Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

[Iscaa]

Isca and Nefer;

Isca and Nefer were in their tent, listening to the exchange between Devon,Blin and Isola. They looked at each other, the cat emitted a low angry growl, Isca whispered,

“Oh that wicked Blin will not get off sooooo easy. We can make this a little more memorable for him, teach him a lesson so to speak. Let me see....I will cast a suggestion spell on him while he sleeps...but what else can we do?”

Nefer is thinking about the traps as she looks up at Isca whipping her tail back and forth furiously,

“Yesssss, indeed Nefer, lets set a trap for that treacherous despicable half goblin Blin!”

Once the camp was settled down for the night including Devon and Isola, the pair of them sneaked out of their tent and quietly looked around to see where the jumble of discarded traps had been thrown. They were easy to spot since some of them still poked out of the brush. Looking them over Isca found one that wasn't damaged and even was still set to go off. She chuckled to herself as she whispered,

“Look Nefer a trap ready to go, I know just where to set it.”

She gingerly picked it up and walked towards where the temporary latrine was situated, while Nefer followed quietly purring and twitching her tail. Setting it in the appropriate spot she looked down at the happy feline chuckling,

“That should do it, now Blin will get a taste of his own medicine, with any luck he will get a great big nasty surprise in the morning. One that will not let him sit down for a week. There is one more thing I need to do to make this complete.”

They walked back to the tent area stopping beside Blin's tent. Isca took a few minutes to think of some kind of suggestion spell she could put on the sleeping goblin. Finally smiling she raised her hand whispering,

“ Blin....I cast a suggestion spell on you....that for one day you will feel like your “Wee Little Willy” is first itchy, then hot, then cold, then feels like it's going to fall off. This will go on all day long. When you wake up this suggestion will go into effect.”

As Isca whispered this spell her hands moved about, Nefer purred at her feet in total agreement. Finally she was done leaving the both of them to continue on to their own tent feeling very much satisfied with their little revenge plan.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas did not go directly back to camp once he had left the clearing and the twisted, little, almost-dead, things. Instead he flew high and far, making many long and meandering turns. The not-so-funny jokes were cold and cruel but by the EarthMother, it felt good to fly!

The silly little mammals could never understand what it was to fly, to soar and to hunt, like a true apex predator, winging far and wide over its hunting territory. On the ground, Nas was big, slow and noisy. Each step he took was like pounding a drum as his feet fell, talons digging into the earth and his massive body bending, breaking or just crushing whatever was around him. The dragon left a swath of destruction wherever he walked, whether he wished to or not; but in the air, that was another story.

Truth be told, Nas was not a graceful or nimble flyer, but compared to his earth-bound self, Nas in the air was as sleek and agile as a hawk, graceful as a sparrow and as efficient a hunter as death. The twisted, old thing had said one truth; flying was freedom, and Nas relished his freedom. He soared, faster, then slower, taking it in turn to dive, arc, climb, brake, then dive again. A part of this was to test his newly healed wing, but much more was just the jubilation of returning to the sky... the freedom to leave behind the 'Nas the Terrible', "Nas the Unwanted', Nas the Mistake' and be free to enjoy, to play, to be...free.

It couldn't last however, it never did.

He didn't know how long he had been gone and frankly, he didn't care. Again, the thought of just leaving crept into his mind, but with a sigh, he instead turned back towards the swamp and the LifeDancer's little band of misfits. It did not take long for him to find the group. Nas flew overhead once, banking and circling before finally dropping down. his wings flared wide, letting his hind end pitch forward. his legs reached out and with his wings pumping hard, broke his forward momentum, allowing him to touch down on the damp earth. his wings folded back into place as the dragon's golden eyes swept over the tiny camp.

"You are all still alive then?" he asked. "Damn. Maybe next time."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Note to reader (this was jointly written by deathsknight and milkmaiden38)

Devon had paused for a moment and then nodded towards Isola.

"Sure, let me show you a few things. You are very agile, I'd say you're a dancer."

Isola smiled and gave a small nod to him confirming his thought. He grinned back and then from under his cloak two daggers appeared, he twirled them deftly, the blades glittering wickedly in the firelight. One was a curved blade, wickedly sharp and the other a thin blade, clearly to get through chinks in armor. He showed Isola three attacks, all of them focusing on speed and disabling or even killing your opponent as quickly as possible. He watched her, making her go slow so that he could watch her movements, adjusting her stance, shoulders, arms or hands with a soft touch. Then he allowed her to go faster, resisting the urge to watch her bosom as she moved, instead he focused on the daggers and the whole of her body.

"That should do, just practice, you seem to be a natural so it shouldn't take long. I'll take first watch, get some shut eye." Devon had told her. She was really glad he had taken the time to show her these moves. All three were new and different from Zarik’s fighting style, more focused on speed and disabling. It had been very helpful to her.

It was at this moment just as Devon told Isola he would take the first watch that Nas had chosen to return. Flying into the clearing his wings flared and he landed softly. His golden eyes swept over the tiny camp.

"You are all still alive then?" he asked. "Damn. Maybe next time."

A large smile broke across Isola face as she ran to him “You can fly again!” She said stating the obvious as she gave his foreleg a big hug. She released his leg and stepped back looking into his eyes.

