Completed The Hills are Alive (Black, Aoren)

[Jadlin Hayes]

Jad had never seen such feral humans before. Travelers far more refined than this were still looked on with disdain in the Citadel of Syliras. 'These are nothing more than beasts! They haven't even taken the time to wash the mud from their malformed bodies!' He was incredulous, staring at them as they approached, their chuckling racket adding to the spectacle. It was not until they got close enough for him to see actual ROCKS taking up parts of their skin surface that old, barely-remembered horror stories cleared through the haze of his astonishment. His heart suddenly lurched in his chest. He had let them get far too close. He nearly shrieked when a harsh pounding crashed through the brush behind and beside him. He spun, ready to make a mad push for freedom. The appearance of a magnificent black horse was not to be questioned, but he did not immediately make the connection. He had never seen Black Onyx actually transform into her Kelvic horse form. She had not volunteered it, and he assumed it was too personal a thing to ask to see. She might have rolled her eyes when he leaped to throw his body across her back, but he was too aware of the approaching menace. It did not occur to him that this horse did not need to be told what to do. She tossed her head with a snort, emphasizing the presence of the blanket. Misunderstanding, he grabbed it, thinking it was just there for him to hold onto, like reins. It actually turned out for the best, as the brutes were on them before he could have set the blanket as a pad anyway. Even with the blanket for leverage, it was all Jad could do to maintain his hold as violent hands grabbed his ankles and Black stepped away as quick as the foliage would allow. The chuckling din changed in pitch as frustration fueled their volume. But the one still clung to Jad's ankles. He tried to get a better grip as the weight slid him onto Black's withers, the bone structure pounding his abdomen, driving the air from him. But the forced turn caused by the imbalance and pull of both men's weight brought the Yukman underneath Black's hooves. It was fortunate that the Yukman was maimed this way, because the tripping blob of hoof-torn flesh caused Black to stumble. Jad miraculously fell away from her, rolling to come back to his feet. The Yukman did NOT rise again. Jad turned to see where their picnic had been set. It was only then that the full connection came to him. "...Black??" He took a step back to admire her, but the sound of renewed pursuit cut short any chance to comment on her glorious, powerful form. "We've got to get back to my bow." He grimaced as he realized he'd dropped his quiver, but he knew he had more arrows back at the picnic basket. He leaped again across her back, struggling clumsily to get a leg over so he could sit properly. They reached the picnic site before he accomplished this. His feet were tingling from the jiggled circulation, and stung when he slid off. He grabbed his bow and the remaining bundle of twenty arrows. Now he turned to Black with a broad, appreciative smile. "My lady, you are beautiful in ANY form!" The massive horse threw her head high in response, but the sound of the Yukmen ended the exchange. Jad turned, stringing an arrow, and realized that his twenty arrows might not be enough.

[Black Onyx]

Jadlin had thrown his body across her back and grabbed a hold of the blanket as if it was a set of reins. Indeed, if she had been in human form, she probably would have rolled her eyes. However there was a threat close by and she couldn’t think for too long upon it as she pushed forwards back the way she had come, having to only trot instead of canter through the foliage because she was now carrying precious cargo. She didn’t want to lose Jadlin , for if she ever lost Jadlin because she had been careless for whatever reason, she would never forgive herself. Suddenly, she felt extra weight and the thing that had grabbed a hold of Jadlin, made sure that she certainly felt that she was pulling extra weight. With a snort she pushed forwards hoping that Jadlin might be able to resolve the issue as slowly he slid forwards onto her withers and she herself was fighting to keep on to the straight path as their weight began to pull her to one side. Finally, she gave in to the weight that was pulling her to one side and the strange human like creature went under her hooves.

As it went under her hooves, the sudden obstacle caused her to stumble, her hoof went straight through the throat of this creature and she felt something like blood coat it. As soon as she regained her balance from the sudden loss of bodies on her back, she turned to face Jadlin just as soon as he made the connection. "...Black??" He didn’t realize that she had changed into her horse form? She asked herself as she flickered an ear back to listen for more incoming footsteps and he took a step back away from her, why? She wasn’t exactly sure, but then he mentioned about getting back to his bow and she patiently waited for him to get back onto her back. For the second time he leaped back over onto her back and she started forth into a canter, dodging trees and shrubs. Black was beginning to think that Jadlin didn’t know how to ride horses, it was either that or it was the simple fact that she was too tall for him. However, he had said, they needed to get back to the picnic site and she whole-heartily agreed, weaving through the trees, turning her head every now and then to make sure that she still had Jadlin. Surprisingly, he didn’t weight that much, but then again she was a horse, so perhaps the weight of a human didn’t really weigh much to her? This was the first time that she had carried someone upon her back, so it was fairly interesting to her all the same.

