City of IF

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Intro
Young Rena Raine never expected that a storm and a group of bandits, would completely change her life. . .
Prologue
"Rena!" With a laugh, Rena chased after her giggling little brother. "Nick! Nick wait up!" Calling after him, she began to run with all her might.

"Children!" They both jumped, and skidded to a stop. Rena turned and aimed her big beautiful blue eyes at her father.

"Yes Papa? Do you need us for something?"

"Do not run little ones, wouldn't want you getting hurt on your birthday now would we Rena?" Rena chuckled along with her father and brother, then turned to face the west.

"Rena, your thirteen now, you must learn not to stare off into the distance like that."

"I know Papa." She turned back to face her family and said. "Papa, my destiny lies to the west, I just know it!"
He shook his head sadly and said. "Rena, we've talked about this before. You and your brother will carry on the family business until you marry, and then you will help your husband with his duties."

"But Papa-"

"No buts, now run along."

"Yes Papa. . ." She turned away sadly, and wandered down the main lane. Everyone called out to her, and wished her a happy birthday, but it only made her sadness increase.

My life is to be played out here, and every year that passes is just one more spent idle. They all do not understand what I feel. They just don't understand. She sighed and took another step forward, her foot crunching the dirt softly. As her thoughts wandered, she recalled last nights dream. A fire. . .the slash of swords. . .screaming villagers. . .her name being called out. . . . . She suddenly shook her head of such thoughts and ran ahead.

She wandered around the town, occasionally receiving gifts. Speaking with a few friends every now and again, she flitted the day away. Much as she wanted to though, she just couldn't enjoy her birthday. Her gaze was constantly drawn to the west, and her body to the library. She forced herself to pass it by however, and noticed her brother hunched over a small crate.

She wandered closer, and spotted the cards. Remembering something her father had said; she took another step forward, before realizing just what was going on.

"Nick!" She ran forward and grasped her brothers shoulder. "Nick, what were you doing?" Her younger brother, a mere ten, grinned sheepishly. "I was just betting them that-"
"Father says gambling is wrong!"

"Who cares what father says!"

"Nick! What were you betting that was worth losing!"

"Nothing!"

"Then how were you-"

"Oh shove off!" She watched as her brother shoved her hand aside, and ran off. She briefly glimpsed the spray of rocks as he dashed ahead, because she was to busy following him.

They ran well into the forest, which was forbidden. She had just caught up to him; grasping his shoulder, when the lightning struck. The thunder boomed, the lightning struck, the brief flashes of light lighting up the suddenly dark day. She rushed under the trees with her brother, and heard the yells. They both turned towards the village, and watched as men in strange clothing attacked the town. They both stood, frozen, as their entire village, everyone they had ever known, was killed before their very eyes. Well, Rena's anyway.

The instant she saw the men leap, she knew what was about to happen, and pressed her brothers face to her chest. She, however, was left to watch her dream come to life. She watched as a man slit her fathers throat. As a man dumped over a vat of food into the graveyard. As the bandits set fires. As everything she had ever known was destroyed

She quickly turned , and tugged her brother along behind her before he could see such a horrible sight. They ran, her half-dragging her brother along. They just ran and ran, as the storm raged on above them. It was then it happened. The one event that changed her life most.

Rena looked back at her brother through the spray of the rain. The warm glow of the fire remained in the distance, the only proof that this wasn't a normal day, or storm. She turned to face where they were going, and watched as it happened. It was all in slow motion for her, and would forever remain on her mind.

The lightning struck the tree closest to them, and she quickly turned and shoved her brother out of the way. She turned back to watch as it fell, inch by antagonizing inch. The wet leaves brushed her face first, they were the last thing she ever would remember seeing. Next was the harsh, unforgiving bark. Then came the darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Rena!" What? Someone calling my name. . . . ” Rena!" There it is again. . . . ” RENA!" Nick. . . . Nick! Rena suddenly opened her eyes, or she thought she did. She still saw only darkness. She looked around violently, and all she could see was wide ranging darkness.
"Rena. . .?"

"Nick."

"Rena!" She heard her brother give his normal high pitched squeal of joy, then felt his long thin arms wrap around her midriff.

"Oh thank the lord, your alive!" Both siblings yelled this to the other at the same time, as tears of joy ran down their faces.

"Rena? Why aren't you blinking. . ."

"How can I blink if my eyes are closed?" When she was answered with silence, she shakily asked.

"They. . .are. . . closed. . .right?"

"un-uh." She knew by instinct that if she could see, because for whatever reason she couldn't, her brother would of slowly been shaking his head side to side.
"But- that means. . . ."

"Your blind. . . ." The normal forest silence reined for a few brief moments, and the only sounds that could be heard were Rena's tears splashing onto the ground and Nick. She rubbed her cheek on his head and said. "Nick? I- we. . ." she sighed and finished. "We will have to find a farmer who will take you in."

"D-don't you mean 'us'?" Nick stammered out, obviously just getting over a bought of crying.

"No Nick."

"Wait, why won't you stay too?"

"I'm blind, I would be of no use to a farmer. You are a young supple lad Nick, we can find you a loving family." She heard her brother sniffle, and felt her heart break at the thought of leaving her young brother
behind.

"Wh-what will y-you do?"

"I will- I will have to become a traveler."

"Traveler?" She knew her brother well, and also knew he would not like what she was about to say. So she opened her mouth, and out and out said it. "I must learn to fight, and live off bounties."
"WHAT!!!" She sighed.

"Nick, it's ether that or sit idle all my life. I-we- have no one left."

She pulled back and smiled in what she had gathered to be her brothers general direction.

"I'll come back in six years, and be a famous warrior by then. I'll teach you it all. We'll become heroes!" She knew this would raise the poor boys spirits.

"Really?"

"Yup. I will enter that competition, the one held every five years, and I will win it. Then I'll be a great warrior. I'll go one to save some great and mighty king. Want to know who will be right next to me when they're ready?"

"Me!" Rena nodded, then said. "We first must find you a home, so that I know you'll be safe while I'm traveling."

They stood up, and began to walk. Nick walked ahead, lightly holding Rena's hand guiding her. He adapted well to his role as Rena's eyes, and yet he wished none of this had never happened. They finally got out of the forest, scraped, bruised, tired, and hungry, only to see a great field of grain separating them from the nearest farm. "What is it you see Nick?"

He turned and said. "A great wave of golden grain Rena. That's what's there. All I see though is more land to walk over." He sighed and Rena smiled lightly. "If that is so, then we better keep walking." She heard him groan and was grateful that she had a younger brother that was still alive to see the day. Her smile faded. I'll never see the dawn again. . .

"Rena?" Startled, she aimed her head down at her little brother.
"Yes?"

"What will we tell them?"

"The truth, but not all of it. We will tell them about getting caught in the storm, about how I became blind, and that we are orphans. No more, no less." She heard silence for a bit then heard her brother exclaim. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I forgot you couldn't see and nodded!" She smiled lightly.

"Do not worry about it Nick."

They traveled across the plain, being sure to avoid stepping on as much grain as possible. When they arrived at the back door, Nick knocked loudly.
"Hang on!" They heard the coarse reply and then heard the clicking of locks being unlatched. Nick watched as an elderly woman opened the door. She had salt and pepper hair that was pulled up into a frayed bun. Her skin was wrinkled and somewhat pale. Her eyes were slightly squinty; a warm brown color, not unlike Nicks own.

Her face spread into a smile when she spotted the two youngsters and she led them in.
"Come, come. Sit down young ones."

"Who is it Mildred!?" A man with a ragged mop of coarse gray hair, the stubble of a three day beard, and a set of overalls, showing he was a farmer, walked in.

"It's two children, Tim."

"What do they want?"

The man aimed his eyes at the young girl, Rena, and saw the distant way her eyes stared off into space. He took in their disheveled appearances, and knew they had been out in the storm that had raged the night before.
"What's your names young ones?"

"I am Rena, my younger brother here is Nick." Rena softly replied. Nick looked up at the kind old woman, and the confusing old man and asked.

"Sir, we- I- need housing. I will work on the farm, and do whatever you need done. Please, please take me in!"

