Leon
He had a point though he wasn't making her options any easier. It bothered her that he was still placed in harms way due to her desperation for the Amulet but knew he wouldn't appreciate her continuing their discussion about whether or not she owed him. Instead, she shifted her attention to Priscilla who was still by her husband's side. 

The woman was sitting on top a stool she had brought to the bedside with her hands clasped together, praying for Mafalda to send her husband the strength he needed to recover. She was lucky the two had arrived when they did, if it had been any moment sooner, Priscilla was certain she would have had to live her life as a widow. Something she dreaded as it meant her husband would no longer be by her side. Marsila wondered what had lead them to the situation they were in but found it inconsiderate to ask. 

"I will stay with you until you're in better shape." Was her final decision, turning her gaze back to Rekkan whilst scanning over his body. She at least owed him that, not that she would tell him considering his disagreement that she owed him.
Edward
It turned to fear to... Confusion? Did he hear her right?

"You're..._what_?" He asked, obviously shocked by the news. 

"But... But _how_?" He said, trying to find the word.

Eric had shot up in the bed his hands to his head in surprise.
Joseph
"You _know_ how. But we've got bigger problems, I'm about to find myself running Astoria in the Queen's place. Which means I'm about to be much more of a public figure than I _already_ am for who knows how long. This could be a month long journey, but knowing Anya, it will be at _least_ three of four months before she returns." Angelica exhaled. 

"And you've just been given a title. A _genuine_ title and a keep in the largest city in our holdings. You're about to be part of a legacy that will be written about in history books, I'm not keen on starting that off with a bastard, are you?"
Edward
Eric knew what she was asking of him, and he looked at her, his mind racing a million miles a second. A child, _his_ child, he was going to have a child. His heart pounded, now not with surprise or fear but with affection. "Angelica..." He said, quietly, as she finished rambling his kissed her on her lips, it was only for a second. After he pulled away, "I _love_ you. And no, I do not want it to be strapped with that burden, I suppose this isn't an exactly orthodox way, but..." Eric took her hand into his and held it, "Will you marry me and be Lady Stafford?" Eric asked, an affectionate smile on his lips.
Joseph
"Nothing in our lives is very orthodox, Eric." She reminded him, and gave a small nod. "I'm glad you feel that way about it, because I was really not looking forward to watching you leave for Stormalong and never seeing you come back. But yes I'll marry you, and the sooner the better." She told him, squeezing his hand that held her own. "I'm sure we could pull something together before the month is out."
David
Rekkan nods at the words of the shifter girl and lets his smirk slowly fade into a blank expression. His eyes slowly close until they are shut and his lips utter a sound that can be heard as "Thanks." Not too soon after that, the guy is falling into his own conscience, or subconscious. If he dreams or not, it's not for him to say. The guy probably won't remember, or will forget soon after waking up.

He does seem to rest soundly, feeling safe around Marsila. The guy is happy he met her, truth be told, because she seems to have some good notions of life over her neck. Or at least she radiates some kind of vibe that the guy can synchronize with. Who knows how long he will be able to rest? There's a chance he might be woken in the middle of the night, as many possibilities branch from living in this place. It may be a safe haven for now, but who's to say those thugs won't come back? And on the other side of the house, in the bedroom, the wife seems to be making a choice as well, maybe one that will lead the couple's departure from the town.
Edward
"You know, Angelica, you are terrifyingly effcient at things. So, we are engaged then? I should get you a ring." He said quietly. "Do you prefer a private ceremony or...?" He realized he was rambling like a mad man. "I am rambling, sorry... I just never imagined I would be a lord. Who would be getting married, with a... A child... On the way..." He said, shaking his head.
Joseph
The blonde gave a laugh, and with it the tension in her shoulders lifted. Her hands moved to her cheeks and she was once more glad he couldn't see her fully. Her smile grew with the way he rambled and she shook her head. "I _genuinely_ have no preference. We could elope tomorrow for all I care. But, considering your title, something a little public might be better, especially considering an elopement always looks like a bastard situation." Her blue eyes moved to the ceiling thinking on it. "If you give me a week, I can pull together a ceremony in Stormalong, something to celebrate our marriage and your-" She paused as a realization hit her. "Our? New titles."
Leon
She didn't say a word as she watched Rekkan fall into a slumber, relieved he was able to manage it. Whenever Marsila was injured, the pain would prevent her from falling asleep and if she was able to, she'd become restless. 

