Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[Wolfsister]

Fay and Lee

Lee smiled, inwardly proud of both himself and Fay. She had really surprised him by using the whip the way she had, but he didn't want to acknowledge it too much, it might seem like he was getting to fawny. And he didn't want to scare her off.

He blinked and blushed under the comments she made about him. He had never considered himself handsome before and to hear it from a stunningly beautiful woman like her made him certainly feel handsome enough alright.

He frowned, "Instant tan?" his voice drifted off as he contemplated the meaning of this certain unfamiliar phrase. When he finally got it, his smile was wide as he laughed self consciously, "Yeah... you could say that,"

He grinned sheepishly as she moved towards him once more and took his hand, "I don't want you to leave either," he said, his voice instantly softer, more intimate.

On impulse, he lowered his head and lightly brushed his lips against hers. Blinking, he suddenly stepped back, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "I...I... I'm so sorry Fay. I.. I... don't know what..." he trailed off and cast his eyes downwards, "I really like you Fay," he whispered to the ground. And it was clear that he didn't mean as a friend.

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"Instant tan? Yeah... you could say that."

She laughed because he had no idea.... He thought but men never seemed to know what they were talking about and most of them were so silly that they thought that they did know it all...

"I don't want you to leave either."

She felt a breath, one that she hadn't known she was holding, released... wow... she felt so much better now...

"I...I... I'm so sorry Fay. I.. I... don't know what..." he trailed off and cast his eyes downwards, "I really like you Fay."

The avian woman touched her lips afterwards and she couldn't help but smile broadly and blushed very hard. But she wasn't embarassed. She giggled. "Shush..." She whispered as she pulled him back down to kiss her properly. She let a hand hold him to her. She broke away but didn't wander far from his arms.

"Thank you Lee..." She whispered.

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/Faelin/Lee

Lee's breath was taken away as Fay pulled him down for a real kiss. He felt her warm lips press against his and he knew his heart began to beat faster. He felt her hand press him into her and could not help it when his own arms encircled her waist and brought her closer to him.

The kiss was over much too soon, but it had lasted an eternity. He looked down into her warm eyes and smiled. It was a caring, loving smile. One that did not ask for anything, but promised everything. The quicksilver shadows shifting over his eyes seeming to pulse with an inner light.

"No, dear one, thank you," he said softly, using that same intimate tone. He did not make another move, just simply held her in the comfort of his arms and did not wish to let her go. Just two people holding each other for the mere want of being near each other. He was in heaven.

A yip interupted their moment and he looked over to see Faelin looking at them, her golden eyes staring at them, her tail swishing impatiently. "I know that you may not realise this, but you two have been out here for half the morning," she turned to Fay, "Get your things girl, we need to reach Abark before nightfall," there was no harshness to her tone though and she sat, her face turned politely away from the couple.

Lee looked down at Fay and felt an overwhelming sadness, "Fay... there are... other things I must do here. But... if I can, I will follow you and find you," he hung his head, suddenly shy once more, "That is if you want me to,"

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"No, dear one, thank you,"

She was blushing as she looked up to him. "Me? Why?" She asked as she was really confused but it was then that Faelin came into play.

"I know that you may not realise this, but you two have been out here for half the morning. Get your things girl, we need to reach Abark before nightfall,"

"Alright..." She said sounding mildly depressed. She turned back to him to see him looking sad as well. She needed to be strong because... he had probably been alone and having to be somehting he was not for people to just accept him.

"Fay... there are... other things I must do here. But... if I can, I will follow you and find you. That is if you want me to."

"Of course I do..." She said kissing him again. Fay looked right into his eyes and smiled softly. "I want you to find me when you're done... And I'll be on the look out for you," she promised as she rested her forehead against his as if trying to disappear with him.

She knew that it was soon... But... she didn't care... She wouldn't say love yet... she could't but Fay could say this. "Be careful... because I care too much about you to not see you again..."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael roared and howled his fury as more and more goblins attacked, he kept killing but even the enraged wulven part of him knew that he could not win, there was too many. If this is to be my end, i swear i will make it such an end as to be remembered in song and story he thought to himself as he kept fighting. Not only was he a wolf, but this land brought the Celt out in him, and now he felt like CuChulainn on the fields of Ulster, and Celts fight to the end

His blood flowed freely, he could feel that several of his ribs were broken by the clubs of the goblins. He kept killing, broken and mutilated goblin bodies strewn about him.

