One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian
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		<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Non-Adult Sandbox =&gt; Non-Adult Roleplays =&gt; Topic started by: Sophidian on August 12, 2010, 05:04:11 pm</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 12, 2010, 05:04:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>The Two Scrolls, the most famous, and only, inn in the small town of Onawa, was filled to the brim that evening. Every cushion held a person - the variety ranging from farmers to ronin - and every person had a warm drink in their hand. Despite the cozy look, the Two Scrolls stood at the precipice of ruination. The paper walls had begun to fold in, allowing a cold breeze to flow through the bottom floor. The rooms were no better off; one had been completely closed as the wall had crumbled during a hail storm two months before.<br><br>Tanaka Shie, daughter of the proprietor, sat in the corner, pouring another shot of sake for the two men who had come to try and buy the inn. They were promptly shoved out of the room and informed that no man- nor woman- would get their hands on Tanaka-san’s prized possession. As Shie finished pouring, she wished he’d meant her.<br><br>Pushing the strands of dark hair that fell out of her pigtails away from her face, she glanced toward the rattling door. Ever since the first sighting of the Umbral Orchid, nothing had been quite the same. Two people had disappeared that month and she could only imagine what else would come. “Thank you,” she said to both men, standing with the grace acquired from years of repeated kneeling and rising. She scanned the room, searching for the next person to be served.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 12, 2010, 05:30:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				huáng Lièrén (Hunter Phoenix in Chinese) walked silently into the village of Onawa, he had been travelling for several days, he was low on supplies and this was the only village for miles around. He greeted several people as he walked along the road searching for the market that seemed to not exist. He was just going to ask someone if there was a shop or market stall he could get supplies from when all of a sudden, two men came flying out of a building to his right, followed by a man who ranted that they would never buy the place from him and then promptly closed the door.<br><br>He was attracting some curious glances from the villagers, they obviously hadn't seen a traveller in some time, and Lièrén certainly stood out, he was 6ft tall, extremely broad, had shoulder length black hair that hung loosely instead of in a traditional knot and he was carrying a sword and pack as well.<br><br>Lièrén thought he could possibly investigate the premises to see if they had any supplies they could possibly give him, along with a room for the evening. He opened the door and bowed politely as someone rushed over to see to him, the place was packed with people, at first glance anyone would have thought the place full, but he was directed to a seat by a girl who asked him what he would like, he asked for some time to contemplate and bowed again as the girl left to see to other customers.<br><br>OOC: I hope this is ok for my first post, now I need to get going, shall reply to your next post as soon as I am back on the site :) take care and talk later 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 12, 2010, 05:41:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her eyes followed the man as he came in, seeing his loose hair and tall features. Frowning, she returned to the small alcove they kept the chilled sake in and grabbed another jug as the girl who'd seated him, a dear friend named Mei, chatted excitedly about the "strange man."<br><br>"I'm sure he's just passing through. No. Yes. No," she said again in her low voice,&nbsp; shaking her head. "I'm positive he isn't here to kill us. You don't have to serve him. I shall."<br><br>After giving the man another two minutes - which she spent examining his attired and person, wondering why he'd stop in Onawa of all places - she walked over and bowed at the waist. Dressed in undyed wool, she shifted at the itchy material as she straightened. "Have you made your decision, sir?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 05:35:29 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked up at the new woman who had come to serve him, he smiled to her<br><br>"Hello there, yes, I will have Stir fry pork with rice along with whatever the most popular drink in the house is, thank you"<br><br>Hunter smiled and bowed again as the woman took his order. He looked around the interior of the building and decided he liked what the owner had done with the place even though it did look like one good storm would flatten it. It certainly needed working on, maybe Lièrén could help him out in exchange for a place for the night.<br><br>"Excuse me, but who is the owner here?"<br><br>He asked the girl this before she could walk off with his order.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 11:30:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie paused as he asked the question, taking a glance over her shoulder. "My father, Tanaka Kyo. Pardon my intrusion, but if you're asking to buy it, I'm afraid he will tell you no. Repeatedly." Turning back toward the front of the room, her eyes sought to find her father among the guests. The short man blended in far too well.<br><br>"If you would like to speak to him despite that, I could fetch him for you, sir." She faced the man once again, this time examining his sword. Such a weapon wasn't seen too often in Onawa and the amount of money one cost could feed a small family for weeks. Briefly considering if she should call forth some guards, she sent a look toward the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 03:59:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Please, I wish to speak with him, not to buy this wonderful place, thank you my dear, oh don't worrt, I aren't here to cause trouble"<br><br>Lièrén took a pouch from his belt and produced a gold coin and handed it to her<br><br>"This is for you and you alone, for such wonderful hospitality you have shown me this evening"<br><br>Lièrén bowed his head in thanks and waited for the owner to be brought over and for his meal and drink to arrive as well. He stifled the yawn that threatened to force its way out of him, he was tired, but he could wait for sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 05:42:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie stared at the coin in her hand, raising a single brow, and returned to her father. After a brief exchange, she nodded to him and followed the path back to the man. On the way, she grabbed the sake mug and food, twirling around the few other servers before reaching his table in a flurry of wool and dark hair.<br><br>"Here you are, sir. The gold coin will be payment enough." She placed each dish on the table with a smile. "My father will see you in his office. I can lead you there when you're done with your--" A loud crash from upstairs interrupted her, bringing her head angled toward the area of the inn that was blocked off.<br><br>"Your food," she continued.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 05:50:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked up at the stairs which looked to be blocked off, then he looked back at the woman serving him<br><br>"Thank you for serving me, it looks delicious, I will let you know when I am ready to talk to your father, is everything ok here? I'm sure I heard a loud crash coming from upstairs"<br><br>Lièrén was curious, apart from the friendly service here in this building, everyone seemed weary of travellers and he had attracted some strange looks as he had walked through the village.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 05:58:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shook her head. "Everything is fine. The building just has a few problems." Signaling a waitress, she inclined her head toward him. "Please follow me."<br><br>The stairway was narrow, giving room for just one person to walk at a time. Normally, she'd allow him to walk first as is traditional but the man didn't know where he was going. She takes each step slowly, secretly afraid that they'd break beneath her. Another crash came from the side, this one accompanied with a quiet hissing.<br><br>"Oh," she gasped, "the wall must have fallen again. His door is right through there," she motioned to it, "and he's waiting. If you'd pardon me.." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:06:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén followed the woman upstairs and thanked her for showing him where to go.<br><br>Knocking on the door that he assumed was the entrance to the office, he waited to be asked to be let in. He listened for sounds as well, when he had heard that low hissing sound, he was sure he was being watched by something, but then he shook it off and put it down to paranoia.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:14:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie moved down the hall, peering through the ropes that have cut off the majority of the entrance. Beyond it, a squat, red-skinned creature paced back and forth. Claws glinting in the light, it started to scratch along the walls, ripping through the rice paper. <br><br>Muttering a quick prayer, she took a step back and placed her hands together...<br><br><div align="center">---</div><br>The door swung open, revealing the&nbsp; square table that came about a foot off the ground. Tanaka Kyo, short and balding, peered up at the man that entered with a frown. "You told my daughter you didn't wish to buy my inn and I am holding you to your word."<br><br>He stood, stretching his legs out, pointing a finger toward him. "If you want anything out of--"<br><br>A scream cut through air, rattling the boards.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:17:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was just about to ask the owner of the inn if he had either some work for him to do or for a place to spend the night when the scream cut in, drawing his sword quickly, Lièrén span around and headed back out onto the top floor of the inn.<br><br>"Hello, is anybody there?"<br><br>He called out into the darkness, clutching his katana firmly in his hands incase he had to use it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:22:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Stay back!" Shie throws her hand out in the darkness, shaking her head to him. "It broke through the ropes. We need to find it before the guests do." <br><br>She ducked around the ropes, peering into the room. The strong breeze tore her hair from the pigtails, letting the mid-length tresses catch on the wind. Whispering a quick spell, her hands began to glow, illuminating the room. The howling and hissing of the wind hides the sound of her movement.<br><br>Glancing around, she fell to her knees, peeking in corners and under the furniture. "Where are you, oni...?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:25:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was confused, find what exactly?<br><br>"What are we looking for exactly, I aren't leaving you by yourself, no matter what, if this thing is dangerous then it needs to be dealt with"<br><br>Lièrén looked around in the now illuminated room, so the girl was a magic user, this was interesting, just what manner of town had he walked into exactly? He wanted to know more now.<br><br>"Tell me what you are looking for so I can help you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:29:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well," she began, not looking at him even once, "it's short. And red. And has teeth that could break your sword in half if it felt so inclined." She crawled toward the bed, her hands flashing light on and off. She normally wouldn't have shown him this side of her, but if her home - her town - was threatened again, she had no choice. <br><br>"You see, it's a monster. A disgusting little creature that wants to feast on souls." She finally looked over, motioning toward the bed. "They've started to come to the town a few months ago. And all we can do is fight them off... There's no sign of where they came from or how to stop them except. One." Another inch forward. "By." And one more inch. "One!" She grabbed the quilt, yanking it off.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:32:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén muttered under his breath<br><br>"Ok then, so we are looking for a soul eating evil little demon that can chew through metal are we, terrific"<br><br>He kept his eyes peeled on the area where the woman was, she was a mage or witch of some kind, obviously hse knew what she was doing so he didn't dare try to order her around incase she turned on him.<br><br>"How long has this being going on for exactly? No wonder I was attracting all sorts of looks from the people in the street"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:35:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She saw that no creature rested under the bed and sighed, swearing once in a most unlady-like fashion. "Where is the little beast?" <br><br>As if suddenly realizing that he spoke to her, she turned, keeping half-an-eye on the places around the room. "You have a sword. Not very many people use swords in Onawa. In fact, not many can afford one. And - HA! Get back here!" She shoved past him, ignoring what she was saying as the creature pitter-pattered in front of her and off down the hall.<br><br>"Oh no!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:40:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The sword was never mine to begin with, I am a wanted man back where I come from, I was caught stealing bread for my family, the guards tried to take me away so I grabbed one of their swords and cut them down before they knew what was happening, now I spend my days wandering from village to village, helping where I can and then moving on, so it isn't like I am rich, I just know how to survive"<br><br>Lièrén turned to see the little demon running down to the main hall so he ran after it.<br><br>"Get back here you little blighter"<br><br>He called after it, jumping down the stairs where chaos had exploded everywhere, the customers were running about in a panic, making for the exit, the demon was lurking around somewhere, the customers had obviously seen it and panicked because they knew what it was and wanted to be out of there before it claimed one of them.<br><br>"Come on, where are you"<br><br>He kept his eyes peeled for the little creature, it couldn't be too hard to spot surely.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:44:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Listening to his story, she looked at him in a new way, frowning after a moment. Instead of saying what she wanted to about guards, she hops down the stairs, seeing the creature rushing around under the tables. "Please, leave. I apologize for our lack of hospitality--" She winced as people screamed. The demon had touched their legs. "--but you cannot stay here right now."<br><br>Jumping onto a table, she began to make her way around the room, refusing to touch the ground. Once she landed on the table it hid under, the solid wood shook then toppled. She reached out her hands, trying to catch herself. "Get it!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:48:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked at the woman like she was mad<br><br>"I aren't going anywhere just yet, not until we catch this thing"<br><br>He spotted the creature under the table she landed on and as the table toppled, he lurched forward, aiming to stab the creatures tail so that it couldn't run away anymore. He was close, but he had misjudged the stab and ended up stabbing it in its hind leg instead, it screamed an inhuman scream that made his ears ache and his teeth tingle.<br><br>"This sure is a loud little beast isn't it"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:55:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Covering her ears, she scrambled back to her feet and stared at the creature. It tried to move, though much slower than before. Muttering another spell-word, she held out her hands and watched vines break through the floor, flowering as they wrapped themselves around him, holding it in place. The wood cracked from the front of the inn to the back, spreading like ice that had been shattered.<br><br>"There's a sword," she shouted above the scream, "behind the serving table! It'll kill it!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 06:59:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén dropped his own sword and covered his ears to block out the worst of the scream that was emitted from the demon and he sprinted to the desk and came back up with the sword he was told to get. He jumped over the desk and ran back to the demon, brought the sword down quickly and decapitated the red devil, blood spurting and shooting out of its neck as its head fell away and rolled across the floor.<br><br>"That good enough for you, damn that thing could scream, your good, for a witch"<br><br>He handed her the sword and then picked his own back up and sheafed it.<br><br>"So what the heck is going on in this village exactly? Any clue what so ever as to what set these things loose?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 07:04:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She took the sword in her hands, holding it between both of her hands for a moment. Her fingers traveled over the inscription, remembering the man who had once wielded it. With a single look at the dead demon, she shook her head and placed the sword back.<br><br>"We have no clue what set them loose. As I said before, two months ago, they just started attacking. Slipping in, stealing away children. You'll notice, if you walk through the place, there are only two or three children left. They started going after young adults next, and the elderly. Bit by bit, we're losing our village to these things." She kicked the head away from her path, staring at the broken floor. "My father is going to have my head..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 07:09:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked around and nodded<br><br>"Well, I'm going to stay and help you get to the bottom of this, I will pay for any damages that have been dealt here, it isn't your fault these things are running around, you just did the best you could, I'll take this outside and bury it, then I can help clean up in here"<br><br>He leaned down and picked the body of the demon up and then picked the head up as well and made for the exit so he could find a spot to bury the body, or possibly burn it.<br><br>"You can call me Lièrén by the way"<br><br>He called back to her, so she knew what to call him from now on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2010, 07:13:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie watched him go, tiptoeing around the broken floorboards. Deciding to show him where the other bodies were, she quickly caught up with him, slippered feet rustling through the long grass. "Hello Lièrén. I'm Tanaka Shie. You may address me by Shie." <br><br>They arrived at a spot not too far off, a circle of black grass and scorched earth. "We burned them there. Do you have a match?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 05:23:08 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Nice to meet you too Shie"<br><br>Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"Sorry, I don't really carry them around with me, give me a second though, I have a flint kit in my pack....which is currently back in the inn"<br><br>He ran to the inn, found his pack and took the flint kit out of it and ran back to Shie.<br><br>"Here we go, I'll have a fire going in no time now"<br><br>He gathered up wood and put it in a small pile and then got a fire going with the flint. He then picked up the demon body and dumped it on the fire and watched as it burnt, thick black smoke billowing up into the air.<br><br>"They sure do burn nicely don't they"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 09:49:54 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie covered her nose and mouth, the smell of the cooked flesh making her stomach uneasy. She watched the flames consume the beast, turning it into nothing more than a pile of ashes to join the rest. The beads around her neck gave her little comfort as she ran her fingers along them.<br><br>"Straight back to where they&nbsp; came from," she said, turning to him for a moment. "We can give you a room at the inn. I'm sure Father has some sort of work for you." She ran her fingers over the beads once more. "The inn needs many repairs now. Shutting it down for a few days may be the only option..."<br><br>As the fire begans to die down without anything to feed off of, she turned away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 11:38:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thank you, it means much that I can work for your father, he has a nice inn and it would be a shame to see it fall into ruin"<br><br>Lièrén followed Shie back to the inn, looking at her father, the owner, he bowed.<br><br>"The creature has been taken care of kind sir, I seek a room for the night and the possibility of temporary employ, I know that you inn needs repairs after what the creature did, I offer you my services as a helper for as long as you need me to be able to make these repairs without losing too much of your business"<br><br>Lièrén then waited to see what the old man would say, he hoped he could get some work, he was starting to get low on money again and he felt like he should help because he had been around when the demon struck.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 11:44:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tanaka-san bowed his head, giving a quick look to Shie. The conversation between them took place in gestures and looks before Shie nodded as well. "Fine," he said, motioning toward the hallway. "The inn will be closed temporarily in order to be repaired. It would be an honor if you would assist us."<br><br>Shie gave him a small smile. "And if any other demons come, I do hope you'll be able to help me. I've managed well on my own for the past week but I doubt I could last much longer."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:08:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded back to her<br><br>"I would love to help you out, it isn't everyday I get the chance to fight demons, hopefully we can get rid of them once and for all and return this village back into its former, peaceful self"<br><br>Lièrén stifled another yawn, he had forgotten all about sleep when he had been after the demon but now tiredness crept up on him once again and he was beginning to find it hard to stay awake.<br><br>"I am tired, may you show me where I am to stay for the night please? I will begin working on the repairs bright and early in the morning"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:14:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie bowed to her father, then to Lièrén. "Of course. If you would follow me, please." She slid the door opened, waiting for him to exit before sliding it closed once more. The hallway stretched in front of them, dark and shaking with the heavy breeze. The scent of the burned body, as well as the burnt grass, wafted in as she passed by opened windows. <br><br>Coming to a room that looked to be well-loved, she knelt and opened the door. "This is our best room. While the inn is closed, it shall be yours. Mine is there," she pointed to the one down and to the left, "and my father's is connected to his office."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:21:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén bowed in deep thanks<br><br>"Thank you, it looks lovely, sleep well Shie, I shall see you in the morning no doubt?"<br><br>He watched Shie leave him and go into her own room, then he walked into his room and placed his pack on the ground after shutting the door, he released the yawn he had been holding and then he got ready for bed, laying down under the soft covers, he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pilloww.<br><br>The next morning:<br><br>Lièrén awoke bright and early, before the morning bird sounded, rising and wiping the sleep from his eyes, he dressed in light clothes and stretched, did a few morning exercises and then walked out of his room, it was still pretty early so Shie and her father would be asleep, so he looked around for tools and nails and wood he could use for the repairs and once he had everything he needed, he set to work silently, building up new foundations for the walls and fixing anything that could be fixed without having to be completely rebuilt, the work was slow, and he had loads to do, but he took it easy so that he didn't really strain himself too much, he almost had half a wall completed by the time the morning bird sounded.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:28:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yawning, the sounds of hammering comes through her sleep, rousing her from her dreams. She turned onto her side, murmuring, "Tsai," before the bird wakes her completely. Her frozen fingers struggled with putting her dress on before she made her way downstairs, grabbing the two buckets by the door. Barefoot, she moved down toward the river, Jade and knelt, filling them with water.<br><br>She rose again, wool wet with dew as she lugged the water back toward the house.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:34:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was busy hammering away when a sleepy looking Shie exited from her room, he stopped hammering away and wiped sweat from his brow and worked the stiffness and fatigue out of his aching muscles before continuing with his work.<br><br>He heard Shie exit the inn and then come back later on and by the slopping sound that accompanied her, she was carrying a lot of water, putting down the hammer he was holding, he headed downstairs and lifted the water buckets out of her hands<br><br>"Here, let me help you with this, you look half asleep, go sit and I shall take this through, where does it need to be taken too?"<br><br>He held the heavy buckets in each hand, waiting for her to respond.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:38:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie rubbed a hand over her face. "Uhm, the... The washroom upstairs. It's at the end of the hall, past our rooms." She yawned into her hand, shaking her head. "There's a big basin." She outlined the shape in her hands. "I can take one."<br><br>She held her hand out for a bucket, forcing herself awake. She looked him over, then turned to the inn. Her eyes widened for a moment before she brought back her calm expression. "You were up awfully early. Do you normally rise before the cock crows, or is it just to fix the inn?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:41:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shrugged and handed the lighter of the two buckets back to her and then followed her up the stairs to the basin she had talked about<br><br>"I have always been an early riser, even back in my own village I would be up before the cock crowed, working on something or other and since I have been travelling a lot, I make the most of the sunlight and travel as much as possible and since I was awake, I thought I would get started on the repairs, I will be much quieter in the future for you"<br><br>He emptied the bucket into the basin as Shie emptied the other one.<br><br>"I also don't want to overstay my welcome, so the sooner I finish the repairs and help you get rid of these demons, I will be on the move again, I never stay in one place for too long, incase anyone comes looking for me"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:45:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Placing the bucket to the side, she leaned against the heavy post and shook her head. "I'm used to the sound of work in the morning. It's just been a few days since I've heard it."<br><br>Shie took his bucket and placed it in hers, carrying them toward the stairs. "You don't need to leave here if you don't wish to. No one comes to investigate our town. We've had our fair share of problems with authority over the years." Replacing the buckets, she rose again and gazed around the room with the broken floor, vines now flowering, creating an indoor garden. <br><br>"As you can see, I've been blessed by the Gods, but I'm not registered with the government as such. Things like this," she motioned around the room, "aren't good for hiding."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:52:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén thought about this<br><br>"I shall have to think about it first of course, after travelling for so long I fear I may find it hard to settle down in a village again, but of course I shall think about it"<br><br>He looked down at the plants that were sprouting from the floorboards<br><br>"You have indeed been blessed, it is not a curse as many people think it is, you truly are blessed, what other things are you able to do apart from create plants?"<br><br>He was intrigued by the prospect of magic and wanted to know more, he was also wondering if he would be able to learn from her so that he could use magic himself and use it in defence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 12:58:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie tilted her head as she thought about it, resembling the sparrow on a branch. She shrugged her shoulders once. "I can glow. I can heal. I can grow plants. I've accidentally lit a bottle of sake on fire once, which my father has still not forgiven me for."<br><br>Bending down, she touched the edges of the flowers that bloomed. "But, I've gotten a hold on such things. Though it's mostly an offensive use against these creatures, I'd prefer not to have to use it at all." The flowers began to edge away, creeping back under the floorboards. <br><br>"Now. How do we fix a floor?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 01:03:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén crouched down and looked at the broken floorboards for a moment before straightening<br><br>"I'll remove them and then put some fresh new boards down and nail them down good and tight so that they won't come up again as people tread on them, don't want people getting hurt now do we"<br><br>He ran upstairs and fetched some wooden boards, nails and the ever trusty hammer and set to work on the floor, after about an hours work, it looked like there had never been plants tearing the place up.<br><br>"There we go, good as new, what's next on the list?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 01:19:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie, who had watched him work the whole time, shook her head and moved toward the bar, taking out some chilled water. "I think you've earned a break. The inn already looks so much better." She moved to a table, testing the new floor as it sprang beneath her feet. Grabbing two glasses with her fingers, she set them across from each other.<br><br>Pouring first one glass, then the next, she took a seat and began to sip on the liquid. "So, you're a criminal?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 14, 2010, 09:00:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded in thanks and took a sip of his drink<br><br>"Thank you, yes rather unfortunately I am a criminal in my old village, caught stealing bread for my starving family, I used to be a tradesman, a blacksmith as well, I was pretty much a handy man in my village, doing whatever job needed doing, but since I stabbed those guards and fled, I have not returned to my village for fear of what would happen to me, which in itself is a selfish act, but while I am away, my family cannot be prosecuted.....I hope"<br><br>Lièrén took anothe sip of his drink<br><br>"So how long have you been able to use magic for? It is quite an interesting subject and you are the first person I have come across who can control such wonderful powers"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 10:56:34 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie looked at him for a moment, finishing most of her water before shaking her head. "No. No, there aren't many of us." Contemplating the glass in her hands, she forced herself back in her memories to when she first learned that her own body was a weapon. <br><br>"It was a few years ago. Maybe three or four. I can't remember the date, but I can remember what happened. I was with... With Tsai, the man who used to do repairs around here. We were down by the Jade," she motioned toward the river, "finding clay for some project he was doing. It was getting dark, so it must have been evening.<br><br>"We couldn't see after awhile. Clay is easy to find when you're groping around, but good clay is very hard to find even when your eyes are open. So he kept trying to use some flint to light a bundle of sticks to use as a torch." She refilled her glass, hand shaking. Water splashed around the table which she mopped up with her sleeve. "He was getting irritated. Almost angry, really. Kept muttering and swearing and I kept praying that I could do something to help him.<br><br>"I prayed and prayed and as I did, my hands began to feel warm. Then they began to tingle and burn. I glanced down and they were glowing." Swallowing another gulp of water, she shook her head, banishing the memories. "Needless to say, since then, I've been trying to figure it out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 12:29:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thats deeply interesting, one minute you were praying, next minute you were glowing, sounds to me like your prayers were answered, how long ago since the demons started invading the village? How long after you gained your powers did they start appearing?"<br><br>Lièrén now had this theory forming in his mind that the demons started coming down into the village because of her powers, he hoped he was wrong, but if so then it meant that they would have to either leave the village to keep the remainder of the people safe or the demons would keep on going and getting more and more vicious until they overrun the town and slaughtered everyone.<br><br>"How many come down at a time, is it just the one or do they come in groups?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 12:33:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A week, perhaps." She rose, needing something stronger to drink, pulling out an old bottle of rice wine. She took a smaller glass from the table and began to fill it. "They come one at a time, usually. We've had one group and..." The shot warmed her as she took it. Another followed moments later. "And Tsai and I took care of it. That's his sword that you used." <br><br>After her third shot, she paused and let it sink in. "He died in that fight."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 12:39:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am most sorry to hear that, what happened?"<br><br>Lièrén now had a firm belief that the demons were after Shie or more importantly, the magic she possessed, if they grabbed hold of it, no doubt something terrible would happen.<br><br>"From now on, I will be your protector from these demons, I won't let anything happen to you or the towns people here, if I have to stay awake night and day to keep everyone safe, I will do until these creatures are either destroyed or we are all dead"<br><br>Lièrén placed his fidt over his heart and bowed to Shie, showing his sign of allegiance to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 12:42:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blinked, forgetting her story to tell and leaned back, watching him. "You...have no loyalty here. None at all. I...can't expect you to do such things."<br><br>Almost as if she were affronted, she rose and placed both hands on the table to keep herself straight. A lithe girl, she couldn't hold her liquor quite as well as the rest of the patrons. "We are taking care of it. It's slow, it's hard, but we can manage it. You have your own life to live..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 12:46:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"I live my life day by day and take whatever it can throw at me, this is something I feel I need to do, I will stay here as long as it takes so long as you will have me around, I can help around the village, I can teach the people how to use a sword, with the correct tools I can even create them, I used to be a blacksmith when I was younger, let me help you, you cannot fight these things without help"<br><br>Lièrén reached out and took her small smooth hands in his own large rough hands and looked into her eyes<br><br>"I will do whatever it takes to return this village to peace, it is a lovely place and I will not see it fall into ruin because of some creature that has no place in this world"<br><br>With that he let go of her hands and picked up the hammer and the rest of the wood and nails that he had not used on the floor and went back upstairs to continue work on the wall.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 12:52:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her hands remained in the place that he'd held them, shaking since that the heat was gone. She watched him go back up the stairs after his promise. How could someone give in so easily? Just up and settle somewhere else?<br><br>With a shake of her head, she cleaned up the downstairs and acquired the permission to open the bar from her father. As soon as she opened the door, the regulars who were used to the demons came back in, smiling and asking for a drink.<br><br>"Just keep it calm," she said to them. "Our new laborer does not need to fix broken tables as well." Calls to buy the man drinks came, growing louder and louder til she swore Lièrén would come down to yell.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 12:59:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén heard people coming into the bar but he just kept on working on the wall, repairing it section by section, he was pleased that everyone was continuing like normal, it must be hard for them with demons attacking all of the time and taking away people they have probably known their entire lives. He heard people calling out to buy him a drink as well, so he laid the hammer down and left the wall to go downstairs.<br><br>He walked down the stairs into the bar and bowed to everybody.<br><br>"Hello to you all good people, I am Lièrén, I have kindly been given work by your innkeeper and his daughter so I am working on repairing the inn and making it stronger and more durable than ever before, I heard the calls to buy me drinks, I will join you for one or two, but please, not too many for I still have a lot of work to do"<br><br>Lièrén then sat down at a table with some of the villagers and smiled to them and then he looked up and smiled to Shie as well.<br><br>"I also have something I wish to talk to you all about, but it can wait for now"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:05:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie filled up three shots of sake, placing them around the table. After a nod to the villagers, she tried to leave to get food, but found her arm firm in one of the elder man's grips. "What is it?" <br><br>He requested that she drink as well and, despite her protests, pushed the glass toward her. <br><br>"I've already had... But I..." She sighed and took the offered seat. "One. Just one." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:07:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén raised his sake cup in a toast<br><br>"To Shie, the gift of the village, she is the light that will keep us all going in these dark times and will lead this village into a new age of peace"<br><br>He downed his drink in one, refused any others that the other villagers wanted to buy him and then headed back upstairs to his work. He liked the village and wanted to help them as much as possible, it reminded him a lot of his old village and the problems they had faced, he didn't want that to happen here and he would give his life to make sure nothing happened to it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:16:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched him go, blushing at his words, and accepted just one more drink. Then just one more...<br><br>Hours later, when the bar has closed for the evening and she'd managed to clean, the one had turned into about half a bottle. Her fellow servers had stepped up well as she tried to drink only water. The only thing she could think of to be thankful for was that no demons had interrupted them that evening.<br><br>Each step was a new challenge and when she reached the top, she sat there saying a brief prayer. The breeze from the still unfinished wall kept her overheated skin cool. "Tsai," she murmured, "Tsai, I'm a bit...giggly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:22:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén watched Shie coming up the steps, finding it a little bit of a struggle because she had obviously had more than one cup of sake, he smiled and stopped his work for the evening, walking over to Shie and picking her up in his arms, carrying her to her room and placing her gently onto her bed.<br><br>"You did well Shie, now it is time for you to rest, sleep well"<br><br>Lièrén then exited her room and closed the door behind him, then he walked downstairs and took the sword out from behind the counter again to have a better look at it. It was a plain enough sword, with a strong and sharp blade, well balanced, then he noticed a little symbol near the pommel, it was small and Lièrén was only just able to make it out, it looked to be a rune of some kind, a magical symbol, which raised more questions but it also answered how it was able to kill demons, it was enchanted with a spell which killed demons.<br><br>"What have I walked into here?"<br><br>He asked himself and then placed the sword back and headed up to his room, where he sat on his bed topless, and for the first time in many years, he prayed to The Gods for the strength to protect the village from harm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:30:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The next morning, Shie opened her eyes to find the floor racing toward her face. Her head spun as her hands caught her body, balancing only an inch or so above the wood that threatened to smash her face. The blankets were tightly wound about her knees and ankles from her obviously fitful sleep.<br><br>"Oh," she sighed out, rolling onto her back. "How did I get in here?" Kicking her way free, she stood and ran a hand over her aching head. "Sake..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:37:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén awoke to a dull thud a few doors away and he knew that Shie had woken up. He rose and got dressed, then he wondered what he should do today, he could either walk around the village for a little while and get to know the area more, or he could stay inside and finishing work on the section of the wall he was up too, it was coming along nicely and he didn't want to leave it.