As they reached the picnic site, he slid off her back to rush and grab his bow plus whatever arrows were left, throwing a compliment her way. She would have blushed but instead she settled with throwing her head up high, the blanket that was still grasped in her teeth flapping with the movement. Finally she let go of it as they heard the sounds of Yukmen and Jad moved to string an arrow into place. Slowly, she would move to fold her legs underneath her form to lie down, hoping that this would help him to get onto her back in a sitting position, a position that would be far easier for her to move around without the in-balanced weight pulling her to one side. Black’s first response when there was too many, was to run and she hoped as soon as Jadlin realized that he would hop onto her back. If he did, she would rise back up onto her four hooves and dart forwards, stretching her neck out as she pushed herself to run as fast as she could without throwing Jadlin off. This path would take them straight onto the path of Aoren.

[Aoren]

NoteOh my gosh! I am so sorry for keeping you guys waiting! To make up for that? Wall of text!

Aoren was still running opposite the direction of the yukman he’d encountered. He darted forward ducking under the gnarled branches of the stiff trees jutting out of the rocky hillsides. He kept his eyes on the lookout for any signs of the two people he was in search of. So distracted in his search was he that he missed a hole in the ground. His left foot caught in the dip and he toppled over twisting his ankle beyond its limits. The Drykas man yelped in pain falling to the dirt. He tucked his arms in shielding his face, dropping his quarterstaff and slammed into the ground. The impact was jarring, the pain in his ankle caused him to see white. The world was spinning by the time his vision cleared. He shook his head trying to regain his senses. The moment he did Aoren felt the strong pull, the irrefutable urging from the shining mark on the right side of his face.

Taking a deep breath Aoren felt around for his staff. When his fingers brushed over the smooth wood he grasped it. Using the quarterstaff for support Aoren pulled himself up off the ground. He took a tentative step forward. The moment he moved he was glad to have the staff for support. He hissed in pain barely able to even move his left foot without it causing sharp stabs throughout the extremity. The gentle nudging in his mind urged him onward.

Soothe. Mend. Heal.

Hobbling over to one of the steely trees he winced with every step. Using the trunk of the tree for support Aoren managed to get himself into a somewhat comfortable position. Isikai padded up to the Drykas making a whimpering noise. Aoren’s breath was coming in strained pants. Obliging the compulsion stemming from the mark of Rak’keli he leaned down placing his hand over his ankle. Immediately he could feel the blessed warmth of Rak’keli’s gift flow over his injured ankle. The stabbing pain slowly lessened. The throbbing in his foot receded. His head cleared and his breathing evened out. When he removed his hand he cautiously transferred his weight to the foot that was previously injured. It still felt a little weak but what had quite obviously been a sprain was now gone. The strain placed on the muscle and tendon having been repaired.

A growl came from Aoren’s right. He looked down to see Isikai hunched down ready to pounce. The dog’s fangs were bared. He was staring straight ahead. Aoren looked up. Lumbering toward them was the yukman they had been trying to escape. Only it was not alone. Another of the ghastly earth spawn was barreling through the trees alongside it. Their inhuman howls echoing through the otherwise quiet area. Aoren looked from Isikai to the beasts. He sighed.

“Well, we can’t outrun them can we?” The dog merely continued to growl at the yukmen charging their way. Grasping his quarterstaff Aoren took up a stance. While he had been hoping to avoid a fight it seemed there was no getting around it. Closer and closer the two yukmen charged forward their gaping twisted maws emitting howls of deranged fury. Aoren couldn’t say he wasn’t afraid. He’d seen how vicious these creatures could get. They were brutal to say the very least. Swallowing hard he looked to his companion. Isikai seemed ready. Aoren turned to face the monsters.

And then they were upon them.

Aoren reacted as quickly as he was able. The yukmen charged at him head on. Given he was the most obvious target this didn’t much surprise him. Vicious though they could be in a fight, the beasts were simple minded. Aoren was bigger, more noticeable, so they went after him first. The nearest yukman swung his arms in a haphazard attempt to smash Aoren’s face in. The Drykas man ducked down rolling to the side away from the swing and from both of the earthmen. Coming down on his side he followed the momentum of his roll before planting himself in a crouch opposite the beasts. They both wasted no time in wheeling about to continue their assault. Aoren lashed out with a kick using his right leg catching the nearest beast in the shin.

