Adventures of Naletia: The Great Witch Hunt

The cold sting of ice and the rush of northern wind made fighting difficult; there was no cover to hide under and the small cloak that covered the thin, frail girl did little to stop the downpour of frozen winter. Warm boots would be a nice thing to have in this frigid wonderland, but the only thing covering this girl's feet were a pair of rotten sandals, the wood splintering into her feet which were already covered in sores. Shivering and exhausted, the plains of Ermith never seemed to end, and the tall grass that grew there was crushed by a layer of snow and ice.

The night was still young, and this blizzard seemed to have no end in sight. As the hours dragged on by the only thing that could be determined were thrice: It was cold, it was snowing, and she was dying. Slowly her legs carried her still forward, her body shivering uncontrollably, her heartbeat slow and inconsistent. She felt pain race through her body each time it paused and she stumbled, nearly falling over, but always catching herself and moving forward. Her body weakening, but her will to live was strong. So strong that she had been unconscious for the past hour, and still walked on.

Glazed eyes of amber felt warmth of light and awakened, circles of light returning as she roused from deep within herself and saw hope at last. The light of a fire; the smell of smoke rising into the air. Her heart began to pick up and she felt a sudden surge of energy power through her body - the last of her reserves. It was not much, but it was enough to reach her last hope in this frost world. She stumbled towards the light, falling once and feeling the sting of snow hitting her face like a brick wall - that would leave a bright red mark for sure.

The tiny, frail little girl collapsed in a heap next to the fire, her small hand outstretched towards the fire in an attempt to reach the warmth that would revive her. The light of the fire illuminated her body, small as it was. She wore a ragged cloak over her head and torso and most of her body was covered in a thin layer of ice. The frost had nearly taken her. Her hair was the color of summer's chestnut and her eyes were solid amber. She wore a dress beneath her cloak of a very unique style, a purple base with light brown ties keeping the dress in place. It was a royal dress, but what was a member of royalty doing way out here in the Plains of Ermith?

The two others who had started the fire would have to wait for the answer to their questions. This little runaway was going nowhere soon.

The bitter cold had never been something to adore. Joseph sat bundled up in his violet cloak next to the fire he had managed to stoke earlier trying to keep the chill from taking hold of his already worn out body. Worn out from fighting. Worn out from traveling. It was time for a good night's rest, but such a thing was hard to find amidst the merciless blizzard that reigned its wrath upon the plains. Shivers were sent hurtling up and down his spine, body aching for warmth. He scooted as close to the fire as he could, drinking in the warmth as his salvation. He could not get enough of it at this point. There was spare wood nearby that he kept covered with tarp to prevent the snow from reaching it. He had to keep knocking the powder from atop it such that it didn't get buried however. What a task he had! He hoped the wood would last through the night. There wasn't much upon the plains and he wasn't apt to go out and find any lest he be lost and taken by the snow.

Sighing deeply at the thought, Joseph was suddenly alerted to the sound of something in the distance. It was faint, and over the howling winds it could have been anything. He was just about to disregard the sound entirely when it became clear that this was certainly not something to disregard at all! His emerald eyes peered fiercely into the distance and he arose from his position by the fire just in time for a body to hurl itself towards the flames, collapsing just short of them!

"By the Light, what on earth do we have here?!" Joseph exclaimed loudly, rushing to the aid of what appeared to be a young girl in absolutely terrible condition. Had she been wandering this forsaken storm in this garb?! Those sandals! Those sandals were atrocious! He was quick to shed his own cloak which was already warm thanks to the fire and his own body heat, and he draped it over the girl, picking her up and tucking it around her to help her warm up. He held her gently in his arms. The sandals were terrible but the dress was...regal. Who was this girl and what was she doing out here in the plains? "Aika, this girl will need sustenance. Something hot for sure...gods I don't know how long she's been out here but she barely made it to our camp, I can tell," Joseph said sadly, his gruff face forming a frown, and his eyes were starting to water from the condition of not only the weather but the situation as well. "It took the very last of her willpower to make it here. We're going to have to nurse her back to health! We must!"

Winter.

Despite the storm that raged around the little campsite, the woman sitting by the fire could not deny she felt content here. The frozen landscape and darkness suited her. Winter was grace. Winter was beauty. Winter held within itself the very pangs of death for Winter was sleep––souls lost beneath its indifferent white embrace would fall into slumber. And in the slumber of the frozen waste would the darkness give those poor souls the chance to dream. The woman by the fire smiled at the thought. In one's final sleep the shadows could reign over one's soul easily; not a darkness of evil, but a darkness of peace. She liked the thought of a soothing shade, of tenebrous tranquility.

The smile widened ever so slightly at that last thought. Her ruby-colored eyes danced over to her companion; her grin loosened when she saw he was not a fan of their current situation. Oh Joey, she thought, eyes unmoving, you're such a tender soul. She had been about to offer him part of her cloak––she had not been using it much and it now draped off of her, for she rather liked the bite of the winter air against her skin––but before she could make the notion, a girl flung herself at their small islet of warmth. Aika blinked, allowing Joseph to rush to her side in an instant.

