Lost and Found -- open.

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

The forest was much more massive than the ones in the Inkworld, although the trees were a bit shorter. The canopy of the forest made it hard to see the bright blue sky that rested above the tree lines while vines, roots, and large sprouts of grass covered the dirt path from being seen. There was even little indication that the sun was high in the sky. There were only a couple of blotches in the forest sky that let light shine down on the earth. Only colors of green and brown filled the vast area like there was no other color in this world of ink created in another world of ink. Everywhere you looked there was some sort of plant threatening to prick you if one wasn’t paying the most careful of attention while trying to walk over unidentified objects that lingered just about everywhere on the forest floor. Logs were scattered all about with no evidence of a fallen tree for as far as the eye could see. It would take someone with great observation and carefulness to walk along the forest without falling flat on their faces, or better yet without killing themselves by accident.

There was such a man walking the forest. Why he was foolish enough to walk alone wasn’t clear. The look on the man’s face showed signs of irritation and confusion. The eyes of the man, hazel and tired, swept the forest with a quick glance. His lips pulled down into a frown. He was completely lost, and even he had to admit now. Forget about that manly pride crap. He knew he needed to get out, if he didn’t death was in his future and he knew that death and his minions wanted him more than any other being. A rough forearm rubbed against a forehead stricken with beads of sweat, a tired sigh leaving the lips of the man. This man was known by many a name. He was born Mortimer Folchart, but his daughter was keen on calling him just Mo for short. For his talent he was given the name Silvertongue. Then the name Bluejay was the last straw, this was the one name he wasn’t quite sure where he stood on it. He didn’t hate it, but he didn’t like it. That wasn’t important though, the only thing that was important was the thought of getting to use that name with welcome and love instead of with remorse and sorrow for the man being dead.

Mortimer kept moving, one careful foot in front of the other. He wished that his wife was by his side, but she had gotten separated hours within being read into ‘Timeless Ink’ by the cruel girl Laura. It was her fault that he, his wife and a dozen other helpless inhabitants from Inkheart were taken from the world they loved into the one Meggie had created. Sometimes he cursed that girl for writing all these dangerous things. He always threatened that they’d come back and do something harmful to the family. Judging from where Mortimer was he was right. Now, after losing the one thing he was familiar with in this world, he just trudged on and on hoping to find a familiar face. So far, being three weeks or so in, he hadn’t found a single one. He knew he would have to run into them sooner or later. Maybe even the next village would hold someone of value? First he just had to find his way out of his endless forest.

A couple of hours slipped by the time Mortimer stumbled out of the forest. He grinned as he fell to his knees, looking about. This place was a dozen times more beautiful than the wild forest. The trees here were scattered all around the large area before him. The sun above him was slowly lowering into the sky. By his judgment it had to be at least three or four o’clock in the afternoon. “Not much time to get to the next village” he muttered as he pushed himself up, straightening up. His curious eyes gazed around. It was sad that he didn’t take the time to appreciate the beauty of this world. Maybe he would do so once he found what he was looking for, but until then sightseeing was strictly prohibited! His face softened as he kept shuffling his feet forward. Where are all the fairies? a voice inside him asked. A shrug rolled off his shoulders as he slid down a tree trunk to take a break. After all he did deserve one after battling that forest. Did Meggie even invent this world to have fairies? He paused as his eyes moved up to the sky. He had missed the soft sound of their wing fluttering above his head. He didn’t miss, however, their greediness when it came to human hair. Of course she did. She loves fairies! But wasn’t there something about sorcerer’s being the only ones who could see them? The was a disappointment to Mo. He was curious to see how they would turn out compared to the one’s in Fenoglio’s story.

His eyes slowly drooped until they would no longer stay open. His head gently rested against the trunk of the tree as he let his breathing become softer and calmer. This is no time for a nap, Mortimer. hesitantly his eyes fluttered open. The sun was still in the same spot, so he hadn’t dozed off for a minute or two. With weak arms, Mo heaved himself to his feet and rubbed at his tired eyes.Just keep going. You can’t leave your friends and family, now can you Mortimer? He was right! He couldn’t leave them all alone in this world, he needed to find and protect them, especially his daughters, his son and his wife. Oh good heavens! He hadn’t even thought of his two younger children! You’re a bad father, do you know that Mortimer? At least they were with Resa, or at least he hoped so. An even better reason to keep moving along. With a slight nod to himself Mortimer slowly started walking again, his hands swayed limply with his movements. His tiredness was very clear.[/size]

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

Koell had been to the City of Yews once before an a delivery trip and he was heading there again. By courtesy he always entered a city first to pre-warn Lorreciel’s arrival. Lorreciel was in the air above the forest, Koell could feel that much, but she was anxious. Naturally she hated leaving Koell on his own, mostly because it meant he was on the ground.

Still Koell insisted and now he was walking along the forest floor of the nicer part of the Svara Wood. He was putting one foot in front of the other, though one required him to move the cane first. For someone who wasn’t really that old it was a bit depressing to be honest, but Koell was used it by now. His cane had been with him for a while and it actually had more uses than it did fallbacks. Its too bad the circumstances with his leg were not the same way.

Koell was in a pair of thick black leather boots and the same black leather formed a knee brace on the inside of his pant leg. His baggy pants showed a thicker area around his left knee because of it. He had a pale purple tunic on that could be compared to lavender in color. One of his better quality ones but still worn and a little sun bleached. Being on a dragon’s back didn’t leave much shade. This also meant his tanned skin was a little toasted today—but not too badly. It was just darker and by no means actually burnt.

