The mage's attack sent Victor flying to the wall behind him, and the Bard hit the stones with a loud thud. Rubbing his aching head, he began to chuckle, and spoke for the first time in a while:

"You know, if I don't die, I could sure use a master..."

Then, shaking the feeling back into his legs, Victor charged the old man once more, this time jumping up in order to perform a down thrust with his dagger...

Had the moment not been so tense, Orias would have joined Victor in his laugh. As it is, however, the mage is intent on exterminating the bard's presence. Content that his last attack had caused such trauma to Victor's body, the scholar taunts the vagabond as he charges. Desperately trying to sidestep the attack at the last second, Orias fails in avoiding the blow (9+3+1[Roll+AGI+Bonus]) and is knocked flat as Victor's dagger pierces his defense of 12. As his face strikes the bloodstained stones of the courtyard walkway, he screams out in agony and contempt for the Hylian.

Orias is quick to counter the attack afterwards. A feeble swing (2+1[Roll+AGI]), the staff falls short of hitting Victor and crashes on the ground, shattering the tip and splintering the fine Deku craftsmanship. He forces an agonized sigh out of his lungs while attempting to regain his vertical stance.

Victor HP: 17
Orias HP: 9
Orias SPL: 26

Somewhat upset that Orias did not join in his laugter and possibly call off the fight, Victor watched and pitied the old man as his staff broke. But, watching as the mage tried to return to a fighting stance and realizing that he could still deal damage with a magic attack, Victor took the opportunity to deal another blow...

Victor's latest attack (20+2+1[Roll+AGI+Bonus]) is successful in countering Orias's move, and the usual seven damage is smashed out of the mage. Orias jumps back, holding his newest wound and cursing Victor under his breath.

This is it, Victor. Prepare to meet your death!

In a frantic display of spellcasting, another Elemental explosion bursts forward in Victor's direction, this time of the element Earth. Fortunately for Victor, the attack hurtles into the ground in front of him (5+3+4+5[Lvl+Base+INT+L3]). Although the attack is not a full hit (19+1[Roll+SPI]), Victor is caught in the blast and takes half damage. Rather than the full 17 that would have ended the battle on Victor's side, the Explosion takes a mere 8 damage.

Victor HP: 9
Orias HP: 2
Orias SPL: 12

Victor was surprised to have stayed alive after Orias's attack, and found himself thanking the Goddesses. As he looked at the old man, the Bard realized that one more attack would finish the battle for good. But Victor could not help but pity the mage, and though he had attacked Victor for no reason the Bard decided to give him a chance.

"Orias, both you and I know that one more attack could end the battle. But I was taught to respect my elders, and I don't think killing you would be so respectful. I have no reason to kill you, nor do you have one to kill me. So, come, let us stop fighting..."

With this, Victor dropped his dagger as he had done before, smiling and hoping to the Goddesses that the old man would agree. Just in case, however, the Bard readied himself for another attack, preparing to jump out of the way if needed...

OOC: Yeah, yeah, I know. But Victor wouldn't kill an old man! That would be downright mean!

Orias stops moving for a moment, pondering the bard's sympathetic speech. As he lowers his staff, a wild fury shines in his eyes and he falls down on one knee, laughing hysterically.

Ahaha! Zayxin spoke true, the bard retains his feelings even when staring death in the face!

Coming out of the state of entranced laughter, Orias grins and points his staff in Victor's direction.

I have every reason for wanting you dead, Hylian. I am not as easygoing as that fat oaf of a Goron. I follow the age-old proverb "Kill Or Be Killed" and I stick too it. I have no intention of dying today Victor. Hoho, no, instead it is you who shall suffer, for having come here in he first place!

Dashing forward and swinging his staff like a madman, Orias comes within three feet of Victor before dropping to the ground, screaming in agony. A long, thin arrow protrudes through his shoulder, its platinum head reflecting the bright torchlight throughout the courtyard. Standing on the spiral staircase above the easter building, another cloaked figure is seen walking upwards, bow in hand. He disappears into the darkness above.

Orias is now unconscious, bleeding and badly wounded but still alive. The castle's doors remain wide open.

