"This sake tastes like crap," Kain muttered to himself as he sipped on the clay cup that he had recieved. However, it was the only thing he had been able to drink in several days, so he appriciated the effort. Kain sat outside the bar like a drunk yet was not a drunk at all. He had drank only one cup of Sake because that was all he could afford at this point. Making a living in this world was tough. With no job, no family, no money, and basically no life, Kain was force to sit outside a bar with Sake and Manju.

Kain was a young man of the ripe age of 23. He sat outside the bar and watched the people come and go, occasionally scowling at their judgemental looks. Finally he decide dit was time to get up. He picked his tall and scrawny self from the ground and popped his neck.

"Boredom sucks..." He muttered again as he looked around for some way to get money, "Where the heck am I gonna get money for more Sake and Manju?"

Ethstar absentmindedly walked around the reaches of town, his young and bright eyes searching throughout the crowds of unfamilar faces. This was the second city he had managed to wander into, and this time, while wandering, he had found a new diet. Berries. Some kind of blue berry that he had found in one of the many forests that seemed to litter this area. They were quite sweet, but had gotten a bitter aftertaste once the juice had flown down his throat. With a sigh, he wistfully remember the lovely tasting fruits, even though the foods on the Celestial plane had been much better. Much better indeed. However, one who was hungry wasn't one to complain about what meals he got. Ethstar just had needed food, so he had accepted what had managed to fly his way. Good stuff, those berries. Of course, he was guessing even the bland mushrooms of before would have tasted good in these situations.

People, women mainly, would turn to stare at the six-foot tall man as he walked past. They couldn't admire any sculped muscles, or slim bellies, for the cloak that covered from the neck down to the ankles quickly smashed any dirty thoughts. But his face was a attraction in it's own right. The man was utterly, completely, and hauntingly beautiful. A side-effect of being an angel, one would suppose. But these young women thought he was a human, just like them, so they allowed themselves to flirt. Shamelessly as a matter of fact. As Ethstar meaninglessly wandered the busy streets, he managed to bump into a young blonde woman. She dimpled at him sweetly, not speaking, but smilling in a attempt to intrigue him. In human standards, yes, she was pretty. And Ethstar realized that. But in the Celestial plane, he had never really talked to any woman, much less had one flirt with him. So while she blushed and smile, batting her eyelashes at him... he stood in ackward silence, wondering what was going on.

"I apoligize milady, I should have been watching where I was going." She gave him a charming smile, giggling at him in a flurry of girl-ness. The confused look in his eyes grew as she shook her head, and dropped into a curtsy. "I am no lady, sir. And do not worry, I don't mind a man like you running into me in the streets. Not at all." She gave another giggle, and Ethstar simply tried to laugh, politely barking out the emotionless sound. "Ah. Well, thank you, milady." She was completely and utterly baffling him. Why all the giggles, and why was she blushing so? Had he accidently said something to strike at her diginity? But, then, why would she be GIGGLING? With a sigh and a shake of his head, he moved past her, giving a short smile and leaving with her with a few words. "I apoligize milday, but I have places to be. Thank you for your kindness." She stopped midgiggle, giving his retreating back a look of both confusion and indignity.

In a few moments, Ethstar had managed to find the only place that served food, and wander in. As he walked in the door, a passing glance was given to the scruffy looking one with the blade attached to his hip. Just a passing glance, one that most people who carried open blades would receive. But then Ethstar walked through the door, and any sight of the man was lost. Absentmindly, he popped his head side to side, causing the muscles to pop loudly. Underneath the cloak, two things of importance were hidden, one of which he had to fight not to flex. A hidden longsword, and a pair of folded angel wings. Bandaged yes, but aching from being in their cramped position for so long. Sighing slightly, Ethstar moved off to the side, out of the doorway, and tried to figure out how to get food. Perhaps more of those berries. The barkeep watched him with a wary look, while the various serving maids gave him seductive smiles. He tried to ignore them the best he could, still trying to find a hint of what to do.

Eledin wandered around town watching al the fools, morons and thieves. But one topped them all. Some idiot was sitting outside the bar murmering thar he wanted more "sake" whatever that was. He was a mean man. "boredom sucks". Please! If you hang around here for more than three seconds you'll be attacked, threatened of challenged to a duel of some kind. Speaking of being attacked, he hoped he was not found here by the elves who were after him. Eledin walked up to the man.

"So what brings you to Kellen?"

Kain glanced at the newcomer and then turned towards him. He realized that he was looking down upon the man. Kain smirked and then replied, "Who the heck are you and why should you care why I'm here... and if you must know, I'm here because the Manju is good, as for the Sake, it bites."

Kain put on a dumbfounded expression on his face as if to say "did I say that?". The he cocked his head to the side and met the gaze of a man who was about his height. "Hey..." he said to the newcomer, "Not that you'll wanna know but my name is Kain and I would be 'obliged' to know yours, despite my earlier remarks." He watched at the tall man walk in the Tavern, "And would you happen to know who the black haired man is that just walked in the tavern is?"

