“Uhnn...” Tajan slowly opened his eyes. It was still dark out, so it must still be the same night. Though, he could not hear any shouting or fighting, so one side must have come out victorious. As he sat up, he prayed that he was still with the caravan merchants and mercenaries, and not the opposing force. He saw with relief that he was safe, as was Chiyou, though she was out cold. How had that happened? He tried to remember. Not once had he left her alone during the battle, or at least not that he could remember. Perhaps she had fainted while he was out? In fact, how had he become unconcious to begin with?

Struggling with his memories, he pieced together the battle. He had definitely seen that man before, the one who had attacked him. Tajan did not think that that individual was fighting for exactly the same cause as the other raiders. Sure, he was still with them, but he seemed to hold different ideals as to what he came for. What was it he had said? Not much, from what Tajan could remember. Well, that was a shame...Wait, he did remember the attacker spouting some garbage about the King not being able to send competent guards, so that meant he hadn’t recognized Tajan. So what had he come for? Or was he, Tajan, just having delusions of grandeur?

He felt a sharp prick in his jaw. Feeling it, he opened his mouth slowly, stretching it out. Angry, he wondered how he had allowed himself to be snuck up on so easily. He glanced at Chiyou. She must have been attacked by another of the raiders, but saved by one of the mercenaries. A thought surfaced on his mind, and he held it there for a while. What if Chiyou was the one that guard, or those two guards were after? They had most definitely recognized her, hadn’t they? Tajan paled, as another thought came to his mind.

Sitting up on the cart, he turned to the soldier nearest to him. Though, he noticed there was no one directly near him, so he clumsily stood up and walked over to where some guards were standing watch over the camp. “Excuse me, do you by chance know what sort of uniform our attackers wore? Or glimpse any of their faces, were there any marks above the right eye?” He gathered enough information to confirm his suspicions. This was indeed the same band of caravan thieves that Chiyou’s parents were a part of. Maybe not this exact group, but part of the same clan, as it were.

Tajan limped back over to Chiyou. He would not allow her to be corrupted into following the same path as her parents. He had promised himself that, and Lena, her mother, for that matter. If these thieves came back, he would guard Chiyou with his life.

It was night and the woman in forest has finaly awaken. She sttod up carefully while feeling intense pain in her right leg and in her left arm. She touched her head and it had some blood in it. While she took few seconds to remember what happened a few flashbacks just came by on it's own.

She was fighting an battle where chances to life were very low. She killed two hooded man and her attention was broken by some man who was different from others. As she is elf she could sense a blood on that man which was more frightering than the other opponents. As she began running toward him she was hit by arrow one in her leg and one in her arm. She fell unconcius. She distance herself from the others so none of her allys were near her.

And, as soon as she figured out her soroundings she began walking in the direction of the caravan. The few caravan guards that was close on the patrol noticed her. They quickly came to her aid.

Meanwhile, Kamui finnaly opened his eyes. He was in the cart. He touched his wound with his hand and recall what happened.
'' Heh, so it was stuffed with sleeping powder. Just my luck...''
He noticed Tajan who was close to the girl who was in the cart too. They were alive it seems. Kamui didn't say anything he just left for some fresh air. There were fewer man than usuall. It seems like they survived the battle. General, Ethelia and Aphelion were on the ground. Kamui looked around and wondered where Athelyna was. Some guard came closer to him.
’’ I’m glad you are fine sir ’’
Kamui looked at him and asked
’’ Where is Athelyna soldier? ’’
The soldier wanted to explain the sad story but in that moment the scouts came from the woods carrying Athelyna who was badly hurt. Kamui ran to help them out.
’’ Sir Kamui, we found her in the woods. It’s a miracle she survived.’’
They quickly tended her wounds. She was badly injured. It appeared it would take some time for her to recover. Kamui seeing what she is not able to fight anymore requested from general Averey to send her back if possible.

All three of them fell asleep for a brief period of time, failing to notice Kamui waking up and leaving. But upon him coming back with unconscious Athelyna in his arms, they were all wide awake. Dawn was on the doorstep. West was still covered by fading stars while the east was obtaining a dark blue color which was getting brighter and brighter. Kamui then requested for Athelyna to be sent back.

"I thought you can't live without her." Aphelion comments without expecting for anyone to pay attention to what he has said.
Averey was glad to see Kamui, Tajan and Chiyou up and about. But it struck him to see Athelyna, his best swordsman wounded so. Of course he was delighted to see her alive as he already accounted her as a lost cause. "I agree with you. Board her on a cart. I'm sending her home." Averey complied.

Every passing moment was hitting Averey and telling him that the distance between them and the raiders is enlarging. A distance they need to cover by foot as there were no horses left except for the ones harnessing the carts. Every moment decreased their chances of uncovering the culprit.

"Ethelia, Kamui, Aphelion. We need to go." Then he hastily approaches the cart. "Tajan, I am not authorized to order you around. Therefore I will ask you if you and Chiyou will accompany us. We will be going on foot and we will be running most of the time. Decide quickly. We don't have a moment to spare." He tried to be as courteous as he could, but this situation made him a bit anxious. While looking at Tajan, anticipation started filling his eyes.

Tajan thought about it very briefly. He opened his mouth and started to reply, but then shut it again. Knowing that Averey did not have much time, he stuck with his original thought. “Yes, we will accompany you as far as we can go. We will be able to keep up with you. However, if we ever begin to hinder you, if you ask us to, we will depart.”

Tajan had toyed with the idea of letting Chiyou go alone with them. He had some things he wanted to find out for himself, but he remembered his vow to protect Chiyou. He knew that the mercenaries could do it, but they had other duties to care for, and watching over a child mage who was many years under them would seem too much like baby-sitting in their eyes. He would not let her be humiliated by something like that. So, he would go with her and try to find the answers to his questions on the way.

Drowsy, Chiyou walked up to Tajan and stood by his side. She heard the entire conversation between him and General Averey, so she prepared herself for the journey. Yawning, she stayed by Tajan’s side, feeling shy of the other guards.

The wind once more shifted tirelessly in both direction and intensity. Aitou found himself wishing the weather to be as it once was, a soft breath across the skin. Realizing his current state would only succumb to the weather's treachery, the young elf rubbed his hands together and brought them to his face.

Once the hands parted, slight patches of fur formed from the shallow depth of skin. His sharp nose extended and rounded, combining with the mouth as the fur continued to expand across the body. As the body itself tightened and expanded, Aitou quickly removed the quiver and bow from his back. As the two items fell to the ground, paw prints pressed firmly into the snow. Aitou, now a small bear, appeared to cringe from the snapping of fabric, noting with a shake of the head his lack of funds to replace the garments.

If only he had more experience with this, he thought. With the affinity of most elves towards nature, most never leave the community in which they are born. Being stationary acts not only as a matter of convenience, but also as a form of gratitude toward those villagers whom acted as parents/guardians. The elder teaches the younger and, in turn, the latter provides protection for the former. Leaving the village when he did, however, Aitou never was able to complete his training in transformation. Thus, forms far above or below his body size and the transforming of clothing into part of his being remained strenuous to maintain, if not unfeasible. The trade was positive, Aitou thought, so long as he could use what he did know to better others. Especially with the changing winds serving as an ominous creed.

Placing one paw into the quiver's strap, Aitou used his teeth to pick the item off the ground and secure it to his body. Much to his displeasure, he lost a couple arrows in the process, yet the druid elf could not help but hope serving in the army would offer an easier means of replacing lost equipment. For the bow, Aitou bore his teeth into the worn leather wrapped around the wood, allowing him to awkwardly carry it.

In the approaching distance, sounds of battle reached his ears, causing them to twitch anxiously. Aitou was close. Picking up speed, the elf eyed the target and those monstrosities whom the figure valiantly attacked. It was--he was--the infamous Lord Ethan.

(OOC: A bit wordy, I'm sure.... Sorry, I'm trying to step away from that. I may edit it a bit later if necessary. Also, if there is anything I need to edit, please tell me. Edit: Signature^^)

Nodding, Averey looks at the girl and smiles compassionately and then turns around to issue orders. Aphelion was crouched gently touching the ground and removing any blade of grass that was in the way.

"Lead the way ranger." Averey says. Someone would discern it to be a sarcastic statement, but it wasn't.

Aphelion raises and looks at Averey.

"They fled north." After saying those words he starts half-running north. "If we hurry we might be able to catch up with them."

Ethelia and Averey start following him and the general, while half-running, directs Kamui, Tajan and Chiyou, with the motion of his hand, to follow them.

(OOC: Reanimation, there is no need to edit. If there is, although I doubt there will be, I will pm you so don't worry.)

When General Averey motioned for them to follow him, Tajan started walking, with Chiyou, after the rest of the group. Chiyou slowly wandered away from Tajan, but she didn’t go too far. She mostly just wanted to be able to walk on her own, so that she could have time to be alone and think, instead of verbally speaking with Tajan. It’s not that she didn’t like talking to him, it’s just at the moment she preferred to be alone.

Except, you’re not alone. You have me.

Chiyou sighed. Jest, I don’t want to talk to you either, I just want to think on my own.

Silly girl, have you already forgotten? I am you, therefore if you want to think on your own, you have to have me there too.

Sometimes you make no sense...

Jest let out her twisted laugh again. Is that my fault? No, really. I’ll not say a word and you can live in the illusion that you’re alone up here. Would that help?

Yes. But do I have your word that you won’t even snicker if I say something foolish?

Of course, Jest said graciously and retreated into a corner of Chiyou’s mind, patient and silent.

Glad that Jest was leaving her alone for just a moment, Chiyou let thoughts she had held pent up flow to the top of her mind. She never had really known who her parents were. The only thing she remembered of them was one night in front of a caravan when she was three. Still, she didn’t remember all of the details, only that there was a fight and she had been terrified. She could remember her mother’s sweet voice, but there was also another voice that she recognized, but she couldn’t place it, for her memory of it wasn’t clear.

12 Years Previous

Lena looked through the thicket at the approaching caravan. Motioning with her fingers to a group of no more than five behind her, including her daughter, she bade them come closer. Huddling up to each other, she spoke in a soft, gentle voice.

“This is it. This is the caravan that carries him. I want him alive, not dead.” Nodding, the group spread out in the bushes, so that they would surround the caravan when it came to the predetermined spot. Thankfully, it was not a guarded caravan. The government still hadn’t felt the need to guard such vessels, regardless of the stories of thieves abroad. But, Lena wasn’t complaining. Such recklessness made her job much easier. The caravan stopped for a break, and she saw two people come out. One was a black robed mage, the other looked to be an imperial guard.

Smiling, Lena let out a low whistle, holding onto her daughter’s shoulder. She herself would not get involved in this fight, in case something went awry. Her group quickly went and dispersed, sneaking up behind the caravan.

“Asporo!” A bright white light shone in the night, blinding Lena. Her daughter let out a cry. Flushing pale, Lena got up, hugging her daughter close. “Lena!” She had started to back away, but the mage was staring right at her. He had known they were there! A group of imperial guards got out from the back of the caravan and surrounded the thieves. And he’s betraying me! Lena grew dismayed. She couldn’t let them take her daughter. She had to speak with him...but this was too dangerous. She had to choose another moment to do so.

Turning on her heel, she ran away from the scene. Her companions were captured and placed in the back of the caravan. The mage stopped the other guards from coming after her, but he ran towards her on his own. He caught up quickly, for he had used magic, allowing his agility and speed to increase. When he got to Lena, he took her arm and spoke in a gentle voice.

“Lena, please don’t make me do this. What you’re doing is-”

“What do you know about what I’m doing? I’m serving a greater cause than you!”

“How? What you’re doing is stealing from people, killing them! You didn’t used to be this way. You used to be the sweetest woman I ever knew-”

“Oh, and how would you know who I used to be?” Lena picked up her daughter and hugged her close to her body. She glared at the mage, angry at him.

“Lena, listen to me! If we meet again, I will have no choice but to turn you in!”

“Then that’s what you must do. End of discussion. You should have killed me when you had the chance, if that’s how you feel!” She ran again, away from the site. Tears were flowing down her face and onto her daughters silky, long, black hair. She felt ashamed for the way she had acted, but she had no other choice...Morgian had her loyalties now...Death by him was much worse than what the Emperor would do. In fact, she would rather be killed by the Emperor than be tortured by Morgian, for the Emperor would be more merciful and there would be less pain.

Kissing her daughter’s hair, she silently vowed that she would never come to know the life she had led, she would be free from it all. She prayed that her only friend and lover in the world would be able to care for her daughter when she was dead. Riko...you poor fool. My only son, murdered in front of my eyes. She would not let that happen to Chiyou. She only wished she could have explained things to Tajan before it came to this...But there was no time. She could only run now. That could have been her chance, to tell him, in the forest a few moments ago...But he would have surely called his guards. She would have been dead. No, she needed to wait for the right time, but there was no time left anymore.

Thanks to general Averey, Athelyna was sent back. She was a good fighter but no man can know the outcome of the battle no matter how strong he can be. Kamui still had Aphelion’s words in his ears.

" I thought you can't live without her ''. He didn’t answer him then though. There was nothing to say. Kamui did all his missions with that girl and now he is traveling with a group of people who he never fought with. He didn’t know will they guard his back when the time comes. So far it was always Athelyna who helped him from the distance. Now he has to take care of himself. But there is general who won’t dare to loose his comrades in battle so he could count on him. At least that’s what Kamui hoped.

"Lead the way ranger." Averey says.
Of course a common sense was spoken from the general. In these situations the best tracker would be ranger. Kamui thought for a blink second what happened to others. The mercinaries that were with them on the caravan. It seems like they died…or they were lost in the forest. But then he thought that nothing can be done about that. The few of them that are moving now will have to do…

Aphelion said that they fled north. They all started half running. Kamui of course did the same. But, even with the ranger he still kept his eyes opened just in case.

It had seemed like days, hell weeks perhaps had gone by. Ethan was slowly gettin up from what clearly seemed like being passed out. He was surrounded by corpses upon corpses of beasts, all which seemed to have giant teeth marks on their throats with large grotesque sword gashes in there mutilated bodies. At this point, most of the beasts seemed or must've retreated for most of creatures that were once there before Ethan's collapse were no longer there. However, it doesn't seem that there were any tracks leading back to Memoria Forest, except one set, a human set.

Ethan got up, his wounds still aching horribly, he looked in the direction of the castle which still seemed under siege but with a much smaller force than there had been. Ethan started to wonder what had happened to the rest and why he had collapsed, but the more he thought about it his head hurt. He found his sword not too far away from him sticking out of the head of the deadly violent fenrir and king of the hellhounds, Tantalus Greyback. He pulled his sword swiftly out of the crumbled form of Greyback and started back toward the castle and the still oncoming forces of nightmarish creatures and their apparent leader as of the moment, the king behemoth, Haterioblas. There was, still no signs of Ethan's friend Vincent, he had just seemingly vanished without a trace. However, as Ethan's quick tread slowly turned into a dead sprint back toward the battlements where a group of devilish beings called Skelinferi became aware of his presence, he noticed a small figure of what seemed like a small bear about 500-625m due west of his current location. He turned back toward where he was headin and noticed that the Skelinferi were no longer in front of him, but behind him....

Hours were passing and still the ones who followed didn't catch up. Tracks which were all too obvious for a skilled ranger led them in the right direction and the position of the tracks and the distance from one footprint to the next told off the speed raiders have been moving. They were almost sprinting. Why are they running this fast? This is beyond the fear of us. Aphelion thought. Then raised his hand to signal everyone to stop. When they did he turned around and looked at the general.

"About an hour ago we passed the border. We are in Gedhon now." Breathing deeply he informed.
"What!?" The general was surprised and he barely pronounced that exclamation because he was barely catching his breath. "Tharia has always been on excellent terms with Gedhon. Are they trying to start a war?" He finally caught his breath.
"Ethelia, come here." Aphelion called her. "Look in that direction." He pointed further north.

Elven rangers are known to have an eyesight very much like eagle's, but only when they concentrated.

"It's strange. A mild smoke raising from something on the ground. I can't put my finger on what it is."
"We are continuing." Aphelion said and started running. The rest followed.

In about twenty minutes they arrived to the place where Ethelia saw smoke. There was still smoke and it was rising from the clothes and armor which was lying on the ground a bit burned around the edges. Many more clothes and armor were lying around. Aphelion crouches next to a bunch of clothes and unsheaths his hunting dagger. Using the dagger he spaces the clothes and sees dust inside. With a careful motion of the knife he grabs some of the dust and nears it to his eyes.

"These are vampires killed by sunlight." He informs the rest. "But there are tracks leading further so I assume they were not all vampires. We should follow."
"Vampires? What in Dillion's* name is going on here?" Averey placed his right hand on the forehead. He looked bewildered and worried. "Yes, we should follow."

