Being in the dessert or work is nothing uncommon. In fact, it was becoming a recent trend that I need to stop. My business requires small patterns to find me, not something so blatantly obvious as this. Looking at the lower noble who was so nervous about traveling through Dragon spine that they hired ME, I can tell why they were so afraid. I cast knowing looks onto their chubby bellies and nonmacular exteriors. Proof of lack of manual labor along with training. I know I can be petty, but I also know to take a gift from a horse's mouth. This was an option to get home and not have to rent any form of ship or relay on favors for travel.

All we really need to do is wait on the other escorts. I'm aware that I am lacking in much, if the fact that the guards are trying to keep me from claiming my own name, telling me that the real Arcana of Storms is much older and fiercer than me say anything. My plan was in motion though, I don't need to ride a horse, all I needed was to sit on top of the carriage. Anyone in Dragon's Cradle will see me and leave us alone, or anyone that knows of me. Which the leaders do and can direct their forces elsewhere.

All that's left is to get these annoying people off of me so I can do my job and navigate the storms!

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Royal Escort
Participants: Two or more
Location: Anywhere
Post Requirements: 4 post per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown
Description: A local noble is in need of an escort from one city to the next. With the world getting crazy, all kinds of dangers have become more common on the open road. They are willing to pay good money to anyone who can transport them to their destination. But be careful, their fears are valid, for bandits, wolves, and all kinds of creatures of the wild lurk right around the bend. All you need to do is make sure they get from their home city to the neighboring city alive, and unharmed if you can manage.

Another trip through the desert, another day of grit and sweltering heat. What a pain.

Vail walked through the streets of Zeinav, already eager to leave after a singular night underneath the cold desert moon. His goal was any manner of transportation out of the city, as well as any job that would give a quick payout. He pulled the red scarf Cirice gave him up over his mouth as he reached the city center. It both helped with keeping the sand off his face as well as hiding his identity from any prying eyes. The gift she gave him last time he visited the city was certainly helpful, he’d have to find a way to thank her next time they meet.

His eyes caught a posting that might solve both his issues. An escort to the Dragons Cradle of all places. Not a place he visited often, but the area was having an economic boom as of recent; there very well could be a quite profitable opportunity there. Whether it be through legal work or other means. With a smirk, he tightened the wrappings on right arm and headed off to the meet up point.

As he approached the caravan, he could see that this was no ordinary escort. These clients were opulent to say the least. Clearly some nobles, probably of the lesser variety, considering he didn’t recognize their names.

He could see the looks of distrust they gave him, unsure whether this ash lander was here to help them or rob them.

“Relax. You wanted protection, you got it.” He reassured his rotund clients. “Now where is the rest of the guard?”

The nervous nobles pointed behind them, to a young woman waiting atop the carriage. If he didn’t know better, he’d say she was a noble herself. Her dress was fanciful, too fanciful for the desert, and her skin was pale enough that she could be an ash lander if she only had some scars. Stranger yet was the doll she held; it almost resembled her with its equally fanciful clothes.


With a shrug, Vail walked over to the carriage and climbed aboard. He knew better than to judge people like this by appearance, Cirice was similarly short but full of surprises. He sat down next to the woman, towering over her seeing as she wasn’t even 5 feet tall. Thinking she might be a little intimidated, he thought it best to try to be as cordial as he could, despite his lack of skill in regards to social situations.


“Hello, it appears that we have the same job. My name is Vail. I am ready to be rid of this sandy hellhole, what about you?” he asked with a smirk.

   Honestly, the nerve of those guards, on one hand cowardly, on the other they are loyal. The fact the head guard had to come out and only took a single glance at me before the apologizing for his men was amusing to me. When a guy that was just as pale, if not more so, as me comes up to the carriage with no fear and pure chill, I knew this trip was going to have at least one interesting topic of discussion. As he joined me on top, I kept playing with my doll, trying to rid her of the sand that seemed never ending. Then he introduces himself, in a forced cordial position, to me. I looked up and saw the smirk that sat on his face.

   I gave a bright smile, excited to learn more about him. In a cheerful voice, "Hi there! I doubt it's the exact same, but similar enough I hope!" I give a light giggle as another gust of sandy wind hits us. "I do wish to return home as soon as possible, though if the group doesn't start moving soon my hair might turn to a permanent orange with all this sand." I give a playful pout, not lasting long before smiling once more. "The name's Keyke, can't wait to work with you Vail!" I stretch out me hand for him to shake.

Vail gladly shakes the young woman’s hand, taking note of the considerable difference between their hand sizes.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Keyke.” he replied, still holding his smirk.

If he had to guess, she was some manner of mage, although from her words, she might be more of a political envoy than an active guard. That might actually be a better ally to him in this situation, considering his condition. Stopping a conflict before he had to get his hands dirty would ensure everyone's safety, not just his own.