Then the faeries came, streaks of light flew through the air, killing goblins right left and center Michael cleaved into another goblin, lifting the screaming creature into the air, the curved blade impaled into the creatures guts. he brought the creature close, watching its blood spraying and tore out its throat with his teeth.

The goblins all dead, Michael looked to the faery who cradled Sila, "Is she alright?" he asked before collapsing, the blood loss taking its toll on his punished body.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

As they sat down to eat, she looked over at the landed selkie, "I can answer some questions, but I suggest we make way for Vale City to the Spirit. She will know how better to prepare you for our quest,"

"This is very nice, thank you." Danae said as she accepted the bowl and began eating. It was sorta...without flavor, but did fill the whole in her belly.

"The Sprirt is a person?" She asked. "Tell me about her, and this place, just like...some background?"

 

[blaster8]

Eeth had long since regained his composure. He did not walk like a man going to his death, with head hung low, but instead he walked tall and proud, head held high, defying death. Of course, that isn't quite how he felt inside. Inside, he was still working over the turn of events in the past day, trying to find what it was that convinced the queen that he should die. He went through that list of events several times, each time coming up blank. The only explanation was that the queen was quite simply insane.

Before he realized it, he had been brought into a damp, dark cave. A fire was lit, and silence prevailed for some time. Then Rolyn began to speak, and then Van went nuts. Eeth had never seen the cat react in such a way. Of course, Eeth had only known the cat for a few days. Rolyn managed to placate the feline with a piece of clothe. Eeth thought that it must've had some cat-nip on it, because Van quieted down, but wouldn't stop sniffing the thing.

Rolyn then weaved a rather interesting tale, and finished it by bluntly stating that Eeth was to attempt what many have failed to do, mainly because he was expendable.

Eeth thought it over for a few seconds, then replied: "Well, you certainly have given me a lot to consider."

"You have also given me a good incentive to stick around and help you," Eeth said sarcastically. "What makes you think that I'm going to say yes to helping you after you just told me that people have died trying to do just what you want me to do? I like helping people out when times are tough for them, but I won't throw my life away on situations where others have failed and actually lost their lives."

He paused for a little bit to gather his thoughts for what to say next. "You say you've spoken to the Spirit about this, right? Well, why isn't she helping you with this? Or did you not mention this little problem to Spirit?" asked Eeth. He had a sneaky suspicion that the Spirit didn't know what was going on here.

"If you want me to help you, you're going to have to do better than 'You're going to help us because you're expendable.' I'm a reasonable man, so give me some good reason's to help you right now," stated Eeth. Then he sat back, and waited.

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/Faelin/Lee

"Be careful... because I care too much about you to not see you again..."

Lee smiled and looking deep into her eyes, making a silent promise to follow this woman to the end of existence if necessary. He wouldn't say love either yet, but there was no denying that something was there. Something that they both acknowledged and both wanted.

He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss, stroking her feathers with the back of a clawed hand. His shifting eyes blinked slowly, forcing tears to stay deep within and he whispered into her ear, "Where ever you are, I will find you. I promise,"

He wanted to say that he cared as well. He wanted to say that, though they had only known each other for a short time, he could not imagine a life without Fay's presence in it. But he chose to remain silent, afraid that his emotions would scare away the only woman he had truly ever wanted.

He turned to Faelin and smiled, bowing towards her. As he straightened, his body rippled and flexed once more, the transition between forms coming slightly easier as he returned to his Arginian form. "She's all yours," he smiled and gave Fay a wink, "For now,"

Faelin yipped and trotted over to lick his hand with warm comfort. So far, she was the only one that she knew of that he had told about his real self. Then again, he hadn't really had to. She could smell his true self from a mile away. She licked and gently bit his hand, grinning in her own wolven way. "Don't worry, I'll keep her safe until you find us," she spoke softly, her large yellow eyes speaking the promise even further.

Then she turned to Fay, "Nice whip," then she trotted off towards the camp, leaving Fay in her dust for the moment. It was pretty vital that they get to Abark, rent a horse and get to Vale City as soon as possible. She silently prayed that Fay didn't get too attached to this place because she had a terrible feeling that she wouldn't be in this world for much longer.

