Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[wolfknight20]

"Come Silver, to your first battle. Try not to be killed!"

And then the elf was off and running. He swung his scimitars in a horrifying fashion and roared a challenging battlecry. Two of the seven raiders were down before they knew it. While he tackled the third and fourth, Varic life the fifth, sixth and seventh to whatever Silver could pull from his furry sleeves.

Silverfang let loose another battle cry this was simply FOR ERIC before opening is maw and shooting a thin stream of ice at the nearest rider which knocked him off his horse and froze him to the ground but the rider was up almost instantly

silver spun around to face the second and third

while at the same time knocking the first he had attacked out cold with his tale

he fired a ice ball then a fire one at an angle to the ice when the collided he lept though the cloud of steam sinking his teeth in to the throat of one wile knocking the other from his horse with his tail as he landed he lept atop the last and pined him with his body to the ground

between the two incapacitated riders they would get some answers

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Elmhand

As the Nightmare danced around in circles of pain and confusion, there was a sound from the Stalker similar to that of the cracking of thunder over and over again. Soon, the fighters would realise that the Stalker was actually laughing.

As Jay tried to swat out the burning spots of muck on his body, the thick oozing liquid began to do its work. Sinking into the black fur of the horse and further down under the skin beneath, the liquid vaporised upon contact with Jay's blood.

Tiny molecules dispersed in the Nightmare's blood, coursing through his veins and quickly passing through the valves in his pumping blood. Jay's pain induced panic only sped up the process.

The nightmare's blood raced through his body, carrying the deadly toxin to all of his vital organs. Slowly, the blood began to curdle and heat. This wasn't abnormal for the horse, his primary element being fire anyway, however, it was something that was completely and utterely out of his control, and was slowly eating him from the inside.

This slow, insidious toxin could barely be felt at first, but soon the body would be heating up... and joints would start to get sticky and hard to move - but not impossible.

Elmhand also suffered the same toxins in his system, however they were a little slower in taking form to his 'blood stream' as he was an entirely different being all together. It wouldn't make him burn either, just experience excruciating pain for some time... his joints and branches would become sluggish as well, but more so at the epicenter of where the globs hit. The same can be said for Jay.

The Nightstalker bellowed a satisfactory cry when its attack scored a hit on both intended targets. Now it would just have to wait for the toxins to completely liquify the defenders from the inside out. Meanwhile, it could have some more fun.

Swinging its massive arms around, it cried out yet again and gathered a ball of purple energy inbetween its hands, preparing to launch it at its attackers.

There was only one way to beat the toxin, but the Nightstalker wasn't about to tell them what it was.

 

[Wolfsister]

Largos

"You have my word. I will help you fight whatever plagues these people. I just need to know what it is I am fighting."

Menos leaned back a little, appraising the vampiric guardian before him. He nodded to himself after a few seconds and leaned forwards casually on the table again.

"The history of my people is a long and frustrating one. We have kept most of our knowledge locked away, not for evil purposes, but simply to keep the people safe. One of these histories of of a certain race that once wished to rule this land. As it almost always is, they turned to the Dark Magic beneath us. The Netherworld that is the same, but darker than Illusion Vale. We were not always known as Valians.

This race we call the Beastions. They were immensely war like, but had a fierce loyalty to their own species that was hard to match. Naturally, most of the Vale were suspicious and often fearful of them. They came to resent this fact, and so gave themselves a way to create that fear as a fact, not as a rumour.

They gave themselves over to an ancient, terrible and evil Magick. There's not much in the history I know about it, but there could be others that know more. We will have to investigate further. But the Humans, the Guardians that we know them of, later learned to harness and use this Magick. It was part of their Corruption."

Most of what Menos said was taken for granted and if Largos had any questions, they were going to be answered at the end of his tale.

"What they became when they merged with this Dark Magick was something beyond comprehension. Shadow Wraiths are an off shoot of what they became... but I don't suppose you've met a Shadow Wraith.. hmm... they are creatures of darkness and death. I'll explain more later. For now, the Beastions.

We came to know of the newer, much more menacing race they had become, as the Allister. It is an ancient word that means, quite literally, evil.

