What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: impishcharm on 08-08-2017, 00:10:53</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>08-08-2017, 00:10:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Bio</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div style="text-align: left;">Name: Adan Hathsin<br>Played by: impishcharm<br>Age: 26<br>Gender: Male<br>Height': 6'0"<br>Build: Broad with lean muscle<br>Eyes: Soft brown<br>Hair: Auburn<br>Skin: A light tan<br>Sexuality: Bisexual<br><br>Family:&nbsp; Anexa Bertwin, Witch of Cromley (mother, exiled), Morren Hathsin (maternal aunt), Sceon Hathsin (uncle)<br><br>Personality: Despite his history, Adan has carved out a place for himself by becoming the optimistic, hopeful soul that he is.&nbsp; Part of his self-worth is determined by what 'good' he brings into the world to combat its many evils, and will often lend aid to those in need. He presents as a sober, sometimes brooding man who is prone to losing himself in his thoughts.&nbsp; Sometimes it takes a gentle - or not so gentle - push to bring him back to the present.&nbsp; He is thoughtful, considerate, and kind, though his patience does have its limits; as he gets older he gets better at choosing his battles or, rather, fighting the <em>right</em> ones.<br><br>History: Abandoned by his mother so she could flee into exile, he was raised by his father's family with the expectation that he would fill his mother's shoes when he was old enough.&nbsp; The magic was inside him, after all.&nbsp; They would never condone such things, no, but surely the witch's influence was too compelling to do anything other than corrupt his soul.&nbsp; The people would smile at him, and no sooner would he turn his back that the whispers started anew.&nbsp; He was confused by it at first, and as he grew he realized that he wasn't as valued as others.&nbsp; That they feared him.&nbsp; It was the reason why he started seeking out his mother in any way he could.&nbsp; If he was never going to be anything but wicked, why bother fighting it?&nbsp; And there was always the question of <em>why</em> that burned inside him, and only one who could give a satisfactory answer.<br><br>He became reckless for a period as he decided on whose side he stood - the family who didn't trust him or the mother who left - and he went digging.&nbsp; Most of his mother's things had been destroyed, but he managed to find a few buried treasures.&nbsp; A grimoire among them.&nbsp; Inside he found a summoning spell that changed his life forever.&nbsp; In those soiled pages he found Corbin, and while the demon was not what he'd expected, he would argue that he got so much more than he bargained for.&nbsp; He also found a way to concentrate his own power into spells so it would be more beneficial, and began to practice in secret.<br><br>For him, the magic would be used for good.&nbsp; For so long, he'd been reminded of his parentage that he almost believed himself to be evil.&nbsp; But he wasn't.&nbsp; He decided to walk his own path, and make his own decisions.&nbsp; Not fulfill a destiny that others forced on him by their own ignorance.&nbsp; Adan and Corbin, now his companion, left his family behind in the pursuit of a new life, with perhaps an underlying motivation to discover the truth.</div></div></div></div></div> <em>Knowledge.</em><br><br>Pursuing it was often a vital, dangerous part of a man’s journey.&nbsp; Blood was spilled because of it.&nbsp; Lives were lost to the cause.&nbsp; Souls became currency for something greater.&nbsp; For some, there was precious little they weren’t willing to do to have those greedy questions answered to benefit them; for others, like Adan, it was a matter of applying that knowledge to achieve something greater.&nbsp; To protect those who were in need from the great evils of the world.&nbsp; It was, he felt, his responsibility.&nbsp; His calling.<br><br>The cloudy day had yielded to a stormy night, causing the man and his companion to halt their travels and seek shelter at the local inn, aptly named the Weeping Willow as small cracks in the wall began to leak from the torrent outside.&nbsp; A table was claimed in the back corner an hour ago for privacy, Adan instinctively sitting with his back to the wall in order to prepare in case he was forced to defend his space.&nbsp; He caught a few subtle pulses of energy from different directions, which were an indication that this place sheltered more than just humans, his companion being one of them.&nbsp; All of the others were carefully disguised in an attempt to draw attention away from themselves, lest the townspeople approach with raised torches and pitchforks.&nbsp; Some, perhaps, were more prudent than others.<br><br>He could feel the occasional glance toward the table, and when he’d decided that those stares had properly burned holes into his flesh, he looked up to find gazes quickly being turned away.&nbsp; Cowards.&nbsp; One could never be too careful in a foreign region, so he made sure to keep his staff close by.&nbsp; It was leaned against the wall, easily within arm’s length, as well as the short sword leaning against his thigh.<br><br>Aside from being aware of his surroundings by use of his peripheral and intrinsic abilities, his focus was narrowed to the tools he had before him.&nbsp; There was a map spread out on the table, with a small candelabra on one end and an untouched mug of ale on the other to keep the parchment splayed for his perusal.&nbsp; He had a journal out as well, and was scribbling notes inside while occasionally looking at a particular spot on the map.&nbsp; So far, he was pleased with their progress.&nbsp; It would be another two nights before they reached the city of Bayside - their first <em>real</em> destination.&nbsp; He hoped to pick up some clues that would lead him to what he sought.&nbsp; Anything would be more helpful than what he already had, which was a map, a dusty grimoire, and a demon.<br><br>A plate was next to him, also untouched; the smell of food causing his belly to growl loudly in protest.&nbsp; It’d been gnawing at his insides for some time, and that final cramp prompted him to reach for a chunk of bread and nibble along its edge, his quill never rising from the paper until he finished his thought.<br><br>He set his utensils down and stretched, turning his head left and right until he felt a satisfying pop in his neck, then took another bite of bread.&nbsp; As he supped, he made a casual sweep around the room, noticing a few more curious glances.&nbsp; Something about it made him uneasy… curiosity either led to pursuit of knowledge or speculation.&nbsp; Since they were hardly surrounded by scholars, he could only assume they’d fallen into a more superstitious crowd.&nbsp; Their stay would have to be short-lived.<br><br>“Get enough to eat?”&nbsp; He glanced at his companion as he began to carve into his portion of meat, ignoring those prying eyes for the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>08-08-2017, 22:36:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Bio</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Name:</strong> Corbin <br><br><strong>Played by:</strong> Blythe<br><br><strong>Age:</strong>&nbsp; Appears to be late 20s, though he is older.<br><br><strong>Gender:</strong>&nbsp; Cismale.<br><br><strong>Height:</strong> 6'3"<br><br><strong>Build:</strong> Muscular.<br><br><strong>Eyes:</strong> Red<br><br><strong>Hair:</strong> Auburn<br><br><strong>Skin:</strong> A lovely ruddy color<br><br><strong>Sexuality:</strong> Pansexual. Polyamorous.<br><br><strong>Personality:</strong> Corbin is trying to be good. No, really. He's a 'reformed' demon. He has his moments where he fails, though. He loves investigating 'forbidden' things. He is a dominant, but it's not a 'central' tenet of his being. He is cynical, sarcastic, and generally disdainful of most mortals. In particular, he is of the opinion mortal spellcasters don't really understand the forces they meddle with and is more than happy to point that out. Yes. Even to Adan.<br><br><strong>History:</strong> Corbin is the former demon of despair. However, he was summoned in recent years by Adan, and the summoning went strange. Instead of it being a clearcut summon, something went awry. Perhaps it was Corbin's desire to be free of his predestined bonds, a mistake Adan made in the summoning, or perhaps some other force, but instead of the usual summoner-summonee magical restrictions, Corbin became connected to Adan. They can feel each other's emotions, and Adan is capable of suppressing Corbin's supernatural powers, of which there are quite a few. He can move through shadows, summon others of his kind briefly. Corbin considers himself in a 'relationship' of sorts with Adan, and in his own way, he loves him, though as a demon, he has difficulty with this concept. Love is not a 'natural' emotion for demons, and he only learned it after becoming connected with Adan magically. Now he travels with him, looking for interesting new things and helping Adan as he likes. He has been summoned in the past by Adan's mother, but he doesn't like to talk about it, and from time to time, he's encountered certain unpleasantries she's perpetuated and attempted to clean them up.</div></div></div></div> Corbin was trying to get used to human concepts. He was a demon, an immortal entity. He didn't <em>need</em> human food, not exactly, though life was more miserable without it. Corbin ate more for pleasure; the types of cuisine available to demons were traditionally...unpleasant. He preferred this fare--what had he ordered? Lamb. Yes, lamb. He did not like things like vegetables and fruits--he was a consummate carnivore.<br><br>He was watching poor Adan with an expression that could best be described as 'amused.' Corbin was generally not fearful of anything; he understood the irritating foibles of this location and mostly wondered when they would get out of this picturesque example of Backwater Bumfuck and get to somewhere fun. Like Bayside.<br><br>He could feel the eyes on him, though, and that made the demon beam in good humor to Adan. He said, "My, my. Look at all the looks I'm getting. I feel like the <em>prettiest</em> girl here." The acid and condescension in his voice about the surrounding people was obvious. Corbin was a reformed demon, in large part thanks to Adan's influence. Sadly, it did not guarantee that Corbin was pleasant, just that he wasn't evil. Good people could make a person want to smash their nose, too, apparently.<br><br>He leaned over to look at what Adan was working on, curious, but then turned his attention to the people of the inn. They looked like they wanted trouble--Corbin wondered if they would cause it for himself and Adan, or if some other poor sod was going to attract their ire first. It was hard to say in these places.<br><br>He murmured softly to Adan, "Of course, they could be looking at you. With the level of focus on that quill, I bet people are wondering if you're a golem or something." He liked to tease, but the demon was mentally on alert and prepared for trouble in this particular town.