Standing up from the chair she was in, Marsila decided that she would be free to dress herself whilst in the room with Rekkan. He was passed out, knowing this from his steady breaths and slowed heartbeat so she didn't need to worry about him watching her. Priscilla walked into the room and noticed the shifter dressing before her cheeks flushed a deep red. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were changing your clothes." 

"It's fine." She commented as she threw the shirt over her head. It slid over her lean frame with ease before she noticed the woman was about to leave. "No, stay." 

Priscilla stopped mid stride before looking over her shoulder confused to why she was asked to stay. She was lucky she was the same size as the woman, it seemed that her day had been filled with luck after all the shit that had gone down. Once she was dressed, Marsila lowered herself down on the chair from before, not wanting to leave Rekkan's side. Her gaze never left Priscilla, she was hoping she could trust this woman. 

"Do you know where I could get my hands on a wagon?" She had already thanked her earlier for the clothes so now she was ready to bombard Priscilla with questions. 

"I may know someone who has one to sell but that is all, can I ask why?" Was her instant reply to which Marsila answered without missing a beat. 

"My companion and I are in need to leave Astoria when we have the chance. Transportation would be important, especially with the shape Rekkan is in." As she said this, Marsila looked towards the injured male, not understanding why he had to help her even though he had already given his answer. It just didn't make sense to her. "How would I find this friend of yours?"

Priscilla sauntered towards Rekkan, she made sure not to touch the sleeping man in fear that she would wake him so instead she observed him. Due to her having to take his shirt off when he had his wounds cleaned and stitched, making sure they were properly taken care of and she had no mistake that could risk infection. Pleased with her handiwork, the woman turned to Marsila who waited patiently for her answer. "I can lead you to him. It's only a couple blocks away.

Marsila didn't know whether she was worth trusting or not but in the shape Rekkan was in, she had to take the risk. She felt uneasy to the thoughts of leaving Rekkan and her husband behind as they were both injured, if anyone was to find the large man, they wouldn't hesitate to turn him in or attempt to take his life. As she thought over their options in her mind, Marsila realised that they may have inadvertently placed the couple in danger. "Please do." She was tempted to warn Priscilla of the danger she may have been in but decided to discuss it later. The shifter didn't want to worry her more than she had been, she didn't know how the woman would react nor did she want to find out.

Priscilla gave Marsila a warm smile, glad she had agreed to let her show the way as she was hopeless when it came to directions. "Perfect, though I need to ask." She began with a nervous tone. "Ever since the fire broke out at one of the warehouses, all the crooks in town have began fighting with one another and the people who are just trying to live their lives. My husband and I were only walking to gather some herbs for me to work with when we were attacked. Would we be able to travel with you two? We don't feel safe where we are." 

Marsila felt a sense of guilt after Priscilla asked if they were able to ride with them. The woman didn't realise it was the two she allowed into her home who were responsible for the fire. The shifter would keep that information from her and instead nodded in agreement. "Yes that is fine, I need to write a letter and then we will leave." 

In fear that Rekkan would wake up earlier than planned, Marsila made sure to leave the large male a note explaining where she was and what she was doing. Meanwhile, Priscilla had left to gather her belongings, surprising Marsila when she struggled to walk out with many books in her arms. She didn't question the woman, instead she offered to carry half. After she was content that Rekkan wouldn't worry about her and Priscilla's whereabouts, the two took off to find the woman's friend.
David
Sound.

Rekkan listens to several footsteps, some screams. He opens his eyes and remembers the pain in his chest, though it has grown numb with time. His sight is a blur, dark brown irises obfuscated by the watery reflection of rousing tears. The footsteps echo away, as does the shouting. He doesn't understand what that was about, but isn't about to stand up and check. The aching flesh makes it hard, especially after laying down for so long. The wanderer takes his left hand to his eyes, rubbing each with his knuckles. A yawn escapes his lips as he stretches his back involuntarily. His awakening is cut short and rudely advanced by the sharp pain of his broad chest's fiber stretching. He grunts, gritting teeth.

