ROLEPLAY

(OOC: This was written by both Lessah and Ravenh together. Each paragraphic depicts their alternating perspectives, starting with Lessah. We're just having fun with the roleplay and do not meant to contradict or interfere with any lore. There will be more to come.)

First Impressions

Lessah takes in the scenery at Magestic Garden. It was spring and the weather was perfect. Nothing quite revived her like the beautiful green leaves, the smell of fresh flowers, the feel of a fresh breeze, and – what was that? A growl? Lessah barely has time to react when a Ragus launches at her amazing chest. Big mistake Ragus! Some magical damage is in order –no, make that melee. She’d been meaning to work on her melee. She drags the heavy sword from her belt and begins swinging. She misses then the Ragus dodges and bites her hand. It bleeds heavily but Lessah is now focused. Both the Ragus and Lessah are focused. It was a fight to their deaths.

Ravenh stabs his sword into the soft dirt, plopping himself, rather forcefully onto the nearby log. He's mumbling noncoherantly, obviously upset about something. He reaches down and pulls his left boot off and throws it on the ground. "All this walking. My feet are killing me. I really need a Mektoub." he complains as he begins rubbing his foot. An urge hits him suddenly and he stands, still bootless and glances quickly around, making sure nobody was around. He proceeds to undo a bit of his armor and relieves himself on the tree in front of him. At that moment he heard the sound of battle. He quickly secures his armor and grabs his sword, forgetting his boot and takes off running toward the ruckus.

The battle waged on much longer than Lessah had expected. The Ragus continued to relentlessly attack her despite the wounds she had caused. Her low stamina became apparent as the sword became heavier and heavier. It was pure perseverance, stubbornness, and adrenaline that caused her not to run or switch to magic. Finally, the Ragus showed signs of weakening and her confidence grew that she might win.

Ravenh made the clearing with the upmost speed and witnessed a woman battling a Ragus. She seemed, to him, in a position of less fortune. He could see blood dripping from her hand, droplets flinging with each of her swings of her sword. Without thinking he dashed toward the frey, sword raised above his head. He lets out a barbaric yell as he rushes the Ragus, swinging his mighty sword down upon the creature, all the while bumping into the woman with his heavy armor. His blade slices cleanly into the creature and its body slumps to the ground, releasing a dark pool of blood and a low gurgling final growl.

Lessah was concentrating so much that it took her quite by surprise when she was knocked over by something hard and loud. She screams as her sword flies out of her hand and she lands on her back. She immediately springs to her feet in fear of another enemy. She frantically looks around for her sword but what she finds is quite peculiar. She looks down at the dead Ragus. She wanted to believe she had won her battle but then her eyes immediately rested on a heavily armored male. She then folds her arms and looks shocked and displeased. “What are you doing?!” she asked in an accusatory tone.

Ravenh felt proud of his accomplishment. He had just saved a damsel in distress. A feat fitting his pursuit of the Paladin ways. Pulling the sword from the dead Ragus he hears her words and looks over at her with both confusion and a bit of anger. "Saving your life...what did it look like I was doing?" He wipes the blood from his blade and sheaths it on his back. "A little gratitude would be a bit more proper in this instance, don't you think?" He'd say while glaring at her, very displeasingly.

After a pause, Lessah scoffs. “Saving me? From that?!” she asks, pointing at the dead Ragus with her bloodied hand. “I was doing just fine before you swooped in here and knocked me over!” she loudly stated as though it were fact. Lessah turned from him to look for her sword. “Your intervention was clearly unnecessary,” she added before spotting it. She reaches down and takes her bloodied sword in her bloodied hand, then faces Ravenh with the same displeased expression.

Ravenh blurts out a chuckle of disbelief, "Yes...you seemed quite in control of the situation." He reaches for her bloodied hand while pulling out a strip of cloth from his pouch. He seems a bit gruff in his motions, as if impatient or uncaring, "Give me your hand" he says bluntly.

Lessah raises a brow at his chuckle and struggled not to interrupt him. "Yes, it seemed like I was in control of the situation...because I WAS!" she argued, while pulling her hand away from him. "I don't need your help. I'm a strong, independent female" she added.

Ravenh huffs as he stuffs the cloth back into his pouch, rather forcefully, "FINE!!!" Turns to storm off and steps on a pointy stick with that unarmored foot, "OOOOOW!" He hops, grabbing his foot, but then quickly puts it back down, glancing at her, then huffing again, storming off, but a bit more carefully where he stomps his foot, "Ungrateful people....pride getting in the way....see if I help..." he grumbles a lot of incomplete sentences as he trudges away. There was something about her though that made him stop in his tracks and glance back at her. This was the first time he really looked at her. She was stunningly beautiful, but now Ravenh's pride would get in the way and he'd remember he was angry and turn and huff off again, "Where is that stupid boot?"

Lessa flinches at his abrupt yelling. She looks down at his foot but doesn’t dare to ask why he had no boot on. She glares at him as he storms off. Can you believe the nerve of that guy? Interfering with the battle just to show off! Lessah was not impressed, even if she did check him out a little...She missed him looking back at her as she reached down to quarter the dead Ragus. Ravenh was out of sight, and even out of ear shot, by the time she finished.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh, Part 2

An Offer of Generosity

Lessah had a pocket full of flowers and was headed toward the flourist master. She was gaining pride in her work and was advancing quickly. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice. She glanced over at the stables and saw him. Yes him. The man she had encountered in the forest. The one who disrupted her battle with the Ragus. She then reaches into her bag, digging around some for the boot she'd crafted for him. She could be nice! In fact, she had used the materials quartered from the Ragus to construct a boot, just his size. She marched toward his direction, still digging for the boot in her bag.

"That's outrageous!!!!" He yelled at the Stable Boy. "You're kidding me right? You want that much for that scrawny, almost dead Mektoub?" Laughs a deep guttoral laugh, "You're a thief... plain and simple." Pounds his fist on the counter, "If I wasn't worried about trying to make it good with the Corporals and the Karavan, I'd pull you over that counter....." huffs and waves off the Stable Boy, "You're not worth it." turns to walk away when he spots the woman from the forest headed his way. This time he got a full view of her.....wow.

Lessah, having spotted the boot in her bag, looks up just in time to avoid bumping into Ravenh. She opens her mouth to speak but is startled by their sudden closeness. She neglects to take a space back, but looks between him and the Stable boy. She smiles at the stable boy, asks how 'Moose' is doing, then looks back at Ravenh and lets her smile melt to a neutral facial expression. Without speaking, she awkwardly holds out the boot for him.

Ravenh smiled in return to her smile, then realized she wasn't smiling at him and his became a quite awkward smile. You know, one of those smiles that's not sure it should be a smile type of smile. When she presented the boot, he looked a bit confused, staring at the boot a moment, then back up at her, "It's a boot." Not really sure where this was headed.

Lessah notices Ravenh's expression of confusion and can't help but feel a bit puzzled by his comment. 'It's a boot'??? Of course it is. This was a stupid idea. Why did Lessah choose to even make the damn boot anyway! Now she felt like an idiot holding a boot. Blood rushed to her checks and as a panicky reaction, she released the boot and turned on her heel to go the other reaction...but not without a snotty comment of course "just sell it if you don't want it!" she blurted out.

Ravenh quickly reached for her wrist, trying to keep her from leaving as the boot lands on the ground with a thud, "Wait." He releases her wrist and kneels down, picking the boot up, "You made this for me? But why just one......ooooooh." He remembers the incident in the forest and lets out a chuckle, standing with the boot in his hand, "I had forgotten about that." He studies the boot. Inspecting the stitching and the details, "This is an impressive boot. You have some skills for certain." Ravenh smiles at her and gives a slight bow, "Thank you."

Lessah turned to face Ravenh when he took hold of her wrist. She watched him pick up the boot and examine it. It was only now that she examined his facial features. He was actually quite handsome. She smiled at his chuckle. "You're welcome...I'm glad you like it.I figured you could use one," she said while looking down and noticing he was no longer missing a boot. "It looks like you've found it though, so.." she pauses, "well I suppose I could make you another one so you have a pair" she offered.

Ravenh looks down at his own feet and taps them a bit, "These are quite old and worn and if you can make another like this one, then I'd love a nice new pair." Still holding the one boot he motions it toward her, then takes it back, not really sure if she was to take it back for now or he keep it. He finally just lowers his hand, holding the boot, to his side. He offers his right hand out, "Don't guess we've officially met. I'm Ravenh..... killer of Raguses." he'd chuckle a bit.

Lessah nods as he awkwardly places the boot at his side. She places her hand in his for a respectful handshake. She smirks at his title, "And I'm Lessah, killer of Raguses," she said with a teasing voice. "Pleased to meet you," she added. Perhaps she had misread this Ravenh character. Perhaps they had just started off on the wrong foot, so to speak. "Well, how about I hold on to the boot for you until the other one is ready," she offered, figuring he hadn't purchased a mektoub yet.

Ravenh gladly hands the boot over to her, "Good idea." Smirks, "Odd we have the same title.... didn't realize we operated in the same circles." He stands there, now in that awkward silent moment, just kind of staring at her. What seems like minutes pass by and he finally blurts out, "Well, I guess I should be going.. I had.... stuff I had to do." Not really knowing what to say anymore. Without waiting for her response he started walking off in some random direction, only to stop and turn and walk a different way. Obviously he had no idea where he was headed.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh, Part 3

Mainca's Approval


Lessah was foraging with her best friend, and frequent savior from certain death, Mainca.  Lessah had begun telling Mainca about her encounters with Ravenh. “Yeah...So, after that I gave him the boot and we introduced ourselves,” Lessah continued to explain.

“What’s his name again?” Mainca asked curiously while digging up what Lessah was too distracted to find.

"His name is Ravenh," Lessah replied. "He's a heavily armored Matis who seems to like killing Raguses," she added.

Mainca stops for a moment "Ravenh...Ravenh...where have I heard that name? Wait. Is that the guy who threatened the stable merchant the other day?"

Lessah stopped and looked shocked, "What?" is all she replied.

Mainca continued, "Yeah apparently, Varo offered a healthy Mektoub to Ravenh for a reasonable price, and Ravenh threatened to pull him over the counter!"

Lessah gasped, "What?" Although she didn't know Ravenh, she couldn't be certain Varo Linia was being entirely honest. After all, the merchants did have a reputation for ripping people off these days. Still, that did seem like quite a violent reaction...

"Hello? Lessah? Atys to Lessah. Are you going to forage this or not" Mainca sighed, having to continually keep Lessah's distractible mind on task. Could the girl not focus? She then looks up to see an armored male in the distance.

Ravenh was trudging along, seemingly in a good mood, swinging his sword back and forth, hacking the tops of the plants as he passed. If you had a keen ear, you might have actually heard him humming, but certainly he would deny it if asked. He noticed two women digging in the dirt as he approached a clearing. He stopped to watch a moment before realizing one of them was Lessah. After that awkward moment near the stables with the boot, he wondered if he should just stop and sneak away....no, he was a man, and not a coward. He could handle talking to a woman. Come on...how dangerous could she be?

Lessah, still unable to focus entirely on digging, looks up and sees Ravenh. What are the odds?! "Oh my Jenna, that's him! That's Ravenh," Lessah whispered urgently while tugging on Mainca's foraging tool.