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>09-08-2017, 04:23:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>It was not the nicest of taverns she had been in, but then there was not much to expect from a village unimaginatively named Shepherd's Glen. After all not all villages could boast the amenities and culture of her home of Halaway in the far eastern province where her mother still ran the academy her parents had founded before she was born. Niamh had seen worse as well in her travels, and a tavern of any sort still meant she could play her lute and sing, thus earn some coin for her next part of wandering the wide world in pursuit of something she herself couldn't even rightly name. At nearing twenty summers, when most lasses were wed, she was far more in love with the notion of discovering ruins and long forgotten secrets than finding some blacksmiths son to settle down with. Which was just as well considering any young man she spent a length of time with tended to become a touch unnerved by her unusual personality. <br><br>She had sung all the night before and a good part of the morning, earning her keep as it were, and now it was evening with a fresh gathering of folk appearing and so she sat, perched upon a bar stool with long legs kicking back and forth to express pent up energy as she watched her audience to be. While she possessed not a lick of the magic that had made her father so famous, she still had an almost unnatural knack of telling the mood of people. That skill she put down to being a bard, well that and reading the mood of mages, scholars and any manner of oddities that had come through her parent's training. <br><br>Long raven black hair spilled over one shoulder and framed a delicately made face with large blue grey eyes set beneath dark brows and kissed by a scattering of freckles. Her nose was slim and elegant, and lips almost a touch too full though her chin was strong and hinted at her stubborn personality near as much as the set of her shoulders. For simple entertaining she was dressed still in her traveling gear, a carefully fitted flowing tunic of a stormy gray linen that served almost as a dress, covering any parts that might be considered questionable, yet with a pair of dark trousers emerging from beneath it and vanishing into knee high leather boots scuffed from her wandering. Across her back lay the lute she had spent the better part of last winter crafting, gleaming wood and delicate inlay work showing the dedication to her profession. Niamh Deasún knew she was pretty, if not in the blond haired fragile way of a princess, but still pretty enough to make most do a second look; she used it like she used her lute, to weave her stories, earn her money and avoid trouble. <br><br>Most of the time, sometimes being pretty caused it's own fuss. <br><br>For once in the past two days she had spent in Shepherd's Glen she was not the most eyed thin in the main tap room, that particular reward going to the two who sat over in one corner. Both male, one of them with rich auburn hair and a look of concentration she figured was much the same as her own when she was studying, and the other with what she believed to be horns and a hint of something more to his eyes. Signaling the barkeep for her normal wine she listened to the low murmurs of the room with half an ear, an habit that had started when she was a child listening to her mother's lectures and become more of a skill over her life. What she heard did not sit well with her. <br><br>"Look at them, sitting as bold as they please in our tavern...."<br><br>"...filthy mages..."<br><br>"...should run them out of town right quick, nothing but trouble." <br><br>"I'll show them to fear what's proper in this world." <br><br>The last one had the bard grimacing before she set down her wine and stood, clearing her throat and using her knowledge of projection to make sure it garnered the attention of the whole room. She gave a dazzling smile then, a half bow to those watching her. "Gents, ladies, it's my pleasure to bring a tale to you from far away. One where all is not what it seems on the surface, for you should never judge a book by it's cover. After all people can surprise you, and sometimes those who seem righteous are rather misguided." <br><br>As she took in a breath to start the story one of the larger men in the room stood up, likely the blacksmith or tanner of the little settlement. "We don't need no loose woman preaching to us about what to think about those that don't belong around decent people." <br><br>The insult to her virtue was hardly the first one she had faced since leaving home so she disregarded it, arching a brow at the man's statement even as she swept one arm out wide to entreat the others. "Gentle town folk, surely you are more open minded then that. How then do you decide who is deserving, no, it is best to welcome all with open arms and compassion." <br><br>Abruptly there was a jerk in her hair, sending her arching backward to smack the back of her skull against the counter with a yelp of pain. It was the barkeep looming above her then, glaring down at her like she was a dung beetle. "I allowed you to here with the understanding you wouldn't cause a ruckus." <br><br>Scent gave warning the other man was close, definitely a tanner by the way her nose burned just inhaling. "I saw we teach this 'bard' a lesson in how a proper woman minds her place." While Niamh had a slow burning temper, she did have one, and that threat as well as the completely moronic thought behind it summoned response in way of her leg kicking out and up, connecting firmly with the tanner's groin even as her hands rose and she used the barkeepers weight against him to send him flying over her and into the tanner. Handy little trick that, it had gotten her out of several issues in the past. Of course, prior issues hadn't resulted in a whole room of furious men getting to their feet and circling her. <br><br>Another smile touched her lips, though this one was far less confident as she held her hands up in a peace keeping motion, "Just a misunderstanding, clearly. I should be....." <br><br>There was no warning before arms wrapped around her midsection and hauled her off her feet, throwing her over some meaty shoulder and rendering her near helpless. "Witchcraft that was, throwing a grown man!" Her heart sank in her stomach because when men like this mentioned witchcraft it was rather swiftly followed by a burn her at the stake or toss her in a pond to drown sort of thing. Granted she could swim, that would would only damn her further in their eyes no doubt. Niamh squirmed, kicking and pushing, trying to get free as she realized that perhaps this time she had gotten in over her head. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>14-08-2017, 00:38:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>Adan had already noted the stares, and so he eyed Corbin instead, hiding a thin smile behind his chunk of bread.&nbsp; “I don’t know about pretty, but you <em>are</em> pleasing to the eye,” he commented before taking a bite, hoping to temper the demon’s contempt, if only slightly.&nbsp; He was beginning to feel uneasy, and caught a murmur or two that prompted him to slowly gather his things.&nbsp; The notebook he’d been scribbling in was put in his bag and, at the mention of his supplies, so was the capped bottle of ink and quill itself.&nbsp; He was careful about body language, not wanting to move too quickly and put one of the other patrons on alert.&nbsp; Damn it all, he did not want to travel in the rain, but risking soaked clothing was better than being assassinated.&nbsp; Or worse… burned at the stake.<br><br>He slipped the map from the makeshift weights, rolled it up, and placed it back in its protective sheath, which was also secured into his pack.&nbsp; Adan turned his attention back to his meal, wanting to get the most out of it while they had the chance.&nbsp; Not the best quality or preparation he’d ever experienced, but it sated the belly, and he’d spent more coin on it than it was worth.<br><br>The room was scanned while he ate, not to looking at anyone in particular.&nbsp; He was mapping out an escape route if there came a need for one, as well as who he would have to engage should they pose a threat.&nbsp; At least four men sat between them and the door, though none of them wore armor.&nbsp; Locals, then.&nbsp; And they would likely stick together if they decided an assault was necessary.<br><br>Speaking of… A female voice cut through his concentration, compelling him to turn his head and look toward the figure at the front of the tavern.&nbsp; It wasn’t quite the sound of her that drew his attention, though it was lovely, but the words, and the intention behind them.&nbsp; In a way, he thought the proposed tale she offered was for Corbin’s and his own benefit, and it seemed he wasn’t the only one who got that impression.&nbsp; She was immediately assaulted to ensure her silence, and witnessing her rough treatment set her blood to boiling.<br><br>He looked to Corbin, his expression all that he needed to convey his intention, and nodded.&nbsp; “Been a while since we’ve had a good fight, huh?”&nbsp; Adan was already scooting out of his chair, his eyes remaining on the woman and the crowd forming around her.&nbsp; She surprised them all by lashing out her own defense, and he knew he needed to act quickly before the men were able to properly retaliate.&nbsp; This was all their fault.&nbsp; If they had only kept their head down and found a private location to wait out the storm…<br><br>No.&nbsp; Adan would not accept responsibility for the actions of an ignorant few.&nbsp; He would, however, enlighten them on how to treat a lady.<br><br>He left his half-eaten meal and pack at the table with full confidence in the small ward protecting his things, then went toward the fray.<br><br>“Aye, Gents.&nbsp; Would you handle your mother’s that way?”&nbsp; The air whistled just before a sharp crack split the air as wood connected with bone, and the man who had hold of the woman suddenly bellowed as he fell to his knees, sending her to the floor as he crumpled.&nbsp; Someone ran to his side, who was met with a jab in the belly with the end of his staff, just as another was struck under the chin and sent flying backward onto a table.&nbsp; The tavern was filled with shouts of outrage; those who were too cowardly to join in stood back and cheered on the attackers.&nbsp; Nobody, of course, yelled encouragement at the newcomers.<br><br>Two charged at him, and he attempted a sweep of his staff to trip them up, but one managed to leap just in time to avoid the attack, and a meaty fist immediately connected with his ribs in an undercut.&nbsp; Adan’s breath hissed out between his teeth, and he ducked to avoid a second swing.&nbsp; Two of the three he’d struck were beginning to stir, ignoring the pain of their injuries to get their revenge.&nbsp; He didn’t want to draw blood this night, and he looked to see if the woman was alright, as well as Corbin, and then the door.<br><br>With a growl, he chose his next opponent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>14-08-2017, 11:09:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div>Corbin beamed when he saw Niamh, and just before the fight started, he said happily, "I stand corrected. <em>That</em> is the prettiest girl here." But when Niamh spoke in their defense and things began to turn ugly, Adan's query about it being a while since a good fight got the blood pumping through the demon's veins. Corbin <em>liked</em> getting to be generally 'bad,' and anything that smacked of violence was quite all right by him.<br><br>Morally justified violence, particularly the kind that was meant to help a luscius woman, was just icing in the figurative cake. Which was better than the inn's lamb.<br><br>He was a sturdy and hard-to-kill entity; generally holy implements or people using his True Name against him would slay him, but no one in the inn looked to be a paragon of holy might or demonology, so Corbin assumed he was safe enough. Magic in general was something he avoided using whenever his more sturdy physical shape would do. Though he could clearly still be maimed, which would be...well...bad.<br><br>He could handle quite a lot of punishment and considered it a mark of pride to withstand the pathetic depredations of humanity--<br><br><em>Crack!</em><br><br>A man in the inn charged and punched him in the face, interrupting his internal monologue. He saw some men getting up and looking like they were going to put serious hurt on Adan. "Oh, by Hells above and below, I've been punched harder by <em>grandmothers</em>," Corbin swore. They were outnumbered, and even the demon wasn't sure this was a winnable fight, despite his bravado.<br><br>With his telepathic link with Corbin, he said in the comfort and privacy of their empathetic link, <em>Get to the woman and get her out. I'll distract them. I'll do better if I don't have to worry about either of you. Once you're both clear, I can slip out with my shadow magic.</em><br><br>He then delivered a blow to his attacker's face that knocked him cold. Corbin's eyes gleamed with fervor. "Who's next?" One of the men who'd been near Adan lunged for him, and Corbin caught him mid-air, hurling him into another man with a loud and happy shout. Ah, he loveda good fight.&nbsp; The man who had grasped Niamh stared at Corbin and said, "What...what are you?"<br><br>Corbin's horns were plainly visible now; it wasn't as if the demon made much of an attempt to hide himself, and he was no longer lurking in a corner out of easy ogling range. Lies and deceit were the stock-in-trade of demonkind, and Corbin was trying not to be that way. Not that honest was exactly going to help him...