Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[Angelus]

Largos turned quickly at the noises behind him, his hands falling to the hilt of his sword as he wondered where the attack was coming from. As soon as he turned and saw Len flaying around on the ground he wondered what was happening to her, even as she started to rip her own feathers out. He could feel the pain that was in every noise that she was making and wanted nothing more than to help her but did not know what to do. He stood there; helpless and oblivious to what she was going through and hoped that she was going to come through it alive.

The last thing he wanted was to lose Len, especially after everything that she had done to help him. He knew that she was his closest friend and would do anything in his power to save her. He also knew that without her he would easily fall into the darkness that was threatening to overwhelm him, the same darkness that had been given to him the night he had been turned.

He watched as she fell to the ground and wanted nothing more than to take away the pain that she was going through, the pain he knew was his fault. He knew that if it wasn't for him then Len would be whole and not in the pain that she was going through. She was rolling around on the ground and tearing at herself as if something was very wrong with her. His eyes went wide then and he wondered if Talon had done something to her, whether she was going through what he had when he had been turned. His hand fell unconsciously to his sword as he stood back a little.

It was then that he heard the wet sickening tearing sound coming from where Len lay and looked down at the ground to see that something was very wrong with her. Largos moved quickly towards her but stopped when he saw the form that lay there on the ground. What lay there was definitely not Len but yet there was something about the creature before him that seemed very familiar to Largos. He wanted to say her name but he didn't want to break the spell that was in the air.

His hand fell away from his sword once more as he watched the beautiful attractive winged woman move her body as if for the first time. As he stood there he was overwhelmed by the beauty that she had and wanted to know if this was indeed Len and if so what had happened to her. He watched as she turned to look at him with eyes as blue as the sky at dusk, how they were a light blue and dark blue at the same time. She looked straight at him with recognition on her face and Largos instantly knew; the woman before him was Len.

He opened his mouth to ask her how this was possible but before he could she whispered his name that was so low that he had trouble hearing it and collapsed. His first reaction was to move quickly towards her and take his head into her hands. He looked down at her face, the one thought in his mind was to kiss her. He knew that it was a stupid thought to have and dismissed the notion but he didn't know what he wanted to do.

He kept looking down at her face, more determined than anything not to leave her but he felt something clawing at him; drawing him away. He knew what it must be but it was the one thing Largos feared more than anything. He turned his head slowly and his eyes went wide when he saw the moon slowly rising over the horizon. He took one quick look down at Len and knew that he could not put her any danger.

As he lowered her head slowly to the ground he got to his feet and walked over to the river. As soon as he was sure that he was far enough away he fell to his knees and raised his head, once more letting out a scream that tore through the night and was answered by all the creatures that lived their lives under the moon. He felt as though his blood was boiling and wanted nothing more than to tear himself apart just to stop the pain that he was going through but knew that it was now a part of who he was and he could not change it. He slammed his fists down onto the ground again and again, causing bits of dirt to fall into the water.

When it was over Largos got to his feet and looked over at Len with more detail than he knew he would never have as an elf. He could feel the hunger growing in him and that part of him knew how easy it would be to take her up in his arms and feed from her. As he moved towards her he stopped suddenly and screamed to himself, telling himself that this was wrong. He knew that he could never feed from her, that she was the one that was stopping him from turning into the monster he feared he was turning into.

Largos moved quickly towards Len and took her up in his arms. He looked down at her and wished that he had something to cover her up with but knew that was the least of his worries. He looked down at her face, committing it to memory, a memory he knew he would always have.

"I will never feed from you Len, that I promise. You are the light in the darkness of my life and for that reason alone I can never feed from you."

He watched as a single tear fell onto her face.

 

[rengadeirishman]

"No, wait." Michael said, her reaction saying that he had clearly misread her. "Please stay, with me."he said, almost pleading. "I mean, if you'd like." he said his eyes fixed on her.

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*So, this town place we're going to, it is going to be..um, safe?*

Coudron kept quiet for a moment longer, choosing his words carefully so as not to frighten Jay anymore than he clearly was already. He cleared his throat, "Vakare is one of the Vale's five major cities. It is said that it is the South's answer to Vale City," he coughed, "Um.. where the Spirit lives."

He kept walking, somewhat unsurprised yet hurt that Jay kept his distance from the fire elemental. He kept rambling on though, if only to break the silence, "Vakare is what we call a circular city. Its got three main walls, one that covers the entire circumference and two smaller ones inside each other. The further in you progress, the wealthier the inhabitants."

Coudron's large smouldering feet plonked heavily onto the earth beneath them and he felt weariness from his recent magic use weighing down on him. His stride became slower and his breathing only slightly more laboured. "There's no where to run to except where we're going now. We'll get to Vakare in a few more days and then onto the Spirit Road. We should be protected along that route until we get to Vale City," he smiled at the horse plodding slightly behind him then he glanced beyond the forest canopy and noted the slowly sinking sun.

