S4S

Dropping a hand back down to his side, Ni swiftly nodded his head.

The boy pointed at the word in the snow again. He then gestured at himself once more, softly jabbing a thumb into his chest.

The young boy’s head pivoted as he watched Cara begin walking towards the nearby tower, and after just a few moments, the child began to follow Cara. Only a few steps later though, the boy suddenly stopped. Glancing over to his right, the youth noticed something before changing his course. Walking toward a fresh patch of untouched snow, the boy squatted down as he hugged his knees into his chest with his left arm. Brushing his right pointer finger through the frozen canvas, the child wrote a simple word. Ni Once he finished, the youth slowly rose as he looked over at Cara. The boy pointed down at the word in the snow, then pointed at his chest.

Slowly, the boy’s extended arm fell back to his side. Cautiously putting his needle into the side pocket on the large green jacket he wore, the youth twisted his legs behind him as he crawled tentatively towards the foxhole’s exit. As he moved towards the opening, the outdoor sunlight revealed two small eyeholes that were scratched out of the bag that covered the boy’s head. Just before exiting the underground burrow, the youth leaned to the side slightly. Looking around the woman into the forest behind her, the boy seemed to be scanning the trees for any other signs of danger. When all seemed safe though, the small child carefully squeezed his way out of the foxhole. After dusting off the loose dirt from his knees and jacket, the boy looked up at the woman in front of him, though his eyes remained hidden within the shadows formed by the bag over his head.

Inside the hole beneath the tree, the figure shifted slightly to where it could be seen through the small opening. It was a small boy. Pressed against the far wall, the youth was curled as far away from the small opening as possible. Shaking softly, his left arm was extended outward in an open palm as though to ward off the wolves from earlier. In his right hand, a small two-inch needle was grasped firmly in a white knuckled grip. The boy wore a set of large snowboots, which now had scratches and bitemarks from where he had kicked back at to hold off the attacking predators. For the most part though, the child seemed okay. The only thing strange about the boy, was the burlap sack that covered his head. At the woman’s words though, the boy leaned forward slightly, and his breathing began to calm.

Within what appeared to be a foxhole that had been dug out underneath the large pine, a small humanoid figure sat within the enclosed space of roots and earth, breathing softly through quick and shaky breaths.

Perking their ears up at the sudden disturbance, the two wolves turned to face the swiftly approaching newcomers. Startled at the sudden speed and aggression of the approaching duo though, the wolves quickly turned and ran deeper into the woods, leaving their cornered prey beneath the tree.

Through the snow and trees, two silver-furred wolves can be seen snapping and barking at the base of a large pine tree. Attacking at a small opening formed near the some of the tree’s exposed roots, they scratched their paws violently through the tangle of dirt and wood in an effort to get at something underneath the tree. Yet each time their snouts would prod deeper into the roots of the tree, they were quickly repelled by a sudden jolt of motion coming from inside the small space. @Isabelle6060

Just outside the clearing surrounding the Tower, the combined howl of two winter wolves suddenly echoes through the still air. Distant panting and the rustling of kicked up snow follow shortly after, as the two predators give chase to something running through the frozen woods. @Isabelle6060

After hearing the dragon’s first cry, Ren had remained motionless in the darkened tent as to not attract the attention of the ancient beast. Carefully looking through the Realms though, he saw that the dragon had already focused on a few of the travelers standing on the roof of the Wizard’s Tower. Thankfully, the dragon seemed to have had no interest in Ren, and while the sudden fight between it and the other adventurers had moved to the ground not far from the empty tents, the others had subdued the dragon before Ren had found need to reposition himself. The strange flash of darkened lightning that followed immediately after the creature’s death did interest Ren though. It was a phenomenon he had never seen before, almost as if the Realms had bent inward on themselves at an impossible angle before snapping back to their natural flow, only to deposit a strange man onto the frozen ground. Even the way the Realms flowed around this sudden newcomer was irregular… Ren was about to move closer for a better look, but he noticed something approaching in the distance. A separate entity, one Ren had only seen in that state few times before, made its way towards one of the adventurers before thrusting itself into the man’s frame. That man… was the one from earlier, Ren thought quickly, The one who wasn’t with the group from last night… What was his name? Ren thought it was Xeus, but he wasn’t quite sure. What he did know for certain though, is that this man was the same as Orpheus, and that was very, very bad.

