Collaboration with MornieAtlantie (no title quite yet)

*The last glimmer of daylight scattered across the ground, lengthening the shadows already creating a myriad of designs across the sloping forest ground. The tang of autumn's spicy smells drifted on the cool, mocking breeze, ruffling her hair. Casting her wild, sapphire gaze over the forest, she drew in a deep breath, wild black ringlets blown on the breeze. Her ragged and worn leather clung to her body, making her sweat, though the wind did revive her some. Surveying the landscape below, Kyah took a deep breath. Anything could be waiting for her...she had enemies everywhere...enemies of the sort she did not like to make but often had to. *1

*Ronin let out a deep sigh and then drew in a sharp breath. His golden eyes scanned the landscape that lay out in front of him. His ashen black hair hung down in his eyes, despite it was unevenly cut it was not by any means messy. It was smoothed neatly out, he was dressed in a black cloak, which fluttered in the light breeze, and he wore a dark blue sleeveless shirt that was buckled with a belt strap on the left side on his shoulder. Below it hung a roaring tiger medallion. He wore a pair of black jeans with various belts and zippers. The dream, yes that same dream was haunting him again, urging him to move onwards towards that town. *2

*Kyah brought the water canteen up to her lips, the last drop slipping into her outstretched mouth. She kept it there for a few minutes, hoping that more would come out, and when nothing did, she let out a final sigh, putting it back on her belt. Looking out over the steeply sloping forest ground, trees bent awkwardly as if to grab her, she kept her attention on the large lake...it would only take her a few hours to get there, and she should be able to fill it up, and the jug strapped to her back, and make her camp and eat by nighttime...maybe. Besides, things lurking in the night that ought to be avoided at all costs. *3

*Ronin watched as the sun set, casting colors on the green landscape. Reflecting off a distant lake it seemed to be delved of fire. The town that he was nearing slowly grew upon the horizon. His eyes darted too and fro always searching for enemies...* 4

*The cold water lapped at her heels, sweet and refreshing. Dipping the jug in, she took a large gulp of it, feeling it run down her scratchy, sore throat. The boots she wore, which had once been new, unscratched, and sturdy, were heavily worn by the miles of travel. They were propped up on the bank, kicked off so she could wade. The leather clung tighter to her skin, but it did not bother her, as much as it had used to...it was deeply refreshing, not irritating. Besides, it was the only way she had to refresh herself, other than her only magical ability...the thing that had given birth to all other magic, whether or not anyone knew it. But it was draw them to her...the dae'mai would come if she used it. Long ago, she had attempted to lock them up, and it had almost worked. Almost. But they were still loose, and growing power...it was no longer her fight, though...the girl had learned to take care of herself, and although she still had the same attitude, she had come to her senses...even though it hadn't been in time to prevent her mother’s death. Sighing, Kyah shook her head. It was time to move out. It was already later than she had thought it would be. *5

*Ronin finally reached the town, his katana swinging loosely at his side. He let his hand rest upon it as he was let in the gates. He went to a nearby inn and paid quickly for the board and headed upstairs to simply rest. He could not sleep the dreams always came. He would most likely head downstairs after a while. The room was small a mere bed and table side-by-side. He set down on the bed and let his chin rest on top of his hands. His eyes seemed to be dulling, then they grew brighter lost within his own thought*6

*Sleep took a long time in coming for Kyah. When her head met the pillow, she did not sink into the realms of slumber as she usually did. As much as she tried to convince herself, she knew that it was not because of the slightly late dinner she had eaten that caused her to stay awake...it was something else. A feeling of destiny she had yet to fulfill...but it did not have anything to do with the dae'mai...she had already completed her task...'No, you haven't. They're still roaming wide' it was the taunting voice again...the voice she hated so much. *7

*Ronin finally got up and his heavily shod feet made no noise as he trod down the stairs and made his way into the pub connected onto the inn. It was noisy; the drunkards were singing loudly, he ignored it, finding a seat in front of the fireplace. This was the town, no doubt, just like in his dream. Suddenly an elderly man caught his attention. The old man was gnarled and bent over leaning upon an old staff; he had long gray hair and a long beard. His eyes flashed brightly at Ronin. Slowly with unsure steps the man neared him. *8

*Morning dawned, bright colors splashed on a painter's pallet, glowing with a brilliant glow that set the whole sky afire. Slanting rays of golden light graced her sleeping form, scattering along the ground. When she awoke, there was a small squirrel nosing curiously at her hands. Muttering, she closed her eyes, turning over. Frightened by even this small movement, the squirrel scrambled back the tree, chattering angrily down at her. Still muttering to herself, she stuffed everything in her backpack, not caring to eat breakfast and waist the few precious minutes she had gained. Time was everything, in the end.  *9