These - after a long war that I won't go into - were eventually sealed into the Netherworld where they belong. The Gates between here and there were locked long ago. However, it seems that they have been able to pick the lock, so to speak. This juncture around us, happens to be one of the Ancient Gates. They dont' seem to be able to stay up here for long, as they only attack at night, but they are still a very real threat and need to be Sealed once more. "

Menos shook his head, "Not much is known about the Allisters. They have a corporeal state as well as a incorporeal one. But to kill they must manifest themselves. It is said they drink souls to replenish their power, but I don't know if that's true. What is true is that they do drink blood. And bodies and anything they can get their hands on. They love the life of others, it seems to give them pleasure, if not sustanence."

He sighed, "There is only one way to defeat them. A long and difficult spell is used to immobolise them and an even longer spell is used to cast them back down into the Depths. Then the Spirit must Seal them again, but she's not able to right now, so a patch which I have with me will do until she can come see to this personally."

It was more information on history, rather than what or who these beings were. But at least Menos, while he seemed grim, seemed to think that they were at least beatable.

"We will make preparations. You must fight them and buy us time. It takes a lot to cast the spells and most of us will be indisposed. You need to distract them long enough for it to work. Your sword, you'll find, will be more than enough to attract them."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael was in his dwarf form at the council, and absorbed information from the various maps they pored over, his time in the marine corps and as a hitman back home served him well in this endeavour.

"We'll hit them hard and fast, at night. I'll need the best warriors from the faefolk and the dwarves for my plan." He said, looking around at those assembled

"We'll go in silent, and hit the goblin chief's household first. Goblin's are worthless in battle without their chief, according to all the intel thats been made available to me." He paused a moment, considering.

"My queen, is their any chance your people have magic to give us nightvision? My wolf eyes are fine in the dark, but i am concerned about any who accompany me." he asked.

He then looked to his tutor, "Maccan, i need the fastest and most ruthless dwarves in the army to accompany me. We'll need to go in light, i won't be wearing my armor and I'll carry only my sword and knife. My queen, how are your people for knife work?" he asked.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Eeth proposes the second game

A wooden bowl and three differently colored beads were set down at Eeth’s feet, and before he could thank the woman, she was back at the queen’s side, but he thanked her anyways as he picked up the bowl.

Eeth quickly checked the beads to ensure that they were a uniform size and shape, and once satisfied with that they were, he enquired with his magi, Valeros, as to whether or not there was any magic on the beads that could be used to distinguish between them. If there was, he was to then make them uniform. Once that was all done, in under a minute, he turned his attention to the queen, holding the bowl in one hand, the beads in the other.

“For the second game, there are three outcomes,” began Eeth. “Each outcome is represented by one of the beads. This game is a drawing; what bead you pull out determines the outcome. I had said that this game was to make things interesting for the fight, and it will. This drawing is to decide upon a disadvantage that will be placed upon the person drawing. There are two different disadvantages: one disadvantage is that one arm will be tied to the fighter’s body; the other disadvantage is that the fighter starts the fight unarmed, but may obtain a weapon by attempting to disarm his or her opponent and no one else, or by creating one by magic, provided that magic is allowed. The third outcome is that the fighter will have no disadvantage.”

“The red bead will represent one arm being tied to the body,” continued Eeth, showing the bead then placing it into the bowl, which he repeated with the other two beads. “The yellow bead will represent being unarmed, and the blue bead will represent no disadvantage. The bowl shall be held above our heads so we can’t see which beads we have our fingers on, and both of us, your majesty, will draw one bead, take note of it, and replace it in the bowl for the next opponent.”

“Please note, your majesty, that the outcomes of each game should be adhered to strictly under penalty of forfeiting the fight,” said Eeth. He then fixed his eyes on the queen, and waited for her response.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Elmhand

As soon as the tar-like ooze started to burn away at Elmhand’s armor, sap began to gather in copious amounts around the wound, blocking the veins that the toxin held within the ooze would have used to spread. The toxin that was unnoticed to Elmhand was blocked, unable to penetrate more than a few inches into the Ent due to the sap, which hardened upon contact with the toxin. The sap couldn’t hold off the toxin forever, nor get rid of it, but it would stall it for hours, if not for days.

Elmhand had turned back around to face the Night Stalker shortly after the ooze had hit. Elmhand didn’t know what he could do against the monster, seeing as how his attacks did little more than piss the creature off. Then Elmhand heard the whisper of a nearby forest; they were calling to him. He was too far away to make out what the forest was saying, but he knew where the forest was and how far. And he got an idea.