At the base of the Wizard Tower, the abandoned market stands surrounded the structure in a pattern of organized chaos. Wooden crates and boxes in varying shapes and sizes lay scattered about, with stolen items placed on tables for alluring display and unlawful resale. But for all the value these trinkets and supplies may have been worth, they had still been left behind in the looter’s retreat from Valzwyn and the others earlier that day. It was strange though, how the remains of the looter’s camp could look so full, yet feel so empty. Inside one of the tents that was propped up behind a crooked stall, Ren sat on the frame of a wooden bed that had been lashed together inside the canvas enclosure, with a quilt of green and white fabric stolen by the looters tossed on a thin mattress of pine straw. Nearly a dozen wooden chests lay open on the thawed ground inside the tent, books and clothing packed inside each container almost to the point of bursting. Other miscellaneous furnishings were placed within the tent as well, including a simple nightstand next to Ren. Atop this small table was a lit candle, which cast a soft glow that illuminated the darkened space. Turned with his left arm crossed onto the nightstand and his chin resting in his elbow, Ren’s right arm was extended out towards the candle’s light. Breathing softly, his fingers passed easily through the luminescent flame, lithely brushing them back and forth just above the tip of the burning wick. The heat did not harm him, and only small impressions from the flame whispered gently to Ren’s mind. Pulsing with life as it swayed back and forth, the light danced to a rhythm that could not be heard. But as Ren watched the amber flame, he felt his mind began to sway in time with the shifting light. Slowly, the tent around him seemed to fade away, and red and yellow grass began to form before Ren's eyes. Looking out at a land that had appeared before him, Ren found himself standing on the edge of a steep cliff high in the air. Far below where he stood lay a valley of maroon and gold, with plains of autumn grass stretching out until they disappeared into the horizon beyond. Each blade of grass moved as the candlelight did, swaying in waves of unison to a breeze that hinted of salt. A single river sliced through the endless field, flowing to the East as it fed into a sea of sapphire waters. Thin lines of foamy white grew across the face of the Eastern Sea before sliding into sandy shores, and the distant sound of crashing waves echoed lightly on the passing wind. Off to his right, the warmth of a setting sun enveloped Ren as it pierced through clouds of pink in the azure sky above. It was a perfect picture of beauty and serenity. Ren did not know how long he stood there. Time and worry had simply become feeble things as a feeling of peace filled his soul. Breathing deeply, Ren wished to stay in this moment forever. Glancing to his left, Ren finally looked at the boy sitting on the edge of the cliff next to him. No more than twelve years of age, the youth had wavy brown hair that was tossed about loosely in the salty breeze. Although stained with dirt at the knees and elbows, the boy wore a set of clothing that resonated a rank of nobility. Regardless of any regal appearances though, there was an air of playfulness and frivolity about this boy. When he turned to look at Ren, the young man had eyes the color of polished copper and a smile that shone even brighter. The boy said something to him, but Ren heard only silence. Then it was gone. Curling his fingers away from the candle’s flame, Ren lifted his head before extinguishing the light with a sharp puff of air. Dropping his head back down in the crook of his arm, Ren stifled a frown as he watched a single line of smoke rise into the darkness from the smoldering wick. Suddenly, from the direction of the Wizard’s Tower, a terrifying roar split through the air.

@Channelknight Fadran

@Isabelle6060

Having circled his way around the edge of the clearing, Ren watched the looter’s camp from the high limbs of an old aspen tree. Suspended some forty feet in the air, he deftly crouched on a thin set of branches that extended out towards the clearing, allowing him better visibility of the tower and the camp surrounding it. Standard physics made this positioning seem illogical, as the average thickness of the limbs he was standing on was hardly the width of two fingers. Under normal circumstances, the full weight of a living person would have easily snapped the branches long before anyone would have been able to make it this high. However, Ren had grown accustomed to the bounds and limitations of his Being, and the branches only bowed slightly under his insubstantial weight. Although this strategy left him relatively exposed, Ren’s visible transparency and height from the ground would make it difficult for most people to locate him. He had used this same technique dozens of times, mostly to evade the notice of other caravans who traveled the icy mountains. Regardless, Ren doubted the looters would turn their attention away from the center of their camp any time soon. Valzwyn, Orpheus, and a third adventurer Ren did not know had torn their way through the pillagers. Although he hadn’t seen who had started the fight, Ren knew who was going to end it; in fact, he had no doubt. Valzwyn and the others threw fists and fireballs into the looters surrounding the tower, and one by one their opposition fell to the frozen earth. Even while staggeringly outnumbered, the three travelers made quick work of the assailants as they fought to seize the tower and its grounds. It was a brutal display of power and determination. Ren knew that there was little he could have done in this situation to help liberate Valzwyn’s home. With his knowledge of limited combat and the slight edge granted by his State of Being, Ren felt confident that if he were forced into a fight he could win in a one-on-one encounter against an average fighter. There was also a good chance that he could scrape by in a two-on-one, but anything greater than those odds and Ren quickly fell out of his element. However, there were other ways to take down a hundred men- Ren severed the thought before it could complete itself. Returning his attention to the camp, Ren noted that the sounds of combat had begun to subside, and many of the pillagers had scattered away from the tower. Unsure if the fight had finally been decided or if it was merely a lull in aggression, Ren hesitated from entering the encampment. It seemed as though most of the looters hadn’t completely run off yet. Interestingly though, the unnamed woman who had fought with Valzwyn and Orpheus had broken off from the tower and was quickly making their way up the same hill they had descended earlier. Was she going to gather the others? Did that mean Valzwyn and the others had taken over the tower? What about the remaining looters? Running a hand through his hair, Ren weighed his options carefully.

