"Claimer: The Stories under this Hack writing section belong to me!
If characters, plot, or their likeness are stolen and used commercially I will sue the transgressor.
I lay claim to these tales and theft of my work WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!
I do hope you enjoy them though, thank you."

Eryn and the Blade, The Beginning

ApprenticeSword: :: Eryn always considered herself a normal girl, about average height, blond hair and hazel eyes. Her family was never noticed by high up people, yet in their class, they were adored by everyone. She had grown up on her family's farm, working hard everyday of her life, yet she seemed unfulfilled. At 16 she got herself a job at the "Cracked cup" tavern and inn as a serving wench. She saved all of her money, hoping to one day hire help for the farm, so her family could take a rest, or vacation. "Eryn, two more here!" the knight called. She smiled and nodded, grabbing them more ale. Her small apron was filled with gold coins, given to her by her regular customers. She went behind the bar to fill two cups when the keg refused to spill anymore. She looked around for Derick, but he was probably off somewhere tending to a female customer. She headed to the back storage barn and started to try and lift the new keg.::
MentorSword: ::Victor Andale entered the Cracked cup. Andale was wealthy. It showed in the gold necklaces that hung about the lordly robes he wore, in the jeweled rings that wrapped around all the digits of each of his hands. More than that it showed in the two thugs that followed at his heels. He was of average height with short well trimmed hair, his brown eyes confidant. His mouth was set in the hint of a sneer, this city could be his. Coming from Atlantis he saw the backwater town of Amkail as prime for the picking. On his left side stood a thin, toned man chewing nervously on a toothpick hanging in his teeth. Trigger carried two blades shoved into the belt about his waist, his shirt un tucked and wrinkled from sleeping in his clothes. The other man stood out. He towered at seven feet in height. His hairy brick wall of a chest was bound in leather straps that hid little, his legs were covered in studded leather breeches. Victor's eyes fell on Eryn and he stopped, his brow shifted in a sly fashion and he motioned to his two cohorts before sitting down at the counter::
ApprenticeSword: :: Eryn's arms flexed harshly as she rolled in the new keg. Setting up at under the counter felt like taking a day off, it was so heavy. She tapped in and started pouring pitchers of ale, so she could go around and refill everyone's empty glasses. As she looked up, she noticed a few more guests had arrived, they seemed slightly out of place from her normal customers, but she always had the occasional travelers. Her smile painted itself on her face as she walked to the three men.:: Good evening, gentlemen. Can I get you anything to drink? :: She slid her hands gently into the pocket of her apron and fiddled with the soft fabric as she looked at the rich looking man.::
MentorSword: ::Victor watched her fingers wiggling about her waist and bit his lower lip. He met her eyes, smirking only slightly now:: Yes please... ::His voice was seductive, definitely practiced, but also efficient:: Tell me something... ::He placed a hand on the counter and smiled charmingly:: Are all of the women in this region as lovely as you? You should join me for a drink... ::Trigger watched between the two smirking and chewing at the toothpick hanging in teeth. The larger man sat silently, staring into the distance ::
ApprenticeSword: :: Eryn smiled respectfully and lightly chuckled through her words.:: " Most are lovelier, sir. I thank you very much for the offer of a drink, but I haven't the time, respectfully, sir.:: She smiled again and lowered her eyes to the ground for a moment before returning to his. She pulled her hands out of her pockets and clasped them neatly in front of her.:: So, what can I offer you?