Koell walked with a limp, but still at a quick pace. Usually he wasn’t accustomed to meeting many people in the Svara wood. It was more natural and he usually only found animals and small creatures. Goblins were a pain and so were the Brownies but he accepted them and knew how to deal with them. Koell saw the man with his swaying movements and awkward footsteps from behind at a distance. At first he figured it may have been a Tull Elf. Then as he got closer he realized it was a man. He was silent in his approach but when he was close enough that he could see a face, though that was still far away, he called a greeting.

”Hello Stranger, Not lost are you?” He inquired it lightly and clearly in a friendly way. Koell was always a friendly person and very social. This man looked exhausted though. Koell hadn’t seen him before, though it was not uncommon for him to overlook people. All the same, why was a man wandering alone through the Svara woods. The only people who bothered were weathered travellers, trackers and the people from the City of Yews. And if you didn’t know where that was they you sure as hell were not going to find it.

He continued limping forward using his cane to lessen the limp. The cane had a copper and purple dragon with pick accents on the top of the handle. It spiralled around the blunt part of the cane that hit the ground. It was a cane sword, though you couldn’t tell by looking at it. As he walked he followed with an introduction. ”I am Koell Lorreciel, and you are?” He managed to get over to the man quick enough despite his leg. He could still move quickly, just not as efficiently as he could when he was younger and when he could use both legs to their fullest.

[/size][/blockquote]

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

Tired hands rolled up Mo’s black sleeves to his elbow. He wasn’t sure how long he had been walking, but night was coming closer and closer. The same tired hands ran themselves through his short brown hair, the same hair that was damped by sweat. Now that day was becoming night everything was becoming a bit cooler. His tired body welcomed the cold to cool him off, and it did slowly. If he could have he would have taken his shirt off, but he knew it would only be pointless. He looked down at his boots, they looked worn and they hadn’t been when he first was sent into this hell so to speak. Another yawn, this had to be the fifteenth one in the last half of an hour, escaped his lips. Mo wasn’t used to so much walking. In the Inkworld he had a horse, and even when he spent days on foot he always took breaks every couple of hours. Since his journey began in this world he only stopped when it was too dark to continue on and then rose shortly after the sun graced the world with its presence.

Mo wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take. He had walked more in this world than he had in the other two he had lived in. He was probably in the best shape of his life, though. He rarely ate and walked all day. He was thinner than he had ever been, but he had always been an extremely thin man. Maybe he was becoming under weight? That didn’t matter right now! He needed to find his family, then he’d worry about is health. Once he had Meggie, Resa and his two younger children under his arm he would be happy once again. Happiness…so far it seemed like such a thing didn’t exist in this world. Leave it to Meggie to make a world depressing if not more depressing than Fenoglio’s! But he knew Meggie to always hated sad endings to stories. Was depression only the beginning of this story and would happiness end? Of course! That was how it had to have been. That was what Meggie liked in a book. This wouldn’t last forever.

The thoughts of happy endings let Mo continue on in his journey to find his own. After some time of walking he heard the steps of someone else approaching from in front of him. His brows rose with curiosity as the male came into his view. His eyes narrowed as he looked upon the hobbling man. He noticed the slight bulge around his knee, some sort of brace must have been placed there. The man looked like most of the other beings he had met in this world. He looked ragged, but friendly. His cloths made him look like a mix between a peasant and someone who worked higher up in a castle. The cane by its self looked like it cost more than a few dozen pounds of book binding items and materials. He wasn’t quite sure where to place the man, so he left it alone.

Upon meeting the man he himself smiled as friendly as he could, being rude in any world could get a man killed. “Hello!” He called back to him, his hand gave a slight wave to the man. “ I’m afraid I am lost, sir.” His voice was a tired and a bit coarse, but at the same time it was so charming that it could draw the most stubborn of men to it. Mortimer wished he had known more about this world. Then he’d be able to tell where he was going, or if this man in front of his was a potential threat. By just looking at him he didn’t look like it, but even the nicest of people had an evil side. He learned that the hard way, and even by personal experience.

“I’m Mortimer Folchart.” He called back. In this world he was determined to be known by his real name, not by the name given to him by the Inkweaver. In this world, he wasn’t sure if the Bluejay should be let loose but for the time being he wasn’t going to even think of it. “It's a pleasure to meet you Koell.” Was it a mistake to say this to a complete stranger? He was glad he had met him, that was for sure. With this man’s help, he hoped, he would be able to get to the next city and possibly find his family! He was becoming anxious, even if his body was beyond tired. Speaking of tired, he still looked it, but now he also looked alert with a friendly smile lingering on his lips.[/size]

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

Koell couldn’t help but notice the forced smile. The man seemed so lost and it was odd to find someone lost in these times. Sure, it made sense in this forest, but if you wandered into the wrong place with Garantar in control that could have resulted in a death sentence. He ignored the fact that the tired smile appeared forced and kept his cheerful one on. He had slept most of the afternoon so he was feeling fine.

”It isn’t uncommon for people to get lost in here. I am guessing you haven’t been in here before—And no more calling me sir thank you. I am by no means someone who sticks to formalities.” It was true. In fact, Koell often got dirty looks in most courts for not bowing and doing other very strict things that were surrounded by royalty. However, Drakes were never very formal and it may have had something to do with the fact that they had dragons backing them up.

He did notice the beauty in the other’s voice but Koell never paid much attention to the little things and chose to overlook it. He took in the name and noted it to himself. Well, the man’s name placed him as someone who fit into the usual population. Why was he so lost? ”Pleasure is mine I am sure,” Koell ended, his smile still resting on his features. ”Where are you heading, maybe I can help you find your way? Are you trying to get to Kara City or the City of Yews? They are both pretty close. The only reason I would take this path at least.”

