OmegaRai

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The Story will begin within the Sunfire tree within the land of Vrondi. The day was late, the sun was merely a few hours away from the horizon. The air was fresh for within the giant tree that made the city the cieling resembled the sky, though most knew it was an illusion, however it was a perfect mirror. This alerted the dwellers of this city of the time of day.

Several holes that breathed in cool refreshing outside air and exhaled the cities fumes. The stone floors of the city gave it an almost unrecognizable feel. The walls were unmistakable in their smooth brown surface for wood, but the buildings were not entirely made out of wood. Plant life decorated the entire city with vines and flowers both bloomed and receded.

The busy marketplace was filled with descendants of different areas. But mostly to Sol and a few seraphim, a higher concentration than would be else where besides the Vrondi Kingdom. The smiles of traders as they packaged their services to others for Fotian coins. Some accepted jewels. It was a normal day within the Vrondi capital.

Within the center of the marketplace sat a hooded boy with sandals on his feet. He had two small horns poking out from his head and they were green in color. He sat by the fountain in th middle where the statue of a blue phoenix sat erected to the sky as if ready to take flight. Few noticed him as they continued on with their day.

This is Ascension.
 
Hathcyn looked up at the tree's great ceiling. Its vaulting heights almost enough to terrify the earth-bound draconian. But Hathcyn was not that easy to scare, he had been through something far worse. With his hooded cloak covering the damaged remains of his draconic markings, Hathcyn made his way towards the city's blue phoenix.

It was essential, for a man of his 'talents', to find the center of a any commerce. This is because where there is money, there also tends to be a few grudges.

As he walked, Hathcyn fumbled with a simple cloth sack that was tied to his waist. It jingled faintly with the sound of copper.

"Damn, if I don't get another job soon I'll starve," he grumbled to himself. Then, with the phoenix finally in sight, Hathcyn stopped.

A strange sight greeted the darkened man. A boy, in rags, sitting in the center of a bustling city. With a squint of his eyes, Hathcyn mumbled again, "...strange." Then he noticed the horns. Hathcyn had only seen his own horns before, hanging on a plaque in that damned dragon-slayers manor. Hope flickered in Hathcyn's damaged heart. Is he a dragon, does he have my blood? These questions ran through Hathcyn's mind, racing to be answered.

Hathcyn, carrying hope in his breast, but somber reality on his face, made his way towards the strange child.
 
Ellanarys walked through the city of Sunfire with admiration. No matter how many times she stopped to take in the great beauty of the tree it always brought her great joy. She walked through the streets in her transparent clothing covering only the most private areas of her. Her horns were currently draped with different lengths of jewelry and beaded necklaces all in lighter colors, such as silvers, light golds, and whites. She took pride in her body and weaved through the throng of people carrying a bundle of freshly picked herbs from the forest. She hummed a tune her mother used to sing to her as a kid as she made her way towards the stairs to the second level. It was where her little shop was located and it wasn't much, but it was a comfort for Ella. It was mainly a comfort because it was something she was familiar with.

As she walked she noticed many people she knew well from growing up in Sunfire, and she greeted them with a 'Hello.' or 'How are you today?' and a wave. The community here was mostly peaceful and she was proud to say she was in the Taxis faction; which resided most of its time in Sunfire. Along her way she passed several stores and other places she recognized, such as the tavern/in 'Rest Easy'. It was a fairly simple name and clearly told foreigners what it was there for in the name.

However, something caught Ellanarys' eye as she approached the stair case to the second floor, and it made her back away and stand off to the side to get a better look. There was what looked like a boy, however she couldn't really tell whether it was a boy due to the hood covering his face. He was sitting in front of the blue phoenix statue that contained a fountain around the statue. He was covered in rags and Ellanarys was curious. If he was injured she would treat him because she couldn't leave him there to be in pain. She noticed she wasn't the only one looking at the strange boy either, and observed the others before she made a move over in his direction.
 
Jaso had volunteered to watch over Ellanarys today, they've become fast friends since she first joined the Taxis and he always enjoyed watching after her while she tended to the injured. Various rays of light that shone through the canopy of the Sunrise tree would sparkle off of his silver armor, giving the pair an almost radiant aura. This was by design as they wished to provoke an endearing image to the populace. A beautiful healer and her knight in shining armor, there weren't many more romantically endearing images than that.