MentorSword: ::Victor smiled, his eyes falling on her amusedly:: Suggest something, as I said, I'm not from this region. Perhaps there is something of a regional delicacy I could try. ::He had seen beautiful women before, but this one... Her naivety was arousing, intoxicating. He glanced to Trigger and back at her:: My associate will have whatever I have. ::He paid no mind to the larger man, as though he weren't there::
ApprenticeSword: :: Her eyes looked to the other two men sitting at the table and then down to her hands. Slowly her bottom lip sucked itself into her mouth and she bit down gently. :: Alright, I'll bring you something, if you don't like it, I won't make you pay. ::She turned and walked to the bar, her footsteps fell gently and hardly made a sound. She looked at all the bottles and couldn't make up her mind. She inhaled , closed her eyes and pointed. Cider Ale. That always sounded good, she had never tired it, but she would stick by her choice. She filled two glasses and walked steadily back to the table and set their drinks in front of them. :: I think you'll like it, it's one of our best. :: She smiled and started on her way back to the bar, she had many glasses to fill and she hated being behind.::
MentorSword: ::Victor watched her walk away and smiled, his face becoming fierce. Trigger began to shake slightly. Victor eyes fell on him murderously:: Bring her back over here... ::trigger rose clumsily and headed in her direction hastily:: Miss.... uh, uh Miss? ::Trigger's fingers gripped the counter, his voice shuttered nervously as he twisted the toothpick with his tongue::
ApprenticeSword: ::Eryn turned her eyes to the man and smiled. How creepy was this guy? :: Yes, sir? You didn't like the drink? She stepped back from the bar, looking for something to replace their drinks.::
MentorSword: ::He nodded, unsure at first and then suddenly the nod became violent:: Yes... Yes! That is it! The drink.. it was wrong, he would like to speak to you...
ApprenticeSword: ::She jumped back when he spoke. A startle that would stop the heart for a moment. Her hand raised to her chest and she nodded quickly. How much she wished Derick would come back. She walked over to the table, given small backwards glances tot he man with the toothpick.:: Your drink didn't satisfy? She raised a brow and tried to focus her attention on too many things.::
MentorSword: ::Trigger became very frightened and he shook his head violently:: No... I would never say I was dissatisfied with something purchased for me by the m... ::He seemed to convulse for a moment and he looked at her, his eyes intent: :Mr. Andale! :He lowered his eyes and became silent, stepping up to the table with her:: ApprenticeSword: How can I help you, sir? ::She spoke gently as her eye s lifted to the man standing next to her. She was getting nervous around these men and it was starting to become apparent. She held her hands tightly in front of her.::
MentorSword: ::Victor rose and placed a hand on her hands. He looked to Trigger and then to the unnerved look on Eryn's face. His eyes became sympathetic:: Has my companion frightened you?
ApprenticeSword: ::She looked up to the man and swallowed gently as a smile ran across her face.:: I've just never met anyone like him. ::her eyes flashed over to the man:: He's fine , sir. Might I ask what you needed from me? ::She stepped back and away from his hands:: Was it your drinks?
MentorSword: ::Victor felt his hand slip from hers as she stepped away, he stepped closer:: I haven't even tasted the drink yet, but I'm very curious if I might get a room... Which one is yours. ::He allowed his gaze to move over her hungrily ::
ApprenticeSword: ::She swallowed hard this time and stepped back, again. Her mouth felt dry, like sandpaper rubbing the roof of her mouth. What was happening, she felt as if she had no control. :: I don't live..here, sir. :: Just then, a loud voice cracked through the air:: " Eryn, what's going on? These glasses are all empty over here...Hey, are those guys bothering you? ::Eryn felt a sigh of relief and turned to Derick with wide eyes:: I'm coming Derick. Please, excuse me, sir. If you won't be needing anything more? ::She waited a moment before starting to turn.::
MentorSword: ::Victor's eyes fell on Derick ruefully, watching him as though he were a disgusting insect. He looked down at Eryn, his eyes growing kind:: We should be fine... ::He looked to his two cohorts and nodded, heading for the door to the Cracked Cup. She didn't live here... So she would have to go home::
ApprenticeSword: ::The rest of her shift went over fine. The men had gone shortly after their encounter and she was grateful for Derick more than she had ever been. The night was nice, it was warm and she had felt a little uneasy walking home, but she quickly threw out her worries. She waved goodbye to the patrons and started on her way home. Whistling a small tune, she looked around as all the houses were dimly lit for the night.
