Wrong Time. Right Place., {Archie} x {Spotty}

[Spotty]

Running, running, she could never run fast enough.
There was never enough breath to fill her lungs, her short legs couldn't carry her the distance she needed.
How could she when the person she was running to, was an entire world away...perhaps an entire dimension...
But how was that even possible?

"Hush-a-bye don't you cry,
Go to sleep, little baby."

Her blue eyes swept the area, just as she slid two pale, cream arms around her lithe middle. It seemed very possible that the wind would blow the small creature off of her feet. If an observer was very astute, it would be noted that the girl had two, very red, tear stained cheeks. Her gown was tattered, hem and edges worn by foliage and the ragged path tearing relentlessly at, not only the fabric, but the flesh of her bare feet. Her soles were cut up and red, and if it was not for the dirt and earth coating the recent wounds, she would most likely be bleeding.

"When you wake you shall have
Al the pretty horses."

Aside from barefeet, she was very obviously lost and...panicstricken.Judging by the make of her, what must have been ivory, but was now very stained, she was of a wealthy station. Perhaps even the daughter of a distinguished merchant...or the youngest sister of a young lord. Her few murmured words, a long forgotten lullaby, also hinted toward a person of money and class, an accent that was very recognizable among most humans. What business did a girl of her place have in this dark forest? And...what had sent the girl into such a state?

"Blacks and bays, dapple grays,
Coach and six white horses."

A shadow lurked just out of reach, just beyond the path, and above the greenery and foliage of the evening wood. The glances that the girl dared over her shoulder, could have possibly been in search of that very shadow...but it was no doubt an animal, curious of the sounds of the little girl.
It's not like this was a dangerous wood...it was well traveled and nearby civilization. Surely nothing would have meant her harm...

She found that she couldn't run anymore. Her feet stung, the flesh worn and raw. Her lungs could not draw air without being painful, and...she wasn't sure that the forest would ever end. Tightening her arms around herself, she crawled just off of the forest path, a bit of fabric catching on a shrub in plain sight of the path. While she might have thought she had hidden herself well among the bushes, the girl's startlingly, almost white, blonde hair, and white hair bow and exquisite gown, gave her away.

"Hush-a-bye don't you cry,
Go to sleep, little baby."


-x-

"Tiberui...you are truly bloody mad."
The female's voice was one of good nature, interrupting the steady beat of a pair of boots on the well worn path. She was an odd sort of creature, tall, by most standards of her female counterparts, with long, dark locks. She did not wear an odd assortment of armor and gear as one might expect for an individual with a bow and quiver strapped to her back. She did, however, wear a type of helmet, that aided in keeping her hair from her face.
She tugged on one of her earrings, a habit most likely, before turning to face her companion, "Surely we were up to thirty-seven?"
"Thirty-one, I'm sure of it, Gisele," The male's voice was returned pleasantly, recovering from the bout of laughter that had just recently ended. Whatever it was they had discussed, both had fallen silent for now, their footsteps the only distinguishable sound from the rest of the quiet lurkings of the forest. While the girl was obviously equipped for battle, the other she traveled with...didn't really fit the description of warrior. He wore plain traveling clothes, something very common among peasants and townspeople. A dagger may have been hidden here or there among the folds of his clothing and aside from a small sword at his side, it looked to be the female would have to be protecting him in the case of trouble. But by the amicable and pleasantry between them, it didn't really seem either were expecting trouble anytime soon.
The male, referred to by Tiberui by his companion, raked a hand through his blonde hair, frowning at the surroundings. Sure, he had heard about this place's supposed darkness and evil, the nefarious deeds that were prone to befall those misfortunate enough to find themselves lost here. ..but frankly, himself and Gisele had witnessed not a thing gone awry. And Tiberui far from considered himself a lucky person...so that left the option of...doom was on the way. Meh, if doom was on the way...oh wait, he was attempting this thing involving not damning thoughts. So, scratch that bit.
"A few more hours and the sun should completely be up..." Gisele mused, dark eyes sweeping the horizon.
"And that means we didn't die," Tiberui returned, bestowing her with a thumbs up sign. ...or maybe he wasn't through with the damning thoughts thing...whoops...