Ethstar brushed a few silky locks of hair away from his face with two fingers, clearing his view a little more. His gaze focused on the man behind the bar, and with another sigh, Ethstar finally started walking toward the bar with one thought in his hungry minnd. Berries. With his luck, the man would likely laugh at him, blush at him, or perhaps giggle in a confounded way... but Ethstar was getting used to the humans by now. And anyway, not everyone that had acted strange had been humans. Gregori, the one in the woods... he had certianly acted strangely whenever Ethstar had called him an elf... but then again, the man had probably had a reason or two. With a slight smile to himself, Ethstar slipped into one of the barstools, the bartender giving him a polite smile, accompanied by a somewhat wary look. The town was not used to strangers such as he, completely cloaked and completely confused looking. The tall one that was outside had been strange enough. Asking for such foriegn foods that hardly anyone wanted to try, or eat. The man had wolfed them down though. It was kind of strange, how hungry the lad had seemed, but how little he had bought. Perhaps he was poor? The barkeeper smirked to himself, laughing inside. If they lad didn't have money, then too bad. Stirring himself from his thoughts, he finally spoke to the stranger.

"Can I help you?" Ethstar gave a polite smile in return to the barkeepers own, looking straight into his eyes with a steady gaze. "Do you have any blue berries, sir?" The bartender stared at him in dead silence for a few moments, only the laughing and heavy drinking in the background being heard. Then, he finally spoke, a irritated tone to his deep voice. " I don't want trouble, so just stop with the funny business and make your order." Ethstar's eyes widened slightly, the smile slipping from his handsome face.He then quickly retreated, his voice coming out somewhat meek now. "Oh, yes milord. I will take a water. Would that suffice?" His eyes looked hopeful, ever changing emotions, from confidence to meekness in a mere matter of seconds.

The bartender gave a nod, and turned to his little section, grabbing a mug and dipping it in a barrel of clean water. After he had filled it up, he spun around, sliding the wooden keg onto the table right in front of Ethstar. "Water is free, nothing else is." Ethstar gave another polite smile and a nod, delving a hand out of his cloak to wrap around the handle of the keg. "Thank you milord." With one last suspicious look, the barkeep gave a short nod. Milord? Who used those terms these days, and to a bartender none the less?

"Eledin. Ethstar." The man sure didn't have good people skills. Ticking someone off as soon as you see them was not the best thing to do. But that aside he had mode up for it. Sorda kinda, but not really. Why in the world was ethstar here and why did he go in a bar. Why was he even in town to begin with? The man needed to know that if he didn't stop complaining about being bored that it would to exiting way to quick.

At this point, all that Kain was really concerned about was getting some Sake, and the only way that he could think of getting that Sake was to pretend to be nice and try and bum some money off this Eledin. Kain smiled, "Eledin huh? So, who exactly is Esthar? He's a rather tall one wouldn't you say?" Kain walked into the tavern, assuming that Eledin would follow.

As he walked in, a man dropped some bronze coins. He was plastered and Kain didn't mind at all... He picked up the bronze coins and put them into his pocket. He thought to himself 'Hey, if it means Sake, it's mine for the takin.'

He pulled up a barstool next to the lonely man named Esthar and looked at him, "My, don't we look a bit out of place?"

Ethstar quietly and solemnly stared over the barkeep's head and directly at a painting hanging on the wall. It was quite finely crafted, done with oils of some kind it seemed. The picture was one of a well, directly in the middle of a clearing surrounded by a few houses and bushes. In the painting, it was in the dead of night, and twinkling stars could be seen hovering within the dark sky. The painting was made as from the viewpoint of a mere passerby looking upon the peaceful scene. The closest thing was a lampost, the oil burning device handing from a stick of wood. Ethstar smiled to himself, secretly enjoying the work of art. Where he had come from in the Celestial plane, not many of these could be found. Paintings and books had become scarce once he had joined the Legions. They did not think it wise to have baubles and trinkets of wordly values lying around, interfering with plans and training. So they said. Perhaps the esteemed beings of the Light were just jealous of the one talent that they didn't seem to have.

With a dark mood settling upon him, he registered the voice coming in from his side. Craning his head to the left a little, he gazed at the rough one he had passed on the way in. A quick glance down took in the katana, the eyes quickly sliding back up as if they didn't want the man to think they were gawking or anything. Ethstar shifted uncomfortably in his seat, bringing the cool mug of water up to his lips before answering. He closed his eyes as the fresh liquid flowed over his lips, cooling the chapped skin and helping his sore throat. The berries had quenched his hunger, but he hadn't realized how thirsty he had been up until now. With a pleasured sigh, he gently set down the mug, and finally answered the man beside him.

"Out of place? We are?" Ethstar glanced off to the women and men, trying especially to avoid any giggling ones. "Is it the giggles?" He blinked in a spurt of confusion, his earlier thoughts on how strange this race was setting in once more. He briefly wondered if the man beside of him was just as weird as the others, but he decided it would be wise to just wait. He HAD met one reasonable person. The girl in... Taras. The girl he had ran into at the library.

Alcholic retard! How much of this sake drink did this guy want. He even took money from the guy at the door. Eledin wanted to knock his block off but thought better of it. He walked up to the bar stool beside the man.

