The Sword of the Soul

@ deadman
Ember smiled. "I'm not tired just yet." she said and rested her head back against the tree and watched Issac as he worked. She was quiet not wanting to disturb him. She thought about where they where going to go and how they where going to do all of this. She had never set out to do anything like this before. She had never really made plans for anything but to take care of her sister until she was old enough to take care of herself.

Ember looked at the fire and added another few sticks. She then looked down at Jade. She was glad the girl had started it for her. She had just been to emotional. It seemed silly now but she truly was afraid of her own abilities.

Ember sighed softly and looked up at the sky. It's beautiful out here. She thought to herself wishing she had spent more time out here when she was young. It would have made things seem a whole lot less scary.

Issac watch the flames as he cooked the meat, adjusting it every now and then so it cooked evenly through.

It was the second night he'd spent with Ember and Jadelynn, and his doubts were beginning to form. If he'd made the journey alone, he'd have easily managed in one day, but now it was stretching on to the second. In the opposite direction of where he'd been intending to go, no less. That would be retracing his steps, going along the same route a third time.

It meant being another couple of days separate from Bethan and Tess, more, if they'd continued to travel rather than settle somewhere.

When he was on his own, time passed differently, all he had was his thoughts, and he could happily get lost in them as he walked, the loneliness fell back. But now here he was, with company that came with sad smiles, and that made him think too.

And then there was Jadelynn, telling him to get to know Ember better, as if it were a given that he'd add her problems to his own.

Then Issac felt guilty. It's not like it's Embers fault, or Jadelynn's fault. It all came down to a time and place, had he been a few miles further back, or ahead, he'd have missed Embers display completely. He hadn't needed to get involved.

Besides, he'd offered to accompany them.

He scrubbed a frustrated hand through his hair. It was dark, he was sick of eating nothing but meat, he'd been walking all day. Well, they all had.

Tomorrow he'd buy some bread, maybe a small piece of cheese if he could bargain for it. They could set off again, hopefully with a few more coins in their pockets. And it might feel a little bit better.

@ deadman
Ember ended up falling asleep in their silence. She felt like she was invading his time to himself some how so she had closed her eyes but then just fell asleep. Ember knew she could do better then these last two days. She didn't want to be a burden. It was harder traveling with a child though.

In the morning Ember woke and shifted so that Jade was laying on something soft. Ember got up and went to the stream and cleaned up. She sighed looking into the same river she had always seen but in a new way. She stood after a while and walked back to camp and looked at Issac. She wanted to wake him to get the rocks polished and then they could be on their way but she didn't know how much he had slept the night before.

Ember moved into the forest. She could collect some roots and things. So she went through the forest finding medicinal and eatable things. She brought them back looking at their pile to sell and trade just from the last two days. It would get them far. She was glad she had thought of some things to bring to the table.

Ember looked at where the fire had died and was considering making a new one and cooking one of the roots she had found for breakfast. They couldn't just eat meat the entire time. But she didn't think they should do that just yet.

As the morning grew brighter she scooted closer to Issac and poked his arm. "Issac." she said a bit nervously. "Issac we should get going." she said softly.

Issac opened an eye at Ember's poke, looking at her blearily, then taking stock of the light in the sky.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes to bring him fully into wakefulness.

"Yeah," he agreed, getting up and stretching. "It's Jadelynn up?" he asked, as he made his way closer to the river to splash his face with water and take a drink.

@ deadman
Ember smiled softly as he agreed. She was glad she had gaged the sun right. She shook her head. "No she's still asleep. I'll wake her." she said softly as he started towards the river. She moved to Jadelynn andante rubbed her back. "Hey sweetie time to get up. We're going to go into town today." she said and smiled as she grumbled but slowly woke.

Ember smiled as she sat up. When Issac came back she gave him a soft smile. "I picked some berries, do you want some?" she asked and held out a couple for him to pick up. She had put everything on her cloak carefully ranging it. It would be nice to have pouches for all this stuff but they didn't have that yet.

If they hadn't made such a quick get away and had prepared for a journey at her place she would have had things. But it had been so sudden for them that they just ran, and with good reason. They couldn't have stopped when they where being chased like they where.

Once they where all woken they headed on their way into town. She was nervous and excited and a little sad about it. She walked with Jade who was still sleepy and not running around like she had just yesterday. Perhaps the change wasn't so scared today.

Issac walked behind Ember and Jadelynn, the route was easy enough, just follow the path, so there was little need for him to lead currently.