“Becca!” called out Elmhand. “Distract that monster until I get back!”

With that, Elmhand took off moving with his best possible speed towards the forest, giving the Night Stalker a wide birth. He just hoped Becca could do as he had asked.

 

[Wolfsister]

Sita and Brod

"I have fangs for godsakes!"

Brod nodded at that, wishing for the moment that he could forget what she was and what she had to do to survive. He opened his mouth to speak to her when suddenly she was next to him again and reaching for his belt pouch.

She seemed entranced by the jewel she pulled from it, turning it over and over in her hands. Brod couldn't say for certain just what the gem inside the setting was, but it was a deep sea green with odd flecks of gold burned through it.

"I found it near your person Milady whilst you were sleeping," he rumbled at her, not in the least offended she had taken it from him. In his eyes, it belonged to her as he had found it with her. As long as she kept from his possessions, he would not begrudge her the sparkling pretty.

Ignoring the pendent for now, for it was no longer his concern, he turned a watchful eye on her. "I do not pretend to know what the danger is, but I do know I needs escort you to The Spirit, the goddess of these lands. Mayhap she has more information for you."

Suddenly Brod became aware of the approaching dawn. Without thinking, he retrieved his mighty hammer and swung it onto the springy grass. A hollow appeared and he began to work more swiftly.

It soon became apparent that he was digging a tunnel of sorts, though it was hard work with just a hammer for the digging tool. And he seemed to be in a bit of a hurry.

"I cannot explain now milady, but you needs follow me into a chamber I will dig for you underground. When the sun rises, you will perish and I do not wish that ill fate on you."

Grunting and soon panting for breath, he dug first down and then across. Soon no light could be seen from above and he paused only long enough to take a glowing orb from his pouch and give it to Sita to hold.

Instructing her to stay where she was when he judged it far enough underground, he moved forwards and began create a larger chamber at the end of his makeshift tunnel. There was no telling how the tunnel did not collapse, save for the mysterious low thrum in the air and the occassional thickness of it. It were as if he held the tunnel up with pillars of air, but that was impossible!

Once the chamber dug, he turned about and beckoned Sita forwards. "My lady will be safe here until the sun does come down." He panted. And then promptly pitched forwards onto his face, collapsing unconcious into the soft earth.

 

[Wolfsister]

Silverfang

Unfortunately, the elf was not as merciful and did not leave a raider standing. When uncovering their head bands, he discerned their elven heritage and curled his lip in disgust. His blueberry hair had a fine coating of dust on it, dulling the brilliant shade. But his brow clear and he showed no sign of any physical exertion.

He looked over to see how Silver had fared and was impressed with their now two captives.

"I'll tie them up and the we shall see for a proper burial site for Eric,"

He swiftly turned to his task and when the two unconcious elves were bound effectively so they could not escape, he picked up Eric, cradling him in arms. "So young," he said sadly, "And so brave to pick up this cause of ours,"

He sighed and moved away, leading Silver away from their camp. Wandering, he looked for the right place to properly honor the Birdling.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael

When Michael spoke, the council hushed to hear his words. How had they come, in so short a time, to depend so heavily on a mere stranger?

"My queen, is their any chance your people have magic to give us nightvision? My wolf eyes are fine in the dark, but i am concerned about any who accompany me."

Maccan answered him in a laugh, "Lad, not ter worry. We dwarves were made for mines and what are mines but dark? And aye, ye'll get me best, but I'll be savin some fer defense ere," he added the last thoughtfully.

"My queen, how are your people for knife work?"

She was pleased by the way he addressed her and reflected a moment on what kind of son he would make. But her mind turned to the matters at hand far too soon for her liking. "Aye, why do you ask? What do you have planned?"

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael nodded gratefully at Maccan, then turned to the queen.

"My queen, Your faeries are small and silent, the more quick and silent we are in our raid, the more goblins we kill without open battle, the better we'll fare. I have no doubt that we will defeat them on the field, but the more dwarven and fae lives we save the better we are for the future. A small cadre of elite warriors, entering the camp at night can kill, i estimate, 20-30 goblins apiece if we are swift and silent. We need warriors who can quickly cut throats before they can raise an alarm, and sneak from place to place without being seen."