Again, Aphelion starts running and the rest follow. After running for about an hour they arrive at a small creek where every track stopped and was nowhere to be found.

"They must've continued running through the water. We have a fifty percent chance of choosing the right direction. If we choose wrong we might never find their tracks again." Aphelion presented the situation to his companions.

Averey started thinking, then he looked at the right side where the creek was flowing downstream and then he looked to the left, upstream. A decision of a lifetime, maybe not a lifetime, but it certainly seemed so to him at this moment. He just simply didn't know what to do and just when he was about tho randomly choose the direction, everyone hear a fading ruckus somewhere in the distance, to the northeast. Without a moment's thought, Averey and the rest start running towards the yells and roars. With every step the noise was becoming louder and louder. They ran for about fifteen minutes when they exited the forest and saw what was creating the noise. A force of monsters was besieging the well known castle Benedix. Further away from the castle, a man could be discerned. He was being chased by a group of monsters.

Averey, who was now on the head of the group turns around to face his companions.
"That man is in danger and I assume he is a Gedhonian. We are still not completely sure if they are behind these raids, but until that claim is proven, they still are our allies. I am sorry to ask you to risk your lives yet again, but I think helping Gedhon is the right thing to do at this moment. I won't make anyone fight so you can give up now and go back home if you want. Are you with me?"
"I am with you general." Ethelia responded seriously.
"Count me in." Aphelion added. He simply couldn't let Ethelia fight while he ran away home. As much as he hated the thought of fighting for a cause not chosen by him, he was not a coward.

Averey looked at the others awaiting their decision.

*Dillion is a Tharian god.

Chiyou almost bumped into a guard, causing her to snap out of her reverie. She heard a few screams in the distance. Turning to find Tajan, she located him and walked up to him. “Tajan, what’s going on? Why have we stopped?”

Tajan had been about to speak to the General, but he stopped and looked to Chiyou. “There is a man in danger of being devoured, or worse, by monsters. The General was wondering if we would be able to lend a hand in rescuing him.”

“Of course!” But surprisingly, Tajan shook his head.

“Unlike my friend, I will not be able to aid you. I fear for the life of that man as much as those who are being attacked in the castle, but this time it would be a danger for me to be seen here. I will be waiting a little ways back in the forest. If you have need of me though, I will return to fight. Otherwise I will not return until you have left this place.” He knew that must have sounded odd, since Gedhon was allied with the king, but he had made a few misadventures to this castle years back. Those mistakes lost him the trust of Gedhon’s king, along with the trust of his own lover. This castle held bleak memories for him indeed.

Chiyou looked at him oddly. Tajan looked awefully tense, and his eyes...There was a fear there, or at least a sorrow beyond her comprehension. Deciding not to push him to explain himself like she usually did, she let him be. Turning to General Averey, she bowed as a sign of respect and told him that she would be willing to fight for him. She did not have allegences to the king, or any other group at this moment except for herself, so keeping that in mind she didn’t see a reason not to help this man, or the people in the castle, if it came to that.

"That man is in danger and I assume he is a Gedhonian. We are still not completely sure if they are behind these raids, but until that claim is proven, they still are our allies. I am sorry to ask you to risk your lives yet again, but I think helping Gedhon is the right thing to do at this moment. I won't make anyone fight so you can give up now and go back home if you want. Are you with me?"
Averey never let those in need to be left without aid. But of course he would never fight a dull battle where he would know that they would fall.

Kamui was ready for the battle. There is no chance he would back down now. Maybe some other time, where he would fight only to survive. The Azure knights helped him out and showed him that saving others and helping those in need makes you stronger because life is valuable thing and saving one proves that you are above those who are saved earning you respect from Gods. Athelyna will not be here to help him from behind. Kamui was sweating a little under his armor because of tought of death from a monster is never an easy view or feeling from what he heard and saw.


After Ethelia Aphelion and Chiyou agreed, it was time for Kamui to do the same
'' Let's do it!'' he says loudly gripping the handle of his sword on the back. Then he waited for further orders

A number of scents laced the air--mixing, intertwining, yet distinctly distinguishable. The snow under Aitou's paws stained velvet. The corpses of savage creatures littered across the terrace. Lord Ethan's wounds. Approaching from a distance, the unknown made itself clear: faint, but clear against the chilled air. Friend or foe, Aitou did not know, yet the elf found himself praying for the former. At least, the scent tasted human.

Narrowing his senses toward Lord Ethan, he noticed the clarity of the figure decreasing and increasing in patterned intervals. As a ghastly creature mysteriously appeared behind the individual, Aitou increased his speed to a near sprint, realizing the danger he could place himself in if he arrived to the battlefield suffering fatigue.

If I can only draw some of the attention away from the lord, Aitou thought. With his current appearance, the elf believed himself to appear much weaker than the valiant form of Lord Ethan. The main drawback to the plan would be the loss, perhaps permanent, of his bow and arrows. Releasing the items, Aitou valiantly attempted to roar, and, despite his size, the effort proved a minor success.

As but a single beast drew toward Aitou, the elf progressed in his journey to where the lord was headed.

(Edit: wrong wording)

The Skelinferi (Skeletons in a smoking blaze with swords, spears, axes, and shields) were quickly closing in around Ethan. He turned toward the direction of the keep, in which the gates of the massive citadel of Benedix was being battered and rammed by the King Behemoth and the few beasties he had left. He only glanced at the keep before turning back towards his foes which were now alarmingly close. He readied his sword once again, but before he could formulate his attack, a piercing pain rips through Ethan's right shoulder, he looks to see an arrow beaming out of the brim. He could instantly tell that a few tendons had been severed for he was now heavily bleeding, but he did not dare take the arrow out. However, looking past the nightmarish creatures in front of him, Ethan noticed that apart from the small bear headin toward him, there was a small force of individuals was also headin his way. Friend or foe, he could not tell. However, the arrow that was now presuming to be more trouble that it was worth was not shot by any of the hellish beasts he has fought thus far or by any he has yet to fight.

Suddenly, a large roar could've been heard from the direction of the bear, for he had managed to lessen the load by drawing off one of the inferius beasts looming ever so closer. Ethan trying so vainly trying to lift his right arm, rolled his sword over to his left hand, which seemed a bit more leniant to carry it, besides the gash that a goblin so earnestly gave Ethan from what now seemed like a lifetime ago. Once again, Ethan readies his sword and charges with what it seems a red gleam in his eyes.

OOC: Sorry about not informing on what Skelinferi were in the last post, I suppose it must've slipped my mind.
Btw, Albel, sorry to tell ya, but it's Benedix castle, not Bordeaux castle.

First who replied and whose answers were positive were Ethelia and Aphelion. Averey affirmatively nodded to both of them. After that, Tajan explained some things to Chiyou and then the girl bowed to Averey.

"I am sure you have your reasons and I do not consider you to be a coward." Averey said to Tajan and nodded back to Chiyou with a smile.

"Let's do it." Kamui says loudly.
"I would expect no less from my knight." Averey unsheaths both of the longswords and turns to where the battle was. The wound in his leg was painful, but he was able to endure it so it cannot hinder him. Then, with a war cry exiting his lungs and spreading far through the land, the general starts charging.

The wound in Aphelion's left shoulder rendered his left arm almost unusable. After the general's war cry he too starts running with Ethelia behind him. While running, she was pulling out an arrow from the quiver and combining it with the bow. When they were in range, and it seemed that they came in range at the last moment, Ethelia fires an arrow which pierces the head of a burning skeleton who was right about to swing at Ethan.

Like the wind, Averey and Aphelion run past Ethan and strike down two of the skeletons. Fragile were these abominations and there was not much force in their swings and thrusts. Only enough to kill a man but not to strike out the weapon from one's hand. Fire which was enveloping them was a problem. It was magical, any other way and the skeletons would burn out in the matter of minutes.

One of the skeletons swings his sword at Aphelion, but he crouches and the skeleton misses. With a single swing, the ranger cuts of the skeleton's leg and it falls to the ground. To finish him, he crushes it's head with a boot, fast enough not to catch fire to his leg.

General Averey was swinging and evading in a manner only the most skilled of warriors could. Already four of the skeletons fell under his two longswords. The burning abominations started to slowly surround him and his back became unguarded. Just as one of the skeletons was about to strike at his back, Ethelia's arrow flies and pierces the skeleton's skull. A few more arrows come flying and clearing the skeletons around Averey.

When the skeletons, that were too close to Ethan, were defeated, Aphelion retreats and stands at Ethan's left side and Averey stands to his right. They were catching their breath because more of the skeletons were approaching. Also, they were at the limit of their endurance because the pursuit wore them out.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a secluded part of Gedhon where a range of hills forms a natural defense was Vailen's haven. Or rather haven and headquarters. For an underground haven it looked fairly elegant. The entrance was carefully and profoundly hidden.

Two women, vampires like him, were lying on his bed. Their skin as white as snow and their hair as black as coal. They were both in his embrace. At that moment enters a man, human. His attire was raggedy and dirty.

"Master Vailen." The man pronounced without any hint of fear. His voice was firm and proud although the mission was a failure.
"For the first time you are late Urien. Would you be so kind as to explain what was the delay?" Vailen spoke elegantly and in a cultural manner.
"The mission was a failure. The battle took too long and we had to retreat."
"And how might that be?" Vailen slightly frowned anticipating the worst.
"They had skilled warriors protecting the caravan. We surely would have killed them if we only had a bit more time. But the battle took too long and we were too late..."

Vailen abruptly gets up from the bed and the two women grab their clothes and exit the room.

"What of my brethren?" Vailen asked while placing a hand on his chin and frowning even more.
"They are dead master." Urien says sadly and stoops his head.

Like a drunk man, Vailen sits on the bed and stoops his head as well. Of course they were not his brothers, but they were his kind. Grief struck him and he wanted to be left alone.
"Leave me Urien. I desire to be alone."
"As you wish master." Urien exits the room.

Race ran as fast as he could, during their first encounter, he had got lost in the fray, and fell behind, but now, he could sense a great magic, raising the dead. When he arrived, he had no idea were he was, or how he got there, all he noticed were the many burning skeletons and charged in, seeing Avery surrounded, he ran at the group, but right before he hit them, he stopped, and raised a few of his own his undead, though they were not a flame, they had souls, and would fight with the power of those souls.

He ran in, drowing out his sapphire and ruby colored blades, struck down three skeletons, then they noticed him, and began to attack him as well. His quick movements brought down about 4 to 5, and his "freinds" were also killing their share of undead. When he reached General Averey, the first thing he said was, "I am sorry for not being there, I got lost in the fray." He winced as his slashed arm block a sword from another skeleton, though there was not much force, it was frequent enough to cause it to hurt."

OOC: I hope that was accurate, my internet was down, and I am in class right now so I skimmed what happened, sorry for not being on in a while, OH, and could someone tell me what all happened in the fight, and who all is gone, just pm with that info please."

Kamui didn't take too long to charge ahead. When the others started heading toward their new opponents Kamui did the same. As the others stayed closer to the man they wanted to protect, he went further away from them to sent his enemies to the place they came from. Hell, of course. If there is such place...
Skeletons were evil things summoned by dark magic. They are the common enemies of the knights and paladins so Kamui's sword and his divine power was the most efective one here.

The two skeletons that appeared in front of him wanted to block Kamui's attack but his one swing destroyed both skeletons and their shields. Others quickly came closer to him. There were four or five of them surounding him. Others would ignore him and head toward the others that were fighting too.
Kamui slashed a few more of his enemies but soon he found himself in the situation that appeared more then he can handle. He took his sword and held it close to his chest.

'' Gods I beg of you, grant me the holy power to smithe all evil in my path! ''
He than stabs the sword in the ground creating a bling of light around his enemies. His opponents stopped and continued standing still in front of Kamui, who slowly started to stand up. After a brief moment the few skeletons that were near him just fell apart. Their pieces on the ground slowly started to vanish. Kamui bend down a little shivering from his usage of knights holy weapon.
'' I didn't think that only this would take a lot out of me. Better get back to the others.'' He says to himself.

Kamui stood up and headed to the others who seemed that they destroyed the ones that were near them. While holding his chest with one hand he noticed that Race was still alive. He disappeared during the hooded man attack but it seems he was able to find them again. Kamui came closer to Averey, Aphelion and stood behind the Ethan prepering for another raid from skeletons that came from the distance. He stood there trying to catch his breath...

Chiyou followed the General, but she soon wandered off again. Skeletons swarmed around her, but she did not feel frightened. If anything, Jest would be what frightened her the most. Spreading wide her arms, palms facing up, she mustered up her anger and released four balls of blazing hot fire at the skeletons. The ones in front of her smolted and fell to the ground in a heap of ashes.

That wasn’t too hard, Chiyou thought. Are they all like that?

Perhaps. But you’re tired already. Watch yourself.

You care about me Jest?

No. I just don’t want the vessel that is carrying me to die. Then I’ll be gone as well.

Burning with rage now, Chiyou cried out. She ran towards the oncoming masses of skeletons and summoned fire as she ran. She cut through a decent amount of them, but she was growing more tired by the passing seconds. Crying, she didn’t understand why she was so angry. Where was Tajan when she needed him? She was lonely, without him.

Tears falling on the ground, she lifted up her hands to the sky and, closing her eyes, began chanting a spell in a different tongue.



12 Years Previous

Lena brushed the hair from her eyes. Her meeting with Duke Ronis had been rather successful. With any luck, the Duke would follow the plan exactly. Morgian had given her strict guidelines to follow and had even promised her freedom if she executed the plan asbolutely perfect. She highly doubted he would be satisfied enough to release her, but in fact the reason she came at all was to see Tajan, so she didn’t mind as much.

She had heard rumors from local, and reliable, gossips back at the thieves fort that Tajan would meet with the Duke, so she had volunteered gladly to take on this job to see the Duke. Morgian wanted her to go as a noble from the Duke’s own family. Lena had nearly fainted from unbelief at the thought. How was she going to be able to pull this off? But she wanted so badly to see Tajan, appologize, and explain things to him.

Morgian wanted her to offer to the Duke false trade routes that wouldn’t be attacked by caravan raiders. By doing this, she would help weaken Duke Ronis’ power and then, hopefully, start a war. That would allow Morgian and his thieves plenty of opportunities to steal valuable war items. They would offer those stolen items to the side they wanted to win, and then when the time was right, they would take over power somewhere, spreading influence. Lena thought it was a little far-fetched, but she was caught up in it, and for the sake of her freedom, she hoped it worked.

Surprisingly, Morgian had actually helped her scrounge the resources and information to pull this off. They had stolen confidential papers concerning Duke Ronis’ family’s birth details and detailed backgrounds of royal children, old enough for Lena to impersonate. Lena had needed to memorize loads of information on Rosalinda, the twenty-four year old daughter of Ronis she had chosen to impersonate.

[OOC: I would post the spell, but I haven't come up with a decent rhyme yet, nor what it is going to do. Probably just send a protective barrier around the soldiers, if that is alright?]

Kali padded silently down the hall, her thoughts as dark and cold as the cobblestone floor. Urien is a fool. Had the mission been hers—and it was supposed to have been hers—the losses would have belonged to the caravan alone. Now there was evidence to be dealt with, falsehoods to weave. But of course the decision had not been hers to make.

She rounded the corner and began to ascend the large flight of stairs, pausing once to cast a wary glance at the lifelike replica of herself across the far wall—her own shadow, taking its animation from the flickering and gutting of the torchlights—before continuing. Vailen would not be pleased; that much was evident. What was less certain would be his reaction. Her mission to the forests west of Benedix had gone well, surpassing, as it were, even her own high expectations. The battle fanned around the keep waged fierce still, casualties were great, and even renowned guard Ethan himself had nearly succumbed to injuries. Or has succumbed already, she mused. No, her work there had been impeccable. But the Dark Lord was moody, unpredictable. The failures from the caravan raid had spilled over into her domain. The consequences of Tharian guards riding to the rescue of Gedhonians was sure to complicate her success at best and to bring down the wrath of Vailen at worst.

She paused now before a large set of oakwood doors engraved with a large V, grasped the large iron knocker and struck twice. Bloody Urien.

<Tag Vailen>

12 Years Previous


Wandering outside of the Duke’s manor, Lena leaned on a bench. Deciding to sit down on it, she watched as people walked inside and out. They would bow their heads slightly upon seeing her, for to them she was the Duke’s daughter. But then her heart beat quicker as her expected guest appeared. Holding in her emotions, she stood up.

“Master Mage, may I have a word?” The mage looked at her and bowed, courteously. Following her out into the garden, Lena spoke in her normal voice.

“Tajan...I’m so sorry. I wish I could have told you everything sooner.”

Tajan’s eyebrows raised. “Lena! What are you--No. Why are you here?” His voice became stern and he nervously looked over his shoulder. “Listen, I can get you out of here. But my guards knew you were coming, they didn’t know how, but the Duke will find out. You will be killed for treason.”

