It's been four years sine Lilark had chosen Varduk to be her rider. The now caracal sized Pluizig was growing fast and was now able to walk or jump up the large boulders to help Varduk up. Her wings still had a lot of growing to do and so does her feathery mane and tail which were mostly covered in soft downy feathers. Varduk was so happy that the young Pluizig was able to make it so long without a problem.
The wind was slowly picking up while the climbed the mountain and the weather slowly grow chillier and the air grew thinner. Varduk looked at Liliark and she looked exhausted and cold. "You wanna find somewhere to rest for a while Lili?" He asked his close friend who glared at him and shook her head. Varduk shrugs and continues on walking up the mountain with Liliark close behind. When he was about to jump and pull himself up onto a boulder a huge gust of wind blew up and making a large chuck of boulder and snow fall of the mountain towards the pair. Liliark grabs Varduk's jacket in her beak and the rock strikes the ledge they were on, making it give way.
With a yelp Varduk tries to find a ledge but they kept falling plus the extremly loud screams from Liliark who was struggling to fly even though he feathers were not in. Eventually a stab of pain rocks Varduk's head and body and he looses consciousness.
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When Varduk comes to the first thing he realizes is that his head was killing him and he was extremely cold. With a shaky breath he sits up and looks for Liliark. He finds her a few paces away laying on her side but breathing slightly with a bit of blood coming from her left side. "So long for not getting injured so far huh Lili?" He kneels down beside her and examines the wound and notices that it could worsen as the day goes on. He looks around for anything suitable for making a fire and dressing Liliark's wound but there was nothing but grass and wet twigs. Swearing he picks her up and stands up completely but nearly drops her again with a sudden wave of light headedness and the sharp pain in his leg. He swears again and sits down dragging himself and Liliark towards some shelter from the wind. He tears off a chuck of his jacket and put's it on Liliark's wound while he waits for his headache to go down and hopefully for Liliark to wake up.
The day was cold as a hooded creature made his way through the mountains. He had made himself a place to stay here in this cold land. While he often wanted to be around other he was in a bit of trouble at the moment. His plan to bring back his master had been found out by a nosy bunch of teens. He knew that if word got out his plan would fail. So what did joss do? He killed the kids and made his leave. He made it look like an accident. But he was not sure if anyone had seen him do his crime. So he decided to find a place to hide for a couple of days. Maybe move on to another town or something.
As he was walking something made the bird like creature frown. He caught the smell of blood. Someone or something was hurt or dead here. So he turned to follow the smell . After all there might be an opportunity to find some fool to put in his debt. That was always a good option for him.
As he now turned a corner the evil priest saw a sight that made him blink. There was what he assumed to be a man near some sort of creature. Joss decided that it would be wise not to scare the man so carefully he came closer. However he did not reveal himself to the man. He stayed back in the brush in case he was dangerous.
" Do you need help traveler? " He asked his voice incredibly soft and kind. He wanted to make sure that the man knew that for the moment he came in peace.
Varduk looks around confused slightly on who just spoke. He closes his eyes to think, If I say no Lili is probably going to die then I'd probably die soon after. Neither of those options were what he would want. Sighing he adjusts the way he was sitting and pets Liliak's body with his tree hand hoping that he was making the right choice. "Yes please." Varduk takes a deep breath as another wave of pain runs through his body and head. Wishing he had his weapons but they were lost when they fell. He whispers to Liliark, "Lili there is hopefully a well meaning fellow here to help us. But please wake up incasseren there isnt a good ending to this ordeal." Varduk leans in closer to Liliak and listen to her breathing.
The evil priest smiled to himself as he. Heard what the traveler before him said. His eyes glowed an eerie orangish purple color as he watched him. He noted that the creature with the man must have been some sort of pet. Creatures here were very strange in his opinion. However he moved in the brush intending to come closer now.
" What happened to you two? " He asked now revealing himself to the man . He kept his face hidden from view for the moment. He did not want to frighten the pair. He could tell that they were hurt. So he would help if they wanted him to.
"I have some healing abilities that I can use to help you if you want" he said with that same soft tone. For such an evil creature he was definitely charming and very decetful .