He knew of Sunrise, but he'd only ever been to the area when on duty for the guild, so he was thankful for the opportunity to explore the town with Ella while he was escorting her. He took note of the taverns the markets, even all of the friendly faces that surrounded them. Tranquil was the best word he could use for this place, and he gave a smile and a wave to every person who did the same to him.

When Ella stopped, Jaso finally caught sight of something that felt off from the rest of the town's tranquil nature. A young boy, hooded, and a man in rags approaching said boy. He caught a glimpse in Ella's eyes, she wanted to see if they needed any help. He put a soft hand on her shoulder, supportive yet cautious. "Be careful, that one doesn't fit with his surroundings. I'll be right behind you if you need help." He said, giving her a confident smile.
 
The old drapery that hugged the child's body had dark spots and tears in diagonal lines. Threads dangled from these holes waving in the breeze as the behemoth of a foliage inhaled the outer winds. This boy was sitting alone, with no items save for his poor attire. His green horns sat parallel to each other on his head and seemed to be polished. The childs feet were visible and showed his somewhat pale complexion.

The hood raised. No attention was on him from the colorful citizens that crowded the street. None but the few who made their way to him. This change of direction seemed to alert him. His hoods shadow cast a veil over his face. He merely sat there as they approached, taking his hands and placing them on his lap. Looking down at the ground.

It was then a man came from behind the boy. He appeared from the hustling crowd and planted a hand on the boys head. “I see you've garnered some attention…” This man muttered. He had a smile on his face and dangling curly brown hair with red horns and yellow eyes with a red ring around them. His complexion was brown and his attire was a brown coat that came down to his ankles with a white tunic beneath, a fading red scarf on his neck, black pants and black boots. His belt was thick around his slim waist. He was rather tall about 6’4 and towered over the boy.

The boy looked up and his hood fell. His skin was nearly pale and his eyes were blue. His hair was a light grey and seemed to be a bit messy and uneven. His look of innocence depicted the age of a 6 or 7 year old. The man above the boy merely smiled, both with his eyes and his mouth. The boy blinked looking a bit confused.
 
Hathcyn stopped in his tracks as the red-horned man appeared, but quickly advanced once more. He stopped in front of the two, and pulled off his own hood.

"What are you?" he asked as the shattered remains of his jet black horns jutted out from his pale forehead. His ragged cloak swayed in the ever-present breeze, showing glimpses of torn wings. His armor cracked and failing in places, rust gnawing at the bottom edges. His tail, scarred from a decade of abuse, was twirled around his right leg.

Anywhere else and Hathcyn would never have shown himself, anywhere else and he would be on the watch for dragon slayers. Oh, for the gods, how he hoped that these two were like him.
 
Ellanarys looked over to Jaso and smiled kindly at him. He stood over her by a good amount even though Ella was still an average height. "Thank you. I can always count on you Jaso. I'll be as careful as possible." She turned herself back towards the boy, only to see a man now standing there. The boys hood had dropped to reveal green horns, a pale complexion, blue eyes, and grey hair. He looked young, innocent just as Ella suspected. But nothing in this world was ever as it seemed. Slowly she approached the boy, even more cautious now that there was a new man next to him. She held her herbs tighter to herself, and listened to the tinkling of her horn's decorations to calm herself in a way.

Approaching unknown people could sometimes end in disaster, Ella coming all too close to being injured more than once. Luckily however somebody was usually there to hold them back so Ella could do her job. Usually Jaso, or if he wasn't available, then somebody else. Upon approaching the boy, there was another man there as well as the one behind him. He has asked him what he was. It was a slightly rude question, but upon taking in his ragged appearance she could see why he had asked. The slayers had most likely gotten to him. In a truly Ella fashion, she couldn't help but feel sad at the thought of anybody getting caught by the slayers. Especially if she knew them or not, but there was nothing Ella could do, especially not now. Instead, she smiled down at the young boy and crouched to his level, careful to not drop her herbs; she really loves her herbs, but they're necessary for the poultices she makes. Ellanarys continually kept a wary eye on the other man behind him however. "Excuse me. Are you alright? You aren't injured are you?" In the same moment Ella scanned the boy for physical injuries she could possibly see on skin that wasn't beneath clothing.
 