"Why only you Nick?" Mildred asked. To this Rena began to explain.

"I would only be a burden. My brother could help, and earn his keep. I, however, have recently been struck blind. I will travel on to find a place where I am needed."

The old couple looked at each other. They both had sad, understanding expressions. The old woman, Mildred, bent down and took both of her hands in her own. "Little Rena, please stay with us too, if only for a few days. You will need the time to get used to your lack of sight." Rena smiled lightly.
"I thank you. You are showing great kindness to me. I know not all will treat me as you do." Again the old couple looked at each other, before Tim said. "You can stay for three days Rena, but- how long does Nick plan on staying?"

"Six years." She coolly replied. "I will come back for him in six years."

They both nod and the old couple rush off to do what they needed done. Nick turned to her and said.
"Sister, your eyes. . ."

"I know that I am blind Nick." She said softly, smiling down at him. He bit his lip and stared up at her eyes. They used to sparkle and shine. Her eyes use to reflect every one of her emotions. Now all I can see is blankness, nothingness. . . He suddenly tore off a long wide strip of his shirt, which had somehow remained clean. He stood up and tied it over her eyes. The soft wool of his shirt. She felt it glide over her face and was confused at what he was doing.
"Nick. . .?"

"Your eyes used to be the most beautiful part of you Rena, it hurts me to see them so blank. Please wear this."
She felt her heart melt at her brothers soft plea, and ran her hands over it. Smiling at it's soft, slightly fuzzy texture.
"Yes, of course. Thank you , Nick." She tilted her head so that he would be able to see her smile. "I'll wear it always. It'll become what I'm known for!"

Chapter One
Five years and six months later. . .

Trien briefly looked up when he saw the girl leave the inn. He didn't look to closely though, and quickly brushed her appearance off. His gaze was caught, however, by the slinky looking man sliding up to the young woman. He had just taken a step forward and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword when he saw her staff turn into a blur of white, tripping the thief and sending him into Trien.

"You have quite some nerve, attempting that in front of a paladin such as I. Now go, and be grateful you are still in one piece." The man ran off, and Trien turned to look at the girl.

"You have quite an eye for-" His sentence skidded to a stop when he spotted the cloth covering her eyes.

"Oh, my sincere apologies, I did not notice-"

"It is perfectly fine."

Trien was surprised. He had expected her to be mad, angry, sad, something! Yet she was perfectly calm. He watched as she turned her head in his direction and inclined it in what some might consider a greeting. Her small pale hand was outstretched and he took it, lightly.

"I am Trien, paladin of the mighty deity, Heironeous the Invincible. What is your name young maiden?"

Rena was quiet for a brief moment, then she replied.

"The name most know me by is, Sightless Seer. Good paladin, I wish you well, but I must be off."

She had turned and began to walk away, when it started to rain. Trien watched as she stood, frozen, and looked around blindly. He took a step forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Miss, if you-" He was broken off by her grabbing his hand and twisting it behind him. He felt the pain, but easily removed his arm from her grasp.

"Young miss, I am Trien, why did you-"

"The rain."

"Excuse me?"

"The rain. It muffles everything, I couldn't tell that it was you, and not some random robber."

"I see. Those without sight often then rely on hearing, so when it rains and plays it's constant droning of noise. . ."

"Those without sight often find themselves practically helpless, yes that is true."

Trien watched her carefully. Though it was hard to see it through the rain, he could tell that being helpless was something she didn't approve of, or enjoy. He laid a hand on his hilt, a habit of his, and offered,

"There is a temple of my god nearby, they would let you stay the storm through if you need it."

"I thank you but-"

"This isn't a matter of pride is it?"

Rena smiled lightly, something she hadn't done in a long time. She then ran her thumb over the wood that made up her long white staff. She thought on it for a short moment and realized that, yes, it was. She reached out a wandering hand and waved it around in the air slowly until it contacted with his arm, before she said.

"Lead the way."

Trien watched the maiden, and recalled what he had heard about her. She was one of the best. You could hire her to find someone missing, and she'd find them. Hire her to escort someone to a certain place, and she could do it. Yet at the same time, she would never kill. Wound, yes. Paralyze, yes. Kill, no. No one really knew her, he knew that much was true. There was one other thing that was known about her. She was an empath. It was a rumor of course, but still many believed she could sense anothers emotions.

Rena didn't need to look up to know that Trien was watching her, it wouldn't of helped anyway. She couldn't see. She knew she would never again see the sunrise she had loved so much. She took another bite of the stew she had been offered. There were nuns' here, and priests' too. She knew they were whispering about her.

"She's a bounty hunter, why is she here!"

"Trien brought her over but-"

"We can't trust her! she's definably cruel heartless and-"

"I heard she's never killed."

"But- how could that be? She is a bounty hunter right?"

On and on it goes. . . She thought sadly. She took yet another bite, recalling all the manners her father taught her. Most of which didn't matter in her new life. Yet I still use them Father, for you. She stood up and walked towards the whispering nuns'.
"Excuse me, where do I take my bowl when I am finished?"

She heard the gasps of surprise, and wondered whether it was about her knowing where they were at, or her having manners. She couldn't help but think it was the second one. She heard the clanking of heavy feet, and then the bowl was suddenly lifted from her hands.
"I'll take care of that for you."

"Thank you Trien."

Trien blinked in surprise, he hadn't expected her to know who he was. After all, she couldn't see. Maybe the rumors about her blindness being a hoax are- no of course not, I would sense deceit around her surely if that were true. The thought flitted through his brain. Straightening, he turned to walk to the kitchen. His thoughts had begun to wander when he heard her soft padding footsteps. He turned around suddenly to ask her why she was following him, when he saw that she was running her fingers along the wall. His mouth opened to ask a different question, when she walked into him.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't hear you stop."

"It's alright." he muttered gruffly, looking down at the pretty young maiden. He abruptly turned around and continued walking. The feel of her soft curves was already burned into his memory however, and there was no way of getting it out.

They walked into the kitchen, and he was surprised yet again. She insisted on washing her own bowl, despite her blindness. That wasn't the shocker. She started to wash all the dishes. Still not the shocker. What really shocked him down to his toes, was that they were all clean, much cleaner then any of the nuns had ever gotten them.

"My father and mother used to make sure I could clean dishes well, so we made a bet when I was little."

He looked up from her hands to her face, and saw she was frowning in a sad way. He felt the sudden urge to walk up to her and make her smile, but quickly stifled it.

"What was the bet?"

"Well, it was more a bribe then a bet. If I could learn to clean the dishes so that they sparkled, with my eyes closed, for an entire month, then I wouldn't have to do one of my other chores."

A grim smile graced her face. Rena couldn't help but wonder, had they known something about her going blind? Was that why they kept having her learn to do things with her eyes closed? No, not her father anyway. He never supported the little games she and Mother had had. Suddenly something occurred to Rena, had her mother had the ability to dream the future? Like her? Had her mother-

"Hey, are you alright?"

Suddenly shocked out of her thoughts, Rena realized that there were no more dishes. She pulled her hands from the sink and ran them along the counter, looking for signs of a towel. She felt someone place a towel on top of her hands and she began to dry them.

"Thank you."

"You sure your alright? You never did answer me."

"Worry not, I'm perfectly fine."

Trien looked down at her for a moment and said.

"If your so okay, why don't I believe you?"

"That'd be your problem, not mine."

He burst out laughing. This girl is a witty one, that's for sure. He then led her to the small room she would be granted for the night. He looked at her for a moment and then did something he had decided he wasn't going to do.

"Do you have a deity?"

This was a question she had not expected, so she turned around and said.

"Excuse me?"

"Do you have a god?"

"No."

"Oh."

He turned away to walk out and heard her say.

"It's a goddess." She smiled lightly at him.

"A- goddess?"

"Yes, Ehlonna."

It was his turn to turn around, amazed.

"Of the forests?"

"Yes, She is whom I worship."

"You- a human bounty hunter- worship the goddess of the woodlands?!"

Rena turned and laid her staff against the side of his neck in what she meant to be a threatening way. Her jaw was clenched, but that was the only sign of her anger.

"I worship Ehlonna, my reasons are my own."

