What had happened for this grand city to have fallen to ruins? Curiosity was always a natural flaw in humans, but most the time they could resist it. On the other hand, some could not; this was in fact, the reason why the armed woman had come to the Ruins of the Ancient City. Of course, she could have chosen not to come, but it seemed to pull her in, as if an invisible force had tugged on her fishing line.

The shambled city seemed asleep during the day, but at night it was awakened with life. This thought of life in the dead city could almost be frightening to young travelers and curious women, but not to this one. The stained glass from the cathedral was shattered and was sprawled on the dirt.

The armed woman squatted down and picked up a piece of glass. It seemed to be a picture of some kind of angelic face. Jocelyn tilted her head to the side at the thought of an angel. It was almost too perfect to believe that they existed.

The happy and bright thoughts that were running through her complex mind had ceased when she sensed moving behind her. She quickly pocketed the angelic glass face and turned around to see nothing. The woman was aware that people claimed this place to be haunted, but not till now did she think they were true.

Jocelyn silently slinked towards the door of the grand building and slipped inside the unhinged door. Shadows shifted from the woman and hid in the corners, Jocelyn could see them, ghosts of the dearly departed. The female was frightened for only a moment, but when she saw that these ghosts meant her no harm she did not falter in her swift steps into the main room of the cathedral.

The ghosts seemed to follow behind her, as if curious at where she was going, and what she was going to do. Jocelyn took a seat in one of the pews of the tall roofed room and put her hands in her lap. Jocelyn looked around and the shadows that slipped onto the walls, as if just to observe her, like she had done to them not but a moment ago.

Silently he strode forward, his calculative gaze taking in all of his surroundings as he moved through the ruins. What laid waste to the city so long ago must have been grand and tragic for souls still lingered. They aimlessly wandered the ruins begging to tell their stories, but no one would hear even if they had.

Slowing to a stop, his eyes drifted up to the large structure before him. It's grand spires reaching high into the sky, though its beauty ripped from it as the stained glass laid scattered across the ground before him. For countless years it remained devoid of life with the exception of a few weary travelers who decided to seek its refuge in the deep of night. However, longer did it stand a structure of hope to those who were without a home and served as a constant reminder of the tragedy that took place so long ago.

Taking a few steps forward, he studied the unhinged doors before moving past them and into the dark ensnaring trenchs of the cathedral. Indeed it was a massive room, rising high above him before coming to its domed ceiling. The walls were littered with cracks and decay as were the pews that lined up on the flooring. Truly it was a sight to behold, but at times it would bring upon sorrow to those who felt connected somehow. He was one of the few for this was his home now, these lands were where he belonged and it took a woman to show him that.

However...She was no longer around and it pained him to think of it but he tried best not to for he knew she would come back. Taking a few steps forward he made his way through the theshold and further into the building, his eyes still adjusting to the darkness. Though the eerie blue glow that engulfed his frame did tend to help on bringing light to the situation. Spanning his wings outwards, he stretched drawing his arms high above his head and extending them as far as they could reach. A few idle pops and cracks reigned out from his worn joints, before he dropped his arms back to his sides and wrapping his wings around his narrow frame.

Steadily his eyes scanned the room, before landing upon the woman who sat in one of the pews. Blinking a few times he didn't believe what he was seeing, he hadn't expected anyone to be here, but sure enough there was a woman and in the flesh no less. For the normal apparations dispersed at the very direct distinction of light, which is why they held no grounds during the day and only came in the dark of night. With a soft voice he began speaking, “M'lady...” Falling silent, he awaited her reaction, knowing very well that he would startle the poor lass seeing as she had no indication of his arrival.

The sorrow from the decaying walls and the rotting wood all around her had seemed to seep into her as she recollected her mother's death and her father's current illness. She want to see him before it happened, but she mentally refused to, because going would mean that she was losing him. To lose another person would be heart breaking, but what could she do? Her life on this earth was short and the wiser always spoke of it being full of heart ache.

Jocelyn had not been her long when the apparitions has found her and grew accustomed to her company. They seemed not to care at all that flesh and blood was roaming in their resting place. Jocelyn meant no harm to them; they showed her the same respect. The recollecting woman was enjoying the quite eerie company until she felt the shadows leave her.

Jocelyn did not falter when she felt their separate plane bodies leave her, she was now aware of the new being that was in the cathedral. The armed woman opened her brown orbs and peered up to the front of the building, hoping to see the being there, but she failed. It was then when she heard the voice. She shook internally and woke from her day dream.

M'lady....

The lady slowly sat up to her full extent and turned her head around and stared at the being with the wings wrapped around its body. Jocelyn's eyes must have widened slightly, but she did not entirely mean to be rude and stare. She just had never seen anything like him before. "Sir?" The silent woman finally spoke and stood up turning her whole body towards the winged man.

