As much as Toel had faith in his ally's ability to control these shadows, it was still not a pleasant sight to see these creatures that Ruven has feared now in plain view. If things like these were trying to kill Ruven, he had to sing more praise for his friend. Unsheathing his Claymore as he ran, he kept alongside Ruven. While he had to hope that the shadow monster would be able to slow them down, it is better to be safe than sorry. With it at the ready, he kept up with Ruven. No need for blood to be shed unless there was no other choice!
(Weapon now at the ready, otherwise just keeping up with the elf.)
Ruven Zelphar: HP = 34, PP = 36, EP = 59/76, Status = Fine
Feeding another portion of his essence into the book, this time on a different page where he saw the nightmare that he called up, Ruven would feel the dark artifact pulsing with pleasure as the very abomination he had seen appeared in front of them. It unleashed a horrific ululating cry that sent birds scattering in all directions from the nearby woods, its the bandits stopping in place and scrambling back and away as its tendrils began to wave in their direction. They three men before them simply broke and ran, but the other two stumbled out of the cloud of darkness... Only to look on in horror at the thing and bolt in the direction of the woods, leaving the two men to make their retreat before their attackers rallied and came after them again... Though Ruven's horror would start chasing one of the men off into the woods in the meantime unless he tried to get it to stop, the portion of his energy in it potentially giving him... Some control over it, though such would bring his mind into contact with the horrible intellect trapped within the book.
It seemed they were in the clear. Let them play with the nightmarish creature, should keep them occupied. Ruven would run into the woods with Toel until he could run no more, hoping that they would have lost the bandit men. "Crap... I'm sorry, Toel. I just don't trust Badarians. Especially not those wearing the official uniform of racism." he said with poison on his tongue. "I was just afraid that if we showed them weakness, they'd capitalize on us."
As they ran, Toel kept his sword in hand until he was pretty damn sure the Badarians, or one of those shadow creatures, weren't following them as he lets out a shuddering grunt. "Goodness... That was one of the things that you can see in the darkness?" Toel asks, clearly having not enjoyed seeing that shadowy beast. He seems more worried about the shadow creature now than the men who ran. After a moment or two to regain his breath, he lets out a sigh as he shakes his head, as if to clear his thoughts. "But... You have nothing to apologize for. I was thinking they were going to do the same, though I still hope we were right with our assumption." Taking the time to peek over his shoulder and at the bag still hefted over it, he places his Claymore back in it's scabbard before returning attention to Ruven. "Though we should try to get back on that road soon. It would be best to follow it, even if we must stay in the treeline for a bit."
Ruven Zelphar: HP = 34, PP = 36, EP = 76, Status = Fine
Rolls
Perception: ??
It would be screams they heard over their shoulders as they ran away, the horror that Ruven had summoned no doubt catching one of the bandits. Their attackers didn't seem to be followed, though running through the woods wasn't exactly easy or safe, leaving the two man scratched and bloodied by the branches of trees and bushes that they had to run through. The shadows were long by the time they had stopped, and twists and turns in the woods made it difficult to find their way back unless they just followed their own tracks back. Luckily Toel managed to keep them on the right track and direct them towards the road without going directly back the way they'd come, but it would still be a long ways back... And it was getting dark very, very quickly.
"Shield." Ruven declared, lighting the rock Toel gave him. "This is absolutely the worst... I really liked this outfit too. I'd have gone insane long ago if I wasn't so dapper, I don't want to look as crazy as I feel." Ruven said with a grumpy attitude. "We should settle down. Don't want an accident to leave me in the dark. Think we can clear out an area to sleep in?" he asked the Anudorian. This was a slow going trip indeed.
Tugging out twigs, leaves, and other sorts of truly delightful pieces of plants from both his hair, and also his armor, Toel lets out a chuckle as he watches Ruven. "It makes you look more intimidating in a way! But we can just get repairs later." Putting his own two cents in out of playfulness, he puts his hand against a cut over one of his eyebrows where a cruel twig got him while they were running. "Sure, though I am going to keep the lantern off. Too much light and those Badarians might find us." Either way, he keeps the lantern strapped to his side to be lit whenever needed for now.
Ruven Zelphar: HP = 34, PP = 36, EP = 76, Status = Fine
Settling in for the night, the two would let a long but thankfully uneventful night pass before the dawn washed away the dark. Both men heard strange noises out in the woods regularly, rustling and hissing and scraping, and the sounds of the normal night creatures were oddly quiet and distant. They didn't come upon any corpses this time thankfully, the only signs of whatever horrors the book might have conjured around them a few odd slashes on the barks in the trees.