I worship her because my home, Briarwood Village, was so close to so many forests. The villagers all believed themselves to be Ehlonna's children. Including me. The sudden urge to tell him it all shocked her, and she turned back to her room, sliding her staff along the ground to familiarize herself with the furniture placements. She heard the door shut, then heard the fading footfalls signaling Trien's departure.

The next morning, Trien was asked what her deity was, and he merely shrugged. When he walked away from the nuns, he recalled the feeling he had felt. He knew very well, that she didn't tell many of her past, or even of her present. So, he decided that anything she didn't tell another, he wouldn't tell another.

He walked past Rena's borrowed room, and rapped on the door lightly with his knuckles. He rapped once more, then twice, before quietly opening the door. What he saw knocked him off his feet.

She lay on her belly, a pillow tucked under her head. She had one arm underneath the pillow, and a hand resting just above her head. Her eye covering was off, it was tied around her hand. She must have wrapped it around her hand before she went to sleep. Her hair had been released from it's restraining bun, and unveiled from the large white cap she had been wearing the day before. Her skin was a very pale color, with a pinkish tint. He had only seen wisps of her hair yesterday, so the color amazed him. Well, colors. Her hair was a strawberry blonde. It had golden waves with some brown mixed in, and a few subtle semi-hidden red natural hidden highlights.

Though she was a bounty hunter, though she fought and hurt others for a living, he could only describe her with one word. Innocent. He quickly stepped back, and shut the door softly. He was still a bit dazed from the sight of her sleeping, and couldn't help but wonder- what had caused her to, as others may think, fall so far?


He turned and walked towards the Dining Hall. He accepted the bowl of porridge offered to him by one of the nuns. He then plopped down onto a seat, watching as Father Dominic sat in front of him. They both ate in silence for a few moments, until Father Dominic said.
"I heard you brought us another lost lamb last night."

"Father D. . . I should tell you. The blind maiden is a-"

"I know who, and what, she is. Young paladin, you still have much to learn if you thought a fact such as that could slip by me. . ."

Trien blushed, a thing he rarely did anymore, and replied.
"Your right, I should of known better. This young maiden, however, I can't help but wonder how she came to rely on such low deeds."
"Knowledge such as that will forever lie beyond your reach. "

No matter how badly he wished Father D had said that, he hadn't. Trien slowly looked behind him to see The Sightless Seer standing in the doorway. Her appearance had been restored. Her hair was again covered by her white cap. Again she was wearing her white dress, and the white cloak had returned to it's home around her shoulders. Her staff was held loosely in her hand, or so it appeared. Something told Trien that she actually had a rather firm grip on it.

She took a few steps forward, her cloth boots barely making any noise on the hardwood floor. He watched as she sat down next to him, a swift blur of white. He looked down at her as she ran her fingers over the grain in the wood table. It took him a moment to realize, that she didn't know she was doing it. He had just opened his mouth to say something, when she herself spoke.
"A piece of information I will grant you, however, is this. My true name, is Rena."

Her voice had dropped to a whisper, so that only he and the good Father could hear her. Both men stared down at the delicate young girl- no, woman, and wondered how such an innocent creature could have need to fight. Trien then asked her, knowing he would probably be scolded.
"Where are you heading?"

"I am traveling to compete in the Redwood Hero Seeker Event."

A brief period of silence reined, then the strong hearty voice of Father Dominic said.

"You will need assistance getting there, will you not?"

Rena was quiet for a moment, before she nodded. She did no more, she did no less. Trien looked up at Father Dominic, and knew just what he was thinking. He shook his head. The priest gave a sheepish grin. Again, Trien shook his head. They saw Rena shaking her head to the side lightly and wondered why she was doing that.

"It's rather rude to have a visual conversation right next to a blind person, is it not?"

Silence. That's all there was for quite a few minutes. Then Father Dominic burst out laughing. His robust laugh sounded throughout the halls, and several people shook their heads. Trien blinked, looked down at Rena, blinked again, and looked at Father D.

"That's quite impressive of you, to know that. Or was it merely a good guess?"

"It's quite easy to know. You both suddenly stopped talking, and your breathing patterns differed from your normal breathing."

"Wow. You can hear all that?" Trien asked.

Trien was amazed. He couldn't believe this girl was for real. She seemed surreal. It was then he offered, against his normal ethic, to do the thing Father D suggested.

"If you need an escort, I would be honored to guide you to the area of the event."

Trien watched her smile, and couldn't help but smile himself. He watched her give a slight nod, and then stand up. He too stood up, and followed her back to her room. As they walked, Trien thought about the dream he had had the night before. Before he could dwell on it too much however, they came across her room.

Rena inwardly sighed. Why had see agreed to let this paladin guide her to an event that mainly bounty hunters participated in, why? She ran her hand along the wood of the door until she found the handle, and opened the door. She walked in and began packing, carefully running her hands over each item before she placed it in it's appropriate placement.
"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Feel the cloth around each and every thing."

"If I don't, and randomly pack everything, then I can never find anything."

"Why no- oh, I get it. That makes a lot of sense."

"Thank you. Both for the complement, and for offering to accompany me."

"It was Fathers idea, and my gods will. Do not thank me for their good deeds. "

~~~~~~~~~~

Trien looked back at one of the many harbors for lost souls, that were built in the name of Heironeous. He then looked at the girl in front of him. Leaving on yet another quest, for some reason he didn't mind this time. He again looked at Rena, and wondered why she wanted to go to the Redwood Event. Surely she wasn't planning on entering?

Rena walked on, she knew where she was going for a little bit of the time. She had traveled west before, just never so far as Redwood. She hadn't even been to the mountains that came before Redwood. That was the only reason she needed a companion. The only one. She could fend for herself. She could take care of herself. She just couldn't see for herself.

They traveled on, merely walking through the forest, until noon. That was when Trien insisted they stop for the midday meal. He had just gotten out some food when he saw she was already handing him something he hadn't ever seen before. It was two slices of bread, with several different things in between them. There were dried slices of meat, some cheese, and some sort of sauce spread around it.

"What the hell is this?"

"That, is a sandwich. I was taught to make them when I was young."

"So- it is food right?"

"Just. Eat. It. "

Trien shrugged and took it from her. As she began making another, for her, he took a bite of the strange new food. The instant he did, he loved it. It was very hard for him to remember his manners and not shove the entire thing in his mouth. Forcing himself to take slow bites, and chew them well, he finished his sandwich just before her.

They again packed up, her somehow finishing before him, and began to walk again. This time, however, Trien took the lead. Rena and him made light conversation as they walked, and for a while Trien wondered why. She wasn't the kind to talk just to take up time. When he did realize the reason, he felt like a total fool. She had been keeping him talking, so that she would know where he was!
~~~~~~~~~

Rena knew exactly when he came across the reason they had been conversing. He became quiet for a moment, and she had a feeling he was blushing. He kept talking however, this time a bit more loudly. She smiled lightly to herself. For some reason, when Trien did things that normally enraged her, such as talk very loudly, it was amusing.

Trien looked back at her, and had a feeling that she was inwardly laughing at him. He frowned and looked forward, trying to ignore her. His well trained eyes scanned for any path side signs, and found one. He briskly walked up to it, stomping loudly. He read the sign carefully, because it was very faded. He could only guess what it said.

" I can only make out a few letters. I'll read to you what I can make out."

"Please do."

"Tur. . . .ck! T. .anger . . . .h . ad! . o . . ill Di . . . . ert. . . . .eath!"

Rena sighed. It made no sense. If they were lucky, it might be carved into the sign, and she would be able to feel what it said. She reached her fingertips out , and for a moment her hand just wavered around. She felt the wind rush past her fingers, and kept moving it around slowly. After what seemed like hours, her fingers came into contact with the wood. Running her fingers along the sign, she searched for any trace of the missing letters. She concentrated, and searched and searched, but still found nothing.

"Damn."

"What?"

"They painted the letters on."

"And that matters because. . ."

"Had they carved it, I might have been able to figure out what it said."

"That makes sense, also explains why you were running your fingers all over the wood."

Trien turned and began walking. His ears automatically searched for her footsteps, but found none. Worried, he turned back, only to see that she was following him soundlessly. He easily shrugged it off, and began walking yet again.