Intently he watched the woman rise and face him, studying the look on her face for a few moments, “I had no intentions of startling you, but I'm afraid I have and for that I apologize.” His green hues lifted from her and towards the altar in the front of the cathedral, “It's quite the sight isn't it? A wonder how such a great city can fall so easily. Well...that's the realization we all have to come to at some point, I suppose.” Unwrapping his wings from around his body, he allowed them to span widely behind him before coming to a rest, “However, we can't dwell in fear for the only thing we can do is to go on living for those who gave their lives for us and pray that day never happens.”

A soft smile traced along his features, as his eyes fell back down to the woman, “Perhaps that's my own dilluted philosophy. I've never experienced such a thing before nor laid eyes on such either. And I don't intend to either, because if such a thing threatens the land again, I will be there to protect it to the very end. No matter the cost, because I know this place is worth fighting for now.” The smile soon faded as he strode forward, heading towards the altar, “You're not from around here are you? I do not recognize your face.”

Upon approaching the alatar, he paused a moment his mind wandering over the thought of Aedra before shaking it from his head. Slowly he stepped closer to the altar,his left hand lifting to the marble features of its massive structure, dragging his digits across its cracked and jagged texture able to feel the pain held within the buildings structure. Faltering in his movements, he turned to face the woman once more, “What is your name if you don't mind me asking. I know, I ask a lot of questions you don't have to answer them if you don't wish.”

Recollecting for a moment, he recollected back on the past, before his transformation and before realizing she was gone and it had occurred to him that he had changed far more than just physically. He cahnged mentally as well, turning into a cold mysterious old man. It was exactly what he didn't want, and he knew that she wouldn't want that either. Clearing his throat, his eyes lifted to the woman, gazing into her eyes, “My name's Vailen Syllvente, but I also go by the name Manic Deathstorm, either is fine by me, call me as you wish. I apologize if I came off a bit....Cold? I'm really not that way, it's just that....There's something I can't quite forget but I'm working on it, so bear with me, okay?” Again the smile adorned his features, but he realized that she would probably think he was insane or something. Though, there were a lot of people who thought the same of him, so he wasn't going to let it bother him a whole lot.

As the winged man spoke to her, Jocelyn must have had an odd expression written across her face the whole time. The man spoke and went on as he walked up to the alter, and then her apologized for him startling her. He had not startled her, but she appreciated that he cared enough to apologize. Did she know this man? His lips moved, but no words seemed to be coming out of his mouth. Jocelyn tried her hardest to focus on what he was saying, but she failed.

When he spoke his name, she heard his words this time. Jocelyn chuckled and bowed respectfully to the narrowed bodied man. "A pleasure Sir Vailen, I am Jocelyn Sparrow, but please, just call me Jocelyn. I only have on name, and do not believe you to be cold at all." Jocelyn puffed into one breath.

She pushed off the pew with her hands and slowly began walking towards the pew, making sure to touch every inch of the rotting oak pews on her journey. "I actually find you quite...friendly. Though, you may not recognize my face I believe I recognize yours. I cannot place it, but I do recognize it. I am not from around here, to answer one of your first questions. I do feel I belong here. I fit in very well with the quiet shadows on the wall." She explained with a small smile on her lips, she jested.

Jocelyn finally took a look at the altar and it captivated her, but only for a moment. The cracked walls and the falling ceiling was growing too repetitive in this place.

A soft smile crossed his lips as she referred to him as Sir Vailen, never really having been called that before, he'd been called similar but not that. As she finished speaking, he nodded his head, “Truly a pleasure, M'lady Jocelyn. I thank you for not thinking ill of me, as most do. I guess my type isn't welcome around most parts, its quite unfortunate.” Wrapping his wings around his frame he turned his attention to the doors, studying the crack of moonlight that seemed in between the space of the two doors. Listening to what she had to say all the while, the smile still plastered to his face.

Taking a few steps forward and from the altar, his gaze drifted up to Jocelyn, studying her with his green orbs. Cocking a brow in question, his expression shifted to that of confusion, “You recognize my face but you can't place it? Interesting....Considering this is the first time I've met you...Unless.” Laughing lightly he shook his head, “Nah, never mind.” Shooting a glance to the doors again, he motioned his hand towards them, “Would you prefer to go outside instead? I find this place depressing, besides I think it'll do us both some good to get some fresh air, what do you think?” Perhaps that was why he had felt so weird, so awkward in this place. The soul's pain weighed heavy on his spirit and so did the past held within the walls. It could also be the cause of the shift in his personallity. Who knew? He certainly hadn't, he barely had the feel of this new change that had occurred in him, let alone understood anything of what had happened.

The formality of the situation slightly amused the woman. As she touched the altar she laughed softly and looked up to the winged man. She was confused slightly why his type would not be welcomed in this land. Why wouldn't he? Was he some kind of thief of murderer? Jocelyn could not quite understand this, but she did not push the question to ask him yet.

