The Sun was still rising behind the Nomad Stone as its light poured around the monolithic stone giving color to the rolling grassland over which it stood watch. A light breeze rolled through the waves of grassland, breathing life into the fields that swayed in a unified rhythm. This place, though holy to the tribes, was rarely visited. Today it had two guests. Both stood under its shadow in the grasses still wet with morning dew, for the sun had yet to reach them. Ray had happened upon Ulrich in the Dragon's Cradle and after a short greeting it was decided they would meet here today and reacquaint themselves through a sparring match. Both were hardened warriors who'd been in countless conflicts and each seen their share of wounds, losses, and victories. Today would see more added to their records of combat, but only the gods know what the outcome will be.

Ray currently stood relaxedly amid the tall grass, paging through the Journal Of The Blessed Wanderer and reciting prayers from it as he took in the scenery around him. He was aware of the fight to come and excited to see how far the young warrior had come since their encounter all those years ago. He still remembered fondly the kick he'd received and the headache it had left him with for days. It would surprise him if Ulrich even recognized his style of fighting, losing an arm and bonding a celestial being forced one to change a great deal. 

"Your paths clash often, Seeker, you will be tempered by it... Each of you."

Qil's voice betrayed his own excitement, he too was anxious for their fight. He had a way of knowing things and Ray had no doubt he knew of their previous encounter and would likely say some vague yet prophetic things to annoy him throughout this one...

"I'll fight him on my own at first. Then you can introduce yourself once we see what he's capable of..." Ray spoke to Qil in his mind.

There was a sense of nostalgia that hit Ulrich as he stood there. It wasn't because he had returned to King's Valley, no, it was because of the man that now stood in front of him. He had changed considerably in the decade that had past since they last met. The bandit from back then— Ulrich found that his given name was Ray— happened upon the bespectacled man by chance in Dragon's Cradle, and he extended an offer to meet here. A little friendly combat is what Ulrich assumed would be happening here. Of course, the two of them did have history. Although he knew of Ray's history as a bandit, he still respected him. 

He removed his scarf, jacket, and satchel. Folding the scarf and jacket and gently placing them on the ground near him with the satchel resting atop the pile. Ulrich began to stretch, readying his muscles for the fight ahead of them. A bit nostalgic for the both of them, to be sure. The attire Ulrich sported currently, greatly resembled the outfit he wore all those years ago.

Ulrich, you might be in over your head. It is apparent that this man in front of us has been through a lot more than you in the past decade... And might I add, you look rather dashing without the jacket. I know some of your acquaintances would appreciate this sight.

Ulrich closed his eyes, a slight smile forming on his face as he shakes his head.

Alvis, this isn't the time to be talking about the muscles of the abdominal region. I need you to focus.

But I AM focusing!

Not on the right thing, Al.

Blast it, fine. I'll focus now.

Ulrich gives a small laugh as he finishes his warm ups. He looks up to meet Ray's gaze, and gives him a nod. He begins walking further into the grass to distance the fight from the Nomad Stone. It was a holy place to the people of King's Valley, and he would not dare risk any damage to it. He stopped, turning on his foot, patiently waiting for his opponent to approach.

Maybe not much had changed in terms of skills in combat for the two. Ray may have the upper hand, still. He was a very experienced fighter even back then. That wouldn't deter Ulrich though. If he were to lose, it would only mean that he hadn't been taking his training seriously enough.

A gentle breeze blew through the plains. The grass dancing in the sun, his hair rustling as the wind ran through his hair. He took in a deep breath and exhaled.

Let the gods decide the outcome.

Ray followed Ulrich's lead and moved further from the monolithic stone. Ulrich either assumed Ray would be using magic on a large enough scale to damage the stone, or he would be himself. The young man changed little since they'd fought in the swamps what seemed like forever ago. Ray could feel the phantom sensation of his missing right arm once more as the memories of the kidnapping and bloodshed of that night rushed into his mind. A shiver ran down his spine as those memories led to more, specifically of his partner Pierce...

