desolution.... (open)

Sally wasnt surprised when the two mysterious figures were suddenly apearing in front of her and Kai, She had been feeling a slight gifted presence for a while but once the two apeared it got stronger and she could tell if her and Kai werent careful it was going to trun into an ugly fight. Without reaching for her sword, she slowly got into her fighting stance and would be ready to sheath her sword if needed too.

She looked over at Raven as he spoke and then looked over to the boy, he didnt look very old but Sally knew sometimes that could be a defense move. The poor looked young and dirty, almost if he had been traveling through dangrous pits or something. She watched him closely, more closely then he giant.

Sally was hoping that Kai could fight well if they needed to fight at all, which she hoped they didnt have to. She looked over once more to Kai with a stern look in her eyes saying to be careful.

The huge man looked at the two with his blue flame eyes. Hail Kai Roths He said, his voice sounding more amused then threatining.

I hope you both understand that there is no way out of my lands, other then through a portal. He glanced at the boy, and the boy nodded once, his head and eyes still down.

You will take the boy with you, if you please. He can insure you're safe passage through these lands. Without waiting for an answer, the man faded into the shadows and was gone.

The boy stood there, his face a macrame of dirt and soil. As he looked up, the sun caught his eyes, giving them an unearthly glow. He trained his blue eyes on first the girl, laughing slightly.

You can come out of stance now. I'm not a threat to most people. His voice was soft, more a soft whisper then a spoken phrase. His voice was barely audible compared to the background noise around them.

Sally not wanting to be rude as the giant was allowing them to leave, slowly got back out of her stance be careful as well though. The boy seemed amused at her,She studied him more clearly now. She didnt find anything amuseing, she also didnt want to speak first, so she waited for Kai to say anything hoping that he would

Raven laughed at the giant's reply, he had amused the man which was to their benefit. He listened to the instructions carefully and nodded, a guide would be very agreeable... although he wondered about the thin boy and whether he would be a hindrance if there was danger or an advantage. At the least he would know the landscape and how to get to civilization. He watched for a moment to see the next interaction and was not surprised when the giant disappeared and they were left with the boy. The soft barely there yet melodious voice surprised Raven, it reminded him of courtiers and medieval bards for some reason; noble and with hidden strength behind the amusement.

Sally relaxed as instructed and Raven stepped closer to the boy, May I ask what we should call you? His eyes sparkled with a dark sheen making them indigo. His next question would be if the boy knew where they might hunt or forage, or even buy food.

Eden smiled at the two, impishly. He thought they might entertain him enough. He wasn't about to tell either of them the secret he held. It was after all, a closely guarded secret. The girl came out of stance, which was a good idea on her part.

The boy was interesting. He showed interest in Eden even without knowing who he truly was addressing. That would be yet another point of fun. Eden walked over to a tree, climbing its dark oak like branches swiftly, and dropped back down holding out two pieces of odd looking fruit. Black skin, with purple discolorations, looking like a living bruise. He bit into the third one that was in his other hand, the juice running down his face looking far to much like over oxidized blood, So vibrant a red, it matched Earth lipsticks, and was thick as syrup.

After the boy swallowed, he smiled. Eden. he said, finally answering the other boy's question.

Raven accepted the fruit, watching the boy eagerly eat his. He was not appalled by the color or texture of the fruit and bit into it with a devilish grin; random thoughts of vampires passed through his mind as he knew the blood colored juice dribbled from the corners of his mouth staining it like it had the boys face. He was pleased with the taste, it wasn't really sweet but more satisfying.

He wiped his face with the back of his hand after finishing his fruit. Hail Eden, friend for all intents and purposes.

His eyes scanned the trees for more fruit, he would like to pack some away for later but he decided against it. He was firmly in the hand of the Fates and he would allow them to play their game until it was finished. After all he had no direction, no purpose, and no reason for being other than to discern his reason for being! His purple eyes glinted to match the half grin on his face.

So Eden, I would fancy to know more of your lands, would you show us around? point out edibles and warn us against dangerous plants and such? It was a curiosity and a test to see what the boy would reveal and how much he would help them on their way.

Sally wasnt finding this amusing at all, she sighed and looked around. She wasnt hungry, she was filled from the food bar that Kai gave her. "Yes, to know more about this land would be good, but i think Id perfer shelter. Im a bit tired." She said looking at Kai. It was obivous that he liked the boy Eden. She yawned to show her tiredness and switch her weight to her other foot. She beginning to feel tired of standing and wanted to sit, but wasnt sure if should trust the boy named Eden.