Lena grabbed onto Tajan’s arm. “I will accept that. But please, listen to me! I need to tell you this, you must know.” Turning to face her, Tajan placed his hands on her waist. Nodding, he urged her to go on.

“As you know, I have been part of a raiding group, thieving caravans. It was not my choice to do this, but he found me one day and forced me to work for him. His name is Morgian. He has impossible dreams, and I fear for his sanity. He has forced me to work for him, otherwise he would kill my children. Riko’s life was taken from him early on because of my defiance. I do not want my daughter’s life taken as well. I want for you to care for Chiyou. Can you do this for me?”

“Lena, I’m her-”

“I know, but will you protect her with your life? When I say this, I mean never leaving her from your sight.”

“That’s my duty, you know that. I would guard her with my life. However, if it is safer she is not with me, then I will keep her elsewhere until it is safe.”

“And one last thing.”

“Yes?” Tajan looked anxiously over his shoulder. He did not want to do this...

“Do not let her know who you truely are. There are those, like Morgian who would use her for her powers. She has the abilities of a mage, and they frighten me. Magic was more your area, but even you will sense the unnatural power she holds. I do not know if it will bode for good or ill, but it is there. Train her like an apprentice, and don’t let her know about what I became, please!” In reply, Tajan brought her close and softly kissed her lips.

“I promise. Now, follow me m’lady and I will escort you off of your premises.” Taking his arm, Lena gathered her composure she used as Rosalinda and walked with Tajan out onto the promenade. The sounds of guard’s boots could be heard on the ground behind them. Tajan stopped walking, holding tightly onto Lena, and the guards approached them, pointing their spears at Lena, circling her. Looking at Tajan with confusion in her eyes, she realized what was going on. The confusion turned to hate and bitter sorrow, but it was not aimed at Tajan.

“I’m so sorry,” Lena muttered into his ear. Tajan let the guards take her away and stood there. He savored the kiss from the garden, but the words spoken from his mouth were bitter lies that he detested. Closing his eyes, he wished there could have been another way. But he himself was imprisoned by Morgian, and he had his orders. There was nothing that could be done now except stay by Lena’s side and watch the outcome of the trial, keeping Chiyou by his side so that she would be safe.

[OOC: I apologize for all of the typos I've had in my posts...I used spell check in my Appleworks document and some of the mis-spellings were quite bad. I'll try and weed those out better. And I also hope that my 'past memories' aren't too cheesy...]

It seemed like he came out of nowhere, Race joined the battle. It surprised Averey for he thought that Race got killed in the previous battle. In front of them, Kamui was fighting to the best of his abilities. Fireballs cast by Chiyou cleared a number of skeletons but they were still advancing. Those fireballs averted Averey's attention and he looked at the girl who was now, as it would seem, chanting a spell. Danger spouted almost in an instant when the main group of skeletons reached them.

"Kamui! The girl! Protect the girl!" Averey shouted to make sure Kamui hears him.

A dose of fear struck Aphelion's chest when the abominable skeletons came in range. Nevertheless, it did not hinder his movements. The hand was griping the hilt of the falchion, his stance firm and eyes concentrated at their movements. This time they waited for the skeletons. They came in range and clashed their swords with Aphelion's and Averey's. Fatigue was taking it's toll and pretty quickly the two's movements were becoming slower and slower.

About a dozen of imps fly in and grab Aphelion, rising him from his feet. Only barely he managed to get rid of the imp holding his right arm. And that was enough for he used that arm to brake the neck of an imp which was holding his hair. Then he got rid of the ones holding his left arm and by doing so he ends up hanging upside down. At that moment the imps had to let go of him because their strength was not enough to carry him. He fell on his back next to Chiyou.

"Hurry girl." Aphelion pronounced with great difficulty for his breathing was deep and he was barely catching his breath. Then he rose up from the ground and charged back into the fight.

The quiver on Ethelia's back was empty so she turned to her magical properties. She started creating magical ice arrows. It was a demanding skill which used a lot of her spiritual energy and that is why she used it only as a last resort.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Still sitting on the bed, shirtless with only his trousers on, Vailen was deep in his thoughts. Urien is a skilled assassin but was it wise to send him on such a demanding and carefully calculated mission? The one who led all of the previous raids was needed elsewhere. Kali was the only one in whose ability he could trust to accomplish a task like the one he gave her. For the last fifty years he has collected all kinds of undead and monsters into a single wand. That wand was unique and by releasing the monsters it got destroyed. But it was only a means to an end after all.

Quickly he made peace with the loss of his brethren so he got up and approached a small table which was next to the bed. On the table was a glass. The glass was a piece of art because of how beautifully it has been shaped. It was filled with blood. Vailen raised it elegantly and took a sip of blood. At that moment someone knocks at the door.

"Enter." He said calmly.

OOC: A shield is OK. Mages are support after all And I personally don't mind about your past, it builds your character.

Ethan was cutting down skeleton after skeleton with his exceeding speed with ease, despite all injuries. However, his fatigue was now becoming almost overwhelming for he has been fighting for at least 3 or 4 days now and his injuries were now becoming quite serious for he had lost a momentous amount of blood. He looked around at all the new arrivals to the battle and became immediately aware that they were apparently allies. He shiethed his sword then kneeled down to rip the cloth off a goblin laying dead at his feet and tied it around his upper thigh where a spear had pierced it much earlier in the battle. He looked over to the apparent leader of this band of troops and recognized almost instantly that the man fighting next to him was the famed General Averey. Most of the others he didn't recognize except a mage standing off in the distance who seemed to be chanting an incantation for a spell.

Then, suddenly, it became a fact, that this battle shouldn't rage too much longer. Ethan looked around and saw that the ones that had came to his aid were already ridden with fatigue and exhaustion, they obviously had been traveling a large amount of distance in such a short time. Still kneeling, he bit his finger, hard enough to pierce the skin and cause a minor bleed, he then drew in the ground a crescent fall with the 12 zodiac symbols. In the center, appeared a hilt of a sword. With a large heave and tremendous strength, Ethan pulled out a large two-handed broad sword inraptured with red, blue, and gold runes on the obsidian black blade which had a silver edge. He then murmered one word, "Ragnorak".

He held the sword aimed at the keep doors where the king behemoth stood. He turned to Averey and said, "Hey General, just give me time." Some odd amount of moments later, Ethan, panting heavily, roared with a fiery that the mightiest warrior would tremble at and became enveloped in a dark purple and mysterious aura. His eyes burning red like crystallized fire, he stabbed the sword into the ground and still gripping the hilt as tightly as possible, sprinted in the direction of the behemoth with inhuman speed...

The battle was still raging. Sound of slashes and clash of swords was the only thing that can be heard in this heated battle. While he was getting tired he still needed to give everything he got.

"Kamui! The girl! Protect the girl!" Averey shouted to make sure Kamui hears him.

As order he quickly came closer to the girl who was chanting some sort of spell. He slowly but surely defeated all the clossing enemies in front of the girl. With every swing his sword became difficult to handle as he was getting tired too. Soon he couldn’t even rise his sword anymore.

Suddenly Aphelion falls down on the earth droped by the imps. Kamui looks above and noticed them flying around. In a blink of a second one of them lands on Kamui and grabs his head and shoulder with his clows. As Kamui was heavy the imp couldn’t lift him. Finnaly a one punch in the head made imp to let go of Kamui and resume flaying in the air. He hoped that Chiyou will finnaly do what she needs to do or this battle will become a lot shorter in a few minutes.

Kamui noticed other man who stabs his sword into the ground after saying something to general.
’’ What is that guy doing?’’ he thought while he slowly started to loose his strenght and bending down.

Sobbing, Chiyou continued chanting. She was oblivious to all around her except herself and the words of the ancient tongue which she spoke.

“Warrior of night and day hear me now,
Listen to my plea of help in this time.
Cover me in your blessing as I bow,
Grant me grace in sending protection’s sign.
Course through my veins the power which will save
My comrades from this battle’s dreary loss.
Grant me here the power that I do crave
And forever will I carry my cross.
I beg this of you that I may save them
From the pains of death and weakened courage.
Watch from within me your power’s seed stem,
And allow to form in us a barrage
That will protect us from harm and weariness.
Blest be you my humble and kind goddess.”

Openning her eyes upon finishing the spell, the sky turned white and she heard behind her someone shout out “Kochira!” and a light warmth spread through her body, renewing her strength. Turning around, she smiled as she saw Tajan kneeling beside her, lifting her up. Summoning the strength she had left, she called forth the power of the goddess. A faint blue light came from her hands and came to rest on all of the soldiers fighting with her.

“Enter.”

Kali squared her shoulders and pressed firmly on the heavy oak door, stepping just inside the doorway. Meeting Valien in his private quarters was dangerous business for a woman. Dangerous business for anyone, really, but the Lord’s cruel appetite for females was legendary…. Kali shrugged the thought away. “I’ve come to report, M’Lord.” She bowed slightly, keeping her eyes averted from his hypnotic gaze. “The battle against Castle Benedix goes well. However,” she paused, “in the course of tracking the caravan raiders, the Tharian royal escort discovered the siege and has actually ridden to the aid of the Gedhonians there. Rather than fighting one another they seem to be…bonded.” The last word nearly stuck in her throat.

For a moment there was silence thick enough to strangle.

<Tag Vailen>

"Hey General, just give me time." The Gedhonian said and surprised Averey. How did he know he was a general? Then Averey looked closely at him. He's one of the Xaviers. Averey noticed. When Ethan started preparing something, Averey calls to Aphelion.

"Aphelion! Protect the Gedhonian!" He needed protection badly for his both hands were occupied and he couldn't defend himself. He couldn't call Kamui because the girl needed protection as well. Looking around he sees Ethelia lying unconscious. She overused her magical arrows.

Upon hearing the order, Aphelion practically drags himself to Ethan's side. Two skeletons come at him and swing simultaneously. Aphelion's speed greatly deteriorated due to fatigue so he was able to block one attack, but the other one was going for the neck. There was no chance for him to stop the skeleton's sword. As the blade was about to strike his neck, a blue light appears between his neck and the sword, rejecting the blade. This girl saved my life? Then, while Aphelion was still surprised, a thrust was sent to his belly. Again a blue light appears between him and the tip of the blade. For how long is this shield going to last? He swings and slays the two skeletons and falls to the ground himself. He gazed at the general who was still swinging and slaying creatures around the Gedhonian. The ranger was unable to stand anymore.

Averey failed to notice Aphelion falling to the ground. All of his hopes were in the Xavier. Then the Gedhonian pulled out a sword, beautiful in appearance, and ran towards the humongous Behemoth with inhuman speed. They are few, but they certainly are skilled. Averey thought while looking at the Xavier running at the behemoth.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The one who entered was none other than Kali. Vailen was expecting her return. She stood there, looking away from him and reporting on her mission. Slowly putting down the glass, Vailen measures her from head to toe like he was looking at her for the first time.

"You did well Kali. Those Tharians certainly are a double-edged sword. But, we shall tend to that matter later on. We are done with the raids now. Commence with the second part of the plan if the preparations are done." Then he slowly approaches her and stands right in front of her, rising her chin up with his index finger. "I hope that everything is prepared because I left everything in your capable hands, yes?"

While his his tranced state, and still dashing, Ethan turns and nods at the General not entirely sure whether he noticed or not. He was nearing the behemoth now. Once Ethan had become in range of projectiles, with difficult hesitation and an emmense amount of energy, he takes one hand off the hilt to withdraw from his belt a small but formidable crossbow. However, only pulling the Ragnorak with one hand now, slowed his speed significantly, but just enough to take proper aim at the achilles tendons on the behemoth. Only four arrows, only four shots. The behemoth had only two projectile based enemies around him, both were banshees. With two well-placed shots, the banshees crumble to the ground as their skulls are pierced by the arrows. Now, for the two shots that counted. Ethan shoots one hoping and praying to the heavens it made contact. Success, the arrow beamed right through th heel of the enormous beast. Now it was down to the final arrow. His aim was true, but right as he pulled the trigger on his crossbow, he stumbled over a corpse that shattered in half once Ragnorak (still jabbed in the ground) met it's body. Though, Ethan kept his balance and continued sprinting toward the hellish creature in front of him, the arrow missed the target.

Not a moment after the shot, however, the behemoth fell on it's other knee. It was then that Ethan realized that though the arrow missed the tendon it severed another, in the knee of the gargantuan sized beast. Once Ethan had finished, he puts away the corssbow and about 15 feet away from the behemoth, rips his sword from the Earth jumps some odd feet in the air above the behemoth, quickly does several somersaults increasing his momentum, and slams an outworldly powerful slash dwon apon the behemoths head cleanly and clearly splitting the beast in half. After this attack, Ethan murmers one more phrase, "The Heaven and Earth Climhazard, Black Oblivion." Then with a small smirk, drops the Ragnorak and collapses on the ground, unconscious...

OOC: The Black Oblivion is an powerful advanced swordsman skill that only the Xzavier family can use, however, the weapon used and the attack itself is different for each individual aswell as the name, but the sword skills, theirself, are all on the same level.

The battle was on that level which appeared that it was every man for himself. Kamui slowly slashes the last skeleton that was near him and that mage girl , but he couldn't do anymore. He fell on the ground but still trying to get up. One of the skeletons came running from the distance. Kamui wanted to get up but his legs wouldn't listen anymore. He reised his sword in the defensive possition but his opponent, that finnaly came closer to him, slashed towards him so hard that made Kamui drop his sword. As the next blow was a certain death for Kamui it appeared that his time did not come yet. A blue light from the mages hands cames and shields Kamui from harm. Skeleton tried to hit him several times but was usseless.
'' About time, you darn mage... '' he says to himself.
As he somehow pulls himself together he grabs his sword and blows his opponent into pieces. At that time all the enemies around him were gone. There were some left where Aphelion and Averey was but he couldn't lend them a hand anymore. He was dead tired. As he catched his breath while beeing on his knees he watched that man with a special skill and beautiful sword.
'' What a guy...'' Kamui spoke with amazed look on his face.

“Here, Chiyou. Let me infuse some of my power within you as well. These men are protected, but they are tired.” Placing his hands on Chiyou’s shoulders, the two of them recited together another of the Ancient’s hymns.

“Rid the fatigue and gruesome wounds within,
Calm the mind and give strength to the body.
In your name I ask of this, do place in
Us power to heal wounds of those here lain.”

Very much like the protective barrier, a dark red light sprung forth from Tajan and Chiyou, wrapping around the other soldiers and soon seeping into them, giving them strength. Sweat broke out on Chiyou’s forehead.

”Tajan, I’m not sure how long I can hold this all...This battle needs to end, and it needs to end soon.”

“I know Chiyou, I know. But I am here now, you are not alone. With my powers we can hold these spells until the fighting is finished. We must be able to do this for them.”

Vailen lifted Kali’s chin with his finger, forcing her eyes to meet his. “I hope that everything is prepared because I left everything in your capable hands, yes?”

She studied his eyes, his touch, searching for danger, but found none. If I was hypnotized would I even know it? “I…we…ride at dawn tomorrow. Horses and saddles await us in Carcassone, just south of Gedh.” She lifted her chin from his finger. “If you please, my lord, I have preparations to tend to.” Kali bowed quickly and left.

*******************

She swiftly descended the steps, inwardly chastising herself for her abrupt breach of decorum. One simply did not exit Lord Xzavier’s presence without his leave. What if he’d had further business to discuss? Further business indeed. Their business had always been professional, and he’d never so much as laid a finger on her before…

“Spending a bit of time in Valien’s quarters, were we, Kali?” A voice from the shadows interrupted her reverie.

“That’s ‘Commander Noire’ to you, d’Loc.” She continued her descent to the base of the steps and took the wide corridor to the left. A tall man stepped from behind a column and fell into step behind her.

“I can’t figure out how a girl, a female member of the cattle race, has managed to rise into such prominence in this army. You know you’re just dessert to him.”

Kali had considered that herself, but refused to give d’Loc the satisfaction of knowing he’d hit a mark. “I suppose I’d do better visiting your quarters, baring my neck to you.” She cast him a withering glare over her shoulder, coming to stop outside the unmarked door to her own quarters.

“You could do worse.” D’Loc smiled, exposing two long narrow fangs. “Besides, when it’s your turn to become the featured guest at one of his soirées, I’d be the only one to recognize your scream.” The thought seemed to give him pleasure. “Something for you to think about.” He inclined his head in a curt bow and walked past her into the hall.

“I’ll do that,” she said flatly, clearly indicating that she had no such intention. But he’d already faded into the dark.