[archmageness]

Anaron sighed. Had he gotton lost? ._. Oh dear Haephaestus, he certainly hoped not. Ildrasia would murder him. Well, torture him, more likely. The elven-like figure jogged past yet another tree(he was getting sick of seeing those), his black chainmail clinking together as he went, his black hair, greasy and dirty from travel, flying around his face, shoulder-length.

His deathly white skin and violet eyes were traits of his race, that of an Elwere, and he was unnaturally skinny, practically amaciated, and the tired gait of his walk expressed it, though he still managed to carry the weight of the armor, and the sword at his side. His eyes held dark shadows underneath them, and more than a few scars ran across his features, though most were around his lower mouth and neck, from what most could see.

He was looking for some Crystal, or gem that his mistress sought, and the dang woman had given him...absolutely no leads. None at all. Not that he was in any hurry to do her bidding, but still. He had to start somewhere. So why not a dangerous and mysterious forest?

Shaking his head at the idiotic nature of his thoughts, he jogged onward, though he quickly came to a walk as he heard jovial voices up ahead. And who was that? He heard a woman and a man. Not in the mood for stealth, he figured he'd just go up and introduce himself. Maybe they'd get startled and attack him. That would be a plus. T_T Nearing them, he found one to be an archer, the other...well, he didn't look like much of a warrior.

Almost disappointed, Anaron stepped into their view, his breathing slightly heavy as his thin frame struggled to keep up the hard work of not collapsing from exhaustion. "Greetings," He said flatly, his tone neither friendly nor offensive. "I was just happening by..." His mouth turned into a slight smirk, though he was still wondering why this odd couple was out here in the first place. "Is the game good here?" he asked, perhaps suggesting that the woman was a hunter.

[Spotty]

/How/ they didn't hear the elf's approach, Tiberui wasn't really sure, and he let out a squeak of surprise as the elf waltzed into view. Diving behind Gisele's tall form, he poked his head out at the newcomer, wrinkling his nose as he inspecting the man.
"Game?" He blinked rapidly, eyes overcome with interest. "What sort of game?" This was asked with enthusiasm and he moved from behind the dark haired woman, brushing his blonde bangs from his eyes. Just as he would continue on, a swift kick to his shin made him flail, pouting up at the female.
"Greetings," She said levelly, inspecting the elf's sickly form with something resembling sympathy in her dark eyes. She followed his gaze to her bow, lips turning downwards as he suggested she was a hunter. It wasn't the first time she was presumably underestimated, nor did she expect it to be the last.
While he was wondering what the pair was doing in the wood at this hour of the morning, she was wondering about the same. She didn't speak anymore than that, lapsing into a cool silence. Tiberui, however, leapt in where Gisele fell silent, goofy grin devouring his lips, as he stepped forward, offering his hand. "My name is Tiberui and this is my companion Gisele. Tis a pleasure to see someone else...that isn't a tree." The added bit made him pout somewhat as he continued to offer his hand enthusiastically, "Where are you headed?"

[archmageness]

Anaron opened his mouth slightly, contemplating the male amusedly. "I asked you," He replied, and gestured around him vaguely. He was happy enough to move on though, as he didn't really care much whether there was good hunting here or not. Tiberui's enthusiasm-while it wasn't quite echoed by the Elwere-was at least acknowledged, the left corner of Anaron's mouth twitching into something of a crooked smile.

He gazed down at the fellows hand, his own beginning to outstretch for just a moment, before pausing; as if he was afraid he'd catch some disease by touching the man. After that brief pause though, he fully extended his own hand, grasping Tiberui's firmly, though hesitantly. "Tiberui and Gisele," He echoed, deciding to remember the names. "I am called Anaron," He replied, though he might have grimaced slightly at the name. It changed with every new master he recieved.

Where was he headed? Off to go get a stone of necromancy for my demented and evil mistress? So maybe the truth wouldn't work out quite so well here. "I'm a bit of a nomad," he said, never one to be good at cooking up convincing lies. But perhaps that one would do.

[Spotty]

Tiberui pouted when the male hesitated about taking his hand, frowning at the outstretched limb. Did his skin randomly attract some sort of leprosy? He managed to contain flailing at the thought, though he would have easily sulked for hours if he didn't shake his hand. When he finally shook his hand, Tiberui's smile widened even more, enthusiastically still shaking the man's hand.