He ambled quietly into yet another clearing and then stopped, "We should camp here for the night. I don't mind travelin by night ya know, but I'd rather not let you wander round in the dark and getting lost," he said, grinning.

He soon had a nice cosy fire going for the two of them and looking up from his sitting position where he sought to recover slightly, "While I get some more fruit, wanna know the rest of the story?" He had completely forgotten that he had only told Jay part of the history of the Vale when they had so rudely been interrupted.

 

[Wolfsister]

Largos and Len

"I will never feed from you Len, that I promise. You are the light in the darkness of my life and for that reason alone I can never feed from you."

Her amazing deep yet sky blue eyes fluttered open and she sighed, her lips slightly parted in an innocently inviting manner as she smiled up at him. She raised one of her wings... no, one of her hands and gently cupped the side of his face, "I know, Largos... I know," her voice, stronger now, compassionate and laced with a loving wonder, sounded soft and sweet in the darkness. Like the caress of a lover's voice on the wind.

She let her hand fall, too weak to keep it up any longer and smiled at him again, noticing the distinct change in him. Noticing the lack of sunlight on his elven face. Resisting the urge to look at his fangs, she whispered into the dark, "You are beautiful at night, Largos. Terribly beautiful. But I am not afraid. I will never be afraid." True enough words for never once had she feared him, she had always simply feared for him.

Then she seemed to take in her Avian form again and her weak smile turned into a slight frown. "What have I become?" And then she laughed, it was soft yet musical and carried genuine amusement, "It seems we have both changed for the night, my friend." Then she blushed, "Mayhap you have some extra traveling clothes?"

Then she became distracted as she heard the distant striking of musical instruments, turning her head to survey a bob of lights further away, yet near enough to pierce the growing darkness. "Where are we, Largos?" She whispered up to him. Then something seemed to dawn on her, "Largos, you must leave me here. You must go... far away for tonight. You must not feed here!" Her voice got steadily stronger as her alarm grew.

When she saw it mirrored in his own eyes though, her voice softened and her eyes grew wide with sadness, "Oh Largos... you must learn to control this beast inside you. If not for me, for yourself."

It was true that she did not personally fear him, but she also knew, with a certainty that left her feeling absolute and strong in his arms that he feared himself. That fear, she knew, would be his undoing. "You have to trust me, I will be fine tonight here with the horses. Give me something warm and then go... go and..." at this she hesitated but only for the barest of moments, "Feed."

Her silent breaths became shallower as she expended even more energy to cup his cheek once more in a loving and comforting gesture. Then her hand dropped back onto her stomach and her eyes began to flutter closed, "Please... I must rest... but promise me... promise you will go..." her voice became steadily weaker and softer until it could be heard no more. Her heavy lids defied her will and closed down, covering her sky blue eyes once more as she drifted off into an exhausted sleep.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

Sila briefly closed her eyes, turned away from Mike who could not see the relief etched on her face. She nodded, sniffing surreptiously and turned around to sit next to him again. "I would like that very much," her small voice wavered slightly as she gave him yet another chance. As she put her heart into the sky and hoped that this time he would catch it.

"Mike... I..." she trailed off, not knowing what to say, "Mother is a wise woman... and she once told me that... that love is something that cannot be ignored," her voice came out hurried and the words came in a sudden rush, "She told me that only fools ignored what was in their hearts and that only the worst happened to fools..." she trailed off again, her earlier excitement waning slightly as nervousness once again set in.

"What... what do you think of love Mike?" she stammered slightly, refusing to meet his eyes, yet wishing more than anything that she could scream out her hearts desire to him. Yet, for all of her hope and love, her mother had also taught her one other thing, 'Only fools reveal all at first glance....'

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael was relieved at her decision to stay. When she sat next to him, he gently and subtly took her tiny hand in his. "Love is nothing i have ever experienced before," Michael said. "Where I come from, love for somebody was a weapon others could use against you. But for some reason, i'm having trouble suppressing things that i used to hide like second nature." he said, not sure if he could say what he wanted to say. Its impossible, shes a faery princess, I am naught but a dwarven werewolf in this world, and surely nothing to smile about in my own.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

She shook her head sadly, squeezing his hand reasurringly, "Love isn't something that can easily be ignored. I... before now..." she talked slowly, wanted other words than the ones that came from her now to be said, "Have never experienced it... many thought me... unreachable. A princess that was nothing than a mere forgetful fairy..." she sighed.

