The Tower...

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AntiSaneDesciple

AntiSaneDesciple

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That blazing beacon of light had befallen his eyes just days ago, however by this time he had realized that it was the only path to travel. The Gray had leached all life from his beloved forests and turned the life he loved dreary and drull. Creatures peacefull and huntable had become forlorn and hunters. Cresting the ridgeline that he had marked as his next way point the ranger stopped momentarily. In those few quick moments he made note of several large rock groupings that gave him a compas of this place.

Taking his next step he began a descent. Now the tower with the beacon atop was in plain view, towering and welcoming. It was not in his nature to venture this close to cities, but this one looked as though the gray had taken it many springs before. However that image had locked into his mind a fortnight ago when he say the brilliant light from the top of the Caercarn Mountains to the north of Ayenee Capital City.

Every fiber of his person told him that he did not belong to the cities, yet his spirit had told him the only safety any more was at the tower. Propaganda viewed earlier this day had told him that "The Raven King" had descended upon them. Having done his fair share of bounty work on the new raised king's eye's he was not comfortable as a single man any longer.

As well the gray had began to stir. There were whispers in the trees that old powers were returning to the realm and even tales of some passed. His communion with nature gave him the feeling that things were changing, the way of the realm was "improving".

Gamel Wolfson, slayer of the "Devil Swine" held his composite recurve "Wind Song" in his right hand and kept his cloak about him tight with his left. With each step he made his appolgies to Gae for trampling the foliage underfoot that she fought so fervently for...the tower he told her, I hasten to the tower.
 
The massive mystic wolf squatted amongst the Grey-covered foliage and watched. Only his connection with the dragon he had once been a part of kept him from falling victim to the life-sucking force that surrounded him. Still, he heard the beginnings of the whispers that tried to force their way into his mind. He would be unable to remain here much longer without a set destination in mind. It was only because the Grey provided such excellent camoflauge for his light gray fur and silver mane that he chose to remain there now.

His eyes were the only part of his body that moved as he watched Gamel move onward. "Another forest dweller forced out of their home because of this horrible curse that has befallen our land." The wolf thought to himself. The length of the journey the humanoid had been on was apparent by observing his features. He knew where the other was headed. It was the same place many others had gone, thinking they would find for themselves some type of salvation with the self-proclaimed king. Something about this one, though, was different.

Der wasn't sure if it was the amount of time he'd lingered in the Grey, or the defeated look on the face of the ranger, or perhaps some combination of both. But he decided he would at least attempt some amount of intervention with this traveler. The wolf stood to his full height of 9 feet at the shoulders. He knew he was an imposing figure to behold. But, perhaps, with one who was used to seeing animals because of their woodland life, it would not be as intimidating as for those who lived within city limits regularly.

"That is not where you want to go." His voice was gruff. He was a mystic wolf, after all. He hadn't heard any canine with the ability to speak who didn't sound like they were constantly on the hunt. Still, the tone behind the words, hopefully, would convey genuine concern...he hoped.
 
"You blend well with the grey and fog, but your prints are impossible to miss." Gemel had fealt no malice in the air around him but did feel the shift of nature itself as the Mystic Wolf made itself closer and known. Gamel turned full around as not to cause any ill with the creature.

Touching is left hands fingertips to heart he noded slightly, "I see you Wolf..." a smile breaking his lips as he did. "You are much more impressive than your prints would describe."

His left hand then went to the brace of squirell that hung from his belt and loosed one lifeless carcass. He had found a small pool of life in the woods a few miles north and used the opportunity to restock the brace. He tossed the dead squirell in a arc towards the wolf as offering of thanks, a small offering but he had not communed with nature in some time now. And had never communed with a Mystic Wolf.

His yellow eyes marked him of the Wolf Brother, his build long and lean and even his six foot 4 inch frame was dwarfed by the sheer size of the animal. "The tower there in the Capitol City seems the safest place to be, I have done many wrongs by the "Raven King"..."
 
Der snatched the animal out of the air quickly, swallowing it easily. He wouldn't tell the traveler about the reserve stomach he stored it in before he could fully inspect it. It was there as a method to extend the length of time he could go between meals. The life of any wild hunter was very often a feast or famine style. He often took advantage of this natural design as a precautionary measure. He took somewhat after the dragon in that aspect. Meals prepared by someone else, even if it just seemed to be wild game, were met with cautious skepticism.

