Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Tula/Durbin/Shela

Sila was pulled into Mike's strong arms as he kissed her. The rest of the trays were quickly put down and dinner was served. The small bounty that lay before them was quickly consumed as plans were made for the next day's trip. Soon things were all set and the food was long gone, the fire having burnt low from neglect.

Sila cuddled comfortably in Mike's lap, folding her wings as close to her back as possible so as not to hit him in the face with them. She ate and laughed and made serious conversation, though not as often or as succinctly as before. Soon enough though, it was time for them to retire.

Sila turned her head towards Mike's and blushed delicately, a question forming on her lips. Before she could air her thoughts though, her mother swiftly interrupted then and took Sila's hand, tugging her back up to an upright position.

"I think that you two will have plenty of time together while on your journey." She said firmly and then smiled gently, "I would like to spend some more time with my daughter, Michael Long Tooth." Then she led Sila away for the night, bidding them all a good sleep.

Shela and Durbin also bid Michael a good night, trusting that the werewolf could make his own way back to his bed. The next day would prove to be a glorious one indeed, for it would spell the beginning of a quest to find the ultimate metal for the Wolf Knight's shifting armor.

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*Rock? Tell me about the Vale, not all this Guardian stuff and all that, but you know, just something...normal. Where are you from?*

Coudron sat silent for a moment, his eyes reflecting the flickering flames from the fire that served to warm the horse sitting next to him and cast a cheery orange glow into the darkness that surrounded them. He took a while to answer, he seemed lost in thought for a while.

When he began, he was smiling, "Illusion Vale is a place of wonder, my boy. All things are possible here, even things you don't think are in fact possible. Shimmering lakes; deep, dark flowing rivers; broad mountain ranges that stretch along entire horizons and further than the sky. Creatures walk this realm, creatures that are both beautiful and terrifying. The fiercest fires can roam the land, yet the most gentle of fairies do also." His eyes seemed to become a shimmering heat that simmered, something clearly molten shining in their depths. It was almost like he was crying.

"I come from a region that is called the Ethari Plains. Its a harsh and beautiful land at the same time. Earth elementals thrive there, nothing but barren wasteland for the eye to see. Yet a civilisation flourishes there. Centaurs are prolific. Do you know what centaurs are, horsey?" he asked and then smiled, "They're beasts much like yourself, but have a torso that looks much like an elfs but you can never really call it that.

"They are noble creatures. Full of pride and arrogance, but they are also one of the most gifted craftsmen that I know of. They can make anything from the earth. Vases, pots, statues, buildings... it is truly incredible to see just what they can do with just a lump of clay."

He went on to explain about the amazing vistas that could be seen. The harshness, yet friendliness of the peoples that lived there. The vibrant culture that seemed to carve their existence from the earth itself. While he talked, it was with such passion that one would know just how much he loved his home. Just how much he loved the Vale. Truly, Jay could not have gotten a better guide when it came to someone that cared for the land that they were destined to save.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael smiled as he kissed Sila goodnight, Just as Tula rushed her off. Knew that'd happen he thought. "Goodnight Shela, Durbin." he said. He moved off toward his bed, reviewing a map. When he got there he produced a whetstone and a cloth and proceeded to clean his weapons, insuring they were in optimum shape for the journey ahead. When he had finished he lay back into his pillow, and fell quickly to sleep.

 

[DarkPhantomLynx]

Kat and Rylia

"Kat... your path in this world is your own," curious, she added, "How did you feel when you dreamt it? Horror? Elation? Bloodlust? And how did the horned beast make you feel?"

Kat stood there a moment wondering herself about how she felt blushing a moment she looked at Rylia. “I’m not sure if it’s the right answer or not but I felt elated, and wanted to kill more. Horror not in the least and the creature whatever or whomever it was, made me feel proud to be on his side, and a bit aroused at his look towards me. He seemed only too happy to have me fighting along with him as if he didn’t seem to have many others on his side.”
Shaking her head she looks about her self and sighs. “Its insane really, back on Earth I was the reason people were not released from prison for having dreams and feelings like this and yet here it feels natural and good to want to destroy these people and creatures. To stop them from taking control and banishing others from the lands.”
Looking at Rylia she wondered about a sudden burst of light in the other’s eyes but it was gone so quickly she wondered if she had imagined it. Such it seemed to be her companion’s ways always seemed to be angry and resentful towards Kat. She shrugs and moves on.
The sudden burst of her powers stops her she tries vainly to do it again with no results she drops down on the log and holds her head suddenly feeling very weak and drained. She picks up her food and slowly eats feeling as if she is moving in slow motion or a fog.
After resting a time they move on always moving towards this city that Rylia spoke of. And though she was a silent partner it seemed they didn’t argue and they seemed to be able to keep up with each other. Watching the land about them as they traveled she wondered what creatures were about that were edible the bread and cheese were fine but she was hoping for something more tasty for dinner.
Traveling along she ponders over the questions asked of her by Rylia. She had felt joy and elation and a certain amount of blood lust during the dream but in waking she knew she couldn’t do those things. Could she? And the creature, she hadn’t seen it clearly enough but it had brought out something in her, pride, arousal, power? Perhaps her dreams tonight would reveal more.
And what was Rylia’s story what would cause someone to turn another into such a creature. Was there some way she could release her from this spell if she ever figures out her power or powers in time? And when was she ever going home or would she want to when the time come? Sighing she followed along the path and took in the scenery for now. Hopefully in the town or city there would be some action to be seen. She was hoping for something more powerful to drink than water as well. Gods the thought of a glass of cold wine and tub of water sounded so heavenly right now.
Closing her eyes she could almost feel the water on her skin and smell the scent of her bath oils in her bathroom back home. Simple pleasures one misses the most when you’re zapped to god only knows where. And having a grumpy companion didn’t seem to make things much easier. Not that she was really grumpy, just that neither seemed to have much to say to each other. What could she ask, how much farther is it? She could plainly see no town in sight so that was useless. And Rylia already said she didn’t know anything about her power or how to use it, so again another useless question. Sighing she followed along silently and just kept to herself. Letting her mind do what it did best try to solve the puzzle.