As the man she had come to know as Vailen looked towards the door, the moonlight poured through the cracked hinges and space between the doors. The spirits that had been here before the man arrived had departed from this place. Jocelyn felt slightly guilty for over running them with living beings, but she assured herself that they were just shy and wanted to hide from the strangers.

Jocelyn was returned to Vailen as he asked the question and Jocelyn nodded. "Some fresh air always does the body well, Sir Vailen." replied as she descended from the altar steps and began walking down the center isle of the cathedral. She did not look back to see if the winged man had followed her. Jocelyn pushed the unhinging doors to the side and held one open for her new found friend.

"Sir Vailen, if I may...Why do you say that your kind is not welcomed here? What exactly are you? Not to be rude or forward."

Silently he watched as she made her way towards the doors, holding one them open for him. Pushing forward, he made his way towards the doors as well, bowing his head to her as he exited the gloomy cathedral. The rush of cool air greeted his bare flesh, sending a heavy chill up his spine, but paying it little mind as he turned to face Jocelyn. Her question came as odd to him, but he knew it was bound to happen.

Studying her for a moment, he shifted his gaze up towards the moon, “Well, to put it plainly, I'm among the chosen.” Dropping his gaze back down upon her, he continued, “I was chosen by an angelic being to serve its purpose as an embodiment of good.” He paused, thinking over a few idle thoughts, unsure of whether or not he was telling this right, because truthfully even he had known little of what he was. All he could recall was the transition stage between human and...Angel? He had been gifted by the gods, but was this truly what he wanted? He had his wish of a longer life, but now that she was gone was it truly worth it to spend an eternity now alone?

Shaking the thoughts from his head again, he spoke in a soft tone, “I would have to say I'm among the angelic beings now, but I'm not entirely sure...All I know is that a vast majority of this population hates the angelic race and no less the human race. I am the embodiment of both turns, it is something I wish not to tell many for my own sake. It's bad enough that they know I'm among the angelic, but at most times they tend to keep their distance, which suits me just fine. Though, you're different from all of them; however, I must ask you, have you ever seen an angel before this?” Unwrapping his wings from around his body, they spanned out behind him, before coming to a rest once more. It felt great to stretch out his wings once in a while instead of always trying to keep them wrapped around his body while he wore his cloak to shield them from sight.

He shot her a smile, before asking his own question in return, “I believe it's my turn to ask now. What be you? And what is it that a young woman such as yourself has found her way out here?” Laughing lightly, he mused over his thought, “Oh and don't fret, I won't give you that, a young lass like yourself shouldn't be out in the night alone, because I'm sure you can handle yourself just fine. And besides...I noticed the spirits, they seemed to welcome your presence instead of vanishing like they mostly do. It's something that does not happen too often, so consider yourself fortunate to have the pull of the spirits at your side.”

Jocelyn had never heard a story like this and the assumption of the winged man was correct. She had never seen an angel and now that she was seeing one she could hardly believe what was in front of her eyes. His story was nothing she had ever heard and perhaps she would meet more angels along her journey. He was here to serve his purpose as an embodiment of good. Jocelyn did not exactly understand the huge rounded words, but she understood what he was and what he believed in.

Jocelyn was surprised when he spoke of the population of people not like his kind and then humans. It was quite funny that she herself was human. Jocelyn closed her arms around her chest and shivered slightly. "It has gotten cooler." She observed and then stepped into the courtyard of the cathedral.

Jocelyn chuckled as he mentioned that is was his turn to ask the questions. She was surprised that he did not give her the whole 'What is a young girl like you doing in a place like this?' comment and she much appreciated it. Most men expected woman to be at home, cook, clean, and bear children, but sooner or later they would learn that women were just as good as men in the long run.

"I am human and I thank you for not asking why I am out here. Just because I may be a woman and possibly young doesn't mean I cannot be anywhere, whenever I choose so. I actually was just wandering and I came across this deserted place. Quite cozy, I think." Jocelyn explained with a warm smile as she approached a pillar of white marble. The pillar was apparently tired and ready to fall down at any moment, by the looks of the angle the pillar was tilting at.

Jocelyn put her against the leaning tower of marble and thought about his last comment. "I just thought that the spirits assumed I was no threat to them. They were some kind of company and I suppose I wanted to just not feel alone, so I gave little, and so did they."

The soft smile creaped its way across his coutenance again, as he studied her for a moment. She seemed vastly different than any normal human, she seemed a lot like him, a head on her shoulders with a chip along side it. Sure, it was a corny expression, but it seemed best suited for she did carry a chip with her. As she leaned against the pillar, he noticed that he was getting more used to her presence and actually enjoyed her company on such a night. As he grew more and more used to her, his tone lightened and become joyous almost with each word he spoke.