Mainca, now having trouble digging, looks up and spots him. "Well then, lets call him over, shall we?" she teased, while standing up and slipping on her amplifiers, just in case.

“No, we shall not,” Lessah hissed to Mainca. “Oh no, he’s coming over here!” she whispered, stating the obvious for Mainca.

Now that eye contact had been made he had no choice now but to approach the women and engage in some conversation. Something he still wasn't that skilled in. Ravenh took a deep breath and stepped closer, "Fine day today, isn't it? How are you two lovely women doing? Getting a bit o' dirt under your nails I see." Yes, he knew he sounded mentally challenged, but like I said, not that skilled in these matters.

Lessah puts on a nervous smile. “Yes, hello Ravenh. It’s a fine day indeed,” she replied, not really contributing anything to the awkward conversation. She stood up too so that they were all standing, like adults.

Mainca grinned at Lessah’s reaction and then smiled to Ravenh, “Well, one of us is,” she said teasingly to make Lessah blush even more.

Ravenh really didn't enjoy foraging at all, but thought he'd try to be polite. Yet another trait he needed work on...politeness. It's starting to sound like Ravenh is full of flaws, but just keep reading. Give him a chance. Ravenh stabs his sword into the ground as he usually did and rubs his gloved hands together, "Do you ladies need any help?"

Mainca smirks at Ravenh, "Well if we refuse your help will you threaten to pull us over the counter?" she asked sarcastically.

Lessah jabs Mainca in the side and lets out an inappropriately loud "HA HA HA HA, Mainca is so funny. She says that to everyone!"

Ravenh perks a brow at Mainca, turning to look at Lessah, then back to Mainca, "What?" He scratches his head, trying to figure out what the heck she was talking about, having completely forgotten about his incident with the Stable Boy. "Ummmm....no?" He answered in confusion.

Mainca seemingly grows impatient and Lessah notices her amplifiers glow a bit. "Hey Ravenh! Um...I have your boots. Yes, your boots. They’re in Yrkanis. Would you accompany me there so that I may give them to you?" she asks as she picks up her pick quickly and starts walking.

Ravenh wasn't sure what to think about this whole encounter. Women are very confusing. He grabs his sword, nodding, "Yea, I'd like..." still scratching his head, eyeing Mainca, still trying to figure out what she was talking about. He finally turns and walks aside Lessah toward the city, "She's your friend?" He asked in an almost accusatory tone.

Mainca smiles as she watches the two walk off together. She knew Lessah would notice her glowing amplifiers. It was obvious that Lessah liked this Ravenh character, and from his stature it was obvious why, even if he was prone to barking louder than he could clearly bite. Mainca picks up the rest of her foraging tools and takes off, disappearing into the mist.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh part 4

"JERK"

Ravenh and Lessah walked back to Yrkanis together, making small talk along the way, "Yea, so I was thinking about pursuing the butcher occupation. It only makes sense. If I'm gonna kill it, might as well make a living from it." They enter the gates of the city, "Ahh here we are... safe and sound." He gives a smile to her as he motioned for her to enter first. Such a gentleman.

Lessah smiled politely as she listened to Ravenh talk about his future career. "Yes, well I certainly wouldn't have the stomach for that job...but perhaps that is why it is so profitable" she commented. As they entered Yrkanis she motioned for the stables, "I have your boots over there" she said before remembering the rumour. "Oh, on second thought...please wait here, I'll bring them to you, Ravenh," she said. Before she waited for his reply, she ran off to the stables.

Ravenh scratched his head at her sudden change of mind, still not remembering what he had done at the stables, but shrugged it off and said, "Ok." thinking this was very kind of her. He stood, swaying back and forth, nodding a greetings to the guard that stood near him, finally seeing her run back to him. Wow, the way her body moves when she runs.

Lessah runs back, happy to see that he was still waiting there. She hands him the boots with a proud smile. "I think you'll find them to your liking," she stated. As she watched him take the boots she hears her name being called. She looks over her shoulder to spot her good friend Sirgio Chianti. "Oh, I'll be right back Ravenh. I just want to say hello to a friend of mine," she said before skipping over to Sergio.

Ravenh accepts the boots with a huge smile, "Thank you so much for these. They look quite exceptional." He leans against the fence railing and starts to remove his old boots as she runs off, "Ok, I'm gonna...." she was gone. That girl takes off like a dog seeing a squirrel. He just chuckles as he slides the new boots on, "Great fit..." who was he talking to? He waved off the guard that had turned thinking he was talking to him and begins stomping around in the new boots. He heads in the direction that Lessah had gone to tell her how much he liked the new footwear.

Lessah smiled at Sirgio and they embraced each other in a friendly hug. As they released, Lessah's hair got caught in a piece of his armour. She squeeled, "oh no, my hair! Wait, you go left. No...your other left! No, oww!" Lessah was squirming in pain as they tried to untangle her hair. It begun to tear as Sirgio also failed at untangling her hair form his armour.

Ravenh rounded the corner as some aggressor seemed to be attacking Lessah. He sprints to them and without warning, grabs the man by the shoulder with one hand while swinging his balled up fist with the other. The man had no idea it was coming and *SMACK* right on the button. The punch landed square on the man's nose, sending him tumbling to the ground. Ravenh was persistant and followed the man's fall, now with both fists clenched.

Sirgio fell to the ground, a searing pain shot through his face. His eyesight went black a split second as he landed with a thud, "OOOOOW... YOU BROKE MY..." eyes widened as he saw Ravenh charging him again. He scrambled, trying to get away, backing up against a merchants counter, "NOOO...DON'T HIT ME!!!"

Lessah's hair tore from Sirgio's armour as Ravenh punched him. Before she knew what was happening, Ravenh was readying to assault Sergio further. "Ravenh! What are you doing!? Please stop!" she screamed, jumping into the action. She reached for Ravenh's shoulders, attempting to pull him back. "He didn't mean to hurt me, it was an accident!"

"NOBODY ATTACKS MY WOMAN........uh THIS woman....... any woman for that matter." He tried to cover his first words. He was about to swing again when Lessah's voice finally sank into his enraged brain and he felt her hand on his shoulder. He turned to her, his voice still angered, "WHAT?!?" He realized he had yelled at her and tried to calm himself, "What?"

"He didn't attack me! He just-" she yelled, the last part being cut off by his Ravenh's angry voice. She flinched at his voice before he lowered it. "Ravenh, you need to just go over there...and COOL OFF!" she demanded before tending to Sirgio's injuries. Sirgio seemed shocked, scared, hurt, and pissed off from the incident all at once.

Sirgio was still holding his nose, blood trickling down his arm, "THE RUMORS WERE TRUE.... YOU'RE A JERK." He flinched at the pain again as Lessah kneeled beside him, "YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS."

Ravenh was surprised by Lessah's reaction and got a bit angered at her ordering him around. He huffed and then shrugged off Sirgio's threats, still feeling justified in his actions, "What are you gonna do? Bleed on me?" Got a glare from Lessah and he threw his arms up, turning to walk off like she commanded, "FINE!!!" Turned to walk it off a bit, when he noticed so many people watching the fray, "What are YOU looking at?" The crowd started mumbling, something about stable boys, jerks, jail, etc. Ravenh huffed again as he leaned on a distant railing, watching Lessah tend to her friend.

Lessa watched Ravenh storm off and she shakes her head. She knew Ravenh meant well but he obviously had trouble controlling his anger. Maybe the rumour about the stable boy WAS true. She tended to Sirgio, apologizing for the incident and trying to calm him down. She too noticed the gathering of spectators and thought it best to move Sirgio to a more private location before a Corporal came around. She looks back to see Ravenh watching them then helps Sirgio to his feet. They walk away together, away from Ravenh and the crowds.

Ravenh watched Lessah and Sirgio walk off and just huffs one last time. Shoving off the railing and glaring at a few of the stragglers still gathered around gossiping, "Don't you have something better to do?" Shakes his head and walks off, "What do you even see in that woman, Ravenh?" He'd think to himself. He would head back out of the city, needing to vent his anger on some innocent Yubo or something, "Everything." He'd answer himself in a mumble.

(OOC info: Due to the graphic nature of this RP, viewer discretion is advised)

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh, part 5

Lessah's True Talents

Lessah had not seen or heard from Ravenh in several days and became worried. Rumors going around Yrkanis were starting to wear her out as she continually engaged in damage control. Her responses to them, “No, he didn't want to kill Sergio. No, he was just trying to protect me. What do you mean he's a jerk? You don't even know what you are talking about'” echoed in her head as she hiked in the forest. Nothing quite cleared her mind like the scenery during a hike. Upon reflection, Lessah really felt as though Ravenh was protecting her against harm. And, she had not missed nor forgotten about his “my woman” comment. He’d said it in anger. Had the truth slipped out or was it simply an error? She had to know. This wasn’t just a hike to clear her mind, it was a one-woman search party...for Ravenh.

Ravenh had stayed away from people on purpose for the last few days. He was so angered by the onlookers, and their accusations and whispering behind his back, that he knew he would have ended up in jail. Besides, this time alone gave him time to reflect on how he was feeling about Lessah. Since the moment he 'saved' her life from that Ragus, there was something about her that made him feel ways he had never felt for anyone before. He looked up from the giant skull outside the arena that he had been sitting on, and as if his thoughts manifested there was a Ragus nearing. It's ears drawn back, it's teeth gnashing, obviously he thought Ravenh was his next meal. A smirk etched across Ravenh's face as he drew his sword and slipped off the skull. Ravenh wasn't one to wait for an attack so rushed the Ragus, letting out a barbaric yell. He was so focused he failed to notice this Ragus was not alone. Two others were skulking in the brush nearby, waiting to pounce.

Lessah continued the hike until she approached a clearing. She heard the growling of Raguses but really wasn’t in the mood to deal with them. Still, she put on her amplifiers, just in case she had to. Her plan was to simply eliminate whatever dared to interfere with her hike. This was no time for training with a sword, after all. However, growling Raguses wasn’t all she heard. She also heard the manly grunting of a warrior. Lessah followed the sounds until she saw Ravenh. She had found him! But Ravenh was in danger. He was battling, not one, not two, but three Raguses! She knew she had to intervene and immediately conjured a powerful spell to kill one of the three.

Ravenh swung his sword with all his might at the Ragus. He wanted to end this fight quickly. Just before his sword made contact with the first Ragus, he heard more behind him. By the sound of it, they had leapt at him. He turned his head, causing his first swing to glance off the Ragus, still hitting it enough to deflect it's attack on him. To his surprise one of the Raguses flew off to the side, landing on the ground with a thud, it's skin bubbling and searing from what appeared to be acid. The second, however, landed square on Ravenh's back, knocking him to the ground. He tightened his grip on his sword as he spun to his back, to attempt to knock this new Ragus off of him, but the first Ragus clenches down on Ravenh's forearm. It's teeth sank into his skin and Ravenh felt and heard his bones break under the pressure, "AAAAHHH!!!"

Lessah successfully lands her spell on one of the Raguses. She then focuses her attention on the Ragus that landed on Ravenh's back and conjures a madness spell. If successful, the Ragus would begin to harm itself so much that it eventually takes its own life. Cruel, but necessary. Lessah's first attempt at the spell fails because she flinches at Ravenh's yell. It should be obvious how easily distracted Lessah is by now, but in her defense, Ravenh's yell was especially disturbing to her. She tries again...success! The Ragus starts biting itself on the torso until it breaks the flesh and disembowels itself. Lessah then conjures a healing spell, her specialty, to enable Ravenh to fight the Ragus that bit him.

