Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"You're married, then?"

Maybe it was just Noah but that didn't seem like the most important of things right now. He tried to ignore the fact that the other was... disappointed by that fact.

"I'm afraid I don't have the answer to that. I would tell you, believe me, fox. I would. But the truth is, we're all in unfamiliar territory here and I must admit, I don't know how you will return."

And it was Noah's turn to feel disappointed, it was a little worse than that, he felt ill all of a sudden and wished he hadn't asked. Ignorance was bliss now wasn't it? He sighed but didn't want to alienate the other too much. But the other's reassurance, though somewhat hesitant, made all the difference to the fox man.

"Brilliant," he said sounding far better than before. "She's the one who brought me here she ought to know how to send me back..." He said thinking that it were only logical.

"Noah, I am old enough to be your grandfather's father, and that's taking into consideration that Fox's have long years. Nay, I have no children. There just never seemed time for them. But now... Elaidha..."

Noah wanted to ask but instead he closed his curious mouth and looked right at the other just taking in all of him. "I'm a little tired from my... trip..." He said in reference to the journey from his world to this one. "Is there any place I can sleep?" He asked.

 

[Mantra]

Jay and Coudron proceeded towards Valkare, but after Jay had recovered from,... whatever it was that had happened, he practically pranced around and about his guide, projecting his thoughts in a score of questions about what had happened.

This of course had two immediate effects, one Jay managed to irritate Coudron to no end, and two, frustrate the hell out of himself, because as awesome as his 'transformation' had been...


Jay really didn't have a fucking clue about how he did it....

*Well shit...* he moped quietly to himself as he finally retreated out of reach of his stony escort. He racked his brain on just what had happened, but it was all fuzzy and stuff, like a half remembered dream. He just remembered running, then POOF! He was a flaming superhorse or something like that.

*Um, FLAME ON!* he thought.

Nothing happened.

He ran in circles, hoping that the run would do whatever was supposed to do...

Nada.

Stamped his hooves on rocks, intending to draw sparks...

Nuttin.

He closed his eyes, thinking about what happened, remembering what it felt like...

And there was a feeling, deep in his chest and a sort of humming in his head... he concentrated harder on that feeling, thinking of it like a lighter, and then two of his hooves flickered to life. He looked down at his own feet, amazed and excited at the sight. Not exactly the impressive sight from earlier, but he had done it!

*Hey! Rocky, look! I did it!* he exclamed. Then as Jay watched, the grass beneath his hooves caught fire.

*What! Gah! Hey!* Jay cried out, jumping out of the flames with each exclamation, which of course set the grass aflame each time his hooves touched down again.

*Rocky! Help! MAKE IT STOP!*

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Slither/Renvir

Sila sighed and closed her eyes, her hands clasped before her face as if in prayer. She searched within herself, searched deeply for her Magi. Being a fairy, she was more in tune with her magical self, but being a young fairy meant that she had control than could be desired.

She sighed again, centering herself and reaching in deeper and deeper, chanting a soothing tone. A poem she had made especially for her magi, Anin, something that the magic spirit inside her loved. She felt Anin peek gently around a bend in her soul and she brightened.

"Don't be afraid," she whispered. "Please... please help me, Anin. The one I love... he is surely almost finished. Please!" The magi's eyes narrowed and the small spark of light that resembled her so much nodded her head then bowed it in concentration. Anin was as young and experienced as Sila was, but she also held the brave golden heart that the fairy in which she resided did.

Slowly, the air around them began to become noticeably colder. Mists formed on the warrior's laboured breaths and the slither began to move slightly slower. Icicles soon bounded from Sila's still form, growing in a ever expanding circle that soon encompassed nearly all of the cave.

The Slither was frozen in its slimy tracks. Sila opened her eyes and whispered to her future lover, "You... don't... have... much... time..."

Then she passed out.