The heel of his boot connected with the flat of the shin. The yukman bellowed in anger as it stumbled back. Meanwhile its partner moved in to rake its claw like hands over Aoren’s body. It was then that Isikai leaped forward clamping down on the yukman’s shoulder distracting the lumbering creature enough to allow Aoren an opening. Still focusing on his immediate target, Aoren jumped up using his quarterstaff to aid in getting to his feet quickly. Planting the butt of the staff into the dirt Aoren used it to propel himself forward bringing up a knee to slam into the yukman’s jaw. The earth spawn dropped to the ground with a startled screech. Letting his momentum carry himself forward Aoren came down upon the creature’s head positioning himself so that his full weight would be brought into force on the creature’s face. As soon as both he and the yukman hit the ground Aoren heard a sickening crunch. He felt a stab through his leg as pain erupted in his knee.

Rolling away from the yukman Aoren whirled around in time to see Isikai grabbed by the second monstrosity and flung several feet away like a sack of potatoes. The dog yelped in pain as he hit the base of a tree. Aoren’s heart clenched.

“Isikai!” Anger welled up inside of Aoren the likes of which he had not felt in a long time. Taking hold of that anger Aoren summoned the strength of his djed from deep within the well of his soul. Even as the offensive creature bore down upon Aoren the Drykas man faced him with unwavering resolution. Dropping his staff Aoren swiftly summoned his res as a gas. Without hesitating he willed the gas to bunch together gathering into a column that with a forceful throw he sent hurtling toward the charging yukman. With a flick of his thoughts Aoren transmuted the gas. Air speared forth through the distance between them. It was quickly joined by fire. The two elements wove together becoming a lightning javelin that struck the yukman square in the chest.

There was a resounding crack of thunder and a brilliant flash of light. When it faded where once stood a complete yukman, or at least as complete as it could be, only the lower portion of its malformed body remained. The other half lay several yards away. A low grunt caught Aoren’s attention. The other yukman was coming to its senses. It slowly pulled itself to its feet, the creature’s jaw dislocated. Aoren did not hesitate. Reaching for his djed Aoren willed Res to his right hand. He concentrated it until the gas was so dense he could almost consider it a solid. Flicking his wrist Aoren willed the gas to shoot forth assuming the vague shape of a spear once more. He kept hold of the res until the last moment before transmuting into nothing but air. The concussive force of so much condensed air being released in a controlled burst took the beast’s head off of its shoulders with a gruesome rip.

The rest of the wind? It billowed out in a furious wave that hit Aoren. Hard. He was flung backward into a tree slamming against the trunk. The force of it winded him as he slid down to the ground. Taking a moment or two to catch his breath he turned his attention to Isikai. The dog had been flung far enough away to have only received the vestiges of the blast. Grabbing his quarterstaff Aoren stumbled over to Isikai dropping down to his companion. The dog whimpered but was at the very least upright if on wobbly legs. Reaching out Aoren ran his hands over the dog’s fur.

“Shhh, shhh, it’s okay boy.” Bringing the canine close Aoren felt the urging from his gnosis. He gave himself to it. He soothed the large dog all the while threading the healing power of Rak’keli into his touch. He gave it willingly. Isikai had been his only friend and companion several seasons. The idea of losing him so violently pained Aoren on a level that shocked him. It was then that he heard the clop of hooves. He heard the surprised exclamations of a man.

He heard the grumbling and howling of more yukmen in the distance.

Looking up from Isikai Aoren’s eyes came to rest of a magnificent black horse. Not just a horse though, there was a man upon the great beast’s back. Squinting a moment Aoren realized it was none other than exactly the man he was looking for. As the warmth and light of Rak’keli faded, his gift having done what it could for the dog, Aoren rose to his feet grabbing his staff. Without hesitating he charged forward directly into the path of the horse.

“Jadlin Hayes!” It was all or nothing. Either the horse stopped. Or Aoren would be forced to roll out of the way of its mad dash.

Another Note!Bear in mind the events of that combat scene probably only took maybe 2-3 minutes at most.