"We were climbing the mountain and sort of had a boulder give way and dislodge us from the progress we made. Liliak must have been able to cushion me when we crash landed or somehow broke the fall. Wish I knew but I was uhhh sort of not in this world at that moment." Varduk watches the hooded man intently but closes his eyes when they began to hurt to much to look at anything. "And please if you can help us heal Lili. She's all I got at the moment, she's my baby Pluizig. I would've healed her a bit also but my headache won't let me get my mind clear enough to."
Joss nodded as he listened to what the man was telling him. A fall was a terrible thing that could lead to bad injury.
" I'm sorry for your misfortune traveler. I would be very happy to help you" he said with a smile. He moved a bit closer to the injured creature. She was strange looking but joss knew that the mortal plane had many odd creatures around.
" I will use my magic to try to help your friend feel better." He told the man. Then his hand glowed with a light green glow. It would feel a bit warm to the creature but not uncomfortable. His healing magic was powerful enough to heal most things. He whispered the words to healing spell hoping to be able to fix her injuries. He was not certain how bad they were. Once he was done he stepped back and waited to see if the spell worked looking to make sure the man was still okay.
Varduk watches the magic closely and listens for what the stranger was whispering but couldn't pick up on anything. He then gave up and turned his focus to Liliak who was twitching her ears a bit. That was a good sign. He watches and she became more active and blew out a long sigh and she chirped slightly. "Thanks man." Varduk pats Liliak's side as she sat up with a yawn and looks at Joss looking curious with her ears pointing upright.
The young Pluizig looks at Varkduk and he nods and she lays back down with her head on his lap still watching Joss. "Liliak wants me to say thank you. But she wonders what we need to do to repay you for your help. Knowing her she would do anything." Varduk smiles and scratches her ears, "And so would I."
The evil priest smiled when he noted that his magic had worked on the strange creature. That was a good thing in his mind. Now he just had to figure out a way to word what he wanted in return. He could not simply just say that he needed followers to help raise his evil master from the dead. That would make most want to kill him on the spot. He definitely was not risking that.
"She is very welcome. I can help you too if you need it. " He said pausing for a few seconds. He then smiled. He could use these travelers to get to the next town. Along the way he could see if they would be worthy of serving his master. If so he might convince them to do so. If not they would become scarifies. Either way it would be just fine to him.
" Well if you want to pay me back maybe you can help me get to a nearby town? " He asked with a slight smile. He was happy to know that they were willing to do anything to help him. It would make his job easier .
"I'll be fine. Thanks though." Varduk smiles. His leg will heal at its normal pace and his concussion could not be helped. Besides Liliak would be able to help him around until his leg was better. And he did not need magic that much since all he could do was heal.
"And as of for use getting you to a nearby town we would help. Which town did you have in mind." Varduk started to think about the closest towns that were easy on the three of them to reach. He had completely forgotten about staying wary to strangers, particularly to one who hid himself from others with a hood.
Hopfully the town has a great inn with good food. He thinks to himself. It's been a few hours since both he and Liliak had actually ate a decent meal. His mouth watered at the thought of it.
Joss just smiled to himself. He could reveal his face to the man if the man asked. However he knew that the man would see he wasn't human if he did that. Most did not know that he was a demon though. He just looked like an odd sort of bird man. Even that startled some though. That's why he hid his face.
" I'm glad for that. I don't know much about this place so I don't know the local towns. Most places don't like ... Non-human creatures. " He stated softly. He was being honest there. Most did not like those who were not human. And of course most did not like evil priests either. But he decided not to get in to that subject right now.
Now what Joss just said about town people not liking non himans got his attention but he rwsolved to ask about it later. "The closest one is sort of back tracking from the way we came from." Varduk jestures towards Liliak. "But it's close enough for us to be there hy" He pauses thinking for a second, "somewhere after dark."
He motions to Liliak who gets up and stretches like a cat. Then walks over to him laying down so Varduk could climb onto hsr bacl. Which he did carefully. When he was on her she rose up and walkes over to Joss and looka at his robes and hood then snorts and sots down, "What's your name anyway stranger? Can't gp anywhere comfortably withoutt knowing your name. Mines Varduk."
Joss after making his statement realized his slip up. He realized that he should not have mentioned the non human thing. However since he was not questioned about it he did not have to think of an explanation. " That is good for me . I hope that doesn't inconvenience you. " He stated to the man. And he also knew that from what the man told him it was not the town he had left. That one was about three days away from here. And that was if you could fly like he could.