 

[rengadeirishman]

"SILA!!" michael roared, as she passed out. He felt his heart explode into rage, his muscles refueled with his battle fury. He howled as he leapt high into the air, launching his axe at the creature and holding his sword in both hands as he sailed through the air. With an almighty roar, he brought the sword down onto the slither, fueling its fire with his rage, for a moment it seemed as if time stood still as his sword buried itself in to the creature from the top down. Michael landed, his sword still buried into the slither, "DEATH TAKE YOU!!" he roared as his sword flared.

a strange groaning filled the air, as the stone of the slither cracked. Light radiated from the cracks as they widened.

and the world went white.

the slither exploded, sending Michael flying. He landed and bounced, like a rag doll flung by an angry child, he came to a stop near sila, his body battered and bleeding. he looked at her, and stroked her hair weakly.

"i love you sila." he said, and then darkness took him.

 

[Wolfsister]

Elmhand and Mia

“It was completely up to the woods to speak; I did not ask it to,”

At this Mia shook her head. "The Vaka woods only choose the worthiest of being to speak to. And only when in great peril." Her little eyes were wide with unaccustomed awe as she stared up at the gnarled and knotted face of her Guardian. She finally understood just how important their mission was and she made a silent resolve to always push Elmhand in the right direction. To always make him choose to save what was so precious to them all.

And be damned if Elmhand liked it or not!

She swayed slightly in his branches as he moved, her eyes suddenly turning sleepy as she began to get tired, his hypnotic movement placing a rather powerful spell on her.

In a sleep voice, Mia quietly asked, "Elmhand, what was it like in your world? Do you miss it?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/Faelin/Dorian

"I am Fay Ravenwing,"

"Hmm, Fay Ravenwing..." he rolled the sound over his tongue and smiled, though in the depths of his hood, she would not see it. "That is indeed a rather strange name," his voice was slightly burred, there was a almost inaudible growl that lined his baritones though the touch of his gauntlet was gentle against her skin.

"I have not been in this town long? Why would they talk so much of me? Am I really so important or strange? And who exactly are you?"

Once again, Dorian smiled, reaching forwards to drag a chair beneath him, rather than disturb Faelin by moving his foot. He sat, the chinkle and grasping noise of well oiled armor accompanying his sigh of relief to at last be off his feet.

He reached down and ran his metal fingers over Faelin's ears. She whined but otherwise didn't make another sound. "Ravenwing, you are indeed the talk of the town. Or should I say, the resistance. It is truly foolish to assume that your passing through here has not been marked. A beauty such as you could not hide for long."

He chuckled, "Me? Oh I am nobody really. Just an old friend. And someone to trust. For now, you have mine as Faelin has seen fit to trust you with her handling." He laughed, "Or is it the other way around? Hmm?" there was genuine humour in his statement and no sting at all.

"Dorian..." came an almost inaudible whisper from Faelin. He looked down and smiled, knowing that she could see it with her sharp eyes. "Show her... she needs to trust you." She whispered once again, though her voice was far from conspiritory. Rather, it was simply soft and gentle. Almost the way one would talk to a lover. Almost.

Dorian sighed. "Perhaps... I could trust you a little more, if she asks it," he told Fay and then drew back his hood.

Dorian was humanoid, however in place of the typical rounded ears, his were rather pointed. His teeth were, when he smiled, revealed to be long and rather sharp. His golden eyes burned his an intensity that wasn't wholly unchilling and there was an indifinable sense of animalism that came from him.

He also took off one of his gauntlets and a furry hand with fingers ending in fairly long claws was revealed. He smiled, though his teeth were sharp, it was a gentle, encouraging smile and Faelin finally got up, padding towards Fay.

"Fay... Dorian... Dorian comes from my old pack. He's... he's like me." She said softly. Dorian nodded, his eyes burning silently in his skull, though the orbs were edged with a pitying sadness. He reached forwards and touched Faelin's jet black fur, "Though she lost her ability to transform." He said, equally as softly and suddenly Faelin turned away.

