Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 18:43:26 GMT -6
Night, the most dangerous time in the swamps, had fallen over the land. No traveled through the swamplands at night. It was almost forbidden in a sense. At night, the wetlands were teeming with banshees, basilisks, gorgons, and skeletons. Only the most determined souls could make it through the swamps without fear of being cut down by one of these many creatures.
The fact that the swamps were dangerous was far from Tyebolt’s mind tonight. He had been called out here by the sweet but frantic voice of Caitlyin. She had gotten lost in the swamps and she was desperate for help. There was reason for this desperation as well. The human was in grave danger if she was in the swamps at this hour.
Tyebolt was trudging through the murky water, looking for Caitlyin. He had been dressed for the swamps, luckily, before she had called on him. His boots were tall and kept out most of the mud and the water. He had a black cloth coat on that went down to black pants. He almost blended in with the darkness except for his white hair and his white eyes.
“Caitlyin!” the soulstealer call out, holding the lantern upward that he had brought out with him. Yelling in the swamps after dark was also not very safe, but at the moment he did not care.
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 19:04:27 GMT -6
The tiny girl was cowering in the roots of a tree, scared almost out of her mind. She’d had enough sense to fish the marble out and call Tyebolt, staying still while the creatures of the swamplands moved around her, emitting all sorts of cries. She clutched her stuffed rabbit to her, her whole body trembling as small whimpers of fear made their way past candy red lips.
She’d already been chased by some creature tonight and managed to dodge it, her clothes torn and askew, her hair tangled and dirt staining her porcelain skin. It was a wonder she hadn’t become something’s dinner, but at the moment, she didn’t want to move from her precariously safe spot hiding among a tree.
Something passed in front of her and she pressed even farther into the roots of the tree, trying to become invisible. She heard Tyebolt call her name and the creature in front of her paused, turning to the sound before it sunk low and seemed to disappear, probably going after Tyebolt. Caitlyin whimpered softly, wanting to just close her eyes and wake up and be safe again.
She heard movements and violet eyes darted about, trying to discern the shapes and her ears were trying to pick up the sounds of the various creatures crawling about as she waited for rescue.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 19:11:37 GMT -6
Tyebolt could sense that the human girl was near. Even through the smell of the swamp, her alluring scent was floating upon the air. He could also sense the fear in her soul. The soulstealer was quick to make his way through the mud, frantically trying to find the girl.
“Caitlyin, I’m coming,” he called out still, his voice echoing around the swampland. He drew his halberd from his back, holding it out in front of him as protection. If something were to lash out at Tyebolt, he would be ready for it. His muscles were almost just aching for a fight that he expected at least one beast would put up with him.
“Just try to stay calm. I am almost to you, Caitlyin. Just try to relax. I will let nothing hurt you. I promise you that.”
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 19:15:48 GMT -6
Caitlyin barely moved, having seen something out of the corner of her eye, her chest barely rising and falling with each breath. It was a skeleton, making its way through the darkness, probably heading for the soulstealer since he was the most active and the most pronounced with his lantern.
She pushed herself even farther into the roots, unperturbed by the dirtiness here, just wanting to hide until everything was gone. She hadn't meant to get lost, she'd been playing and exploring earlier, then darkness had started to fall and she couldn't find her way again.
She whimpered again, the sound almost inaudible as she clutched Bun Bun to her, bringing the rabbit in front of her face, as if she were hiding.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 19:35:33 GMT -6
The soulstealer quickly found Caitlyin and dropped down by the roots, looking in with the lantern brightening up the darkness. He sat the lantern on the ground, careful to make sure it did not tip over.
“I am here for you, Caitlyin, you’ll be alright,” Tyebolt assured her with a gentle voice. He took off his coat and handed it to the girl, knowing that the wetness of her clothes plus the cold air of the swamps was probably starting to get to her.
“I will protect you, I promise.” The soulstealer reached forward and took her hand gently. He sent her a smile. “I can get you out of these swamps.”
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 19:39:55 GMT -6
The coat was huge on her but it was warm from his body heat and she placed her tiny hand in his after shrugging into the coat. She probably looked adorable and a bit silly since he was much taller than she was, but at the moment, looks counted for naught.
Bun Bun was stowed safely in her pocket, where he would not fall out as she climbed out of her hiding place, her knees and palms scraped up where she had tripped in her running and been caught by branches.
"I'm scared," she said softly, eyes darting around to take in everything around them as she edged closer to the soulstealer, trusting him.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 19:52:22 GMT -6
“Everything will be alright,” Tyebolt promised her in a gentle voice. He handed her the lantern for her to hold. He was hoping that the light would calm her down a bit. There was also a bit of warmth coming off of the flame inside.