“I was so worried the witch doctor was going to be a total quack! I have heard stories about the ones in this swamp … most are crazy as a loon … practical jokers” She stated.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

"Your assessment was not incorrect." Nas snorted, disgust and contempt coloring his words.

"The decrepit, nearly dead things are lucky that I - " the dragon's scathing comments cut off suddenly as realization dawned on him.

"Wait..." Nas's head came down on eye level with Isola. "You knew where I was being taken? And you said nothing?"

A flurry of emotions drifted through Nas's heart for a moment, but resentment and eventually anger was what bubbled closest to the surface.

"Do you mammals fear and loath me so much that you all must betray me so?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola wanted to laugh at the dragon’s assertion it was so crazy. Here she had been worried about him and stayed up waiting for him … and now he was accusing her of wanting some harm to come to him. But she saw that the dragon’s face was filled with anger and he was serious. She grew serious too and answered him quickly.

“Nas … I overheard what Maut had said to you as you two left … something like …” She tried to sound like Maut but did a pretty bad job of it, her voice was just not deep enough “ ... let's go do what no Elven healer could do for you.” She continued with her own voice “I just assumed you two were off to see some witch doctor healer in the swamp."

Isola looked into his big golden eyes “I’m your friend … I think everyone here is” she looked at Blin’s tent “well almost everyone … I would not want any harm to come to you …” She affirmed and pledged.

“This is a human thing … but we care for each other …we watch out for each other. That is why I stayed awake … and waited for you … I was worried. I wanted to be here when you got back in case the magic did not work” She hoped he understood what she was trying to say.

Putting on a brighter face, she continued “But your wing looks better … and you flew here … so everything worked out! I’m happy for you.”

She still saw in Nas’ eyes that there was more to this story than just the wing getting repaired. Something else happened. “Did something happen to Maut? Is he ok? What happened?” She asked worried again.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

Nas's eyes narrowed at the mention of Maut's condition.

"It is a dead man who still walks and speaks. I do not know what your definition of 'OK' may be, but yes, it still exists. At least when I left it did."

The dragon considered the LifeDancer's words, just staring intently at Isola for long seconds, until the silence was becoming uncomfortable.

"Why?" he finally asked, bewildered. "Why do you care what happens to me? I am Nas the Terrible. The humans, the elves, the goblins; all of you hate and fear me. I am a predator the likes you have never seen, the monster to scare your children with and the villain in every story you mammals create."

"Everywhere I go, I leave destruction in my wake, I have killed scores of your own kind, slain and devoured dozens of champions that have challenged me and burned foe and field to ash without care."

The dragon's eyes were intent upon Isola's as he spoke, never wavering or blinking.
"I am a killer without remorse, and yet you profess to care about me... Why?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola stared back at Nas. She thought back to the conversation the two had back at the elven lake. Nas had so many layers and so many defenses that getting to his true self was very difficult. But she had to try. When she got there … he might find himself and be happy about what he found.

Isola smiled “Nas you ask a more difficult question than I believe you realize. But I shall answer it as best as I can. I have killed chickens without remorse … scores of them… and I have eaten them and boiled them … I’m a predator like you … does that make me unlikeable?

I have seen a good man kill a bad one … justice was serve in that act … the act of killing does not necessarily make him unlikeable. In fact if it was an act of courage and bravery it might make him more likeable.

I have seen Armies battle each other … destroying things on a scale equal to that which you are capable. It is terrible … but good can come of it. Sometimes it is necessary to kill some good people to get at the evil that is behind them. It is difficult. But in the end what must be weighed is … did the battle create a better world. This calculus is what makes some horrible actions … right and just.

I have not seen the Nas you speak of … I have seen a dragon of the highest noble values … These champions you speak of … did they attack because you were a dragon … and they feared that … a monster more powerful then themselves? That is not a good reason to attack … you did the world a serve to rid it of such insecure beings.

I have not seen the killer without remorse … in fact according to Isca … you had the chance to devour a boy back in fourwinds … but you did not. You held back."

Isola paused “I have not really answered your question … I do not truly know why I like some creatures and people and not others. But I know I like you … I see a being capable of tremendous good … a Nas that will save this world from the demon lords … a dragon with a crusty exterior … but inside he has a noble heart.” Isola voice got lower “and I care about you … so what happened with the witch doctor?”

 

[DeathsKnight]

"He healed his wing, played one of his practical jokes and this infuriated Nas. I went along to see how Nas will react and I can say that even though he reacted violently, he did not react at all like the dragon he claims to be. More like one who can destroy, but know when not to."

Maut stepped from the shadows, startling even Devon,

"The witch doctor said that Nas would have to marry the first female dragon he encounters, of course that did not sit well with Nas and he reacted accordingly. I can't really blame him for it."

He tilted his head,

"I am one of those who attacked Nas, we both carried scars away from that battle, I did not fight him because I feared him, I fought him because he terrorized the locals. Of course terrorized is not really the right word is it? Frightened beasts of burden just by flying overhead and snatching up a cow every now and then from different locations is not really a thing to instill terror. But I was human and more brave than smart back then. I thought it to be my duty as part of my sworn oath to knighthood."

Devon had joined the small group,

"It must have been some fight."

