Trantaus' Mercy (Open/accepting)

[Moonhera]

“At the end of the street, you turn left and trundle down the alleyway. You take a right through the trees that surround the rusty gateway. You should be able to see no other house, apart from the large burnout stone mansion in the middle of the untended gardens.

That’s where that family used to live. Before, that is, Trantaus came to ravage on them. You see, they had magical powers and from a family with five children they had a wide range. However Trantaus wanted the power, which was denied to him, for himself. So using the power of the law, he launched an assault on the house. The parents scattered their children far and wide in order to save them. It was their last act. They were publically killed by the state the next day, to the cheering of thousands of people. The children and any friends of theirs were declared public enemies, unless they denounced their friendship vows.

That was ten years ago. Trantaus is now ruler and has absolute power. But I hear the children at trying to make their way back to the house, because within it is a secret that will expose Trantaus for what he is, and overthrow him. Justice will be served. However I don’t know whether the children are alive or dead? Where are they? I wonder if anyone will help them?

I don’t how this tale will serve out, for I am only an old woman, repeating what I heard.”

 

[Moonhera]

‘Hear ye, hear ye. Trantaus, the ruler of our fair land, is offering a large reward for anyone that can bring the Ahto children to him. Let all be known that those who hide or try to help them shall be declared public enemies as well and maybe subject to death by painful means. May Trantaus live for long and bring justice to our lands!'

Your story starts now

Extra Information

This is a medieval setting, so nothing modern or futuristic. 'You do not want the people chasing the kids to have laser beams' (quote from N K Cake)
Children can only use their powers every 2 hours (e.g. every two pages)

 

[Moonhera]

Rules

Obey all Gaia and guild rules
Don’t godmod (auto-hitting etc)
PG13
No cybering
Literacy please – no one line posts, " " for speaking etc
Three warnings only
PM me with the title ‘A family home’
Use the skeleton below

Children Positions open

Child 1 – Moonhera
Child 2 – p a n syndrome
Child 3 – Valiant Fenris
Child 4 – N K Cake
Child 5 – greendragonfly52  

[Moonhera]

Profile Skeleton

[align=center][size=12][color=purple][b] A Friend, A Trantaus follower, A Child or A Stranger?[/b][/color][/size]
PICTURE HERE
[size=10][b]Name:[/b] (children’s last name is Ahto)
[b]Age:[/b] (11 upwards)
[b]Gender:[/b]
[b]Powers/weapon:[/b] (powers for children only, within reason! Weapons for everybody else [weapons are not for children XD])
[b]History:[/b]
[b]Other:[/b]
[b]Gaia name:[/b]
[/align][/size]

 

[Moonhera]

Accepted Profiles

A Child



Name: Nile Ahto
Age: 11
Gender: Male
Powers/weapon: Teleportation, to any real location he can picture in his mind
History: Upon being removed from the rest of his kin, Nile was watched over by a family friend as he was too young to be left alone. They fell on hard times, both from pressure by those hunting Nile's family and financial issues.
In the end Nile was left to fend for himself in the isolated back-water location he had been hidden way in. Learning to use his power more, Nile became to depend on it to make a living. Through teleporting, he found it easy to steal what he needed to eat.
The local town think of him as a ghost, a haunting that appears rarely and disappears instantly if spotted, taking away edibles when it can. The villagers have learned to put out little pieces of food at night in support of the "ghost" to make it either go away or not bring them misfortune.
Nile is more than happy keeping up this image.
Other:
Gaia name: N K Cake

A Child

Name: Philip Ahto
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Powers/weapon: Wind, but he can only use it when its blowing
History: He could tell you where he was at the time of the fire, he could tell who he could see, he could tell you the exact time it started but ask him to describe his family’s faces to him and you would draw a blank. When he was scattered from the house by his parents he arrived at a village, far from the house he grew up in. Nightmares still plagued his sleep, as he wandered from the village, when news reached of Trantaus’ declaration against him and his siblings. He kept an eye out for anything that would remind him of their faces and did his parents pictures; however, it only made the memories worse.
He made his way in the world by the way of taking odd jobs and he eventually grew out of his boyish looks. He picked up odd treasures on the way, some he sold, some he kept. He didn’t know where he was going and walked aimlessly for many years, having no purpose in his life. But something keeps jingling in the back of his head, something which was locked away back in the house.
Other:
Gaia name: Moonhera