Dipping her head to the water bowl, she pretended to drink, unwilling to talk any further. Dorian nodded and replaced his hood and gauntlet. "I am Dorian," he simply said to the avian once again. "And," his head swung to look over at Faelin, "I am in your service."

 

[Wolfsister]

Janelle and Hiran

“I’m sor-sorry Hiran… I’m so sorry…I didn’t mean…don’t be angry. Please, please don’t be angry.”

Hiran had no way of knowing that Janelle had misinterpreted his audible plea. He had quite forgotten his previous anger at her when she had used her arts against him. When she had purposely bent her will towards him specifically. The questions it had left him with, though, were with him still and he realised that he no longer had to wrestle with them.

It was not Janelle the Siren he was feeling. No, it was Janelle. Sweet, sweet Janelle.

Hiran held her tightly and stroked her hair, the eddies in the water making the strands sway in a hypnotic dance. He sighed and closed his eyes, "Janelle. I'm not angry. I'm not angry at all," he whispered into her ear and then abruptly brought her face back in front of his.

He kissed her again, though this time it was a soft, lingering kiss that seared him to the soul. "Its not your fault Janelle. Its mine, I should have told you. I should have kept a better eye on you... I should have..."

He gasped, "Sweet Spirit! You almost died!" Then he held her tightly to him again, almost crushing her with his strong arms. "Never, never let me leave you like that again. Please..."

How could she have done this so fast? How could she have stripped away his skin and exposed his soul in so short a time? He realised that he didn't really care and he was almost glad that she had. At least now, he knew, that he was safe. With her, he could be the man he was. And nothing less.

 

[Wolfsister]

Becca/Kail and Brand

“If what Kail says is true, then I can’t leave until the Night stalker is dead. If I’m the only one who can kill it, then I’m responsible for Vakare's safety. One of us is getting buried and it isn’t me. If I can help it …”

Suddenly Brand began to laugh. He shook his head, his massive shoulders quaking, making the door frame creak in protest. Once he had stopped, his removed his helmet to clear away some of his laughter's tears.

It was revealed that he was a generally over large lizard with a long narrow snout and scaly skin. His eyes were serpentine and his tonge was forked, though he did indeed look more like a huge crocodile than a lizard/serpent man.

Putting his helmet back on, he strode inside, no longer bothering with guarding the door. "Then you have my help, Guardian. For as long as that Night Stalker lives, you will be under my protection."

He noted with some amusement that Kail's light suddenly brightened and shook his head again. Wisps really did wear their hearts on their sleeves, though it was through evidence that he realised they didn't have any scruples against lying to the establishment.

Suddenly Becca would feel a small tug on one of her leafy tendrils. It was the little girl, her dark eyes large and round. She blinked furiously, tears coming to her eyes and then pointed with a tiny fist towards the door. "P... P...Plains..." she said in a barely registerable and rather weakened voice.

Nodding Brand turned around, "I know of where she speaks. To the south of Vakare lies a large grassy plain. A sierra. It stretches all the way to The Spirit Forest and is a rather large area to search. Can you get her to give you instructions? I don't want her to show us. It will be dangerous."

Then he walked outside, calling some of his waiting men to him. "Gather a sizeable detail. We go after a Night Stalker. Meet me at the southern Gates." The soldier nodded and ran off with his errand. Brand's face twisted in a snarl of anticipation, "Soon, it will be over," he growled.

 

[Wolfsister]

Asterion and Kat

Hale hastily stepped forwards. He smiled nervously, drywashing his hands slightly and eyeing the growing crowd. He looked around them and tried to gauge the mood of the town and to his relief, he realised that they were not going to treat the newcomers the way they had treated the Minotaur. Though a demoness and a drider were certainly people to be aware of should any evil doings arise.

He smiled and laughed, his mouth shooting off before he could stop it once again, as it had since the day of his birth. "The inns are... full." He looked around, knowing that the trust of the village could only go so far. "But you can take my small cottage. I have a sister that wouldn't mind taking me. Besides, there are two of you..."