[Jadlin Hayes]

Jad was only beginning to get the sense of balance required to keep from falling off Black's side as she hurried away from the approaching Yukmen. He had already fallen twice before, each time grabbing mane, to her great discomfort and dismay. Now he was leaning forward, his arms wrapped around her powerful neck. He was content simply to leave, and assumed she felt the same. He'd not heard much more than rumors about these earth-brutes, or..what was it?..."Erkmen"? Every tale he'd heard spoke of huge battles to eradicate them. He didn't really know why one couldn't just get away and call himself lucky. Surely these brutes had the sense to avoid towns... He was upset at having to leave the picnic paraphernalia behind, but he'd seen, one of the times he'd fallen, that the spread had attracted a number of the freaks, who devoured what remained in a hurry, their antics drawing some of their fellows back, who went through a curious series of gestures that seemed to copy their brothers to no point. One of them still held the wine bottle like a club. Jad had shaken his head in disgust at the waste of fine wine. He'd managed to hang onto his bow and a last bundle of arrows. If they actually had to fight, he'd need to make near every arrow count to offset the number of pursuing monsters, by his best estimate. He wondered if Black had ever fought in horse form, he'd seen what a horse's back kick with hooves could do to a man. It was pretty if you liked the colors black, blue, red and swollen. She'd already trampled that first one, but it had been an accident. he wondered if it had bothered her to mutilate the thing that way. he didn't think it should, but it was easy for him to say. First chance he got, he was going to talk to her about it, let her spill her emotions to him, tell her she'd done nothing wrong. As all this ran through his mind, a man suddenly appeared directly in front of them shouting his name. Several elements combined for a dramatic result. First, This was Jad's first time on a horse, and it was rushing along, if not outright galloping. Second, it was Black's first time carrying anyone, and she clearly did not have the instinct to aid a rider in remaining balanced. Also, the very fact of hearing his name, brought his head up to see, reducing the barely secure hold on Black's neck. Lastly, Black got a surprisingly secure grip, to stop without any sliding. As a result, Jad got his first lesson in flying as well as riding... To his credit, Jad had the instinctive wit to apply all his focus and control, what little he had of the latter, to land in a moderately successful tuck and roll. He was also armed with enough luck to miss the many stumps and rocks abounding in the area. He rolled quickly to his feet, stumbling suddenly as the latent pain registered in his brain. "What in Priskil's Privy do you think you're doing!? Who ARE you? Are you crazy? Jumping in front of a galloping horse like that!" Something else suddenly registered, and his manner became more guarded, as he started to glance around for the bow and arrows he'd dropped. "How do you know my name?" He'd seen several flashes of light, as he tumbled through the air, which he assumed were simply sunlight flashing through gaps in branches. With his focus on the man before him, he did not know if Black had chosen to remain in horse form or not.

[Black Onyx]

Black had felt his arms wrapped around her powerful neck as her hooves pounded upon the fertile earth underneath them. Her muscles bunched and rippled underneath her skin as she stretched her neck out, her ears pressed back against her head as she ran. This was most definitely the path that they had taken to get up there, she just hoped that she could safely get Jadlin back to the city. The young equine would just have to return back to the spot at her own risk to reclaim her belongings, she wouldn’t be taking Jadlin back there any time soon, nor would she allow it if she had any idea that he would be going. She felt the resistance within the breeze and the air that rushed into her lungs before quickly being expelled as she galloped. The equine had noticed being the last two tries, that Jadlin didn’t really ride very well, well, she didn’t think so at least. She wasn’t an expert on how people should ride horses, but to her, it didn’t seem right with how he was sitting. Although, she supposed now wasn’t really the time nor the place to be fussy with how the male was sitting, after all, she was running for both of their lives.

Suddenly, a man jumped into her path, he was shouting Jadlin’s name and she made a quick split decision, one that really didn’t involve Jadlin, for she wasn’t exactly used to carrying someone upon her back. She dug her front hooves into the ground to stop the fast forward motion, this accidentally sending Jadlin flying off her back and straight past the male that had jumped into her path. A fact that didn’t fully register until her form was secure with all four hooves settled upon the ground, for such a stop had almost sent herself rolling forwards, which would have crashed into the male who was barely standing a foot and a half in front of her. Black was unsure as to how to take this man, as to whether he meant harm or as to whether he meant peace, but as her breath came in quick, only to just be expelled just as quickly. She lowered her head and snorted, pawing the ground with her front right hoof. Suddenly she heard Jadlin’s angered voice, his stumbling form instantly had her worried.