Maut nodded,

"Aye, that it was, took me close to a year to fully recover from it."

Maut looked up at Nas,

"I hope that at some stage you can forgive me for taking part in the prank."

He turned and stalked off, seemingly melting into the shadows as he left the clearing.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola laughed “Nas …what is wrong with you … marriage is wonderful! Finding your soul mate … someone to travel through life with … to share experiences …to have children …” She looked off into the night sky all dreamy like. Then she remembered that Maut had agreed with Nas about marriage being awful.

“Maut … shame on you for agreeing with him!” She said calling after the dead knight … who was already gone.

“Do dragons get married? Is that what they call it? Do you have weddings … all the other dragons show up… and there is lots of crying? And what about a honeymoon? Do you two love birds … go off and you know ... mate somewhere?” She asked ... she could tell as Nas' eye narrowed he had different view of marriage. She also got more serious.

"Why you don't like marrage/bonding/whatever dragon's call it? ... and making little Nas's?" She asked trying to understand why he was upset at this topic.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas simply stared daggers at the death knight when he appeared and continued to do so until he disappeared, before he turned his attention back to Isola.

As the LifeDancer spoke about marriage, Nas looked as if he would become ill. The dragon physically flinched at her suggestion of 'making little Nas's'.

"Clearly, you know nothing about dragons." he began. "And you know nothing about me."

His head bent lower, coming closer to Isloa. "Do you wish to know? Perhaps I might tell you, but not here. I do not know these people, and just because you cannot see it, doesn't mean the Deadman is not lurking about either."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola walked closer. This was important and she needed to hear Nas' story.

"Certainly ... let us move off into the forest a safe distance" she said and the two went away from the camp. Both walked in silence. Isola thought about when she had first met the massive dragon. Everytime he had looked at her she froze ... dragon freeze they call it. But over time she had gotten use to him and now they were .... friends? Sometimes life was very strange! When they had gone far enough.

Isola looked back at Nas.

"We should have privacy here ..." She said "Please tell me ... i shall keep it private" She told him.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

Nas was agitated and nervous. He had no idea just what he intended to say, or why he felt the need to speak to this human female. No one knew anything about him, and Nas preferred it that way. Still in spite of that, here he was, with some human female in which he had actually offered to speak with.

"We should have privacy here ..." She said "Please tell me ... I shall keep it private"

Nas may have been willing, but he was not trusting. His head swiveled first one way, then another.

"No." was all he said.

Nas was a big creature, bigger than many might consider until they stood, face-to-foreleg with a dragon. Whatever one might consider, Nas simply reached out and curled his taloned fingers around Isola's body and lifted her off the ground, effortlessly. The long wings unfurled as his leg muscles tensed, then with an explosion of coiled energy, Nas sprang into the air, winging over the swamp and into the night.

They flew for only a few minutes, but by dragon's wing, the pair traveled much further than the group had been able to move by foot and when Nas set back down, they were near the edge of the swamp lands.

"Here." Nas said, setting Isola back down, somewhat unkempt but unharmed.

"You may trust strangers and magic and dead men, but I do not. Here we might find some privacy."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola thought she was going to die! The massive clawed hand/paw … whatever you call it wrapped around her … than Nas took off in the air …but when she looked down … it was amazing … she was in the air … flying!!!

The speed of the travel was astounding. Soon they were at the edge of the swamp and Nas place her back on the ground. She had liked the flying part … but the land made her nervous. But again Nas had been gentle and placed her back on her feet.

She stood on her own … part of her glad to be on the firm ground again. Part of her wanted to fly again.

“That was fun!’ She said still trying to catch her breath, the excitement written all of her face. She was trying to brush her hair back into place. “I can see why Dragon’s like to fly …!!” Isola added. She loved to ride horses … and ride them as fast as they could go … and Nas’ trip was even faster … she was a bit of a speed junky!

She remembered why they were here “Yes I think we are safe now ... Please tell me about dragons … and about your past” She said more seriously

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

Nas looked about for a moment, gazing up into the sky before speaking.

"While it is not unheard of, dragons do not have a ceremony for unions. Nor is there really any gathering of friends or family as your species has. Usually, two dragons simply choose each other and..." Nas shrugged. "They are a mated pair."

He was avoiding the reason they had come, and both of them knew it. Nas suddenly became rather demure, almost timid.

"It is not that I find such an idea abhorrent, I just,... I do not think it will ever happen to me." The dragon heaved a great sigh, rustling the grass at Isola's feet.

"Let me try to explain, but to do so, I must offer you another explanation; I did not know my Sire. This is not uncommon among us, our Sires do not always remain in the nest, but continue their duties outside the lair, providing for clan, family and lair. Sometimes they do not remain for long, sometimes they do not remain at all, but there is still something of their heritage left to their offspring."

"I did not know my Sire, nor would I ever wish to. I only know that he was one of the great red dragons from the far north and that he... he um... He forced himself on to my mother."