She turned her head and her eyes stared deeply into his own, "Mike... what... what is it that you..." she turned away suddenly and shook her head. Clearly changing what she was going to say a moment earlier, she said instead, "What was it that you were in your world,"

Even if they might not be able to admit to themselves their own feelings, at least she could have the pleasure of knowing him deeper than any other had had. There's always a first time for everything, she silently thought as she remembered how hesistant Michael was in revealing most of his feelings.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael looked at her deeply then he answered. "I was a hitman for the Sullivan crime family." he said "When i was a kid my parents and brother were killed in a hit by the mafia. I was at a friends house that night. My father was an underboss for James Sullivan. Sullivan adopted me, and when i was 17 signed the papers for me to join the marine corps. After 6 years in the corps, i came back. I had no job, no place to live, so Sullivan offered me a job working for him, just like my father had done. He wanted to use my soldiering skills in the various mob wars. Not having any other option, i took it. So for five years i've killed people for 5-10,000 dollars a head, I was on my way to kill more when i was brought here. I have felt nothing for so long, just the numbness required to kill in cold blood. I only ever had one rule, no women and no kids." he finished, looking away, so ashamed that he couldnt bear to look at her innocence. "I am a bad, bad man Sila."

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

Sila listened, her eyes growing wider and wider as his story progressed. Once he had finished, the werewolf turned away from her and refused to speak any further. She could feel the shame emanating from him and she took her own time to reel in and digest all of the information.

True to his nature though, the wolf knight had been blunt and very to the point, so it didn't take her long to absorb all that he had said. It did take her longer to find her reply though.

She thought long and hard, looking deep into herself and examined the exact feelings that she had for him. She thought of all that had been done and said, of their respective lives, of what was to happen now. After a while of intense scrutiny, she came to one conclusion. After knowing at least part of his terrible past, she still felt the same way she always had.

She was still hopelessly lost in love with Michael.

She squeezed his hand again (which she had not let go of in all this time) and then put on a brave face. Reaching over, she placed the tip of her fingers under his chin and forced him to turn towards her, "Mike... you could not be the person I love if you hadn't have done what you had. You would not be you, with the same experiences, with the same drives or passions. And at the same time, you can never be the man you were in the past... you've grown, you always grow and you can never expect yourself to be him again."

There, she had said it. She had finally told him of her feelings. It felt... wonderful to have him know. To have it finally out in the open. She sighed and looked into his eyes once again, her finger tips still brushing the underside of his chin, "Michael, a bad, bad man would not have gone after me. Would not have risked life and limb to rescue me... a fairy you had not known but for a few days and a whimsical one at that," she put up a hand to forestall any comment and then resumed holding his hand as she started talking again, "That man would not risk all that he was to complete a mission he knows nothing about, he would not put the effort you have in attempting to help save an entire... no... two entire species,"

Her eye were wide and round as she looked at him, full of her all encompassing love for him, "A bad bad man would not have the honor that you do."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael listened to all she said, and felt her touch. "I love you too Sila." he said simply, melting into his dwarven form. He put his hand on the back of her head. "I love you very much." he said and then he kissed her.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

Sila's eyes widened even further as he changed and suddenly captured her mouth with his own. She gasped and shook in his arms, she had never been kissed this way before. In fact, she had never even been kissed before. Her inexperience showed as she whimpered under his onslaught and seemed thoroughly confused as to what to do next.

Her hands fluttered everywhere over his body, apparently not being able to decide where to rest and her wings blew a gust of wind around them as they suddenly sped up with her excitement. She gasped and shivered when they broke, after what seemed an eternity and her eyes glazed over as she let the pure pleasure of it wash over her.

Then she suddenly 'oh'ed again and her hands flew to her mouth. Her eyes positively sparkled as she stared in joy at him, "You love me?!" she suddenly shrieked and then launched herself at the slightly taller dwarf, fairly strangling him with her arms around his neck and raining kisses down upon his undefended face.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael chuckled at her reaction and fell to the ground under her tackle. He laughed some more as she rained kisses down on his face. He placed his hands on her back and held her close, catching her lips with his. Suddenly he rolled over and put Sila on the ground, kissing her slowly and deeply. Once he pulled away, he said "Yes Sila, i do love you."

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"Welcome to the Vale, Noah, I am pleased to meet your aquaintence."

Well... that all seemed a bit much, but how was Noah to know that this was not a normal greeting for such people? Of course he didn't but he was oddly reminded of one of those games that his younger brother played and was hooked on, it was an addiction dammit, not just as game.

"Uh... thanks and ditto..." He managed.

"Oh no, my dear furry friend. This be no hallucination, you are indeed in a world far different from your own. You see, you were transported here from your world, having heard the Spirit's call for help and thus you were changed as none of your kind can live in this realm. Any questions you have you may direct my way as I am to be your guide through this land. I am to take you to the Spirit as soon as I can arrange travel and when you are feeling well enough."