MentorSword: ::The trio watched Eryn pass from the darkened window of their room. Another Inn, Victor couldn't even think of the name, but he could see her. A beautiful slave... She would be his prize and proof that the Humanlands had resources that were far to thoroughly untapped. Trigger fidgeted beside him:: Weee'rrreee going to get the girl... ::He giggled creepily, Victor struck him sharply across the face. The narrow framed man stared up at his master with the sadness of a beaten hound:: Shut up you fool, get our horses ready. ::Victor turned his eyes back to the silhouette of his victim:: If your not ready Trigger... I'll kill you. ::Trigger looked as though he might giggle, only to slink away in silence::
ApprenticeSword: :: Eryn had a steady pace, on her way out to the farm. She had timed herself many times, as well as counted footsteps, she felt foolish for knowing these things, but when you are alone walking the same path, night after night, you get a little bored. Her eyes lifted to the sky, hazel eyes were mysterious in their own way. Changing color at it's will... The uneasy feeling returned as she walked on, closer to the edge of town. She couldn't tell what was making this night so off. ::
MentorSword: ::The hoof beats of Victor's horse still wouldn't burn the image of her from his mind. What was so extraordinary about this woman? He thought, as a slaver, he had a special knack for finding special cases when it came to slaves and there was no one Victor trusted but himself. They took the long way, Trigger desperately clinging to his horse for dear life and "IT's" horse sagging slowly beneath his weight. They would arrive ahead of the girl... better people indeed. These fools had no more morals or honor than Atlanteans and a few well placed rewards had found him the directions to the girls home... as well as other information. These people didn't even seek out his intentions for the girl, any nosy Atlantean would have been smart enough to do that... He found the crossroad he was looking for and slowed his horse. Trigger's horse dashed on further a few yards and "IT" knocked the mount over when climbing off. Victor sneered, the crossroad was perfect. He was almost surprised to see there wasn't a thief present... Trees overhung the road like great shadowy hands hiding his heinous deed from God. The farms in the surrounding area were far from the road, their fields lying between him and the ears of anyone to stand in his way! What fools would leave such a spot unwatched?! He motioned to Trigger:: You, get your ass in the tree, wait for her. Tell "IT" to travel back and hide off the road a bit. "IT" will know what to do from there. ::Victor walked calmly to the center of the road and stood there. He smirked, gratified by his own genius, wouldn't she be surprised?::
ApprenticeSword: :: Eryn watched the sky for a few steps before heading into the forested area. Her footsteps were light and barely made sound, save for the twigs snapping gently under her feet and the occasional rock being kicked as she took a step. Her hands slowly became moist with sweat, if she had felt uneasy before, this was not helping her calm. She wrapped her small shall around her tighter, she really didn't need it, but it was more of a comfort thing. She took a deep breathe and as she began to let it out, she paused in an almost horrific stance, he was there, in the middle of the road. After clearing her throat gently, she moved onward. She just wanted to get home, where it was safe . She started to pass by him, without paying him any notice.::
MentorSword: ::Victor brought his closed fist to his lips and cleared his throat. His eyes watched her amusedly, it was so much better when they didn't fight...:: M'Lady, were you honestly going to merely pass me by without the least bit of notice? ::He smiled charmingly:: I did come all this way to garner your attention...