"Seeker, return to this moment, your past is dead." Qil was stern, as he always was if Ray slipped into rumination.

"A second soul greets us, an old acquaintance... of the salacious variety..." Qil's voice conveyed annoyance, who could he possibly be referring to? Had Ulrich bonded a celestial as well?

Ray was now fully focused on the fight ahead once more. He took his pack and plopped it on the ground before untying the ragged robe sleeve that covered the stump of his now missing right arm. He did not stretch, simply breathed deeply and centered himself with his hand on his blade's hilt. Drawing the short saber he fell into a stance that would be very familiar to Ulrich, the same yet opposite to his style from ten years ago. It had taken him all of these years to reach the point he was at when they first fought after losing his dominant arm. Dropping into a low stance, knees bent and legs apart, he held the blade above his shoulder with a relaxed grip.

"I can barely tell a difference in you... from ten years ago. Glad to see you're still alive." A smile barely formed on his lips before the seriousness returned.

"Now, let's begin." Ray rushed forward, hoping to use this initial clash to gauge Ulrich's abilities. 

Closing in he returned to his stance and swung from his left shoulder to Ulrich's right leg. The blow was a feint, Ray intended to focus more on parrying whatever retaliatory strike came instead of trying to land the swing. 

Ulrich watched as the man in front of him readied himself into a stance that was all too familiar to him... yet it had changed. He no longer had his right arm, and in the decade that followed their initial fight, he had adapted his fighting style to compensate for the missing limb.

He readied himself into fighting stance: his legs spread, knees bent, his dominant hand out in front with an open palm, his other closed into a fist tucked near his abdomen. Just like Ulrich recognized other man's fight stance, Ray would remember his. Nothing drastic had changed about his stance like with Ray's, but there was small details he would be able discern. Ulrich was less tense, relaxed. A contrast to his nervousness and stiffness in their first meeting. He gave off an aura of confidence. He'd seen his fair share of fighting in his years of travel.

A faint, warm smile formed on Ulrich's face. "I am glad to see you are still alive as well." His eyes narrowed now. His expression swiftly changing into one of seriousness to match his opponent's.

A quick subtle nod as the man before him charged forward with his attack. Ray swung his saber from his left shoulder at a downward angle towards his right leg. In a swift motion, Ulrich's lead hand flashed towards the hilt of the dagger at his waist. It flashed back towards his opponent's swing. One light step forward to shift his weight, and all of a sudden, the air in between the two men was filled the dancing sparks of metal meeting metal.

At the end of Ulrich's outstretched arm, his hand held the peculiar looking dagger in a reverse grip to meet Ray's blade. The momentum of Ray's charging attack and sudden stop when he met Ulrich's defensive maneuver caused the air around them to burst forth outwards. The blades of grass flew out away from them with the wind.

There was a reason this man had Ulrich's respect. He was, without a doubt, a skilled fighter. He might have lost his right arm, but the man was still a force to be reckoned.

The boy had definitely matured, his reaction to the attack was quick and effortless despite the strength of the block. It would be no easy task defeating him this time. Ray still hoped to see more of Ulrich's talent before displaying his full range of ability, it was always an advantage to keep your opponent guessing. 

"You've definitely grown more confident, let's see if it's deserved." Ray gave a slight smile as the blades connected.

With the blades locked up, Ray pushed his strength into the sword and pressed the dagger back. He then quickly released his grip on the sword, allowing it to be flung away by Ulrich's parry. Hoping to have created an opening Ray swung his fist towards Ulrich's face, missing purposefully leaving his arm extended above the young warriors left shoulder. In that moment he opened his grip slightly, summoning the blade back to his hand and swinging from this new angle. He stepped away towards the same side he now swung his blade towards, trying to keep the fight on his left side and prevent Ulrich from getting too close. 

If Ulrich managed to react to this attack it would force Ray to increase his effort, maybe even use a little magic to see what the boy's reaction would be. He doubted Ulrich would suspect he'd become an adept light mage, it wasn't the usual retirement path of bandits. Then again, he had very little knowledge of what Ulrich was truly capable of either.