Lee looked at the departing wolf, "Suptle isn't she?" he chuckled. Then he noticed the large ruby nestled between Fay's breasts and gave a little 'oh' of surprise. He reached out and blinked, turning the gem over and over in his hands. Then he smiled, "Do you mind?"

Without waiting for an answer, he reached out with both hands, cupping the large ruby. Whispering in a forgotten language, his voice blending with the wind, his eyes growing even darker, if possible. When he was done, a warm red glow surrounded the pendant. He smiled, "Now we will be able to know when each other is near," he produced an emerald ring and chanted the same spellwords. When done, his ring also had a healthy glow. "When ever we're near each other, about a mile, these will glow. This way, I'll be able to find you," he whispered to her and gave her another soft kiss, not being able to help himself.

"You're so beautiful...." he murmured softly. Then he blinked and sighed, "You should probably get going, its another few hours yet to get to Abark. I hope your memories return to you soon and I hope that they are ones you would rather not forget again," he smiled and ran a finger down the side of her cheek.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Fairies

"Is she alright?"

The wolf collapsed and Tula's eyes went wide. Of course she didn't answer him, he wouldn't have heard her in his unconscious state, but she did look over Sila a little more carefully. It was clear that neither the little fairy, or the wolf were going to make it through the night if they didn't get medical attention, and soon.

"Rena, please gather the Transporters, we need to return to Guarden Hall," she called to a nearby male fairy. He nodded and went off, exhaustion clear on his face. They were all exhausted to tell the truth. This battle had not been a typical one and they had almost exhausted all of their magical abilities combined.

A group of battle weary fairies gathered around them and began to chant, Tula giving them orders while they did, "You get back as soon as you can, don't stay long. There may be more. Thank you my friends, for helping me find my daughter," there was a collective nod and then a light began gathering around the three of them.

**********​

A misty light began to coalesce in the middle of the main hall. The light solidified and shapes began to be seen. A single fairy, huddled over a misshapened form and a werewolf lying by their side, clearly unconscious came into view.

Shela hurried from the shadows and halted when she saw the Sila's condition, her face paled even further when she saw Michael. "Dear Spirit, what happened?" she whispered.

Tula looked up, exhaustion screaming at her to just lay down and sleep, "Get my healers, they need... they need..." Tula's eyes rolled up into her head and she fainted, the Transport Spell having drained much of her energy.

That night was one of worry and anguish. Several fairies had died in their heroic attempt, burnt out from the massive magical energies they had unleashed. Sila and Michael never once awoke and all feverishly worked to keep them both alive.

The morning dawned bright and clear. Sila's eyes fluttered open and she asked for a sip of water, fainting away before the cup could be brought to her mouth. Michael groaned and his heart began beating more reliably and they soon realised that both just needed to rest. There was nothing more they could do but let them heal on their own at their own pace.

Tula held Sila's limp hand in hers and smiled down at her little one, "What have you gotten yourself into now, my little princess?" she whispered softly, looking over at the werewolf on a bed near Sila's.

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

"The Sprirt is a person? Tell me about her, and this place, just like...some background?"

Sishota was an air elemental and as such had a different form of sustanence than food, but still she was silently proud of herself at making the stew. Danae did not complain or throw it away, so it seemed that Sishota was getting better at cooking. Not being able to actually taste the food however, was a hindrance to her secret dream of being a master chef.

"Yes, The Spirit is a person, but much much more. She is the thread that holds this land together. However, the land is weakening and so is the Spirit." she smiled warmly at the Selkie, "This must all be slightly confusing to you, so I'll take it slowly, if you have questions, just ask,"

She settled down on a nearby rock and gathered her thoughts, "A long time a ago, during a period of darkness, there were what we called The Guardians. They ruled over Illusion Vale, giving us protection, laws, sustanence and peace. For a time, the Vale was prosperous and we lived in harmony. However a collection of different races banded together to contest the Guardian's rule, claiming that they abused their power and that no single race should even have all that power in the first place,"

She paused and licked her lips, remembering, "There was a dark time of war between those races that had rebelled. As a whole, we called them The Dark Kin, but the Guardians eventually won out and drove them into hiding. This victory however only served to corrupt the Guardians and the Vale was soon fighting to survive. They now abused their power, killing, taxing, using us as their playthings. They thought they were gods," a bitter twist came to her mouth as she recited ancient history.