Koell thought about it a moment. This man looked like he could have been from Kara City. Drar Island was another possibility so he voiced it. ”Are you from Drar Island?” He just let it out. Koell could be subtle when it was right to do so, but he knew even crippled as he was he was a match for this exhausted man. Not to mention with one worried or anxious thought, a dragon would come crashing down, crushing all the trees around them. At least the man appeared a little more alert than he had been when Koell had begun walking up.

[/size][/blockquote]

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

From how refreshed the man before him looked Mo could tell that he had taken a nap recently. Mo was jealous. He wished he could have the luxury of naps and a normal sleeping pattern, but no! He was on a mission and nothing could stop him from completing it as soon as possible. If he ever met that Laura again she was surly in for the wrath of the Bluejay that was sure. She had taken away just about everything from him all because she was feeling a bit upset and devious. If only he knew a little about the place he now stood in. Maybe it would make his wild goose chase a bit easier. That forced smile on his face was slowly softening into an actual smile; talking with someone other than himself was starting to wake him from his sleepless trance.

Mo nodded to the man’s statement. So he wasn’t the first fool to be lost in this place that relaxed him a bit. “No, No I have not.” His tired smile turned into an apologetic one. “I’m sorry, Koell. It won’t happen again.” The tone in Koell’s voice led Mo to believe that this man wasn’t someone of royalty. The royals loved having names that differentiated them from the other people of the world, even something as simple of sir gave them pleasure. At least that was the way in the real world. The Inkworld and this world were a bit different. So then, what was this man? All he knew about his daughter’s story that there was different races, like elves, but he didn’t know what any of them looked like. Now he regretted never proof reading Meggie’s story for her! He was going to have to apologize for that the moment he saw her.

Mo was stumped by Koell’s question. He hadn’t a clue of what any of the names of the villages were, nor which direction they laid. He just picked a direction, moved his feet and saw where it took him. Mo bit his lip, his face showing the confusion he felt. Mo had never been good with hiding his emotions, and sometimes it was regretted. “I’m afraid that I don’t know.” his voice was muttered, sounding a bit embarrassed. The man must think him a fool. It was a wonder how he had survived so far! “I’m looking for someone. I’m not sure where they would be though.” Maybe an explanation would help his case? He wasn’t going to go into details to who he was looking for, but just a vague description was good enough. “Which one is more likely to have travelers?” his family was smart; they’d find a place with a population of good people and a place where it was common for travelers.

Mo shook his head “No. I’m…not from around here.” he remembered when he had said the same thing in the Inkworld. People were always so curious to know where that was. There were only a handful of people who knew the real truth, others would think him crazy. Which, in a way, he was to begin with. Mo placed his hands across his chest, his feet stayed planted to the ground. If he wasn’t as alert he probably would have swayed without knowing it. God did he need rest! He probably sounded like a blubbering idiot and didn’t even realize it. At least he was coherent, that was a plus in his book. There were days when he and Meggie traveled the country side for days on end without sleep, at least for him. During those travels Mo couldn’t put words together correctly. Meggie had always thought it funny, but would it be funny now to see her tired old man exhausted from trying to find his loved ones braving without sleep or food?[/size]

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

Koell didn’t really care for rushing and in this case it was the same as usual. He didn’t really pick up that the other man was in a hurry either. Maybe it was the fact that the man appeared so tired? Though he did look better it was an artificial solution. In all honesty, the man was going to be tired awhile—even if he didn’t feel it for a small portion of the time. Koell was used to being awake long hours so when he had a chance to sleep, he was out like a rock.

”It’s fine. Just letting you know for next time,” he still kept his tone light and friendly and gave off a ‘it doesn’t really matter’ feel. Really it was just his preference and part of what he was used to. Start calling people sir and you would soon get confused at who is the sir that is being talked about each time. It was a general term that addressed too many people. Koell was the name he was given so that was what people should call him!

Koell noticed the man’s confusion and was confused as to why the other was confused. Koell just tilted his head a bit with a puzzled look when the words left the other man’s lips. ”So you don’t know where you are going? No wonder you are lost,” Koell gave a soft chuckle. Not one to poke fun just one that expressed the irony of the situation Mo was in. ”Well, Svara Wood isn’t the most common place to look for someone. Usually people avoid this place—though it is a better alternative than the Terra Plains. The most common place to find people would be Kara City. It’s the center of everything after all.” He informed the man as if he had simply asked where to find the most people.

Koell didn’t often have anyone to look for who didn’t have a dragon. So rather than look for the person, he and Lorreciel flew around and looked for the dragon that went with the person. It made things easier. Another benefit to having a dragon.

”I can tell. I don’t mind taking you there if we can take a really quick detour. Plus—you need some sleep. We are actually on the outskirts of the City of Yews. About another two hours walking and we are in the city. From there it will take a few hours to finish my delivery and then I can get you to Kara City in less than three hours by sky.” He offered his help for no charge naturally. This man seemed lost enough. ”You can sleep for a little bit, while I deal with my delivery.—If you would like the help that is. Its easier than going on foot. It would take three or four days to get to Kara on foot.”

Koell didn’t get in the habit of asking where people were from. Odd people who came from no where showed up all the time here. If he knew the truth it would have dumbfounded him anyway. People were constantly being read into the Timeless World from other stories by Laura. So he was used to meeting these people who just couldn’t explain where they were from. It was easier to just not ask after the answer he got last time. Something about vampires and a child named Claudia. He wasn’t about to ask someone that question again.