His opponent proved to be a cunning fighter. He might have lost his arm, but his prowess in battle had not withered. The man had lost his sword with Ulrich's parry. Whether on purpose or not, remained unclear at this moment. Ray's punch came flying towards Ulrich's face, which he managed to avoid by shifting his position slightly. This however was not the actual attack.

Ulrich notices the slight movement out of the corner of his eye. Ray had opened his fist slightly and his sword that was previously flung away now appeared in his hand again!

Ah, so he's gotten a few more tricks up his sleeve now.

Ray's attack swings towards the side of Ulrich's face, and he manages to react. He ducks underneath the man's swing shifting his stance, and using Ray's momentum, he pushes his opponent's side with his free hand as the the sword swings past. He hoped that given the fact that Ray had also taken a step to that side, he would be off balance just a bit, giving Ulrich just enough time to gather himself again.

He readies himself back into battle stance. He had the feeling that the both of them were only trying to gauge each other's abilities. Right now, physically the man before him was more than capable of keeping up with him. It was the bit of magic that he used before to summon his sword to his hand is what kept replaying in Ulrich's mind.

The man had gained new tricks, but Ulrich had a few of his own now as well. The small exchange just now may lead into a battle of magic, and that was something he no problem with getting into.

"So I see that you've picked up a new trick. Would it be wrong of me to assume that you have a bit more stashed away?"

A smile crossed Ray's lips as the young warrior seemed to effortlessly evade the attack with lightning reflexes, even managing to push him off balance in the process. Ray stumbled backwards from the shove, regaining his balance and holding his blade defensively before himself. Qil's energy grew more feverish and Ray could tell he was itching to have a go at this enemy who'd proven themselves competent. 

"He is as skilled as you it would seem, Seeker. It's a shame to mock him with a half effort." Qil was right, it seemed rude to hold back this much...

"More than tricks, though I definitely have a few of those as well. Same as you, it seems." Ray changed his stance, shifting his legs and assuming a right handed stance. 

"Let's move this along then." He took a deep breath and allowed Qil's presence to manifest, now partially sharing control with the being. 

As he breathed out the empty sleeve of his robe fluttered as a new arm burst forth from it covered in pale golden scales and gripping a large saber. Ray's eyes took on a fiery white glow as a small amount of scales also covered his temples and a pair of pale antlers appeared atop his head. The new hand gripped the blade entirely differently than Ray's hand did his own saber. Qil controlled the arm and worked in unison with Ray as he controlled the rest, their bond allowing each to anticipate the other's movements. 

"You could say I found religion..." Ray's voice cut off, lowering to a whisper before Ray's face took on a gentle and kind expression before another voice spoke with soft eloquence. "It was more like we found him..."

The expression left as quickly as it had appeared and Ray's serious demeanor replaced it as he charged towards Ulrich once more.

"Wanderer protect me from those who stand in our path!" A prayer left his lips and a ring of radiant energy surrounded his person as his skin glowed with faint white light. 

(Cast Circle of Life - You create a small magical ring around you that protects your person and anyone standing next to you. As long as you are standing in this circle you and anyone else inside of it will be protected from taking damage. This prevents any wound that would come from an attack by a weapon or spell, regardless of its type. This ring will move with your person and last for two post. (This can only be cast once per topic)

A look of amazement washed over Ulrich's face as he watched an arm made of pale golden scales burst forth from the man's empty sleeve. Not only that, but the arm held it's own large saber as well! Ray's eyes began to emit a fiery white glow accompanied by small scales to his temples. What was next? A pair of antlers atop of head?! This man had indeed gained a few very good tricks in the decade since their last meeting!

Then a voice echoed after Ray's own, with his expression showing a sudden change, indicating that there was another soul speaking through him.

There is something I must disclose to you, Ulrich. I know that voice! The one that just spoke through him!

You what? You know the entity inhabiting him?

Yes, I do as a matter of fact! Stay sharp!