Eden shrugged, and finished his own fruit. As the girl hadn't taken the fruit yet, he figured she wasn't going to. He dug a shallow spot in the ground with his hands and planted the third fruit. As they were asking about shelter and food, Eden just nodded and started to walk towards another part of the tree he had just climbed. Out of view of the other two, he summoned a elegant rapier and hip sheath, being sure that the others wouldn't see his display of power, not yet anyway. As the shadows became solid, he place them onto his belt. When he walked back he made sure the blade was clear in the scabbard.

So, would you prefer a town Inn, or would you prefer a resting spot out side of town? He asked the girl, his voice sounding more like a teens now, less unsure, and a bit louder. He could easily be heard over the din of creatures starting to awaken with the rising sun's influence.

He turned to Kai and winked. I can easily inform you of what not to eat around here. He said with a wicked smile. He started walking into the wood line, hoping they would follow. Either answer they would give would lead them through the woods surrounding the ocean. His aim was a nearby stream.

Raven heard Sally's exhaustion and felt bad for forgetting that not even Metas had as much stamina as he did. He gave her an apologetic grin and hoped he wasn't being too trusting in their guide; he definately had an impishness in him that Raven wasn't certain was all in their best interests. Raven watched as the boy buried the uneaten fruit, he respected the land, interesting.

Then just as suddenly the boy was up in the tree again, seeming to procure a weapon he had hidden there. Raven didn;t know whether Sally would feel comfortable in a town, but he preferred to stay close but out of reach of civilization. outside of town I would prefer. Close enough to glean the goings on, but far enough away to allow for safety. I wouldn't guess your presence, even as a boy of the king, would grant us safe passage. You maybe, but not us.

He was teasing the other boy, it was easy to do and came quite naturally to Raven, which he hadn't expected. He was a bit over trusting of people, but he was always wary and on guard. He had grown up around only the employees of the labs, and the meta's being tested-- and much of the time was left to his own devices and direction. For now he chose the path of companions, so he followed the boy into the foliage on the edge of a woodsy area. Perhaps he was following to a trap, perhaps this was a good idea; whichever it was the Fate's next path for him to follow, and so he would go. He cast a glance back at Sally wondering if he had been too forward, he wasn't used to speaking for others than himself, and he really wanted her to make her own choices, yet he also hated to lose what seemed a good companion--although he only barely knew her either! He offered her a smile of reassurance and disappeared into the dark plantlife.

Sally thought about it for a second and shrugged tiredly "It doesnt matter to me really,as long as it is safe." she replied as Kai looked at her. She nodded at him to show it was alright. It seemed to her that Kai trusted people to easliy, Sally on the other hand took a while to trust people. She was still being careful of Kai. She looked around and watched the boy lead away. She hesitanly followed behind him keeping her distant now that he had a weapon. She was sure to trust him as he was giving her a werid vibe and she didnt like it very much.

Eden lead the way to the stream first. The deep woods made it look like the sun wasn't even up yet. As he reached the stream, he knelt down, taking a good bit in his cupped hands and cleaning away the grim and dirt.

Now that he looked more like himself, he stood tall with out any shyness to him what so ever.

Now then, we will be at one of the wayward pines in a few minutes, but I should warn you of the rules. First Rule, you will not steal from another person while in a Wayward pine. Second, you will not kill or attack another person in a wayward pine. Third, you will respect the gifts the wayward pine gives you. I know this sounds odd, but just keep in mind what I said. Most people, even here, have never even heard of a wayward pine.

As he was saying this, he started to walk with renewed vigor. Swiftly, but making sure the other two could keep up.

Raven watched as the boy cleaned himself. He wondered if the water was safe to drink, his own face could use a good washing from the brine of the dark water. He had dove into the beach on earth, somewhere through the long night he had found a tiny portal; not one most would ever locate and big enough only for one person at a time to pass through. He hadn't really understood what it was, but the current had carried him into it and he had allowed the water to guide him. Once through it it had been dark all around him. He had thought maybe it was a storm brewing, but there was no real threat of wind or rain, just darkness.

His only choice had been to keep swimming and he thanked his Gods he had his powers because he knew no mere human would have survived the journey he had taken. The water was dirty and filled with debris by the beach, so he knelt beside the boy rinsing the brine from his mouth and wiping his own face. His bag was securely on his back, but he carried the wet clothing and his long coat in the plastic bag which he set down to wash.

Once he fet most of the salt had been washed away, and his hair had been rinsed and was dripping again; he stood and faced Eden. These are rules I can accept and will follow. It was all he had of reassurance, but it went along with his basic life's believing and creed...which he followed carefully, breaking it only with his parents that fateful April first when he had killed them. He now waited to be led to their shelter, his fatigue finally beginning to hit him.