ApprenticeSword: ::Eryn stopped and turned around, now just that step closer to her home than he was.:: I do apologize, sir. I have had a long nights work and was just on my way home. I wasn't paying attention to well and didn't notice it was you. Is there anything I can help you with, though? ::Her voice became slightly shaken as she prayed that he was as sincere as he sounded. But, her gut feeling wasn't agreeing. She watched him with large eyes, wanting to just run home.::
MentorSword: ::trigger landed behind her without a sound... Victor smiled warmly:: I just thought it was such a lovely night you might wish to join me for a walk, or perhaps a drink? ::Trigger's blades were drawn, he watched the woman's movements, timing her breathes, watching her move... He could see she wanted to run. Victor watched her as though nothing was going on behind her at all::
ApprenticeSword: Thank you for the offer, but I'm very tired, I'd just like to get home. ::She turned around to head off and the creepy man was there, blades drawn and looking ready to chop her up at any moment. She swallowed hard and took a step back, knowing any further would hand her into Victors arms. Shaking , she stepped sideways to see them both, almost at the same time. She wanted to jump off the path and run, but she hesitated and just stood, backing up slowly into the forest.::
MentorSword: ::"IT" barred her path, her back slamming against "IT's". "IT" was unintelligent and dreadfully slow, but "IT" was a brilliant tracker and had anticipated her move. How Victor loved well trained things, because victim's never did things the easy way:: What is your name girl? ::His tone changed and with it his face seemed to change. The mask of charm melted away and a stern, fierce gaze replaced it::
ApprenticeSword: :: Though now was not the time to not think, she couldn't help herself and dropped to the ground next to "IT". She forced herself to run into the forest and not look back. To the side of his legs, she rolled forward and stood up just in enough time to force every bit of strength in her legs to work overtime. Trying to scream, she realized it was a moot point and she focused on trying to get away::
MentorSword: ::Trigger was swift, his narrow frame crouched and leapt at the instant she began to drop to the ground. His knife slid sharply into a tree as his feet struck it and he glanced down... Girl. Running. There. ::He landed beside her, his hand whipping out and his blade slashing into her right shoulder, just above her breast. She felt nothing, then there was blood and pain. Victor roared, catching a hold of Trigger's hand as he had rushed after the girl, and turning his dagger into his own chest:: Fool! I said unharmed you moron! ::Something moved under Eryn's foot...::
ApprenticeSword: ::The rush of adrenaline hit her as she had tried to force herself to keep moving, but as the blade pulled away and she looked down, she felt as though this were the end. How honest a person was she? How good was she in life, why did it have to end this way? She almost tripped as she tried to force her way back up. As she looked down, she noticed there was an object under her. Leaning down, her hand swept across it, and when coming to the hilt, she picked it up, both hands grasping onto it as if it were her last chance. But, she had no clue how to use a sword, yet held it out as if she were a master.::
MentorSword: ;;Victor's eyes fell on the blade and then met Eryn's as though they were blades themselves. He saw the blood, the straining right arm, the fear... he sneered:: Foolish girl, put that sword down before you gouge out your eye and become worthless... ::He no longer seemed anything but sinister. His hands and sleeves were covered in the blood of his wounded slave and his eyes were locked on her, waiting...::
MentorSword: ::Xander gripped his hands about his sword, his fingers intermingling with the fingers of the girl in danger:: Hang on girly, or you're done for. ::He swung the blade back and upward, dragging the girl off the ground limply as the blade tore an arm from the mocking man's giant. Sloppy, he would have to get used to the girl's weight, the blade struck again severing the giant's waist from his lags before the blade turned swiftly on the mocking man::
ApprenticeSword: ::Eryn moved without any force of her own and she held as tight as she could to the sword. It moved as though someone was holding onto it with her attached. She had a painful look on her face as her hazel eyes looked up to Victor with despair. :: Please go...now. ::Her voice was soft and very shaken as she felt her arm go numb with pain. She had never been hurt in such a manner and with this, she felt ill at the thought of holding the weapon that cut someone in half. She swallowed hard and cried out:: GO.....! ::She just wanted to go home...::