A Child

Name: Fora Ahto
Age: twenty-three
Gender: female
Powers/weapon: Time Jumper- though it is a useful power, it is severely limited. Fora can move freely through time, both forwards and backwards, but she can only move back in time as far as three days prior. As for moving forward she is limited to twenty-four hours ahead of her present time.
History: Fora was away when her family was attacked. She was thirteen at the time, and being of the age when suitors began to sneak their way into her daily life she took refuge in the home of an old family friend, a duke and his wife from a neighboring territory. She heard of the invasion a few days after the execution of her mother and father, and with no way to contact her siblings she was forced to stay hidden within the duchess’s court. It wasn’t long before the order came for her capture. Being loyal to her family until the end, the duke and duchess did what they could to protect her. The outcome did not end in their favor, and so Fora found herself in a situation that forced her to use her power. She went back in time and fled their company before their unfortunate future could occur. Now she travels with a wandering caravan, trying to find a way back into her country as well as find her younger siblings.
Other: To keep from being recognized, Fora has cut her hair and bind her breasts to look more like a boy. This ruse has become harder to maintain as she’s grown into adulthood, but mimicking the boys in the caravan has helped her disguise be more believable. She has also been taught how to blend in and sneak about in the shadows, a skill developed from nights where she’s had to steal food. She thinks of the caravan as her surrogate family.
Gaia name: p a n syndrome

A Child

Name: Keori Ahto
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Powers/weapon: Keori has the power to manipulate one's mind. Though she can not mentally control people, she can make them see visions and in sometimes she can ease or cause pain.
History: After the events that took place in the stone house, Keori was sent away to a village by the sea. Old friends of her parents lived there, and took her in without question. In this strange new place, Keori missed her siblings terribly and only wished to return to them. But her foster parents kept telling her how dangerous it was for her out in the world, and untill she was older and stronger it was best she stayed where she was.
Keori spent her growing years helping her foster parents with their small business of selling fish and fishing equipment in the market. During the week she would mind the stall, selling the fresh catch to passers by. When business was slow she would tie bits of feather and fur around spare hooks, and sell her creations to those who preferred river fishing, for fish who would chase the fly like bait. On the weekends she would help her foster father mend the nets and repair the gear for another week.
With help of her ability, Keori was able to hide herself from those who might recognize her. Whenever she saw someone who looked as though they might recognize her for the Ahto Child she was, she would implant in their mind the image of someone else while they looked at her. But as the years went on, people began to grow suspicious of the girl adopted into the fish merchants family. No one could seem to agree what she looked like, descriptions ranging from black to red hair, from brown to green eyes. It is quite likely, that Keori will not be able to hide in her sea side home for much longer.
Other: N/A
Gaia name: greendragonfly52

A Child

Name: Scott Ahto
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Powers/weapon: Scott can see in a slow motion of sorts. When that happens, the whole world slows down to him. That means he can react before anyone else. He does not have an increase in speed because of this power, but he is naturally speedy and his senses are increased. The sight comes at random times unless he focuses, but that gives him headaches.
History: The blind child, he used to be able to see all of the time. When his power developed, he slowly began to see less of the world. The last thing he naturally saw was Nile as a baby. Usually staying near Fora because she is the oldest, otherwise he is around Keori.
After the attack he was forced to flee, useless to help his siblings. He managed to hold his vision long enough to find a wagon that was leaving before he collapsed from the headaches derived from trying to control his power. Later he was found by a farmer who took pity on him and was sheltered by him. Grateful, Scott remained with the farmer for a while as he had lost his family as well. He had to leave after,though, to look for his family. He needed to see their faces again. He would trade that chance away just to hear them.
Other: He loves watermelons
Gaia name: Valiant Fenris