Aware, his eyes roll to the left as he turns his face. When the man doesn't see Marsila next to him, he calls out for her. The shouts that served only to wake him up now alarm him. Where could that girl be? He doesn't believe she has left him already. Rekkan slides his feet first from the couch and to the floor. Barefooted, he feels the cold of the ground against his warm, callused skin. His right hand grasps the apex of the old couch's back, helping him raise his upper body. Rekkan continues to grunt through each action, resting for a moment while he sits. What a bother. However, it's nothing like earlier. The pain settles for that moment of relaxation and the guy uses this to force himself up into a stand. His body is dripping, cold sweating he cannot explain. Perhaps a nightmare has visited him, though he has surely forgotten it by now. He wipes his forehead with his right forearm, looking around the dimly lit room. With his eyes, he finds a note, walking to it and picking it up to read. It is Marsila's. She wrote that she went outside with Priscilla to buy supplies. She will be back soon. The guy worries. From the screams he heard in delirium, it sounds like a war zone. Thinking back on the killing of the overlords of crime of town, he blames himself.

With a clench of his hand, Rekkan crumbles the note inside of his formed fist. He tries to walk closer to the window and peeks outside. Not long after the women left, there seems to have been a feud between gangs. Bodies are scattered on the ground, pools of blood under them. He turns on his heel, slowly so, and uses his right hand to support against the wall and walk to the door that leads to the couple's room. He opens it to find the man laying in bed. This one got the worst of the beatings. Rekkan is glad his face doesn't look so swollen already. If only his stitched chest could recover as quickly. What a fool for losing his awareness back then.

Best to leave the man to his deep slumber and recovery. Rekkan walks back by the couch and finds his dagger on the floor. It must have fallen at some point. He tries to squat, but his chest begins to burn in pain. Instead of trying harder and risking a rupture of the stitches, the warrior gives up and sighs. He adjusts the chair to face the distant doorway that leads to the outside and takes its seat. He lays his back against the wooden chair and leans his head back on its top. With his eyes closed, he mutters a wish. "Be safe, Marsila." They open, first to meet the ceiling, then to meet the door in front of him. His head follows in tow and has him glad his neck didn't get damaged, at least not as much as the rest of his body, especially his previously open chest. He thinks about where to go next and how, knowing not that his own thoughts are the same as the shifter. The difference is she is already applying practice to bring them to existence while he ponders his next step. He truly believes that the girl will separate from him soon. After all, there are no ties that hold them together, no favors or promises.

Thinking about it makes his head light, then sleepy. His eyes draw to a close again, only to wake up minutes later and without a word from the girl. Worrying, but he keeps to staying awake now, waiting for her return. He takes it a step further and focuses on his core. Spirits, troubled, are chained to the bodies that fall prematurely. Unable to move his body, Rekkan decides to hum and chant in a low, quiet tone. Where holy orders and angels forget the souls of the fallen in these twisted souls, the man beckons them to draw closer to his being and follow his pulsing energy to return them to the fold. Streams of empty consciences and bright ether converge in his spirit walk. They are guided to one of the many rivers of souls that exist beyond.

Time passes.
Leon
Rekkan hadn't been exaggerating about the small war that brew between the people of the town, along with travellers caught in the mess. Priscilla and Marsila were able to escape most of the brawls, using the shifter's senses to their advantage. It wasn't until they were a street away from their destination that two thugs came upon them. Marlisa was less then pleased about the criminals who were now blocking their path though it did give Marsila an idea for two horses they rode on. The moment the two large animals drew closer towards them, Marsila could sense their curiosity towards the shifter as her scent had been far from human. 

"Well ain't it our lucky day. Two women for our pleasure." Said the scruffier looking male. His mousy blonde hair had been dishevelled along with the clothes he wore though the neatly trimmed goatee that decorated his chin contrasted against his unkempt appearance . It was apparent that he didn't care for the way he looked compared to his mate. The other male was dressed in a deep v-neck jacket painted black which remained open to reveal a plain white shirt underneath. He didn't have any hair growing from his scalp or his face, instead they had been shaved clean. 