<br><br>He walked out of his room and stretched, he had changed his usual full sleeve robe for a short sleeved one that left his arms bare up to his shoulders, much better suited for him to work in and fight in if any demons attacked, he wasn't sure if they came down during the day. He went back into his room and grabbed his sword and walked down and out of the inn and to the field he had been to with Shie when they had burnt the demon, he unsheafed his sword and began practicing with it, sparring with invisible enemies to keep himself well practiced, it would be a disaster if he were to lose his touch with a sword.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:44:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She climbed down the stairs, hand against the wall as she made her way outside once again, the buckets in hand. Each breath of the morning air helped wake her up a bit, clearing her head until she felt back to her normal self. With a sigh, she passed through tall grass. The smell of the wet banks and marshy life put her at home.<br><br>Movement to the left caught her attention. She turned, seeing the swing of a sword before the man wielding it. Putting the buckets down, knowing she was mostly hidden by the grass, she watched.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:50:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén entered the state of mind that he always entered when sparring, whether on his own or with other people, and the movements of the sword became more fuild and smooth, he moved the weapon in his hands as if it were made of nothing but air, he picked up speed as he moved through the motions, becoming so fast that soon the blade was nothing but a blur until he brought it down in a swift arc, taking all of the momentum out of the weapon. He was sweating and panting from his sparring but he felt good for it, like he did everytime he sparred, it was like he was fighting and cutting down his own personal demons, clearing his soul of the problems of his previous life.<br><br>He took a couple of minutes break from sword training, placing the weapon back into its sheaf he set to work on some hand to hand combat that he had picked up on his travels, moving through various punches and blocks, working on them until he could move through them without a hitch, when he was completely satisfied, he stopped and picked up his sword and walked back to the inn.<br><br>He placed the sword back next to his pack and then he went into the hallway again and began work on the wall, he felt calmer and ready for anything the day brought at him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:56:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Without moving until he died, she finally fetched the water and brought it inside with a rush. Filling the basin, she scrubbed the remnants of the drink from her eyes and face. After a quick consultation with her father, she found herself searching out Lièrén.<br><br>"Excuse me? I am in need of your assistance. I have to go to the next town over for supplies..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 01:58:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén put down the hammer and nodded<br><br>"Not a problem, anything I can do to help, all you have to do is ask, let me just get my pack and then we can head off whenever you are ready"<br><br>He headed into his room and picked up his pack as well as his sword which he tied to his belt and then he walked out again.<br><br>"I am ready when you are, which town are we heading too out of interest?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:02:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's about five miles to the south. Hirana, it's called." She rummaged about in her closet, trying to find her traveling robes. "Ah!" She tied them around herself, feeling the familiar weight. "Not very many people. Mostly farms. They provide us with pork and beef and occasionally some richer sake."<br><br>Moving down the stairs, she stretched her arms out and grabbed the walking stick by the door. "It's through the mountains, though. And the caves where there are rumored beasts."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:05:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is a good thing I always carry my sword then, just incase any of them decide to attack us, I would ask if we could take the sword behind the counter with us, but I think it would be a better idea to leave it here incase of a demon attack and your father needs to use it"<br><br>Lièrén opened the inn door for Shie<br><br>"Ladies first, lead the way, it is a town I am not familiar with"<br><br>He waited for Shie to take the lead and he fell into step beside her, walking through and then out of the village with her, he felt slightly uneasy about this trip, but then he shook the feeling off and just enjoyed the nice weather and the company of Shie.<br><br>"Maybe while we are in town, I could find the blacksmiths and buy some swords for the village, what do you think? I have enough for several of the weapons and from them I can use them as a template for making more"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:11:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie took the lead, making her way through the dirt path that served as a walkway. The grass on either side grew over the boundaries, tickling at her sandal-covered feet. The parasol at her side hit against her leg as the sun remained partially hidden behind the clouds. The breeze, gentler than the other days, played with the ends of her hair.<br><br>"We could stop by. Of course, I don't think the village would want to accept such a show of generosity. They're very prideful people, after all. Just like me." She gave him a smile and began to trek up the rocky path.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:14:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laughed a little<br><br>"It isn't really a show of generosity, I want to make the village safe and like I said yesterday, I will do whatever it takes to make it safe, which reminds me, I took another look at that sword behind the counter, the one your friend used in his last fight, there is a little mark near the pommel, it looks like some sort of rune, were you aware that such a mark existed on the sword?"<br><br>He hoped she did, otherwise it meant that some other force was at work here and that the village could potentially be in more danger than he first thought<br><br>"Is there anyone you know who could have worked a mark into the sword, because it looks to me like the mark alone has given the sword the power to kill a demon, if we can replicate this mark for other swords, then we can protect the entire village without even trying"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:20:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mark?" She raised a brow and glanced over. "There's his name. It's inscribed on the hilt, but beyond that, it's just a sword." Another set of rocks loomed before them. She hopped from rock to rock, her years of experience shining through as she did something so tomboy-ish.<br><br>"Tsai wasn't from the village. He came from the East." Another hop. "It could just say something in his own language." A jump. "Something unimportant." She reached the top of the first crag and stood there, gazing down at him. "Well? Hurry up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:25:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmmmm.....when we get back I'll show you the mark on the blade, it's really small and easy to miss, I only just spotted it when I was looking"<br><br>He jumped up on the rocks and soon reached her, he was smiling.<br><br>"Lead the way"<br><br>All of his doubts were still in the back of his head but he just ignored them, the sooner they got to the town, the sooner they could get the supplies and get back to the village with the new weapons.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:29:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded to him and began the spiraling path up the mountain. Her ears popped once, then twice as she swallowed to try and alleviate the feeling. "I'm not sure," she said to him, "what I can do about the mark if it is there. We can try to find someone who knows what it is, I suppose. Or what language." <br><br>A set of rocks began to fall in front of her. She moved out of the way, allowing them to pass. She didn't want to crash over the side. "Could you redraw it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:36:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén thought about it<br><br>"I probably could, I am no artist though so I don't know how accurate a drawing would be"<br><br>He followed her over the rocks and moved forward to grab hold of her to stop her from falling to her death.<br><br>"You ok there? It would seem these rocks are quite trecherous"<br><br>He kept an arm near her at all times after that just incase she was going to fall, he had promised to keep her safe and he would.<br><br>"So what was life in the village like before all the demon business?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:43:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She glanced between his arm and the sheer face of the cliff and chose to grab him any time she felt like falling. "It was much the same," she said, picking through the rocks carefully. "We harvest a lot of grain. Not much luck with cattle and animals, though. They always wander off." <br><br>Shie reached the top of the first rocky hill and peered at the horizon, seeing how the landscape curved down from where she stood. "We had a lot of children always playing. A lot of happy parents. Our bar was never as full as it is now... But now that the children are gone and the parents are depressed..."<br><br>She began to walk down slowly, skidding on the heels of her shoes alternately.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:48:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled as he followed Shie down the cliff face.<br><br>"It sounds like it was a nice village once, what do you think happened to the children once they were taken?"<br><br>He knew that they would have been either killed or, if it were possible, turned into other demons. He had seen pretty much everything in his travels, but nothing like this had ever crossed his path before.<br><br>He slid down the rock face slowly after Shie, he didn't want to slip and fall into her, it would be the death of them both.<br><br>"Back in my village, it was always busy, it was almost a town, a lot of guards around because of the high crime rate, kids always causing trouble, the adults always on the move to get things done, it was hectic, but it was nice at the same time, even with my family being poor, I miss them, it's nice when I see you with your father, it reminds me of the times when I was with my son"<br><br>He felt a little sad inside but he knew it had been for the best when he had left.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 02:57:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I would imagine that they were..." She gazed into the sky, unable to say it. She came to the bottom of the second mountain and turned to him. Her hands rested on her hips, the parasol resting on the ground for a moment as she tilted her head to the side.<br><br>"The town sounds like a place I'd never want to visit. Much too busy." Rising again, she reattached the parasol and turned to him. "You have a son?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:01:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"I used to have a son, when I left the village I had to leave everything behind, including him, he probably won't recognize me now, I will just be a distant memory in his young mind, he will have moved on by now, it was a long time ago"<br><br>He sighed, he had lost everything when he had left, but it had definitely been for the best at the time, now he wasn't so sure, but then again, maybe he was supposed to leave so that one day he could walk into the little village of Onawa and decide to help them with a demon problem.<br><br>"I hope you don't mind me asking, but it seems a little strange that there is only you and your father, what happened to your mother? Do you have any brothers or sisters at all?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:04:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The thought of a boy all alone without a father made her heart hurt. She rubbed her chest before shaking her head. "My mother died while having me. That's why I'm not so...lady-like, so to speak. I have no siblings. It's always been me, my father, and Tsai." She used the tip of the parasol to dislodge a few rocks from their path.<br><br>"I'm very sorry about your son. Perhaps, one day, you'll be able to see him again."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:10:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am sorry to hear that, I truly am"<br><br>He nodded<br><br>"Maybe one day I will return to my village and see him again, maybe he will remember me as well, I hope he will, it would be nice"<br><br>He walked with Shie in silence for part of the journey, he was deep in thought and his head was starting to hurt a little bit from the effort of thinking about so much and trying to accept something impossible like demons.<br><br>"I am sorry about all of the questions I have been asking about the demons, they are new to me, I like to know what my enemy is like, it is a strange way of thinking I know, but over the past few years I have learnt to analyse a situation before rushing into it head on like I used too"<br><br>He looked up at the bright sun in the sky<br><br>"It is a nice day for travelling, don't you think?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:13:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shook her head. "Don't fret over the questions. They're good to have and I wish I could answer them all." <br><br>Turning to face the sun, she sighed and removed the parasol, opening it with an easy movement. The shade kept the skin on her face from burning. "Now, at the end of this mountain, we turn toward the east. Then we should see it." She gazed over the side and pointed toward the curling smoke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:18:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and walked with Shie to the end of the mountain and then they turned east towards the curling smoke, he saw the town easily enough, it looked more like a village from there but he knew that that was just because of the distance.<br><br>"It looks like it is a busy little place, is there normally smoke rising from it like that?"<br><br>He was a little concerned about the smoke, it didn't look like normal smoke that came from towns, it was darker and thicker. Almost like something was burning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:20:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Catching the scent on the breeze, she shook her head. "No. That doesn't seem like the normal smoke. Maybe... Maybe something caught on fire." She sped up her steps, hopping down the last few rocks.<br><br>Once hitting the grassy plain, she began to run, the weight of her equipment slowing her down. The road, covered with holes from pawing horses and puddles from the rain, was an obstacle course that she tried to navigate well despite her speed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:26:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén ran with Shie, keeping pace with her, navigating around the pot holes, he wasn't having the same trouble as Shie because he didn't have as much to carry.<br><br>"I sure hope it is just an accident like you said, want me to run ahead and check while you stay back and keep safe?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:32:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I can take care of myself!" She paused a few feet outside of the town's boundaries, seeing that their guards were gone. "This isn't a good sign. Run ahead. I'll catch up!"<br><br>She dropped her bag by the guard post, untying the overclothes she wore for traveling. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 03:41:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén took his pack off and dropped it onto the ground without stopping, he picked up speed and drew his sword, heading into the town, there were no guards and it was deathly quiet, he ran further into the town, to the town centre and in the middle, there was a huge fire burning, he stopped running, he was breathing heavily.<br><br>Walking up to the fire he stopped a short way and cursed, then he ran back to Shie.<br><br>"We have to get out of here right now, the fire, someone or something has killed all of the people here and piled them up and set them on fire, we have to get back to the village right now"<br><br>He picked up his pack and hers and put them on his shoulders, then he waited for her to put her overclothes back on.<br><br>"Please Shie, we need to go before we join that pile, there is evil here, I can feel it in the air"<br><br>He looked around for signs of demons or humans on the rampage.<br><br>Oh damn, I need to run back in for a moment, please, stay here where it is safe, I will be one minute"<br><br>He dropped the packs again and ran into the town, he soon found the building he was looking for; the blacksmiths. He ran in and grabbed the first sword he could find, one would have to be enough for now, he could make more once he got back to the village.<br><br>Wielding both of the swords, he then ran to another building and found wrappings that contained meat, meat that could be taken back to the village for the inn, it would have to do for now, he could return later for more if need be.<br><br>He was about to exit the building when his blood turned cold as he heard a low hissing noise, he dropped the wrapped meat and turned, holding both swords in one hand each. When he had turned fully, he saw the one thing he didn't want to see; a demon staring right back at him with blood red eyes and teeth as sharp as razors.<br><br>"God save me" He muttered under his breath and then prepared to defend himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 06:45:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie dropped the over clothes again, watching him run off. A fire? The whole village? Her blood ran cold as she thought of the meaning. The demons would have had to have gotten smarter in order to start a fire and deposit bodies in them. Any why would they want them charred? They didn't need cooked food.<br><br>Unless...<br><br>She raced forward, nearing the village that billowed black smoke into the air. Flecks of the charred remains began to rain down like ebony snow. Ignoring that fact, she ducked into a building, searching for any sign of Lièrén. Calling his name once, then twice, she broke through doors that were half off their hinges and rushed around forgotten loaves of bread and tools.<br><br>The hiss, loud over the steady crackle of the fire, brought her gaze to the butcher's. Gasping at the sight of a man in the doorway, she folded her hands over her beads. "Gods, grant me strength..." <br><br>From her clasped hands, a ray of light brighter than any flame shot out, trailing over the man's shoulder to aim for the demon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 06:50:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was just about ready to defend himself from the demon when a light shone right over his shoulder onto the creature, it was so bright that he had to cover his eyes with an arm so that he wasn't blinded. Turning his back on the demon, he ducked out of the butchers and looked up to see Shie stood there with light pouring from her hands. He then saw something move behind her.<br><br>"Shie, duck down right now, don't say or do anything else, just duck right now"<br><br>As she ducked, he threw one of the swords like a spear and pierced another demon that had been sneaking up on her. He ran over and decapitated the demon with the sword in his hand and then he removed the second one from the demons body.<br><br>"That was a close one, we really need to get out of here now"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 06:53:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie rose from her crouch, hands on her ears. She glanced around, seeing first Lièrén then the room. "Oh gods." She backed up, picking up one of the bags on the ground not knowing if it was his or a travelers or whoever it belonged to. Slinging it over her shoulder, she left the building and started back down the road.<br><br>The sound of quiet hissing started around them, coming from all angles behind them. "Run faster," she huffed out. "Hurry!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 06:58:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén ran after Shie as fast as he could without leaving her behind, he was holding his swords as he ran, ready to strike anything that leapt at them.<br><br>"You keep running, I'll give you some time to get out of here, don't worry, I will soon catch you up, I have a trick hidden up my sleeve"<br><br>He stopped and span around to face the group of demons that had gathered behind them, there was easily twenty of them, Lièrén swallowed heavily, feeling a little nervous, but he wielded his swords and stepped forward towards the demons and then broke into a run, running straight into them, blades twirling like devils, slashing and hacking into the demons, blood spraying in every direction.<br><br>Lièrén just hoped that Shie was still running, he knew he would be ok, but he hoped she would keep on running without him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:03:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie only stopped to catch her breath after she reached the rocks of the mountain. Hands on her knees, she gazed back at Lièrén, watching the dance of his swords slice the demons apart. She fell to her knees, legs awkwardly spread behind her as her hands touched the ground. With a quiet murmured word, the earth began to rumble.<br><br>Between Lièrén and the demon, the soil began to split and large vines, coated in thorns, erupted, blocking the path back to her village. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:07:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén had many scratches and cuts from where the demons had caught him with their teeth and claws, he was tiring and they seemed to be taking it easy, he was easily outmatched. He was close to becoming overwhelmed when all of a sudden he was thrown back and a wall of thick thorns formed between him and the demons.<br><br>He took a minute to catch his breath before he stood again, he was bleeding quite freely across his arms and chest and he was sure a couple of ribs might have been broken as well as the demons had swarmed him. He slowly left the town and made his way back to Shie who was sat with her hands on the ground.<br><br>"Thank you, you just saved my life, but I told you to keep running, I would have been right behind you"<br><br>He wasn't mad, but insanely greatful that she had not listened to him.<br><br>"Thank you Shie, I owe you my life"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:09:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Don't," she said, shaking her head. Unable to get up, she just watched him come over, bleeding and tired. "Are you hurt? You must be. If...my bag..." She searched around for it before gasping. "I left it by the guard house. This isn't mine." <br><br>She picked up a bag, one that was made of the same leather material, and sighed. "I don't even know what this is." She flipped it open and picked through the contents. "Books. Scrolls and books."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:15:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"I'll be alright, give me a second and I'll run back and get your bag for you, you stay here, keep hold of that pack, it could come in useful, those scrolls may give us some indication as to what happened here"<br><br>Lièrén stood and wobbled on his feet for a minute and then he jogged slowly back to the guard house and picked up the pack that looked more like Shie's than the one she had picked up, he checked the contents quickly to confirm it was hers and then he returned to her.<br><br>"Right, now let's get the heck out of here and back to the village, we are still at risk here"<br><br>He put the books and scrolls back into the pack and put it on his back along with his own pack and once Shie was stood and wearing her overclothes and her pack, they set back off to the village. It took them long enough but eventually they made it, collapsing into chairs once they reached the inn, Lièrén was covered in his own blood now, the bleeding hadn't stopped so he needed treating soon otherwise he would pass out from blood loss.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:22:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie sent for the doctor as soon as they came into the village and now sits beside Lièrén, removing his shirt. "You were walking on this? This seems like you broke your ribs!" She would hit his shoulder, and she yearned to, but she knew it would only hurt him. "You can't do things like that. You'll end up much worse off than you began." <br><br>A bucket of water, fetched by her father of all people, appeared at her side. She dipped a cloth in it and began to clean off the blood while muttering about foolish men.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:26:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén coughed a little<br><br>"Yeah, I do stupid things like this when it's a life or death situation, still, here we are alive and well, and we have a pack full of books and scrolls which could give us some indication as to where these creatures came from"<br><br>He reached over for the pack and pulled out a scroll, opening it, he read for a while, then shook his head and put it down, sitting back and letting Shie fuss over him even though he felt fine apart from the pain in his ribs where he had broken them.<br><br>"It would seem that someone has been helping these demons all along, that scroll details a ritual to summon them in packs, it isn't pretty, I bet the rest of these books are full of information about them and other creatures"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:30:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That isn't important, Tsai!" She slammed her hands down on the scroll before staring, realizing that it wasn't Tsai in front of her. Clearing her throat, she lifted her hands and blushed. "I'm...sorry. I guess you remind me a bit too much of an old... Friend."<br><br>The doctor came in then, pushing her aside to bind his ribs. To Shie, he gave implicit instructions to make sure the patient didn't move apart from easy labor the next few days. Giving her a thick roll of gauze, she's instructed to bind him once a day.<br><br>As he left, she frowned down at the gauze. "Well. You've certainly hurt yourself."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:36:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén listened to the doctor and nodded, looked like he was going to be out of some work for a couple of days or however long it took for his ribs to heal.<br><br>"Don't worry Shie, you don't have to apologise to me, but now that you mention him, I would please like to take another look at that remarkable sword of his, I can show you the mark while we are here"<br><br>He waited for her to bring him the sword. He took it off her and placed it down on the table.<br><br>"You see this little symbol here down by the pommel where the blade meets the handle, I think it has some major importance right now, I will look through the books and scrolls for more information since I am forbidden to do work while I have my ribs healing, so it is the perfect chance to do some reading"<br><br>He stood up and winced a little<br><br>"I think I will retire to my room for a little while now, I am glad no harm came to you Shie"<br><br>He then picked up the pack with books and scrolls and took it up to his room where he closed the door, took out a leather bound book and began to read.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:42:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She took the sword back, fingers moving over the symbol. She'd never noticed it, nor remembered Tsai telling her about it. Placing it down, she decided that the inn should be opened for the evening. She moved to the door, flipping the sign over, and opened the partition. It wasn't long before she was able to lose herself in the loud fun of the night.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:46:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén read all the way through till he felt like he needed to go to sleep, he had read half of the first book and had learnt nothing overly important, it was a little bit of the background about the demons, which was interesting in itself, they had existed for thousands of years, but had never been on this plane of existence before, someone had helped them break through and now they were gathering in strength.<br><br>He had also found the mysterious symbol that was engraved on Tsai's sword, it was a symbol for fire, and this sword was embued with the power to burn through demons, making it a very powerful weapon against the demons, but only certain people could wield this power, specifically, a warrior of honour and good morals, which meant that the villagers would not be able to use the swords with this symbol, so he would just have to give them standard swords to fight with.<br><br>He yawned and closed the book and was soon fast asleep, his wounds had sapped a lot of his energy with him bleeding.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 15, 2010, 07:56:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The next morning, Shie cleaned the entire downstairs herself. She restocked the bar, set the yeast and rice to fermenting for the next batch of sake, and finished cooking breakfast. Carrying it in one hand, and the gauze in another, she walked up the stairs to Lièrén's room.<br><br>She stood outside, staring at the frame for a moment. How could she have mistaken him for Tsai? For the one man to capture her heart? They had similarities, but nothing in their facial structure or even outward appearance. They may both be foolish men who would risk their lives before thinking through an option, but they were different people. Vastly, she was sure, and should remain so.<br><br>Sliding open the door with her hip, she placed the food on the table and moved over to his bed. "Good morning."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:46:58 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat up in his bed and smiled to Shie<br><br>"Good morning, you didn't have to bring me anything, I was just about to get up, but thank you all the same, it is a nice thought"<br><br>He watched place the tray down and then sit on his bed.<br><br>"How are you today?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 10:14:56 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie held up the gauze as the reason she came up. "Well. I've done my chores. The meat you grabbed is ofthe most excellent quality so Father is finding ways to make new dishes. You'll be forced to taste-test many of them, I believe. I'm still not quite sure if you're fortunate or unfortunate for that."<br><br>She knelt, examining the bandages on his chest. It seemed that the bleeding had finally stopped but the thought of misaligned ribs made her stomach turn. "How were your books?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 10:23:08 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled<br><br>"I don't mind food testing, just so long as I don't come down with food poisoning or anything, as far as I got with books, I managed to read half one just one of them, there is quite a lot of history on the demons, which leads me to suspect that humans have been helping them cross over from their own world, which means more mages are out in the world and not the good kind either"<br><br>He sat up a little straighter and winced as pain shot through his ribs.<br><br>"I'm glad I could get you some meat, it was what we set out for in the first place, my only regret is that we couldn't get more supplies"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 10:29:52 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shoved him back by his shoulder, holding the plate of food in a hand. "Stay still before you're bedridden for more days. There are other towns, other places to get supplies. Father has sent out one of the farmers to the village to the west. It's a longer trip, but he has a horse." <br><br>She picked up the book beside his bed and frowned. "Why would anyone wish to call them in? Our town has nothing of worth. The person with the most money would be my father and as you see, that's still only a few gold coins above poor."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 10:45:34 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laid back as he was told and he gratefully took the food from Shie and took a mouthful, it was delicious.<br><br>"My thinking is that they possibly need some place to experiment with demons before they unleash them onto bigger places, so they are sending them here either by themselves or in groups to see how they fair"<br><br>Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"Anyone who works with these things is certainly asking for trouble, turns out they have a habit of turning against the people that summon them, killing them and then operating on their own, bringing more and more in from their world, so pretty soon we could be looking at a full scale demon infestation, a lot worse than we saw in the town, we need to get ready for it and fast, as much as I need too, I cannot just sit in bed and wait for this to happen, I need to get making weapons, replicating Tsai's sword if possible"<br><br>He made to get up out of bed again and soon stopped as pain shot through his chest again, causing him to cough and sit back again<br><br>"And I think I will be a heck of a lot more careful the next time I face those things as well, their heads hurt"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 10:51:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie stood, both hands on the unbound part of his chest now. "You cannot make weapons if you cannot stand. There's nothing you can do if your body rejects such actions." Fisting her hand against his chest, she nudged it against him, wanting to hit him. "You will have to wait or you will have to teach someone else."<br><br>Picking up the plate again, she retook her seat and frowned. "So, we have to either believe that Hirana was summoning them, or another town in their crossfire. If that bag was there, chances are the mage was traveling. Could he have been the only one?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 10:57:53 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"I have the feeling we are talking about a single mage here, but a powerful one, extremely powerful, normally it take two or three mages to summon demons, so this one knows what they are doing and to make sure they weren't slaughtered when the first summoning happened, it is likely that they struck a deal with the demons, making sure they could work for the demons without been killed when they had outlived their usefulness"<br><br>Lièrén then had a sudden thought<br><br>"What if I taught you how to fight with a sword, like really fight with a sword, not just swing it and hope, but fully use one like it is an extention of your arm and then from that, you could teach the other villagers"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:02:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie raised a brow while thinking about it. "I'm not sure I could handle one of those." She motioned toward his sword which sat in the corner. "I'm not clumsy, but I'm far from graceful. I can't even use the scythe right to collect the grains." <br><br>After he finished his food, she took it from him, almost mechanically, and rose. "I... I'm sure I could teach them if I knew, but..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:05:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled as she said she wasn't very graceful<br><br>"It does take practice, and once my ribs have healed, I will help you out by making a sword that is slightly shorter for you to use, it will be lighter and easier to wield, I can already picture it in my head, then we can do sword training together"<br><br>He smiled to her and leaned back onto his pillow<br><br>"I just hope we don't get any more demons coming while I'm in this state, I will fight them if need be, I won't just sit back and let anyone get hurt, but it would be good if we managed to get a break for a while, we need to sort out some sort of defence"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:12:01 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm hoping we don't. I can manage on my own for the moment but..." Shie shook her head. "I'm hoping that mage, or at least one of the people with him, was killed in that fire and we happened to get his bag. Maybe he can't summon without his materials."<br><br>She picked the bag up and looped it over her shoulder. "I'll read some myself while I serve guests. Is there anything else you need?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:13:13 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"I am fine now thank you, thank you for the food, it was wonderful, I will try to get up later on after I have rested a little bit more, I will go insane if I am to be in bed all the time"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:17:34 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then perhaps you shouldn't have been so reckless." She shook her head, picking out a thin leather book from the bag. "Foolish men should be resigned to their beds. They're only good when resting." Wagging a finger at him, she opened a book and began to read as she left.<br><br>Pausing in his door, she turned to him. "You know, I'm obviously stronger with earth types. It's rather... coincidental that these demons are all fire."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:20:14 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Indeed it is, but we shall manage, with the way you handle yourself and your powers, it doesn't matter if they are fire, they will have trouble when fighting you, just believe in yourself and you will be ok"<br><br>He laughed at her comment<br><br>"It seemed like a good idea at the time, it kept you safe and let you get away, even though I am injured, your safety came first"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:24:55 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I was safe. I could have handled it." She smiled a bit, only the corner of her mouth, before shaking her head to banish it. <br><br>"I'll take the sword when you're able to make it and I'll learn how to use it. Until then, I'll keep an eye out. You heal."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:27:18 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded again and pointed to his sword<br><br>"Take my sword with you as well, for extra protection, I know it is only a standard sword with no magical properties, but it belonged to my father and won't let you down, the blade has always been sharp and there is no rust on it at all"<br><br>He loved that sword, it had been his ever since his father had died and he didn't want to part with it, but he felt like it would serve Shie better than it would serve him for the time being.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:36:26 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie turned to the sword and picked it up by the handle, feeling her arms shake with the weight. She gave it a heft, gasping at how heavy it was. It took a moment to find her center of balance, but once she did, it became a bit easier.<br><br>"Are you sure? I can leave it beside your bed in case something attacks you." She strapped it over her shoulder, binding it tightly there for the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:40:15 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled tightly and nodded<br><br>"I have this other sword I can use in the mean time, that one is a little heavy at first but it'll soon feel like it doesn't weigh a thing once you get used to it, please, take it with you, it isn't likely that something will get this far to attack me"<br><br>He shifted slightly to make himself a little more comfortable.<br><br>"If you practice with the heavier sword, then it builds up muscles quicker and then once you can successfully use the heavy sword without struggling, you can use any sword that you pick up"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:46:19 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I see," Shie said, giving him a nod. "I only hope I can do better than I think I will. Otherwise... I may be fighting with one arm."<br><br>She moved to the door once more before pausing. "Shall I bring you up some liquor? It should ease the pain... Oh! The gauze! That's what I'm supposed to be doing."<br><br>Putting the plate down once more, she came back over to him and motioned for him to sit up a bit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:48:49 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laughed a little<br><br>"Don't worry, you'll do just fine, it takes time, but I have faith in you, as do the people of the village"<br><br>He sat up straight and raised his arms so that Shie could do what she needed to do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:50:46 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She placed everything on the floor but the gauze, slowly leaning forward. She unwraps his bindings inching by inch, in a near hug with him as she reached around him. Having him that close made her blush, her heart beating twice as fast.<br><br>"I'm sorry if this makes you...uncomfortable."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 11:53:50 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled a little as she blushed<br><br>"Don't worry about it, I'm ok as long as you are, I would do this myself if I could, you seem a little uncomfortable yourself"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:03:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You wouldn't be able to stretch your arms around to your back with your ribs like that." Shie shook her head and tossed the soiled gauze aside, bringing up the fresh gauze. Holding the splint in place, her fingers on his surprisingly soft skin, she began to wrap him again.<br><br>She didn't think her face could get any redder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:08:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"This is most true, I appreciate all of this, taking care of me, I think if this new one is packed really tightly to hold my ribs in place, I should be good to get up and walk around if I take it easy"<br><br>He wanted to just get out of bed and be able to walk around already, he hated sitting around and doing nothing while everyone else bustled about.<br><br>"I won't be any trouble and I won't get in your way, I promise"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:11:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You don't get in the way. I wouldn't worry about being trouble either." She tightened her wrappings, hoping he could still breathe through them by the time she finished. Shie pulled away, patting her cheeks once as she kept her back to him.<br><br>"I'd prefer that you give it another day in bed, at least. If you keep your ribs broken, you could severely hurt yourself. And then it will help none of us."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:14:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Thats good and packed up, thank you, I will stay in bed for today if it pleases you, but only today, tomorrow I will get up even if it kills me"<br><br>Then he smiled<br><br>"You look cute when you blush you know"<br><br>He knew some gentle flirting was probably stupid, but he said it anyway, they were gettling along, and she did honestly look cute when she blushed as well.