Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[rengadeirishman]

Michael nodded solemnly when Tula had spoke. "I will never hurt her your majesty, i swear on my honour. Besides, Sila may very well recover before we leave for war. There is much that i must do to prepare." lowering his voice he said to her privately "My world is very different then yours your majesty." he said. When Shela returned, he thanked her for the reading. "I will need to learn to fight as a dwarf does, I am not familiar with these weapons. Ill need to learn to become a great warrior. I hate to ask your people for more then they've already given Shela, but I will need warriors to train me in the axe and the sword. I will need armor and weapons as only dwarf-smiths can make them. If i can be trained and equipped, I swear on my honour and the honour of my family that goblins and all those who hate peace and aim to ruin the Vale will know me and tremble at the approach of the Wolf-Knight. I also swear all the treasure of goblins will belong to the dwarves and fae folk as weregild and compensation for all the aid you've given me." he said "Please friends, let me rest awhile" he asked.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Eeth

Eeth listened to what Rolyn said, and nearly did a double-take when Van spoke; he had almost forgotten that the feline could speak, for the cat had been silent for hours. He then returned his attention to Rolyn.

“Right, main priority, distraction; secondary objective, or icing on the cake really, somehow cause the queen to surrender or submit. Are injuries to the queen acceptable, and if so, to what degree?” asked Eeth. He absently began twirling the blades around in his hands, at first a simple little spin, gradually getting fancier, but not quite reaching a full flourish. He continued to listen to Rolyn talk about the spell and what Eeth had to do.

"As for magical attacks, I believe that you will be able to counter them, but... I am not such that will be able to teach you," then he turned to Van, smiling ever so slightly and raising his eyebrows.

Eeth turned slightly to see where Rolyn was looking, then turned his head back and forth between Rolyn and Van a couple of times, with an eyebrow raised in question; then it hit him. The blades he had been absently spinning stopped in mid-spin, so suddenly that Eeth lost one of them, which went spinning away, just barely shaving the very end of the hair on Van’s tail, which was wrapped around his side.

 

[DarkPhantomLynx]

Kat quietly looked down at her form the dress was most flattering her form was quite exquisite. Better than she would have gotten in the gym in months. Smiling to herself she glances at Rylia as she walks off. Following her she looks around wondering if she should ask more about this place but for now she quietly follows along.

Her mind trying to comprehend whether this is a dream or not, how could she have been transported to some place and changed. The sun is so bright and the heat feels so good to her back home her pale skin and red hair kept her from really enjoying the sunlight much otherwise she was burnt quickly. She glances down noticing her skin seems to absorb the heat. Tossing back her head a moment shaking out her hair she laughs softly. “Oh Rylia, your right this is a wonderful body to be in.” She knows so far she hasn’t made much of an impression on Rylia. But soon she hopes to find a way to prove she isn’t just some idiot dumped on her.

“Tell me of the Vale I have been sent to save Rylia, and how you came to be chosen as my guide. I must say I am pleased to have gotten one so wise.” Her eyes watching and seeing the pleasure in Rylia’s eyes at her comment. Ahh so the drider does like to be complimented. A simple thing she remembers from working with the inmates. Everyone likes to be complimented, but this creature was magnificent to look at the Drow half was of a strong elf woman, the spider half quite interesting to watch moving. And the wickedness she hears slip in and out of her voice keeps her on her toes. Wondering just how she plays into this dream or whatever she has been sucked into.

The Drider moves quickly along the ground and Kat easily keeps up. Along towards evening her stomach growls, she presses a hand to herself and blushes. “Do you suppose there would be anywhere near here we could stop for food? Or will I need to hunt for something to eat?"

 

[MilkManDan007]

Asterion Arrives at the Fisher's Village

Hale and his fellow fishermen greeted him as he came down the dune. The lie had worked for now and Asterion only hoped he could keep up the charade long enough to get the information and supplies he needed. They had even invited him to their village. Things were going well. Even when Asterion felt the shiver in his spine and knew Fell must be close by, he still felt as if he could get what he needed before things turned bloody.

The fish-man seemed to scoot just below the surface of the water, easily reaching the skiff, but Asterion had a slightly tougher time. The sandbar he was walking on suddenly dropped into the deeper water where the fish were swimming. The weight of the great axe, coupled with the hooves on his legs, made swimming nearly impossible. Luckily, he landed again on the sand several feet below the water and was able to paw his way back to the surface. Panting and dripping with the cold seawater, Asterion rose and plodded back to the beach.

“Hale!” he called out to the man just as he was boarding the skiff, “Swimming doesn’t seem to be my strongest suit. Care to bring your boat to shore so we can head off?” While the act of sinking into the dark abyss was truly an accident, and quite a frightening one, Asterion smiled as the boat began to come towards him. Yes, he had shown them that he had weakness and was still new to this world. But it was a fortunate turn of events, he thought. They will be even less suspicious of me now, less on guard now that they have seen I have flaws.