Jaso immediately became cautious as the brown cloaked man appeared behind the young boy. He couldn't tell why, but something about the man left him uneasy, and by extension, this boy became suspicious as well. He kept pace with Ella, keeping an eye on the man, and the tattered mess of another who arrived on the scene. Shattered horns, rusted armor, this man was clearly a victim of the dragon slayers, he was a grisly sight to behold, but Jaso did.

"Greetings friends, no need for alarm. We're from the Taxis guild. My friend here merely wished to examine this child for injuries. Is he yours?" He asked the man in the brown coat, making sure to keep the tattered man in his sights at all times as well. He couldn't allow either of them to harm Ella.
 
The few citizens who noticed the group forming at the north west of the circular center piece merely glanced and kept walking. For ease they walked around the five in a well functioning formation. This attention to them didn't seem to be noticed by the man who stood by the boy’s right side. The boy looked to the man who was clearly not looking well. The man was facing this newcomer and raised a curious brow with a smirk residing on his lips.

“Uhhh..”
The boy had the sound of being lost at the question. The man by him cleared his throat with an exaggerated tone. “No. You smell of trouble.” His face turned to look at the other two who approached and so did the boys. “He does not need healing… however this guy here might.” The man pointed with his thumb at the Hathcyn. “And yes this little guy belongs to me. Isn't that right Baqar?” The boy blinked and nodded mildly.

The man chuckled with an inner amusement. He waved his right hand to Ellanarys. “Taxis then? I wouldn't mind being healed by you some time. I get hurt more often than I'd like. The names Ziton.”
He grinned at her direction, partially ignoring the other two. The boy, Baqar looked at the injured man. “What happened to you?”
 
"Me?" Hathcyn blinked...

"I'm not injured, not now anyways." Hathcyn looked himself up and down, actually he looked better today than he normally did. He had made sure to tidy up before entering the city. oh, wait, their talking about the scars.

"
uhhh...there scars, not injuries that need to be healed." Feeling a tad bit self-conscious, Hathcyn wrapped his tattered cloak around himself once more.
 
Ellanarys was a bit creeped out by Ziton. She grimaced a little and offered a weak smile. He had singled her out and stared at her and her only. She tightened her arms around the herbs a little further and nodded her head to Ziton's words. "Yes, the Taxis. I will heal you if you need it, but you must either make an appointment in my shop first or ask for assistance from the Taxis. I can't just go wherever in the name of them. They must assign me somewhere first." Just to verify her words she gave another little nod of her head, with a meek smile. "I guess it's nice to meet you then. Ziton and Baqar. I am Ellanarys, but just Ella will do I guess."

With a small smile still on her face, Ella moved back to Jaso's side. She still wasn't sure what the two strange men wanted and she did want to know. Next to Jaso's side she relaxed a little bit, but was still hyper aware of those around her. One could never be too careful. She tilted her head to the side, jewels clinking together, to create a soft melody almost like wind chimes. "If you don't mind me asking. What are you doing here in Sunfire? Are you looking for help? For somebody? Or, are you here to shop and browse the various wares offered at stalls for a few days?"
 
Jaso glared at the man named Ziton as he seemed to make an advance on Ella. She seemed to notice as well as she retreated to his side. He couldn't help but give a sarcastic grin at Ziton as he continued to speak. "Injured more often than you'd like, eh? Sounds like a dangerous job, either that or danger follows you like a pet who smells treats." He placed a protective arm in between Ella and Ziton. "The name's Jaso."

He looked over to the tattered man, then to young Baqar, unsure what to make of any of them. He did give the tattered man an understanding nod. "If any of those scars haven't healed right, you need only seek us out. We'll fix you up as best we can." He said. He then looked back to Ziton as Ella finished questioning him. Awaiting his response.
 
"Its ok to be hurt. You can be healed here easily." The boy Baqar spoke out smiling to the tattered man. His smile and eyes brightened as he peered into his eyes and then at the woman and man who stood there observing and questioning Ziton. Whose expression grew more mischievous as if the attention awakened an intrigue in him.

He looked at the woman and rolled his head back with a bit of disdain. "So many questions. You'd think I was suspicious." He shrugged. "When that guy there looks desperate for a meal, or a place to stay." He once again points to Hathcyn. "But I do run into danger. Often this beast does find me, trouble that is. I have to lay her down each time. You know what that's like strangers?" He eyes Jaso, making prolonged eye contact with a smile emerging on his lips.

"My boy Baqar does want to visit the Taxis HQ. Young guy looks up to you folk." He smirks. "Will you help him?"
 