She forgot about the strange man and instantly went to Jadlin’s side, her form brushing up against his as she lowered her head so then he could get a grasp upon her black mane. She didn’t mind about the pulling, not one bit, but she was aware that it did seem like he was in pain, like she could feel his pain that suddenly plague his body and this worried her. Had her inconsideration or lack of mindfulness just gotten him injured? Her brown eyes flickered too view the strange male as the equine kept pace with Jadlin. A guilt settled over her for her lack of consideration when her brown hues glanced over towards the strange male, only now just noting the dog on the ground as well. It appeared he too was attack and she snorted, an ear pricking forwards. Was there still danger nearby? How did this man know Jadlin and why the petch were they still in this one spot. Tension was evident in the way her muscles bunched and her pace almost seemed as if it wanted to keep moving, but she had to helped Jadlin back onto her back, they couldn’t stay here and now was not the time for chit chat. She would have tossed her head and whinnied a protest followed by pawing the ground, but just in case Jadlin had grasped a hold of her mane, she didn’t want to aggravate any of his injuries, so she settled for yet another snort.

[Aoren]

Aoren stood his ground taking only the smallest step back as the great black horse ground to a halt kicking up dirt in its sudden stop. He leaned his head out of the way as to avoid getting a face full of earth. He followed Jadlin’s journey through the air and onto the ground with a slight grimace. Eyeing the horse for a moment he turned walking toward Jadlin who, rightly so, was rather agitated at suddenly finding that he was picking himself up off the ground. Nevertheless Aoren answered his questions.

“I know a lot more about you than just your name, Mr. Hayes. How and why will have to wait for the time being.” Aoren nodded to the group of yukmen that were stomping their way. Aoren quickly counted those that he could see. They numbered less than ten but that was still more than he was willing to deal with if he could avoid it. Yukmen in general were bad enough. Dealing with them in any quantity made for a bloody and chaotic brawl that could quite easily turn lethal if one wasn’t prepared to deal with the creatures. Aoren couldn’t say with all certainty that he was.

“Unless you and your…” He eyed the large horse that seemed eager to depart the scene. “…mount are any good in a fight. I suggest we leave and we leave now or find somewhere to hide.”

Aoren tightened his grip on his staff. His body felt tense. He was favoring one of his legs. The stunt with the two dead yukmen hadn’t left him without scrapes and bruises of his own. The cloth along his back was torn exposing cuts to the air from when he’d slammed into the tree. His left shoulder ached painfully. He was fairly certain that he’d end up with bruising later. The call of his gnosis, the blessed mark of Rak’keli urged him to take care of these injuries but he hadn’t the time. It was either stand and fight or flee and hide. What time he’d had he’d used it to mend Isikai as much as he could.

He had at his disposal the power to dispatch the creatures if he so chose but that was placing both himself and those around him at great risk. Aoren did not utilize his talents with reimancy so haphazardly. The surge of emotion that had coursed through him at seeing Isikai injured had shown him yet again just how easily his own powers could affect him in close proximity if he wasn’t careful. The dog padded over to Aoren. His ears were perked but his head hung low. He gave a low whine pawing at the dirt. Even if they broke out into a run Aoren knew that they would not be fast enough to escape the lumbering creatures headed their way. Not with Aoren’s knee scraped, bruised and bleeding after slamming it into the dead yukman’s face.

The growl of the creatures drew his attention. He eyed them warily. A decision needed to be made.

“Well, Jadlin? Will you fight? Or will you flee?” Cobalt blue eyes came to rest on the young man in them was a grim determination. Aoren had come to find Jadlin for a purpose. Regardless of his decision, Aoren would not leave until that purpose was fulfilled.

[Jadlin Hayes]