"Oh no, Hale. That won't do," the silken tones of the halfing suddenly spoke up. Her dark eyes flicking between Hale and the newcomers. "They can stay in my hut. After all, I won't be using it." She made sure to clasp her fingers around Asterion's arm, practically hanging off of it. Now the demoness would surely know to whom the Minotaur belonged.

Then he was pulling away and calling the demoness over. To talk. Her eyes narrowed and she looked to the drider who nodded her head imperceptibly.
"Show me to this hovel and I will take care of Kat's things," Then she turned to Kat, hissing slightly under her breath, "Don't make a fool of yourself. Remember, you are a demoness and he only a filthy animal."

Then she skittered along the ground on her numerous legs and took both their packs and followed a stiff toed and narrow eyed halfling towards their future dwelling. She was uneasy in such a crowd and she heard a many jeered insult and though they wounded her drider pride, she ignored them and continued on.
The village would soon burn anyway and then she would have her revenge.

Kat and Asterion were finally left alone. The villagers soon disapating into a more orderly crowd, quickly losing interest in the newcomers. Besides, it was busy day. Every day was a busy day in their small village.

Fell alone remained behind. Hidden and unseen in Asterion's shadow.

 

[Wolfsister]

Noah and Drakalin

"Is there any place I can sleep?"

Drakalin chuckled. "Well there is a tent behind me, but if you prefer to sleep on the open ground?" He paused, looking at the almost terrified look in Noah's eyes. He chuckled again, roused from his gloom by the fox man.

"You wil find everything you need in the tent. I will be sleeping out here, and standing guard. Be sure not to wander too far from the camp if you decide to take a walk though. There are wards place all over and you wouldn't want to trip over them."

He smiled and then stretched, catlike, before standing to his full height. His wings flared open, stretching also and then he walked from the firelight and into the darkness. His voice a friendly echo, "Sleep well Guardian. Tomorrow will shed more light on answers."

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

Coudron sighed shaking his head, "For the last time. I ain't got no explanation for what happened!" he almost growled, stretched to the point that he was almost about to snap. And that was definitely not a good thing. He shook his head and sighed again for about the hundredth time when Jay was suddenly shouting about something else.

*Rocky! Help! MAKE IT STOP!*

Coudron whirled around and looked at his charge, his eyes going wide. Jay was on fire. Well, the grass beneath Jay was on fire. He sighed and tried not to get angry or confused... or, well, annoyed.

"First of all stop stamping around!" he growled and then held out his hand, flames once again climbing along his arm and spreading from his fingers. "Vassa Van" he muttered and four jets of fire streamed towards Jay's hooves.

"Don't move!" warned the firey rock creature as his flames reared and engulfed Jay's hooves. Jay wounldn't feel a thing, actually he might feel a slight cooling sensation but other than that, nothing.

Quickly, Coudron began clearing an area away from the grass. He created a small circle and dragged his hands through the earth, digging a small groove that form a dry moat around the circle of bare ground.

"Come on Jay, step to the circle. We'll let the fire burn out. Don't worry, with nothing to feed it except your magical energy, then it should wink out soon. It doesnt' want to deplete itself." He didn't make entirely a lot of sense, but it was clear that he knew what he was talking about. What ever that may have been.

Once the horse was safely inside the circle, Coudron sighed and sat down just outside of it. This could take a while, and then again it could take a scant minute or two. Who knew? "As stupid as this sounds. Think of water Jay. Think of cooling your hooves in some spring water, or clopping along a sandy beach, ankle deep in surf."

Sounded simple enough.

 

[Wolfsister]

Micheal and Sila

When Sila awoke, it was to a hive of activity. Well, not a hive, but enough for her to sit up and take notice.

And then wince in pain.

She gasped and held the back of her head in a light grasp, her fingers coming away with recently dried blood. She looked over and saw Michael, still in his glorious wolf form, passed out next to her. Like her, he was covered from head to toe with lily white bandages.