Getting back to the road the next day would prove time consuming but equally uneventful, and they encountered nothing along the way.... Or on the walk the next day, and the next.
And then they were upon Acheron, its rebuilt walls visible in the distance. They arrived at the open city gates at about mid day, crossing a great bridge over the grand river that brought them into a large courtyard. The pair walked into the oddest menagerie of people that either could ever have imagined. Men and women of extraordinary beauty, many sporting a few odd bits and bobs to add exotic to their appeal, were as common as humans were in the rest of Badaria. Others were as frightening or intimidating as the first group was beautiful, and among them was everything in between.
Though not as common as goblins, stalkers, or the more human-looking demons, members of every race under Donevrion's sun were present. Elves of both pale and purple, humans of every shade from the ebony and tan of Anudor to the ivory paleness common in Crolia were present, as well as the olivine look of Southern Badarians and the pale yellow seen among some Amazonians. No one seemed to take much notice of them, but there were certainly plenty of things to see.
A group had set up a tent near the entrance, promising guides to keep one safe while traveling through the city and show one where they wanted to go. There were a number of people of various appearances loitering around behind it, but the only one who seemed to be paying much attention to anything was a woman sitting next to a little table with a box on it was staring across the plaza.
Opposite them was a raised area of sorts where a set of stocks had been set up, the sign hanging over them reading; "Penal Stocks for Public Indecency. One denarius for one use." Four of the five stocks were currently empty, but the one that was occupied had a woman with a short bob of pink hair, some of which was currently matted to her face by a mixture of sweat and cum. Her modest breasts were swinging back and forth as moans erupted from her ring gagged mouth, currently not in use as behind her a massive bestial looking woman was hammering into her pussy wildly. The two made a perfect contrast, one pale and petite, her feline ears flickering about and her long cat-like tail wrapped around her partner's waist to keep her from pulling away. The other was so dark their bare skin was nearly black, massive and muscular but still pleasantly curvaceous, tufts of fur around her waist, shoulders, canine tail, and hands completing the oddness of her while the massive dog-like cock she was using to ploy into her bound victim, her huge hands that ended in claws that left red marks on her partner's flesh where they dug into her waist, and sharp teeth made her look like a hellhound in human form. As the two men approached she thrust in and held, groaning in satisfaction as she no doubt flooded the bound su-ku-ta's womb with her seed, and already there was a line formed behind her to take a turn on the prisoner when she was done.
The two could easily walk by both in their search for someone to help them through the dangerous lands between them and their destination, but they could just as easily take a look around instead, either here or at one of the nearby inns that had been established to cater to the numerous travelers entering the demon city.
He knew Acheron would be an unusual place, but this was outrageous. Ruven no doubt stood out like a lost tourist while gazing at all the odd sights and noteworthy structures that still remained. "This is... A bit overwhelming." he said, deciding to ignore the fellows offering aid through the city as that was just as likely to be a trap. Ruven was no fool. "We should try to find some idle hands, see if one of them has the skills we require. Keep your eyes open for an Inn, Toel." said Ruven, looking around... But not so much at the su-ku-ta on the pillory. What a sight that was, shameful and awful. He wished he never saw it. He didn't want to even think about why she was there, or why she didn't seem to want to get out of her situation what with such a line behind her. He decided that he has enough bullshit and madness to deal with than figuring that out.
To find an Inn, or a bar, or someplace with idle hands. Yes. Find someone with nothing to do, and give them something to do.
In all fairness, Ruven wasn't the only one left... Well, for lack of a better word, stunned by all that they have seen while they were just entering town. Toel couldn't help but stare around at all that was to see just from where they were standing. The place was much more active than he thought it was, and apparently in more ways than one as Toel gazes around while standing next to Ruven. "More than a bit, in all honesty." While he was about to go towards one of the town guides, he stops from Ruven's suggestion. "Should not be too hard to find one." He asks, glancing towards the stocks rather briefly as he momentarily scratches behind his head. Certainly a rather interesting first impression for the town. Hopefully the place has more to it than on the set surface.
Ruven Zelphar: HP = 34, PP = 36, EP = 76, Status = Fine
There were a plethora of inns and taverns to choose from along the entrance lane where they might take some rest and look for someone skilled in woodcraft. The Starving Waif, the Warrior and the Flask, Kevin's Hideaway, the Golden Staff, the Copper Chalice, the Look of Longing, and all manner of others lined the street and the side streets branching off from it. They could choose to go deeper into the city in search of a place, however, and as neither had been to Acheron before neither had much to go on regarding where might be the best place to go.