They hadn't been walking that long when they both heard something. Rena heard it first, and heard it louder, but it didn't matter. The noise came closer and closer and closer. Both instinctively armed themselves. Trien was about to tell Rena to hide when he saw that she was in a fighting stance, her staff her only weapon. They both stood like that for about five minutes, when it came.

'It' was a band of jesters. Trien quickly moved off the path, as did Rena. Trien watched as they all passed by, except for a few. They had noticed two travelers on the road that might be worth checking out. The first one walked up to Rena, and attempted to kiss her hand. The man found himself on the ground a mere moment later, and no one knew how it had happened. Except for Rena, of course.

The other one was a mere lad, who stared up at Trien adoringly. He took in his armor, his sword, his helmet, and his kindly eyes, all with admirement. His eyes then turned to the girl, and his mouth dropped. To him, blind people were people to be cared for, and to be pitied. The instant he saw her regal stance, her calm expression, and the way she avoided his father, he knew that this was no ordinary blind girl.

He took a step forward to speak with her, and ended up falling to his knees, coughing. The instant Rena heard this, she quickly bent down and leaned on her knees, rubbing his back in circular motions, and giving him something to drink. When he still didn't stop coughing, she pulled him onto her lap and did everything she knew of to sooth him. Finally he calmed down.
"S-sorry miss, I, er, that happens sometimes."

"Worry not, I believe your father is worrying enough for the both of you at the moment."

As if on cue, his father rushed forward and hugged him. The man was plainly worried half out of his mind, and Rena couldn't help but do her best to reassure him.

"Worry not, he is fine. I know of a herb that should help sooth his throat when steeped in hot water."

Rena told them of the herb, described what it's appearance was, and again told them how to prepare it. Then she and Trien were off. Just before they were out of sight however, the young boy turned and yelled.

"If you ever require help, look to the Westleaf Troup! That'd be us!"

Rena smiled lightly and, without looking back, waved a hand in farewell. The pair of them traveled on until sundown. It was then Trien got another shock, even though he should have longer ago realized she cold car for herself. For it twas not he who noticed the sun, but Rena! The instant she spoke, he stopped and asked.

"How the hell do you know that?"

"At sundown, certain birds stop singing and others start."

Trien merely blinked, surprised beyond reason. He then turned around, shaking his head, and began to set up camp. Expecting to do it all himself, he was surprised when he watched her set up her bedroll, line up rocks for the camp fire, as well as start preparing food for their evening meal.

"Your never going to stop surprising me, are you?"

"My actions may surprise you, but if that is so it's merely because you have not met another like me."

That’s for sure. Trien then took the food from her and began to finish making it. They ate in silence, allowing Trien to let his thoughts wander to his dream of the previous night, something he had been denied all day.
He was in a bright white room. Only, there wasn't any walls. There wasn't a floor or ceiling either. It was like he was floating in a backdrop of blinding white light. He tried to move, and found he couldn't. It was like his body had been frozen stiff. He could see though, but it didn't matter much when all there was to see was white. "Young Paladin, you will be faced with a mission, in the form of a young girl. For the longest time it will appear like she needs no help. She does. I can not tell you much more Young Paladin, but know this. She will make you think like a man, not a paladin. I will not tell you any more. Remember young one, she will seem like she needs nothing from you, but you have what she needs most." The voice came from nowhere, while at the same time, it came from everywhere. "What? What is it that I have? Who is it that needs my help? Who is it you are? " The words were drawn from his mouth, almost before he had thought them. "I am someone many follow, she is someone many lack belief in. I will tell you no more, no less. . ."

As the voice had faded away, so had his dream. He looked over at the quiet girl, the one named Rena. Was she the one the voice had been speaking of? She did appear to not need his help, was it because she was the one spoken of? Or merely because she actually didn't need his help? The questions kept multiplying in his head, until he wished he could just drown them all out.

"I thank you again."

"Huh?"
Shaken from his thoughts, Trien focused on Rena, and what she was saying.

"You are guiding me when you must have better things to do."

"I told you, It was Father Dominic's idea, and-"

"And your gods will, I understand."

He watched her as she interrupted him, and wasn't surprised she had known what he was going to say. Had the voice really been his deity? Or had he just been dreaming? No more, no less. Those were the words the voice had said as well. He would tell me no more then what he did, and yet. . .no less. How could he tell me less then what he already did?

"Trien, are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. We should get some sleep now."

Rena listened to Trien as he made himself ready for bed. He had taken off his armor before they ate, so he didn't have to deal with that. She heard the sliding of cloth over cloth and knew he had pulled the blanket up over himself. She knew something was wrong. He had been silent all through dinner, hadn't said a word. Knowing enough about him to understand that that wasn't how he normally acted, she worried.

Trien knew she couldn't see, but still felt like she was watching him. He looked over at her and saw that while he wasn't looking, she had wrapped her eye cloth around her hand again. He watched her for a moment, being sure she was sleeping. He then looked at her golden hair. It was still in it's bun, but the hat had fallen off. For some reason, he wanted to see her walk down the road, hair free to the wind, a bright smile on her face. He quickly shook his head. Ridiculous. That's what it is. Ridiculous. He turned away and laid down, but sleep was still far away for him.

Rena woke up first. Tilting her head over at him, she knew she should wake him up. She stood up and walked over to right next to him, but couldn't bring herself to wake him up. She herself had been woken up several times in the night by him tossing and turning. She listened to him for a moment, then turned to start packing up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ayame looked behind her, towards the following group of angry hunters.
"Damn it all to- they're still following us!"

"Ya think! We ate their food! I thought you said you got it fair and square this time Ayame!"

"Oh shove it Kisumi. Your the wolf, why didn't you hunt us up some grub!"

"I had thorns in my paws!"

"Well now we both have thorns in our backsides! Just look behind us!"

"You know, this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't stolen their-"

"I said shove it!"

Ayame was rather tired of getting 'taught' by this wolf. There is most plainly a reason wolves don't talk, and she's running right next to me.

"Hey look! there's someone up ahead!"

"It's two someone’s! One is in armor!"

"It's a paladin!"

"Ya thinking what I'm think Ayame?"

"What?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rena stopped what she was doing. She heard angry footsteps, a large group, then six footsteps a little bit ahead of them. There was someone coming. They were running and obviously in trouble. Suddenly Rena heard a skidding sound, and a large crashing as the two footed person tripped over a pot.

"You've got to help us!"

"Miss, why are they following you?"

"Help me!"

"That wolf just spoke!"

"Just help us already!"

Rena heard the little exchange, and stood up, staff in hand. She heard Trien unsheathe his sword and say.

"Stop! Tell us why you are chasing this young woman and the wolf!"

"They stole some of our food!" The head hunter said.

"Is this true?" This was Rena.

Ayame blushed and scratched her head, sending a few jet black hairs astray.

"Well, erm, kinda. . ."Ayame.

Rena sighed and shook her head.

"You say that, and yet you tried to earn the help of a paladin?" Rena again.

"Well, um, we only were trying to eat.” Kisumi.

"Then hunt for food yourselves!” Another hunter.

"There was nothing to hunt! You had already killed everything!" Ayame.

Rena suddenly felt her chest tighten. How many animals had they killed? She decided to find out, if only because she was in a bad mood.

"How many animals did you kill?"

They gave her a number that made her breath catch. She then turned to face, even though she couldn't see, the head hunter. She felt rage flowing through her veins, and quickly calmed herself.

"You killed that many, and can't even bring yourselves to share?"


"Why should we!" This was yet another hunter.

"Paladin, under your vision and justice, we must punish the thieves!" This was the head hunter, who had completely ignored Rena.

DP
how do the hunters punish Ayame and Kisumi for stealing their food?

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Hey peoples of If! I've been missing for a while, and eyet haven't been missed I'm sure, Because my comptuer glitched majorly. TO make up for it i wrote gthis up! Hope you all like it!

[Mattheus]

Nice story, really enjoyed it.

I think the hunters try to chop a hand/paw as punishment but rena interferes by attacking them. Probably missing something but i'll think on it for a bit more.