There was the sound of crunching rock again and Sila shuddered, her eyes going wide as memories of a dark, dank journey though narrow tunnels assaulted her mind. She shivered and looked over to the sound, dreading what she would see.

She smiled when she looked, however, as the two dwarves that had accompanied them were in view. As was the Bassa. They were still in the same chamber as before, however the other dwarf and rock eating animal had followed them.

Now the Bassa was currently occupied with eating the remains of the slither's brood of eggs and Sila grinned. She looked over and prodded the wolf beside her, "Wake up Mike... please?" her tiny voice full of love and adoration for the man she knew had saved her life.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael heard a tiny voice in the distance Sila he said to himself. Slowly and painfully, his eyes opened and he found himself staring into the most beautiful face he had ever seen. He smiled weakly, even that small act sending pain through his body. "Are you okay...my love?" he asked, staring into her eyes.

Slowly his mind regained memories of what had gone before. "Do Renvir and Takkin live?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Micheal and Sila

"Do Renvir and Takkin live?"

She smiled, gently stroking the side of his face where she could see only a few minor bruises and abrasions, "Of course, my love!" She grinned, "It takes more than that to take down a dwarf," she laughed, just barely hiding the pain that that action caused her to have. "Why do you think I love them so much?" she asked, the lines of her mouth suddenly taut as a fresh bout of pain washed over her.

"I'm glad you're safe though," she whispered.

"Ah! Its no use. Da Bassa's had inuff!" came a familiar voice, though they had heard it seldom enough. A muffled groan punctuated his statement and the Bassa promptly collapsed, a long keening sound coming from its mouth.

It had been clearly overfed and now it was snoring.

Renvir laughed, slapping Takkin's back lightly. "Aye... we'll do more on te morrow." The two dwarves had yet to notice that both Sila and the WolfKnight were awake.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael smiled, "Good." he said, bracing himself as he moved his arm so he could stroke Sila's hair.

"I love you, ya know." he said, smiling.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila

She chuckled, the sound hurting her throat slightly, "I know Mike. I love you too, you know?"

Then she looked up as footfalls sounded nearby. The others had finally noticed that they were awake and she smiled in gentle greeting towards the two dwarves as they walked towards them.

"How ye be doin?" asked Takkin softly, his gruff voice full of concern for the both of them.

"Time ter change yer bandages," said Renvir as he appraoched the werewolf, almost wearily. "Could hurt, mate. Promise not ter scratch me this time?" he asked and then Sila noticed the large gash that had appeared on the side of his head.

At first she had thought that it was from the fight with the slither. But now she realised that they were claw marks. Renvir would have had to go through a lot to bandage a savage and hurt beast like she knew Mike could be.

"Oh Renvir," she whispered and then winced as Takkin saw to her own wounds. "It might be a little while before we can move, fellas. I don't think I can even fly," she said apologetically. "And I'm not sure if our rations will last."

"Don't worry, lass." Was the only reply she got, but she did worry and it ate at her mind. If Michael failed this mission, it was almost certain that he would not have this opportunity again. A sense of urgency stole over her and there was nothing that she could do about it.

 

[Mantra]

Jay stepped to the circle, still prancing a bit in agitation and anxiety, while trying to look at his hooves and the several tiny fires and Coudron all at the same time. The grass around him in the circle was consumed in a frighteningly short time and Jay had a sensation of a wave of fire sweeping across the grasslands, consuming everything it touched. The flames licked at his own underside and legs, but he did not feel pain, he didn't really even feel hot, just sort of a tickling sensation. If course, those flames withered and died as the grass was consumed, leaving only blackened earth and his own burning hooves.

"As stupid as this sounds. Think of water Jay. Think of cooling your hooves in some spring water, or clopping along a sandy beach, ankle deep in surf."

He closed his eyes, thinking of each foot being put into a great bucket of water, seeing the steam and smoke rising up and his feet being normal, well, maybe not normal-normal, but normal-horse.
A cooling ripple went up his legs and as he opened his eyes, he saw the eerie flickering flames fade and snuff out. He held still for a moment before tenativly stepping forward and off the circle.