Hathcyn's eyes narrowed at the boy's response. Kneeling, so as to be on the boy's eye level, "Baqar, They scars do not hurt, not anymore. They are merely a reminder." Hathcyn had never seen anyone as innocent as this boy seemed to be. Then again, Hathcyn had never met another child in his line of work.

Turning towards the man named Jaso, Hathcyn responded to him in kind, " Well, if I ever need healing, I doubt your organization would give it to me." Hathcyn was sure that the Taxis, being the knights in shiny armor that they were, would help a killer like him. A killer who worked for cold, hard coins.
 
Ella looked over to Titon and listened to his words. Yes she was a curious person, but this was her home and she knew the people well. There was nothing wrong with asking a few questions harmlessly. She waved one hand in the air and shook her head. "Forgive me then. It is your business. I was merely curious and spoke my mind." She offered a small apologetic smile to him and then placed her arm back in front of her with her other. When Titon asked if they could show Baqar around because he looked up to them, she was about to agree and say yes. But then she heard the other man speak.

Ella whipped her head towards him and a sneer came across her face. "You doubt our organization would give you healing. Oh please. If you're in need and injured, that is what the Taxis is for. We aren't just there to look good in battles, we're here to help, to aid the citizens of this world. In case you didn't know many people have died in this line of work, despite being a mostly non-combatant faction. Especially my parents thank you very much. So, please do sharpen your knowledge of the Taxis before speaking. Your words are not appreciated, especially when we do work our arses off to assist people." Ella ended her words with a huff of air and turned back towards Baqar.

"Come Baqar. Jaso and I will show you around Sunfire for a while. But first we must drop this bundle off at my personal shop. Maybe you can even see some healing get done today, at some point that is." Ella paused and turned to Titon once more. "I will have him back here by sundown the latest. If you need me, my shop is on the second level and it's called, 'Mercy Vale Clinic'. You can find me there, and if I am not there you can just wait for me. Or find me, but Sunfire is a big place so that is up to you." Ella began to walk away and towards the stairs to the second level. "We have much to show you Baqar. I do hope you like it."
 
Jaso eyed Ziton carefully, matching his gaze, the tension he was experiencing radiated from the large man. He gave a look of pride as Ziton asked if he'd ever had danger follow him. "I deal with danger twofold, both protecting myself, and my charge from it's clutches. None have survived meeting this." He pointed to the Claymore that was sheathed on his back, leaning it towards the man intimidatingly. He wanted to be rid of this man as soon as possible, a task that grew more difficult by Ella agreeing to show the boy around.

He was a bit surprised to hear Ella snap at the scarred man for doubting who the Taxis heal. He'd always known that she took pride in their organization's open door policy, but he rarely heard such harsh words from her. He placed a calming hand on her shoulder and gave the man a nod. "The Taxis serve all, regardless of status in life. You may visit us without fear of being neglected."

With the young Baqar now in their care, Jaso led the two away from Ziton and the scarred man. Towering over Baqar, Jaso hoped he didn't seem intimidating to the youngster. "What an odd pair you two make, Baqar. How did you come to meet such an... interesting fellow?" He asked as they made their way to the second level.
 
Ziton let out a chuckle as his teeth were set in a grin on his face. Hathcyns rejection of the Taxis seemed to rouse a little intrigue from Ziton, who raised a brow at his sudden words. But his head turned to look at Ella. He rubbed his chin to her words, a grin still plastered on his face. Ziton then crossed his arms and nodded with smiling eyes at Ella as she reclaimed the Taxis honor in this moment. “Have fun Baqar.” Ziton waved as Ella and her companion began to walk off.

Ziton's eyes lowered as he rubbed his chin. His eyes seemed centered as he watched them begin to walk away. He then chuckled nervously as Ella turned around swiftly. “Mercy Vale Clinic. Gotcha. Don't feed him too much sugars. Alright, later.” He waved them off standing by the center statue with a light smile on his face as his eyes were narrowed once more.

Ziton turned to Hathcyn. “She had a nice ass.” He raised his chin and rubbed his nose before stepping up onto the circle and leaning against the statue casually. He pulled a hat from behind his back. It was similar to a farmer's hat and blocked the sun, but was made of leather. “ You're pretty safe here, heck. I should know. Vrondi is known for letting everyone in That aside would you be interested in a quick job? It comes with a place to stay for people like yourself.” Ziton smiled all the same but this time he seemed a bit more mischievous and sinister with the way the hat darkened his eyes.
___
The marketplace they walked in was the second floor of Sunfire. It held the shops and few if any homes. Many shop owners chose to live at their stores. It was only a few steps but the district for healing and potions was nearby. There the shops of many independent healers and alchemists stood on top of grass and wood.

