Confidence (Open)

"Any questions anyone?" He asks looking around to the group after explaining the plan in his head. His hands were shaking with excitement, gripping his swords tightly and ready to jump at the guardians that protected the lost treasure. After a joke or two he turned and nodded to Irania, telling her she would be fine. "Oh course she'll be fine. They all are always safe with me, that's what I do" he thought to himself with complete confidence. Irania pushed the shovel into the ground and hit the treasure. The three giant guardians burst out of the sand. One spitting fire and swinging it's tail angrily as another casted it's magic with a screech, the last stomping towards the group shaking the ground. Moments ago the desert was silent, peaceful even. In his mind, nothing was more fun than sudden chaos and a good challenge, he practically lived for such moments. With swiftness he rushed at the dragon, slashing as fast as he could while dodging it's claws and fire the best he could. Everyone fell into their place and it seemed perfect. Keeping a close eye on his friends as well as a playful Lich, the confidence he went in with was being beaten out of him as the Lich along with a few other boney friends came to him as well. "Heh, I've done this before...fine" he said to himself as he kicked the tall skeleton away, still focusing on the dragon which was beginning to show a bit more of a challenge than he expected. His stomach dropped once he realized, he could not handle this for a moment longer. He turns and runs back just enough to give him time to gulp down a potion and turn to fight once again. What was only a moment seems to freeze still, he saw his friends. Some falling back and some still fighting with everything they had. How could he have done this? Take these people he cared deeply for and throw them in one of his stupid plans. "Dammit" he thought turning back to the small army coming toward him. Only the dragon was ready for him. It sensed his fear and seized the moment spitting fire at him and turning sharply to send it's tail right at him, sending him flying into the air and towards the mountains. Hidden away in between rocks he lays, burnt and beaten. The faintest of heartbeats carrying on through the silence of the desert.

((Please send PM before posting any response. Not entirely sure where I want to go from here. Thank you!))

After having learned of Leon's prolonged absence from Irania, S'rrt set out to look for his captain from the area described by her.

He asked around quickly for others who may want to accompany him on the search but there weren't too many people around. Eventually he passed John a silver coin for a portal to Varshikar.

S'rrt stops to eye the surroundings saying: "Near the ruinss and the miness, Irania ssaid. Leon!?"
John: "Sire!"
They go along the mountain wall to the south for a while.
S'rrt: "I'm going to go around the mountain eventually."
John: "Not much there."
S'rrt: "Leon may be."
John: "Then he's goblin-munchies now."
S'rrt only gives a hum as he turns at the end of the mountain and heads north. There, where the sand turns into grass and the mountain ends in a sea, he kneels down to touch the sand seemingly hopeless.
John shouts: "Hey, Sire, we're tired and hungry, shout now or be ashes to ashes! Sand to sand, rather.." He chuckles dryly, adjusting his hat to look around.
S'rrt looks up to him before rising and giving a long sigh.
John: "Cheer up, I think I just met the new Captain!" He winks, eyes twinkeling with positive energy.
S'rrt: "That would be Brian." He looks along the wall where it ends to the sea.
John: "You will outlive him, too."

S'rrt takes them to Varshikar. "I will try again later. Thankss for yer help."
John: "Alrighty.. you just yell, I'll stroll along. Payraise for you.. honoury reward for me."

S'rrt returns to Troll's Bane to put up parchments around there saying:
"Troll's Bane guard captain Leon Demelii lost in the desert, in the premises of the mountain west of Varshikar. Anyone traveling in the desert is asked to take a while and look for him there.
- Guard Sergeant S'rrt K'shire"

Orioli looks everywhere for Leon, She searches the caves and mountains in vain.

She wipes her eyes and her forehead, as the heated sand and rocky slopes stretch before her. Yes she has been crying. It has been days now since she saw him stumble away from the dragon.

As the days before and again on this day, she finds her way home and falls on her bed exhausted. Still sleep will not come.