The small boat beached a few feet away from him and Asterion climbed in, pushing the boat back out into the calm bay as he climbed in. The keel of the boat was covered in shimmering silver fish. Their dark eyes staring into the morning sun as their mouths gasped for the water they would not find. Asterion could almost feel Fell feasting on misery of the slowly suffering fish as the boat toiled against the swells offshore.

The boat ride to the village was quiet. The fishermen seemed to revel in the purity of the sea and were perfectly in tune with the tides and currents. Their boats did not rock against the waves, but instead seemed to glide gently along with them. The village sat in a protected cove, away from the weather and surf.

As the boats began to dock at the small pier, others from the village began to gather to help unload the catch and welcome their husbands and brothers back. As they surveyed the small fishing fleet, a collective murmur rose as they noticed the twisted black horns rising from one of the boats. One of the women standing near the docks screamed out.

“A demon beast, there, look! A demon beast from hell itself! Hale, what evil have you brought back to our village?” Several in the crowd echoed her sentiments. The day was not going well at all.

Several of the men, ready to help unload the catch, were wielding long hooks used to pull fish out of the boats. Others had gone to their own boats and were retrieving nets and tridents. The skiff carrying Hale and Asterion pulled into one of the last slips on the pier.

The mob began to advance down the weathered planks.

“Hale, please speak to them. I do not want any trouble, but I will defend myself if I have to.” Asterion stepped from the skiff and backed to the end of the pier. With the villagers lined shoulder to shoulder on the narrow dock, he wondered if the axe would be the best way to survive. He could always lower his shoulders and charge. With such a narrow area, those he didn’t impale would most likely be thrown into the water. He lowered himself into a slight crouch and tightened the muscles in his shoulders and neck, preparing for the charge.

“Hale, we’re running low on time here…”

 

[Mantra]

Jay's eyes narrowed as his mind flashed back to his ranting at 'pulling the queen's wagon'.

*I dunno...just how much 'stuff' am I going to end up carrying?* he asked warilly.

They resumed walking shortly after, continuing their trek into nowhere land to go see this spirit thing..

*I don't get it.* he projected. *If this Spirit thingie is all-powerful and stuff, then what do you want me for? I mean really, I am a horse and all, ain't I? How am I going to save anyone?*

*Hell, I'd think you'd probably be a bigger bad-ass than me. You're a walking rock for chrissakes. What am I gonna do?

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Tula/Shela

Shela fell silent, as did all the fairies surrounding the large red wolf as he spoke. Shela nodded absently and then her and Tula shared a look. It was full of questions and answers as well as a determination.

Shela nodded and spoke, "I will see what I can do. I am sure that Durbin will be able to accomodate you with weapons and armor, but the training will have to be done by Maccan. I will see if he's in the mood,"

"And if he's not?" asked Tula suddenly.

"Then I'll make him," answered female dwarf without hesitation. Then she frowned, "I'm not sure about your armor though. Being a smith's wife, I can see that you being a werewolf may be difficult. I will have to speak to the Elders," she nodded and with a motherly kiss on both Sila's and Michael's heads, she was off and making arrangements. Hopefully, by the time he healed, they would be ready to both train and outfit him.

Tula nodded thoughtfully after the dwarf and smiled with inner pride as Sila slept on, no longer fitfully. "I will help you with magic," she said to the werewolf. "I'm not sure how much you can weild, but there are items that can be enchanted to aid you in your quest," she inclined her head, kissed Sila's forehead and patted the wolf on the arm in a motherly fashion, "Rest well, Wolf Knight,"

Then Sila and Michael were alone together. The times ahead would both be bloody and trialing, but with each other, they had a chance to survive them.

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Rolyn/Van

“Right, main priority, distraction; secondary objective, or icing on the cake really, somehow cause the queen to surrender or submit. Are injuries to the queen acceptable, and if so, to what degree?”

Rolyn nodded, "Injuries which are both non fatal and can be healed will be tolerated. We do realise that you are fighting her, after all. But death will not be,"

Then Eeth's blades suddenly stopped spinning as his jaw literally dropped, one blade nearly striking Van on the tip of his tail. Van shrieked and jumped up, hissing at the young elf and licking his tail frantically, as if he had been hit. Though clearly, it had been a miss.

Rolyn rolled his eyes, "Are you going to help him, or not?" he directed at the feline and waited with crossed arms. He knew that Van preferred to keep his... talents... a secret, but even though Eeth was powerful, he still needed to be guided. And a better magician could not be found. Besides, the spell weavers wanted nothing to do with this part of the plan. Though training Eeth could be the most important step.