A red light enveloped everyone, removing fatigue. Rising to his feet Aphelion looks around. Ethelia was still lying on the ground. Because she was unconscious, the spell did not have an effect on her. Still there were monster around them, but some kind of awkward disorder affected their ranks. Maybe the behemoth was leading them in some way. Nevertheless, they were still attacking, although not as effectively as when behemoth was still alive.

When Averey's deep breathing slowed down, he knew who he had to thank. Seeing Aphelion rise to his feet and the monsters' ranks in disorder, he charges swinging and cutting down the rest of the skeletons. A dozen of kobolds grouped and charged at Averey. It was hard at first, because their attacks were almost simultaneous. But after kicking the dagger out of one's hand and slashing down three of them, it became a whole lot easier. When only one kobold remained, the one who grouped the rest, he kneeled.

"No kill me human! Please! I leave these lands and never come back! I no hurt your kind anymore."

While looking down at the pitiful creature, Averey takes down his sword. "Leave and don't ever meddle with my kind again."
"Thank..." Just when the kobold started talking, falchion comes flying through the air stabs into his head, halfway through the brain. Then Aphelion approaches and takes out his falchion. Blood gushed out of the kobold's head.

"You heard his plea! He surrendered! Why did you do this!?" Averey was infuriated.
"You would beg for your life too if the situation was reversed. If he spared your life that wouldn't make you go around killing people now would it?"

After saying those words, Aphelion looks around and sees that the monsters have scattered around and that they started entering the forest. Protectors of the forest won't just let them lurk around. Our job here is done. He thought.

Averey had nothing to answer. It was pointless. In his eyes Aphelion was a young man who still has to experience life. But to offend him in such a manner and say that a general and the leader of the knights would beg for his life was insulting. But seeing as how the monsters have been routed, mollified his anger a bit.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the door closed behind Kali, Vailen grinned. Bold as brass. Useful, but bold.

On the floor, next to the bed was his red shirt. He takes it and throws it into the basket from where his serfs would take it and wash it. Then he opened the closet and took out a black shirt with some red straps placed randomly on it. When he put the shirt on, he sat on a comfy armchair, dwelling in his mind.

Tonight he will have to visit that place again. Even to someone like him, it gave a sense of uneasiness. But he had to keep his wits about him because if he falters his ambitions and desires won't come to pass. The task he gave Kali was rather an easy one, considering the importance of it. However, this side plan of his took a long time to prepare. It was costly as well but he was prepared to pay any price for success.

Race was exhuasted, panting and about to faint,. though he still pressed on hard. Striking down two more foes, he prepared to block the next two, ut the first one knocked his blade aside as the second struck down at his head, "Damn," then a blue light appeared, and the enemies sword was deflected, just as soon as that happened, a red appeared around him, and his fatigue vanished. He quickly brought his sword back up, and struck the two down.

Now the creatures were scattered, and running. Race looked around and realized it was over for now. He walked over to General Avery and bowed politely, "Once again, I appologize for my absence earlier," he then stood up, and walked towards Aphelion, looking at the dead Kabold at his feet. Race shook his head and walked off, towards Ethelia, and kneeled and looked at her for a second, then smiled, and stood. He walked off, leaving his quiver full of some of the finest arrows, sitting by her. He summoned a pillow of vines, under Ethelia's head, for her own comfort, then layed down else where, waiting for further orders.

It was early dawn, some odd 150ish or so years ago. Ethan "Shadow" Xzavier had just aquired the holy blade, Ragnorak and after grueling and the most exhausting of training he also finally aquired his finest skill, Black Oblivion. After this formidable feat, Vailen Xzavier, Ethan's half-brother and pure blood vampire, came and patted him on the back whilst in the courtyard of the castle Benedix. "Congragulations little brother, it took you long enough, but it looks like you pulled through." said Vailen with a smile on his face. After this small little flashback, Ethan's mind raced back to the battle that had taken place, he didn't know what was going on or even if he was dead.

It seemed like ages since he had been out, but then suddenly he felt teeth bite into the back of his trench coat, he cracked his eyes only a little to see the disfigured head of a small bear dragging him away from the remnants of the battle to the safety of the castle. With that small bit hope, Ethan smiled slightly and slumped over again in the jaws of the small bear and his apparent rescuer...

Exhausted, Chiyou passed out. Tajan knelt down and gently picked her up. She was not ready yet to tackle such big spells, especially ones sent down by the Ancient’s themselves. He wished he could have spent more time in her training, but now she was out in the real world, he felt this was the best training she could have received.

Inside, Tajan was glad that he had come back to help Chiyou. He did not ever want to step foot inside the Castle ever again, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t come out onto the battle field and help these men, and Chiyou. He would watch over Chiyou while these soldiers went into the castle, if they did. If they didn’t he would be able to relax and continue on the journey with the others.

Kamui's straight was returning to him. He was the last one of his friends who stood up, not counting Ethelia. The fighting was slowly but surely coming to an end, at least from what he has seen.The shield on him also started to fade away. Taking his sword into his hands he charged ahead to finish the rest of the enemies bastards.

Kamui ran towards his enemies while the top of his sword made a long scar on terrain. He killed two kobolts one vertically and another horizontally. Then he thrusts his sword in the ground, jumps, still holding his hands on the handle of the sword, and kicks the third opponent with his foot. Kamui lands on the ground, takes his sword and finishes his enemy.

As the battle was coming to an end he didn't want to go to far from his friends. He slowly walked to General and waited further instructions. While he looked around the battlefield he wiped his sweaty forehead.

As everyone gathered around him, Averey noticed Tajan. Still not knowing his reasons for leaving the battle, the general was delighted to see him. Maybe it was because there was a lot of burden resting on his shoulders and someone experienced like Tajan could help him in the making of decisions, thus lessening that burden. While he was about to start giving further orders, Aphelion came to Ethelia, raised her from the vines and placed her across his shoulder, like a bag of flour. Her long blond hair intertwined with his, across his back.

"Here is the situation." Averey started when he failed to locate the Xzavier. "We have lost the trail of the raiders and this battle took a lot out of all of us. I am worried for miss Ethelia's well being so we are going to Benedix and we will stay there until she gets well. Her wound is not a physical one, so I hope that Tajan of the Mages might be able to do something once we find an inn."

With that said, he starts making for the castle. When they arrived at the opened gates, they saw a small town surrounding the castle. Being surrounded by high walls, the town couldn't be seen from the outside. Like a redundant cog, castle Benedix stood in the middle of it. Glorious architecture, although a bit darkish, but still glorious. All they had to do now was find an inn.

Tajan noticed the General and the others begin to move out. "Sir...I'm sorry, but I cannot accompany you inside the castle grounds. I-I cannot say why at this time, either, but please understand, if I return there, he'll-" Tajan stopped speaking and clenched his fist. It was beginning to burn on his finger now, at a greater intensity than before.

[OOC: Sorry for the gimpy paragraph, but before you guys went to the inn, I thought I should inform you that Tajan can't come...I'll post why soon, I hope.]

At nightfall Kali received a knock at her door. “Enter.” The well-oiled door opened quietly, and a soldier wearing the crest of Xzavier on his shoulder entered and stood silently at attention. “Jehan? An unexpected visit.” Kali set down her quill and ink and stood to face him. “You have something to report?”

Jehan nodded. “If it please you, M’lady. I was on the caravan raid yester’eve. I saw something…someone. It was her, I’d swear it. After all these years I’d still know her.”

A look of confusion and then surprise flashed in succession across Kali’s normally stoic features. She gestured for silence, opened the door to the hall and checked for listeners. Satisfied there was no one, she closed the door again and locked it. “Lena? Are you certain?”

“I would say it, Dame, but she looked too young. A daughter, I would think.”

“A daughter.” Absentmindedly Kali began to twist the ring on her left hand. “And she would have followed the Tharian soldiers to Benedix, no doubt.”

“She did, M’lady. I tried to get her to come with us, but she would not. And…” he paused, “…she carries magic.”

“Does she now.” Kali looked very thoughtful. “Lena’s girl practices the arts.” She tossed him a gold piece. “Follow her. Tell me where she stays and on what business she comes to Gedhon.” Jehan turned to leave. “Oh, and Jehan…” he glanced back to her, “tell no one! You report to me and me alone.”

“Of course, Commander.” He unlocked the door and left as quietly as he came.

Kali waited until she was sure he was gone, then turned to the window and gazed out over the sleeping villages. Smoke from late fires seeped through the dales, creating islands from forested hillsides. She smiled. “What marvelous timing.”

As they came to another resting place Kamui, who didn't show it on his face, was glad they arrived. He didn't said much during their walking because most of them were very tired.
The mage's saying of leaving them pissed off Kamui. He didn't know what his reason's were but leaving a company in middle of a fight and their journey has made him mad. He just had to speak up.

'' General, with all due respect sir, I would advise you to take mages that are brave and the ones that won't leave their friends in battle, no matter the reason! '' he says loudly to him.
Kamui turns around to mage and points a finger towards him while saying :
'' You call yourself a mage? You ran like a chicken and returned when the battle was almost over. I despise men who leave their allies in the darkest moment. And you left that girl to fight alone? Or is a fear of death something that you cannot overcome? ''

Kamui asked that with an angry look on his face.

At the gates of the fortified province Benedix, which was the only province with a castle, Tajan explained, although vaguely, that he cannot follow inside. Angered by that act, Kamui protests with a threatening voice. Seeing that a quarrel is going to brake out, Aphelion enters Benedix with Ethelia across his shoulder. He was not fond of shouting, it made him nervous. Stopping in a distance where he could see them but not hear them, he waited.

"I know that you mean no disrespect Kamui", Averey started, "but you need to hold your feelings inside while on a mission." Then he turned to Tajan. "I do not know what troubles you, but I will not doubt in king Thar who has put his trust into you. I will take care of Chiyou."

With that said he turns around and enters the province of Benedix where Aphelion joins the group and all of them go to the inn/bar. They entered the inn and Averey rented the rooms.

"You are all dismissed until tomorrow morning. Considering it's still daylight you might want to go sightseeing. Drinks are on me tonight, so feel free to meet me here." With that said, Averey goes to his room to wash up.

Carrying Ethelia, Aphelion goes to his room and puts her on the bed. After that he leaves the inn so he can spend some time to himself walking through the streets of Benedix.

Tajan simply looked at Kamui. Kamui’s anger was not one that a simple explanation would cure, or at least it didn’t seem that way to him. Perhaps Tajan could talk to him sometime, to come to peace with the man. The others left, along with Chiyou, to the inn. Tajan waited for some time, but the hair on the back of his neck kept pricking up. Was someone coming? He looked at the ring on his finger.

Clenching his fist, he summoned up his courage and entered the Castle grounds. He needed to tell Chiyou everything, and he also wanted to understand Kamui better. It was still daylight, so perhaps he would be able to run into Kamui and the two could talk things out. Plus, Morgian should not be here at this time of the year. At least, Tajan prayed to God he wasn’t. If he was, he wasn’t sure if anybody would be leaving alive until the ring was stolen, and he and Chiyou dead.

"You are all dismissed until tomorrow morning. Considering it's still daylight you might want to go sightseeing. Drinks are on me tonight, so feel free to meet me here." With that said, Averey goes to his room to wash up.

Race left to find the public baths, when he did, he quickly washed up and looked around for a while, he soon found what he was looking for, a small shop. He entered it and rang a bell. "Moshimoshi, is anyone here?" there was no answer, "I have come to collect my pay, I am the head hunter that wsa a hiered a few months back, ran into some troubles."

A very pale man approachedd from the back room, a bag of coins in his left hand, a dagger in his right. "You want payment for killing my brother do you?" Race realized this man must have killed the owner, and had been waiting on Race.

"Sorry, your brother was a rapeist, he rapped that mans daughter, and killed her, your brother got what he deserved" The man lunged at Race as Race quickly dodged right avoiding the half dead amateur fighter. Two more men lunged out, one hitting Race in the back. Race drew his two swords, Sapphire and Ruby. ONe swing dropped the first man unconcious, another dropped the second, writhing in pain, and the third was blocked, by an elf. "Oh, great, just when I thought I might get some sleep." Race mumbled something, and vines wrapped around the elf's feet. Race attacked him, but his opponent managed to get free, and Race was still worn out some from his previous battle. Great, just great, how did I get in this situation. After about an hour and a half of fighting Race left the building, cuts and bruises all over. When he returned to the in he simply sat down, and began chanting a strange drow chant, that is supposed to increase the rate in which your body heals.

As they all approached the inn Kamui still had a lot of doubts about their safety in this mission. What really bothered him is that the General and that high mage knew something he didn't. He didn't mind following orders but if it will lead him to his death he would like to know why. As the innkeeper showed them their separate rooms Kamui closed himself in one immediately. It was a simple room, nothing much but a lot better then their previous one. He dropped his sword and took off his armor. He sat on the bed right beside the window. The view was showing streets, nothing of interest. He closed his eyes and the flashback of the moment he left abandoned...

A village in flames. Death bodies everywhere. The victims would fall every second and killers laughter could have been heard as it almost turned in one big echo through the surrounding area. Women, children, everyone would have to be slain. Kamui stood there beside the burning house as the people were dying of agony. He didn't killed them, but he didn't saved them ether. Then, in that moment he realized that his destiny isn't to destroy but to protect. The man beside him took several things from the corpses. Some valuable things, couldn't remember what kind of things because as always, past images are sometimes too blurry.
'' Hahaha, hack and steal your way to fortune! God, I live being a mercenary '' the man laughed as he held some valuable things in his hands. Suddenly the cavalry of knights started approaching. As everyone started fleeing like cowards, like and army of ants without a leader, they run like the demon chased them. Knights slashed a few mercenaries on their way. Kamui stood there as he noticed a man he now knows, Kardis and Athelyna...

Kamui's day dreaming was interrupted by Tajan who also came after them. He noticed him on the streets. It seems like he didn't left them after all. Kamui stood up and left his room. He asked innkeeper if she could tell him if there are any public baths around here. Even there is one in the city, there was an indoor hot spring made just behind the inn. Kamui went there to relax.

As the creature further approached Aitou, the true nature of the beast revealed itself: a skeleton semi-shrouded in the midst of fire and smog, bearing a rusting sword.

Under the beast's feet, the snow began to melt, and Aitou released a wild grin. The snow made the ground soft. Grazing his teeth along his tongue, Aitou opened his mouth to allow a small puddle of blood to collect on the ground, along with two seeds. Aitou prayed:


"Spirits of the eastern wind,
Bestow new life
Upon my hope.
Renew my thoughts
Of your presence.
Forgive my transgressions
Against your spirit.
Allow me to live,
If only in your retribution..."

Retribution of the east! With one final growl, and a stomp of a paw, vines sprung forth from the seeds, wrapping themselves around the creature. Seconds felt as hours, and as the spell finished, the vines fell as ash and the creature disintegrated.

Glancing over his work, the young elf realized he felt nothing. With a spell of this nature, no doubt, he believed, serious side-effects would be evident, but he.... felt nothing. Turning back to where he believed Lord Ethan was, Aitou immediately launched off his hind legs to where the officer lay.

Approaching Ethan, Aitou bit his fallen comrade's trench coat and made to drag the officer toward the nearby fortress.

Walking anxiously into the city, Tajan looked around. He saw Kamui walk behind the inn ahead of him. Speeding up his pace a bit, he followed after Kamui. He wanted to find out why Kamui had such harsh feelings for him.

“Kamui-san! Please, if you have time can we speak?” Tajan walked behind the inn to the hot spring and stopped, wondering if Kamui would want to speak with him or not.

---

Chiyou woke up at the sound of Tajan’s voice.

“Tajan...” she muttered weakly. Opening her eyes, she saw she was in a room at an inn. She opened the window in her room and looked out. Below her she saw Tajan walk to the back of the inn. Lying back down on her bed, she shut her eyes. She could talk with him later.

---

“Why? Why? Why, why, why?!” Frustrated, Morgian threw over the table. “Why are you so useless? I tell you to find me the girl and you come back with nothing! Why?” Attempting to slow down his breathing so he didn’t hyperventilate himself, Morgian grabbed his underling by the cuff of his shirt and pushed him against the wall.

“I-I am sorry sir!”

“You better be! Now, go out and this time don’t come back until you’ve found her! Dare to come back without her and I’ll have your innards as decorations on my table! If you don’t return to me within 72 hours I’ll have someone go after you, and if you’re found with nothing, I’ll have him kill you!”

Filled with terror and dread, the thief slid down the wall after Morgian let go. Inching away quickly, he didn’t want to provoke Morgian any further. The insanity in Morgian’s eyes died down a bit as the lowely thief left and he rubbed his temple with his hand. This was too much trouble. He could feel the effects on him already, and it was showing. He had to find these rings, otherwise he would go insane in his search for them.

---

Dressed in a tight, brown shirt and jeans with a black scarf around her neck, she walked casually down the street. Her long black hair was pulled back, with a few stray strands swaying in the wind behind her ears and forehead. A black headband was placed a little ways above her bright green eyes, to hide a scar above her right eye.