"Bartender a water please." He turned to the new guy. "So what exactly is your name and what is sake?"

"My God! What life do you have when Sake is not a part of it... much less Manju! Sake is a wine, delicious in taste and full of alcohol. Of course it's supposed to be delicious..." He made a sidelong glance at the bartender, "And, the giggles? Oh, I see, the chick from outside right? She got you all flustered?" Kain smirked at Esthar, "But, then again, you have no idea what a chick is and you didn't get flustered because you have no idea what she was doing, and of course, you have no clue what the "giggles" as you call them are."

He grinned and turned to the bartender, "Sake, and make it good this time, I'm a paying costomer, I don't pay for crap!" Kain laughed as the bartender ran to do his duties, "So, what's a pair like you two doin' here in Kellen? You guys are in the same... eh, troupe right?"

With another sip of the water, Ethstar absorbed all the man was saying. How would he have any clue if Ethstar knew what the girl was doing, or if Ethstar knew what a girl even was? Even so, in any case, the man was wrong on several points, so Ethstar didn't get too worried. The stranger had no clue of his motives anyway. But nonetheless, Ethstar slightly tensed up, and started to watch the man a bit closer, wary of anything the stranger would try to do or say. Even though the stranger couldn't possibly know he was an angel, the aroogant words, and the displayed katana had put Ethstar on his guard. Finally, after taking yet another sip of water, Ethstar calmly spoke, his eyes narrowing a bit. He was slipping into it again, and all because this man had put him on his guard. A combination of taunts, the dangerous blade at his side, and the arrogance leaking from the man. And this side of Ethstar had been held back way too long. The pupils of Ethstar's eyes dilated ever-so-slightly, giving him a slightly intense look to his eyes. "Of course I am aware of what the giggles are." Another sip, and this time, something of a cold smile. "That noise you just made right after the bartender ran to get your drink." This was not even a jest, this was a taunt, plain and simple. The yes almost dared KAin to do something about it, dared him to try and make the first move.

And he was lucky Eledin had asked his own thoughts. What the heck was Sake? The man had done a good job of explaining it though, so Ethstar didn't have to complicate things more by making up some kind of rough lie to explain why he didn't know what sake was. For a passing moment, Ethstar thought of Eledin, and his eyes nearly slipped from Kain's face to regard that of Eledin's. He was being rude to the elf, and he knew it. He was sorry for it, but right now, he was too deep to stop. Might as well follow through.

The elf went unignored for the time being, and Ethstar's eyes got even more dangerous as time passed. The pupils dilated to pinpricks, while the blue-white color of his eyes thinned to a small ring around the pupil. Kain would be able to feel some kind of danger, radiating from the cloaked one who sat next to him, radiatating like a beacon of light. The man was slowly but surely getting quite angry, and the taunts of the stranger had not helped what-so-ever. Under the cloak, tight muscles taunted for any fight that may start, for any moves that may be made.

Eledin wasn't sure that Kain should have more alchhol. Maybe some juice or better yet water. He looked at Kain. "NO" He was now starting to get on Eledin's nerves. He had long fuse but it was burning short. Calm down. Relax. Take your time and think. Eledin took a long gulp of water and looked at Kain. "Where are you from?"

Kain nearly dropped his Sake, but put on a mask of humor, "Your funny, and..." He kicked his feet up on the bar, "You don't scare me!" Kain took a long drink from the clay cup and held it up. "Best stuff in the world!"

Kain glanced over and smirked at Eledin's expression, "I'm... uh, I have no idea where I'm from... I know, really convincing right... must be the Sake, they say it "clouds the mind." What do they know?" He looked back at Esthar, "You tryin to start a fight here pretty boy?"

Yes, definitely deep into it now. Way to deep to be able to back out. Actually, maybe he could get out of it now... but he really couldn't help himself. It had been way too long, and he was way too hungry, and his mind was in a jumble... this state of mind was the one thing he still had that was familar, and it was the one thing he was used too. His eyes darkened at the words fight, and they completely ignored the unknown taunt. Pretty boy? He had no clue what that meant.

Eyes slid down to regard the throbbing vien near the left side of Kain's neck, which stood out down at the base of the neck. It would be quite simple. A simple slit to that area right there, and he would die. That was all it would take. The sharpness of a silver piece of steel pressing up agaisnt the exposed flesh... quick, silent, and completely deadly. But what about all the people around here? That wouldn't do. And anyway. KAin had just asked him if he wanted to fight, hadn't he? Under the cloak, the right hand slid across the waist to grasp the hidden longsword sheathed at the left hip. And Ethstar's eyes slid down to regard the area were the heart was. A simple stab. That was all it would take. That one would be a little less quick then the throat, but it will still bring up the same result. A spray of red. For a brief second, Ethstar considered his cloak. Would bloodstains permantly stain the black material? Black would offset red quite well wouldn't it...? If he did this, it would have to be performed so that no blood managed to get on his cloak.

His voice came out, cold and somewhat threatening. "Name your spot." The yes remained the same, boring into his head, not changing positions. If Kain turned his head right, he would catch that gaze. If he turned his head to the side, the gaze would remain to bore into his cheek.