Ray had stared his charge toward him while uttering a prayer. A ring of energy surrounded Ray as he charged closer. Ulrich prepared himself for an onslaught of attacks from Ray. You don't just activate a form like that without the intention of going a little crazier in the fight. He was on the defensive before, but now, he was forced to be on the defensive.

He had a few more tricks up his sleeve as well, but now wasn't the time to show them off yet. Right now, he just had to worry about defending!

This was the best chance to end this quickly Ray would get. Just a few moments to focus solely on offense. As he charged towards Ulrich he let go of his two swords and the two glowing blades seemed to follow along as if held by invisible attackers. Then as a simple flash of energy ran the length of both blades they seemed to disappear. Ray opened his hands and grasped tightly on the invisible sword's handles. In reality it was a trick, but he hoped it was convincing enough as he moved in with a flurry of fake sword blows. 

In the meantime the real blades moved invisibly around Ulrich, forming a triangle with Ulrich at the center and each attacker in a corner. Ray continued to strike, faking a low slash towards Ulrich's legs that he imagined would be dodged with one hand. The other he made a stabbing motion with, aiming for the chest. The blades would be using these attacks to create their own openings and strike him from behind while his guard was down.

The first and smaller blade would be aiming for a downward strike from his left intended to hit his shoulder, if he was to jump to avoid the attack it would aim for his stomach instead. The second and larger blade made two quick strikes from his right, each aiming for the right arm to cripple him. 

Ray felt some guilt for striking him with invisible blades, it seemed something a bandit would do rather than a paladin. But, he'd fought this man ten years ago, and even then he'd almost lost while Ulrich was but a boy, he couldn't afford to hold back.

"Let's see how much you can handle!" Ray growled out the words, releasing himself slightly more to the bloodlust of battle.

(Ray used Unseen Companion:
Fusing magical energy with your bonded weapon has given you unique abilities that only the spell blade has access to. Your weapon is not just a piece of wood or metal, but is a living being and reacts to your magic. You can coat your weapon in arcane energy causing the entire weapon to become invisible, unseen by anyone who would look at it. Your weapon will remain invisible for the next two post and can not be seen for the entire duration. This allows you to attack with your weapon while confusing the enemy, and maybe catching them off guard. This can be done twice per topic.)

(Ray faked holding swords and swung at Ulrich to cause him to dodge/defend when nothing was truly in his hands)
(Ray's swords used the distraction to attack from behind, one from the left and one from the right.)

There was a bit of amazement in Ulrich's eyes as he watched the man rush at him. His swords began to float alongside him in the air as he closed the distance between them. Then with a flash they disappeared! Had he casted a spell to make them invisible to the naked eye? Ulrich noticed that both of Ray's hands had grasped tightly to things that weren't there— or at least, they weren't able to be seen. He'd closed the distance and he was now delivering a flurry of sword blows!

His opponent moved to slash low at Ulrich's legs. He lifted his lead foot and pivoted on his rear foot bringing his lead foot to the back, exchanging the positions of the two. Something was off about Ray's attack just now though. He hadn't felt the wind of of a sword swinging past his foot.

His left shoulder was now in front. Ray went to stab Ulrich in the chest, but he managed to react and twist his body, essentially dodging the man's attack. Again, something felt off... Why hadn't he felt the wind of the invisible sword he was attacking with?

But he hadn't realized quickly enough. He had been duped by his opponent! A sudden sharp pain ran down his back beginning at his left shoulder traveling down to the right side of his midsection.

"Gah!" He let out a painful gasp as he fell to one knee. His left hand flew down to the ground to support his body from falling! His right arm flew up in reflex to defend his right side. His vision was filled with sparks all of a sudden as he felt an invisible force strike the dagger he held in his hand! He was caught off guard again by the powerful blow which managed to knock him off balance! He reacted just in time, bringing his left arm up to brace with both for another powerful blow to his right side.

He'd been right! A quick double strike from that side, but he didn't have the position to hold his ground. The second blow was powerful enough to knock him off of his feet. He flew into a tumble through the grass away from his opponent.