Van mewed forlornly and looked at Rolyn with large, pleading kitten eyes. When the large elf refused to be budged Van let out an explosive breath. Then the stood on his legs, drawing up his entire height and began to twirl Sticky around.

Suddenly a flame shot from the top end of Sticky and continued to spout. Van stood there, waving the long 'torch' he had just created. Then he began to do some odd acrobatics, leaping and jumping and created fire trails through the air.

A large yeowl, followed by the smell of slightly burned fur soon came. The flame extinguished and Van was left rubbing the top of his head between his ears. The fur was still smoking.

"Van not do that again, mew!"

Rolyn just laughed.

 

[Wolfsister]

Kat and Rylia

“Tell me of the Vale I have been sent to save Rylia, and how you came to be chosen as my guide. I must say I am pleased to have gotten one so wise.”

Rylia's eyes lit up with pleasure as she moved rhythmically along the sandy beach. She kept the shoreline in sight, mainly for ease of navigation. She had known that the Guardian would have popped up in the most useless of places. Just one of those ironic things in life she had learnt to take for granted. So she had packed supplies (including Ganalina's) in a nearby water cave. During the evening, it would dry and they would have shelter for the night. Then they could move on and few days after that, get to Fisher's Village where they can replenish their supplies and she could contact her... employer.

"Illusion Vale is a wonderful place to live in. However, as of late evil forces have come into the light. For many years we have lived under the 'peaceful' rein of the Spirit. But things are beginning to crumble, people are no longer under her control," she looked back at the demoness, "Evil is coming. The Spirit, after so many years, has grown weak and needs the help of Guardains like yourself to bring order and the Eternal Peace back,"

Then she grinned over her shoulder again, "I was chosen to bear the next Guardian. We didn't know it would be you, or a demoness," she shrugged, "Mystic forces are like that, often they bring the best together to face a common foe,"

By the time she had finished telling Kat of the history of the Vale, complete with the god like Guardians, the Dark Kin and the Dark Time, they had come apon the water cave. The tide was just low enough that, though they had to wade through some water, the interior of the cave was relatively dry. Rylia led Kat through to the small 'camp' she had made swiftly the night before.

Only then did the drider stop to answer the demoness's previous question;
“Do you suppose there would be anywhere near here we could stop for food? Or will I need to hunt for something to eat?"

She gestured expansively at the web infested interior, several caccoons slung up nearby. Slicing on open with a curved sword, several packs spilling out of it, she said, "I packed for another two days travel. We can get more at Fisher's Village,"

She started a fire and was soon cooking some unknown animal on a spit she had fashioned from driftwood. Sprinkling various herbs over it, it soon had delicious aromas filling the small cave.

"We'll need to wake early, the tide comes in before light," she stated and handed Kat a steaming hunk of meat on a hunting knife. "No room for plates," she said absently and turned the spit over again, her silver hair sparkling in the firelight.

 

[Wolfsister]

Asterion/Fell/Fisher's Village

Hale was busy steering the boat as the small fishing fleet began to dock. He was well aware of the daily ritual that mothers and sisters and daughter partook of when the men came home but did not wish to witness it. There was nobody waiting for him on that pier and he knew that there never would be. He was just too... different. Still, at least his leadership qualities had not been overlooked. It had helped that his late father had been a respected Elder.

Suddenly the Minotaur spoke, “Hale, please speak to them. I do not want any trouble, but I will defend myself if I have to.”
At first Hale didn't know what he was talking about, completely missing the angry buzz in the air. The other fishermen tried to calm the villagers and explain, but they were overridden quickly by the forming angry mob. Asterion moved away from him and he caught the edge of his next words.

“Hale, we’re running low on time here…”

Only then did Hale look up, his eyes going wide with startlement at the tableau before him. He blinked and in a swift motion, tide the small skiff to the warf and jumped up to stand before Asterion, his arms held parallel to the wooden planks on either side of him.

"Fellow villagers! Is this how we greet a guest?" his booming voice surprising the mob to a halt. They paused, considering his words and he spoke again, "This 'beast' as you call him, means no harm and I say is welcome here!" again the mob paused, but angry words were spoken and soon they were advancing once again.

Hale, desparate at this point, looked to his fellow fishermen and saw that they too had joined the rabble. He sighed and again his surprising booming voice hailed across the mob, "Is this how we treat a Guardian?!"

That stopped them this time and after alot of muttering and confirmation from his fleet of 'loyal' fishermen. They soon scrambled back, out of the way of the defensive minotaur and called out apologies to the Guardian. Hale smiled and nodded, this was much better. Small town hicks.