Yes, if this was to be done... it would have to be done elsewhere. For no one could know Ethstar was indeed an Angel. That thought remained clear.

This needed to stop right now. If the kept this up they were gonna beat the tar out of each other. Drinking more alchol wasn't helping the matter. Kain really didn't know when to keep his mouth shut. Eledin stood up and walked over to a booth and sat down. If anything did happen, which it will he would be out of the way.

Kain looked around, "We can't fight here, last time I got in a fight inside, the whole place burned to the the ground and I was forced to pay a fortune to the owners." Kain glanced around, "I really don't know the contryside that well either but, perhaps outside the village would be a good place, nobody's usually there during the day, only wandering travellers."

Kain was perfectly aware that Esthar had reached for a weapon, Kain also felt his right hand on his own blade. A natural reflex was all that it was, Kain convinced himself that there was nothing to be afraid of. Just a tall, naive, pretty boy, and nothing more. "We fight so irrationally, and yet, you seem to have a purpose for your life other than to kill." Kain actually seemed serious for a moment, "I am searching for my cause in this life; however, if you want this meaningless fight, then you will follow me. Otherwise, stay here and rot, pretty boy"

Kain turned around and walked away, in the general direction of the door but paused at the door, "I know that sometimes I just seem like a drunk to you... but honestly I'm more than that; it's hard for you to understand, Eledin..." Kain shot a look at Eledin and then proceeded to walk out the door.

Kain had one mission, to get outside the gates and wait for Esthar, it was an obvious move on Esthar's part if he actually showed up. Funny, Kain had a feeling that something more was to come of this.... something deeper, something worth his time.

"Sir?" The bartender tapped on Ethstar's shoulder, causing the cloaked angel to turn. When the bartender caught sight of Ethstar's eyes, he simply goggled. It seem to have a profound effect of both disguist and fear within the man. Disquist because the barkeep was wondering if he was sick or something, to have such dilated pupils. Usually a sign of disease. Was it contagious? And fear, because the gaze bore within him. Not enough to send him home screaming, but enough to cause a slightly uneasy feeling within his gut. He swallowed, then continued on with his words as Ethstar glared at him. "More water?" Without a answer, Ethstar spun back around to see if Kain was out yet.

Not yet. Ethstar glared at the retreating back of Kain, all too aware of the people that were casting wary stares in his direction. He could feel his fingers tighten upon the hilt of the blade, and he had noted the stranger had went for his own weapon too. Not as fearless as he had first seemed, unless grabbing the hilt had been an attempt to intimidate Ethstar. Far from it , if so. Simply resting hand around hilt did not do much to scare any kind of warrior off. Smoothly and calmly, Ethstar stood, his eyes turning to regard Eledin. And the moment his pupils locked on to the elf, Ethstar blinked, snapping out of it. With his eyes widened, the memories of what had just happened flooded back, and all the thoughts that had twisted his mind earlier returned to haunt him. With a resigned sigh, Ethstar started to walk toward the elf. This couldn't happen too often. Getting in that mood, picking random fights, and igniting the bloodlust... that certianly wouldn't help keep him hidden from the Celestials. He was lucky he hadn't tried to kill anybody. Well, actually, he had. He had just managed to lead the prey somewhere else. With another dark sigh, his steps finaaly brought him to the elf, placing him face-to-face with Eledin. When he spoke, his voice was slightly apoligetic, his eyes sorry as well.

"I apoligize milord, I was rude earlier." A short bow was swept down in front of the elf, snapped up just as quickly in crisp and clean motions. A polite smile was giving, 'polite' being about the only kind of smile anyone had gotten recently. "Seems I have a fight. Want to come along? Be a judge of sorts? Don't want things to get out of hand." Ethstar paused a moment, then plowed on. "I doubt that blade at his side is for looks only." Ethstar paused again, letting the words sink in and Eledin form a response. Ethstar kept his gaze on the elf's face, waiting for anything. Anger, acceptance, perhaps joy. Who really knew what elves were capable of? They DID seem much more put together then the humans.

The over was tempting and it would probably get out of hand. "There is no need to apoligize Ethstar, but if it will clealr your consience you are forgiven." Eledin walked to out the door of the bar and waited for Ethsatr. He still had many questions about this newcomer 'Kain'. This duel would more thatn likely answer his questions. He walked toward the gate and stopped to make sure the area was clear and he was not in danger. All clear. Their not here right now but it won't be long. I'll have to go soon.

Where was Kain going? He would soon find out.

Outside the gates plains strecthed for miles and Kain frowned at the view. It reminded him of a place that he didn't want to be reminded of; however, it didn't mean anything to him now. Kain was determined to enjoy this 'new' life that he had created for himself. He was perfectly confident in his skills; he could protect himself from any harm that could be caused to him in any way shape or form. Kain breathed in the fragrance of the plains and exhaled after his deep breath. The final breath before the plunge...

