<div style="text-align: center"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)"><i><span style="font-family: 'Didact Gothic', 'sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 18px">Ian, The Teacher</span></span></i></span>​</div><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 102, 255)">"... Did ya really pack a flog to bring with ya to White Castle?" </span>Annie asked Astrea.<br/><br/>Astrea smiled a sharp, vicious, smile that only Annie could see.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"Of course i have a flog. And, i didn't pack anything. I have peasants like you pack my things for me." </span><br/><br/>Ian watched the exchange. And thought to cut in, but decided not too.<i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">Annie needs to see this other world for herself, i can't shield her from it.</span></i><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">X.X.X</span>​</div><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">The group traveled together for a few days further. Little to nothing of interest happening in between. They followed a road south from Ashburn that curved east as they went. Their trail was bit of a rugged path. Most times the carts would have to travel single-file. As the road was too narrow, and even then there were plenty of snags that caught their wheels and slowed their progress. It chaffed a bit that they had to slow down in those moments. And the times were few and far between that the carts could ride side by side. <br/>
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The group didn't encounter any other travelers. Which was unsurprising. This road wasn't connected to any major cities or taverns, and saw very rare use. It's purpose for existing long since irrelevant. Which also explained it's lack of repair. Honestly, Ian would never use a path such as this normally. But from their current position, it was the fastest way to White Castle. And they would only just make it in time using it. The major downside being it's state of repair, and closeness to the Forest.<br/>
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Most days Ian napped away, relaxing and enjoying the chatter of the others. Occassionally keeping Astrea in line, while also talking with Annie and Valentine about various things. He noticed a level of. . could he call it trust? No. Confidence, would be the appropriate word. Between Mystera and Dayyan. As such he'd asked his fellow Mage in private if he could take the reigns with interacting and understanding the girl. Not that Ian avoided her, or disliked her. They'd spoken a few times thus far on the trip. And he found her quiet and intense. A lot like his Intern. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)"><i>Maybe that's why they get along so well. </i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Overall she was fine enough, and he didn't forsee her being a liability anymore. He saw her interest in Dayyan as a good way to pull her out of her shell. And constantly teased Dayyan in private over her seeming crush. Aside from that, Ian left it in the other male's capable hands. Spending more time with Annine, Val and Astrea otherwise.</span><br/><br/><div class="bbCodeSpoiler">
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</div><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Today was dreadful. They thought they'd escaped the worst of the winter chill but today had been a freezing rebuke. The snow had been unending since morning and the winds were fast and angry. Whipping at their loose clothes and the thick fabric of the wagon cover. It seemed to attack from all directions, leaving no reprieve. Ian feared a coming blizzard. Unless they were shouting, nothing could be heard over the sharp whistle and howl of the raging winds. It sounded as if an angry beast was thrashing and wailing his final death throes. Ian couldn't help but do his best to tune out the outside, pulling his thick blanket tighter around himself. Magic could only do so much with their hours long journey today. The group warmed drinks and did their best to stave the chill.<br/>
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Most everyone huddled miserably in their wagons, using what Magic they could to Heat their freezing bones. Astrea complained the whole time, and Ian couldn't fault her this time. The guards were the only ones outside, pushing our horses onward, while supplying Heat to themselves and the beasts. It was the only way to keep moving. And they had to keep moving. They couldn't afford any more delays. Ian and Dayyan pitched in when needed and even rode up front to give the guards a break now and then.<br/>
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Normally he'd be asleep right now. Leaving the vigil in Dayyan's and the guard's capable hands. Then, during the nights Ian would stand watch. Bright and alert thanks to the daytime sleeping, he and one of the three guards would watch their camp while the others slept. The three guards usually rotate night duty between themselves. <br/>
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They were three days into their trip now. Today, Ian and Albert would be standing watch. And he wasn't excited for it.  <br/>
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The group rode on for much longer than usual. The Sun long since fading away, and leaving them in abject darkness. A few lanterns the only weapon against the darkness. Struggling to find a good resting point. And reluctant to set up camp in these conditions. Eventually the storm subsided enough for Ian to call a halt.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Stop us here! We'll bed in this clearing."</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)"> The carts came to a lurching halt. And with little to no chatter everyone set up camp. Shuffling out of the carts. Tired. Cold. Annoyed.<br/>