"Maybe we could sell them after we are done." His partner commented in front of the girls, purposely trying to make them squirm as he slid off the saddle's leather. He gripped onto the cantle for balance to avoid tripping over his feet once they landed against the ground. Marsila was instant when she clasped her fingers around Priscilla's arm and dragged her behind herself. The woman almost tripped from the shock of being pulled, distracted by the image of her husband being beaten to the pulp that replayed in her head. The two men on the other hand were conversing with eachother like the two girls were nothing but a slab of meat. This gave Marsila a chance to turn towards Priscilla.

"No matter what happens, don't interfere." The woman almost laughed at Marsila. She didn't need to be told this, Priscilla hadn't planned on going anywhere near them. The shifter was put to ease by her reaction before she turned back towards the thug's who tied their horses to a post. Striding towards them, Marsila curled her fingers into a balled fist when she realised she had left her dagger back at the house. She couldn't feel the cool metal against her ankle like it usually did when she kept it hidden, so she would have to fight using her fists. 

Priscilla stepped back with every step they took in their direction. "Hey now missy, we need you too. Better to have two than one alone." He chuckled, eyeing the woman over with a lustful stare. When the blonde went to pass Marsila, the shifter stood in his way at the last moment, causing the thug to look towards her in amusement. "What? You don't want your friend having the attention?" He asked in a teasing manner. 

Her hand was a blur until it connected with the man's face, hitting him directly on the nose with an audible crack. Blood abruptly rivered from his nostrils, angering him as he reached up to cover the centre of his face with his hands. "What the fuck?!" 

As his friend neared to see the damage she inflicted and furrowed his brows. "Damn this chick has a punch to her." He began before turning to the woman with an amused grin which didn't last long as the moment his gaze reached hers, Marsila didn't waste a minute with forcing her foot against his abdomen. He wasn't anticipating her attack as he was thrown a few feet back from the strength of her kick. He was left winded against the ground but was able to lift himself back up, his eyes glaring towards Marsila with the humour leaving his face. He was pissed.

Meanwhile Marsila had turned her attention to the blonde who had pulled out one of his own blades though this had double edges compared to her own that she had left behind. It was a tactic to scare the girl. He hadn't intended on using it, instead he wanted to install fear so Marsila and Priscilla wouldn't cause them any more issues. The shifter looked towards the dagger as any emotion she had before dropped from her face. "You're joking." Was her comment before lunging towards him as she had no weapon herself and knew he would slice up her arm if she attempted to throw punches. Sure she would heal but it still cause her pain. As she forced her shoulder into his chest, the blade was plunged into the side of Marsila's ribs though the adrenaline was quick to dim her suffering significantly. The man was thrown against the ground and the shifter waisted no time as she rushed towards him and straddled his chest before he had the chance to realise what had just happened. 

"Behind you!" Priscilla screamed out as the shifter grabbed both sides of his face and slammed it against the earthen floor, rendering him unconscious. The bald thug's foot connected with Marsila's head, dazing her as her body hit the ground after sliding off the unconscious man. A small groan left her lips as she could feel the headache form. A hand grasped her arm and flipped the shifter onto her back. Before she realised what was happening, Marsila felt the thick hands around her neck and a weight on her stomach, cutting the oxygen so she wasn't able to breath. Her eyes widened as she could feel her head growing light, her fingers clawed at his hands with desperation. As the adrenaline began to ware off, the pain in her ribs reminded her that there was a blade currently sticking out of her to which she used when she pulled it out from her flesh and plunged it into the man's temple.

The weight of his hands ceased though she was now crushed by the large man with his blood falling freely on top of her. Using the strength she had left, Marsila dragged the corpse off her body before shakily standing. She rubbed against the fading bruise on her neck, hating that she allowed herself to be distracted which resulted in the man holding an advantage over her when he kicked her in the back of the head. Priscilla raced to Marsila, fearing she was wounded heavily but was surprised when she lifted the shifter's shirt to find the laceration was now a small scratched that marked her skin. "How? I saw the dagger literally stick out of your body."