A Friend

Name: Demios Shadowheart
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Powers/weapon: An old wooden staff with glyphs carved into it, looks like (it is the wooden one on the left, but longer)
History: Its been so long for Demios, so long since he has had a home. After the death of the Ahto childrens parents and the announcement of the fate of their friends it was no surprise that the Shadowheart family went into hiding. Demios's parents were once close friends with their parents. However, it wasn't long before they were found. In a desperate attempt to protect him his parents tried to fight off the soldiers while Demios hid. However, their efforts were futile and they were little match for them. After they killed his parents the soldiers torched most of the village to make an example of what happened when people protected public enemies. Demios could only watch in fear as his home burned to the ground. Times were hard after that many villagers began to blame Demios for their village being destroyed. Eventually Demios couldn't handle it anymore and he fled the town hoping to find refuge. Unfortunately rumor spreads and it became known that Demios brought misfortune and where ever he traveled suffering was sure to follow. Around the age of thirteen he had almost given up on human kindness when he was one day taken in by a kind old woman named Aguish Harkate. She lived on the outside of a small village and she took care of Demios, raising him like her own. She taught him how to understand the world around him. When he turned eighteen her health began to wane and on her dying day she told him that he needed to seek the people who needed him. It was from that point on that he became a wanderer again, still rumored to have brought disaster where ever he went.
Other: Having raised it since birth Demios has a pet raven that follows his commands
Gaia name: Chris Shadowheart

A Friend

Name: Anzshela Flame
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Powers/weapon: A Silvered Bladed Rapier designed and detailed in silver lining.
History: The Flame family is a prestigious organization that was used during the all out war to train insignificant people into high class guardians. Anzshela who was the daughter of the famous Flame was taught in various ways at the age of 6, no child of theirs were to be left or to laze to do what they want. It was a time that every meaning meant something more. Around the time when the Ahto family were being attacked, the flame were called to protect the front lines. Anzshela was taken to a safe place along side a wrapped up case and a man who was a trainer of the Flame family. Watching as her family fought to the end, she found that war wasn't a place to play and have fun, it was a serious matter. While watching each of her brothers and sisters fight and die, she found no thought of what to express of sadness or hate towards the man named Tantrus. After the day came to a pause where her family laid on the cement in blood, the man grabbed her and flee the scene of such darkness. During the days of her wandering with the man, she came to a conclusion that, what they fought for was a honorable thing. She listened as her trainer Kevin explained that if she wanted revenge, she would need to get her act together and start her training right away. Following his kind and serious words, she stepped up through the darkness of her past, and grabbed forth the case in her hands. At the age of 12, she began her training learning every system she would need to require for the basics, running to increase her stamina, learning some hand and hand movements to follow through with her blade attacks, and the focus and concentration to keep the pride of her family the Flame forever. After the day she turned 18, her trainer Kevin stayed alongside Flame until he was caught by the army taking him to be killed amongst the people, Following him into the depths, she found herself in a state of shock after seeing Kevin hung over the balcony, the face of his smile, she saw a tear slowly dripping from the left side of his cheek, after leaving she promised that one day, she would find the importance, the children of Ahto.
Other: She has pride and honor, if something tries to destroy it, she will not back away.
Gaia name: Azorius Beat

a Friend

Name: Janelle Decruz
Age: 19
Gender: female
Powers/weapon: a sword she got from her late father
History: after the announcement that any friends of the Ahto children was made, Janelle and her father fled north, refusing to renounce their friendship to the Ahto's. They lived safe for a while, but when her father suddenly died, she fled south to a small village where, when they saw the white-haired young girl, she was thought to be an angel and treated her as such. She refused the offerings she was given, saying that she just wanted to go home. In the end, after a lot of convincing, the villagers gave her all the food and supplies she would need for the long journey. On the condition that she came back at some point to stay
Other: is extremely shy around new people
Gaia name: phantom_princess21