MentorSword: ::Xander was floored, was this girl honestly going to allow her attacker to flee?::
MentorSword: ::Victor flinched as she said go and he knew, as he had known since he'd first laid eyes on her, she was special. He tore off, falling backward and turning to dash toward his horse, Trigger following after him...:: MentorSword: ::Xander followed, the sword dropping to his side, the tip of the blade dragging precariously close to the ground. Her felt the girl topple beneath him, her body falling dangerously close to the blade, but he drew it up swiftly enough to save her from the loss of a limb. He frowned inwardly, this was going to slow him down. He took another tact...::
ApprenticeSword: ::Eryn stood still, waiting for Victor to finally fall back and go. But, as he started to run off, her hands, still attached to the sword began to force her around and onto the ground. She took a breath just as she saw the blade coming for her. She got panic stricken and held still, but some force brought it up in time to miss her. She exhaled and almost cried at the thought of this still going on.::
MentorSword: ::Victor leapt for his horse, striking the side and clumsily climbing onto it. Trigger leapt for his horse, landing easily and agily onto his horse, he hesitated to glance back...::
MentorSword: ::Xander dropped , leaping after him, but the girl's weight. He watched as her assailant struck his heels without taking his eyes off them, and rode away as swiftly as he could. The sword fell limply in his left hand:: Damn... ::His eyes fell on the girl::
ApprenticeSword: ::She had just stood up as the sword flew forward, hoping to catch the man. As she had hoped they wouldn't, her hands stuck to the sword and she dragged forward with it her lower body slipping and sliding on the dirt path as if it were ice. The pain was killing her now and as the horse raced out of sight, she felt her arms drop closer to her on the ground. Her blood stained dress was now torn and packed with dirt, which hardly matter to her at the moment. She felt scared, yet more at ease as the sword had protected her. Now, she would just lay still for a while, her head hurt a long with her shoulder and arm and she didn't want to make it worse.::
MentorSword: ::Xander felt her grip slipping from the sword and lifted her easily from the ground. He held the hilt of the sword against her side, the blade jutting out before him and looked quickly around, Farms, he picked one and dashed forward leaping over a fence. Her weight seemed to grow with each step he took and soon he was staggering to keep moving. The farm seemed far away and he could feel himself fading... not growing weaker, or losing his powers. He was merely ceasing to exist. Suddenly, as though a distant thunder pouring through his very being the blade stuck heavily into the door and he was gone, Eryn lay limply over his sword, as though she had feinted there...::
ApprenticeSword [8:42 P.M.]: :: Eryn had the same events play through her mind, a torturous loop of Victor's smile and snide voice, a giant being cut in half...the intense pain of being slashed with a blade.:: :: The old couple recognized Eryn almost instantly, she walked their path to work and back past their farm each evening, not to mention her family owned the farm right next to them. Aeroch Bladsdale yelled for his wife to hitch up the wagon, while he sent his son to town to fetch the healer. The woman ran out and swiftly hitched up the horses to a creaky old wagon and rode it around to the front door. Her son shot out on a young stallion headed to town and Aeroch lifted the girl easily, her small frame seeming light in comparison to farm work. He carried her down and lay her in the back of the wagon, running back for the large sword that had been lodged in the door. He looked at the thing for a long moment. That sword seemed large for a girl her size, but he shrugged it off and pulled it free, tossing it into the wagon next to her. Eryn's father and brother were outside enjoying the night air, the had seen Aeroch's wagon coming toward them and risen. They couldn't think of anything that would bring Aeroch tearing down the road as he was. Aeroch roared to a stop before them, barking out what had happened at the top of his lungs, all the while his wife crying out Eryn's mothers name and screaming, "Your baby girl! Your baby girl!" Her father lifted her and her older brother moved aside, worry creasing his face. Her mother cried out as she saw the girl and ran to make a soft place to set her in the living room. They dropped her there and her mother started cleaning her wound. A short while later, her brother walked in from outside, leading the healer and Aeroch's son to Eryn's side, with the sword in his hands. The healer leaned