Rayn ran through the village with his hood up. Rain pelted down from the heavens above. Lightning lit up the sky and thunder shook the ground. Rayn's boot splashed in a puddle as he ran towards the village Inn. The sign for the Inn swung back and forth in the wind. Rayn ran up the wooden steps and walked through the door. He slammed the door shut behind him. Don't want any of that weather getting in here! He thought. Rayn threw back his hood and hung his coat up a peg. He shook his curly hair, adjusted his breastplate and twisted his sword around on his belt.

Rayn looked around. There were all sorts of people in here. Mainly they were farmers who all knew each other, but there were a few lonely men who sat on their own at tables look down into their cups of ale. The Inn smelt mainly of smoke and ale. A smell which Rayn loved.

Rayn walked up to the bar. "A pint of ale please." He said and handed over a coin. The bald fat barman poured him a glass and slid it across the bar. "Much trouble out their eh?" The barman asked looking at Rayn in his armour with his sword on his waist. Rayn tilted his head slightly. "Nothng not expected." Rayn said calmly and took a sip of his ale.

“I’m sorry, John, it’s just that.. well.. you know me. I’ve been wanting to get out of this area for the longest time!”

A distinctly feminine voice drifted above the chatter within the Inn. The woman, slender and clad in a common brown dress, looked down at her hands in frustration. Why did she have to go through the same conversation every time she mentioned that she was going to travel to Lómëdor to study? Sofie sighed softly, and tried to brush away her annoyance. It’s not their fault they don’t understand, she thought to herself, looking around the room. They’ve never felt what I'm feeling now. Tucking a copper curl behind her ear, she turned once more to her companion.

”But Sof.. are you sure you want to do this? You have no idea what it’s like outside here,” a tall blonde man replied, looking at her anxiously.

“That’s exactly why I want to go! I don’t know what it’s like outside of this town. I want to learn about new things, meet new people, travel!” Sofie answered dreamily, her brown eyes lighting up at the though. “John, I’m going off to study! You know how much I’ve been wanting to do this!”

John half grinned at her enthusiasm. She was right, she had been wanting to become a scholar for a while. They had known each other since they were children, and this had been her dream for the past three years. ”All right, I give up. You go become a brilliant scholar. Just don’t forget about us simpletons here,” he said, standing up from his bar stool. It was getting late, and he needed to get back to his wife. ”Well, I’ve got to go. Sarah will be missing me,” he winked, kissing Sofie’s cheek lightly.

“Give her my love,” she replied, smiling at her friend. As much as she wanted to get out of here, she was still going to miss him. She scrunched her hands into fists as she felt her eyes begin to tear up.

”Be safe, Sof.” After quickly hugging her, John walked over to the exit of the inn and grabbed his cloak from it’s hook. Throwing it over his shoulders, he took a deep breath and walked out the door into the pouring rain. Sofie sighed again, and rubbed her eyes. This was what she wanted - there was no reason to cry. Settling back on her barstool, she glanced around the room. Many people were crowded into the inn tonight, mainly because of the heavy rains. I hope John gets home ok, she thought worriedly to herself.

Just as she was about to turn back to the bar, a dripping wet figure caught her eye. He had just entered the room, clad in armour. It wasn’t unusual to see strangers dressed like him come through town, especially on a day like this one, but something about him made her keep watching. He surveyed the room for a moment, before heading over to the bar only one stool down from her. Listening to his brief exchange with the bartender, her curiousity perked.

“What brings you here, then?” Sofie blurted out to him before she could stop herself. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Do you think he’d want to talk to a simple farmer’s daughter like you? See, this is why you need to get out of this town, so you can actually interest strangers! she reprimanded herself, a faint blush crawling onto her cheeks.

It had been three weeks since leon had come here searching for the famous bandit leader Antonio Blackheart who was supposed to have a base of operations somewhere in the area. His searches had proven fruitless. He decided to give up looking. He knew that the Antonio could not hide himself forever. one way or another leon would find him.
Now all he had to do was wait.
Leon sat in a shadowy corner watching the man come in. He knew not who the stranger was but he looked out of place. He couldn't tell much about the man since he was wearing a cloak, but he could make out a few things. He could tell that the man wore some sort of leather armor, and Leon guessed that he man was carrying some sort of weapon. Leon almost jumped when he heard the voice of a female call to the stranger. Leon's face split into a grin and let out a low chuckle. Even after all he had done and seen he still didn't know what made girls do such silly things. A crazy idea suddenly entered his mind. Maybe this stranger knew something about the whereabouts of antonio. He stared at the man with his intense green eyes before stepping out of the shadows to reveal himself. The light of the lanterns reflected off of his scales making small rainbows on various parts of the wall. "Maybe miss he would like to warm up a little before answering any questions. He has only just come in." Leon said. He knew that
he must be a strange site to see. A tall reptilian humanoid with golden scales covered in tarnished and rusted chainmail. Leon smiled at the girl revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth. He tried his best to look friendly and not frightening to this girl. He knew that this was going to be one interesting day.