Kain walked a while on the plains, enjoying the smell of the grass and the lovely breeze that swept across the field. He sat on the grass with his legs crossed and drank in deeply of his surroundings. Birds were not to far off, flying above him, chirping loudly letting Kain know that they were there. The sky that they flew in was a beautifully clear blue with only a few clouds to splash across it.

Kain reached into his pack and grabbed a flask and smirked. Sake, the good stuff, not that bartender's mess. He sipped it and smacked his lips as the brown liquid was poured into his mouth. The effects of the 'tonic' hit Kain almost instantly, and he smiled placing the Sake back into his pack.

Kain stood and drew his sword from it's scabbard and brought it around in front of him and whispered under his breath, "This Ethstar would've done good not to come here and face me..." He smirked and sheathed his blade, "because I'm the best!"

Ethstar gave a short nod as Eledin said his piece and walked out the door, probably to wherever Kain had said they could meet and fight. Where had it been again...? Ethstar blinked, the words of the strange man coming back. At the gates, that was right. How exactly was one supposed to get to these gates? Ethstar glanced around hopelessly, being a beautiful and tall man who was sticking out like a very sore thumb. His black topped head was easily seeable from all corners of the pub, and he was starting to draw quite a few stares from the local people. Both flirtatious and angry stares, which were the only two he ever really seemed to get. He muttered something under his breath, shifting his feet around unconsciously. It was something he did when he was starting to get uncomfortable, or when he was trying to find a polite way to get out of his current situation. It was a rather bad habit, or so the commanding officers of the Legion had told him. He had done it alot around them, for he had never been much for political means. Of course, near the end of his career, at his peak... he had been able to stop the habit, which seem to please his commanding officers greatly. He hadn't done it for them though, he had merely done it to have another way of hiding his emotion from people. Another sigh was given as he realized he was slipping into old memories again. How many times was this going to happen, and how could he possibly stop it? He needed to get rid of everything that held him to the Celestial plane. Everything that reminded him of the life he had led, and every tune he had danced to that had been played by an unknown piper...

Was this how his brother had felt?

Ethstar blinked, and his eyes hardened, his face growing colder. His brother was but another memory that was required to leave behind. Muttering sharp curses under his breath, Ethstar finally moved, not really caring if he didn't know where the gate was.

Walking out the door, he spotted Eledin leaving. The elf must have waited by the door for Ethstar for a little bit before leaving, or he would have been long gone. Silently thankful for whatever had possessed the man to wait, he followed him, keeping a good distance behind. Not trying to hide or anything, but he figured he would get to the gate much faster if he simply followed instead of going up and starting a conversation. In a few minutes, Eledin had reached the gate, yet Kain was nowhere to be seen. Calmly walking up behind Eledin, making no effort to sneak up on the elf, he spoke. "Is that man not here yet?"

"He headed toward the clearing." Eledin then turned toward the direction that Kain had gone."Follow me." He then started in the direction he was facing. Why was Kain so eager to fight a fallen angel. Wait, Eledin was one of the few people who knew. Eledin decided to not mention this to Kain. He would let Ethstar tell, for all he knew ethstar wasn't gonna tell Kain. But, then again it might be the first thing out his mouth to Kain. With Ethstar, you just never know. Eledin then let out random and completely unprovoked laugh. Kain had just said he was the best. Arragance was stupidity, and stupidity was death, and Kain had plenty of arragance.

Kain had fallen asleep and as a bird landed on him, he snapped awake. His sword was drawn at an instant. Soon, they come...

It was only a matter of time before his foe was here and he needed to get a little practice in before hand. He began slashing at a tree causing deep cuts in the wood, he snapped around and slid down in front of another tree slashing out, putting another deep cut into the tree bark.

Kain climbed up into a tree and let one leg hand from the branch as he pulled out some more Sake, thought better of it, and put it back in his pocket.

Ethstar gave Eledin a short nod and began to follow him out to the fields, taking each step slowly and calmly. Looking around, he started to analyze the surroundings, glancing back and forth between scattered trees and tall stalks of golden grass. He noted that the golden stalks were never located in forests, but always were found in the fields instead. He would have to go back to Taras sometime and look up the golden vegetation in one of the many libraries. Or, actually, the one library. He hadn't ever seen any other but that one, probably because he had spent very little time in that town. A couple of hours in the library, then a few more hours in a local bar. He had been led to an inn, and had slept the night away there, then left the next morning. It had been a very short trip, but he had enjoyed it nonetheless. It had given him quite alot of insight on the way humans went about their life, and he had made his first friend. A smile shortly crossed his face as he recalled Kli, but it was gone in a mere moment. He had more important matters at hand. This fight he had managed to pull himself so gracefully into. Sighing as the smile fell from his face, he started to analyze the surroundings once again. The golden stalks had already been noted and placed away in his memories, so how about the trees?