down and placed some herbs on Eryn's wound and began to wrap leaves and a sponge-like rope around her. When he had finished, he advised her parents to have her rest and left more herbs for them to replace her wrappings with... Finally the evening settled and most of the house had set to rest. Only her mother still sat at her side, worry creasing her face. Her father walked in and laid a hand to his wife's shoulder gently, "Andreana, you should come to bed, there is no more you can do for her tonight." He was tired, worrying had always made him weary and his gray-blue eyes looked worn. Andreana raised her eyes to her husband, they were swollen from crying. He wished instantly that he could make his daughter better with a touch. "I know Tor-yn I'll only stay awhile longer..." When Eryn opened her eyes, it was dark, but she could tell she was in her own living room, and despite the pain, had never felt safer. She had hoped it was all a bad dream, but as she sat up, the pain shot through her. Wincing, she pushed herself further and looked around her room. If it were all real, the sword would have to be real... She looked around the living room in the dying embers of the fire, sword glinted in the moonlight of the window resting there against the sill::

::Victor's body ached with effort. A sword, a maddening sword that had dragged the girl around like a rag doll. His two slaves were dead and his own arm had been slashed pen in the battle. Now pain, mixed with the sight of his own blood, fueled his flight away from the nightmare. What was this place?, he wondered, that such things as a sword with no one to wield it had defeated his intentions. He frowned, stopping finally to breath heavily. They had given up chase, but that girl. Had it been her intention to lure him out here? Was her fighting style some form of trick? He walked further into the city, feeling the rising of the buildings around him even as his mind was still focused on the problems with this girl. She had escaped him, no one had ever escaped him. He stopped to take in his surroundings, desolate streets in a town without enough sense to use technology. Something else kept this place as it was... he shook the though away. "Morning. In the morning I'll...", ::He realized he was talking aloud and made way for the Inn room he had rented. A horse and a weapon. He would prefer a gun, but he doubted he would find one here. This girl was his and there was no way he was letting her get away. He would find her here and soon he would return to Atlantis with a story and a prize slave...::

MentorSword [8:39 P.M.]: ::Xander watched the girl waking in the darkness and sitting up. He sat near the fire, he felt cold and the warmer he became the stronger he felt. He watched her, watched her eyes fall on the sword:: Yeah, it was all real. I'm sorry if freaked you out a bit back there, but I felt it better to deal with them before they finished you off. ::He smirked a bit, watching her still without rising or trying to draw attention to himself, he knew better::
MentorSword [8:40 P.M.]: However, I do believe it means you owe me one...
ApprenticeSword [8:47 P.M.]: ::Eryn took in a deep breathe, it hurt, she had never been hurt like this before and it was nothing she would have ever been prepared for. She didn't know why, but she felt the way all sick people do, get up and move around, but she sat there still instead. The sword sat in her gaze for a short while. She jumped like a scared cat when she heard his voice. Her eyes danced around the room trying to see something, but only the sword was there. Shaking slightly, she stared at the sword with ApprenticeSword [8:50 P.M.]: unbelieving eyes. :: You? Are you...::She swallowed:: I... ::Her hands raised to her head, maybe she had fallen and had a concussion, too. The neighbor,. Areoch, he came and saved her. The sword never flung around...it's so not talking to me now... She started to panic, which made the wound hurt even more and she raised her hand to it and winced::
MentorSword [8:53 P.M.]: ::Xander frowned slightly as he saw her begin to freak out a little bit. He had been in Amkail for sometime and he had been well known here in his life... He knew better than to think that he was the weirdest thing to ever happen to her. Had Amkail really gotten that calm in the last few years? He sighed, a sound she heard as if he were really breathing:: Trust me girl, you're not insane, but you'll drive me that way fast if we have to argue the fact out. I saved your butt, I need you to help me out in MentorSword [8:55 P.M.]: return... ::He reached over and passed his hands through the sword and frowned, it was definitely the girl and one way or another she was going to help him out:: So whaddya say we skip the "Am-I-Mad" shtick and get straight to introductions?