Gisele watched the proceedings, eventually her gaze even wandering away from the exchange of pleasantries. Whether she found it odd that a supposed nomad didn't know about the state of the game of this area or not, she didn't comment.

Leaning forward, he lowered his voice, offering to the man, "She doesn't talk very much. So don't take it personally." Winking, he straightened, only to receive another kick to the back of his leg. Ow! That hurt! He pouted back at Gisele, turning around to find that she was standing as though nothing had happened at all. Gods, she could be mean sometimes.

"A nomad?" He repeated, interest returning to the newcomer. "By yourself? That sounds lonely," Tiberui frowned in consideration, glancing back at Gisele. For all her seriousness, he wouldn't want to be out in the forest by himself. Pursing his lips in consideration, and idea occured to him and he smiled brightly. "You should come with us." He nodded, as though his enthusiasm could not become more incredible, "It'd be no trouble at all."

[archmageness]

"I didn't," Anaron assured the man, referring to himself taking it personally. He retracted his hand there, seeming, if not annoyed, then simply uncomfortable with the man's enthusiasm, though he didn't comment on it.

"I'm not one to be bothered by loneliness," He told the man, though his voice did seem to have a slight hint of sorrow at the words. At the least, it was better than being near Ildrasia. Not that she couldn't punish him from a distance. It was just nice to at least be able to pretend that he thought completely on his own.

...... Come with them? His first answer was no. Absolutely not. There was no way he could carry out his mistress' wishes in the company of these two. But then, he didn't even know where he was going. It couldn't hurt. And perhaps they knew something of this damn crystal. That was his way of justifying it, in any case, and he didn't bother arguing with himself.

"Come with you?" He voiced the question aloud. "I suppose I could...Could I ask where you're headed?" If they were leaving the forest right then, he wasn't sure if he'd manage coming up with an excuse for going with them...

[Spotty]

"Not bothered by loneliness?" Tiberui blinked rapidly, frowning at the man as though he had said one of the single, most strangest things he'd heard in his life. Turning to pout at Gisele, he noticed that she had begun to inspect her bow, a sign that she often used when she was ready to be moving. Cue, lots of inward flailing here.

It was doubtful that Tiberui noticed Anaron's discomfort, he was much too busy inwardly flailing at the thought of this man being alone while Gisele tried to rush them away. He seemed okay enough to him! Why couldn't he come with them?

"No one likes to be alone!" The man cried in disbelief, folding his arms across his chest to pout. "Even horrid old barmaids that poison water don't like to be alone." This pouted announcement inspired a soft sigh from his female companion who simply shook her head, returning the bow to her back.

"We're headed to Theide." He pointed due West, the direction that he and his companion were headed on the worn forest path, "And then tomorrow we're going back to Lianae." He pointed back to the East, directly behind him. /Why/ by the gods anyone would cross a forest and then go directly back through it would be beyond anyone, but Tiberui didn't hesitate in his explanation, nor did the one known as Gisele protest. At this rate, it seemed very likely that one....or maybe both had escaped from some sort of mental institution.

"We're looking for someone." He added in a hurried manner, as though this would clear up any confusion.


occ;;


GISELE!

TIBERUI!

[archmageness]

"I didn't say I liked it, I said I wasn't bothered by it," Anaron replied, seeming mildly amused, but also a bit irritated. He shifted from foot to foot, looking suddenly impatient, and he echoed Gisele's thoughts. He needed to get moving again.

"Why..." He started, an eyebrow raised. They were going to go back and forth? Ironically, that suited him well enough. He needed to search the forest, so search it he would. "Who are you looking for?" He asked, as if he might already know where the person was. Which he didn't, of course.

"Very well," He replied finally, throwing a hand up dismissively. "I will travel with you...for the moment." He couldn't honestly guarantee that he'd stay with them for long. That was the problem with being an Elwere. Even if you were an honest, goodly Elwere, you still couldn't ever be trusted, because one never knew when their master would simply command them to go do something horrid. And they would obey. Almost always. Damn mages. He hated them all.