The mention of the name "Raven King" brought a snarl to his maw, and a small gutteral growl emmitted from him. "That imposter is nothing more than another self-righteous would-be conquerer who will meet his end at the hands of one of the many guardians of this world. The Grey is the real threat."

Der padded a few more steps closer to Gamel before turning his head to the tower. "I would think that would be the major concern of someone so connected with nature. The life stealing force has nothing to do with the self-proclaimed ruler who has taken control of that region. It spans worlds. Amenophis has no such power."

He turned his gaze back to the other. "Still, if you are insistent on going, I would offer an additional word of caution. Many others have passed this way. You are likely to find more of a malicious air about the tower than you have anticipated."
 
"Where then does the gray stem?" His question was spoken with the emotions of a man that fealt himself truely cut off from the source of his love. Anguish creased his brow and a fire alit in his eyes.

"I have searched the years away for the source yet all I find is fewer animals of right mind and more abomination..." The small solitary tear dried before it ran far down his cheek, "...where would you have go? Where is this gray not seen? Can it be killed? Can I change it?"
 
The ranger asked questions to which the mystic wolf had no direct answers. But he asked them in a manner of one who had given up all hope, and was furious because of it. The Grey had a way of killing everything, including any positive outlook for the future.

Der relied on his connection with the dragon to give him strength. "I do not know the origin of the life-stealing fog. Nor do I know how to deal with it. I do know, however, that hiding away in a tower will do nothing for eliminating the problem."

He sat on his back haunches and huffed before continuing. "I am aware that the problem is daunting. I, too, have searched in vain for quite some time. But one does not abandon a hunt because the quarry is sly. One redoubles their efforts and tries again."

The mystic wolf looked to the tower only for a moment before turning back to the ranger, again. "Now perhaps, with some assistance, there may yet be reason for heading toward the tower, but only to the edge of The Grey. Would you be willing to renew your strength and try again to find a way to eliminate this threat to our world?"
 
"A well thought plan friend, the fangs of this mist have sunk into my soul it would appear." His voice solemn, his family revered by the wolf packs of the land for generations and here he seemed babbleing fool in front of one of the most magnificent breeds.

No words spoken as he bowed deeply to his new companion and waited for him to take the lead.
 
She was not happy, not in the slightest bit! Playing hide and seek with Der was like trying to draw sunlight through the Grey....Well she wasn't exactly playing hide and seek, for it to be a game both parties must know they are playing it, and Der did not know she was trying to find him.
She knew she could follow his prints, though they faded over time to others, to her eyes they stayed, a light shimmering color tell she stepped upon them and both the print and her own would vanish, the light power drawn up into the ink. But now she was tired and in need of a rest, she did not know how far ahead he was. It could be a mile, it could be 10 miles. With a faint weary grunt she lowered the pack from her back and laid the walking stick over it before reaching up and pulling back the hood of her cloak. The Grey was thick here, but the ink would not let it harm her, nor would he hamper her vision, Her eyes for the moment where almost a lavender color and blazed in this evil darkness. She untied the cloak and let it fall to the ground in a heap. She drew up her whole height of 5'3" bringing her arms high above her head in a stretch, her skin tingled with energy as the living ink upon her flesh swirled, forming and un-forming different animal forums. To any who saw her, she would look like an easy target, but looks can be so deceiving! Small in height, dark curled hair laid to her waist, her flesh that was not dancing with ink was bound in dark leather, her knee high boots with a flash of silver at the tops, blended well with her current skin tone.
She sat down and rummaged through her pack tell she found bread, cheese and a small pouch filled with water, leaning back against a tree, she ate , drank and planed. Jewel was not only one of the ShadowBound, she was also quick and smart....and one hell of a tracker!...

"Ok fuzzball...I'll let you keep your head start for now!"
 
Der noddedd a strong affirmative and then turned to lead their journey toward the tower. "Then let us be off."

The overwhelming silence as a result of the deadly effects of The Grey was broken only by the soft pads of the great canine, and the equally stealthy taps of the ranger's feet. Until...

After only a few paces, Der stopped. His ears perked up and swung to the rear. A faint whisper...perhaps a memory. But one way or another it was a voice.