[/size][/blockquote]

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

Mortimer had never been a man who rushed things. He had always been a man that liked to take his time and make sure every little detail was perfect before he would declare something done. This wasn’t the case at all. He needed to hurry if he hoped to find his family alive. He knew Resa wouldn’t be able to defend his family, for she always thought about herself first. He knew Meggie, however, could protect the family, but for how long? Doria hadn’t taught her much about fighting, but enough to keep her safe from the weaker robbers of the Inkworld. Mo couldn’t let his tired body slow him down, but he knew if he wanted to get to them alive he’d have t. This man looked like he knew a great deal about traveling for long periods of time. Maybe it’d best if Mo tried to act a little more like him? At least it was worth a try.

Mo’s head nodded to his friendly statement. He knew calling him ‘sir’ wasn’t that big of a deal, but he didn’t know what this man was, or If he had some sort of temper. After all, he didn’t know much about this world. He couldn’t take a chance. This world was strange and mysterious, although at the same time it was similar. He knew Meggie based it off the Inkworld, but everyone who inhabited it was much different. There were elves and dragons from what he had seen so far. Dragons! He had read many a book about them, but had he never thought of seeing one made of flesh and bone! Those suckers were much bigger than he expected, but he had only seen them from afar.

Mo nodded. “Exactly.” Koell was right, from what he had seen of the forest it was probably an uncommon place to look for someone. If someone had traveled through his forest, and didn’t know anything about survival, they probably had a good chance of dying. Don’t even think about your family traveling this forest alone, Mortimer! the voice in his head was snappy and dangerous. Just the thought of seeing his family dead on the side of a path made Mo’s stomach churn. They are NOT dead. Meggie’s a smart girl. She’ll know what to do. She ALWAYS knows what to do. The thought was calming. Was It a bit odd that Mo trusted his daughter more than his wife? Probably just a bit. “Then it seems I’ll be needing some help to get to Kara City.” he had confidence in his voice now. He had a destination set and a man who knew where he was going to help him! Things were looking up for him.

Mo’s look of confusion was washed away by a real genuine smile. This was the happiest he had been since he had arrived in this world! “I don’t mind the detour.” he began. So the man was sort of delivery man? He never knew they got paid enough to own a nice looking cane like he did. No matter. A chuckle escaped his lips, it was quiet and had only a small trace of humor in it. "I think you’re right my friend. I think a nap would do some good.” Now that he had a guide, he didn’t need to worry as much about getting less sleep so he could travel more. This man knew where he was gone. Hell he even owned a dragon! He was going to see one up close! “So you own a dragon?” the excitement in his voice was evident. He was actually going to be able to ride on a dragon! “You’re very generous, Thank you.” He added. This man was doing all of this for him, and it didn’t seem like he wanted anything in return. He’d have to do something in return for him, naturally. Such a kind man deserved a reward of some kind.[/size]

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

The other man’s mind must have been racing. Just looking at him he could see that there was something wrong. And from his words, clearly it was a concern for whoever he was looking for. Koell did hope the man found the people for this world was big—big enough at least. Koell wasn’t sure how urgent it was but this delivery was important enough. It was an order for a man in the City of Yews. It shouldn’t take long. Though Koell knew this man needed some rest and was going to make sure he got some before setting out for Kara…if that was the path that Mortimer chose.

It was strange to find someone who knew so little of the area and yet finding him so close to the City of Yews. He must have passed through Drar city and across the Kane Ocean to get to the forest from the direction he came from. Or maybe he was from across the Desert? Then again, he would have cut across the Terra Plains and would most likely be dead now. Koell gave up guessing and focused more on this Mortimer fellow.

”You have my help then it seems,” Koell said with the same cheerful smile on his features. The confidence he heard was a nice change. The man didn’t know the place and now that he had help from someone who knew it well, perhaps he could find the person he was looking for. And the smile that followed was an amazing change.

Koell had a pleased smile and a nod as Mortimer admitted he needed the nap. In fact the man seemed much more at ease. It was pleasing to see. ”I was wondering when that question was going to come up. My main reason for guessing you were not from around here would be your lack of knowledge of Drakes.” Koell smirked and added before the man could ask, ”Drakes are the people I am counted as. We all are trained to work alongside dragons in battle times and times of peace, for different jobs. So yes, I have a dragon. In fact, she should be flying a short ways away from here—waiting for the signal from the City of Yews.”

This man was clearly excited at the idea of dragons. Riding a dragon was a rare gift to people who were not Drakes. It usually cost a fortune but Koell was a little more slack on Drake rules—and so was his daughter. Ryss could be anywhere right then but Koell didn’t mind and knew she could handle herself. He raised her that way.

”Oh, and I advise you not to call her ‘my’ dragon when we are around her. She is under the impression that I am ‘her’ elf,” he laughed. The thank you was clearly one that showed the other’s appreciation but Koell just shook his head. ”No thanks needed, anything to help someone who needs it.”

”We should probably keep walking, we have about another two-three hours of walking before we are on the City’s Doorstep,” He commented as he started walking. As usual Koell’s pace was quick considering his bad leg, but slow by most people’s standards. Though it was actually just more relaxed—no point in rushing when you could hop a dragon and get where you want to go in no time right?

[/size][/blockquote]

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

It was true. Mo’s mind was racing faster than Seabiscuit. Thoughts of his family, worry, fatigue, hunger, death, the Bluejay and this man before him plagued his mind. How could one man have so many things on his mind without losing it? He looked alert, not tired, and looked interested with Koell had to tell him. This was what made Mo such a unique character. He could be doing the hardest task and look pleased while doing it. He was humble by nature, probably the humblest man in this world! The only way he was like other men was when the Bluejay lingered in him. Then he was as heartless as all the other thieves that ambled across all the worlds. For now, however, that man – no that thief, was gone! As far as Mo knew he’d be gone forever, but things changed a man and Mo did yearn the feeling of being the Bluejay. nonsense. he urged himself. There was no way he’d let that man loose ever again.