Rayn looked at the young lady and smiled. He then looked at the other creature. Rayn raised an eyebrow. "Its quite alright, I've been through much worse then rain in my time." Rayn took a sip of his ale. He studied them both for a second. Well the girl is a farmers wide eyed daughter... But this lizard fellow... Hmmm... He seems rather... Hard to make out... Rayn thought to himself.

"Well I have just been traveling on the road really, I had to leave my friends a while back. I'm on the quest to become a Holy Knight... Although I had better put more trust in the gods. The journey was dangerous and full of Bandits, they are like a rash covering in the countryside. I'm on my way to Lómëdor, there is sopposed to be a holy order there." Rayn said with a smile.

Sofie was still berating herself when she caught a glint of bright light moving across the wall in front of her. Distracted momentarily, she watched as it moved around the wall in an array of colours. It was a pretty sight, watching the rainbows, but she was unable to figure out where they were coming from. It was odd, because she’d never seen this happen in the Inn before. Intrigued, she followed the light with her eyes before a reptilian voice behind her interrupted her reverie.

"Maybe miss he would like to warm up a little before answering any questions. He has only just come in."

The redhead felt her hair stand on an end as she slowly turned her head around to face the speaker. Sofie stifled a sharp gasp as she saw who had spoken. A massive lizard-creature, standing at least two feet taller than her, stared back at her. He was covered in golden scales and chain mail, and had a series of sharp, ebony spines crawled down his back. She also caught a glimpse of a large scaled tail, looking as though it would harm any creature who had the misfortune of getting in it’s way.

Feeling her heart pounding in her chest, Sofie clutched her barstool with shaking hands as the creature smiled menacingly at her. What in the realm of Arda is he?! And why did the innkeeper let him in? Oh goddess, what have you gotten me into? Gulping, she tried to give herself some courage. This reptile won’t hurt you with all these people around. Plus you’ve got this knight fellow sitting right next to you. Calm down now. He must be safe enough if the innkeeper accepted him. As she pulled her eyes away from his sharp teeth, she noticed that many of the farmers had backed away from the creature in fear or caution. Biting her lip, she tried to focus on what the man next to her was saying.

"Its quite all right, I've been through much worse then rain in my time."

Listening to his calm voice, she felt her heartbeat noticeably slow, although her fingers still clutched her stool in fear. Avoiding the gaze of the lizard creature, she looked over at the man who had just spoken. Breathe, Sofie. He probably thinks you’re the biggest weakling he’s ever met. Yet another reason to be more worldly, so you can actually know what this chilling creature is.

"...I'm on my way to Lómëdor, there is supposed to be a holy order there."

Sofie looked up sharply as the man finished his explanation, and forgot her fear momentarily. He was going to Lómëdor? Maybe he could tell her more about the city! Surveying him more closely, she saw that despite his knightly armour, he still had some boyish looks and could possibly be younger than her. You know you need to get out more when someone younger than you has seen more in a week than you’ve seen in a lifetime, Sofie thought to herself, sighing inwardly.

“You.. you’re going to Lómëdor?” she replied shakily, her voice still feeling the effects of seeing the lizard man. “I’m planning on travelling there myself to.. to study.” Returning his smile with a wobbly one of her own, she continued. “I hadn’t heard anything about bandits, though. I hope it’s not as bad as you say, on the way to the city.”

Glancing back at the lizard creature, she checked to see how he would react.

Leon moved over to the bar taking a seat by the knight being careful not to knock anything over with his tail along the way. The barstool creaked noisily as he sat on it. He frowned and decided to stand not knowing if it would hold his weight. "Your town miss has a bigger bandit problem then you might expect. I famous bandit leader is hidden somewhere in you friendly town. Oh but where are my manners. I am lean the bounty hunter." He said with a small bow. "I am sorry if I scared any of you. My appearance often frightens people. It is a curse I must bear, but it is useful in some situations." He said to the two strangers. Then as an afterthought he said "Maybe I could help you get to Lómëdor. I mean if you need any. Its not like I am doing much. I have been waiting for a week without even hearing anything about my bounty. I am beginning to think that he has left, and I am getting tired of waiting around.


