Hunter Caden

31, Mercenary, Phantom Hunter

[caden-atlas]

Healing Hands || Caden & Micah

[bloodhawkmicah]

Micah wasn’t sure how to feel about the encounter he’d just had with Stephen Freeman. What had started as basically nothing ended with the boy having a broken arm and a threat never to see the priest again. He was confused. Was pretending to steal a journal really cause for this injury. And thought Micah wasn’t totally sure how to feel, he did know that his default was angry. How dare the priest claim to want to do all of these things for Micah and then break his arm over such a small, childish taunt. The young man had meant it to be childish and taunting, he’d expected the priest to be above that, but apparent;y that was not the case.

And now he was stranded in Monir, having been summoned here by Stephen and now left for the night. No matter, though, Micah was used to sleeping on the streets. It wasn’t long ago that that was his only option and he never minded it even now. Cradling his wounded limb, he found the nearest secluded alley, slipping into it easily and laying down with his back pressed against the still warm brick of a shop. He may have intended to clean his wound or he may not have, but it wouldn’t have made a difference either way because he suddenly found himself exhausted. The last few days of fighting had caught up to him and it didn’t take long for him to drift off to sleep.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed before he was awoken by the man. Startled, Micah jumped up and reached for his knife with his wounded arm, only to feel a sharp jolt of pain as he remembered what had happened. “Fuck.” he muttered under his breath, before looking up at the stranger. “Look. I don’t know who or what you are but I do know that I don’t think you can help me right now. The least you could do is leave me to my sleep and let me figure out how to deal with this in the morning.” he gestured to his arm with the free hand, waiting for the stranger to leave.

[caden-atlas]

“My name is Caden, Caden Atlas. I know a thing or two about healing.” Caden reached out to touch the stranger’s shoulder. They were only human. He was only human. He had forgotten that because of his magic. But helping those that were in need reminded him. Catching a cold reminded him. His Gift made him special but he was still human. Humanity was so fragile, so easily wounded. The scars he had now were a reminder of that fact.

“I promise, I can help you. And I have a bed that you can use for sleeping.” Caden grabbed onto the arm that the boy had gestured with and pulled them both up. He moved forward, supporting the boy and holding him up.

“I would be a bad person if I didn’t offer you my aid. Especially during this holy month. My home is not too far from here and it would help you to have a roof over your head. The guards might think you a vagrant or a drunk and they do not take kindly to those in Monir. It is safer with me, I promise.” Ramadan was his favorite time of year, a time to renew his faith. If he turned his back on this young man who needed help, it would be turning his back on himself. He couldn’t do that.

[caden-atlas]

Michael,

I know that this is an unusual request, but I hope you can help in this matter. A young vampire named Rowan just visited me asking for my help in helping him escape his Maker. His Maker, a man by the name of Seymour Di’Vangelo, is holding Rowan against his will as far as I can tell. The boy is a devout Christian, which poses unique moral issues that his Maker doesn’t seem to understand. Rowan has warned me that Seymour and his Brood are dangerous, but I think between our skill sets, we could help Rowan escape and stay safe. I believe I can help him escape and deliver him to your care, if you are willing to house the boy. As I said before, this is an unusual situation. I understand completely if you do not find it possible to fulfill this request.

Best,

Caden Atlas

[caden-atlas]

A More Pious Man || Caden & Rowan

[rowan--murdoc]

Michael? Like the archangel? Ah, what a perfect twist of fate. If he could allow it, Rowan might have laughed at the irony. But already doubt was beginning to cloud his mind once more. He did not doubt that Caden was lying to him any longer, but he was no judge of immortal power, sadly. And The Brood had numbers, countless numbers that could overwhelm even the most powerful of vampires. Desperate as he was to escape, he could not knowingly put someone in such immediate danger.

That hesitance crept in once more when Caden asked for details of his clan. But if Rowan truly wanted help, then he must do as this man asked. After a small frown settled onto his features, he began to speak. “My maker is Seymour Di’Vangelo, the Sire of The Brood. That’s what they call themselves. But really they’re just a bunch of hoodlums.” It felt odd to say such words aloud, and odder still that he felt so bad about it. He did not owe his clan any kindness, but he couldn’t stop the feelings of defensiveness. Perhaps that was part of the magic that drew him into the afterlife. Perhaps he would forever feel bonded to these people, regardless of how much he hated them. Now that was a truly terrifying thought. Before he had the opportunity to recover from such an idea, Caden then presented him with another horrifying thought. Feed from him? Had he any idea what he was asking? Rowan was rarely ever in control when he fed, and the thought of drinking Caden’s blood was… Well, it was an attractive thought, actually. Caden smelled delicious, and simply being near him had caused hunger to be born anew within him. But he could not trust himself, not as much as Caden seemed to. So he shook his head, forcing a weak smile upon his lips. “Perhaps…perhaps another time. I fed before I came here, so I…should be fine.”

[caden-atlas]

Caden listened intently. The Brood and their leader was Seymour Di’Vangelo. He hadn’t heard of either of them. Perhaps Michael would have heard of them. He reached out, touching Rowan’s shoulder.

“Alright my friend. Perhaps another time we could try out my idea. I’ll send a message to Michael tonight. Then it’s just a matter of waiting. If he is willing to provide help, then it will be only a matter of smuggling you from here or Leeds to Night Haven where he lives. If he isn’t willing to provide help, there are other avenues we could pursue. I can make inquiries about magic that could mask you from the Brood or otherwise hide you.” Caden’s hand moved from Rowan’s shoulder to the table, picking up a pair of buttons. Maggy had meant to sew it onto a garment but she had found better buttons.

“I know you can’t stay here until we hear from Michael. It would likely alert your maker and make him suspicious. We don’t want that until we’re in a position where we can defend against him.” Caden closed his fist around the buttons, closing his eyes as well. It was a spell he had read about, but he hadn’t had a chance to try it yet. In theory, the spell would connect the two buttons, allowing whoever held one of the buttons to find the other. 