He watched their backs, the sway of Ember's hair as she moved, and the bounce that slowly worked it's way back into Jadelynn's step as she grew more into wakefulness. It wasn't long, little more than an hour of walking, until the first few buildings that made up the town came into sight, just a mile further down the road.

Issac hitched the products of his hunting further up his back, and reached forward to tap Ember's shoulder.

"There, do you see it? We've not much further to go, you can have a home again soon, Jadelynn."

@ deadman
Ember smiled talking with Jade about the rocks as they got closer. Issac had polished them earlier before they had left their campsite. Jadelynn was holding a stone and looking at it. She could tell the girl like the rock. "I don't see any reason you can't keep it." she said and Jade looked up beaming. "Really?" Ember nodded and Jade hugged her side. Ember chuckled and patted her back gently.

When Issac tapped her shoulder she looked at him and listened to him. She looked over at the buildings and smiled. She could just barely make them out from here. Jade smiled and looked between he two of them. "Thank you." she said and smiled sadly. Jadelynn wanted to stay with Issac and Ember but she knew they had other people to find and save.

Ember smiled at Issac. She was holding her cloak with he rocks and herbs in it. She hadn't bartered to much before and she was excited to do it again. "We should make a plan of where to meet up if we get separated." she said softly a bit self conscious. "Do you know any good places?" she asked.

"Perhaps we should separate first?" Issac suggested, "when we get into the town, I mean. There's a well at the center of it we could meet. I need to head to the butcher, and ensure there's a safe place for Jadelynn. It might be best if you were with her at that point? Just to be cautious. She'd probably like to spend the last of our time together with you."

Issac ruffled Jadelynn's hair gently and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Once you've sold what you can, and finished your business, we can meet by the well and go from there?"

@ deadman
Ember felt a pang in her gut with fear as he said they should separate but then he clarified and she nodded. "Oh alright." she said as they got closer to town. "We will meet you there as soon as we have sold everything." she said confidently. Ember smiled gently. "And Issac." she said and laughed his arm gently. "Be careful." she said and then let her hand drop as he nodded.

Ember looked around town. "Alright I need to find a few people to sell the herbs to." she said and smiled walking with Jadelynn. They walked through town until they found a healer. Ember bartered with the women gaining some coins and some medicine that was harder to make and took longer. Once she did that then they moved off to go see the stones. She smiled happy to be doing something. She had no idea she was as good a barter as she was. She hadn't ever had to use it before like this.

Ember smiled as they sold the last stone. She bought a bag and placed the medicine inside. They moved towards the well stopping now and then to see if they could wager a good deal. Jadelynn stood by the well looking in as Ember stood near by talking with a boy about her age over garments. He talked sweet to her and she chuckled blushing. "You are kind but I really should't." she said and then moved back over to the well. She sat on the steps to the well watching Jadelynn.

What she would give for a laugh. She wished to laugh so badly. She just hadn't found anything funny enough to make her laugh in years. She knew nothing here could give her what she really wanted. She placed her chin in her hands looking out at the busy people. She had saved most the money for Issac. There where perhaps enough there for a change of cloths as well for her but she would wait until she could see if there was anything Issac needed first.

[I'm SO sorry! I could have sworn I'd replied to this one! I did wonder why it was so quiet]

When they parted ways, Issac headed for a street laden with food stalls, hoping to find the butchers amongst them. When he did, he unloaded his catches from his back and his belt, assuring the man at the counter of their quality, and bargained for a price. He left with his purse heavier with coin, and a few sausages carefully wrapped in greased paper. Issac pocketed the parcel, when he and Ember were on the move again they could cook them in the evening.

His next stop was to purchase a sturdy leather pack and a couple of water skins, and he transferred his meager belongings from the pockets of his jacket to the pack. Another merchant yielded a new sharp knife, complete with whetting stone, some twine to make traps with and a couple of fishing hooks. His purse was getting lighter, but Issac was content with the value and necessity of his purchases.

The last thing he had to do, before meeting back with Ember and Jadelynn, was check the local orphanage. He'd seen it when he'd come through the first time, a small building, there weren't many orphaned children in the town, not many children at all. It was small, and traditional, and most of the younger people moved away, chasing better trade routes. But it would suit. He watched the children play outside the building for a while, leaning against a wall opposite. At one point an elderly woman came out with bread for the children, and a little after that an elderly man came to join them in their play, surprisingly energetic for his age.