Curiosity was as much a part of Jad's decision as courage. 'Who is this guy? What reason does he have to know me by name...and come all the way up here, looking for me?' He knew he needed to set this question aside, that the urgency of the situation required it, but he would have his answer. And that meant sticking with the guy until they HAD the time to discuss it. He walked up to Black, "Stay with me girl, we're going to stay mobile. And if we get boxed in, I may need you to kick our way out. I know you can do it." He turned back to the robed man, "I can fight well enough, I guess. If you can tell me what these things ARE..." He said, slipping an arrow onto the string as he gave the stranger a look up and down. "You have that 'Mage' look. Are you a caster of some sort?" He started to side step, unleashing arrows into the approaching gang of brutes. They were massed closely enough that three of his four shots hit flesh, but none of the creatures dropped from the wounds, though one was slowed considerably, his knee transfixed by a shaft. Jad continued to move away from the robed man, raising his voice so he wouldn't be seen to look in that direction. "I can probably keep them focused on me. I don't know how much these arrows are hurting them, but they are definitely MAD at me. I hope you can ambush them with something devastating when I swing them back around. Unless you've got a better idea." It appeared to Jad that his impression was correct. Jad had separated himself from the mage by a dozen yards or more. The entire group of primitives was turning towards him, none seeming to concern themselves with the robed man and his dog. Though it could be a ruse, these freaks didn't display anything indicating such deceptive knowledge. There was a curious imitative behavior though. Several of the brutes were raising their arms as if holding bows and flicking their corresponding hands to release imagined arrows as they neared. Jad's timing was good enough to get himself propped across Black's back with enough time for her to hurry away from the 'Yukmen'. Knowing what sort of mage this man was would make it easier to decide how closely he should lead the pack of brutes back past him to allow for what sort of attack the man would craft.

[Black Onyx]

He apparently didn’t need her help to walk, so she tossed her head, her brown gaze turning to view from where they had come. Jadlin had spoken to her about staying close and she lowered her head as she snorted. There was no way that she was going to become separated from Jadlin if she could help it, in fact, she would rather die than leave Jadlin behind for whatever reason that he deemed fit. Her gaze flickered towards the strange male that had yet to give a name even though he had clearly stated that he knew who Jadlin was and that worried her to an extent. She knew that Jadlin hadn’t been in Zeltiva for very long, so how did this strange robed man know Jadlin? Had he been a name that Jadlin had visited on his list? Not possible, she suddenly realized, for Jadlin did not know this man, his words indicated as much. She would have demanded an answer had she not been in her horse form, or if there hadn’t been a threat from some creature that she did not know of. She certainly hadn’t seen any of these creatures before when she had visited the foothills with her parents when she was little.

With pricked ears, she watched as Jadlin decided that they would fight and she lowered her head a snort of disapproval brought forth. A thief learned to run from danger and this, was most definitely something that she would run from. However, as Jadlin decided to stand ground and fight she almost wanted to shove him in the direction of Zeltiva using her nose and if that didn’t help her cause she would use her build to shove him in that direction. However, she didn’t want to bully the one that she had begun to develop feelings for and simply followed him as he notched an arrow into his bow and stayed close to his side even as he began to unleash arrows into the crowd of creatures. She trusted his aim enough to not hit her and he was at least hitting the creatures somehow. Well, maybe it was because they were more grouped close together, not like the trees that he had been firing arrows at before. One of those creatures got too close for Black’s liking and she dipped her head in between her front legs and kicked out with her hind legs. The young equine felt her hooves connect with the creature and as soon as her all of her hooves touched the fertile earth once again, she lifted her head and turned it so then she could view the creature stumbling back a few and she snorted, her ears pressing back against her head. It was then that she watched the creature fall backwards and just stayed upon the ground not moving.

Black then realized that Jad had gone further ahead of her and she tossed her head before trotting after him, making sure to stay beside him from then on. Then as the creatures got close, too close for Black’s comfort, he suddenly leapt back up onto her back, once again, she slightly felt his weight pull more to one side, but her main priority was to get Jadlin away from the creatures that seemed bent on killing them. So she turned, before cantering back towards the strange male. The strange man that Jadlin had called a mage and once she was behind the male, she stopped, making sure to slow her pace so then she came to a gentle stop. She snorted waiting for this ’mage’ to do his thing. Although, just in case that it failed, she turned her head to nuzzle Jadlin in an attempt to help him get onto her back properly, she would be here ready to run. Of course, she would allow the mage upon her back, seeing as Jadlin wanted answers from him and the dog too if she must.

[Aoren]

“They’re called Yukmen. Why they form I couldn’t tell you only that they form in groups.” The size of those groups varied. It was with good reason that whenever they popped up scourges were mounted to root out the creatures. They were a menace when left unchecked. Aoren watched as Jadlin began backing away releasing arrows rather clumsily into the fray of the group of yukmen. The arrows missed for the most part but some of them managed to hit a target here or there. If this was the best that Jadlin had to offer in the way of defending himself the situation was not looking hopeful. Not long after the large black horse trotted after Jadlin in a curious display of very gallant loyalty. He didn’t have much time. Aoren knew what he would have to do. He knelt down reaching out to pet his dog fondly.