 

[MilkManDan007]

A Dream and a Midnight Walk

The previous night, as he slept blissfully on the bed of straw, the dreams began to flood into his head. He didn’t know what was causing them, whether it was a hallucinogenic reaction to the urchins or simply being in this new world, but the dreams seemed more than just dreams.

He saw the fisher’s village from above, as if he was a tern swooping down to pilfer a fishy meal from the vessels docked at the pier. Thick clouds of dark smoke billowed from several buildings as the reds and oranges of the flames danced at cackled on the thatched rooftops. Many of the villagers lay in heaps in the streets, some moaning in agony as the lifeblood seeped from their bodies and stained the soil red, others still as life in them had already been snuffed out.

The images shifted to street level. The acrid smoke burned at the eyes as the unknown seer moved down the cobbled streets, looking into wrecked homes as it passed. The stones of the road were slick with death. Men, women and children alike lay about as dolls. Some had telltale signs of battle on them; deep slicing wounds exposing their entrails as a meal for the ravens waiting on the fences for the men to die before feasting. Others seemed to have died from other, somewhat unnatural, causes as if they had been struck down suddenly in the street by an unknown force that left them without a mark on them.

The hideous laughter of the wraith echoed off the mortar and stone as the tour of death continued. There was little movement in the village. Broken gaffs and tridents were scattered about as if thrown carelessly by a passing child. Even the villagers seemed to be cast asunder. Those who were not already dead would be within moments. The laughter of three others began to course through the air. One was the deep, sinister laughter that was known to Asterion as his own. The other two voices were unfamiliar, but carried with them a definite feminine tone.

Again, the image faded and reappeared. The village was moving about at its normal pace. The women were busy around their homes cooking, cleaning and drying the family laundry on taut lines. The men milled about, sharpening their tridents and attaching gaff hooks to slender wooden poles. Snippets of conversation could be heard as the muted tones faded in and out as if being heard from underwater as the waves broke over one’s ears. The fleet was preparing to sail once again. The guardian was still one that trust had not come to. Felisha’s cornbread was some of the best they had ever tasted. The passing conversation came to an abrupt halt when the young woman with striking cobalt eyes came running to the shoreline.

“Another Guardian has come!”

The dream shifted again. A woman’s form was there, next to Asterion’s, her horns jutting slightly from her hair and tail lying behind her. He had his axe drawn and was swinging away at the villagers who charged him with their tridents, gaff hooks and short swords. A few stood back from the melee firing arrows at the two beasts as they waded through the masses. The cries of women and their children could barely be heard above the din. Behind the slaughter stood a half-spider, half-elf being, cackling with Fell as their two charges laid waste to the village.

It was the combined cackling of the two that drew Asterion from his slumber. He jolted to a sitting position, nearly drenched in sweat. The night was dark and little light from the moon or stars filtered through the dingy window. He could faintly make out the darkness that was Fell, hovering quietly in a corner of the room. He rose, hefted the axe onto his back, and quietly slid from the hovel. The shadow did not move. It was either sleeping, or simply had no interest in following him into the night.

The images were haunting to Asterion. Yes, he had killed in the past, but he wasn’t in that world now. He was in a new place; he had a new start. The conflicting thoughts in his head, one side telling him to turn his life around and come clean, the other urging him to take control of this new world using his newfound strength as a weapon, continued to rage against one another as he wandered into the night. The streets of the village were silent and the clopping of his hooves echoed softly from building to building.

“What am I doing here?” he said to himself as he walked past the bakery. He put his hands to the sides of his head and tapped lightly. “Make up your mind. Make up your mind. These people seem to have no fear of me, no ill will towards me. Why should I follow this wraith’s plan and…” he trailed off, thinking of the images his dreams had conjured before him moments before.

Who was that woman? Was she a woman or was she a demon sent to push him over the edge and into the psychotic rampage everyone seemed to want him to fall into? As he entered the town square, the quietness of the village began to set upon him, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He sat on one of the stone benches and stared into the darkness, letting his mind run its own race. The two sides conflicted for some time, but in the end, the side that always seemed to win came out ahead.

The evil grin began to creep across his face once again. He would wait for this demon-woman to come, and then together they would take whatever they wanted. And if anyone tried to stand in their way, well, that’s why he was given the axe. He stood and began walking back to the hovel that would serve as his home until she came. Yes, she would help him take this world for his own.