Aika nodded, slipping the cloak she wore off of her own shoulders and tossing it to her companion. No doubt he would be needing it way more than she. "There should still be some stew left from earlier," she stated calmly, turning to the tiny pot that dangled over the fire. She felt grateful that she had decided to wait on her portion of their dinner––true, she had not known this girl would appear, but the archeress, herself, could survive on their other rations. She grabbed a small tin cup from her belongings and carefully ladled some of the stew into it. "I wonder what she was doing out here in the plains," Aika mused quietly, returning to her partner's side.

Warmth again. The warmth of a cloak and a fire and the arms of a gentle giant. That's what the girl felt as her eyes fluttered open, finally revealing those glassy, amber orbs. She felt his hands on her back, warming her skin. She couldn't move her arms, the one whom held her had wrapped her in a cloak, one that was not her own. It was too warm for it to be hers, but the heat of the fire and the body near her revived her from the brink.

She blinked once, then squinted, barely able to see the face of the one who held her. She saw a cleanly shaven face and a neatly trimmed head of blond. But it was those eyes that captivated her, emeralds that shone like gems in the dim light of the fire. This was her savior? Sabrina could live with that. She closed her eyes again, listening for her heartbeat. She could hear it, just barely. IT was reviving as well, getting faster and faster, but still dreadfully cold and slow.

Sabrina Tammen opened her eyes again, now able to see another person hovering over her. A darkened beauty, calm and in control while the man had rushed to her side. She saw the small bowl the woman held and the steam rising from it. "Is...that food?" Sabrina's voice was dry and weak, and it took much effort for her to speak. "Please...help..." she felt so weak, she could hardly even muster up enough strength to speak. How long had she been in the blizzard? Without food or water or shelter? She could not bring forth tears, even if she wanted to.

A faint glimmer passed through the archeress' crimson orbs as she looked quietly upon the tiny survivor in Joseph's grasp. She could feel so much hope in the unknown girl's slender frame. That final light clung to the warmth and the need to survive. Beautiful, Aika thought as she gently brought the cup to the girl's lips and ever so carefully tipped it back. The steam at the edges of the tin curled around those pale lips and framed her cheeks as the broth creeped toward the edge of the container. "It's hot," Aika murmured comfortingly, watching as the stew finally tipped over the edge of the cup.

She did not allow more than necessary to flow; when she had made the stew earlier, she had not cut the chunks of meat and vegetables into small pieces. If the girl wanted to stomach those she would need to chew and chewing required energy. It seemed quite clear to the archeress that the girl had little of that to spare. She could have some if she so desired, but it would be a slow process. "I don't believe we're too far from the next town," Aika declared, eyes shifting up to her friend. Had this not been such a dire situation, she would have smiled. Joseph looked so much like a father as he cradled the poor girl in a loving embrace––from his brow alone she could tell he was determined to keep her safe from any further harm. She did not smile though. Her own lips remained constant––a determined line.

"Joey," she continued, eyes returning the weakened child in their care. Whatever she had been about to stay wandered off. The girl's dress had, for the briefest of moments, enraptured the archeress. Once again her thoughts filled with that of the final light––the beacon trying to shine amidst the darkness that closed in upon it. If their forsaken survivor's clothing were any indication, she, perhaps, should not have such a hope here. Most royals lacked the ability to survive as this girl had done––they were too pampered and, although some could be just and kind, could fatally lack that beacon of hope. Another faint glimmer crossed Aika's eyes. "I do believe she's no mere traveler," she began again. "Regardless, our little camp will no do much for her––I'm no medic, but her condition might be beyond our help alone. We should consider getting to civilization."

The girl awakened much to Joseph's delight, and Aika was quick to grab the stew from earlier. He was surprised that there was so much left, but knowing Aika, she had probably skipped out on it. He had been too busy in his own cup of stew to really notice whether she had eaten or not but somehow he knew the answer. The girl was fed the stew by Aika, and Joseph merely held her steady for the girl probably didn't have enough energy to make use of her own strength for much of anything. He hated to admit it but they would definitely need to find a town. "I am no medic either, I'm afraid...not yet anyway," he tacked the last tidbit under his breath. At the thought of aiding the injured he felt a powerful warmth rise within him. Yes, the power to help others. That is what he possessed, and it was a power that should not be underestimated.

The fire remained as strong as ever but so did the relentless blizzard. A town would provide them with an actual room indoors to sleep in, guaranteed warmth. They would not have to fight the cold and nipping winds there. "Should we make off now? I know we were to rest well but I feel my strength is sufficient for the last leg of this journey, and I have even MORE strength from this girl that we must rescue! This motivation! Determination! True be it that she is not any mere traveler; there is something special about her. It is in our best interest to ensure her survival by any means necessary," he explained gravely in a serious voice that was uncommon for him, but there would be no amount of seriousness that could deter his inner goofiness. "How about you, Aika? Are you in good condition or shall we wait 'til morn?" The girl's condition was irrelevant. Joseph would carry her in his arms and hold her tightly against his warm body. She would stay warm until they reached town. He would make certain of that.