Suddenly an old wrinkly crone pushed her way through the murmuring crowd and hissed at Asterion, her fur bristled, her tail thick. "Evil! Murderer! Evil murderer! Monster! Be gone from this place!" she commanded in a surprisingly strong voice and promptly threw salt at the stunned Minotaur.

The salt would do nothing, of course, and soon she was dragged away, kicking and screaming and still yelling bloody murder. Hale shook his head and looked back at Asterion, "Sorry friend, old Prelly went mad when her boy was taken by the sea some years back, she don't mean it," he smiled apologetically at the minotaur and held out a friendly hand.

"Come, meet Fisher's Village,"

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*I dunno...just how much 'stuff' am I going to end up carrying?*

Coudron shook his head. "Nothing much, just food and water mainly. Seeing as neither one of us actually needs clothing or shelter,"

*I don't get it. If this Spirit thingie is all-powerful and stuff, then what do you want me for? I mean really, I am a horse and all, ain't I? How am I going to save anyone? Hell, I'd think you'd probably be a bigger bad-ass than me. You're a walking rock for chrissakes. What am I gonna do?

Coudron chuckled, "Contrary to popular belief, I don't do that sort of thing. Besides, being a Guardian means that you have more power in your little toe -" he coughed and glanced at Jay, " - hoof, than I do in my entire body," he mused then, thinking out loud, "Which means that you'll have to be trained to control them," he kept on thinking and fell silent.

He spoken again, some time later, "Nobody in the Vale is what they seem. I look like a monster, even here, but doesn't mean that I am one, does it?"

"What you're gonna do is go see the Spirit, then she'll tell you what else you're gonna do," he smiled and resisted the urge to slap the horse on the rump, "Comon, ain't that bad lil fella, a nice stroll in the woods is all and then a bright bustling city and then a nice wide road all the way the Vale City itself,"

Then he looked down at Jay, "May need to get you shod in Vakare though,"

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael bowed his head as the Queen and Shela left. He laid in bed perusing the texts he had been given and finishing his pipe and beer. He then gently laid the texts, his pipe, and tankard on seperate bedside tables. He looked over at Sila and felt rage at her condition fill his body. at that same instant, tender feelings filled him but he quickly dismissed them. They couldnt work. "Yes," he said "I will gather an army and bring peace and unity to the Vale, I will save these people, and I will redeem my soul." he then slowly drifted into a deep sleep until a new dawn.

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"I have need of supplies, discreetly. I need to get Fay to Vale City as soon as possible and without much further fuss. She is a Guardian, new to this world."

Fay had happened to look up just in time to see that fear. It made her frown for a moment. She couldn't believe that the word had inspired such. But it was quickly gone. So quickly that the beautiful avian was not sure that it had actually transpired at all. Maybe she was simply imagining things.

"I know of what you need, I will gather them, discreetly,"

Hmmmm... She guessed that with all the quietness on the subject that she was probably not well liked. Or else she would be hunted and posed a danger to this beautiful woman and her family. Either way she would be having a talk to Faelin about what all of this was about later.

She needed to know what that expression was for afterall.

"Welcome Fay, Guardian. Come, make yourself comfortable, my home is always open to friends of Sister Wolf. You will need rest for your long journey and the supplies will not reach here until the morrow."

"Thank you for such kindness," she said hugging the woman immediately. "I don't know where we would be without your help... or where I would be without Faelin here..." She said touching the wolf's ear right where she was sure the other would like it.

The beautiful blonde began to lead the way. And Fay was not afraid to follow. Surely this friend of Faelin's would take care of them and not lead them to danger. They would be safe here and she would not ask to make sure because... well she didn't want to upset their hostess.

"Where are we?" She asked quietly.

 

[thanatos64]

Varic and Than

The sleep came quickly, but not restfully, he was never able to really fall asleep in a new place. He strained to listen to the slightest noise, paranoid? Maybe. Cautious? Hopefully, but there always seemed to be a thin line between the two, Than wondered if just maybe he didn’t cross it a time or two. His military training had taught him to sleep with one eye open and an ear to the ground. He wasn’t in the Navy anymore, hell he wasn’t even on his own world anymore. Than sat up on the bed, more like an over grown cot, he looked around letting his eyes adjust to the darkness, he stood and walked to a small window, the darkest hour, he thought, just before the dawn. Than scanned the area outside, staring into the shadows to see if he could catch any movement, stop that he told himself. He heard a scratching sound behind him, as he spun around, thankful for the tall ceiling, he caught sight of a mouse scurrying along the floor board, and it scampered up the table, smelling the bowl looking for food. “sorry little fellow, no scraps here for ya” Than whispered, then putting his hands on his hips and in his best attempt at a Mighty Mouse imitation” here I am to save the day.” He slowly inched his way to the table with his hand outstretched palm up talking low and softly to the mouse “don’t be scared, I wont hurt ya little fella.” He set his hand on the table and the mouse cautiously sniffed it and to Than’s amazement it climbed onto his hand, it looked so tiny in his huge palm, Than slowly backed up to the bed and sat, he very lightly brushed his big finger down the back of the mouse, Than let out a chuckle, saying to the mouse” what a trio we do make, an elf, I’ll introduce you to him later, a giant, and a mouse, yup, what more do ya need to save the world? But you do need a name, let’s see” Than stared the mouse in the eyes as it raised up on it’s hind legs as if to say, look at me and pick well, “it can’t be Mr. jingles, that one is taken, how about Thor, after the god of thunder? He’s my favorite Norse God, but mice tend to be mischievous, so I think Loki would be better for you, so Loki it is.” Than glanced toward the window and noticed the darkness waning, then looking toward the mouse saying” well Loki shall we sit here all morning or should we go see if Varic is ready to get up?”