The pain in Ravenh's arm was severe. He thought for sure he had got in over his head this time. The Ragus that had knocked him over, for some reason, was now away from him. Ravenh didn't know why, but didn't care either. He reached with his off hand and grabs the Ragus biting his arm by the neck, pulling him from the wound. Ravenh was strong and his grip tightened around his neck, choking the Ragus for a moment before flinging him to the side. The Ragus tumbled, but recovered quickly about to make another attack. A force enveloped Ravenh suddenly and he heard that same bone cracking sound, but this time his arm felt better. It had healed. He grabs his sword and turns just as the Ragus leaps toward him, he thrusts the sword straight at the Ragus, skewering him with the blade. The beast crumples to the ground, Ravenh's sword stuck deep inside it. Ravenh quickly scans the other two beasts, making sure they were dead, before letting out an exhale of relief and collapsing onto the ground himself. This had taken a lot from him.

Lessah bites her lip as she watches Ravenh choke the Ragus. His display of strength was no doubt, totally hot. She watched him kill the last Ragus then lets out a similar sigh of relief. She hesitated for a brief moment, deciding whether to approach Ravenh. She worried that if he spotted her, he would take off in the opposite direction. This would put more distance between them than there was right now. She couldn’t stand that thought...maybe she had missed him while he was away from Yrkanis. Maybe she could spy? No...this was ridiculous. While battling her thoughts, Lessah couldn’t help but notice that Ravenh was wearing the boots she gave him. She took this as a good sign and approached Raven. She lost all reservations then, stepping into his personal space to check on him, “Are you okay, Ravenh?” she asked while inspecting him.

Ravenh flenched at first, hearing Lessah's voice, the effects of battle still wearing on him, causing his first reactions to be of attack. He immediately recognizes her voice and relaxes, "Yea, I'm okay." He points at the disemboweled Ragus and the one bubbling off to the side, "Did you do that?"

Lessah touches his unbroken arm as she smiled at the Raguses he pointed to, "Maybe I'm responsible for those, but that one" she said, pointing to the skewered one "is your responsibility." She then released his arm and took a step back "Ravenh...where have you been? Can we talk? I need to talk to you" she requested while pointing to a nearby village.

Ravenh grunts as he forces himself to his feet. He looks down at his arm, clenching his fist a few times, then wiggling his hand. The bites had even healed, "You did this too?" He looks at Lessah, catching her eyes with his, "Remind me not to challenge you to a duel." He'd chuckle, looking to where she had pointed. "Yea, I'd like some time with you in a place they hopefully haven't heard of me yet." He'd smile awkwardly as if that was some sad form of apology for his actions in Yrkanis. He bends down, sliding the blade from the Raguses body, wiping it off with the ground before sheathing it on his back, "I think that's Natae." They begin walking toward the town, "So what did you want to talk about?"

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh part 6

What Are Friends For?

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Ravenh had escorted Lessah to Natae, trying to get her to disclose what it was she wanted to talk about, the whole way, "Why won't you just tell me?" He'd plea. And people thought HE was stubborn. He finally dropped it, realizing she was not going to tell him until she was ready. They made their way to the bar, in Natae, and like the gentleman he is, he held the door open for her, "We can at least get something to eat and drink. I'm starving." He motioned for Lessah to enter and he followed her inside.

As soon as they enter the bar, a waitress sings Lessah's name "LessAAAAH! I can't believe you're here! Long time no see!" It was Varo Cizzo, Lessah's childhood friend from Yrkanis. Varo's family took Lessah in when her parents went missing, so they practically grew up together. Lessah's face lit up, "Wow, hello Varo! You work here now?" she asked while reaching out to hug her. "Yes, Natae is much quieter...But, tell me...who is your friend?" Varo asked with a flirty voice.

Ravenh wasn't much for the friendly frivolities and just stood there looking around the bar during the women's greetings of each other. He admired the various Capryni heads mounted along the wall. One of them was a massive four point. He was ready to sit so moved past the girls, trying not to bump into them. He reached for a bar stool just as Varo asked who he was. It was the tone in her voice that gave him pause and his eyes widened a bit. He stood up straight and turned back to the women with an entirely overdone smile on his face. Hopefully she didn't hear the groan that was behind it.

Lessah turns to spot Ravenh near a bar stool "Oh, this is Ravenh. My...friend" Lessah stated with an awkward nod "Ravenh, this is my good friend-" Lessah started but was interrupted by Varo. Varo passes Lessah and walks up to Ravenh, "My name is Varo Cizzo" she stated while striking a pose. "Pleased to meet you, Ravenh. You two must be starving. How about I get you something to drink?" she offered while Lessah made her way to the bar stool next to Ravenh.

Ravenh nods his head, "Nice to meet you as well." He quickly sits on the stool, Varo's posing made him a bit uncomfortable. He clears his throat, "A drink... yes a nice drink would hit the spot." He lost his manners a moment and didn't wait for Lessah to order first, "We'll both have a nice mug of Natae Ale and also a Frippo steak. I nice thick cut." He looks to Lessah with a smile, "We worked up an appetite today."

Varo looks surprised as she looks at Lessah "Oh? When did you start eating meat, Lessah?" she asked curiously. Lessah paused "Well, I didn't. I think a garden salad will be enough for me" she said with a polite smile "...and a glass of red wine" she quickly added. Varo was smiling at Ravenh the entire time that Lessah gave her order. "Okay, I'll go put in your orders now" she said before strutting back to the kitchen. Lessah turned to Ravenh, "So Ravenh. I wanted to talk to you about Sirgio." she said in a quiet voice.

Ravenh immediately groaned, placing his head into his hands, followed by a rather quick defensive poster, "I'M SORRY...I DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS YOUR FRIEND." realizing he was yelling and not wanting to make Varo come over more than she already was going to, he lowered his voice, "I misunderstood the situation." He crosses his arms and turns, looking across the bar with a smug yet almost pouty type expression, "I think I was justified."

Lessah places a hand on Ravenh's forearm, trying to quiet him. She then nodded, "I know, Ravenh. I understand now that your intentions were good. I've convinced Sirgio not to notify a corporal about the incident but you need to come back to Yrkanis" she stated before releasing his arm. She then leaned back a bit in her stool "...and I'd like it if you apologized to my friend" she added calmly. Lessah had more to say but stops when she spots Varo approaching them with their drinks.

"APOLOGIZE??" his voice raised again. Before he could say more, their drinks were placed on the bar. She would be able to tell that what she was asking of him was going to be very difficult for him to do. It was a matter of pride after all. Apologize.... to another man......what next? Still, he was wanting to impress Lessah and some how win her over, "Fine." He let out a loud sigh as he reached for his mug. This was the first he had actually seen his blood stained hands. What a slob. Trying to prove to Lessah that he was, in fact, somewhat civilized and not some barbaric brute, he stood up from the bar, showing his hands, "Excuse me ladies. I must tend to this filth. I can't look like this and enjoy a dinner with such lovely women." He turned toward the washroom with purpose, hitting the door open with his fist, "Apologize." was the last thing they would hear as the door slammed shut.

Lessah sipped on her wine as Ravenh left to wash his hands. She grinned a bit into her glass, watching him angrily enter the washroom, leaving a blood stain on the door. Just then, she hears a romantic sigh and turns to face a wide-eyed Varo. "He is so amazing. I can't believe he is actually here. Did you hear what he said?! He called me a lovely woman!" she said excitedly. Lessah was about to correct Varo, on the whole 'woman' comment but then Varo continued, "I'm going to ask him out. Will you help me, Lessah? You'd do this for me wouldn't you?" she pleaded. Lessah placed her glass down on the bar and felt numb for a moment. Something about Varo's request was troubling her. She did not want Varo to ask Ravenh out. Lessah wanted to find out if Ravenh liked her, after all. "Lessah? Please?" Varo continued. This was Lessah's childhood friend, and she didn't really know that Ravenh liked her. Lessah heard herself say "okay" to Varo and reached for her wine again as Varo squealed "Thank you!"

Ravenh walked out of the washroom, flinging water all over the nearby tables. He finally wipes his hands on his armour, completely defeating the wash job he just did. He sits back down at the bar, noticing Varo's starry look in her eyes, but tries his best to avoid eye contact with her. Instead he grabs his mug and starts drinking so fast that he made gulping sounds. While in the washroom he had convinced himself to just do her simple request, "I'll talk to your friend, Lessah." He agreed but still wasn't keen on the idea.

Varo, who had been staring at Ravenh, now realized that their food orders were probably ready. She stands upright, "I'll check on your orders" she said before giving Lessah a nod, then another nod. Lessah sighed and looked at Ravenh while Varo went back to the kitchen. "Thank you, Ravenh" she said, in response to his statement. Varo then was heading back with their food orders and Lessah knew she had to keep her promise. "So, Ravenh...what do you think of Varo's hair?" she asked in a tone more suited for an uninteresting statement.

Ravenh was caught off-guard with Lessah's question. He looked at her with a bit of shock on his face. Obviously, Lessah did not like him the way he had thought she did....hoped she did, "oh.......OH." He looked at Varo and smiled, "Your hair is pretty, Varo." His response was not so detailed. Varo was a beautiful woman but Ravenh was still surprised about this whole situation. He kept looking back at Lessah to reassure this wasn't some kind of joke and that they both were being serious. Ravenh would try his best to hide the disappointment in his eyes each time he would talk to Varo, forcing smiles and more small talk while he ate his dinner.

Lessah picked at her dinner, focusing more on her wine, as she tried to encourage conversation between Varo and Ravenh. She too, was trying to hide her disappointment as Ravenh politely entertained Varo's questions. She was trying to be a loyal friend to Varo, as she had been to her for many years. Finally, Varo has 'the best idea ever' and Lessah braces herself by gluing her wine glass to her face. "Why don't we have a picnic!? Ravenh, oh it will be so wonderful. I am a very talented baker, aren't I, Lessah?" In response, Lessah nods while still sipping her wine. "What do you say Ravenh? How about a picnic with me, you, and Lessah?" Varo asked with a bit too much inflection in her voice.

Raven was also drinking his ale with frequency during this whole dinner. The buzz just wouldn't come quick enough. He was downing the last bit of his eighth ale when she asked the picnic question. He choked and a bit dribbled from his mouth onto the bar as he coughed. He wiped his mouth, clearing the ale from his throat, "Picnic?" He looked over at Lessah who seemingly was ok with this idea. "Oh a picnic. Sounds.....great." he'd finally force out. Really? Ravenh on a picnic?

Lessah, also buzzed, was now blinking a bit more slowly. She couldn't believe this was happening. She didn't want to go on any picnic! She didn't want Ravenh on a picnic with Varo either, so she wasn't going to back out of it. She could not, however, continue to watch Varo flirt with Ravenh. She felt it was time to leave. Lessah stands up, rather abruptly, and excuses herself. "I'll see you two tomorrow then, at the picnic" she muttered while getting out of her bar stool. The wine made her hold on to the bar for a moment while she gained her balance. She then heads for the exit. "Okay! Meet you at noon tomorrow" Varo sung after her before taking Lessah's seat.