<br><br>"Well, you were calling me a filthy mage earlier? Close, but no cigar. The correct term is <em>demon</em>." The entire inn was more focused on him than Adan and Niamh at that point, given the outright admission of "evil" in their midst, despite the fact that while cheeky, said "evil" had only responded when seeing an innocent person attacked.<br><br>So much for lying low.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>14-08-2017, 17:17:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>There were very few things that Niamh loathed, but being hauled about like a sack of potatoes on the shoulder of a ignorant man threatening to burn her at the stake was abruptly right on the top of that short list. Her kicks were resulting in nothing to free her and she felt a prickle of fear, though not one slight bit of regret for speaking out against such close minded thinking. Another voice cut through the rumbling of the villagers, though with her current position she had no hope of telling who exactly it was. A part of her that wasn't currently fearful wanted to point out that if they treated any woman like this they would likely do the same to their poor mothers and wives and daughters. However she guessed that wouldn't be the best way to interject at the moment, particularly not if she was getting a chance to escape the flames. <br><br>And indeed, the tanner who held her went to his knees, his arms dropping and she slid off his shoulder having the presence of mind to tuck herself into a roll that let her come up to her feet rather easily. Next time she had a moment Niamh would make certain to write her mother and express her gratitude for the prior circus performers who had taught some rather interesting athletic classes at the academy. For the moment she was pushing her thick hair back out of her face, watching with wide eyes above her freckled nose as the red haired man used what she believed to be his mage staff to lay about him with rather impressive skill. <br><br>She winced in sympathy at the undercut that connected to the stranger, and then found her attention pulled to the other male who had stood to join the fray. With the lights of the tavern shining fully on him it was clear he wasn't exactly human, his comment about grandmothers resulting in the bard biting her lower lip against a laugh. One of the men had realized she was free and was moving toward her so she shifted, hands forming loose fists even as she tried to think of the best angle to trip him and let him harm himself instead of her. After all it wasn't like she was incredibly strong, though she did tone her muscles, her fighting style had far more to do with figuring out how to use her opponents mass and fury against them. <br><br>Both she and her would be opponent were distracted by the way a man flew threw the air to collide with another, turning back toward the man who was now displaying some rather lovely horns. A demon! The abject look of revulsion and horror on the peasants features was nearly a perfect juxtaposition for the inquisitive light that blazed to life in Niamh's eyes, her smile full of eagerness. Oh just think of the things she could learn in talking to him! Granted, that meant getting through the fight but it would be very worth it. <br><br>Most of the men in the room started moving toward Corbin, clearly intent on the 'evil' but the one near her took advantage of her distraction and managed a swift right hook that connected with her face. Niamh yelped in pain, cursing herself for inattention as she dropped to the floor to protect her face and rolled away under a table. She just needed a moment, to think around the pain, to breathe, and then she could handle herself. Inhaling shakily she moved to the other side of the heavy wood table, coming up with a chair in hand to use defensively as the man moved toward her again, clearly intent on not letting her get away. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>15-08-2017, 23:32:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>During an altercation, Adan’s intentions were always to immobilize rather than maim or kill, even if his enemies were motivated by dogged ignorance.&nbsp; He hated when one brain was shared among many; when a person failed to think for themselves, especially at the expense of an innocent.&nbsp; In his quest to seek the truth about his own past to protect the future of many, he was determined to enlighten the ignorant and expose the wicked.&nbsp; These people were ruled by fear, and would continue to let it dictate their lives if death was delivered by Corbin and Adan’s hands that day.&nbsp; So, death was not an option, but <em>force</em> was another matter, and as Adan watched the two who he’d already dueled with approach, he intended to teach them a lesson that would stick this time around.<br><br>Adan took three quick steps to get a head start, ground the end of his staff into the wood floor for leverage, and swung himself toward the first so he would get a chest full of Adan’s boots.&nbsp; The weight sent the man backward and he crashed into the second behind him, toppling them both to the floor.&nbsp; One of the men reached for a weapon at his belt, which earned him a hard crack to his knuckles.&nbsp; The pained scream let Adan know that he’d broken a few bones, and was satisfied enough to turn toward the oncoming enemies.<br><br>Corbin’s instructions came through as the woman was struck with a heavy fist.&nbsp; She bolted under the table, and suddenly he was on top of it, his back to her as he assumed a protective stance as she came out on the other side.&nbsp; He knew Corbin was being reasonable about their odds - even if they could take all of them, it would be a waste of energy better conserved for something else - and yet he still felt a little deflated.&nbsp; Perhaps he was too independent for his own good.&nbsp; <em>Be careful, these men are foolish.</em>&nbsp; The warning was obvious, though sometimes one needed to be reminded of what one faced.<br><br>The woman had a chair to use in her defense, which she never got to use.&nbsp; Adan jumped to avoid a burly arm reaching toward him, then brought his staff down as he landed back on the table.&nbsp; He dispensed two more who went toward the weaker opponent, their movements slow from intoxication; the rest were beginning to swarm the greatest threat in the room: Corbin.<br><br>“My lady,” Adan jumped to the floor next to her, and seized her arm, “pardon the intrusion,” he started, already beginning to tug her away from the chaos, “but we must be going now.”&nbsp; He had the gall to smirk at her and the irony of his casual statement before looking ahead.&nbsp; They took the long route between tables, using his staff to throw chairs out of the way so she wouldn’t trip, and even snatched up his pack with a carefully-aimed thrust of the wood before heading toward the door.&nbsp; The rain still poured out there; nothing he could do about it.&nbsp; It would hamper any spell he wished to cast, though it was better to be wet and live than be dry and dead.<br><br>The door slammed against the exterior as he forcefully pushed it open, and withdrew his hand from her arm once they were outside.&nbsp; From there, he bolted to the trees in order to take cover and wait close by in case Corbin needed him.&nbsp; He released the clasp to his cloak and took it off, slumping against a tree as he offered her the garment.&nbsp; The rain had already plastered hair and clothing to his body, though his pack remained mysteriously dry.<br><br>“Are you alright?”&nbsp; He turned a concerned eye to her face, inspecting her for any bruising from that hit she took.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>17-08-2017, 23:11:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div> He heard Adan's warning, and the demon knew that it was a good warning, as warnings went. And Adan was absolutely right. Once he was sure Adan and the woman were clear, he took a moment to consider--<br><br>And then a drunkard delivered a rousing roundhouse that sent him flying. With an angry scream, somewhat losing his temper, Corbin got up, wobbled a moment, then charged the man down. He literally half bent and charged with his horns pointed right at the man like a raging bull. The headbutt he delivered sent his assailant sprawling onto the splinter-filled floor of the inn<br><br>Corbin's demon blood screamed in delight. But then someone cracked a glass of beer against his face, and there was something about being drenched in beer that was colder than a witch's tit (...though Adan was <em>kind of</em> a witch and he liked Adan's chest, very warm. Well, another witch, a <em>different</em> witch!) that brought him to his senses. With a malicious look in his eyes, he had a split second to contemplate what to do.<br><br>He was the former demon of despair. He could inflict upon them what he did best, invoke the brutal primal emotion for which he embodied...but that would be a genuine evil. He couldn't. So instead he relied on his shadow magic, fell backwards into his own shadow, and vanished out of the inn.<br><br>All of the fighting stopped. One of the men whispered, "The fuck just happened?"<br><br>He sprang out of Adan's shadow where the two were hidden in the trees, looking a little worse for wear but not too roughed up, though he smelled of beer. Corbin sniffed, being judgemental, and said, "They could have at least smashed the expensive beer on me. I'm <em>exotic</em>, I'm worth being assaulted with the good imported beers. This cheap stuff is what you hit a <em>dwarf</em> in the face with." He was clearly irritable.<br><br>He looked at Niamh and beamed, saying, "I like you, mortal. Very feisty to stand up to a whole bar. Unwise, but feisty." Corbin conveniently left out the part where it was also feisty and unwise of himself to stay behind in an inn full of homocidal townspeople, because he was cheeky that way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>21-08-2017, 17:46:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>Wooden chair ready to be brandished for her defense she found herself abruptly joined by the auburn haired male who had been bringing chaos to a fever pitch by way of his staff he laid about with considerable skill. Indeed, the man was able to take care of two of the men moving toward her before addressing her by a title that might have gotten a protest on another eve. Instead she had only started to part her lips when he grasped her arm and began to urge her toward the door with a smirk on his lips. Under different circumstances she might have flirted with a bookish man who could smirk like that, yet he had guided them out into the pouring rain that while not freezing due to it being a summer rain was still cool enough and wet enough to keep her from attempting such. <br><br>That and the pounding ache in her face from that right hook. Gasping as the rain hit her skin for the first time she followed him across the wide span of the inn's courtyard and out into the forest that edged close. Among the trees he seemed more at ease, and when he offered her his cloak she accepted it with a rueful quirk of her lips for she was already rather soaked. Still, he was clearly wanting to be a gentleman and another layer to ward off the chill was no bad thing. <br><br>"I'm a far sight better than I would have been had you not interrupted their plans." Niamh made a disgruntled face only to have her breath catch on a whimper as doing so tugged at her bruising eye. Reaching up the bard touched the skin gingerly, sighing. "That bastard had a mean right hook. If my mother could see me now I'd be sure to get a lecture, but that's part of the delight of being away from one's parents. Aunt Regina would insist I spend extra hours training with her, meaning getting bruised by her until I could block that sort of thing. But it's hard to keep up training when you are on the road alone, I...." <br><br>Whatever she was going to say about her 'Aunt', who was truly Regina Sanji, a famous swordswoman, was cut off by the sudden appearance of the other male, this one with horns and the scent of. Was that beer? Well, at least it was raining. The demon's disgruntlement about the quality of the vintage summoned a bubbling of laughter to her lips, eyes dancing even as the male complimented her. Niamh inclined her head, one hand lifting up and out Adan's cloak in the manner of a skirt in a curtsy. <br><br>" Close minds should never be tolerated, and stories have a transformative power. Though I suppose one has to be willing to listen, and they decidedly were not. You two clearly didn't need the defense, so I suppose I should apologize for disrupting your evening." The raven haired woman turned back toward the now faint lights of the inn, nibbling her lower lip thoughtfully. "Now the quandary is how to fetch my things from the room I rented before those oafs seize them. And my horse."