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Nice suggestion Mattheus! My brother was thinking along the same lines. He's a bit surprsed someone knows their medieval punishments

[Kirranna]

Hmm...I enjoy the dialogue between Rena and Trien. But one thing that is a little tedious is that he is being constantly surprised, you'd think by the time they run into the jesters he would have given up with the idea that she wasn't self sufficient. I mean he would have prolly heard that she had been blind for years and thusly assumed that she could take care of herself to a certain degree.

Also the small size of the text was kind of straining on the eyes, but there was so much of it I guess I can see why you made it a small font. And one last suggestion I promise- the dialogue between the brother and Rena in the beginning is kind of awkward, at least its format is...

As for the DP I think that Trien should refuse to give them advice on their punishment because he can tell Rena is furious and knows she would like to deal with the situation herself. And then Rena should break an important bone or two in each of the hunters and then threaten to skin one of them for each of a certain amount of animals they had killed unless they swore to her goddess to only take from the forest what they needed...Trien should be impressed by this statement because he knows from her past she would never kill them, but he should still be worried that maybe she would.

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Thanks Kir! those are all awesome suggestions! I really like the one about her threatenign to kill them. It'll be a breif laspe in her cool calm composure, because of the animals pain. If you can't tell, she is very very loyal to her goddess. I really like all your suggestions, and the reason I did it in such small font is because the last tiem i had it regualr and people said it was hard to read. As for the format of writing between Rena and Nick, the brother, I kinda like it being a bit strange. I plan on later making the part before the six years later the prolouge, which might be why it's different from the rest of the story.

[Mephistopheles]

good start ninja girl! could you maybe put it in larger print next time? that was incredibly hard on the eyes. i think that i recall your first sg, and the complaint was, i believe, the lack of spacing between paragraphs. anyways, enough complaining, obviously it didn't strain me so much that i couldn't finish reading it. :)

as for the dp. i believe that rena will interfere by knocking them all out with her staff before any suggestions can be made concerning their punishment. She is really upset at the greed and lack of thought for the animals that the hunters have displayed. That is my suggestion.

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Well, that's probably true. Someone suggested to me that i shoould use a smaller print, so i did, and now it's not working. I'll go fix that. As for yuor DP suggestion, I like it, thanks! I'll wait for two more suggestions, and then put up the poll.

[Crunchyfrog]

Font size 14 is a good one. That is favoured by several writers here. Me, I'll wait until you change it - I can't read it even with my glasses!

:D

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Okay, any suggestions submittedbefore 4:30 my time, it's 4:08 right now, will be put into the poll. The poll should be up by 4:40

[Crunchyfrog]

Good start, Ninjagirl! A lot of thought, work and effort has gone into this, and it is looking to be an interesting tale.

I'm sorry I didn't get to responding before you put the poll up, but have voted. :)

Some technical pointers to consider when you write your next chapter.

Chapter length
An ideal chapter length is somewhere between 1000 and 2000 words, although many of us can identify with finding it difficult to find an appropriate stopping point! My chapters tend to be between 2000 and 2500, other authors go a bit longer.

Spacing
I also remember your last SG and the paragraph spacing is much better on this one.
Since this is being displayed on a computer screen rather than a paper page, it is better to put a space between each line of dialogue.

For example

Quote: "Rena? Why aren't you blinking. . ."

"How can I blink if my eyes are closed?" When she was answered with silence, she shakily asked.

"They. . .are. . . closed. . .right?"

"un-uh." She knew by instict that if she could see, because for whatever reason she couldn't, her brother would of slowly been shaking his head side to side.

"But- that means. . . ."

"You're blind. . . ."

Makes it easier to read.

Well done and keep going! :)

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Thanks! As I have stated before , I have an old program that doesn't give me how many words I have typed, so that doesn't really help me much. I wasn't sure whether or not I should of put spaces inbtween the diolouge, so I didn't. I'll fix that next chapter!

[Crunchyfrog]

Ah, that I didn't know! (or must have missed!) :D

If you want a guage, this chapter was just over 7,000 words. If you translate it to the number of pages it fills in your program, that might give you a rough idea of how much you're doing.

Hope this helps!

:)

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

. . . . 7,000? Wow, oops. I'm wokring on another story right now, I'll be sure to give you the link when I set it up.

[Cyberworm]

I mean WOW! I've managed to rad all 7k words and understood the story!

(yay for me, yay for you! ;) )

It's a good one. A spelling mistake here and there, but the overall quality is pretty high. *high fives NoNi*

Keep up the good work.

:rock:

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Thanks! I'm glad someone enjoys it. I write to entertain others. Now that I hjave five votes, I can finnally *jumps for joy* Work on it again! Yay! :P

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Chapter Two

Anger vibrated through Rena, and Trien could easily sense this. He looked back towards the hunters and said, in a tone he prayed and hoped was honorable,

"I offer no advice."

"What? You are a paladin! Fine, do as you wish. We, however, will do what is just. "

The head hunter turned to Ayame and Kisumi, and pulled out a long knife. His eyes gleamed slightly, and Rena could sense the greed that had corrupted the poor man's soul. She had heard the slide of metal, and knew he intended to cut a hand from Ayame, and a paw from Kisumi.

Ayame was terrified. How the heck was she supposed to survive without a hand? How would Kisumi walk? Did the hunter even care about other at all? She had just taken a step back when a whirl of white and gray spun through the air, hitting the man's hand dead on. He yelped and dropped the knife, taking a step back.

"What the hell was that for!"

"That was for the animals that died needlessly."

"Excuse me? We hunted those fair an--"

"You hunted more then was required!"

The staff blurred again and several of the man fell to their knees, screaming in pain. Rena stood in her calm stiff, knowing manner. Then, in a manner quite uncharacteristic of her nature, she proclaimed loudly.

"For each unneeded animal death I shall kill one of you. All who swear to Ehlonna that they will never take from the forest more then is needed, shall be spared."

Trien was shocked. The rumors had said she never killed, had they been wrong? He stared at her and saw something that the hunters couldn't through their fear. She was stiff, uncomfortable, plainly uneasy with the thought of killing another. He grinned lightly, and then turned to the men. Every last one of them were on their knees, praying to her and their own god.

Ayame looked over at the blind woman. She couldn't be sure that the woman wouldn't kill the men, but something deep down told Ayame very clearly that this woman wasn't the type to take a life. The woman must just want to scare them a bit. Looking down at Kisumi, they both realized that she had just saved their hands, which was awful close to saving their lives.

After ensuring, at least to themselves, that Rena wasn't going to kill them, the men rushed off. The instant they were out of view and earshot, she relaxed. Her back was no longer stiff, and her face was again in it's calm, normal, usual expression.

"I apologize for any fright I may have just given you. As I'm sure Trien here has just realized, I never intended to kill the men."

"Merely scare them half out of their wits." Kisumi said softly, almost under her breath. Ayame was known for her boldness, her bluntness, and her aim. She held true to the first two with her next statement.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you save a bunch of thieves?"

Rena pulled up a hand and began to tick off the reasons with her fingers.

"One, you are not a bunch of thieves, merely two people. Two, they killed innocent animals, much more then they needed to survive. Three, I did not wish to help you, I merely did what I intended and ended up helping you."

Ayame and Kisumi were both struck silent, a very rare occurrence, before Ayame burst out.

"You know what, I like you. May we travel with you both? We ain't really got a destination, so where ever your going's fine with us!"

It was Rena's and Trien's turn to be shocked. Trien would rather go on alone, but glanced towards Rena to see what her opinion was.

"We are heading towards the Redwood Heroseeker Event. If you wish to come along, I do not mind. Be sure to check with Trien first." Rena turned and faced Ayame.

"I am Rena, as you have gathered the paladin is Trien."

"I'm Ayame, the rouge. The fur ball underneath me is--"

"I can introduce myself! I am Kisumi, pleased to meet you."

They all went about the business of packing up camp, then began to walk. As with Trien, It took Ayame a few minutes to realize why Rena kept them talking. In truth, Ayame and Kisumi hadn't really noticed she was blind. They both looked deeper then that.