"I'll explain later." Without another word, Marsila walked towards the horses that had been tied to a post. "This was a blessing in disguise if you ask me." She continued, hoping that Priscilla wasn't stressing over the scene she had witnessed. Marsila was quick with untying the horses and calming them down as they started to back away before she managed to lift herself up onto one of the saddles. Looking back at Priscilla, she watched as the woman copied her without complaint, finding herself riding on the large mare. 

The two continued their journey until they reached her friend's house. Marsila realised what the books had been for when Priscilla traded them in for the wagon, the shifter didn't enjoy her swapping her belongings in exchange for the wagon but kept her comments to herself. The books must have been significant as she found the trade to be unfair towards the male. 

Once they sorted the horses and the wagon, Priscilla hid away inside the carriage whilst Marsila rode at the front, directing the horses back to the house they were resting in. They made sure to avoid any Main Street which proved useful as they had found themselves back to the small house Rekkan and the husband were in without crossing paths with other criminals.
David
Rekkan closes the process of guidance and feels the atmosphere around the house to lighten. It has been a long time since he last performed such a rite and, even though his soul is weary, his body feels refreshed from the spirit walk that the man executed. In a way, it has aided him in feeling comfortable with himself where his physical shape has been faltering. Now, he just needs to wait for Marsila, who is taking her sweet time in the accounts of how the hours pass.

"Priscilla...?"

The voice of the husband makes Rekkan open his eyes. The shimmer of red fades, bringing about his normal dark brown hue. The warrior rises from his seat with some difficulty and goes to the door on the back, the same he opened to see the man lying in bed, unconscious. It seems that he has awakened now.

Not to startle the man, Rekkan knocks first before opening the door. His large frame enters the bedroom to find a man in a state of delirium. "Wh-who are you..?! No, no!! I have nothing!! Where is Priscilla?! Where is my wife?! Leave her alone!! Stay back!! Stay back!!" He tries to calm the man by raising his hands in front of his body. "Easy. Your wife went on an errand with my friend. They will be back soon. She patched you and I up, aww?" As true as Rekkan tries to be, the man's bulging and bloodshot eyes do not see a wounded figure in front of him. Sweat runs down the husband's beaten face and drenches his bandages. He looks pretty shook, but how he acts is worse than that. "No, no, no!! Stay away!! What did you do to my wife?! My wife!! Where is she?!" Poor guy. The warrior sneers with teeth clenched. Like an animal. That's not the reaction he should have had. This man isn't stable right now, not physically and not at all mentally. His eyes, red with exhaustion and from the trauma of being beaten into a pulp, see a monster before him glaring with bright red eyes. It's as if he can see through the flesh and see one of the spirits swirling around Rekkan's core, Vicious.

"Monster!! MONSTER!!!" Rekkan shakes his head, lips curled as he tries to assess the situation. If this keeps up, neighbors and maybe worse characters will be drawn to inspect this house, especially after the dangerous parts of town became a war zone. Rekkan rushes to the man's side, making him try to rise from the bed and back away, only to be cornered against the wooden frame of the bed. "Easy, I said. You will open your wounds. Your wife will be here shortly." Rekkan takes the shoulders of man to restrain him, though in his injured state it is hard to manage his strength. He inadvertently hurts the man in sore muscles and bandaged injuries. "Gods!!! Gods, save me!!!" Damn the madman. If only Priscilla was here, things could be different. However, the warrior is met with a disturbing feeling. His eyes widen at the the turn of his face, he witnesses the destruction of the wall as that feeling just becomes more and more aggravating. Two faces, one beaten and the other rugged, twist. One is horrified and the in a deep frown to the appearance of a behemoth of a... Man? A grotesque being with parts all down together by large and small stitches throughout his—its body.