Leon looked at these two strangers. He found himself wondering what there story was. "What strange force has drawn such different people into one place" he murmured to himself before snapping out of his trance like state of thought. His tail swayed nervously behind him. He knew that anything could happen.

Rayn smiled at both of them. "Aye, the bandits should be delt with." Rayn said nodding his head. "Oh yea, I'm Rayn al Boha. I was a street theif for a time... But well my friend got killed by a vampire, now I spend my time doing good and protecting people... Rather risky business. Doesn't pay well either..." He said with a grin. Rayn took a sip from his ale. As the liquid touched his tounge he noticed a man on the other side of the Inn.

The man had long messy brown hair and an eyepatch over his left eye. He was watching Rayn. Rayn paused with his cup at his mouth. The man looked at the group he was sitting with, they all looked around at Rayn as well. Each man was big,messy and had a weapon. The man with eyepatch laughed, "Boy you got a problem or something!" He shouted across the Inn.

Rayn lowered his cup of ale. His face was calm and he raised an eyebrow. Rayn shifted around on his stall. He rested a hand on his sword hilt and lent back appearing to be casual. "No, I was admiring your face." Rayn said as if it was a matter of fact.

The Bandit stood up. Rayn spun around on his stall and faced the bar. He kept his hand on his sword hilt. He could hear the chairs moving and men getting to their feet. The guy from the cross roads a few miles back. I can't believe he would rob a woman! Why do I have to say something like "Admiring your face" Grrr Rayn you Idiot! Now your going to have to deal with him, I hope this lizard guy is willing to fight! Rayn thought as the sound of boots behind him came closer.

((OOC: It would be great if you could let the fight drag out so I can get another post in. The longer, the better. Thank you!))

Wide eyed, Sofie watched the lizard man cautiously as he carefully manoeuvred his way behind her to sit beside the armour-clad man. Despite her obvious fear, she found herself trying not to giggle as he sat down at the worn barstool with a loud creak. With the lizard’s massive size, it looked nearly impossible for him to sit down without breaking the stool. A smile twitched at the corner of her lips as the creature stood up once more, the stool creaking all the while. Apparently he realized the same thing she had, and decided not to risk it. Her smile soon disappeared, however, when he began to talk in his reptilian voice once more.

Bandit problems? she thought to herself in disbelief, the nervous expression on her face only there for fear of the lizard. I’ve only ever heard of two incidents involving bandits. John never told me anything... Shifting on the chair so she faced the lizard man’s direction, she heavily rested her arm on the bar table and began drumming her fingers absentmindedly. Gosh... I hope Ma and Pa are all right when I’m away. I’m sure it hasn’t escalated to our area, outside of Estolad, but just in case.. And what’s this about a bandit leader? A slight frown took hold of her lips, only enhancing her nervous exterior.

“Oh, but where are my manners. I am Leon, the bounty hunter."

Sofie bit down sharply on her lip as she took in this new information. First bandits, now bounty hunters? What a bizarre day this was turning out to be. Tasting blood in her mouth from the bite, she stopped drumming her fingers and raised a hand to her lip. Keep a better handle on yourself, farm girl! You’ll surely be meeting a lot more of these strange creatures with odd professions on your travels. Stop embarrassing yourself, will you? Raising her brown eyes to meet the lizard’s face, she smiled hesitantly. It was nice enough of him to apologize for frightening her, at least. He seemed like an all right character at the moment, except for the whole “being-a-scary-lizard-man-who-also-kills-people-for-a-living” thing.

"Maybe I could help you get to Lómëdor.”

That’s not to say him seeming “all right” meant she was willing to risk her life travelling with him! Unless she found a way to trust him more, she would be doing no travelling with Leon. Sofie tried to think of a way to let him down lightly, but was saved from answering when the man next to her jumped in.

Thieves? Vampires?? Oh goddess, I know you mean well but this is really too much for a poor farm girl like myself to handle. Reservations about thieves notwithstanding, she found herself being drawn to his infectious smile. John was right, she really was too trusting. And if he found out she was among such shady characters? That would not be a pretty sight. Staring at the wooden floor of the room, Sofie tried to think of one good reason to be at the bar next to the two men.

Umm.. they have nice.. names?