Ruven Zelphar: HP = 34, PP = 36, EP = 76, Status = Fine
Their choice made, the pair went into the Warrior and the Flask, a slightly bustling place where small groups of generally armed men and women seemed to congregate. Toel didn't stand out too much, but Ruven seemed out of place, and though it wasn't exactly well lit there wasn't enough darkness to make the book stir at the elf's hip. The place seemed to be doing good business, the curvy demonic waitresses strolling around in leather skirts and bustiers, delivering food and drinks, taking empty mugs or glasses or plates, and generally being pleasant eye candy without any single one of them being particularly memorable. The woman behind the bar, on the other hand, was a sight to see, possessing two pairs of immense leathery wings from her back and curling horns jutting from her brow and curling over her head. She was incredibly muscular and very tall, standing at least seven and a half feet tall before taking her wings, horns, or fiery red hair into account. Darkly tanned skin with tufts of red hair and dark blue scales covering portions of it and bright blue eyes completed her physique, and she was clad only in a simple white outfit and an apron, leaving cleavage that might be used to crush a man's head were he not careful on full display.
The bar was crowded with people who might offer them the skills that they needed, but the pair would have to figure out how they wanted to go about advertising for such a need... And over all of the noise in the bustling common room too. The tables weren't exactly neatly organized, and most of them were occupied by at least three people, though that wasn't to say that the pair couldn't manage to grab a smaller table to themselves if they tried. The tables were mostly round save on the sides of the room where they took on a rectangular shape instead, the bar was set on the left from the entrance and the rest of the space full of either people or seating, and a set of stairs leading up were visible across the room. Everything seemed to be made of wood, thick hard wood that most often looked like oak, but the center of the room had a round marble table that was fully occupied by an impressive looking array of people, all armed and often in garishly colored robes or ornate armor.
Walking into the bar, Ruven already decided he was going to talk with the bartender, who should know the general idea of what's going on in her bar. However, upon seeing the bartender hitting just about every fetish the fairly innocent elven man had, he had to mentally prepare himself, trying to not look at her directly as much as possible. "Alright, we just have to ask the bartender what the goings on are in her bar." he said, before looking at her directly, and trying to summon up some courage. "Ho... I just have to... Brace myself... Jeez she's so... Tall..." Ruven said, unable to help but contain his beating heart.
Walking up to her with the least awkward stride he could, he tried to approach this casually so he wouldn't leave an embarrassing impression behind. "Pardon... But, may my friend and I have a drink?" he'd first and foremost let it be known that they were customers, not just moochers of information. "Just some everyday ale if you'd please. And if it's not too much to ask, could I borrow a moment of your time?" If she said yes. "We're looking for a guide, someone familiar with traveling and hunting. You wouldn't happen to know any patrons here who are talented with the ways of the world and looking for work, are you?"
For the most part, Toel was just following after Ruven as he looked curiously about the place. This place looks rather promising in the department of able bodied patrons it seems, eyes caught by the interesting armor that some of them wore. Glancing down at his Scale Mail armor, he lets out a light hum as if getting ideas before he is spoken to by Ruven, returning his attention back to the elf. As soon as he sees the bartender though, he cannot help but have an amused grin cross his lips as he raises an eyebrow to Ruven.
Following with only a short chuckle heard, Toel lets his grin fade as he approaches the bartender with a considerably more calm walk. Letting his friend talk, he glances over the patrons that reside within the place again, for the most part just trying not to interrupt Ruven.
Ruven Zelphar: HP = 34, PP = 36, EP = 76, Status = Fine
"If ye've got a pair 'o coins fer me!" the bulky woman replied, her accent distinctly Northern and from one of the larger islands to the West of the coast. Should Ruven produce the coin, she would slap down a pair of drinks for them before preparing to move to someone else, though his question would briefly dissuade her from pursuing her business. "Yeah? whatcha need stranger?" she said, leaning over the bar and resting an elbow, causing her impressive muscles to flex while she rested her chin on one of her fists. It was surely only coincidence that both Toel and Ruven could see down her shirt, into her impressive cleavage.
"Lookin fer a ranger eh?" she said, smirking. The bartender straightened, and her voice boomed as she shouted; "Veeeera! Ye've got patronage!"