"Soon enough, the Dark Kin rose again. This time they had more numbers, and this time they really were fighting for the good of the Vale. Not everyone is sure what happened during this time, but after a long and bloody war, a single entity came to the Vale's rescue. Nobody knows for sure if she had help or not, but she proposed a trade of some kind. There would be an end to the War and there would be peace everlasting. In return, she would send the Guardians to a realm of their own where they could rule as they saw fit,"

Sishota sighed, "The Spirit gave up everything that she was and wanted to be to save the Vale. She absorbed the powers of the Guardians and the rule of the Vale was conferred onto her. But there was a way to keep her incorruptable. If there ever came another undoing of the Vale like the Dark Times, then she would die. The Spirit is connected intrinsically to the land and the land to her."

She smiled and looked gently into Danae's eyes, "Right now, we are on the brink of another Dark Time and the Spirit yearns for a way to save her land and her people once more, so she sent out a call. A call that you answered, for reasons of your own, but one you answered none the less. In doing so, you agreed to help save us from the encroaching evil."

She reached over and patted Danae's hand, "Do not worry. You can do it. You my dear, are a Guardian,"

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Rolyn/Elves

Rolyn shook his head, "The Spirit is not what she used to be," he covered his lie well by threading some truth in it, "Though once she would have been able to drive out this evil from my -" he paused, as if he were going to say something but thought better of it, "- my Queen, now is a time that she is severely weakened. Why do you think she needs the help of Guardians if she could magically cure everything?" he asked, somewhat sarcastically. The toll of keeping two lives was starting to wear on him.

He sighed and tried to consider better words to help Eeth understand his duty, "The welfare of the entire elven race depends on you, Eeth. When I said that I would not overly mourn your death, I didnt mean to sound harsh. I only meant that not knowing you, I could not properly feel for you. I would, deeply mourn your failure though, because if you do, then we are doomed. As I stated before, you are our last chance. You being a guardian grants you powers that we do not have and though I don't know how you can stop our Queen, all I know is that you must,"

He looked down at the dirt between his feet, "You must," he murmured as if lost in his own thoughts, "To save us, you must,"

Van mewed quietly and reached up to stroke Rolyn's shoulder with a padded paw. He scampered over to Eeth and mewed quietly, whispering into Eeth's ear, "Rolyn is in love with the Queen," his usual accent and poor speech were momentarily forgotten, "He is sending you to her possible death, forgive his harshness Eeth and help him. How would you feel if you sent someone to possibly kill your beloved?" he mewed softly and his wide brown eyes stared deep into Eeth's silently pleading.

There was simply something more than met the eye with this strange feline.

Then Van purred, "Van and Eeth be heroes when we do this?" he spoke up so that Rolyn could hear and inflected his voice to a somewhat more high pitched tone, "Rolyn promise not eat Van?" he rubbed the blue cloth over his cheek lovingly and stared at the other elf.

Rolyn sighed, not knowing what had gone on between Eeth and Van a moment before, but he just supposed that it was between the Guardian and his Guide. "I'm sorry Eeth, I don't know what else to say," he looked at the new elf and sighed again, "I've never had to ask for help before," he looked sheepishly around, "The tough guy act always got me somewhere before...." he trailed off and cast his eyes downwards. "Please Eeth, please, you have to save us, you're our only hope,"

 

[EHawkins]

Becca/Kail/Tenesa

Becca watched the Captain follow the other two guards down the stairs as they left. When she heard the bell above the door chime, she exhaled sharply. She didn’t like him at all …

Don’t leave unexpectedly, huh? She thought as she massaged her temples. Great …

Becca thought about her new identity now. Her name was Allessia and she was a mute Dryad who was going to see the Spirit to restore her speech or find her a better home. She supposed the cover would work. The Captain seemed a little suspicious, but then she hadn’t spoken to anyone since her arrival except Tenesa. He was the only one that she really had to worry about, but he seemed the sort who was naturally suspicious of everyone and everything.

Becca pulled the blanket around her even though the feel of cloth against her dryad’s skin somehow felt … unnatural. She searched around for something to write with amongst the map and papers. She didn’t want to speak out loud. She didn’t know if anyone remained nearby or just how thin these walls were.