Noah did not realize he had taken to absently rubbing the bump on the back of his head as he looked around. This place was so normal looking... had it not been for the fact that he was a ruddy fur covered thing and there was this dragon-esque guy he would have thought he was in the woods just round back of his house.

"I do so hope your head feels better."

"Huh?" He said suddenly looking this guy over. He was pretty tall... pretty strong... and pretty good-looking too. Not that that had just gone through his head no of course not! Insert a nervous laugh, he thought as he stood up. "Oh... I'm fine thanks... I guess... I just don't know what you're talking about... I mean," he started motioning to himself. "What am I exactly? Like a fox? Or a dog?" He asked. "And pardon my asking... But what are you exactly? A flying lizard... person?" He offered deciding to call the other a thing would not have been too bright.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Eeth and Van/Rolyn

Eeth simply watched as Van scampered around, being unusually playful. When the party streamers came flying out, Eeth was just a little upset and, with the hand closest to Van, reached out to try and grab the feline, but missed. Then Van got to business and worked on healing Eeth. Eeth drew in sharp breaths through his teeth as his ribs and his nose were fixed magically. Damn that hurt, thought Eeth.

After the broken bones had been fixed, a good deal of the pain vanished and Eeth was able to move around a bit more. Sitting up, he silently waited for Van to finish dressing the various cuts and bruises he had. Thankfully, none of the cuts were serious, i.e. needing stitches and whatnot, for Eeth had the odd feeling that stitching up a wound was not common practice. The cuts stung and the bruises ached as Eeth sat there and watched Van prepare some fresh food for him.

As Eeth started to eat, Van pronounced that Eeth would be okay. “Why thank you, doc, for stating the obvious,” said Eeth with a small hint of sarcasm. He was just a little surly from the pain, but all in all, he was in a good mood.

Eeth looked over at Rolyn, gauging how much damage Eeth had dealt to the elf. “So, Rolyn, what’s you assessment of the fight? And don’t be afraid to be honest. I can take it,” said Eeth with a grin. He wasn’t really expecting to get a negative assessment, but he was prepared for it.

 

[Mantra]

"While I get some more fruit, wanna know the rest of the story?" Couldron had asked.

*Yeah, tha'd be cool.* Jay projected back. He was still nervous and the tension which had risen between the two of them hadn't helped soothe Jay's anxiety. As darkness fell, Jay found himself staring out into the darkness, looking for...whatever. The only good thing he noticed, was that as darkness fell, Jay realized that he could still see. Colors faded into deep earth tones, but details remained sharp and clear. Maybe even a bit better than in the day.

Could horses see in the dark? He didn't know he'd never ridden one before.

He ate absently, munching on the wierd fruit that Coudron had brought back as he half listened to the remaining story about the Vale and Guardians and all that. He still couldn't help but glance around, looking past the fire light and into the darkness, a move which was magnified due to his now large head and long neck.
Every instinct he had was telling Jay to run, to bolt out into the clear and keep running, fast and free with nothing but a flaming streak behind him.

*Nowhere to run to..* Jay thought to himself, remembering Rocky's words earlier.

*They wanna kill me, don't they?* he projected almost absently. His head swung back to look at Coudron. *Why would they do that? Who are they?*

Jay's eyes fixed Coudron's for a moment, his 'voice' hardening. *And who are you really? Why are you here with me?*

 

[MilkManDan007]

Placating the Villagers

Tolarak had followed him around for some time that evening, continually flashing a false smile and always seeming to be looking behind Asterion at his shadow. Eventually, he broke off and blended in with the rest of the villagers, who still seemed to cast doubt on the Minotaur’s presence.

The food was like nothing he had ever eaten before. He pungent smell of fish cooked over an open flame had passed his nostrils several times before he came to this place, but he could never remember tasting such a meal. It wasn’t only the fish that tempted his palate, but also the fresh fruits and other side dishes that had been harvested from the sea.

One dish he continued to go back for was what can only be described as resembling a purple sea urchin. The spiny, coin-sized tidbit had a sweet, juicy flavor that lingered on the tongue and only got better with each passing bite. The spines looked sharp, but were actually very silky and dissolved when they hit his tongue.

The other villagers seemed to keep their distance from Asterion as they walked through the square. His hearing had become keener in this new body, and he heard the various whispers of discontent and mistrust from those surrounding him. Granted, he was not one to be trusted, but these simpletons didn’t know that. Of course, Hale never left his side. He continued to run his mouth, and the chatter was broken only when he stopped to take a bite of the smorgasbord on his plate.

“There is so mistrust these days. That is why the Spirit sent for you, yes?” asked Hale before pausing to devour more of the spongy coral-like dish.

Asterion didn’t exactly know how to answer the question. He knew little about this world and why exactly these Guardians had been sent for. He took another bite of the urchin and stared off into the darkness of the night before turning back to Hale.