Looking down at Orias's unconcious body, Victor shook his head and muttered, "What is with the recurring theme of wanting to kill me?" Still, he wondered who the dark figure who had shot the arrow was, and soon enough the Bard found himself walking out the castle doors and back into the courtyard. He looked up at the eastern staircase, then back into the castle's lobby, and decided that it would be best not to stick around the castle's entrance, lest Orias awaken and finish him off. Soon enough, Victor was climbing up the spiral staircase after the cloaked figure whom had saved his life...

OOC: Dunno if I was supposed to have seen that guy on the staircase, but I thought I'd give it a shot...

OOC: I expected you to see him, but follow him? Well done
IC:

As Victor climbs the stairs, the air in the cave becomes far less breathable and the darkness this high up makes it difficult to see the stairs ahead. Far below, the courtyard's intricate pathways are revieled to be a masterpiece of architecture. The torchlight glints off of the stones, sending off a warm aura and a somewhat hopeful atmosphere. If only Victor were low enough to be affected by it. The main structure of the castle is still visible, but the darkness prevents any textures to be identified or any beauty to be appreciated.

As Victor ascends, a familiar hissing sound can be heard further up. Alongside this frightening noise is the barabaric sound of teeth piercing through meat. The predators above are feasting on some kind of prey, but it is certainly not the hooded archer from before.

OOC: Oh, phew!

IC: The darkness that began to surround Victor caused him to begin his trembling again, and he looked down longingly at the courtyard. Still, he continued his journey upwards until he stopped abruptly. The hissing noises that the Bard had heard in the Inn were back, and the sounds of meal time told him that they were very near. Victor's trembling was accompanied by the sound of chattering teeth, which also happened to be his, and he remembered that he had not had the chance to heal himself after the battle with Orias. Proceeding catiously, the Bard unsheathed his dagger once more and looked around for any sign of the monsters, or the cloaked figure with the bow...

The sound of a bowstring being pulled and an arrow piercing flesh is heard, followed by a terrible wailing noise. The shrill scream finds its way into Victor's head and renders him deaf. When the ability to hear returns, a trickling sound can be heard. At Victor's feet, a liquid runs down the spiralling staircase. It is more than likely blood, but the bard can not see what color it is. Rapid footsteps sound out on the stairs above, indicating that the stranger is on the move yet again. This may very well be the second time that the mysterious man has saved Victor's life.

With the possible monster threats removed, the stairs are clear for advancement. Still below is the courtyard, a shining beacon of hope compared to the shadowy staircase, as grim as it is..

Victor spent a few seconds trying to clean out his hears when his hearing suddenly return, followed by the liquid's somewhat soothing sound. Still, the Bard could guess what the liquid was, so the trickle didn't have much of a calming effect on him. Rather, he gulped as he advanced further into the darkness, but eventually relaxed when he realized that the threat had been removed. Wanting to catch up to his unknown savior, Victor began to run up the stairs, almost slipping on the liquid, and continued looking around for the bow-wielding shadow...

At the top of the staircase is a solid oak door, with a torch next to it. From this high up, the courtyard is no longer visible. Any feeling of warmth that had been given off by the architecture and the rare light. Although lit, the door's torch does little to brighten the area. There is no sign of the cloaked man, save for a bloody footprint in front of the door. The door appears to be unlocked.

Taking a deep breath, Victor approached the door catiously. Seeing the bloody footstep, he realized that he was right about the liquid, and almost fainted. But he shook himself out of it; it was only his nerves acting up with the darkness surrounding him. The Bard stood straight and attempted to look confident, but even as he opened the door he was frightened on the inside...

As the door creaks open, a glimpse of a bow can be seen. Lost in the excitement is the shelf that the bow is resting on. Alongside the archer's weapon is a variety of others. None of these bows seem to match the stranger's, so it would be best to pay no attention to them. It seems that Victor is in some kind of armory, the last place that he would be safe in should another person be hunting him.

Through the dim lighting in the dreary room, another door can be seen. This door is wide open, and beyond it there is yet another staircase. The bloody footsteps are still visible, but after the first few steps they completely stop. While the latest hooded man cannot be tracked any further, there appears to be no other alternative route.

Victor's eyes brightened as he saw the bow, but upon realizing that the cloaked person wasn't in the room, his head sagged. Looking around the room, he saw the various weaponry stored within, and decided that it would not be best to stay in the armory. Beginning to become frightened again, the Bard began half walking, half running towards the next door, still in search of his hooded savior...