"You know me," Aika responded, unable to hide the slight playfulness that bubbled in her tone, "I'm good to go so long as you are able." That statement held no more truth than to say the sky is blue, the sun is warm, and the living are alive. The archeress never seemed to lack energy for any such feat––when her mind was set on something nary a natural force in the world could contain her until she had achieved what she set out to do. Had this girl not wandered into their midst and had Joseph not found their surroundings less than favorable, the duo would have walked aimlessly through the frozen fields until they stumbled upon an outpost. Even then, she knew (and she was fairly certain her ally knew just as well) that she could have continued on even then up until she danced at the doorsteps of Oblivion. True, Aika was no God––she held the same mortal blood in her veins that many a creature upon the earth did––but she seemed almost superhuman in that regard. She nodded at Joseph.

Sabrina sipped gratefully from the little tin cup as the woman above her slipped the broth down her throat. Already she could feel the warmth of the fluid running down to her stomach, warming her blood, her heart. A little bit of her strength returned to her, but not nearly enough to get up and move on her own. She became worried when the man who held her spoke of moving forward. She could not move, not in her condition, and especially not while the blizzard raged on! If it was up to her, they would wait the blizzard out. But the weather in Ermith was unpredictable, there was no telling when the storm would end and if these two had enough supplies to survive that long.

Resigned to her fate, she allowed the man whom held her so tenderly to carry her forward. Knowing that he would be doing the work for her, she rested her head against his chest and covered her face with his cloak to protect herself against the wind. It smelled like pine trees and campfire. It was a nice smell, and the tiny girl barely long enough to fit across her caretaker's arms found herself dozing off, despite the storm that raged on around them. "Thank you," she murmured quietly before falling asleep.

Sabrina Tammen roused from her sleep, coming to after a long journey that she did not travel with her own legs. Groggily she peeked her eyes open and found herself surrounded by a brown canvas. It took a moment for her to realize that she was no longer in the arms of that gentle giant, and instead covered in heavy wool. Sabrina tested her limbs and found that she could move them with little effort, so she pushed herself up into a sitting position and glanced around.

Someone had taken her clothes and placed them in a small, neat pile in a wood basin. Realizing she was naked, Sabrina grabbed the wool and put it up against her chest before looking around again. There was no one nearby, so she pushed herself to the edge of the straw bed and dangled her feet over the edge. She was about to get up when someone walked into the tent, and she immediately froze.

"Oh, you're up. Well good for you," the woman who entered croaked at her. She was covered in wrinkles and had pure white hair that she kept in a small, contained bun on her head. She wore robes of a deep forest green with gold insignia on it that Sabrina recognized as Elvennahn writing. Sabringa swallowed the lump in her throat, she could read the writings; it marked this woman as a healer in Elvennahn culture. She could not have been in better hands. Where did her saviors take her?

"If you're going to get up, then get up." The elf woman complained, grabbing Sabrina by her arm and pulling her up off the bed. "You should have enough strength to do that, don't you girl?" Sabrina found herself without covering again, but she could stand and walk now, which was good. She glanced at the old elf and wondered why she would be helping a human, of all things. Before she could ask, the old woman tightened her grip on Sabrina's arm and dragged her out of the tent, despite Sabrina's protests.

"Oh shut up and clean yourself. You're filthy." The old woman tossed the girl forward and Sabrina, unable to take in all her surroundings due to snow-blindness, found herself submerged in ice-cold water. Spluttering when she reached the surface, Sabrina coughed up some water that got in her lungs and shielded her eyes from the light and glanced around, shivering from the cold.

From what she could tell, they were in a small, abandoned encampment. Or mostly abandoned, anyway. There was only two tents erected in this small area, but the signs of other tents were there in the snow. The Elvennahn that were here had since packed up and left. Likely the healer stayed behind to tend to her while the rest moved on. Sabrina was surprised a little, she did not expect this kind of outcome. She knew the Elvennahn had the best healers on the continent, but she didn't expect to feel so much better after one night after five on the road.

Sabrina quickly returned to her body, wanting to get out of the frigid water as soon as she could. The elf healer had given her a clean rag to wipe down ehr body with, so she took care to do that and not lose the rag in the flowing river. The water was running north to south, so they were near the southern border of the continent, close to Elforrest, most likely. The Elvennahn rarely stepped far out into the plains after the humans started harassing them. The healer was still watching when Sabrina pushed herself out of the river and onto solid ground. The snow touched her bare skin and she gasped from the chill.