His impatience was getting the better of him as the desert winds offered little reprieve from the glaring sun. He looked over to the bundled-up carriage crew. They were in the midst of a heavy discussion, albeit entirely in whispers. The occasional glances his way hinted that they were gossiping about their strange escorts more than anything.

“Oi, what’s the hold up?” He yelled in annoyance.

“S-Sorry sir we are leaving now.” The head driver replied nervously as the rest of the crew scrambled into position.

With a jolt they were off. The camels of their carriage moved at surprisingly fast pace, supplementing the cooling chill of the wind. It almost made the desert bearable,keyword being almost. They had quite the ride ahead of them before they would be out of open desert. Vail could let his guard down for a while knowing that if a threat did arrive, he’d see them coming long before they had a chance to reach the carriage.

He pulled down his scarf and released sigh that signified that he could finally relax, before he turned to face the young woman once more.

“So, if you’re from the Dragon’s Cradle, what brought you out to Zeinav of all places?”

   It was funny, those guards now were so terrified that they wouldn't doubt them for a second when something, if anything, happens. I gave a light giggle when the guards basically ran over each other to follow what was wanted. The chaos that Vail practically radiated, with or without him knowing, was a kinship I could connect to. Grabbing my doll securely to my body, the wind started to pick up as we basically shot forward. I did the opposite of what he did. While he seemed to relax, I focused forward, preparing for the switch of weather and the chaos that follows.

   I register what was asked of me, but not answering for a moment of time. When I did, it was soft enough only Vail could hear. "I was investigating some of the paintings that happened around there. It seemed they needed an unbiased perspective to activate and lead a breakthrough for their troop of troublemakers." I smile seeing the clouds of home fast approaching. I squint at the clouds, my analysis mode activating and tuning out all other conversations.

   The moment we enter the fold, I call out, "Slightly to the left, at this speed we should have a straight ride to the mountains." The guards had shut up any conversations as I spoke, quickly following my orders. A good thing too, as lighting strikes the path we were just on. I smile, watching the familiar weather, finally able to relax in the pattern of chaos.

The mention of Zeinav’s painting fiasco caused Vail to wince slightly. It was a strange mix of emotions, on one hand he’d met Cirice, while on the other he had blacked out and almost hurt her. He’d heard news during this trip to the city that there were apparently multiple parties behind the acts of vandalism. He hoped for Keyke’s sake that she had found a less grisly source for the paintings.

“I investigated those occurrences myself a few weeks ago, along with a friend. I’m not sure what you found, but I’d like to keep my mind far away from those events. Just another reason to stay out of Zeinav.” He replied with a slightly less jovial tone.

He watches as the young woman squints towards the clouds, clearly, she was an analytical person. She would probably make a good thief, but judging by her outfit, she was too well off to ever require taking on that kind of work. The carriage crew also seemed to respect her authority. Perhaps she was some manner of an advisor? He swindled quite a few nobles who would do well to have someone like this in their employ.

His train of thought is broken as the sound of thunder radiates from their former path, causing him to flinch a little. His eyes looked towards his companion, her calm demeanor in this weather helped to ease his nerves. A smile found its way back across his face as he knew this ride was going to be even smoother than he expected.

“I’ll admit I haven’t spent a lot of time in the Dragon’s Cradle, is there anything in particular that I should keep a look out for?”

   Advice, simple, easy, and dirt cheap. His flinch tells me he is used to less natural attacks and more bandit wares. Looking back at him, taking in the pale skin, scars, and remembering his delinquent like behavior, I come to the conclusion it's not a simple 'stay up high'. I look back up, judging in case a sudden fight has broken out and causes change in the strikes. I fidget with my doll, clearing off any unwanted sand, as I speak.

   "Based on your demeanor and actions, I say you want some peace but not boredom. Stormgale Village are risk takers, drinking till strikes of lightning," another bolt hits somewhat close but no enough to do any damage, "hit them. Lots of people go to Thorock, known for ships, sailors, trade, and bandits. Some high level gangs reside there, so if planning on going independent there, your loss." I trace to the tops of mountains in the distance, feeling a warm welcome when lightning stroke around it, making a beautiful picture. "Finally. where peace is an option and most who are smart will go their, Sky Peak Village. Hope you can memorize tunnel systems and adapt when needed, it's ever changing up there. But it's a home for me, especially the creative wood elves that are always willing to trade intel and crafts."

   My eyes divert to the road entering the mountains, pausing at the sight above the path. Bandits, all from Thorock, looking ready to pounce. I raise the doll in the air, waving at the pathway, watching the figures back away from their plan.

Vail listened intent as the young woman went laid out a rather impressive summary of the various villages of the Dragons Cradle. Part of him thought about interrupting, but this information could be useful should he ever need work there. As the girl finished, he released his laughter.