Most of the objects were old, short, and knarled, nothing like the majestic beings he had seen within the reaches of the forests. They were roughly spread out and straggled, each one at least 20 feet away from the next. No leaves were on the old, gray branches, furthering the theory that these trees were indeed quite dead. They wouldn't be of much use. So in that case, he would have to depend on his limited magic, and his angelic traits. He knew he was much stronger, faster, and smarter then the human. So that was what he would use. His telepathic abilities would probably be the only magic he could use, for shapeshifting could do him no good. Escpecially since his knowledge of the art was limited to regular beings. He had no idea how to change into animals, or magical beasts. So, telepathic abilities it was. As he walked, following the elf ahead of him, his started to empty his mind. Cleared it of all memories, cleared it of everything that would get in his way during this fight. It was only him and the ground. Him and the air, him and the earth. There was nothing else, for nothing else mattered. And slowly but surely, his eyes began to go through change again, pupils and color changing into the demonic eyes of before. They way they had looked in the inn.

In a few moments, he would be in the sight of Kain, coming toward the human from his front. With a small mental command, he shifted one minor feature of his body. His face would twist into a expression of agony, and under the cloak, his wings would seemingly melt away into his skin. It hurt like fire, but he tried not to do it all that much. Letting loose a small grunt as the spell was completed, he flexed his chest muscles. A small ache remained in his back, but the wings were gone. For the time being at least. Calmly and coldly, the dilated pupils would focus on Kain, catching him within the ferocious glare. Under his cloak, the right hand would slowly slide to grasp the hilt of his blade. His mind was completely clear, ready to read the thoughts of Kain. That was one of the techniques he had used in his former job for the Celestials. Use his telepathic magic to read the thoughts and ideas of his opponent, and then use them agaisnt him. It was also used in other ways, such as to check if someone was really sleeping, or if they were frightened, or scared. All of these uses had been handy for his former job. With a cold look upon his face, he slowly continued to walk toward Kain, now about 40 feet away. His leg muscles tightened as he readied himself for a dodge, assuming the headstrong and eager man would take the first attack. Perhaps a jumping strike, using the tree branch he was in to propel himself into the air. The elf went unnoticed now, the elf was completely forgotten.

Merely Kain and Ethstar. Nothing else.

Eledin watched Ethstar and saw the slight change in his eyes. He wasn't sure exactly hat he had done but the was no doubt that he was "in the zone" you might say. Now all he had to do was make sure that Ethstar and Kain didn't kill each other. He was going to say say something about this being a friendly duel and not to kill Kain. But after looking at him for a few moments he realized that to Ethstar, he wasn't even here. That was good and bad. If Ethstar forgot he was here with Eledin he would fight better, but on the other hand if he forgot Eledin was here how was he going to listen to him if he needed to say something. He watched Ethstar approach Kain. Even if Ethstar wouldn't listen Kain might. Allhe needed to say were to words.

"No killing."

Kain heard Eledin's comment and he smirked, standing up and balancing himself on the thick tree branch. He lowered his Katana so that it pointed at him, "No killing?" He made a hardy laugh, "Who said there were any rules...? But, if thats' the way you want it," Kain leaped from the tree and crouched at the base, "then that's the way you'll get it..."

Kain sheathed his sword and stood up. He was ready and all Ethstar had to do was make a move. Kain was normally a man of attack, but he couldn't afford to make that mistake. He put his hand on the hilt of his blade, where it met the sheath and crouched. "Your time has come Ethstar, make me proud... Attack me..." Kain said as his eyes closed...

This is gonna be good...

"No it won't. It will be easy." With a smirk, Ethstar spoke the words, his eyes drilling dangerously into the man. He had easily picked up the stray thought, his powers coming easily to him once he was in a state of complete focus. The tactic would only add to the intimidation that was going on, only increase the mind games that Ethstar was playing. Calmly, he stopped walking, now about 35 feet away from the cocky human. Eyeing the katana with interest, he slowly analyzed the blade within his mind. Basically like a short sword, the only difference the katana held was the fact that it was curved, instead of straight. That allowed alot of different swor dmoves, but in a direct bashing, Ethstar's longsword would win. The katana was more fragile and thin then Ethstar's own blade. Finally drawing his blade, he pulled the piece of metal out from hiding, bringing the sword into view. Not that Kain would see it at the moment, since he had his eyes closed. Although, he would certianly hear it, the loud sound of metal being pulled against metal ringing out across the plains. When it was out in full view, he let the tip of the blade fall to the dirty ground, the metal edge almost touching the earth. Only about an inch away. It seemed to be a completely off-guard stance, one that radiated cockiness and confidence. But in reality, Ethstar was completely ready to bring the blade snapping up in defense or attack. His stance was the normal, feet slightly spread and legs slightly bent. He was also completely ready to dodge, just as he had been moments before. He had never really lost that readiness.

"For in reality, you are no match. You can tell yourself that, but it will only be a lie." Ethstar smiled coldly, eyes sticking to Kain's face like a beam. Kain seemed to be an object of focus almost, something Ethstar was using so that everything else would fall away. Merely Kain and Ethstar. Faintly, the Fallen Angel remembered the teachings of his sword master. The first move could be anything. The stance Kain had took, and leaping down from the tree... those could each be considered first moves. Ethstar setting himself within his own strange stance could be considered one as well, as could Ethstar drawing his blade. Several different things could be first moves, you just had to pick the best one out from the flock and take it down. Like the humans hunted, somewhat. Ethstar nearly laughed. He wasn't sure why that particular thought was popping to mind at the moment. Focusing even harder, he simply waited. Him and Kain, him and the blade. That was all there was.