"Alright, enough of that," the old woman complained again, grabbing her by the arm and bringing her to the other tent, where her clothes were not. She pushed the flap aside and pushed the girl in first, saying, "here's your little creature. She's awake and fully functional, examine her yourself if you want to, my work here is done. Remember that you owe the Elvennahn. Return to our city of Mythral and ask to see Penga the healer when you have the payment."

Sabrina had covered her chest and privates as soon as she could, hiding herself as best she could from the two inside. How could this woman be so generous and so cynical at the same time. "Wh-what about my clothes?!" she stammered, still shivering from the freezing bath in the river.

"Fine, you can have your clothes back. This, however, I am keeping." At a word, the old elf slipped out a small, green dagger from the sleeve of her robe. There was an Elvennahn symbol of a dragon's eye on the hilt of the dagger, and Sabrina's eyes widened just a little bit as she realized what it was the woman held. "An artifact of the Elvennahn on a mortal's body? Unheard of."

Sabrina tried to make a swipe for the dagger, but the elven woman had already made the dagger slip back up her robe. "That's my dagger!" she insisted. "You can have my clothes then, just give me my dagger back!"

"And what would a little mortal girl do with a dagger, hm?"

"Kill the people who murdered my family, that's what!" Sabrina put her foot down, glaring at the elf that stood between her and her weapon. She was grateful for the healing, but this was too much of a price to pay. She couldn't lose the only weapon she had! There was none else like it in the world, it was an Elvennahn relic, enchanted to react to magic. Her magic. Sabrina reached out at the elf woman and threw her hand down. The dagger shot out of the elf's sleeve and punctured the dirt before wiggling a little bit and returning to Sabrina's hand.

The elf woman's eyes narrowed. "Be careful how you use your magic, mortal. Not everyone is going to react positively."

Joseph had been waiting patiently in the tent for news of the girl they had rescued. Before she had been on the brink of death, but upon stumbling upon his and Aika's camp, she was rejuvenated somewhat. After that, the duo had packed up their supplies and headed off in search of a village or town with the girl securely resting in Joseph's arms. They traveled far and apparently they wound up heading south, coming upon an Elvennahn settlement. Though not exactly the nicest beings, the ones in this settlement at least did not turn them away. There was even a healer they managed to persuade to assist them though they were sure the old woman had her own reasons to agree. Regardless, they would have to make it up to the Elvennahn people in the form of some kind of payment they certainly didn't have at the moment. It was this thought that also troubled Joseph. What kind of debt had they gotten themselves into?

The rest of the Elvennahn from before had apparently left, but the old woman remained behind. Joseph worried not for her fate; there was no point in worrying about a soul as strong as this one. Besides, he had enough to worry about as it was. The day wore on, and there suddenly came activity from outside. There was a loud commotion. It was evident that the girl had recovered after all, but to what extent? His answer was granted when the girl was led into the tent where he and Aika resided...but she was...she was...

Joseph gasped and shielded his eyes. "Gah, it would be better to examine her with her clothes on!" the man shouted, his face hot with a scarlet blush. Aika would be fine but he was a gentleman! He could not look at this woman naked. He was not a lecher nor a pervert. If there came a time when he was to see a woman naked in the right situation, then he would enjoy so, but this was not right. This was very wrong. He did not dare peek but kept his ears sharp, listening to the exchange between the girl and the old Elvennahn woman. Something about a dagger... Getting revenge? Her family dead? That would explain a lot as sad as it was... Shortly after the old elf mentioned something about magic.

"Aika what happened?" Joseph whispered to his companion, still resolute in his endeavor to not look.

This tiny settlement had been a godsend. The fact that there had been a healer present even more of a miracle than the fact that the girl they brought was still breathing. Of course all that meant for them after their arrival and debate with the medic was a debt and a wait. Aika shrugged. The debt could be repaid,  of that she was most certain. The wait, however, seemed endless. She could practically count the minutes that continuously fell into oblivion as the unlikely duo waited in their little tent. The archeress grew bored but made no complaint.

It was only when the girl was suddenly delivered to them that she found reason to smile again. Their rescuee, unclothed, was thrown to them like a babe to wolves. Joseph, being the remarkable gentleman and properly tender soul that he is, immediately hid his gaze from view. Aika chuckled––the sound rang like music before it too fell to the same void as time. "Oh Joey," she teased, poking him in the ribs. She listened not for his response, but instead to the exchange going on between the the girl and the old Elvennahn woman.

Revenge. A departed family. Blood spilt upon an ancient dagger. That very dagger flying from within the old healer's robes to land pointed in the dirt. The unnatural wriggling of the dagger before it landed back in the girl's clearly capable hand. Aika's eyes sharpened on their little survivor. "Magic," she murmured, not quite directing the statement at Joseph. No. Her ruby-colored eyes were focused solely on the girl they had saved from the storm. "I can't believe I didn't sense it before," the archeress hummed, crossing her arms over her subtle bosom. Her eyes danced over the girl's figure once more before turning a sharpened gaze on the elven woman who still had a hold of the girl's clothes.