Mo had no clue to where he was going or from where he came. All he knew was that this place was filled with such complicated places. The names were odd, the people made him feel like an idiot and he had not a clue to where his family would be. At this point, if this place was only just a book, he’d had closed it. He didn’t like this story, not one bit. Everything was just filled with downs for poor Mo. He had nothing, but the man in front of him, to make a smile appear on his face. From what Mo knew, he had passed through several cities, and none of them had what he desired most.

Mo bowed his head to the kind man. He was getting help and there was a chance that his family was in one of the two places he was headed for! It was so odd to think that just moments ago Mo looked like a man who was helpless with nothing to live for. He looked ragged and beat. His stomach growled at him and he walked with a sway. Now he was smiles. He looked like a man who had just come from the city opposed to someone who had spent countless days stuck in the forest who was barely able to survive.

“Drakes?” his voice sounded curious. His brows furrowed as he pondered it over in his head. He had never heard Meggie say anything like it before. Some sort of good being, maybe elf-like? Then he got his answer. You were off Mortimer. But the answer was much more exciting than his dull assumption. Dragons. He had read hundreds of different kinds, from millions of different books. Some talked, others didn’t, some guarded castle, while others guarded treasure. Only a few of these had things in common. All were large lizard like creatures, with piercing eyes usually spotting some magnificent color. Mo looked as excited as a young boy. Who would have imagined that Mo would meet a dragon? Mo’s head shot towards the heaven, hoping to catch a glimpse of a dragon’s silhouette. “That’s…intriguing.” It was the only thing Mo could think of. Some many things raced in his head and his two words were the sum of it. He could always ask questions later.

Mo couldn’t imagine telling Meggie about riding a dragon. Oh Mo! You rode a dragon? What did it look like! Wait! Let me get my book! I wanna write this down! Fenoglio would love to hear about it! How high did you fly? Which story described it best, do you think? The image in his head seemed so real. He could almost reach out and touch his daughter’s excited hands. He loved it when he described places to his daughter. Meggie used the most beautiful words. She had such a creative and vast mind.

So maybe he was right? He was an elf. Drakes must have been a class of elves, or a job title. A chuckle left his lips. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Hs eyes searched the skies again, before he looked back down at the man. His eyes looked joyful, the expression on his face looked carefree, still alert and curious. Mo was never good at hiding his emotions, and he was quite fine with that. He nodded once more. This man was just too kind to him.

With a glance behind him Mo started to follow after Koell. “Your right.” his voice clearly showed disappointment. He liked his moments of rest and didn’t want to keep on walking, but he knew he needed to keep on going if he wanted to find his family any time soon. Mo followed a few steps behind Koell, he noticed the limp. He was curious to know how the man had gotten it, but also knew that it was rude to ask. Mo’s hands moved to his face, rubbing it with gentle hands. His hands then moved to his hair and pushed the sweat stricken strands out of his face. He probably looked like a mess, but that didn’t matter. Folchart family here he came![/size]

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

Koell was finding himself interested in Mortimer. This man had appeared so much more ragged and tired when Koell had first approached him. Now, he appeared different. He no longer looked tired and appeared rather alert. Not to mention he was focusing just fine on what Koell had to say. In fact, he seemed rather interested, kind of like Ryss when she met someone new—and interesting of course. But Koell hardly saw himself as interesting. He was pretty average…for a drake.

Koell didn’t know just how much of an effect he was having on the other man. He felt that maybe he had helped him more than Koell had thought he had. But he couldn’t be sure and just hoped that the man found what he was looking for. Finding one person could be so hard with Garantar monitoring the plains like he did. No one went in or came out without his knowledge. And unless you had a damn good reason, they would turn you away or take you in…to a cell. Koell was thankful for Lorreciel because of this more than anything. They couldn’t take him without risking their lives.

Koell couldn’t help but be reminded of a child by the look in Mortimer’s eyes. He found himself lightly amused at the other’s excitement at the idea of Lorreciel. It was like the man had never seen a dragon—which Koell guessed he hadn’t. At the same time, the man knew what they were so he had to have heard about them at least. Hopefully the good stories and rumours because some people only talked of the fierce, wild dragons.

Koell let off a small chuckle, not a condescending one, but one that showed he was amused with circumstances. ”You won’t see Lorreciel from here. The trees are too thick it is very unlikely. Give it a short while and you will wish you could get rid of her. She has a very interesting personality,” Koell laughed. ”Reminds me a bit of my mother sometimes and takes on motherly traits—most of the time scolding me for something. If it isn’t that then she is asking for this or that, usually information or trying to learn something new. You could call her a scholar of sorts.” Koell figured he would give the man a taste of what he was in for.

Koell was pleased to see the man was curious but at the same time it troubled him. There was no way to explain the circumstances and places to the man in easy terms. This place must seem like a mystery to him but Koell didn’t know what was most important to say and when to say it. He figured he would wait and see what Lorreciel thought. He could feel her light curiosity at his slight changes in emotions. If only they could share thoughts—it would make things easier.

Koell dropped his pace a bit to let himself fall level with Mortimer. He took on a playful smirk. ”Letting a cripple out walk you?” he joked lightly. He found his eyes trailing and spotted a brownie fleeing into the trees before returning his attention to Mortimer.