He lay face down in the grass for a second as he processed what just happened. Ray had successfully tricked him into thinking that his swords were in his hands, when in actuality, they'd floated around to his back while he was focused on the man in front.

He was a force to be reckoned with then... Even more so now that he's found 'religion.'

He raised himself up onto one knee yet again. His right arm was shaking not only from the impact of the two powerful blows from just a moment ago, but he had also sustained a gash to his right arm. Ulrich panted as he focused to keep the dagger gripped in his right hand. The blood flowing down his arm and landing onto the grass, staining it red. His shirt was ruined as well thanks to the attack to his shoulder.

How about we start taking this seriously as well then?

I thought you'd never ask.

Ulrich began to breath in and out slowly, centering himself. The pained expression calmed, and when he opened his eyes, there was a flash of violet within them. A determined look placing itself upon his face. He stabbed his dagger into the ground, letting go so that he could unbutton his shirt. He took it off, throwing it into the grass beside him before grabbing hold of his dagger once again.

As he slowly rose to his feet, the hiss and crackle of lighting could be heard as the air around the two men started to become statically charged. Lightning began to emanate from Ulrich's eyes. At first the streaks were a bright blue hue, but then violet streaks began to form. The lightning matched the violet bleeding into his normally blue eyes.

He lowered himself into battle stance again. Streaks of lightning danced down his arm gathering in his dagger. The blade began to ferociously glow a fierce blue hue as violet streaks dance viciously around it.¹ As if on queue, a gentle breeze blew through, and Ulrich dashed towards Ray.

As he sprinted, he threw the dagger straight for Ray with surprising speed and accuracy. As it soared through the air— hoping Ray's focus would be on the crackling dagger— Ulrich disappeared in a flash of lightning.² A ferocious howl of wind traveled past Ray to his backside, and Ulrich reappeared behind the man, already in the motion of delivering a powerful punch to his flank. 

But just as he reappeared to deliver his attack to Ray's backside, the dagger flying through the air in front suddenly lost it's ferocious glow of lightning! Ulrich's fist began to glow as it was now supercharged with the initial magic that was gathered into the dagger! It wasn't clear if this attack would even matter as the ring of light was still floating around his opponent.

Even if it seemed as though Ray had cast a spell to defend himself, Ulrich couldn't stay on the defensive forever. He had to do something to show that he hadn't become some pushover in the decade since their last meeting. If Ray was starting to get serious, then Ulrich would respond in kind.

---

Spells used; 1. Ulrich's Static Charge(partial— I'll still have it cool down for three posts in fairness), 2. Bullet Dash

(I know this attack is all for naught as Ray has Circle of Life up still, but I couldn't pass this up!)

As the blows landed Ray felt a sense of pride at having used a tactic he'd only recently devised. Ulrich's strength and reflexes prevented the attacks from doing as much damage as he'd hoped though he was excited by the challenge Ulrich presented. Qil seemed to feel the same, his energy was just as invigorated as Ray felt. 

"Focus Seeker, success must not cloud your judgement. I sense more within him." Qil was itching to test Ulrich's abilities, or more likely to test Ray's abilities against Ulrich's. 

Ray allowed Ulrich to regain his footing. This was not the time to push an advantage, especially not one gained through deception. He still had far more techniques he wanted to experiment with as well. Ulrich's quick recovery and the violet light now appearing in his eyes indicated things would surely be getting more intense. When Ulrich took of his shirt, Ray was taken aback for a moment, Ulrich's physical training had obviously been paying off... As Ulrich's dagger emanated a great deal of lightning Ray felt an opportunity arise. Whatever magic Ulrich was preparing would be like honey to Qil's lips and he'd gladly allow him to rip it away. 