Ayame and Kisumi both were strange, and plainly not born to this country. Ayame had strange coloring. Her hair, which went down to the middle of her back, was a striking jet black color, and was nearly blue. Her skin was a pale color that seemed to be almost devoid of color, something she dreaded. Her eyes were slightly rounded compared to the natives eyes, and were a strange hazelish brown color. Her lips were unbalanced. Her top lip was thin and slightly dark, whereas her bottom lip was full and had a pinkish color.

She wore tight fitting tanned breeches made of doe hide. Her shirt was tunic style, with tank top sleeves, also tan. Her shirt, however, was actually cotton. She wore mid-calf brown boots that she had filched off of some drunk man at a random tavern. A few meaningless bracelets lay around her wrists, and a gold chain could be seen going under her shirt. A bit daring, she normally painted her eyes and lids, but hadn't this time. Around her right should rested a bow, and on her left a quiver full of arrows.

Kisumi is what Ayame knew to be as a Speaking Wolf. She has the appearance of a timber wolf. She had shaggy but clean pure white fur. She wore, despite her protests, a collar around her neck. The collar was a thin strip of tanned hide, with several beads tied onto it. Though Kisumi had vowed not to tell anyone, Ayame had made it, beads and all.

Rena heard the soft padding of Kisumi's paws, the rather loud crashing of Trien's boots, and the softer but still loud thumping of Ayame's, all suddenly stop. She too stopped, but merely out of confusion.

"What is-"

"Shhhhh."

Ayame and Trien hushed her at the same time. They were scared and both of them were on guard. Rena heard the sound of stretching string and knew that Ayame had an arrow knocked. The near silent slide of metal signaled Trien had unsheathed his broadsword. She herself still knew not the reason, but shifting easily into a fighting stance.

Ayame watched the sliding shadow carefully, eyes and arrow point easily following it's movements. She focused on nothing else. . .and had an arrow wiz right by her head. She quickly turned, but the shooter had vanished. She had just lowered her bow when Rena called out,

"He's still in the same spot! He's using magic to- oomph!"

Her voice was cut off as a man slid up behind her and wrapped a hand around her mouth. She could have easily disarmed and hurt him, but he knew her too well. Her staff was quickly taken away and kicked into he distance. Now she was practically helpless.

Trien felt his lungs tighten when he watched the man holding Rena pull out a dagger.

"Anyone make a move, and the girl here gets hurt. Do what we say and she might get out of this unscarred."

His hand tightened on his broadsword, but there was nothing he could do. A quick glance affirmed that Ayame too, was powerless to help Rena. Or so it seemed. Trien watched and she gave a sliding glace at Kisumi, and as the wolf that had yet to speak ran off into the woods. As a paladin, he didn't doubt for a moment that the wolf would return and help Rena.

Kisumi didn't really know what to do. She knew she had to save them all somehow, but that was the extent of her knowledge. She rounded back and noticed that the men had all lined up, and that there were three of them. The had Trien and Ayame tied to a tree, and one was holding Rena, staring at her intently. Kisumi crawled up close and listened to their conversation.

"You know, I'm not so sure this is the girl."

"She's blind, she's wearing all white, and she had that funky staff. What more proof do you need?"

"Well, for one, she is supposed to be a great bounty hunter, if she is The Sightless Seer, why did we capture them so easily?"

"Who knows, maybe being with others dulled her senses. That paladin guy was being pretty loud."

"Well, let's hurry up and --yeowowowowow!"

The man suddenly jumped up, a large gash across his back. Behind where he had been sitting stood Kisumi, grinning lightly. She had her fur bristling on end, and all three men were at least slightly scared. One of them stood to his feet, the one holding Rena, and Kisumi pounced.

Kisumi felt her leg muscles stretch as she shifted into a jump, and felt the wind fly through her fur. She hit the man square in the chest, knocking Rena out of his grasp. They all scrambled over each other to get her, their lives depended on it, knocking each other back down in the process.

Rena herself was half-crawling, half-walking. She didn't know where she was going, and didn't care much. She just wanted away from the men. She ran her hands along the ground, searching for her staff. Unaccompanied sand sifted through her fingers.

Trien watched Rena, and noticed how pitiful she looked. His hand, which could barely move, was straining against the ropes, reaching for his hidden dagger. Ayame was doing the same, unaware of their similar goals. He felt dread rise up in his throat, he wasn't able to protect her. He wanted so badly to just get out of the ropes and help her with a swing of his mighty blade.

Ayame's thoughts lead less to helping Rena, and more to hurting the bad guys. Badly. She whistled, and Kisumi came over and easily ripped the ropes with her sharp fangs. The instant she was free, Ayame had an arrow knocked in her bow.

Ayame turned and started firing arrows left and right. The men were quick though, and easily dodged them. They kept moving towards her, closer and closer, to lessen her long range power. At the same time, they kept Trien at a distance. Both good-hearted people tried their best, but were not in a good fight position.
Rena went to stand up and help, when Kisumi ran over and made her remain sitting.

"Why are you- I need to go fight Kisumi."

"They feel they need to protect you. If you help them, they will feel useless, and will slowly become useless. By keeping yourself out of this one small fight, you will have stronger allies for your next fights."

Though her advice was sound, Rena was reluctant. She detested having to rely on anyone else, but something told her she would need to in the future. So she sat.

"Damnit!"

Ayame watched them dodge another arrow, and muttered yet another curse. She took a step back and slung her bow back over her shoulder. She swiftly took her dagger out of the sheath hidden in her boot. She slashed around, but the dagger wasn't her best weapon. She gave them a few meaningless cuts, and nearly sliced off the finger of the man nearest to her.

Trien knew Ayame was being rather rough and sketchy with her dagger, but it was helping. They were distracted. He got in close, heaved up his sword, and sent it in a might sweep. The men all felt the hair on the top of their heads, nearly to the scalp, completely cut off.

They all acknowledged that this was just a warning. If they didn't head for the hill's now, they would lose more then just their hair. So they ran like their pants were on fire. Trien watching them grimly.

Trien walked briskly over to her staff, as soon as the men were out of sight, and examined it while he had the chance. It was just a long strip of white wood that was about 6 inches taller then Rena. Then he looked closely at the top. There was a bunch of gray colored medium sized rocks, tied onto 5" pieces of string. It could be considered an aid for the blind, but knowing Rena caused Trien to believe the rocks were actually a weapon aid.

He walked over to Rena, and placed it on her lap. He then stood next to her, ready to help her up if she needed it. He glanced over at Kisumi and Ayame, who were busy making sure the other was okay. He heard the arguing start and sighed.

Rena felt the staff drop and thanked Trien. She promptly stood up, and felt a little queasy. She turned to Trien, and felt her head swim. She didn't know what was wrong, she had seemed fine mere moments ago. It was then that, had Rena been able to see, she would have seen the ground rush up to greet her.


DP
What's wrong with Rena?

[Kirranna]

Vertigo? That sounds kinda silly, but that's the only thing that makes sense.... Oh I know! Neither Trien or Azume noticed the badguy prick Rena with a poison dart or something and she was too agravated and confused to notice, they did it so they wouldn't have to keep an eye on here and know she would be quite asleep for a few days...or something like that. Of course as a rouge, Azume would prolly have some understanding of poisons...

[Crunchyfrog]

Much better, Noni!

Spacing is very good, and much easier to read.

*puts Review Board hat on*

Do you have a spell checker? I noticed quite a lot of typos in this one, that need to be sorted out before this story gets promoted.

A few other techy bits to consider...

Quote: He looked back towards the hunters and said, in a tone his prayed and hoped was honorable,

In a tone he prayed and hoped was honorable

Quote: Ayame was freaked. How the heck was she suposed to survive without a hand? How would Kisumi walk?

Not sure about this. Perhaps saying that Ayame was terrified might be better.

Quote: She then proclaimed in a loud, hearty, and confident, and very unlike her, manner.

It's a little bit clumsy. A suggested alternative...

Then, in a manner quite uncharactaristic of her nature, she proclaimed loudly...