Quietly, under his breath, he recited the spell while visualizing what he wanted to happen. He wanted these two buttons to be connected, for there to be an invisible string that kept them attached to each other. He wanted it to be that if Rowan needed him, the young vampire could focus on the button and be filled with the knowledge of where Caden was in that instant. He wanted the buttons to always be tracking each other, so either of them could find the other if needed. His palm felt warm, warmer than usual. They felt as if he was holding his hand inches away from a fire. Slowly, he opened his hand and eyes, looking down at the buttons. It felt as if the spell had worked. He held one out to Rowan.

“I know you have to get back to the Brood or else they’ll become curious. But this will allow us to keep in contact, to know where the other is. I want you to hold this every night and think of me. It will show you where I am. When I am at the Gardens, come meet me that night or the next. It’ll be to discuss our next move. Do you understand?”

[caden-atlas]

Bad News || Caden

It started with an overheard conversation in a tavern. Caden had been spending hours in one tavern or another looking for work. Other mercenaries were doing the same. With merchants coming back from England and its festivities, Caden wasn’t surprised. There was money to be made guarding valuable merchandise. Caden had been working a table of merchants who needed him to guard a warehouse in Leeds for two or three weeks, just until their ship came into the Ports and they could move their merchandise onto ships and sell it to other countries.

“Now, I know that Russ the Red has said he was the best and cheapest person to hire but that’s simply not true my friends. I’ve worked with him and trust me, he’s not the man for the job. My family raised horses and took them across the desert to sell them. I’ve done a thousand protection jobs and every single job was successful because of one thing. I will work harder than any other mercenary you meet. And, as an offer to those that become my clients, I have a condition that no other mercenary has. If anything you charge me to protect is lost or damaged, I will take no payment.” Caden smiled as the merchants exchanged looks.

“I can tell you need a few moments, my friends. Please, think over my offer. I will be over there if you are interested.” Caden gestured to a small table near the bar. He rose and walked over there, sitting down. He hoped his pitch worked, that he would have work for the next two or three weeks. It meant that he would hopefully be close to his goal of buying a house in Monir. 

“And so this Arab fellow walks up asking me if I’ve seen his cousin. Some girl who ran off and has been hiding out here as a man. And so this fellow, he gave me twenty gold to keep an eye out for her and if I saw her, he’d give me another fifty. He really wants to find her.” Caden sat listening to the bartender. He took several deep breaths, trying not to let panic strangle him. A man from Arabia looking for his female cousin who is dressed as a man? That could be anyone. It didn’t mean that was Abbas. It couldn’t be Abbas.

He couldn’t even imagine Abbas walking into a tavern. His cousin had always been shy, almost painfully so. Caden could count the number of women Abbas had talked to that weren’t related to him. It didn’t matter that it had been... well it had been thirteen years. He had changed so much in those thirteen years since he had ran away from home. Abbas could have changed as much. He turned to look at the bartender.

“Excuse me, but this Arab, did he give a name?” The bartender looked at him. Caden couldn’t deciper the look. For a moment, he wondered if he had made a mistake, or if the bartender was going to question him on why he wanted to know.

“Abe... Abel... Ab-something or other. Why? You looking for him?” The bartender leaned forward a bit, curious. The man he had been gossiping with was also curious.

“Well, if he’s hunting for someone, I might be able to get some work out of it. Finding a girl can’t be too hard. Are you sure his name wasn’t Abbas? Abe and Abel aren’t common names in the Heartland.” The bartender thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Yeah I think that was the name of the fellow. And I think he said his cousin’s name was Khali or something like that. Damn weird name if you ask me. Never heard of a girl’s name like that.” Caden reached into his pocket and handed a silver coin to the man.

“Thanks for the information. You never know what to expect when a foreigner shows up. My family’s been here for three generations. My grandfather used to love telling stories about being on a ship and landing here.” The lie came so easily to him, but he wasn’t thinking about his lie. He was thinking about what the man had said. He had suspected it since winter that his cousin was here searching for him. But to hear it from gossip was an entirely different story. Gossip about it meant that it was real.

“Excuse me, Caden. We thought about your offer and we’d like to accept it. Do you think you could start watching the shipments tonight?” Caden looked to the merchants. His mouth was dry. He wanted to tell them no, he had a family matter to take care of. But he needed the work. And as long as his cousin kept to Port taverns, there wasn’t a chance they would meet.

“Gentlemen, I would love to. I promise, you will not regret this.” Caden held out his hand and shook the hand of each merchant. He could this. Just a two week job then he could figure out how to deal with his cousin. He could use that time to make a plan like Shiloh would want. If he planned what to do, it wouldn’t blow up in his face.

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras/Caden - Dusk Near Fern

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras backed off as suddenly a giant spider appeared. He must of jumped as well. He loved all creatures but had to admit that spiders were not his favorite. Caden looked so smitten with the thing, Amras had a hard time not to back off more. “Happiness and beauties come in all forms and vary from the sight of the beholder,” he said not wanting to be rude. He was curious though, he wondered if he could touch this Qarin. 

But then the spider lifted a leg toward him and he backed off unsure again. “I…” he kept quiet, he didn’t want to insult his ‘friend’ or whatever Caden was to him now. Amras had never been fond of spiders, or any insects as a matter of fact. Even butterflies made him uncomfortable. Many back home had laughed at him for it. Butterflies were supposed to be beautiful, enjoyed by all, a symbol of femininity that all cherished, but he did not like them. They scared him, just as much as spiders and cockroaches.

“Forgive me,” Amras said bowing down his head, “I wish I could say I cherished all animals, but insects are… they are a realm of nature I have yet to apprehend and comprehend fully.” It was the best he could do. He didn’t want to flee and leave Hithfaeron to fly over and eat the spider. Hithfaeron loved insects and small rodents… “Better not show him here, Hithfaeron feasts on his kind.”