<br><br>He picked up the book from beside the bed and opened it where he had finished the night before.<br><br>"I hope you have a good day Shie"<br><br>He then began to read.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:20:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				All thoughts of yelling at him for saying he'd get up fled her mind as he called her cute. She stuttered out a few words and turned, retreating downstairs. Once she got there, she laid his sword on the table and stared it it for a long moment before shaking her head and picking up the book. Soon, she's absorbed in the pages, ignorant to the sound of tiny footsteps upstairs...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:28:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was reading when he heard the sound of footsteps on the floor of the hallway, he thought Shie had come back again to talk to him about something, but then he listened again and it was much to light to be a human.<br><br>"Gods protect me"<br><br>He muttered to himself and then painfully got out of bed and grabbed the sword he had gotten from the town and held it tightly in his hand. He stood deadly silent, ignoring the pain in his ribs as they eached, he kept listening out for the footsteps that were still moving, growing louder slowly. Then he heard the low hiss, it was quieter than the previous hisses he had heard when he had encountered demons, but it was unmistakable.<br><br>"Come you little beast, come and get me if you dare"<br><br>He was muttering to himself, feeling on edge, he was injured and in no state to fight, but he needed to defend himself.<br><br>A shadow appeared at the door and he steeled himself, waiting for the attack to come.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:33:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"This makes no sense," she said to herself, flipping through another page. All the words jumbled together in her brain. Demons, mages, wizards, circles, magic -- none of it seemed real enough for her even though she had the abilities herself. But, upon happening on a page where the symbol of Tsai's sword was, she rose.<br><br>She figured she may as well show Lièrén. They could talk about it before the inn opened. Taking the steps two at a time, she called up the stairs. "There's something about that symbol. It's interesting, really. A demon-breaker, it's called." She flipped another page over, reading while talking. "And I think that it shouldn't be hard to draw..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:38:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén heard Shie calling up to him about the symbol, it made perfect sense, but they were both in danger<br><br>"Shie, be careful, there is a demon up here, I don't know where it came from"<br><br>He was looking at the shadow outside his room, it hadn't moved yet, maybe it was waiting for him to make the first move. Then it shifted and smashed through the door. It was an ugly creature, even for a demon. It had multiple eyes, a long slobbering tongue and rows upon rows of sharp teeth.<br><br>Lièrén struck at it with his sword but it caught it with ease and snapped the blade in half.<br><br>"Uh oh"<br><br>Was all he could say and then the demon was upon him, slashing at him with talon like claws, catching his bandages and cutting them to ribbons, meaning pain seared through his chest bringing tears to his eyes, he caught the demons hands and wrestled with it, blocking out the pain before he passed out. He headbutted the demon in the face and only ended up with a deep gash across his head in response.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:44:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the scream of a demon, she dropped the book and ran up the stairs, sword forgotten behind her. She skidded into the room, staring at the demon whose only focus was to rip Lièrén to shreds. Without thinking, she leaped forward and grabbed the demon by the arms, tossing it to the side. <br><br>A burning in the center of her throat began to take her focus. She threw both hands up to it, trying to ease the pain. It was then that she noticed her glowing hands. Without a prayer this time, she'd called forward her magic. Closing her eyes, she held a hand up and felt, rather than saw,&nbsp; five points of light aim straight for the demon. It hit each limb and its head, turning it into ash after a moment.<br><br>She fell back on the bed, gasping as the pain in her throat ebbed away. "What's... What's this?" She turned to him and gasped. "Lièrén!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:47:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was slumped on the bed, bleeding where the demon had struck him, his ribs were burning with pain and he was also burnt in several places where the demon had grabbed him, his chest was covered in scratches and now he had a large gash on his forehead as well.<br><br>"Well now I think I shall stay in bed a little longer than a day, that one really hurt"<br><br>He laughed, he often did this after a life or death situation, he found room to laugh about it afterwards because he was lucky to be alive.<br><br>Trying to sit up, he failed and just stayed as he was.<br><br>"Are you ok Shie? It didn't get you at all did it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:54:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One hand remained on her neck as she swallowed, trying to find her voice. She reached out to touch him, hand shaking. From the cut on his forehead to the burns on his shoulders, she just stared in surprise. "You're... The gods bless you, why didn't you yell when you saw him? My father would have been able to do something at the very least before I got up here."<br><br>Feeling the swell of anger again, she stood and left the room to ask a passing server to fetch the doctor. Again. Taking a moment to collect herself, she walked back in and shook her head. "I'm fine. You... You cannot do this. You'll end up dead." She let her hand drop from her throat, ignoring the pain - and the symbol that remained, glowing against her white skin in injured red. "Then we have no hope!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:57:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well I am sorry but it isn't like I planned to be attacked by a demon is it, I was just reading, minding my own business when it came for me, I shouted out to you when I heard your voice and it went for me, before then it had been happy to sit outside my room and make my edgy"<br><br>He was a little upset that she was mad with him again, then he saw the mark on her.<br><br>"Did that creature do that to you?"<br><br>He pointed at the mark on her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 12:59:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The creature didn't even touch me." Ignorant of the mark, she turned to him, finger shaking in his face. Her eyes seemed a bit wetter, a bit larger, and shining. Unlike her calm disposition of before, this on is threatening to crack. "And don't speak to me that way! I...I'm only try to make sure you don't get yourself killed like Tsai! I can't have another death on my conscience." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:01:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked down, feeling ashamed of himself<br><br>"I am sorry, but I honestly didn't expect another demon so soon, I will be more careful from now on, I promise you that"<br><br>He pushed himself up a little bit and then wiped blood out of his eyes as it trickled down him.<br><br>"How did Tsai die? If you don't mind me asking"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:06:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She grabbed the dirty gauze and began to dab at the cut on his head. "Demons killed him while he was protecting me. He was <em>always</em> protecting me. Like I was some sort of invalid." She ripped another piece of gauze from the roll and began to bind his head, careful of his hair. "And I just sat there, like an invalid, letting him fight and die. I won't do that any longer. I refuse."<br><br>Moving down to the burn marks, she swore. "I don't know how to treat these."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:11:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Cold water usually take out the sting of them, there isn't any need for bandaging them"<br><br>He listened to her while she spoke of Tsai<br><br>"I am sorry to hear about that, I know you can fight, I have seen you and I will teach you how to wield a weapon, then we can both stop this demon problem once and for all, I won't make any more mistakes and I certainly will not underestimate you, you have saved my life twice now"<br><br>"I'm proud of you as well, I saw that you used your magic without having to say anything, you are gaining more control of it"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:15:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie ran and got a bowl full of cold water, bringing it back to work on his burns. "I'm surprised that I did, to be honest." She left the matter of saving his life untouched. "I mean, I didn't pray. That must mean the gods hear me without saying anything." She wiped down his marred skin, being careful not to harm him more. <br><br>"It seems we may have to find the source of these demons. Perhaps we should leave here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:18:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I agree that we need to find the source of these demons and put a stop to them once and for all, but I think we should push on and get the defence of the village underway first, just to be on the safe side"<br><br>Lièrén stood up slowly after Shie had dabbed the wet cloth over his burns, they weren't stinging as much now so he could handle them<br><br>"I might as well walk around and do what I can to teach people how to fight, things are escalating quickly, would it be ok to bandage me up while I am stood up? Or are we waiting for the good doctor to come and look at me first?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:23:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The doctor can check you while you're teaching." She helped him to his feet and finally realized just how short she was compared to him. Trying to push that to the back of her mind, she began to work on bandaging him with soft, careful touches. She circled around him, inspecting anything that seemed off before standing before him again. Some blood had leaked out of the makeshift covering she'd made.<br><br>"Oh," she said, reaching up to wipe it off. "This may not be good."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:30:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yeah, this could be bad, I'll just keep pressure on it till the doctor gets here, let's get downstairs so we can get to the teaching shall we?"<br><br>He placed pressure on the wound where the blood was coming from and hobbled as best he could out of his room and into the hallway, once he reached the stairs, he was panting slightly, taking the stairs one at a time he was soon downstairs and had reached the door.<br><br>He walked out into the village and stood in the middle of the street, the villagers soon gathered around him and Shie, interested in what was happening and looking horrified that he was deeply battered and wounded.<br><br>"People, we have a serious problem coming our way and we need to act now, if it is ok with you, I shall teach you all how to wield and use a sword and I will also forge new swords for you with the power to defeat any demon that stands in your way, there are dark times ahead of us all and we need to stand together before we are swept away and become a footnote in the history of the world, what do you say?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:45:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie wrapped an arm around his waist, seeing how much trouble he was going through. She gazed upon her people, her neighbors and uncles and aunts, and sighed. "He's right. We need to fight. We can't sit here and let these demons take us. If we don't know basic self-defense, we're nothing more than meat dangling before them."<br><br>The murmurs of dissent morphed into acceptance, and finally a set of the strongest men stepped forward, varying in years from teenaged to middle-aged. "It will be some time before Lièrén can make swords for all of you, so it will have to be practicing one by one..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:52:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén held onto Shie lightly so that he could lean on her without knocking her over.<br><br>"I can teach you how to fight using swords, is there anyone among you who has some knowledge of working with metal so that we can get working on making some blades for everyone else? We will have to work long and hard, it will be tiresome, it will be frustrating, but it will work, we also need wood and nails to erect a wall around the village with gates for people to come in and out without problem and it will help keep out the demons as well"<br><br>One person of about middle age stepped forward and said that he had some knowledge of working with metal, but not a lot. Lièrén nodded and told him that making a blade was easy enough and very quick to learn.<br><br>"Once we have some blades made, I will begin to teach you all how to use them and soon you will all be well defended against demons, but we need to work quickly, once I am healed up enough, I will take you through the more complicated movements of sparring so that you can catch demons off guard, the stronger of you may even be taught how to use two swords at once, we shall see"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 01:55:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A teenager, one of Shie's many cousins, held up his hand and announced that he was good with wood and nails and is quickly assigned to assist the elder man. Once they head out to find proper metal and pieces of wood, she gazed up at him. "You've got them believing that they can live. That's a start. And if they can use blades, perhaps leaving here won't sentence them to a life of constant struggle or death."<br><br>She took a few steps, easing him along with her. "Now. What do you have to do?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:01:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Hope is always a good thing to have in a situation like theirs, it is better to have a slither of hope than no hope at all, that is when things get out of hand and people panic"<br><br>He thought for a minute<br><br>"I think I better get working on some blades, the sooner we have them, the better, would you like to come with me? It might even be interesting, but I doubt it will be, black smithing can be such a tedious business"<br><br>He began to hobble along to the building where all of the tools where for him to start working on blades, he would have to do the first one himself, which would be painful, but it needed to be done so that he could show the other guy how to do it.<br><br>"There will be a lot of heat in the building and it will be noisy at times because I have to work hard on the metal to get it into the right shape, but you are free to stay as long as you want, unless you have other jobs to do?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:07:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I've finished my jobs," she said, wincing at each of his steps. She moved inside, removing her outer dress to leave herself in short sleeves and a shorter skirt. She slipped out of her sandals, leaving them by the door, and walked on the dirt floor. "I can watch and make sure you don't hurt yourself any more, though. Are you sure you can handle one blade?"<br><br>She found a seat on an old bench, sitting with her hands on her knees, leaning forward a bit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:17:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I think I can just about manage it, I may need your help at certain parts though, sometimes moving the metal about from one place to another can be awkward enough without the wounds getting in the way, you have steady hands don't you?"<br><br>He stoked a fire up and used the billow on the floor to pump it up into an inferno, pretty soon the whole place was sweltering with heat and he was sweating already so he took off the top half of his robe and picked up a long length of metal and dropped it into the fire to heat it up.<br><br>"First I need to heat the metal up until it is red hot, then when that has been done, I use these tongs..."<br><br>He picked up the tongs off the workbench<br><br>"...and I use the tongs and hammer to fold the metal and hammer it flatter, then it goes back into the fire and is reheated and then beaten flatter again, then dunked in water so that it cools and the folded metal is nice and locked together into once piece, this gives it strength so that it will not break when it is used as a sword"<br><br>He took the hot metal out of the fire and hammered at it while he explained, stopping momentarily to recover from the pain in his ribs before continuing. He went through all the motions and proccesses that he had been taught when he had been back in his old village, and soon he had a piece of metal that could be used as a blade, he put it back in the fire and heated it again, using the billow to heat the fire up to make sure the correct heat was met. Then when he was satisfied, he took the metal out of the fire and placed it on its side, keeping hold of it with the tongs, he gently started to mold one of the ends into the shape of a blade and then he turned the metal when this had been done and hammered it flatter and flatter until it was flatter than it had been the first few times he had worked it. Then he dunked it in the water again and smiled when it hissed.<br><br>When he held up the metal to show Shie, it had the basic shape of a sword.<br><br>"There we go, now it just needs a handle to be attached too and then it can be sharpened and then we have our first sword"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:20:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie went forward and took the sword between a set of tongs, moving it over onto a work table that her cousin sat it, measuring for the handles. "That didn't seem too difficult," she said, though she knew she couldn't hammer anything that strongly. "Perhaps I can sharpen them? I imagine it's like sharpening cooking knives. Just...with more blade."<br><br>She searched around the area before finding a whetstone. She took a seat on the bench, rather unlady-like once again, and began to work on the sides of the sword
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:23:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded in appreciation and then sat down on the bench, he was exhausted, it had taken most of the day to make the blade and he was in a lot of pain as well because his ribs were hurting from the effort of working on the blade.<br><br>"Once the blade is sharpened, I will have to heat the unshaped end of it in the fire along with part of the handle so that they will meld together when cooled"<br><br>He wiped sweat from his brow and sat back, relaxing and letting his ribs slowly stop hurting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:30:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie came to sit beside him when she was done. "That can wait. You're in too much pain." She laid a hand on his shoulder. "Let me walk you back to the Inn. You should get some rest. Tomorrow you can finish the swords and start training."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:39:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Thank you, I think it is time for me to go to sleep, get my strength back up and then start again tomorrow, I'm pleased with the progress we are making"<br><br>He stood and leaned lightly on Shie, who led him back to his room in the inn and helped him get into bed.<br><br>"Thank you Shie, have a pleasent evening, see you in the morning"<br><br>He laid back and closed his eyes, offering a silent prayer to The Gods to help them get through the ordeal as quickly and swiftly as possible. Then he was asleep.<br><br>The next morning:<br><br>Lièrén awoke early, like he always did, he felt different immediatly, he wasn't in pain, his ribs weren't hurting and the burn marks on his arms weren't stinging. He didn't feel any pain what so ever, at first he thought he had died and was at peace, but when he looked to his left and saw the wall of his room, he knew it wasn't the case. He sat up, confused, then realised that he wasn't in pain from sitting up, looking down he got the fright of his life; he was completely healed.<br><br>He jumped up out of bed and looked down at his body, every mark and blemish and wound was gone, he took the bandage off his head and felt the skin on his forehead, the gash was gone. He tore the bandages off from around his chest, he was completely healed, the skin was smooth and unblemished like they had been before he had fought the demons.<br><br>He put on the bottom half of his robe and then went downstairs, being careful not to awake Shie. He grabbed his sword off the table and took it outside, no one else was around, so he unsheafed his sword and practiced with it, feeling good that he could move freely again. He smiled as he worked his sword, going through the familiar motions that he always went through.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:46:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie awoke to the callings of birds and the noise from the town below. With a heavy yawn, she rolled out of the bed and grabbed the bandages on her nightstand. Shuffling down to Lièrén's room and paused. He wasn't in there. He wasn't anywhere in the inn, she soon learned, and raced outside.<br><br>"Lièrén!" she called, her voice loud. "Lièrén! Where are you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:49:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén stopped sparring when he heard Shie calling him, he ran back to the inn and stopped in front of her.<br><br>"Good morning, how are you?"<br><br>He was smiling, she had a shocked expression on her face.<br><br>"I know, I don't know what's happened either, as you know, I went to sleep last night, I prayed to The Gods to give us a chance of survival, I woke up this morning completely healed, so I came out here to do some sparring, I didn't mean to worry you, I snuck out because I didn't want to wake you"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:51:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She managed to remember to close her mouth, the bandages now unraveled around the ground. She took a step forward and pressed two fingers into his chest. "You... don't hurt at all?" Shie gazed up at him, then back down at where his wounds should be.<br><br>"This is a miracle."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 02:56:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"No pain what so ever, I can do a full sparring workout and not feel a single ache or pain in my chest or my arms, I pushed myself harder than normal this morning and no pain or ache what so ever, it's like I have been completely regenerated over night and given a complete lease of life, I can finish the sword today and get a whole batch underway by the end of today no problem, then tomorrow I can hand them out and start teaching people how to use them"<br><br>Lièrén laid a hand on Shie's shoulder and smiled to her<br><br>"Thank you for looking after me while I was wounded, it means a lot, now we have work to do, do you think you would be able to copy the symbol from Tsai's sword and engrave it on the new ones I make?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:03:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie nodded. "Yes. I can do that." She watched him for another long moment. "You're sure you're okay? This is..."<br><br>She shook her head and gave a quiet life. "Well, I guess someone is watching over us then. I'll engrave the swords."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:09:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"I feel completely fine, nothing wrong with me anymore, I feel like I can do anything I put my mind too"<br><br>He walked with Shie to the black smiths hut and quickly welded the blade to the handle and then cooled it in the water, solidifying the weld. Then he tested it to make sure it was on solidly, when he was sure, he handed the finished blade to Shie.<br><br>"If you can find any more marks like the one on Tsai's sword to make the swords more powerful against the demons, it would be a great help"<br><br>He smiled to her, he was in a really good mood. He took up another piece of metal and set to working on it, shaping it into the next blade.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:14:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded and took the book out of her bag. Opening it to the page with Tsai's symbol, she copied it over. Then she began to read for more and quickly, the sword had a line of runes - three or four deep - that strengthened the steel.<br><br>"I think this should work better. There are a few others I'd like to try..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:17:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled<br><br>"Looks like we're in business, thank you for helping me with the symbols, I never was much good at engraving"<br><br>He smiled and finished working on three blades over the course of the day, letting them cool slowly so that he could put them on their handles in the morning.<br><br>"I'm going to go and spend some time helping with the wall, or would you like me to stay here? Cause I can if you want me too"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:26:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She fought back the initial urge to ask him to stay, knowing that she was falling too deeply into believing that he was Tsai all over again. Reminding herself that he had a family - and a <em>son</em> - she shook her head. "No. You do what you feel you need to. I'll stay here." She motioned around the empty room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:30:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"I won't be too long, I don't like being away from you for too long, your a good friend"<br><br>In honest truth he was beginning to fall for her, which was a surprise to him as well, but he would see where it would lead them one way or another in the end. He walked out of the black smiths and headed to where everyone else in the village was working on the wall, they were moving very quickly, almost a quater of the wall had been completed already. He grabbed a hammer and some nails and some wood and set to work on another part of the wall, helping some of the villagers who nodded their thanks to him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:35:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She finished her engraving, nodding to the men who told her that Lièrén was the best thing to have come to their small town. She had to agree; they had hope now. <br><br>Placing the finished swords one by one into a basket, she heard her father yelling down the town that the bar was to open and she was to serve. Rising, she thanked them all and hurried up the road, pulling her over-dress on as she went.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:40:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén finished up with the wall close to when the sun was going down, he and the rest of the villagers headed back to the inn, they all wanted a drink, he wanted to just see Shie again, even though they had only been apart for a few hours.<br><br>He walked into the inn and smiled when he saw her, walking over to her he gave her a brief hug.<br><br>"It is good to see you again Shie, how did the engraving go?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:44:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the hug, she paused, giving him a brief smile. "Well, All the swords are safe in the barnyard of my uncle. There are maybe one or two more I'll have to perfect." A man called out for her and she raised a hand. "One moment, Lièrén."<br><br>Hurrying over, she served the man and refilled another glass of sake. Now that there were brighter futures in their minds, there were more drinks to be had. After another round of the inn, she came back to Lièrén. "Sorry. It's busy, it seems."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:54:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"It does indeed seem busier than normal, let me get a tray so that I can help out"<br><br>He went to the counter and picked up a tray of sake, serving it to any of the villagers that wanted it. He smiled to them and nodded in thanks when they thanked him for the drink, then he walked back to Shie.<br><br>"I've been thinking about what you said, about me not leaving here"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 03:57:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie, in the midst of piling cooked meals onto a tray, glanced over her shoulder at him. "Hm? What about it?" She took a few glasses of sake and placed them on the other side, balancing the tray. <br><br>She moved to the first table, depositing them before turning to face him, cleaning her hands on the towel in her pocket.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:05:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have thought long and hard about it, I'm going to stay here, permanently, I would like to return to my old village and see my son again, but that cannot happen and since I seem to fit in well here, I thought that, if it was ok with everyone, that I stay here permanently"<br><br>His heart was in his mouth, he hoped that they would all approve, especially Shie.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:08:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie dropped the towel back into her pocket and nodded after a moment of silence. "I'm sure no one would object to your staying. But...to give up your son, your family... I know you've done it already, but can you cement that in your heart?"<br><br>She glanced over to the waitress coming their way and took a step closer to Lièrén to avoid the crash.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:15:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sighed and nodded<br><br>"I have thought long and hard about it, even though I will miss them, it needs to be done, my place is here now, if I go back there, I am a dead man"<br><br>He moved to let the other waitress through and he smiled.<br><br>"Maybe I should put it to a vote, to see what everyone else thinks about me staying"<br><br>He stepped up to the counter and faced the entire inn, holding his hands up for silence, when he got it, he spoke quickly<br><br>"I have thought long and hard about an offer I was given when I first came here, to stay permanently among you and if you all say that it is ok, then I shall stay permanently, what say ye?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:17:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One by one, all the voices in the inn raise in a cheer. Shie looked from face to face before the smile curved her lips.<br><br>"Unanimous. I think that you'll be staying here. We can house you at the inn until you find a new house, if you wish. We, of course, can keep you here for awhile as our handyman if you wouldn't mind." She leaned back, hands folded behind her back. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:21:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled and nodded to Shie<br><br>"I accept with all my heart, thank you Shie..."<br><br>He turned to the villagers<br><br>"Thank you all for this chance to live with you, I won't let you down, if there is ever anything you need repairing or forging, then I am at your disposal"<br><br>He bowed in thanks to them all and then hugged Shie fully, feeling happy for the first time in many years.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:25:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the second hug, she brought her hands up and hugged him in return. "Oh," she murmured to him, "really. It's more of a help to us than it is to you. You're going to teach us how to kill the demons, and to defend ourselves. I can't even imagine trying to protect this place on our own."<br><br>She pulled away after a moment before sighing at the loss. "I should work..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:36:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén released her from his arms, nodding.<br><br>"Well, anything I can do to help around here is always a bonus, once this problem with the demons is over, maybe I could build my own place to live next to the inn"<br><br>He smiled and took another tray of sake around the villagers, then returned the counter to get more. He liked it in the village and was pleased that he could stay.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:39:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She served her own tables, letting the night grow long again. Another few shots of sake found their way into her stomach until she grinned and even gave a few roguish winks to the men who she served. As they all left, nearing midnight, she sang as she cleaned, a song that she'd learned from the travelers passing through.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:45:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén helped serve tables and then when the inn closed he helped clean up, it was late and he could tell that Shie had been drinking, she was now singing, a song he had heard before but couldn't remember the words too, so he listened to her beautiful voice as she worked. Soon they had finished cleaning up and he smiled to her.<br><br>"Good night Shie, sleep well"<br><br>He gave her a hug and then walked up the stairs to his room, he was about to go in when he turned one last time and gave a wink to Shie, then he entered his room and made to close the door, then remembered that it had been destroyed by the demon that had attacked him, so he just climbed into bed and slept.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:48:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The wink made her blush, her entire body warming more than the drink made her. She shivered once she moved to close the door. Instead, she walked out of it. Moving out into the cold night air, she walked along the grass until she found a grove of trees. Sitting in it, she leaned back against a tree trunk and began to think.<br><br>Then dream.<br><br>Then sleep...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 04:55:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén woke the next morning, he got up and dressed, feeling wide awake and alert as always, he looked out of his room window and saw that the sun had not fully risen yet.<br><br>He headed outside of the inn with both his sword and the spare one he had gained from the town that had been destroyed. He went out to his usual spot and began to practice with both weapons, slowly at first and then faster until it felt more like he was dancing with the blades instead of fighting with them, he moved through motion after motion fluidly.<br><br>He stopped after a while and took in deep breaths of fresh air, he liked it outside, before everyone else was up, it gave him room to think and take in his surroudings, he couldn't believe he was able to stay here indefinitely, he felt at peace and soon the whole village would be through everyones efforts to beat the demons back once and for all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:07:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie woke up, feeling crimped and kinked as she slept in an awkward position. Yawning, she stretched her legs out and made a loud, pleased noise. "Aaaah," she said, curling against the tree again. <br><br>Rising, she noticed she had slept in her dress and it was now rumpled and wrinkled. "Damn," she said as she picked up her body and began to walk back to the inn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:11:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén finished his short break and began his sparring again, using the two swords and twirling around, gaining speed again until he was moving faster than he was when he had been using the two swords against the demons. He hacked and slashed at the air, striking down imaginary demons with each movement.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:22:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She came to where he practiced again and paused. He did look so much like the man that had captured her heart before when he danced with swords. She sighed and rocked back and forth on her feet. She debated calling to him but kept her mouth shut. Why ruin such a sight?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:26:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén practiced for several more minutes and then stopped when he turned and spotted Shie watching him. He smiled and looked down, surprised that he hadn't heard her walking up.<br><br>"Good morning Shie, how are you? Did you sleep well"<br><br>He was blushing a little bit, he didn't have the top part of his robes on and he was covered in sweat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:30:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In her wrinkled clothes, she gave a shrug. "I slept outside. I'm still...a bit asleep." She ran a hand over her messy hair and yawned. "What are we doing today?"<br><br>She stretched her arms out, making another squeak of pleasure at her back cracking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:45:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled to her<br><br>"Maybe you should go to the inn and sleep for a little while longer yet? I will go and finish the batch of swords I started yesterday and then I could meet you at the inn for a drink before we push on with the day?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:51:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She went to speak but ended up yawning again. "That... That sounds like a plan." She rubbed another hand over her hair. "Now to just...manage to walk back up to the inn." She laughed a bit and held a hand up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 05:58:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled and walked over to Shie, carrying both swords in one hand, he placed his other arm around her waist and gently led her back to the inn so that she wouldn't fall asleep and land flat on her face.<br><br>Once they were back at the inn, he led her up to her room and closed the door once she was inside, he smiled and then went downstairs and out to the black smiths and welded the blades of the swords to their handles and then put them back into their basket, then he did some other light work around the place, cleaning it up a little and then he headed back to the inn, it was still early and the cock hadn't crowed just yet so there was time yet.<br><br>He headed into the kitchen of the inn and cooked up breakfast for Shie and made her a drink as well. He placed it on a tray and took it up to her room, opening the door quietly and placing the tray beside her bed, he smiled and brushed a lock of hair out of her face and then he silently left and went back downstairs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:00:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The smell of good food roused her from her sleep, making her turn onto her back and reach out for the plates. Pulling them close, she begins to eat and drink, finishing the meal in short time. A quick bath followed, then dressing in warmer clothes as she headed down the stairs, depositing the plates in the wash basin.<br><br>"I slept late," she commented, glancing out the window. "Are there swords for me to engrave?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:04:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"There are currently twelve in the basket back at the black smiths, I think it is a good number to have for training at the moment, I will have to go to another town and get some more metal, we are beginning to run low"<br><br>He walked and looked out the inn window, it was light outside now and people were already heading towards the wall to work on it, they were determined, which was good, it was likely that they would survive this ordeal and the village would flourish.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:06:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not too many then." Shie found her engraving tools, hooking them around her waist in the pouch she'd made. Yawning into her hand, she sat for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "I think that four runes may be the max. Any other symbols seem to be too many. They don't...well, you know, feel any different with five."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:18:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Yeah, four is a good amount to have, maybe three, three has always been my lucky number, maybe it will hold true for everyone else, I shall leave it up to you"<br><br>He walked over to her and smiled to her<br><br>"Your doing really well and so far there haven't been any more demons around, so things should pick up soon, although I do fear that this is probably just a calm before the storm, so we best press on"<br><br>He walked out of the inn with her to the black smiths, he sat on the bench and pulled the basket of swords towards them.<br><br>"Maybe you could show me how to engrave symbols onto the swords"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:24:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She pulled a sword out and placed it before him. "It's burning into the blade, really. First you use this," she held up a sharp blade and began to draw into the metal, delving past the first layer until the inner metal was revealed, "to make the design. Like these three runes." She drew them.<br><br>Rising with the sword, she moved over to a vat that she'd put there a day ago. Taking the tarp off, she revealed a sharp-smelling acid. "Then, just this." She turned the sword around and dipped it into the acid, waiting a moment before removing it. Putting it in another solution moments later, she laid it on the bench.<br><br>The sword now had lighter runes permanently etched into it. "We could paint them," she said. "If you wanted them to look nicer."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:28:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén watched her as she worked<br><br>"Thats quite smart actually, I never thought of doing it that way, no wonder my engravings always failed and looked back, this is masterful work"<br><br>He smiled to her<br><br>"At the moment there isn't really a need to paint them and make them look pretty, but maybe after the battles are over and we are successful, they could be used as decoration in each villagers homes as a trophy of their deeds and the source of a story that they can tell their children and pass down through the ages"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:34:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She agreed, nodding over to him before bringing another sword over. "Without the acid, it doesn't sink all the way in. If you just etch the outside, it can rub away with age." She finished another two swords, able to draw rather well.<br><br>After an hour's worth of work, she stopped and cleared her throat. "I think we should try to find the demons to the east."