It had been ages since she had been able to walk out in the open like this. She probably should be taking more precautions, but she didn’t believe there would be any oppertunities to harm her in this little village. The residents were quite harmless, and none of them would be able to recognize her, she didn’t think, so she should be safe.

There was a little orphanage near the center of the village, with children playing on the playground outside. With a pang of regret, she thought of her children, long deceased.

They could have been those children there...Playing, not caught in this deceptive web we wove...

Looking away, she went to the nearby inn, payed for a room and stayed in her room for the rest of the day. She did not come out for food or anything else, she spent her time reading old letters and scrolls she carried in her robes, pondering over maps and charts.

Roaming through the streets led him to the gates where there were people still carrying in the wounded who fought against the monsters. Not many have fallen victim to the onslaught that happened today, but there were still soldiers rendered immobile who had to be carried in. Nevertheless, it was too crowded for him here, so he turned back. Further roaming led him to one of the wall entrances and near every entrance was a guard or two. However, this entrance was guarded by only one guard. Aphelion nodded to the guard and entered inside climbing the stairs to the top of the walls. With a relaxed and casual pace, he exits on the top of the walls. The breeze here was a bit stronger so his hair and his dark-red cloak started to fluctuate. He could see the forest all around them. Being a ranger, he had good knowledge of the Prafyrian terrain. Memoria forest. There are some dangerous creatures lurking about in that forest. Unnatural creatures, a phenomenon even the Gedhonians were not able to explain. Or was it inexplicable? In Aphelion's opinion everything held an explanation although some explanations were harder to grasp than the others. Three years ago he decided to uncover the phenomenon of Memoria forest, but Ethelia stopped him. Perhaps he would be dead today if she hadn't. He owed much to her and her family. Nevertheless, looking at the forest as it is, again woke that urge he had three years ago. Only now, he knows better.

In his room, after finishing with his bath, Averey dresses and goes down and sits at one of the tables. With a plate, the waitress brings him the meal he ordered before he went to take a bath. Hungry as he was, he started eating almost in a volatile manner.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The human girl has been prepared and is waiting for nightfall my lord." Rizian spoke with a voice filled with respect.
"And what about Urien?" Vailen asked.
"He departed a while ago. But my lord, don't you think you're forcing him a bit too much? He is just a human."
"He is just a human, yes. That is why he is expendable. You may go Rizian."
"Yes m'lord." With that, he leaves Vailen's quarters.

Races chant was complete, and his wounds now all be gone within a week or two. He ordered some food and ate quickly. When he was down, he searched arround for an archery range, practice couldn't hurt. He looked around for a while, stopping at a shop on his way to a ring, in which he enchated as soon as he left. The charm he put on it, would allow his arrows to reapear in his quiver after they hit their target.

He soon arrived at the archery range, there he began to fire arrow after arrow into the two center lines of the target. Then it he saw it, that damned imp. HE shot it without hesitation and killed it. "I realy wish you would not follow me so closely." He said to the drow woman.

"I am sorry dearest, but I can not help it, you are such a fine man." Ilria smiled and walked up to him.

"It is hard to gain their trust by my self, I don't need you complecating things."

"Don't worry, in the next fight, I will make them know I meen to help, dearest Race."

Race rolled his eyes and shot another arrow into the center of the target without even turning around, then he left for the inn again. When he arrived, he went up to his room, there he layed down, and began to sing an old elven song, in a very beautiful voice. He pulled out a harp, and began to play it to the tune.

As Kamui was just about to enter the hot spring Tajan came.

“Kamui-san! Please, if you have time can we speak?”
He asked.

Kamui was surprised that he wanted to talk to him. Some would consider this as honor to be talking with the high mage. But he cared not. Kamui didn’t want to hear his turning back anymore nor his story, only the reason why is he with them and the real meaning of this mission. Is that girl something special, or is the mission something that is more that a burden to him.

’’ I was on my way to the hot springs. Sorry, but the battle has took a lot out of me. We can talk inside if you want or would you rather wait until I finish because I really need to take a bath ’’
Kamui says that while waiting for his answer.

"Ugh, ARGHAHHHHARGH!!!!!" Ethan was thrashing about on the bed he was laying on. His eyes filled with crimson. "RESTRAIN HIM!!!" yelled a voice next to the door. "But m'lord, he's too powerful, we need more help!" said a soldier you was trying to wrestle Ethan's right arm to the bulk of the bed. "He needs blood, alot of it, he has lost a dangerous amount, we may have to fetch our druid master tutors. Where's the beast that brought him in?" said Viktor in a quiet but restrained voice. "They are in the study, they are with the beast." said another soldier muscling Ethan's left arm against the railing. "Really? Well, this is quite...intriguing. Anyway, Ethan still needs blood. Viktor looks at his son thrashing about on the bed.

"Hmm, I may have to give him some of mine..." said Viktor with a stern but weary look on his face, his facial features showing even more how he's aged. "My lord, you can't possibly be thinking that, just think of the possible outcomes!" said a man clad in emerald green platemail. "Gawain, do you have a better solution?" said Viktor turning towards the man. "Godfrey, Geoffrey, or myself would be more than honored to oblige Ethan with a little appetite." said Gawain now looking at Ethan. " You do realize that he requires an extensive amount Gawain, By the way, where are your brothers, Geoffrey and Godfrey?" asked Viktor beaming at Gawain. "They are in the entrance hall waiting for me to come back, do you need a help with him?" said Gawain still looking at the thrashing Ethan. Gawain walked over to Ethan's bedside, cracks his knuckles a bit, reers back and punches Ethan square in the face knocking him out cold. Gewain looks at Viktor, nods, and exits the room leaving everyone inside bewildered at what just happened....

“I will wait for you to finish. I’ll wait for you inside the inn lobby, if that is acceptable?” Tajan asked Kamui.

---

Looking at the map of Prafyr, she rubbed her forehead. She was quite a ways away from Benedix Castle now, for that she was glad. She did not want to risk getting caught by Morgian while she tried to hook up with her old friend. It would be a tragedy if she were killed, because there was so much that needed to be said yet and explained.

Sighing, she leaned back in her chair and opened a letter. It was old and crumpled, barely legible. It was written back when she had had her first child, a son. The letter was written by the father of her son, stating that he was to be killed immediately. Evidently having a son would have given the father a rival in life. To exterminate that possibility, her child was taken from her and killed. She was spared seeing her son’s life drain away, but the fact that it had happened and she could not see him grow up, live life, was what the true punishment was. This letter had been given to her to remind her of her promise to the Guild.

The letter was not something she enjoyed reading, nor was it of the best quality handwritting. She just kept re-reading it. Perhaps he had placed her release to freedom in it? She didn’t know why she kept reading it over and over, for she was sure there wasn’t anything else to read. And yet, she kept reading it over and over. Soon, the words he had written began echoing in her head, her thoughts began to shape and form as such that had been written.

Dropping the letter to the ground, partially terrified that he still held so much power over her, she walked to her bed and lay down, covered in the blankets. Closing her eyes, she drifted off into her dreams, where no one else could touch her.

''Suit yourself. See you in the lobby.'' After saying that Kamui walks into the hot springs. There were only two more men who were there, there were around their early thirties. Kamui took of his clothes and sat in the furthest end of the hot spring. The fog that was in the air felt like all of your sins were taken away with it. The water was hot and Kamui almost fell asleep.
'' Ahhh, this is the only thing that is worth something these days...'' he sighted as he enjoyed the hot spring. Two man that were not so far away from him were talking some nasty stuff as most of men when they come in Hot Springs. Girls... as always...

'' Hey Tray, maybe next time you can bring some of your mother's clothes so we can disguise ourselves and slip into girl's side. Been a while since I touched some good skin, if you know what I mean ha ha'' – the man laughed as he slaps his buddy on the shoulder a few times.
'' Man you are sick. Why the hell would I bring my mothers clothes man? Sometimes I don't know why do I hang around with you.'' He looked at his friend seriously. The moment of silence just accured. Then one of them spoke to another again.
'' I came to Mary's shop yesterday. Heh, that woman has a upper body that would kill a ghost. But anyway, I was looking at the fruits, the apples actually, and she bend down and you could see her melons man, and she asked me if I would buy the apples I was looking at, saying that are fresh and ,while looking at her '' good'' part now, I said ''Hell yeah, they are fresh!'' – the man started slapping his friend again laughing tirelessly. The other one started laughing now too.
Kamui closed his eyes and showed a blink smile on his face. He thought of that how people don't have any clue what's going on in the world and how they only focus on their village ignoring the outside world. As from what Kamui saw and witnessed, he couldn't talk or lough like that anymore.

After he finished, Kamui went to his room and changed his clothes. He brought his own robes, so he discarded the plate armor. His old dark blue clothes with small red belts all over his body. He then went down to the lobby where Tajan was waiting.
'' Sory for the wait. Now, tell me about the girl, about you and about this mission''
He asked that while he stood there waiting for Tajan's answer

“Alright, starting with my apprentice, Chiyou. Her parents had been very close friends of mine. They were caravan thieves, much like the ones we have been sent to fight against to protect our caravans. However, one day they were caught for their crimes and killed. Her mother was captured in this very city, and her father was elsewhere. They were tortured and killed, and Chiyou herself underwent punishment, though she had not been tortured by the King, but by a different man. His name is Morgian. He is a slippery fiend, not one I wish to associate with.

“Chiyou was believed to have been partially blinded in her right eye by the King’s guards during her torture session, but it was done by Morgian out of spite. Chiyou is important because she carries a...power that Morgian wants. She has extraordinary magical abilities that if she were to use in full potential, they could be devastating. That is why I am here. I am making sure she does not make a wrong step and use these powers.

“Does that satisfy you? Or would you like me to explain further?” Tajan clenched his right hand again to stop the burning in his fingers. He waited for Kamui’s response. He wasn’t sure how much more he could tell him, but if he asked, Tajan would do his best to answer the question...lightly.

Kamui crossed his hands while listening to Tajan. The story he told him was quite fascinating. He didn't know how that girl was so important. After Tajan finished explaining to him he asked
“Does that satisfy you? Or would you like me to explain further?”

There was no need to, it was clear now that this mission was more than meets the eye. Kamui stood there thinking about the words that Tajan said. They were still ringing in his ears. He looked at the mage and said:
’’ There is no need to. I understand. If anything means this to you, everyone here will probably protect that girl, especially general Averey. Know that we are on the same side. But if you are here to look after her then you shouldn't let her out of your sight. As from what I have seen she talks most of the time with you and it seems she looks up to you, so you are the only one who can really help her. That Morgian, no matter how powerful he may be you can’t just abandon her when the danger comes. I’m sure you have your own reasons but,… I don’t know if it’s my place to say this but I’ll say it anyway… if you care about someone you should stick with that person. ’’

Kamui thanks Tajan for teling him this, finely grasping the situation and the burden of both Chiyou and high mage. Then he leaves the inn without saying anything else. He went out for some fresh air.
He walked through the streets for some time then as the night was approaching he went to the bar because Averey promised that he will buy them a drink. While he was there he thought of the story that Tajan told him. He felt bad about the girl, because as Tajan said, she had suffured a lot. Kamui spent the rest of his time there waiting for others to come by.

Personally, Tajan agreed with Kamui, that if he really cared about Chiyou that he should stay by her side. However, since he had not told Kamui nearly all of it, only enough that he should understand that what he does is with reason, he didn’t expect for him to say anything else... The only part that disturbed him was that Kamui had said that Chiyou looked up to him. This originally shouldn’t be a bad thing, but...He could not let Chiyou close enough to him to find out the truth. If she ever found out he was her-No. That wouldn’t happen. Even if she did find out, by the time she did, she would have no emotional attachments to him for him to do the thing that was absolutely necessary when the time came. There would be no obstalces.

He did care about Chiyou, enough for him to leave the battle so she could find herself, that there would always be someone to help her if she needed it. She should not have to worry about doing what is necessary. She should do the impossible and when she was done, Tajan would be there for her. She would not fear getting hurt from the battle.

However, he was still worried at how easily she cast. Her power came from her hatred, but where were these emotions coming from? Was there something she was keeping from him? He suspected that, but if so, what? His thoughts returned to the mirage. In fact...If mirages were so powerful that one has amnesia...Chiyou had originally been acting odd, then the next morning she was alright. How could she have come back to herself so quickly?

Flushing, Tajan clenched his fingers together again. Was there perhaps another? Had Lena kept something from him? Were there two daughters? How that was possible he didn’t know. He had never let her out of his sight for there to be any chance for them to switch, so how did that figure? Or perhaps there were two Chiyou’s, not in body, but in personality. Walking upstairs, Tajan knocked on the door to Chiyou’s room. He had to find out. Besides, he wasn’t sure if he was safe in this city anymore, for the intense burning in his finger grew greater as he walked into Chiyou’s room.

“Chiyou-” He stopped speaking as he saw Chiyou. She was lying on her bed reading scrolls, with numerous others laying on the floor. “What on earth are these here for? What are you doing?”

Blushing, Chiyou quickly stood up from her bed and began picking them up. Tajan bent down to help her and once they were all neatly stacked on the desk, the two of them sat down on the bed. Remembering what Kamui had said about them being close, Tajan stood up and leaned against the wall. “Tell me what you were doing in here. I thought you were unconscious.”

She closed her eyes.Time to wake up m’dear, Jest spoke softly into her mind. When she opened her eyes again, Chiyou regained control of her mind. “I was just looking, Tajan...I realized at the battle there was so much I didn’t know yet so I thought I would try and find out the history of this city.”

Tajan looked at some of the scrolls she had been looking at. Raising an eyebrow he looked at her, reading the title off of one of them. “History of the Foundation of Magic and Its Founders. Very commendable that you would wish to study the history of this city, so tell me what this scroll has to do with this city.”

“N-Nothing, Tajan...I-I guess I just didn’t know where to start...” She wanted to get rid of Jest, not look up things on the city. She thought that by starting at the bare roots of magic she could find a way to banish Jest from her mind for forever. Though, she did wish she could have come up with a better excuse...

“My thoughts exactly. Chiyou, understand I do not wish to pressure you, but you have not been yourself lately. What is wrong?”

Looking at the ground, she avoided his eyes. “I’m fine.”

Taking her shoulders, Tajan forced her to look into his eyes. Stammering, Chiyou answered him. “I-It’s just t-that I-I have...” A sudden desire to tell him everything came over her and she poured out her secrets. “Ever since I created that mirage, I’ve had another presence in my mind. When I woke up, I thought it was the day my parents had been killed. Then I heard a voice and I thought my father must have come back, because then I was hugged, it felt so good.” Tajan winced inside. “It felt so much like it had been back when they were alive. Then, all of a sudden, I woke up in reality and I found myself in this inn. I remembered everything. I thought that was very strange, to wake from such an aweful experience like that. Ever since then there’s been another voice in my mind. I call her Jest. She helps me channel my anger, and gives it to me.”

Tajan frowned. Jest, huh. This made much more sense to him now. It scared him to think there were, in essence, two of her, just like there were two of her-

“Tajan,” Chiyou spoke, breaking his train of thought. “I’m sorry I didn’t say this earlier. I just was afraid that you worried too much for me, and that if I told you you would only try to protect me more.”

His eyes widened a little. Protect her more? He should have figured. She had always been more of the independent nature. He was the one who had pampered her, taken care of her. Just a like a father should have. But, he was not supposed to play the role of father in this game. He was her mentor, strict, harsh, desicive. He needed to act more like it.

“I’ve been a terrible mentor, haven’t I? I don’t even act like one.”

Chiyou wrapped her arm around Tajan’s shoulder. This was the first time she had heard him admit something like this. “Tajan...Are you sure you’re alright? You’ve never admitted something like that to me before...That you had a weakness.”

A weakness. No, that was something Tajan did not have. He was not weak. Never had he been weak and never will he become weak until...But that day would not come. “Meet me in my room tomorrow morning, if the General doesn’t have a roll call. There is much you have to learn still. And don’t be late,” were his last words as he walked out the door. He was greatly unsettled now, and this time it wasn’t because of the ring. It was because of what Chiyou had been reading and what she was bound to find out. But if he took the scrolls away, she would know there was something he didn’t want for her to find out. It was more probable she had guessed there was something he didn’t want her to know that he didn’t want her to find out about. In other words she might probably know his secret by morning. And what did the name Jest remind him about so much?

As Tajan left the room, Chiyou stared at the closed door. She was relieved that someone else knew her secret, and Tajan’s resolve at becoming a better mentor made her more sure that he would not tell her secret to anyone else. Switching her eyes to the scroll, she reached for it again and read its contents, not taking her eyes away from the scroll.