"Uuuaaaaaagh!!!!" After an ear-raping scream, the man passes out from the disgusting sight. Maybe it is best this way, for he won't try to run away and most likely open all of his wounds in the process. Rekkan, on the other hand, is thinking how the hell he didn't sense this thing approaching. That's when he feels, or rather doesn't, the hollow state of the being. It is like a vessel with nothing inside, no spirit, no heart. How can it be standing and grunting, moving its hulking mass towards the warrior? It cares little for the man laying on the bed, which brings the realization that the hunt has already begun. How much must the guy's head cost for a monster like this to show up here? Rekkan takes a deep breath, working an effort to stand before the monster and try to throw a punch against its broad and steeled abdomen. Where the man towers over other humans, this creature easily surpasses him, head grazing the ceiling. It grabs the man's body with a massive hand and throws him against the wall opposite to the bed, breaking through structure to collapse on the ground of the living room. Fuck. He's not even fully recovered it. Face down on the ground, Rekkan finds he has to put his life on the line again, but first he has to get the man out of the house. Luckily enough, it seems the monster is content in playing around with him, something that bars logic in a killing machine like this. A monster would outright kill him, but this manner of creature is toying with him, throwing him around the house. It has to be controlled by someone or something. But what?

Rekkan fidgets with fingers and roses his fiery core, creating a small shard akin to a glowing ember. He tosses it towards the monster and makes it crack, creating a flashing light that blinds the eyes of many living creatures... But this one is unfazed. It moves to try and grab him again, no matter of kicks knocking it back. The monster lifts Rekkan only to slam his back on the ground. "Ack!!" His stitches rip open and blood soaks the bandages covering his chest. This isn't a first, but it hurts like all fucking hell. And the guy can't go all out with Priscilla's husband behind him. He has to distract the monster somehow and then carry the man out of the house.

But will he really be able to do that with his body like this? He has to—they have to. Rekkan focuses his derailed core and brings blazing tendrils to rise from his soul and through the tattoo of a spiral with three cuts. The black ink swirls as the warrior raises his hand and points at the creature walking towards him. Such a cocky being, whoever controls this monster. It matters little. Vicious in black fur and chains erupts from a flock of fire that ascends and creeps into the ceiling. Through its waves, the chains ripple the air and wrap around the horrible being to shackle it, or try to. Adrenaline shoots into a normal levels as Rekkan rushes to the bed, grabbing the man and hauling him over his chest. He is about to slide out of the same wall the monster broke through when he is met by a cloaked figure that releases a wave of energy, knocking him and the unconscious man back and to the ground. Rekkan screams in pain as he sees Vicious being torn in half and turned to flames that dissipate into thin air. "Wh-what...?!"

"You made some really powerful people angry, young man." The cloaked figure states as it steps into the house. It is meticulous in its movement, waiting for any trick from the warrior. "Don't try to run. You will only make my little boy angrier." Rekkan's own bloodshot eyes look onto the monster and its master with rage and hatred. He aims his right hand at the broken husband once and pleads. "Save him, Serene. Please..." His selfish nature cracks to reveal the humility the bound spirit seeks to hear from him, even if she barely does. The man grits his teeth as he feels the currents whirl around his core and quenching his flame for the instants that a beautiful woman seeps from the pores of his skin, first like steam turning to water before it all merging together to form Serene. The spirit rushes to the knocked out man's aid, an action that the cloaked figure is about to berate and cast magic upon until the surging of fire escalates before its "Little boy", turning into incandescent light and flame. The very body of the warrior crisps and turns to red hot fire as he screams a maddening roar and eyes burn red, then white. The core of his soul shatters to let essence spill and pulse through the entire house as Serene escapes through the front door with Priscilla'a husband in her arms. Waves of fiery red break through windows and holes on the walls, wrapping tendrils around the monster and the cloaked figure that fidget with its fingers, forming intricate seals as it touches its charred creation.

By this time, it is quite possible that the girls have just arrived to see the raging inferno and the strange woman carrying the man. She lays him on the ground and looks at Marsila, a spitting image of the woman that saved her from the crossbow man back at the warehouse. Then, like boiling water, her skin blisters and bursts into that liquid, turning to disappearing steam.

From the inside of hell's fire comes a near zombified and naked Rekkan, chest bleeding with the crimson dripping down his abdomen and nethers. He falls forward and face first on the ground, losing his senses. What the fuck just happened?