”I am surprised the Brownies, Goblins, Hobs or even the Pixies haven’t gotten to you yet. How long have you been wandering about? I can understand if you are not sure—it’s hard to see the sun in some areas of the wood.” Koell was just trying to keep the conversation going at this point. Sometimes things got awkward when socializing with people, but usually it was easy to keep a conversation going. It was easier when the man knew so little about the area. It left lots to talk about.

[/size][/blockquote]

[Skade Syrokkin]

My feet are so black and blue, and so are you.
Please take me out of my body
Up through the palm trees
To smell California in sweet hypocrisy

“We’re not lost,” Skade snapped, apparently at nobody. “I know exactly where I’m going!” The red flame floating next to her ear tinkled, and she frowned. “Hittith! We are not lost!” Tiring of the irritating fire fairy, Skade waved her hand next to her face. The fairy tinkled, sounding annoyed, and flew away. It’s words weren’t anything Skade would want to repeat. Skade stubbornly continued forward, though she wasn’t exactly certain she knew where she was.

She had planned on exploring the Svara Woods today, and possibly had gotten turned around. Her horse, Lodur, was still plodding steadily forward, and her pet gargoyle Gymir was asleep, draped over the horse’s haunches. He had tired out long ago, and was just waiting for them to go back home to the cold Garth Mountains. However, she had gotten turned around and, though she was fairly sure she knew where she was going, she wasn’t positive.

However, she wasn’t worried yet; she had hours until she had to be home. The forest was nice, though several times she had to threaten away brownies and goblins with the sword strapped to her side. Plus, the fire fairies were getting a bit annoying. Skade knew she was special in that she could see the fairies and understand them, but that didn’t make them any less annoying. But there were more interesting animals in the forest. She had crossed the paths of several deer, and had to restrain herself from killing one to bring home. She’d never be able to carry it around without attracting more dangerous wildlife.

Finally, after an hour of silence, Skade heard voices. They were male voices, about two of them, and they were approaching. Skade debated climbing down from the horse, but if the men were looking for trouble, they’d find her much more imposing on horseback than her natural 5’ tall height. The forest did something weird with the sound, and before Skade expected it, she could see them. She froze, tugging on Lodur’s reigns. He snorted irritably, shaking his head and making the buckles on his bridle jingle. “Hello,” she called, sounding unafraid and calm.

*can delete if you don't want 3 people, but thought it would make it more interesting*

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

With the help of Koell, Mortimer was feeling much better than he had just minutes ago. There was no more need to let his tired body get the better of him. He had felt more confident in himself, like he was actually going to spot his wife and children walking in the next market. Just that thought alone boosted Mo’s spirits ten times more than they were. The hours he spent alone in the forest didn’t do his mind any good. The only thoughts he had seen in that dark and dreary forest were the images of his family dead, slain by some unknown evil. Was there really someone that evil in this world? Had Meggie created some disaster in her story that would kill just as merciless as the Adderhead? Now Koell was helping him, however, and he was extremely grateful for it. On the plus side he’d even get to learn more about this place. Koell seemed willing enough to answer any questions for him.

It was true Mo was acting a bit childish at the thought of a dragon, but he couldn’t be blamed for it. He had spent half his childhood reading books about far off lands, princesses, evil dragons, elves and dozens of other things that plagued fairy-tale books. In this land, however, dragons seemed to be the good guys. He was glad Meggie had changed their status. She knew just as well as him how dragons were never the good guys in stories, they deserved it in a way. Mo had seen a thousand different dragon drawings, all of them different from the other. To see a living breathing one would be beyond magical. I wonder if they have any sort of magical powers…? he had so many questions for Koell, but so very little time to ask them all.

Mo smiled at the man’s laughter. It seemed that he was an amusing his new friend with his curiosity and childish actions. That was a power of Mo’s, to make people laugh or smile. He just had that effect on people. A nod let his head. He knew Koell was right, the tree tops were thick, much thicker than the ones in the Inkworld. The trees were probably made that way to hide dragons as they flew over the forests. “She sounds like a very interesting character indeed.” he agreed. “I bet you two have some engaging conversations.” The dragon sounded a bit like Elinor. Maybe Meggie had based this dragon off of Elinor? He could see her face now at just the thought of it. Mo felt himself shudder. Elinor was a very scary person; most of the people in the Inkworld had a fear of Elinor. She wasn’t afraid to talk out or scold someone of a higher rank than her. Just thinking of Elinor made him miss her.

Koell really knew how to get Mortimer more intrigued. He found himself wanting to know more about his dragon, but luckily he’d get to meet her soon enough! Mortimer knew it was a bit dangerous to show so much curiosity to the simplest things, at least to this man they seemed simple. Koell looked smart enough to figure out there was something fishy about Mortimer and his confusion for this world. Mortimer couldn’t help it, however, he had always been such a curious character. He even endangered himself just to get a look at a few books in the castle of Ombra…and it had cost him dearly. He couldn’t even think about that at a time like this. Those few days in that castle, being tortured by the Piper still haunted his dreams. He still had the scars to prove it too.

Mortimer let a small chuckle past his lips at the man’s joke. The man seemed light hearted enough to not let his disability get him down. “You could probably out walk me even if I wasn’t tired.” he joked back. Mortimer hated to walk quickly, he liked to take his time and enjoy nature. Right now it didn’t matter however. Mortimer shook his head “Oh no. They have.” he began, rolling his sleeves up a bit more. Several bit marks trailed his tanning skin. “Came out of nowhere…and I didn’t have a sword to defend myself.” he sounded ashamed. His wife had forbidden him from carrying a sword around in the Inkworld. Since Laura read them into timeless ink without a notice Mo didn’t have anything on him but the clothes on his back. “I’ve been here for about month, I believe.” he explained. Knowing he’d probably get some weird look for how causally he answered the question. “Sometimes I walked for days on end without knowing the sun had risen or set, so if could be even longer than that.”

