankful look from her.
Akara came back a few minutes later with two other Rogues. Their arms were laden with bandages and healing mixtures. She tended to the more seriously wounded Sisters while we were left to watch over the others.
As soon as Akara started on my charge, Kashya left. I excused myself as well and let another Rouge take my place. Following far behind her, I eventually saw her back at the central fire. She had her arms crossed in her usual position, but this time I saw something different on her face. There was anger, but also, there was a lot of sadness. I watched as she wiped something from her eyes.
Making up my mind and hoping I knew what I was doing, I marched towards her. I purposefully made my steps loud so that she knew I was coming. I didn't think she would appreciate me catching her during an emotional moment. Kashya didn't come across as the emotionally free type to me.
"My Rogue scouts have reported an abomination!" she burst out before I could even utter a word. "Blood Raven, one of our greatest Captains, has risen from the grave. Now she summons an undead army to wipe out the camp."
"Oh," was all I was able to say. Kashya looked at me. I stared right back. Apparently, I wasn't an emotionally free type person either.
"Ummm, well I guess you guys have to stop her."
"We can't," she said, turning towards the fire in disgust. "The majority of the Rogues are either on scouting missions or guarding the camp. We can't even spare enough to make a raiding party at this point. But perhaps . . . " she trailed off.
Quickly she headed back to Akara's tent. She entered it without asking for permission. I just stood outside, wondering what to do now. All the hurt Rogues were now cared for. And as for myself, well, Akara had done a marvelous job healing me. I didn't even have a sore muscle from yesterday's escapades.
I cringed at the memories. Those were creatures I certainly didn't want to see again. Unbidden, thoughts of those undead zombies entered my head. It must be terrible to have one's corpse re-animated. From what I remembered, the person's soul was no longer in the body, but it was still an unpleasant thought. The stench invaded my nose again, the smell of death poignant and sickening. Making a face, I breathed in the fresh air. I was safe now; there was no need to worry.
Shaking my head in disgust, I headed back to the central fire. My food had been lost from my cloak when I had used it as a make shift sack. Perhaps Warriv had some extra fare he was willing to part with.
"Good morning," I said to him as he climbed out of his wagon.
"Hello there, my friend!" he smiled broadly. To my surprise, he scooped me into a crushing bear hug. "It is good to see you well! I was worried for your safety when you left the camp."
"Ah, well, I had no problems," I smiled wanly. "Err, you wouldn't happen to have . . ."
"Food? But of course!" he grinned and retrieved a packet from his wagon. "Here, enjoy."
"You bet I will," I smiled. Inside was some hard cheese, more of those biscuits, but this time it was fresher, and some meat. It looked different from the beef I had previously, but food was food. I wasn't picky.
"Shame on what happened to those girls. I know some of them. It breaks my heart to see them having to fight when they are in their own lands," he chatted.
"Uh hmm," I said around a mouthful of cheese. It was cheddar. I hated cheddar.
"I know this area quite well in fact. I always used this route to get to the Eastern lands. The Monastery pass was always the safest way to get there. The Rogues kept it free of thieves and wild beasts. Now, it is blocked by some terrible evil. I wonder whether I will ever see Lut Gholein again."
"Go southwest to Kingsport and take a ship to Lut Gholein," I said as I struggled with the meat. It seemed like it was rabbit. "It's longer, but it's still available."
"We could not load all our wagons onto the ship, and I refuse to leave anyone behind," he said resolutely.
"Hey, it was just a suggestion," I shrugged. "Suit yourself."
"I WILL NOT STAY!"
We looked up at the sound. I heard someone noisily making their way here. Soon Kashya stormed in with Akara close behind. It surprised me that the much older woman could keep up with the large strides of Kashya.
"Listen to reason, Kashya," Akara used her gentle but firm tone. "You cannot go after Blood Raven yourself. I know she was one of your closest friends, but you must stay in the camp."
"She was more than just a friend to me. She was like a true flesh and blood sister! I cannot bear to see her soul trapped within a cursed body! I failed her when I did not save her from death at Tristram. I cannot, no; I WILL not fail her in un-death. By my bow or blade, I will free her tortured soul."
"And if you cannot?" Akara said flatly. "What if she slays you and raises you as a minion of her army? The Sisters would be without a Battle Leader, and we would truly be lost. I know how you feel, Kashya, but I cannot let you go. You are too important to the Order in this time of darkness."
I saw her mouth move, but the red haired woman said nothing. Mixed emotions clouded her face, and I held my breath for the outcome.
"I . . . I cannot leave her like that," she said in an almost childish voice. The despair was obvious in her tones.
"No, we will not abandon her to this Hellish servitude," Akara agreed. "Isn't this correct, Traveler?"
I looked around to see whom she was talking to. They were all starring at me.
"What? Wait, no, no, no! Why do . . . but . . ." I sputtered.
"Did you not say you wished you could repay our kindness?" the High Priestess asked.
"Well yes . . ."
"Did you not prove yourself worthy in battle?"
"I suppose . . ."
"Then I ask of you to repay us by killing Blood Raven."
Everyone was quiet as they waited for my answer. The newly made fire crackled loudly as a thousand thoughts raced through my head. Could I face those monsters again in combat? It was a horrifying proposition and made me want to spit out the bread I was chewing. Painfully, I swallowed the lump.
"Err, well, can I think about it?"
"Of course you may," Akara nodded. Kashya glared angrily at me, but I averted my eyes to the ground. For a few minutes I just looked at the grass, stones, and mud. My mind wandered a bit as my eyes traced the outlines of a twig. When I did have the courage to look up again, the two women were gone.
"Thanks for the food," I sighed as I walked past Warriv. He said something to me, but I didn't pay it any attention.