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:37:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked at her, this was a little sudden for her, wanting to find demons already.<br><br>"Are you sure? The defence of the town isn't finished, no one but me can wield a sword properly, are you really sure?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:40:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, after you train them, of course. I just meant that, when we do go, I think we should go east." She gazed down at the swords, fingers traveling over the hilt of the nearest one. "Because if the scrolls were there, and we've not had any new visitors, it had to be a man traveling in this direction. Maybe in the caves?"<br><br>She stood and put the swords away one by one.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:42:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"That's good thinking, I like the idea, maybe I could give everyone a quick run down of training today and tomorrow, get them through the basics and then we could possibly let them get on with the wall while we go and look in the caves, does two days sound alright to you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 06:46:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A nod accompanied her smile. "Two days sounds fantastic. I can't stand the thought of sitting here, doing nothing to try and stop them." She turned, motioning to the closed door as if they'd come bursting through. "Nothing besides defense. Sometimes one must go on the offense." Tossing the last swords into the basket, she sat on the table, crossing her legs at the knees. "It's like we're afraid."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:01:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled<br><br>"Sometimes, you have to play defence first and weather the attacks of the enemy before mounting your own offence and striking back while the opponent is recovering from their losses, sounds crazy I know, but more often than not, it works"<br><br>He picked the swords up out of the basket and put them under his arm.<br><br>"Shall we go do some training then?"<br><br>He smiled to her and then headed out of the black smiths and over to the wall.<br><br>"I need fifteen men to come with me for the first lot of sword training, please, follow me"<br><br>He then led the first fifteen people over to where he usually sparred by himself and gave them a sword each, for half an hour they followed his movements slowly, then he set them up into pairs to see how they would fair, he told them not to hurt one another, but just take it in turns to attack and block. After a few hours he told them to stop<br><br>"Good, you are all doing well, I am very proud of all of you, if you keep this up, and take these swords and practice whenever you can, you will soon be able to do pretty much anything with a sword and if you look at the markings on the blade, these were engraved on by Shie, they have strengthened the sword so that it will not break when a demon bites it, they are also marked with a symbol that means the demon will be hurt a lot more by the blade because of the holy power bestowed, treat these weapons well and they will take good care of you in return"<br><br>He then bowed to each of them in turn and picked up his own swords.<br><br>"Now I know you have only had a few hours practice, but I want you all to attack me in groups of two or three, this is to show you what it is like to be attacked by a group of demons, I shall not hurt you, but I want you to try and get past my defence"<br><br>He then stood ready with his swords, the villagers attacked in groups of two or three, throwing their all into it, a couple of times they came close to getting past his defence and beating him, but he would pull a trick and send them sprawling, inviting more of them into the fray, when they had all had a go, he asked them to stop, he smiled to them and told them that they had done well and they could all rest.<br><br>He smiled and walked over to Shie.<br><br>"They show promise, those fifteen alone could defend this village against many demons, we could probably set off tomorrow if you wish, before everyone else wakes up"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:05:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie leaned back as he came in, swinging her legs where they couldn't touch the ground. Smiling up to him, she nodded. "That's good to hear. If you think their ready, I'll trust you."<br><br>She sighed and looked up at the ceiling, seeing the sun shining through in some places. "To think it may be over soon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:06:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded<br><br>"Indeed, peace shall reign once more, I think we should go through the remainder of the books and scrolls, to see if there is any specific way in which we have to end this, just so we are prepared for everything"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:10:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bringing her eyes back down to him, she nodded. "Perhaps that's for the best." She inched to the edge of the table, pushing off after a moment until both of her feet hit the ground. "Shall we split them up?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:12:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén wondered what she was talking about for a moment, then he realised she was in fact talking about the books and scrolls.<br><br>"That could be a good idea, we would get through them quicker that way"<br><br>They walked back to the inn and pulled the pack of books and scrolls out and shared them between them and started reading, they devoured the pages from all of the books finding nothing, then when it came to the scrolls, they read them slower, making sure they read every detail, the scrolls had more specific information on than the books.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:16:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding over the scrolls, she began to scribble on a piece of paper. "It seems they're made from fire. Actual fire. So it would explain that if they burn a body, they go back to their source." She hummed to herself and pushed the scroll aside. "Maybe if we managed to find the cave and the source and light that on fire? I wish my powers weren't with plants and glowing light..."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:18:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Maybe if you try, you could turn your powers to more than just plants and light, maybe if you think about it, you could create fire and hold it in your hand, why not have a try now while we are doing nothing? Just hold out your hand flat and think of a fireball that will not burn you and that you can hold and control"<br><br>He sat back a little bit to give her some space and stayed silent for her so that she could concentrate without his interruptions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:29:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She closed her eyes and concentrated. Repeatedly she thought of fire, over and over, of fire that wouldn't hurt her, that wouldn't burn her, that wouldn't...<br><br>And another shot of light appeared. She gasped, jumping back as it nearly hit her in the face. "I guess," she said once she calmed, "that I'm going to have to practice..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:33:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shielded his eyes as the light flew up, when he looked again, he moved back over to Shie and put a comforting arm around her.<br><br>"You'll get it eventually, you just need to practice, you'll get it in the end, no one ever said anything was easy"<br><br>He hugged her and then went and fixed them both a drink. He handed one of the cups to Shie and sat back down.<br><br>"I never thought anything like this was possible, magic and demons, up until I came to this village I have never been anywhere near magic or anything supernatural, there were always stories and legends of strange creatures and dragons flying around, but now that I'm living it and being a part of it, as much of a danger as the demon part is, I find it all to be fantastic and wonderful, seeing your powers is just so amazing"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:39:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I didn't think it was possible until my hands glowed that day." She took a sip of the drink, sighing after a moment. "Oh, that's good. There's liquor in this, isn't there?" She stretched her legs out and shook her head. "It really is amazing, though. It really is something that... shouldn't be." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 07:44:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nearly choked on his own drink when she said about there been liquor in it.<br><br>"I don't remember putting any in, but then again I wasn't really paying attention to the bottle that I picked up"<br><br>He downed the rest of his drink in one go, it tasted nice whatever it was.<br><br>"Magic is obviously a gift, it had kept you alive all this time, it has protected against the demons, ok it isn't of this world, but it has proven both good, in the terms that you have used it to protect, and then for evil as well in the case of the demons"<br><br>He sat back in his seat and rubbed his eyes, the drink had hit him a little bit hard, but then again he had downed the whole thing in one go.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 08:05:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled at his reaction. "Not used to that, hm?" She shook her head. "You have to be careful. If you drink too many, we won't be able to leave tomorrow."<br><br>She stood up, fetching them both a glass of water.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 08:07:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled and watched her.<br><br>"When do you want to set off tomorrow? Before the cock crows?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 08:10:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sat down in the seat beside him this time, placing both drinks on the table with a quiet clank. "I think it would be best if we tried to travel during the night. Sleeping in the darkness is dangerous." She sipped her drink. "Of course, if they're out during the day now, it'd be equally dangerous, but I think they congregate more during the dark hours."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 08:14:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded in agreement<br><br>"I suppose your right, it would be better go travel by night, we could slip out tomorrow evening if you wish, when everyone has left for the night?"<br><br>He yawned and smiled sleepily to Shie and accepted the water from her.<br><br>"I think the early mornings are catching up to me now, along with all the work we have been doing recently"<br><br>He yawned again and took a sip of water.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 16, 2010, 08:16:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I know the feeling," she murmured. "We'll be able to sleep in late tomorrow and get a good start on a long night of travel." She finished her drink and settled back in her chair.<br><br>"Will be weird being away from home."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 05:07:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded to her<br><br>"It is always strange when you are first away from home, but you get used to it eventually, not to worry, we shall be back before too long"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 09:42:17 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shifted until her feet were curled beneath her. "That's my hope. That I come back, that I see the whole village protected and safe. That we finish this quickly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 09:44:39 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled to her and nodded<br><br>"Don't worry, I'll get you back safely, no matter what"<br><br>He rubbed his eyes.<br><br>"I think I'll go help out on the wall again, now that some of the sword training is out of the way I can concentrate on that a lot more, they are making real progress out there, I wouldn't be surprised if they are half way done by now"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 09:47:54 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, alright." She nodded up to him, feeling a sudden sense of uselessness. She pulled the books back to her and began to read, to keep her mind off what was to come.<br><br>"I hope they finish soon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 09:50:19 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding, he made for the inn exit<br><br>"I'll be back soon enough, I won't leave you alone for too long"<br><br>He jogged down to the wall and then helped out till everyone finished about an hour later, then he jogged back to the inn ahead of everyone else and smiled to Shie as he walked in.<br><br>"Hey beautiful, everyone is headed this way, you didn't miss me too much did you?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 09:56:51 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her face flushed as she was called beautiful. She gazed up at him in surprise, touching her cheek, before quickly looking back down at her papers. "No, I was..." She motioned around. "They all say the same thing..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 09:59:46 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled to her and went over to the counter to start filling cups with sake, then when the first of the villagers came in, he handed them out, letting Shie take a break from her regular duties so that she could have a few drinks herself and relax for a change, he placed a cup of sake in front of her.<br><br>"Have a night off, you look tired, I can handle the drinks and such"<br><br>He smiled to her and then walked around handing drinks to villagers as they requested them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:11:56 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie didn't argue. Instead, she sipped her sake and watched him work. After finishing another book, she pushed it aside and sighed.<br><br>This was going to be a test of her will, traveling with him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:17:56 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén weaved between tables and gave out more drinks when required, he whistled a tune to himself as he worked, passing by Shie and refilling her drink when she wanted another one, he smiled to her each time and then he was away again serving others and then he had to refill cups as well. He wasn't used to being on the go like this and it tired him a little.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:24:14 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie, knowing he must be tiring, took the jar of sake from him and pointed to the chair without a word. Having not drunk to excess that evening, she was able to flit about the room, fulfilling requests and cups. <br><br>The food came out, easily served, and she placed a dish in front of Lièrén before leaving one for herself as well. Moments later, she was able to sit and eat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:25:52 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén collapsed into the chair instead of arguing with Shie and he thanked her when she placed some food in front of him, he waited for her to come sit with him and then he ate with her.<br><br>"This food is fantastic, are you ok? You seem a little nervous, is it about tomorrow?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:28:46 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie glanced up from her food, fork posed halfway to her mouth. "That's part of it," she said. "Another part would probably be leaving these men to defend themselves." She motioned around the room. "A bunch of drunks."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:31:48 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded in agreement<br><br>"That is quite true, it would be bad to see them all drunk having to fight demons, maybe your father could close the inn for a couple of days to stop them getting drunk, just while we are gone, once we return he could re-open it and they could get as drunk as they like"<br><br>He knew her father would never like the idea of closing his inn for a couple of days while they were gone, but he had something in his pack tht could soon change his mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:35:55 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She winced at the idea but gave a shrug. "I...hope? I'm not sure if he'll agree." She rose from the chair, looking over at her father's office. "I can try, though..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 10:38:19 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laid a hand on her shoulder<br><br>"You stay here and enjoy your food, I shall be back shortly, I'm going to go talk to your father"<br><br>He stood and quickly went up to his room and picked up a small pouch from his pack, then he went to the office and knocked on the door, entering when he had been told he could enter.<br><br>"Good evening sir, I have a request from you, would you be able to hear me out please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 11:32:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tanaka-san glanced up from his papers, then looked back at them a moment later. "Go. I have to finish these requests so make it quick."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 11:38:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He took a breath and launched into it.<br><br>"I need you to close the inn for a few days, just while me and Shie are away, we are going to stop the demons at their source, we have plenty of information on them and we feel that we can put a stop to them for good"<br><br>He saw the look of shock on the old mans face<br><br>"I know this is an insane request, but it needs to be done, the defence of this village is important and we cannot have everyone drunk all the time, if you go through with this, I can give you all of this..."<br><br>He produced the pouch and opened it, tipping 100 gold coins onto the desk<br><br>"...this is compensation in return for closing the inn while Shie and I are away, I hope this covers it"<br><br>He stood and waited to see what the owner would say.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 11:40:44 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tanaka crossed himself and stared at the mountain of coins. "That's... You're taking my daughter where? She can't go hunting demons. She's..." He gazed down the stairs to where he could hear her voice. "She's fragile. She doesn't need men like you trying to whisk her away."<br><br>He stood, motioning to the coins. "What if she dies? You both die? Is this amount supposed to make up for it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 11:49:40 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He shook his head<br><br>"I garuntee that your daughter will return home safely, I swear on my own life that no harm will come to her, she is a strong woman, she can do things that I have never seen before, it was her idea to go in the first place and I agree that we need to put an end to the demons once and for all, please, just think about it for a while, I'll leave the coins with you, they are part payment for letting me stay here at the inn, if you want more, let me know"<br><br>Lièrén bowed to Tanaka and then left the office, breathing out as he closed the door, he had been nervous all the way through the talk and he didn't know what the answer would be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 11:56:29 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tanaka's gaze turned back to the coins before he swept them into a bag. If Shie didn't come back... There'd be hell to pay.<br><br>---<br><br>Shie found Lièrén at the top of the stairs, right by her father's office. With a sigh, she came forward, hands out before her. "He couldn't have said no to whatever you asked..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 12:03:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Indeed, he seemed to think that I had just given him one hundred gold coins as compensation incase you don't return, which is why I will now lay my own life on the line to make sure we succeed and you come back to him"<br><br>He laughed<br><br>"You know when I first came here and I said that I had to leave my village because I killed a couple of guards over a loaf of bread, I didn't tell you the truth..."<br><br>He took a deep breath and continued<br><br>"...the truth is, I broke into the mayor of my villages house and I stole all of the money he had, every single gold coin, that is why I cannot return, I am a dead man if I even walk close to there, they have been searching for me like mad ever since it happened, in order to escape, I had to kill twelve guards"<br><br>He looked up into Shie's eyes<br><br>"Please, I don't want this to affect our friendship, I did what I had to do, he was a greedy man, taxing us into poverty, I tried to take the gold back and give it to the people, but I never got that far and I had to flee for my life, taking the gold with me, now I help wherever I can across the land, seeking forgiveness for what I did, this is the final test for me, to see that I have changed, whether I live to see the end of this or not, I will protect you and end this threat"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 12:12:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie stared up at him, knowing her mouth had parted in shock, knowing that should be forgiving and understand. But the words "kill twelve guards" echoed in her head. She backed away from him without thinking, her head shaking. "You... Killed people? A dozen people?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 12:15:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Yeah....twelve people, I aren't proud of it, I'm deeply ashamed, you are the first person I have told since I left my village"<br><br>He looked down feeling ashamed, not able to meet her gaze.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 01:09:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie took another step back, staring at his hands. If she let her mind get away with itself, she could see the blood. She could see each shade of red. "I... I can't believe this." <br><br>She heard the calls from downstairs and shivered. "I have to go work."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 01:13:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded, not looking up.<br><br>WHen she had gone, he walked ot his room and picked up his swords, strapping them in a cross on his back. He also took out another pouch from his pack and attached it to his belt and then he went out of his room and outside, he avoided everyones looks and left the inn.<br><br>Without a backward glance, he exited the village and made his way east, heading for the mountains and the caves where the demons were rumoured to have come from, if he kept up a steady pace, he could be there before morning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 01:24:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie finished serving and took a seat behind the bar, staring at her hands. All the thoughts running through her head began to make her feel queasy. He <em>had</em> helped, after all. And his reasons weren't selfish; they were noble. He wanted to help his village as much as he wanted to help hers. But how could she be sure he told the truth now? Did he really have a family? Did he really have a son?<br><br>With her stomach churning, she rose and made her way upstairs, wanting to speak to him. Wanting to yell at him and demand that he tell her everything truthfully. Tell her that he hadn't killed people except as a last recourse. Seeing his door opened, she peeked inside and felt the blood rush out of her face.<br><br>"Lièrén!" She raced down the stairs, looking for where he could have gone. "Lièrén!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 01:28:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After walking for several hours, he reached the base of the mountains, he looked up and saw that they reached a great distance into the sky, he took a deep breath and began to climb, finding footholds and crevices he could use to scale part of the wall till he came to a ledge, he walked along the ledge till he reached what looked to be a cave entrance, he drew his swords and kept his eyes and ears open for any sight or sounds that could define where he was supposed to be going, it was dark and he didn't know how deep the cave was, he decided to return to the ledge and camp there for the night, resting before venturing into the cave in the morning.<br><br>He hoped Shie was ok and that she would not come after him. Maybe she didn't even know he had left.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 02:42:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie scrambled along rocky edge of the cliff, trying to find good footholds and the like. She'd left an hour after Lièrén, having taken that long to pack up and find the proper equipment to go. Knowing she was far behind, she ran the majority of the way, or at least as much as she could, and now moved slowly, out of breath, trying to catch up to a man she hoped had gone this way...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 02:50:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén awoke to the sound of scratching, he was instantly alert, he drew a sword and looked around, it wasn't coming from the cave, it was coming from the cliff face he had climbed the night before.<br><br>He shifted to the edge and was just about to strike when a wave of hair showed itself, followed by the face of Shie, he fell back onto the ledge, shocked.<br><br>"Shie! Wha...what are you doing here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 03:39:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well," she said, huffing as she pulled herself onto the ledge, "you left without me. I thought we were supposed to do this together." Tossing the bag aside, she took a few deep breaths, trying to catch hers. "You certainly walk quickly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 03:16:07 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He couldn't help but laugh, he helped her up onto the ledge and then hugged her.<br><br>"I thought you wouldn't want to come anymore with me, since I told you the truth behind me having to leave my village"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 06:40:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's certainly not what I wanted to hear," she said, trying to temper the thoughts in her mind. "But I have to ignore that for now. We have a job to do." Unlatching the second bag - full of food and water - she sat down on the ground. "And I am in desperate need of a rest..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 04:43:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and sat back, moving out of Shie's way so that she could sit down and rest.<br><br>"Take as long as you need, the cave is quite deep, you rest here while I go inside and do some poking around, I will be ten minutes maximum, I promise I will not go on without you again"<br><br>He left a sword with her and took the other one with him into the cave, he was cautious, keeping his eyes and ears peeled for any sign or sound of movement, he probed deeper and deeper into the caves until he heard the sound of distant hissing, deciding that he had gone far enough, he edged back to the exit and sat down again.<br><br>"I think we got lucky, there are demons in there and a lot of them by the sounds of it, I didn't look any further in case I was spotted"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 05:03:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That is an odd thing to consider lucky." She sighed and rose, stretching out her limbs. "Do you think we can do this? There are more than just one or two this time..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 05:14:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"With your magical talent and these blades, we can easily cut our way through them, I am sure of it, do you think we can do it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 07:36:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I wish I had even an ounce of your confidence." Shie stretched out her arms, flexed her fingers, and sighed.<br><br>"Okay. We can do this. I'm sure we can! But...you lead."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 02:19:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded<br><br>"No sweat, we'll be back in the village before you know it"<br><br>He kissed her on the forehead, as both a sign of good luck and because he felt like it could be the last time he would see her when they entered this God forsaken cave.<br><br>"Stay close behind me and be ready to run if things get out of hand, no matter what ok? You just run and don't look back, leave me behind if you have too"<br><br>Then he pressed on into the cave before she could reply, keeping silent, his sword held out in front of him, eyes and ears peeled for the hissing sounds he had heard the night before, soon they were heard and he stopped.<br><br>"Ok, here we go, luck to us both sweet Shie"<br><br>Then he stepped forward into the cave opening, he was confronted by hundreds of beady red eyes and rows and rows of teeth.<br><br>"Hello beasties"<br><br>He spoke softly at the demons and then ran into them with the speed of a dervish, cutting down five of the demons instantly and then cutting through more and more with each swing, he took minor hits and cuts as he went through them, but he was holding his own much better than he had before when he had handled the group back in the town. Maybe The Gods had given him renewed energy and tougher skin for this task, either way, he was handling the matter much better, the sword enhanced by the runes engraved by Shie, burning and cutting through demons like paper and still they came, three more springing forward for everyone of their brethren that fell.<br><br>"Shie, how are you doing?"<br><br>He didn't know if Shie could hear him or not, he was surrounded by demons trying to slash and hack at him, only being moderatly successful, he was bleeding lightly from several cuts on his chest and arms, but he wasn't nearly as bad, he and Shie had the advantage, the demons were eager to tear the two of them to shreds and were getting in each others way, impairing the amount of damage they could deal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 06:44:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie twirled with the flow of the demons, using the sword the best she could when she felt her power tap out. Sparks of light, all from her hands, shot up to the ceiling as she repelled the monsters back. "I'm fine," she called out to Lièrén. "Just keep fighting! There as to be something like...like a gate that they're coming out of."<br><br>She was a flower of wool again, her petals smacking against the cave walls as she brought her hands down onto another beast, letting the sword fall. "Can you see it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 06:49:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He fought his way deeper into the cavern, keeping one eye on the demons which fell before him while the other eye searched for the gate or window they were coming through.<br><br>"I can't see it, but the demons seem to be coming from deeper within the cavern, so we need to push on, do you need my help at all or are you ok?"<br><br>Sensing that even though Shie was doing well she needed help, Lièrén moved back and fought off the demons by unsheaving another sword he had hidden under the back of his robe and he began twirling them like dervishes once again, cutting down demons like crazy, faster than ever before and soon he was using the swords like a windmill to keep the flow of demons at bay, any venturing close enough would get cut down without a second thought.<br><br>"There, that should supply you with some breathing room, I can keep this up, lets go get that demon gate and lets hope there isn't anything like a lord in there waiting for us"<br><br>He pressed forward, slashing and hacking demons down by the score, making a path for him and Shie so that they could keep going into the cavern and proceed with their mission.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 10:08:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The very idea of a demon lord made her shudder, but she pressed on anyway. Turning for a moment, she touched the sides of the cave walls and watched the rocks shake. She didn't want to block them in, and she didn't want to hurt them. Allowing a few spurts of thorns out, she coated the ground, knowing their shoes would crush them when they passed by again. The demons wore no shoes.<br><br>Jogging forward, she threw out an arm as they came to a place lit from within. No sunlight passed through, just the unearthly glow from a slice in the darkness before them. It pulsed red, violet, blue, violet, red... and it began to enlarge.<br><br>"That's not good."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 04:44:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded in hurried agreement<br><br>"I think we found what we were looking for, but it looks like there is something pushing through, we better hurry before it can get through completely"<br><br>He ran to the growing slit.<br><br>"ermmm......how do we destroy this thing? It isnt attached to anything"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 09:53:26 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shrugged, almost helplessly. "I'm...not sure. I doubt our swords will do anything." She crept forward, hands coming up to touch the darkness beside her. Nothing tangible. "It looks almost like it's cut into our world."<br><br>As she said that, the pulsing colors alternated faster, flickering to almost seizure-inducing levels.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 10:31:17 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and watched as the colours sped up.<br><br>"Maybe we have to go through to the otherside to stop it from doing whatever it is doing? What do you think?"<br><br>He was unsure as to what to do, he had always been able to deal with a problem but now he was at a complete loss.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 11:16:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If we go through the other side, who can say that we'll make it back here alright?" She shook her head. "Maybe we should tie the rope to something. Or someone should go and stay? But I wouldnt' want to be split up. This is dangerous work."<br><br>She took a seat on a rock illuminated by the red glow and ran a hand through her hair.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 11:47:54 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded<br><br>"Sounds like a plan, you stay here, I'll be back in a minute"<br><br>Before she could even bother to object, he jumped through the tear and landed on solid ground on the other side, demons looked at him for a moment and then charged him, he smiled to them sadistically and danced around cutting them to ribbons with his swords, when they had been dispatched, he turned and looked at what they were dealing with, it was indeed a window, constructed into the stone of the cliff he was now facing.<br><br>"Interesting, looks like one of us is staying behind after all"<br><br>He jumped back through to Shie.<br><br>"Looks like your going home right now, I'm staying, the other side of the window in constructed from stone, I'm going to stay and take it down from their side, you go and don't look back"<br><br>Lièrén gave her his fathers sword<br><br>"Keep this to remember me by, one day I shall return to you"<br><br>He kissed her on the lips for the first time and then he was back through the window, holding his sword in his hand, he took one step to the side of the gate and swung his sword at the wall holding the window up. It cracked and then shattered, closing the window between the worlds, now he just needed to find a way out of this demon world.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 01:09:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie stared, lunging forward to stop him. As she saw no way out, she battered her fists against the air. "No!" she cried. "No, you can't! You can't do this alone!"<br><br>After an hour of trying to find a way in, a way to the place Lièrén was, she gave up, trudging back home. Two men, two beats of her heart, forever gone...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 03:20:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Several Months Later</strong><br><br>Lièrén fell through a window in the air, he landed with a heavy thud on the ground and felt extremely sore. He had finally made it back to the human realm, he could tell just by breathing in, the air was clean and clear, it didn't have a heavy tint like the demon world.<br><br>He stood and looked up in the air, the window was gone already. He then set his gaze off into the distance and he once again saw Onawa, the village he had travelled too many months before hand. It felt like he had been away for years, and he was eager to get back, to see Shie again, to be home.<br><br>He walked slowly, taking his time, holding his old and battered sword limply at his side. He was nervous, he didn't know what to expect when he got back, he hoped Shie would recognize him. When he got closer, he realised that the villagers had finished the wall, he stood in front of the enormous door and knocked on it, when a panel slid out and eyes looked at him suspiciously, he held their gaze. The panel slid shut and the door opened, one of the villagers stepped out holding a sword; one of the original fifteen that Lièrén had created. Surrendering his sword to the villager, he was led into the town centre and everyone came around to see who it was that had caused such a comotion. Lièrén scanned the crowd for any sign of Shie. Everyone else obviously did not recognize him because of the heavy beard he now possessed on his face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 03:32:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie collected her water down at the Jade, listening to the commotion in the town square. Raising a brow, she hoisted both buckets up and started to walk in that direction. Her father had passed on a month before and since then, her entire life had been devoted to making sure the Inn ran well and steady. The amount of money she made had made her into quite a wealthy woman, though it hasn't effected her at all. <br><br>The only sign of age are a few worry lines on her forehead and slightly longer hair. As she makes her way through the groups of people, she gazes up at the partially obscured back of the man standing there. Another raider, probably. They'd taken so many in to question them before the public and kicked them all out after a thorough beating. She couldn't say that her people were doing the right thing, but they were doing what they thought they should to keep them safe. They'd succeeded so far.<br><br>She put the buckets down, asking her cousin who had come, and at the confused shrug, she motioned for him to keep a watch on her water as she made her way up front. It was true: money gave power.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 03:40:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén turned around, keeping his arms where they could be seen and he searched the crowd, looking for Shie. He spotted her and winked in her direction, but he didn't know if she picked up on it, he had been away for a long time and he was sure she thought that he was dead.<br><br>"Shie"<br><br>Was all head said, clearly so that everyone, even Shie herself, could hear him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 04:02:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie paused, hands falling to her sides. The voice, too painfully familiar, made her breath stutter out. "...who are you?" <br><br>She climbed onto scaffold they kept him on and peered closer. It couldn't be... "And how do you know my name?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 04:10:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled to her sadly, she didn't recognize him, not fully.<br><br>"Who else could pull of being trapped in a demon realm and then returning because he promised, it is me, Lièrén"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 05:13:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gasps rose up from around the area, the men lowering their swords as they waited for Shie's ruling. She stepped forward once more, peering into his eyes before the smile started from her heart.<br><br>"Welcome home..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 05:53:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled and nodded once<br><br>"Thank you, it is good to be home, it has been too long"<br><br>He looked around at the villagers, there were some new additions that he didn't know, many people he did recognize and some that were missing.<br><br>"Much has happened since our trip, please, tell me all that I have missed"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 06:36:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie motioned for the men to disperse. "We've had two births, and three deaths - my father being one of them. A family left because they feared the demons would get worse." She motioned toward the empty house that stood in the corner. "We've had a few vagrants come and work around the Inn for me. I can't do everything by myself, of course."<br><br>"How'd you survive?" she asked after a moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 06:41:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding slowly, he gazed off for a moment, then returned to earth.<br><br>"I am sorry to hear about your father. I really am"<br><br>He thought for a long moment.<br><br>"Well, it was a struggle I will admit, it is a complete and utter ruin in that other world, demons stalking about all the time, most of the time I have being fighting them, I have killed hundreds of them but there are still way more than we could ever hope to take on, in the end I stumbled across a demon lords home, which was both fortunate and unfortunate of me, I managed to fight my way to the creature, gaining many wounds in the process, he tried to kill me outright because I was human, I fought back and as luck would have it, because of my sword I managed to beat him down and he bartered for his life, in exchange for me letting the worm live, he would send me back and stop any demons from crossing for the time being, I agreed after a lot of thought, just incase he double crossed me and then the rest you know, here I am standing before you now"<br><br>He looked right into her eyes<br><br>"I have missed you so much, there wasn't a day went by that I didn't think about you, that is why I have come back, because my determination to see you again would not let me give up"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2010, 07:11:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie blushed, the words being heard by the people still lingering. She laid a finger over his lips and nodded up toward her inn. "I'm just glad to see you alive. I had... Well, I'd written you off as dead, to be honest. Who can survive a demon plane?"<br><br>She started up the hill toward the building. "I suppose I can tell those two men that they're free from service now..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 05:03:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled to her, much really had changed within the short time that he was away.