"Unless you intend on giving us some other garments for her to wear, I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist on keeping her clothing. Add to our debt if you must, but we will not depart from here with her naked as the day she came into this world." Aika's tone clearly stated that she did not intend to back down on this matter. Though the woman had done them a great kindness in tending to the girl, to kick her out into the wilderness unclothed would be to do an equally unjust deed.

The Elvennahn looked from Aika to Sabrina twice in a row, then scoffed and threw the dress at Sabrina. "Fine. Keep the dagger then. But you will regret this act, I swear it upon the spirits whom govern this world." There was an ancient magic that lied in the forest world of the Elvennahn. They claimed that the forces that governed magic were actually spirits; beings of elemental affinities that could control the laws of the universe and determined what was possible in all realms, not just the mortal one. Her curse would mean far more than just the loss of her protection. The woman left the tent in a swish of her robes and disappeared into the light.

Sabrina pulled down the dress and watched the elf leave, then put her head through the bottom of the dress and pulled it up over her. For a moment, her chest got in the way, but she managed to squeeze all of herself into the form-fitting royal clothes. Sabrina snatched a pair of leather boots the elf woman left behind and slipped those on too, finally feeling some warmth return to her toes as she planted herself firmly on the ground. It didn't take long for her to pin up a small bun of her hair or fit her arms through the sleeves of her dress.

When she finally turned around to face Aika and Joseph, she was completely dressed and her dagger had disappeared somewhere into her clothing. Amber eyes shifted from the woman to the man, the two whom had risked the blizzard to save her life. And she bowed to them. Bent fully at the waist, she gave the two of them the most respectful bow she could muster. "I thank you, strangers, for aiding me in my time of need," Sabrina told them, her voice strained from the tears that itched at her eyes. She rose again and wiped away the useless liquid and smiled.

"I will give you both the highest honor and reward for rescuing me. Once I come into my kingdom, that is." Sabrina paused for a moment, composing herself and straightening her back proper, like she was taught. "I am Sabrina Tammen, bastard daughter to King Tammen, sixteenth in line for the throne, of which I am the only survivor after my family was destroyed by barbarians who condemned us for being wielders of magic. I will come into my kingdom, and I will see that justice is done. My- no, our country cannot continue on with this chaos, not with the Elvennahn becoming enemies when they should be our allies and friends. I...cannot bring peace to humans and Elvennahn, not by myself. I need the support of my people first of all, and for that I will need a king by my side." At this, Sabrina took steps forward towards Aika and Joseph.

Sabrina reached for Joseph's hands and held them in her own. She gazed into his eyes, her motivation and perseverance plain for anyone to see. "You have more than earned my trust. Will you become my king, to protect our nation from devastation, to unite all people within our nation, to denounce evil wherever it may arise, and to extend our reach to even the stars above?" Sabrina was more than serious about her request. It was not about marriage or husbandry. It was a duty. A responsibility that she could not bear alone and a role she could not fill. She waited on his answer.

"Magic, you say?" Joseph inquired but did not dare take his hands away from his eyes. The Elvennahn healer was kind enough to leave the dagger and the girl's clothes, but her departure seemed a bit bitter--too bitter for Joseph's tastes. Things grew quiet, and when he was sure it was safe, he lowered his hands from his eyes to see the girl there, bowing to him and Aika. He made a mental note to not forget Aika making fun of him. It brought a smile to his face nonetheless. The girl introduced herself as Sabrina, a member of royalty even if illegitimate. She was determined to get revenge for her family and claim her kingdom, and she spoke with such fire that it ignited something within Joseph as well. Such determination could not be stopped! He believed Sabrina when she said that she would get her kingdom back--that she would ascend to the throne. But she could not do it alone.

Joseph was taken aback when Sabrina took his hands and gazed so deeply into his eyes as if looking past those emerald windows and straight into his soul. She asked him in such eloquent words to be her king. He did not know what to make of it, but he was so inspired by her that he would not let her down. He couldn't! "We are friends, I know this to be true. Hardship has a way of doing such a thing," Joseph said, his eyes glistening with an odd light. "If you ask this of me, then I shall be your king. I wish to do anything I can to assist you. Besides, it isn't like Aika and I have a pressing agenda or anything. We go where the wind takes us...and sometimes howling blizzards," he said, coughing a bit over the last part.

"What say you, Aika? Do you find this to be a good idea? I am always the righteous one but not always sensible. Aika is calm and sensible all the time. I don't know what I'd do without her. As such I would hear her opinion on the matter."

"Calm and sensible," Aika purred, the faintest hint of a chuckle sounding deep within her chest. The words felt comfortable on her tongue––she liked the way they fit in her mouth. Her ally was right. Perhaps that was why they worked together so well despite being two incredibly different individuals. She covered his flaws and he covered hers. True, unlike this girl, they had no exceptional magical capability, but they were more than prepared for any feat together. This fight––nay, this immense trial––would be conquerable. Of that the archeress was very certain.