[caden-atlas]

“It’s alright. I promise Amras. You aren’t the first person to be shy around Qarin. I introduced him to one of my other friends and they were so scared they threw a book at him. Fortunately they missed, but it was so funny.” Caden laughed remembering Stephen’s reaction to the spider. The man fought vampires but he was scared of such a small and precious creature like his familiar. Caden slipped the spider back into his sleeve before Hithfaeron decided to come down and have a snack. He looked up at the owl. Admittedly, he had seen very few. They were beautiful creatures. They were so graceful.

“Unfortunately, Qarin is getting old. Spiders of his kind only live for five years or so, and it has already been six. I don’t know much about the relationship between a warlock and his familiar. Maybe he will live longer because he is my familiar...” Caden smiled slightly, looking down. He hoped that was the case. He didn’t want to lose his first Athorian friend, but Qarin was only a spider. Spiders didn’t have a long lifespan. Sooner or later... Caden might have to get a new familiar... He didn’t really want to think about that.

“So, how did you meet Hithfaeron?” He hoped to move onto happier subjects. Doing so would be a relief.

[rylan-ianson-blog]

Favorite Things || Rylan & Caden || Closed

[caden-atlas]

“No, I’m not trying to brush you off. I’m trying to…” The words came from him quickly and stopped as quickly. He wasn’t sure what he was trying to do. He had offered to browse the faire with Rylan and Rylan acted as if he wasn’t happy to be in Caden’s company. It seemed as if Rylan didn’t want to be in Caden’s company and Caden was happy to bend to that. It was nothing else. He was tell Rylan to do whatever would make him happy.

“I don’t want you to feel sorry. I wouldn’t want that from anyone. I just want… I want you to enjoy yourself.” Caden looked at the festivities as well. He could smell that somewhere someone was cooking. He could feel the magics all around them, someone using their Gift to help. He couldn’t be sure of the magic they used, but it felt as if they were using it to improve the mood of those near them. He then looked back to Rylan. Rylan was trying the same thing. He was trying to enjoy the festival and make sure that those he met also enjoyed the festival.

“I’m not sure about you Rylan but I haven’t eaten all day and something smells absolutely amazing. Should we go find whoever’s cooking? And perhaps after that, you could show me the sights. I never actually got a chance to see what Nottingham is famous for. Or is Nottingham famous for being on the road to London?” Caden’s words were teasing. Rylan was giving him a chance. He would take that. Rylan was right. He couldn’t let the past grip and choke him. He wouldn’t let it. He could do better. He would do better.

[rylan-ianson-blog]

“You want to eat?” Rylan asked this almost in an exasperated kind of way. Of all the things to get into, food wasn’t what he had in mind. There were parades, and fire dancers coming out later tonight. There were actual knights upon powerful steeds that Rylan thought for sure could kill him alone. Rylan had saw wondrous birds brought in from all over the world, their bright colors something he’s never seen before. There was singing, and dancing, shopping and so much life piled into the city of entertainment. 

Rylan listened to him continue, as if he was attempting to let it go a bit but the doll felt it fake, and a little to late in convincing him otherwise. A weariness had settled on him around the stranger, and he felt like Darius would be mad at him for trusting someone who obviously had trouble lurking around him. Rylan’s curiosities hadn’t been met, but he wore a pleased grin on the exterior. Attempting to be a gentlemen though he was acting more the boy right now, 

“Actually– I’d like to go see my friends,” he said with a palm scratching the back of his head. “I mean don’t get me wrong mister, you seem like you could use a night of fun but you are kinda ruining it for me here. I don’t get to leave London often and I got permission. To see this kind of sport hasn’t happened in years– and since you literally ran into me I have felt nothing but stress. I can’t be stressed sir, the people I work for don’t like it at all. They will worry, and hunt you down for answers and its not worth it you know? So–” 

He let that hang a second, feeling a tad bad about ditching him, but Rylan could see a group of his London friends waving at him down the street. “Good luck and everything–I mean enjoy England!” he said quickly, ducking out with a light jog away from the man. 

[rylan-ianson-blog]

Favorite Things || Rylan & Caden

[rylan-ianson-blog]

A mark of confusion fell on his handsome, round face, a frown managing to crease slightly over his usual smile. He felt this man was down playing exactly what the problem was, or maybe Rylan was around such diversity he actually refused to see the problem for what it might have meant to Caden. In London and Nottingham even, the crowds were vast and rich with Europe influences. Not to mention the doll had spent time around Chandra, and Matthias, and countless other vampires who came from enriched heritages beyond the safe rule of England. Rylan truly didn’t look upon Caden and judge him on who he was as a person visually, or what things the man felt were against his person. If anything the blonde man was confused at his lack of manors which stemmed from a very real understanding that many cultures embraced common decency in respect in most foundations.

“Now you are just brushing me off?” he raised his brow in half a challenge. He toyed with his countless leather braided bracelets around his left wrist, a habit he had picked up from Darius and other council members who messed with various objects on their person while engaged in a conversation that required deeper thoughts. Rylan wasn’t particularly use to such things Caden was doing if he was honest, and he felt a little off about it. Usually always having and keeping people’s attentions was a skill of his that was used to the full benefit of the clan often. Maybe he wasn’t good enough to be in Caden’s presence when he felt he really was? Always having things to speak on, and lots of knowledge in topics to talk about. Did this stranger find such pleasure in wallowing in his past when there were such sights and an event that only happened when the King wanted?

“Do you want me to feel sorry for you or something? I mean they aren’t going anywhere, you could probably see them through your entire stay. You honestly going to cling to this past event over spending time with someone born and raised here? Even more so after you promised to make it up to me, then you want to leave me to my lonesome?” he shrugged, looking around the festivities with an obvious longing. “I don’t really understand Mister, most people I am around look about them and see beyond apparent challenges. So what in Nottingham haven’t you seen?”

[caden-atlas]

“No, I’m not trying to brush you off. I’m trying to...” The words came from him quickly and stopped as quickly. He wasn’t sure what he was trying to do. He had offered to browse the faire with Rylan and Rylan acted as if he wasn’t happy to be in Caden’s company. It seemed as if Rylan didn’t want to be in Caden’s company and Caden was happy to bend to that. It was nothing else. He was tell Rylan to do whatever would make him happy.