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Danaë swam up to the shallows and lay in a pool of sun dappled water at about what she thought was noon, at least the sun looked like it was in the right spot.

Something small buzzed by her and she thought it was a dragon fly, but when it zoomed back past her again she saw it was a small being with thin golden wings and a very human looking face.

"I think I just saw Tinkerbell..." She muttered to herself. This really was a place of marvels and wonders, but her guide had said that it was in danger of ending.

If it ended while she was here, would she die? Or would she go back to the real world. Did she want to go back to the real world.

She compared her life there with what had happened to her so far here, but then talked some sense into herself. "This is the honeymoon phase, so not a fair analysis."

Still...she could walk and swim and do and be....magical. And that was something she couldn't do in the real world.

 

[Mantra]

Jay plodded along next to Couldron, trying to get a grasp on what he was being told.

*I don't get it. What's a Guardian and whadya mean I have powers? If I'm so cool and shit, then why am I a horse? I mean, shouldn't I be a knight or a dragon or...something that's NOT a horse? *

There was a long silence between them and Jay was getting a bit frustrated again. A part of him was tinging with the thought that he might just be some sort of hero, some mystical champion like he'd dreamed of... but the rest of him was contantly reminded that he was a horse. A horse being led around by a seven foot rock that didn't really seem to know much.

Couldron mentioned being 'shod' and Jay had to think about what he was talking about.. then he remembered.

* Shod? You mean when they NAIL horseshoes to my feet?! Fuck that! *

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Eeth quickly recovered and fetched the errant blade, apologizing to Van with a small apologetic grin. He went back to where he was and watched with wonder as Van turned Sticky into a sort of torch. He then smiled and gave a short laugh as Van scorched the hair on top of his head.

“Well, Van, it seems that you have some use after all, other than being a guide. I guess Rolyn and I can’t eat you for now,” said Eeth with a smile, knowing full well that Van would not like the mere idea of being eaten. It was all fun and games. “So, Rolyn, just how is Van going to teach me how to use magic? We are bound to use very different types, him being a cat and me an elf. Or is magic a universal thing that doesn’t vary much across the board?”

 

[MilkManDan007]

Asterion Enters the Village

As the mob calmed and stepped back from the dock, the sinewy tissue in Asterion’s back began to relax. Some even called out to apologize for acting so rudely to an “honored guest of the Spirit.” Hale had defused the situation nicely, and even helped convince these people that he was indeed a guardian, not one sent here to kill them.

Then came the old woman. Bleating like an injured goat, she sprung from the crowd and began screaming at him that he was a murderer and a monster. But something about her didn’t seem right. She wasn’t exactly staring at Asterion, but rather the dock just behind him. The salt she threw had no effect on the Minotaur, but as it fell to the wooden planks of the dock, Asterion could have sworn he saw his shadow shift to avoid the thrown mineral. He hadn’t moved and the sun had not shifted its position in the sky, but he was sure that his shadow had moved, if only for a second. So that’s where Fell was hiding, he thought. The little wraith was quite ingenious, really. He could follow Asterion anywhere, and no one would be the wiser. But that woman, had she seen him? Had she known he was there in the darkness? He shrugged off the notion and began to follow Hale into the village.

The crowd remained near the docks to help unload the catch, and many of the men kept a sharp eye on the Minotaur as he walked past. The women of the village tried to keep their eyes averted, almost as if they didn’t even wish to look upon the creature.

The village was rather small, but functional and arranged in a circular fashion with rings of buildings surrounding a central point. There was a common area in the center of the village with a small raised stone platform, most likely for entertaining or for village leaders to give speeches from. A ring of small markets and craftsmen’s shops formed the next ring and the small stone houses formed the final ring on the outer edge of the village. A wide stone walkway bisected the city, leading from the dock to the central plaza and continuing through, connecting to what looked like a trade road. As they walked, Hale couldn’t seem to keep his mouth shut about anything, jabbering on about how honored they were to have pleasure of hosting a guardian, how he hoped the Spirit would look kindly upon them for helping him to find his way, and so on.