There were a few things that he'd have to be careful about. He didn't want them asking too many questions...Perhaps he'd be able to find ways around those...

[Spotty]

"I would be bothered by it," Tiberui moped out, turning to pout more at Gisele when he distinctly heard the sound of her very soft snort. Mean! Why was she picking on him? He was just trying to be nice! The world was being ever so cruel to him today. They didn't find the girl and now he was going to have this poor man on his conscience, wandering the forest all by himself because Gisele was in a hurry. Of course, his rapid thoughts, twice as rapid as his speech, wouldn't allow him much time to be depressed for long.

Oddly enough, or maybe it wasn't that odd, as the man had offered his name and his companion's easy enough, so offering any and all of the rest of their histories, blood types, what they ate for break fast, the like should follow just as easily. He rubbed the back of his neck when Anaron posed his next questions, frowning very slightly, "It's sort of complicated, and really...I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you, you see--" His words trailed off as Gisele started off towards Theide.

If Tiberui insisted that every single person they happened upon traveled with them, they'd soon have an army, something she wasn't exactly interested in. The moment Anaron agreed to join them, she didn't see much purpose in waiting for Tiberui's mouth to shut itself...she wasn't convinced the end of the world was even long enough for that blessed event to come to pass.

"!!!" She was always in a hurryyyy! Pouting, he trotted off after her like a scolded puppy. "There's always tomorrow," He murmured to her back, pulling a dagger from the folds of his clothing, and toying with it in a contemplative manner.

[archmageness]

"Because you're not used to it," Anaron countered back, shrugging. He waited expectantly for the explanation, though he seemed far more relieved than a normal nomad should be when they started moving again, his haggard expression brightening slightly.

With a bit of a yawn, he started after the duo, though it was to his chagrin that he found himself to be much more tired than he'd originally thought. When had he slept last? A day ago? Two days? Three? He'd lost count. Not that it mattered. Hell, he'd probably end up leaving this group, whenever they settled down to camp, in favor of traveling through the night. Again.

Although, he highly suspected he might collapse mid-stride if he tried that. Again. But it was far better than his half-insane mistress deciding that he was half-assing it. Farrr better. "I might leave you come nightfall," He said aloud, deciding to give them fair warning, instead of just suspiciously intending to disappear at the last second. Shit. And now his story wasn't matchng up. A nomad would most probably not need to travel through the night. Ah well. They'd think what they'd think. "I plan to travel through the night," He explained. "So when you set up camp, I will take my leave."

Assuming he had the energy to keep himself going for that long. It wasn't seeming too likely, though.

[Spotty]

"But!" Tiberui cried in protest, folding his arms across his chest, "There wouldn't be so many people in the world if we weren't meant to socialize and be around others!" This reasoning seemed perfectly logical to him, in any case. He was distracted from the other male's question, continuing to follow Gisele and pouting.

Gisele sent a quizzical gaze over her shoulder when Anaron spoke once more, her suspicion quite successfully piqued. Aside from a very slight lifting of one of her eyebrows, she said nothing, instead glancing up at the early morning sky. Shaking her head, she continued the trek, allowing Tiberui to cover this one, though she doubted he heard nothing but the part about him going on his own.

"I understand, Anaron," Tiberui said slowing his pace enough to pat the other on the shoulder, "This is typically the way it works. Most people aren't heading the same direction as we are. Back and forth." He shrugged, though he seemed to notice how tired the other was. Pursing his lips in consideration, he glanced at the sky as well. "We could stop for awhile." Tiberui suggested to Gisele, "Besides, we're just going back this way tomorrow...we don't need to stop for supplies yet."

[archmageness]

"Hm? Ah well, I'll leave the socializing to those who are better at it," He said, tiring of the conversation. He rubbed a hand over his face, and shook his head. His eyelids were starting to close on their own. Would he just fall over and sleep right then and there?

Crystal or no, he'd have to sleep...or at least nap. Not that he trusted himself to actually wake up when he planned. "Ah..." He muttered, intending to insist that they keep going. A slight stumble on his part, the toe of his boot catching on some rock or other rocked him forward a bit, and he grunted quietly. Perhaps sleep would be a good idea.