“I will not allow anything to hurt you, Caitlyin,” he assured her. Taking her arm gently, he began to lead her. There was a sudden wail, and Tyebolt instantly identified it as a banshee, a banshee who was moving in on them at a high rate of speed.
The soulstealer looked to the human girl once more. “Do not allow her screams to put fear into you,” he said gently. “I know you are afraid, but you must try to stay calm. The light in your hands will protect you from her, Caitlyin. Just calm yourself, and don’t think about her.”
Tyebolt stepped forward, feeling the dark air of the banshee coming in on them. All fell silent around them. There was no noise at all. No stirring of branches. No sound of creatures in the water. Just silence. The air itself became heavy and still. The temperature dropped down even further.
There was a cackle in the darkness. “Do not allow her to get to you, Caitlyin. These are just tricks. She wants you to drop your light. Don’t allow her to spook you and cause that.” Tyebolt took hold of the girl’s free hand, slowly leading her forward. His right hand held his halberd at the ready.
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 19:57:49 GMT -6
Caitylin whimpered even more, holding on tightly to Tyebolt's hand, following behind him. She tilted her head forward to rest on his back, knowing enough to be able to unimpede his movements should the need to fight arose. She trusted the soulstealer to keep his promise as she followed him, her lips trembling.
The poor girl was far out of her element and the best she could do was place her faith in the soulstealer who said he was her friend and promised not to hurt her, especially in this environment that he called 'home'. Cait shivered despite herself, holding on tighter to the lantern that Tyebolt had given her, listening to his voice and letting his voice wash over her, giving her a sense of calm.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 20:18:34 GMT -6
Tyebolt continued to lead her through the swamp. The banshee was taunting them. Crying out as though in pain. The soulstealer paid no mind to the phantom. He simply continued to assure Caitlyin that everything would be alright. He paused in his walking as everything feel completely dead again. This was never a good sign. Something was about to happen.
“Caitlyin, if I tell you to run, I want you to listen to me, alright,” Tyebolt told her gently. “Shempii is not that far from here. All you have to do is run in that direction, and you will soon see lights.” The soulstealer gestured in the direction of the city.
There was a sudden shriek and out of nowhere the banshee swept down upon them. Tyebolt held onto Caitlyin’s hand tightly, making sure the beast did not hurt her. The banshee came down upon them again, and the soulstealer was quick to strike out at it.
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 20:23:10 GMT -6
Caitlyin let out a small scream when the banshee came at them, hiding behind Tyebolt as best she could as well as not impeding his movements. She could run, she was good at that, her movements and the grace not for show. Now that she had a direction to run in, it would be hard to catch the little human.
Violet eyes were wide with obvious fear as she stayed near the soulstealer, knowing he would protect her. She bit harshly down on her bottom lip, drawing a small amount of blood to the surface to dot her lip, a metallic color that seemed to shimmer in the lantern that she was holding onto so tightly.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 20:37:09 GMT -6
The soulstealer let out a slow breath and with that breath a stream of white flowed from his mouth. It moved downward to his blade of his spear and wrapped around it. The banshee came down on them stronger than before. She took a larger form, the torn raggy clothes she wore bellowed about her.
Tyebolt moved Caitlyin firmly behind him as he stepped forward and made contact with the banshee. A loud wail came from her as the blade made contact. There was a bright, blinding light that came from the contact spot and the creature quickly disintegrated.
The soulstealer quickly took hold of the human’s hand. “We have to run,” he told her. The destruction of one banshee would lead others to them. Tyebolt was quick to start running, making sure Caitlyin could keep up with his pace.
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 20:40:50 GMT -6
Caitlyin had no problem keeping up with him, seeming to flow almost effortlessly through the swamps at the soulstealer's heels with the dancer's grace she innately possessed. She knew that Tye was strong but it wasn't until now that it had been proven how strong he was and she was glad he was her friend.
As they spilled through the darkness, she gradually had less time to take in her surroundings and be afraid, entrusting everything she had to the soulstealer. And while her fear receded, guilt came forth that she had summoned him and could have possibly gotten him hurt. It was a childish emotion for sure, but she would apologize later to him once they were safe.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 20:50:49 GMT -6
They soon came to the city of Shempii, which Tyebolt let out a sigh of relief. Light spilled upon them as they stood on one of the small ports that surrounded the city. The soulstealer led her over to one of the little row boats.
He turned to her as he paused. “Are you alright, Caitlyin?” he asked her gently, observing her in the light of the city with concern eyes. He was looking for any scratches that could have marred her face. He brushed a few strands of hair out of her face to be sure that she was alright.