Honestly, the chatter began to get on Asterion’s nerves. His inane chattering had no value, no useful information in it. It was simply drivel. Asterion began to tune him out as they walked. He continued to babble on, but his voice was nothing more than a drone until he uttered the words “…one of the finest blacksmith’s I’ve ever seen. He’s quite good at repairing and replacing the armor of those who pass through. Oh, and here’s Ezrod’s. He makes the finest jams and jellies. All home grown berries of course. And he’s…” Asterion decided to cut him off and see if this blacksmith could be of any use.

“Hale, you said your smith can repair and replace armor? Do you think he could make something up for me? I’m sure if this Spirit brought us here to help guard the Vale, I will probably run into…” He paused, wanting to choose his words carefully to avoid raising any suspicions. “I’m sure the Spirit would not have called us here unless there was some threat to her. And I would much rather meet this threat prepared with some form of protection rather than as I am.”

Yes, that should work. Hopefully Hale could convince the blacksmith to help Asterion, form him some armor. Then, once he had that, he would be able to take whatever he needed from the village. Their fishing hooks and tridents would be much less effective once he had some armor…

 

[Angelus]

Largos' eyes widened when he saw the two blades appear in Talon's hands and silently cursed himself for his stupidity. He should have known that this vampire would have powers far greater than his own but he had run into the fight thinking that with the speed that he had he might be able to beat him as he had Raster.

He ducked his head just as the blade in Talon's right hand whistled over his head but heard the slight tearing sound and felt the cold night air on his now exposed flesh as he jumped back and the second blade cut through his clothing. He wanted to let out a shout and tell himself just how stupid he was but he knew now was not the time as he would need his wits about him with this dangerous opponent before him. He looked at Talon, knowing that he had the upper hand but knew that he could never show it on his face and put his hand to his back, to the pouch of daggers that were on his back.

"You call this a game? You should think of this as a fight for your life."

With a swift move he threw the daggers at Talon, hearing them whistle through the air as he gripped his sword tightly in his hand. He knew that he had to make this strike count and ran towards Talon as fast as he could. Just as he got close enough he rolled to one side of the vampire and came up behind him. He hoped that he was fast enough as he cut down at Talon's back, the crystal sword shining in the faint light from the moon.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

For the next two weeks, with a few occassional raids from small goblin bands in which Michael could practice his warrior arts, there was much work done. As much information that was known about the green skins was crammed into Michael's skull. Their weaknesses, their strengths, the different classes they could be found in and just how effective their shaman's were.

Michael was also brought up to speed with the general layout of the Trinias Mountians. His uncanny dwarven sense of direction helped mightily and often impressed the other dwarves. They taught him the secrets of the earth around them and appreciated his honest and almost always cheery manner. However, a dark pall would fall over Michael whenever Sila was near and the other dwarves soon learnt to tread lightly.

Michael's training was overseen by the ever taciturn Maccan. Maccan was old, dark and had thick wiry hair that overshadowed his face. But whenever you could see past his hair, Maccan never smiled. The scars on his face were evidence to how many battles he had fought, and won.

Maccan was a hard teacher and never let Michael know if he was impressed. He never professed fear, nor awe when the wolf turned from one being to another, neither did he take it easy on the slightly wounded wolf. He pushed Michael beyond his boundaries, made him a fiercer warrior than he had ever been.

Even if Michael hurt Maccan during sparring, Maccan would not pause. He just kept it up. During training, while using the techniques taught by the older dwarf, they used Maccan's old weapons and armor. When in werewolf form, they did away with the armor, seeing as none had been forged for him yet, and when in dwarven form, they used Maccan's son's armor and weapons. He had died ten years ago and Maccan would often turn even meaner when Michael wore it.

Meanwhile, by the fire of the forge, Durbin worked furiously. He knew what the stakes were and he also knew that Michael was a special circumstance. While it was cheerful to have Sila up and about again, the darkness still surrounded her and sudden noises were want to make her jump. In a forge, it was very hard not to make her nervous. Especially since it was the one that she had been taken from in the first place.

Michael was off training with Maccan and Shela was with Sila, picking some herbs off of the mountain side with a very heavy tangle of bodyguards. Durbin looked up at Tula and shook his head. "There be no way I kin make it work. I donna know what ta do. Mike's special an I donna know how ta mould this armor," He shifted his focus to some weapons he had made for Michael and sighed, "I know tis the best I can do, but," he shrugged, "Any ideas, Tula?"