That voice...that all too familiar voice. He turned around and narrowed his eyes while lifiting his head to sniff at the air. A growl came from his chest. "This cursed mist. Nevertheless, an educated guess is better than nothing."

In a moment, Der was dashing the opposite direction of the tower. His speed was incredible, and he would be quickly out of sight of his companion. A few moments later, he bounded to the air and landed, as he had a dozen times before, nearly on top of Jewel. With both of his massive paws on each side of her legs, his head craned somewhat back to avoid hitting the tree, and his warm breath on her face, he stared directly at her. "You have no idea how good it is too see you, Lady Jewel!"
 
She let out a small scream as he landed, the laughed at herself while reaching out to touch his fur. With mock horror she laid a hand against her chest and spoke in jest.

"Ug! Puppy breath! You have slayed me mighty wolf!"

She then stuck her tongue out to one side, crossed her eyes and leaned back in a parade of death. Then with out warning she moved with swift grace, arms hugging his neck as her feet found the forest floor and pushed herself up right with a smile and a laugh.

"It is very nice to see you as well dear Der!"
 
Watching the Mystic Wolf lead off into the opposite direction of the tower he was left quite puzzled. None the less the animal had a keen bearing and Gamel would not argue in his current mental state. He needed a companion, he wanted one.

Letting his mind open to the sights and sounds around him he spotted the animals tracks fairly quickly. Almost as if they were softer and harder to read than if he had been walking. Amazing animals wolves were even at nearly a ton in wieght. Once he had the track he broke into a jog and followed with relative ease, save a few haphazard mistakes on his part. He was not nearly as sharp as he once had been.

Several minutes later he came to where the wolf was being hugged by the lady. The living ink upon her was his first notice. Gamel stayed back but intentionally snapped a twig underfoot to let them know that he was there.
 
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Der relied on mental communication, as he generally did with jewel. As always, it was much quicker and more efficient. Nothing could be accidentally confused when it was not words, but images and feelings that were being expressed. "We have a lot to discuss. Fang has been sent back to Ayenee, and several others of ancient lore have come out of hiding. Dektr and Doriaon have released me from my guardianship of the Myst Realm to help here. Things are changing for the better. We can discuss it later. At the moment, I have a traveling companion. It's him you sense approaching. We need to head to the tower."

The canine version of a smirk crossed his face when the twig snapped. He pulled back a bit from her hug and nodded over toward Gamel, and spoke aloud. "As I said. A traveling companion."

Der looked over to the ranger. "May I introduce the lady Jewel." He looked back at Jewel and nodded toward Gamel. "This youth is the one I'm escorting to the tower, or at least the edge of The Grey. As it stands, I have yet to catch his name."
 
"Gamel Wolfson for those that speak, the packs of the north call me..." He trailed off and opened his own mind, Gamel could not project he could only offer. If Der was following and he was sure that he was he would see the mental story unfold and his name of actions as the packs had called it would be told.

The Mountain Swine was massive, as large as Der if not a touch larger. Its back to a stone cliff and the packs surrounding it. Wind Song the rangers "fangs with wings" sent several arrows to its vitals, dying of its wounds with no members of the pack wounded. At that moment the pack leader had flashed a few simple images into his own mind.

The first image was of a hark diving hard at its prey, the meaning was loose to Gamel but he knew it to mean "Hawk". The second image was of his composite bow "Wind Song" and his legs from the waist down, "with legs" was the meaning he fealt.

The packs of the north, had called him "Hawk with legs" from that day forward, he was not seen until he brought death upon his prey.

If the Lady Jewel were open as well she would see his wolf song as well. He smiled to them both, "Your choice of which to use..."

With that Gamel sat cross legged at his spot laying "Wind Song" across his lap.
 
Jewel absorbed all of the mental messages and with a smile she let go of Der and turned her gaze upon the new comer.

"Well meet Gamel, Hawk with Wings, I am Jewel of the ShadowBound...And you are in luck that you found this big fuz..*She coughed and tried to hide her grin*..My friend Der, he is one of the best in tracking and protecting, and if the stories I heard are true...Well let's just say the way to the Tower will not be a sunny day picnic...

She grabbed her cloak from the forest floor, shook it clean of leaves and put it back on, but left the hood folded back. She then picked up her pack and started walking in the direction the two had come from, glancing back to them as she both moved and spoke.

"I think it might be best we chat while on the move..."
 