 

[wolfknight20]

"I'll tie them up and the we shall see for a proper burial site for Eric,"


He sighed and moved away, leading Silver away from their camp. Wandering, he looked for the right place to properly honor the Birdling.

Silverfang thought for a moment and suggested they find a dune and if they meant to entomb him then he could use his fire breath to turn the sand to glass if that would be fitting
so that he can still see the sky that was a part of who he was

 

[Kalika84]

Sita looked at the gem now cradled in her hand. Entranced by the deep green stone she decided she had never seen a stone more beautiful than the one she held now. With deep golden flecks burnished throughout the surface of the stone it glinted and sparkled, even in moonlight.

Catching his mention of this 'Spirit', Sita decided she would go and see this 'Spirit', at the very least to get some answers.

Suddenly Brod slammed that massive hammer of his into the dirt of the clearing and proceeded, believe it or not to dig a hole with the damn thing. Sita stood rooted to the spot in awe of the pure and raw power exhibit by Brod also strongly helped by that hammer which was not a normal hammer by the looks of it.

After awhile Brod passed her a glowing orb so she could see better and she descended into the dark tunnel he had created marvelling at how it stayed up. At the end was a large chamber she wandered in and half listening to what Brod said about the sun she jumped, startled, when the was a god almighty thud behind her. Brod had pitched face first, unconscious, into the dirt! Rushing over to him she checked for a pulse and it was strong and deep. He must have overworked himself, She thought.

Something metallic singed her nostrils and her mouth salivated while her stomach clenched tight. Eyes drawn downwards she saw a rivulet of blood...only a teensy tiny one from a small scratch on Brod's arm from where some flying bit of debris obviously scratched him.

Sita unconsciously licked her lips...her fangs elongated and her nails extended only a centimetre longer than normal to sharp points as well. Sita'as ears buzzed, her mind dulled and her gaze seemed zeroed in on that small skerrip of blood. Sliding her finger along the blood to collect it on her fingertip she smiled and licked it from her finger. Her whole body shuddered at the first taste...unbeknownst to her, her eyes had a gone as black as the abyss.

Closing her eyes, she moaned at how good it was....until some small niggly part of her brain wouldnt shut off started shouting in horror at what she was doing. Blood? Blood? Oh my god! No..NO..a...a...vampire? Scuttling back into the furthest curve of the chamber she pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them she laid her forehead against her knees and rocked. Her breathing choppy she fought for control...but she was sooooo hungry!

Trying not to think or feel Sita kept rocking...and rocking...and at some point...she passed out, her beautiful gem stone clutched in her hand.

 

[Mantra]

Jay

The nasty, hissing stuff continued to burn, but the pain only served to fuel the NightMare's bubbling rage. Rage dulled the pain and pumped more adrenalin into Jay's muscles, pushing him to greater feats, even is it hastened the toxins through his system.

His zigzags ended as the flaming horse arced around and charged back towards his intended victim. He made no attempt at subtlty or diversion, instead charging directly towards the group, with his red eyes locked on the hulking figure of the one who had dared to hurt him, the one that had to suffer for it.

The one that had to burn.

Jay charged, forward, flaming hooves pounding through the empty air only a foot above the grassy plain. His tail and mane whipping out and back as he ran. This time however, as he ran, his mane and tail seemed to strech and elongate, reacking backwards in his wake until the flames finally merged together. So too did the trail of fire from his hooves until there was a wake of fire behind the animal, like a comet's tail.

The Nightmare zipped past the treant, completely ignoring the fellow Guardian. So too the the others scatter and clear a path as the flying, flaming horse barrelled towards them, heedless of anything or anyone between himself and his target. As he passed, the others felt wave upon wave of intensity and rage. Only a single word etched itself in their minds.

**BURN!**

His shrieking warcry heralded his return, Jay rose up slightly, coming even with the NightStalker's head and torso. Jay's eyes locked with his opponent's as he came, intending to smash that alien head into a smouldering pile of goo. The NightStalker too, seemed pleased to meet the flaming horse head on. Bladed fingers destined to match flaming hooves in a deadly collusion of mortal combat...

...and didn't.

In that fraction of a second, the NightStalker's fingers scythed through Jay's empty form, just as Jay's body passed through the NightStalker without missing a beat, causing no more damage than a slight tingle. The Nightmare had become incorporial.