Dragging Lord Ethan into the city, Aitou quickly noted the amount of people beginning to gather round. Some yelled, "Make way!", while others still attempted to part the "abomination" from the esteemed officer. As what appeared to be a mother broke through the crowd in an attempt to beat Aitou with a broom-stick, a city official parted the ocean of citizens. The latter individual failed to catch Aitou's attention, and as a guttural growl instinctively forced its way through Aitou's throat, the official dissipated the tension with the wave of a hand.

Despite disliking elf’s archaic notions, Aitou believed he despised the city even more. The over-whelming stench of sweat and rotting meat and heat of bodies in close vicinity wore on the bear's enhanced senses. The figure-head held out a hand. Aitou snuffed in annoyance. Turning Ethan over to these people appeared almost sacrilegious. Transforming into his regular form would prove futile now--especially when he would be completely naked. If Aitou could only do this, he could heal Ethan. He knew he could.

///Little one. Sleep./// The phrase, not his own, rang in the elf's mind. Weary of the voice in his head, he attempted to fight the notion off. Sleep was unthinkable. He needed to help Ethan. He needed to.... The bear's eyes slowly sank.

With a slip of the jaw, Ethan's coat fell to the ground.
~~
When the elf awoke, the setting was completely different than before. In the middle of the floor and on the ceiling lay an intricate variation of zodiac symbols. The room appeared a multitude of reds and yellows. Truly, the area was beautiful, although Aitou found himself able to do naught but panic. Against a far wall, a top three pedestals and garnished pillows, sat three beings. Elders. Druid Elders.

Instantly, Aitou felt his hopes and dreams fading away. These people knew. They knew, and they were going to send him back home, and Aitou would never be able to aid the resistance. Any resistance. The elf's powers would prove useless.

'Young one, calm yourself. Though we should have every intention of turning you over, your situation is... unique. Aside from that, the audacity of our counterparts is astounding! Turning a blind eye to the quarrels of this world!'

"Impudent fool! You don't know the nature of this young man's circumstances, and yet your tongue is rash. Hold your tongue! Lest we start another war with our supposed brethren."

///Than I believe we should discover this youth's countenance. From there, we may decide for ourselves if the elf is worthy of our assistance. Tell us, lad, what is your name?///

Aitou groaned and stretched, failing to realize the specifics behind his circumstance. These people. No matter who they are, forcing they're way inside someone else's head is inexcusable. Mentally, the elf transferred a vivid image of what he would like to do to the elder's had he been stronger. One of them appeared livid, while the others remained unchanged.

"The impudence!"

///If you act rashly, I believe he'll find a way to make good on his threat--despite his lack of training. He should probably be house-broken, though. If we don't remove the curse, we may not have time to do so.///

At this, Aitou's ears perked up considerably. //Curse?// the young elf thought.

'Despicable youth. You ask questions without even introducing yourself.'

///His 'impudence', as you so eloquently put it, may be dealt with later. We must come to an immediate consensus on how we are to handle this. I propose removing the spell.///

"He did save Lord Ethan, absorb a high level curse, and still make it here alive. There may be some potential to him yet. I say we save the poor lad...."

'Either way I'm out-voted. Agreed.'

//What curse?//
~~
(OOC:I realize the dialogue is probably a bit confusing.... This time, that's actually for a reason.
///text/// - the center druid tutor
"text" - the druid tutor to the left
'text' - the druid tutor to the right
//text// - Aitou
All of the text in italics is character thought. As far as I know, using telepathy is how druid communicate with animals. Also, if I've misused the tutors at all, Shad, please tell me, and I'll edit it as soon as I can. Oh..... sorry for the lengthy OOC...)

It was almost one in the morning when Averey came down to the bar. Seeing as there was only Kamui sitting there, as well as a few people of no importance, Averey sits beside Kamui.

"Two dwarven ales." He says to the bartender. "I hope you haven't been waiting for long. I drifted off to sleep." He says to Kamui and takes a sip of the dwarven ale the bartender just served them. "I hope you can drink it, it's one of the hardest drinks in Prafyr. Those dwarves sure do know how to make ale."


It was quite a while since the first stars started filling the sky, Aphelion still sat on the walls admiring the view. A chill ran through his body. Being this high contributed to also cold night. He wasn't planning on having drinks with Averey and the rest, but now it sounded like a good idea. Only moonlight lit Benedix and considering how visible it was, the moon did a good job. While on his way to the tower with stairs, silent growling makes him stop. The growling was coming from the darkness of the tower. It made Aphelion take a few steps back. In a few seconds a man in black leather comes out of the tower, with a dog on the end of the tether. Aphelion frowns for this bode trouble. The man starts slowly approaching Aphelion, gripping the tether. And the dog was growling louder and louder with saliva dripping from it's mouth. Aphelion grips the handle of his falchion but doesn't unsheath it. That act of his made the man halt.

"So it was your blood I collected from the field of battle." The man spoke.

Field of battle? What field of battle? There was no people on the field of battle in front of Benedix. It must have been the caravan raid. Yes, he must be one of those raiders. And that dog must have tracked me by the scent of my blood. That is awkward... how can it find me by the smell of my blood? Aphelion came to a conclusion in his mind. Seeing as Aphelion will most likely say nothing the man continued.

"Just tell me where the girl is. We don't need to shed blood here." Urien said for he needed to complete his mission as fast as possible.
"Leave." Was all what Aphelion said.
"If you don't tell me I will have to torture it out off you and probably kill you. Is she worth it?"

When Chiyou casted that magic shield on him which protected him from certain death, she also indebted him. She delayed his death so if he dies repaying that debt, he won't have anything to lose. If he does not tell this man of her whereabouts and if he stops him from looking for her any further, then his debt is repayed.

"No, she is not." Aphelion responded bleakly.
"Then why fight for something that is not important to you?"
Drawing out his falchion Aphelion frowns even further. "I have no reason to explain anything to you."
"Very well. You will have to cry it out then."

Saying that, Urien releases the tether from his hand and the dog charges at Aphelion. Kneeling on one knee, the ranger attempts to telepathically subdue the animal, which was the ability of all advanced rangers. But the dog kept charging. This is not an ordinary animal. And the dog jumped at Aphelion, who bent to the right in the last moment. While the dog was flying beside him, he thrusts his shoulder at it, pushing the dog from the wall. With a howl, the dog falls down, and it's howl started to dissipate until it silenced with a thud. Rising to his feet Aphelion charges at the assassin and starts swinging at him. With slenderness and coordinated movement, Urien evaded the thrusts, swings and slashes. After the assassin ducked to evade the last horizontal slash, Aphelion sends a turn-around kick to his head. Catching the leg with both of his hands, Urien swings Aphelion into the tower inside of which he rolls down to the bottom. Urien would have thrown him of the wall to his death, if only he didn't require information.

Carefully checking for broken bones, Aphelion rises to his feet, dazed with the fall. It was almost a miracle there were no broken bones. That is when he noticed the dead guard. On his forehead was an incision covered with blood. While making a step forward, to exit the tower, he looked like a drunk man due to the fall. Almost instantly a hand falls on his left shoulder, where his wound from the arrow was, and turns him around. A fist meets his cheek, then a knee into the belly which left him grasping for air and tumbling backwards. Now both of them, Urien and Aphelion, were on the street.

"Tell me where the girl is and this will stop." Seeing Aphelion writhe, Urien gives his offer.
"Her importance?" Still coughing he asks. Only, he was standing straight now.
"You don't even know? You don't even know of the leverage you have?" Urien starts laughing.

If the assassin was ever off guard, it was now, so without a moment's loss Aphelion charges swinging with his fists, because the falchion was lost in the fall. Still without much effort, Urien evades and blocks these punches and kicks. Aphelion's movements started deteriorating and then Urien grabbed both of his hands and spread them, sending a kick to his stomach again. I need to get my sword. It is the only chance I have. Straightening up, he charges again. When he was in range to Urien, the ranger throws himself to the left, rolls, rises to his feet and runs towards the tower. Urien was a bit bewildered by this act, but nevertheless went after Aphelion. The ranger was relieved when he saw that the falchion lay on the bottom of the stairs. Before the assassin could get to the tower, a longsword comes flying out of the darkness of the tower. It was the dead guard's weapon. Without any time to evade it, Urien draws two daggers out of his sleeves and blocks the sword. Right at that moment, Aphelion charges and the clash of the blades echo. Both of them start swinging away at each other, making the echo continuous and gradually louder. The one whose movement fell behind was Aphelion, and the assassin uses that chance to push him with his leg. The push sent Aphelion to the wall, where he hit his back pretty hard. The pain left him off guard, and the grip of his hand holding the hilt lessened. Only one swing at the falchion stroke it out of the ranger's hand. At that moment Urien, who beforehand noticed the weak spot, clenches his fist and punches Aphelion's left shoulder, continuously pushing the fist forward, pressuring the wound harder and harder. Not to let Aphelion scream in pain, the dagger in his left hand retracts and he places his hand on the ranger's mouth, gripping it tightly so no sound can escape it.

This left Aphelion totally subjugated. Or did it?

"Will you talk? A simple nod is enough and I will let go of your shoulder. Just a nod and the pain goes away." There was emphasis on scorn in his voice.

Slowly Aphelion's eyesight started to become blurry from the pain. With the little control of his right arm, he silently draws out his hunting knife and, being unable to rise it to the vicinity of Urien's stomach, stabs it into his thigh. A painful yell exits the assassin's lungs and he instinctively lets go of Aphelion, taking a step back. A punch in the face and a kick to the wounded thigh was all the additional damage Aphelion could deal. Even that didn't send Urien to the ground, who took out the knife from the thigh. Malice and animosity covered his countenance when he looked at Aphelion, who on the other hand was barely standing.

"Hey! What is going on here!?" A guard was running in their direction.
"You will die by my hand scum. Trust me." Urien drops the knife and despite his injury, runs off in the direction of the gates.
"What happened here?" The guard asked when he came close to Aphelion.
"A robbery. Nothing has been taken."
"Hmm... there have not been any robberies in a very long time here in Benedix." The guard looked at him suspiciously.
"He ran, I didn't. That should explain something. I need to get back to the inn, I am tired. If you have questions call on me in the morning."
"No need. I am sorry I haven't been here sooner. Have a good night."

When Aphelion arrived to the entrance of the inn, he gathered his composure so no one suspects anything. Inside, he notices Kamui and Averey at the bar. With a quick pace, he climbs the stairs, enters the room and lies on the bed with all his clothes on, falling asleep almost instantly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dusk. Vailen was in the stables on a horse. He rode out of the stables where Rizian awaited with a young human woman beside him. She takes Vailen's hand and mounts the horse.

"Good luck my lord." Rizian said.
"Keep a keen eye on Kali while I am gone."
"I shall."

After the brief conversation, Vailen sends a mild kick to the horse's ribs with his heels. They rode out of the compound following the trail to the west, into the mountains.


OOC: Druids don't have to be skilled to telepathically talk to animals. Rangers on the other hand need to be skilled to attain that feat.

Race heard the rucus outside, but figured it was just a a couple of drunks, ignoring it, he dosed off. When he awoke, it was just a little bit later. He decided to head out. He walked and walked, thinking of a way to gain more trust, then it hit him. Not only would abondoning necromancy gain him trust, but it would also him to rehone his ranger abilities, back to their original state about 3 years ago. It was decided, he would abodoned all of his drow heritage. He never realy did like his mother anyway.

Race sat there in the hollow of a tree till the sun began to rise, from dusk till dawn, and focused completely on destroying all memorys of his necromancy, and tried to remember all of his Ranger skills. By dawn, he had almost completely restored his old ability. He then scalled the wall back into the city, and returned to the inn. Though, there was another thought on his mind, something about that forest. Oh well, whatever it is, it helped to restore my memorys He went to his room, and pulled out a strange looking outfit. It was dark blue, and had several belt straps all up and down the arms and legs and even on the gut of the shirt. HE put it on, then slipped on his boots on and pulls the pant legs over them, tightning the straps on arms and legs and gut. He then puts on his obsidian plate that covers just his chest, and gauntlets that appeared more like gloves than armour, except for the small plate on them that was obsidian colored metal of some sort, he wasn't sure. And the small blade on each hand, that snaped out when he made a fist. He also put all of his earing back in, 6 on each side, all rings. He then attached his quiver to his waist belt, as well os his sheathes on his back. he wrapped up his bow string, and stuck it in a small puch on the side of quiver, then his bow in the quiver. he strapped on some small plates on his legs, and decided he was ready, after selling everything else, he dicided he was good to go.

Introduction To Magic And Its Founders

Magic is best defined as the state of mind or being which allows the extraordinary or unnatural to occur in the natural world. Quite often it is considered simply an odd phenomenon, an accident in the ordered physics of nature. However, magic itself is bound by order and law, to undo it would be to create an alternate phenomena existing purely of chaos and defience, which would be a devastation upon the earth.

There are different types of magic along with magic users. Ability of magic depends on one’s blood. Those who are descendants of the orginal three mages carry within them the blood to cast magic, whereas those who are not of blood consequently cannot cast magic in its pure form.

Chapter 1:Types of Magic

Many types of magic dwell in the world. There is the magic of manipulation, cast by druids or drows (dark elves). Magic cast by the bending of elements of nature, or the understanding of the atomic structure is the most common and is cast by Mages. Warriors also possess magic by small amounts to enchant weapons to acheive greater feats than the original power of the weapon.

1.1: Elements of Magic

Fire: This hot flame scorches the earth and raises cities to the ground. Those who wield it must beware its hot temperatures or risk losing control and burning their mind from the effort of keeping the magic existent. They also must be precise in calculations to create fires with the properties of ice.

Water: Able to seep through cracks with ease, this liquid is easy to make in large quantities. It is harder for a mage to create the smallest drop of water than flood a valley. The concentration required to create less of something is greater than if in greater amounts. It takes even more concentration yet to freeze the particles of the liquid to freeze a solid.

Lightning: Not limited to eletrical jolts bursting from the heavens, it also includes simple balls of light or flashes. To create harmful properties of light such as lightning, a mage must envision within their minds the air they wish to cut through, down to the tiniest air molecule. Depending on how fast they cut through the air is how much of a jolt their target would receive. A mage could also use the lightning technique to simply cut something in half, without the destructive purposes.

To create light, a mage must take of their own energy to create light. If they are weak the light will be more faint. The more energy they have contained within their body, the more light will be produced, maybe even enough to light the night sky. However, regardless of how much energy a mage has, they lose energy either way each moment the light is withstained.

Wind: A mage also may have dominion over the air pressure and general flow of the air. They can increase air pressure or lessen it, changing the amount of oxygen in an area. This is a form of magic rarely used except under extreme circumstances, for it suffocates easily unless the object of the magic can withstand substantial changes in the environment like that.

Mages also have power to change the currents and direction of the wind. The wind can be changed in intensity as well, if it suits the castor’s needs. If one wishes to make a cut in the air, all that needs to be done is as one would cause lightning. The temperature of the air can also be changed depending on what is desired, though it drains the user of their own body heat, or gives them to much. Generally it is understood that if temperature is changed, there is more than one mage nearby and casting.

Earth: The earth is the easiest object to manipulate. A mountain can come tumbling down because all that is necessary is for the mage to separate the particles of matter underneath it to create an earthquake, possibly even one to swallow up the ground. It is easy for a mage to do because the ground shares the same frequency as a human, because human’s are humus, of the earth. However, because it is easy does not mean it is frequent. The resonance of particles from the mountains are necessary and help a mage. They can absorb the energy from the earth depending on their frequencies and cause a resonance. This resonance gives the mage the absolute upper hand of the area they are at, for they will have an endless supply of energy.

Psychic: Another area that is not often touched upon. It has soon become forbidden material for most mages, but it still may occur. Telekenisis is often associated with psychic abilities, however the manipulation of the land, seas, flames, and wind is what a telekinetic could do. In essence, magic is psychic art. Telepathy, however, is often not associated with magic. It is the ability to creep into another’s mind, see their thoughts, feel their emotions, manipulate their body. Some of the highest esteemed mages of history have successfully controlled this art of magic, but they are few. Psychic abilities are thought of as the dark side of magic.

Magic in and of itself is also thought of as fake. Magicians can not cast magic, they merely cause the unnatural to seem to happen. Mages cause it to actually happen. Magicians are lowely forms of mages, not quite yet of the psychic family.


The scroll ended there, but Chiyou did not have the next one, so she could not read further. Rolling it up again, she placed it in her coat pocket. She opened the door of her room, for downstairs she could hear a commotion. It sounded like perhaps a few drunks, if anything. She did not stay to hear what it was about, for she thought it was bad to evesdrop, especially something that did not concern her. Instead, she made her way to Tajan’s room, only to find that he was not there.