He was still several blocks from his bed when he heard a light noise coming from his left side. He cautiously glanced around the corner to see a man standing in the dark alley, smoking a thin pipe. The man looked at Asterion and came into the street.

“Can’t sleep either, pup?” he asked, packing the pipe with more of the aromatic leaves. “I got the gas. Helps to walk around, let some off so the missus doesn’t cry to heaven about the stink.”

Asterion looked at the pipe, and the man held it out in offering. Asterion smiled and reached out, but instead of stopping at the pipe, his other arm continued and wrapped his hand around the man’s mouth, effectively shutting him up. With a tight squeeze, he lifted the spry man off his feet by his jaw. The bone strained and finally cracked under the force, yet Asterion kept the pressure on as he began to walk to the shore. He held the man out in front of him and stared into his eyes. The man flailed against the pain, trying to strike his attacker, but could only manage to swat pitifully at the muscular arms in front of him. Asterion looked the man over. He was not one of the fish-men like Hale, but another sort of being without gills. He was quite thin, and old by the looks of it. He had slightly pointed ears, much like the spider-woman from his dreams.

The rocky shore was dotted with several small tide pools, leftovers from the receding sea. Asterion lowered the man and drug his legs across the rough rocks which tore at his legs and feet. Asterion squatted near one of the pools and pushed the man’s head under the water. The flailing intensified as the man realized he was going to drown, that the last thought he would have would be the decision to open his mouth and suck the seawater into his lungs. Asterion held him there for several minutes after he stopped twitching, just to make sure the deed was done.

He left the man, complete with his now-broken pipe, on the rocky shore. The tide would most likely take him out to sea in the morning. He had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. A time when a mind decided that the evil fork in the road was the correct road to take. Asterion walked back to the hovel and settled back down into the straw mat. Morning would come soon enough, and he hoped the demon-woman would not keep him waiting for too many days.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Danae and Sishota

Danae drew figures in the dirt. "No, you gave me the overview already. How long do you think it will take us to get where we are going?"

She was feeling a strange sense of urgency that she didn't understand. It was like the further they traveled, the more the feeling grew.

 

[Mantra]

Jay listened to Caurdron's voice, his descriptions causing his mind to wander and invision the places and things he spoke of, the wide open plains, the crafts of the centaurs and the flitering images of faries dancing in mid air.

*Sounds great. * Jay projected sleepilly. *Maybe you can take me there after we see this Spirit thing.* That'd be cool....* his comments faded out as Jay drifted off to sleep contentedly and still dreaming of what wonders might be discovered in the Vale.

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

The next morning, Jay woke to find that Caudron awake and had already found Jay fome more fruit and nuts for him to eat. The meal was good, but it left Jay feeling only partly full. Worse still he found himself smacking his lips for want of a drink. Maybe Rocky didn't need to eat, sleep of drink, but Jay sure as Hell just wanted to roll up on the nearest Burger King and supersize everything... It put Jay in a sour mood straight away. It also did not help that Jay was not finding the forest to his liking. He felt hemmed in and constricted, the forest had a myriad fo sounds and smells which he could not identify and the thoughts of things lurking in shadows still nagged at the back of his mind.

But of all of it, his own ineptness was the worst.

Just as Jay had had to relearn to walk in his new body, he quickly learned that he had to relearn how to run as well. Much of the morning had been spent with him trying to to stumble over some rock or tree or his own damn feet..er..hooves as he blundered about. Not that there was really any room to run of course and at least the trees kept him hidden from snickering observers. Oh he could 'trot' as it were, prance maybe if you wanted to call it that, but run? No, not yet at least.

It had taken him hours to figure out the proper gait. It him, it felt like trying to run on all fours, except his balance and stride were all messed up. Jay's concentration and thoughts were suddenly and abruptly scattered as he stumbled and managed to do a face plant into some brushy undergrowth.

*This SO fucking blows, man!*

 

[MilkManDan007]

Lira Introduces Herself

He had barely settled himself down onto his straw bed when there was a loud rap on the door. He was able to quickly sit up on the straw as the door swung open. Asterion quickly grabbed his axe and came to an alert crouching position. His eyes flicked to the dark corner, near the cracked basin of water, where Fell had been hovering. The demon was still there, but remained still; his gateway trick must have taken quite a bit out of the wraith.

A woman strode into the room, much more beautiful than any of the villagers he had seen to this point. Had she seen his midnight walk? Had she seen him kill that old man? He did not want to kill such a beautiful thing, but if she was planning to tell the other villagers, he would have little choice. As a bonus, he could ditch her body next to that of the old man, making it seem like the two had died together on the beach.

His mind was racing with each step she took towards him. If she was going to alert the others to his evil deed, she would not have come here, she would have gone straight to the town elders. There was something about her, something very sensuous that appealed greatly to his dark side. Her deep slitted eyes seemed to connect with his, slightly dulling the racing heartbeat in his chest. She moved with an unnatural grace, her entire body swaying gently as she raised her hand to his lips.

“I know what you are, I know why you're really here,” she said as her finger came to rest on his lips, ending the light snarl that had been building at the sight of an intruder. She stepped back slightly from him as he took in the woman standing before him. She stopped, if even for an infinitesimal second, and then dropped the light cloth sarong she had been wearing.

