On the Road

[Inu of Everlasting Dawn]

❧≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❧
I am on my way,I can go the distance. I don't care how far, somehow I'll be strong! I know every mile will be worth my while.
❧≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❧

❦≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❦
I would go most anywhere to find where I belong.
❦≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❦
Where I am: On the Road,southeast of Atlas City
When it is: Afternoon, Spring 2


Conan would have to curse his own lack of concentration and for getting into this kind of situation later but for now, he would spend the time thanking his friends. Their assistance was greatly welcomed, especially that of Kela's. He never wanted to get a child in the way of danger,but her jumping onto that goblin's back was the distraction he needed to slip past the brute. "You have my thanks,Kela! And to you Bastion!" The fox girl was doing better than he thought,getting the other goblins to stupidly strike at the one she was clinging to. In fact,he had to laugh at such a sight. Kela was quickly rescued by Bastion so that left the swordsman with the rest of the goblins. His ribs ached terribly,but he still had to fight.

Thankfully,the fighting wouldn't last much longer. The goblins were starting to see that they were outclassed in this fight and were starting to run. They had won this battle! And that's the end of that. As the last of the beasts fleed,Conan resheathed his sword and watched them run. And Saul throwing rocks at them. Was that really the woman that could slice a goblin in half? He wasn't sure. "It's alright,Miss Saul. I think they got the message!" At least they were gone now and the group could continue their quest. Conan still grimaced with pain though as he moved his body. His ribs weren't broken but they were still bruised up good.

"Damn it all..."  

[Grimalkenkid]

╔╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦ One jump ahead of the hoofbeats

╠╬╬╬╬╬ One hop ahead of the hump ╬╬╬╬╬╣

╠╬╬╬╬╬ One trick ahead of disaster ╬╬╬╬╬╣

They’re quick, but I’m much faster ╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╝

Where I am: On the road, southeast of Atlas City
When it is: Afternoon, Spring 2

◀◊◁◊◂◊◃◊◄◊◅◊◀◊◁◊◂◊◃◊◄◊◅Wish·me·happy·landing//All·I’ve·gotta·do·is·jump▶◊▷◊▸◊▹◊►◊▻◊▶◊▷◊▸◊▹◊►◊▻

Kela jumped off the goblin's back as soon as it stopped moving and just fell to the ground. While she might've had a few bruises, she didn't notice or couldn't care less. "Yes! We did it! We beat them! La la la~!" The fox girl started dancing around and hopping on all fours. She ran up to Bastion and hugged him. "Thank you!" Before he could react, Kela ran over to Conan and hugged him. "Thank you!"

She let go and ran over to Saul just as the woman was throwing a stone at the fleeing goblins. Hm... I've got it. I'll throw a rock, too Kela scurried over to another rock - one that was half buried in the ground and heavier than the goblins they just fought - and tried to pick it up. "Hrgh! Grr! Gah!" The fox girl gave up after three tries, panting as she leaned on it. "That's a stubborn stone."

Her ears twitched, flicking back to Conan, before she turned her head to look at him. She jumped back over to him, tugging at his tunic and looking up to the swordsman. "Huh? Are you hurt, Breezy? Can you walk? I know! You need food! Let's get food!" Kela went around him and began pushing on his legs, urging him on down the road. "Lunch! We need lunch now, and you'll have lunch!"  

[AmazingTentacleFox Shippy]

┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Lay beside me, tell me what you've done
┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Speak the words I want to hear, make my demons run

The door is locked now, but it's open if you're true ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉
If you can understand me ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉

┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Then I can understand you ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉

↬ through black of day
↬ dark of night
↬ never free

↱ Bastion wasn't sure why Saul would want to hide something like the fact that she could gut a goblin in under three seconds but... maybe he had been seeing things? It was possible, but then again he was used to battle and it would be odd if he had mistook something for something else while in the heat of battle. One of the easiest ways to stay alive was to be aware of everything and to keep a calm, and open mind. After helping Conan and Kela out of their sticky situations, Kela gave the red haired man a hug. "Ooft, you're welcome there, Kela," he said, stifling a laugh at the sudden hug from the fox girl. She really was too energetic sometimes.

"No problem, Conan. They came out of nowhere... were they waiting out here for unsuspecting travelers maybe?" it wouldn't be the first time he had seen creatures out in the middle of a forest waiting for people to attack. It seemed like goblins and the like enjoyed things like that. But they struck out this time seeing as they were no match for this group of rag-tag travelers. Bastion turned, his mouth open as if he were getting ready to say something to Saul when he saw her pick up a rock and throw it. Her aim must not be that good, because she seemed like she was yelling at the goblins who decided to run away but she missed them and his a tree instead. Maybe he had been seeing things earlier and she hadn't really gutted that goblin like she had.