Quote: She couldn't be sure that the woman wouldn't kill the men, but something deep down told Ayame very loudly that this woman wasn't the type to take a life. The woman must just want to scare them a bit. Looking down a Kisumi, they both relized that she had just saved their hands, which was aweful close to saving their lives

Aside from all the spelling mistakes in this passage, is 'loudly' the right word for an inner feeling? Perhaps 'clearly' may be better. :)

Quote: "We are heading towards the Redwood Heroseeker Event. If you wish to come along, I do not mind. Be sure to check with Trien first." Rena turned and faced Ayame

It seems strange that she would ask them to check with Trien. She is a mysterious seer. I think she would either allow them to come along, or take Trien aside and discuss with him first.

Quote: As with Trien, It took Ayame a few minutes to relize why Rena kept them talking. In truth, Ayame and Kisumi hadn't really noticed she was blind. Ayame and Kitsumi both were strange, and plainly not born to this country. - The way this reads it seems that their not noticing Rena's blindness is what makes it plain that they were not born of this country! This last sentence would do better to go in the next paragraph where you have described them very well.

Quote: The battle went on for quite a few minutes, until finally they men ran off like their pants were on fire. Heinous crime! :D You can't dismiss a battle without describing it at least a little!




For the DP - Rena is a sightless Seer, so maybe this is a message or something her sixth sense has picked up that is so terrible that it has caused her to pass out.

[Mephistopheles]

How about a magical enchantment that one of them cast just before he fled, which requires the kiss of a speaking wolf to wake her? the magician didn't realize that such creature was actually there, so he figured it was a rather safe spell, but, the wolf walks over, licks her cheek, and rena awakes promptly.

[Cyberworm]

Maybe when the tree fell on Rena all those years ago and burnt her eyes somehow induced blood coagulation that would now emerge as fatal. Or maybe when the tree fell, a tumor was induced?

I know I'm a bit too serious but it would add some weight to her state. And maybe Rena will have an inside struggle, visualizing the things she heard of in the past, or she thought she heard, therefore rendering a nightmare.

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

:shock: *medical things confuse her* What? I was just going to see how she was sick, I mean I have no idea what those are*calls up grandma-who is a nurse* Great I deas though! They certainly add some spice to the story. They also make me neeed to research.

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

SO many suggestions! I apologize for how rushed it seemed, I was sneaking on when I did this, and needed to print it out for something in school today. I'll fix it when I get how, don't have time right now. Thanks! Y'all cmae up with things I didn't even consider.

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Th ere you go! A battle seen, as well as a bit of advice given out to Rena. I edited the thigns pointed out by Crunchy frog, and hope y'all like this verson a bit better, keep the suggestions comeing! Whatevers given before staturday(it's wed) will be put in the poll. If anyone thinks I should wait longer, I'll do as such

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Sorry 'bout the glitch, the first thing is actully the poison one, so note: first poll option is really

The badguys poisoned her, and as a rouge, Ayame notices this immedently.

the seacond one and thrid and forth are what they appear

[Crunchyfrog]

OK there's something up with this poll. The first option has come up twice, but if you vote for it, your vote gets added onto the duplicate option and is counted twice.

Three people have voted for the first option including the Head Eater which has been used to test the poll.

Please discount the Head Eater vote - so the first two options - 6th Sense and Kiss of a Wolf are in a tie situation at the moment.


:)

[Crunchyfrog]

Noni, can you leave this poll open, please? I'm letting Key know about the problem and it would be great if you could leave this open to test.

Cheers!
CF

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

Uhh, okay then I'll just put this on hold then, heh, I guess that means I can't go on with this storygame just yet heh.

[Crunchyfrog]

You can still carry on, Noni, I've quoted the results of the poll as it is at the moment, minus the vote from the Head Eater which was a test.

That means you have a tie between the sixth sense causing a fainting spell, and a magic spell cast that requires the kiss of a talking wolf to wake her.


With a tie, you can either vote yourself, or combine the winning options in your next chapter. Unless of course you would prefer to wait for someone else to vote.


:)

Quote:

What's wrong with Rena?

Her sixth sense cause her fainting spell due to an uncommenly terrible 'sight'
33% [ 2 ]
Her sixth sense cause her fainting spell due to an uncommenly terrible 'sight'
33% [ 2 ]
One of the men cast a spell on her thatt would require the kiss of a speaking wolf to wake her up.
22% [ 2 ]
The tre that fell on her long ago and knocked her eyes out of ailment cause some grave medical condtion, which resulted in her passing out this many years later.
11% [ 1 ]

Total Votes : 9
Who Voted: Crunchyfrog, Cyberworm, Kirranna, Mephistopheles, Novelest_Ninjagirl

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

WARNING!!!! CURSE WORDS AND EXPLITIVES IN THE CHAPTER BELOW!DO NOT READ IF SENTITIVE!!!!!



Chapter Three

"Damn it all to hell and fucking back again! They've fucking cast a god damn fucking spell on her!"

Though he was a paladin who spent most of his time amongst the corrupt, Trien couldn't help but grin inwardly at what Ayame probably assumed was major cussing, when really she was talking like a babe compared to some of the things he had heard. He angled his head down to the sleeping girl, and asked,

"How can you tell?"

"I- um- We- erm. There isn't an easy way to say this, but it's a trait of those of my village. I can't tell what
spell they cast though."

Kisumi looked the girl over, while Ayame and Trien tried to make sure she was comfortable. Finally Kisumi smiled in a way only a wolf can, and said proudly,

"I know what's wrong."

"Really?" This was said by both Trien and Ayame

"She’s been put to sleep--"

"Duh."

Kisumi glared at Ayame.

"As I was saying, She's been put to sleep. This spell can be broken by the kiss of a speaking wolf, something they must have guessed I wasn't."

Kisumi bent her head and softly licked Rena's cheek. Though they couldn't see it, her eyes flickered open. With a muffled grunt that might have been a mild curse, she sat up.

"I'm sorry about that guys, really really sorry. "

"Don't worry about it, I'm a paladin, I'm here to help others!"

Trien exclaimed as he hefted himself up, inwardly cursing the heaviness of his armor. He turned and began walking west yet again, with Ayame, Kisumi, and Rena following close behind.

They were walking on a old trail, that by all means appeared safe. Still, Ayame couldn't shake off the feeling that they were in danger.

"We're being watched."

The quiet tone Rena used alerted the rest of them that they should go on pretending that nothing had happened, nothing had changed. They managed it too, until Ayame suddenly pulled up short. Then it was obvious that they knew.

"We have two choices, we can keep on going until they finally attack, or we can stand our ground."

The whisper was so soft none of them knew which of the others had said it.

They all knew that standing their ground would not be the best choice at the moment, the ground was rocky and the sound of gushing water was distant, but loud. Carefully stepping forward, Rena went on. She knew that they were watching her and Ayame the most, and suspected they were a troupe of the kind of people she took bounties off, villains basically, who happened to be looking for a good time.

Ayame hated this quietness, this suspension. She couldn't stand it! Something had better happen soon, or she would explode! As if on cue, a long rickety bridge came into view, several planks missing from the waterlogged and rotten planks of wood. The ropes appeared to be on their last stretch, and Ayame’s gaze went first to Trien, then to Rena.

Trien looked down at his heavy armor. He hadn't ever really been seen without it. . .But right now it was his armor, or his life. He looked across the way and saw that he had no other way of getting across. His armor needed replacing anyway. . .With a sigh, he took it off.

Ayame looked over at Trien now. Without the bulky armor, his lean frame was apparent. He had shiny blue eyes that were the color of the sky above them. His hair was floppy and hung low over his eyes, a brownish color that seemed on the borderline of black. He now wore, and had worn under his armor, tan breeches, a cotton short sleeve shirt, and a pair of well broken in boots.

Rena heard the wind rushing below her, and had guessed what was going on. she aimed her head towards Ayame and Kisumi. They seemed, to her, to be the most sure footed, and the lightest of those who could see. Tasting a bitter flavor in her mouth, she began to speak to wash it away.

"Ayame, Kisumi, why don't you two go first? Kisumi, if you wouldn't mind, do you think you could run across first? To make sure it won-"

"I'll go, don't worry."

