Port Llast was behind him, and the young girl in white robes, in front. Tailing the girl was easy enough, thus far; for apart from his family 'gift', it had been one of the skills he was trained for in his youth. It was a kind of family heritage, only enhanced by the blood-line ability that seemed dominant within the family.
Soon enough, however, things had begun to take a more complicated turn, as they usually did. Keeping his distance as always, he spotted something from within the trees. "This is not good..." the figure thought to himself. And sure enough, a moment later a large orc had sprung out towards the girl, grabbing for her cloak, while another shouted instructions to get her bag. Xarkuss was faced with a difficult choice. To come out of hiding and protect her from the beasts, would be to reveal himself, and risk earning her distrust. On the other hand, the beasts might harm her, and that was unacceptable.
At first he hesitated, having faith in the fact that she is, after all, a Guardian. But the instant the orc advanced upon her, grabbing for the young girl's throat, it was decided it was just not worth the risk, Dagger in one hand, and the other just about to guide a spell to the back of the beast's head.
Just then a magnificent ray of light suddenly collided with the hulking creature's face, rendering him into a frenzy of agony, and making it collapse to the ground. It was done with impressive force, as was the second one that followed just moments after. Xarkuss couldn't help but smile from under his cloak, as he reassumed his hidden position, and quickly proceeded to follow the girl again; regretting he could not stay behind and make sure that no other orcs followed, as he might lose her.
Going further up the steeping path, the girl was sprinting, clearly trying to put a good distance between her and the two orcs. The farther she went, the colder it got; and having lost her heavy cloak to the beasts, it seemed unlikely that she would be able to continue her journey.
He would wait until she was asleep...
The girl was soon out of breath and sat on a nearby rock, breathing heavily into the frosty air. Just then a figure approached her, and seemingly startled her, as he initiated conversation. Again, the hidden figure was ready to act if something didn't look right, but the stranger seemed harmless enough; or at least, of no ill intent. Just to be safe, though, Xarkuss decided to use his gift, for additional concealment. Just in case. His form immediately began to fade, taking a much less tangible, more misty/shadow-like presence.
It was not long after, that a larger band of orcs appeared to be making their way towards the girl, and her new companion, stranger; seemingly bent on avenging their fallen friends. However, this time there was apparently no need to worry, for the stranger had also noticed the creatures' approach, and the manner and stance in which he held his weapon, suggested he was quite capable of handling the situation. Yet, Xarkuss still advanced a bit closer to the scene, to be able to act in case anything was amiss.
The girl had also aided in fending-off a few of the beasts, but in doing so, she had also exerted the last of her physical stamina, and quickly collapsed beside a near-by tree. The man was still busy in battle with the creatures, but did not look to be in need of any aid. It was time.
Xarkuss discretely approached the unconscious Emalia, and reached within his cloak, depositing something within the girl's robe-pocket. Then (seemingly retrieved out of thin air) deposited some more items into the girl's pack.
The girl awakened some time after, in the presence of the stranger who had protected her from the orcs; the same stranger who had also seemingly saved Xarkuss the need to reveal his presence. It was fortunate, to say the least.