“I don’t want you to feel sorry. I wouldn’t want that from anyone. I just want... I want you to enjoy yourself.” Caden looked at the festivities as well. He could smell that somewhere someone was cooking. He could feel the magics all around them, someone using their Gift to help. He couldn’t be sure of the magic they used, but it felt as if they were using it to improve the mood of those near them. He then looked back to Rylan. Rylan was trying the same thing. He was trying to enjoy the festival and make sure that those he met also enjoyed the festival.

“I’m not sure about you Rylan but I haven’t eaten all day and something smells absolutely amazing. Should we go find whoever’s cooking? And perhaps after that, you could show me the sights. I never actually got a chance to see what Nottingham is famous for. Or is Nottingham famous for being on the road to London?” Caden’s words were teasing. Rylan was giving him a chance. He would take that. Rylan was right. He couldn’t let the past grip and choke him. He wouldn’t let it. He could do better. He would do better.

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras/Caden - Dusk Near Fern

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras walked silently next to the man. It was interesting to see that a mistress would allow her slave to have his own life, even love. He was growing more and more curious about this she-elf Caden was speaking of. He could feel the crunch of dry stick under his feet, the gently touch of the sparse fallen leaves, and the soft caress of grass as they made their way through the woods, Caden telling him his tale. “Elven folk are not known for celibacy, nor are they known for monogamy,” Amras said calmly, only observing what Caden had told him, “Many believe love is enough, but it is not. Love can be a burden, a torture, it can be the meaning of death, true love comes from deeper sources. That even my people have not found out exactly what it is yet.”

It was a one of those mysteries of life. Some said they had the answer through the words of their gods, but in the end no one had a certain answer. Amras had had no love in his life, though he had had many, many crushes. He could live forever and the urgency of seeking love was not there for him. What was with him was a patience, and a knowledge of the needs of time.

“Only the wood flute,” Amras admitted. He didn’t know of anything other instrument to play. Maybe he could of mentioned his singing. The she-elves and even the women of men are adored his singing, even men at times. But Amras seldom enjoyed singing, he preferred to let the flute speak for him. Amras looked up to the sky, he saw his owl flying around and making call. He always kept watch, waiting for him to return home. “That is Hithfearon,” he pointed out to Caden, “He keeps watch over me, and I over him. We are near my home.”

[caden-atlas]

“Sometimes, I think that love is the greatest gift we have as people. But at other times, it is also a great curse. From what I have seen, love can make people better than they ever thought they could be. But I’ve also seen it destroy people. When my father died, part of my mother died as well. I don’t think anyone knows what love is supposed to be for us.” Walking alongside Amras, it felt nice. It felt different than walking next to Stephen or Maggy or Shiloh. Stephen was constantly ready to fight as if he waited for enemies to appear out of the shadows. Shiloh was the same way, waiting for a fight and making jokes while he did. Maggy was light, airy, ready to talk about anything. Amras... Amras felt as if he was walking with a kindred soul, someone who had been cut from the same cloth.

“I’m jealous, I don’t know any instrument.” Caden looked up to see the owl. Hithfearon. It was clearly an elvish name. He wondered what it meant.

“He’s beautiful. I also have an animal friend, my familiar. His name is Qarin, he’s a tarantula.” Caden reached into his sleeve and gently pulled out the spider. Holding it in his palm, he showed the spider off to Amras.

“He was one of the first friends I made in Athoria. I bought him from a small shop in the Ports.” He watched as the spider reached out with a leg toward Amras. Caden smiled, he loved that Qarin had a curious nature. He hadn’t seen many other spiders in his life but the ones he had seen were never curious. He wondered if he had rubbed off on the spider.

[caden-atlas]

A More Pious Man || Caden & Rowan

[rowan--murdoc]

Rowan was taken aback at how easily the other man accepted his words. It was no easy thing to hear, and an even more difficult thing to believe, but Caden… He seemed to brush off the truth of Rowan’s immortality easier than any one should. And that made Rowan hesitant…

He reached out with his mind, listening for Caden’s surface thoughts to detect any lies within his words. But he found nothing, nothing but half-formed plans on how to help Rowan escape from his clan. And in that moment, Rowan had the very human urge to cry.

When Caden admitted to his gifts, Rowan almost didn’t care. This man, regardless of whatever he might be, was willing to help him – he, a boy whom he did not know from any other passerby on the street. How had he gotten so kind? And how had Rowan been so fortunate as to be placed before him?

It seemed that priest had been useful after all.

A weight he hadn’t realized he’d been carrying was lifted from his shoulders, a grin breaking out onto Rowan’s face for the first time that evening. He knew what the two of them must go through would be difficult, but that the man was willing to risk so much to assist him… Well, it was more than Rowan could have ever hoped for.

“This other vampire…who are they? I wouldn’t want to put them in danger,” he said, his excitement dying down slightly. “The clan I am part of, they are… They’re killers, criminals… If I take refuge with another I’m sure they’d not hesitate to kill us both.”

[caden-atlas]

Caden felt a rush of relief and a bit of happiness when he saw Rowan smile. They could make this work. As long as he could keep Rowan feeling like this could work then it would work. It was like magic. Belief mattered just as much as action. He had done jobs where he had simply gone through the motions, where he felt as if something was wrong and it always turned out in a way that Caden regretted. His business with Brock showed as much. The jailer was a threat and the less Brock thought about Caden the better.

“His name is Michael. He lives in Night Haven, a village not too far from here. A week away at most. He protects those that live in his village and he would protect you. He is a skilled warrior, I’ve sparred with him before. He is more skilled than any other vampire I’ve met.” Caden had only known three vampires personally including Rowan but he had crossed swords with others and heard about others from Stephen. Whatever clan Rowan belonged to, Caden was sure that they couldn’t hold a candle to Michael. Michael was the perfect hunter, he had seen that in the lesson on phantoms.