But the tail of fire had not.

Jay's body was harmless to the Nightstalker, but as he passed, the wave of fire smashed into the beast, following the wake of its creator. Straight through the Nightstalker's gaping mouth and its glowing yveri.

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth

Ilandria watched dispassionately on as the young elf explained his 'games'. She was not amused, and her cold hard anger was like a stone in her stomach. That this upstart, of a clan not even hers, not even royal blood would presume to dictate to her the terms of the challenge was preposterous.

Her gaze flicked over to Rolyn and his calm acceptance of the Guardian's arrogance and she gave a flicker of a smile. Something was up, Rolyn had planned this, it was plain to see. Until she found out what, she would ball up her rage and keep it until the fatal blow.

Smiling serenely, though her eyes glittered with hate and malice, she murmured after the elf was finished his instructioning, "And who is to draw first? Will the bead be placed back in the bowl afterwards, so the second drawer will have a chance at the same... disadvantage?"

She smiled, thinking to herself how easily it would be to manipulate the outcome. She could make it very easy for herself -- but then again, this elf had stipulated the outcomes himself. Mayhap he had a trick up his sleeve that could turn any of the three outcomes to his favour.

She scowled, her forced pleasantness forgotten for the moment, "Very well. Cast the first game and tell me of the outcome. And hurry with the second. I grow weary of this fightless Challenge."

A collective breath drew and was let out as the elves around the court watched on in fascination. The Guardian was having his way -- it was unprecedented.

 

[Wolfsister]

Elmhand

“Becca! Distract that monster until I get back!”

Becca wasn't sure exactly what she could do to 'distract' the NightStalker but she was sure going to try. She focused her attention and 'asked' the grass to grow longer, she added her own magic to it, not understanding how, but knowing that she did.

Tangling around the Nightstalker's feet, the grass twined and thickened. She knew this wouldn't work again, at least not for long, but the Ent had only asked for a distraction, after all.

Thorns began to grow and climbed up the Stalker's leg, Becca was sure that this time her trick would last at least a little longer than last time....

She was preparing herself for another attack, something to do with projectiles, her hands at the ready, a scream of defiance on her lips when all of a sudden....

To be Continued​

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael

"My queen, Your faeries are small and silent, the more quick and silent we are in our raid, the more goblins we kill without open battle, the better we'll fare. I have no doubt that we will defeat them on the field, but the more dwarven and fae lives we save the better we are for the future. A small cadre of elite warriors, entering the camp at night can kill, i estimate, 20-30 goblins apiece if we are swift and silent. We need warriors who can quickly cut throats before they can raise an alarm, and sneak from place to place without being seen."

Tula frowned as she thought this plan over, "Its not an overly pretty plan. And it goes against my own sense of honourable battle - "

"Bah! Honour, what green skins did yer meet wit honour?!" shouted a disgusted Maccan, battle lust shining in his eyes.

Instead of reproving the dwarf, Tula just nodded and continued to think, "It will be a tall ask, but I will get you your throat slitters. Don't expect us to like this task, but we will do well enough. Just make sure you have warriors in case we are found and have need of you."

She wasn't fooling herself, in a direct battle, she knew she would lose.

 

[Wolfsister]

Silverfang

Varic thought over the idea, also thinking over what kinds of questions he could ask of their unconscious captive. Something in the back of his mind told him that this was no ordinary raid. They had come specifically here, in this time. Whether it was because of Silver, himself or Eric, he didn't know. But he would find out, one way or the other.

"It could sap your strength, my friend, but if you think it worthy then I will assist any way I can,"

Finding a nice high point, Varic laid the small bird down. Speaking soft, swift words in Elven, he sighed and wished the magpie peace in the Beyond. Stepping back, well out of the way, he gestured to Silver, "Say what you must and do the deed. We need to question that man."

That it was another elf bothered him greatly.

 

[Wolfsister]

Sita

Sita's sleep would be undisturbed. Oh, she would have nightmares. Nightmares of the world she was now thrust into, of what she had become. Of the darker nature inside herself. She would witness the horrors that she could visit on the living, and the horror of being one of the dead. But not truly dead, but not truly alive either.

But these dreams, these unsettling nightmares were captured as soon as she had them. Her memories of them faded into nothing as the green gem shone in her palms. An eerie bluish light washed over her and whispers were heard, pulling the terror from her slumber, lulling her back into a dreamless, peaceful state.