This night just kept getting better, he thought as his eyes traced the woman from head to toe.

“I won’t tell,” she said softly. “Take me.” It was almost more of an order than a request. One Asterion would be glad to accept. He pulled her close to him, the first woman he had been this close to in ages. He took a deep breath, letting her very odor penetrate every square inch of his lungs.

“How could I turn away such a beauty as yourself?” he growled at her. “And I know you won’t tell. Because if you did, you’d end up like that old man did…” He held her close to him and smiled down at her. “And I’d hate to have to put to waste such a pretty little thing because of one old man.”

He laid her down on the straw bed and removed the small loincloth and belt, tossing it close to Fell.

“Beat it Fell, I’ve got some personal business here,” he said gruffly at the shadow in the corner before turning back towards the woman that was giving herself to him. He lay down next to her, noting the slight tinge of green in her pale skin as he set his gruff hand down on her stomach. “So does a pretty little thing like yourself have a name?”

 

[EHawkins]

Becca/Kail/Matron

Kail turned to Becca, "I think you are safe to speak here, Becca."

Becca nodded. She cradled the girl in her arms and picked her up. She carried her to a small, drab pallet. Unconsciously, Becca’s dryad fingers exuded amber and her instincts guided her to gently smear it across the girl’s wound. Somehow, she knew it would help it heal.

I knew it, she thought. Nobody cares about these people and it’s easy for the Night stalker to just pick them off …

Becca pulled a few leaves from her hair and gently pat them down. They would help keep the wound clean. From her pack, she took long strips of linen and wrapped up the girl’s arm. She tied it off so the bandage wouldn’t slip.

Her face was suddenly angry as she stood.

Jesus—there’s children involved!

Becca knew then without a doubt that the Night stalker had to die. She didn’t know how she was going to kill it, but she had to try. She turned to the Matron, determination in her eye and anger in her blood.

“Tell me about the Night stalker,” Becca said. “Do you know where it hunts here? Do you know where this girl was attacked?”

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"You see Fay, this tale begins long, long ago. It starts with a single, powerful race whom we called Guardians, though they preferred to call themselves Humans....."

Aran was an excellent storyteller, it wasn't boring to hear him speak of such things and he seemed to bear no ill will towards her kind. She was grateful for such a thoughtful gesture. It became quite clear why she wouldn't be exactly welcomed when there was talk of how the guardians were consumed with themselves, hell it sounded like any normal person to her. For a moment her thoughts drifted back to the man she had been so attached to before coming to this world. It was amazing how stupid she was back then and how silly she seeamed to be now. She thought that she had grown up so much from her short time here but it was becoming quite apparent that she had so much farther to go.

"How this came to be, not even I know the specifics. But the person we now know as The Spirit came to be when she banished the Guardians to another realm. A realm of their own to rule. Then she took the mantle of Goddess and has led the Vale in peace for centuries."

"A realm of our own to rule..." She said thinking about that realm. "It's amazing how different everything is... if everything you said is true..." One look at the wolf and she knew and gave him an apologetic smile for doubting. Fay sighed heavily at the weight that this was putting on her. Knowledge was power but it was a heavy burden as well it seemed.

And then the rest of the story was being told by her guide and she could tell that it was hard for the proud wolf to admit that the world that she lived in and loved was falling apart... that it was dying. But at least Faelin was telling her. There always seemed to be a tiny communication problem with the two of them but for the moment it seemed to be working fine.

"The Spirit had no choice. Most of the First Wave were killed. She hunted them down and..."

It was then, Fay had been looking at her hands thinking and listening to what needed to be said, that the avian's head snapped up to look at the wolf. The very woman that had called them had hunted them down and killed them? Of course she knew deep down that this was necessary what with all of the pain and war they were causing but still... her throat tightened just a little bit and she was forced to take a drink to try and cope.

"This time though, the Second Wave and more importantly, you, have one thing the first didn't. You have me, you have guides that will help you in this world. You are and never will be alone so long as I live, Fay RavenWing. I swear it."

Fay felt tears coming to her eyes and she smiled a little. "I have to admit that I like my new last name," she offered before moving forward and hugging the wolf. It was what she needed to hear and she was glad to know that the wolf was going to do all in her power to keep her safe. "Well Faelin... I promis you that I will help you... I will help you save this world or I will die trying," she said petting those pretty ears.

"And... this might be a good place to start..." She said chancing a glance up at Aran and then to the beautiful woman. Her eyes moved back down to Faelin. "This may seem like too much for me... but I feel that with you... I can do it..." She explained. "Do you have any kind of a plan?" She asked nervously.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Eeth and Rolyn

“So, good sleep?"

Eeth was roused out of his trance by Rolyn getting up and stretching. Eeth didn’t have time to respond to Rolyn, for almost immediately he indicated silence by putting his finger to his lips. Rolyn snuck up to Van, who was sound asleep, and woke him up in the most ungodly way: blowing a horn right into the feline’s ear.

This resulted in a very indignant Van, and two elves rolling around on the ground laughing their asses off. Eeth was one of those elves, and he didn’t show any signs of have had the crap beat out of him just yesterday. Sure, there was the cut up clothes he was wearing, a couple of bandages, and some faint bruising, but he sure as hell didn’t act like he had any injuries.