Frustrated, Becca smacked her hand against the wooden table and there was tingling that coincided with her annoyed thoughts. Suddenly, letters began to raise in the wood and those letters started to arrange themselves into words that came and went as fast as her thoughts. Becca pulled her hand away from the table, startled. She stared at the blank table for a moment and a slight smile played on her lips. She touched it again, and this time, she concentrated hard and sent her thoughts through the wood again:

I don’t trust this Captain … Where I’m from, when the authorities tell you not to leave town, it usually means that you’re either being watched or that you’re going to be questioned later.

Becca paused for a moment as her words rippled away, and then more sprang up again.

Let’s humor him and stick around. When we leave, it should be during a normal time, like day time. Night might be too suspicious to him unless something forces our hand and we have to leave sooner. In the mean time, I guess I could help out around the shop or something …

Her brow furrowed as she looked to Tenesa and then Kail.

And what the hell is a Night Stalker anyway?

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"She's all yours. For now..."

The little display between them was sweet and she figured that it was supposed to be affectionate even as she bit him. She was starting to feel loved... and welcome and she didn't want to go. Oh she was finally happy and she had to say goodbye to it.

Whatever Faelin said to the shapeshifter Fay missed it. She smiled however at the cocky creature moved off, complitmenting the whip.

"Nice whip."

"Suptle isn't she? Do you mind?"

She would have answered yes but he was already playing with the ruby.

"Now we will be able to know when each other is near," he produced an emerald ring and chanted the same spellwords. When done, his ring also had a healthy glow. "When ever we're near each other, about a mile, these will glow. This way, I'll be able to find you,"

Tears ran down her face and even as he kept speaking and wiped them for her she couldn't stop.

"You're so beautiful...." he murmured softly. Then he blinked and sighed, "You should probably get going, its another few hours yet to get to Abark. I hope your memories return to you soon and I hope that they are ones you would rather not forget again."

"I don't... I don't care if I don't get them back... You and I... will make lovely new memories together..." She promised.

"Thank you... I can't thank you enough... Til next time..." She was hugging him and kissing him over and over again, tears still running down her face. "I... I have to go right now... or my resolve won't hold," she said turning around after one final kiss before she headed out after her wolf.

She walked, tears still streaming, up to Faelin. "I'm ready my friend... How are you? Ready for a long walk? Me too," she said quickly trying to be casual. She had her bag, her whip, and some of the supplies she had borrowed earlier.

"Oh... Faelin... He is the one..." She said looking sad but determined.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michaels dreams were frantic, memories of hits and battles he had been a part of. He awoke howling, and wild until he realized where he was. "Is she okay?" he asked before passing out again.

he awoke again, this time gently and looked over to see the fairy by silas bed. "Is she alright? will she live? who are you?" he asked quickly

 

[Optimas]

The first pack kill

You can hunt for food. Be good wolf," he chattered once again, mumbling about fresh meat for his poor empty stomach.

The wolf looked at the imp with facination, he moved his head sideways as the imp had a tantrum. A smell hit his nostrils a lovely smell coming from the east, he sniffed the air. The wolf padded away leaving Goreab behind, he slinked through some bushes and peered into a clearing. He spotted a large boar feeding on truffles. His mouth began to drip with saliva, the boar looked up startled. The animalistic side of the wolf let loose and he darted after the boar with speed.

A giant bite into the boars neck ended the beasts life in an instant, the life of one to feed others. The wolf howled at the kill, but before he ate he dragged the large carcass back to the small camp, and the awaiting imp.

He dropped the body next to Goreab and wagged his tail, blood covered his maw. He was pleased with himself - and what he had done for his pack.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

She reached over and patted Danae's hand, "Do not worry. You can do it. You my dear, are a Guardian,"

"Then you've got a problem." She dished another bowl of stew for herself. "I'm a human, and even among ourselves we know that we are flawed towards violence. Anything we touch, eventually even if we have the best intentions, we ruin."

She chewed with teeth she realized were more pointy than they used to be. Then she shrugged.

"But that doesn't mean I won't try. After all, it's a human beings ability to aspire and hope that kept us from killing ourselves so far."

