The request was simple enough, head to the Archmages tower. Xander knew what he was required to do in this forsaken city, but getting to the this tower was proving more troublesome then he had first imagined.
Not owning much in the way of a weapon he was relying on Orb to warn him of danger. Orb would scout ahead and through their mind link, he would send back warnings.
Xander had remained hidden in the shadows for most of the journey, quite an easy thing to do in such a desolate place. He sat down behind some rubble with the intention of rest and Orb floated back to him.
Orb: *You shouldn't rest so much*
Xander: what? you may find this journey easy, but we humans get weary eventually. we have been walking for what seems like days.
Orb: *yes Xander and we are almost there, you would sit down now and rest as opposed to finish and then rest fully?*
ofcourse Orb was right, so following his friends advice Xander stood up and continued his trudge. his leather shoes were starting to give him blisters and he knew he would have to seek out a healer to sort it out, when he reached the tower...turning a corner his train of thought was rudely interupted, there ahead was a large, brutish Orc, in its hand was a glass jar, inside of which was Orb.
Orb: *Xander, help me this thing has caught me*
Xander: hey! you.
the foul creature turned to him. his small eyes narrowed.
Orc: this yours? I caught it, I am told "take it to my master".
Xander: shame it doesn't belong to you then huh!? besides, I've not known a vessel that can keep Orb captive for very long. not when I'm around anyway.
and this is where Xander's special bond with Orb came into play. with a thought, as brief as an image, in Xanders mind, the jar shattered and Orb swelled up in size, he grew a head and arms and his hair blew with the playfulness of the wind. his lower body was enshrouded in a mist and he floated there waiting for Xanders second command.
Xander: don't you know a summoners familiar when you see one?
Orb flew up above the Orc and put stretched out his blue arm. the silk like cloth draped down from it barely concealing him. he was an air sprite for now and his job was clear. he grasped the air and a bow appeared, pulling back an invisible string with his right hand Orb loaded the bow with Arrows of air. he released them and the force of them crushed the Orcs skull beneath.
Xander: Thankyou Orb.
Orb flew down and landed beside Xander...
Orb: *think nothing of it, what else would I do my friend*
Xanders mind flashed the mental command to return to his normal state and there before him, hung Orb, in his orb form.
Xander: I fear I rely too much on you!
Orb: *it is my purpose in life to be your companion and aide*
Xander: yes, but if we loose contact then we are both helpless though. you cannot change without my command and I cannot defend myself very well either.
Orb: *then you should learn to, come not far now, follow me*
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