Then Rolyn suddenly stopped laughing. “So, what did you learn? Why do you think you were 'sloppy'?"

Eeth stopped laughing almost as fast, if not faster than Rolyn; so fast, in fact, that it was almost comical. He quickly put on a straight face, but a soft snort indicated that it was a forced straight face. Eeth quickly, and smoothly, got to his feet, again showing no signs of the beating he took the previous day. He stretched a bit, mulling over Rolyn’s sudden question.

“Well, aside from getting knocked unconscious and you hitting me a few times, I don’t know why I was sloppy,” replied Eeth in all seriousness. “I held my own against you and four other elves for almost half an hour, and leaving only you and me standing just before the end. Oh, and also forgetting that one elf whose shin snapped. Didn’t think he’d be standing up so soon.”

Eeth looked at Rolyn. “As for what I learned, I learned that having a broken nose, a black eye, and a couple of broken ribs hurts like hell,” he said with a slight smile.

 

[Wolfsister]

Noah and Drakalin

"Just one I think... What's the plan?"

Drak blinked and looked up, "I don't believe I haven't mentioned that yet," he muttered to himself, but far too low for the canine to pick it up... maybe. He frowned and re-examined everything that he had told the fox man and he had to admit, something was screwy. Normally, not that this situation was anything but normal, he would have explained who they were, what they were and where they were going. He had been thinking about it alot lately, especially with the day coming so near and now that it was here, he found that he had totally forgotten his entire game plan.

He nibbled on some stew and sat down, crossed legged on the grass, his wings folded in behind him, as he thought about what to do next. "Well," he finally said after a long intermission of further frowning and nibbling, "I suggest, if you're up for the trip, that we go see the Spirit herself and then we can go on from there. We're fairly near the Spirit Road and that leads staight up to Vale City." He nodded. That's right... that's what they should do next. Honestly, why had he forgotten that?

He looked up at Noah and then promptly forgot his last thought out question. He blinked and then inexplicably looked away, blushing for some unknown reason. I was staring at him... staring! he chided himself. How rude! But, still... it had been nice just to look at him. Just look.

Drak shook his head slightly. No! That was not right. There was no way that he would push his personal beliefs onto this more than innocent Guardian just because he found the damned man attractive! He growled slightly, "We should get some sleep. Tomorrow we travel west and get onto the Spirit Road."

 

[Wolfsister]

Elmhand and Mia

“I’m here to save the Vale? The trees say that the land is weakening, but what about the citizens? Do they honestly need my help?”

Young Mia frowned, blinking up at Elmhand curiously, "You... you don't want to save the Vale?" she asked, plainly confused at what Elmhand had just said. "The people are the Vale. Everything is the Vale.... don't you... care?" she asked hesitantly, still trying to make sense of his question. "Why would you be here if it wasn't serious?"

“Young Mia. How do trees survive, hmm? What do they need to live? And as for me traveling, how does everyone else travel?”

She pouted and crossed her arms, obviously still confused and this made her slightly irritated, "Why do old people always answer questions with questions? Is it because they don't know the answers themselves?" She asked hotly and, still pouting, sat down on his branch and resolutely looked away.

But it was too much for her to resist. "Oh alright. I suppose you eat sunlight, right? That's why trees get so tall, they love the sun and want to be near it?" Well, she was half right, at least. "And they drink water, mostly from the ground. But you don't have to worry about that. I've got plenty of water, I am a nymph, afterall." Then she frowned again, thinking about the last question, she couldn't help but think it was a trick or something, but there was really only one way to answer it.

"Ummm.. is it 'walk'?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Renvir/Takkin

When Sila awoke that morning, she smiled sleepily and looked out the window. But... hang on, there was no window. She was just looking at bare rock. Since when was the world made out of bare rock? Oh wait, that didn't make sense, of course it was made of rock. Hang on... where was she again?

Then it suddenly all came back to her. She smiled shakily, a great blush coming to her cheeks as she remembered the last night and how her mother - her mother! - had taken her aside and shown her a particularily large and thick colour book.

"I don't know when my little girl is going to decide to grow up." She had explained when Sila had asked her why carry such a book around. She blushed now, remembering the pictures and the way the many figures seemed to blend together. Could there really be that many way to do it?

She shook her head and decided to get ready for their long journey ahead. Maybe, before they left, she could ask to see the sun just one more time. She knew that it would be a while before she could see it again. But if it helped to create Mike's armor, then she was all for the trip. Didn't mean that she relished the opportunity though.

She thought a while before hastily stuffing the coloured picture book into her pack and rushed out of the little room she had spent the last couple of weeks in. She farewelled her mother and then raced to Mike's room, bustling him around until he was ready, kissing him any time she got the chance and then they made their way towards the deepest part of Guardan Hall.

Waiting for them was Tula, Shela and Durbin. As well as two other dwarves that Mike had yet to meet. They were the handlers of the Bassa beast that hovered around, just looking like a huge grey blob that was content to chew on the rocks that the dwarves occassionally threw its way.

One of the dwarves with a red beard smiled and bowed low, followed by the other who had a black beard. They were soon introduced as Renvir and Takkin respectively.