Baqar stepped from his seat to stand at his full 3 feet and 5 inches. He was small and seemed happy to be going along with Ella and Jaso. His small feet scuttled across the ground as his sandals hugged his toes and ankles to stay attached. He looked forward with his large eyes allowing Ella to take the lead but he remained closer to her than to Jaso. He looked up at Jaso when he was asked how he met Ziton. Baqar hummed in thought as he looked at the sky as if his thoughts were flying by. “He bought me from slavers. Now I'm his Baqar. Sometimes he calls me a Prote.. a prota.. protege’!” He shouted with a smile once he found the word, looking up with a pleased expression.
 
Hathcyn watched as the child walked away with the two Taxis. Looking back towards Ziton he responded, "wouldn't know, I wasn't paying any attention to her ass. But I'll take your word for it. As with the jobs, please, continue."

Hathcyn stared at Ziton as he stood, waiting, expecting. After all, he needed a job.
 
Ella had taken the small boy Baqar back to her shop to drop off the freshly picked herbs. He was an interesting little guy, adorable too. She made small talk with him and Jaso along the way. She was fairly happy in their presences at the moment, with the only thing upsetting her being the scarred man from earlier. Ella took pride in the Taxis and the jobs they could pull off, especially since her family had a history within it. When they got back to the shop she held the door open for both Jaso and Baqar before following them in. She had unlocked it with a well decorated skeleton key that always hung around her neck. It was the only one of its kind, hand crafted specifically for the shop and she always kept it on her. "Well Baqar, welcome to the Mercy Vale Clinic. I know this area looks more like an inns lounge room than anything. Its for the waiting patients or any visitors I may receive."

Placing the herbs down on the counter in the front Ella walked over to one of the sconces on the wall and began to light it along with the many other adorning the room. The Clinic may have looked small from the outside, with an arched wooden door at the entrance, but it's interior was quite misleading. Throughout the room, plants or various types were everywhere, in pots, or growing around beams freely. It was mostly a wooden structure on the inside. The reception or lounge area contained many couches facing a large hearth on the right, where in the winter months, it would be constantly burning, provided much needed warmth for the slightly chilly air they received. Soft plush rugs of various furs lined the floors to provide a soft comfort to people's bare feet. To the left were two doors, respectively changing rooms and bathrooms for anybody who needed them. Before the two doors stood the main halls counter, backed against a wall, yet looking out at everything. Towards the back of the room stood another door that lead to a hallway. Throughout the hallway stood doors, leading to patient's rooms, which all contained a small bathroom in each as well. There was no upper floor to the Clinic, yet perhaps in the future one could be installed, due to the high ceiling heights.

Ella turned to look back at Baqar after lighting the sconces. "It isn't much, but I am proud of the shop. It has prospered much. I only wish I could see my two brothers again to show them it. However I haven't seen them since I left to join the Taxis. It makes me wonder what they're out there doing today." The young pale girl zoned out for a moment before looking back over to the duo and smiling. "One day I'll find out. Come come. Lets head back out. There's much to see and do anyways. Is there anywhere you would like to visit in Sunfire first?"
 
The young child's answer earned him a raised brow from Jaso. "Protégé? So he's a teacher? What sort of things does he teach you?" His questions were interrupted by them arriving at Ella's shop. Ella and her shop were some of the best reasons Jaso had to visit Sunfire. The homey atmosphere and Ella's bright presence made him feel comfortable, being a country bumpkin and an Oro in a country full of Sol.

Though the mood darkened a bit as he saw an all too familiar gaze cross Ella's face. She'd told him about her brothers before, and the unfocused gaze she had told him how much she missed them. He understood, he'd left his father behind as well to become a Taxis, and gets that same wistful expression on his face when he thinks about his dad. He moved over to her and gave another comforting pat and warm smile to her. His way of saying that if she needed anything, she could tell him, though he knew she wouldn't want to in front of the child.

As his thoughts turned to the child, he turned his body as well. Waiting patiently for the two to decide where they were off to next.
 
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