Folding his wings back around his frame, they bound tightly around his body trying their best to keep the cold out and the heat in. Stepping lightly he made his way into the courtyard as well, glancing about at the different scatterments of debries and broken stone, “I'm not among the common variety male who thinks women as tools. Honestly, you could probably kick my butt, who knows?” Laughing lightly, his right hand moved behind his head rubbing it out of nervousness. Shifting his attention back to her, his right arm dropped back to his side, “I suppose you're wondering what brings me out here, eh? Well...It's a long story, one I'm sure you'd have no interest in, so I'll spare you the details. I came to think tis all, plain and simple. About what? That much I can't tell you, for that's the reason I've found myself out here, besides to think.”

Pondering for a few moments, his gaze drifted back to the cathedral, “I suppose, it can be cozy at times. The spirits are restless now, this war had weighed heavy upon them, probably in hopes that Taras would not join their grand city. That's all I can gather out of their sudden appearances, no less in such staggering numbers.” He paused for a moment, turning his attention back to her and offering a nod, “But of course they don't fear you. What would they have to fear of someone who was good of heart? They probably hoped you could hear their story and deafen their suffering, but I'm afraid I know of no one who can do that. Not even I, a stricken of the light can deafen their suffering. Most want to linger, to serve as a reminder to the countless, where as some stay due to their inability to believe what had happened. Though, the vast majority stay for revenge, for spite to those who did this to them, to prove that no matter what....they could not be moved.”

Sighing heavily, his gaze dropped to the ground, shivering as another cold breeze came past them, turssling his hair about. As the wind settled his eyes lifted up to the sky, gazing at the moon once more, “Can you tell me something? What if someone tells you that they love you one day and disappear the next? Does that mean it's time to move on or what?”

The winged man and the warrior spoke softly in the court yard of the fallen city. They both seemed quite comfortable with each other, but the warrior was still aware that she was with a stranger. She trusted him for the most part, but somehow she felt unsafe. Perhaps the man could sense that and who would blame her? A man she did not know was now chatting along with her that only matters a friend would speak about. Don't get her wrong, she loves to chat and enjoys meeting new people for the most part. It was just that when meeting somebody in a fallen city and having never seen an angle before, you would be aware of the possibly danger you man be in.

Jocelyn chuckled softly at his jest that Jocelyn could 'kick his butt'. The woman would not use that specific term, and she was not trying to say that she could, but it was all possible. The winged man began speaking of the spirits once more and Jocelyn began thinking of the war he may have been speaking of. Could he mean the war between light and darkness, or the war between the dead and the living? Jocelyn was curious for a moment until she understood what he ideally meant.

"I do wish that I could help them, but I am sure they would rather stay here, where they were put to rest. Their suffering is not the only in this world, and you cannot end all of it. Most suffering is to prove a point, to some how motivate people and things to happen. Maybe, these spirits want to prove their point that even in death they will not leave their home, to seek revenge? You are most likely right, Sir, but I believe that we will not truly know unless the shadows speak to us and tell us of their reasoning."

Jocelyn grew silent at his last question. Why in the world would this man be asking a young woman, that he just met for that matter, a question about love? Jocelyn knew little on the subject and the only advice or answer that the woman could give him would be the most instinctual thing she could give. It was more of a automatic knowledge that she acted like she had. She did not know too much about love, for she had never had loved someone other than family, so there for she was small on the matter. Even though she did not know much on the subject she gave him an answer as if it was some knowledge that she was born with.

"Let me tell you a story, Vailen. My mother loved me, like any mother loves their daughter or son, but she is long gone now. She is in a much better place now rather than on this earth. I wouldn't like to think her as 'gone', but she is in a physical sense. She had 'disappeared', but she loved me. Even in death she would still love me. I am not saying that this person who loves you is gone, but that also doesn't mean they don't love you and perhaps moving on is a good idea, but do not give up on their love. They may have a perfect reason for leaving. I know little on love besides the love from your family and I am still young, but this subject is some what of a natural knowledge, I suppose you could say and if my words mean anything to you I do hope that you will think of this matter yourself. That is the best answer I can give you, Sir Vailen, I am sorry."

Laughing nervously his hand instinctively rose to the back of his head, rubbing it out of embarrassment. A red tint gathered along his cheeks as he turned his head from her, not wanting her to notice his embarrassment. Clearing his throat, he began to speak, slightly stammering, “I-I...Never mind that, I shouldn't have asked you. I apologize, I tend to stray in thought, it won't happen again, I swear.” Nodding firmly, he turned his gaze back to her dropping his arm back to his side, “Though, you're probably right, I shouldn't forget that if she ever decides to show up again. Thank you.”