But no. He really needed to keep going, he knew, at least until night. "I'd rather not stop," He replied quietly, "Though, of course, you are quite free to do so...I'll keep going." he shrugged helplessly, and turned to look at the two, frowning as he considered his situation. And he couldn't really explain any of this. Goddamnit.

Truth be told, he felt like he'd just fall over any second. If he did, he was quite sure that he wouldn't bother getting up again. Nope, he'd just sit right there and sleep, facedown in the dirt. Or wherever it was he landed. >_>

[Spotty]

"But...practice makes perfect." This was mumbled under the man's breath, arms folding across his chest to pout even more profusely than before. The situation at hand was reminding him of a very pessimistic weasel that he had once met. Humans, humanoids, beings that had any sort of mortal like qualities were designed as social creatures; though some were more stubborn than others.

Gisele paused, turning around just in time to witness Anaron's lack of grace. Aside from her eyebrow lifting in a mostly unnoticeable manner, she didn't react or comment, instead, pursing her lips in consideration. Tiberui was correct in his observation that they didn't need supplies immediately. The pair had become very familiar with just how much rations and necessities required to survive a trek through the wood. "Very well," was her quiet reply, arms unfolding from her chest, and resting at her sides.

Tiberui was able to stop himself before crashing into Gisele when she paused, glancing back at Anaron as the other male spoke. Why were people so stubborn? He was very obviously tired...and Tiberui didn't mind stopping. So long as they were back at one particular place, at one particular time...all would be well. Of course, while his personality demanded he be kind and helpful to all, he couldn't force Anaron to stay and rest with them, and...while Gisele's expression hadn't changed, he knew her well enough to know what she was thinking. And the female wasn't going to insist that he stay. "Well...you're still welcome to stay with us, if you want to..." Tiberui said lamely, rubbing the back of his neck, as Gisele dissapeared off the path to locate water, or scraps of wood for a fire. He wasn't concerned that she left on her own...that was just...sort of Gisele.

[archmageness]

"Hmph," was all the elvish figure replied, growing fidgety again. What to do, what to do...Leave, or stay? He contemplated staying, but a very real fear in the back of his head shouted out against that, and he just shook his head, turning to leave.

Apparently, however, his standing still for even just the few minutes that had passed, had allowed his body to realize that it was running on negative energy. He took about two steps, before his legs sort of trembled, and gave out halfway, and he grunted in surprise, falling down to one knee. Gods damn. So according to his legs this was as far as he was meant to go today.

With a self-deprecating chuckle, he pulled himself back to his feet, which seemed to take a good effort, and turned back to Tiberui-Gisele had left by this point. The Elwere sighed, and glanced toward where Gisele had disappeared, before shrugging. "I suppose I'll stay for the momen; I was more tired than I thought..." If he hadn't been so used to mockery and the like, he would have felt a bit embarrassed at his change of mind, but his expression only portrayed an irritated and cool scowl, not directed at either of his new companions.

[Spotty]

Tiberui managed to restrain himself from leaping to Anaron's aid when he stumbled, fearing that being too attentive and helpful would; one) make him seem rather creepy and two) probably embarrass the man further. He continued to rub the back of his neck, stepping off the path to a convenient stretch of clearing. He left it up to the other if he would follow or not.

Drawing the leather pack from his back, he set it gently on the ground, stretching, and pouting very slightly. Those potions were heavyyyy! He drew his own bedroll from his pack, searching around in the deeps of the bag for something else that might be able to aid Anaron.

It was several moments before Gisele returned. She was swift and silent, dropping an armful of underbrush and scraps of wood to use for a fire. She set her bow and quiver beside Tiberui, tilting her head as the other fished around in his traveling gear. She knew much better than to ask; instead, she took out her own bedroll, sitting on the ground, and inspecting her bow in silence. It wasn't odd, of course, she hadn't been talkative up to that point anyway.

"Ah-ha!" Tiberui declared triumphantly, locating a bottle and tossing it over his shoulder, the brush and dried twigs and branches being engulfed with a strange greenish flame before quieting into a calm, usual sort of fire...treating this as though it were the most natural act of all, Tiberui returned to fishing around in the bag, whining under his breath.