ApprenticeSword [9:00 P.M.]: I'm sorry...I just never talked to a sword before. ::She took in another breath. :: My name...Is Eryn Evangelista. ::She felt very uncomfortable. No matter what the sword said, she was going to feel crazy, at least at first. She pushed her hands down on the cushion of the couch and pushed herself up more into a sitting position. Of course, the pain came back through her and she bit her tongue so she wouldn't make a sound. :: .G...g...
MentorSword [9:04 P.M.]: ::Don't be afraid to cry out if it hurts...::He caught himself far to late to stop himself. He was after all a sword mentor and she was an Evangelista. He sighed again:: I know this is a little strange, but I have to tell you its now walk in the dandelions for me either, every time someone finds me I have to do this all over again. ::He rose, moving about the room a little as he spoke, giving her the ominous sense that the voice was coming from all around her:: We are still right outside of Amkail, right
MentorSword [9:04 P.M.]: ?
ApprenticeSword [9:10 P.M.]: Yes, we're on my family's farm about 4 miles from Amkail. I apologize for making this hard for you. I'll do my best to try and relax...:: She was just sputtering out words. Her face showed the confusion, the pain, she even had looks of sympathy in her eyes. It was all still a little blurry and taking this all in was a little rough. ::
MentorSword [9:13 P.M.]: ::He smiled and nodded, two gestures that were lost by the fact that he was complete invisible to her. He moved toward her crouching right in front of her. The voice just suddenly sounded very close to her, he meant to keep her head spinning a bit, the more confused she was, the less likely she was to ask too many questions:: Would you be willing to take me to see the Prince, Aven? I need his help, I need him to fix this for me and, like you, he owes me.
ApprenticeSword [9:20 P.M.]: ::Eryn sat still for a minute. She knew the prince, she served him drinks almost every night in the tavern she worked at. He was a quiet man, dark and slightly creepy, but impressionable. She, as a girl had, had a small crush on the prince, but when he returned from his last mission, the woman he chose was with him. The girl was nice , very generous , same as he was and she had always appreciated their business.:: I can take you to him, I serve the prince his drinks at the tavern I work at. ::She ApprenticeSword [9:21 P.M.]: seemed slightly taken aback at the voice coming from so close to her this time. But she spoke steadily this time. She did owe him and that was worth more.::
MentorSword [9:29 P.M.]: ::He nodded, impressed by her sudden candor. He moved away, coming to his sword and passing his hand through it again. He frowned, Xander knew he couldn't pick it up, but the one time he didn't check was the time he would have been able. He turned back to her:: We should go now... I know you were hurt, but you can carry ::He looked at the sword as he spoke, his voice suddenly seeming distant:: me in your off hand, can't you?
ApprenticeSword [9:33 P.M.]: ::Her eyes got wide when he asked that question.:: Um... I don't think I can.... I'm not very strong as it is. I could barely hold you up when I was in the forest. ::She wished she could help him, but that was it. She was small and he was huge. She knew it would hurt, too, even in the off hand. She was still scared of this situation, but as their conversation grew, she felt better. Him wanting to see the prince, that made it a little easier to handle as well, Aven was a good guy, nothing could ApprenticeSword [9:34 P.M.]: happen that was worse, if he was now involved.:: I mean... I can try...::She wanted so much to help her rescuer::
MentorSword [9:38 P.M.]: ::Xander turned and watched her, she so sincerely wanted to help him. He felt a twinge of guilt, he knew she'd grow to resent him, but she'd stay this one. He frowned for a moment, considering asking her if she had a larger relative. Someone who might be willing to take him instead, but he wasn't even sure that would work. She'd picked up the sword, the situation had fit his needs perfectly... Her debt was surely hers alone.:: I can help you, if you will just pick me up... ::He felt a sudden twinge
MentorSword [9:41 P.M.]:
of concern for the people he had seen care for her. The more he thought about this, the more he wished anyone but this kind girl had picked him up. She'd caught him off guard, being so willing to help him:: it will feel strange though.