"I think it well," she stated, offering Sabrina a comforting smile. This faded out moments after it had arisen, however, replaced with the same look of seriousness Aika had shot to the elven woman. "It is a noble cause––a very valiant effort I would gladly give my life too, milady––but I warn you both, as it should come of no surprise, that this will not be an easy task. I feel fairly confident that my Joseph could rise to help guid the people at your side, but getting there shall not prove as easy as our drifting has been. I beg you both to carefully consider if you are prepared to dive into the fires that this road shall lead us into. If it you still be so moved, then we shall make our preparations now."

"Then in this moment," Sabrina declared, once Aika gave her consent, "that we three are as one. We face the world together and we will bring peace and prosperity to humankind. I solemnly swear it, on the graves of my family, that we will bring to justice those who persecute and murder mages with abandon. By the blood of the one who saved all mankind, I do swear to bring peace back to Her Great Nation of Ermith." Sabrina brought Joseph's hands to her lips and lightly touched him. A small kiss to seal the pact.

Sabrina then turned to Aika and took her hand. "A King and Queen would be nothing without an adviser. So long as you are willing to be a part of my pact, you shall have this honor." And she brought Aika's hand to her lips and kissed her as well.

The young princess released both of their hands and turned her back on them, towards the tent flap. For a moment, she stood there, her tiny figure almost fragile in the white morning light that seeped through the tent. It was odd, but looking at the way she carried herself, the way her shoulders set and her back was so upright, she seemed taller than she was. Almost as if she were an enormous entity, confined to a tiny little prison of a body. What would happen if she was released from that body, then? What would her spirit take the form of?

"We march for Notlahmann," Sabrina announced. She left the tent then, not even turning her head to see if Aika or Joseph were going to follow her.

Once outside, Sabrina held her ground, watching the horizon where the sun was rising. All around her were fading wisps of white light, walking in circles around her. "Spirits, you will not deter me. Take your forms or flee, I command you." At her command, the spirits took their forms, becoming like wolves that appeared nearly invisible in the light reflected by the snow. "So be it." Sabrina's dagger appeared in the air, coming from out of her dress and floating around her body. "The Elvennahn have set their wolf spirits against us. These are but scouts, we will not be deterred."

ENCOUNTER!
Den of the Wolf Spirit

Objective: Destroy the spirits that block your path!
Atmosphere: Bright Light (Wolf spirit S-Ability active)
Soundtrack: Spiritual Anger


(~) (~) (~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) A
(~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(~) ( ) (1) ( ) (4) ( ) ( ) C
( ) (3) ( ) ( ) ( ) (2) ( ) D
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) E
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) F
(t) (t) ( ) (S) ( ) ( ) ( ) G
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) H
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7

Sabrina (Kinetic)
HP: 30/30
EN: 20/20
MP: 25/25
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Move: 2
Crit: 14%
Evade: 2%

Wolf Spirit (1)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (2)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (3)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit: (4)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

(~) - River

(t) - Tent (cannot be occupied; no passerino)

[b]Placement Phase[/b]

Aika starts at H5!

An advisor. The archeress could only nod at the sound of that. Though Aika only had so much knowledge of the world and its mysterious workings herself, she could not deny that she felt right apt for the position. Being ten years Joseph's senior and having been traveling for longer than he, she felt certain she had the ability to direct them. "Calm and sensible," she whispered to herself, following after her newfound ally and old friend.

When the wolf spirits appear, the archeress swiftly swiped her right hand through the air, palming it as darkness burst into existence. It took the shape of a bow and suddenly she held a wooden version in her hand. It did not appear very flashy––perhaps the simplest bow ever crafted––but she and Joseph knew just how quickly it would mark the spirits' deaths.

"Do be careful," she advised, a hint of playfulness gracing her tone as always.

ENCOUNTER!
Den of the Wolf Spirit

Objective: Destroy the spirits that block your path!
Atmosphere: Bright Light (Wolf spirit S-Ability active)
Soundtrack: Spiritual Anger


(~) (~) (~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) A
(~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(~) ( ) (1) ( ) (4) ( ) ( ) C
( ) (3) ( ) ( ) ( ) (2) ( ) D
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) E
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) F
(t) (t) ( ) (S) ( ) (J) ( ) G
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) ( ) H
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7

Sabrina (Kinetic)
HP: 30/30
EN: 20/20
MP: 25/25
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Move: 2
Crit: 14%
Evade: 2%

Aika (Archeress)
HP: 35/35
EN: 30/30
STA: 10/10
Atk: 6
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Critical: 23%
Evade: 3%
Move: 4
Morale: (//////////)

Joseph (Friendly Wanderer)
HP: 35
EN: 30
STA: 15
Atk: 5
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Critical: 3%
Evasion: 2%
Movement: 3

Wolf Spirit (1)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (2)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (3)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit: (4)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

(~) - River

(t) - Tent (cannot be occupied; no passerino)

Player Phase

Sabrina's eyes moved to watch Joseph and his sword at the sound of another voice. "A talking sword? Another of the Elvennahn artifacts, perchance?" The knife at Sabrina's side twitched a little bit in the air as her focus was drawn towards the strange sword in Joseph's possession. A moment later, it straightened itself and hovered perfectly still near her head. Sabrina turned her head towards the wolf spirits and, without moving a single muscle in her body, sent the knife flying forward ad an impressive speed.