He just watched as the man got on the creature. He never understood why beasts let others ride them. But then again he just reminded himself that mortals had very strange customs. Joss blinked that thought away as he noted the creature giving him a look over. He then smiled to the man's question.
" I'm joss. It very nice to meet you Varduk" he said with a grin. He had no problem telling others who he was. He wanted the world to fear his name one day. So they might as well know it.
"Back at yah." Varduk motions to Joss to climb on to Liliak after he asked her if she would be okay if they gave Joss a ride. "Hop on Joss. Don't want you to tire out on us." He deeply wished that Lili could fly. Then they would have been over the mountain and would have been to Hyroite in a few days after that. She should grow in feathers in about three montha from now He thinks as Liliak lays down while he scratchs her feathery neck.
"So how did you find us?" Surely Joss was going somewhere of course but was he a wander like they were or did he have a goal in mind. Either way they might as well get to know eachother better since they might be riding for a while yet.
Joss was bit unsure about getting on the creature. However he knew that he should not be rude. He might be evil but he did have manners. More so then most other demons he knew. " Alright I can do that. You both seem very kind. I'm glad for that." He said softly. He was very careful with his claws as he got on the creature. He did not wish to hurt her. He wondered if either of them would smell the smell of sulfer that came with demons. If so he might get into trouble. A risk he would have to take he supposed.
He was also thinking that it would be a shame to have to kill creature like this man and his friend. However if they proved to noble to serve his cause he would have to get rid of them. Or if they tried to harm him. No one could stand in the way of his master. No matter how kind they were to him.
He heard what was asked to him now. " I was wondering through on my way to get supiles for my travels. I don't tend to stay in one place for very long. " He said to the man. He did not add why that was. He figured if the man hung around the next town he would find out why.
Sort of like us. Varduk thinks to himself with a smile. He waits for Joss to get on when he smelt the sulfur. Liliak hissed but Varduk though for a second. We might have a demon with us but since we are in the middle of no where we can't do anything about it and I can't use magic plus my leg needs a break. He knew that Liliak was not happy about the demon but he patted her shoulder once she sensed Varduk's discomfort. Signalling her to go and that they needed to wait it out.
He wished that he was through the "transformation" of his senses otherwise he would have noticed it sooner. But why didn't Liliak notice it when he investigated Joss? He shrugged because she must have thought nothing of it since they have had yet to actually meet a demon before now.
Joss knew that being this close to the pair gave away what he was. The hiss that the creature gave only enforced that thought. He was ready for them to try and hurt him. However when they did not do that he frowned. Either they had never encountered a demon or they were planning something. Either way he would be ready for them.
As the creature started to move he frowned. He kept as much distance as he could away from the one he was riding with. Being that close could get him hurt . Joss was a cautious creature by nature. It came from being tortured for so many years while he was on the other side. Pain actually scared him at this point.
"Joss you might wanna hang on a but more with your knees the way we go is easier on Liliak. In lots of jumps off of rocks and miniature ravines. SO try to use your legs to hold on more tightly don't want you falling off now would we?" He laughs while Liliak looks back at him with a curious look.
Petting her, "Don't worry Lili, I was only joking. You need to chill out." Liliak rolls her eyes and went back to looking at the road. Varduk still needed to repay him but since their passenger was definitely a demon he wouldn't want to risk them getting hurt or killed. We are both in a bind. He thinks, since if they tried to not repay him to his fullest expectations he'd kill them but if they did he'd probably keep them to do some of his twisted biding. Boy did he not like most demons.
Joss looked at the man as he listened to him. He most certainly did not want to fall off . That might hurt some. " Okay I'll try to do that. I definitely do not want to fall. " He said with a slightly nervous laugh. He tried to do as the man said a hold on with his legs. It might be obvious that he was not experienced in riding animals. It felt very strange to him. Though at least this ride was not too uncomfortable to him. As he rode he was care not to accidentally poke her with the claws on his feet. They were just as sharp as the ones on his fingers.
"There you go. You should really get a horse one day, it might help with the speed of your travels and gives your a bit of company. I wish I have one other then this feather fluff here. She can hardly carry a horse around." Liliak slaps Varduk with her ears signalling she still had a bit of growing to do. "But the only cost with her is that she eats a lot of meat. At least with a horse it has food everywhere. But who am I to talk. What's your favorite place you've visited so far Joss? Mines the colony where Lili choosen me at."