 

[blaster8]

Eeth responds

He listened to Rolyn make an excuse for the Spirit not aiding the elves. In Eeth's opinion, it was a very convient excuse, one that make it difficult to be certain whether Rolyn was lying about having spoken with the Spirit about this situation. The only way to be certain was to talk to the Spirit herself, and that's exactly what Eeth meant to do.

Eeth listened as Rolyn awakardly begged for Eeth's help, basically pinning Eeth by saying that the fate of the elven race now rested in his hands. Talk about a guilt trip.

He then listened to Van whisper in his ear, noting that the feline's usual speech mannerisms where absent. How odd. When Van rhetorically asked how Eeth would feel if he sent someone to possibly kill his beloved, he could only think that he wasn't sure. He didn't really know what it was like to be in love, mainly because he had never had a girlfriend nor had he been in love. He was a bachelor, through and through. He had never had his heart broken, nor pulled at by love. The only thing that had pulled at his heart was sympathy for the ones he helped.

Then Rolyn completely dropped the tough guy act and used that one line from one of the most famous movies of all: the "You're our only hope" line from the very first Star Wars. Of course, Eeth figured that Rolyn had never even heard of the movie, so he wouldn't know just how corny that line was. But it worked. The line didn't fit Rolyn at all, but it was a real plea for help, and that's all Eeth needed.

"Even tough guys have to ask for help sometimes, Rolyn. You've really piled it on me, you know that? You've used all the tricks in the book: sympathic appeals, guilt trips, and heartfelt pleas for help," said Eeth.

"Because you have asked so nicely," said Eeth, sort of understating the fact, "I've decided to help you. But there are a few things that need to be cleared up first and foremost. First, I wish to see the Spirit before I do anything in the way of working on the queen. Secondly, I'm supposed to be dead by order of the queen, remember? How are we going to get around that little fact? And third, what powers are you talking about?"

While Eeth was most curious about these "powers" that Rolyn said that Eeth possessed simply by being a Guardian, he felt that it was not the most important thing. But it sure would come in handy to know about them ahead of time.

 

[Wolfsister]

Becca/Kail/Tenesa

I don’t trust this Captain … Where I’m from, when the authorities tell you not to leave town, it usually means that you’re either being watched or that you’re going to be questioned later.

Let’s humor him and stick around. When we leave, it should be during a normal time, like day time. Night might be too suspicious to him unless something forces our hand and we have to leave sooner. In the mean time, I guess I could help out around the shop or something …

And what the hell is a Night Stalker anyway?

Kail's light blinked on and off for a few seconds as he took in Becca's latest talent. He looked down at the smooth oaken table and looked back up at Becca. Of course she would not be able to tell this, only that he was bobbing slightly in the air. He spun and chuckled with delight, "Ah Becca, you are learning fast. Hmmm, I have never heard of this ability, though," he spun on the spot some more and pondered just how powerful a Dryad Becca could become in the future.

Tenesa sighed and addressed the real problem at hand and turned to face Becca, her rosy pink glow dimming somewhat, "You may need to sit down, dear," she said, her voice showing some weariness.

"I am not sure if the Spirit would agree to you knowing this information, but... I have to tell you the entire story. I only ask that you try not to get too frightened, please hear me out,"

Kail's light also dimmed as he came out of his reverie and heard Tenesa's words. "Perhaps I should tell it?" he asked tentatively, his unwillingness unclear.

Tenesa's voice held a soft smile as she bobbed over to Kail, "Its alright, perhaps a woman can tell it better, hmmm?"
Kail gave the impression of nodding and floated slowly over to the window, soaking up the sun's rays and not wishing to disturb Tenesa's story any longer.