She stares out her window at the moon. "Somewhere out there, that moon shines on Leon. Please be safe my love." Orioli cries herself to sleep.

As the days pass, this becomes a common pattern, that is her life. "Where could he be?" Is always on her mind. Her mind grows weary with worry. And her heart aches to know where he is and why he did not make it to safety, like everyone else did.

Close to her heart she keeps something he gave her, in a small blue pouch and tied around her neck, on a blue ribbon. "He means everything to me." She whispers to herself, as she grabs the pouch, closes her hand over it and squeezes her eyes closed again, for the millionth time that day.

Two and a half days pass and Leon still lies in between the giant rocks of desert mountains. Falling in and out of consciousness his body weakens, from laying in the sun. His wounds beginning to show signs of slight infection.
Coughing dryly, he once again become conscious, turning over onto his stomach he fights the feeling of passing back out. Upon opening his eyes the brightness of the desert almost blinds him while sending a piercing pain through his head. Attempting to gain any grip on reality the only thought that comes to mind is 'water'. Squinting his eyes he looks for a small narrow opening he could crawl out of. Never feeling so weak he goes to make his way up and realizes his left arm is numb and unresponsive. Beginning to crawl, he starts to feel each wound and ache come into realization. Managing to maneuver out of the rocks, Leon falls into the sand and continues to crawl north. The sharp constant pain accompanying him, could only be recognized as starvation.
Finally, water was in sight. With a deep breath he finds the ability to make his way to his feet, wobbling with weak legs he walks toward the water fighting his weakened muscles in his body. A second on reaching the water he falls down to his knees and drops into a shallow part of the lake. Like a sudden shock he gasps as the water hits he feverish body. Bring himself up to his knees, he bends down to drink the water.
For a hour he sat in the lake, sipping down the water and soaking his beaten body. With the piercing pain in his stomach enabling him to concentrate, he looks around desperately for anything to eat. His eyes sent on a lone rabbit, hopping around and eating the grass. Pushing himself up with one arm, he shakily walks towards the rabbit, his mouth watering more every step. Drawing closer, the rabbit turns to look at the man approaching. Stopping in his tracks he falls to his knees again, beckoning the rabbit over while ripping some grass out of the ground and dropping it in front of him. The bunny slowly hops over and nibbles at the grass, and with a quick grab, his hand was around the rabbits neck. With a quick snap, Leon head a lifeless bunny in his hands. He makes his way back to the water line and sits down with the dead rabbit. Without a thought or care he pulls the rabbit apart and eats any meat he can find, until nothing was left. With the pain on his stomach slowly subsiding, his body falls tired again. The ringing in his head growing more until he loses consciousness, falling into silence and peace once again.

Days of searching had turned up nothing. Disappointment could be felt keenly by all those dedicated to the search, even to the large barbarian as he trudged through the sand. Something about the waste of the desert and howl of the wind reminded him of the tundra in the cold lands to which he was more accustomed. Fredric had left Trollsbane periodically to search the desert for Leon ever since they had not found him after the battle. Always carrying bottles of water and food, enough for a prolonged search and extra in case he found the lost Captain. The winds were harsh and warm, blowing sand into his light clothing and face. After checking the mountain face and crags within for the third time that day he had decided that it was time for a rest. Passing the rotworm ruins, he noticed a slight glimmer coming from the north and started to head in that direction. As he grew closer to the glimmer, a distinct form began to take shape on the ground, near the edge of a lake. At first it looked more like a fallen log, but as the wind subsided and he got closer, Fredric realized it was a man. His breath caught in his chest and he mumbled out loud"Tha had betteh be ye lad." Taking off at a sprint he came next to the unconscious form. A grin spread to his lips as he saw three dead scorpions near the man. Shaking his head at the sight, Fredric sat near him and pulled out a fresh bottle of water (courtesy of a not so happy Drow Patriarch Leon and himself had slain). Along with the water, he removed a small bottle from the bag. With a practiced eye, he looked over the bruises and cuts and smeared some of the liquid on the worst of them. Leon stirred at the increased pressure on his wounds, and also the tingling sensation that accompanied the liquid. Fred spoke in a soft and deep voice
"Ye are strong 'nough ta kill scorpions, then yer strong 'nough ta take some tendin ta, hold still ye lil bugger."
With the squirming subsiding Fredric cleaned and dressed the wounds as best as his ability would allow. With that done the large man leaned over the over the semi-conscious lad and tilts his head, noticing sweat on Leon's brow. While distracted, one of Leon's arms shoots out, the fist clipping Fred's chin. Leon let out a groan and a small laugh, his voice hoarse
"Little...bugger that."
With a small smile he slipped once more into unconsciousness. Fred rubbed his jaw and merely shook his head, allowing a grin to find its way onto his lips as well. Leon was running a fever, without proper nourishment or enough water for days, along with the wounds he had received from his lone stand against the dragon, Fred was surprised he had had the strength to move at all. Even with the bandages, ointment, small amounts of food, and water that Leon managed to get down, recovery was slow. Most of the time Leon remained unconscious or slipped in and out due to his high fever. Time seemed to have no meaning to Fred as he tended the man. One particular night, as the moon began to illuminate the desert to the south with an eerie soft glow, Leon stirred and opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings.