A Stranger

Name: Crystal Lightfeather
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Powers/weapon: Militia standard-issue sword with personal modifications.
History: Crystal had always felt that she belonged somewhere other than the little textile shop her mother ran from their home. She hated sowing and household chores. She hated being stuffed up inside. So instead of preparing to take over her mother's business, she joined the local militia, defeating the general in order to be accepted into the all-male group. She was a great fighter, bested by none. She relished in a living that allowed her to travel, to see the outside world. Unfortunately, pursuing her desires resulted in her losing her family. Her hometown had been attacked by roving bandits while she was away with the militia, saving another town that had been similarly attacked. She came home to a pile of rubble, and the dead bodies of her mother, father, brother, and sister. Crystal was devastated. To fill the empty hole that now resided in her chest, she left the militia and began to travel the country. In her travels, she heard an old wives' tale of another family that had experienced immense loss. Not the greatest fan of Trantaus, she decided that if she were ever to encounter any of the Ahto children, she would help them. Until then, she continued to travel, taking odd jobs and protecting people where needed.
Other: Crystal is a fierce fighter and will protect those she cares about to the death. She is shy at first when around large crowds, but knows how to take control when the situation requires it. She loves to read and gather any information she can. She can be a bit stubborn, but she has a good heart.
Gaia name: Iradesca

A Stranger

Name: Master Shang Yi
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Powers/weapon: Katana
History: Shang Yi's past is one drenched in blood, but none of it was blood that he wanted spilled. He went off into the wild mountainous regions of his homeland to meditate on various things as he so often did. When he returned home his village was under attack by bandits, he immediately leapt into action to try and save his people but was too late. The bandits had already killed everyone and were just burning the town. As he cut down the last bandit he piled their bodies and burned them, burying the corpses of his village before setting off having nothing to keep him there anymore, the empty village only bringing him grief.
Other: Yi would prefer not to fight, his blade is instead his main meditation focus.
Gaia name: Anniria

A Trantaus follower

Name: Beatrix White
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Powers/weapon: Amongst all Knights, they are given a special sword, crafted by one individual blacksmith. Beatrix's Sword is a fine and crafted sword, with a sapphire jewel embedded in the middle of the hilt. It symbolizes her value and strength to Trantaus and loyalty.
History: Around the time when Trantaus took over and ruled supreme. Beatrix was at the age of 9, when she enlisted in the army. She was a strong willed and stubborn girl who lived in the shadows of the town when the Ahto's hold power. She lived poorly and survived much as those who would give up and die so quickly, she made her way through competitions, strengthening herself along with wielding a silver sword given to all participants. After moving on she won, adding a name to yourself. The Black Knight of Crux. After arriving she began her daily life doing hardships and battles, in the name of Trantaus she would fight with everything she had, for him and the foolish people. After the age of 17, all Knights are given a sword to symbolize their value to Trantaus, given a certain choice, Beatrix was given a sword embedded with a Sapphire jewel in the hilt mid. It symbolize her value and her loyalty. Using the name she has been building, she looked towards the future of one day bringing down the righteousness, and rising towards Justice.
Other: Shes not the type to be silly and willy around. She will throw you into the pit of hungry wolves, only leaving a bone or two after they ripped away your shred of existence.
Gaia name: Azorius Beat

A Trantaus follower

Name: Crosis Wayfinder
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Powers/weapon: Wooden Staff with detail linings of silver.
History: Crosis history is a bit short, he was found by a trantaus educator, and was taken for adoption. You see Crosis was an abandon child of the Wayfinder family that supported the Ahto family, But there is a strict rule, if you don't meet for the requirements you are exiled. Never to come back home again, Crosis on the other hand, didn't need to go back. To him it was just a method to push out the weak for the strong. But Crosis wasn't weak, he lost the match against his fathers pupil, in order to leave without being noticed. Being taken in, he learned a lot about the Ahto and the Trantaus lord. All these things were just up in the air for him. All he based on was getting better and stronger, becoming a better person. Becoming the person he wanted to be. A Free Lancer.
Other: "Overconfidence will kill you."
Gaia name: Hip Hop Evolution X

 

[Moonhera]

Reserved

 

[Moonhera]

Reserved

 

[Moonhera]

Reserved

 

[Moonhera]

It was the darkest night on the planet when it began, ten years ago on that night. It was deep dark cloud which covered overhead, no stars shone on that night. The marching could be heard from when it began at the castle that belonged to the man, if you would dare call him even that. People hid in their homes, too scared even to consider running to alert the Ahto family, whom had just celebrated the announcement of another pregnancy earlier that day.