Tula had been silent, worried about her daughter's well being and watching the Guardian and Guide pair bond even further. She saw the way they looked at each other and there was no doubt there was something there, but.... it could never work and she didn't want anyone to be hurt, much less her precious little Sila.

"We have gone through all the archives we can find, Durbin. There is only one small reference to a shapeshifter's armor that was once created. It had the ability to change with the wearer." She shook her head, "However, it required the moulding of a special material. One that I do not know if it is available anymore,"

Durbin raised a bushy eyebrow, "Oh?"
"Yes, its called Saeriel,"
"Ashamed ta say, never heard of it,"
"Its a mystical metal that when spoken the right incantation over it, will mould itself to best suit its wearer. I've got the incantation, all we need is the Saeriel,"

Durbin nodded thoughtfully, "There be some places we dwarves aven't been fer a long time, an ancient fortress we abandoned some years ago. Dangerous creatures live there now an we'd be best to avoid it,"

Tula smiled sadly as she witnessed Michael and Sila along with Shela returning home for the day. Michael, as always, looked tired, battered and beaten, but there was an edge to his fatigue, a haunted look in his eyes and Sila's smile would slip more often, her cheerful songs missed in the Hall as of late.

"Well then, start there," her smile got brighter as Sila gave her a quick hug.
"What are you doing, mother?"
"Planning a trip," she said gently and looked over at Durbin, knowing that the dwarf couldn't refuse the request.
"Aye," nodded Durbin, puffing on a lit pipe, "Michael needs to fetch his armor."

 

[rengadeirishman]

in the weeks that passed, Michael grew in ways and at a speed he never would have believed, He had become a mighty warrior with both sword and axe and had learned to fight with both at once. He had learned the strengths and weaknesses of both his dwarven and wolven forms. Over time his feelings for Sila grew, as did his pain that they could never be. His pain and anger fueled his training under the old warrior Maccan, whos harshness had made his training even more fulfilling.

Another day, another hard training session. Durbin had forged him two magnificent weapons, a sword and an axe. Tula had then enchanted the sword with fire and the axe with ice. Michael had named them Bellum and Pax respectively. Today was his first training with them, although he hadnt willed their magick on Maccan. Michael smoked his pipe as he walked back to Durbins home, he encountered Sila and Shela on the way back and walked with them exchanging small talk about the day. Then they say Durbin and Tula, and Sila ran to give her her mother a hug.

"Durbin, your Majesty." Michael said as he approached.
Mother what are you doing? Sila asked
Planning a trip Tula answered, looking at Durbin
Aye the dwarf said puffing his pipe Michael needs to fetch his armor

"My armor?" Michael asked, joy in his heart, I could use another adventure he though to himself.

"When do we leave?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/Faelin/Celeste

"Thank you for such kindness. I don't know where we would be without your help... or where I would be without Faelin here..." Celeste had given her a brief but warm hug back and smiled at her when they parted, "Do not worry Fay, you are a friend and I am always happy to help a friend," she nodded down at the wolf and then bent down to whisper into Fay's ear, "She will take care of you, have no fear of that," she smiled warmly then and turned away to lead them deeper into the house.

"Where are we?"

Celeste smiled once again, placing a hand in a small crevice in the wall. A slight, oiled grinding noise could be heard and then the wall seemed to slide to the left, leaving an opening just barely wide enough to fit Fay's wings through. She looked apologetically over her shoulder, "Sorry for the tight fit friends, Aran didn't have much time to build this,"

She led the way quietly through and once they were onto the other side, it suddenly got brighter. The room beyond, while cosy, was colourful and bright. The large chairs were stuffed with soft fabric and looked fit enough to sleep in.

The carpet was a pleasant shade of deep blue and there was even a small pond to one side. The edge was where Celeste promptly sat and waited for them to get comfortable. "Abby will see to your needs if you want food or drink," the little girl skipped up to them and asked if they needed anything, a cheerful smile tugging at her lips as she absently played with Faelin's black fur.

Faelin just snorted and growled at the youngster, but murmured that she might as well have some water, if the little one was going to go to all that trouble.

Celeste gestured expansively around them, "This is my home. We built it so far in because of Aran's occupation. Being a guard can sometimes be... hazardous," she sighed and a faraway look came into her eyes, "Sometimes even more so for their families,"

Abby skipped away with their requests, if they had any and wouldn't return for at least another few minutes. Celeste leaned closer to them, "More guardians? Is the Spirit so desparate now?" she whispered, not realising just now little Fay knew of this world.