“I’ll send him a letter and see what he has to say. Do you think you could tell me more about your clan, like their name, the man who changed you, things like that. The more information we can give to Michael, the more likely he’ll agree to shelter you.” Caden then thought of something else. If Rowan had come here first thing, then the young vampire had likely not eaten yet. If he had learned more about vampires he could draw on that knowledge to know if Rowan needed to feed tonight or not. If Caden had to guess, vampires would be like humans and have to feed daily or risk losing strength.

“Rowan, have you eaten tonight? If you haven’t, you can feed on me. We could try out to see the viability of you feeding only on willing participants. I don’t know how much blood you need but as long as you don’t kill me, I think this could work for you tonight.”

[caden-atlas]

X Marks The Spot || Caden & Aias

[notxthatkindaxbard-deactivated2]

His calloused fingertips carefully started reading the book, ears twitching at the desperation in the others voice. Was it really that important? Why did he need a polymorph potion? He supposed that was none of his business, but curiosity welled up inside of him, making him itch to ask questions. He managed to refrain, eyebrows knitting up some. 

It wasn’t like the shrine was private – it was open to all who respected the goddess, for those who wished to have fortune on their travels. He gave a soft exhale, some tension leaving his body as he decided to help the human who was pleading with him. The worst he could do was destroy the shrine – and no human was generally stupid enough to do that alone. The elven women in town would sure have his head if he committed such an act.

“… Do you have a map? I..” He hesitated for a moment, before exhaling. “It grows outside of my hometown. I could give you the directions – I know just about exactly where you could find them.” He shifted absently, hands on his lap. “I don’t need more magic.” The elven man said, amused, covering his lips with a hand as he chuckled at the human. “However.. It’s taboo to pick them without paying respects to the goddess of the shrine. If you just take them.. many will likely be offended by your actions.” He was weak to those in need, as always, wanting to help the man who seemed to so desperately need his help.

“It grows just off of Grey Leaf village. I can mark a map, if you have one.”

[caden-atlas]

“I do have a map. There is already a mark on the map but I’m not sure if it leads to your hometown or to something else. If it does lead to your hometown then there is the issue of why this book had that map in it and what that could mean for your village.” Caden pulled the map out from his bag and handed it over to the elf.

“How does one usually pay respects to the Goddess of the Shrine? What is her name? Does she accept offerings from those who are not elves? And I know that elven society is not the friendliest to those that are men. Would she even accept an offering from a male foreigner?” Grey Leaf village. Caden wondered what the village was like. Likely, it was nothing like Fern except in some small ways in terms of culture. But if it was a village, Caden could imagine that it didn’t have the shining spires of Fern, the sprawling nature of a city. Many trekked all over the woods, especially supernatural creatures. So it was probably hidden either by nature or magic.

Perhaps it was hidden in a cave system, where homes were nestled against cavern walls, the stalactites, and stalagmites. Of course, if it was in a cave system, that left the question of why it would be called Grey Leaf. Perhaps it had been the heraldry of whoever founded the village or its entrance was hidden by large plants with great grey leaves. 

Or maybe it was a village in the trees, high up above the ground. Caden stole a quick glance at the elf’s clothes. Well maintained, much more than Caden would expect for someone who lived in village that might be in the tops of trees or in a cave. Of course, the elf may use magic to keep his clothes maintained. Magic’s applications were endless. Or, it was a village like any other village.

“Maybe we could travel there together, my friend? After all, I find it better to travel in groups and, take no offense but you do not look like you could fight if danger came. I could protect you in exchange for your help with the Shrine.”

[caden-atlas]

Healing Hands || Caden & Micah

Caden felt his heart racing. He had just surveyed a small home a few minutes away from the heart of Monir. It was slightly run down, and there were tales that a witch had been living there and it was cursed, which is why it was so cheap. Caden didn’t feel like it was cursed and it was practically a steal. One maybe two well paying jobs and he would be able to buy it. After that, it was just a matter of talking to Shiloh, apologizing to Shiloh, begging Shiloh’s forgiveness and then working up the courage to ask Shiloh to help with repairs. Part of him knew it was silly to be apprehensive about talking to his best friend but he had made a huge mistake with Shiloh. By lying to Shiloh, Caden had not only been a bad friend, he had been a bad Muslim. 

But he could make it up. He knew he could. He would make it up to Shiloh. Somehow. He just had to figure that part out. The thought of how to apologize to Shiloh consumed his thoughts as he made a beeline back for the clothes shop. His room there was comfortable and he was happy there but he did want his own space. Magic could be messy at times and he rather not run the risk of ruining something that was not his.

When he had once barely known the streets of Monir, he now knew them like the back of his hand. He took a short cut down an alleyway. As he got close to the other side, he paused. There was someone sitting slumped against the wall. It wasn’t dark out and the guards were good at handling drunks. Which meant it was likely someone hurt and even if it was a drunk, maybe Caden could do something for them. He sped up and knelt down next to the person, a young man.

“Sir, are you alright? Do you need a healer?”

[rylan-ianson-blog]

Favorite Things || Rylan & Caden

[rylan-ianson-blog]

“You know, I was literally here to enjoy myself. I have a peaceful, happy life, and you dragged me into a dangerous altercation and now are berating me like a child when you have been nothing but suspicious and rude of manners since you laid your nasty hands on me,” Rylan glared, readjusting the bag of goods. His skin crawled uncomfortably around this person, the way he talked to him not only rubbing him the wrong way but made him curious if he assumed his actions today warranted any other response from the human. 

He reached into his coin purse Darius gave him to pay for any shopping, and precisely counted out the correct number of coins to politely hand the vendor with a thank you. Rylan sighed. His fingers tracing the stubborn spot on his forehead.

“I don’t need your money or charity, god help me I wanted to talk to you. I speak Italian, and Portuguese, and a little Spanish and French so don’t you assume because ‘I’m English’ its hard for me to understand anything about you. I am around the most brilliant people in the world on a daily basis, and I have heard every language EVER spoke on Earth at least once! I have been around all cultures, and all levels of society including Royalty. Nothing surprises me! and I find everyone fascinating in their own unique way and I am open to more things then you could ever imagine.”