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>23-08-2017, 00:01:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div> Adan squinted through the rain and noticed her cheek already starting to swell, though it did not take away from her beauty.&nbsp; Seemed blasphemous to put such a mark on something so precious, like a smear across a painting from one of the artists of old.&nbsp; It would heal in time, and he had other worries to occupy his mind.&nbsp; The main thing was that he was able to prevent further damage, and get her out of there safely.<br><br>He leaned against the tree, his weight braced by his shoulder, and looked toward the door to make sure none of the others came looking for them, though he hoped the rain would convince them that it wasn’t worth the trouble.&nbsp; He still listened to her, the chatty thing, and would have offered more to the conversation had Corbin not appeared behind him.<br><br>“I’ll be sure to purchase a fine vintage later for that very purpose,” he offered, eyebrow raised with a hint of mirth in his eyes that indicated he was adding more to that sentence in his head.&nbsp; Some things were better kept to oneself, especially in front of present company.&nbsp; Corbin certainly didn’t need any encouragement.<br><br>He raised hands to his head and combed nimble fingers through that thick auburn hair, slicking it back from his forehead so it was out of the way as rain continued to pour down his body.&nbsp; “I think it would have been disrupted either way; you are hardly to blame.”<br><br>She spoke again, and he looked back to the second floor of the building, then the stables, then Corbin.&nbsp; Since he felt partially responsible for putting her in such a position, he felt the need to at least help her get her things.&nbsp; And, to ask the question that always tempted fate - What harm could it do?&nbsp; “You get the gear while I get the horse?”&nbsp; They both knew Adan was better equipped to handle animals, and the demon would likely just end up spooking the beast.&nbsp; “I’ll need a description,” he said, turning back to the woman.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>24-08-2017, 01:50:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div> Corbin pretended to look affronted at Adan promising to buy another vintage to pour on him. "That is insulting, you know me better than anyone. I'll be the one covering you in something intoxicating and sticky, I'll have you know." Corbin had never been able to resist making sarcastic sex jokes. He was far less concerned about Niamh overhearing. Sometimes Corbin had problems picking up on what Adan wanted unless he was actually 'listening' for it.<br><br>He perked up when Adan offered to get the horses. The demon despised horses. Animals in general responded poorly to him. They either got frightened or seemed to give up all hope--given his original status as a demon of despair, it was eerie to see an animal do the latter. He gave a lazy salute and said, "I can go get things. Just need to know what all those things are and roughly where you actually kept them. I mean, I could find them anyway, but knowing will make it go far more quickly." Corbin was also already plotting to steal beer if he had to go back in to take anything.<br><br>He thought lesser of mortals in general, and his urge to be good tended to be harder to obey with the mortals in question were actually shitty people, such as those from the inn. He fidgeted. He knew that he needed to be putting his best foot forward in front of the woman, but he also had a very innate nature that was hard to deny. That nature demanded he wreck things and be insufferable. He was already struggling to behave. Corbin was becoming frustrated with himself. It had not even been that long of a day and already he wished he could just blanket the inn in darkness and leave them that way.<br><br>To Adan, he sent via their mental link, watching Niamh with delight, <em>Can we keep her? She's lovely.</em><br><br>He peeked out from the trees to eyeball the general environs, scouting it out. Despite all his bravado, he was none too keen to get into another actual fight. It would test his self-control too much. He just wanted to be helpful and perhaps impress the new person without Adan being in danger.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-08-2017, 00:29:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>The snark laden comments exchanged between the two men had Niamh just barely holding back laughter, after all she didn't want to offend them. Typically she would be less worried about such things, though a near death experience had her a little more mindful of such things as tact. Though if that was a good way to express gratitude, purchasing a fine vintage, she could certainly look into it. "Perhaps they were just looking for someone to vent their foul mood upon." Her tone expressed ire at the fact any outsider likely would have found themselves in a similar circumstance. At the man, who she thought might be a mage just because of how he handled himself thanks to the bittersweet memories of her father, offered to get her things she blinked wide eyed in surprise. <br><br>"Oh, no, I didn't mean, that is.... you both helped me out by saving my life." A glance at the two of them, clearly already planning to move forward with the plan to retrieve her things and she found a smile twitching at the corners of her lips. "Okay, if you do this then I will repay it, somehow." <br><br>She turned an assessing eye on Adan, wondering if he could handle her rather stubborn gelding, Snowdrop. "Getting my horse might be a two person job, he's rather.... opinionated." To put it mildly. Honestly within a month of purchasing him she had wondered if the process of gelding the horse, not something she fully approved of in the first place, only deepened his stubborn streak. But the trader had made it clear that Snowdrop was about to be sold for parts as it were. So she had purchased the creature and for her trouble ended up walking more often than riding. At least his large build made it easy for him to carry her things. "His name is Snowdrop, he's a silver gray with white dappled on his hind quarters and face, thus the name. Just be careful when you get within kicking distance, it took me a few days to work out his sweet spots to avoid getting launched in the air." And still had the bruises to prove it, not that she had ever once thought of giving up on the horse. <br><br>A glance at Corbin had a smile curving on her lips, his sense of energy endearing to her. Oh and to think of all the questions she might get answered if they would let her travel with them for a time. She was a talented cook, and knew any number of tales and handy things. Somehow she needed to convince them to let her stay. It also helped that they were both so easy on the eyes, not to mention hysterical. "It's the third room in." The bard lifted her hand, stepping closer to the demon male to gesture toward the room in his line of sight. "Most of it is still packed, just saddle bags and a lute, most of the stuff I actually leave with Snowdrop. Anyone trying to get near him he doesn't know ends poorly. I have my cloak hung up, a book on the desk, I believe that's it." <br><br>Niamh bit her lower lip, a color flushing in her cheeks as she on whim hugged Corbin first and then Adan, "Thank you, thank you so much, both of you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>29-08-2017, 22:38:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>At his sordid retort, Adan flicked his eyes to Corbin, his head following slightly, giving him just enough of an angle to cast his partner a knowing look.&nbsp; Some things didn’t require a verbal expression to get his intention across, this being one.&nbsp; For just a moment, between one heartbeat and the next, he let Corbin bear witness to a specific hunger his lewd remark had awakened.&nbsp; Jest or not, Adan had plenty of memories of them together, and welcomed those instances, however brief, that would allow him to forget the hardships awaiting them.&nbsp; Sometimes he needed a reminder that even during times of difficulty, there was always something to be savored.&nbsp; Small bits he could hang on to that made winning the challenges all the more rewarding.<br><br>Besides, two could play <em>that</em> game.<br><br>The woman’s protest cut off that thought, and he reverted to a more stolid expression as he regarded her.&nbsp; “We have pulled you out of immediate danger, but we haven’t finished helping until your belongings are safe,” he corrected her, and seemed pleased when she accepted.&nbsp; The promise to repay them later was noted, though he had no real intention of holding her to it.&nbsp; Corbin, on the other hand, was a different beast entirely…<br><br><em>She’s a woman, not a lost puppy,</em> he mentally corrected, though he would come off as amused.&nbsp; The lady had no obligation to them, and he was not yet sure how wise it would be to bring another along, should she even want to.<br><br>She gave instructions on how to locate her horse, as well as a warning.&nbsp; Adan only smiled at the challenge, and nodded.&nbsp; “I will return shortly, my lady,” to Corbin, he turned and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.&nbsp; “In and out, got it?”&nbsp; The demon likely didn’t need to be reminded not to dawdle, but it couldn’t hurt.&nbsp; Corbin had become a permanent fixture in his life, one he counted on to be there, at his side.&nbsp; He couldn’t imagine doing the things he needed to do without him.<br><br>After giving the two of them another glance between them, he slipped deeper into the forest toward the stables.<br><br><div align="center">~}{~</div><br>Compared to the bastards inside the building, the stable master had given him little grief about taking Snowdrop out of his stall.&nbsp; Hard for a sleeping man slumped on a pile of hay, pitchfork laid next to his open palm, to be much of a threat to anyone.&nbsp; But, just to be safe, Adan moved the pitchfork out of the man’s range, then set to the task of identifying the beast, saddling it, and moving it out of the stable.<br><br>The horse was facing where Adan would enter, and upon seeing the strange figure outside the door he began to shift uncomfortably.&nbsp; Unphased, Adan opened the stall and carefully reached for the beast, placing his warm palm on his long snout and slowing stroking down to his nose.&nbsp; Meanwhile, he gazed into Snowdrop’s eyes and communicated his intentions in a gentle manner.&nbsp; He moved quickly, putting the blanket, saddle, and reins on the horse, and made sure all of the items that had been left with him were accounted for.&nbsp; Once done, he led Snowdrop out of the stall where he had room to mount.<br><br>A short while later, Adan emerged from the stable on top of Snowdrop, and he guided them toward the shelter of trees where he had left the woman to wait.<br><br>“Ah, there we are,” he said, slipping off the saddle and handing her the reins.&nbsp; The horse jerked his head as if to protest, and Adan poked his snout.&nbsp; “Remember what we talked about,” he said in quiet warning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>02-09-2017, 22:01:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div> Corbin was overwhelmed briefly by the lewd thought Adan had shared with him, and the demon retorted via their mental bond, <em>Oh, don't even tease. I'll get you back for it later, just you wait.</em> He licked his lips in anticipation, but then he shook himself out of the distraction. <br><br>But he gave a little inclination of his head and with an eerie movement, leaped back into Adan's shadow. Shadow magic was easy for the demon, though it required being very cognizant of locations, both of people and objects. In the murky void between reality and nothingness wherein all things looked like pale coal shades of the true world, Corbin managed to find the correct shadow to leap out of after considerable searching. Shadow magic was a riskky endeavor for those unfamiliar with it; it was amazing how easy it was to get a destination wrong.