The fire burnt through the wooden corridors, crackling with glee. Windows burst under the pressure of the searing heat. A small army surrounded the large house, the flowers which once adorned the front garden trampled under the feet of heavy boots. The roofs were burning ablaze, creating a bright light on the horizon, as fire leapt from tree to tree around the house. The white stone walls were scorned with scaring black marks. Trantaus, wearing a dark hooded cloak, stood by the rest of the army, watching as the house burnt, destroying whatever stood in its way. His eyes gleamed with red; it could have been mistaken for the colour of blood. A few servants had run from the flames and stood huddled in a group surrounded by a few soldiers, with swords to hand. The rest were heard screaming as they tried to escape from the flames, the main staircase was now a ruin, as it had been smashed to bits, one of the first things they did when they stormed the house.

A man, dressed in sleeping garments, was pulled from the house, and thrown to a woman, dressed in white sleepwear, whom had already been closely guarded by other soldiers. The man thrust himself at the circle to try and get back to the house, the woman stood there crying, as the screams got fewer and further between. The man never stopped trying to get back into the house, not until the moment the fire burst out of the doors like dynamite causing everyone to stumble back slightly. It was at that point the man went back to his own wife and held her there, watching as part of the roof fell in with a loud crash which echoed for miles around.

The soldiers were more interested in watching everything burn, which they believed was wrong, than focusing on the Ahto parents whom huddled together had started whispering to one another. The only attention that was brought back to them was when Trantaus shouted.
“Watch them! They’re about to use their powers!” his hand was thrust out of the cloak, pointing at the woman and man, as a small light started to grow brighter and bigger, quickly engulfing them, the soldiers and finally the house, presenting a blinding light. Trantaus’ warning had come too late, for the light died as quickly as it had come. The woman collapsed, taking the man down with him. The fire still burned as on, Trantaus walked over to them. He grabbed the man by the throat lifting him. Blood trickled down the white skin of Trantaus’ arm. “Where are they?” the only answer he got was a shake of the head and a whispered reply.
“You’ll never have them,” Trantaus let the man go in disgust, and turned to the army.
“Kill this fire now and find me the bodies of the children!”

The night ended with the blood soaked morning sky, people swore that the sky never changed colour throughout the day. However much blood was drawn that day. The Ahto parents were killed as the red sun flooded through the city, emerging from behind the clouds, there was not even a thought of sparing the unborn baby in Trantaus’ anger at having lost what was nearly his.

Philip sat on a wooden log which had fallen down as the morning rose over the horizon, his eyes closed. That made it ten years now since the death of his parents, ten years since he forgot his own family’s faces. He had hoped that with time he would remember; remember something about them but nothing came. He opened his eyes to look at the scenery below him. He was sat just back from the edge of the cliff, giving him prime viewing over the land below. People were emerging from their houses to start working on the land but they never saw him, sitting there watching only the sky. He had been there for a couple of weeks now; it was probably time to carry on moving. He hadn’t found any more interesting objects in the ground to sell. No one wanted him for jobs anyway; his never changing face put them off but got him the best prices. In reality he had forgotten to smile.

A gust of wind brought him around from his thoughts, blowing his clothing about. In the end, Philip had found his comfort in the wind and it didn’t demand any money or any facial expressions. It didn’t speak, only howled, and it suited him. Its howling allowed it to express its pain and it took his own pain away with it. He picked up the pack from the ground next to him; a fine black one he had picked up from his travels, food was stored within in it, a blanket and clothes to change into. A few unimportant things that would fetch large amount of money were also stored at the bottom. He remembered that with his parents he had experienced decent quality clothing and he didn’t want to change from that. He had got this from someone who had been desperate to get on a gem that he had got from a disused mine he had once slept in. It had been surprisingly comfortable and compared to some of the places people had suggested that he sleep in, it was a haven.

“Ah,” Philip muttered to himself, stretching. “Time to move,” he said standing up, letting the last of the wind whistle past him. He then turned and walked into the forest that he had ended up near. He had really developed his power with the wind after his parents had teleported him away from the house. “Did anyone else managed to get out I wonder,” he said softly, looking at a collection of bluebells that scattered the forest floor. He couldn’t believe that such a happy day had ended so sadly. In his mind, the fire still burned, it never left him, which was why the wind was such a comfort. It extinguished fires or blew them away.