<br><br>"Well since I am no criminal, I guess so"<br><br>He chuckled<br><br>"The place looks fantastic, I have missed it so much, so much has changed"<br><br>He looked around, more building had been erected, the wall was complete, the villagers looked a lot happier than they had before and there seemed to be more people around the place now than before as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 10:05:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's been a fair bit of time, Lièrén. We've had time to heal and to grow." She slid open the door to the inn and walked inside. Her job as waitress has been passed on to a gaggle of teenage girls who rush back and forth filling orders.<br><br>"Your rooms are still there. Still...the same."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 10:09:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén followed Shie to the inn and smiled to her gratefully.<br><br>"Thank you Shie, it means a lot, I am most grateful, if it is ok with you, I would like to go and clean up a little, this beard is itchy and annoying"<br><br>He stifled a yawn, he hadn't slept much in the past few months for fear of waking up inside a demon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 11:22:44 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Of course! I'll be in the office." She motioned over to it as she walked along the re-planked walkways. "Take as much time as you need."<br><br>As soon a she sat down, she grinned. Maybe things were truly getting better...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 12:40:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén bowed<br><br>"Thank you, I shall be down shortly"<br><br>He then went up to his old room which was indeed pretty much as he left it, his pack was still there, some of his old robes were still on the floor, exactly as he had left them. He smiled to himself.<br><br>He had a quick wash and shave, trimming the beard down but leaving a smaller version of it on his face, giving him an older appearence, he also cut his hair back to shoulder length and tied it back in a pony tail. He changed out of his robes and put on a fresh set and then he headed back downstairs and to the office, he knocked on the door and then entered. Shie was sat behind her fathers old desk and as he looked around the office, he noticed his old sword standing in one corner.<br><br>"I must congratulate you, I am most sorry that your father passed away, but I am glad to see that you were given the inn and you have successfully brought the village to peace, exactly like you had promised too when we first met"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 02:44:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie turned and gave him a smile. "I don't intend to break promises. Things are good here now. You're to thank for that. If there's anything I can give you..." She paused, then opened a drawer in the desk, drawing out a bag of coins. One hundred gold coins, to be exact.<br><br>"Father never spent them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 02:51:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laughed when he saw the coins<br><br>"You keep them, I never needed them in the first place, I thought he would have used them to keep the inn going, maybe expand it a little bit, anything he wanted to do really"<br><br>He pushed the bag back to Shie<br><br>"You keep it, I don't need it or want it, I have everything I need right here in this village, if I need money, I will work for it"<br><br>He then thought for a moment.<br><br>"Do you still need a village blacksmith?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 03:39:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A few of the men have attempted but with little success. I'm sure we would all appreciate one." She put the bag away once more. "There's still room in where you worked before, if that suits you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 03:43:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That is much appreciated Shie, or should I call you Madam now?"<br><br>He was playing with her, he had missed her so terribly much that he thought he would go mad at one point in that other world.<br><br>"I shall head there immediately and get to work"<br><br>He bowed to her and headed for the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 04:09:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Don't go yet." She came around the desk, hands held out. "It's still Shie. And I'm still... the same person I was before you went. You have plenty of time to work on swords."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2010, 04:12:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén turned back to her and looked at her outstretched hands. He held his own out and took hers in them.<br><br>"I am glad I can still call you Shie, it suits you more than Madam"<br><br>He let go of her hands and looked at her.<br><br>"I picked up something while I was in that other world as well, other than the beard"<br><br>He stood back a little bit and held his hand up flat. He clicked his fingers and a fireball appeared in his hand, not burning him, but still very real fire.<br><br>"Ta-da"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 22, 2010, 09:49:04 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie stared at the fireball and raised a brow. "Magic? Wow..." She gave him a smile. "I've lost all of mine. I can't even ask the gods to light a candle..."<br><br>Leaning back against her desk, she heard the normal commotion of the room outside filling up. "Luckily, though, I don't need it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 22, 2010, 10:02:13 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Closing his hand, he extinguished the fireball and looked at Shie.<br><br>"I didn't get this by the Gods unfortunately, its part of what came with the promise the Demon Lord made when I beat him, he was humiliated at losing to the hands of a human, so he burned my soul with fire and now I can command it and shape it in anyway I like, but he also warned me to sleep with one eye open because when the time is fitting for him, he is going to come back for me and fight me again, by unleashing a dragon"<br><br>He looked at the shocked expression that spread across Shies face.<br><br>"I'm going to have to fight, but I cannot stay here, you have brought peace to the village and I am only bringing more trouble for you, I need to prepare, there is plenty of time yet, but I need to leave for a while, I cannot let a demon bring a dragon into the village, it would destroy everything you have built here"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 22, 2010, 11:43:22 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A dragon?" She glanced out the window, seeing the peaceful river flowing. "Perhaps it would be best... But we've just gotten you back. If you leave again..."<br><br>She didn't want to admit how that made her heart feel. Instead, she cleared her throat and turned back toward her desk. "We'll figure out something."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 22, 2010, 07:06:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"You have already done enough for me since I first came here, I won't let this place get torn apart by a dragon or more demons, I can stay, but I have one request, you let me build a house close to the river so that I am still far enough away from the village that it will not be bothered by my problems, I brought this on myself, I can be the village black smith still, but I cannot live within the village"<br><br>He walked up behind Shie and placed his hands on her shoulders gently.<br><br>"You are a great leader and I won't see that wrecked because of my ability to throw myself into danger, I will not let anyone die because of me"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 23, 2010, 04:14:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie thought it over before giving a nod. "Alright," she said, holding her hands out. "By the river. But if anything is to happen, you at least tell us. If you see anything different. Anything at all..."<br><br>She paused for a few moments, putting her hands on her hips. "Do I have permission to visit?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 23, 2010, 05:06:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded<br><br>"You can visit anytime you like, no matter what time it is, I promise I will report anything out of the ordinary, I will feel it when they are coming, so I can warn you well in advance"<br><br>He sat down and rubbed his eyes. He was very tired but had a lot of work to do so he could not rest just yet.<br><br>"I think I should get to the black smithery so I can get some work in before nightfall, if that is ok with you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 01:44:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If you'd like." She let her hands fall from her hips. "Though, I'm sure a bit of rest would do you better. No one is in immediate need of weaponry. It can wait..."<br><br>She moved to her door, opening it only partway. "You're free to rest here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 01:55:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The prospect of sleep was a compelling thought to Lièrén and he nodded.<br><br>"Thank you, I think I will rest for a little while and then I will be right down, thank you Shie"<br><br>He followed her out of the office and then bowed to her, then he headed to his room and was soon in bed and sleeping. However, as soon as his eyes closed, he wasn't having a normal dream, he was back in the demon world, looking at the demon lord he had defeated, he tried to back out of the dream and away from the demon but he couldn't, he was transfixed.<br><br>"What do you want" He said to the demon lord<br><br>"Your soul human, I will have it soon enough, the time is fast approaching and there is nothing you can do about it"<br><br>The demon laughed and then turned his back on Lièrén.<br><br>Back in the human world, Lièrén woke up drenched in sweat, he couldn't have been asleep for more than a few seconds.<br><br>"Oh god what have I done"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 02:17:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie, having closed up for the night, orders around the last of the men before motioning for them to go upstairs. "It's fine. We're done. Take your rest." She took the rag from her apron and began to wet down the bar. The new servers were sloppy, almost worse than her patrons.<br><br>Cleaned in only a few moments, she started up the stairs. Halfway up, she heard the demonic laughter start from the ground and work its way up the walls. The paper shook in its frame, rattling the entire foundation as she stood there, frozen. Where was it coming from? What could it mean?<br><br>She dropped her hands to her sides, knowing she was defenseless now. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:09:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was breathing heavily, how much time did he have left before he had to fight a fully gornw dragon and the demon lord, he didn't know, what he did know was that he couldn't sleep again until the threat was gone.<br><br>Rising from his bed and getting dressed in a sleeveless robe and then he walked out into the hallway where he saw Shie just stood there looking lost.<br><br>"Shie, whats wrong? Has something happened?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:12:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The voice shattered her trance, and the laughter. It was like a thousand tiny pieces rained down around her, the fake illusion of her house falling to the ground. She blinked, twice than thrice, and looked up at him. "Huh? I..." She glanced around. "How long have I been standing there?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:17:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"I aren't sure, I just walked out of my room to see you standing there, looking into nothing, whats wrong?"<br><br>The look on her face told him that something had happened and that it wasn't something good either.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:19:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie paused a moment before shaking her head. "Dreaming while standing, I suppose. My legs ache so I imagine it's been a fair amount of time." She finished her trek up the stairs. "I should get to sleep."<br><br>Standing before him, she tilted her head. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:22:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded<br><br>"Yeah, it has been a long day for you I imagine, you should get some sleep"<br><br>He considered how much he should tell her, in the end he just settled for<br><br>"I had a bad dream which woke me up and now I don't feel like sleeping, I was going to go out and get some fresh air"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:26:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded, understanding, before offering her hand. "I'll come with you. I don't think I could get much sleep at the moment anyway. I'm usually up counting intake."<br><br>She lead them out the door and into the cold night air, sighing in happiness. "I love this season."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:39:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén walked with Shie, he listened to her and nodded in agreement.<br><br>"It is indeed wonderful"<br><br>He took in a deep breath and exhaled, he felt calmer around Shie, his troubles disappeared.<br><br>"It really is good to be back here"<br><br>He clicked his fingers and a fireball appeared in his hand once again.<br><br>"You know, I always wondered how to gain magical powers of my own, when I saw you in action with yours, when my soul was seared with demon fire, I thought I was going to die, but now I command the same kind of power they do, although I cannot cross between worlds like they can and I am a human so I do not destroy needlessly like they do"<br><br>He threw the fireball into the air and made it explode in a shower of sparks which drifted down and expired.<br><br>"The reason I am awake is because the demon lord showed up in what should have been a dream, but it was more of a vision, bordering across the two worlds, he spoke to me, I don't have much time left to prepare, I cannot sleep now because I do not want to see him again, I do not want him to tell me that time is up and that he is coming, I do not want to be the reason this village is destroyed"<br><br>He looked at Shie, tears in his eyes<br><br>"I am so sorry for all of the trouble I am bringing to you and your people, I promise I will save you all, no matter what, like with the demons before, I will stop them, even if I have to die to do so"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:45:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie grabbed his hand, feeling the warmth lingering from the fire. "Let me help this time. I can't stand the thought of being left behind again. I don't want to see you injured because of something I could help prevent."<br><br>She released his hand and held hers out. "I may not have that power, but I know the gods will grant it to me if the need is dire. And I think this is a very dire need..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 03:53:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and held her hand<br><br>"It is indeed a dire situation, your powers may come in useful, I don't know how I am going to fight a dragon. I know it must have been hard, watching that window close in the cave, not knowing whether I would return and for that I am sorry"<br><br>He sighed, thoughts of dragons and the village going up in flames going around in his mind, he would prevent this from coming true.<br><br>"If things get tough and I want you and the entire village to run, will you do that for me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:21:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Run? I..." She hesitated for a long moment before nodding. "If you'll try to make your mind ease for a bit. How can I help you think of other things?"<br><br>She came to the river, looking down at its placid depths. It couldn't transform... It just couldn't.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:24:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"I will do my best, for you, thank you Shie"<br><br>He looked down at the river, knowing that any day now it could be a toweing inferno of a dragon he would be fighting, he pushed all thoughts of it out of his head and concentrated on other things instead.<br><br>Looking at Shie, he smiled.<br><br>"It's nice to be alone with you, it is peaceful and being around you calms me"<br><br>He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. He drew back, smiling lightly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:28:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie blushed, turning her face toward the river again. "Well, then I'm glad I can help. Even this little bit." <br><br>She slowly sat down on the bank, stretching her feet out in the grass. "It's a nice night."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:32:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat down next to Shie and then laid right back, he was soon comfortable, looking up at the stars in the night sky, it was peaceful.<br><br>"Indeed it is a nice night, very peaceful"<br><br>He yawned and shuffled around on the ground a little, making himself more comfortable and before he knew it, he was having trouble keeping his eyes open.<br><br>"Night.....Shie"<br><br>He then closed his eyes and he was lost to the world for the rest of the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:35:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie watched him fall asleep, smiling as he found his peace. On her side, she curled against him and carefully laid her head on his shoulder and her arm on his chest. Yawning, she snuggled against him until she was comfortable and unable to keep her eyes open either.<br><br>The last thing she heard was the quiet ripples of the river being disturbed by the wind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:39:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén woke up to find the sun beating down on him, he turned his head away from the light and smiled as he saw a sleeping Shie snuggled up against him.<br><br>He laid still, waiting for Shie to wake up in her own time, he laid back and closed his eyes, enjoying the peace of the morning and the fresh air in his lungs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:41:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A short while later, when the birds began to sing, she stirred, nuzzling into his robe. The bright light warmed her, almost too much, as she yawned her way into being awake. <br><br>"We're outside, aren't we?" She rolled onto her back, head still supported by his arm. "I hope no one saw us."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:43:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled to her and opened his eyes to look at her.<br><br>"Yeah, sorry I fell asleep like that, I couldn't really hold it off for long, did you sleep well?"<br><br>He looked around, no one was anywhere in sight.<br><br>"Looks like no one did see us"<br><br>He laughed a little.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:44:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Very well." She pushed herself up, stretching out her legs as she sat. "And if someone saw us, I'm sure we'd hear about it in town. The biggest gossips are small town people." She stood fully, stretching out her arms. "Aaaah..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:49:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat up and stretched his arms out and smiled when his back clicked in several places as did his shoulders.<br><br>"That feels better, I'm glad you slept well, so did I"<br><br>He stood up and stretched again, he felt good, like he could get plenty of work done.<br><br>"Shall we go and get some breakfast? My treat"<br><br>He held his hand out for Shie so that he could help her up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:52:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She took his hand and nodded. "Yes. I would very much like some breakfast." She touched her stomach lightly. "I feel like I haven't eaten in days."<br><br>She ran both hands through her hair, trying to make it a bit more presentable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:55:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled to her and they walked back to the inn, he headed to the kitchen and started cooking breakfast for him and Shie.<br><br>"Is there anything you would like to request specifically for your breakfast? Eggs maybe, some toast, maybe some sweet and sour chicken, I can make a stir fry if you wish, which is a little different for a breakfast but it offers enough energy to get you through the day"<br><br>He was smiling, it had been a long time since he had cooked for anyone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 04:57:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh! Some fried rice would be delicious, actually. With lots of egg." She sat on the counter, her feet dangling as she felt relieved at not having to cook breakfast. "I've a taste for eggs."<br><br>She handed over the ingredients while she sat, unable to sit idly by at all. She smiled at the sight of him cooking for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 05:07:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Anything for you"<br><br>He smiled and took the ingrediants from her as she passed them over and then he got to work, it was quick and simple and soon he was serving up two bowls of egg fried rice.<br><br>"I hope it tastes ok for you, I put extra egg in like you requested"<br><br>He ate a mouthful.<br><br>"This is quite good actually, good call on the extra egg"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 05:10:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Father used to tell me that I was crazy for liking so much egg." She smiled as she ate, not feeling sad at the fact that her father was gone. In fact, she knew that it was better for him than what was undoubtedly to come. "I usually had to make two dishes - one for me and one for him - just so we would both be happy."<br><br>"But," she continued, "I guess that means we're destined to be friends, since we both enjoy it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 05:14:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded and continued to eat for a minute<br><br>"I am glad we are friends, I was tired of being alone on the road"<br><br>He placed his bowl on the table and sighed happily<br><br>"Your a great friend Shie, the best I have ever known in my life and I am thankful that the Gods brought us together in this huge world"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 05:18:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled, finishing her bowl as well. "Yes. Me too. Even if it's under such...dire circumstances." Swiping his bowl before he could object, she brought them to the basin and began to wash. <br><br>"I'm going to check on the walls later. They're always in need of constant maintenance."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 06:56:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled and watched her as she washed up the bowls. <br><br>"Would you like me to accompany you while you inspect the walls? Or shall I stay in the black smithery and keep working like a good boy?"<br><br>He was being sarcastic, of course he would walk with her while she inspected the walls, he could probably get through an entire days worth of smithing in a morning with his new fire powers, it would be easier to heat the metal and cool it and he wouldn't have to keep reheating a fire either.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 06:59:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shoved his shoulder as she came back over. "You stop that! You're ridiculous." She smiled anyway, making her way out of the inn. The workers, kept on because she would need the help, were told to watch over the place as she did her inspection. She could have laughed at their faces upon seeing the man following her.<br><br>"It seems my reputation as unavailable has been changed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:04:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and smiled inwardly<br><br>"That does rather seem to be the case doesn't it, maybe we were spotted after all"<br><br>He followed Shie around as she did her inspections and then once she was done, he felt it was time to invest his time in some smithing for people.<br><br>"I guess I cannot hold it off any longer, I need to get to the black smithery to do some work, I'm sure people will need some sort of tool making for them"<br><br>He then walked to the smithy and started working, as people came asking for tools and such to be repaired or made, he set to work, smiling when he saw their astonished faces as he heated the metal with his bare hands and soon had the equipment they required ready for them, he kept on going for a good few hours, not even working up a sweat. Soon it was getting late into the afternoon and early into the evening and he decided to stop for the day.<br><br>Heading to the inn, he smiled to Shie as he entered before the rest of the villagers, who seemed happy to be as drunk as always, he was surprised any work got done around the place.<br><br>"Good evening sweet lady, how are you?"<br><br>He addressed Shie with a posh voice, smiling like crazy as he did so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:16:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The voice made her start before she looked up at him. Smiling, she shook her head. "Working like a dog. All of the men are so happy to see you back that they thought they'd give me all their gold." She motions to the fires before her and piles of plates. <br><br>"Of course, I could be persuaded to serve you as well... Go get a seat."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:19:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laughed and took a tray of Sake from her<br><br>"I aren't doing any drinking anymore, it's bad for you in the long run and as we both know, I need a clear head as it is, so I'm going to serve drinks, you can take a seat and have a few though, you have been working hard as ever and deserve to relax"<br><br>He then took off serving drinks and passed one to Shie as well, smiling to her.<br><br>"Enjoy, its your night off"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:23:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie sat, taking a drink as the men around her begin to prod her with their elbows. Questions of when she's getting married makes her blush to the point that she sucks down her sake to hide her face. <br><br>She takes a plate of food offered to her and begins to eat. "If someone asks again, I will probably have to close the inn in embarrassment..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:25:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laughs a little as he serves Shie her food and another drink, then he addresses the inn<br><br>"Now now guys, there is no marraige going on here for the foreseeable future ok, so please stop pestering the good lady with questions and enjoy your drinks, this next round is on me ok?"<br><br>There were cheers at that and he whizzed around serving everyone and refilling cups as often as he needed too, he was soon getting back into the swing of waiting on people and he was having a laugh as well, he would frequently walk past Shie and ask if she would like another drink and then he would be off again serving everyone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:29:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie finished her third drink before standing, taking the plates from the tables and starting to clean. "You don't have to do everything, Lièrén! Please, relax. Let the men entertain you. I'm encroaching on their conversation." She gave him a smile and brought out the desserts, laying them down the table as a thank you for all the good patronage.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:32:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat down and yawned a little, he was instantly approached by about four or five men and bombarded with questions about where he had been for the past few months, he launched into his story begrudgingly, he didn't really want to tell it but they were all eager and soon he had the entire inn listening as he told them about the demons he had slain, the strange world he had been in and most importantly of all, how he got back.<br><br>He eventually looked up at Shie, he was running out of story and they were both getting tired.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:34:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alright, alright. Leave Lièrén be and let him get some sleep." She waved them out. "Besides, it's nearing the demon's hour and you'll find yourself eaten by them on your way home." She smiled, showing that she was joking, but the men now ran a little faster. Once the last one left, she let her shoulders droop.<br><br>"I wasn't sure they'd ever leave..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:37:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laughed and stood up, stretching.<br><br>"I'm surprised they didn't all grab their swords and ask me to protect them, according to them I am some sort of hero, although I don't agree with that at all"<br><br>He yawned again and looked at Shie sleepily.<br><br>"Would you like to accompany me for another walk down to the river? Or are you sleeping indoors tonight?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:44:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I think another night on the river would ruin my back." She smiled and leaned back against the counter. "You're... You're more than welcome to stay in my room tonight, if you wanted to sleep beside me." She made sure her face was hidden by her hair. "If you wanted, of course."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:50:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén's face flushed bright red and he had to look down quickly.<br><br>"errr.....er....ye....yeah ok, if that's ok with you, I would like that"<br><br>It took him a while to get his words out and he was blushing like crazy, he took a deep breath in and out and then looked back up at Shie.<br><br>"I'm ready to go when you are, would youl like me to clean up a little before we go up?"<br><br>There were Sake cups on every table as well as a lot of bowls from where people had eaten while they had happily drank themselves into oblivion.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:53:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'll clean." She shook her head a bit, breathing shallowly. "You just...get ready for bed." Shie managed to give him a smile before busying herself in her work. Her hands shook a bit, the plates rattling, as she put them away or cleaned them up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 07:56:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled and then piled up a load of cups and bowls first<br><br>"I'll put these through first, if we just pile it all up, I'll clear it away in the morning for you"<br><br>He put the bowls and cups in a neat pile and then headed upstairs like he had been told too, he changed into his nightwear in his room and then headed over to Shie's room and laid down on the bed, waiting for her to come up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:00:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie spent a few moments down there, shaking out her nerves. "Stop this," she whispered to herself. "He's just a man. Yes, you care for him, so this is fine. This is natural. It's just sharing a bed." She wiped her hands off on her towel before taking the apron off.<br><br>She came up the stairs, shivering before opening her door. Seeing Lièrén, she gave him a small smile. "Comfortable?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:05:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was sat up on the bed now, he didn't want to be laid down when Shie came in, as she entered he smiled.<br><br>"I am thank you, would you care to join me"<br><br>He knew it was a cheesy line, but he didn't care, he cared about her, it was all in good humour, he was a little nervous although he didn't know why, he liked her of course, it wasn't like anything was going to happen at all, they were just sharing a bed, nothing more.<br><br>He shifted over to let Shie onto the bed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:11:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughed a bit as she sat on the bed beside him. "I think I would. It <em>is</em> my bed." She kicked off her shoes and her outer clothes, laying them beside the bed. Seeing him there made her heart flutter. <br><br>"I hope it's comfortable with both of us..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:15:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled<br><br>"Only one way to find out really isn't there"<br><br>He laid down for Shie and waited for her to lay down next to him. His heart was beating like crazy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:17:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie slowly laid down, reminding herself that this was just like the river - just in her room, and in her bed, her personal sanctuary. She curled against him, the fabric between them not enough to hide the heat. She blushed, ducking her head into his chest. <br><br>"I think it'll be fine..."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:20:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He blushed as he felt the electricity and heat ignite between them, even with the covers. He wrapped his arms around Shie and hoped that she was comfortable.<br><br>"I can always go back to my own room if you aren't comfortable you know"<br><br>He was hoping she was ok with him staying in her room, she calmed his mind and had prevented anymore visions of the demon lord and he liked spending time with her in general, all reasons for him wanting to stay. He was nervous, no doubt about it, this was the first time they had shared a room, he had to remind himself that nothing was going to happen, they were just two friends sharing a bed, that was all, he mentally slapped himself whenever he thought something was going to happen between them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:27:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No! No, I'm..." She shook her head. "I'm fine." She knew she was more than fine, and more than apprehensive. With quivering hands, she found the same position she did the night before and lay there, staring at the intricate weaving of his clothing. "I hope you're okay too..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:30:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He lifted his arm so that Shie could move and get more comfortable and then he placed the arm back around her.<br><br>"I'm fine thanks, very comfortable"<br><br>He was trying to get his breathing under control, thoughts of sleep were beginning to push in on his mind and he did his best to push them away, but they kept on going and soon he was finding it hard to stay awake again.<br><br>"Goodnight sweet Shie"<br><br>He kissed her forehead and his eyes closed, bringing him into a light sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:33:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Goodnight," she whispered, seeing his eyes closed. She came even closer, one of her legs slowly sliding up his until she was partially curled around him. The noise outside, crickets and birds, made the lull into sleep easy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:37:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled in his sleep as he felt her curl up against him, he drifted into a deeper sleep, feeling safe, knowing that Shie was with him.<br><br>The next morning, he woke up to the sounds of a village in full motion of the day, they had slept in quite late, all of the other villagers were already going about their business, he kept quiet and held onto Shie as she slept, not wanting to disturb her. He observed her as she slept, she looked as beautiful as she did when she was awake and so peaceful as well. He moved a lock of hair away from her eye and then settled back down and closed his eyes, enjoying the peace he felt inside of him and the happiness of being there with Shie.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:39:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mmmm." She brought her leg up, foot resting against his ankle as she squirmed in her sleep. The noise fought to break into her sleep but stubbornly, she stayed under - mostly. She murmured a bit, his name among other things as she lifted her face up, lips brushed across her neck. The feeling made her eyes flutter open, lashes against his skin. "...mm?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:41:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sssshhhh sweet Shie, we slept in, everyone is already busy working"<br><br>He whispered the words even though no one could hear them, he looked at Shie and smiled to her, she looked comfortable and he was reluctant to move, he was happy to just lay there with her.<br><br>"Did you sleep well?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2010, 08:44:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie stared at his neck, unwilling to move for a long time. "We're lazy, it seems. I slept well." <br><br>She eased away from him, rolling onto her back before something happened. "I think we should spend some time here. And relax..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 10:11:13 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watched Shie move and then he looked up at the ceiling.<br><br>"I agree, it is nice just lying here with you, it is peaceful"<br><br>His heart was back to beating insanely quick and he breathed in and out slowly to slow it back down to its normal rythmn.<br><br>"What is the plan for the day when we decide to get up?"<br><br>He was smiling as he said that, he could happily stay there all day with her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 11:05:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shrugged a bit. "There's not much to do. We could eat, clean, watch the river..." She stretched her feet out to her toes. "The town isn't made for lazy days."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 05:35:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed and yawned happily.<br><br>"Would you like me to make you some more egg fried rice, heavy on the egg?"<br><br>He was about to move to get up out of bed when a burning sensation passed through him, making him close his eyes. As soon as his vision passed out of the human world, he was back in the demon world, looking at the demon lord.<br><br>"What the hell do you want now"<br><br>Lièrén was now annoyed with the demon lord for interrupting the peaceful moment he was having with Shie.<br><br>"You are brave human and full of love, I will take great pleasure in taking it away from you when I arrive. The day is fast approaching, you can already sense it can't you, you can see how the river changes, slowly becoming the beast it is meant too truly be, I will appear soon and wreak great havoc upon the world"<br><br>With that, Lièrén was thrust back through a veil of white and back in the human world, he opened his eyes to find that he had fallen out of bed and was now sprawled on the floor with nothing but the bed sheet to cover him up. smoking remains where next to him and by the looks of an uncharred part, they were the remains of his night robes.<br><br>"What the....what happened?"<br><br>He knew he had just had another vision, but he wanted to know how he had fallen on the floor more than anything and why his robes were in smoky ruin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 05:46:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie knelt above him, hands on his chest. "What happened is right! You just collapsed and... My Gods." She grabbed her prayer beads and whispered a few prayers.<br><br>"Let me grab you some new clothes and..." She glanced at the smoldering ashes. "Get something to clean that with."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 05:54:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén stood up, making sure the covers still covered him, then he picked up the smoldering remains with one hand and took them to his room, not even aware that they were hot. He dumped them in a pile were they just crumpled to bits. He shook his head and sat on his bed, rubbing his eyes, he wasn't tired, he was annoyed, he had just had the most peaceful moment of his life and it had been shattered by a demon wanting to kill him and ruin everything in his life, now it was something he could not ignore, he would kill the demon as soon as it stepped on human ground.<br><br>"I just don't know why this is happening"<br><br>He was speaking to himself now, not even sure if Shie was back with her cleaning stuff for the ruined robes, he hoped he hadn't made a mess of her room, or burnt her bed or even worse, burnt her. Amidst all the confusion and wild thoughts going through his head, another one popped up quite unexpectidly, what if she had seen him naked. He blushed at the thought and then shook it off, she wouldn't have done, it was likely that the bed sheets had fallen on him as he had fallen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 05:59:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie came up the stairs again, brushing the last of the ashes out with a broom. She let him think to himself for a long moment as she finished, also lost in her thoughts. She'd managed to put the blanket on him before seeing anything too terrible, not that she didn't want to. She also found that he had glowed as if he was on fire...<br><br>Finishing, she leaned on the broom and turned to him. "Maybe you should find him first?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:01:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head.<br><br>"It would mean me having to go back into the demon world, I will never go back there again, no way at all, terrible place"<br><br>He shuddered at the thought. He pulled some robes towards him and began to get dressed, he managed to put them on without revealing too much to Shie, only his chest and waist were really visible. He stood up and gathered up Shie's bed sheets.<br><br>"I didn't burn you or anything did I?"<br><br>She looked fine, but he wasn't sure.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:07:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shook her head. "I jumped as soon as you went on fire." She managed a chuckle before her eyes traveled over his chest and waist, seeing nothing visibly wrong. "Are you sure you're alright...?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:11:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded.<br><br>"Just a little shaken is all, it'll pass, other than that I feel fine, I am so sorry about all of this, it was nice just lying there with you and then this happened"<br><br>He sighed and shook his head, sitting back on the bed.<br><br>"I didn't destory your bed or burnt anything else did I? If I did, then I will replace them right away"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:24:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shook her head again. "Nothing. Just yourself and your clothes. Now, lay there. What do you want to eat?" She moved toward the door. "I won't accept any other answer."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:32:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén opened his mouth to say he would cook, but quickly shut it again when he saw the look on Shie's face.<br><br>"Please could I have a bowl of your favourite egg heavy fried rice, I bet you do it better than I do"<br><br>He smiled and moved over to her, giving her a hug, wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a kiss on the forehead.<br><br>"Your a truly great woman you know that? All this and you still manage to carry on like it is all normal, I admire you greatly for it"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:34:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie gazes up at him, comfortable in his arms before she leaned up, placing a kiss on his lips. Blushing, she eased herself back to her feet and hurried down the stairs to cook.<br><br>As she does, her heart begins to beat faster. How could she have done that? Where was that reserve of strength from?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:47:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was stunned, he had just been kissed on the lips by Shie, he stood silenced as she ran off downstairs before returning to his room and sitting on the bed. He smiled and laid down, he felt light, his heart was hammering away inside his chest and he felt so alive and happy.<br><br>"Wow"<br><br>His head shot up into the clouds, where his mind went nuts over the prospect of him and Shie, the future they could have together,