Nas remained silent for a moment after revealing this, but continued on with his story.
"This is a great crime among dragonkind." he said. "When the act was revealed, my Sire was hunted down and ripped apart by the clans. His remains left to feed carrion birds and scavengers; a great shame for a predator creature such as a dragon."
"Still, the crime was so great, so foul that my Sire was sentenced to the only thing among us that is worse than a shameful death. He was consigned to oblivion. None would speak his name again, nothing would mention or embody this criminal ever. No trace of his existence would remain. In a single generation, the criminal would be all but forgotten, erased from existence. No legacy, no heritage, no crime to speak of; for as cruel, wicked and infamous as some among dragons may be, rape among us simply does not happen."

The dragon heaved another great sigh. "Yet here I stand."

"The crime is so very rare, it has led to many elders claiming that the crime is only caused by the most extremely demented, loathsome and twisted of our kind. These are hunted and destroyed on sight, harbored by no dragon or clan. On the most rare occasions that it might happen, the EarthMother is merciful and prevents an offspring from the crime."

The dragon again sighed. "Again, yet here I stand."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola was not expecting this and it was hard to listen too. Tears formed in her eyes and dripped down her face as Nas told her the last part. Nas almost wished to be … erased from existence. What a horrible hand he had been dealt in life. She felt so bad for him. She cried at what must have been very difficult situation for a dragon … and the pains he must have gone through ... all for an evil he had no part in. It was a true tragedy.

She thought of all the clues she had seen, but not connected. The problem with his name … the rape explained much of that … His unique skin/scale color … a mixture of two types of dragons. His reaction to making little Nas’! Why had she not connected all the clues before? It seemed obvious now.

She straightened up and wiped her eyes of tears. Nas would not understand her crying. She needed to talk to him.

“Nas … I’m so sorry all this has happened to you … I cannot imagine what it must have been like to grow up after being conceived as a result of a ….rape.” Isola said.

Isola thought about rape among humans. It was much more common than with dragons. But just because evil happens more often that does not make it less evil. She had seen it in the towns where she had lived. She had spoken to children who had been the result of a rape … She had always thought about their mothers and the difficult decision they had been forced to make. It seemed dragon mothers had to make that same decision only it was even harder.

“Nas … I can only tell you …when this happens with humans …the child’s existence is a validation of their mother’s love. She chose to keep them. This might be somewhat different for dragons, but your mother chose to keep you. Mother Nature also chose to keep you. Your mother had much difficulty to go through because of that decision … the other dragons probably questioned her choice. Perhaps they wanted to crush your egg before you hatched. She needed to protect you. Think of her eyes, looking at you, as you hatched. Your existence a reminder of the evil that had happened to her. All of these things and more she faced … but she chose to bring you to this world.” Isola said.

“Some human children feel they are evil …because of the way they were conceived. But almost all children of rape in human society turn into upstanding citizens. Humans are part genes … and part how they are raised.

Nas, whatever created your existence does not matter … I have seen the kindness in you. The evil that created you … did not transfer to you.” Isola said to him. “You are neither demented, loathsome nor twisted”

“I think your mother made the right choice … I know you continue to have joy in teasing Maut … in messing with the elves and all their self-importance … I think you even have fun teasing me sometimes! You call me LifeDancer, I guess it is no surprise I choose life over non-existence.” Isola paused

“I know none of what I have said helps. But I vow to you … your past does not alter my attitude towards you.” She said firmly. “I see a truly unique and great dragon before me. One that will earn a truly unique and great name”

“And finally as LifeDancer … I have a silly romantic theory … that everyone has a mate out there … somewhere. I hope you find yours. I hope you do not allow the evil of your creation ruin another thing … you bring more life into this world.” Isola said.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

Nas offered a weak smile.

"Thank you LifeDancer, but again, you do not know dragons. My heritage, or lack thereof, is only a part of the story. I have attempted to explain to you, how we discover our names and what they mean to us, spiritually, mentally and physically."

"There was a lot of discussion among the elders about whether I should die in the shell or not. Obviously for whatever reason, I was spared. But the shame of the crime and the horror of my conception was too great for my mother. My birth crushed her spirit."

"As hatchlings, we have done no great deeds, we have developed no true personalities nor come into any legacy. Our names are often simple monikers; nicknames if you will. These nicknames are replaced as we discover ourselves and begin to create our own paths. One we are recognized and renamed by the clan, we are seen as adolescents, ready to begin our own lives and lairs. My mother named me only as 'Nasanthil'. The closest translation in your language would be; 'ill-conceived'."

Nas paused for a brief moment. He looked worn, grey and weary. Not hardly like the brash and arrogant creature that had been journeying with the group for so long.

"My social upbringing was...difficult." Nas continued. "At best I was shunned by others. More often I was simply not tolerated. Few would even acknowledge my existence aside from being a mark of scorn or a tiding of ill-omens. Because of this, I was never recognized by any other dragon, nor was I given a name. As I matured, the resentment felt towards me, and I towards them, was enough that I left. I doubt any complained or cared that I was gone."

"I had determined that I would make my own place in this world. That I would become a dragon of such ferocity and note that even those who might hate me, would also have to respect and fear me. Yet regardless of whatever I might do, I still have no name, I have only the title given me. So I am 'Nas', because there is nothing else."

The dragon looked at the female human. In a way, it felt sort of good to speak about it, even though it did not make him feel 'good'.

"So now you know." he said. "I am Nas the One, the Unwanted and Unnamed. Living lie to the elder's claim, proof of a degenerate's existence, result of a crime, shame to my family, sin to my clan and ill-omen to my kin."