“There are many reasons that we Guardians have been brought here,” he said as he licked his lips. “There is mistrust, there is crime, there are dark forces that are aimed at tearing the very peace apart. And we are here to try and stop it. How, I am not sure. That is why I am working my way towards the Spirit, hoping to gain more insight into my quest as I go.”

Internally, he smiled. Years of lying on the streets and listening to the lies of others as they passed him by were going to come in handy. He turned slightly from Hale and locked his eyes on a woman in the crowd who he had heard whispering about him earlier.

“The dark feelings of deception, fear and mistrust are all playing their game with all of you. Outwardly, I may look a like some monster from you childhood nightmares, but inside,” he patted his closed fist against his chest to better drive the point home, “I am simply a man trying to understand his purpose.”

He walked slowly towards the young woman as he talked. The others backed quietly away from her but she remained, transfixed on the beast before her. She stared up at him through her wide cobalt-blue eyes, her shapely body stiff with a mixture of fright and awe at the approaching behemoth.

“Even you, someone with such breathtaking beauty have such a dark presence in you as mistrust. What have I done to make you unwary of me?” Asterion dropped to one knee in front of her, bringing his eyes level with hers. “I am only here to help protect your way of life from these dark influences. But if you cannot let those demons out of yourself, my mission may have already failed.”

He stood, but kept his eyes on the woman for just a second before turning to the rest of the villagers. He stood to his full height and squared his shoulders to the crowd.

“If you cannot trust me and let your fears of me be laid to rest, then there is little use for me, or any other Guardian to stay. We could leave, and let this world be torn asunder by the dark forces we were brought here to fight. So I beseech you all to lay these fears to rest and enjoy this night and give all of us hope that this world can be saved.”

Admittedly, it was a little sappy, but it seemed to be working. The low murmurs seemed to die down a bit and the villagers began to return to their food without keeping a watchful eye on Asterion. If he had any emotion, Fell would have likely burst into laughter at the irony of the speech. Asterion chuckled to himself as he ate another urchin. It was ironic indeed. Lull them into trusting him only to be betrayed and slaughtered like cattle that had been lead into the chutes of the packing plant.

Hale literally beamed with pride. He began to chatter on to the others that he had been the one to trust this beast from the beginning, who pleaded with the angry mob on the dock to spare him, and who had kept him fed, sheltered and comfortable so he would better be able to help the Vale and all those who lived in it.

The festivities led into the early hours with music and dance. As the torches began to falter in the wee hours, Asterion excused himself and returned to the small hovel that he had been given to stay in.

The broken urn of water had not been touched. The visions he had seen summoned from it seemed so real, and the fire had been hot. Was it more of a doorway than a window? The Guardian, this Jay Horse, would be an easy enough target, but the molten man may prove to be a snag in Fell’s plan. At least Asterion would have the pleasure of wreaking havoc on the village before he faced any real threats.

Asterion smiled and ate the last urchin he had tucked away into a pouch. He laid the axe down next to him on the floor and stretched out over the hay mat. Before drifing into a deep and restful slumber, he thought of the chaos ahead. The village would fall, and he would take all he needed. It was all going almost too well.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Elmhand and Mia

"A strong name, Elmhand. … This is Redtree, a great forest in a land called Illusion Vale. …
I am a water nymph. Smaller than water elementals but much nicer. … May I? … Do you know why you are here?"

Elmhand watched and listened to the small water nymph that called herself Mia. All the while, though, he seemed to hear countless conversations going on around him, despite the fact that he could not see anybody around, other than Mia. Giving this some thought as the water nymph settled into his branches, he came to realize that what he was hearing was the trees talking to each other and him. And oddly enough, he understood them.

Elmhand was silent for awhile, listening as the trees around him seemed to answer Mia’s question for him. They told him that there was turmoil in the land, evil was spreading and on the move, and the Spirit that is bound to the land was weakening. This last little bit puzzled Elmhand a bit, for he did not know what this Spirit was. He would have to ask Mia.

“I am given to understand,” began Elmhand in a resonant voice, “that there is trouble in this land that is on the rise. And that the Spirit that is bound to this land is weakening.” He paused to listen some more to the trees. “My conclusion then is that I am here to help in some way.”

“What I do not know, however, is how I came to be here and why you are here with me,” said Elmhand. He turned his head so he could look at the water nymph sitting in his branches. His gaze was deep and full of the wisdom his previous life had given him.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila

She beamed her brilliant smile his way and looked over the fantastic view once more, the land seeming to sparkle anew and capture her interest and fascination once again. She kept on grinning, her hand stealing into his to clutch at him fervently. She sighed happily and they watched the sun sink below the mountians with finality in silence.