How badly he wanted this awkwardness to end, but it seemed to continue despite the silence betwixt the two of them. Soon the red tint faded, but he refrained his best from making eye contact with her. Occassionally his eyes would rise to her hand, but then dropped back to her feet, unsure of what she thought of him now. Sighing heavily, he thought to himself, 'That was the dumbest thing you've done. Jumping off that rock was even a brighter idea than that. At least if anything happened there at least you wouldn't come out looking as a fool but instead as a dead man.'

Laughing lightly to himself, he recollected the event fairly well seeing as he had welts for quite some days after that. Soon the laughter subsided and blankness overtook his features again, as his eyes traced up her form and finally making eye contact once more, “I had no intentions of putting you on the spot or anything. I think sometimes, I can be too friendly and perhaps it does me more harm than good. I'm too trusting a lot of the time, I mean what if you wanted to kill me as the rest? You could have done so and I wouldn't have known the better until it was too late. Maybe I'm just nieve for believing that there's good in everyone and that everyone is equally open as I.” Bowing his head, his eyes fell back to the ground, as he fell into silence once more.

Jocelyn knew how nervous he must have felt and she had to console him. She instantly without thinking put a hand on the man's wing or shoulder. "I did not mean to embarrass you Vailen. I gave you what answer I could give you and I am sorry, if it was not what you expected. I do not believe you are being too open to be, just honest, tis all." Jocelyn comforted the winged man. She did feel sympathy for the red cheeks that she had given him.

The female warrior smiled warmly up to him and tilted her head to the side, watching his eyes shift from the ground and then back up to her own orbs. She could tell that he was having trouble keeping eye contact and she took this by him being nervous around her. Jocelyn knew that he must have been mentally slapping himself for asking such a private question, but Jocelyn did not see the problem with what he asked. She had gotten more private questions from others and she didn't let any of them surprise her.

When the man laughed Jocelyn chuckled to herself and she removed her hand and rested it on her hip were she fumbled with the leather strap that bound her sword to her hip. "You did not put me on the spot, I did by answering your question. I had the right to refuse it, but I didn't, so don't blame yourself." She began, but then she let him finish. He was clearly questioning himself on how he had responded to their meeting and how open he was.

"I do believe there is good in everyone and just so you know, I do not plan on killing you." Jocelyn chuckled at that, if she wanted to kill him, it would have happened already, and she never killed unless the time called for it. "Being open may be a curse, but sometimes it is a blessing." Jocelyn watched as his head dropped to the ground. Without thinking once more, she took her hand and raised his chin, so he was looking into her eyes. "Why do you punish yourself so?"

When she placed her hand on him, he almost had the urge to pull away, but he didn't. Instead he accepted the consolence as she spoke of not trying to embarrass him he simply shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea what to say or how to say it, it seemed he was at a loss of words as of late. It almost seemed like his mind wasn't even there, almost as if a piece of him had left with her. Perhaps the very piece that held him together and that was the reason he seemed like he was falling apart.

When she lifted his head, his blues orbs stared into hers, “Everyone I ever got close to has left me and I feel as though I'm the cause of it.” Sighing heavily, he turned his head from her, staring off into the distance, “I don't know..It's stupid I know. But it hurts, it hurts to have someone come so close to you and yet fall so far away. It leaves you to wonder, is it truly my fault? Or is it just because they couldn't handle it? I will never know.” Closing his eyes he continued, “Also, this pressure to do the angels proud is getting to me. I feel as though I could do so much more and I feel I became one for all the wrong reasons. I'm selfish, I did something for my own good, but I've wanted badly to change that and make it for the good of others. Though, I'm not accepted by them and ridiculed for being a holder of the light.”

Sighing heavily, his eyes snapped open and drifted lazily over to hers, “You have no idea how many demons there are compared to those of the light. The numbers are staggering to say the least. I've never felt such hate in my life and as for this war, this is beginning to become a problem. When I look at this city and I think of the others, I believe this is what we'll all see across these lands after this finds its end. I finally find a place I can call home and it may be taken away from me.” He shook his head at the whole thought, allowing it to drop, “I don't know...I'm just a mess. I'm sorry I'm burdening you with my problems.” Lifting his head, he gazed up at her laughing lightly, “I'm sure you've never seen such a troubled man in all your days.” A soft smile slithered across his features, as he placed a hand on her shoulder in return, “No less an angel. Perhaps, I should start acting like one, stern and strong. Almost impervious to troublings of the mind, like the grand warriors, the Arch-Angels, Saraphims and so on.”

Removing his hand from her shoulder, he dropped it back down to his side. Standing up straight, he puffed out his chest and sucked in a deep breath of air, “There! How does that look? Oh wait, one second.” Slowly unfolding his wings from around his frame, they snapped sharply outwards and spanning as far as they could behind him. Their length nearly equaled that of his body as they remained poised high behind him. The aura of light across his frame seemed to strengthen slightly, making him seem as though a mere apparation in the dark of night, illuminating the surroundings in its soft scintillating light.