As he looked around with clear eyes for the first time in days, Leon finds a rather large familiar figure sitting to his right tending to a fire. Noticing a small camp-like step up, he was lead to believe he has been there for at least a day. He sat up with a groan also noticing his arm was tied in a cloth sling. Fredric's head turned sharply at the first real promising movement made by the man. "Easeh does it lad." He says turning his body to face him, offering some water. Taking the water with a shaky hand he sips some down, letting it flow down his dry throat before speaking in a weak voice. "Thank you." Fredric nods briefly while watching the man drink, perhaps never seeing him this vulnerable. "Consider ye blessed lad, managed ta survive out ere for three days without tendin'. And careful with yer arm, don't seem to be workin' righ" he says handing him a warm plate.
Taking the food and setting it in his lap, Leon nods lightly and begins to shovel the food in his mouth barely chewing it. Fredric lets out a small chuckle as the plate is empty in seconds "Good ta see ye up. Feel tha feveh still?"
Shaking his head and feeling a bit more energy from the food Leon reply's "Not really...I just feel tired." With everything coming into focus he stops suddenly and looks to Fred "Is everyone alright!?"
With a quick nod Fred assured Leon everyone was fine, though slightly worried about his whereabouts. "Got people lookin' for ye. We'll beh gettin' ye back ta town soon 'nough."
With a sigh of relief Leon laid his head back down and drifted back to sleep without another word. With another chuckle Fredric turns back to the fire.

The next morning they both woke and ate before venturing through the desert to make their way to Bane. Though still very weak Leon had to rely heavily on Fredric. Upon reaching the oasis Leon simply couldn't walk any further. With a grumble under his breath Fredric lifts he man up and carries him the rest of the way. This day Leon can be found laying in the hospital, recovering from another one of his wreck-less plans.

((Leon will be there for the day for anyone wanting to visit! Feel free to post your visit!))

Orioli wakes to another day and prepares to go out in search of him again. She gathers supplies and walks to town to grab a few things before heading out again. As she walks toward the gate then she stops short. There walking past her is Fredric carrying Leon in his arms. She follows them relief showing on her face. She watches Fredric put him in the bed, hearing a faint moan from Leon as he is placed there.

It he alright? Where did you find him? Fredric gives her a small smile and assures her he will recover.

Leon is still asleep so she sits by his bed and waits. She takes his hand and watches his sleeping face, leaning forward she gives him a gentle kiss, being careful not to wake him. All of the last days worry flees her face, as she lays her head on the bed beside him. Finally falling to sleep herself. For the first time in days she actually sleeps without waking. The sound of his breathing and the feel of his hand in hers comfort her and erase the agony she has felt at not knowing where he was.