Kisumi turned to the bridge and thanked the stars she wasn't scared of heights. She bent down, then dashed forward, testing each plank with her paw, while still being prepared to dash to the closest edge if it seemed to have any sign of giving way. Feeling the dirt again underneath her paws she turned to the rest of them and nodded, yelling that it was okay.

Before any of them crossed, they shifted the packs around so that everyone weighed about the same. Rena ran her thumb along the grain in her staff, aware that there was no way to ensure that if they fell, it would remain with her.

Ayame watched Rena, and saw what Trien had trouble reading. She saw that, for whatever reason, The staff was close to Rena.

Rena felt long slim fingers wrap around her own, and angled her head from her staff to the person.

"Ayame?"

"I'll carry your staff for you."

"Really? Why would you--"

"Look, I may not know much about you, in truth, I known practically nothing, but I know your my friend. I care for my friends, and care for what they care. It's plain that your staff holds some importance to you, perhaps you made it yourself, but I know that I'm always willing to help out a friend."

As she often did, Rena compared her present day reactions to that of her young self, the one who could see. The child Rena would have jumped into Ayame’s arms with a hug, but she merely inclined her head in thanks and let go of the staff.

Ayame went first, and Rena followed behind her. Trien hesitated a moment, then walked behind Rena. Ayame was faster footed then the others, so she had made it to Kisumi by the time they were half-way. It was then they heard it. The sickening sound of ripping rope that sounds it's worst when rope is the very thing between you and death.

Before they could move though, the two ropes that attached the bridge to the side behind them broke, and they began to rush towards the canyon wall. Driven by instinct, Rena grabbed the plank that ended up in front of her when the bridge switched so that the things that had been below them would now be in front of them.

Trien had had previous training, and knew that in this case, it was best to hold onto the ropes. When the impact hit, he watched as the board Rena clutched to broke, and as she fell back. To him it all splayed in slow motion, he leaned back and let got of the rope with one hand and grabbed Rena's hand. She fell down into the wall beneath him, and heard Ayame yell.
"Hold on! I'm going to get you up!"

Rena had thought her fear of heights went away along with her sight. She was wrong. Not being able to see how far it is to the ground, oh, that only made it all the worse. She felt wind rushing around her feet, and clutched tighter to Triens hand, grabbing it with her other hand as well.

Trien watched as a rope fell, and was thankful that Ayame had gotten the pack with the rope. In order to keep them both safe though, Rena would have to grab the rope first. Straining, he lifted her hands to the rope.

"Rena! You need to grab onto the rope with one hand, then grab it with the other hand."

"How can I grab what I can't see!"

"It's next to your hand!"

Had they not been in mortal danger, Rena might've blushed. She tentivly and trustingly let go of Trien with one hand, grasping the rope. She clutched onto it with her hand then moved her other hand so that she was clutching the rope.

She then began to climb up the rope. Something told her that she was in danger, but she brushed it off as her fear of heights. Just when her hand grasped the ground, she felt strong big hands grasp her wrists and tug her up.

Trien was lugged up with a great deal more effort, but they got him up. The instant he saw the evilly grinning bandits, he should have reached for his sword. Instead, his gaze searched for Rena, who was tied on the ground along with Ayame, and Kisumi. By the time he recovered and would have reached for his sword, he was being tied up himself.

To transport them to their camp, Ayame and Rena were slung over someones shoulder, Kisumi, who was hog-tied, and Trien were being dragged. They had all been gagged, and Rena was quite a sight with both her eyes and mouth covered in cloth. It didn't help much that the cloths were as different as can be.

Rena was scared. She could hear, but without her staff or use of her hands, she was helpless. She heard them whispering, but it was all useless information. What can I do? She tried to squirm away, but someone quickly hit her, making her go still.

Trien watched in fury as that man hit Rena. It was all he could do not to break the binds and attack, but he restrained himself; knowing he couldn't risk them killing anyone before he got to them. In his mind he wished he could do many things to help, but he was useless. Forgive me Heironeous.

Ayame and Kisumi glanced at each other, neither had any idea how they were going to get out of this one. Unlike most rouges would have, Ayame didn't wonder if deciding to travel with Trien and Rena was a good idea, after all, she had great loyalty to her friends. Why else would she have stuck around a speaking wolf that needs to learn how to shut up. Shaking her head slightly, she tried to think of a way out of this mess. Damn it all to hell and back again, I still got nothing!

Kisumi wanted to shut her eyes and die. A speaking animal, reduced to being dragging in a hog-tied position! Her pack would forsake her if they could see this. She longed to bite the arm of the man who was dragging her, but, much like Trien, she couldn't risk the others safety. Don’t know how we're going to get out of this.

The men dragged them a bit further before tying cloth over the rest of their prisoners eyes. After what seemed like hours to the entire group; they were plopped onto the ground roughly, and a voice was heard.

"Well, well, well, seems we have more people to play with. Two girls for fun, a wolf for hunting, and a male for joining our group. Take the gags off them."

A single bandit walked up to the voice as the eyes cloths were removed from Trien and Ayame.

"Sir."

"What?"

"The girl in white, she was wearing a white cloth over her eyes already."

"So?"

"We believe she is blind."

"Well, duh!"

The bandit lowered his head and turned back around. After a few moments, everyone was sitting against a tree and was facing the leader. He was a tall largely built man, one who plainly had a lot of skill behind his blade. His hair was completely shaved off, even his eyebrows. His eyes were brown, and held a cruel cynical, yet joking look. Rena could sense the evil inside him, even though she could not see.

"Here's how it is. I have gone a long time without being entertained. No one has been able to make me feel any emotion other then greed. So, I capture people, give them a chance to help me, and if they fail, I do with them what I will. If they manage to do the simple task I set, I set them free. "

"What if only one of the group does it?" Rena asked quizzically.

"Then I set everyone they traveled with free. "

The man turned and grinned down at Rena. His smile wasn't really a smile at all, merely a movement of lips. The man knew one thing, they would fail, as everyone before them had, and then this creature would be all his.

Trien felt rage gurgle in his gut when he saw the expression on the bandit leaders face, and knew along what path his thoughts were taking. He knew one thing, if it came down to it, he would kill every man here to keep their grubby hands away from Rena. He glanced at Ayame and saw the rage flaring in her eyes. He guessed she too wanted to kill the man in front of them.

With a grin, The bandit leader glanced at Trien. So, were this not a paladin, I would guess the woman was his. Since he is a paladin, I guess she must be a sister of his or something. The man then turned his back and began walking towards his chair.

"In a few moments, my men will untie you and you will have a few minutes to decide what to do to entertain me. After which, you will do it. Then, your fate will be decided."



dp
What do they do to entertain the bandit leader?

[Cyberworm]

Apart from afew spelling mistakes and time lapses, I'd say this was a good chappy. :) Nice to see ya still writing this, NoNi.

Rena is their ace in the sleeve. She is amazing. If her staff is still intact, she could easily beat five or six men. And she is blind too. I think the head of the gang needs a bit of action, and seeing a girl in action is a good change from watching men fighting each other.

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

nice idea, but i forgot to put in th DP, heh,
What preformance do they put on
it's not likely that man will give them back their weapons ya know, I like your idea anyway, and it might work out.

[Mephistopheles]

how about a re-enactment of 'The Aristocrats' joke, mime style? that could satisfy two needs, if done right ;)

The chappy was entertaining, but it seems to me that you got rushed and wanted to get it posted before even taking the time to edit it. Still, good job on it :)

[Novelest_Ninjagirl]

um, it would help if i kknew that joke, wouldn't it? Anyway, about the editing, your probaby right.

[Mephistopheles]

I could pm you a version of the joke. Though, honestly, it would have been a funnier reply if you had already heard it before :)

so, if it is entertainment that they want, how about a minstrel like telling of a tale. Rena can say that she needs her hands free in order to tell the tale. The captors don't know that her disability is not debilitating, so they agree to this. what harm can a blind chick do to them? the tale is of thieves who capture some people, and they are forced to entertain the captors in order to to gain their freedom, but in the tale, the minstrel kills everyone before finishing her story. The captors ask how this is possible, and Rena, who has gotten near enough to one of the guys to take his weapon, removes it from him and illustrates the point.

i would tell you the joke in reply here, but i don't want to add a warning to a reply right now.