“Keyke, I was asking if there is something I should be on the lookout for on the road. I do appreciate the advice though. Don’t worry I’m plenty experienced when it comes to avoiding trouble. If I ever need a tour guide, I’ll be sure to look you up.” He said in a sarcastic, jovial tone.

Suddenly the girl lifts her doll upwards as if signaling someone down. Sure enough, his eyes catch movement up ahead. Several figures lay in wait just at the entrance to the mountains. Judging by their ragged attire, he’d say they were bandits, waiting to intercept and travelers or trade caravans that pass by. Their expressions gave a sense of fear; whatever status Keyke held in this region, it was enough to quell lowlifes like them. The carriage crew proceeded, oblivious to the potential threat lying in wait. As they passed by, Vail locked eyes with a group of them, making sure they knew they didn’t have the element of surprise should they find any amount of bravery.

After getting several minutes away from the potential ambush, he relaxed his stance and let his eyes take in the sight of the storms.

“I can see that you find this place comforting, that’s a good thing. For most of my life I took things like this for granted. Darkveil was a suffocating place for so many, it was only recently that I’ve found some who take comfort in that ash. Traveling the world has opened my eyes to so many experiences, from the heavy winds of coastal storms, to the beautiful glimmer of the morning sun against the freshly laid blizzard snow.”

He examines the wrappings of his right arm. As much as he hated to admit it, his condition helped him appreciate the small things in life now more than ever.

“I’m quite partial to a light morning rain myself. Watching it always puts me in a state of reflection.” He says in a soft tone, looking to his companion with a smile.

The sudden movement of several rocks falling into the path ahead broke his calm demeanor. He immediately swapped back to an alert stance, waiting to move at any moment.

   Movement did happen, but not all that unnatural. I sigh in exasperation, looking to the figures above. I call out "You guys know that this is when you're more likely to get hit, right?" They smoothly gravitated to the road and the guards could see the four extremely tall wood elves.

   They, at least, have the audacity to look sheepish. I shake my head and point to the landslide. "Clean up your mess or I'm going to have to report you guys for being out here." One of them started getting teary eyed, the guards started to look at me like I was all powerful or something, a complete one-eighty from earlier. I reiterate, "I said I'll report you if you don't fix what you started. I am trying to escort these people to meet for a meeting about the lands and achieving peace."

   The people start flinching, not realizing I listened while I talk. Pleading eyes turned to me, my sadistic side feeling full at being able to control emotions this well with only a sentence. I look back to the elves, who were starting to clear the road. I sighed and turned to Vail, " I'm sorry about them, it looks like they were trying to set up an artwork along the road, lightning struck the statue and now this happened." I sit down once more, watching the group till they finish.

“No need to apologize, it’s simply an unfortunate accident. They are probably not having a good day.”

Vail’s eyes give away a sense of concern, albeit not directed towards the flustered wood elves.

“They are so scared of you, even before you started speaking, I could see the fear in their eyes. That can be both a blessing and a curse; it can keep you out of trouble but it also keeps people from getting close to you. I’ve been out of Darkveil for 8 years now and yet people still look to me with distrust. Some things you can’t change, you just got live with the lot you’re dealt in life. I’ve been rather lucky as of recent however, I’ve found a few who either odd enough or naïve enough to give me chance.”

He looks to his companion with a smirk.

“I don’t think you’re particularly scary.”

He leans back in his seat as the carriage begins to move again. His eyes stare to the thundering clouds above, but this time he doesn’t show an ounce of fear. He speaks in a low, soft tone, making sure that their conversation was limited to them.

“It’s strange , I’d usually have my guard up. I’d watch my words carefully, afraid of a unnecessary information leaking out. But here I feel like I can be open. I can speak my mind without fear of consequence. Perhaps that same air that causes fear amongst the common folk also gives me a sense of comfort. What do you think? You seem happy considering the chaos of these storms."

   Scared, that a nice way to put it. I look to the wood elves who I hold dear to my heart, my family in all but blood. I turn to Vail, seeing him in complete calm and open to read. None of what he said had a hint of lies or even half-truths. He was being completely honest with me. My practiced smiles melted and my mouth closed. I look to the familiar sky. The lightning, the clouds, the likely chance of rain pouring. These were the patterns that told truth. Looking once more at the wood elves finishing their cleaning, my memories of how the feasts, the learning, the constant want to play with me, all came flooding back.

   I turn to Vail, "I say we create the opportunity to connect to what is familiar to us. I felt you would be close and a kin for silence. Instead we share an action repeated to us. Though they have very different reasons." The road was clear and I give a small bow to the wood elves. The fear all gone, the worry as if it never happened.