Nothing happened.

He huffed a great sigh of relief.

*So how did you do that? I mean theat shooting fire thing, and how did you know that the fire would go out if I thought about water cause I thought about fire but it didn't do anything and then the grass caught fire and I couldn't put it out, but I didn't set anything on fire before and I didn't even feel hot or nothing so does that mean I'm like fireproof or something like that?*

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*So how did you do that? I mean theat shooting fire thing, and how did you know that the fire would go out if I thought about water cause I thought about fire but it didn't do anything and then the grass caught fire and I couldn't put it out, but I didn't set anything on fire before and I didn't even feel hot or nothing so does that mean I'm like fireproof or something like that?*

Coudron held up his hands, "Hold off! One question at a time! Please?" he pleaded, smiling in spite the near catastrophy that they had managed to avoid. He looked over the savanna and made sure that no more fires were burning and that the grass lands were still intact. Nodding with satisfaction, he indicated the circle. "Best to step back in there, kiddo. Just in case," he warned and then sat down on a near by boulder.

Then he frowned and though back to Jay's ramblings, searching for the questions that needed answers. "Well, I'm not as young as I look and I've had a lifetime to learn things about my abilities that unfortunately you'll probably take a crash course in. The thinking of water worked because you wanted it so much and you knew exactly what would happen. Water is rather direct when channeling it, but Fire a little more tricky."

He took a deep breath and continued, "You are not fire proof. You're just not affected by your own flames, that's all. And the purpose of my flames was to smother, not burn."

He smiled, "We can make camp here. Its nearing dusk and plain's animals are harder to hear than forest ones. In the meanwhile, I know you're not tired. How about we have more questions? Or better yet, why don't I begin to train you to use your fire. I have an inkling now what you are... but we'll have to wait and see."

 

[Mantra]

*Actually, you kinda look like my dad, except youre all muscelly and bald and you know, made of rocks and stuff like that. Oh yeah, and the fire bit. That's different too. So how old are you anyway?*

Jay hopped back into the circle without a moment's hesitation. He cocked his head slightly at Coudron, turning slightly so he could take his guide in completely.

*So then, what am I..er, what do you think I am?*

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*Actually, you kinda look like my dad, except youre all muscelly and bald and you know, made of rocks and stuff like that. Oh yeah, and the fire bit. That's different too. So how old are you anyway?*

Couldron laughed. "Well, I'm actually a little over fifty years old. Still in my prime, but I'm getting there. My aim is to be the longest living elemental alive."

Then:

*So then, what am I..er, what do you think I am?*

At this point, any laughter died on Coudron's lips. His brow furrowed in a thoughtful frown. "There are old legends, older than time, that state that were beasts that roamed the land. Beasts made of fire and flesh. They had four feet, with long faces and were always as black as coal. It is said that you can see fires burning deeply in their eyes and it is also said that should you get that close, it will be the last thing you ever see."

"Legends tell of four footed creatures that always roamed the night. That preyed on people's children and set the world on fire. Sparks would herald their arrival and flame their departure."

His voice dropped low, "The Nightmares...."

 

[Mantra]

*The Nightmares...* Jay projected out loud, as he digested the information. *Old ledgends,... fire and flesh... set the world on fire...*

His head dropped as he thought, his vision taking in the burned grass around his four hooves, his long, coal black legs...

*HEY!* His head shot up, eyes wide as he regarded Coudron. *You mean I'M one of these nightmare things?!?*

He turned, walking in an agitated circle before returning to the charred spot.

*..but..* he practically whispered in Coudron's mind, whickering softly as he did. *I don't wanna eat anyone's kid or nuthin like that, I mean, fuck, I'm only nineteen years old....*

..*I don't wanna be the bad guy....*

..*This SO totally blows.*

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*HEY!* His head shot up, eyes wide as he regarded Coudron. *You mean I'M one of these nightmare things?!?*

Coudron looked solemnly into Jay's eyes and then nodded slowly, thoughtfully. "I can't be sure. I mean, they're only legends. But, I've heard and seen things worse."