The wolf frowned and shook her head, wishing to silence the woman, but she would not have it and continued to question, "Has the Spirit finally gone mad? After what they did the last time? How could she call more?" Then her face drained of colour as she at least seemed to remember that she had a Guardian sitting on one of her couches. Her hand dropped to her lap and she gave a dismayed and apologetic look, "Oh, I am so sorry.... I can feel that you aren't like the others. And I trust you, if Faelin does, then I do... I just... I'm sorry,"

Faelin huffed a big breath and rolled her eyes. Her attempts at protecting Fay from the world around her was slowly starting to unravel. The Spirit only knew what else would go wrong.

 

[Wolfsister]

Than/Varic and Loki

No amount of knocking would produce a sleeply Varic, simply because Varic was neither sleepy nor was he in that room in the first place. He had taken leave of his resting place a few hours before and had gone in search of some supplies. Some being of a less legal nature than others, thus the early morn rise.

While Than was busy trying to wake up his Elven Guide, said guide walked up behind him and tapped him on the arm. Once the giant realised that Varic was actually behind him, the elf grinned and gave a small bow. "Good morn by overgrown friend!" he shouted a little, though clearly it wasn't needed. It seemed that the act was still on.

He completely ignored the little mouse that sat quite friendly like on Than's shoulder and then marched down the stairs, "We'd best be off then!" he called over his shoulder as he walked, taking them to the stables. There, waiting for them was a white mare with a large black diamond on her forehead and a huge... what looked like a cross between an elephant and a rhino.

It was of medium height, only coming up to Than's chest, had a short, yet thick trunk. It had four legs with very large, padded feet and was a strange mottled green colour. It made an odd shuffling sound when it moved and seemed to growl with it opened its mouth. There was a short saddle with appropriate packing bags strapped to its wide back and Varic smiled, "Your mount, my friend. Now lets get onwards," he jumped nimbly onto his horse, Blaze. "We can break our fast on the way,"

And then he was riding off into the dawn, straight out of the north gates and beyond.

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

"I think I just saw Tinkerbell..."

Sishota's voice came calmly over the water as she floated towards Danae, "Who or what is Tinkerbell?" she asked softly, smiling in welcome to the Selkie.

"Would you like some food, or would you like to keep moving, dear?" she asked gently, looking to the shore. If the woman felt that she could go on for longer, then Sishota didn't mind. She knew that Selkies were resilient, amazing creatures and she no doubt that Danae was even more so.

"If so, we can keep going until sundown. I would like you to rest during the night, besides, it is more dangerous than the day, in these parts,"

Inspite of the need for rest for the horses, she had to admit that she wanted to see how far Danae could push herself. They would be spending a long time together in the future and she wanted to get to know the Guardian in any way possible. She was sure that she could very easily keep up a friendship with this particular being, no matter how puzzling she was.

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*I don't get it. What's a Guardian and whadya mean I have powers? If I'm so cool and shit, then why am I a horse? I mean, shouldn't I be a knight or a dragon or...something that's NOT a horse? *

Despite being a little quiet and vague, Coudron did know a surprising amount. He was just dithering about what and which to tell the new Guardian. He could appreciate that Jay knew very little about the Vale, that much was apparent, but... he was surprised at just how little the horse actually did know.

He didn't really have an answer to Jay's question about his form. All that he could do was shrug, "You were transformed into what you would have been born as if you were a part of this world, since you couldn't survive otherwise. Don't forget, Jay, that not everything is as it seems around here," he smiled down at the horse, "I ain't a talkin rock... I'm a fire elemental," he said in way of explanation.

* Shod? You mean when they NAIL horseshoes to my feet?! Fuck that! *

Once again, Jay mentioned the 'F' word and Coudron had no idea of what it meant. Though he surmised, by the frequency and the attitude in which Jay said it that it was a curse word. Of course, he had no way of knowing if he was right and he had no intention of making Jay think he was even more dimwitted than he already did.

"It would save you alot of trouble. The nails don't hurt but if you walk on those tender hooves of yours, you won't be walkin straight,"

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Rolyn

“Well, Van, it seems that you have some use after all, other than being a guide. I guess Rolyn and I can’t eat you for now,”

Van's eyes got really really round at this point and Rolyn chuckled. Van mewed forlornly and shook his head, "Evil, evil elves," he muttered beneath his breath.

“So, Rolyn, just how is Van going to teach me how to use magic? We are bound to use very different types, him being a cat and me an elf. Or is magic a universal thing that doesn’t vary much across the board?”

Rolyn shook his head and shrugged, "Don't ask me, I'm not the one training you with magic," he smiled, "You should give the cat some credit," he leaned in and whispered, "he's good,"

Van mewed quietly and looked at Eeth with wide eyes, "Magic be inside self, it be different but all magic have same rules," he smiled in a very very cat like way and scampered up to Eeth, "Van have Sticky magic, Eeth have Soul Magic,"

Of course the cat wasn't making any sense, but did he ever?