Joss smirked at the man as he spoke. It was obvious that he really liked this creature. He figured that the two must have been together for a while. It was interesting the way mortals had so many strange emotions. Love was a concept he could never grasp. Neither was friendship or anything like that. He had never had anyone who cares about him. That was the thing about demons. No one cared about them. So they did not care either. At least he doesn't.
" Maybe I should one day.if I'm not walking I fly. I am not excellent but I get where I'm going. " He said with a nod. " My favorite place is the coast. I forget the town I whent to there but it was very nice." He said with a smile. He did like the ocean for some reason.
He then paused before he added" And not many people would befriend me. I know you know what I am and would agree" He stated with a sigh. Maybe he did want friends. It was just that his mast would never allow that. And like he said everyone hates demons.
Varduk sighs, "It's not that I hate demons or anything since they sort of help keep the natural balance of things other then what this crazy world does already. It's just that I've never actually got to physically meet one. So just that it's the supernatural feeling that gets our kind." He looks at Joss with a slight smile. "My senses were a lot weaker before Lili came into my life but now they've became stronger. So that's probably how I figured you out Joss. With Lilis help that is. But eventually I won't have any problem sensing you guys nor the undead and stuff like necromancers. But don't worry I don't hate you. Since you did help us after all."
Joss listings as the man spoke. What he said did make sense. Though he also knew that most veiwed all demons as evil. Which most were. Joss himself was not as bad as most. He had times where he could be kind to others. Then his master would start talking telling him that he would torment him if he doesn't do his job. So he really felt like he had no other option. A sad thing to think about really. But it was something that joss lived with.
" I can understand that. It seems your friend here helps you. That's a good thing. I am glad for that . " He said with a smile. It was always good to have others around to help you. And it was good not to be instantly hated. Maybe this one might be more the just a sacrifice or a follower. Maybe.
He then said something to the man that he never told anyone before. " I'll just say that I'm not like most of my kind. I don't like being this way. I just have to be." He said softly now. He then looked away as he heard his master's voice in his head. He wanted him to be quite now. He knew he would be punished if he didn't complie. However the evil priest somehow felt that he needed to take this risk for some reason.
"See man? We'll all get along just fine. Unless you try to get Lilis food. This must be the first time you actually weren't treated like shit for just being a demon." Varduk looks at the area around them. "It must be pretty lonely because everything needs a friend. That must sound cheesy but it's true." Varduk started to relax some but he still felt Liliak a bit tense.
Wonder what seeing the world as a demon, dragon or a Pluizig is like. Varduk always was courious about those things. "Joss what is te world like in your eyes?" He tries to picture what Liliak saw. Which was probably more intense in colors or probably bland like greys and browns. All he wanted was to make Joss a friend so he could trust him. If not he could at least make him an accunatance at least.
Joss had to smirk some at the man's comment. Life had always treated him badly. Even among his own kind he was nothing more then a punching bag . Of course when you were told to talk about some powerful creature to everyone it didn't make you many friends. However joss figured he could mention that. He would find out anyway.
" Actually most try to kill me when they find out what I am. My occupation doesn't really help that." He told him now. He then thought for a moment about the last part of the statement. Demons did not need friends. That's what he was told. So he chose not to comment on that right now.
As he was thinking about that he heard what was said. Rather what was asked to him. No one had ever asked him a question like that before. So he had to think about it for a moment. " Well we have enhanced senses. So what most mortals hear and see is ehanced for me. Smell and taste are also stronger then most mortals." He said with a nod now. He was not sure how else to answer that question.
"Hmmm. That sounds like the enhanced senses could prove to be trouble at times. And don't worry about your occupation. My occupation is raising Liliak and we have gotten a good bit of trouble just because people wanted her hide. So I wasn't much of a favorite among the beast hunters. Heck once I was tortured by these undead things to the brink of death. I have gotten a few good scars from that and have nightmares and flashback often."
Varduk shivers, "I don't have words to describe what was done to me nor what I seen." He then goes back to smiling, "So you see everyone has a few people try and kill them. Its not uncommon. We aren't that far from the same tree." He begins to whistle a bit, "Even simple shop keepers probably get attacked also!"