<br><br>He emerged from the shadow of the lute in the 3rd bedroom Niamh described, and he grabbed up everything Niamh described. He was in a hurry. He had unsavory impulses to harm the mortals of this place, and he was trying quite hard to be good.<br><br>He could not hide his struggle from Adan, not when he heard the angry shouting and swearing of the men in the tavern talking about them all, calling them all manner of slurs and names. The longing to reach out and sap the will to live from the wretched violent bigots of the inn hummed in Corbin uncontrollably, and the demon only just barely managed to resist the impulse. He reminded himself that he'd already been in a fight. That was enough for the day. It had to be.<br><br>So items in tow, he slipped into the shadow of the bed and emerged from Adan's shadow.<br><br>This spooked Snowdrop. Animals did not like demons, and most of them particularly did not like Corbin. The gelding gave a shriek and attempted to skitter away from them, and Corbin gave an angry hiss and darted further back in the trees away from Snowdrop, arms full of items. His irritable voice echoed out softly somewhere from the vicinity of some shrubbery, "Wretched beast!"<br><br>Had he been in a better mood, he would have found Snowdrop's reaction amusing. As it was, he longed to wreak havoc, and little things were bothering him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>07-09-2017, 18:05:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>The mage's response had her lips compressing to hold back a hint of laughter that sought to escape them when he made it clear that he did not consider her 'rescued' until her belongings were also present. He clearly was an opinionated one, and a person use to having that opinion listened to. What sort of tale did those eyes hold, what shaped his personality... oh she wanted to know. So Niamh held her laughter, and her quips, giving him the information he sought only to find herself blushing slightly at the smile and his use of 'my lady'. She was a bard, most thought that not much different than a whore.<br><br>Curious eyes watched him move to the demon, noting how close they seemed. More than friends most likely. What a mental vision that was. The raven haired woman withdrew from where she had stayed perhaps a step too close to the demon after impulsively hugging him. He had hardly seemed to notice, so focused on the other man. And then he was gone, just like that, and Adan moved off as well leaving her standing under the tree with the rain drops slipping through the canopy of leaves every so often. <br><br>She tried not to pace, but waiting on others to rescue her was not something she was use to and so the young woman gave into the urge, treading back and forth around the tree roots as she hummed a jaunty song under her breath. <br><br>Swifter than she would have imagined possible Adan returned with Snowdrop carrying him almost happily. Niamh blinked, shaking her head, sure it was just a vision she had in wanting the mage to not have struggled with the opinionated horse. But no, he rose the gelding right up to where she stood and dismounted smoothly before handing over the reins. It didn't surprise her that the gelding jerked against her hold, her shoulders had strengthened after Snowdrop had shown his habit of that and she had only dislocated her shoulder once in the tug a war they engaged in at times. "He didn't bite you? Or step on your foot? Or wrench your arm out of socket?" Her surprise was clear in her tone, for she had been truly worried about sending anyone else to deal with the stubborn beast. Part of her loved that Snowdrop was so himself, but that didn't mean she was blind to his faults. The only time they seemed to get along was when she took extra time to brush and pamper him.<br><br>Before Adan had time to reply though Corbin appeared and prompted Snowdrop to rear slightly and start trying to dance away which meant she had to dig her heels in, arms out stretched to the fullest as she cursed under her breath in several languages while attempting to get the horse back under control. "It's okay, I promise, he's a friend Snowdrop...." The demon's words registered then, a hot blush touching her cheeks because they had both helped her so much and here was her horse making one of them feel unwelcome. <br><br>Niamh managed to bring Snowdrop back in line, and he showed his rare affection for her by lipping at the cloak she wore. Or perhaps it was just that it smelled like the mage. A hand to his forehead, she glanced in the direction of Corbin with an apologetic smile on her lips, "He didn't mean anything by it, I swear. He is just rather... opinionated." <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>10-09-2017, 19:19:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>Adan looked to her with a measure of curiosity as she handled the beast who was now in her care.&nbsp; She was determined, which he could appreciate, not backing down once Snowdrop attempted to establish a sort of dynamic between them.&nbsp; He began to offer his assistance when Corbin appeared from his shadow wielding her things, which severed any leverage she may have gained when the horse began to show signs of unease.&nbsp; Corbin retreated among the trees, allowing an opportunity for the woman to get Snowdrop under control, only it wasn’t happening as smoothly as he’d like.<br><br>He stepped forward, leaving little room between her back and the front of his body, reaching around to cover her hand on the reins with his own and tightening his grip to help her keep hold of the leather.&nbsp; The strength of his hand helped restrain Snowdrop, who had been bucking his head.&nbsp; He caught her free hand with his other, and placed it directly on top of the frightened horse’s long snout so that it was pinned between Snowdrop and his palm.&nbsp; She had been whispering gentle, calming words to the beast, and Adan gave a little <em>nudge</em> to ease the tension in the animal.&nbsp; He was safe from harm.&nbsp; The demon bore no ill will toward any of them, particularly the lady or himself.<br><br>“Easy now, Snowdrop,” he murmured from close behind her, his voice serene.&nbsp; The horse had settled, no longer spooked, and Adan held his hand to hers for perhaps a second longer than necessary before he pulled away, taking with him a bit of her scent.&nbsp; He was reminded of how long it’d been since he had come close enough to smell a woman’s hair, or feel their skin beneath his.&nbsp; Too long, perhaps, given how he lingered over the idea.<br><br>She apologized to Corbin, and Adan walked over to his companion, smirking knowingly.&nbsp; “They should get along rather well, then, since they have that in common…,” he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial pitch, “not to mention the part about being a ‘wretched beast’.”&nbsp; With his back to the lady, Adan winked at the demon before offering to take some of the burden he was carrying so they could divide the items among her saddle bags.<br><br>“Name is Adan, my lady, and you can call him Corbin,” he nodded to the demon as he gave her a ‘safe’ name.&nbsp; Adan was the only one who knew Corbin’s full name, having used it to conjure the demon to begin with.&nbsp; Adan, himself, only gave the name his foster parents granted him; the only other who knew his <em>true</em> name was the one they pursued.&nbsp; His mother.&nbsp; And, if I may, you are…?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>20-11-2017, 04:21:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div> Corbin calmed down considerably once the horse was pacified; he had no rapport with animals, and without Adan and Niamh present, he was sure Snowdrop would have tried to run him down and trample him with those fine equine hooves. He was no stranger to animals seeking to do him harm.<br><br>Corbin couldn't help but grin with Niamh said that hdidn't mean anything by it, that he was just opinionated, and he quipped, "Hmm. Adan would probably say the same thing about me at times. What a thing to have in common with a horse."&nbsp; He didn't bother to try to pretend kindness towards the horse; he just kept his distance. There was no such thing as an animal that <em>liked</em> him naturally, though given his affinity for despair and shadow, he periodically got on with owls and bats, but only thanks to his magic. Without his powers, such creatures would probably try to rip his eyes out.<br><br>He didn't hear what Adan said in that conspirational whisper, but if he had, he would almost assuredly said something ribald about seeing who would wind up on all fours like a beast by the end of the week. But he didn't hear it, instead hearing Adan introduce them to the woman and then ask who she was.<br><br>"And where might you be headed, in addition to your name?" the demon asked, his voice rife with curiosity. He wanted to know more about her. He could appreciate her in many ways; she gave the impression of being outspoken and unafraid to break rules, and in truth there was little that could draw Corbin's attention like that sort of trait. It was one thing that made him like Adan as much as he did.<br><br>He edged a hint closer to her, though his cagey eyes still kept a lookout over their surroundings. Corbin was used to simply not being safe. He was a demon, a reformed one albeit, in a world hostile to his kind, and to whom his own kind would still be hostile thanks to his urges to try to do good. Some demons might have even thought of Corbin as 'corrupted' by goodness, the same way humans often thought of mortals associating with Corbin as being 'corrupted' by evilness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>20-11-2017, 18:12:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>The feel of the mage's strong body behind her, only a little taller than her own figure and firm with muscle, surprised her, her breath catching and had it not been for his hand on the reins along with her own Snowdrop likely would have won this particular 'argument'. Instead the horse calmed as Adan's hand settled on the long elegant bridge of his head, the horse snorting as if in disbelief at her words, yet Adan's voice settled him completely. Niamh had raw envy at that ability, particularly as her shoulders ached in protest at the rough treatment, though the heat of Adan's touch against her hand brought back that flustered surprise as she realized that perhaps she had been alone for too long a passage of time. <br><br>To busy herself the bard caressed the horses neck, petting him when he was already calm to try and buy time until she had her composure together. Granted a near death experience was a good enough reason to have it jumbled a touch. Adan. Corbin. She flashed them a smile that revealed dimples when she grinned wide enough, wondering if she should even try to protest that they were arranging her saddle bags and distributing the load. Being treated as a lady was something she had thought long behind her. The demon's quip about being opinionated as Snowdrop prompted another laugh to spill from her lips into the wet evening air, her blue eyes dancing with mirth even as she pressed a kiss to Snowdrop's nose in affection that the horse allowed for the moment. "Ah, but opinionated males grow on you after a time." <br><br>"I'm Niamh Deasún, though the last name likely doesn't mean much this far from my homeland." The query about where she was headed prompted a casual shrug of her shoulders, for in truth she had no destination other than somewhere new. "I have no destination to my travels; when I came of age I left home to see the world so I wander now and sing for my supper. Though I suppose Snowdrop guides some of my wandering, he has a dislike for roads that lead north, which I find ironic given the name I gave him and his dislike for cold." <br><br>Glancing at them she wondered how they might take an offer to join their party, after all she was talented in many things and they would be far more interesting company than just her horse. Not to mention a level of safety she could appreciate after the brawl in the tavern. Deciding there was nothing to lose by making the offer she stepped closer to both of them, the horse's reins still in hand and a smile bright on her lips. "I don't suppose you would be open to a bard joining you in your journey? A mage and a demon together, that has to be song worthy and I'd love to learn more about both magic and demons." Her eyes sparkled, full of the promise of mischief. "I have plenty of stories, a skill at cooking and I'll even darn anything that needs mending. It's been months since I had a good debate about the practices of magic, and very few scholars have had a chance to speak with a demon without, well, certain dangers." <br><br>There was a distant sound of something shattering, and then a shout, that had her glancing back toward the tavern and inn with a degree of wariness in her gaze. "Though, regardless, we likely should get moving on soon. I'm not that great at night riding, though I can stumble along on foot&nbsp; if one of you would rather ride." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>27-11-2017, 02:15:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>Intrigued to hear her own story, Adan listened intently.&nbsp; At the mention of Snowdrop, he smoothed a hand along the horse’s cheek, giving him one final calming stroke before pulling away altogether.&nbsp; She wanted to join them, and while he knew Corbin would approve of the idea considering he’d already asked if they could ‘keep her’ - likely for reasons he’d rather not think about, Adan wasn’t sure he was entirely comfortable with the idea.&nbsp; Their journey was a dangerous one, even for a bard.<br><br><em>We will need to discuss this among ourselves… I will not speak for you, or her, but she will be in danger.&nbsp; You know this.</em>&nbsp; Practical.&nbsp; To the point.&nbsp; He glanced to Corbin with a subtle level concern that only the demon would be able to detect, and then back toward the tavern where chaos was still erupting.&nbsp; Likely with drunken patrons arming themselves with makeshift weapons before they go on a demon hunt.&nbsp; “Lady Niamh,” he handed her the reins, fully confident that Snowdrop would cooperate now that the beast was subdued, “let us put the matter aside for the night and move on.&nbsp; I would be honored for you to join us, but due to complicated matters, I am reluctant to accept.”&nbsp; He offered her a polite smile to hide shadows in his eyes, and lifted his eyes to the sky.<br><br>The rain had died down, so his skin was met with a kiss of fine mist.&nbsp; “Come, let’s move.”&nbsp; He stepped ahead of the three, his staff making brief contact with the wet ground as he moved.<br><br>They put the tavern behind them, and the sounds of ruckus died off.&nbsp; He looked up to see the clouds parting for the moon, eyes moving between the stars as if in search of something.&nbsp; Placing two fingers between his lips, his whistle echoed into the night, flowing upward until it came back toward him in the form of an inhuman screech.<br><br>A figure soared into view, and once caught by a keen eye, it changed direction.&nbsp; Adan never stopped moving, just as the figure never stopped descending.&nbsp; There was another screech to herald its landing, followed by a gusty flap of wings that kept it balanced in the air.&nbsp; Adan held up his free arm in an invitation the bird couldn’t resist, and landed upon an arm protected by thick leather.&nbsp; “Good boy, Diago” he cooed, stroking the bird’s chest as it climbed up to rest on his shoulder.&nbsp; Long talons gripped him, though Adan showed no sign of pain; he had the foresight to put a thin mantle of leather between his tunic and cloak.&nbsp; “They gave up the pursuit; we're safe.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>28-11-2017, 08:03:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div> <br>Corbin was quite cheerful; he knew things would be dangerous...but he had little real care for things like consequences. All of his likes involved straddling the unknown and emerging triumphant. He liked mortals who liked to do the same--he wouldn't have even met Adan if Adan hadn't been willing to take a remarkable risk to summon him. Perhaps it was that small iota of his history that made him feel less worried about Niamh's safety. <br><br>Then let us just tell her that and let her decide for herself. I think she can understand some of the danger, given the taven nonsense. He was blunt with Adan; it wasn't meant to be mean, but moreso to have a quick sort of exchange of thoughts, to best communicate his meaning and intent. Besides, I miss having a female presence around. You are mine and I am yours, but to have a friend would be...different. <br><br>The demon tried not to let any of his complicated emotions slip through. He did not often meet new people who did not try to hurt him, and Niamh had been surprisingly kind, given the circumstances of their meeting. There were some who might have denied help from him, given what he was...but instead she was asking to travel with them. There was an undertow of hope and loneliness in the demon that Adan could likely read. Corbin was usually an open book to him.<br><br>"Are you sure you'd even want to travel with the likes of me? It's rough and hard. Which may well be something you like--and how interesting that makes you!--but my own kind do not like me. Your kind do not like me. And Adan and I have a history of...getting into trouble...one might say," Corbin said lazily to Niamh. He wasn't sure if this would address the danger portion sufficiently for Adan, but Adan was more responsible than him, so most likely he'd handle it better. This was as close to responsible as Corbin was capable of being.<br><br>Part of him even wondered if she could help their quest. What all skills did she have? He was curious, but he was invasive enough anyways of his own accord; he would leave the majority of the talking to his better half.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>01-12-2017, 01:24:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>Being referred to as a lady, again, after she had made it clear in no uncertain terms that she was a performer had the smile on her lips deepening. Part of her wanted to attempt to convince the mage in that very moment that they should take her along, yet he acceded the night at least and that was hopefully enough time to win them over to the idea. Already her quick mind was moving through all the various things that might win the argument. Not wishing to ride while they walked in the mud, it somehow didn't seem sporting, the raven haired young woman instead walked with Snowdrop at her side, content to move with them at the slow pace that still put the tavern behind them within half a candle's mark of time. <br><br>Moving with the others there was a distinct difference to her solitary traveling, even if they weren't talking, the sense of companionship made Niamh realize that perhaps she was not as meant for the lone wanderer life as she had first thought. Hard months on the road had a way of making one reevaluate she supposed. <br><br>A sharp screech pulled her from her thoughts, glancing up to realize that a a giant bird of some sort had just landed upon Adan's arm, with the mage clearly pleased to see the creature. Long lashes blinked when the man made a comment about those from the tavern giving up pursuit, a glance cast reflexively over her shoulder to peer into the darkness. When her gaze moved back to the red haired man her head tilted, not too different from the way a bird's might when regarding something it was puzzling out. Comprehension dawned in her bright blue eyes as her face lit up with delight, "You are an animal speaker? Oh how astounding, it's a rare gift these days. Only one of the mage students my father taught had it, and Father could really only communicate well with cats, though I suppose that was partially due to his familiar." <br><br>Corbin's question had her turning to him, her grin wide on her lips. "Rough and hard can be a lot of fun..." She trailed off, the sparkle in her gaze revealing her flirtation for the tease it was. Yet she sobered in the next moment, treating it as it was due for if the demon was asking and expressing concern over her safety that merited serious reply. "My kind, your kind, I've found that over all people when in a mass group can be rather foolish and prone to silly thoughts that make no sense. I judge those I meet based of who they are, not what their blood line, heritage or any twist of fate makes them. I suppose that's a progressive view, but then my mother was a court scholar before she met my father and they raised me to listen to my own heart and sense of morality rather than what society might dictate. We actually had a demon half blood at the school, she was abandoned by her human family, having never known the other side. The others were a touch scared at first, but not Mother, she gave Gurza the same lessons she did the rest of us." Recalling the other young woman Niamh pulled a face. <br><br>"Of course, she ended up being the best scholar out of the lot of us, the others I grew up with, and now she's my mother's research assistant. My mind never understood the appeal of simply staying locked up in a tower reading about things, I wanted to experience them." Which lead of course to a great argument to have them let her stay. "Besides, hard and rough? I'm a female bard, traveling all by my lonesome, trust me, I doubt any danger I might face in your company is equal to the risks I take every day choosing my profession. I've fled from a town after refusing the local constable and introducing my knee to his groin, I've had to climb out of any number of windows, dash through side alleys and other unsavory places to avoid men who believe more than my voice is for sale. I chose this life, that of a bard, so that I can see, learn and know, if I wanted safety I could have stayed at my parents estate."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>05-12-2017, 00:17:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>Adan considered Corbin’s words, and gave the equivalent of a mental disgruntled grumble as he came to a few unsavory conclusions.&nbsp; Corbin wanted female company, she wanted to be with them, and he was left feeling like the nay-sayer.&nbsp; Being the practical one had it's faults, especially when more people were affected by the end result.&nbsp; The hand not wielding his staff stroked along Diago’s dark feathers when Niamh addressed his talent and, sensing they were talking about him, the bird turned its head to regard her with one black beady eye.<br><br>“Ah, yes.&nbsp; A gift from my mother.”&nbsp; Not the only one; there was still plenty of untapped power inside him that he was too frightened to seek.&nbsp; That was a box he’d rather not open just yet… there came too much responsibility with utilizing the kind of magics his mother had, and he wasn’t confident enough in himself to take risks.&nbsp; He was not his mother.&nbsp; He would never become his mother.&nbsp; No matter how much she called to him… or what she promised him…<br><br>Corbin voiced Adan’s concerns which made him feel better, although Niamh’s flirtation toward the demon made him relieved that they were walking behind him.&nbsp; It wasn’t coloring of his face that concerned him, but rather the curiosity, the heat, that would be in his eyes.&nbsp; Perhaps it was the rush that the tavern fight gave him, or the sense of a new adventure… It had been a long time since he was in the company of a woman who interested him; her beauty and wit certainly hadn’t gone unnoticed by the young mage.&nbsp; He held back from delving deeper into his thoughts as she began her attempt at persuading them that she was up to the task, and in the end, Adan capitulated.<br><br>“I cannot make the decision for you, much as I’d like to persuade you otherwise.&nbsp; You are welcome to join us, my lady.&nbsp; Just know that what we may face will be more dangerous than climbing out of windows and hiding in a dark alley.”&nbsp; He glanced over his shoulder at her, away from the bird, and offered a sincere smile.&nbsp; He wasn't saying that just to dissuade her, but he wasn't sure how to properly convey the danger they may encounter in the journey ahead.&nbsp; “Though I suppose if we are going to be doing anything noteworthy it would be beneficial to have a bard.”<br><br><em>Though I suppose you will give her plenty of ribald tales to include in her accounts.&nbsp; Just try not to scare her away.</em>&nbsp; Adan teased mentally.&nbsp; And, as an afterthought... <em>Fiend.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>07-12-2017, 22:48:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div> <em>Lies and slander! </em>Corbin exclaimed to Adan in his head until he suddenly said, <em>Oh, I thought you said <strong>friend</strong>. Fiend? Well....alright then. I suppose that's true. But flattery will get you everywhere, as you well know. And maybe so does our new bard.