Someone looked up from the large table in the center of the room, and a moment later they stood. The woman that the bartender had called over was also tall, though not as massive as the one calling her by any means. Where the barkeep was built like a beast with a woman's curves, the woman who approached them was much more distinctly feminine while retaining a muscular physique that obviously had both power and grace in spades if the manner in which she crossed the crowded inn common room was any indication. Her skin was a frosty pale blue, and much of it was on display despite her armor being composed of crisscrossing bands of black metal covered in sparkling red cloth. Heavy gold bracers protected her forearms, bulkier than the rest of her armor but apparently not offering much in the way of weight if the casual swing of her arms was any indication. An ornate short spear with a bronze tip hung on her back, just over a slightly darker colored round shield, and beneath her waist she was covered in a dark purple skirt that ran just past her knees but split in the middle up to just between her thighs, allowing for more mobility. Her muscular legs were protected by dark leather greaves with inlay that was the same color as her bracers.
"You called dear?" she asked casually as she walked up between the two men, brushing a strand of long, straight ivory hair away from her deep black eyes as they settled on the barkeep. "These two gents need a hunter and a guide. You're doin nothing with yourself the next few weeks, might as well earn a little coin out of it eh?" the barkeep replied, smirking back. The warrior woman glanced between the pair, sizing them up briefly before her dark red lips split into a grin exposing both her regular teeth and a set of extra long interlocking fangs. "Well, I guess it couldn't hurt... I'm Veera! Where are you boys headed?" she said, settling between them and leaning both elbows back on the bar, her back arching to display a bit of extra cleavage which was no less impressive than that of the bartender who had called her over.
After paying, Ruven's mouth visibly hung open as the bartender gave them a good look at her breasts. 'What I wouldn't give to be crushed between those two massive-NO RUVEN! FOCUS!' Ruven demanded of himself, snapping his eyes up to her face forcibly, before his eyes focused on her arm. 'Oh man, if that powerful and soft flesh were wrapped around my throat in a headlock, I could die happy...' Ruven thought, wondering if he was discovering a new side of himself, before turning to notice their guide approaching. Also a fine application to his fetish for tall muscular women, but at this current moment in time there was a clear winner in this room. That amazing barkeep...
Ruven was in a daze for a moment, picturing romantic scenes of her carrying him on her shoulder, before snapping to just in time to hear Veera's question. "Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Veera." Ruven began, standing up, and taking an elegant and trained bow towards her with one arm over his belly and the other across his back. Then, he sat back down after paying his respects to the stranger. "My name is Ruven, and my friend over there is Toel. He is searching for his destined one, a woman who came to him in his dreams. And I... I am cursed. I'm seeking passage through these lands in the hopes of finding a cure for this curse, so that I may live my life peacefully. If you've the patience for it, I'll tell you the poem a man told us in another town, which might lead us to a place where I can get this curse lifted."
Then, Ruven, proud of his memory, began to recite the poem word for word.
"In the earthen cradle between the hanged man's hill and the great vein of Argent Vale, just beneath the hills of spring, the glade of the forsaken master lies, hidden from all but those with the wisdom to know without asking. Three times one may knock on the white oak tree, three times and once again before the way will open, three times and twice to follow, but three times and thrice is needed show one their fate."
"... So essentially, some place between a place called hanged man's hill, a place I've never heard of, and Argent Vale, a place I have heard of. We're hoping you would know the way." Ruven stated honestly, before reaching over and holding his ale in both hands, taking a gentle sip of his ale, drinking it slowly while awaiting Veera's answer. "You'd only need to take us as far as this strange location. That's all we ask, but we wouldn't mind further assistance. And also, about your payment... What... Methods of payment do you accept?" he inquired. Just money would be the usual answer, but he wondered if he couldn't... Well... Feed a chicken to her?
While Toel was resisting laughing at poor Ruven's hanging jaw, he let Ruven speak for them. He wasn't a good barterer after all, so he didn't want to mess things up right now. Placing the Denarii down on the counter to pay for his drink, he takes the ale in hand. Before he can take a drink though, the barkeep shouts and calls for someone, making him pause and glance back as the ale stays in hand. Indeed, the woman who approached did catch the Anudorian's eyes, and while he was still trying to stay loyal to his dream girl, his attention is momentarily drawn across Veera's armored body. Hard to tell if he is checking her out, or if he is just looking over her equipment. Maybe a bit of both?
Toel is snapped out of his sightseeing by Ruven speaking, making the Anudorian tense before he bows his head as well without standing up. "It is nice to meet you." He otherwise stays quiet as Ruven explains their situation to keep himself distracted, taking a drink of his own ale as Ruven tells the poem. Taking a swig of his ale, he rests the glass back on the counter as he goes back to being quiet. Ruven is covering most of the bases, so Toel just keeps quiet so that the elf can explain without interruption.