Tenesa floated over to Becca, settling just above the table in front of the Dryad and began to speak softly, "A very long time a ago, there were others like you, Guardians, who came to this world. The Spirit, as today, was greatly weakened and had reached across to the heavens, asking for help. Instead, Guardians came," she sighed, "They were not like you though. They were malicious spirits, the Vale somehow turning even the pure hearted into evil beings. That is why it is vital for others to understand that you are not a Guardian. They still remember that time when their children were not safe during the day and even more so at night,"

"We're not sure why this happened, or even if it will happen this time, but there are differences. This time the Spirit is not alone, she has someone special to keep her hope, and this time all Guardians have been given guides. We do not know how, where or who these others are, but we are responsible for you, Becca. Kail's duty to you is twofold, he guides you in things you need to understand in this world, and he tries to keep you on the right path,"

Tenesa sighed again, "It is ultimately your choice Becca, and I suspect the former Guardians became what they did because there was simply too much power and too much pressure bestowed on them," there was a soft smile in her voice when she went on, "But we know you are kind of heart and pure of soul, Becca," she spun and her smile grew, her rosy light bestowing her faith in Becca, "We believe in you,"

Kail blinked again and he bobbed up and down, also casting a loving feeling towards Becca, it was as if they were two parents staring proudly at their beautiful daughter.

Tenesa blinked as well, "Ah yes, the Night Stalkers. They also came from the rift between worlds. Though we suspect that they were not from your own, rather from another. There are many descriptions of Night Stalkers, but one thing is clear. They are monsters," a shiver ran through both the wisps, dimming their lights considerably, "No amount of magic, no being, no special abilities or anything can stop these things," she paused, "Except for a Guardian,"

Kail began to speak this time, choosing to butt in, "We're not sure how, Bec, but Guardians have the ability to destroy Night Stalkers. A Dryad could try, but they would not succeed. You, however, could do the same as the other, and kill the beast," he seemed to emulate a shrug, "We don't know how it works, just that it does,"

Tenesa interjected, "But Night Stalkers are just as deadly to a Guardian as to a normal Valian," she sighed again, "However, some Guardians did not want to stop the beasts. So they let them roam wild and kill all those they could. Just to bring chaos and give them more power,"

Kail floated over, "We had thought that the Night Stalkers had all gone when the Guardians did, the Spirit had managed to banish them to another realm along with the help of a few Guardians that did not turn evil. But it seems that they are back,"

Tenesa glowed a deathly dark red as she muttered, "Maybe because there is another rift..."

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/Faelin/Lee

"I don't... I don't care if I don't get them back... You and I... will make lovely new memories together..."

His smile was painful, his eyes full of sorrow, "I know my sweet, I know," he whispered, "When I find you again, I will make sure our new memories are more happier ones, I promise,"

"Thank you... I can't thank you enough... Til next time... I... I have to go right now... or my resolve won't hold,"

He held her tightly for a few minutes more. Never in his life had one person, much less a female, ever affected his life in this way in such a short amount of time. He was afraid that he would lose it and her if he clung on too tightly, but he could not help himself. He swore to himself that this would not be the last time that they saw each other.

Then abruptly, she was gone, walking away from him with a purposeful stride and it took all of his considerable will power to keep from running after her, "Soon, my sweet, soon," he promised them both and had to turn his back from her to avoid seeing her dimishing figure in the distance. Hot tears ran down his cheek unchecked.

He was cold and distant as usual when he returned to the camp, only pausing slightly when he felt the absence of the raven winged angel he had met not long ago. The angel that had changed his life forever.

*****************​

"I'm ready my friend... How are you? Ready for a long walk? Me too,"

Faelin remained silent, slowing her pace slightly so that Fay could have some time to recover. For once, her more loyal and caring side was showing and for once, she did not detest the fact. Fay had truly grown on her and she knew that she would give her life to protect the Avian in the future. No need to tell Fay that, though.

"Oh... Faelin... He is the one..."

Again, Faelin stayed silent, instead trotting beside the Avian. Her tongue hung out in the relative heat and she yipped at Fay. They walked in silence for a little while, but when the Avian just got more and more sad, Faelin decided to divert her thoughts for a little while, "Why don't you try to fly?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Tula

"Is she alright? will she live? who are you?"

Tula blinked and she smiled warmly, "I am glad for your sake, Wolf, that you asked after my daughter before your other questions," she looked down at Sila, "She will live, though it will be a painful recovery. Many bones were broken and her spirit is damaged," she was blunt with the werewolf, "Before I answer more, you must tell me this, Who are you and why was Sila with you,"

She did not tell him of her own Royal status, nor of Sila's, she found that it often tied people's tongue when they knew they were speaking to royalty. She kept absently stroking Sila's purple hair as she waited for his answer.