He had been in bed when the fire had started; still awake when the black bellows of smoke slinked under his door. He had rushed to the door and opened, only to be met with a wall of fire and a body of a servant that had been burnt badly. Scared he had stumbled to the back of room, wanting someone to save him, trying to take his eyes off the body, unable to. “I wonder if that teleportation spell had been their goodbye to us,” he asked the flowers and the wind, expecting no reply. They had never replied before, why would they now? With a long sigh, he straight his back, placed the bag on his back, pulled his long blue coat around him. He didn’t know the direction back to the house that he had once lived in, but somehow he felt that the teleportation had something else contained to it. With a shake of his head, Philip started walking in the other direction he had been coming from. He never went somewhere twice.
 

[Azorius Beat]

Standing in the shadow of the army, Beatrix held her own fighting alongside the shadows as they fought against the flame family. "Beatrix watch where your swinging!" as a soldier swayed to the side quickly before getting slashed by Beatrix quick and fierce attack. Beatrix just gave a tongue out expression towards the man and ran into him thrusting the blade through his stomach as she kicked him down to the ground surface. "Don't tell me what I should or not, you may be one higher rank then me, but doesn't give you rights to order me around like a dog. Your just as pitiful as those soldiers." as Beatrix turned but before she did she took her blade to his neck and grinned as she thrust the blade down as blood sprayed like rain as it trickled down her face. Turning back to the battle she began to move ahead meeting a fellow swordsman, an old man who wielded a blade such fine gold detailed in blood. "You seem to be a little to young to be fighting." as the old man got into position. Beatrix just smiled like a doll and licked the trickled blood on the side of her cheek. Gripping her hilt with her two hands, she just walked forward while swaying her blade down and charging straight ahead, getting into position for a triple assault. The old man took a step back and changed his stance to defensive and began to parry as Beatrix did a strong slash from the top swinging down as hard as she could, only to know that her attack was evaded by the old mans movement. "Fierce as a wolf, but not as calming as the flame. Your going to die quickly with that impatience young lady." as he thrust towards her with his rapier for a piercing action. Beatrix quickly used her size and released the hilt as she maneuvered out of his reach and came back charging as she grabbed the hilt making sparks from the cement, while going for a up ward slash towards his chest, then to his head. "Enough! with your old talk old man. I'm here to kill anyone who gets in Trantaus's way!" as she strongly lifted the blade up and dealt a clean blow to the old mans chest leaving a gushing surprise as blood began to spit out of his chest as he fell to the side laying there, looking at the young girl. Such power in her attacks... Looking towards the side, he saw his Kevin in the midst along with Anzshela. Go my dear daughter, and carry out the duty that lays before you. As Beatrix stood above him she had her sword above his head and thrust it down as blood splattered like rain once more. Flames began to overcome the mansion, with such sight to see. She cheered for Trantaus of their victory. "For our Great Leader!" The Flame family were decimated as the soldiers saluted to Trantaus.

-.-

"Anzshela, you got good form. Now try thrusting your rapier towards me with a strong pierce." said Kevin. Anzshela held her Rapier to her chest as a stance of being ready and began to step back and forward as she went for a piercing attack. Kevin stood their and used the step back technique and parried off her attack with a single tap. "Good Good, now try the-" as he was terribly interrupted. a group of fencers from the flame family began to move out. Watching as they grouped they looked at Kevin and gave him a quick scenario of whats been going on. Kevin nodded and looked towards Anzshela. "Alright that's enough for now, get your rapier back into its case and follow me." Anzshela who was young that time did what she was told and began to pack up as she followed behind him. Walking through the halls, she saw her father in full class uniform. She separated herself from Kevin and ran to him wanting to know what was going on. Her father noticed her and caught her in his arms as he held her while kissing her forehead. "Kevin, Anzshela my daughter, you must go into hiding, don't worry my daughter I and your mother will return, were just going for a rally. It will not take to long." as he smiled. Anzshela smiled and jumped off her fathers lap as she ran to Kevin looking at him ready to hide. Kevin looked at her father and knew this was no rally, it was a war. Somehow he wanted to join but he was given a certain mission. He took Anzshela and began to carry her along with her case and started to move out to a shadowy place where they saw the battle. Each of the flame were decimated and while Anzshela watched she saw her father killed by a young girl with a sword in hand drenched in her fathers blood. The sight of shock made her want to go and be at her fathers side. But was pulled away by Kevin as he flee along with Anzshela towards the secret passage that led to the lake. Taking a wooden boat, he began to take the paddle and started to paddle their way out, quickly as he could. But the sounds of Anzshela crying as the flames were dying, she only saw the pain of the loss, she was still too young. But the tears of losing, she only felt the need to be just a child.  