"Wha....?" Ravenh couldn't get much more than that out before Lessah was headed out. She just left him to the wolves....er Varo rather. He had to escape too, before this woman dug her lustful claws into him and he was trapped forever, "Whoa.... all this ale. I need to go the little warriors room." He stood up smiling at Varo, "I'll be right back." Instead of walking into the wash room he'd walk right out the front door. He'd plea ignorance tomorrow at the blasted picnic. By the time Ravenh made it outside, Lessah was nowhere to be found. He'd let out a long, disappointed sigh and head for the stables. He was going to sleep it off in the nice soft hay, though he'd have to be sneaky about it, seeing as now all the stables in the Majestic Garden area had a picture of him posted, advising against doing business with this psychopath. The ale took over and he couldn't stay awake any longer. He looked up into the sky one last time, "Good night Lessah... where ever you are."

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh part 7

The Third Wheel

After a night of drinking too much wine on an empty stomach, Lessah opens her eyes to find herself in some sort of office. She was laying on her stomach, on top of a desk. Her attempt to roll over onto her back fails due to the narrow nature of the desk, so she rolls off and crash lands on the floor with a thud. Lessah's groans are interrupted when she hears voices nearing. She scurries behind the desk, nearly knocking over the chair stationed behind it. Lessah was squinting her eyes into focus as she heard someone enter the room.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKK!!!!!!! GET OUT GET OUT!!!!!" Ravenh's eye shot open as a blood curdling shriek pierced his brain, "WHAT THE...?!?" He yelled as he rapidly tried to get to his feet while dodging a pitch fork, "YOU'RE CRAZ...." At that moment, the Mektoub, who's stall Ravenh had shared last night was spooked by the rapid movements and more so, the banshee screech from the stable hand, and kicked backwards with great force, landing square on Ravenh's chest. Ravenh's burst through the stable's wooden wall, flying across the courtyard, landing with a loud thud. Luckily he had his armor on, so it took some of the force, but Ravenh laid there for a minute, trying to catch his breath, "What is it with these damn stables?" He finally got himself to his feet, dust himself off and nodded to a few onlookers as if nothing had happened, "Where's Lessah?" he thought to himself, heading off in a random direction to find her.

Suddenly, someone marches into the room and demands to know "Who!?? Who is in here?!" Lessah takes a deep breath and stands up to face Pigia Rosiri, Natae’s guard chief. Pigia eye's Lessah suspiciously while questioning, "Who are you? And what makes you think you can just walk into my office? Hmm?" Lessah just stands there like a deer in headlights, one that is also hung over. Pigia makes her way closer to Lessah, but then remembers she was waiting for a delivery "Well speak up girl. Do I need to fill in the blanks here? Are you here to deliver my package? Did my guards let you in?" Lessah, without needing much time to consider her lack of options, lied "yes...yes I am."

Ravenh stopped at several merchants, "Have you seen Lessah?", he'd inquire, with the same response from each, "Who?" He'd huff off from each, his anger starting to brew again, simply from frustration. As he left one more stall to head to another a female voice shot out like a siren, "RAVENH!!! OH MY JENA, YOU MADE IT!!" It was her. He cringed, stopping in his tracks. Several thoughts raced through his mind at once, one of which was to bolt like a coward. No, she was Lessah's friend and besides, last night Lessah was the one to hook them up. What was that about? No time to contemplate that huge question, Varo was on him like a Gingo on a Capryni, wrapping her arms around him from behind. He squirmed a bit, to get turned around to face her, "Oh...hi, Varo." He'd force a smile trying to hide his discomfort. She grabbed his hand, "Come on, the picnic is ready." She nearly pulled him off his feet as she lead him toward the edge of town, picnic basket in tow.

Pigia sighs and holds out an impatient hand "Well? Let's have it then!" she demands. Lessah reaches her hand into her bag, knowing there is no package, but just using the time to stall. She then decides that its time to start acting. "Oh...I must have lost it...I mean, I think I remember where I left it. I'm sorry" Lessah says with a bow. Pigia groans angrily, being used to incompetent delivery workers. Maybe they ought to pay them more. Pft...no. "Well, then, I suggest you start tracing your steps, no?" Pigia suggests in a rude tone of voice. Lessah nods in total agreement "Yes! I'll get on it right away" she says with a salute. Yes, really, with a salute. She rushes out the door without looking where she was going, a typical exit for Lessah.

Have you ever walked a very large dog that had super-animal strength and no training? That's how Ravenh felt, being pulled by Varo to the picnic, "And I made sandwiches, and cut up some fruit. And a bottle of wine..." she'd say while wiggling her eyebrows. This girl was a bit too excited about this picnic. Maybe Ravenh could fein getting sick... or an injury....maybe a Ragus would kill him, if he was lucky. Suddenly, the door to the building they were passing slammed open and a woman rushed out in a hurry, colliding into the both of them, "HEY!! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE...." Ravenh began to yell, his eyes finally focusing on the woman's face, "LESSAH.... I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!" He realized that his excitement to see Lessah probably didn't look good to Varo so toned it down a bit, "Oh, hey Lessah. You made the picnic."

Lessah flew into Ravenh, clinging onto his armour to prevent herself from tripping up entirely. Once balanced, she smiled back at Ravenh, happy to see his handsome face again. But wait, she wasn't allowed to do that now...and Varo's blank expression was evidence. Lessah looked at them both as she stepped back and brushed herself off. In response to Ravenh's statement, she simply replied "yeah, I said I'd be here, didn't I?"

Varo's expression changed rapidly back to her excited, googly eyed, love filled mode and tugged on Ravenh's arm, "Come on you two. We'll set the blanket down on this hill over here." Ravenh was in a tough spot. He really didn't want to go. He didn't like Varo like that. In fact, she scared him a bit, but was trying to be nice. She was Lessah's friend after all. He followed Varo up the hill, looking back once they made the top, noticing Lessah had stopped and was behind quite a bit.

Lessah rolled her eyes as Varo tugged Ravenh along. It nauseated her so much that she just had to look away. And that's when she spotted a delivery man...heading for Pigia’s quarters. Lessah stopped in her tracks and stared as the delivery man spoke to the guards. She knew she couldn't very well picnic in Natae once Pigia figured out she wasn't actually delivering anything to her. This was bad.

Ravenh couldn't do it any longer. He couldn't string Varo along. It wasn't fair to either of them. He turns Varo toward him, before she could start setting the picnic down, "Look Varo. I need to tell you something." Her eyes glistened with excitement. It was obvious she thought he was going to say he liked her, which made this moment even more difficult, "You're a nice girl..." the way these talks always started, "It's not you, it's me..." come on Ravenh, you can do better. He takes a deep breath...just be blunt, like you always are, "I like someone else." He stood there, waiting for the slap. Instead, Varo just stood there. A blank expression etched across her face. Was she in shock? She let go of the basket and it fell to the ground, spilling its contents onto the grass, "Oh" is all she said. Tears welled up in her eyes and Ravenh knew he had to escape, "I'm sorry" he said as he turned and ran off toward Lessah. He felt terrible for Varo, but he couldn't jeopardize the chance to be with Lessah. He looked back, before reaching Lessah, and saw a guard kneeling beside Varo, picking up her basket and the contents, smiling up at her. Suddenly she had that googly eyed look again. Damn, that girl just needs a boyfriend. "Lessah..." he said, reaching for her.

Lessah, totally oblivious to the situation between Varo and Ravenh, watched in horror as the delivery man continued to speak with, what were now, very confused guards. That's when she saw that Pigia had joined the guards and delivery person. Before Lessah could hide, Pigia spotted Lessah, and she knew she had to leave immediately. Lessah turns to see Ravenh reaching for her but she simply grabs his hand.

Ravenh had no idea what kind of trouble Lessah had brewed up and when she grabbed his hand he smiled big. Maybe he already knew the answer to his question, "Lessah...I have to ask you something. Do you like me at all? I mean, more than a friend, like me?"

Lessah, not really registering Ravenh's questions, turns to Ravenh with a pale face. She hadn't been in this kind of trouble before. "Ravenh, we have to leave now, now, NOW!" she yelled in a panicky voice while dragging Ravenh behind her with more force than Varo had earlier.  She looks back to see the guards chasing them and fled Natae, all the while with a firm grip on Ravenh's hand.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh part 8

On The Run

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Ravenh and Lessah had been running for what seemed forever. Natae wasn't even visible on the horizon any longer when he glanced back to see if they were being persued. He slowed, which in turn tugged on Lessah's arm a bit, since they never let go of each other's hand, "I think we're safe..." He finally let go of her hand and stopped completely, doubling over, placing his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. "What happened back there?"

Lessah felt Ravenh tug on her arm and looked back at him when he stopped. She was also out of breath, so she stopped and looked back to see if they were still being chased. After a moment of heavy breathing, she finally responds. "Long story short...I may have lied to the guard chief about why I woke up in her quarters" she said before wiping her brow. She looked at him with an apologetic face, hoping he wasn't too angry with her.

He stood up, turning to look at her, "You woke up where?" He perked a brow in confusion, "Do I even want to know?" It hadn't even dawned on him yet, that they just eliminated another city they could seek shelter in.

Lessah sighed, "it was all that wine...I guess I just passed out in Pigia Rosiri's quarters. I woke up there, and lied to her, saying I was delivering a package, but just before the picnic, I saw the real delivery man and her talking..." she trailed off before looking at Ravenh with a confused face. "Where did Varo-" she began to ask but was interrupted by a curious bodoc that snuck up behind her. It innocently sniffed Lessah and exhaled loudly, as bodocs do, but Lessah, so on edge, squealed like a girl before turning and casting an acid spell on the bodoc. Without much time to conjure, the spell was weak enough not to harm the bodoc but strong enough to capture the attention of the entire herd.

Ravenh was trying to follow her story about how she ended up in the office, chuckling a bit now and then about her misfortune, until she mentioned Varo's name. Varo was Lessah's friend and he basically dumped her before even giving her a chance. He didn't want to give her a chance. He wants to know if Lessah likes him. He was about to interrupt her and ask her the question again, when the Bodoc interrupted her first. "Quite the reflexes, Lessah." He was impressed and also amused that she just attacked a Bodoc for sniffing her.

Lessah disliked harming peaceful creatures and was quite relieved to see that she hadn't actually harmed the bodoc...but that relief was short lived when the bodoc, who now seemingly felt as though Lessah was a threat, let out a loud moan. Lessah backed up toward Raven as she watched the herd of bodoc's turn into a violent stampede coming toward them. The unharmed bodoc swung its head toward Lessah, attempting to strike her with its horns.

Ravenh's look of amusement quickly turned to one of concern when the entire herd turned toward the two of them, almost in unison, "I... think... we... should..." The first bodoc's attack was sudden and Ravenh grabbed for Lessah, pulling her toward him, out of the bodoc's reach, "RUN!!!" He almost threw Lessah in front of him, putting himself between her and the now very angry stampede.

Lessah was in a bit of a daze when she somehow found herself in front of Ravenh. She was stumbling a bit when Ravenh's yelling snapped her exhausted legs into motion. More running...great.The bodocs were not letting down and Lessah was beginning to worry that she'd gotten them both killed. Then she looks to her left and spots Avalae up ahead. "Ravenh!...Over there, the guards!" she said flailing a pointing hand toward the town.