He wasn’t raising his voice as much as speaking very clearly as Darius always expected of him, and his pride was fierce in his achievements and family. How Caden commented on everything like he was the problem when he was nothing but an innocent bystander was so beyond his understanding of proper respect that he felt only inclined to further make his point passionately clear. 

“What’s rude is you carrying on a conversation in your native tongue when I was trying to understand more about you. After you distinctly asked to make it up to me after placing me in a stressful, and potential dangerous situation. There is plenty of time for you to enjoy your stay here, and speak with people you want too for however long you desire. But you owe me the decency of your full attention in the very least. If anything coming out of your mouth is sufficient– a damn apology would be it.”

[caden-atlas]

Caden stayed silent during Rylan’s speech. Rylan had given him that curtesy and Caden would do the same. Part of him felt as if Rylan hadn’t understood what Caden had meant or said at all. He wasn’t saying that because Rylan was English he couldn’t understand Caden. He had been saying that because Rylan was English, he had never known the pain of being in a land where no one ever spoke your native tongue. It had been a condemnation of... of every person Caden had met over the past seven years who had looked at Caden and sneered.

“Rylan, I hadn’t meant to imply that you’ve led a simple life or a life without hardship. I hadn’t even meant to imply something negative about you because of your heritage. All I had meant was that the language we are speaking now is the same language you’ve had the pleasure of speaking all your life, the language you’ve used with everyone you love and consider family. My mother’s tongue is something I’ve only heard three times since my exile seven years ago. It has been, it has been the most isolating experience of my life. Before my exile, Arabic was what I spoke everyday. And now, I am utterly blessed if I meet someone else who can speak the language. I did not mean to ignore you, I was over eager to speak to another who knew my mother tongue.” He stressed his words, trying to impart onto Rylan how much that simple conversation had meant to Caden. He knew that while he could teach Arabic to everyone he knew, it would never be quite the same as hearing it from someone who had been born in the same lands as Caden.

“I beg your pardon Rylan. And I understand if you would like to part ways and continue to enjoy the festivities by yourself. I’m usually better company but the past has a way of haunting us, especially when we least expect it.”

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras/Caden - Dusk Near Fern

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras began to walk along side of Caden, his long cloak dragging behind along with his robe. He looked nearly like a monk or a devout of some religion to those who did not know the elves or the peoples of Asia. “I became a woodcarver when I was young. I wanted to make a flute,” he explained to Caden, “It took years but I eventually was able to make one. I have been making it my work and art ever since.”

He had loved music so much he had wanted to learn, but of course it was not something he could ask of from his Attos. He had to do it all in secret when she was asleep or gone. He had taught himself almost everything he knew, the rest had been from her daughters who later in age would come to despise him.

Amras did not ask questions, but he kept hearing an echo in the wind, something whispered by the forest as if it had known them. Amras turned his head and decided to venture into a dangerous practice: to ask a question. It was also tricky to bring up the fact that elves could speak telepathically or even sometimes see in one’s mind. Something strong kept peering out of Caden’s mind and heart and whirled around with the wind. It was nothing Amras knew of but he had to ask.

The woods kept urging him to it their echo. “You say I amy ask you any question…,” he paused though he kept walking. “My people can read thoughts but it is a rare thing we do with people we are not intimately bound to. Yet sometimes a thought is so strong we can hear it’s chant in the wind. The wind has brought a name that I do not know. …Tell me, Caden, one who seeks friendships, who is Elwynn?”

[caden-atlas]

“That’s very interesting. I’ve never met someone who makes instruments before. I’ve met other artisans, like my friend Maggy makes clothes and in Arabia, I worked for a jeweler for a time. But I’ve never met someone who works with wood.” He smiled. The thought of introducing Amras to Maggy, they would get along. He was sure of it. He paused for a moment when Amras asked about Elwynn. He had known elves could read minds but he hadn’t been aware he was projecting his thoughts so loudly.

“Elwynn is... Well, he was my lover. But, we ended the relationship because of differences. I mean, the relationship ended because of different desires in the relationship, nothing like his mistress disapproved or he grew tired of me. I couldn’t give him what he wanted, well, it’s... it’s difficult to put into words that doesn’t make it sound like the relationship ended because of me or him.” Caden bit his lip chewing on it for a bit. He wasn’t sure how to explain the relationship he had had with Elwynn. 

“But, I can try. I can try, for you, my new friend. Elwynn had physical needs, the need for sex. I feel no such need myself, I never have. So, while at first I gave him permission to see other people to fulfill that need, it ultimately was what broke us apart. I could not give him something he felt he needed from me. If I am ever lucky enough to find love again, perhaps they will be a person who understands that some things about myself cannot be changed.” He hoped he could find someone to love again. He wasn’t even sure that was possible. What if God only bestowed one soulmate for each of his children?

“But, that’s enough about my sad love life. Do you play any other instruments?” He would rather talk about music or traveling or really, anything else. Anything else was better than talking about his love life.

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras/Caden - Dusk Near Fern

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras pulled his hand quickly like a frightened creature, backing off a step as if Caden were to bite him if he didn’t. He had listened to his words but was so perplexed by them. Why would this one that did not know him would want his trust? He curled his hand and brought it to his chest, holding it there, while starring at Caden. “Trust is earned,” he said is a near murmur to Caden. Maybe he could trust him, he had saved his life after all. “Do not touch me.”

He looked down, pursing his lips tightly. The ground he understood, the grass, the feeling of moisture on his bare feet. The sound of the wind always comforting him. He decided to listen to it, to listen to the forest speak and through it his nerves calmed as a gush of wind came by them both. In it’s silent words the spirit of the forest had told him to not fear the man. He lifted his eyes and looked at him though he did not step back to where he had been.