[N K Cake]

The squawk of the forest birds echoed in the morning breeze. With the slow rise of the sun, the rest of the world was waking. The cool wind struck Nile's face, just about the only thing showing of him in the pile of blankets he was buried under. The cloths came in a variety of colours, from a variety of previous unfortunate owners and Nile found nothing kept one warmer at night than a whole bunch of them.

The boy's eyes stirred, revealing the dark windows to his young soul, and he took in the sight of his room. The walls were a dull grey, their colour not lasting the test of time, and the wooden floor planks were covered in dust and whatever dirt found its way there. The window was open - or rather it could not be closed without any glass in it, and the wind was howling in from the outside. The same design was followed throughout the building and Nile had found that construction work was harder than it looked. A stolen hammer and bunch of nails were a surprisingly miniscule start, and as for wood... Well, he had no saw nor the strength to use one properly.

Nile moaned and groaned, kicking his feet at the air till his short legs revealed themselves from the blanket-mountain. He wiggled his toes while looking up at them, and then landed his bare feet on the hard wooden floor. He shivered at its chilliness and his toes curled together before quickly withdrawing on top of the sheets. New shoes should be on the agenda for today, he decided.

The boy sat up and gathered one of the many stretches of warm cloth around him, effectively looking like he was wearing a long blue robe, far too big for him. But he was warm, and used to this. Nile wandered out of the room to a smaller one, with a table in the midst and several counters against the wall. A dull knife sat on the table, amongst a few scraps of bread and cheese. There was nothing else of significance or worth noting in the room, or in the rest of the entire building. Nile climbed onto a chair and began picking up the small remains of edibles. He ate all he could, spat to the floor the bits too hard and finished his breakfast. For lunch, Nile figured he would go find some berries. At night the villagers might leave something for him to grab, so ultimately food was no concern. He smiled at the thought of the ghost act he had going on. It was quite fun, and he had gotten used to his loneliness years ago.

Nile went to sit in front of one of the open windows in the house, enjoying the sunlight striking his face and warming him up. That was most of his morning, sitting, thinking, watching the world bypass outside. There were trees, tall unkempt and untraveled grass... Uncivilized, untouched nature.

The view from the Southern side of the house was slightly different, in that the horizon held the faintest signs of modern life. Smoke rose from the distant town's many chimneys, showing above the forest tops. A winding path right from the front door led down the hill, through a section of the forest, and into the bustle and hustle of normal life. Something Nile had little interest in participating during the day. He had always been told not to get involved, for whatever reason it could be dangerous.

Nile had little way of knowing what time it was, or how long it took him for to stop daydreaming, but when it was over he figured he could use a walk. Walking, looking for food, thinking... At least his schedule was easy to follow. Nile scratched his head and dropped the blanket off his form, letting it crumple into a pile on the floor. He yawned widely, stretching his arms high, and squealed quietly in the process. Then, with a rub of his dark eyes, the boy slowly made his way out of the... Well, frankly calling it a house any longer seemed inaccurate. It was his home though.

Walking away from his home then, Nile made his way into the forest, passing barefooted the grassy lawn surrounding the decrepit building. His bare hands stroked the bark of the tall trees he passed, and his eyes curiously observed the flight of the butterflies and birds who were unsettled as he came along. Nile thought the animals would get used to his repeat appearances, but none had. Everything vanished, went away... but he figured at least he had his peace.