Once it became so dark that they could only see by the light of the almost full moon in the starry sky, she sighed again and stood. "We should be getting back. We'll need rest for tomorrow -" she frowned, a thought suddenly coming to her. "Mike... are there going to be green skins down there?" her troubled expression showing painful memories through the shine of her eyes.

Then she clapped suddenly and a bright burst of flame engulfed her hands, "I know, this'll make enough light for us to get home!" she laughed, her sudden forgetfulness to like her old self. But her haunted, pained expression still remained and her smile was just a little too plastic.

She reached out a non burning hand and clasped his, "Umm... Mike... do you... umm.. have you ever... umm..." she blushed suddenly and turned away, giggling.

 

[Wolfsister]

Noah and Drakalin

"Oh... I'm fine thanks... I guess... I just don't know what you're talking about... I mean, what am I exactly? Like a fox? Or a dog? And pardon my asking... But what are you exactly? A flying lizard... person?"

Drak laughed, truelly not offended at being called such. Actually, that was rather strange for him, but he supposed that seeing at the foxman was actually new to this world, he could get away with being naively ignorant.

"You are indeed a fox. A fox that can stand up straight, talk and move on two legs. If you want to. Many creatures are similar to yours, they too have ancestors amongst the forest beasts, but you are more intelligent." He nodded self importantly as he started to recount who and what he was.

"I am a Dragoon, part dragon and part elf. Though, I am more dragon than elf. We are the caretakers of the last Dragons."

Though that didn't really explain much, he deemed it sufficient for now.

"Right now, I'm here as a guide, for you. You are new to this world and I am not, makes sense, doesn't it?" He arched an eyebrow and smiled at Noah. "Now come, you must be hungry."

Why was he being so nice to this man? Was it because he was a Guardian? For surely, he was low born and common. A creature forever stuck to the earth. But still... Drak could not help smiling when he looked at Noah.

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Rolyn

“So, Rolyn, what’s you assessment of the fight? And don’t be afraid to be honest. I can take it,”

Rolyn looked at him with an air of one looking at a particularily troublesome child, "You were sloppy," was all that he said. Then he settled on some blankets, turned over and closed his eyes, promptly falling asleep.

Van mewed softly, "Van think you good! Van think Eeth very good! Eeth not win, but Eeth put up good fight. Van thinks Rolyn too hard on Eeth, nya?" he scampered around, pulling some more blankets out for Eeth and spreading them around the young elf, "Not bad first try Eeth," he mewed quietly and then began settling some more blankets for himself.

It seemed that the day was over at last and that they were all individually turning in for the night. Though Rolyn would have liked to continue, he also know that Eeth was in no fit state to do anyting more strenous than lip a cup to his lips.

Van mewed some more, sitting in his bundle of blankets that outlined a small mound in the firelight and began licking himself, "Van think Rolyn want give Eeth pain. Want Eeth know what happen when Eeth make mistake in battle, nya?" He licked his paw and then continued, "Eeth not tired? Eeth just sleep?" he purred quietly as he finally settled down, curled into a small ball, his eyes and ears poking out from the top of the blanket mound, "If Eeth not tired, Eeth tell Van of Eeth's world?" he asked hopefully, his soft brown eyes shining in the firelight.

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

Coudron was absently chewing on some spiky Rejit he had found in the forest when Jay suddenly 'spoke' up -

*They wanna kill me, don't they? Why would they do that? Who are they?*

Coudron stared at the small fire he had built in the middle of the clearing for both their comforts for a little while then slowly nodded his head. "I did know know whether or not you specifically would be targeted. But you have to understand, you are here to end evil. Would not evil want to end you for that?"

Before he could say more, the young horse interrupted, *And who are you really? Why are you here with me?*[/QUOTE]

Coudron smiled, "I am who I say I am, I promise you that. I will never lie to you, Jay. That you can have my word on. As for why I'm with you, well, the Spirit sent me. With every summoning, a Guide is chosen and linked to the soul of the Guardian who is coming. I knew you would come here, to The Spirit Forest, but I had no idea what you would be."

He shrugged, "My role is simple. To help you better understand this world that you find yourself in. And to assist your quest in any way possible. And to keep you safe," then he grinned, "Don't worry, I ain't gonna eat ya!"

 

[rengadeirishman]

"Have i what lass?" Michael asked, laughing at her shyness. "And yes, there may very well be greenskins, But you shall have your bow, and you can hurt them back." He said, holding her hand as they walked back to Durbin's house.

 

[Angelus]

Largos sat there and looked at her, trying to let the words sink in. He knew what she had said; that she wanted him to leave her and go off to feed but he did not want to leave her here alone. She had just gone through a dramatic change and she was still very weak. He reached down and ran his fingers softly over her warm cheek but it was then that he felt a familiar feeling within him.