“Friends are welcome,” he said while taking a short pause before continuing, “But understand I do not know how to be a friend.” He wondered how long they had been there in the woods talking. His magic would not last forever to shield them. “We need to find other place to be. The sands of time wane upon my magic. They will be able to see us soon.” He lowered his hand from his chest and with the other motioned gracefully toward where he knew Monir city lay. There closer to the human world he knew the elves would not roam to catch them so freely.

[caden-atlas]

“Alright, I won’t touch you.” Caden made a mental note of that. If Amras didn’t like being touched, that was ok. He wouldn’t be surprised if Amras’ dislike of physical affection was from his time in Rael as a slave. As an elven woman, Calliope was a rarity because she was kind to her slaves and in fact, had allowed Elwynn a lot of freedom. Caden felt bad for Amras in a way. Caden craved physical affection from his friends. Being hugged by Maggy or Shiloh was something delightful, something that always made him feel better. 

Dating Elwynn and feeling Elwynn’s lips on his, it always made his knees feel weak and his heart skip a beat. Laying with Elwynn, listening to the elf’s heartbeat had been the way Caden had fallen asleep more than several times. If he was honest with himself, he wanted to feel that again with someone. To date someone and romance them, to be their knight in shining armor, to have the kind of love that bards sang about. Of course, he had more pressing matters that if love did happen, it would entirely be because God willed it, not because Caden went looking for it.

“Of course.” Caden started to walk with Amras toward the direction of Monir. While Caden had grown up around horses, there was something he loved about walking. When he walked through the forest, it felt like he was home. He had grown up in the desert, but there was something magical about the forest. His father’s first lesson had been how to feel magic in the air, how it was everywhere, and that always kept Caden grounded. Wherever he ended up, however far away he was from his homeland, he was not lost. He had his gift.

“So, Amras, how did you become a woodcarver?”

[rylan-ianson-blog]

Favorite Things || Rylan & Caden

[rylan-ianson-blog]

The man was completely ignoring him, slipping into conversations without including him, and not quenching the curious thirst Rylan always had for understanding certain dynamics. To wait? For how long? Was he to stand here looking pretty as he enjoyed a healthy talk with this vendor? To not bring him into the conversation at all as if he wasn’t worth the respect? As if the man thought he knew what they were speaking and could make guess that his attentions were obviously not entirely needed or desired? He had been curious to understand why his family seemed so complicated but was shopping for earrings more important?– apparently it was.

Darius would have slipped the translation into his head, teasing his needs to know without him even asking of course his master could also melt his brain. His clan mates weren’t entirely the best around humans in general, but many made it work. Blending seamlessly into the crowds without even the doll knowing they were vampires unless he knew their face. Even they wouldn’t ignore him like this right? They would humor him, and attempt a distraction or suggestion if he was bringing too much emotion to a room. Right? This wasn’t because of him was it? He found himself pouting a hair. Rylan narrowing his gaze, hazel hues quite angry at the stranger. Hadn’t Caden just moments prior made it a point to not just drag him into a dangerous altercation, but then asked to make it up to him? 

Patience was far from Rylan’s strong point, and the longer he stood there he found nothing around them held an ounce of his interest other than this one person not giving it too him. The fact he had so willingly offered to linger around this man sat bitterly on his tongue. Was he so gullible? He hadn’t thought himself in that adjective before just following instructions with a smile on his face. Rylan was honestly exceedingly happy, and how he often found himself with that heavy thought that he enjoyed his time better with the vampires more than he realized or claimed. 

“I would like that leather bag there sir, yes and please fill it with those yarns, and buttons,” he started pointing and selecting a handful of things. The vendor filing the leather satchel up to the brim with odd crafty items he would use in the Toy Shop. “Oh– that man there is paying for my goods today, he’s nice like that.” He pointed right at Caden and smiled, but it wasn’t his usual intensity of honest humor before he hooked the bag over his shoulder. 

“Whenever you are done being bloody rude, I believe I asked you some questions. Are you so ill fit to answer them? To make me stand here? I am inclined to find out myself to be honest, I have a terrible curiosity about me–”

[caden-atlas]

Caden heard Rylan say that he would be paying for something Rylan wanted just as Caden was bidding the merchant goodbye. He turned to look at Rylan, seeing the leather bag on his shoulder. Caden reached into his coin purse and paid the knickknack merchant. Caden held his tongue. He didn’t know Rylan well and perhaps this was just how the man acted out. He wasn’t going to snap at the man or be rude in return. He wasn’t going to be petty.

“Some would also saying spending a man’s money without asking him first is also rude. But that is beside the point. I asked you to wait for me to answer your question because it is not easy to have two conversations in two different languages. Especially when you rarely get the chance to speak one of those languages because those who do speak it are far and few in between. You are English so I understand if that is hard for you to comprehend. But the last conversation I had in my native tongue was almost eight years ago.” Caden took a deep breath. He had said he wouldn’t be petty or lash out and he wasn’t going to. Rylan couldn’t possibly understand. An Englishman in England, there was never going to be a disagreement of minds because words were misunderstood.

“Now, you want to know why I would place a sword over my family. That is a fair question. Or it would be under your assumptions. But they made it clear before I said anything that I could not be family to them. When I first came to England, a year after the death of my father, I was still mourning the loss of my father, the loss of my family, and the loss of my homeland because after his death I was exiled. I came here looking for family. Hoping for family. And the first thing they tell me is to give them back my father’s sword because I had stolen it.” Caden took another deep breath. He was upset, it was a wound he had never let heal. But he would not let himself cry. He couldn’t. They weren’t really his family. They were just some strangers who had hurt him.

“My father was murdered and I exiled after his death. And they had the gall to tell me that I had stolen my father’s sword? No. They do not get to say such things to me. My father deserved better than a family like that and so do I. If you have a good relationship with your family, I am very happy for you. But some individuals simply do not get that good fortune.” Caden could feel his nails digging into his palms. He wasn’t sure when his hands had balled into fists, just that his hands were balled so tightly it began to hurt. He closed his eyes, taking another deep breath as he focused on unballing his hands. He would not lose his temper. He would not lose his composure. He will be fine. He opened his eyes to look at Rylan.

“Does that answer your question sufficiently?”