@Channelknight Fadran @Knight of Iron

@Channelknight Fadran

Having manifested himself partially in the Physical Realm once again, Ren watched with dread as two individuals from the first group of adventurers rushed towards the ancient tower in the clearing below. This isn’t good… he groaned inwardly. Moments ago, Ren had reappeared near the top of the incline behind a fallen tree half buried in the snow. The new position allowed him to carefully peek over the crest of the hill at the occupied structure while also maintaining a close but safe distance from the other travelers; hopefully Ren wouldn’t be noticed by either group. Unfortunately, his placement was too far from the other adventurers to hear everything that was being discussed between them. What he had been able to pick out though informed him that the old tower had once been the home to one of the travelers in their party. However, it was easy to see that another group had gathered around the base of the tower. Even from his cover behind the snow-covered log, Ren could easily see the large group of what he had concluded to be looters surrounding the building. Valzwyn, Ren quickly thought as he connected the name to the face. So, she wa- What in… Ren paused, baffled as he watched a girl race down the hill on horseback, Who’s she? She wasn’t with the others last night… When did- Ren felt as though the situation around him was slowly unravelling; too many variables, too many unknowns. The only thing he could conclude was the age-old statement: If you can see them, they can see you. Especially in this case, he was sure that it wouldn’t be long before the looters noticed three individuals and a horse rushing towards them. All they had to do was look this way… By Death’s name… he cursed softly. Gritting his teeth, Ren collected himself as he reassessed the situation and the options available. Even in “life”, it didn’t matter the cards you were dealt, but how you played them. Ren wasn't ready to fold just yet. Inhaling once more, he faded from the Physical Realm before crossing to the other side of the hill.

Remaining within his isolated position near the trees, Ren watched as sections of the group broke off from the old campsite. Heading up the frozen slope of one of the nearby hills, the travelers had seemed to notice something on the other side of the incline that had drawn their full attention, especially for one of their members in particular. A small spark of curiosity had Ren wondering as to what they had found so intriguing. Yet where others would easily follow, Ren’s feet remained anchored to the icy forest floor. The various conversations between the travelers had given Ren time to reflect. However, even with an extended duration to collect his thoughts, within him were still questions that remained unanswered. Yes, some of the travelers had welcomed him, but what of the others? What would happen if he chose to follow this group of frightening and dangerous adventurers? Where would this decision end up taking him? More importantly, where would their decisions end up taking him? Over and over, fears and doubts flashed across Ren’s mind. There were still so many questions… But you will never know until you take that leap. Another memory, one from a time now lost, reminded him that this was true. When that day comes, Ren thought to himself, are you prepared to fade into nihility knowing you were given a chance to challenge fate, but never tried? Finding himself idly spinning the obsidian bead on his necklace, Ren looked across the winter landscape again at the travelers atop the hill. They had given him a chance. Not only a chance to challenge fate, but to challenge all that Ren had come to know. All it required him was to take that first step. Can you challenge fate? the thought asked. Ren didn’t know. But he had to try. Breathing in deeply, Ren took a step towards the adventurers as his transparent Being disappeared fully from the Physical Realm.