Durbin looked over their supplies and gave some last minute introductions. "So, are you ready to go?" he asked, apprehension in his eyes yet a certain excitement also lingered there.

 

[Wolfsister]

Kat and Rylia

The answers that Kat gave to her question and the further insight into her own existence before the Vale gave Rylia a conflicted sense of judgement of the demoness. The Drider skittered along the sandy beach, not really keen on traversing the forest beyond the shoreline, and thought a bit more on just what to do with the guardian that she found herself attached with.

Rylia glance askance at the demoness near her and shook her head. There was just no way to know how to manipulate this one. Perhaps Fisher's Village will yeild some answers and who knew, maybe they would meet this horned creature that Kat saw in her dreams. Rylia was almost sure that it was a communication of sorts between two dark souls that were bound together by fate, but she wasn't completely convinced it wasn't just the lunatic ramblings of a confused mind.

"We will be there soon, tonight I hunt. You may come along if you wish, but be quiet. And tomorrow evening will see us to Fisher's Village. There we can get ship to Vale City and then we are off to see the Spirit."

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

Shota nodded and considered Danae's question. "At the rate we're traveling, we should get to the plains in about four more days. Then we travel across to Nariel, the great city. From there we will make our way to Vale City. That may take many days more. Possibly months," she tsked at the amount of traveling they had to do. But it was the way, unfortunately.

"I think it would be best, if you want to make faster time, to rest for an hour at noon. That way the horses can keep up with you for longer," she added, almost as an after thought. Then she smiled gently, "Do you need rest now or do you have more questions?" She was more than happy to answer any that Danae had, she quite enjoyed talking with the Selkie.

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

Coudron couldn't help it. He burst out laughing as he watched Jay try, rather unsuccessfully, to run. He had never seen a horse so off balance before. He supposed that these Human creatures only had two legs by the way that Jay was acting.

"Sorry, horsey," he grunted at the stumbling Guardian, "I haven't got a clue how to help ya. But... me mum always said a bit of competition was always a good way to get the ball rolling. So," he paused and grinned at the struggling horse, "Catch me if you can!"

He laughed and then he was off, careful to keep himself in sight, running through the forest, careful not to put the entire forest aflame. He laughed and called out well intended insults to the guardian to goad him into chasing after the fire elemental.

He figured that if Jay just did something without concentrating so hard on it, he'd probably get it right. Besides, the faster they went, the faster they'd be out of here.

A few hours later, having not been caught by the horse, Coudron stood beside a small stream that ran through the Spirit Forest. It was more like a little trickle through the undergrowth, but still, it was water. He saw the horse stumbling through the woods to get to him and smiled, "Need a drink, horsey?" He grinned.

 

[Wolfsister]

Asterion and Lira

“How could I turn away such a beauty as yourself? And I know you won’t tell. Because if you did, you’d end up like that old man did… And I’d hate to have to put to waste such a pretty little thing because of one old man.”

Her dark slitted eyes twinkled softly, her lids coming down heavily as she shivered under his hot gaze. "I don't care," she said softly, her lips curved delicately into a wicked smile, "I like that you can be a little rough."
She grinned up at him as he moved over and scooped her up into the air. She gave a little yelp of surprise and then a purr of appreciation as she felt the wiry muscles on his arms beneath her.

"Oh yes," she whispered, "You can do what ever you want with me. You can even kill me," she grinned, "Just as long as you get something out of it. I'd hate to have held out on you." She smiled and leaned over to lick at his lips, "I won't even scream," she promised with a small whisper and another delicious lick at his face.

“Beat it Fell, I’ve got some personal business here,”

The Shadow Wraith hovered for a moment over the shattered basin. It seemed not to know what to do. It was, for the first time, genuinely confused as to what Asterion meant. "Beats itss..." it hissed quietly again, digesting the words and rolling them around its head. It finally dawned on the Shadow Wraith that the Guardian actually wanted to be alone. It stared at Asterion, its diamond eyes burning as it hissed quietly, "We's wills be aloness..." Then it slithered out of sight, melting into the shadows. Its eyes nowhere to be seen, though it did not actually leave the room.

“So does a pretty little thing like yourself have a name?”

"Pretty?" She frowned, "I'm beautiful and you will remember that!" she pouted at him, her seductive eyes slightly coy as she smiled, wrapping her arms around him, "This beautiful little thing does have a name," she grinned and traced a light finger against a curved horn, "Lira," she breathed.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael awoke just as Sila rushed into his room. He kissed her quickly and made last minute preparations. He had a pipe, plenty of tobacco, maps, rags, and a whetstone. Durbin had also left him a large knife on the desk. Michael drew it and examined it. It was of beautiful craftsmanship, silver wire inlaid in the etches. the etching spelled out the words "Michael Knightwolf carries me." in dwarven. It was a heavy knife, with a footlong blade, straight but curved toward the point. It was without doubt the finest knife Michael had ever seen. He showed to it to Sila. "Knightwolf eh? I like that." He quickly strapped it to his belt, and gathered his belongings. He kissed Sila twice more in quick succession, and joined the others in the deepest part of Guarden Hall.