He felt his hunger grow within him and as he looked at her he could see her warmth, her very life flowing from her and wanted nothing more than to taste it. He shook his head and screamed out that he would never feed from her but he did not know how long he could hold himself off from tasting what he could see in front of his eyes. He leaned down so close that he could the unique smell that she had, the smell of something that had spent its entire life gliding on the winds and it just made him want her even more.

He closed his eyes and once again shook his head, hoping that her scent would disappear from his senses but the more that he wanted it to the more that it assailed him until it was too much for him. He looked down at her once again and felt his hunger growing even more stronger. Largos looked at her face and cursed himself for not being able to stay with her but he knew that there was one thing he could do for her before he ran off.

He hoped that there would be enough wood in the area around him and ran to grab as much as he could carry. By the time he came back he had more would than he needed, piled up enough to start a small fire and lit it. As soon as he was sure it would remain lit he leant down, ran his fingers over Len's face and told her than he was sorry he had to leave her. He slowly pulled his sleeping blanket over her naked frame before he ran off into the night.

When he looked back again he could still see the pinpoint of light from the fire and knew that he could get back to her if she ever got into trouble. It was then that he smelled the air and caught the smell of a lizardman in the area. He knew that it wasn't what he wanted to feed on but also knew it was the only thing that was out here.

As soon as he close enough Largos could see the lizardman standing there totally oblivious to his presence and he knew it would only be too easy. Without a second thought Largos struck, his teeth sinking into the lizardman's neck. As he started to drink the lizardman's blood though something took away his attention and he dropped it to the ground.

Before him was a small group of lizardmen but in the middle was a small feline female. He could tell instantly by the way she was moving that she had been abused by the lizardmen and stood there for a second to see one of them walk up to it and smack it across the side of the head. As the feline female fell to the ground Largos felt his anger grow within him and let it take over. Without a second thought he ran at the group, letting out a shout as he struck the first one who crashed to the ground.

As he ripped out the first lizardman's throat with his fingernails he heard the sound of weapons being drawn and turned to the rest of the group to see that they were still confused by the sight of a vampire in their midst but they would still fight Largos if need be. Largos smiled at one thought; he knew that he would not let them live.

He ran at the next lizardman far faster than he knew they would be able to follow and jumped at it, sinking his fangs into the front of its throat. He heard the loud gurgle as he ripped the front of its throat out and let the lizardman fall to the floor. He grabbed the lizardman by the front of its jerkin and threw it at the rest of the group, watching as it caught two of them and slammed them to the ground.

He quickly turned to last two of the group and watched with a large amount of disappointment as they dropped their weapons to the ground and run into the night. He stood there and watched them run away, still debating whether or not to chase after them but before he could he felt the fatigue flow over him which caused him to fall onto his knees. He knew that he had to feed and fast and looked to the other two lizardmen who were still unconscious.

With a smile still on his face he walked to the lizardmen then knelt down and bit into the side of its throat. He felt his strength return as he fed from it but knew that it wasn't enough and fed from the other as well.

As soon as his strength was back Largos got to his feet and walked to the feline woman. He stopped though when she moved to attack him even though he wounds were slowing her down.

"I do not mean to hurt you," he said as he looked at her.

"But you are a vampire. I saw what you did to those lizardmen."

"I did that to save you. I saw that they were hurting you. Who are you by the way and what are you doing here?"

"My name is Fara and those lizards caught me near my home. They were going to take me to Vakare to sell me."

Largos's eyes went wide, "Do you mean to tell me that those things were slavers?"

She nodded and his anger rose. Now he wished that he had run after the other two and ripped out their throats. He turned his head to look at the feline woman.

"Is there anywhere that you can go?"

"No, I have nowhere to go."

Largos looked at her and knew that he could not just leave her here. He had been brought here to save the Vale and if he could not save one small feline female then how was he going to save the rest of the the people here.

"I will take you back to my camp. I promise you that I will not feed from you as I have done so already this night. My companion and I are going to Vale City if you would like to join you."

He did not receive an answer from the female and when he looked at her he saw that she had fallen unconscious. Without a second thought Largos moved and picked her up off the ground.

"I hope Len can help you or there is someone around to heal you."

 

[EHawkins]

Becca and Kail

“Just remember not to speak out in the open”

Becca nodded. She knew the dangers of speaking out loud in public. She had a cover to maintain now as Allessia.

As the sun set over Vakare, the late afternoon buzz of people in the streets, soften and began to quiet as they headed home for the evening. It wasn’t long before Kail led her to one of the orphanages in the poor, outer ring of the city.

"I thought this may be an appropriate first stop,” he said quietly, disapproval at the children's poor state clear in his deep voice.