The young man charged forth confidently and Ray found the dagger now hurling towards his face. Raising his left arm he allowed a buckler of golden scales to form in the dagger's path. Just as soon as he'd done so a rush of wind replaced Ulrich in his vision, the dagger struck the buckler now devoid of the energy that had just moments ago rushed through it. Ray quickly pivoted, not in time to avoid a massive punch of force and magical energy impacting his side. The lighting rippling through the attack ripped into Ray's robe, tearing a gaping hole from his left waist to his shoulder. The energy pushed it's way past his protection magic though it was able to prevent the force of the punch from harming him. As electricity coursed through his body deep burns formed on his skin along with tear wounds from the ferocity of the magic used. It was an extraordinarily impressive move, Ulrich's power had grown to an extreme degree since they'd last fought.

Ray was blasted off his feet, hurdling in an unwilling cartwheel across the field and landing on his stomach. As Ray struggled to right himself once more he realized his left side of his core was paralyzed and that his arm and leg on that side were difficult to move. 

"You were blind to his ability Seeker, don't hold back!" Qil urged Ray to harsher action. 

Ray groaned as he felt the pain surging through the wounds on his side, clearly visible now that what remained of his robe hung loosely off his right shoulder like a sash with its ends singed and ragged like his wounds. 

"Looks like we're even now. Can't let it stay that way for long." Ray said in a ragged voice, his paralyzed side made breathing difficult. 

"It's time Seeker, allow me to assist." Ray knew instantly what Qil meant.

Raising his right hand with an open palm towards Ulrich Ray spoke in a steadily improving voice. His wounds were visibly receding as he spoke and his skin returning to its usual appearance. 

"Wanderer, curse this power levied against your servant by the unrighteous."

A glow of holy light appeared about his palm as the prayer ended. Ray closed his hand violently to a fist and ripped it away to the side, the light disappeared with a loud snap. Ray's ability to use the spell he'd just cast was now taken away, and Ray could feel Qil's satisfaction at the feat.

"Let's see what else you've got!" Ray would have charged in after saying something like that, but it was quite difficult for him to move still, so he simply stayed put and waited in a defensive posture as his still invisible blades whirled about him.


Abilites used -
Spell Hex - prevents a spell being cast for the remainder of a topic.
Sharing Essence:

Your blade is not just a mindless weapon for slaughter, but has bonded with you, feeling and caring for you. Because of this the weapon will attempt to keep you alive, and can access its own magic when in need. The weapon can choose on its own to pump a bit of its magical essence into you, healing you of any minor or major wounds you might have sustained. This can be done without you needing to command it, letting the weapon heal you regardless of the

Ulrich watched in silent shock as the injuries he had just dealt to Ray slowly faded away. Now the appearance of his skin looked untouched. His opponent held his open palm towards him; a holy light appearing and illuminating the area around him. Ray utters a prayer; jerking his hand to the side causing the light to disappear violently.

Ulrich could feel something had been done to his magical ability. Perhaps Ray had casted a spell to prevent him from using the Static Charge spell again. That was alright, he didn't want to overdo it and use it again. That spell does take a lot out of him if he isn't careful...

The floating dagger next to Ulrich can sense it as well. "Let's not dwell on it! Focus on the fight, Ulrich!"

Ulrich gives a quick nod; his eyes never leaving his opponent. The man in front of them beckons him to show him more of his abilities, and he would oblige. He starts with a sprint, jumping high into the air, wisps of wind quickly forming around him¹. As his descent in the air begins, he starts to spin in mid air. The speed at which he's spinning increases almost giving him the appearance of a blur.

At the same time blue glow emanates from the spinning mass that is Ulrich. A chain of lightning flows forth²; it's momentum joining in the spin. You can hear the whizzing of air as the chain of lightning makes it's rounds with how fast Ulrich is spinning. Reaching his destination, Ulrich ends the spin with a ferocious swing at Ray's position, but the lightning doesn't strike him. It instead strikes at the ground in front of the man, causing the ground to erupt before him. A cloud of dirt, grass, and debris obscures Ray's sight of Ulrich.

Through the cloud that Ulrich had just created, Alvis bursts through; the dagger's blade is electrically charged again and pointing in Ray's direction! A beam of lightning is then discharged quickly towards Ray!³

---

Spells Used; 1. Flight, 2. Chain Lightning, 3. Lightning Bolt