They seemed kind, though, it was a homely building, and he hoped Jadelynn wouldn't dislike the idea of the orphanage too much.

Tasks done, Issac turned and made his way to the center of the town, spotting Ember on the steps of the well and heading over to her.

@ deadman
[its happens]
Ember smiled as she saw Issac. "Hey." she said and stood bitting her lip because oddly enough she wanted to hug him and be glad that he was alright. "We sold everything except for Jade's stone. I thought it would be fine for her to keep." she said softly. "I wanted to ask if you needed anything before I got some more sensible cloths and shoes for the trip." she said thinking if she had anything left she might get a little knife too. It could be helpful.

Ember smiled as they walked around preparing for the trip getting the things they need and spending time with Jadelynn. Once they had gotten everything they needed she had enough money left for some cloths. "I'll be back." she said and disappeared. She wanted to get something that would work for their trip.

Ember came back dressed in her new cloths beaming. She smiled at Issac a dazzling smile. She didn't know why she was so happy. Perhaps because now she felt prepared to do this. She looked alive for two minutes and then Jadelynn came into her view and her eyes grew sad. She hugged the girl and sighed softly.

"What do you think Issac? Is this a good place for her?" she asked him. If it wasn't they would have to do something else but if it was then they could begin their real journey. Ember was ready for them to really start but she knew that Jadelynn was counting on them and she wanted the best for the girl.

Issac couldn't help but smile at Ember's expression when she emerged in her new clothes, her happiness was almost infectious. When her smile dropped, he turned and spotted Jadelynn, standing by as Ember embraced her.

At Ember's question, he stepped forward, closer to her side to try and offer some comfort and reassurance, it was clear she was reluctant to leave the young girl.

"The children seem happy round here," he said, directing his comments to both Ember and Jadelynn. "The couple that runs the place look nice, it seems homely, not too big but not too crowded. I think it's the best option we have right now..."

He crouched by Jadelynn, to be level with her.

"We can't take you there though, not right up to the door. There'd be too many questions, do you think you can do it on your own?" he asked her.

@ deadman
Ember looked up at Issac sad that they where going to leave her to be brave on her own. She had grown so protective of the girl and now she was sad that this was it.

Jadelynn looked up at Issac and nodded. She hugged Ember then slowly let go and smiled. Ember teared up and stood looking away. Ember didn't know why this was so hard.

They all walked towards the orphanage and Ember tried to be strong. She was quiet though. Jadelynn looked around at what would be her new home. She was so nervous but she was excited. When Issac stopped Jadelynn turned o them. She knew this was as far as he or Ember could go.

Jadelynn took his hand and pulled him down to her level. She kissed his cheek and smiled. "Thank you for saving me... You are good." she said and turned who Ember who was trying so hard not to cry. Jadelynn hugged her. "You're stronger than you think you are. And you're heart is pure. Don't forget those things." she whispered and then pulled back and wave at them. "Come visit me sometime." she said and then ran off.

Ember looked at Issac. "She's a strange kid." she said and chuckled sadly. Ember bit her lip and watched Jadelynn until she couldn't see her no more. Ember looked back at Issac. "Alright let's go." she said and turned her back to him wiping her eyes as secretly as she could.

Issac followed after Ember, staying a couple of steps back to allow her to collect herself, unsure what to do in the face of her distress.

"Have you gotten everything you wanted to? Did you need a jacket, or a cloak?" he asked her after a couple of minutes. "I'd like to get a few supplies, something other than meat, unless you've already got that... but then it would probably be best to get moving again."

Issac fell back into step with Ember, peering down at her with concern.

"Or... if you don't feel up to it, we can stop for a bit if you'd like. If you need a moment for... anything."

He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, Tess and Bethan had always paired up when one of them was upset, and he was always happy to leave them to it.

@ deadman
Ember looked back at Issac as he came up beside her. "I got a cloak. It's in my pack." she said softly. She hadn't intended to get so emotional and now she felt kind of foolish. "We can get what ever you like Issac. You're the expert. But I really would like to begin my training as soon as we can." she said and looked down then peeked back at him hoping he was still willing.

"I'm okay Issac. Thanks." she said and gently touched his arm giving him that same sad smile. Ember headed back towards the market forcing herself not to look back. "We made out pretty well here... I mean with all the things we where able to get." she said wondering if other towns where similar. Back in her town things had always been expensive.