The same smile remained as he gazed deeply into her eyes, “There, now do I appear more dignified? If I have to walk around like this all the time, I don't think my back could take it.” He laughed slightly before continuing, “I mean, I probably look as though I'm bloated, that or I smelled something bad and I'm trying not to breathe.” Laughing again, he couldn't help but slump in his stance again, “Maybe I'm not quite cut out for that sort of thing, what do you think?” He was desperately trying his best at turning the conversation around and pulling himself back together, but he wasn't quite sure on how long that would last. He just hoped that he wouldn't fall apart again anytime soon here, because he already felt like a heel in front of her, but she seemed to make him more comfortable than he had been before hand. She seemed to have no worries and didn't base her judgement off simple mistakes, which took a lot of stress off of him, because he no longer felt he had to impress her that she would just accept him as him.

He seemed hesitant as her hand was on his shoulder, but then again he seemed comforted. As her hand dropped he began to talk, his troubles spilling out and onto the table. He seemed to be falling apart and he pained Jocelyn to see somebody so full of troubles. Jocelyn had her own troubles, but nothing compared to this man, how could she had been so selfish about herself while others needed her and while others were troubling more than she?

Everybody was leaving him. That is how she felt now. Her father would not be the last person to leave, her brother would come next, but would she go herself before then? "Vailen..." Jocelyn whispered softly under her breath as she gazed up at the quarrelsome angel. "Not everybody leaves you, my friend. You see..." She extends her arms out to their full length and smiles. "You have told me some things that only dear friends should know, and I am not gone. I don't plan on leaving for a long while Vailen." Jocelyn explained as she let her arms fall back to her sides and the smile to return to a warm expression.

The warriors of the light and the demons of the darkness were always in a constant battle and the numbers seemed to be always off balance. Jocelyn's gaze seemed to falter now and her head dropped and looked down at her feet. "It does seem that the darkness and shadows are winning, but it is not happening and won't happen. The will of the light is too strong to go down. I am sure that you are not a selfish man and did not do this for all the wrong reasons. One day your name will be screamed out because you were the angel who destroyed half an army of demons on the battle field. You will save millions of souls from damnation." Jocelyn tried to boast about him, trying her hardest to make him feel better.

Jocelyn chuckled at the bloated look of the angel and her smile grew wide. "I cannot say that it is too grand and handsome looking, but it is noble. I do prefer you when you're yourself. You may be a troublesome angel, you may have a thoughts of the past trouble your mind, but still you are not the worst man I have ever seen." Jocelyn complimented and then she calmed down as his posture slouched down and he returned to his normal stance.

He was questioning himself. What could she do? She barely knew this angelic man and he was spilling troubles hoping for answers. She loved to help people, it was her passion, but he spoke of things she knew little of. Jocelyn only smiled and shook her head. "The heavens would not have given you the wings of an angel if they didn't think you were strong enough to take on the demons of the darkness."

As she spoke his thoughts wander, as he pondered what she said. Was she really true to her word, would she stay unlike the rest, doubtfully. Everyone left at some point, but at least she may stick around longer than the rest had. He was an ordinary person, sure a little weird at times, but that's what made him enjoyable. He had no idea why they left, he never did anything wrong and never said anything to chase them off. As he said before, perhaps he was too friendly at times and that's what scared those who got close to him away.

Shrugging the thought from his mind, his attention develed upon her, “Well, that makes one person who will stay at my side, but--” His voice tappered off, afraid to finish his sentence so he wouldn't smash her spirits as his were.

Peeling his gaze from her and casting it off into the distance, he continued speaking, “I don't plan on leaving anytime soon either. It doesn't mean it won't happen of course, but if I am to do anything noble as a chosen of the angelic's then I will have to risk my life. I can't think of any other way than that.” For a moment he recollected back on his childhood, when his father would take him out daily to train for battle and even when he used to sneak into the barracks to watch his old man train far more intensely than he had been taught. A soft smile crossed his lips, remembering exactly what he had said to his father during those times. Laughing, his eyes traced back to hers, “I remember back when I was a wee laddy. My old man took me out to train to become a strong warrior and that's exactly how I felt. I remember telling him that I would become a big strong warrior just like him, the strongest in all the land and now I find myself distraught with these thoughts. It's ironic to say the least...”

Shaking his head slowly, he mused to himself over the thought, “The mind can cloud judgment and when that happens, corrosion will take the soul and bind it to its pain. Your mind can get you into to some pretty tough jams especially when you allow petty things to overtake it. Sure, I'm all alone except you now, but perhaps its for the better. The demons will have no way of binding me to their will through my feelings towards others. All I need now is to get used to this feeling of despair and control it before it controls me. Then and only then can I complete my dream of becoming a great warrior.”