A loud yell pulled Sofie out of her thoughts and caused her to look up from the floor, disoriented. A large brute, seemingly having had too much to drink, was looking threateningly in Rayn’s direction. Sofie took in the man, surrounded by his cronies, and the large weapon at his side. Gulping, she suddenly felt her fear coming back by the bushel. The farmers who had remained in the room after Leon’s appearance suddenly looked as though they had somewhere better to be, and began to quickly leave the room in groups of two or three. Glancing at Rayn, Sofie hoped that he would defuse the situation before it escalated. How would he be able to take that man and the six other men surrounding him?

"No, I was admiring your face."

Sofie felt like smacking her companion in the back of his head. Defuse the situation?! Good goddess, you couldn’t count on men to do anything right! Sitting frozen on her stool, facing towards the bar, she could feel the clomping of boots as the men began to walk across the room towards Rayn.

I really should have left with those farmers.

"Aye, the bandits should be delt with."
Leon smiled. finally someone who wasn't afraid to say what he thought. "Oh yea, I'm Rayn al Boha. I was a street theif for a time... But well my friend got killed by a vampire, now I spend my time doing good and protecting people... Rather risky business. Doesn't pay well either..." "Well you must lead an interesting life" leon replied. He then noticed rayn staring at a scruffy looking group of men on the other side of the inn. A man with an eye patch who was obviously the leader yelled at rayn.
"No, I was admiring your face." rayn said to the man. The group of bandits stood, and leon could tell that they where looking for a fight.

With one hand on his sword leon stepped forward. "Sir Rayn would you be so kind as to try and keep at least one of these men alive they might know something important." Leon then drew his sword and pulled his shield from off his back. He dropped into a fighting stance holding weapons at the ready and moved forward watching his foes carefully. A couple bandits branched off from the group and moved towards leon to keep him from there leader. The whole world seemed to stand still for just a split second before all hell broke loose. The two bandits closest to leon let out a savage yell and charged at him. One held a large slightly rust two handed sword high over his head as he charged hoping to cleave leon in half with one blow. The other had a axe and shield and moved more cautiously then the other. He could tell by how the second one moved that he had seen combat before. The inexperienced swordsman closed in bringing his sword down in a large arc. Leon brought his own sword up to block. The swords rang like a bell as the struck each other. Leon bashed his shield into the mans chest knocking him off balance for a second, and giving leon time to block the axe that was coming for his gut from the second. Leon glanced back at the others, and saw the other bandits moving towards them. He knew that the knight would be ready to fight but he had no idea of the girls combat abilities. Leon pulled his skullshredderr dagger from his belt and threw it to her. "I hope that you know how to use that milady" he said to her."

He turned back to face the bandits in front of him. "Now where were we." he said with a sadistic smile.

With one hand on his sword leon stepped forward. "Sir Rayn would you be so kind as to try and keep at least one of these men alive they might know something important."

Rayn spun around on his stall. He finished his mug of ale. "Aye, bounty hunter. I will spare one if I must." Rayn said with a laugh. He jumped up and drew his sword in a fan like motion. Rayn held his sword above his head in a defensive stance. He looked at the farm girl next to him "Don't get involved unless you are secretly a hero of legends." Rayn said with a wink.

Rayn focused on a flame within his mind. He put all his emotions into the flame. I am one with the sword... The sword is one with me... The sword is part of me... I am the sword... A small bandit with club and short sword charged at Rayn. He slashed with his sword at Rayn's middle. Rayn's lightning fast reaction which he had learnt as a thief came into play. He brought his own sword down Swallow Strikes The Water and knocked the short sword to the side. The Bandit looked shocked and swung his club at Rayn's head. Rayn ducked, spun and stabbed his own sword through the man stomach.

The dead bandit dropped to the floor and blood poured out of him. Rayn brought his sword above his head and waited for another enemy to attack. Two scruffy bandits stood infront of Rayn, they didn't move forwards though as they had seen him deal with the first bandit.

The leader of the bandits had his own sword draw but was right at the back of the Inn. "Right you bloody worthless dogs! Kill them! Or I will take out one of your eyes and eat it! Then you will look like me!" The leader shouted. The bandit didn't need much more they moved forwards slowly.