The dagger cut through the spirit, dragging some of it's essence away from its body, causing it noticeable pain. The dagger quickly returned to her side, shimmering brightly in the morning sun. A line of magic could be seen covering the edges of the dagger. It was Sabrina's magic, of course, what kept the dagger floating without her touching it. Sabrina took a step back and observed the battlefield. The wolves would not be able to reach her now, not at this distance.

Sabrina attacks 4! 6 Int DMG!

Sabrina moves to H-4

Aika moves to G5!

Aika uses Calm Mind! Atk and Evade increase by 10% for Three Turns!
---Aika chains a basic attack on 4! 7 Atk Damage! 23% Chance of Critical Hit!
Remaining EN: 26/30
Remaining STA: 5/10

Aika
Atk: 6 --- 7
Evade: 3 --- 13%

The archeress took a step forward, closing her eyes––her smile fell into a stoic. She took a deep breath. Focus, she thought, aligning her energy before opening her eyes again. Her crimson-colored eyes locked on a wolf spirit; she drew an arrow and fired with deadly accuracy. A smile once again graced her face. It was fitting despite her attack being so simple. "Go forth, Joseph. Take caution but give them a taste of your special brand of swordsmanship."

(4) takes 3 DMG! (Sabrina)

(4)'s thoughts become muddled

(4) takes 5 DMG! (Aika)

(2) takes 3 DMG! (Joseph)

(2) barks viciously at Joseph!

ENCOUNTER!
Den of the Wolf Spirit

Objective: Destroy the spirits that block your path!
Atmosphere: Bright Light (Wolf spirit S-Ability active)
Soundtrack: Spiritual Anger


(~) (~) (~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) A
(~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(~) ( ) (1) ( ) (4) ( ) ( ) C
( ) (3) ( ) ( ) ( ) (2) ( ) D
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (J) ( ) E
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) F
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) ( ) G
(t) (t) ( ) (S) ( ) ( ) ( ) H
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7

Enemy Phase

(1) is assessing the situation.

(2) attacks Joseph! 6 Int DMG!

(3) moves to H-3.

(3) attacks Sabrina! 6 Int DMG!

(4) moves to F-5.

(4) attacks Aika with a Ghost Bite! 8 Int DMG! (Aika is Weakened)

(4)'s muddled thoughts make the attack weaker...Aika takes 5 DMG.


(~) (~) (~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) A
(~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(~) ( ) (1) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (2) ( ) D
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (J) ( ) E
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (4) ( ) ( ) F
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) ( ) G
(t) (t) (3) (S) ( ) ( ) ( ) H
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7

Sabrina (Kinetic)
HP: 28/30
EN: 18/20
MP: 25/25
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Move: 2
Crit: 14%
Evade: 2%

Aika (Archeress) [WEAKENED *3*] (Calm Mind *3*)
HP: 30/35
EN: 26/30
STA: 5/10
Atk: 6---7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Critical: 23%
Evade: 3%---13%
Move: 4
Morale: (//////////)

Joseph (Friendly Wanderer)
HP: 31/35
EN: 24/30
STA: 15
Atk: 5
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Critical: 3%
Evasion: 2%
Movement: 3

Wolf Spirit (1)
HP: 20/20
EN: 50/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (2)
HP: 17/20
EN: 48/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (3)
HP: 20/20
EN: 48/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit: (4) [Thoughtless *1*]
HP: 12/20
EN: 42/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

(~) - River

(t) - Tent (cannot be occupied; no passerino)

Player Phase

Sabrina struggled against the wolf that was attacking her from the side. How annoying. This spirit actually thought it could get the better of her?! It made Sabrina angry to think that one of the weakest spirits thought it could do her harm! It was outrageous! Sabrina summoned a part of herself that did not involve throwing her knife through the air. She raised her hand and crushed raw magic down into the spirit, causing it to buckle and break beneath the weight of her power.

"Rise again, spirit, and you will see more than just the ground!" Sabrina declared. She glanced over where Joseph was. He was trying to do something to the wolf spirit, what was it? Was he trying to make the wolf loyal to them? "That will not work, my friend. These wolves were born of Elvennahn magic, their loyalty cannot be swayed so easily." She hated to break it to him, but if it would only give him despair to see his methods were not working, she wanted to at least save him some effort. The poor soul deserved better than this world of hate and mistrust.

Sabrina casts Crush on (3)! 8 Int DMG! Chance of Disable!

