Zack/S1Lude13

Scarab grows tired of keeping her watch at the oasis and begins to hunt for the mysterious Soran to settle some nagging questions. Hopefully he has not strayed far...

Soran has not strayed far indeed. He is leaning against his pack a bit away from the oasis, humming a tune to himself as he looks up at the starry skies. His mount is near him, resting up for the next day.

Scarab stands over him a little impatiently. "My, you're looking a lot more chipper than last I saw you."

He shifts his gaze over to Scarab, sitting up as he manages to grin. "Five managed to brighten my mood to bit, so to speak. How are you faring, Scarab?"

<Scarab> Good enough. I'm used to the life of a vagrant. It's some other issues that are bugging me.

Soran nods. "Speak your mind then."

Scarab plops down in the sand roughly next to him, clearing her throat. "Mainly, it's about the Rainbow Jewel. Exactly why it's doing... this." She pulls out the glittering gem from the secret pouch, lighting up the immediate area around her hands with a warm fragment of sunlight.

Soran blinks once before managing a faint grin. "I suppose that is due to the seals on my powers beginning to give way." He closes his eyes, hrming a bit. "Also... I apologize for keeping you in the dark about Ciel's history. If I had be straight out with you all from the beginning, things probably would have gone a lot better."

<Scarab> We all have skeletons in our closets that we'd rather not divulge. I can't fault you for wanting to keep things private.

He nods, opening his eyes again.

<Scarab> Apologies aren't really going to bring Ciel back either. I'd rather just deal with the mess than place blames.

Scarab spins the gem once in her hand. "But, I want to know more about this 'seal' you speak of. And just how many other gems like this might be out there..."

Soran nods. "Seals placed on me during the Wyld Hunt that claimed Laria's life that was lead by the Dragon Blooded you saw in The Lap, Dendra. There are six of them, and six of those jewels as a result."

<Scarab> So, these are anchors for some type of massive sorcery worked on you? To go to so much trouble... you're obviously not just any garden variety Chosen one.

He manages a faint grin. "I suppose not. I've survived since the First Age, when our kind were not hunted like dogs."

Scarab blinks. "What... are you serious?!"

He nods once. "I am. I've been fighting and running since the Unsurpation."

Scarab narrows her eyes. "I wouldn't believe that is even possible. But after all I've seen already, I'm inclined to consider you're telling the truth."

He manages a faint grin. "Five has used abilites to get an idea of my strength, not to mention we just finished sparring a while ago."

Scarab looks down, considering this revealtion.

He continues grinning as he watches Scarab. "I take it you're just a bit surprised?"

<Scarab> ..not what I was expecting to hear.

<Scarab> So now I'm supposed to pepper you with starry-eyed questions?

Soran groans as he leans back.

Scarab chuckles once. "Relax. I'm not going to go down that path, quite."

<Scarab> As much as my curiosity wants to know about the First Age, a part of me does not. It may be too painful. An Age of Sorrows is all I know...

He nods. "I can understand that. The stories turn quite depressing once you leave the topic of the First Age and begin the Unsurpation and the like, however."

Scarab sighs. "I'll seek answers to such things in good time. Right now, I am not so much concerned with where you are from, as to where you are going."

He nods slightly. "I plan to stay in Gem for a bit, once we arrive there. I need some actual time to recover and get in touch with my other contacts. Also, it won't be long before Dendra gets the okay from her superiors to start chasing me in earnest again."

<Scarab> When we get to Gem, there are matters I must settle with my past. You of all people understand the importance of this.

He nods. "You all are free to do as you wish. I only hope that we part on good terms." He grins.

<Scarab> This jewel though... tell me.. what would happen if I found all of the other five brothers of the rainbow?

He smiles. "Four. Diamond has another one. However, I suspect breaking the seals completely would be possible. After all, I managed to break two of them, when you and Diamond were nearby with yours."

Scarab folds her arms, leaning back and putting her gem safely away again.

<Scarab> Mmm... perhaps I won't come back quite empty handed, if all goes well.

He blinks, raising an eyebrow. "Oh?"

<Scarab> Let's just say when my business is concluded, you may have some new allies in the shadows, Soran. Some of the best in the South, when it comes to precious stones...

He blinks again before he slowly smiles. "You realize, I would owe you a great deal if you managed that."

Scarab gives a smug glance. "Yes.. yes you would."

He continues grinning, nodding. "It has been a pleasure knowing you, to say the least, Scarab."

<Scarab> Well, it certainly hasn't been boring knowing you.

He nods. "I would hope so."

Scarab gets up from the sand. "Try to stay alive, Soran. You've got enemies I can only dream of gunning for you."

He nods. "I haven't made it this far just to fall over now."

<Scarab> When I'm through dispensing a little of my own justice, we'll talk more about this.

He nods slightly. "Alright then."

Scarab whispers into his ear, "...Tawdry Topaz tavern in the northeast section. Leave a message for Spider, signed by First Gem."

Scarab nonchalantly walks off back to the oasis after relaying her secret.

He nods once, watching Scarab go with a slight smile before he settles down get some sleep for the day ahead.