    They call out, "Don't bow, we were worried some one might be hurt!" They each side look to each other with smirks, "So...how's Nit doin?" I could tell they were being playful, so I gave a little eye roll. "Nit is in school right now, has been during my journey for information. You will find out about him when I do." I held a bit of pride in my voice, "I did teach him how to hide from info brokers very well after all."

    I look to the group, "Well, road is clear. Lets finish this!" The we start to slowly move up the mountains, but the wood elves were so tall and experienced with climbing that it was a nice pace for them to keep up with us.

Vail thinks for a moment before responding to Keyke's words.

"You're right, I am a kin for silence. It's often necessary for my work. I have spent days only observing and listening to others. The most important part of working independently is handling your own information gathering. So much information passes by people too eager to hear their own voice. There is a time and place for conversation. I simply choose to reserve it for times of peace."

Her conversation with the wood elves caused him a significant amount of embarrassment. Her similarities caused him to attribute their expressions to the same reasons they might look at him in fear. He didn't account for any familiarity they might have had, despite this being her home.

He hung his head low before beginning to speak again.

“It appears you’re much better at social perceptions than I am. I saw the fear in the wood elves’ eyes and I assumed they were afraid of you just like the bandits were. I apologize for any offense my words might have caused.”

Tilting his head back up, he closes his eyes before taking a deep breath.

"Avoiding information brokers huh? It appears we share a similar skill set. I've run from my past for 8 years, until a particularly curious Fellblood happened to get lucky." He pauses briefly, contemplating his recent decisions over the past year.
"There comes a point in our lives when we must face our past. Hiding your entire life is no way to live. I've decided on a goal outside of surviving for the first time in a long while. I want only one thing now. That heady feeling of freedom."

   His hung head was truly worrying, I look to the others and they nod their heads, ready to befriend this man no matter what. "There is no need to apologize for assumptions, everyone makes them, most often they are wrong." I give a small giggle at the hiding part, my want of revelation to show.

That simple word was all that was needed to push me forward, "Freedom, you say? What is your definition of freedom? I find it to be so conflicting that there is little that holds that small balance." My natural smile showing, grinning like a mad man. The elves look to each other, knowing exactly what was happening and unsure of what to do. It was a rare look to see, much less for me to sow to a person I just met. "I personally prefer the definition connected to choices, where you are your own boss, and not letting what others say get to you." I look at the top of the mountain, "It's all about who you have around, what you can do, and how you value those skills."

I smile at him, opening up my body language, to allow him to see my honesty, and staring into his eyes. "Lets start with step one, who you have around." I raise my hand to him, "My name is Keyke, The Arcana of Storms from here in Dragon's Cradle, would you like to be friends and have tea time every now and then?"

“To me, freedom is the ability to live regardless of your past or your situation. To be able to live on in spite of your fate and deciding what matters to you personally. I lived the majority of my life just as some tool for another, ignorantly believing they wouldn’t discard me for their own benefit. When that day finally came however, fate intervened, allowing me a second chance in exchange for everything I ever had.” Vail paused briefly, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I guess what I desire most now is the ability to decide when and where I die, and to hopefully have made some small influence on the world when I part from it.”

He smiles as Keyke lays out her perspective. “For the sound of it, you want to set up your own crew. Being a leader is fulfilling, but not easy. Especially when you need to weed out any bad actors. It’s a difficult balance of your ambitions against those who follow you, you must be careful not overstep one another, lest one of you meets their demise.”

He stared back into the woman pale golden eyes wondering what she saw in the crimson irises that aren’t entirely his. Regardless of her intentions, he couldn’t help cracking a smirk. He extended his own hand meeting hers without hesitation. “I can’t say that I have a fanciful title like Arcana of Storms, but I’m a bit of a legend myself.” With his free hand, he rubs his chin briefly as he thinks. “Let’s see, how about this... My name is Vail, The Ghost of The Ash Lands, and I would very much like to be friends and share the occasional drink.” He continues with a smile.

   A friend, rare of me to chose and pick up without many encounters or long periods of time. The elves knew what this meant, he has my connection, none should try to take him unless willing to deal with me. The simple hand shake was something professional, till I placed his hand on my head. I give a sharp smile upward, holding his hand in place till I got the head pat I wanted. Barely containing my laughter at his face I quickly speak, "Friends don't need handshakes, yes? It's to professional for such a close connection! Feel free to head pat me, or even just casually brush fingers through my hair! I'm aware our height will make greeting awkward, so lets end it there!"

   My smile dims a bit before he could do anything, ready to abandon my selfish want. "Sorry if physical contact is hard for you, I just find I shows trust better than simple words ever could." I release the hand, ready for what ever was chosen by him.

   I look to the caravan and our distance, to the top. I smile bright, "Almost there, just a bit more and the danger is gone!" I give a small series of claps filled with happiness.