Nile's ears were filled with the echo of the distant river and its rushing waters, and he quickened his pace. Easily distracted from any troubles he might have by the thought of washing up, getting a drink and enjoying a swim, Nile hummed softly and skipped the rest of the way. The riverside was as peaceful as ever, at least up this far. It went aaaalll the way to the village of humans and further, but he had never followed it any longer than that. They used it farther down, so he did his best not to leave signs here, upriver.

Nile squirmed out of his shirt - a black, long-sleeved piece of clothing, big enough to almost be a dress for him - and kicked off his pants - not as unusually big, but there was room to grow into them as well. It was secured around his waist with a thin cord created from twisted plants. It was the thought of his last guardian he would grow into his clothes, and Nile had had no recent chance to go shopping, since... Nile shook his head and focused on the matter at hand.

Left in his thin, and actually fitting, undershirt and shorts, Nile walked over to the water. He sat down and sunk his feet into the transparent liquid, but gasped and lifted them swiftly. It was a little cold, just something to get used to. Nile peered into the water, able to see the muddy bottom, encrusted in stones. He carefully lowered his legs back into the river and he began kicking smoothly, slowly getting used to it. Unless it was a very warm day, the water could be quite uncomfortable at first. One just had to jump in to deal with it, and so he did! Happy with his feet in it, Nile stood up in the river, the water reaching to his chest, and dove in.

The underwater world was the most pleasant. It seemed safe, hidden, no one else was ever there and his ears were filled with a soft hymn that no other sound penetrated. When Nile resurfaced, he gasped for breath and breathed quickly. Exhilarating! His hair was matted all around his head, several strands going down his forehead. He began swimming around, being careful not to get swept away by any surprise currents, and performed his best doggy paddle to keep afloat.  

[Valiant Fenris]

A horse walked across the plains slowly. Draped over his back was a poor, weak boy. He had been walking for days, his once heavy load getting lighter as the boy ate. The boy, however, was not the best at rationing and soon ran out of food. Now he had the horse walking forwards.

The boy was Scott Ahto, blind master of reaction. He was beginning to remember the horrible events that put him there, on the horse, as well as the rare good ones. He tried to forget, but some scars never healed. He shivered on the horse as the events played themselves over and over in his head.

Screams, smoke, heat... The boy awoke as fire ravaged the Ahto home. His senses awoke him abruptly. That is, everything except his eyes. Shouting for Fora or Keori, even Philip, he stumbled out of bed. Then memories rushed back. most of his siblings were sent away. He would have been gone too, but the people supposed to take him never showed up. He didn't hate or curse them, not even now as he faced his end. Why should he? It wasn't their fault.

Stumbling down the hall, headaches from the smoke and heat were made worse as he focused. The cackling flames were suddenly made clear to his vision as his senses seemed to speed up. The noise and flickering became retarded as the boy moved along. Without clean air, his lungs struggled to keep him going. He could hear noises shouting from outside, cheering. Arsonists.

He looked out of the window and saw them, or at least their jeering shadows. Scowling as much at them as he did his headaches, he moved to the other side of the house, bursting into one of the rooms of his sisters.

Scott shook his head, trying to clear his head of the ordeal. Still the accursed images pushed at him, flashing violently as they struggled for hold in his mind. He moaned as phantom pains pricked at his skin and he gave up trying to forget.

His memories flooded back. He remembered sneaking away from the house after crashing through Keori's window. he made a grab at something before he left though, later learning it was one of her dolls. Why did he grab it? He didn't know. He managed to make it to the road, evading Trantaus and his minions, and sought help. He couldn't hold conscience though and fell against a cart. A farmer found him and placed him in it.

For years the farmer took care of Scott, having lost his own family. When Scott could, he would help the farmer out in the field for a bit, fighting headaches to see. Ten years later, Scott left him, wanting to look for his family. The farmer, seeing the boy's dedication, knew he could not stop him, that he could only help him. He gave Scott a horse and supplies.

The boy was still riding the horse, searching. Now a week has passed sense he left and he had run out of food. He should have stayed a little longer, but he needed to look for his siblings, needed to find them. Niles, a baby back then would be hardest to find, but he knew he could do it. He had to! He looked at the doll, dirty and ragged. It was his sole possession, his strength.