"So you see now, LifeDancer; My very name is an insult, and I will not be called it. I have no name, not legacy and no heritage. My very existence is...complicated. What female would take me as a mate and what would I leave to any offspring unless I create my own way?"

 

[DeathsKnight]

OOC: This part is written in collaboration with Milkmaiden38

Maut did not sleep therefor he did not dream. When a cold dark started to close in on him. he knew his mistress was calling. It was his lady...Death was calling to him, his vision of his surroundings faded and all he could see was only darkness.

A circle of light appeared before him and she stepped forward. Maut saw the most terrifying and beautiful creature, the ruler of the realm of death. It was his lady! Her skin was perfect, flawless … and a magnificent white color. Almost like glittering of fresh snow in morning sunlight. She wore a multi-layered series of black robes. Her slender shoulders were pulled back in a confident pose as her hands came up to pull back the hood covering her face.

Her face had an inhuman beauty, and she stared at him … it was a stern and cold face but not a cruel one. Her thin lips were tightly pressed together and her fierce eyes gleamed like black holes. The hair that framed her face was as pure white as her skin. She appeared to be a young woman old though he knew she was ageless. He dropped to one knee, bowing his head in reverence,

“My Lady”

“Maut al Feres please stand … we have but a short time and there are things I must tell you.”

Death instructed him, he rose as a strange scent and feeling wafted over his being, it felt like … growth … forests … life itself… and he saw another woman enter the circle of light. There was a smell of rain, as her form bent and shifted. She worn a robe similar to Death except this one was made of what appeared to be green leaves, her skin was light brown, she had dark brown hair, and a beauty that spoke from the cradle of civilization. Her beauty was amazing as she too pulled back the hood of her cloak.

In some ways she was the twin of lady death … in others she was the complete opposite. Her face had the same inhuman beauty to it … but it was full of life and vitality. Her lips were full and held a big smile. Her eyes had the same fierceness, but were a deep blue color. She also appeared as a young woman, but he could sense that she was ageless.

“This is Lady Gaia …”

Death introduced the other being,

“She and I have kept your group hidden from the demon lords pets … the fog, the swamp animals covering your tracks … providing fake trails … making noise to mask any noise you have made. But it was only a matter of time … we had hoped you would have made it to Ardel’s tomb … but that is no longer possible. In the morning … expect their attack."

Maut nodded his understanding, Death spoke again

"Victory against the Mesoblubron will not be easy. It will take a team … you will need to give the Illumian enough time … she is clever … buy her enough time and she will weaken the creature … then it will be up to you and Nas … in the end ... when the time is right … The ranger will need to use this …"

Gaia removed a glowing green amulet from her cloak … and handed it to Maut, as Maut took the amulet, he could feel life return to his hand … warmth spread slowly up his arm. But as Gaia pulled away, his hand returned to its dead state again. It was not the amulet ... but the presence of Gia ... that had changed him temporally.

“The ranger will know when and how to use it”

Gaia's voice cut through his slight confusion, Death joined Gaia

"During the battle the demons will block me from you. You will not be able to raise the dead … or draw power from them.”

Death warned him sternly, this shocked him slightly, he had never been cut off from his lady, but he knew that if he placed his trust in the huge dragon then he would not have to fear, magicks could only go so far.

"If you survive the battle … at Ardel’s tomb … I shall ensure the Deathsong makes it to your hands … It is the weapon of my champion! Its power is to draws the life force from anything it touches and sends it directly to me. Additionally … it can kill some magic as well. Use it wisely … "

Gaia moved in front of Maut … and again he felt the strong presence of life

“Maut you have done well, if you ever decide and if you wish to be MY champion … just ask.”

She said with a smile, Death looked at Gaia and then back to Maut

“You may also remain with me …”

She said with a cold but somehow caring smile, Maut bowed his head,

"I appreciate your offer Lady Gaia, but my time for life have passed, no matter how unfair nor sudden. The world has changed and will change, there is no place in it for me."

The cold smile on Death's face enfolded him like a lover's embrace and then the image faded … he opened his eyes to find that he have returned to the swamp and the clearing, but he could feel the presence of the green amulet inside his armor. There was no point to inform the others, they needed the rest.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola listened carefully to what Nas said. Dragon culture and norms were different than humans, but some things were the same or at least she thought so. At the end of his explanation she just wanted to give him a big hug. But it was kind of hard to hug a dragon … he was just way too big. So she walked closer and put her hand on the side of his face, stroking it. He was a fearsome creature, his scales rough but right now there was sadness and pain in his eyes.

“Nas, I think you have made the right choice. I may not have told you … but when I elected to become a concubine, I was called a slut, and a whore. I needed to overcome those negative terms. I needed to find my own place in the world. And I think I have achieved some success in that.” She paused and looked around at the swamp and jungle forest.

“Well … maybe you can’t tell right now … as I’m homeless … hunted by demons and on a quest to a wizard’s tomb where certain death awaits me!” She laughed “But you know what I’m trying to say. I have friends, they care for me. You have friends too and they care for you as well.”

Isola smiled “and as far as mates are concerned … I cannot tell you how many men I have met that have told me … no women would have them … they would never find a mate … and within a few months they get married.”