Sally nodded at each direction that Eden gave her and Kai, understanding that she should follow each and every one of them. She did know however if she is attack first she will attack back. She watched as both boys cleaned themselves, not needing to do the same as she had done it earlier, she waited for them to finish so she could be taken to some kind of shelter.
She would have taken some of the water to drink but from what she could see the water was pretty nasty and probably poisioned. She decided she wouldnt take the chance of killing herself over water. She stood there waiting and waiting some more as the two boys continued to cleanse themselves. Once Kai stood up she gave him a smile and then looked ahead of her seeing nothing but trees and bushes inf front of them. She didnt mind it though, she was used to seeing so many trees and bushes by now.

Eden just nodded as they agreed. He was going to take them to one of the best kept secrets in the Darkworld.

He lead them through the maze of wood and bruch, deeper and deeper into the underworld. A place most people never have the nerve to venture.

He slowed not even a mile away from a town. The hustle and bussle could be heard slightly from where they were. But the truly interesting thing, was the tree standing before them.

It looked like an overgrown weeping willow, with pine needles instead of leaves. Eden smiled, and pulled back a branch. It revealed a lavishly adorned room. Four beds, a fire place, and enough blankets and pillows to keep even a bratty princess content. He ushered them in quickly.

Raven followed contentedly, he was tired but he was regaining strength even as they walked. He kept his attention focused on where they were going, ever attentive to Sally who was behind him as they walked through the forest. He tried to keep his bearings, but he knew he was lost and would not be able to find his way back to the ocean if he tried. He was a little put out that Eden could travel the territory with such ease while he was lost, but he resigned himself to this fate and reminded himself Eden was a native here and he was not.

When they stopped he walked up beside the boy and looked in with awe at the "room" inside the tree. This is amazing, Eden! He looked at the boy with an expression of surprise and mingled disbelief. Even with all he had seen these past six months this was unexpected...magical. He waited for Sally or Eden to enter first out of politeness, even though he wanted desperately to flop down onto the pillows and sleep. He supposeed they might need guard duty, but then again this was a place bound by rules of conduct seeming to secure safe passage for a night to a wayward traveller if they knew it was here.

Sally, curoius when Kai looked into the tree and said it was amazing to Eden, stood on tippy toe and looked over Kai's shoulder and her eyes widen at the site of what was inside the tree. "Wow." she said staring amazed. This was unlike anything she had ever seen. She walked in and looked around, not knowing what to do but was still more so tired even after all the excitment. She looked at a bed closer to her and sat on it taking of her sword and laying it on the bed carefully.

Eden waited until the other two were in the Wayward Pine, before coming in and letting the branch close around them. Then the true magic of the Pine came to life.

As the bough closed around them, the walls of needles and branches faded away, becoming as clear as the air it's self.

Walking over to the small fire place, Eden leaned over and said three words to it. Light For me. As he said this, a cozy fire blazed to life. He turned back to his new companions and smiled sweetly and innocently.

What do you think? There are other wonders as well, and if the scene doesn't pleas you, I can have it change back.

Raven waited for everyone else to find a place before he chose to sit on a mound of cushions. He had not slept in a bed for months, not one that wasnt tiny and broken in some ramshackle lodging house or most often simply the earth. He watched Eden as he lit a fire and he stood with his bag of wet clothing, wishing he had thought to wash it in the stream when he had the chance. Perhaps later in the day after he had rested. For now, he wanted to dry his things. A fire is just the thing, and these lodgings are comfortable. I like being able to see what is coming my way, but can they see us also -- or is it like a one-way mirror?

He began to look around for something to hang his things on to let them dry by the heat of the fire. A huge yawn dissolved his thoughts and he gazed around pondering again the need of guards, and for drying his coat and clothing.

Sally looked as she could see the outside where she could watch everyone who passed by the tree that hid them. "Very clever" She thought to herself and nodded in amaziment looking at the outside. She was getting extremely tired and huffed a little "No no its fine, no need to change it." she said to Eden yawning. "Could I go to sleep now?" She asked poliently her eyes drooping every second she struggled to keep them open. Yawning once more laying down next to her sword and put her head on the nice fluffy pillows.

[color:1762=0066ff]By all means, do as you wish as long as it is inside the rules of the Wayward pine. He said to both of them. He had no reason to keep the poor girl awake. He relized they must be tired after such a day in the Darkworld.

He looked at Raven with a wicked smile. [color:1762=0066ff]It's like a one way mirror. We can look out, but all they see is a tree. Granted, the only people in Darkworld that know the Pines exist outside of legend are all of Royal upbringing. He winked at Raven and lay down on a cushion next to the boy, as if he had known him forever.