“Tajan?” She called out. Perhaps that wasn’t the most intelligent thing to do either. There were plenty of other people trying to sleep, and a girl shouting in the hallways would not give them their due rest. Deciding to meander downstairs to see if Tajan was there, Chiyou saw the General and Kamui.

“Excuse me, sirs, but have either of you seen Tajan-san? Only, I’ve been looking for him and can’t quite pinpoint his location...”


Walking down the peaceful streets, Tajan stopped at a few empty fruit stalls. They were not being tended to right now, but he didn’t take anything. Stealing was not in his nature, unless it was something worth taking. Even then, only if it had special importance and could not afford to be in the hands of others. Turning around he bumped into a hunched over old man. The man dropped his hand basket.

“Oh, dear...” he said, attempting to bend over and pick things up.

“I’m terribly sorry sir, I did not see you coming. Here, let me help you.” Bending over, Tajan picked up the packages the elderly man had been carrying in his basket.

“Thank you, my son. I would have done that myself, however my bones are frail and I cannot bend over like I used to.” The man spoke in a somewhat forced, whispy voice.

Once everything had been returned to his handbag, the elderly man took Tajan’s hand and led him to a bench, sitting down. “Please,” he said. “I have no one to talk to anymore. Will you oblige me for a moments conversation?”

Although he thought it odd that such an elderly man be out and about at one in the morning, Tajan thought nothing wrong with at least speaking to him. “I can stay, if you would like.”

“You know, you look like somebody I know. What is your name, son?” The man looked at Tajan inquiringly from under his brown hood, his eyes piercing Tajan’s.

“I am called Kaitajan.” He rarely heard anyone call him by his real name, mostly he had people know him by his nickname, Tajan.

“Oh, I see,” The man said, suddenly cheerful. “Well, you are not who I thought you were, but that is a nice name, a nice name indeed.” The way the man spoke to him weirded Tajan out. Was he high on drugs? Not wanting to stay and chat with a possible thief in disguise, either, Tajan stood up. Extending his hand for the elder to shake, he said his leave.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot stay. I must head off and get some sleep. Again, I’m sorry for bumping into you.”

Shaking his hand very tightly, the man smiled and shook his head. “No, not at all. I’m glad to have met you, very glad indeed. Perhaps I’ll have the pleasure of meeting you again, my fine youth?” Smiling, Tajan bowed his head slightly, though not answering the question. He left the man, who sat on the bench again staring at the stars, beaming.

As Tajan walked down the street, he was relieved to find his hand no longer burned from the pain of the ring. Whoever it was must not be there anymore. Then again, perhaps it as because he did not have his black gloves on, the ones he usually wore. It was slightly chilly outside, and without the gloves there was no place to trap in the heat. He walked into the inn and sat down near the General and Kamui.

Viktor shut the door behind him as he left the room in which they were keeping Ethan. Sighing deeply he walks down a flight of stairs heading towards the grand hall. Gawain meets him half way there. "You know, that was quite a bold thing hitting my son in the face." said Viktor looking at Gawian. "He seemed like he needed." replied Gawain curtly. "Anyways, he's resting right now, I gave him some of my blood a little while ago, perhaps that will suffice. At least he's calmed down." said Viktor. "Yeah, me and my brothers also gave him some. He should be out of serious danger now, however, we must protect that room with our lives, whoever sent those monsters out against Benedix for whatever reason, I think it's safe to assume that they meant Ethan harm and that they may be back to finish the job." said Gawain with a stern look on his face.

They walked the corridors for a little while before Viktor looked at Gawain and said, " Ya know, I have a few witnesses tell me that the beast who brought my son in wasn't the only one who came to his aid." They continued on toward the Grand Hall before Viktor looked at Gawain, " I want them all to be brought before me." said Viktor. "I can do this for you m'lord, I'll take Godfrey and Geoffrey with me." said Gawain. "When do you want them brought in m'lord?" said Gawain. "In the morning after breakfast, I believe they are staying at the Twilight Moon Tavern. I want you and your brothers to wait there until any of them exits the inn or until after breakfast, whichever happens sooner. I want you to get ready and head off now." said Viktor. "Yes m'lord." said Gawain as he bowed slightly and head toward the grand hall to get his brothers for his mission...

Limping down the main street, the elderly man stopped at a beaten down looking house and knocked on the door seven times. “Delivery service,” he said and the door opened.

“Well, did you find her?” A man with messy wind-blown hair grabbed onto the elderly man’s arm. Taking off his hood, the elderly man showed that he was no elder. He had dark brown eyes and long platinum hair. When he spoke this time he had a deep, gentle voice.

“No, my lord. I did not find your girl, but I did find someone else.”

The man with red hair looked at him inquisitively. “Really? Is this person someone that I myself would care about?”

The platinum haired man laughed. “Oh, yes, yes. Yes, I think you would care. You see, I ran, literally, into Tajan.”

“Tajan of the Mages, eh?”

His face covered in scorn, the platinum haired man laughed, but there was no joy in it. “Tajan of the Mages. He does not understand how to use magic. He is a fool, nothing more.”

“Jealous of him still, Jaharid?”

“Jealous? Why would I have need of being jealous of the likes of him? He is nothing! He is dirt!” Jaharid looked at the red haired man angrily. “My powers in the art of magic far exceed his own! I should have been the one you sent to King Thar to be his right-hand man! Why send Tajan?”

The red haired man averted his eyes. This topic was bordering dangerous waters now. “Jaharid, please understand. This is not the time to talk about such matters.”

“When will it be time?”

“Soon, I hope.”

“If I gave you one of the rings, would it be time?”

The red haired man looked eagerly at Jaharid. “You have the ring? But the girl-”

“She didn’t have it. Tajan did.” Jaharid extended his hand. On his index finger was a silver ring, in the form of a serpent, snaking its way around the finger. The red haired man observed it silently.

“What an odd shape for one to take...I wonder, is it-”

“I have reason to believe so.” The red haired man took the ring off of Jaharid’s finger. Then, he turned around and walked away.

”Good work Jaharid. When that blundering fool I sent out earlier comes back, kill him.”

“Morgian, you won’t get away so fast. What are you planning to do to Tajan and your girl when you find them? Tajan is in this city, but I don’t know where your girl is.”

Laughing maniacally, Morgian placed the serpentine ring on his finger, near the other ring he bore. The other ring was in the form of a golden dragon. “You will see. Oh yes, you will see!”

“And when will you answer my question?” Jaharid shouted, as Morgian continued to make way down a cellar path.

Shouting back up, Morgian replied, “When the time is right!” Cursing, Jaharid put his hood back up and walked outside. He had work to do and Morgian wouldn’t stop him from doing it.

Just as Kamui thought. He knew that none will show themselves tonight. Weather some of them don't drink, or some of them are too shy, or some of them just don't like to hang out with other people, it was clear that in the end the ones that only stays are the master and the student. Averey was not a master to Kamui but he was like a teacher to him. Kamui knew that beneath that strict face lies an honorable and gentle side. He felt that he will be defended from the back, if that time comes.

Averey sat besides Kamui asking the two dwarven ales from the bartender.
"I hope you haven't been waiting for long. I drifted off to sleep." asks the general.

’’ Not at all sir. I’m quite used in waiting’’
Kamui takes the ale he just received. He wanted to drink but he stopped at the half way still holding it in the air and looking at it.
"I hope you can drink it, it's one of the hardest drinks in Prafyr. Those dwarfs sure do know how to make ale." says the general to him while drinking his ale.

’’Indeed…’’ says Kamui still looking at his cup. He drinked some ale a long time ago but he wasn’t sure if he can handle such strong drink like this. He knows that in the knights, the toughest ones are those who can handle the strongest of all drinks. It is assumed that those who are imune to hard drink reflects one true courage and valor.
Kamui restarted his previous will. To continue drinking the dwarven ale. He takes a slight sip of the ale and then he starts coughing. It seems this proves that he still need a long way to go.
’’ … I think I won’t be having a second sir.. ’’ he smiles a bit while still holding himself from further coughing. But after a few more sips he got used to it. He looked at his cup again, while forming a few sentences in his head that he wanted to share with the general.
’’ I spoke with lord Tajan. That girl that is with him… she is important right? How come a small group like us is made for this job sir? And that guy with a ’’certain sword’’, who is he? It seems that there are more peaces to this puzzle than I can imagine. Can you share some light over this sir?

Drinking dwarven ale gave the general a burning sensation throughout the entire body, but he drank too many of them during his life to make a face of unpleasantness. When he saw Kamui drink and cough, he smiled. But obviously Kamui's mind was troubled for he asked a series of questions.

"You sure do have a lot of questions. About the girl," Averey started, "I do not know much myself. The king implied that she is important." Then he took another sip and put his cup back on the bar. "A small group of skilled individuals was necessary to uncover the raiders, not to fight them. Also that caravan had greater importance than just luring them. Thank Dillion that all went well. And that guy you saw, he is an Xzavier. They are of the strongest lineage in Gedhon."

As he explained, Tajan came up to the bar and sat next to them. Averey signaled to the bartender to give Tajan the same drink. "Take a seat." Then he looked at Kamui. "Everything will be alright. Those raiders know we are on to them so they will think twice before attacking another caravan."

By comforting Kamui he comforted himself, but he knew there was something more to these raids. And these monsters they fought just bode trouble. And this girl, Chiyou, there was something King Thar did not tell him. He feared that the truth will come too late.

Tajan accepted the mug absentmindedly and ran his fingers around the rim, creating a low hum. He kept this up for a while, then realizing where he was, he took a drink. A sudden burning passed through his body and he let out a laugh. Of course, dwarven ale. When was the last time he had had a mug of it in this same bar? It must have been more than seventeen years ago, with his older brother. Though, the memory of his brother still gave him a pang of guilt, he brushed the worry away.

“Tajan?” Chiyou walked up to Tajan. The others had seemingly ignored her, though perhaps they just didn’t hear her. Either way, it was alright, since Tajan had appeared soon anyways. Then again, since they had been talking about her, perhaps it was best if she didn’t tell them she was there.

Turning around, on his stool, Tajan looked at Chiyou. “Yes?”

“I was wondering when you would begin training me. You said there was something you had to give me?”

Searching in the pocket of his robe, Tajan took out a scroll. “Yes, this is another fragment of that scroll you had been reading earlier. I figured you might be interested in reading it.”

Chiyou took the scroll. “Thank you, Tajan. May I ask, how long are they? Do they tell of the origins of magic? Who founded magic?”

“They tell all that needs be known.” The scrolls had been torn into fragments for reasons, reasons Tajan wasn’t sure he agreed with. Shouldn’t the world be able to know the truth? Why does it need to be hidden? No matter, Chiyou would find out what was necessary for her to become a qualified mage from them.

Chiyou took the scroll and bounded back upstairs to flop down on her bed and begin reading.

(Introduction To Magic And Its Founders; cont.)

1.2: Channeling Powers For Magic

Mages have a variety of different forms to channel magic. Either they do it through an emotion or through their vocals. Many more forms exist than what are below mentioned, but alas, this is after all a brief mentioning for the beginner’s needs to magic and its foundation.

Spoken Word:
Some mages have to recite spells, verses, or words to cast magic. These are the common ways for a mage to cast. Though, there can be complications with this method, some deadly, some that need not be worried about too much. It takes many years to learn the whole vocabulary of spells and to remember them. Most definitely is it a commendable acheivement and very rewarding to a mage of this class to be able to recall a good chunk of what he or she has learned. However, some words sound similar to other words when spoken, therefore if mispoken, there can be accidents. Even if a mage has learned a great deal and retained it, these types of accidents are still, unfortunately, common.

Song: For the musically talented, there are some who sing their spells to acheive whatever it is they wish to do. When singing a spell, they must be able to feel the music that they sing, and even more challenging yet, to make it more a part of them, they must compose their own music. Some mages prefer to carry and instrument around with them to accompany their vocals, however most mages sing accapella. They have to train long and hard, just like any other mage. They can’t just sing a song, they must be completely accurate in tone and pitch. If they sing even one wrong note, they jeopordize the whole spell and it may not work any more.

Hate: Those who cast spells out of hate have the hardest luck of all other ways to channel magic. Hate is an extremely strong emotion, only surpassed by love itself. To cast out of hate is a very unusual thing for a mage, and rather uncommon. If a mage casts out of hate, either they are mentally unstable, bare a grudge against the world or certain individuals in it. Sometimes hate can take control of the user and use them to do its own will. This is possible because hate is such a strong feeling that it can even blind the user, figuritively, and end up controlling their actions. To control one’s hate is nigh impossible and has yet to be done. Few mages who cast with hate live past age eighteen, and those who do most likely had given up their magical abilities, or denied their ancestry.

Love: Contrary to hate, love is the most powerful emotion one can feel for another being.
To cast out of love may be difficult, but if one has a generous heart it should be very easy. However, if you have a great capacity to love, generally speaking those who cast this way will not use powers that will harm another in any way, shape, or form. It just wouldn’t be in their nature.


As Chiyou was upstairs reading, Tajan looked to General Averey. “Sir, how long are we going to be staying here?” He had a bad feeling, ever since he met that old man. Just thinking about his voice sent shivers down his spine. Where had he heard it before? It sounded familiar...yet it wasn’t.

As general explained the situation to him he didn't noticed Chiyou at all. He focused at what was general saying to him. A tittle by little, Kamui would learn new things that would let him be ether confused or would know more of their current situation.

He noticed Chiyou after general had finish talking. So she finally decided to talk to them? Well not really, she only came to ask about her precious high mage. Kamui ignored her. They didn’t even met yet properly because she only speaks to general and Tajan, as he said earlier, so she could say something else rather then just ask questions for her own purpose. When she asked about Tajan he didn’t answer anything but he didn’t know if general did because Kamui wondered in his flashback of his little talk with the high mage. This girl, in other words is dangerous, does she holds some kind of power that no man can explain? Better stay away from her just in case… she seemed… somehow unstable…didn’t know how to explain....
By the time he came to, he noticed Tajan has joined them.
Chiyou exchanged a few words with Tajan. He heard what they were saying but their words just past by in his ears. He concentrated himself on one thought that he wanted to ask general.

When the girl got some sort of scroll and head back upstairs Kamui wanted to ask general another question but Tajan was quicker.
“Sir, how long are we going to be staying here?’’ he asked.
What the hell? He talked to the guy a few hours ago about beeing tough, with the person you care for on dangerous places, and he still can’t wait to get away from here. Is this place really that dangerous? Kamui didn’t say anything he just finished his drink and waited for general to answer.

Jaharid presumed his hunched over pose that he took while acting as an old man. He walked down the street, though it was still in the early hours of the morning, and walked to the inn. The door opened with a thud, and in his fake wheezy old voice he apologized for the loud noise. Not noticing who he sat by, Jaharid ordered a mug of dwarven ale. He took a drink, remembering a night much like this one from so long ago.


Waking up from her sleep, the woman got changed into a different outfit, for it was yet another different day. This time she wore a somewhat tight black robe. Filling up a bucket with water, she dyed her normally black hair red and let it hang loose over her shoulders. Over her hands she put black gloves and wore heavy duty black boots. The clothes she wore yesterday she sent to be cleaned, but she would never wear them again. She was paranoid enough, and cautious from past experiences, never to wear the same thing twice.

It was still early in the morning, perhaps five o’clock where she was, but she was heading for Sar, so she needed to get up early. She would be walking on foot, but she hoped to reach Sar within three days, if she was lucky.

As she walked outside, a girl stopped her.

“Excuse me, miss...” Turning around, the woman faced the girl. Slightly intimidated, the girl went on. “Excuse me, but do you have a daughter? You look like someone I know.”

Shaking her head, the woman told her no. Watching the young girl walk off, the woman felt bad that she had to lie. In fact, she did have a daughter. A young one, perhaps by now she would be thirteen, maybe fourteen. Her son, if he had lived, would be about twenty. A pang of loss struck her heart, but she continued walking. The past was gone now. The only thing she could do was find what had saved her from death, and return to her only love. Picking up her pace, she continued her journey to Sar with lonely thoughts and silence.

Signaling for a refill, Averey drank the rest of his ale. After Chiyou left upstairs Tajan Asked for how long will they be staying in Benedix. So many questions. Averey had a number of questions himself but the person who he wanted to ask wasn't here.

"Tomorrow morning. We are going back to Marvor." Then he unintentionally put a blank expression on his face. "But I am not sure about anything anymore." Noticing that he dozed off and said something that sounded almost pessimistic, he quickly gathered his composure and smiled. "There is no need to worry about anything. Two or three days from tomorrow we will be back in Marvor." But he wasn't sure about it himself. Again, without even noticing it himself, he looked at his mug blankly which showed that he was worried.

An apology came from behind his back but he didn't turn around thinking it was just an ordinary commoner who might have had a fight with his wife coming here to probably spend the night drinking.