Aimlessly I strolled through the camp. Again I was struck with the relative silence here. Even the prisons I had gone to were louder. The sound of a hammer on an anvil attracted my notice, and I suddenly remembered my items. Following the noise, I soon found myself standing in front of a large wooden shack. Adjacent to it was a large mound of earth. It was hollowed in the middle so a hot fire could burn for the smith's use. Hung or laying against the shack were all sorts of weapons and crafting tools. Curious, I made my way towards it.
"Hey there, I'm Charsi, the black smith of this camp," a child-like voice unexpectedly said from behind me. Whipping around in astonishment, I came face to chest with my speaker. Charsi stood a good foot or two higher then me. Her tanned skin literally rippled with muscles. The bulky clothes and apron she wore accentuated her muscular figure, but her face was open and friendly. Her blue eyes were innocent and trusting and seemed to go along with her golden blonde hair.
"Wow, you're a big girl," I uttered mindlessly. Immediately I clamped my hand over my mouth, wondering if she would pound me.
"Ha, ha, ha," she laughed good naturedly as she walked towards her improvised kiln. "I'm part Barbarian. My grandfather came down from the north and met my grandmother on some sort of adventure. The two eventually fell in love, and he stayed here."
"That's wonderful," I nodded. "But tell me, did you fix my items yet?"
"Oh, you must be the owner of the things Debi gave me last night. Let me get them for you."
Going to her cluttered worktable, she retrieved my possessions.
"Here you go."
"Thanks," I took back my helm, armor, belt, buckler, and weapon. She watched me as I donned them on. After pulling my boots on tighter, I saw her still starring at me. "Oh sorry, did I not pay yet?"
"No, I got your gold last night," she shook her head. "It's just that . . . I wish I could go adventuring like my grandfather did, to be free and helping those in need."
"Well let me tell you, that is not what true adventuring is. In my opinion, it is all about getting dirty and putting yourself in danger. It is about running from the enemy, starving in the wilderness, and wondering if you'll ever live again. THAT is adventuring."
Charsi frowned at me. "If that is what it is all about, why do you do it?"
I opened my mouth. I didn't say anything. "I . . . I must be crazy then."
"I haven't seen a weapon like that before," she changed the subject.
"My katar? Yeah, not a lot of people have them," I muttered as I gripped its handle. The whine it made as I swung it through the air told me its edges were razor sharp. "For someone who's never seen one, you've done an amazing job."
"Well I've always had a knack with weapons," she grinned happily at my compliment. That naïve kind of happiness she had made me sorry that she was stuck in a situation like this.
"Anyway, thanks for the fix," I nodded at her.
"You're welcome."
Contemplatively I strode back to the campfire. Warriv was still there, puffing on a pipe now. The smoke it emanated smelt familiar.
"Hey, you've got some Narlant weed," I suddenly smiled. "Mind if you spared a pinch?"
"Of course," he said as he took a little out from a velvet bag and placed it in my hand. "Do you need to borrow a pipe?"
"Nah, I make do without one." Taking a small piece of parchment paper he was using, I placed the Narlant weed in the center and rolled it up. Licking the end to make it adhere together, I now had a 'stick' as the beggars used to call it. The paper made it burn fast at times, but it was better than having not smoking at all. Lighting one of the ends, I puffed at it. Immediately I felt myself relaxing as the tangy flavor of the Narlant weed entered my mouth.
"This is some good stuff."
"Yes, just don't tell Gheed I have some! Then he'd never leave me alone!" Warriv laughed.
"Who?"
"Gheed is a merchant who is traveling with my caravan. He's set up shop southwest of here. His ethics are questionable, but his wares are undeniably sound."
"Ah, sounds like my kind of man," I smiled. "You wouldn't happen to have a sack do you?"
"Yes, I have a few spare ones," he pointed at the base of his wagon. I saw several large sacks made for carrying heavy cargo. "Help yourself."
"Don't mind if I do," I said and took a well-sized one. My cloak was nice to wear, not to stuff things in. Clipping the sack to my new belt, I donned my cloak over my entire outfit and walked to the portal I had opened last night.
"Good luck," Warriv shouted after me.
Raising my katar to him I stepped through. Once more I felt myself traveling at incredible speeds, but this time, I was ready for the end of it. I stepped through on the other side, back to the cleansed Den of Evil.
It was amazing what a little monster clear out can do. The cave no longer stank at all. The air seemed fresh and cool. Light burst in from various holes in the wall and made the once oppressing cave seem welcoming. Walking through the den, mice and bats scurried away from my path. Even these animals seemed relieved that the monsters were gone.
It took me a while to reach the exit since I didn't remember the path, but once I emerged from the cave, I looked into the sky. It was cloudless and clear. The never-ending blue was breathtaking to see with the large golden sun shining down on me. For once, I was feeling a little optimistic. Whistling softly, I walked in the opposite direction of the camp. Following a path I found, I soon came upon a large thicket of woods. The path went right through it, and I stopped whistling. There was no telling what could be lying in ambush in there.
Gathering my courage, I held my katar tighter and walked towards it slowly. My steps made no sounds as I traversed the distance. The thicket didn't seem dangerous; the sun shining through it actually made it look picturesque. But as I have learned in my life, looks can be deceiving.
I heard something beside me and raised my buckler to block any blows coming.
"Halt! Who are you?"
I didn't recognize the voice, but I could distinguish that drill sergeant tone anywhere.
"I'm on a quest for Akara and Kashya," I said calmly to the Rogue. "Who are you?"
"My name is Flavie," she replied, her bow moving down. "If you do indeed go on a quest in the Cold Plains, beware. Mortal danger lies ahead for the likes of you."
"Yeah I sort of figured that out," I smirked as I moved past her.