Raven let the bag fall to the floor beside his mound of cushions and flopped down facing the other boy. He cast a glance at Sally, and was reassured that she could rest in peace; that they all could. His mind was racing, and although his body was finally tired, a sensation he wasn't entirely accustomed to as it rarely ever happened... he wasn't yet ready to sleep.

He lay there liking the confortable familiarity Eden seemed to feel between them. His eyes shone with curiosity and a cynical smirk curved his lips, If I didn't know better I should think I was seeing the King pretending to be a mere Pawn in this game of chess. His murmured trivialty was meant as a joke, but he had not missed the connection that the boy was obviously royalty. The sun of the king maurauding as a common page boy was more realistic to Raven's musing mind, an interesting means of gathering information on the wayward travellers of Darkworld.

For the first time in months Raven felt ease and almost peace laying here beside Eden. He had followed his heart when it had drawn him to this desolute wasteland of darkness, how had the Fates known there would be a friend among the darkness, a true light to follow for a while...

Sally yawned a nod a Eden, showing her thanks and curled up on the very comfortable bed. She was extremely tired from not having much sleep, it was too dangrous outside to just sleep under anything, anyone could find you and steal your things. She almost smiled before she fell asleep pulling the covers over her head hiding all over her body and her sword.

Eden looked at Raven with curiosity, he was used to people figuring him out eventually. He looked the boy in the eye, its blue catching the fire light and seeming to glow with the light like a wild animal.

[color:c4bd=0066ff]And why exactly do you think that? His voice was low, his thoughts churning with the possibility that maybe he could trust an outsider with his secret. A secret that no one in his own realm knew.

He watched as the girl covered her self. He knew the terrain, and was powerful enough that no one around here would dream to mess with him even if he were asleep. Then again, he would know what was going on around him with his subjects regardless, and would wake even before they could take an action against him.

Raven chuckled to himself, why did he think what he did? You have given us clues, and I read clues... You have told us inadvertantly that you are royalty, for only royalty know of these willow trees; you are much more than you seem, I can feel hidden power in you as I lay here so close to you; you follow strangers through the lands, what more would a King want to do than to know the outsiders who trespassed through his realm... I was merely joking that you would be the King himself, perhaps his son... but your reaction tells me I was more right than I could have guessed.

He assessed the "boy" more fully, Son or King himself, he would be ancient... yet Raven enjoyed the companionable warmth of their closeness, enjoyed that Eden chose to rest beside him. His face had been composed into a mask of certainty as he had recited what he knew, but now it dissolved into a shy grin and he turned away slightly to conceal the blush as he wondered to himself what Eden thought of him... and how the electricity of their closeness affected him. He was never one to conceal anythign about himself, was it apparent he found the boy attractive?

He turned his violet eyes back to look at Eden, What are you thinking so seriously about? Even knowing that this boy was royalty and possibly the King himself, Raven couldn't react to him more than as a peer and a person of interest to him. Strange how things had changed since he came here... following his path through the darkness he had found someone with whom he wanted to spend time, someone he wanted to know more... to allow to know him. But with who he was, what did this mean for him? He an anomoly who had met only one so similar-- Saphire, the mysterious boy from the beach... now he met Eden, Royalty who preferred to pretend to be a page to gather intelligence... yet he felt drawn here more than even to Saphire... drawn to the darkness. He shoved the confusion down inside him and gazed at Eden with a friendly smile on his face. He trusted the Fates, and now they had brought him here to Eden, he would let this guide him... friendships were few and far between in the world now, yet he wanted a friend and comrade desperately. He was tired of being alone in his quest for peace... it made him too trusting of others, and yet he felt no malice from or uncertainty to trust Eden.

As Sally slept he found his energy returning in the wake of his desire to learn more about Eden, about the world of Darkness in general-- but mostly about Eden. They were safe and he could relax here, and he was insatiably curious now to know more. I haven't felt so comfortable in six months, the fire here feels nice to warm my tired body, yet the companionship warms my soul. Six months I have been running with a purpose, yet no destination... it feels good to just be here, and yet I am curious to learn more about you... he looked at Eden again wondering what the other boy would judge of him, what he knew about him already... he was more astute than Raven that was certain, yet questions circled in Raven's head--

Eden looked into Raven's eyes with a look of amusement.

You are correct in your assumption that I am the King. However, most people think my avatar is the King him self. He is nothing more then a puppet. A lifeless husk of shadow that serves for my replacement. Considering I've resigned for over three hundred years. His voice was low, so only Kai could hear him. Its intimacy tangible.

You remind me of another human that ventured here not long ago. He was as astute in figuring things out as you are. His eyes, though the same color as your own, were harder, more darkness was inside of him then whats inside of you.