Joss just listened to what the man was telling him. It seemed that this man had a good outlook on life. He supposed that was a good thing. " It can be a problem sometimes. Especially when your around something unpleasant." He said with a slight laugh. Unpleasant smelled were the worse things for him. He could deal with almost anything but that.
He could tell that the man was getting uncomfortable as he continued talking. " I can see how that would be a problem. Most who get tormented like that are not as friendly as you. It nice that you seem to have a good outlook." He stated softly. He certainly knew a few who were bitter because of such things.
He shifted trying not to get to close as he tried to get more comfortable. His wings were uncomfortable under his robe. However he ended up accidentally brushing against the man. " I'm sorry I didn't mean to do that." He mumbled softly now. He hoped he did not bother the man too much.
Varduk would have agreed that since Joss was a demon many would definitely have not tried to befriend him. He thought for a second before he feels Joss brush against him and apologize, "It's cool man." He began to become quiet deep in thought thinking about what happened, "The key is staying positive and smiling."
He pets Liliak, "Though sometimes I freak out." Varduk's mind would often wander back to his torment by the Ithni Karr. It wasn't pleasant even though Liliak did everything she could to try to ease his mind. He'd usually stay quiet for an hour or so. So he watched Liliak's ears in silence and listened to her calmly.
(OOC: Hopefully you don;t mind the time skip. If you do PM me and I'll be happy to change ti ^^)
When the trio arrive in the nearest town after about an few hours of silence. Varduk gets off of Liliak and stretches his back and arms. While Liliak waits for Joss to hop off of her. She seems to have calmed down about Joss. He looks around, "So what do you need to do Joss?"
Joss noted the man's quietness. He did not blame him for it. Being tortured wasa horrible thing to go through. He had spent years in hell being tortured . Of course after enduring that for so long he had become numb to it. In fact he did it to others who refused to serve his master which made him ponder something else now.
He had to wonder as they made their way to the town if he would try to force this one to join him. Or if he would just wait until they parted ways to go about with his evil plans. He figured that he might as well just show this man who he really was. After all he did not want to go and get to close to him. The man would just be killed by his master anyhow.
After the few hours of quite and thinking they had gotten to the town. As the creature stopped and the man got off he grinned. This was a good place to scout out anyhow. Carefully he got off the creature. However his foot had apparently fallen asleep. So as he tried to stand on it he stumbled a little. It might be noted that the demon was clumsey.
He looked to the man as he asked his question though. " I think for now mabey a drink and food would be good. " He said softly. Then he smiled a bit more. " What about you?" He asked the man with a smile. He wanted to know what he would be doing as well.
(( It's all good))
"Same. Though Liliak would need somewhere to hide and find prey. Liliak nods and walks off looking a bit stiff back to where they just camw from. That didn't take much. Varduk watxhes her leave and disappear, "Anyways let find a nice Inn to eat at. There might he one near the edge of town." He walks off thinking of getting food and a nixe cool drink. Maybe he'd not get a room at an inn. All he wabted to do was to head outside and sleep near Liliak. He would have felt bad for leaving her outside all by herself afterall.
Not to mention but thwy had a demon who might rouse suspistion among the townsfolk and make thibgs hard for all of them.
(Ooc. Sorry if this is probably shortwe then usual. I had to type this on my phone and not my ipad or laptop)
Joss nodded to what the man said now. He then watched as the large beast walked into the woods. He wondered if she ever had trouble with hunters when she was by herself. However he pushed that thought out of his mind as the man spoke to him. " Yes let's do that. I don't know anything about this place so I'll follow you." Joss said to him now.
As he looked around he noted a few people staring at them. Or maybe it was just him they were looking at. Maybe it would be best if he got away from the man soon. He did not want him to get into trouble or anything. That would be bad.
(( It's just fine and sorry for the delay))
"Okay." Varduk watches the people stare at them. It seemed as though they were looking at Joss. Or after all maybe him a bit since he did just get off of Liliak. Who was a creature no one seen before. Save for a lucky few of course. "This town was here for as long as I can remember Joss. Though i only saw it on maps in one of the secret cities of the Order. Thats a extremely long time man." He luaghs, "It was all in runes also!"