Der nodded to Gamel. "Quite the intriguing tale. Well met, noble Gamel Wolfson, Hawk with Legs."

He shot Jewel a glance as she joked with them, then smiled as much of a grin as his canine features would allow. "Quite true. To the tower it is, then."

The giant wolven creature turned and padded quickly to catch up with her, though ensuring that Gamel was, in fact, coming along.

Jewel was right about one thing. The route to the tower, though not overly lengthy, was going to be more than a little hazardous. Der had already seen several horrible creatures manipulated by their presence in The Grey. Most were easy enough for him to deal with, though he had to be very careful to not accidentally swallow any part of them. The taint caused by The Grey also turned what was left of the flesh of the creatures it consumed into a horrific toxin. He was lucky to discover it in time with the first beast he encountered. Truth be told he still wasn't sure how he figured it out. Nevertheless, he did, and he was glad for it.

He decided to take Jewel's suggestion, and converse as they traveled. He was more than capable of detecting any threats while simultaneously paying sufficient attention to his companions. So, he inquired of the ranger. "So tell me, Gamel, where were you when you first noticed the effects of The Grey?"
 
"North beyond the Ridge of Ends near the Diamond Lakes, I slept one night and awoke to the chocking taint of this curse..." His eyes seemed to dart about him as if thinking about it would send the foul beasts of The Grey forth to murder and maul..."I was nearly taken that day..."

He remembered the alpha of the pack he had been traveling with nudging him awoke. Telling him he needed to leave this place as "Him without Soul" had moved in. He spoke of The Grey with a fear of what was comming, a familiarity, a knowing. Wolves passed the hunt from one to another so the histories were true and pure within them, they remembered back farther than any could. Travel south they told him, "The Souless Well" is far south from here.

He conveyed the story in its wholeness to the others.
 
Jewel paused, tucked a loose curl of hair behind her left ear, then glanced over to Gamel.

"Hmmm, Wise pack leader...But who is "Him with out Soul?.."

While she waited for either a verbal reply or mind images in answer to her question, she decided that having a shadow go ahead of them and make sure the path was clear, would be a good idea. Jewel took the fingers of her right hand and laid the tips of her fingers on an ink mark on her left forearm that was shaped like a ferret. She murmured a few words to give the ink it's own life, then knelt and touched her left hand to the ground. Her skin tingled, the mark shifted and flowed down her arm, hand, fingers, tell at last it reached the ground and took on a solid form. This done, she stood and waved her hand in the direction they where headed and spoke to it in a motherly tone.

"Stay out of sight and no more then a 100 feet ahead of us...Go on now little one...Work to be done!"
 
Der didn't wait for Gamel to answer. He chose to field this particular inquiry himself. "It's a term many of the wolfborn native to this realm gave to The Gray. Natural wolves of Ayenee and their kin, or at least most of them, are accustomed to everything having at least some minute bit of light associated with it. That light is, in their view, a thing's soul. As this substance is dark and empty with no light, to them it has no soul."

Der watched as the shadow creature formed, received the instructions, then scampered off. He shook his head as he padded on. "I don't know how useful that will be in this environment, Jewel. Still, I don't suppose it would hurt all that much."
 
Gamel nodded in agreement with Der. He would not have had the words for it, all he had were the wolf thoughts to show them, he would not have to now thanks to a wolf with a better feal for language than himself. He continued to look about the area as they walked with that skeptical eye.

He didn't like this, the feeling was off. He wasn't sure if the others fealt it or sensed anything but The Grey seemed to be thickening around them though, getting heavy. He reached above his shoulder and took one arrow from the sheath and nocked it. The steel barbed broadhead glittered with quartz dust that had been crushed and applied with a light pine tar.

"...The quartz seems to kill tainted creatures quicker..."
 
I sent him ahead to scout for ill beasts...The darkness here hides so very...
She watched Gamel pull his arrow and set it to ready. With out a second thought she answered his spoken words
...Maybe because the stone is not only old and from the soil, but also because it is one of the stones that draws light into it...Hmm, I'd be willing to bet that an Apache Tear, the crying rock, would also kill them..

Her fingers curled around the dark stone hanging from her throat on a black leather thong. She could feel the power in the small stone and this gave her comfort and strength of will, some of the things the Gray tried to suck from living souls.
 
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