Tula, Shela, and Durbin were already there, and Michael nodded warmly to Durbin, the thanks evident in his eyes. Two other dwarves he had never seen before were there. One with a Red beard, and the other with a black one. They introduced themselves as Renvir and Takkin. Michael eyed the Bassa, it was one of the strangest creatures he had ever seen. Durbin asked if he was ready to go and he nodded "Aye, as ready as ever I shall be." he then looked at Sila, "Are you ready Sila?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Becca and Kail

“Tell me about the Night stalker. Do you know where it hunts here? Do you know where this girl was attacked?”

The matron shook her head, "I don't usually allow the children out of my sight, friend of Kail, but this one," she pointed at the small child in Becca's arms, "Has always been a flighty one. Full of adventure and spunk. That is until..." she trailed off. The one eyed woman sighed, "I only know that the Nightstalker got her because of her wounds. I've seen their like before. On my own... " she stopped, her one eye welling with moisture and was unable to continue.

Kail's soft blue light pulsed quietly as he let the information sink in. It didn't leave them much. "It seems that only the child knows where she was attacked." Then he spun on the spot, "I don't suppose there were any witnesses?" He directed his voice towards the small children crowded around the Matron. All but a few brave ones drew away from him and he made a slight clucking sound.

There was a polite coughing at the door, and they all swung around to face a newcomer. Kail visibly paled, his blue light dimming until it was almost white.

"Allessia, was it? Or is it Becca now?" Came the deep booming voice of Captain Brand. He held up a palm to forestall any comment, "It matters not. I have enough evidence you don't work for a Nightstalker. Though if I may ask, why do you want to find it?" his eyes shone from beneath his helm in a curious manner.

"And enough charades, I know the woman can speak. I've heard it."

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/Faelin/Aran and Celeste

"I have to admit that I like my new last name,"

"It... it... fit..." stammered the suddenly embarrassed black wolf and she grinned, leaning into the petting. She just loved being scratched there, it seemed that Fay was a fast learner and indeed did have a way with canines.

"Well Faelin... I promis you that I will help you... I will help you save this world or I will die trying,"

She shook her massive head, "I won't let you do that. The dying bit, that is." Then she looked deeply into the avian's wet eyes and her own golden ones seemed to smile. Finally, all of Faelin's past grievances and all of her holding back was gone. "Thank you Fay," she whispered, her voice growling in adoration slightly. Whether she was thanking Fay for offering to help, or for giving the wolf a second chance was unclear. But it could have been both.

"This may seem like too much for me... but I feel that with you... I can do it... Do you have any kind of a plan?"

Celeste suddenly laughed. She had been so quiet for so long during the story that both Aran and Faelin had forgotten that the siren had been there. "There is our plan, Fay. We have none!" she sounded rather like Faelin had before, quite cynical.

Aran gave a slight growl and finally took off his helm. He was revealed to have a rather long snout, sort of like a lizard's, and his eyes were slitted. He was a sort of scaly green/blue colour and there were numerous white scars all over his face, "Celeste! You know that the only hope is to replace this government. It is to help the people in any way that we can. The Spirit is counting on us and now she's sent us help!" he gestured wildly at Fay who was still petting the wolf.

Celeste barked out another laugh, "And what do you expect her to do? She's just a child! And a Guardian!" she spat out the last word with as much contempt as she could muster, rose from beside the inside pool and stalked out of the room.

Aran turned to Fay, his eyes mirroring the sadness in his soul, "I'm sorry Fay. My wife... she's a beautiful person but... there was an accident and..." he shook his head. "Perhaps she should tell you herself." He muttered and rose to follow his wife, "Excuse me... I'm sure you understand..." he murmured to Fay, bowed and also exited.

Faelin blinked and sighed, she did not know any of Celeste's personal history either, but it was hard to believe that the woman who had spoken previously was indeed her friend. "I do not know what to say Faigel," she said softly, using Fay's real name for the first time, "I'm sorry."

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

Noah continued to eat, savoring the delicious meal the other had made for him. But he did chance a glance or two up to see how those wings worked, they were amazing and definitely something unreal. There was still a part of Noah that was trying to convince him to wake up.

"Well, I suggest, if you're up for the trip, that we go see the Spirit herself and then we can go on from there. We're fairly near the Spirit Road and that leads staight up to Vale City."

It sounded reasonable to him and then he realized that... well the other was staring at him... and... he was staring back. Oh my wasn't this just a teensy bit awkward? And at the same time very interesting... Noah looked behind him just to make sure the other wasn't looking right through him or something but it was quickly confirmed that this was not the case.

Noah was starting to see what was going on. He wasn't nearly as stupid or as innocent as he looked. He nodded to himself upon seeing the other blush and was very curious to see what this would lead to.

"We should get some sleep. Tomorrow we travel west and get onto the Spirit Road."

"Perfect," he said before eating the rest of his supper. "Let me help you clean up and we can get settled..." He offered as he stood up and began to try and figure out what the other would need done. Unfortunately, he was working a little too hard on looking good and moving gracefully that he stepped, a little too purposefully, on a loose bit of dirt which sent him down to the ground and there was a loud crunch.