“In fact it has happened so often … that when I hear a man say “I’ll never get married …” I laugh and warn them … don’t say that. It is a sure sign you will be married soon!”

Isola paused “Take it from a female … Nas … you’re a prize … and if some female dragon cannot see that … it’s their loss!”

Isola noticed the brightening of the sky to the east as morning was on the way. “Thank you for telling me … some of your background. I’m here for you … please know that.” Isola said as she leaned forward and kissed the side of Nas’ face.

 

[Iscaa]

Isca slept well. Nefer was next to her on her pillow … purring. Sometimes Nefer’s dreams would crossover into hers … and she would be chasing a mouse … or goblin ... as if she were a cat. These were fun dreams … She wondered what Nefer thought when her human dreams crossed over to Nefer? She hoped Nefer liked them as well.

Tonight she had no dreams … cat or human at least from what she could remember. But that was all going to change … a mist filled her sleep vision. From the mist a face began to form. It became clearer and clearer … It was someone she knew.

It was her old master, Wizard Frunan, the Treefriend! His wrinkled face staring at her. He still had his thick curly beard and held his dragon globe. There was a joy and kindness in his face as he spoke to her. With a tear in her eye Isca smiled at the old man whispering,

"I have missed you Master."

He nodded solemnly before speaking,

“Isca … it is so good to see you again … you have made me so proud.” He said smiling at her. “I still remember finding you wandering in the woods alone and you were only 5 years old. How a 5 year old survived … I never did figure out. But here you are … trying to help others!”

His face grew serious “Your greatest challenge is before you. There is a boundless evil that is approaching you. From all my studies and experiments I have almost nothing I can tell you that is of any help. But you are clever and resourceful … use that … it is one of your greatest assets.”

“The undead that attack you … will not be affected by mind spells. Do not waste your magical energies on them. The Nordic freeze spell …” he smiled, remembering her struggling with the spell “the spell you had so much trouble with … will be your most effective. I know I warned you about combining spells … but tomorrow ignore that warning. Let the uncontrolled magical chaos be your ally, your comrade.”

She nodded her head taking in all he had to say, as he continued,

“I taught you to call upon the trees when in need. Do not hesitate … tomorrow is not a time to hold back.”

He paused the mist of the dream swirling more “finally … when you feel you magical energies wanning … reach deep inside yourself, you have hidden pockets that you are not aware of … also accept the energies Nefer gives you … you will find that there is one more spell you can cast.”

As he faded in her dream, she reached towards him crying out,

"Don't leave me Master...."

She woke up feeling Nefer watching her,

"Nefer did you too see our Master?"

The small cat softly mewed, letting Isca know she too received the old Master's message. Together they knew they would be relying on each other this day.

 

[Mantra]

Nas and Isola

Nas shook his head, like a dog might and when the motion stopped, Nas looked again like his old self. A Mask hiding his own pain and isolation perhaps, but it was still a fearsome mask.

"Enough of this." Nas said. "I shall carve no legacy standing about in this place, there is nothing large enough to be suitable for me to eat. Let us be back to the camp."

Nas offered a smirk. "I am certain the other lesser creatures there would be lost without your guidance."

With that, the dragon bundled Isola back up and flew back to the camp.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Blin and his God: Botren

Blin had slept only a few hours and then he awoke. Actually, it was more like he was half awake. He used this quiet time to think and to plot. And with his big toe still throbbing he was thinking and plotting about one thing.

“FUCKING goody two shoes RANGER…” Blin thought. The ranger had ruined his plans against the demon cat. Blin had thought up several ways to pay the ranger back… most of them involved decapitation, boiling oil, bamboo under the finger nails or a gentle push down a long flight of stairs.

He sighed. He knew he had no realistic chance against the ranger. Devon watched too carefully, he was too skilled. All these revenge plots were just fantasies.

“Fantasies” Blin whispered out loud. When he thought of that word his mind jumped to Isola. She was a fantasy! She was so beautiful. And what he would do to her if he ever got the chance! Oh the pleasures he would have … he would get his jollies off! … and, well maybe, she would like it … eventually. Blin thought of her naked body … and licked his lips. Even Botren, the god he worshiped, would love to fuck her.

Botren … the God of Rogues, Lies, Thievery, Wine, Music, and Tricks. Where was he when he needed him? The god would know how to develop a plot to get revenge on the ranger! But Botren was not a god you could call on for help. No. He lived among mortals … maybe more so than any other god … but he did not help … He lived among them so he could delight in wine, music, happiness, and the company of lovely bar maiden's!

But thinking about his god gave him an idea. Botren loved to use signs and small event to warn or reward his worshipers. There were countless stories of thieves that bent over to pick up a coin just as the poison dart flew over their head. Or a rogue that picked a fake name from a shop keeper’s store and that name was the long lost lover of a beautiful woman. The rogue gets rewarded with a night of passion for seeing the sign and using it.

Blin had not been rewarded recently. He had missed the god’s signs. But what and where were they? He had no idea. He thought long and hard … and nothing came to him. He looked up to the ceiling of his tent as he lay on his back on his bedroll. He whispered a small vow or prayer to Botren.