Becca nodded again, as dirty, malnourished-looking children started to slowly crowd around her. Small, busy hands curiously picked at her hair and clothes as she slowly waded through them. Some asked her questions and as much as she wanted to answer, her jaw clenched as a reminder that her voice should stay silent.

There’s so many of them Becca thought sadly.

She focused for a moment, and saw the now familiar blue and green life forces flared around her. Many of them looked so weak.

Where do I begin?

There was nothing she could do about malnutrition—she couldn’t think of a way at the moment, to get these children the proper food they needed. Then, something stood out in one of the life forces, something dark, almost black, at the edges. Becca saw that it belonged to a young girl who was holding her arm. She was pale and thin with dark circles under her eyes and she hung back from the other children.

Becca made her way over to the girl to get a better look at her. She sat down on a rickety, wooden step and motion for the girl to show her arm. The girl hesitated at first, and Becca saw a long, somewhat deep scrape. She inspected it more closely, as gently as she could.

Some kind of laceration … She could’ve used a few stitches but it’s too late for that now. It’s infected and the best I can do is clean it out, bandage it, and hope for the best …

Becca looked up at Kail, and made a few motions towards the girl. Hopefully he would pick up on them, and ask the girl the right questions …

 

[Wolfsister]

Asterion and Lira

Her dark eyes followed him, never once looking away, her small rosebud mouth pouting in a slight smile as she watched him walk through the village. She crept from dark shadowed corner to dark shadowed corner as she spied on him furtively. His black two headed axe didn't even register as he hefted it with the confidence that she knew was born of experience. Its shiny black surface glinting in the sun as he walked arrogantly around, being led by the sycophantic Hale.

His horns did catch her eye though, as well as his powerfully built body. She was silently appreciative of the fact that Hale had not yet offered to clothe the beast in their midst. She would not have liked to cover up the obviously savage beauty of the minotaur. Her eyes flicked over his shadow. She knew there was something odd there, it did not act as a shadow should. As absurd as that sounded.

Her full lips curled into a smile as she ran from one building to the next, the villagers she passed either didn't notice her or ignored her completely. They were unfortunately used to the slightly wild child in their midst. Lira was an oddity that was tolerated, so long as she didn't cause trouble.

Though obviously beautiful, the woman was often scorned for just having been born. Her large round, dark eyes were slitted as was usual for her people. Her skin soft to the touch and tinged sort of pale green, just barely noticeable. Of all the races in existance, hers resembled the formerly known Human Race the most. At least, she liked to think so.

People often counted her race to be exotic. Their dancing skills were infamous, their song even more so. The ends of her fingers were tipped with black laquered claws, short but sharp. The webbing between her fingers and toes one of the obvious differences between her and humans. She had no gills though and was therefore eternally bound to the land, even though her fellows frolicked beneath the ocean's waves with abandon.

A halfling was often not a good thing to be.

She blinked, she had lost sight of the magnificent beast yet again. They moved through the streets quicker than she had thought they would. Ah... wait. There they were, at the forge. She slipped into the warm darkness and watched and waited as the lizardman spoke to her prey. Her rose pink mouth pouted again as she realised that soon that magnificent bulk would be covered in impenetrable steel.

Then they were off again. This time Hale led them towards a small, rather dilapidated hut. Her grin was evident once again as the annoying man left and the minotaur remained inside. Alone.

She crept slowly up to the narrow arrow slits that seemed to consitute windows and peeked in, her dark, slitted eyes narrowing as she viewed what happened next. A dark shadow spoke to the minotaur, her eyes widened when flames danced from a basin of water to collide with the ceiling and then she covertly followed them once again out to the main square.

She cast furtive glances his way as she picked at the bare amount of food that she had gathered onto her sea shell platter. She kept her distance, snatching only small bits of conversation that floated around him. She seemed wary of the stranger, as all the villagers were and this suited her.

Her eyes flicked to Asterion's shadow once again. No doubt the creature was among them, even now, gliding silently over the ground in Asterion's wake. She grinned, secrets were always so delicious to keep. The night grew into day and the festivities waned. The minotaur returned to his lowly hovel and the door was closed to his real self once again.

Lira did not creep to his window this time. No, this time she walked straight to his front door. She raised a hand, curled into a slight fist as she knocked on the ancient wood. As the door swung open, her rose bud mouth curved into a deliciously wicked smile.

Without preamble, she entered the hut. Asterion floated a little ways inside, hovering just above the now cracked basin. She smiled and turned towards Asterion who had just raised his ever present war axe. She stepped lightly towards him and raised one webbed finger to his lips. "I know what you are, I know why you're really here," her whispered voice was soft... seductive, true to her heritage.

The half Siren, half Selkie smiled then and a gleam of something shimmered in her dark eyes, then she stepped back and took off the only piece of clothing she was wearing. "I wont tell," she whispered and then in a more authorative voice, "Take me...."