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</div></span><br/>Dinner was skipped. And a functioning campfire was only just set up before the group settled for bed. Ian watched as they flopped into their individual tents and all went still. Smiling a tired, weak smile to his partner. He instructed Albert to watch the eastern side of camp. He'd watch the west.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">A few hours into the shift, Ian could feel his tired eyelids pulling harder and harder to get him to rest. <br/>
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Rubbing them to add a bit of pressure, Ian figured he'd check on Albert again. The other man was notorious for falling asleep on night shift.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Still awake over there."</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)"> Ian said softly. Walking the distance of the camp to it's other side. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(44, 130, 201)">"Yes sir. Buh only jus'."</span>Albert smiled crookedly back at Ian. And Ian shared it. He liked Albert, the young man reminded Ian a lot of himself from when he was younger. Though, the man looked as exhausted as Ian felt. They'd preserve and get some rest in the morning.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Alright, just check- What was that?" </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Ian said whipping his head back west at the slight noise. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(44, 130, 201)">"What was what?"</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)"> "Quiet. I swear i heard something." </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Ian crept back to the other side now, Albert following silently. Their eyes scanned to and fro looking for the source of the noise. Ian enhanced his eyes and ears to pierce the veil of shadow. Now seeing the world in his Magical vision. The leylines of Magic around him swirled closer, excited at his use, and looking upward he could see the daunting wall of Ashwood trees in stark detail. Only a few miles to the south. Clouded in thick ever-present mist was Godrick's Forest. A place even he couldn't enter and exit alive. <br/>
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</div></span><br/>About to turn away. A whistle of wind keened by his ear, and Ian instinctively whipped his hand out to bat a brown flying something streaking for his face. Looking down at the snow he saw a snapped arrow lying at his feet. And like a symphony of death, Ian grimaced in horror at the hail of arrows flying his way. Spread evenly in aim for the tents, him and Albert.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)"> "Ambush!"</span>He shouted loud enough to alert the entire camp. Albert raised his shield to catch any oncoming arrows, but instead of feeling the hard thunk of wood on wood. He watched from behind his shield, as Ian raised his hand and all the arrows feel to the ground. Another volley and another display of Ian's Inertia, tens of arrows doting the ground now. A feat only someone as skilled as he could accomplish.<br/><br/>Seeing their strategy ineffective a loud beastial cry sounded from the now encroaching mist. And with it, five, ten. Fifteen. At least fifteen but probably more, fast approaching creatures darted from their cover at their encampment. Enhancing his eyes more, Ian saw what they were clearly. Goblins.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">And with a brief scan now, he confirmed there were over two dozen such monsters.</span><br/><br/><div class="bbCodeSpoiler">
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</div><br/>A peek back to the camp showed the guards and Dayyan were the first to respond. But in their exhausted state, they'd only just now exited their tents. The wave of enemies would crash before they were ready.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"AMBUSH!!" </span>Ian shouted even louder. The creatures were taking clear note of him now.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Albert i'm going in, organize our defense quickly." </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(44, 130, 201)">"Good luck Sir Ian." </span><br/><br/>Ian smiled.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Hah, i don't need luck. I'm a Mage." </span>With that he sprinted full speed at the equally sprinting goblins. Crashing into the first wave he split the tide, they obviously didn't expect his Enhanced body to bowl them over so easily. Their blades and spears couldn't pierce his skin, and the attempts to flee equally fruitless as he used Inertia to drag them back.<br/><br/>Sowing as much chaos as possible Ian drew as many as he could. Yanking the creatures towards him with his Inertia, and battering their lines with his Enhanced body. He flitted amist their lines as a wraith of anger. Any would be arrow was pulled from the sky, and swiftly the creatures realized that they needed to dedicate a sizable amount of their forces to him. Or they'd be crushed.<br/><br/>Ian did his best to draw their ire. Not focused on killing, but on buying time. Breaking their organization. It worked. Until their chief made a breakthrough Ian's attack, making it past with a huge chunk of the invading force. Ian found himself surrounded in their back line. Maybe half of their number remaining. Circling him for weakness. The rest had successfully broken away to the main encampment.<br/><br/>It was the best he could do. The kids will have to fend for themselves from here. He couldn't even spare a glance to see if they had organized the defenses well enough. Darting forward he smacked away a jabbing spear and with a vicious backhand took the goblin's head from his shoulders.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Alright,"</span>He flicked his hand away discarding the blood.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"I'm aiming to kill now, so prepare yourselves."</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">The creatures howled in anger, and rushed him.</span>