Slowly, Sofie willed her muscles to unclamp so she wouldn’t become a permanent statue on the barstool. The situation had gone from a simple brawl to a full scale battle, something she was not looking forward to. She hated fighting, and not just because she wasn’t a well trained fighter. She despised the bloodshed, and disliked how many fights ended up being pointless battles simply to see who was stronger. There was no real reason to them. However, she also realized that she couldn’t spend too much time contemplating how silly fighting was. Her life could be in danger here, especially with everyone bringing out weapons rather than fists. Sofie turned around on her stool so she faced the attacking men, and slid off next to Rayn. Pressing her back tightly against the bar, she felt fear take hold of her once more.

"Don't get involved unless you are secretly a hero of legends."

The redhead looked at her companion in shock, taking in his cheerful voice and exterior. How can he go into this without any fear? Does he not worry that maybe this time he won’t be good enough? “Trust me, I don’t plan on getting involved,” she replied, voice shaking slightly. Sliding along the bar away from Rayn, her eyes caught sight of the lizard man taking on two grim looking men. Despite her original panic at seeing him, she found herself hoping that he wouldn’t get hurt in that fight. Well, the saying does go that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I guess that makes this Leon fellow my friend, at least for now. Sofie watched him while continuing to slide along the bar, trying to reach the back corner of the room before anyone noticed her. Wincing as Leon was nearly slashed in the gut from one of the axe wielding thug, she was almost caught off guard when he turned around to meet her eyes.

"I hope that you know how to use that milady."

Stumbling forward, she reached out both hands nervously to catch the jagged dagger that he threw her way. Hoping it wouldn’t miss and cut into her, she felt a shiver of relief go through her body when her slender hands clasped the cool wooden handle. This relief soon disappeared, however, when she got a better look at the jagged edges. He expects me to use this? Sofie thought in horror, unable to comprehend thrusting the dagger into someone’s gut no matter how much danger she was in. She did own a dagger herself, but it was in the other room. Besides, she had never used it for anything other than cutting a thick piece of rope!

A loud thud caught her attention, and she turned in Rayn’s direction just in time to see one of the attackers drop to the floor, presumably dead. Sofie gagged as she looked at the blood, spreading thickly across the wooden floor. Luckily (or unluckily, depending on how one looked at it), she was spared from having to stare at the dead man for too long. A low chuckle came from behind her, only ten steps away. Whipping around, she saw one of the men with a short sword in hand, staggering towards her. A loud squeak emitted from her throat.

“‘Ello lassie,” the man’s slurred voice said, a wicked grin crossing his face. “What’re ya doing over here, all unprotected? A maid like yerself shudna be in a fight like this ‘un, since ye wudn’t be safe. I gots no plans to spare ye.” He laughed, and took another step in her direction. She could smell the drink on his breath already, and stumbled backwards. Unluckily, she found herself already against the bar counter. Sofie’s eyes looked at the man, frightened at what the outcome might end up being if she didn't defend herself.

I’m not ready to die, goddess damn him. I’m going to study!

Gripping Leon’s dagger with her right hand, she took a step forward and swung it wildly in the man’s general direction. “Stay away from me!” Sofie yelled, her voice cutting across the clammer of weapons on the other side of the room. The man jumped back to avoid the swinging dagger, but soon realized she was inexperienced at wielding it. The expression on his face grew more confident. Sofie, noticing her attempt at intimidation was not working, grabbed an empty glass from the counter and threw it as hard as she could in his direction. It hit him on his head and fell to the floor, breaking into pieces.

The brute stumbled back, but quickly caught himself and turned once more to face her. He growled, and swung his sword at her head. Screaming from fright, she ducked low to the floor. Apparently, all the adrenaline in her body from the fight had made her reactions far quicker than normal. The sword swished through the air, hitting nothing, but she could not be sure he would not try again.

Any time someone wants to help, that would be great! she thought, panting. She was still crouched down, but with both eyes on the man in front of her. What he would do next was uncertain.

The swordsman swung his blade vertically at leon's stomach with great force just as the axeman swung his axe and leon's neck. Leon only had enough time to block one of the attacks even with two ways to protect himself. He had only a split second to decide. He heard his blood rushing through his veins and felt his heart beat rapidly with the adrenaline of combat. He brought his sword up blocked the axe, and tried to get his shield between him and the sword. He was to slow. The large sword split his ragged chainmail and cut through his scales biting into the soft flesh underneath. His hot blood began to spurt from the wound as the swordsman pulled his blade free.

Leon let out a savage cry of pain and rage and dropped his sword and shield. He could now fell his blood running down the side of his torso and onto his legs. He grabbed the swordsman by the throat and smashed his head into a nearby table breaking it into pieces and sending splinters and wooden shards flying in all directions. Leon heard the sickening crack of the mans neck snapping as his head went through the table and connected with the ground. He then turned to face the second man who was in shock from what he had just seen.