When she awoke, Sita would have no recollection of dreaming at all, much less of the terror that stalked her during those hours of rest. She would have a momentary feeling of unease, but that would pass and the gem would no longer glow. Its powers unseen and not thought of, at least, not yet.

When Sita did awake, however, she would see that Brod was up and about. A low fire had been started, smoke billowing to the top of the high chamber ceiling and escaping along the passage way to make a small column reaching towards the sky at the entrance to the freshly dug tunnel.

Brod poked some things deeper into the fire and only then would Sita realise that they were animals. Skinned animals. And there were more, skinned and raw animals lying by his side on a mat of delicately woven grass.

He looked up from his ministrations, "Milady?" his deep voice soft and unthreatening in the uncertain light of the low fire. He indicated the raw, bloody bodies on the mat, "I was sure milady would hunger. I hunted these when I came to..." he paused, seeming embarrassed at the recollection of his passing out, "Before quest for more answers, please sate yourself. I fear you already know what you are.... I will turn my back, dear Lady, so you may have some privacy."

With that, he pushed the skinned rabbits towards her with his hammer and turned his back. Only then would Sita realise that her fangs were still out and as plain as day to see.

 

[Kalika84]

As Sita came to she could scent cooking meat...and underlying that the scent of a fresh kill...meaning...fresh blood. As her ears starting buzzing again Sita starting swallowing convulsively.

Clutching her stone tight she unravelled its silver chain and reaching behind her neck she snapped the clasp closed, she seemed to feel a wave of calm energy flow over her. Snapping out of it she listened to Brod with some difficulty, the buzzing was getting louder in her ears, all she could smell was blood now and she was staring fixedly at the skinned animals.

"Before quest for more answers, please sate yourself. I fear you already know what you are.... I will turn my back, dear Lady, so you may have some privacy."

Sita shuffled forward...and reaching out snatched one of the skinned animals...vaguely resembling...possibly...a rabbit? She sat back against the wall and held the carcass in her hands gingerly.

Unable to contain herself any longer, she let herself go, her nails lengthened, her eyes clouded black and jerking the body to her mouth, she sank her fangs deep. Gushes of still warm blood flooded her mouth the coppery taste and scent filling and overwhelming her senses.

She barely held back the moan of pleasure as her stomach loosened its never ending cramping as her body obviously was receiving what it needed.

She dispatched another two small carcasses before sitting back sated.

"Brod....I...thankyou. For...understanding and finding me food...but I have to tell you something. Ive..tasted yours. When you were passed out...you had a scratch and it...it was bleeding a little...and...I couldn't stop myself. I was so hungry, and oh Brod I am sorry!"

Looking ashamed of herself she looked down and mumbled, hopefully trying to change the subject, "So when do we leave...and we are we going?"

 

[wolfknight20]

silver did what he could never having done this before when it was done the magpie was encased in a small glass dome that silver could not even scratch with his claws

happy with his work he turned back to where varic stood and nodded but as he took a step toward him silver stumbled and fell he had over exerted his self during the fight and with this last use of magic in remembrance of Eric varic seemed worried so silver told him he was fine he merely needed to rest and that was all

 

[rengadeirishman]

"My queen, I understand your feeling, but we are severely outnumbered, in open battle we could still lose hundreds even though i believe we would win. I know it is not ideal, but i am sure there are many spry dwarves willing to come as muscle. This will succeed, and we might be able to beat them with almost no casualties, Surely that would be worth it?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Sita and Brod

As he had promised, Brod turned away and vaguely noticed her shuffling about behind him. It was hard to mask the sound of her feasting and he tried not to let it unsettle him. Harsh memories floated to the fore of his mind and he pushed them away impatiently. Now was not the time to think of that.

He occupied his time by swinging the head of his hammer to and fro before him. It made a pleasing note in the air that hung even after the hammer had passed the other way. It did not compete with Sita's noises, but it worked with them to create a harmony that soothed the tensions of them both.

"Brod....I...thankyou. For...understanding and finding me food...but I have to tell you something. Ive..tasted yours. When you were passed out...you had a scratch and it...it was bleeding a little...and...I couldn't stop myself. I was so hungry, and oh Brod I am sorry!"