He looked in front of himself, his eyes narrowed as a figure moved closer and closer to them in the distance. “Someone’s coming this way.”he observed. Within a few minutes the figure was halting and looking down upon them. The figure was female and looked very lively, and unafraid. That was uncommon for a woman in this world. All the women he had seen coward when they saw him. This world was just as cruel to women as the Inkworld. How could Meggie do such a thing? “Hello there.” he called out to her, sounding just as friendly as he had with Koell. Maybe the two of them knew each other, but that wasn’t very likely from the slight surprise on her face.[/size]

[Koell Lorreciel]

•Koell Lorreciel •

If Koell only knew the many stories involving dragons and fairies like Lorreciel. He would probably laugh and call them myths and legends thought up by story tellers. Of course he had seen dragons and fairies often enough but most stories never got it right in his eyes. He knew dragons to be a reality so to read about them in a manner that gets them all wrong was a joke to him. Growing up around them he didn’t see them as interesting and unusual just normal. Then again, he also found being attacked by Goblins normal—and seeing little fairies everywhere rather normal. So his perceptions of normal were different than most people, even for this world.

”Engaging, Yes that is a word that could describe it. Dragons can be a bit temperamental but they vary in personality. I just so happened to inherit my father’s slightly moody dragon. We will see what you think of Lorreciel. Most people either like her or don’t. It isn’t often there is an in between. My superiors find her irritating and uncontrollable. My daughter thinks she is amazing.” Koell’s expressions changed quite a bit at the mention of his daughter. It wasn’t hard to see he was proud of her. Then again, what father wasn’t proud of their child?

”I wouldn’t claim I could do something that difficult—I mean, I am far too lazy” Koell joked back at Mortimer. Koell also enjoyed taking his time and enjoying his surroundings. Maybe it was something to do with always being on his own schedule or the fact that moving quickly was just tiresome. Either way, he enjoyed taking things easy all the time and letting time pass. He was in no hurry to go anywhere or do anything. It was a nice feeling to know that you had all the time in the world to do anything. Though, right now, Koell knew Mortimer didn’t feel that he had all the time in the world so Koell set those feelings aside and let a little urgency in.

Koell smirked as Mortimer confirmed that the many creatures had been taking an interest in him. ”Don’t take it personally, they don’t exactly pick favourites,” Koell smiled as he mentioned it. ”Seems they weren’t too hard on you. Or maybe you were too difficult for them efficiently bother you?” Koell got a sense that Mortimer may be more than he seemed. That came with the lack of knowledge though. Now he was in his own way asking about Mortimer, but at the same time being friendly about it and not pressing him for information the man may not want to talk about. He was just making conversation. ”How did you manage to keep them off without a sword?” Koell inquired, curious of how the man managed it.

Koell gave a sympathetic look. ”Seems you are in quite a rough patch. I am happy I found you when I did. You could have been wandering around here for quite a while before finding anything or anyone.” He was surprised the man had lasted this long with his lack of knowledge of the area. It was a little odd in Koell’s opinion.

Koell noticed the girl on the horse almost instantly. Mortimer pointed her out just as Koell had noticed himself. His grip tightened ever so slightly on his cane when he realized she had a sword with her. However, when she called ‘Hello’ his grip relaxed again. It was not like he couldn’t draw it in an instant anyway if he needed it. Although, he couldn’t help but be baffled by the number of people he met in the forest today. It was so unusual to meet one person let alone. With all his mixed emotions Lorreciel must have started going nuts a while ago.

”Hello Stranger, where you headed?” Koell greeted cheerfully. He kept his same cheerful tone with the female that he did with Mortimer. Koell was always a friendly guy and this woman had given him no reason to be nasty. Then again, Drake Women were on equal grounds with the men. Many Women were even better for riding certain breeds of dragons. More directly the ice dragons; women just seemed to connect easier with them and it was easier for them to ride on their unusually textured bodies.

The woman appeared much more at ease and comfortable than Mortimer had. Koell knew she must have travelled the wood a few times before to be as confident as she was. Then again, he could be wrong. But he did know she must have been in the area of the wood at some point before now to have that confidence. Though, it wasn’t hard for even people that are most familiar with this area to get lost in the Svara wood. Through half the wood everything looked the same.

Koell couldn’t see the fire fairies the woman had been talking to though he could see a select few wind fairies about. Lorreciel had helped him discover them and now he could see them just fine. Not that they ever really talked with him—and they certainly wouldn’t listen to him. Koell found being able to see them now more of an annoyance than anything else. He usually just ignored their presence.

[/size][/blockquote]

[OOC: Nah, You are more than welcome in Jazz. ^^ More people does make it more interesting!!]

[Skade Syrokkin]

My feet are so black and blue, and so are you.
Please take me out of my body
Up through the palm trees
To smell California in sweet hypocrisy

The two men were older than her, and Skade naturally distrusted others. However, both of them greeted her cheerfully, without any hint of question or mistrust. That didn’t mean she would trust them right away, but she felt slightly at ease. She hadn’t actually fought anybody with her sword in a while, though she practiced every day against a straw dummy she had made. She did have her hand loosely rested against the hilt of her sword. It felt better to have it in her hand, like a child’s stuffed animal.