“Botren … you sneaky bastard!! I will look for a sign tomorrow morning … show me what I must do … to get revenge on the cat, and the ranger” and then he thought while he was at it “and show me how I can get in bed with the big breasted slut”

Blin smiled to himself. “That was one of my best prayers ever!” He closed his eyes and slept … dreaming of Isola and all the naughty things he would do to her! He awoke when he heard the great dragon return. Morning was almost here and he wanted to use the temporary latrine before anyone else … make a good pile and not cover it up “Let them smell the stunning fragrance of fresh half-goblin shit!” he thought as he left his tent.

As soon as he did this … his penis began to itchy. He scratched it … but it continued to itch … he was so busy itching his penis that when he squatted down over the latrine … his butt touched something and there was a loud SNAP …

“UUGGHHH” He screamed in pain as he jumped up and ran from the latrine. He ran so hard … he went right through the camp. Zarik and Isola stuck their heads out of their tents … and watched the naked half-goblin careening through the camp and into a tree. He hit the tree so hard … the trap snapped off his ass as he fell to the ground groaning.

Isola was laughing … but walked over to the half goblin still groaning on the ground.

“Blin that was pretty funny … but are you ok?” she asked as she had her green gem out and started the healing spell.

“No, I’m NOT FUCKING OK … my toe hurts … and my ass …and now where I hit the tree!” He gasped. But Isola spell worked fast and he felt better quickly. He rolled to his feet; he was still naked and made no effort to cover up “So you want some!” He asked.

Isola just groan “No Blin … get dressed” she said and walked off. Blin walked back to the latrine. There was a bright red welt on his green ass cheek, where the trap had been. He thought about what had just happened. He had been caught by his own trap. In his desire to kill the demon cat … he had hurt himself ... twice!!

How had the trap gotten to the latrine? He remember kicking the traps… sending them flying. He had done it to himself. He had kicked one of the traps to the latrine.

As he reached the latrine and his clothing his eyes grew as large as tea cup saucers.

“This is the sign!” he gasped in shock. He had asked for a sign from his god … and his god had given it to him! But what did the sign mean? What was he to do? An evil grin appeared on his face. He knew EXACTLY what to do.

“Thank you Botren … you’re the BEST!! … I shall fuck the slut an extra time just for you!” Blin said as he squatted over the latrine and finished his business. He covered it up, and went back to the camp.

The key to everything was Isola! He had not realized it, but Botren knew it. Blin had seen the way Isola looked at the ranger … and the way the ranger had practiced with the slut the night before. Oh yes … how sweet it would be … he could imagine it now. As he fucked Isola, the ranger … who was always watching … would see it. He would be heartbroken! And so would the slut! Blin pulled the two small narcotic powder tablets he still had, “yes … these will do the trick” he thought.

Once the ranger was out of the way and before Isola recovered from the drug … Isca would get the second tablet. He would fuck her too. Why not? She was as pretty as Isola only in a different way … and she was younger and fresher than Isola. Probably tighter as well!! But first he would get that cat.

But he needed to build trust with Isola and Isca. What had the big breasted slut said the other night “you might want to try doing something nice …you will be surprised by the results.” He needed to do nice things for a while. He frowned … this was going to be hard … but he was Blin Bloodknuckle! He had his god behind him … He was going to do it! Think nice! He thought.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Blin’s scream and naked dash through camp had awakened everyone. Zarik had broken out the tea, cheese, dried jerked meat and bread and prepared a simple breakfast. Again there was a fog that had settled over the camp site during the night. But it was not as thick as the day before. Tents were taken down and placed on the two pack mules.

Isola had not slept all night and when she returned she had found the baby still asleep in her tent. The Blin scream had awoken Hope, the baby from the caravan, but before she could get cranky, Isola move out of her tent and to a log in the clearing. She provided Hope some food (cereal) which prevented any crying.

The baby smiled at Isola as she ate the food off the feeding spoon Isola had recovered from the caravan. As tired as Isola was … that smile brightened her spirits.

“Hope … Thanks for being such a good baby … I needed to talk to Nas last night.” Isola said looking a bit sad “He has had a very difficult life. I feel bad for him. Such hardship.” Isola thought for a second and then a big smile appeared on her face “You know, I just thought of something. You need a god-father … and Nas needs a “little hope” in his life … I’ll ask Nas if he is willing to be your god-father!” Isola was not sure if Nas would accept, but Hope seemed to like the idea as she cooed and giggled. Or maybe that was gas. Isola was not sure.

“You’ll be the only baby in the world … with a dragon as a god-father. And Nas will get to be the wise god-father … telling you all about his adventures and providing sound advice … He might even teach you to speak dragon!” Isola liked this idea more and more. She looked up at the clearing and through the thin fog, she saw everyone packing up.

“I should ask everyone to be your god-fathers and god-mothers … All of them are fine people. You can learn a lot from them. Devon can teach you about the forest … Isca and Nefer about wizard magic … Zarik about being a fighter … Megan about Illumian magic … Maut” She paused “Maut can teach you about life ... and many other things! Blin … can show you what not to do!” She giggled about that one.