Kain's was waiting, his eyes still closed. The sound, he could hear the wind blow. His eyes were closed and yet he knew that Ethstar had shifted. The sound of his movement, his shifting had allowed Kain a brief moment to find his exact location without opening his eyes. Kain could wait there all day for a strike. He was going to wait Ethstar out.

Kain could feel Ethstar's eyes on him; he knew that they were watching for any movement, "You can not kill me and you can not intimidate me!" Kain said under his breath. Kain pulled the blade an inch or to away from the sheath which hung from the right side.

Kain bit his lip... hard, hard enough to draw blood. He tasted the blood in his mouth and smelled it. He smiled, "Let's go!"

Ethstar stood there for a couple more moments, watching and calculating. The blade was on his left, on Kain's right hip. Any blows would come from that direction, unless the man was intensely stupid and didn't know how to fight with his own blade. If he drew with his right hand, the human wouldn't manage to pull off any strikes or slashes before Ethstar got to him. But, since Kain was in that little stance of his, and already had his left hand on the hilt of the blade... Ethstar was assuming the man was going to strike from the left. Ethstar's left. The angel nearly growled, his thoughts getting slightly complicated. Again, he cleared his mind, ready for any movements and any stray thoughts. In an instant, it came. That would be the first move, pulling the blade out from the sheath just a few inches. And at that movement by Kain, the match was officially started. Ethstar took off toward Kain in a headlong run, going for a frontal assult. As he reached human running speed, or what he was assuming was human speed, he didn't go any higher. He knew he was able to, but he didn't want to hint Kain off to his superior speed at the moment. Always better to hold a surprise in tow, to have something that was an ace in the sleeve. Calmly, he brought his own blade up straight, holding it up in front of him. It wasn't directly in front of him however, instead slightly held to the left, ready to block an oncoming attack. In line with his left ear, to be precise. He always lined up his stances with body parts, for that was what he had been taught. Even if he hated the Angel's, their teaching came in handy at times such as these.

Silently, he kept coming. Waiting for the thought of attack to come from Kain, ready to block. He wasn't planning on attacking, for he knew he would have to be defensive at this point. As he was reaching slashing range of the human, assuming the katana was of normal length, he began to move his blade to the left a little more, holding his sword in a two-handed grip. That was the problem with leaving the blade in the sheath before attacking. It made it extremely easy to read where the attack would come from next. Ethstar's own combat training had improved his reading abilities, although he was far from talented at it. He knew the lengths, uses, and forms of swords and their stances mostly. He would probably have to call on his knowledge of the Katana, if he ever had the time to do it.

Kain watched Ethstar make his move, speeding towards Kain at an amazing speed. Kain smirked, this man's speed was impecable and top notch. Kain might have a tough time keeping up with him. The space between the two warriors began to close quickly and Kain smirked.

Kain began to think... he'll probably anticipate a sword draw, perhaps if I... yes, that'll do nicely.

Ethstar was almost to Kain... Gotcha Kain, instead of drawing the blade from the sheath, rolled forward and swept with his leg at Ethstar's feet hoping to trip him up...

As he hurtled toward the man, he picked up even more stray thoughts flying in. Ethstar blinked as the man seemed to read his intentions. Perhaps he was a little rusty on his telepathy skills...? How would the human know that Ethstar was preparing to block? Yes, they must be rusty. He hadn't used them in a while, or maybe when they had been sealed away or whatever, they had gotten a little different. So he continued on, starting to angle his blade to the left a little bit, ready to block the strike that he was so sure would come. Then, with another blink, he picked up the next stray thought. Gotcha. Ethstar's eyes widened as he realized that his skills weren't rusty, and the man had indeed tricked him. Uttering a curse, he kept propelling forward, not even trying to slow down. He was too far into it at this point, slowing down would do no good. The human went into his roll, stopping a few feet in front of Ethstar and shooting out his right leg in an attempt to trip up the Fallen Angel. It worked. The warrior's foot would catch him a little bit below the knee, sending him sprawling forward as he tripped over himself. The problem was, FORWARD was were Kain was. In a blink of the eye, Ethstar was falling face-foward, dead at the man, who was now stuck in the ackward postion with his leg out, and his body basically settled upon the ground. The roll and trip had certianly been unexpected enough, Ethstar's own cockiness getting in the way of his better judgement for the moment. If that wouldn't have happened, he could have easily dodged, or at least he thought. Jumped over it or something.

In a desperate attempt, as he fell, he went ahead and slashed with his sword in a two-handed strike. Using the falling momentum, he aim a blow that would start at the man's right shoulder, and slash down to his left hip. He put all of his speed and strength into the blow, the sword moving faster then any human could ever manage to do. The cut wouldn't be too deadly, but it would be painful, and would have to be attended to, to stop the bleeding. Ethstar mind was now on nothing but trying to drive that blade into Kain's chest. No thought was given to his own safety, no thought was given to breaking his fall. Just him and his blade, inserting itself into Kain's chest. His eyes were dangerous, driving into Kain like a beacon of death.