MP: 17/25

Aika attacks 4! 7 Atk Damage!
---Aika chains Force of Will on 4! 9 Atk Damage!

Aika flinched not as the spirit wolf suddenly closed the distance between them and launched an attack. She welcomed the pain. Her eyes flashed with the hidden undertones of delight, her lips spread upward ever so slightly to reveal a grin, goosebumps peppered her milky white skin. "Yes," she moaned under her breath, staring into the ethereal creature's figure. Her ruby irises locked with its own otherworldly ones––Aika licked her lips. "That was nice," she whispered, swiftly returning the favor by firing two arrows, one significantly stronger than the other point blank at the spiritual beast.

(3) takes 5 DMG! (Sabrina)

(3) evades Disable!

Aika's weakened state reduces her damage...

(4) takes 10 DMG! (Aika)

(2) takes 4 DMG! (Joseph)

(2) barks viciously at Joseph!

ENCOUNTER!
Den of the Wolf Spirit

Objective: Destroy the spirits that block your path!
Atmosphere: Bright Light (Wolf spirit S-Ability active)
Soundtrack: Spiritual Anger


(~) (~) (~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) A
(~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(~) ( ) (1) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (2) ( ) D
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (J) ( ) E
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (4) ( ) ( ) F
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) ( ) G
(t) (t) (3) (S) ( ) ( ) ( ) H
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7

Enemy Phase

(1) moves to E-4

(1) howls! 6 Int DMG! Chance of Silence!

Sabrina is hit! 2 DMG!

Sabrina resists Silence!

Aika is hit! 4 DMG!

Aika is Silenced! She will be unable to use abilities that require STA!

Joseph is hit! 4 DMG!

Joseph resists Silence!

(2) snaps its fangs at Joseph! 6 Int DMG!

(3) sinks ghostly fangs into Sabrina! 8 Int DMG! Chance of Weak!

Sabrina resists Weak!

(4) attacks Aika! 6 Int DMG!

(4)'s muddled thoughts reduce its damage...Aika takes 3 DMG instead.


(~) (~) (~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) A
(~) (~) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) B
(~) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) C
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (2) ( ) D
( ) ( ) ( ) (1) ( ) (J) ( ) E
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (4) ( ) ( ) F
(t) (t) ( ) ( ) (A) ( ) ( ) G
(t) (t) (3) (S) ( ) ( ) ( ) H
-1---2---3---4---5---6---7

Sabrina (Kinetic)
HP: 22/30
EN: 18/20
MP: 17/25
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 4
Move: 2
Crit: 14%
Evade: 2%

Aika (Archeress) [SILENCED *3*][WEAKENED *2*] (Calm Mind *2*)
HP: 24/35
EN: 18/30
STA: 5/10
Atk: 6---7
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Critical: 23%
Evade: 3%---13%
Move: 4
Morale: (//////////)

Joseph (Friendly Wanderer)
HP: 23/35
EN: 18/30
STA: 15/15
Atk: 5
Def: 4
Int: 1
Spr: 2
Critical: 3%
Evasion: 2%
Movement: 3

Wolf Spirit (1)
HP: 20/20
EN: 40/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (2)
HP: 14/20
EN: 46/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit (3)
HP: 15/20
EN: 40/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

Wolf Spirit: (4) [CRITICAL]
HP: 2/20
EN: 42/50
MP: 20/20
Atk: 1
Def: 2
Int: 6
Spr: 3
Move: 6
Evade: 20%
Crit: 2%

(~) - River

(t) - Tent (cannot be occupied; no passerino)

Player Phase

"Your persistence is inspiring, Joseph," Sabrina whispered with a smile. Her countenance did not falter in the face of such foes, even when the wolf sunk draining fangs into her soul. She batted the wolf away and frowned down at it. The beast managed to resist the crushing power of her magic. Any human would have bowed before her at that point, but she should not be surprised at this. Wolves were creatures that were familiar with walking low on the ground, and these were spirit wolves at that. Sabrina would not doubt that these spirits were highly resistant to any adverse effects.

Except one. Sabrina knew one trick that always worked, or at least has never once failed her. She slid back in the snow a few paces, her feet dancing through the snow with expert grace and poise. Sabrina drew back her hand and took hold of her knife for the first time the whole fight and threw her hand out in front of her. An invisible force shot through the air, whizzing past Aika and causing the woman's hair to get thrown up from the force of Sabrina's powerful magic. The wolf didn't see it coming at all, and it was knocked flat onto its back.

Sabrina moves to H-6

Sabrina casts Force on (3)! 7 Int DMG! Knocks the target down!

A wave of pleasure washed over Aika as the wolf struck her once again, this time stealing her voice. She smiled. She could not verbally express her delight this time, so she simply smiled. Her eyes, however, betrayed the gleefulness of her smile, for they sharpened on the wolf spirit that had continued to be a thorn in her side. She twirled an arrow in hand and stabbed the creature.

Aika attacks 4! 7 Atk Damage!