“Go.” Isikai whined. The dog stepped closer nuzzling Aoren affectionately. Aoren gently pushed the dog away nodding to the distance. Isikai barked pawing at the ground making it obvious that he wasn’t going anywhere. Aoren sighed. He didn’t have the heart to shove Isikai away. So he settled for resting his head against the top of Isikai’s before rising to his feet. The yukmen were a good distance away lured in by Jadlin’s ploy. The creatures were very simple minded for the most part but a few of them had broken away to begin trudging in Aoren’s direction. Reaching inside of himself Aoren took hold of his djed. He gripped his quarterstaff tightly in order to balance himself as he spread his feet shoulder width apart. Taking a deep breath he began conjuring his Res.

Raising his free hand he quickly formed three spheres of azure Res. They were small, no larger than a walnut but what he could do with them was all that mattered. With but the slightest concentration of his thoughts the spheres condensed until the surface was as smooth as glass. He solidified the outer most layers leaving the interior of the Res spheres as a liquid. The first of his targets came into his line of sight. Two shambling yukmen growling with sinister intent. Aoren’s resolve hardened. These were not creatures to pity. They were not beings to marvel at. They were monsters who would just as soon tear one apart as they would dig a hole in the ground.

Aoren tossed the three Res spheres into the air sending them flying toward the two yukmen with a mental command. The azure walnut sized spheres sped forth guided by Aoren’s control of over the djed through his outstretched hand. Aoren made a sudden twist with his wrist causing the spheres to begin rotating. Half-way between their journey to the yukmen Aoren made a clenching motion with his fist. The spheres collided with each other their surfaces shattering like glass. As the liquid res spilled out Aoren transmuted it to fire. The result was a spiraling pillar of cerulean flame that speared forth slamming into one of the yukmen.

The creature screeched in agony as its flesh seared fully consumed by the flames. With what little control Aoren still had over the transmuted element he caused the cascade of fire to leap from the one yukman and douse the other immediately nearby. The earth spawn howled grabbing at the flames in a confused panic which only served to make them spread faster.

Aoren wasted no time turning his attention to the remaining monsters.

“Two down. Six to go.”

Reaching for his djed once more Aoren brought up his left hand, the hand not gripping his staff, with fingers splayed and palm facing the rear of the group lumbering toward Jadlin and his horse. He did not want to risk hitting the two with his next spell. Aoren pushed his djed outward conjuring Res in a gaseous stream he immediately propelled forward. From the tips of his fingers the gas spilled forth joining together to form one consistent beam of azure Res that slithered through the air making its way toward the rear yukmen. Midway between himself and his targets Aoren narrowed his eyes transmuting the Res into both wind and fire. He captured the two elements with the grip of his mind weaving them together like an artist would swirl together his paints to produce a new color.

White hot lightning leapt forward veering off course only slightly as it transmuted to blast its way into the rear most creatures. There was the crack of thunder as the lightning bounced between the forms of two more yukmen sizzling flesh and frying the creatures until they collapsed in a smoking heap. Their bodies having absorbed the full brunt of the magical electricity.

It was at that point that both Jadlin and his horse made their way back over to Aoren. The yukmen trailing behind them. He sighed tightening his grip on his staff so as not to favor his injured leg.

“Get behind me.” Aoren did not wait for them to consent. He merely strode forward until both Jadlin and the horse were no longer in the way. Isikai padded after Aoren, his ears flat against his skull with his head lowered. A low growl emanating from his throat. Aoren called upon a larger portion of his djed this time. As he walked it flowed out of his body in a royal blue cloud. The Drykas man made an arcing motion with his arm bringing the gas in front of him. He raised a hand twisting his wrist making a claw with his fingers. The gas divided into four distinct pillars that were soon condensed into rudimentary spears.

When the yukmen were nearing Aoren dropped his arm as if signaling archers to release their arrows. The four spears of Res shot forward guided by Aoren’s strength of will. He made only the slightest motions, merely the barest raising of his chin. The res obeyed his unspoken command. Two spears became water, two became wind, the elements wove together beginning to freeze over forming icy spikes that exploded outward as they made contact with their targets. Three of the oncoming yukmen were either gored or impaled dropping mid-stride as the spell hit them full force. The fourth and final yukman was sent stumbling backwards, his balance offset by the sudden burst of wind. The Drykas man turned away from the off-balanced creature facing both Jadlin and his horse.