ApprenticeSword [9:45 P.M.]: I understand, I don't mind. I just need to stand up...and put my shoes on..::She pushed up hard against the cushion to get herself up. A stinging sensation pulsed thought her body and she could feel a hot tear welling up in the corner of her eye. After getting to her feet, she felt hot. She got a slightly dizzy feeling, but shook it off as she walked to the sword. ::
MentorSword [9:52 P.M.]: ::As her fingers slipped through the two loops built into the hilt. Polished platinum, the first two fingers slipped through one as though holding a trigger, and her thumb slid through the other. He gripped the bottom of her hand and the hilt, supporting the waist from beside her. The blade gleamed, long and curved slightly into a sharp point toward the tip of the blade. It looked deadly and he felt as though his blood was surging, excitement raging through his hollow form. He felt almost alive when he held the sword::
MentorSword [9:53 P.M.]: That okay?
ApprenticeSword [9:56 P.M.]: Yes, it's fine. ::She wouldn't tell him that it hurt, she would be a big girl and deal with the pain. It was her way, she had to repay this "being" however it needed. She would be back before her parents knew she was gone, at least she would try. If anything, she would just have to tell them the truth. As she stood for a moment, thinking, she could swear she felt a hand touching hers. When she looked down,still nothing was there. :: Alright....let's go. ::She moved to the door, quietly moving as she did.
ApprenticeSword [9:59 P.M.]: Walking out into the night, she turned back to make sure no one was following or awake to see her. She took in a few deep breaths and just then realized that man could still be in the forest. She bit her lip and wondered,.... if that man saw what was going on, he should be out of there for good. She also wondered what time it was, perhaps the prince was asleep and she wouldn't be able to contact him tonight. Anything, she thought. Think of anything but the pain..::
MentorSword [10:03 P.M.]: :They traveled along the path toward the town and Xander remained silent, supporting the sword and pondering over the situation. This girl was no sword master and that meant she would slow him down when he used the weapon. Before he had almost killed her and lost his target. He didn't notice until he began to drift off a bit that he was getting weaker. They had nearly reached the small wooded area she had been attacked in, he glanced at her for the first time...:: Eryn! Eryn, are you okay?
MentorSword [10:05 P.M.] ::
He grabbed her and lifted her, if she passed out here on the road she could get picked up by anyone, and him as well. He still had her hand gripped to the sword, dashing toward the underbrush. He had to get her hidden before she lost consciousness and he was completely useless::
ApprenticeSword [10:10 P.M.]: I'm sorry... I'll just rest a minute. I'll be okay. It's not bleeding, it's just a little pain. ::She was faint, but not gone yet. She held to the sword as tight as she could as he moved her off the path.:: It's actually just a little ways away..:: She was being slightly stubborn, but she didn't want to let this "being" down. She owed him the most precious of things and she felt bad for hindering his plan already. Taking in a few breaths and not moving so much, eased the sting a little bit. ::
MentorSword [10:14 P.M.]: ::Ha sat her down on the ground, releasing the sword and her in one move. He flopped into the grass beside her:: I think maybe you should lay down for a bit... ::He settled back, it was a crappy place to rest and he felt bad for having pushed her so hard. She was definitely an Evangelista, stubborn, but honorable... the two always seemed to go hand in hand:: I'll keep an eye on you. ::He doubted that would make her feel better...::
ApprenticeSword [10:17 P.M.]: Thank you...::The last of her words were barely audible, She couldn't handle all of the stress on her body. So much in such a short time. Her eyes closed peacefully and soon her breathing was shallow and steady. She would have time to feel bad later, right now she could barely breath.::
MentorSword [10:20 P.M.]: :Xander just sat and watched her laying, not far off, in the sun. So it looked like he was going to have a lot of work to do with this one, but as long as she had a hold of the sword he could use it in a pinch to protect her. He lounged back and waited for her to wake up, feeling himself slip away with her consciousness�::

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