"My ankle!" He yelped as he tried to bounce up. He sighed heavily and looked at the other, silently defeated by his own actions. "I'm sorry... Do you know anything about sprains?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Rolyn

“Well, aside from getting knocked unconscious and you hitting me a few times, I don’t know why I was sloppy. I held my own against you and four other elves for almost half an hour, and leaving only you and me standing just before the end. Oh, and also forgetting that one elf whose shin snapped. Didn’t think he’d be standing up so soon.”

Rolyn smiled and nodded, "Good. At least you were thinking. Next time, be sure to improve. Use your knowledge, your memories to improve your battle techniques and strategies. Remember everything you do has a reason and also a counter. As well as what ever your enemy does. Learn from it." It was pretty much what Rolyn had wanted Eeth to realise. He had wanted to force Eeth to remember the battle, to examine every part and see if there had of been anything he could do better. Even if he wasn't battling now, there was always another fight waiting with an even better opponent.

“As for what I learned, I learned that having a broken nose, a black eye, and a couple of broken ribs hurts like hell,”

Again, Rolyn nodded. "Good, you know what pain is. You'll do extra to avoid it next time, I trust?" He had wanted to beat Eeth senseless, essentially wanting Eeth to fail. Failure was often a good teacher, as he had learned from a very young age.

"Today, your weapon's training will be postponed. Today you take lessons from Van in magic." He grinned and sat down on a log, his movements slightly stiff seeing as he hadn't had the benefit of being completely healed by Van like Eeth had had. He preferred to feel the pain, he preferred to live with what he was already used to. He learned from his mistakes.

Van mewed and grinned, much like a lunatic would and then jumped up and down, punching Sticky into the air in a sort of victory dance. "Van teach Eeth good!"

Then he instructed, with much mewing and licking of his paws, for Eeth to eat breakfast before starting. "Magic drain Eeth. Magic be very dangerous!" he mewed and then shoved a plate of fried bacon and eggs beneath Eeth's nose.

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

Fay was honest to god so surprised by the outburst that her jaw fell open as she watched the woman talk about her in such a manner, and while before she was a little wary of the woman she knew now that that woman was off her kilter and she was not to be trusted, at least Fay would have a very hard time ever going there again. She felt very sad for poor Aran, this was the woman he had chosen to marry and it was suddenly becoming clearer that she was not the woman she had once been.

She could see that sadness there and wished that there was something she could do but she knew that she didn't have any power like that, there was nothing she could do and damn how powerless she felt. How worthless she seemed to herself.

"Excuse me... I'm sure you understand..."

The young avian nodded and looked back to Faelin and sighed as she sat down to try and get comfy.

"I do not know what to say Faigel. I'm sorry."

"Oh don't apologize Faelin... None of this is your fault. That was... just odd... But it's not going to get me down. I promise you..." She explained even as she tried to think about what to do next. "I don't think that we should leave this town just yet... There has to be something we can do for Aran."

Fay ran her fingers through her hair and pulled her knees close to her as she rested her forehead against her knees. It was going to be a long night if this was any indication. How could she possibly hope to bring down a dictator?

She could kill him... but could she really kill anyone? There was a part of her that sincerely doubted it but the darker half that knew her far better... knew that she could indeed. She looked up from her legs and gasped.

It would be slow... and she had no idea why... "I could marry him..." She said and then she waved her hand. "nevermind..." She was back to thinking. "Maybe beat him with my whip?" She asked. "no... that won't work..."

"How could we just get him to step down?"

 

[EHawkins]

Becca/Captain Brand

The matron shook her head, "I don't usually allow the children out of my sight, friend of Kail, but this one," she pointed at the small child in Becca's arms, "Has always been a flighty one. Full of adventure and spunk. That is until..." she trailed off. The one eyed woman sighed, "I only know that the Nightstalker got her because of her wounds. I've seen their like before. On my own...”

Becca was quiet for a moment as she tried to piece together what the matron was telling her.

That wound … It's a very specific kind then, that the Nightstalker leaves. Good to know.

She looked down at the girl, who was still passed out, for a moment.

You’re the only one who can help me help these people, kiddo …

Somewhere behind her, she heard someone cough. Out of the corner of her eye, Becca saw Kail’s light suddenly go pale.

"Allessia, was it? Or is it Becca now?" Came the deep booming voice of Captain Brand. He held up a palm to forestall any comment, "It matters not. I have enough evidence you don't work for a Nightstalker. Though if I may ask, why do you want to find it?" his eyes shone from beneath his helm in a curious manner.

"And enough charades, I know the woman can speak. I've heard it."

Becca smiled slightly as she turned. The flickering flames barely penetrated the orphanage’s murky shadows and left her partially cloaked in its gloom. She had grown up on the bad side of the Bronx and worked in the infamous Hell’s Kitchen. It would take more than the Captain’s strong voice to shake her.

“I prefer Becca. ” Becca said coolly. “ Allessia was just a … necessity.”

She stepped up to the Captain, as much to get a look at him, as to show that she wasn’t afraid of him. She wished he would take off his helm so she could read him better.

“That child was attacked.” Becca said as she gestured to the pallet where the girl lay. “I’m going to stay until she wakes up, and hopefully she can tell me where it happened …”

Becca looked up at the Captain with fierce resolve and took another step towards him.

“When I find the Nightstalker, I’m going to kill it.”