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:50:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finishing her work, she started up the stairs with both bowls. Almost afraid to see him, she checked her room first. Not seeing him, she closed her door and started to make her way down to his room.<br><br>"Lièrén? Are you in there?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 06:55:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat back up, crashing back down to earth with a sharp halt, he almost fell off his bed. Sitting up properly he managed to look at least a little casual and normal again.<br><br>"Yeah, I'm right where you left me"<br><br>He stood up and walked to his door, almost walking into Shie as he walked out, he backed up.<br><br>"Sorry bout that, let me help you with this"<br><br>He took the tray out of her hands and placed it down on the bed, he motioned for her to join him on it.<br><br>"This looks delicious, thank you"<br><br>He picked up a bowl and took a mouthful, it was the best he had ever tasted.<br><br>"This is fantastic, you are really gifted, how did you get it tasting so good, this is so much better than what I managed"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 07:28:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Years of cooking for me and my father." She smiled, sitting across from him as she ate as well. "You get better after awhile. Now I'm sure that you'll get better with work." <br><br>She finished the bowl and put the plates back on the tray.<br><br>"Plans today?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 07:31:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shrugged<br><br>"I don't really know, I want to get started on the hut out by the river so that I can keep the village safe, but at the same time I don't want to distance myself so much even though I will only be a few minutes away"<br><br>He sighed and looked at Shie<br><br>"I don't want to be so distant from you, even if you visit every day, I think I may just sleep out by the river every night instead of live out there"<br><br>He thought for a minute<br><br>"I suppose I should go to the smithy before people come hunting me down shouldn't I"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 07:33:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You do realize that you have a room here to come to." She motioned around the room before smiling. "And maybe they'll hunt you down, but I doubt it. They care for you too much."<br><br>She rose anyway. "But go. I'll be here. And I'll be fine. Trust me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 07:37:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Then I shall spend most nights here, but I will have to keep an eye on the river at times too, it will soon rise up as a dragon, a time I aren't really looking forward too, but we have time yet"<br><br>He stood with her and took her hand in his as they walked along the hallway.<br><br>"What plans do you have for the day?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2010, 07:48:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shrugged. "I think we should go investigate the river. Maybe there's some sort of hint as to it changing?"<br><br>She stepped down the stairs and glanced up at him. He really was quite handsome. "A portal or something."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 06:43:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He didn't have the faintest clue what to look for, he would know more when they got there.<br><br>"I don't really know, maybe, we shall soon see when we get there, maybe there will be some change in the colour of the river or something"<br><br>He looked at her as she looked at him, she was really beautiful. He looked back ahead of him and they walked out of the inn, hand in hand, which attracted many looks from the villagers but he paid no heed and kept on walking.<br><br>"I'm currently thinking that the river will slowly change colour, will stop flowing and will slowly become more solid, unless the dragon is actually hidden under the river and is slowly awakening from a long slumber, once again, this is only speculation"<br><br>They reached the river, letting go of Shies hand, he knelt down and put his hand into the icy cold water, it felt no different and he sensed nothing, there was no change in colour and it was flowing as rapidly as ever.<br><br>"It looks to me that the dragon is possible lying on the riverbed, slowly awakening from its sleep, there is no change here in the water itself"<br><br>Lièrén then stood back up and walked over to Shie.<br><br>"This is most strange, why would a demon want to stage a battle right here, yeah it is out in the open so he has the advantage, but other than wanting to kill me, I do not see the point in him coming here, he could have simply taken my soul and that would have been the end of it, there is something else happening here that we aren't quite seeing yet and it is beginning to bug me a little"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 12:13:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Unless the dragon has some other power..." She shrugged and knelt down by the water, letting it play around her fingers. "Or unless he wants to do more damage than just your soul. There are a lot of people here, you know." She glanced up at him, trying to hide her fear.<br><br>"What if... What if he just wants to destroy the village?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 01:32:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If he even makes a move towards the village, I will destroy him once and for all, which is what I plan on doing anyway, he won't step foot in the village if I have anything to say about it"<br><br>He looked back at the river.<br><br>"He won't do any damage to anyone while I am around, I beat him once, I can do it again, whether he has a dragon with him or not"<br><br>Lièrén curled his hand up into a fist and it glowed bright red before bursting into flame, he could control his powers a lot more than he could when he first gained them, he would use them to destroy anything that sought to harm him or the village he loved, he would stop at nothing to keep Shie safe.<br><br>"Trust me on this one, nothing will stop us from being together"<br><br>He looked at Shie, he was scared, but he couldn't show it, he had to be brave, for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 01:35:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Watching as the fire on his hand burned without hurting him, she nodded once. "I believe you. And I do trust you." Wiping her hand on her skirt, she stood. "I'm sure the village will be fine and well protected now that you're here."<br><br>She walked toward him, thinking for a moment about the powers she'd lost. If she still had them, she could probably help more...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 01:44:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and put the fire out with his mind.<br><br>"Do you miss them? Your powers"<br><br>She really was the most beautiful woman he had ever met, his heart was beating like crazy once again, just because they were so close to one another.<br><br>"Shie.....I....."<br><br>He couldn't get the words out, he didn't want to say them and yet he felt like he should, just incase they didn't make it through the ordeal they were going to be facing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 01:47:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I do, but it's a relief to have them gone as well."<br><br>Shie nodded before gazing up at him. He looked almost frightened. "What's wrong, Lièrén? You look..." Unable to find the word, she twirled her hand in the air.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 01:50:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén swallowed and looked at Shie.<br><br>"Well.....I want to say something, but I don't know if I should"<br><br>He was nervous and his hands were now sweating, he hadn't felt like this in many years, he was surprised he could even feel like this after so long in the demon world, he was happy that he could feel, but scared that he would say something too soon and scare her away.<br><br>"What I mean to say is.....I.....I love you"<br><br>There, he had said it, he was scared now incase Shie ran off and left him standing there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 01:54:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her heart stopped, skipped a beat, then went back to normal as she stared at him. She knew she should say something - say anything - but her tongue was glued to the roof of her mouth. Her hands shook a bit as she folded them before herself.<br><br>Forcing her tongue loose, she managed to just ask, "Really?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 02:34:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded, looking quite serious.<br><br>"Really, I have been more serious in my life"<br><br>He smiled to her nervously.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:02:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh." She stared at the ground for a moment, fighting back the tears of joy. "Well, I...I'm very glad. I...I love you too, Lièrén." <br><br>Sniffling once, then twice, she brought her eyes back to him, red-rimmed now. "I have for a long time now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:05:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén moved closer to her and placed his hands around her waist.<br><br>"And I have loved you for a long time too"<br><br>He then leaned down and kissed her properly, fully on the lips, not breaking contact immediatly, but letting the kiss go on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:07:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie let the kiss linger for a few moments, squeezing his arms as she stepped closer into their embrace. It seemed like she'd never breathe again until she drew away, gasping in air. "Oh... It's never been that amazing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:18:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was breathing heavily as well as they broke out from the kiss.<br><br>"Wow....that was really something"<br><br>He breathed in a few more breaths and then he kissed her again, not wanting it to end, he was completely happy now. He wrapped his arms completely around Shie's waist and held her gently as they kissed again, his heart felt like it were going to explode out of his chest.<br><br>He pulled away again after a short time and let go of Shie.<br><br>"Wow..what would you like to do now? There isn't really much we can do by the river now, unless you want to just lie down with me and relax? You have been working really hard the past couple of days"<br><br>He was about to sit down on the grass when he heard yelling coming from the village, he looked around alarmed and instead saw a villager running towards him with a broken tool in his hands.<br><br>"Awwww damn, looks like work beckons"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:20:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Go," she said, sitting anyway. "I'll be here when you get back." She waved him off and rested back.<br><br>As she reclined, she watched rippling water. It moved, almost trance-like in its dance, to and fro as if something swam under it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:22:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén ran up to the villager and then led him back to the smithy, taking the wrecked tool from the villager, he inspected it then found a piece of metal to work with, heating his hands up, he shaped the new metal into the broken tool and made it stronger by welding another piece of metal to it.<br><br>"There you go my friend, it won't break on you anymore"<br><br>With that, he was soon running back down to the river and sitting beside Shie, he was a little out of breath.<br><br>"Hello again beautiful, that was easy, now where were we?"<br><br>He sat closer to her and kissed her on the forehead.<br><br>"Is it just me or is that water rippling a bit more than normal?"<br><br>He looked at the river, which did indeed look like there were more ripples on the surface than normal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:25:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie didn't answer. Her eyes and her body faced the river, watching the constant undulation. She tilted her head to the side after the kiss, sight never wavering. She made no noise, lost in her own thoughts as she was, dreaming of dragons and demons and that familiar high-pitched cackle that had interrupted her in the hallway of her inn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:31:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking at Shie as she didn't respond, Lièrén felt a little nervous and worried.<br><br>"Shie, are you ok? Your acting strange again, almost the same as you did when I found you in the hallway the other day"<br><br>He waved a hand in front of her eyes, hoping it would snap her out of her trance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:32:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie didn't move, nor snap out of here trance. She instead moved forward, fingers dipped into the water. Her hands, the ones that had lost their power, slowly glowed blue. It traveled up her arms, under her sleeves and began to collar around her neck.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:46:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén felt the surge of energy going into Shie and knew what was happening instantly.<br><br>"Oh no you don't you son of a mutant scum"<br><br>He got up and ran to the waters edge, punching his fists out, fire reigned down from his fists, evaporating the water in the river, unfortunately he couldn't evaporate it all and he couldn't do much else because he didn't want to hurt Shie either.<br><br>"Damn it"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:56:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shivered, some of the blue fading from her skin. She leaned back, and once the water was free of her fingers, she seemed to begin to come to. Her eyes flashed blue for a moment before she gasped, body shaking.<br><br>"What...? What's going on?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 03:59:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Shie, are you ok?"<br><br>He knelt down beside her and placed a hand on her back to steady her.<br><br>"Are you ok? Talk to me? How do you feel? Do you remember anything at all?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:05:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie looked up at him for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I'm fine. I just... I was just looking into blackness. I suppose I zoned out."<br><br>She used his shoulder to stand. "Let's head away from this river."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:10:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and held out his arm for her to hold onto if she needed it.<br><br>"I came back from the smithy to find you staring into the river, when I waved a hand in front of your face to snap you out of it, you ignored it and put your hand into the river, the one where your light used to come from and then light poured up your hand, through your arm and up to your neck"<br><br>He stopped for a moment.<br><br>"Maybe you have just gained your powers back"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:15:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Powers?" She glanced down at her hand and spread it before her. Nothing came. With a sigh, she shook her head. "No. I don't feel like I have any powers."<br><br>She took his arm and nodded toward the inn. "I didn't see myself turn blue. Are you sure it's not some sort of sight you have now?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:17:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He thought for a moment.<br><br>"In the last few seconds, your skin had a blue tint to it and then it faded and your eyes flashed blue, then you came up out of the trance, I don't know what it was"<br><br>He was feeling very scared, something he couldn't explain had just happened, it could be trouble but he had the feeling it wasn't. He would just have to see and look into it more.<br><br>"If you remember anything at all, anything that has happened over the past few days, please tell me"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:20:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie was silent for a moment before shaking her head. Nothing came to mind. "No. Life has been...better now that you're here." She smiled over to him. "Please, relax. We'll be fine..."<br><br>She opened the inn door and moved to get the sake.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:29:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén followed Shie into the inn and grabbed another tray, he yawned a little and then started making his rounds, placing cups down near the seats in preperation for the villagers swarming in like drunken locusts in need of their evening fix.<br><br>He looked over at Shie, feeling both happy and unnerved at the same time, something had definitely happened to her, he just didn't know what, he would have to keep an eye on her, for her own safety, he would not see her hurt.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:32:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she served the men that day, she had a bit more spirit, a bit more glow around her, as if she were extremely happy. She twirled from table to table, serving them what they wished as her fellow servers passed her orders and more cups.<br><br>She paused by Lièrén, grinning down to him. "And for you, sir?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:45:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked up at Shie with a smile.<br><br>"Well, first off, would you like to join me in a drink and secondly, I will not take no for an answer"<br><br>He laughed a little and took the empty tray off Shie and frisby threw it into the kitchen where there was a clatter and a lot of cursing, but he ignored it and sat Shie down next to him.<br><br>"I better clean that up later I think"<br><br>He was smiling, he raised a cup to Shie and handed her the one next to him.<br><br>"Here's to us"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 26, 2010, 04:46:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie tapped her glass against his and took a deep gulp, waiting for it to burn its way down her throat. She sighed after a moment and nodded to him. "Delicious. Thank you."<br><br>She folded her arms on the table, watching him. "So, what do we do now?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 01:34:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled to her, then shrugged at her question.<br><br>"I think it is best if we just carry on like normal and see what happens over the next few days, I can always keep an eye out for any signs of a demon lord coming to this world, or for the dragon awakening in the river"<br><br>It wasn't the best plan in the world, but he knew that if everyone in the village knew something was up, it wouldn't be long before they all were in a panic and worrying about a dragon and a demon on the loose in the world.<br><br>Standing, he went and got two more drinks for him and Shie, passed one to her and downed his in one go. He felt the familiar burn and smiled contently as it travelled down to his stomach.<br><br>"Ah, I always feel more relaxed after a couple of these, no wonder the villagers are in here every night"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 02:39:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie nodded after a moment. "I agree. I've heard we make better sake than anyone else around. I think my father had a secret in his recipe that no one else discovered." Another odd smile, then she shook her head.<br><br>"Normal. That sounds good. I'll check on the river too, if you'd like. I don't think it'll do anything to me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 02:46:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled and nodded to her.<br><br>"That would be great, I don't mind checking on my own, but I like being with you, so please, feel free to join me in checking the river when I next go"<br><br>At that moment, he had a blinding pain in his head strike, almost like a ninja.<br><br>"Holy...."<br><br>Was all he managed before he fell to the floor in agony, hands on his head, writhing in agony.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 03:08:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning to him, she made no move to run. In fact, with her hands glowing blue again, she stood there, head tilted to the side. Her eyes flashed blue again before she knelt next to him. "Does it hurt?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 03:12:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was still writhing on the floor in pain, more pain than he had ever been in, in his entire life.<br><br>"Y.....y.....yes"<br><br>He puched the heels of his hands into his closed eyes trying to stop or lessen the pain but it only intensified, making him see red and coming close to blacking out.<br><br>"S....S...Shie......please.....he....help"<br><br>He let out a loud roar as the pain reached a new height and his whole body burst into fire.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 03:17:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie sat beside him, placing a hand on his head, easing the pain just enough to make her speech sink in, so he could understand you.<br><br>"You know, he told you he'd make you suffer through your love. Foolish thing to do, admit it out loud, confirming it. And I, well, the body I'm in, is so ignorant that she shoved her hand right in the river. Right into the source of my powers!" The laugh that tore from her seemed almost animalistic.<br><br>"Of course, she's not very smart. Falling in love so easily, wishing you were her long-lost Tsai. You can't be him, you know. You can swing your sword and use this flame," she motioned down his body, "but your body cannot morph into the one she wants."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 03:23:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén Shook with fear; it was the demon!<br><br>"You'll never get away with this, even if I cannot be the one she wanted, I can do my best to be there for her, to love her, you are making such a mistake through this, get out of her mind and get out of her body, right now you piece of filth"<br><br>He tried to fight the pain so that he could look at Shie, but he just couldn't manage it, he was in so much pain, he felt like he wanted to die, but he couldn't not yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 04:50:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Now, why would I do that?" The laughter, Shie's, was tainted with the cackle of a demon. "If I stay here, you can't kill me. You can't even harm me. In fact..." A hand fell to Lièrén's chest, fingers tiptoe-ing up to his shoulders. "I can do anything I wish to you right now and you'll do nothing because to harm me... would be to harm her..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 04:55:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sighed and kept the pain at bay as best he could, even though it was still excruciating.<br><br>"Do whatever you have to do to me, but do it in your own body, leave Shie and the rest of the village alone, I will fight you on your terms, anything but this, please"<br><br>He knew he was practically begging now, but he didn't care, anything to keep Shie safe and out of this, he would do it, even if it meant going to the demon world again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 04:58:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The lingering smile is all that remained as Shie's skin turned pale once again. A moment later, she snapped from the trance and stared at him. "Lièrén! What happened?"<br><br>Picking him up, trying to get him to sit, she stared at the scorch marks on the floor...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:04:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat up, the pain in his head had subsided, the demon had gone back to the shadows for now, but now he was more afraid than ever before, he had to find a way of taking the demon out of Shie without her being harmed.<br><br>"Shie, are you ok? Please tell me you don't remember any of what just happened"<br><br>He hoped she didn't he didn't want her to know that the demon lord was inside of her, all because she accidentally put her hand in the river.<br><br>"I need time to prepare, I need to break the rules and I need to do it alone, for all our sakes, it's the only way now"<br><br>He stood, gave one last look at Shie and then ran upstairs to his room, he took the top half of his robes off and changed into the sleeveless ones he always used when he was going to do some serious work. When he had been downstairs, a thought had flickered to life in his head and it was the only one he knew would work and could possibly save Shie from this ordeal.<br><br>He sheafed two swords and tied them onto his belt, then he left his room and went to where some more swords were stored at the inn and took four of them, placing two on his back and hefting the other two in his hands, he then walked out of the inn and out to the river.<br><br>Speaking arcane words that he did not understand, he put one sword down and held it out palm first towards the river.<br><br>When he finished, he stood back and watched as the river bubbled and boiled, great billows of steam rising up, he had just done the most insane thing in his entire life; he had just awoken the sleeping dragon underneath. He picked his sword back up and stood, waiting, waiting for the great beast to rise from the river and meet his challenge, if he killed the dragon, the demon lord would have to show himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:07:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie didn't have a chance to move before she realized what was happening. Rising, she began to walk outside, the tips of her fingers glowing blue. She knew something was wrong - something off - but she followed what path her feet trod. She came down by the river, and in her consciousness, realized that it bubbled. That something terrible was to happen.<br><br>Balling her hands into fists, she shook her head. "You cannot do this! You'll destroy the town!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:12:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén turned to look at Shie who had walked out to see the river, no doubt to see what was happening.<br><br>"It's the only way I can end this, the demon has to be stopped at all costs, it just changed the game and made everything a lot more difficult to solve, I have to kill this dragon to make the demon lord show himself, then when I kill him, everything will be ok again, the dragon will not get into the village, I promise"<br><br>Just then there was loud splash and a thud behind him, turning slowly, Lièrén came face to face with two orange, angry eyes.<br><br>"Hello beasty"<br><br>Was the only words Lièrén spoke before swinging at it's face with his swords, cross slashing as hard as he could at it's eyes, hoping to blind it. One of the blades caught the dragons eye, but as it did, the creature reared it's head and brought a mightly claw round and swiped at Lièrén, sending him flying across the land and landing in a heap, a deep gash in his side.<br><br>"Right, now I'm mad"<br><br>Releasing the fire magic within himself, he turned into a walking inferno, caked in fire. The flames travelled up his swords and imbued the blade with fire and fury.<br><br>"Now that the warm up round is over, lets get this over with"<br><br>He roared at the dragon and launched himself up on a torrent of fire from the ground, shooting him up into the air and towards the dragon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:16:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie came forward, watching him jump. Her entire hands were blue now, fingers splayed out as she neared the water. The dragon wouldn't hurt her; not while she was like this. All she had to do was touch it. She didn't know why, she didn't know for who, but her body edged her along, begging for her to touch the water.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:20:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén landed on the back of the dragon, unaware of what Shie was doing. He sliced at the dragons massive wings and severed them enough to stop the monster from taking off, at least for now.<br><br>He then sank the blades into the dragons back and pulled down, they cut upen large gashes and blood welled up, but when he moved to take the swords out, they stayed in the creature; they were stuck fast.<br><br>"Damn it"<br><br>He unsheafed the two on his waist and jumped down off the dragon. He faced it, it was now weary of him, it roared at him and spat a fireball at him, which he took in his stride, being covered in fire meant he could not be harmed by the dragons fire, he thought he had removed one of the beasts strengths, but boy was he wrong for the next second he was being blasted backwards by a blaze of blue fire.<br><br>"Well that was different" He muttered to himself.<br><br>Standing back up slowly; he was a little winded, he faced the dragon again, dropping the sword in his right hand as pain shot up it and into his shoulder, looking at the arm it was soaked with blood that was pumping out of the open wound in his shoulder where his collar bone was sticking through.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:24:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched the blue flame, her fingers in the water. The use of such magic - the transfer of one element to another - is well known to be a power only given to those who have spurned the Gods or the Gods themselves. Watching the blue float into the water and swirl around the dragon, all the demonic energy left her.<br><br>With a gasp, she came to herself - no odd feelings, no awkward thoughts that drive her body to do what she doesn't wish. She scrambled back, staring up at the dragon, unable to say any words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:29:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was about to sort his arm out with some healing fire when he saw the blue energy from Shie fly into the dragon.<br><br>"Oh this cannot be good, not good at all"<br><br>He took a couple of steps forward.<br><br>"Is that you, you demonic piece of crap? Speak, if you can"<br><br>He was in no mood to be messed with, if the demon was in the dragon, this added another level to the fight, a level he was not prepared for.<br><br><em>"Indeed it is Lièrén, you cannot win now, you have awoken the dragon and I have taken command of it's mind and body, I thank you for releasing me from my old body, now it is time for you to die</em><br><br>Another spurt of blue fire shot at Lièrén but this time he was ready, leaping high on more fire, he quickly healed his shoulder with his own magic and drew another sword, then he landed on the ground in a roll and came out of it running. He threw one sword at the dragon but it clanged pathetically off its scales. He cursed and picked up speed, covering his body in fire again and launching himself directly at the side of the massive beast, picking his fallen sword off the ground as he did so, he held both swords in front of him like a spear, aiming directly for the side of the belly of the beast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:33:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie saw the beast lower his head, teeth wide to eat Lièrén whole. She gasped, finding her ground, standing up. "No! No, stop!" She yanked the beads from her neck, holding them tightly as she prayed. "Please, Gods, please don't let him die. Please give me the power to save him..."<br><br>A blinding flash of sunlight struck the water, growing more and more powerful as it neared the dragon's eyes. She held out both of her hands, spreading the fingers, bringing them up. The light followed. The demonic dragon let out a hiss as the light became too strong.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:37:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén almost stopped in surprise as the light blinded the dragon, he was shocked that something came in at the last moment and helped him, but he was grateful all the same, he picked up more speed, kicking out more fire and scorching the earth underneath him as he flew directly into the side of the great beast, slashed away inside, hitting it's lungs, heart and then coming directly out of the other side, covered completely in blood from head to foot.<br><br>He turned to look at the dragon, hoping he had done enough damage to kill it.<br><br>He then looked for the source of the light and was shocked to see Shie stood there, holding her prayer beads, her hands outstretched and the light beaming into the dragons face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:43:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As her prayer beads fell from the broken string, the light intensified. It crawled into the wounds and beneath the dragon's skin began to glow, first in flickering then steady, blistering and bursting through the skin. The blood that leaked from the beast began to crimson the water. Combined with the wound from the swords, the beast tottered, still bursting with light, before crashing into the water.<br><br>Shie threw up her hands, barely protecting herself from the mixture of blood and water that splashed over her. The only thing left of her necklace was a single bead. She drew it to her heart and began to thank her creators.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:48:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the dragon toppled and landed on its side, blood seeping from it and the majority of it's body left, Lièrén walked up to the dragon and lifted it's head so that its last gaze was him.<br><br>"I told you I would destroy you if you insisted on messing with me, but not just me, you messed with Shie, the Gods do not like their devoted to be trifled with"<br><br><em>The demon chuckled in a thick sound that brought blood seeping out of it's mouth<br><br>"I wanted revenge, it seems that the human spirit is greater than I thought, but no matter, my death will not be in vein, others will come, others stronger than I, one day, you will fall and so will she, you cannot protect her forever and neither can her precious Gods, they are old, they will not help for much longer and then, when the time is right.......all will fall to my kind"</em><br><br>Lièrén smiled grimly<br><br>"Let them come, we shall crush any demon who comes our way, no matter what, we shall prevail, this is the human world, our world, our rules"<br><br>With that, Lièrén dropped the dragon head on the ground and slashed through its thick neck, severing the beasts neck and killing it completely.<br><br>He felt all of the energy drain out of him, his body became normal, he ached, he collapsed on the floor, barely conscious.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2010, 05:53:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie walked over, too afraid to run. She wiped the water from her face and knelt down beside Lièrén. She'd heard the demon's voice too. <br><br>The men in the village came out to help and she managed to get two of them to carry Lièrén back up to the inn and into his room. She bade them to leave and sat beside him, letting him rest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 28, 2010, 04:04:49 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For the next few days, Lièrén flitted through a series of nightmares, unable to wake from them, fighting the dragon, but in his mind it went a different way, it badly injured him, then turned on Shie and killed and ate her before moving on and destroying the village, the demon controlled the dragon using his mind instead of melding with the body of the beast.<br><br>The demon walked over to Lièrén and laughed, binding him with magic, the demon made Lièrén watch as the world was slowly destroyed, slowly overrun by demons and other hell spawn. Then at the end of the dream, when all was gone and the world was in ruin, Lièrén was thrown to the demons who shredded him to pieces and played with his body parts.<br><br>Jumping awake because of the dream, Lièrén looked around, feeling confused and lost, it took him a minute to realise where he was and then he calmed down, but he was still on edge, believing that the world were going to be overrun by demons.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 28, 2010, 10:56:27 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie, who had slept in the bed by his side for days, running the Inn as little as she could, moaned as he woke again. She'd endured his flailing, his moans, his frequent screams that made no sense. That were in a language she couldn't begin to understand.<br><br>Now that he was actually awake, she assumed it was another effect of his dream and reached out to push him down. All she wanted was a bit of uninterrupted sleep.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 29, 2010, 12:47:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked at Shie in confusion, wondering why she was laid next to him when in his dream she had died, then it dawned on him that she was for real and that he was no longer dreaming. He took her hand off his chest and laid it down by her side. She looked extremely tired.<br><br>"Please Shie, you sleep, I should probably stay awake for a few hours, otherwise I will only interrupt more of your sleep"<br><br>He slid down off the bed and sat beside it, making all the room available for Shie so that she could sleep. When she looked dubious and about to argue, he calmed her with a look.<br><br>"Please, for me"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 29, 2010, 03:57:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Too exhausted, she simply shrugged and turned onto her other side. She yawned into her hand and curled up, bringing the blanket up to her chin. The dreams she had must have been easy ones because she slept still and without interruption.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 29, 2010, 06:05:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén knew that he had to master his dreams so that they would not master him, they were only dreams after all. He had bandages across his chest and his arm was in a sling because when the dragon died, the pain in his arm returned and burned like crazy, even if his shoulder was healed.<br><br>"Sleep well Shie"<br><br>Lièrén still had his fire powers and would until he died, but he didn't mind, he could use them to help better the village as the black smith. He could also help out with the inn now that he was well enough to stay awake for more than a few seconds at a time.<br><br>Dressing, he headed downstairs and out of the inn and towards the river where the battle had taken place, he had memories flash through his mind; the dragon was gone, its body returned to the river where it had dissolved in seconds upon hitting the surface.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 29, 2010, 06:46:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie slept for a long time before waking, realizing the man wasn't beside her. Thankful that he apparently had healed well enough, she rose and began to clean up the room. Satisfied, she moved downstairs, thanking her help as she went outside.<br><br>She watched him at the river for a moment before clearing her throat. "I'm glad to see you awake."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:52:24 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén turned and smiled at Shie.<br><br>"It is good to finally be up and about again, although if it hadn't been for you, none of us would be here right now, so I thank you for saving the village once again"<br><br>He walked up to her and hugged her gently, his chest was still sore but it was better than it had been, he couldn't use his arm still, it hurt when he moved it so it stayed limp at his side.<br><br>"I am sorry for ruining your sleep earlier, but I am glad you managed to get a good sleep in the end"<br><br>He turned back around and looked at the river again, not a single sign of the battle was present, even on the ground, fresh grass had removed the old which had been stained with blood and flesh from the dragon, the river was as clean as it had ever been, not a single red spot in its gleaming surface.<br><br>"What happened after the fight, I don't remember anything"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 10:55:40 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie accepted the hug before setting him away. She knew how much he hurt. "You collapsed. I imagine the strain was too much for you." She stroked a hand down his cheek, watching his face for any extra signs of pain. "You were having nightmares, but you seem fine now. I want the doctor to check on you now that you can talk, though."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 12:11:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén enjoyed the feel of Shies hand on his face, he wanted to kiss her and hold her, but she was right, he had to see the doctor first, then they could get back to normal life.<br><br>"It sounds like a plan, when do you want me to see him? We could go now if you like, or if you want to spend some time down here and relax a little first, we could do that"<br><br>He had ruined most of her sleep over the past few days with his nightmares and shouting in his sleep, he wanted to make that up to her somehow, he had a million ideas of how it could be achieved, but first he just wanted to spend time with her, he had missed her in those nightmare filled worlds, it felt so real, it might as well have been torture.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 12:47:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Doctor first. Then we can see what you can handle." Shie sighed and began to walk down toward the village. "The man finally got some help. One of the boys in the village wanted to save lives too, but without losing his own." She shot a look at him from over her shoulder. "Unlike some other men I know."