Smiling sheepishly, his eyes darted up towards the moon, gazing into its beauty for a few moments, “Yes, I will prove the angels that they've made the correct choice. I will do all I can to solve this balance of power, even if I am only one man for that is all it takes. It's funny....” His voice growing softer as he spoke, “That it took someone like you to tell me that when the answers were so blindly in front of me. Right here..” His right hand lifted and placed itself over the left side of his chest, feeling the pulsations of his heart. Glancing down to her, a smile crossed his lips as he nodded, “But I thank you for your help....I just hope I haven't been a bother. I think I just needed a shoulder to lean on and I'm glad that it was yours.”

Would she be true to her word? Of course she would. The word of a paladin was one that should always be trusted, but did he know of her promise. Jocelyn would not leave unless some out-of-world being pried her from this world. Why had these people left Vailen though? He did not look like somebody to scare another away, and these people who had left him apparently loved him. What kind of monster would do that? Jocelyn did not speak these thoughts aloud, but she listened to Vailen with a warm smile pressed onto her face.


“Well, that makes one person who will stay at my side, but--” Jocelyn was leaning towards the man, but when he didn't finish his sentence she was left there leaning his direction, waiting for more. Jocelyn realized that she was not going to hear more and she pulled back and leaned, once more, against the pillar. She was aware now that he did not finish his sentence due to that he did not want to hurt her own spirits. This would seem possible to the chosen angel, but not to Jocelyn, for her will was as great and her spirits were just as powerful as his. He just did not feel that his spirits were high.


This man would clearly do anything for the will of good if his life was on the line. She respected that, because she would risk everything including her life to save the strength of good. When a smile crossed Vailen's lips she could tell that he was remembering something from his childhood. Jocelyn had seemed to be the person to be day dreaming all the time now, but maybe she would let Vailen take a chance at it.

His father had been a great warrior and he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Jocelyn chuckled softly and nodded. "My father was a noble and traveled a lot. I did not take up the family trade it seems." She jested as she motioned towards the sword on her hip. She looked up to his eyes and caught them in her eye sight.

Jocelyn's mind had never clouded her judgment, or that is what she thought. It just always seemed that her mind was being clouded either by thoughts, memories, pain, or troubles. It always seemed like there was something to disrupt her life.

"I am glad to have shed some light on your troubles and I am very fortunate to have been here for you. I have learned much from our conversation. It seems both of us are very much troubled by such things, but it should not cloud our minds for too much longer."

Kilt pulled his dagger from its sheath has he manuverd he way around the ancient city.
Perhaps there were still some graves to be robbed, some houses to be looted. Thats what he hoped.

Kilt new perfectly well the penalty for grave robbing, frankly he didn't care.

He moved around silently, keeping alert. "Is anyone here?" He shouted.

He turned around and grabbed the nearest person.

'What is your name?" He asked, holding the dagger to its throat.

((OOC: I'll take the bullet, lol. I'm assuming he grabbed one of us anyway. -Shrugs.- Seeing as there's no NPC chars present and so forth.))

They both seemed to have learned something from this encounter, that much was certain. To what extent was the real question and would they really hold what they learned to heart and not let memories drive them or thoughts even? Doubtfully, no matter what you did they would be there, always threatening to break you down. Could they be faltered? Of course, it all depended on the will and mind of the person. He was of strong will but of weak mind and that's what caused his spiralling downfall, but now he was fine again all thanks to her.

As she spoke of nobility, he simply shook his head, “It doesn't matter if you've picked up the exact family trade, you still have to an extent. I'm sure your father was a kind man being a noble, or at least that's what I am to believe. And you yourself....You're of kind heart as well, so in your own little way you're a noble. It doesn't matter if you swing a sword or not. It's only when you kill for an unrightful cause is when you lose all kindness. Personally I try not to kill at all...I will try and take them down without it ending in death, because I refuse to carry that burden. That's just me however.”

The smile left his graceous features, as his eyes slid closed for a moment, “You only learn if you choose to listen. Like it or not sometimes we all have no choice but to listen. Whether the words are true or not, we do not know, but our heart will tell. Like when I was told my father had left me, well..I never believed it and that was my choice. Later I wished I had listened, because I know I could have stopped him or left with him, but then again....I would have left my mother all alone. Honestly, I couldn't tell you what I would have done if I would have listened, but I'd be damned if I wouldn't have tried to stop him.” Slowly his eyes drifted open and lifted up to the moon again, lost in his own thoughts for the moment.

Within an instant, his eyes snapped wide as the blade pressed against his throat. It took a few moments to realize what had been happening, but soon he caught on as he heard the voice. Swallowing heavily, his eyes drifted down to Jocelyn's, before sliding shut once more, “The name's Manic Deathstorm. What is it that you want? Blood? Money? If you want blood, then take mine and leave her be. If you want money, I'm sorry but neither of us can do you any good there.” Silently he waited for the man to speak.