 

[Wolfsister]

Optimas and Goreab

Goreab squeeked as the wolf suddenly took off. He blinked and closed his eyes, squeezing the light from the sun from his corneas. He blinked again, his eyes watering as he looked up at the pale blue sky.

When he looked down, the wolf was back, a steaming carcass sat in front of him and the wolf's tail made Goreab slightly dizzy with all the excited wagging he was doing.

Goreab walked around the dead boar for a second, not quite sure what to do with it. Then he had a brilliant idea, he could cook it! Though, he'd keep some raw for the large wolf near him. Afterall, Wolfy did kill it.

He waddled over and patted the wolf between the ears, no longer frightened by the overgrown silver puppy. "I'm gonna call ya Wolfy, I really really like you when you like this," he grinned like a loon and began hacking away at the dead boar with a little knife from his pack.

The fire was still going, for some strange reason, and Goreab was soon slapping fresh slabs of steaming meat onto the flames. He didn't mind if it burnt, he loved his food slightly chewy and blackened to a crisp.

He took a little for himself and left the rest for Wolfy, sitting down and enjoying the charcoal aroma beginning to lift into the air.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael, in his weakend state couldnt think of a lie, so came out with the truth. "I am a guardian, Sila was sent to aid me. She has taken very good care of me, and i failed to protect her." he said, the look in his feral wolven eyes was the look of a warrior who had been dishonoured. "some guardian i must be." he said softly almost to himself

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

"Then you've got a problem. I'm a human, and even among ourselves we know that we are flawed towards violence. Anything we touch, eventually even if we have the best intentions, we ruin."

"But that doesn't mean I won't try. After all, it's a human beings ability to aspire and hope that kept us from killing ourselves so far."

Sishota watched as Danae dished out more veggie stew, she beamed with inner happiness as she presumed that Danae had liked it so much that she wanted more and more.

She frowned slightly when Danae mentioned the 'human' part. Being from Illusion Vale, she was just as clueless about Danae's former world as Danae was about hers. She puzzled over it for a few minutes, realising that humans were probably the racename for the Guardians.

"What is your world like? Is it anything like here?" she asked, curiosity finally getting the better of her.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

"What is your world like? Is it anything like here?" she asked, curiosity finally getting the better of her.

Danaë considered. "It was once. There still are woods and streams and rabbits, but not so much as there was. And there are stories of magic and folk like you, but if they were ever real no one believes them. For many centuries people lived as they always lived, but then something changed and people began to think of new and clever ways to do things and they never realized the impact it would have on the world."

She took another bite. "They began to live in larger and larger cities, and move around more for work or health. They lost their sense of community and more and more crime occurred. More and more people became hopeless and the whole while they were polluting."

Seeing the beings confusion she explained. "See the fire, it has smoke. Smoke is a kind of pollution, but it's not bad. Just one little fire in the woods. But imagine a thousand fires, or a million, in a place that's all stone corridors where the wind had a hard time clearing it away and there are no trees to change it back into air. That's the level of pollution in my world. And once we realized what was happening, we were slow to start making changes. No one wanted to give up the comforts that were causing it."

"Humans are basically selfish, that way. But, like I said, it's part of us to aspire too, so many of us work against what's happening, and keep trying to educate the rest."

She saw with disappointment the stew was gone. "But I don't want you to think it's all grim. There is art, and music, and beauty as well...but those things are harder to explain."

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

The silence, despite how others might have taken it, was welcomed by the Avian. She needed some time to think to herself after all she had known him one night and he had barely talked to her through a half of it. She just knew somehow that he was the man that she would be with.

How would this change her wanting to go back to her world?

"Why don't you try to fly?"

She looked up at that and frowned before smiling a little bit. "Yes... that's a great idea Faelin...." She said as she flapped her wings a little to try and get something going... The fact was that she just didn't feel like it.

"I'm sorry Faelin. I know that I shouldn't be so down like this... I should be so happy that... that I found a 'mate' as you put it. Not that I'm going to jump into such a relationship so quickly..." She rambled before finding herself in a pretty decent mood.

"He's going to find me..." She said telling herself that and finally believing it.

"Ok... I want to try again," She said taking a running start, she ended up on her face... but it was ok... it was a good kind of fall... The learning kind.

"Flap my wings harder? Or should I glide?" She asked looking to the wolf as if she would know all about teaching near hatchlings how to fly.