Bastion was confused now, but if the other two hadn't seen something earlier, then he wasn't going to bring it up now in front of them. It was better to not drag them into this if this situation turns out to be something more than it was. Instead, Bastion plastered that silly grin on his face and bounced over to Saul, "Did you see that, Saul?! We annihilated those goblins." ↵

Location: on the roadSANO Mood: hungover, but not too grumpySANO Conversing with: the group

SANOSUKESANOSUKESANOSUKE

 

[Grimalkenkid]

⋊☲ Whether one is right or wrong… ☲⋉
⋊☵ … is determined by one’s power ☵⋉


Current Location: On the road, Southeast of Atlas City
Current Date: Afternoon, Spring 2

☽»⋯⋯⋰⋱⋰❇⋱⋰⋱⋯⋯※⋯⋯⋰⋱⋰❇⋱⋰⋱⋯⋯«☾

It appeared that the simple act of throwing the stone re-cemented their image of her in their minds. Maybe there was some suspicion, but no one voiced it if there was. That was a close one. Perhaps I should put my stiletto somewhere harder to reach... That might prevent another slip-up. Saul tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear as Conan addressed her. "I think they got the message!" The sorceress nodded shakily. "Th-that's good," she said, measuring every stutter. "I... I don't want to run across any more a-ambushes."

She began to walk along with the others, looking down to make her even steps seem less natural. Saul merely nodded when Bastion talked to her. "Y-yes. I'm very glad that I thought to hire you before leaving the city." The sorceress made an effort to shiver at that point. "If I hadn't..." She left the rest of that sentence to his imagination. What she really thought was actually, ... then I wouldn't have to hide so damn hard. But there are worse than goblins in the ruins. I just know it.  

[Inu of Everlasting Dawn]

❧≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❧
I am on my way,I can go the distance. I don't care how far, somehow I'll be strong! I know every mile will be worth my while.
❧≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❧

❦≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❦
I would go most anywhere to find where I belong.
❦≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❦
Where I am: On the Road,southeast of Atlas City
When it is: Afternoon, Spring 2

"Ribs-ribs-RIBS!" Conan managed to squeek as Kela hugged him tight around his middle. The fox girl probably didn't mean to hurt him,she was just...excited. He couldn't blame her. Surviving your first monster attack was quiet the accomplishment after all! Still, after the hug, the swordsman found himself resting his hands against his knees and taking short breaths in and out. Pain...

"Perhaps,Sir Bastion. It's uncommon for goblins and other manner of monster to sit in wait for travelers to spring upon to either rob or worse." Any traveler knew that much. That was why you traveled in groups and kept strong guards at the ready. Gathering himself up, Conan was prepared to walk more when Kela suggested a lunch break. Maybe that was for the best. He needed a moment to collect himself...and perhaps a moment or two for Miss Saul to calm down would help. The swordsman started to doubt what he saw earlier,with Miss Saul and the goblin. She seemed more like a scared little girl now than a cool killer. Especially with how she was throwing rocks like that.

"Please don't think badly about what could have been. Just rest assured that you're going to be safe for the rest of the trip. Bastion and I can promise you that. Kela can too!" Conan tried to comfort Saul. "Let's take a quick rest now and we'll get back on the road to the ruins."  

[Grimalkenkid]

╔╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦╦ One jump ahead of the hoofbeats

╠╬╬╬╬╬ One hop ahead of the hump ╬╬╬╬╬╣

╠╬╬╬╬╬ One trick ahead of disaster ╬╬╬╬╬╣

They’re quick, but I’m much faster ╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╩╝

Where I am: On the road, southeast of Atlas City
When it is: Afternoon, Spring 2

◀◊◁◊◂◊◃◊◄◊◅◊◀◊◁◊◂◊◃◊◄◊◅Wish·me·happy·landing//All·I’ve·gotta·do·is·jump▶◊▷◊▸◊▹◊►◊▻◊▶◊▷◊▸◊▹◊►◊▻

Kela didn't really care about ambushes or hordes of monsters lying in wait. She was more concerned that her stomach was rumbling, and they weren't already having lunch. When Conan began shouting about his ribs, all the fox girl could think was how good some barbecued ribs would be right then. She licked her lips and nose in anticipation. "Who cares why those monster-ugly monsters were here?" Kela whined as she pushed Conan forward. "Let's have lunch!"