((OCC: Alright, you can take the bullet this time, but next time I call it. :P))

Jocelyn had learned from Vailen, whether it is from his caring listening ear or from his own troubles that she had shed some light on. She felt more comfortable around him now and they seemed to have grown some mutual respect for each others heart ache and problems. Both were troubled beings, of course, neither of their troubles being larger over the other's. All troubles hurt the heart and they felt pain, and neither problems nor troubles of these two beings would cause more pain.

Noble? What did it mean to be noble? Were you supposed to gallivant across the country with diplomatic ideas and have pleasant conversations with scholars and leaders from different regions? Or, was the idea of nobility in the mind of man? Only people who were not truly noble, were titled nobles. True men of the court did not speak of this title and did not label themselves as so. Jocelyn, you could say, was indeed a noble, but she held no throne, court position, or had diplomatic ideas in her mind. She simply thought of the best for Chaon and what she needed to accomplish to guarantee full lives for all people.

Learning is hand in hand relationship. You must be willing to learn and you must be willing to listen. You should always want to learn something new. It is what makes the world what it is. New ideas, people, and places pop up from the ground every day and you must learn for these. One should be open minded and should not discriminate or judge such ideas of things. Discrimination and judgment only shuts the ears and eyes to new adventures of learning.

Their conversation had been chatting along just fine, but then Jocelyn sensed hostility around her and without another moment to pas by a blade was at Vailen's throat. The blade yielding man demanded the name of his victim and Jocelyn quickly reached for her sword, the ring of the blade sounded through the night and this may have frightened Kilt.

"Do not try to protect me Deathstorm .Sir, Please. We have nothing that you would wish to have. You are the one to have intruded on our conversation, we mean no harm to you, but that blade that is against my friends throat is a very threatening gesture. Unless you remove it I may have deal with it myself." Jocelyn reported in a soft mannered voice. She did not want to threaten the demanding man, but he was holding a blade to the throat of a man she had just come to know. What would you rather
have her do?

Kilt eased the blade, and put it in his sheath.

"I have nothing you want. You see...I have been running for days, I fled from the docks at Tara, because I chanced on a bit of pocketmoney from a kings esquire...guards have been on my tail since I left the caves. I fear for my life is all"

Kilt decided not to demand money, it was no fun and no game taking earnings from a man held against a blade, so instead, he managed to play a little of his trickery.

As he put the knife back in sheath he made sure his leg caught the mans clothing suddenly, to trip himself.

He groaned as he got from the ground, quitly sliding the mans belongings inside his robe. He didnt know if the man had felt his hand in his sleeves or not.

It was a puzzling confrontation to say the least and the most odd bandit he'd ever laid eyes upon. As Jocelyn spoke, a slight grin crossed his lips, knowing very well that she would stick up for him and now finally knowing that he was right. As soon as the blade became absent at his throat, the words began. They seemed insincere, though any bandits were regardless of what was spoken. It seemed to be a natural occurance amongst them, needless to say one that had him wondering what he was up to.

And then it happened, the man had managed to somehow trip himself up and topple to the ground. Cocking an eyebrow in question, he shifted his gaze up to Jocelyn as if wondering whether she was completely lost by the man's odd actions. He wasn't a man of many things, the only things he found valueable were the gold pieces strapped in a pouch to his sash, the letter inside of his shirt and the sword on his back. None of them ever leaving his body, at least until now where the sack of gold had grown an absence. It wasn't much and by much it only amounted to a few trinkets, fools gold to most, for that was barely enough to rent a room at the inn for a night. Though, it all depended on the inn as well.

Turning his gaze back to the man, he studied him carefully, “You okay?” For some reason he wasn't buying the act, but he wasn't sure why. Something inside of him seemed to tell him that this guy was bad news.

It was indeed an odd situation when the bandit had come along and put a blade to her friend’s throat. Jocelyn had always been a protective of her friends and family, but the situation was much different. This man that she had come to know as Vailen, had been kind to her and listened when she needed it, and that made her even more aware on how protective she was. As the blade of the bandit was slipped into the sheath, Jocelyn's sword was put away also. Jocelyn could tell from the look on Vailen's face that he was amused with her reaction to the thief.

"You put yourself in this situation, Sir, I see no reason why to blame it on the guards who are chasing you to put a blade to my friends throat." Jocelyn barked and then raised a brow as the clumsy man fell with a 'thud' to the ground. She almost wanted to laugh and point right now, but she refrained from this. She could not appear mean and rude in front of them both. There was something odd about his falling, it was as if he did it on purpose and had done something in the process.

It was then that Jocelyn had to replay the fall in her mind that she noticed him slipping his hands where they did not belong. She was not yet aware of what he had stolen, but she quickly dropped to her knees and held the man to the ground with by his neck. "What exactly are you trying to pull thief? Give me whatever you may have gotten your hands on?" She commanded of the bandit on the ground before her.