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 12:52:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled at the look he recieved from Shie.<br><br>"I know I am reckless in what I do, it is who I am, I will take more care from now on though, maybe when I have healed up I could be the black smith and occasionally be on guard duty if you wish"<br><br>He didn't like being scolded by Shie, it made him feel like he had done something wrong.<br><br>"I'm sorry, I won't do something stupid again, I promise, I just did what I thought was right at the time"<br><br>He hung his head in shame.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 12:58:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It wasn't stupid." She shrugged. "It was necessary. It still scared me."<br><br>She stopped before the doctor and turned to him, seeing his face. "Stop that. I don't remember what happened through most of it but... I have a feeling you must have saved a lot of lives."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:00:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked up at her and smiled a little<br><br>"Well, the demon did threaten to kill you and the entire village....and the rest of the world after that, whilst making me watch, so I think I had to do what I did, otherwise we would all be dead right about now"<br><br>He was a little proud that he had saved the world.<br><br>"But in all fairness, I couldn't have done it without you, you saved me from being eaten by that massive monster, so in all honesty, I started something, your the one who just saved the world"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:03:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, no." She shook her head, blushing at the thought. "I just did whatever the Gods wanted me to. They saved us again." Pushing the doctor's door open, she entered the small building and called for the older man. He came out, inquiring about what the 'little lady' could need.<br><br>"Lièrén's woken up. Could you look him over?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:15:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat down in the doctors seat and waited to be examined.<br><br>"I guess you are right Shie, we are just carrying out the devine will of The Gods, I will still be more careful though"<br><br>He held his arm up so that the doctor could look him over, he couldn't really hold up his bad arm, as he was suspicious it had not healed properly and so would not work properly without hurting him.<br><br>"So how am I looking doc, ready for more action?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:23:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The old man watched him for a moment before turning to Shie, speaking quietly. She nodded after a moment, then sighed and turned to Lièrén. "You can't work in the blacksmith until your arm gets better. He's afraid that you've torn something vital. If that happened, you'll never have full use of it again."<br><br>Shie walked over, sitting beside him. "We can find some easier tasks for you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:30:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén was shocked, he could possibly lose the full use of his arm!!! What would he do, working with metal and wood had always been a major part of his life, he couldn't lose that.<br><br>"Isn't there something we can do to make sure that I can use my arm? Anything at all, no matter what"<br><br>He fell silent and couldn't think of anything else to say.<br><br>"......I guess I could just work around the inn...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:35:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie put a hand on his good shoulder. "It might heal on its own. We can't tell..." She wanted to cry at how upset he looked. "Maybe the Gods will grant you freedom from such a burden."<br><br>Thanking the doctor, she rose and made her way outside, bringing him along.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:38:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Maybe"<br><br>He walked along with Shie, keeping his bad arm as still as possible, he was thinking hard about what he could do to help out in the village with only one good arm, just in the event that he could no longer use his bad one.<br><br>"What do you think I could do in the mean time Shie? I can hardly sit by and do nothing"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:44:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, you can start keeping the books at the Inn if you'd like? I'm not terrible at it, but I could be better." She gave him a small smile. "Or you could become the local storyteller..." Teasing him, perhaps to make him smile, gave her hope.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:46:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled at the thought of being a story teller.<br><br>"I guess I could be a storyteller for a while, we have quite a collection of stories and tales for everyone to hear don't we"<br><br>He moved beside her so that he could hold her hand with his good hand.<br><br>"It sure will be different, but it is something, I can try to go over the books if you wish, I was never any good with numbers though"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 01:54:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, we do. So, we'll find something besides the books for now. There's plenty of stuff to be done. Like trying to get those lazy workers to do their jobs." She leaned against him as they walked, ignoring the town's gossip.<br><br>"We'll figure something out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 02:00:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and also ignored the town gossip as he walked hand in hand with Shie, he was happy.<br><br>"I guess I could do storytelling whilst I help with the serving of drinks around the inn on a night if you wish, give the villagers something to keep them entertained, make it a bit dark and thrilling, might make them stay awake at night"<br><br>He laughed at the thought, then scrapped it.<br><br>"Actually, that would probably just make them more lazy, so I don't think I will scare them"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 02:19:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good idea." She laughed a bit. "Though, they could use some scaring. They thought the river just overflowed. No one saw the dragon but us."<br><br>She paused. "Though how I got there, I still don't know. Very odd..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 02:26:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"From what I saw, your hands were glowing with a blue light, you dipped them in the river, then the light transferred from you to the dragon, then you all of a sudden fired that massive light at the dragon, when you were walking, you were in a trance of some kind"<br><br>He hadn't told her about the demon being inside her, he didn't really want too, but she had a right to know.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 02:31:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A trance?" She glanced up at him, then furrowed her brow. "Huh. I wonder what was happening. All I can remember is grabbing my beads and praying for someone to help us."<br><br>She touched where her necklace should be. The prayer beads had disappeared with the dragon, leaving only one left. She kept that one beside her bed and had already started to make more. New ones.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 02:34:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Well I am glad you managed to use your powers again, it saved us all and I am grateful"<br><br>He kissed her on the forehead and walked to the inn with her, when they got there, he looked around.<br><br>"What can I do for the rest of the day?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 02:49:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I can teach you how to brew sake." She moved toward the back room, beckoning him along. "It's really just mixing things together, but we always need it done with the amount the men drink. Let me just get a cask."<br><br>She disappeared for a moment, then came back with a giant wooden barrel. "Now rice and some yeast..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 02:58:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén watched as Shie started the brewing of sake in the cask, it was interesting, he could always give it a shot and see how he did with it.<br><br>"I can give it a shot, anything to keep me busy really"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:06:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She stepped back, hammering the top on the barrel. "It's really just measuring. You can do it with one arm and you can mix and match the recipe. Sometimes it calls for a little less, sometimes a little more." She heaved the cask up onto the shelf and turned to a different one. "And then you check every three months. Grab two glasses?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:11:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and grabbed two glasses from nearby, he took them over to Shie and placed them down.<br><br>"It looks easy enough, I will do my best not to mess it up too much"<br><br>He looked at the other casks next to the one that had just been added, there were many of them.<br><br>"How many casks do they all go through in one night?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:13:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"About one. It's the reason I don't have to make the sake all that much." She poured them both a glass and handed it over. "This should be nearly finished. It may be over done, actually, and if it is, we can add water to dilute it."<br><br>She clinked her glass against his. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:16:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He took his glass and clinked it against hers<br><br>"Here is to a bright and wonderful future to us both"<br><br>He smiled and took a mouthful of the sake, it was indeed a little stronger than normal, but other than that it was excellent. He coughed a little.<br><br>"Wow, this has a bit of a kick to it, I think it would be excellent to use this as it is tonight, might put some of the villagers off heavy drinking"<br><br>He laughed and took another sip of it, being more careful not to burn his throat this time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:20:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her coughs mingled with his until she calmed herself. "That certainly would make them drink less, but then how would I make my money?" She managed to finish the rest before shaking her head. "Father must have let that sit before. Nothing should be so...astringent."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:26:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén considered it for a moment and then finished his drink which made him cough quite a lot, bringing tears to his eyes.<br><br>"Yeah that is true, it would take business away, it should be fine by the time everyone comes for a drink, maybe we could expand your business, we could buy the blacksmiths place and create a few more shops, maybe open a trade route with some towns as well instead of us just buying what we need when we need it, we could turn the village into a small town, I have enough gold stored away"<br><br>He thought about it and liked the idea, but he didn't want to take away the comfy, calm atmosphere of the village at the same time, expanding could easily ruin it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:28:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A town..." She tapped the glass against her lips as she thought. It would be good for the people, bringing more money in. And more trade. Her inn would be full instead of just a stop along the way.<br><br>"That may work!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:29:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Yeah, it would definitely bring in more trade for the inn and everywhere else, I just don't want to ruin the villages calm atmosphere along the way"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:32:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, as long as they don't all move into the village, it wouldn't affect the atmosphere too badly." She picked the glasses up and brought them to the sink. "We could have more money and hopefully less stress about whether or not we'd survive the winter. We'd need to travel to a nearby town though. There's no possibility of having enough supplies here..."<br><br>She glanced at the map on the wall. "And now that our closest supplier to the west is gone, I'm not sure who we could go to."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:35:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén thought for a moment<br><br>"How about, I could travel to nearby towns and put up advertisements for the inn and places around here after we get some more places built, while I am there I could take a cart with me and could buy a lot of supplies for the new places, which could bring in trade for sure"<br><br>The more he thought of it, the more he liked it, he could travel from town to town, buying supplies whilst promoting the village and the inn to bring more trade to them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:46:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That sounds fantastic!" She smiled, taking his hands. "You could go and explore while we built things here. I like the sound of it."<br><br>She paused, the blush coming to her cheeks again as she thought about him exploring. And who he'd meet. "Well. As long as you came back to me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:49:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled<br><br>"I will always come back to you, no matter what"<br><br>He leaned in and kissed her on the lips, making it last as long as possible before they had to come up for air.<br><br>"My heart belongs to you Shie, forever and always"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:51:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Red, she pulled away and took a breath, nodding. "Of course. Now, if we're to do this, we should plot out a route. We can use the maps in the office." She pointed upstairs. "And I don't mind if you mark them up. You can take them with you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:54:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and together they headed upstairs to look at the maps, so that he could mark a route up and head out within the next few days.<br><br>"That's another point, do we have enough horses and a cart?"<br><br>He had not seen many horses about the village in all the time he had been there, he had also never seen a cart about the place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:55:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie thought, frowning after a moment. "I think the farmers may have a horse, though it'd be an old mare. And as for a cart, we've never had to carry that much supply back. I could send a messenger to go and fetch one, if you'd like." She reached into her desk for paper. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 03:59:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Thanks, I wouldn't be able to bring back supplies if I don't have a cart or horses, I will probably require about two horses to pull the cart along, maybe four if I am going somewhere large, but I can always buy extra horses while I am out and about if need be"<br><br>He looked at the maps that were on the wall, the next town was quite a distance away, it would take at least a day to get there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:01:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Four horses and a cart. I think we can handle that." She pulled the gold from her safe, putting it into a bag. "I can send one of my cousins. I trust them the most."<br><br>Standing, she fixed everything together and smiled. "An adventure for you. It seems like you need one."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:03:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén chuckled<br><br>"I would have thought I had been through enough action for that to count as an adventure, seems that I was wrong"<br><br>He liked the idea of being able to travel again, he missed it, he loved the little village and he especially loved Shie, but his heart lay on the road, setting up trades and buying supplies was just what he needed to combine the two loves together.<br><br>"Maybe you could come along with me some time"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:05:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If I can find someone to mind the inn, I would. Until then, I'll have to wait here and pine for you until you come back." Unable to resist it, she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him down for another kiss. "It'll be hard, but I think I can manage surviving..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:12:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén leaned down and wrapped his good arm around her. He kissed her on the lips passionatly.<br><br>When he came back up again, he was smiling.<br><br>"I shall be pining for you also, but I think we can manage for about two days apart, I will make the journey as quick as possible so that I can get back again"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:17:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Breathless, she nodded and let her hands rest on his chest. "I... You make me dizzy," she said, laughing as she thought about it. How could love - and for that matter, the yearning she felt for him - be so powerful?<br><br>"Two days is okay. Shouldn't be too long. Don't rush, though. If you need to take longer, do. You'll be healthier."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:21:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and laid his head on top of hers.<br><br>"I will take my time, but I will rush as well, cutting the time without ruining it"<br><br>His heart was thumping like crazy in his chest, he loved her so much, would do anything for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:34:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"As long as you don't get any worse..." She rested her head on his chest and sighed. "That's all I ask for. That you get better and things go well."<br><br>She pulled away a moment later. "I have to prepare for tonight. You'll plot your course?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:37:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked at the map for a moment, then found a pencil and drew his course to the town nearest to them.<br><br>"There we go, plotted, I promise I will get better and I will be careful, maybe I could have someone go with me, in case of bandits or something, I can use a sword still, but the backup just in case could be good, it would also make it easier on the loading of supplies"<br><br>He looked back at Shie, confident he had made a good choice of route on the map, all he needed to do now was follow it when it came to actually travelling.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:39:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"One of the cousins can go with you. They're anxious to get out of the house." She shrugged. "At that age, I suppose. When I was that young, all I wanted to do was stay home. I guess I'm the odd one."<br><br>She headed out of the office. "Sake, rice... I think tonight will be easy enough."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:48:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and followed her out of the office<br><br>"Just so long as they pay attention and don't cause trouble, I don't mind one of them coming along, it would be good to have some company other than my own while on the road"<br><br>He smiled and walked downstairs with her. He used his good arm to lay out trays and set out the sake cups for filling.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:50:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"They'll be good." She nodded. "They're well behaved. And they idolize you." She fixed the table the right way and began to set up things for the rest of the people that are bound to come.<br><br>Leaning back with her hands on her hips, she glanced around and nodded. It looked good.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:57:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén chuckled<br><br>"I don't know why people idolize me, I haven't done anything special, I just do what I have to do when it needs doing"<br><br>He sighed and shook his head, people treated him like he was some sort of hero, he just wanted to get through life without killing himself or getting anyone else killed through his mistakes, even if he did head into things without thinking them through.<br><br>"When will people just realise that I am just a simple enough guy trying to get along"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 04:59:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"They won't realize that. They'll see what you did and find it amazing. And then wish to be you." She took a seat on the counter. "No one sees a person's deeds and thinks, 'Oh, how hard it must of been!' They just want those deeds for themselves..." She smiled. "Silly people."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:02:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Indeed, I wouldn't wish any of what we have been through on any of them, it's been tough but we pulled through"<br><br>He shook his head again<br><br>"I hope the stories I tell tonight will calm them down and put into perspective how tough it really was, cause back in that demon world, it was a freaking nightmare and since I got back here, we haven't had an easy time of it with that dragon and demon"<br><br>He kissed her forehead and then her lips<br><br>"I am really glad I came here when I did"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:05:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So am I. We'd all be dead otherwise." Brushing a kiss against his cheek, she slipped down from the counter and let the crowds come in. They congratulated them both - again - and take glasses of sake. More gold went into the til as the servers came about, handing out rice and meat.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:11:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén had a late thought and whispered to Shie<br><br>"I should have set up some sort of small stage so that all of the villagers could see and here me"<br><br>He stood up straight again, it was too late now, so he would have to do the best he could.<br><br>Standing in front of the villagers after they had downed a few rounds of sake.<br><br>"Ok everyone, settle down, now that you have all had a few drinks, I do hope you do not mind me telling you a few stories, based on the deeds that me and the lovely Shie have perfomed and completed in recent times to keep this village, and all of you, safe"<br><br>He headed straight into the first story, of how he and Shie had gone through the mountain trail and fought hundreds of demons to stop them from destroying everything in their path. He went through how Shie had used her powers to destroy countless scores of demons while he hacked and slashed the rest down with his swords. When it came to him describing how he had become trapped in the demon world, he decided to leave it at a pause for a short time, while he took a moment to get a drink, the villagers were listening to his every word, he had never seen so many people listen to him before, it was a little scary.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:13:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie served who she could and took a seat to listen as well. When he told the tales, it felt like she heard the life of someone else. Someone she'd never met. Even the back of her mind didn't remind her and clue her in that it was her, actually, who had gone through these things.<br><br>The people around them stared, some slack-jawed, as Lièrén continued with the tales, explaining what they'd saved the village from. With a smile, she heard the whispered accolades and shook her head. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:29:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén looked at Shie when he was taking his break, he was nervous about continuing, he was going to have to talk about his experiences in the demon world next and he wasn't completely sure he was ready to talk about it, but he guessed it had to happen sooner or later. Clearing his throat, he stood again and held his hand up for silence when there was a round of applause from the crowd.<br><br>He cleared his throat and thought for a minute, then launced into how he had come to be stuck in the demon world, how he had broken the gate on their side, closing the tear in the world and making the world safe from the demons, how he had then had to run for hours, killing demons all the way, till he could find a safe spot, when the gate had collapsed, it had sent and energy ripple through the demon world, sending hundreds of demons into a wild frenzy, hunting down the human that was trapped on their side, making a sport of him.<br><br>Pretty soon Lièrén had come to the domain of the demon lord, he described how he travelled through the huge building made of bones and flesh, how he had gone through many demons to reach the dreaded lord within. How once he had gotten to the demonic tyrant, he had to fight for his life against a being that was miles stronger than himself, how he prevailed through trickery, mainly the use of the old distraction technique, fighting dirty the same way the demon did, winning and being granted the chance to come home, how his soul had been burnt with demon fire so he could command fire any way he wished, how the demon lord had vowed to get revenge and destroy the world.<br><br>When Lièrén finished, he bowed to the crowd of slack jawed villagers, then he went and sat down next to Shie, feeling tired and in need of a drink.<br><br>"So how did I do? Think they liked it"<br><br>Speaking with slight sarcasm, he had to try and hide a little bit as even though the villagers had begun talking to one another again, it was mainly about him, how he and Shie had gone through the mountains, speculating about his time in the demon world, occasionally looking and pointing to him when they were making a point, pretty soon he was sure he would be promoted to a village God or something, maybe telling the stories wasn't such a good idea after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:35:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie shut her mouth as well, that being the first time she heard about the demon plane. She tried to give him a smile, but her concern was too great. Shivering at the thought, she took his hand and squeezed it. <br><br>"I had no idea it was so bad... Why didn't you tell me?" She took his hand in both of hers. "It's...it's horrible!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:41:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shrugged and looked down at the table<br><br>"I didn't want to talk about it, I barely scratched the surface, it is just a living hell hole over there, seriously, demons torture each other for the sake of doing it, they just tear each other limb from limb and parade around like psychopaths, I didn't sleep for months because I was constantly hunted, because I was the only human in that entire world, every demon a thousand miles away could smell my blood and wanted it"<br><br>He shuddered and downed three rounds of sake before he felt he could talk about anymore.<br><br>"It was pure hell, I still have nightmares about it, but I don't see anything because it's just too horrible and I didn't want anyone to even come close to experiencing it, it felt a little better talking about it as if it were a story, I am glad i've got it out of the way now"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:45:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I won't ever ask you to tell me stories about it. Just hearing them makes my heart skip beats." She took a glass of sake herself and sipped at it. <br><br>"Weren't there any good stories you could tell? Ones without the blood and demons and those sorts of things?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:49:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén went back through his memories, the only good stories he had were the ones that were of him and Shie just spending time together, he wanted to keep those for just her.<br><br>"Well.....I don't know, I can barely remember my old life now, I know I had a family back in my old village, but other than that, it's a blank, it's like I suffered amnesia during my blackout period"<br><br>He sighed, much of his old life was now a blank, luckily he was happy where he was now, he had a new life and a woman he loved more than anything in the world.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 05:54:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She'd forgotten about his other family. That guilt - where she took away someone important to others - ate at her subconscious. Pushing it back, she smiled. "Well, then we'll have to make happier stories in the future. With you helping to build the town."<br><br>Standing, she passed the sake bottle around, filling all the glasses.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 06:28:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and had another drink of Sake, as important as his old life had been to him, this was his life now and he was content.<br><br>He watched as Shie handed out drinks and he had to decline offers from some of the villagers for him to join them at their table and tell them more about his "heroic" deeds in the other world, whether he had slain any demonic warlords, or how he had managed to find the strength to fight all that time without rest.<br><br>Lièrén just shrugged them all off and continued drinking sake quietly, waiting for Shie to come back and sit with him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 06:31:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking her seat, she shooed the men away. "Leave him be. He's told you plenty of stories. Perhaps you'll have to come tomorrow to hear more." Pleased by that, they rushed away to go start rumors that would spread like wildfire.<br><br>"If we placate them, I'm afraid you'll have to make things up!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 06:44:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén laughed<br><br>"Thank you, I'm pretty sure I would have gotten mobbed by them if I kept turning them down"<br><br>He rubbed his eyes with his good hand.<br><br>"I'm getting pretty tired, it is probably because of the sake, is there long left till closing time beautiful?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 06:49:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just an hour. I can close early, if you'd like. They won't notice with how drunk they are." She rose and cleared her throat. "Closing time, guys. Let's hurry it up."<br><br>One by one they left, shaking hands with Lièrén and Shie, complimenting them and telling them what a good job they did. As they filed out, she nodded and finally shut the door. "Oh. So long."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 06:54:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén felt that his good arm was numb because of the villagers shaking it as they went out and the amount of times they did shake it, some where quite vigorous shakes as well.<br><br>"Indeed, I thought some of them were planning on sleeping in for the night so that they could ambush us in the morning"<br><br>He kissed Shie on the lips<br><br>"Thank you, it has been a long day for us hasn't it"<br><br>He led her upstairs to the hallway<br><br>"Are we sharing a room tonight or sleeping seperately, I would prefer sharing a room, it's nice just spending time with you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 06:57:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I would love for you to sleep in my room again." She lead him up the stairs with a single hand. "You make the bed warm. Especially when you go on fire."<br><br>Smiling again, she opened her door and sighed. She'd left the window open so the smell of the night had permeated the small room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 07:02:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled and changed into his nightwear, the new ones he had found on his bed beforehand. Soon he was sat comfortably in bed with Shie cuddling up to him, his good arm around her. He channeled his fire energy to heatu p his body to make the bed warm instantly without burning Shie or the covers and sheets.<br><br>"Is that better my love?"<br><br>He smiled, the night smell was lovely and so did Shie.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 30, 2010, 07:06:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh!" She curled against him, closing her eyes. "I won't need a fire in winter then." She laid her head on his shoulder and closed he eyes. The warmth was lulling her into sleep...<br><br>"Mmm, I love you..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 31, 2010, 04:34:16 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled as she curled up against him<br><br>"I love you too"<br><br>Then he too closed his eyes and fell into the first dreamless sleep that he had experienced over the past few days.<br><br>The next morning, he woke early, not wanting to disturb Shie, he quietly snuck out of bed and down into the kitchen, where he prepared a breakfast of egg fried rice and chicken for Shie, he also made her a hot drink as well, heating it with his hand to the perfect temperature. He struggled to put the rice and chicken into a bowl, but he managed it slowly and soon Shie's breakfast was on a tray which he took back upstairs to their room.<br><br>Laying it down by the side of the bed, he sat and stayed quiet while Shie slept, she looked so peaceful, so beautiful.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 31, 2010, 06:37:00 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aroused once again by the smell of food, she smiled and rolled onto her side. Keeping her eyes closed, she shook her head. "You didn't have to do that, you know. I'm able to cook."<br><br>She sat up after a moment, rubbing away the sleep. She'd been out pretty deeply and to try and wake up was bothersome.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 31, 2010, 10:32:02 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling, Lièrén passed her the bowl of food.<br><br>"I thought I would repay you for looking after me so much recently, it was no bother at all"<br><br>He ate a small amount of food as well, but didn't eat too much, he wasn't feeling up to eating a full meal just yet.<br><br>"Would you like to spend the day in bed whilst I look after things, or do you feel like getting up at some point?"<br><br>He liked to tease her with options, but either way she would probably make the right one, there were no wrong answers when it came to Shie.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>August 31, 2010, 04:25:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie smiled and stretched out. "I suppose I'll get out of the bed. I can't really get my work done otherwise." She finished her meal and placed it aside before swinging her legs from the bed. "One day, I'm going to take a holiday. Have you found the person that will travel with you yet?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>August 31, 2010, 06:26:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He shrugged, he hadn't really given it much thought.<br><br>"I could take one of your cousins, but you would have to ask them about it, I think pretty much the entire village is arguing over who will go with me, someone must have overheard us talking about me going on this trip, they all want me to take them with me, you can hear some of the arguments just by standing near the window"<br><br>He sighed, he had become some sort of idol without even wanting it, he just wanted to settle down with Shie, get some work done, help the village, grow old in peace, not be revered as some sort of God send, he was no such thing, he was an old thief who had caused trouble and had been driven from his home, forced to wander around from town to town, he nearly hadn't stopped in this little village of Onawa but was glad he had.<br><br>"I shall let you get dressed, I shall be downstairs if you need me"<br><br>He stood, letting Shie enjoy her breakfast in peace, heading downstairs, he headed to the kitchen where he proceeded to clean up and put everything back in its proper place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2010, 09:13:13 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie finished her meal, dressed, and sat on her bed for awhile, thinking about who to choose. A great many of them were too foolish, too lost in dreams of grandeur. But, thinking of Bei, she knew he'd do fine. And, out of all her cousins, he was probably the one who would want to go the least.<br><br>Starting down the stairs, she smiled at the clean kitchen before finding her walking clothes. Bei lived on the edge of town, tending the farm with his father. It wasn't a long walk, but it was best to be prepared. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2010, 07:15:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled up the stairs to Shie as she looked down on the clean kitchen, he had finished a little while ago, he was a bit tired because of the use of only one arm, so he was taking a short break.<br><br>"Have you thought of which cousin you are thinking of asking to come along with me at all my love?"<br><br>He was going to clean up around the rest of the inn soon, it would be interesting to use a broom with one arm as well as quite difficult.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2010, 08:20:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I think Bei would be best. I have to go convince him though. He'll try to send a brother or two along." Tying what needed to be, she smiled to him. "I'll be back soon. Are you to be resting here?"<br><br>Leaning with one arm against the door, she smiled to him. She hoped he'd realize that life wasn't so hopeless with only one arm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 08:23:18 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He shook his head<br><br>"I think I'll come along for the walk, would be good to meet Bei, might be able to help you convince him to come along with me as well, he sounds sensible enough and he isn't one of the many trying to buy their way into my trip"<br><br>He laughed, several times last night people had offered him all their money so that he would take them on the trip with him, he declined everyone and yet people still tried; they were persistent, he had to give them that.<br><br>Standing, he groaned as his bad shoulder ached, he felt like it was on the mend, it didn't hurt when he moved it and he had tried to move a couple of fingers as well and was partially successfull.<br><br>"I think my arm is getting better, I was able to move my fingers a little bit earlier before my shoulder started to hurt, it could be on the heal which is good to know"<br><br>He walked over to Shie and smiled to her, wrapping his good arm around her waist, they walked out of the inn.<br><br>"So what is this cousin of yours like then? I would like to know a little before I meet him"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 09:13:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Glad that his arm felt better, she smiled up to him before thinking of Bei."Well, he's a farmer. A few years older than me but so much more mature. He'll probably feign not wanting to go at first and try to pawn a brother off on us. He only needs a little convincing.<br><br>"Besides that, he's strong. He pulls the plows himself. He doesn't prefer to talk much; he never had a formal education so he doesn't bother with any intellectual discussion. But he's not dumb, not at all. He's actually quite witty." She shrugged. "My favorite cousin."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 09:23:31 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded thoughtfully<br><br>"He sounds like a good person, definitely the kind of person I could travel with, I can leave you to do most of the talking if you like, or I can help out and talk to him a little, which ever works better for you"<br><br>They walked out towards the farm, ignoring the wolf whistles the villagers sent their way, Lièrén would have thought they would be used to him and Shie and let them get on with it, maybe they still needed time to get used to it.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 09:56:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded after a moment. "He'll be fine speaking to you. He usually just goes, 'Shie. Good evening,' and goes off to do something else. I'll have to corner him."<br><br>Turning down toward the farm, she could see the fields in the distance. It looked bright, almost cheerful, this far from the main town.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 09:58:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén followed Shie, thinking of how he could persuade Bei to come with him on the trip, maybe he could just converse normally with him like any other person, it would make the most sense really, going over the top would be pushing it a little.<br><br>He just stayed quiet and followed Shie up to the farm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 11:37:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hearing the strains of labor, she took them around the barn and saw the man in the fields. With broad shoulders and a close cropping of black hair, Bei's head and shoulder shone in the sun. He continued to plow until he noticed his cousin standing there. "Oh. Shie. Good afternoon."<br><br>"Bei," she said, moving up through the rows of dirt. "This is Lièrén." A nod in return. "He's going on a journey. You have to go with him."<br><br>Bei considered it for a moment before pointing inside. "Ask them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 11:49:33 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén stepped forward<br><br>"Bei, pleased to meet you, I have heard great things about you from Shie, I would be honoured if you were the one to accompany me on this trip, it will only be for a couple of days and then we will be right back here, please, what do you say?"<br><br>He looked at Shie after he had talked, hoping it would maybe persuade Bei to help him, then he looked back at the guy, waiting for his answer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 11:54:19 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bei raised a single brow and turned to his cousin. "I'm not looking for fame."<br><br>"I know," she said, shaking her head. "It's not fame. I want you to protect him." She motioned to Lièrén's arm. "He's had a rough time."<br><br>Bei ignored that and frowned. "You're sleeping with him."&nbsp; <br><br>Her face turned bright red as she stared. Her mouth moved without any words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 11:57:49 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén stepped forward, he was blushing slightly as well<br><br>"Ok, that's a little much isn't it, all I need is someone to help me on the trip, it won't be for fame, it is to bring more trade into the village, it would benefit you more financially, I will pay you for your help if that is what you want, please, just help me on this one trip and then I shall leave you alone, I promise, I just can't go on this trip on my own right now because I can't use this arm..."