*..but.. I don't wanna eat anyone's kid or nuthin like that, I mean, fuck, I'm only nineteen years old....*

..*I don't wanna be the bad guy....*

..*This SO totally blows.*

Coudron shook his head. He wasn't sure why Jay kept referring to blowing things, but he assumed that it was just something not quite right in the boy's head. Touched, he assumed. Perhaps it was something to do with his old world? Coudron didn't know, but it was starting to get on his mind.

All this kid seemed to do was whine.

"Take it easy Jay. Just because you are something that I had not anticipated you being. Don't forget. You are still you. Inside, your mind is still the same as it was. No matter what form you have taken, your identity is the one thing that Illusion Vale could not change. If you don't want to eat children, then by all means, don't! Besides, its just old wives tales."

He shrugged, uncertainty crossing his features, "You may just be a normal horse with some Guardian abilities, like an affinity with flame, that I dont' know about. Just calm down and relax kiddo. Remember, here you can't take everything at face value."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael smiled at Sila as the dwarves came over. When he saw the scratch he had unwittingly made on Renvir he winced. "Damn and blast lad, I am sorry." he said. "I swear i wont scratch you again."

 

[EHawkins]

Becca/Kail/Brand

Becca stared at the over-sized lizard who blocked the shadowy doorway. The Captain was laughing at her. She wasn’t sure if it was good-natured or derisive. Becca watched his serpentine eyes carefully after he had taken off his helmet. Either way, he seemed amused at her fiery insistence that the Night Stalker was her responsibility.

Something dawned on her just then.

People like him were the reason why I became a Paramedic in the worst part of New York … I always had something to prove, even if it was totally insane and suicidal. This thing with the Nightstalker is definitely both. I’m not a fighter. I’m no superhero …

Becca shook her head. She had a lot to prove this time around. She had to prove to the people of Vakare that she, as a Guardian, was dependable and forthright.

"Then you have my help, Guardian. For as long as that Night Stalker lives, you will be under my protection."

Becca grinned at the Captain.

“Just while the Night Stalker lives, huh? Okay ...”

Then we’ll part ways and it’ll just be me and Kail again on the Spirit’s Road …

Suddenly the small leaves in Becca’s hair twitched when the thick ropes of her hair were tugged. She looked down and saw the little girl starring up at her, wide-eyed and teary.

"P... P...Plains..." she said in a barely register-able and rather weakened voice.

“Ssh …” Becca soothed, as she stroked the girl’s hair. “It’s okay—you’re safe, kiddo … You’re okay.”

Nodding Brand turned around, "I know of where she speaks. To the south of Vakare lies a large grassy plain. A sierra. It stretches all the way to The Spirit Forest and is a rather large area to search. Can you get her to give you instructions? I don't want her to show us. It will be dangerous."

Becca nodded back at Brand and gently hoisted the little girl onto her lap.

“Okay, sweetheart …” she said softly. “Can you tell me where the monster was?”

Becca pointed to the Captain as he turned to walk outside.

“If you can remember, then me and the Captain can take care of it. The monster won’t hurt you or anyone else, I promise …”

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Eeth

Eeth sat and listened as Van first rolled with laughter and then attempted to lecture with a straight face. Eeth responded at the right times, but his mind was mostly on the recent encounter with the Magi, who had just kicked Eeth out of his own mind. And then Van told Eeth to try and get the Magi’s name. And that would prove to be rather difficult.

“Uh, Van? Just how am I supposed to get the name of the Magi?” asked Eeth. “It’s not like I can simply ask him. I mean, we don’t even speak the same language.” When asked to elaborate, Eeth would explain the last encounter with the Magi, everything from the whisper to the wind.

“Any suggestions?” asked Eeth, looking from Rolyn and Van.