The fox girl gave up on getting the swordsman to move quicker and ran past him. She went up onto her hind legs - like a meercat at its post - and looked around. Her eyes lit up when she saw some boulders that looked perfect for sitting on. Yay! Climbing rocks! "Guys! Guys! I found our lunch spot!" With that, she ran over to the rocks on the side of the road.

With dexterity born of pure excitement, Kela scaled the biggest boulder she could find and plopped herself down on top. It made her feel taller than everyone else, and, indeed, she was above everyone else while on that rock. "Hey! Hey! Look! I'm king of the rock! Can I have some food now?" She jumped up and down on top of that boulder before stopping suddenly and digging through her pouch. "Nevermind, I got some!" she squealed as she pulled out some jerky and tore into it like the vaguely humanoid animal she was.  

[AmazingTentacleFox Shippy]

┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Lay beside me, tell me what you've done
┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Speak the words I want to hear, make my demons run

The door is locked now, but it's open if you're true ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉
If you can understand me ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉

┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Then I can understand you ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉

↬ through black of day
↬ dark of night
↬ never free

↱ Bastion was having fun with everyone, and then he realized he couldn't romance Saul when there was a kid around like this. Damn. He wanted her to fall into his waiting arms like a princess to her knight and thank him for saving her from those terrible monsters. It looked like with Conan and Kela around that wasn't very likely to happen any time soon. With a mental sigh Bastion put his romantic thoughts on the back burner for the time being. "At least they are gone and we can eat our lunch in peace," and right on cue his stomach let out a small growl of approval. It seemed he had worked up a bit of an appetite while fighting. "I think we need to recharge our energy after that fight. This way we will all be ready for the next round-- when and if it comes." With a stretch of his arms and a roll of his shoulders he headed off after Kela.

"I've never seen such a large amount of goblins in one area before like that. So maybe there really is something to these ruins after all." Although he said that, he wasn't going to complain about it. He was enjoying him self and that's all that mattered to the red haired man at the end of the day.

Sitting on a rock, Bastion just shook his head at Kela, "Where do you get your energy from?" he said, pulling an apple out of his bag and taking a bite out of it. It still baffled him sometimes at how much energy the fox girl seemed to have, even when faced with monsters and creatures larger than she was. He had to give her props for that, anyway. WHen he was younger he might have thought differently, but now... it was amazing. To be so young and so full of high spirits regardless of what the world was like,.

"Damn, I do love eating an apple after a fight like that." ↵

Location: on the roadSANO Mood: limber and relaxedSANO Conversing with: the group

SANOSUKESANOSUKESANOSUKE

 

[Grimalkenkid]

⋊☲ Whether one is right or wrong… ☲⋉
⋊☵ … is determined by one’s power ☵⋉


Current Location: On the road, Southeast of Atlas City
Current Date: Afternoon, Spring 2

☽»⋯⋯⋰⋱⋰❇⋱⋰⋱⋯⋯※⋯⋯⋰⋱⋰❇⋱⋰⋱⋯⋯«☾

Saul simply nodded at Conan's statement. She wasn't actually worried, just playing the part. Still, his words gave her a smidgen of comfort on a level she had long ago hidden away. Clutching her hands to her chest, the sorceress chuckled nervously. "As... as you say. With your skills I can hardly debate that... not that I'd want to, of course."

While Kela seemed to have the energy of a small spell-engine, Saul shakily lowered herself onto a flat rock. Just as everyone else took out foodstuffs, so did she, although hers was food from the baker's. Not something that held up well when going off road. That, too, was for the facade; if not breads and fruit, then what would a scholar eat? Certainly not dried meats. Saul had some stuffed into the bottom of her bag, just in case, but she hoped that what she had would last her the trip.

Saul had taken only one bite before Bastion posed an interesting idea. A large number of goblins? Yes, that makes sense. Smaller creatures congregate around bigger creatures... many of whom set up shop in ruins. I wonder which one is living in my set of ruins... "I do hope these ruins are worthwhile," she said aloud. "Perhaps there will be more than just the Index there. Wouldn't that be a find?" But first they'd have to get there, and they weren't going to get there by nightfall. That, at least, was certain.  

[Inu of Everlasting Dawn]

❧≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❧
I am on my way,I can go the distance. I don't care how far, somehow I'll be strong! I know every mile will be worth my while.
❧≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❧

❦≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❦
I would go most anywhere to find where I belong.
❦≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈❦
Where I am: On the Road,southeast of Atlas City
When it is: Afternoon, Spring 2

At least Kela was still in good spirits and eager to keep things going. That was a good thing...it was said that such positive energy was contagious and it wouldn't hurt to have that kind of energy going. "Wait up,Kela! I have something we could split,you just need to be patient!" Walking over to the rock while hugging his side, the swordsman crawled up on the rock to sit next to Kela. "I got some bread to split if you'll let me have some of that jerk."