Only by her speaking did he know she was done, so he turned around and gave her a speculative frown. Looking her over, he noticed the amount of food that had been eaten and inwardly smiled, proud that he had anticipated her wants and so thoroughly.

Offhandedly, so as not to call too much attention to the blood that was smeared generously on her face and hands, he handed her a small white square of cloth. He was especially conscious to hand it to her with his own fingers, signaling that all was well.

"Milady, do not fear. I have heard our blood is rather unpleasant for your kind. I will not fear you, Lady." Which was of course a lie. And she would know it too because what she did taste, Orc blood was more than pleasant. It was far sweeter than what their physical appearance gave credit for. But hopefully she would appreciate his trying to calm her.

"So when do we leave...and we are we going?"

Brod accepted her change of subject and continued to swing his hammer. Not threateningly, just so that soft music filled the small chamber. Feeding the fire with some more sticks of wood with his other hand, he said, "Milady, I fear you cannot travel by day. So we must await the rise of the moon."

He didn't say anything more, preferring to answer her questions, so that she gained what information she wanted, not what he wanted her to hear.

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay

She was preparing herself for another attack, something to do with projectiles, her hands at the ready, a scream of defiance on her lips when all of a sudden....

Jay passed straight through the Nightstalker's gaping mouth and its glowing yveri....

The NightStalker didn't even have time to scream. Fire spewed from its open maw, its fingers clenched together, their webbing ripping with an awful sound as the Stalker dug its feet into the ground, the vines wrapped around its ankles instantly burning to a cinder.

The Stalker staggered backwards, clawing at its throat as its mouth opened even wider. It was hard to see at first, but then it suddenly became clearer as an indescribable sound came from the Stalker's throat and its Yverri suddenly expanded.

Flames licked up from the inside of its mouth and the stalker took another staggering step backwards. Its claws opened and clenched in agonising pain as it fell to its knees. Its Yverri shone with a purpley black brightness that burned the eyes as it expanded and pushed itself up the Stalker's throat and out its gaping maw.

A rending, ripping, sucking sound ensued and finally the Stalker screamed. This was not the defiant, sadistic scream that had challenged them earlier, but rather a pained, blood curdling scream that dragged out and out and out until suddenly the Yverri was floating in the sky above the Stalker and the scream died instantly.

The Nightstalker slumped forwards, dead.

BOOM!

When the Guardians and their companions were aware again, they would find that Night Stalker slumped face forwards on the ground. Of the Yverri they would find no sign except for a blackened circle of flattened grass beneath where they had last seen it floating.

Specks floated in all of their visions and the ringing was loud in their ears. But these symptoms would pass eventually, some lasting longer than others.

Deep inside both Jay and Elmhand, the goo that had earlier accosted their nervous systems and their blood streams was no longer there, its controller -- the Yverri -- having been vanquished. But the damage would last for a while longer, possibly their entire lives. For now, they were as fit as they had been before the fight. But from now on, unexplained weariness, pain, fatigue and other symptoms would plague them for the rest of their lives.

 

[Wolfsister]

Silver

Varic nodded, concerned about his new friend, but accepting Silver's diagnosis. After the fight and what he had just done, the Guardian was bound to be tired. After last night and the fight just now, Varic himself was feeling a little fatigued, but he had much more to go, as well as much more experience in magical matters.

Swiftly, he led them back to camp and to their one captive. Unluckily, the man was still unconscious. Lucky for him, Varic supposed.

"Silver, I don't know what your past is, but I trust you will not turn away from the task at hand. I am a pleasant enough fellow," he smiled, "But when my friends are hurt or killed, I can become rather.... unpleasant. Please do no judge me by what I do to him in order to get answers," he pointed the bound elf.

"What we need to know is how much he knew. Why he was here and for whom."

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael

"My queen, I understand your feeling, but we are severely outnumbered, in open battle we could still lose hundreds even though i believe we would win. I know it is not ideal, but i am sure there are many spry dwarves willing to come as muscle. This will succeed, and we might be able to beat them with almost no casualties, Surely that would be worth it?"

Tula gave him a cool look, "I had already agreed, Wolfknight. You will have your assassins."

Then she turned back to the council, "Any other suggestions, or plans? If not, then I must ready my... team... I do not wish for this war to go on for much longer. Tomorrow we march again and this time we will be near our goal."