Thread: Tempting Bonds (Neuro+LI)

Nerin woke an hour later, hearing someone else enter the bathing area. His face flushed slightly and he got up, securing the towel around his body as he grabbed the clean one. He inclined his head to the elven female that came in, then ducking out of the way. He hid behind the curtain and dried off quickly and got dressed once again The heat seemed to rejuvinate him for a moment, temporarily forgetting about his situation. He went back inside, ordering a stew, a hunk of bread, and a mild wine. Mid-way through his meal, a conversation caugth his attention. Remember the Sitelo's? A man asked his freind, causing Nerin to turn and look at the pair. Yeah, how could I forget? The parents were slaughtered by some kind of demons. Why mention them? The second man answered. Nerin's eyes widened, his cracking the bowl in his hand, the other gripping the edge of the table. Well, when Rinwen left, I think she joined up with that Arenthy troupe. They had just come back a few nights ago. The first man explained between bites. You certain? I didn't see her there, I saw them Both nights. The tender asked. Maybe she isn't performing yet? Could just be helping out with cooking or something. The first man said with a shrug. I wonder now though... does their son know? Didn't he go off for training? Yeah, to be a swordmage like his father. I don't think he knows yet... They don't like outsiders in that place. He first man said, shaking his head. Nerin stood up, approaching the pair. You said they came by recently? Where are they going? He asked fervantly, her knuckles popping. I... am hunting demons, this girl may know something. He added hastily, to dissaude any other questions. They looked up at the Genasi curiously. Uh... I beleive they went up to Hawkteyn? Needed to restock on supplies I think. One of them said. Do either of you have a horse? I need to find this female as soon as possible! He asked, sighing thankfully as one of them nodded. He immediately ran back up to her room, grabbing his pack and pulling out a small, but beautiful jade colored emerald. He paused for a moment, his finger tips brushing along it's edge. It had been a gift from Alliere when he had been granted the coronal's gaurd title. He held it against his chest with a sigh. He hated to, but it was the only form of currency he had. He ran back down stairs, offering it to the man that had the horse. This gem is easily worth two hundred gold, I need that horse. He said, bowing his head. The man stared dumbfounded, but agreed. Feed is in the pack... are you really going to travel out in the middle of the night though? It's been several days at least since they left. He said, taking the gem. Yes, I have many questions for her, I can't run the risk of them leaving Hawkteyn before I get there. He said, thanking the man and leaving the key to the room before heading out, finding the horse. It shied away from him at first, but he managed to calm it down with elven. Once it was safe, he climbed onto the saddle, setting off towards Hawkteyn, they had been there several times, it was a big city, and hew knew the way fairly well. The next three days passed with no incidents, his time spent mulling over his actions in Myth Drannor, his parents, and his sister. Had the fact he found someone else upset her so greatly, she wouldn't tell him about their parents' death? The issue of his manifestation was another problem, not something he was really looking foward to revealing to his sister... or anyone else for that matter. Even with the mage's guild, he had just mentioned it was a change of appearance, not that anything was... 'added'. Near the end of the third day, the horse shied away from the road, neighing nervously. He again calmed it down with elven, the szuldar along his skin prickling, something was wrong... there was a presence in the air. He tied the horse to a nearby tree, pulling his weapon from it's sheath. He tried to let his senses spread out, but this omninous feeling was clouding it, and the entire area reeked of arcane. The only thing he knew to do this, were demons, or necromancers. He cautiously made his way through the trees,casting sigils of protection overh is armor, his weapon taking on the form of glaive. As Nerin moved closer, two energies seemed to stand out, necrotic, and fire, carried by the smell of burnt and slain bodies. He found his way into a large clearing, littered with bodies and the shambles of wagons. His eyes widened as he saw a banner, drenched in blood. 'Arenthy troupe'. He immediately scanning the bodies, hoping not to find her dead. Rinwen! Rinwen! He called out, staggering about the area, finding no trace. The szuldar grew brightly again, his body gradually being surrounded in flames. He found an older man relatively intact, kneeling down next to him. He severely disliked disturbing the dead, but he had to know. He took out two candles, a match, and a small pouch. He gently cleared an area around the man's corpse, then set the candles down and lit them. Lastly, he pulled out fine powder from the pouch, known as residium, a reasgent that served well with all manners of rituals. Finally the ritual was complete, and he could see the man's jaw moving, working out the stifness of death. I am sorry to disturb your afterlife, but I have dire need of answers. What is your name? He asked, kneeling down next to the older man. The body of the dead man stirred, albeit stiffly. He jerked, the facial muscles twitching as he spoke. His voice sounded detached. Young lad, why do you disturb me so...? I am Kvothe of the Arenthy. What is it you want? Nerin blinked slightly at the Lad comment, shrugging it off, it wasn't important. I am looking for an Eladrin Female, Rinwen Sitelo. I heard rumor she had joined the Arenthy, but I do not see her here. Is it true she joined your troupe? He asked, biting his lip. Ah, Rinwen. Yes, she had, but she is long gone. Why do you seek her? Kvothe's face seemed to show signs of protective concern. He also seemed slightly interested at the mention of 'Eladrin'. She is of Eladrin descent? No wonder I sensed such power... The Genasi's face visibly softened, his hand resting over his heart, she had managed to get away. He blinked at the question, not something that usually occured with the ritual. He rubbed the back of his head, figuring if he was forcing someone to be honest with him, he could do the same. I am Nerin Sitelo, her brother. And yes, our mother was Eladrin.... Did she mention anything of them, that they had passed? He asked. Kvothe stared at Nerin for a moment, the glassy eyes studying him. Her brother... you are a swordmage, then, for she has mentioned she had a brother at Myth Drannor. And, I was not aware your parents were in the afterlife, despite having been there myself. The corners of his lips twitched up, as though he were chuckling. Suddenly a look of annoyance was in his eyes. Is that all? I would like to return to a peaceful rest. He nodded his head. I am indeed. He said, a soft smile toughing his lips, she hadn't utterly revoked him at least... Ah... yes. Sorry again to have disturbed your rest. Be assured, I will give you and your companions a proper burial, and that I will hunt down those responsible. May you rest easy Kvothe. He said, about to end the ritual before Kvothe spoke again. Nerin, He said, hesitating for a moment. Keep her safe... she needs you more than ever. As his words faded away, Nerin nodded his head, ending the ritual. May the gods accept your soul. He said with a bow of his head before standing. He made his way to a tree, pressing his ring against it, casting an arcane mark on upon, which would apear on his map, so that he would not forget the location. Finally, he cast a spell that would keep scavengers away, and precent the bodies from decaying. He turned back to where he had left the horse, and climbed back on. Quickly now, we must find her... He whispered, ushering the horse on to the city of Hawkteyn.