Lodur stamped his foot, irritated that they had stopped. “Hittu!” she scolded lightly under her breath. Though she had bought the horse here, it understood her native tongue better than English. Probably something about the harsh syllables and sharp sounds made it sound more commanding than this new language she had learned. Whatever it was, the horse behaved, bending his head down to poke his nose through the loam of the forest floor for grass. Gymir raised his head, blinking sleepily. Both of her pets were sensitive to other people, probably having picked up some of Skade’s paranoia. However, they still seemed pretty relaxed, so Skade wasn’t too worried.

“I’m on my way to Kara City,” Skade said, as confidently as she could. However, the fact that she had reached the men at an angle, and the fact that they probably had the same destination as her, made her realize that she had indeed gotten turned around. She could see the surprise in the men that she was so confident; most of the women here irritated Skade to no end. They were weak and mild, much like the women from her own story. Of course, they had annoyed her too. There was a reason Skade had decided to become a shield maiden.

Skade tilted her head, studying the woods around them. ”I’m Skade,” she introduced herself brusquely. She always found it less annoying when people called her by her real name instead of “girl” or “lady.” “Ma’am,” was the worst, though most didn’t mean it rudely. Skade was no “ma’am.”

[mortimerfolchart]

Mortimer Folchart.
Silvertongue.
The Bluejay.
“A good book has no ending.”

Mo only wished that his life was normal, but being a Silvertongue had completely ruined that for him. Because of that power Mo lost his wife and ended up where he was right now. In a book, which was another book, which could have even been in another book! Mo didn’t know what was real anymore. For all he knew he was a character in some book about his life, or some other beings life and he was only a long chapter or something, the same went with the rest of his family…they could have been measly side characters. Mo didn’t know what to think anymore.

Mo chuckled a bit at the man’s explanation of his dragon. “I’m very interested in meeting her.” of course he was interested. He was sure Koell already knew that. “I’m pretty such I can tolerate her.” after all his son and younger daughter were very temperamental and his younger daughter had a lot of mood swings for a six year old. The thought of his younger daughter and her mood swings brought another smile to Mo’s lips. How he had missed her and her unique personality. She was growing up to be like Meggie, but with an attitude. “You have children?” he didn’t sound surprised, but a bit relieved to hear so. The pride on his face made it clear that he loved his daughter dearly, like he loved Meggie.

“It seems we share that in common.” Mortimer had learned to become lazy in his time spent in the Inkworld. He didn’t find much reason to be as active as he had in the real world. Most of his reasoning was based on bringing Resa back, and now that she was back in his arms there wasn’t much else he wanted to do. He wasn’t completely lazy though, he still liked to go around and get some exercise and go on trivial walks with his children where all he did as weave through trees to catch them. “But I guess growing older does that to a person.” he muttered. Mortimer wasn’t all that happy that he was growing older. He missed the days of his thirties, where nothing hurt when he bent over. In those days he could pick his growing daughter up without a cramp in his side. Everything seemed to be changing for Mortimer, and he wanted it to stop.

Mortimer rolled down his sleeves after showing off his wounds to the man. They had stopped hurting awhile ago, so it wasn’t that much of a bother to him. “I’ve come to learn that well.” even in the Inkworld those little brutes loved to attack him and his family. Although in that world he had blunt objects to defend himself. Mortimer laughed slightly “No, after a couple of nips that got bored of me.” That wasn’t the complete truth. They only got to him a few times but he fought back. Just because The Bluejay was gone didn’t mean that their fighting skills had gone with them. Mortimer knew how to be hard even with the swiftest of hits. “Well…I’ve learned a few things.” was his answer. What he had done was probably a bit cruel, but he took a thin pointy branch and stabbed at the brutes until they let him go. A couple of them were probably dead now because of his rash actions. Wait, Koell is being so open with you…and your giving him discreet answers. He had to be a bit more open than he was. “I just hope I wasn’t too rough with them.” That was a bit better.

Mortimer nodded “And I’m glad you did find me! Without you I’d be going in a large circle. I wouldn’t know which way to go or anything....” it was the sad truth. Without this man, Mo didn’t have very good chances of surviving on his own. He was just a complete mess in this world. Maybe it just took some adjusting? Mo was a fighter though, and he had his family’s safety resting on his shoulders. He couldn’t let his family down. He just couldn’t.

It looked like Mortimer wasn’t the only one traveling the forest alone today. First it was Koell, who actually knew where he was going, and then this female, who had a horse to help guide her. Mortimer noticed the tension from Koell at the female’s arrival and after another glance at her he understood why. A sword was bound to her hip and she looked like she wore it with pride. He looked over at Koell, and it didn’t look like he had any sort of weapon on him, well beside his cane which wouldn’t really do well against a sharp sword. Then there was Mortimer, who had nothing to defend himself with. Why hadn’t he just stolen a sword in the last village like any of sensible man would have done? because your too nice to steal. You aren’t a thief anymore, Mortimer. and it was true. He’d never reduce to stealing even if he did need it.

Mo was glad that Koell greeted her with the same cheerfulness as he had, and the girl seemed to take the greetings with relief. Mo’s eyes rested on the horse as she scolded him in some unknown tongue. Probably some language that was common to this world. It sounded like something Meggie would make up, that was for sure. This girl was on her way to Kara city, just like he was. He was curious to know why she needed to go there, but he knew it would be rude to ask so he just nodded instead. He knew it wouldn’t be smart to say anything about where they were going. If Koell believed she could be trusted then he’d let him say something about their traveling. “It’s nice to meet you Skade.” Mortimer’s voice was pleasant, but softer now. Like his drowsiness was slowly consuming him once again. He rubbed his eyes, commanding them that they needed to stay awake for a little bit longer. “I’m Mortimer.” His last name wasn’t important in this world, so he decided it wasn’t worth saying any more. Just Mortimer was ten times better than being called the Bluejay.