Bastion and Saul were quick to join them on the rock and broke out their own stash of food. "I think Kela may have been born with enough energy for two people instead of one. Or maybe that's just youth!" Munching on his bread and some of Kela's jerky,he heard Saul speak again. "It really would be! Hey,what are you hoping to do with this Index anyway? I know you're a scholar but is there anything else this Index could be used for?"  

[AmazingTentacleFox Shippy]

┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Lay beside me, tell me what you've done
┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Speak the words I want to hear, make my demons run

The door is locked now, but it's open if you're true ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉
If you can understand me ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉

┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉ Then I can understand you ┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉┉

↬ through black of day
↬ dark of night
↬ never free

↱ There was nothing like a good, relaxing meal after a good fight. Sure the goblins couldn't put up much of a fight against him, but it was still some damn good exercise. Taking another bite of the apple, Bastion lost himself in his thoughts. He wondered what his mother and his siblings were up to. He was sure that Irene would be missing him something fierce, but the boys... they wouldn't really remember him. Bastion was way older than them, and they were quite young when he had left. Irene was the closest one to him and he would be lying if he said he didn't miss her. He wondered what their mother would be doing right about now... probably trying to marry Irene off to some rich mans son. Bastion grunted; Irene wouldn't settle for an arranged marriage. Ever since they were young, Irene had confided in him that she wanted a prince on a white horse to sweep her off her feet. Bastion was pretty sure that might never happen so long as the red haired girl was stuck in the mansion.

But who knows what happened to them since the death of his father and Bastion's disappearance.

"Huh, ain't that the truth. Though I may not be her age, I do have a lot of energy... I just don't run around and bounce off the walls like a ball of rubber," he said with a smirk and took another bite of his apple. Saul had mentioned before that there might be trouble in these ruins, and he couldn't help but wonder what kind of 'trouble' this would be. Sure they had just battled with some goblins, but what would reside in some ruins? Could it be a dragon? He thought for a moment; dragons were tough, but maybe they could take on a small one? He was pretty sure if it were a large black dragon that they would be royally screwed.

Then the conversation just took an interesting turn...

"Hm, that's a good question actually; what are you planning to do with the Index once you've found it? Is it just for show or is there some kind of super-secret-awesome need for it to save the world?" the red haired man said, getting a little more excited as he talked and almost choked on a piece of apple he had eaten. But... what would Saul do with the Index once she found it? Was she going to use it to crack some kind of awesome spell? Or was she planning to help heal a blind man? He wasn't sure what the purpose of the Index was, but he was pretty sure it wouldn't be anything evil or dangerous for the world. ↵

Location: on the roadSANO Mood: limber and relaxedSANO Conversing with: the group

SANOSUKESANOSUKESANOSUKE

 

[Grimalkenkid]

⋊☲ Whether one is right or wrong… ☲⋉
⋊☵ … is determined by one’s power ☵⋉


Current Location: On the road, Southeast of Atlas City
Current Date: Afternoon, Spring 2

☽»⋯⋯⋰⋱⋰❇⋱⋰⋱⋯⋯※⋯⋯⋰⋱⋰❇⋱⋰⋱⋯⋯«☾

Kela didn't seem to be paying attention to what was being discussed, if she even knew why they were out there. Saul didn't mind, as it meant she didn't have to think too hard around the fox girl, but the other two were becoming a bit troublesome. They're just supposed to be hired muscle, she thought, chewing on her bread. Why are they asking so many questions? Maybe I can spin this somehow...

Saul shook her head before answering. "I... suppose the Index could be used for a variety of purposes. After all, it's a list of locations that are old and possibly contain priceless information about our past. Once I decipher it, I hope to mount expeditions to uncover their secrets." At that moment, she turned her eyes down, as if contemplating the worst. "But such locations could easily have powerful spells hidden away... or even be places of power themselves." Looking back up, the sorceress smiled at the two. "That's why I have to get it. Not only is it a priceless source of knowledge, but we have to keep it out of the hands of those who would use it for evil intents."

If only they knew. Especially Bastion. He sounded like he believed it could do no wrong, which was ridiculous. It was a list, not a thinking being. If it was, Saul would have more trouble on her hands than she really wanted. With a big sigh - and finishing off her bread - she stood up, ready to go. "So, shall we be off? The sooner we find it, the better, right?"



((OOC: This is where I was planning on doing the timeskip, which is also the move to the public thread. Is this good with everyone?))