</em><br><br>To Niamh he beamed and said, "Oh, well, if you like it like that, I'm sure you'll enjoy the both of us immensely." The demon unconsciously licked his lips and then reminded himself how...sleazy...that looked. His cheeks colored and he muttered under his breath, "For fuck's sake. I am not used to <em>behaving</em>. Normally it is just myself and Adan and I can be as ribald as I please." He was mindful Adan had told him not to scare her off, and this had made him somewhat...frumpy.<br><br>He collected himself and said to Adan for Niamh's benefit, "Is it still Bayside we're heading to? Last I remember, we were about two days off from it." <br><br>They had been following Adan, so Corbin was under the assumption the destination hadn't changed, but he figured that knowing it would ensure that Niamh understood what she was getting into. He was trying not to get overly excited, but they had so many things to do, things to see, a witch to investigate and maybe thwart depending on what Adan's mother was getting up to lately...Corbin almost couldn't wait. Little tendrils of shadow seemed to slowly coalesce and twine out from scaled sections of his skin or even his horns--that happened sometimes when he was overly pleased.<br><br>Traveling was not as fast as it could have been, though with Adan at the head, Corbin couldn't say they weren't making good time. Adan was the more businesslike of the two and gauging Niamh, he would possibly revise that to "of the three."<br><br>He tried to avoid any animals as he traipsed around. Adan's bird would tolerate him, but it had a connection with Adan that would let it defy the usual animal reactions to demonkind. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-12-2017, 00:15:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>For all that animals had as little regard for her as they might a stone Niamh still loved them, it was the reason she put up with Snowdrop when she could have likely found a much easier mount. So when Diago turned his attention to her she made a soft cooing sound, lifting her hands to show she was non threatening. "Oh he's just lovely, and how lucky are you, no wonder Snowdrop likes you so much." She glanced at Adan, her eyes full of mirth and an impish smile curved on her lips. "I'd almost accuse you of cheating to impress me earlier, but I doubt that was even a concern on your part." <br><br>Attuned to the nature of people the way her profession demanded the young bard did pick up on the emotions swirling around the word <em>mother</em>; yet she showed restraint for perhaps the first time that evening by not posing any further query. Her parents school had been called a collection of lost souls a time or a dozen, and she had learned from an early age not all were so blessed as she to have a loving home life devoid of complication save for the normal rows between child and parent, if perhaps a touch exacerbated because she literally shared her parents with scores of other younglings needing their attention. It was a shame Adan had never found his way to them, she rather thought gazing at him then that he and her father would have gotten along well. <br><br>She had not expected the mage to give so readily to her request, though she did bite her tongue at his dismissive comment at the dangers that circled young women traveling alone. Perhaps she went with the more amusing, but she still wasn't settled from the time those slavers had almost snared her, granted said slavers would likely love to get their hands on her considering she had made sure they lost their whole 'shipment' from Gynze. Not one bit of regret lived in her, and she was over a months travel away from that particular spot of trouble. All that mattered now was that he had agreed, and even smiled at her with a lovely hint of flush on his cheeks that made her wonder if her flirting had caught his attention. "A bard can be very useful, I assure you." And so could a woman if she got the sense that either of them were interested, though they seemed almost settled in the way a couple might and the last thing she wanted to do was come off as disrespectful. A mage, a demon and a bard traveling together, yes, that was exactly what the grand stories were made of.&nbsp; <br><br>Corbin's comment of her enjoying them put a spark of mischief into her bright blue eyes, though the way of licking his lips, as if he might want to devour her, was right out of a bad tempest romance and set her to a peal of laughter even as his cheeks heated. "Is this you behaving? Because please, don't feel like you have to on my account." the dark haired woman shook her head, gasping around laughter. <br><br>"Think of me as having grown up with a dozen brothers, trust me I doubt either of you can shock me." She thought back to the day when Sunil had discovered what masturbation was and hadn't been able to stop raving about it to the other boys and decided to show off to the girls. All of sixteen she had been when that boy, only a year older than she, had stroked off in front of her and four others. Sexual experimentation was something Niamh had done early and often. Though experimenting with a mage and a demon might be fun... She shook her head at herself to clear her mind of errant fantasies and refocused on the conversation as Corbin mentioned Bayside. At the mention of the sea side town the bard visibly perked, "You are going to Bayside, the Bayside with one of the most renowned libraries on this continent?" Hunger glittered in her eyes, her cheeks flushed with eagerness at the thought of exploring the aforementioned library that even her mother admired. <br><br>Out of the corner of her eye she spied shadows fliting over Corbin's skin, teasing beneath his scales and curiously stepped closer, her attention narrowing in on him and watching the shadows play up his figure. "Is that your power? What is it doing?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>15-12-2017, 16:05:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>Adan did the mental equivalent of a chuckle at Corbin’s jest; a full, genuine sound that was said to be quite pleasant.&nbsp; <em>Fiend you are, and the one I adore.&nbsp; You are safe for now, but once she sleeps, well…</em> Corbin wouldn’t have to look at him to know Adan was grinning.&nbsp; He enjoyed taunting the demon; provocation through banter was just foreplay for them.&nbsp; The internal conversation quieted on his part as he focused on the verbal one, not wanting to get Corbin too riled up.&nbsp; He would leave him little breadcrumbs of taunts here and there, and see where they would lead to later…<br><br>Corbin, of course, was in a mood, and considering his figurative leash was pulled as tight as it was going to be, he would just have to let things progress as they would, and see if Niamh had what it took to handle what they threw at her.&nbsp; Which turned out to be quite well, since she turned that teasing smile to him which renewed his grin.&nbsp; “You mean you weren’t impressed by my combat skills in an effort to please the lady?”&nbsp; Diago squawked, punctuating his agreement.&nbsp; Adan laughed at that, and scratched beneath the hawk’s beak to praise the beast.<br><br>The laughter died down and he allowed the other two to swap banter as he focused on the trail.&nbsp; According to the map, which he had meticulously poured over prior to the journey (and still some more along the way), there would be a fork in the road within the next couple of hours, given their current pace, which would put them at two days from Bayside.&nbsp; “Just about two days, yes.&nbsp; We will be hitting a smaller town in the interim, Bruxley, though I doubt it will be anything like our destination.&nbsp; We can rest for the night there, or make camp out here.&nbsp; Between Bruxley and Bayside, though, we would want to take shelter due to the road being known for bands of marauders.&nbsp; Daytime traveling and such, and with Diago’s help, we - hopefully - shouldn’t run into too much trouble.”&nbsp; He looked over at Corbin, a playful glint in his eye, “I know you are very saddened by that, but you will just have to deal with it.”<br><br>He turned his attention back to Niamh.&nbsp; “The libraries with floor to ceiling book shelves?&nbsp; And stone gargoyles that seem to follow you around… the ones that are said to come alive at night and go after any who dare steal from the library?&nbsp; Oh yes, that’s the one.”&nbsp; He was eager to walk those halls and see if the legends were true, and maybe make some discoveries of his own.<br><br>The conversation turned to Corbin, and both pair of eyes were on the demon as shadow seeped out of him in fine tendrils.&nbsp; Adan smirked, leaning close to Niamh in a conspiratory fashion, “that is what happens when he is forced to behave,” he fibbed, eyes still on Corbin as he continued, “soon that smoke you see will turn into flame and before you know it he will explode.”&nbsp; He paused, considering his choice of words, and quickly added, “in flames.”<br><br><em>Not too far from the truth, right?</em>&nbsp; The smugness in his mental tone mirrored his outward grin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>17-12-2017, 08:03:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div> Corbin pouted and said to Adan, "You are a cruel thing to tease me so." It was clear he was being playful, though, as they often teased each other, and he liked to give Adan a hard time.<br><br>"I vote for resting in Bruxley. I want for a warm bed and a tankard of ale. And hopefully locals that will not immediately try to set me on fire." He pursed his lips at Adan's joke about his shadows and said, grinning, "Assuming I don't burst into flames before we get there from <em>behaving</em> so much."<br><br>You're as incorrigible as I am. Are you sure <em>you</em> aren't the demon instead of me?" Corbin queried to Adan.<br><br>To Niamh he eventually offered a somewhat more serious answer. It took a bit, as he was trying to very carefully avoid any animals, keep to their path, keep a lookout, and avoid being distracted. He was succeeding at all but the last. It was rare that he felt like he was so stimulated that he couldn't relax at all, but he was excited. Not in an erotic way, but a curious way. He wanted to learn more about Niamh and was perhaps too enthused about Bayside.<br><br>Most forbidden things did that to him. Well, he wouldn't call Niamh <em>forbidden</em> at least, but he also wouldn't call her available. Unless she was available. And even then, that would require talking to Adan; it would be irresponsible not to, given their bond and connection. <br><br>"When I'm overly excited, excess power twines out in the form of these shadows," Corbin explained. "For it to stop, I either need to focus on suppressing it...which I find unpalatable...or I have to calm down....which is currently very unlikely. Actually spontaneously combusting is probably more likely than myself finding a feeling of calmness right now."<br><br>Curious, he said, "So....a bard. Do you sing? Perhaps you have a song that is very calm that might help? These shadow tendrils are all well and good here in the wilderness, but I might need to get them in check before Bruxley."