He walks off towards the Inn, "This place has the best Shepard's Pie in the world. You have to try it."
(OOC; It's Okay I am pretty busy also right now lol)
Joss just listened to the man as he spoke. He was not sure what he was talking about when he mentioned a secret order. However he just chose not to ask. It was not his business right now. " I do not know very much about this place. I have not been to this part of the country . " He told the man now. He then followed him as he went to the inn.
" I will have to try that then. " He said with a smile. Anything he did not have to catch and cook himself was good enough for him. Demons were not picky creatures when it came to food.
"Get Some wine or alle with it then. Itll tie it all together." Varduk says, "This part is okay. Just what you would expect from anything else. All he needed there was a Nice cool mug of ale and probably a good mights sleep. He grabs a hanckerchif and while his nose only to see blood, "Oh, crap." He smiles, "Seems I have a bit of trauma to my head. " He shovel the hankercheif in his pocket and walks on.
Joss smiled as he listened to what the man was telling him now. He had not really ever been one to drink much achohal . That was because he tried to keep up the front of being a priest. Even the evil ones had their standards. At least he did.
He then noticed that the man had blood coming from his nose. He wondered to himself if he needed some kind of help. " Are you going to be okay? I can still help you if you need me to." He said with a slight frown.
"Ill be fine. We were up in the mountains for a pretty long time the cold air must have caused this." He laughs, "You should know what cold does to your nose. Ive seen worse." He piches his nose, "Just as long as I dont start bloeding from my eyes or ears everything would be fine." He had another idea of where it could be from. Maybe it was from the fall Lili and I had. He thinks to himself. It probably was part of that but the air definetly could have caused it. Either way he should be fine.
Joss kind of smiled at what he said. If the man had seen his face he would know that nose was more like a bird then a man. He did not have problems with nosebleed and things like that. " Well I don't know much about that. I more related to a bird then a human. I don't get nosebleeds. " He said softly. That was why he hid his face. Most people did not like to see bird men in their towns. Especially when they were also demons.
Varduk huffs, "Lucky man Joss." He checks the cloth and starts pniching his nose again. He then walks over to a door and opens in, "Here we are." It was rather a but busy but nothing no chaotic. Just most of the tablets full save for a few scattered around, "Why dont you choose a spot Joss? After all you did manage to hang out with me and Lili this long so you get the honor." He laughs, he was not used to saying the words, "get the honor" not to mention to anyone actually.
Joss just smirked a bit. He then followed the man as he opened a door now. He really did not like crowds. However he hoped that everyone would be busy with whatever they were doing and not start anything with them. That kind of thing was always a worry when you were a demon.
" Okay . Hehe I am honored then." He said with a smile. He then went to a table that was in a less crowded part of the place. " Is this okay?" He asked his new friend now. He did not want him to be uncomfortable or anything like that.
"Fine by me." Varduk sits down in a chair and waves over a waitress. "So you order anything you want. Its all on me." He smiles and counts Some coins from his pocket. Humming away a tune. He already Saïd what he was going to order.
The waitress walks up with a smiles and Varduk orders and sherpards pie and ale. After mention he had got Joss covered also.
Joss smile to the man as he sat down. He sat down as well. " I think I will have the same thing you are having. O have never been here before . You seem to know what is good here." He told the man now. He then smiled at the waitress as she came over. He noted the odd look she.gave him. He then placed his order as well.
"Sure." The waitress nods and runs off. Varduk sighs and leans back in his chair using his arms as a head rest, "Have you ever got the feeling of when you reach somewhere you can relax and sit in a chair and you just feel relieved?" Man Varduk was happy to be off the road for the Night it gave him a chance to recharge.
Joss smiled as the waitress when on her way. As he sat there he could hear the sound of his master telling him that he had better do his job . He frowned and whispered 'yes master'. He was then distracted from his thoughts by the sound of the man talking to him now.
" some places are like that. Though the place I feel most at home is not as peaceful as this place is." He said to the man now. The tone of the demons voice had changed. It was obvious something was on his mind.
Varduk noticed Joss's change in voice. "That rough Joss. Why won't you just leave the place you live at? If you want to that is." He jerks his head towards the door, "Thats how I meet Lili. Well sort of."
The waitress comes back with their drinks and puts it down on the table. Varduk thanks her, grabs his mug and starts to drink from it.