Ember wondered how many coins he had left. "I have about 5 bronze coins left." she said figuring he should know in case he needed something.

Issac smiled down at Ember, reassuringly.

"Training it is then," he told her. "Back along the river for a bit would be best," he gave her a playful nudge, trying to lighten her mood a little, "I don't much fancy you amongst all the trees in the forest."

He reached for his belt and looked inside his own purse.

"This town relies almost entirely on trade," he said as he counted. "They have little choice but to sell low, else people go elsewhere."

He reattached his purse.

"I've four bronze coins," he told her, "If we just pick up some bread for today, I already got sausages, and maybe some salt and dried seasoning herbs, it'll make the lot more bearable."

He began to make his way to the relevant stall, reaching back to gently grab Ember's wrist to lead her through. The market was getting more crowded as the sun rose higher, more people emerging for the morning, and he didn't want to lose her.

@ deadman
Ember chuckled and nodded. "Yeah." she said not really wanting to accidentally burn anything. She was glad they where going to train she really wanted to feel like she could control it. She wanted to be as confident with her fire as Issac was with his wind. But she knew that would take a lot of practice.

"Alright." she said and smiled as they started walking back into the busy town. He grabbed her wrist. She could feel the slight hum from his hand and it was reassuring. She guessed it was one of the reasons he didn't grab her hand. She walked with him a slight blush on her cheeks.

They went through the stands and got what they needed and where able to get a little more too before they headed out of town. "So you where headed up past my old town when you had to go the other way huh? Do you think we will be able to skirt around the outside of the town or do we need to take a longer way?" she asked.

They where finally on their way again and now she was ready for this trip.

Issac shoved his hands into his pockets as he thought for a moment.

"We can avoid it just fine," he confirmed. "If we just follow the river along we'll get to the next town soon enough, the water gets deeper there, they use boats to help trade. If anything your town's more out the way, so we shouldn't encounter anyone who'd recognise you."

He scuffed the toe of his boot at the dirt in the road as he walked.

"It's pretty big there, bigger than your place and where we've just been. No one pays much attention, it's all bustle," Issac explained. "Probably a few like us around too, not that we'd know, but big towns normally have a dozen or so that even the Rising Tide can't pick out. But they're normally older, pretty experienced."

He glanced down at Ember, "speaking of, where did you want to start with training?"

@ deadman
Ember smiled thinking that there where more people like her out there. Fire types and other elementals. It was nice to know you weren't alone. She just wanted to belong to the group but right now she wasn't feeling like she was belonging to any group.

"Training ummm." she shrugged. Ember bit her lip. "I don't know what do you suggest? I mean you know more about this than I do. Anything I have ever done has been on instinct and emotions." she said.

Ember knew she was afraid of her powers but she didn't even know how strong they really were, just strong enough to hurt someone, which wasn't hard to do for a fire type. "Issac... Can I tell you something... I mean you probably already know but..." she frowned and kept walking quiet for a while. "I'm afraid of my abilities. They hurt people. I don't want to hurt people. I don't even know how strong I am I just know I can hurt people.

Ember looked up at him. "How do I learn control and also not be afraid of myself?"

Issac gave a shrug and a smile.

"Instinct and emotions is pretty much all there is to it," he said, "at least initially. There's no tricks. It's just a matter of feeling for it, like Jadelynn did, down in her toes. Mines in my cheeks. It's powerful, of course it's powerful. But if you treat it with respect, and use it as you should, then you'll be okay."

He listened as Ember explained, reaching out to grasp her hand, stopping her from walking any further.

"It's okay to be afraid," Issac told her gently. "And it's okay to not be sure. You're a good person, Ember, and I know you'd never hurt anyone on purpose. There are plenty of people out there with no abilities, and they intentionally hurt people everyday. You're not like that. You've got to believe in yourself, at least a little bit?"

He dropped Ember's hand and fumbled beneath his shirt collar, bringing a leather strip with an adder stone up over his head. He dropped the necklace over Ember's head, gently sweeping her hair out from under the cord.

"This is an adder stone," he explained. "Bethan gave it me, a while back, she found it when she was doing her things with stones. She said it protects people, from all sorts of things. Superstition says they're bad luck, people think it's the result of when Earth and Water battle together, but it's not. It'll keep you safe, and keep nightmares away, and soothe your doubts. Use it to ground yourself, yeah? See if you can find where your power sits today, then, if you're ready, we'll start figuring it out tomorrow. You won't hurt me, okay? I won't let it happen."