“He’s all yours.” Aoren’s whole body ached. He could feel the beginning stages of a severe headache. He walked with a limp. His stomach felt queasy. He could have finished off the final yukman but he had no desire to. Besides, he had faith that Jadlin and his noticeably intelligent steed could handle just one of them. There appeared to be no more of the creatures. Leaning heavily on his staff Aoren made his way over to a tree where he slid down until he was seated fully on the ground taking a moment to catch his breath and ease the pounding he felt in his head. Isikai lay his head gently in Aoren’s lap while the man watched to see what Jadlin would do to dispatch the final threat.

[Jadlin Hayes]

Jad's astonishment at the caster's capability nearly became his undoing as his eyes followed the exhausted mage instead of the last approaching Yukman. He thought he heard Black utter some sort of alarmed whinny and spun quickly trying to find his skirmish sword, remembering with frustrated dismay that he'd only brought the bow. The pole arm may be on the small side for that class of weapon, but it still would have been better than the 'fire-retreat-repeat' strategy he was forced to adopt. The fact that there was only one of these brutes chasing him gave him enough of a feeling of security to negate any sense of truly dire peril. But it also exposed him to the conspicuous embarrassment of seeming unable to drop the creature, despite putting three arrows into its chest before it got close enough to force Jad into his first fallback. It was important to have thirty feet or more distance to his target to achieve the optimum impact and penetrating power, and the creature had gotten inside that. But it was finally starting to slow after the fifth arrow quivered in its gravelly flesh. "Damn!" was all he could think to say as he passed the recuperating mage. "Are these cursed things immune to arrows or something?" His question was obviously rhetorical as he backpedaled past the mage. While there was no great shame in being unable to match an accomplished reimancer for damage, he did, nonetheless, want to appear able to pull his weight. Right now, it was only the weight of arrows being pulled...by the Yukman. Sounds from both before and behind caused him a moment's hesitation. The sudden smell of scorched flesh and the coughing yip from behind him explained the second whinny of alarm coming from Black back ahead of him and he twisted to turn his face toward the withered and blistered remains of the half-melted face of one of the mage's first victims. Even with a large degree of the flesh of its arms consumed by conjured fire, the creature was still surprisingly strong as Jad found himself unable to dislodge the grip around his throat. Instinct kicked in however, and Jad wasted no more than a pair of ticks trying, falling back on his most trusted close-quarters defense. The bow fell to the ground as Jad simply focused on the feel of the Yukman's charred arms. He ignored the growing discomfort of the strangling hands as he focused his sense of touch deeper into the brute's flesh. It was almost as if his hands were actually sinking past the surface and he felt the monster's pulse stutter and retime itself to sync with Jad's. Two things happened nearly simultaneously. First, he felt an empowerment of his own pulse as the Leeched energy coursed through him. Second, the brute's eyes went wide in panic and it croaked piteously and tried to pull free. "No you don't." Jad snarled, trying to ignore the somewhat nauseating "taste" of the foreign djed. He would reject it at the first opportunity, concentrating to conceive it as an imagined cascade of water, which he would form as a puddle of Shielding djed. He had learned to do this years ago as a means of expelling the djed he absorbed through Leeching, to reduce its build up of toxic taint. He knew, in a distracted compartment of his mind, that the shields he massed this way served no tasked purpose, but it was good practice to expel this extraneous djed this way. The day would come when he would learn to form more complex shields. Then his leeching would have a much more beneficial trade-off for its toxic properties. As he held the Yukman in his debilitating embrace, a third phenomenon occurred, which both astounded and disturbed him. He could only assume that, being formed of the earth, transmuted by the residual wild djed of the area, having this djed stripped from the formed body brought about its dismantling back into its unaffected form...dirt and rocks. The creature was literally crumbling before his eyes when he let go of it, taking a shocked step back. Now he took a moment to generate the feel of water on his skin, the growing coolness encompassing the djed he'd leeched from the Yukman. He forced his conception of the mass beading and puddling, running down arm to allow him to wipe it on the ground. There was the sudden recall of his original Yukman target. Even as his heart surged with apprehension, he was puzzled that it had not caught up to him, arrows or not. He spun, preparing to inflict the same defense on that one, as well as to see what had become of it.