[caden-atlas]

A More Pious Man || Caden & Rowan

[rowan--murdoc]

And already Rowan’s poorly-crafted lie was falling apart. He gulped as Caden elaborated on his plan, his fists tightening in his lap. Was there a way for him to hide the truth at this point? There was no human who required blood, not in the way that Rowan did. He chewed nervously at his bottom lip, forcing himself to stop as soon as he noticed it. But Rowan’s anxiety only continued to build. Somehow he’d never imagined that leaving his clan would also mean leaving behind Athoria. While there was little hope of him being reunited with his family, it would be damn near impossible if he left the country. Shipped away from everything he knew, how would Rowan survive? If he even managed to get that far.

“I don’t think I can do this…” Rowan said beneath his breath as he shook his head. Scrubbing a hand across his face and then through his hair, he couldn’t stand to meet Caden’s eyes. If he was serious about this, then he would have to tell the man the truth. He may scoff, he may think Rowan insane when he said it. Or worse, he may take Rowan at his word and bring an end to his immortal suffering…

A shuddering breath preceded his next words. “Rather, I…don’t think you’re going to want to help me…once I tell you the truth.” Rowan fell silent for several moments, shutting his eyes tightly before finally he said, “I’m a vampire. The person who I’m trying to escape is my maker. I…” He dared to look up at Caden from the corner of his eye, his shoulders shaking with fear. “I know it sounds…ridiculous, but there’s only so long that I can keep lying to you if you truly intend to help me.”

His eyes darted away from the other man then, too frightened of what his reaction might be. “But I would like your help…if you are still willing to give it…”

[caden-atlas]

“You can do this Rowan. I promise, I’ll be with you every step of the way.” Rowan wasn’t meeting his eyes. Caden felt worried. The plan couldn’t work if Rowan lost his nerve. Well, the plan was impossible unless Rowan kept his nerves. 

“You’re a vampire and you’re trying to escape your maker. Ok...” Caden nodded more to himself than to Rowan. This explained why he felt he couldn’t leave. A vampire on their own often ended up on the wrong end of a stake. It also explained Stephen’s remarks about sinning and being unable to stop. Drinking human blood could definitely be considered sinful.

“I am still willing to help Rowan. You shared your secret with me, so I’ll share mine with yours. I’m a Warlock, a human being gifted with magic. Our gifts don’t inherently make us sinful. I promise. It is a matter of how we use it.” Caden reached out, and then stopped. He wasn’t exactly well versed in vampire. How old was Rowan as a vampire? How much control did Rowan’s maker really have? How often did a vampire need to feed?

“Rowan, I know another vampire. He’s a good person who cares for others. I can write to him and see if he’s willing to take you in. Or, we can continue with the original plan. It will just become a matter of finding you a blood source that you feel comfortable with. Maybe people who consent to feedings.” Was there such a thing? He wasn’t sure. He really had only met two vampires and neither elaborated on feeding. Of course, Caden hadn’t asked either.

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

Amras/Caden - Dusk Near Fern

[amraselven-deactivated20150911]

“I see,” the elf said, bowing his head once more. It was difficult for him to stop it, it came without thought, naturally like breathing to him. A million years in servitude and its chains were not so easily broken. He carried them as he ran the weight of the chains. He held hem as he slept and hauled them as he took each breath. The elf Caden spoke of as avoiding came to no surprise to Amras, what had shocked him was that he could so easily enter and leave the city. His friendship though, that was another surprise. How was one male and friends with a she-elf?

“It is not my place to ask questions of you,” he told the man. He had questions, so many questions to ask but he did not know this man, nor his motives, no one had ever shown such mercy and kindness to Amras before. It terrified him and yet he wanted to grasp it and hold it tightly to his heart. He wasn’t sure what the man had meant as friends. What deemed people friends? Were Hithfaeron and Aduialroch his friends? Amras lifted his eyes to look at the man, he could see no evil in him, none whatsoever- no lies, no treatury. He took a chance, “…Friends?”

His heart was racing, he knew nothing of this Caden. Maybe he wasn’t a friend maybe he was an envoy from Fern sent to torture him into thinking he was free before returning him. In Monir city, Amras would of been a bit more relaxed,but he had just escaped certain death and was near Fern still. He could not dare any chances and yet he had uttered a question.  It was too late, he might of as well finish the question, “How are people friends? I don’t… think I’ve ever had one.”

[caden-atlas]

“Well, that’s alright. I’ll be your first friend then. Friends are people you can trust and rely on, and they trust and rely on you. They’re people you care about and they care about you in return. Friends, really close friends they’re like your family but you chose them. We don’t get to choose what family we are born into but we choose who our friends are. We choose who to love and trust, who to share secrets with, who to lean on when we aren’t strong enough by ourselves. That’s what a friend is and I want to be that for you Amras.” Caden reached out, gently taking the elf’s hand. He wanted to convey just how important friends were, but also that Amras didn’t have to be alone.

When Caden had first come to Athoria, he had kept everyone away. They were Christians, they weren’t anything like what he knew. But it was lonely and dissatisfying. It was something that he loathed now. How many friendships could he have built instead of spurning people? Loneliness was a curse.

“And being friends means that you’re safe. You can say whatever you think of, you can ask whatever you want, you don’t need to ever worry when you’re with your friends. Because friends always have your back and will always be there to defend you. And I promise Amras, if you want me as your friend, I will be there to defend you from anything that would do you harm.” It was a large promise. A promise he might not always be able to keep. He was only human. Already 31 years of age. An elf would live forever but so would humanity. If he could convince Amras to befriend humans, warriors and protectors like Caden, then there would always be someone to keep Amras safe even if it wasn’t Caden himself. 

But Amras would need friends. His former mistress, whoever she was, she wouldn’t stop until she had her slave back or he was dead. And as long as Caden was alive, he could fight to make sure that never happened but after his death... That was a difficult question. He smiled at Amras, looking down and realizing he was still holding the elf’s hand. He let go gently, still smiling.

“So, do you want to be friends?”