Ravenh swatted at a bodoc's nose as it got too close. The creature's horns swung right for Ravenh's backside, making Ravenh seemingly run even faster, though it was not likely possible that he could run any faster than he already was. His lungs felt like they were on fire but he knew they couldn't stop or they'd both be trampled. He heard Lessah shout out about the town and nodded, though she couldn't see it, "Yea...." he'd try to say, through his labored breaths, "Go..." That was all he could get out. Hopefully she heard him.

Lessah nearly tripped up a few times, barely able to lift her feet off the ground. Her heart was beating out of her chest as they approached the town's borders. A guard spotted Ravenh and Lessah, then squinted at the massive herd which was chasing them. "Incoming!" he yelled to his fellow guards. A line of heavily armored men formed to protect the town from the bodocs.

Ravenh wasn't one to yell for help, on most occasions, but this was NOT most occasions. He saw the wall of guards form at the gate and hoped they wouldn't stop Lessah and himself from coming through as they would the herd. He watched Lessah slip between two of the guards, that had already raised their pikes in ready. Ravenh closed his eyes and dove between the same two guards, landing on the ground with a loud crash, tumbling and rolling in the dirt until he came to a stop. He just laid there as the explosion of violence erupted at the gate. He could hear the guards yelling, the bodocs moaning and bellowing, the clash of metal against horn, and the very distinct sound of death. He raised his head just in time to see the last bodoc fall. Ravenh's head fell back to the dirt, kicking up a cloud of dust as he exhaled.

Lessah squeezed past the guards and ran to the nearest tree. She gasped for air while leaning against it, then fell to her knees in exhaustion. She looked over her shoulder and saw Ravenh tumble in behind her. She crawled over toward Ravenh, flinching and shielding herself when she thought the battle was getting too close to her. Lessah leaned over Ravenh as the battle ended, as he put his head back down "are you okay?" she asked in a voice filled with concern. "You're not injured are you?" she asked while shaking his arm.

Ravenh pushed up onto his knees, dusting some of the dirt off of him, smiling at Lessah, "Yea, I'm fine.... tired of running.." he chuckles, "but fine. Are you ok?" Before Lessah could answer one of the guards stormed up to the both of them, obviously angry. "YOU" The guard points at the two of them, "BOTH OF YOU." His anger was increasing with every word, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING? YOU ENDANGERED THIS ENTIRE TOWN." Ravenh got to his feet and helped Lessah up to hers, "We are sorry. It was an accident and we had no intention of..." Ravenh couldn't get the entire apology out before the guard stepped closer, poking Ravenh's chest with his finger, "You are reckless and are not welcome in this town..... GET OUT!"

Lessah looks shocked and disgusted as the guard yells at them. She steps in between the men and pushes the guard's finger away from Ravenh's chest. "It is your duty to protect homins, is it not? We told you it was an accident!" she stated in a raised voice to the man whose face was covered by armor. "SILENCE, FEMALE!" he shouted loudly "Because of you two, we have slaughtered an entire herd of bodoc!" Lessah looks around...he did have a point. "Our duty is to protect the residents from danger, and that now includes you!" the guard shouted. Lessah looked at Ravenh as the guard slammed his pike into the ground "Both of you out! NOW!"

The urge to break the guard's finger when he poked Ravenh's chest was deterred when Lessah stepped between them, but the urge to punch him in the face increased when he yelled specifically at Lessah. Ravenh felt protective for Lessah these last few days and this guard was pushing his restraints. When Lessah looked at Ravenh he realized that she would be punished if he acted out of anger, just as he would, and he did not want her to go to prison because of him. He just nodded to Lessah and took her hand, "We're leaving." He didn't try to apologize to the guard any more. Ravenh really didn't feel that sorry about it, anyway. Not after the guard yelled at her.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh part 9

Lost




Lessah marches angrily to the South, in search of Davae. She'd been marching in the wrong direction for a while without realizing her mistake. "Can you believe those guards? I can't believe they would turn us away like that!" she ranted while taking off her jacket. "Ugh, it's soooo hot. I hate summer" she whined before sighing "and I'm tired..." She pouts at Ravenh while tossing her jacket into her bag.

Ravenh had a lot on his mind, so didn't notice they were headed away from civilization. Why wouldn't she answer his question? Maybe she hadn't heard it. Maybe she didn't like him after all. Listen to him...he sounds like a little school kid, crushing on the pretty girl in class but without the nerve to talk to her. You're a man, Ravenh, act like one. He was about to stop her and ask her again...no, tell her, when she removed her jacket, revealing quite a bit more of her beauty. Her porcelain skin, so flawless, so smooth. Her shoulders glistening in the sun from the slight hint of perspiration. Not to even mention what else she was revealing more of. He was that little kid in school again.

Lessah couldn’t help but notice how quiet Ravenh was, but that was fine since Lessah was ranting enough to fill the silence. “And another thing, did you hear how that guard spoke to me? Calling me a ‘woman’ like I was inferior to him?” Lessah stomped her feet a bit as she trotted along, “Yes, I am a woman! A strong and independent one!” she shouted before turning back to face Ravenh. Time for a bit of commentary, Ravenh...

Ravenh was caught staring at her when she turned around, but tried to play it off like he wasn't, "You're right." He turned back toward Avalae and clenched his fists, "I'm going back there right now and kicking his ass. Nobody talks to my..." he slipped again, "...you like that and he's about to regret doing so."

Lessah smirked as Ravenh turned back toward Avalae. She couldn’t help but notice that Ravenh referred to her as ‘his’ again. His slip up was just what she needed to lift her out of her cranky mood. She would question Ravenh about his comment, but the sun was setting and she knew they needed to find Davae soon. “Come on Ravenh, he isn’t worth it. Let’s go to the bar in Davae and get to know each other better” she said while gesturing for them to continue on the wrong path.

That was the perfect comment to convince Ravenh to turn back around. He smiled at her, "YES..." ok maybe he was a little excited. Let's calm down Ravenh, "Yes. That sounds like a great idea. We could get some dinner too." His mood had completely flipped now and this trek was quite enjoyable. He was now distracted with the excitement that she wanted to get to know him that he still didn't notice they were headed entirely in the wrong direction.

Lessah walks next to Ravenh as they continually trek further away from Davae. She turns to Ravenh with a shy smile “...so, back in Natae, what happened to Varo? Does she know that we were in trouble?” she questioned.

Ravenh was making a mental list of things he should ask Lessah about when they got to the bar. He wanted to know everything about her. Finally this was what he's been waiting for since he met her. Finally he'd get the chance to tell her...Varo? "Who?" Her question snapped him from his daydreaming, "Varo?...Oooooh, Varo...I don't think it was going to work out with her..." He was confused again. Why would she ask about Varo if she wanted to get to know him better? "I told her I liked someone else."

Lessah was pleased that Ravenh had seemingly forgotten her friend...Wait, wow Lessah, really? Way to be a good friend...but still, Ravenh was so hot and now there were no complications since he didn’t think it would work out. Then she tuned into his last statement and she couldn’t help but smile widely. Her horrible attempt to play it cool consisted of giggling like an idiot, blushing, then asking “Oh?” in a voice that illustrated her interest in who he liked. But wait, maybe he likes someone else. While deep in thought, Lessah turned away from Ravenh and spotted something on the horizon. Maybe it was Davae.

Ravenh smiled at her reaction but didn't say anything else. He spotted the clearing and the buildings ahead and knew they'd be in the bar soon and everything would be revealed. He let out a sigh of relief that they had finally made it. It was dark and they both were hungry. "Aahhh Dav....this isn't Davae." He stopped in his tracks as he made out one of the structures. It was a drilling rig. There aren't any drilling rigs in Davae.

Lessah was also shocked to see that the drilling rig wasn’t the town of Davae. Although she would not admit it, navigational skills were not exactly Lessah’s specialty. She sighed and looked around...it was nearly night time. She knew they were both exhausted, and that they wouldn’t be able to find their way back to Davae safely in the dark. “Ravenh, what should we do?” she asked him, figuring he was thinking what she was thinking.

Ravenh sighed, "We should camp here. We can figure out where we are in the morning. This seems a safe enough place." He leads Lessah closer to one of the buildings, but they were locked. He sets his backpack on the ground, "I'm going to get some firewood. I think there might be a bit of bread and some cured meat in my bag, you can help yourself to them." He headed out and gathered enough wood for the night and returned. He piled them up neatly and got the fire started to keep them warm for the night. "Well... nice night for a camp out I guess."

Lessah sat down next to Ravenh's bag as he gathered wood. She admired him as he carried the wood and started a fire. Ravenh had impressed her and she really began to feel a strong desire to be by his side, always. She gestured for him to sit down next to her. "Thank you Ravenh...I'm sorry that I have gotten us so lost...so very, very lost" she said with a pouty nod. Then suddenly the exhaustion hits her. Lessah yawns and blinks slowly, obviously ready to pass out from all of the traveling.

Ravenh sat down next to her, eats a bit of the bread then chuckles, "Well we might be lost to others, but I know where you are, that's all that matters to me." He pulls their bags together and piles them up behind, giving them something to lean on. He sinks down into the bags and puts an arm behind Lessah, pulling her closer, "It might get cool tonight. We should stay close to keep warm." (Smooth move yes?)

Lessah smiled at Ravenh, who was so humorously forgiving. Then, her heart seemingly skips a beat as Ravenh pulls her closer to him. Contact...stimulating contact! Keep it cool, he’s only looking to stay warm, right. Lessah lays her head on Ravenh’s chest, unable to keep herself from smiling at their new closeness. She was exhausted but she didn’t want to miss a moment of being in Ravenh’s arms. After a deep, satisfied breath, she remembered a question she had from earlier. “Ravenh...when you told Varo you liked someone else...did you say who?” she finally dared to ask. In response, she heard Ravenh snore, and knew she’d have to wait until the morning for her answer.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh: Part 10

Trespassers

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Ravenh and Lessah slept soundly the whole night, cuddled together near the fire. They were exhausted from all their constant running from one town to the next, escaping stampedes and angry guards and disillusioned wannabe lovers. Ravenh's eyes shot open when the sound of humming was heard nearby. He saw a man, knelt down by the fire, dressed in some robes. The man appeared to be cooking breakfast. The sound of crackling Yubo bacon and Javing eggs was quite noticeable. Ravenh grabbed for his sword that he had laid beside him last night, but it was gone. The man in robes just smiled at Ravenh, "Relax... I'm not going to hurt you. I have been around a while, though, so took it upon myself to move your weapon.... just in case. But, hopefully, to your liking, I cleaned it and oiled the blade. Seems you've seen quite a bit of action as of late. It was filthy." The man had motioned off to the side, where Ravenh's sword was propped against the nearby building, very shiny and almost new.

Lessah stirs at the sound of a nearby voice but was too comfortable, next to Ravenh, to wake up just yet. She readjusts her head against Ravenh's chest, though he were her pillow, and moans a bit as she plops a leg over his. With a sigh she was back to sleeping peacefully.