Kain continued his movement, after the kick, which naturally would pull him away from Ethstar. Not without a shallow cut to his shoulder though. He winced slightly and pulled himself back up to his knees. He turned, standing up fully; now he was facing Ethstar. He was surprised, there was nothing special about this man. He was tricked just like every other person would've been, however, he was able to get a slight nick on Kain. This was going to be a good battle, it had already gotten to a good start.

"Alright! Nice... this is great, haven't felt like this in such a long time!" Kain muttered to himself, but put just enough excitement into it so that Ethstar could hear. Kain was happy that he was in a fight because when he was fighting, it brought him to a focused state. Moreso than that of when he was full of Sake. He smirked at this thought; he did admit to himself that the alcohol he had consumed was slowing him down. Kain drew his sword out and held it with his left hand, then switched it to his right. Either way worked, he would have to see how Ethstar used his blade...

As Ethstar felt his blade bite, he let out a small smirk. Or, at least got half-way into a smirk before slamming face-first into the ground. Twisting his blade a little so he landed on the flat part, a whoosh of air escaped his lungs as he hit the ground hard. Not bothering to even gather his breath, he hurriedly jumped to his feet, realizing that Kain had rolled off to the side, and was getting up himself. He was slightly suprised the man had dodged, seeing he had lost all momentum when he had stopped to kick, and all the momentum had been forward anyway. Pushing the strange occurance to the back of his mind, he slightly shifted his feet, settling himself into the before seen stance. Blade tip was at his left shoulder, the hilt down near his right hip. Quietly studying the man, he heard the words of excitement, and formulated a reply of his own.

"You will feel DEAD in a few seconds." The words were cold and cocky, Ethstar now completely confident he could take the human. He had been tricked, sent flying, made up a hurried and ragged slash... and STILL landed the blow on the man. Now he simply stood there and waited, ready for the man to take a hasty attack on him. He readied his mind again, waiting for any random thoughts to come emitting from Kain's mind. He would have to rely on the human's thoughts again, and not let his cockiness get in the way. That is what had gotten him in so much trouble last time.

Shifting his gaze a bit, he took in the surroundings. Eledin was right there, watching silently. He faintly remembered the elf had stated that there should be no killing, so he would try to abide by the rules. Although, with the cocky human taunting him and making such rough manuevers... it would be hard not to slit his throat in two. Sighing, and jerking his neck side-to-side to flex the tight muscles, he spoke yet again. "Ready?"

Eledin tensed as he watched. Things were only going to get worse from this point on. He was also getting the feeling he had stayed here far to long. He needed to stay and make sure that Ethstar and Kain didn't kill each other, cause if he left they would. But the feeling kept on growing and he had learned to trust his instincts. He knew that if they stayed here Kain and Ethstar would be fighting more than each other. He had to tell them.

"You guys, I really think we could settle this another time, another place. I really, really, really think we should go back to town and rest."

Kain looked as Eledin spoke, it was evident in his voice that he was either concerned that one of them was going to get hurt, or one of the fighters was going to die. Kain really didn’t want to kill Ethstar, but if it came to that, then he would take care of it, ending this ridiculous fight. The alcohol was starting to wear off inside of Kain’s system and therefore his judgment was beginning to clear up. He looked at Eledin and spat out some words, “Look, if you don’t want to watch, then go rest up if you want, leave this dispute to us…”

He looked Ethstar and wanted to wait for Eledin’s response.

((OOC: it’s short, but it gets the point across, sry))

Ethstar paused his movements, stopping his head snapping dead in the middle, craning his neck to focus his gaze on Eledin. He noted out of the corner of his eye that Kain was moving as well, and for a moment, Ethstar held his tongue, expecting the headstrong human to speak his mind without waiting for thought to strike first. And, Ethstar was right. A slight smirk spread out across his features as the human snapped a reply back, then simply stood there, waiting for the elf to speak back. Ethstar absentmindedly brought one hand up from the grasp he had on the hilt, rubbing the fingers across his brow for no apparent reason. He wasn't sweating or anything of the such, so he wasn't too sure why he had moved his hand. Dropping it from his head and staring at the fingers for a moment longer, he sighed and pulled the hand back to the hilt and loosely grasped it.

Taking a step forward, his eyes focused on Eledin, and he let a few words flow forth. You have a bad feeling. You don't want to go and rest, you think something is amiss." Ethstar brought a finger up to tap on his skull, another smirk and the motion made to show Eledin that the Fallen Angel had used his mental telepathy once again. It was becoming quite useful at the moment, and he enjoyed having it back. Even if he WAS a little rusty with it.

Turning his gaze and head toward Kain, he let his smirk rest on the man. Ridiculous? I am insulted." Once again the finger came up to tap on his cranium, and he now started to glance back and forth between Eledin and Kain. He simply stayed silent after this, letting them each decide what to do. He was somewhat cranky his fight had been interuppted, but it DID help that at least a few blows had managed to land. That made their little dance much more satisfying then if they had just whaled away on each other and not even made a single mark.

((Ack, I didn't notice Kain had posted, Sorry guys!))