She had not changed her clothing from the day before. She was still dressed in the bluish-silver adorned leather corset, a deep green cape lay draped over her shoulders, her two long daggers held at her waist, her skin tight black leather pants ended in her brown calf high boots. Hope was placed in her make shift holder. She stood up and prepared to breakdown her tent, but Blin had already done it.

“Blin …” Isola said “thank you that was kind of you!” She was a little shocked at his behavior.

Blin smiled "Thank you for the healing spell" He said ... although for some reason his penis was still itchy. The rest of the group had completed preparations and was eating the quick breakfast Zarik had laid out, so Isola, Blin and Hope joined them.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon was eating a bit of cheese with bread, his water canteen next to him on the log he sat on, he watched Blin closely as he ate, the half goblin just oozed friendliness and that was just a sign that something was up. Maut came out from the tree covering,

"Take up arms, everybody prepare."

His words was so casual that the meaning was almost lost,

"Get ready to fight mortals."

This time the edge to his voice brought home the message, Devon slipped from the tree, his bow in hand as he washed down the last bit of food with a moutg full of water.

"What is it Maut?"

The dead knight turned to face him,

"My lady spoke to me last night. The attack will come today in the morning."

He felt the gem pulsate once under his armor, he reached up and pulled the gem from his neck by a thin chain,

"Lady Gaia gave me this, she knows you will know it."

Devon took the gem and looked up in wonder,

"The Lure Call, Maut this gem is legend, lost for eons..."

He paused,

"You saw our revered Earth mother..."

Devon slowly shook his head,

"Fantastic"

Maut looked at the others,

"We will face the Mesolbulbron today. Nas, we have to put our differences aside for now or we will not survive this ordeal."

 

[Iscaa]

Meanwhile earlier;

Isca and Nefer both woke up to the sound of Blin screaming,

"UUGGHHH!"

They quickly moved to the tent flap and peeked out to see Blin running from the latrine right through camp and finally smacked into a tree. As he hit the tree the trap fell off his naked green butt, Isca could not help but giggle.They both looked at each other with glee in their eyes, looking back at the fallen Blin, they watched as Isola went over and cast a healing spell on the groaning wretch. Isca whispered,

"Isola's healing won't work on my itching spell, that Blin is going to itch all day long, and he deserved it! OK, let's get dressed and have some breakfast....this is going to be a momentous day...according to the dream we had last night."

Once dressed Isca made her way over to the area where the food that Zarik had set out was placed, nodding to Isola, she just ignored Blin. Turning to the food she helped herself walked over to a log sat down and began to eat, Nefer had sniffed around before jumping up on the log beside Isca.

As Isca was finishing her meal...Maut came out of the wooded area, as he spoke she put her dish down and listened carefully. The exchange between Maut and Devon gave her goosebumps but didn't surprise her. Looking down at Nefer, she silently told her,

"We must now prepare for the fight of our lives."

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola with Hope still in her make shift holder stood up. “… I’m not ready …for a battle” She said and hurried towards the mules to put the baby in a safe place. Just as she reached the mules, two lifeless zombies stepped out of the mist and grabbed her.

“Let go of me!” She said as another 8 lifeless zombies joined the first two, with the addition of the red skinned Overseer demon. Blin had been right when he described the Overseer demon … “as massive as Zarik” the thing had muscles everywhere.

Maut felt his connection to his lady disappear.

“The heroes … just come running to their deaths!” The Overseer growled “This is too easy! I expected more …Mesoblubron” he said sadly.

“FUCK YOU … ASSHOLE” Isola said struggling against the zombies but they were way too strong. One of them pulled Hope from Isola. The baby squirmed but did not cry out yet.

Out of the thin mist rose a new creature, it floated before the group. The thing made everyone's skin crawl just like when they had seen it in the moonwell spell. It was totally evil to its’ very core. The creature had a round orb like body with a large unblinking central eye. It looked directly at them. Below the eye was an immense mouth full of razor sharp teeth. Smaller eyes were attached to wriggling stalks place on the top of the orb, as if they were hair. There was no body. The non-eye parts had a skin color that was a dirty red and brown. The creature just silently floated before them and then it spoke.

“Ah, Nas or more actually Nasanthil and Maut …. the abomination, we finally meet.” The creature said to them, its voice dripping with evil.

Zarik had stood up when the zombies appeared … but now his body assumed a fighting posture, all his great muscles tensed up, he pulled his battle axe out ready to do battle. Isola had Zarik in numerous battles but this was the most tense and ready she had seen him. He was ready to kill. “It is the servant of the demon lords” Zarik said to Isca in case she did not know what they faced.

“Your pet Minotaur is correct” the Mesobulbron agreed grinning evilly at Nas and Maut.

“You must have many questions.” The Mesobulbron stated, still arrogantly grinning “It would give me great joy to enlighten you all before you die”

Zarik nodded towards the others, as he began to slowly move away from the others. Spreading out. Everyone else got the idea right away … Blin pulled his cloak on … disappearing in the fog. Megan runes began to turn wildly as she focused on a spell, strangely she closed her eyes.

“I hope you can enlighten us, but don’t bother explaining how you float, I figure that is from your arrogant hot air, and bloated ego” Zarik answered back.

The Mesobulbron grin got bigger and laughs back at the Minotaur. "Your pet is not worthy of my time ... Nasanthil or Maut ... do you have any questions?" It asked.