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>21-12-2017, 16:50:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>When Adan grinned at her Niamh's own smile deepened, dimples flashing even as her heart skipped a beat to see the warmth in the mages eyes. His quip prompted a laugh to spill from her lips that harmonized with his own chuckle, "Well of course they did, but a way with animals is higher up on the scale. Somehow I highly doubt you have issues pleasing ladies." The bard didn't miss a beat as she teasingly flirted with the young man before his attention turned back to the trail he led them on. That studious focus was something she had become use to around her mother and some of the other students, having learned not to take offense when the mind of a scholar type wandered away regardless of what provocation she gave. <br><br>Bruxley was likely a small town, for it's name meant nothing to her though the option of finding a more friendly inn and perhaps a hot bath was tempting. Thankfully her recent stop in Laeryn, a sea port, meant she still had plenty of coin even after paying for her room at the tavern they had so abruptly departed. The mention of marauders had her wondering at the story of that particular area's ill luck of having several bands of the scoundrels. If they did run into trouble she likely could easily make coin out of it, telling the tale or spinning it into a song; in the back of her mind she was already teasing out lines to capture the fight Adan and Corbin had joined in to save her after she had tried to defend them. <br><br>Adan distracted her though, with confirmation to their destination that made her eyes light up with delight. "Oh....you shan't be rid of me before then, that I can assure you." While she was not the scholar her mother was she still found such places fascinating and the ability to explore such vaunted locals was part of why she had started traveling in the first place. "Bayside has actually been on my list of places to see for years now." Granted, when first she had set her mind to seeing it one day Niamh had thought her parents would be with her. She pushed the sorrow at the memory of her father's loss away, tucked back in a deep part of her heart and instead widened her eyes appropriately when Adan smirked and teased her about the demon in their midst exploding into flames. She was not gullible enough to believe that wholesale. <br><br>Corbin's reply almost had her laughing again, mirth shinning in her bright blue eyes. "Well, if you do manage that I can push you into a horse trough to douse the flame? Just to help, of course." Not at all to see the way his clothing might cling to the muscle form that was hinted at beneath his clothing. Her smile was not one bit innocent, before a comfortable silence fell over the three of them as the road became slightly inclined and talking faded. <br><br>Eventually Corbin did explain the shadows though, his voice drawing her eyes to him as she contemplated what he revealed. "So what calms you then? Just to know in case it's needed of course." His own query had Niamh smiling, thrilled at the idea of helping. "I do! Though mostly people want songs to rouse them to high spirits. Let me think a moment for a song that might suit." An old one she had known since childhood came to her then, wistful, full of longing it was gentle and perhaps suited to the dreary evening as the rain clouds still coiled overhead. Decided the bard reached for the lute still strung across her back, her fingers teasing over the strings to summon forth the first notes of the song. Deeply she inhaled, expanding her lungs to draw fresh air into them before controlling the exhale with a performers skill; the young woman's lips parted then, her husky voice spinning out the words into the night. <br><br>"<em>Sleep, my tarnished silver, Let me dull you once again, And let our battle end, Sleep, my snowless winter, Let me warm you once before I go, And I'll pretend to know and understand...<br><br>Sleep, my fallen cedar, Let me have your weakened pride to hold, And join my barren soil, Sleep, my aimless river, Let your torrent rest against my shore, And leave me what was washed away before<br><br>Time's been kind to you, my love, As the world had never been, Kinder than to me, Strange, the things that we regret, You wanted me to leave, I found enough to give you that<br><br>Sleep, my darkened chapel, Let me kneel before you now, as then, Unworthy as I am, Sleep, my flameless shadow, Let me cool the lingering fires of old, And carry only ashes in my soul<br><br>Sleep, my tarnished silver...</em>" Her voice faded off on the last note, her fingers still moving on the lute until she had played out the end of the song. While singing she had sunk into the song, giving it life with all of herself, now though as she settled her lute again Niamh glanced at the two males, wondering what they thought but not wishing to break the silence. Instead she smiled when Snowdrop nudged her, turning toward the horse to pet his proud neck for what she took as a compliment. The stallion did seem to like when she played music, it was one of his most endearing qualities. <br><br><span style="font-size: 6pt;" class="bbc_size">**Song <em>Tarnished Silver</em> by Heather Dale</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>impishcharm</strong> on <strong>25-12-2017, 16:11:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/7b/2a/07/7b2a0723c7ba76185e522ce51fccb7d2.jpg)<div align="center"><span style="font-family: georgia;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Adan Hathsin</strong></span></span></div></div>After getting the rise he wanted out of the demon, he reveled in a moment of smugness before it ebbed.&nbsp; He enjoyed teasing Corbin, just as much as he enjoyed being teased.&nbsp; That was the nature of their relationship, teasing each other until one of them finally made a move.&nbsp; He wouldn’t do much more than poke gently, at least until they were within a safe shelter.&nbsp; The demon was already worked up from the events that unfolded that evening, and he wouldn’t do anything to provoke him into action before things had settled.&nbsp; Surely there were still a few things Niamh hadn’t been exposed to, and he wasn’t of a mind to cross some of those things off her list.<br><br>Her comment about pleasing ladies caught him off guard, and was caught between a smirk and hint of longing as he fell quiet.&nbsp; A natural ease into silence as he thought about the last time he had the opportunity to please a lady.&nbsp; Long enough to have almost forgotten what a woman’s touch felt like, the softness of their body against his, the way they melted so easily… almost forgotten, but not quite.<br><br>“Bruxley it is.&nbsp; If we keep the pace we will be there soon.”&nbsp; He looked ahead, anticipating that fork in the road.&nbsp; A hot bath would do wonders for his mood and the minor aches that were becoming increasingly more demanding as they pressed on.<br><br>Corbin provided the proper explanation about his shadows, sparking her curiosity even more.&nbsp; He was certainly a wonder to those who have never encountered a demon before, though people usually wondered how best to run him off, hurt him, or even end his existence.&nbsp; People hated things they didn’t understand, and that hate often manifested as a bloodthirsty desire to get rid of that which made them uncomfortable so they could continue on with their lives.&nbsp; It wasn’t an easy life they chose, but Adan wasn’t willing to give up Corbin just for peace of mind.<br><br>Peace of mind, it seemed, given his lineage, was something he would likely never experience.<br><br>...and then she started to sing, and for the duration that those sweet notes filled the night, he felt a lightness in his chest.&nbsp; He glanced at her a couple of times during her song, pleased at the sound, the words, the melody plucked from her lute and the way it went with the tune in her voice, and looked at her with admiration.&nbsp; When the last note eased from her, he flashed a smile and nodded his approval.&nbsp; “That was beautiful, and may be beneficial for those nights where sleep doesn’t come.&nbsp; Where did you learn that song from?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>31-12-2017, 07:36:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://68.media.tumblr.com/c6b0fa278ef9327aa829d0372b4f079f/tumblr_omknedNOlH1r09teho1_1280.png)<br><div align="center"><strong>Corbin the Demon</strong></div></div>Corbin was unused to something truly beautiful. Demons were rarely exposed to such things. It was strange how being near Adan had lifted him out of complete corruption. Their bond, their link, had given Corbin a completely different way to exist, had opened him to thoughts he'd never had, feelings he'd never felt.<br><br>He had never appreciated true beauty before Adan. Adab had given him the capacity to understand beauty, which Corbin would never be able to repay.<br><br>He had never felt like he'd encountered anything truly beautiful before Niamh. Niamh had given him this song, which Corbin would never be able to articulate his gratefulness for.<br><br>His eyes closed during the song. The shadowed tendrils along his body slowly faded as the song did, leaving him the muscular and horned thing he usually was. He even had problems walking along while the song was being sung. He felt things very passionately and strongly; it was not in his nature to censor himself. He had no shame in it. <br><br>It took him a few minutes to find his voice.<br><br>"I do not think anyone has ever sung for me before. I hope you will again one night," Corbin said. He didn't dare react the way he <em>wanted</em>, which would likely involve <em>demanding</em> more music. He was a demon, after all, and greedy. But for this beautiful thing, he censored himself.<br><br>He did not, however, censor himself with Adan. With their bond, he freely let his feelings meander around like a colorful haze, all demands and longing and a wash of tranquility. This time there were no words with their connection, only feeling. <br><br>Unfortunately for the triad, there was something ahead that would shatter their recently acquired peace. A group pf bandits, as Adan had predicted, were lying in wait...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: What's in a Name? (Bly, imp, Wisti)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>07-01-2018, 20:53:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/50/d7/1a/50d71a11f48e22255fd9d592f763aa35.jpg)<br><div align="center"><strong>Niamh Deasún</strong></div></div>Stroking her horses proud neck she glanced toward Adan when he spoke to her, catching the smile on his lips that summoned one to her own in reply. A flush of pleasure filled her, for while she was confident in her skill as a singer and musician it still pleased her to hear compliments. At his query her blue eyes sparkled brightly, "My Grandmother, actually. My mother's mother, who was a court bard a long time ago. She wrote it for a lord she once loved, but who she could not be with." <br><br>Turning back to the men more fully Niamh tucked a stray strand of her hair behind one ear, Adan's cloak shifting around her with her movements. "It is not a story that ends in tragedy, for she met my grandfather and loved him well." Though she wondered somethings if her grandmother had ever truly moved past the noble who had first won her heart. It was something the older woman had refused to ever speak of, and Niamh had not pushed after the first time. Her family and their touches in her life wove through her personality and work, touching nearly everything she did and giving her the grounding to view life as a grand adventure rather than something to be feared in any measure. <br><br>A glance at Corbin proved that the shadow magic that had been teasing along his form had indeed vanished, though he was just as handsome as ever. As if her look had prompted his attention he spoke then, expressing a desire for her to sing for him again which in turn prompted a laugh to spill from her lips. "Why of course, Corbin. I am a bard, and part of that is my love of performing. I shall never turn away a willing audience." <br><br>Niamh had not expected him to react so strongly to her song, but she did not wish to call attention to it over much so instead she focused on mirth and her tone implied they would have a hard time getting her not to sing or play for them. When she had come to their defense back in the tavern she had expected nothing much to come of it, yet now with the chance to travel with them, learn more about Corbin, and Adan as well, discuss demonology and perform when they made camp... yes, fate it seemed was very kind to her indeed and she was thrilled at the prospect of where traveling with them might take her. <br><br>"I know this one song you might like, it's a great dancing tune..." She reached for her lute again, wondering if perhaps she could convince the two handsome men to dance with each other while she played. Yet any notion of that vanished when from the brush around the path that lead them through the forest shadowed figures burst forward, swords raised. <br><br>"Oh botheration, really?" Disgruntled the young woman huffed at the interruption, falling back a step next to Snowdrop to pull a heavy wooden club from one saddle bag. The horse eyed the bandits with the same annoyance, snuffing and throwing his head even as his mistress took a wide legged stance in preparation. She might have been a bit more worried if it was just her and the horse, but with Adan and Corbin present and the tavern brawl still so fresh in her mind she trusted they could handle this situation as well. <br><br>"Seems you get to have a bit more fun, Corbin."
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>