As miscellaneous conversation about dragons and quests continued between the man with the sword, Orpheus, and the newcomer, Ren watched from a distance as the others in the initial caravan began turning back toward the campsite. Slowly the congregation grew, and although Ren’s anxiousness remained steadfast, it wasn’t nearly as uncontrollable as it had been before. Hopefully, that was a good sign. Looking between the different members of the group as they returned though, it did appear that there were some who were hesitant about Ren’s presence. Truthfully, that made him feel slightly better, though he didn’t show it. It wasn’t that he was gaining pleasure from the discomfort of others, but rather it was knowing that he hadn’t been completely wrong in his views; there were those who could not trust what they did not understand. In another life, Ren had been one of these people. It was good to know that at least in this regard, he wasn’t the only one that had ever felt this way. Unfortunately, it seemed that Ren’s Being was causing the most discomfort to the one with the… darker tastes of sorcery. Feeling it best to avoid an unwanted situation though, Ren did not acknowledge the youth any further. However, Ren knew deep down that should he ever choose to leave his isolated existence behind and join this band, he would need to speak with this… sorcerer. The thought stirred emotions deep inside of Ren that he fought to ignore. Upon hearing this, Ren shoved his hands into his pockets with denial. He couldn't help but frown slightly at the woman who had spoken, but made sure to say nothing. I’m not pale, he thought to himself, Just… incorporeal. There’s a difference. Ren hardly had any time to feel sour though before his eyes caught another anomaly between the Realms. Looking up ahead and to his right, Ren glanced at the entity that had previously been watching him from earlier. After a few moments, he turned to look back at the woman with the curly blonde hair next to the sorcerer. Turning his eyes once more to the entity from the other Realm, Ren felt he could see a… pattern. Although he wasn’t sure what sort of relation these two entities had to each other, Ren couldn’t help but notice an indescribable similarity between the one watching him from afar and the woman standing just a few feet away from him. He wondered what might possibly mean. Somewhat caught off guard by the man’s sudden declaration, Ren turned as he leaned out slightly from behind his cover. There seemed to be a sense of urgency in the armed traveler’s voice now. Remaining where he was, Ren quietly observed the travelers from a distance once more.

Ren was stunned. These entities… these people, were so open with him. They spoke with him as though he were a common man. Shouldn’t they be afraid? He wasn’t anything like them; he no longer had a place in the world like they did. Ren was something that shouldn’t exist, something neither living nor dead. Weren’t humans skeptical of the things that could not be explained? Confused by the loopholes of incomplete logic? Distrusting of the things that broke the laws of nature? Yet here stood Orpheus and the man with the dagger, disproving all that Ren had thought to be true. Why had they accepted his existence so easily? Have I been wrong, all this time? Ren thought, Did I have to be afraid? Did I have to run? No, he wasn’t wrong about that. He did have to run. Six years ago… there had been no other options… But now… There was a slight banter between Orpheus and the first man, but Ren found himself listening with only with half an ear. Everything was happening so fast. Thoughts and memories rushed through his mind, crashing down upon each other like the waves of the sea. What these travelers were offering him… Could he accept it? He felt anxiety building within him, but Ren kept his breathing even and controlled. Ren pulled himself away from his thoughts quicker than before when he noticed that Orpheus and the other man with the hat and sword had turned away from him slightly. A newcomer had walked up the snowy path and was discussing something with the two of them; Ren didn’t remember seeing the newcomer from earlier, but it looked as if Orpheus and the armed traveler knew him from a previous encounter. Thinking it best not to interrupt their conversation, Ren took a step backwards to conceal himself behind the same tree from earlier. After ducking away from the foreign newcomer, Ren looked over to his left and noticed another person watching him. It only took a brief look though before Ren quickly recognized this man as another one of the members in the large caravan. Similar to Orpheus, this man was one of the travelers that Ren had taken note of in particular. Seeing through the Realms, Ren already knew what this man was. He had seen his kind before… You cannot blame him for what happened that night… But even with that thought, Ren could not find within him the strength to say anything. All he could do was simply give a hesitant nod to the man watching him.

Ren blinked. It was such a simple question, yet the gesture held so much weight to it. Do you have a name? “Rengoku” he said quietly, “Rengoku Dachi.” Despite his fears, Ren couldn’t help but smile softly. For the first time in six years, his words finally matched his heart.

“Um… no…” Ren whispered, feeling as if he were being crushed simply by the weight of the hardened presence these travelers resonated, “That’s… why I came here in the first place… to… find out…”

Ren turned as he heard another traveler question him. This one seemed younger and less aggressive than the man currently holding the dagger, and Ren felt himself relax slightly. It lasted only a moment though, as Ren saw something between the Realms. Realizing which of the entities he was speaking to, a terrible spike of renewed terror ripped through Ren’s very Being. It was him. “Y-yes…” Ren mumbled, pausing briefly before quickly adding, “Not all of yesterday! Just… last night, yesterday…” Of all the members in this small caravan of travelers, this man was the one Ren feared the most.