“Stay away from me!”
Leon turned to see the girl trying to fight off one of the bandits who looked to be drunk. He turned back around and the axe man was upon him. The axeman swung his axe wildly hitting leon in the leg and barely getting through his scales. "I don't have time to fight you" leon yelled at the axeman before smashing his fist into the axeman's face. The axeman dropped to the ground unconscious. He heard the girl scream and turned and ran towards the bandit. He slammed into the bandit with all his weight knocking him to the ground and knocking his weapon from his hand. Leon looked at the girl. "Are you ok?" he asked. Then the bandit punched him in the face surprisingly well for someone who was drunk. Leon caught glimpses of rayn and his fight as he was brawling with the drunk man. Rayn seemed to be able and handle himself. Leon was glad that he had some help in this fight. Leon knew he was pretty good at fighting but the numbers of the bandits could have been enough to finish him.

Time seemed to freeze as Leon got wounded. Rayn would of dashed over to guard him but a bandit stood in his path. He heard the farm girl scream and spun to see that she was infact trying to fight a drunken bandit.

Rayn lowered his sword and looked around at the bandits. Rayn had somehow made his way into the centre of the Inn. He jumped up onto a table and looked down. He was surounded by two bandits. Rayn looked at them all. Oh my word! two on one! I am trained with the sword... but other then that... I'm not a hero... A bead of sweat dripped down the side of Rayn's face.

Rayn spun his sword around at his side. He grinned at each of the bandits. "Right lads... I can tell old one eye over there is your boss? Yes?..." Rayn said and the bandit's paused. Rayn made a display and lent on his sword. "Right a one eyed bandit walked into a bar..." Rayn said and kicked the closest bandit in the face. "Ouch!" The bandit cursed. Rayn laughed "Ha you already knew the joke."

Brown eyes still on the sword wielding brute, Sofie only heard a pounding on the wooden floor from a heavy weight before the man in front of her was knocked to the ground, his weapon dropped from his hand. Still in a low crouch, she hesitantly tore her gaze away and looked up at the lizard man. Suddenly, the only noise in the room was her heart pounding in her chest. A quiet gulp went down her throat as she realized how close she had been to death.

"Are you ok?"

Breathing hard, she nodded a quick response to Leon’s question. “Yeah... I.. I think I’m ok.” Pausing, Sofie offered the reptilian a quick smile. “Thanks for rescuing me from.. that.” Shifting her feet, she slowly straightened her legs up into a standing position. Glancing once more at the drunken bandit, she gasped as she watched him sit up and punch the lizard creature in the face. Apparently he hadn’t been knocked unconscious, and still had some strength left in him. Scrambling back a few feet away from the man, she watched as he carefully pushed himself up and stood, swaying, a few feet away from Leon. He raised his fists, attempting to fight the lizard bare handed.

From the corner of her eye, she spotted Rayn standing on one of the larger tables, surrounded by two of the remaining men. The man who seemed to be the leader was hanging back, an angry scowl on his face. He paced back and forth near the exit of the room, his uncovered eye glaring at the knight. From where Sofie was, he appeared to have some unfinished business with her companion. I wouldn’t want to be the one to get in Rayn’s way, the redhead shivered, remembering the bleeding corpse on the floor.

A deep male voice cut through the air, and she realized that the leading brute was finally speaking once more. ”Get yerselves away from him,” he told his lankeys. As they slowly began to back away, eyes never leaving Rayn’s face, the leader turned to the knight.

”So ye think yer good ‘nuff to take me, eh boy?” he sneered, fingering the hilt of his longsword. ”Well, let’s go now, one on one. With no damned Lizarians or silly girls to interrupt us. Whaddya say?”

((OOC: Sorry for the bad post. xD I'll add Sofie's thoughts later, but now I've gotta run. Feel free to post!))

Rayn watched the bandits step back behind their leader. "Yeah thats right you sons of goats, do what your ugly cow faced leader tells you!" Rayn said laughing. He looked around the Inn. The place was a complete mess, tables were knocked over and chairs were broken. Rayn hated the thought that it was his fault this was happening to some poor old fellows Inn.