<br><br>He indicates to his useless arm with his good one.<br><br>"Please, will you help me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 12:01:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"He begs a lot." Bei turned to Shie and shook his head. "Someone has to tend to the fields."<br><br>"We're planning on getting equipment so you wouldn't have to lug this thing yourself." She hit the flat of her hand against the wooden posts. "Horses, even."<br><br>That seemed to make him perk up. "Horses? I could deal with horses as my reward."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 12:03:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shrugged<br><br>"I plan on buying more once I get to town, how many would you like? I have enough gold to get as many as you need, so you coming? I don't have all day"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 12:12:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the last sentence, he raised a brow and turned to Shie again. "He's got an attitude."<br><br>"So do you. Go with him, Bei? For me?" She grabbed his hands and squeezed them. With a long, painstaking sigh, her cousin's shoulders dropped and he nodded. "Thank you!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 12:16:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén bowed<br><br>"Thank you Bei, you will not regret this, pack anything you need and come to the inn tomorrow morning, we set off bright and early"<br><br>Lièrén didn't have an attitude unless he had to have one, like with Bei, who seemed to be a grouchy man, but who could blame him, having to pull a plow by himself all the time, at least the horses should please him for a while.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 12:27:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a few more pleasantries, they parted - Bei returning to plow and Shie returning to the inn with Lièrén. After they got out of earshot, she sighed. "Sometimes he's so irritating. But he's still the best of the bunch. I'm glad he's going with you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 12:31:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"I am glad he is going as well, good job I can afford horses"<br><br>He laughed<br><br>"Thank you for getting him to help me out, I won't pester him after this trip, I did promise it would be this once, which is fine, as nice as he seems, I don't think I would get on with him much, sorry"<br><br>He blushed and looked down, feeling like he had just said something wrong.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 12:34:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, he's rough to know at first but once you're friendly, he's loyal to a fault. To be honest... I think he was upset that we're together and he didn't know about it." She shrugged. "He's very... He's Bei. But you don't have to stay with him if you don't want to. With a cart and pair of horses, you could do just fine!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 01:16:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén shook his head<br><br>"I might as well take him along, we might get on better after a while and I did promise him some horses in return for his help, no point in going back on my word now"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 01:47:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I hope you do get along better. He doesn't come by the inn often but he does help out by sending us produce." She opened the inn door and walked inside, sliding it closed after they both were in. "Believe it or not, he's the most sought after man in the village."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 02, 2010, 02:05:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded<br><br>"I will do my best to get along with him, it is one trip after all, it will pass by in no time"<br><br>Thinking for a second, he could see where Shie was coming from.<br><br>"Yeah it would seem like he would be, and not just because of the produce, he is tall, musculer, women must be after him all the time, maybe all he needs to do is let up with the plowing a bit and he could start a family"<br><br>He smiled to Shie and looked her right in the eye<br><br>"I love you"<br><br>He kissed her on the lips and held her with his good arm, wanting to hold her with both but not daring to move his bad arm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 05, 2010, 10:35:52 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I love you too," she said, leaning against him. "And he'd never stop plowing. That's his livelihood. He just thinks that no women are worth stopping such things for yet. Maybe he'll find a nice one out of the town."<br><br>She gazed up at the Inn after a moment and sighed. "Maybe I should give this to him so he can meet people and I can be free of it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 05, 2010, 05:13:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded and looked at the inn.<br><br>"Maybe we could lease it out to someone, we would still have overall control, but they would look after the inn and everything that goes on inside, leaving you free to persue whatever you wanted in the mean time and you would still be making money"<br><br>It was only a wild idea, but maybe it could work, especially once they got some more trade coming in.<br><br>"That's a point, once my arm is better I need to finish those repairs that I started on when I first came here, or have those been done?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 05, 2010, 07:24:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, those were finished. Father hired a whole team of contractors to finish it off. It's not a big deal." She shook her head and shrugged after a moment. "We'll see what happens. The world likes to throw troubles in the way too often."<br><br>She blocked the sun from her eyes as she stood there, gazing up. "I guess it's the gods' way of entertainment."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 06, 2010, 01:44:31 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded in agreement.<br><br>"Is everything ok? You seem a little down at the moment, is there anything on your mind?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 06, 2010, 09:28:19 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just wondering about the future. Nothing too exciting." She gave him a smile and started around the inn. "There's a lot to worry about. A lot to take care of. My father didn't leave me an easy burden."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 06, 2010, 11:35:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding again, Lièrén looked back at the inn<br><br>"Indeed he didn't, but don't worry, with me around we can manage, I'll invest as much money as possible into it to make it the best it can be, don't you worry, you're not in this alone"<br><br>he took her hand in his and led her back towards the inside of the inn.<br><br>"Shall we get some sake brewed up? Or is there other stuff to do before I leave in the morning?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 07, 2010, 09:59:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just the normal baking. It can be done later." She shook her head and gave him a small smile. "You just prepare what you need to prepare and I'll take care of the rest. It's my job. I've done it for years."<br><br>She moved inside, finding the kitchen as inviting as ever.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 07, 2010, 04:25:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén followed her into the inn<br><br>"I am sorry I could not complete the repairs I had started, still, I can help by going on these trips can't I"<br><br>He smiled, he hoped Shie would smile as well, her entire face lit up with a wonderful glow when she smiled.<br><br>"How about you come on one of the trips with me? See a bit of the world, you might like it, what do you say? It could be the welcome break you have been seeking for so long"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 07, 2010, 07:53:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That would be nice. Maybe after you've made the first few and have your horses." She smiled, patting his arm. "And when you've had time to learn the routes. I'd hate to think we'd run into something terrible along the way. I think we've had enough adventure in that regard, don't you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 08, 2010, 09:42:01 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed and nodded in agreement<br><br>"Yeah I think we are welcome a break, if there are bandits along the way, they won't be there for long"<br><br>Bandits were always the bane of any travellor, taxing them to go through certain roads and getting violent if the person didn't comply and pay the toll, it wasn't rare for people to show up dead after crossing bandits.<br><br>Lièrén himself had suffered run ins with bandits, luckily he had been able to pay his way easily enough and failing that, he had always had his sword skills as a backup.<br><br>"We should be ok on the routes, they look straight forward on the map, which I should probably take with me just incase"<br><br>He kissed Shie and then headed upstairs so he could pack his bag for the trip, he didn't have much to take with him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 09, 2010, 10:59:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Spending the night cleaning up, she rested on the counter as she thought. There was a great chance of something terrible happening on the road. He could get lost, attacked, stranded, rained out...<br><br>Shaking her head, Shie tried to ignore it and brought the buckets outside to fill them for the morning. She paused, noticing some strange black grass that'd cropped up on the way to the river. Had she accidentally burned it?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 09, 2010, 11:28:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finishing packing his bag, Lièrén headed to the office and took the map he had planned his route out on and put it in his pack as well.<br><br>He then headed downstairs and looked for Shie, when he couldn't find her anywhere in the inn, he assumed she had gone outside, so he headed out to look for her, it was getting dark and there could be anything or anyone in the village even though there was a massive wall around them and the only ways in or out were through the gate.<br><br>"Shie, you out here?"<br><br>He called out for Shie, it was pretty poor lighting outside and he couldn't see very far.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 09, 2010, 05:38:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Around the back," she called, kneeling in the burnt grass. As she picked up the pieces, they turned to soot in her hands. Nothing she'd used in the past few days could have caused something this bad, and she knew she would have noticed it before. Maybe someone in the village had dropped something and was too scared to tell her?<br><br>Rising, she wiped her hands on her apron and picked the buckets up. "Fetching water."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 10, 2010, 03:15:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Heading round to the back of the inn, Lièrén found Shie with the usual couple of buckets of water, he took one off of her and carried it.<br><br>He then saw a look of thought on her face.<br><br>"Penny for your thoughts?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 11:40:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmmm? Oh." She shook her head with a few laughs. "I was wondering about the battle and any after effects. Like maybe the impurity of the water or the grass being burnt. Nothing too terrible, of course. I doubt the gods would have helped us vanquish them if they wanted to kill us."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 01:36:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding in agreement, Lièrén walked along with her.<br><br>"Maybe some of the dragon fire flew off and scorched some of the grass, I know what you mean though, I doubt someone would have done it on purpose, maybe I should check the water in a minute to see if anything has happened to it that may cause poisoning or something like that"<br><br>He carried the bucket into the inn and emptied it in the usual place, then set the bucket down. Looking at the water, it looked fine enough, but then if anything were wrong with it, it would hardly be visable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 02:00:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking her head, she poured the buckets of water into the larger basin. "We've been drinking it for months. No one's been poisoned yet. I'm not concerned."<br><br>Taking the bucket from in front of him, she emptied that out as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 02:34:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nearly slapped himself for being so silly<br><br>"Yeah, your right, I'm just being paranoid again, we're all fine, we would have heard about it if someone had died"<br><br>He felt an ache in his shoulders so he raised his arms, stretching and felt better, he was just about to put his arms back down again when he realised<br><br>"Well, that was kind of unexpected..."<br><br>He looked at the arm that had been useless before hand, now it was raised, no pain in his shoulder, no nothing, it was like he had never been injured<br><br>"...Oh my god, I can move my arm again, this is great"<br><br>He was smiling, moving his arm around in small circles, testing it, liking the fact that he could move it again, then when he was just finishing swinging it around in circular motion, there was a loud snap and his eyes automaticall filled with tears, his arm fell back down to his side, pain was soaring up and down it and travelling along his entire body. He couldn't move for shock and pain, he looked at his shoulder, a small bump had risen on his collarbone and he felt a warm sensation spreading through his entire shoulder underneath his skin.<br><br>"Shie....help me"<br><br>He was close to crying, in extreme pain and fear that he was now internally bleeding. He also cursed himself for his own stupidity of moving his arm about so much before checking he was ok with the doctor, now he feared he would not be able to use his arm ever again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 04:04:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Lièrén!" She gasped, rushing forward to grab his arm. Holding it still, she fought against his shirt before she could ease it off. A bruise, growing from the collarbone out, began to dominate his chest. <br><br>"Alright," she said, taking a deep breath. "Alright, let's go upstairs. I'll send for the doctor..." Moving to the back where the servants are, she issued a few short commands before reaching him again. "Come on."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 04:27:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén followed Shie upstairs, barely able to hold back the tears of pain that were threatening to break out from his eyes.<br><br>Once they got upstairs, he sat on his bed, keeping his arm as still as possible, trying to make sure no more pain spasmed through him, he knew he would no longer be able to use his arm, he would have to make sure he could continue life without the use of it, but right now, he felt only a deep loss and an immense amount of pain, coupled with the feelings of love and care he felt coming from Shie as she had led him to his room and sat him down, never leaving him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 04:46:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As soon as the doctor arrived, she explained what happened, motioning toward the stairs during her story. "Could it have just been too much exertion?" The doctor made a non-committal noise before he went to examining the arm. Each poke and prod seemed to be done to her as she winced and made tiny gasps.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 04:54:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén kept as still as possible, but he couldn't help but have to grit his teeth every time the slightest prod sent pain shooting through his arm, he had obviously annoyed the doctor and was now paying for it.<br><br>"So give it to me doc, I aren't able to use this arm anymore am I?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 04:57:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie let out a strangled cry as the doctor agreed. No hope now. No, "you may get better," or "possibly," but a resounding, "No." Sitting beside Lièrén, she stroked her hand down his good arm until she could hold his hand.<br><br>"It's not the worst news... You're alive still."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:03:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded sadly, letting a tear trickle down his face, he held Shie's hand to stop himself from losing control.<br><br>"Yeah, it isn't the end of the world, I'll just keep this arm in a sling, make sure I remember I can't use it, that sort of stuff, looks like the blacksmith job has an opening again"<br><br>Lièrén looked down at the floor as his arm was put into a sling by the doctor, he paid the man for his troubles and then waited for him to leave, he looked at his arm, feeling sad that he could no longer use it, but he would manage, he would have to learn a lot more now so he could function without the use of both arms.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:05:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After showing the doctor out, Shie made her way back upstairs. Pausing outside of the door to collect herself, she took a deep breath and came back inside. The smile on her face made a valiant attempt to reach her eyes but fell flat. "Well, I think we have to find you a job with minimal labor. Maybe you could run for Town Leader." She sat beside him and attempted a smile again.&nbsp; "You'd be elected almost instantly."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:10:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and laughed a little bit<br><br>"I like that I can still work, I don't think I am cut out to be a leader though, I'm more of a follower, besides, I don't think I could stand all the paperwork that would come with it"<br><br>He smiled a little, looking at her.<br><br>"Thank you, for being here once again"<br><br>He kissed her gratefully and then stood.<br><br>"Maybe I could train a new black smith or something, that would take up most of my time, it takes years to become a full blacksmith"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:11:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That would be marvelous. I don't think anyone here knows how to do it." She gazed up at him, leaning back on the bed. "And you can go on your trips to pass the rest of the time. It sounds like a full life you'll lead with or without the use of your arm."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:15:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and smiled to her<br><br>"I'll fill my time in somehow, the trips will be good, I can also practice my swordplay one handed, to make sure I can still defend myself, can train other people to be blacksmiths so there are plenty of them around for various jobs, it can be pretty demanding at times and takes total commitment to forge a decent piece of equipment, not everyone can do it"<br><br>He then had an idea<br><br>"How about I become a teacher?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:18:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her brow quirked. "A teacher? What would you want to teach?" Sitting up straighter, she folded her arms and leaned her elbows on her knees. "We don't have many teachers here. It's mostly a home-schooling process. I'm sure the farmers would love to have that responsibility taken off their hands so they can farm more. <br><br>"And" she said, wagging a finger in the air, "you can use the inn during the day. We don't get very many visitors anymore."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:21:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He thought for a moment, what could he teach?<br><br>"That was a very good question, I have no idea what to teach people, except how to be a black smith and how to fight with a sword, that is pretty much all I am good at these days, I'll have to think of something"<br><br>He liked the idea of using the inn as a temporary school<br><br>"That does indeed sound like a plan, we could cater meals and non alcoholic drinks in the day as well"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:25:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding, she stood and glanced toward the stairs. "There's more than enough room for the children of the village. Perhaps just reading and writing. You'd be surprised how little education comes out here. It took me forever to learn sums." She tapped her fingers against her thigh as she thought.<br><br>"And perhaps sword fighting would be a good thing to learn. There's no assurance that we'll be this safe in the future."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:28:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded again<br><br>"You make some very good points, so I could teach basic writing and sums, even though I was no great mind with numbers myself, sword play is all down to practice so I could easily teach that as well, it would certainly be useful to everyone in the future"<br><br>He smiled, he felt like he could still be useful.<br><br>"Thanks Shie, I love you so damn much"<br><br>He smiled even more and kissed her gratefully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:31:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling after the kiss, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "If you teach writing, I could help with sums. A bit of time out of my day wouldn't be the worst thing. And I like children." She blushed, remembering her girlhood dream of having a whole brood of children.<br><br>"I could run the topic by the men and see what their opinions are."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:33:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled and hugged her with his one arm, being careful not to knock his now useless one.<br><br>"That sounds great beautiful, I look forward to it"<br><br>He released her and held her hand<br><br>"Shall we go and see what they think?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:36:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Can't we wait until later? When they come to spend all their money?" She gave him a smile, fitting herself into his arms. "I'd rather just spend some time together. Maybe watch the sunset or something..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:38:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled at that<br><br>"That sounds nice, I would like that a lot, did you have a location in mind, or shall we just stay here and watch it out the window?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:40:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Here is fine. That way we can't be interrupted by anyone." Moving to the window, she tugged two chairs over, keeping the panes up to let the last rays of sunlight warm them. Taking a seat, she stretched her legs out and waited for the blue sky to morph into reds and pinks. "So rarely are we alone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:45:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sat next to her and held her hand<br><br>"Indeed, we seem to be the two most popular people in the village when it comes to events, it is nice to spend some quiet time together"<br><br>He nudged his chair closer to her and laid his head on her shoulder, he was a little sleepy, the shock from his arm was wearing off now and the pain was easing up as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:47:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shie squeezed his hand as they got comfortable, the rays of sun warming her hands and legs. "I don't know why. We're no more different than the rest of them." Sighing, she rested back in the chair, closing her eyes after a moment. "All the attention makes me tired."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:52:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Maybe we just need to get away for a little while, take a break, let someone else take the reigns for a while so we can have some time out and relax"<br><br>He kissed her forehead and looked at her while she had her eyes closed, she looked cute, he had watched her as she slept a few times when they had shared a room, she looked as beautiful asleep the same as she did when she was awake, it made his heart fly and his head spin, she was perfect, caring, smart, beautiful.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 05:57:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sensing his gaze on her, she peeked and eye opened and blushed. "Why are you staring at me?" <br><br>She shifted so she sat up straighter, leaning forward to gaze outside at the setting sun. The sky had turned pink now, with rays of orange and red cutting across. No clouds were in sight, and hadn't been for days. She almost worried that there'd be little rain this year.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:01:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Smiling, Lièrén looked away quickly and blushed a little himself<br><br>"Was just watching you because you're so beautiful"<br><br>He looked out and up at the sky, it was perfect, the blend of colours would have made a great painting.<br><br>"It sure is a nice night tonight, not a cloud around to ruin it"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:08:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a smile accompanying her blush, she motioned outside. "It has to rain sooner or later though. The plants need it. We can only water so much." A shrug, then another smile. "But for tonight, you're right. It is perfect."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:20:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I didn't think about that, yeah, maybe it should rain soon, help out with the plants and such, it has been exceptionally dry recently"<br><br>He looked up at the cloudless sky, almost wishing he could create clouds out of thin air to help out with the drought they were close to having.<br><br>"What do you think we should do tomorrow? Sleep in and take it easy, or get started on asking people about the teaching?"<br><br>Then he remembered<br><br>"Damn, I have that trip tomorrow, with your cousin to town, maybe I should put that off for now, get some of the teaching started up instead?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:25:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You go on your trip. I'll deal with the townsfolk. I can do things like this on my own." Smiling over, she shook her head. "Don't be afraid of Bei. He's just gruff. He's really quite nice once he gets to know you."<br><br>She paused, then began to laugh. "Like a wild dog."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:30:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed at that<br><br>"I'm sure once I get to know him he is a barrel of laughs, I don't know, I want to go on this trip, but at the same time I just want to stay put and do something locally, I could still buy horses and such for the village so that Bei can do his farming along with the rest of the local farmers and the other villagers can always visit towns as well, either way trade would be brought to the village, it's just working the villagers into bringing it back with them"<br><br>"Maybe while I am teaching here, if there are horses that can be used to pull carts to towns, some of the villagers could become tradesmen and can bring back stuff from towns, bringing trade back with them, they just need some sort of incentive, otherwise they will never do anything other than drink themselves into a grave"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:32:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Thinking it over, she nodded. "That sounds like a plan. They'd probably enjoy traveling. Living your whole life here can be weary."<br><br>She let the last rays fall from the window ledge before sighing. "There goes the warmth."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:35:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén sighed with her as the sun sank beneath the skyline and darkness descended upon them.<br><br>"It was nice while it lasted, we could spend some more time up here if you like? Before we have to go and help the good people get drunk out of their skulls"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:37:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'd prefer staying up here, I think." She yawned and turned to him. "I hope you don't usually sleep on that arm. Otherwise, it may be hard for you to rest." She glanced to the bed, cheeks tinging again with private thoughts. "I could try to arrange something to make it more comfortable..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:38:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén noticed her look over to the bed and then he saw the slight blush in her cheeks, he wondered what she was thinking, he wished he could read her mind.<br><br>"If you think it can help, then I say let's go for it"<br><br>He smiled to her and blushed a little himself, wondering if he was on the same train of thought as her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:43:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Maybe some extra pillows? Or blankets? I'm not sure if cushioning would even help it." She stood and moved over to him, leaning down before him to try and assess the damage. "Hmm... If you could adjust to laying on the other side, it would solve everything, but I know that if I was asked to change my sleeping pattern, I'd be unable to sleep!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 06:59:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Sounds like a good idea, I can always learn to sleep on my back and my good arm, it would be difficult at first, but I can soon adjust"<br><br>He moved over to the bed and laid down on his back, seeing how it felt for when he could fall asleep, it felt strange, he was used to sleeping on his side, but he could soon adjust to it if he needed too.<br><br>"Care to join me hun?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:01:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just for a little while." She moved over, slipping into the bed on the side of his good arm. Adjusting herself, she laid her head on the pillow beside him and stretched out her legs. "I think my father gave you the more comfortable bed. Mine feels like straw now. Maybe it's from the years of me jumping on it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:07:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén smiled and turned to lay on his good arm so he could face her.<br><br>"Maybe we could sleep in this room tonight, if you wanted too that is"<br><br>He blushed a little as he asked her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:10:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That sounds marvelous." <br><br>She curled against him for a few long moments, letting the night fall around them before the inn opened. She closed her eyes, breathing in the crisp sent of the night air before sneezing. Taking another sniff, she knew she had to be going insane. She couldn't have smelled smoke.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:15:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén snuggled up against her and didn't want the inn to open for business, he wanted to just fall asleep next to her, but alas the moment would come, they would have to go downstairs and open the inn for the villagers, he looked and saw that Shie was frowning.<br><br>"What's the matter? Something wrong? I can move over a bit if you need me too"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:18:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shook her head. "It's not you. You're fine. Just not wanting to go downstairs." With a small laugh, she reached up and patted his cheek. "You get to sleep. I can handle the inn alone. If you can rest, I want you to. Especially after what happened today."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:21:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Are you sure, I really can come down and help if you need it"<br><br>He wanted to be of use around the inn, not just confined because of his arm<br><br>"I can work behind the bar if you like? Getting trays ready and filling glasses"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:34:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No." Shie shook her head. "You stay here. You relax. I'd just feel bad if I saw you working. I can handle it." She leaned down and placed a kiss on his forehead. "Okay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:47:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded and laid back regretfully<br><br>"Ok, for you, but if you need me at all, let me know and I will be straight down"<br><br>He caught her lips with his and kissed her, then he watched her as she went out of the room so that she could open the inn, he tried to make himself comfortable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2010, 07:53:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a smile, she moved downstairs, refusing to let the people affect her as they prodded. Every time she cooked or picked up a drink, she would glance upstairs and think about whether or not he was alright. After the third or fourth time, she took a seat and began to ponder the rest of the night. What was that sulfur smell? And the smoke?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 12, 2010, 03:57:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén managed to eventually get comfy and he was soon asleep, not aware that somewhere in the inn, the smell of sulphur and smoke was wafting through the downstairs area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 20, 2010, 05:37:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sniffling because of the pungent odors, she ushered the rest of the stragglers out and shut the door behind them. An overabundance of dishes loomed before her. With a deep sigh, she hoisted a bucket onto her hip and made her way out the door.<br><br>She took a total of four steps before noticing that the blackened grass had spread. And the smell was even stronger outside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 21, 2010, 11:56:47 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén awoke to the slight smell of burning, he didn't know how long he had been asleep for, but he looked and saw that smoke was looming above him, he coughed as he sat up, the sound of burning was now apparent as well, he had always been a deep sleeper, he didn't know that it could potentially kill him one day.<br><br>He get up and walked over to the room of his door, opening it he soon had to shut it again as the entire hallway was going up in flames.<br><br>"This could be bad"<br><br>He muttered to himself, coughing again as more and more smoke filled the room. He needed a way out, he couldn't use his fire powers anymore because they had died when the demon lord had. He could easily burn to death if he didn't get out soon. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 21, 2010, 01:34:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now standing in the middle of the burnt grass, Shie shook her head. There were no signs of fire, or of anyone having started one. There wasn't even a hint of smoke in the clear sky. Turning back toward the house, she hefted up the bucket and made her way down to the river. Filling it, and bringing it to her hip, she made her way back. <br><br>As she slipped open the door, a rush of hot air brushed past her. And the sound of someone running around upstairs. "...Lièrén? Are you alright up there?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 21, 2010, 02:06:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén couldn't breathe properly because of all the smoke around him now, he didn't even know if the rest of the inn was on fire or not, it just seemed like an inferno all around him, he was coughing heavily, trying to push through the flames so he could get out of his room, but he couldn't, every time he tried, the flames flared up and kept him trapped, it was almost like he was being pushed back be an invisible force that was controlling the fire.<br><br>"Help, I'm in my room and can't get out because of a fire, if anyone can hear me, get help"<br><br>He shouted as loud as he could, which just filled his lungs with even more smoke and hot air, making him choke and cough, it also made him feel light headed, he wouldn't last much longer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 22, 2010, 05:29:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A fire...?" Glancing around, she saw no smoke and no flames. She began to climb the stairs, gazing in each direction. She came to the hallway and saw nothing but darkness. "Lièrén? Where are you?"<br><br>Moving to the door, she knocked twice. "Are you alright?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 22, 2010, 05:41:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking around in confusion at the fact that he could now breathe properly and no sign of fire or smoke at all, Lièrén looked around in hurried confusion; where the hell had it gone?<br><br>He opened the door at the knocking and almost dived on Shie when he saw her.<br><br>"Thank the Gods you're alright, there was fire everywhere"<br><br>He had the signs of being in a fire all over his robes, he was covered in smoke stains, but the room and hallway looked like nothing had been going on.<br><br>"What the heck is going on now? There was a fire out here just a second ago and it wouldn't let me out of the room, everything I tried, it just pushed me back"<br><br>He sat on the floor feeling light headed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 23, 2010, 02:50:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Are you alright?" She gazed down at him, hand on his shoulder. "There was no fire. It smelt a little off before but I think it's from a bonfire down in the town. They were roasting some meat." Kneeling beside him, she cupped a hand against his cheek.<br><br>"Then again, there was a lot of black grass. I thought it may be some of the local kids playing games. You know, the fire jugglers that they saw weeks ago..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 23, 2010, 04:32:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He shook his head and held onto Shie for dear life, he didn't know what to think now.<br><br>"But, I went to sleep and....and and then.... then I woke up and there was fire everywhere, and smoke, the smoke was choking me, I became light headed and couldn't get out....and then you came along and all of a sudden it was like nothing had happened"<br><br>He didn't even sound normal to himself now, like he was ranting about nothing, but he had been so sure he had seen fire. He looked up at Shie, tears in his eyes.<br><br>"You....you believe me right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 24, 2010, 02:39:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Stroking a hand through his hair, she gave a half-nod. "Maybe you thought it was real but it was still a lingering memory of the dream? I know that going through the demon world had to be trying." She dropped a kiss onto his head. "Maybe it's lingering effects?"<br><br>She settled herself into a more comfortable position. "Just walking dreams?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 24, 2010, 03:07:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I don't really know, it didn't feel like a walking dream when I was getting burnt and couldn't breathe because of the fire, but I guess it could have all been in my head, it just seemed a hell of a lot more realistic this time"<br><br>He sighed and leaned back against his bed.<br><br>"I just want to get past all of this, it just feels so real, and the duration of this last one was ridiculous, I thought I was actually going to burn in a fire, are you sure there was nothing going on?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>September 25, 2010, 11:10:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rubbing his back, she shook her head after a moment. "Like I said, just some black grass from foolish kids. Nothing in here, at least." She placed a kiss on his temple and stood. "Come on. I'll make you some tea and hopefully get you back into bed."<br><br>She rose and offered a hand down to him. She could at least assist him up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>September 27, 2010, 04:07:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking her hand and standing up, he kept hold of her hand as they left the room, leaving behind the bad feelings Lièrén had been having, everything was going to be ok, he would be ok, they would be ok.<br><br>"So what are we going to do now then? I don't think I could go on the trip right now, I need to get used to having the one arm, then what happens if something happens to the village while I am gone? I don't want to lose you"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>October 01, 2010, 01:06:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm not going anywhere. The village can defend itself." She walked down the stairs with him, leaving him at the table as she went to boil the water in the kettle. Selecting the finest leaves, she ground them with the pestle. "And if you want to delay your trip, I understand."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>October 01, 2010, 03:19:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded<br><br>"I think delaying the trip could be a good idea, as much as it will annoy your cousin, I might as well delay it till I'm back to one hundred percent, I might have a blast at seeing if I can get anyone in on the idea of having their kids taught literacy and numeracy"<br><br>OOC: Sorry about the short posts which don't really leave ya much, ive got a lot on my mind right now, I just aren't quitting the RP
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Sophidian</strong> on <strong>October 03, 2010, 01:50:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"As long as you have something to do. I know you'd go crazy just sitting around doing nothing." Bringing the tea out, she poured them both a glass before sitting across from him. "I'm sure the parents would appreciate it. Not everyone can be a good teacher."<br><br>((OOC: No problem. My internet has been in and out with really bad storms so I've been semi-absent as of late))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: One-on-One: Hunter Phoenix and Sophidian</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Hunter Phoenix</strong> on <strong>October 09, 2010, 03:40:29 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lièrén nodded<br><br>"Yeah I guess you're right, you are always right, which is good really because I don't really think stuff through all the time"<br><br>They were just walking now and then Lièrén heard something, but upon looking around, there was nothing moving, no one around them to make the noise, it had sounded like a hammer on metal and a high pitched scream, but there was nothing and no one around, so he had no idea what to make of it.<br><br>"Did you just hear something?"
			</dd>
		</dl>
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