Ravenh was trying to rise to his feet, to address the man, when he was pinned back down by Lessah and her very sound sleep. He relaxed back against the bags and smiled an awkward smile to the man, "Seems you have the advantage." Ravenh brushed a bit of Lessah's hair from her face and looked back up at the man, "I'm Ravenh and this sleeping beauty, is Lessah. We've had a few rough days and finally found a moment to rest." The man in the robes was plating the breakfast. He looked up in surprise, "Ravenh you say? I've heard that name mentioned around Yrkanis." he chuckles, "And not in very good words, I must say." Ravenh rolled his eyes, "Those people are stupid." The man in robes chuckled again, "With that attitude I can see how the people have come to such negative conclusions."

Lessah wrinkles her nose at the smell of breakfast and she opens her eyes. It took her a moment to remember where they were and why. "Whose stupid?" she asked while yawning at the same time. Lessah sits up and rubs her eyes, focusing them now on the robed man holding a plate of food. She looks at Ravenh with a curious expression. "Do you know this man, Ravenh?" she asks, then before letting Ravenh answer..."well, aren't you going to introduce us?" she adds.

Ravenh's gut reaction, as always, was a bit defensive, "Of course I don't know this man." his voice a bit raised. He stops and leans to Lessah, whispering, "I don't know him. I woke up and he was already here, cooking breakfast at OUR fire." The robed man just stood there with the plate, smiling at both of them, "Allow me to introduce myself, then." He sat the plate down in front of them and took a step back, bowing at the waist, "I am Aleeskandaro. Guild Leader of the Armegeddons and THIS," motioning to the surrounding structures, "Is OUR Outpost. So technically this is MY fire...... or were you trying to burn down my outpost?" he'd ask with a smirk on his face.

After hearing Aleeskandaro's introduction, Lessah smiles politely, "Oh...nice to meet you" she squeaks out before exchanging a look with Ravenh. Lessah reaches for a fork and samples the egg. She chews happily then nods, "mmm delicious. Thank you for your hospitality" she said before nudging Ravenh. Lessah stood up and curtsies awkwardly, "My name is Lessah" she said, not realizing that he had already learned her name. "Sorry for the intrusion but we got a little lost during...our...running away from things."

Ravenh got to his feet, once nudged, and gave a half bow to the man, though didn't introduce himself again, since he already had. "We didn't mean to trespass, but like Lessah just admitted, we needed somewhere to rest." Aleeskandaro smiled, "Don't be silly, you're welcome here." He watched while Ravenh and Lessah ate the breakfast and studied them a bit, "You know.... I could probably get you back in good graces with the towns.... that is if you'd allow it. I... know a few people here and there." He stated a bit modestly.

Lessah passed her yubo bacon to Ravenh and eyed his javing eggs as she listened to Aleeskandaro's offer. "That would be lovely...it's been so stressful being on the run like this," Lessah replied. Aleeskandaro smiled at Lessah, "Great....In the mean time, I think the best way for you both to repair your reputation would be to eliminate the bandits surrounding the towns you've fled," he stated briefly. Lessah's heart sank. Killing people? This was not something she had done, nor something she was comfortable doing. She felt bad enough harming non-aggressive animals. She looked at Ravenh to gauge his reaction to the suggestion.

Ravenh concentrated on what Aleeskandaro was saying and reacted to the offering of the bacon from Lessah as if they were an old married couple and automatically knew that she wanted the eggs, handing them over in return for the bacon. Even with all the violence, Ravenh had committed to homins, he also had never killed one. He looked at Lessah and saw her look and knew she felt the same way, "That's a lot to ask of someone. Why would we go hunting for people? What did they do to deserve such a permanent fate?"

Aleesakandaro grew quiet a moment, then cleared his throat, "The bandits are a scourge of Atys. They have not only pillaged, stolen and looted at any opportunity they are given.... they too have killed. They attack any homin, whether Matis, Fyros, Tryker or Zorai as well as your fellow followers of Jena. They will destroy all of our civilazations if given the chance."

Lessah nods as she listens, trying to be agreeable. "Yes, Alees....Aleeskandaro" she started while struggling to remember his elegant name, "...you've been so kind to us. If you say they are our enemies, than surely they must be destroyed," she said without really believing herself. Still...this man was helping them and they would be wise to accept his help. Would it really take killing people to restore their reputation? Lessah stood quietly now as she consumed the last of the eggs Ravenh gave her.

Ravenh also nodded to his words, "We will do what we can, sir. And yes, thank you for allowing us to rest here at your outpost." Ravenh reached down and picked up the bags, throwing them on his back. Aleeskandaro had picked up Ravenh's sword and handed it to him. Ravenh sashed the sword accordingly and reached down for Lessah's hand, giving it a slight squeeze, "We should be on our way, Lessah. Don't want to overstay our welcome." Aleeskandaro smiles, "You're welcome here as long as you need, but I understand the nature of a warrior such as yourself."

Ravenh took Lessah by her hand and led her from the outpost, disappearing into the distance as Aleeskandaro watched until they were gone.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh: Part 11

Home Sweet Home

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Months and months had gone by since anyone had heard from Lessah or Ravenh. Most had assumed they had been killed by something or someone out in the wild... well let me rephrase that, most hadn't given a second thought about what had happened to Ravenh, but Lessah had been missed by many. They had done what Aleeskandaro had asked of them and traveled to the different towns, battling and eventually running off the bandits that had set up camp nearby. Some were killed and some ran off, taking advantage of Ravenh and Lessah's compassion for homid life. They both knew that their efforts, would in no way, completely rid the world of thieves, burglars, and killers, but hoped they at least made the smallest of impact, though as temporary as it was, to the Matis and followers of Jena that were trying to earn an honest and good living. Ravenh and Lessah finally found their way back to Yrkanis, after several times of getting lost, mostly due to Ravenh giving in and listening to Lessah's sense of direction.... or lack their of. Ravenh walked into the town, covered in blood, dirt, grime and various other unidentified substances, while Lessah, somehow, managed to walk in perfectly clean. How she does that is a mystery. They stopped after walking passed the guards and stood there watching as the citizens went about their daily routine. Ravenh grumbled, "What? No parade in our honor? After all we've done?" Lessah nudges him and he smirks, "Yea, guess you're right... at least they aren't trying to arrest me." He chuckled.

Lessah giggled at Ravenh's comment, and yet she still scanned the area for Wanted signs. After a few glances around, she relaxed and smiled. It was so good to be home. She and Ravenh had actually made it back, despite all of the odds against them. But now that they were back, was it time to part ways? She hoped not...she'd grown quite accustomed to having Ravenh by her side. Yet, there were no explicit emotions expressed during the entire trip. No answers to her questions. She looked at Ravenh while deep in thought until the sound of a Mektoub caught her attention. "My Moose! I need to check on him!" she shouted suddenly, while grabbing Ravenh's hand. "Lets head over to the Varo...the guy you threatened" she said with a teasing chuckle.

Ravenh cringed at the idea of confronting Varo Linia again. He didn't want to begin his return with more drama. Ravenh and Lessah had just returned home from a very long and tiresome journey and all he wanted was some rest and perhaps a bath and some clean clothes. "Perhaps you should check on your Mektoub without me, Lessah. Not quite in the mood to encounter any of my enemies at the moment."

Lessah smirked at Ravenh. He still owed her friend an apology but she'd let it go for now. "Alright Ravenh, I understand. Why don't you meet me at my apartment and I'll meet up with you there. You can get washed up there, if you like." The offer wasn't entierly selfless. After all...a naked Ravenh in her apartment? Yes please! Lessah gestured toward the general area where her apartment was then headed over to the stables. "How's my Moose?" she asked Varo while giving a polite curtsy. Varo stared at her blankly a moment. He didn't quite recognize her but he knew exactly who 'Moose' was. After a glance at his paperwork, a smile finally washed over his face. "Moose, ah yes. He is good...You must be Lessah. It's been a long time...how are you?" he asked. "I heard you were helping with the bandit situation, you and that violent fellow." Lessah returned the smile and chuckled, "Yes, you mean Ravenh. They kept me and Ravenh busy for a while. Anyway, I'm glad to hear Moose is okay...I've missed him." she replied. Varo then shifted his weight and nodded "yes, he's okay because I've been feeding and taking care of him all this time...there's a fee for my services, ya know?" he reminded her. Lessah laughed and nodded "Of course, Varo" she said as she opened a bag full of quartered items and looted money. As she paid her fees, she learned that Varo had nearly forgotten about the incident with Ravenh. It was all in the distant past. Lessah sighed with relief before heading to her apartment to share the good news.

Ravenh agreed with the idea of getting cleaned up. A nice warm shower would make him feel like a million dappers. He headed to Lessah's apartment, finally making his way up to her door. He turned the knob but it didn't open, "What the?" He took a step back and looked up and down the hall at the other apartment doors, scratching his head, "This is her apartment..." He tried the knob again, still not opening. At that moment he heard someone on the other side of the door, "Who's there?" He was startled at the voice, but in instinct responded, "Ravenh." He thought about his response and wondered why the heck he was answering some stranger that was in Lessah's apartment. He banged on the door, "Who are you and why are you in Lessah's apartment?" He yelled. The door swung open and an angry woman stormed toward him, poking Ravenh's chest, "Who do you think you are? Are you drunk or something? This is my apartment and I'm only going to tell you once to go away and leave me alone." Ravenh's eyes widened as he pressed himself against the wall, failing to get away from her pokes, "Wait.... this is Lessah's apartment." He insisted. The woman stood up, crossing her arms, "I have no idea who this Lessah is, but I've lived in this apartment for the last two months." She pointed, commandingly down the hall, "Now get lost." She turned and stormed back into her apartment, slamming the door. The sound of the locks rang in his ears as he turned and exited the apartment building. "Now what?" He saw a vendor nearby and purchased a couple of Javing pies and stood outside the building, waiting to break the news to Lessah that she had lost her apartment.

Lessah skipped over to her apartment building to find Ravenh outside, obviously waiting for her. She giggled as she approached him. "What's wrong Ravenh? Did you get lost trying to find my apartment?" she joked. "Who got lost this time, huh?" she laughed, elbowing him a little. She was in a fabulous mood, indeed.

He offered one of the pies to her and chuckled a little at her joke, mainly to humor her. "No... I didn't get lost." He looked up the side of the building as if looking at what was once her apartment, "You know how I don't sugar coat things, so here it goes..... I believe, being gone for so long, you lost your apartment. Someone else is living there." He watched her with caring eyes, waiting to see how upset she got.

Lessah wrinkled her nose at the meaty Javing pie and gestured for Ravenh to eat it. She then shook her head in disbelief at the news. "No, but I paid ahead a month or so..." she trailed off. The price she paid at the stables did seem unusually high, but she hadn't paid attention to the bill. Had they really been gone that long? As if moving through the stages of loss at a freakishly fast past, she moved from denial to anger. "This is outrageous!" she shouted while stomping her feet on the ground. "So I'm gone for a little while and they auction off my apartment? What about my stuff?" she yelled, throwing her stuff on the ground. "Oh I get it, if I were a MALE, I'd deserve to keep my property right? The Chauvinist politics that rule Yrkanis make me sick!" she ranted. This ranting would continue some, if uninterrupted, while she let out her frustration.