Rayn dropped from the table to the floor. As he landed a cloud of dust rushed into the air. His boots hit the floor with a dull thud. Rayn looked slowly at the Leader. ”So ye think yer good ‘nuff to take me, eh boy?” he sneered, fingering the hilt of his longsword. ”Well, let’s go now, one on one. With no damned Lizarians or silly girls to interrupt us. Whaddya say?” The Leader said with a harsh evil laugh.

Rayn felt a strange feeling inside his heart. He looked at the evil bandit. The leader was dressed in a black vest, black chaps with knee high black leather boots. He also wore a black cape which trailed on the floor behind him. All his clothes looked travel worn and dirty. The bandit leader glared with his good eye. The pale blue eye looked cold with out happiness. The bandit grinned with yellow teeth. "Whats the matta boy? Scared are ya?" He said with a laugh.

Rayn closed his eyes. "No not fear..." Rayn's hands were sweaty and felt wet on the hilt of his sword. He held the sword infront of him and looked at the blade. "This is a Holy blade... I am a Holy Knight..." Rayn said almost in a trance. Rayn opened his eyes and looked at the Bandit. Rayn's eyes were now as cold as his. "Are you evil?" Rayn asked the bandit.

The bandit laughed. "I once hung six children from a tree because their father killed one of men. Do I sound evil?" He said grinning. Rayn gritted his teeth. He pointed his sword at the bandit. "Death comes to us all!" Rayn roared, memorys of his childhood friend who was murdered came flooding back into his mind. Rayn's sword burst into bright white flames.

The punch that from the bandit landed square on leon's jaw with a thud. He blacked out momentarily from the force. He was surprised at how hard the drunken bandit had hit him. He tried to shake off the punch but only succeeded in making himself dizzy. HE stood up after the bandit, and almost fell on his butt. He was a little dizzy still and the room spun around him in a swirl of color. With the help of his tail he managed to stay steady as the effects of the punch wore off.

Leon was disappointed when the bandit leader called off his goons. He very much wanted to finish the job he had started. His adrenaline still pumped through his veins as he moved over to stand next to the girl. He let himself calm down and relax. He wasn't worried about the bandits troubling him. HE stayed in a ready stance just in case they did decided to disobey there leader.

”So ye think yer good ‘nuff to take me, eh boy?” the bandit said to rayn.
”Well, let’s go now, one on one. With no damned Lizarians or silly girls to interrupt us. Whaddya say?” Leon wished he could rush in and tear the bandits head from his shoulders, but he knew that this was not his fight. He watched rayn carefully just in case at some point he had to face him. He seemed calm and sure of himself.
"Whats the matta boy? Scared are ya?" the bandit said to rayn.
"No not fear..." "This is a Holy blade... I am a Holy Knight..." rayn said in replie to the bandit. leon didn't what that had to do with the current situation.
"Are you evil?" rayn asked the leader. Leon was dumbstruck. Why would that matter at a time like this? He was fighting a bandit he kills, and steals from innocent people of course he was evil. He couldn't believe rayn asked such a question.
"I once hung six children from a tree because their father killed one of men. Do I sound evil?" His blood boiled with anger. His adrenaline returned and he began to thump his tail on the wooden floor behind him making a dull thumping sound. He was ready to kill that evil scum without thought. He wanted very badly to rip the bandits throat out with his teeth.

The bandits leader seemed to be a good enough answer for rayn. He yelled something but leon didn't hear it he sound of his blood pounding through his body was the only sound he heard. then he watched as rayn's sword bust into white flame. It arced through the air towards the leader, but he jumped to the side trying to get out of the way of rayn's holy blade. The blade went clean through three of the bandits fingers, and cauterized the wounds. The bandit scream with rage and pain. "Yer goin to die slowly for that one boy!" the bandit yelled out to rayn. HE then pulled out a sword hanging from his belt and charged at rayn.

(OOC: Sorry it took so long. I hope you all like my post.)

Pure rage filled Rayn's heart, but his mind was blank apart from a flame which he fed his emotions into. Rayn barely thought when he slashed his sword, white flames danced before his eyes. The bandit moved out of the way just in time, but lost three fingers. Rayn spun around and held his Holy Sword above his head in a defence stance.

The Bandit cursed. "Yer goin to die slowly for that one boy!" The bandit yelled out to Rayn. He then pulled out a sword hanging from his belt and charged at Rayn. Rayn spun to the side as the Bandit stabbed forwards with his sword. Rayn brought his sword around and swung at the Bandit's head. The Bandit was amazing quick as well and ducked under Rayn's attack. Rayn staggered a little bit when his attack missed. The Bandit saw this as a perfect chance and brought the hilt of his sword up to hit Rayn in the face.