“We are safe now, I promise you that. The lights of the city will keep the beasts away.”
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 20:57:52 GMT -6
Caitlyin nodded rapidly, a few tears forming in the corners of her eyes as she bit down on her lower lip again, drawing a small amount of blood before her words came tumbling out of cherry lips. "I'm sorry that I made you come after me, but I was scared and didn't know what else to do and you could have gotten hurt and I didn't think and I'm so sorry, Tye," she said in a rush, staring down at her feet with her hands clasped behind her back.
Cait didn't really have much experience relying on others to help her, always having relied on her brother to save her and protect her, and now the girl was suddenly shy.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 21:04:21 GMT -6
Tyebolt quickly wrapped his arms around Caitlyin in an embrace. “It’s alright,” he assured her gently. “I am glad you called on me.” He rubbed her back lightly. “And we’re both fine. Everything is fine. There is no reason to apologize or to worry now.”
The soulstealer stepped back and smiled down at the girl. “Let’s get into town. I will take you back to my home so you can clean yourself up and put something clean and warm on. Then, we will get you some dinner and some hot tea.”
Tyebolt rubbed her arm lightly before going back to the little row boat. He stepped down into it and offered his hand to help Caitlyin in.
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 21:18:54 GMT -6
Cait nodded and rubbed at the tears before letting Tye help her into the boat. She still felt bad about calling him out at night and making him get dirty, but it would pass eventually. She sat down, looking rather like a picture despite her disheveled state as she shivered slightly, still clutching the soulstealer's coat around her.
She sniffled slightly, shaking now that the adrenaline had worn off and she was safe now, still able to hear the calls of the swamp creatures, causing her to huddle further into the borrowed coat, almost as if she were trying to become invisible. "Okay," she said.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 21:24:18 GMT -6
The soulstealer took up the paddles and started to row down the waterway, away from the swampland. The boat glided down the water in the direction of his house. He was glad that he had found Caitlyin when he did and now she was safe. He smiled a bit to her.
“You’ll have to see the little bunny after you are all cleaned,” he said, trying to relax her a bit as he directed the boat down the waterway. “He’s gotten a little bit bigger from the last time you saw him. I am positive he will remember you, though.”
The travel down the waterway to the soulstealer’s house was not a long one, and soon they had drifted up to the stairs that would lead to the back door. Tyebolt got out of the boat and took Caitlyin’s hand to help her up and out of it.
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 21:31:44 GMT -6
Caitlyin smiled faintly at the mention of the rabbit, remembering how cute it was. She also remembered how big brother had been upset with her befriending the soulstealer, but she instead chose to focus on the tiny rabbit that had made her day. "Are you sure?" she questioned, her voice soft and shy as she thought about the bunny.
She had a shy smile on her face, her hands still shaking slightly as she let Tyebolt help her out of the boat and back onto land, leading her up the stairs to his house. She bit her bottom lip again, showing one of her few nervous habits that she had gained over the years.
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Tyebolt
Peasant
Soulstealer
Posts: 96
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Post by Tyebolt on Oct 16, 2009 21:50:26 GMT -6
The soulstealer led the girl into the house, opening the door for her and shutting it once he had stepped in after her. The house was dimly lit at this time by light purple flames that came from several candles. Tyebolt walked forward, leading Caitlyin into the living room where he lit a fire in the fireplace.
His house was rather cluttered in appearance. He had many shelves that held various colored bottles, some holding liquid, some holding marbles. There were also hundreds of paintings on the walls. All of the paintings varied in size and in subject. During the day when the house was much brighter, the paintings were a lot clearer and most of the rooms’ paintings were color coordinated. At the moment, all of the paintings looked dark.
“There is a guest room upstairs with a bath in it. I do not have any clothes that will fit you, but they will have to do for the moment. Tomorrow morning I will go and buy you some new dresses that will fit you.”
He smiled a bit, taking her arm gently in his as he led her up a spiral stair case that led to the second floor.
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Post by caitlyin on Oct 16, 2009 22:04:40 GMT -6
Caitlyin nodded, wide eyes taking in the house as she let him lead her up the stairs and to the guest bedroom. She was still a bit jumpy from earlier but had had enough sense to give the soulstealer back his jacket. "I'll need to find big brother though," she murmured, tears pricking at her eyes again. "He'll be upset with me and worried because I wandered off," she said as she hung her head.
She sighed to herself and ran her fingers through her hair, getting out a few of the knots. She had a few leaves stuck in her hair, and in light probably would have looked adorable, had it not been for a small scratch on her arm, extending from elbow to wrist from where she had cut herself on a rock falling.
It hadn't been noticeable until now and she unconsciously rubbed at it, tucking her arm behind her back.
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