Ilria wandered around the darker corners around the inn. She cast a small spell and entered the inn, appearing like an elf. She sat down and listened to everything that was said, then left right as Race came walking down the stairs. Approaching the general, he prepared himself for what he would say next. Bowing, he said, "Excuse me general." Having caught the generals attention, Race sat down.

Ilria ran around the corner, and released her spell. "So, they are headed back to Marvor, I will just...." She looked down to find a dagger had peirced her heart, and was sticking out of chest from behind.

"Race will die soon enough." A silent cackle, "and you will no longer be alone." The assassin slid off into the darkness, letting her fall to the ground in the alleyway.

FLASH BACK: Race heard something in his window, and quickly turned around to see the half elf, half drow. It was almost like looking in a mirror. He wore about the same outfit as race, only it was red were Race's was blue. "Why hello there, dearest brother." They ran up to each other and embraced in a hug.

The contingent of soldiers made their way down the narrow roads of Memoria forest to the Tharian border in the pre-dawn light. Steam rose from the horses flanks, and the riders tugged their dark woolen cloaks tighter, but even in the cold gray morning it was still possible to pick out the bright red and gold of the uniforms—the color of the royal Gedhon army—on all the riders except one. At the head of the legation, mounted on an equally impressive charger, rode a tall man in midnight blue platemail. His bearing spoke of one accustomed to authority, and he had assembled the riders, their positions, and gear with competence bordering on boredom. Kali had needed to do nothing when she arrived but to slip from her lathered trembling mare onto the cool back of a large grey gelding. It might even have been considered a point of chivalry that she’d been placed in the center of the group as they rode, and had she thought she needed protecting it would have been a most flattering gesture.

After a time the pines and cedars of the high mountains gave way to the oaks and willows of rolling hills which in turn gave way to the grassy knolls of Tharian grazing lands. The riders turned their horses west and then south. There. The leader pulled the group to a halt at the peak of a small ridge. Below them, in the first rays of early morning, lay a quiet village stirring to life with the crows of errant roosters and the lowing of unmilked cows. Kali moved her horse to the front. “Sir Vincent,” she smiled, “It’s Esclarmonde*.”

<Tag Vincent>

(*Esclarmonde is not on the map. It’s an unmarked village on the border of Gedhon and Tharia.)

Kamui put down his cup of ale and sighted a few times. This drink definitely is made for those with sterner stuff. He got up and looked at the general saying :
'' Excuse me sir, I would leave for a moment. I need to take some fresh air. This drink, it appears that it's more then I can handle''. He looks at Tajan and nods to him. The question that he wanted to ask general has faded away in his head. The fresh air coming from the night could be smelled from the exit of the bar. Kamui walked slowly and got outside. He distance himself a few meters from bar and stood there looking at the sky. One look at above would give a relaxing feeling to any living being. Then he coughed a few times hitting himself at the chest.
'' * cough * .... if the enemy doesn't finish me this drink will... '' he stated that while still looking at the night.

But suddenly this reminds him of the other time. He was standing alone in the middle of nowhere. Wind was blowing making a sad sound. He just lost his home and all of his friends. He was the few of those who survived and scattered. The men that appeared before him were mercenaries. There was three men, riding horses. One looked like he didn't took a bath in ages, other one was spiting every few seconds and the third one was licking his knife. It almost gave the picture that three of them were... morons....almost...
'' You look lonely kid. By looking at your face I say that you are a homeless person now? I see some anger in your eyes boy...'' The one in the middle spoke. Kamui didn't say anything on that.
'' I know a wonderful place. A place where you and others like you can join together. Come with us and your life will have a meaning until you die.'' The one of them said that, can't remeber which one. That was a long time ago. Good thing it's over now. He should be grateful though. Without them he would never have met Athelyna and others.

As Kamui stopped daydreaming he turned around and head back to the bar. He was dead tired....

Jaharid drank his ale silently. He gagged on it after he heard one of the men next to him say something about leaving for Marvor again. Were these the people that Tajan had come with? How interesting...What was he doing with the likes of them?

Tajan looked over to Jaharid. “Sir, are you alright?”

Nodding, Jaharid let out a feeble laugh, one befitting an elder such as the one he was posing as. “Yes, I’m sorry. It went down the wrong pipe. Strong stuff this is, yes?” Tajan gave a small smile and nodded before getting up from his stool.

“I’ll be taking my leave now, General. I will be up early tomorrow morning, so I will wait at the city gates for you.” Jaharid stood up as well, though as he left, a small scroll fell from his pocket. Once Jaharid was gone, Tajan picked up what had fallen. Frowning, he put it in his pocket and walked upstairs.

“Chiyou?”

Opening her eyes, Chiyou ran to the door. “Tajan! Yes, what is it?” Tajan held something out for her and she took it. “Another of the scrolls?” Though, when she looked back up, Tajan was gone. “Tajan?” Sighing, she decided she wouldn’t worry about him. Laying back down on her bed, she read the contents of the scroll.



(Introduction To Magic And Its Founders; cont.)

1.3 Symbols

Each mage has a symbol according to how they channel magic. In some cases, regardless if they share the same force of channeling, a mage will have an entirely different symbol. Below are listed a few of the known symbols of the present date.

Channeling Power: Symbol- Meaning

Spoken word : Serpent - A serpent is cunning and sly, often deceptive. The words they speak may not always mean what they seem.
: Chameleon - Able to improvise well to fit in with certain situations, those who bear this mark can be more deadly than the serpent. As a true chameleon does, the wearer of this symbol can also change the physical appearance of their symbol, so they seem to be that which they are not. It takes time to learn this skill, however, but it is still a common trait.

Song : There is no symbol. You can hear by their extraordinary vocal skills that they have been blessed.
Hate : The coldness in the eyes of those who channel through hate is enough of a symbol to show their powers.

Love : Once again, there is no physical symbol to show a mage channels from love. Generally, uncommon from other mages, they let off a special glow when they cast. It is more of a feeling, but others can feel their presence when they cast and know they are not an enemy.

Resonance : Dragon - A beast of myth, the dragon shows the pure beauty and strength of the land. Rarely does a mage have a complete resonance with the earth around them. However, whether they use their powers for good or ill depends on the wielder. Simply because they have a perfect resonance does not mean they are pure of heart.

---

Tajan followed the man outside. “Excuse me!” The man stopped and turned around, facing Tajan.

“Yes, what is it whelp?” There definitely was something familiar about that taunting tone of voice.

“What do you know of magic?”

“Why, nothing!” The man said, laughing. “I do not look like a magic user, do I?” Letting out a small laugh, Tajan put his arm around the man’s shoulder. If the man felt uncomfortable, he did not show it.

“Really? I don’t believe you,” With that statement, Tajan pulled down Jaharid’s hood. Jaharid continued laughing maniacally and the color faded from Tajan’s face. How could I not feel his presence? The ring should have...” He looked at his hand. The ring was gone! When he looked back up, Jaharid had disappeared. No! The ring...Where did he take it? How did he take it? In fact, how would he have known...Unless...Morgian is here? How is this possible? Tajan took off at a run, running to the old hideout that Morgian used for the Thieves Guild back when he had been a member.

---

Frustrated that the only times Tajan had come to see her recently was to give her more of those scrolls, Chiyou wandered back downstairs. Seeing the General and Kamui at the bar table, she approached them.

“Excuse me, but where is Tajan?” Would they ignore her again?

You only need to ask yourself that, Chiyou, if they have a reason to ignore you. Is there?

Of course not! I haven’t done anything to them! I haven’t said anything bad to them, or disrespected them in any way!

Exactly, Jest said and returned to her hiding place in Chiyou’s mind.

---

The path to Sar was a lonely one indeed. She almost wished she had brought a horse with her. If only...But, she was stuck walking so she would have to live with it. Actually, it’s not that she minded walking, just that it took forever to get from place to place. Though, it was a nice day out, so she would rather enjoy the walking. Perhaps this day would go faster than the last.

As both Tajan and Kamui took their leave, Averey finished his second drink. A few minutes have past when Kamui returned and sat beside him again.

"I guess you won't ask for a refill." Again Averey smiled.

At that moment Tajan came down the stairs and went outside of the inn. Shortly after, Chiyou followed, only she approached Kamui and Averey and asked after Tajan. Putting on a benign smile, Averey got up from the stool and approached her, placing his hand on her back.

"He went outside. I assume he will be back shortly. But you should go to sleep." Then he looked at Kamui. "As the matter of fact, we should all go to sleep. We need to get up early." By gently pushing Chiyou's back, Averey directed her to the stairs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A hidden cave was in front of them. All that was left to do were a few lines to be pronounced, which even Vailen did not know the meaning of. After pronouncing them, the formation of rocks made a passage which led deep underground. Helping the young woman get off the horse, Vailen looked around the sky. The stars on the east have already started fading away. Just as planned. Holding her hand, the duo entered the cave and the rock formation formed a natural shape behind them, obscuring the entrance.

Grudgingly, Chiyou trudged back up the stairs to her room. She didn't like having the General order her around, even though technically this was his turf, what with travelling with the caravan and all. Regardless of the spite she felt, she once again lay down on her bed. It must be at least two in the morning, but she could not get any rest. She had always had a sleep problem for as long as she could remember.

Did my mother ever have this much trouble sleeping? ...I wonder if I'm the only one in my family who does...did... Sudden feelings of loss touched Chiyou's heart. My family...I never really knew my parents, even though I was still with them when I was five...Did I ever see what my father looked like? I can't even remember my mother, except that she was always sweet and gentle to me...

Sweet and gentle? I can't find such a resemblance in you to your mother, if she was like that, Jest said snidely. Suddenly having the urge to cry, Chiyou let the tears stream down her face.

What's wrong with me? Why am I feeling this way...?

Jest laughed at her, silently. Poor, foolish girl...Someday you'll learn to rid of your pride. That is, if you plan on helping us...We could use someone with your talent, that is for sure."

Chiyou sniffed, for her nose was beginning to get runny. [i]Help you? Us? What are you talking about? Why are you here?

I was summoned by you.

Then I command you to leave me! I wasn't always like this!

Weren't you? Jest laughed again, this time with the hint of malice. I told you already, and this is the last time I'm repeating myself, so listen up. I will not leave until you can tell me why you conjured me. Answer that question and then I'll leave.

Forever?

Forever.

Race lay there, Kitsune on the other side of the room in the bed. "It must of been a long road, to find me."

"Yes it was, I see though, that you have abondoned your dark ways brother," Kitsune said to him.

"Yes, necromancy was just a waist of time." With that he pulled out his harp, and began to play.

"Ah, yes, the beauty of music." Kitsune pulled out an ocarina, and began to play as well. As they played, a calming, kind, though thick fog, settled over the city, and the clouds covered the moon, and it began to spinkle lightly. The sound of the soon to fall rain as it hit, put them both to sleep. Their conversation would have to wait for later.

Kitsune rose a few hours later, and pulled out his emerald colored sword, and his jade colored sword. They were both sharp as diamonds, and resembled Race's blades exactly, except the color of the blade. Race's swords being Sapphire and Ruby colored. Kitsune swung around his swords for a short while, then put them away as Race awoke. Race began to tell his brother of his journey, and his Kitsune told Race of his journey. This cotinued till morning.

By the general's instructions he went to his room. It seemed that he wanted for everybody to rest before they leave again. Kamui lied down on his bed. No matter how hard he tried the dream just didn't want to come. He turned around a few times until he got up. Something was bothering him.
Did Tajan returned to his room? It only past maybe an hour till' they were downstairs drinking, but he did got out pretty fast after they were sitting together. Kamui opened his door of the room and looked around. Silence and the dark hallway. He went down and the innkeeper was locking the door. She noticed Kamui when she turned around. Strange though, he did came down suddenly but she wasn't sturtled or anything. It seemed as she already knew someone would come down. Kamui came closer to her and asked

'' The mage. Did he returned?''
'' I don't recall someone like that, in what room is he staying?'' the innkeeper asked.
'' Don't know. But after we got upstairs did anyone came through that door?'' he asked with a slight worringness on his face.
'' I'm sorry sir, no one came after you all went to sleep. My costumers know that I lock the doors at this time of hour. Is something wrong? '' the innkeeper says with a gantle and quiet voice
'' I'm not sure. Can I look outside?''
'' It's not our custom to let the costumers out at the time like this...''
'' Please my lady, I won't be long.''
'' Awright, I'l let the maid to guard here. You have an half an hour. '' the innkeeper said that while unlocking the door. Kamui thanked her and got out on the streets. He looked left and right while thinking of what to do next...

Chiyou lay on her bed, wide awake. She still hadn’t been able to fall asleep. It’s so quiet, she thought. Of course it is, Jest said. Everybody is asleep, what’d you expect? Chiyou frowned. It’s just too quiet...Maybe Tajan will still be awake. Why would it matter if he was awake, Jest inquired. I won’t be alone. I’ll have someone else to talk to.

She got up out of bed once again and checked Tajan’s room. It was unlocked and nobody was in it. Walking downstairs she saw Kamui leave. Running to the door the inn keeper had just closed, Chiyou spoke up.

“Excuse me, but can you please allow me out too?” The inn keeper looked at her oddly.

“Another one?” She sized Chiyou up before answering. “I’m afraid I can’t. It might be dangerous out there for you.”

“But-”

“I am not here to argue with you. Please, for your own safety, go back to bed,” Then, smiling kindly, the inn keeper placed her hand on Chiyou’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, but this is the way it has to be. I’m not allowed to let guests out at night.”

“You let my friend out! Please, let me join him! I’m looking for someone!”

“Who?”

“A mage.”

The inn keeper looked at her, uncertain. “Can you cast as well?” Chiyou nodded. “Alright then, hurry and catch up with your friend. But, as I told him, you only have thirty minutes.”

“Thank you!” Chiyou said happily as the inn keeper opened the door for her. Once she exited, the door shut again. Running to catch up with Kamui, Chiyou began speaking.

“Kamui-san? I-” Chiyou stopped speaking. Suddenly she was afraid to be with this man. But why? She didn’t know anything about him at all, she realized. Never had she bothered socializing with any of the others, so why would he want to be alone with her? “I must apologize for not speaking with you earlier. I suppose being thrust into a caravan with so many grown up men who are much stronger than me made me afraid...But...I was wondering if you would mind if I joined you? Though, I’m looking...for...Tajan...” She began to blush. How many times had they heard her say that?

"So this is Esclarmonde, I have reason to believe these people are the ones that sent the beasts of Memoria on castle Benedix?" said Vincent looking toward Kali. Waiting for her reaply he motions his horse a slight amount toward a tree standing on the edge of the ridge. He looks for a small crossway or a pathway leading to the small town that may provide a bit of cover. "You told me when you found me in the woods about have dead that Tharia had something to do with the beasts that attacked Benedix and you lead me here." said Vincent going back to the previous statement and now looking away from the ridge and back to Kali. "Who exactly do you get your information from and what are you doing on this mission if it's not too personal to ask." said Vincent.

"Hold on, I believe I've found the path I was looking for." said Vincent curtly, now looking at a narrow but sturdy crossing, shrouded by trees. "They may come to minor resistance there and I don't what to start a ruckuss just yet. Be prepared." said Vincent with a stern look on his face. "We'll have one chance to do this right without the rest of Tharia knowing, no mistakes, don't let any escape, we may take prisoners, but only a few, I don't feel like bothering with them, only take the children, that's all." said Vincent to the rest of the troops and he motioned his horse down the ridge...

Darkness surely wasn’t pleasant when you are searching for someone. Did he made a right choice. Look for someone that isn’t related to him, someone who isn’t even his friend. But no, even if that mage isn’t his friend he is a comrade. That’s right. A comrade who fought with them in the battlefield. Kamui thought of how he would never think like that before but, the feeling of helping someone fills up all his emptiness inside.

Suddenly he heard a pleasant voice who he recognized in an instant. It was Chiyou. He slowly turned around looking at her as she approached him. Seeing her proves that Tajan didn’t come at the inn and she surely didn’t came from the inn to wish him good night…
“Kamui-san? I-” she took a pause after that. Kamui just looked at her waiting for her to say what she needs to say. She apology for not talking to him. Well, he didn’t try either. As suspected she wanted to join him in the search for Tajan. She blushed.

’’ Well, don’t apology. You must have had a tough life so it’s natural that you are not very social. I’m glad you care that much for Tajan, he is not a bad old timer. As for your question for joining me, I should just copy the Generals words and say to you that you go to your room. But I won’t do that. Doing nothing and running away will never help you to became tougher and stronger person. So I say let’s get going, but don’t do things like I do. And that’s being reckless.’’ Kamui answered with a blink smile.
He got serious again remembering the face of Tajan who looked worried when he left. He should have done something when he noticed that. He looked Chiyou in the eyes and asked
’’ We must find Tajan but I don’t know where and how to look. Can’t you sense his presence or something? That would be really helpful’’.