When Lessah began her tantrum he sighed and took a bite of one of the pies. Ravenh turned his head to wipe his chin and noticed two men discussing a business opportunity. He completely tuned her out so he could hear what they were saying. They were discussing the profit to be made from some rare materials. Ravenh didn't have two dappers to his name but wanted to help Lessah get a new apartment. Without even noticing if Lessah had completed her release of frustration he smiled at her, "Wanna go on another adventure? When we get back, I promise we'll get you a new place." He stood proud as if he just solved all her problems....ahh men.

Lessah crossed her arms and gave Ravenh an unamused look. "Were you listening to anything I just said!? No, I don't want to go on another adventure! I want to go home" she sighed. She knew she was acting childish. Maybe Ravenh's anger had rubbed off on her, or maybe she was just exhausted from the long trip. Either way, her tantrum wasn't helping. Lessah pouted and looked at Ravenh, "okay...but I want a herbal sammich before we go."

LESSAH... RAVENH,,,, We missed you guys,,, <3 <3 come back soon ^^

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh: Part 12

On The Road Again
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Ravenh and Lessah headed back to the vendor to purchase Lessah a herbal sandwich and an Izam
quiche. While Lessah masticated, Ravenh explained the next adventure.

Ravenh pulled out his map from his backpack and laid it on the bench they were sitting on, "Here
is where the those men were talking about. 'Prime Roots' or something. They said the resources
we could get from there were worth a fortune." He looked up at her with excited eyes, "We'll
come back and get an apartment better than your old one." He stared at her waiting for her
response as if he just solved all the world's problems.

Lessah smiled at Ravenh, so impressed with his eagerness to help. And did he really just imply
that they'd get an apartment together? That wasn't what Ravenh really said, but hey, that's what
she wanted it to sound like, so that's what it sounded like. She stared back at him a moment,
taking in his facial features. He was so handsome, and he also had that manly, rugged look about
him that she liked too. Suddenly the loss of her apartment felt like a real perk! Lessah had been
lost in thought for so long that she nearly forgot what Ravenh was showing her. She blinked a
few times then looked down at the map and paused while she caught up. "Hmmm...I think I
recognize the area but I've never gone digging there. I guess we'll need to get pick axes" she
said before searching their bags to see if they even had enough dappers to purchase them.

Ravenh tucked the map away and reached for her hand, "Come, I know a guy that can help us out
with those picks." He lead Lessah over to the tool vendor, Frerni Rosidera. After several minutes
of Lessah examining the picks, deciding this one had a splintery handle and that one just wasn't
shiny enough, and Ravenh sighing a lot but keeping his cool for her sake, they managed to decide
on two they could use. Frerni announced the price for the two picks, "WHAT?!?" Ravenh yelled,
then immediately clearing his throat, "Oh, yes.. I see... one moment." He corrected in a lower tone,
not really wanting any repeat occurrances from before. He reached into his pouch, knowing he
didn't have enough dappers for the purchase, "Let me count." he said, stalling, hoping at any
moment Lessah would look away so he could try to haggle and not hurt his pride with Lessah in the
process, "Isn't that one of those hairdressers over there, Lessah?"

Lessah smoothed down her hair that was still in a neat pony tail. "What...you don't like my hair?"
she questioned, before glancing over at the hairdressers. It was there that she noticed a small
baby Yubo, walking around like it was lost. "Awwww" lessah cooed as she skipped over to it.
She picked up the Yubo and pet it while talking to it like it was a baby. "Are you lost little one?
Here, let me put you back with your family so that you don't get walked on." Lessah walked over
to a nearby gate and showed the Yubo to a guard who leaned away from it, as though it were
diseased or dangerous. Lessah laughed, "it's just a baby" she said as she placed the Yubo
several feet away from the gate. Feeling as though she'd made a difference today, she turned
around and skipped back to Ravenh. It was a good thing Lessah left quickly, for moments after,
she would have witnessed a Javing swooping down and snatching the baby Yubo away.

Ravenh took the opportunity of Lessah's distraction and haggled with Frerni, finally agreeing to
two of Ravenh's rings and his pendant in exchange for the picks. Lessah returned and Ravenh
smiled, holding the picks up, "Got 'em" trying to act like he could have afforded them all along.
"Where are you two going to gather resources?" Frerni interrupted, curious as to if these two
apparent novices even knew where to go. Ravenh turned with his chest puffed out, "Prime Roots,
of course." His voice was a bit loud and it donned on him that he was letting their secret location
out of the bag to anyone that could hear. He leaned against the counter, overconfidently, "That's
where the good stuff is." He stated as if he knew. The vendor just eyed them both, "Hope to see
you both back in one piece then." He bagan cleaning off his counter and not really paying any
more attention to them. Ravenh, however, got a little offended at the idea that they were in over
their heads, "What did that mean? I'll have you know that I'm quite the capable...." Ravenh's
voice getting more and more defensive with each word. Lessah wrapped her arm around Ravenh's
and smiled at the vendor, "We'll be careful." tugging on Ravenh to leave.

Frerni rolled his eyes and directed his gaze to Lessah. "Good, I hope you also have something to
carry all of those materials. Most materials aren't worth much unless they are sold in bulk."
Lessah wasn't sure if the vendor really knew what he was talking about, after all he was a tool
vendor not a material vendor, or a master digger for that matter. Still...more materials would
result in more dappers. After a moments thought, Lessah suddenly squeezed Ravenh and squealed
into his ear "My Moose! Let's bring Moose. He likes walks and he can carry a lot more than we
can! Come on, let's go to the stables" she shouted before running in the wrong direction.

Ravenh watched Lessah run off in the wrong direction and sighed, glancing over at Frerni who
was not only laughing but shaking his head in disbelief. Ravenh huffed then chased after Lessah,
eventually catching up to her and correcting her directional mistake. They finally make it to the
stables, the whole way Ravenh heard about how fond of Moose, Lessah is and what a good
Mektoub he is. The way Lessah spoke of it, you'd think it was a person.

Lessah bounced on the spot as Varo opened the door to let Moose out. He finally stormed out of
the stables, apparently so excited to see Lessah that he knocked over Varo and several bags of
hay that were neaty stacked. Moose rubbed up against Lessah, while using its long trunk to
inspect Ravenh. Moose wasn't shy. His trunk moved quickly from Ravenh's hands, to his genital
region, then into a bag that Ravenh was holding. Lessah giggled as she watched Moose greet
Ravenh. "I'm just going to grab a few things to saddle up Moose" she said as she pet the
Mektoub's head.

Ravenh danced around, trying to avoid the Mektoub's trunk, swatting at it, but missing, "Is he
gonna act like this the whole time?" He asked, not realizing she had stepped away. Ravenh finally
got angry and pointed at the Mektoub, "NO!!!" He yelled. Moose stared at Ravenh a moment,
blinking, then grabbing a hold of his finger with his trunk. Ravenh quickly jerked his finger away,
wiping it off on his pants. The Mektoub now thought Ravenh was just playing and jumped at him,
knocking Ravenh down to the ground, only to persue him, pinning him to the ground, inspecting him
all over with his trunk, leaving slime trails all over Ravenh. Lessah returned in time to see this
sight.

Lessah collected all that she needed from Moose's stable and turned around to see Ravenh pinned
to the ground. "Awww. He likes you!" she laughed. Moose then noticed that Lessah was holding
his saddle and knew an adventure awaited. He quickly released Ravenh and made his way over to
Lessah. As Lessah saddled Moose up, his trunk roamed over Lessah's hair, knocking off her
diadem in the process. Ravenh stood up and dusted himself off. "Are we ready?" he asked
impatiently. Lessah laughs and nods, then hands the reins to Ravenh. She then loops her arm
around Ravenh's, and smiles. "Lead us to our next Adventure!" she says happily.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh, Part 13

Magic 101
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Ravenh and Lessah and Moose headed out the main gates of Yrkanis. Ravenh was leading Moose with his rein which gave Moose unlimited access to “accidentally” goose Ravenh's backside with his trunk. Ravenh would jump each time and whip his head around glaring at Moose. If he didn't know better Moose was smiling. “I swear he's doing it on purpose, Lessah.”

Lessah chuckled as she watched her Mektoub tease Ravenh. “Awww, he just wants your attention. Don't you my sweet moosey Moose-Moose?” Lessah cooed as she pat Moose on the back. Lessah followed Ravenh while walking next to her Mektoub, keeping her eyes open for any immediate threats. “So...Ravenh, I was thinking...” Lessah began as Moose suddenly stopped in his tracks to smell something that interested him, “I know you like to kill things, but maybe it would be a good idea to practice some healing magic...you know, just in case we get into major trouble.” Lessah paused, waiting for Ravenh's reaction while Moose started to walk again, only to stop suddenly again and pull a little in the direction of the smell.

Ravenh would get tugged back every time Moose discovered an interesting smell and would grunt and tug back on the rein. “Wish he didn't want so much attention,” he would mutter under his breath. He frowned at her reference of him liking to kill things... she made him sound so barbaric, so primitive... I mean, it's way more than just enjoying to kill things... it's combat arts, perfecting your skills in melee, it's...it's...who are we kidding? He does like killing things. Ravenh stopped in his tracks when she mentioned healing magic and he scrunched his nose as if he just inhaled something rancid, “I don't know... I mean it's magic...I just don't...” he paused before admitting he might not be good at something and his ego checked back in, “I mean, I could do it, if it interested me, I'm not saying I couldn't do it..” his ego tended to ramble a bit.

Lessah watched the Mektoub take off in random directions, only to be brought back by a tug on the rein. “Sorry, I guess he hasn't been out in a while,” she said as an excuse. The truth was Moose was always like that and she was thankful that Ravenh was handling him instead of her. “Anyway, I know magic wouldn't be your first choice, but it might come in handy” she added. The truth was, she wasn't sure if she could convince Ravenh that magic was useful. It would mean convincing Ravenh that something or someone could get passed him, and attack her. “I mean, what if it came to the point where a heal spell could turn the battle around?” she questioned.

Ravenh let out a quick chuckle, “Assuming that the battle would need to be turned around. I think I can handle myself quite well in combat.” he arrogantly stated. He waved his hand in dismissal, “No, I think I can do without magic.” He reached up and tapped the hilt of his sword on his back, “As long as this is within reach, we have nothing to worry about. Thanks but no thanks.” And as we have all just witnessed, Ravenh's ego can get a bit out of hand at times... can we say jerk?

Lessah sighed in frustration, catching Moose's attention. His trunk suddenly swept over her face, inspecting her. Lessah allowed Moose to sniff her as she whined at Ravenh. “Suppose something or someone knocked me out and one measly heal spell would save my life? Would you be interested in learning it then? Wouldn't you want to save me?” Lessah argued, knowing that she was unfairly trapping him. Lessah and Moose both looked at Ravenh, waiting for his response.

Ravenh sighed, “No.... no, I wouldn't want you to be hurt.” He looks around trying to find some distraction but with no luck, finally throwing his hands up, “Fine...show me this magic stuff...” remembering some of the male magic users in town and what they wore, he points sternly at her, “I'm not wearing a dress though. No way. It's this or I'm out.” tapping his heavy armor chest plate.

Lessah perks up and smiles, choosing not to discuss how his heavy armor might interfere with this magic. She was smiling more because he said he wouldn't want her to be hurt. She'd replay him saying that over and over in her head, because in her twisted female mind, it just might mean, that he had deeper feelings for her. Lessah kneels and gestures for Ravenh to join her while Moose wanders away to eat some long grass.