Blood flew out of the side of Rayn's mouth. He fell back, tripping over a chair and landed flat on his back. The air in his lungs rushed out of him and he couldn't breath. The Bandit brought his sword down again. Rayn's eyes widened and he rolled to the side. The Bandit's sword hit the floor with a thud.

The Bandit laughed evily. "Boy take ye death! This is not worthy of a Knight!" The Bandit snarled and spat at Rayn. He then held his sword above his head fo the final blow on Rayn. Panic filled Rayn to the brim on his very being. He slashed his flaming sword without thinking what he was doing. His sword struck the Bandit's leg and blood leaked out. The Bandit gasped in pain and dropped the sword behind him. He fell to the floor holding his leg.

The Bandit fell forwards his head landing next to Rayn's head. Rayn smiled "I cut your hamstring." He said. The Bandit's eyes widened with anger and he was about to say something. Rayn still had his sword in his hand. He swung it over his body and slashed the Bandit Leader's neck...Killing him instantly...

Leon watched the fight intensely never taking his eyes off the bandit leader. He wasn't worried about rayn winning the fight. The Bandit leader seemed maybe a little off balance like maybe he had drank a few ales before rayn had shown up. There swords flashed and then rayn struck with a mighty blow and took the leaders head from his shoulders. The head hit the ground with a thud and began to roll towards him. The head came to a halt by his feet.

He picked up the head and stared at it for a long moment. The face was frozen in an expression of horror and fear. Blood was dripping from what was left of the neck. He looked at the bandits who where left. He let out a big toothy smile and tossed the severed head back on the ground. "Now unless any of you would like to end up like your boss there" he said pointing at the head " Then I suggest you follow my orders. Now drop your weapons and back against the wall." he said commandingly. He watched the bandits drop there weapons and back up against the wall. He walked over to where his sword and shield lay, and bent over to retrieve them. As he bent over he felt a jab of pain in his side. He grimaced in pain as he remember the wound he had received from the swordsman. Blood still flowed from the wound at a steady pace.

Leon picked up his possessions and stood up again. He walked over by the bandits and looked at rayn. "Sir rayn are you ok? You had a tough fight, and I think you did very well. He got what he deserved." he said pointing with his sword at the head. He then turned his attention back to the bandits. "Now listen closely I want you scum to tell me what you know about Antonio Blackheart" None of the bandits said a word. There were three bandits left, and if they didn't start to talk there would be none. After a moment one of them spoke. "Last I head he had left this town. No one knows exactly where he went. Last we heard he was headed towards Lómëdor." The bandits voice quaked with fear as he spoke. He walked over to the bandit his his tail dragging noisily behind him. Leon looked into his eyes. "I will take your word. If I find out your lying I will hunt you down and kill you. Now leave, and if I ever see you again I will kill you." he said to the bandit. The bandits eyes where wide with fear and sweat ran down his face. A few moments later he ran out of the building never to bee seen again.

Rayn stood up, he was covered in the bandit's blood. He spat and blood came out of his mouth. "Leon, he packed quite a punch!" Rayn said with a jokey laugh. He then watched as Leon lined all of the bandit's up against the wall.

"Now listen closely I want you scum to tell me what you know about Antonio Blackheart" None of the bandits said a word. There were three bandits left, and if they didn't start to talk there would be none. After a moment one of them spoke. "Last I head he had left this town. No one knows exactly where he went. Last we heard he was headed towards Lómëdor." The bandits voice quaked with fear as he spoke. He walked over to the bandit his his tail dragging noisily behind him. Leon looked into his eyes. "I will take your word. If I find out your lying I will hunt you down and kill you. Now leave, and if I ever see you again I will kill you." he said to the bandit. The bandits eyes where wide with fear and sweat ran down his face. A few moments later he ran out of the building never to bee seen again.

Rayn paused for a moment. "I guess your going after him?" Rayn said. He put his sword back on his belt. "Well if that is the case, I will help you in the hunt... I will tell you something which you must not tell another soul..." Rayn said, he felt as if he could trust Leon. "I was once a member of the guild of thieves in Lómëdor, I was very good, one of the best. I became know as "Rayn The Rat..." But towards the end of my carear my friend was killed by a vampire... A bloody death... That is why I have become a Knight... But if Lómëdor is our destination, I know every hideout, backstreet, thieve den... In other words... I know Lómëdor even better then the thieves upright man." Rayn said with a smile.