Ravenh closes his eyes and groans while rubbing his forehead. He couldn't go back on his word now, so he kneels down next to her, letting out an involuntary sigh, “Please tell me I don't have to recite a bunch of silly mumbo jumbo words.”

Lessah giggled as Ravenh forced himself to endure a magic lesson. She reached for his hand and placed it in between hers. As they touched, butterflies filled her stomach and she felt her cheeks burn a little. Was she blushing? “Um...” she began “yeah, so you just need to concentrate on releasing the healing energy that's already within you. In a way, you are giving a piece of yourself to heal another...” She then demonstrated while holding Ravenh's hand by releasing a heal spell on Moose. Moose briefly looked over at them before returning to eating the grass. “That was a very weak spell...most casters find that bringing their arms into their chests before casting helps” she said, recognizing how bizarre that probably sounded.

Ravenh wouldn't admit it aloud but his heart began to race a bit and his palms got sweaty as their hands touched. He watched and listened to her instruction but thought it was a waste of time, “Why do you have to flail your arms about? Can't you just throw it like a rock?” As he said that, he stood up and did a wind up and threw nothing at the Mektoub. Kneeling back down beside Lessah he grunted, “This is silly.” Ravenh's inhibitions were going to prove quite the obstacle, wouldn't you say?

Lessah was amused by Ravenh's take on how to cast a heal spell but she was also worried that his frustration would prevent him from learning the skill. “The...uh, flailing is symbolic...” she started but then realized it wouldn't help to explain that right now. “Okay, yes the flailing may look silly but it really helps. This skill is a natural innate ability that you already possess, Ravenh. You just need to let it surface so that you can build it up.” Lessah smiled at him encouragingly “Try again, and concentrate as though there were real danger.”

Ravenh took a deep breath, “Ok Ok” he said begrudgingly. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on feeling some kind of energy within him. He wasn't sure if it was real or if he was imagining it, but it did feel as if his hands tingled a moment. To the best of his ability he did the arm movements, though very awkwardly. He opened his eyes just as he “threw” the spell in time to see a bluish spark shoot from his hand like a firework, flying off in a very random pattern. It even made that whistling sound that fireworks do. He huffed and threw his arms up, like a child throwing a tantrum. “Come on, we're wasting time... it's gonna get dark.” He growled as he went over and grabbed Moose's rein angrily.

Lessah was excited to see some progress and was about to clap when Ravenh went over and grabbed Moose's rein. Feeling as though they had accomplished enough for one lesson, and that she had also tested his patience enough for one day, Lessah rose to her feet. “Alright Ravenh, I suppose you are right, it is getting dark...let's keep going.” Lessah walked over to Moose to take out the map they had been using. A quick glance at it and she suddenly looked confused, “so...we keep going...north?” she asked, pointing west.

The Misadventures of Lessah and Ravenh, Part 14

In Too Deep
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Lessah, Ravenh, and Moose passed a quiet Karavan representative as they made their way down a trail. When they made it to the bottom, there was a cave which lead to a deep cavern. Lessah squinted as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. They could barely see where they were going until the cavern opened up, revealing glowing plants which lit up the place. It was cold, damp, breezy, and unusual…it was unlike anything they had ever seen. The group stopped to take in the strange beauty.

They were amazed at how thick some of the foliage was and beyond that at how much activity was going on with the massive amounts of various creatures. “Whoa” exclaimed Ravenh. He looked over at Lessah and scratched the top of his head, “Do you know what all of these things are? I mean, some look familiar, but…” he points at a few various creatures, “there are some I’ve never seen before. How will we know which ones are vicious and which ones aren’t?” At that very moment, one of the mysterious creatures pounced and attacked one of the Armas, killing it, then devouring it. Ravenh pointed at the incident, “Ok, we now know THAT one is vicious.”

Lessah gasped as she watched what was left of the poor Arma get dragged into the shadows. She looked at Ravenh and sighed, “well, maybe this isn’t such a good idea, Ravenh. We don’t really know what we are up against down here…” she said as Moose snuggled up to to them.

Ravenh puffed up his chest, “Nope.. we came all this way, we’re getting those materials.” He gripped the Mektoub’s reins tighter and though he was a bit nervous…. no, he was really scared, he couldn’t show Lessah that he was afraid. He scanned the environment and chose a few paths that seems calm and less populated until they came to a clearing, “I think we should try here. It looks like good soil.” he announced confidently, pulling the picks from the Mektoub’s pack.

Lessah gave Ravenh the ‘seriously?’ look, but didn’t waste time to chase after Ravenh. She followed him closely, practically clinging to him. Stop being scared Lessah…you are a strong, independent female….strong independent female…She looked around as Ravenh pulled out the picks, hearing the unmistakable growl of a Kitin. It was so loud that it echoed off the cavern’s walls. She looked at Ravenh who wasn’t wasting any time. The sooner they got some of the materials, the sooner they could get out of here. She took an axe, and dug into the soil.

Ravenh scanned the dirt, looking for a spot that might contain some resources. He spotted a small mound, almost unnoticeable and heaved the pick into it. He dug for a few moments, then reached into the hole with his hand, pulling out what looked like a shell, “Found…something. We can use this right?” Without waiting for her response he started digging again, making a small pile of his finds beside him.

Lessah was bravely fighting her urge to jump on Moose and flee as she dug into the soil. She watched Ravenh pull out a shiny shell and toss it. She glanced at it from where she was and it was… magnificent! Unlike any she had dug in the forest. She soon became lucky, finding some high quality resin and wood. Moose came over to Lessah and plopped down on the ground with a moan. He was tired and was happy to just rest. As Lessah’s bags began to fill, she looked up to see that Ravenh had dug twice as much as her. She began to dig again as she noticed Ravenh’s hot, manly body, digging into the soil. His muscles so easily maneuvering through the soil as though he was hardly labored at all. As with past attempts at digging, Lessah was easily distracted and had trouble focusing.

Ravenh stopped digging and started bundling up his treasures. He had quite an arm full. He stood and turned to take them to the Mektoub, so he could store them in his packs, just when a green explosion erupted from the earth that Lessah was digging, “LESSAH!!! LOOK OUT!!!” he shouted, dropping his treasures to the ground and running toward her, “GET OUT OF THAT CLOUD!!!” He grabbed her and pulled her from the poison, probably a little too roughly, and looked her over to see if she was alright.

As the toxic cloud filled the air, Moose squealed dramatically and ran off, clearly affected by the gas. Lessah coughed harshly as she nodded, using a hand to wave the gas away. “Thank you…” she weakly stated before coughing again. Lessah tried to stand up but resorted to a kneeling position as she caught her breath “get Moose” she begged as she watched Ravenh jump to his feet.

Ravenh looked around, spotting Moose hiding behind one of the glowing plants. He coaxed him out with a treat he had kept in his pocket. Moose was obviously not doing so well from the gas. Ravenh led him to a soft spot near them and Moose laid on the ground, “There ya go boy. You rest.” Ravenh turned back to Lessah and smiled, “He’ll be fine… just needs a moment.”

Lessah nodded and pouted “poor guy…” she sighed as she watched Ravenh get back to work. The gas was slowing down on her mound but Lessah would have to wait to retrieve the axe she dropped while Ravenh dragged her away. Noticing that some of Ravenh’s materials were scattered around, Lessah decided to pick those up until her bag was full. That way she could check on Moose as she stored them in his packs. After communicating these plans with Ravenh, Lessah picked up all the nearby materials. It was then that she saw a glimmer of something a few meters away and like a moth to a flame she sauntered in its direction.

Ravenh smiled as Lessah gathered up his materials and began digging again, “We need to watch for those toxic clouds… if we aren’t careful, they might do us in.” He wasn’t meaning to come across as lecturing but he was kind of lecturing her. Something made Ravenh pause in mid swing of his pick and turn to look toward where Lessah had gone. Call it a gut feeling. “Lessah?” he inquired, squinting his eyes in her direction, “what are you……”

As Lessah approached the glimmer it became immediately apparent that its source was not a material. What she found in front of her was a Tyrancha. There was no time to notice that the only weapon in her had was an axe, nor how big the Tyrancha was in comparison to her. As soon as the Tyrancha rushed Lessah, it was lights out. The only reaction that she had time to manage was a shrill scream that was unnaturally cut short by a loud thud.

Ravenh’s eyes widened as Lessah’s body was flung to the ground. Without hesitating Ravenh hurled his pick toward the vile creature. Before the creature could do anymore harm to Lessah he was hit, square between the eyes. Ravenh drew his sword and started yelling at the creature, “Come get me you dumb…” he didn’t get to finish his insults as the creature snarled and leaped toward him. Ravenh gripped his sword tightly with both hands and just as the creature came into range, he swing the sword with all his strength like a baseball bat, smacking the Tyrancha aside his head. The Tyrancha stumbled a moment and Ravenh took that moment to get some distance between them, wanting to be able to react to the creatures movements in time. Just as the Tyrancha turned to Ravenh, drool dripping from it’s oversized teeth and jaws an Arma rammed into it’s side. The Tyrancha grunted from the impact. Apparently we had come too close to a mother Arma and her young. She was intent on protecting them from this predator. The Tyrancha turned and attacked the Arma and Ravenh took that chance to run to Lessah, “Lessah?!? Are you ok?” he was winded and also trying to not attract more attention. She didn’t respond so he scooped her up and ran for Moose who was visibly shaken by all that had transpired. Ravenh laid Lessah over the Mektoub and grabbed his reins, leading them in the opposite direction of the fray.

Moose followed Ravenh, trying his best not to trample over him since he could run faster. The weight of a limp Lessah shifted with each step forward. The mektoub could smell the scent of fresh air approaching as they made their way out of the cavern. There he stood still like a good boy as Ravenh peeled Lessah off his back.

Ravenh laid Lessah gently down to the ground, wiping her hair from her face, “Lessah? Wake up, Lessah.” The Mektoub let out a whimper and trace her legs with his trunk, trying to help in his own way. Ravenh leaned down, listening to hear her breathe, or for a heartbeat. It was very feint…. she was not doing well at all. Ravenh was in panic mode. He didn’t know what to do. Tears started streaming down his face as he gripped Lessah’s shoulders tightly, “LESSAH, DAMN IT…WAKE UP!!!!” he shouted through clenched teeth, shaking her a bit. She wasn’t going to wake up….not like that anyway. He buried his head into her chest, sobbing now, “Please don’t leave, Lessah.” He rose up and shouted a guttural scream toward the heavens, “AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHRRR!!!!” Without thinking again he waved his arms around and aimed them at her lifeless body. A bright bluish light erupted from his hands surging toward Lessah. He could see a bit of color return to her cheeks so did it again and again.

Lessah slowly regained consciousness with each healing breeze. Still weak, her eyes remained closed as she let out a whimper. A sign to Ravenh to keep doing what he was doing. She wasn’t quite coherent of her surroundings, and thus didn’t register the touch of Moose’s trunk on her legs.

Ravenh heard her whimper and cast the healing magic a few more times. When he thought she would be fine he kneeled down beside her again, cradling her in his arms. He stroked her hair a couple of times and whispered, “You can’t ever leave me, Lessah. I love you.” He lowered his head and kissed hers. He remained holding her against him until she’d wake up.