Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He reached forward and caught her, not letting her get too far. He stood a little taller, some of the pain gone. But he was still missing a lot of blood. And while the wounds were closed, they weren't fully healed. He gave her a stern look, and kept her at a slower pace as they moved up to the tower. His gaze turned to the battle and the others.

There was little they could do to help them. "Now, Lavastine, you trying to leave me behind, running off like that. Here, move along with me. What happens if another of those goblin scum attacks? I don't think either of us is in any shape to be rushing off..."

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine was about to attack the hand that grabbed her till she saw it was Zarl, his statement almost hurt her;

"Course I would never leave you, just.."

She looked over to the others, seeing Evee aproach the Wizard. That alone was a mistake. The cut down her arm stung as she stood there watching.

"There isn't anything more we can do is there?"

Was more of a statement than anything else, her own powers were spent and Zarl wasn't in any shape to fight a wizard, hell none of them were.

Lavastine knelt down at one of corpse and ripping part of the material off the tunic, as they began to walk back towards the tower she was wrapping the strip of material around her arm to at least keep it covered. If nothing else right now.

"I wasn't going leave your side......... What shall we do now?"

 

[Khadgar]

Dreant Firebane

Dreant watched, following along the treeline, taking a particular interest in the winged creature. he seemed to be in some sort of blood lust, a frenzy. he took on the three trolls, and then had the goblin come after him.

Dreant still wasn't sure who these people were, but he wasn't goign to let them die, expecially not from some creature almost as bad a squirrels.

diving from a tree branch he hit the ground running. before he got there, the elf woman came through and killed the creature herself. Dreant had no time to stop and watch though he had for the moment drawn the attention of the other Goblins comming after the two.

wheeling back he went to the treeline, their thundering running pounding in his head. spinning around her launched back, his fist comming in contect with one of the goblins chest, suprized i fell back, the other two swinging with sword and club.

Dreant manages to twist his way out of the sword's thrust, but caught the club right in the kidney, sending him crumbling to the ground. squirming onto his haunches he lunged back into the goblin with the club, something in how lower back cracking.

as he flew closer to the beast his arms started to drop, getting thicker and heavier, great coverings of corse white hair formed with incredible speed, claws busting from his finger like paws.

the claws tore into the goblins chest, rather than aim for the neck. pulling back with oddly incredible strength he ripped free the chest, flesh and bone caught between the claws.

spinning around his arm slung out and caught the other goblin across the face, literally ripping the fierce expression from it's face, leaving it to drop to the ground.

Dreant slunk back to the treeline, leaning against a trunk and rubbing against his lowerback.

 

[Armphid]

Taren & The Wizard

Taren took another precious moment to gather his wind, but things looked grim around the battlefield. Logan still fought, Zarl and Lavastine had thankfully been given a reprieve by the flanking attack, but then he heard a savage crackling sizzle, followed by a thunderclap and the stench of ozone. Wheeling to face it, he saw Ritsuko emerge from a tempest of lightning, stagger forward, then drop. Eeve stood a few feet from the now madly scribbling wizard.

"No!" Damn you!" He didn't know the woman, but her skill was remarkable, as was her poise and grace in the situation he had found herself. Privately, he admitted to himself that her beauty may have moved him also. To see her fall so...

"I won't allow it!" Taren pulled his blades free of the goblin he had used as a sword stand, charging at the last few trolls that stood between him and the wizard. "This'll burn out almost everything I've got left...but once the tolls are gone, the others should be able to handle the caster." "Logan!" "Zarl!" "Lavastine!" "If you have anything left, I'm plowing the road!"

Golden essence flared about hima s he called not on magic, but on the innate power of the Fighter's Trance. The power flowed down his arms, into Overture and Finale, the blades glowing brighter until they became incandescent. He leapt into the air, high above the slow moving trolls. "REAPING THE BLOODY WHEAT!" "YAAAAH!" The shotels essence charged blades ripped through armored skin, the sheath of burning essence keeping the trolls' regenration from kicking in. Rather that just hit and stop, the blades whirled about of thier own aparent volition, cutting again and again. Even as he began to fall from the apex of the leap, he reached into the pouch at his waist, pulling forth a five foot pole, surmounted by the wicked looking three foot blade of a scythe, balenced by a cruel looking spike opposite. Grasping the haft with both hands, golden essence flared into it, sheathing and extending the blade until it was nearly as long as Taren was tall. As he touched down, he spun, swinging the heavy weapon in a savage arc. He barely felt resistance as it cleaved through first one troll, then another, and on and on. Then is was over, a panting Taren holding the grim looking scythe. Behind him, Overture and Finale fell blade-first intot he ground with a whistling thunk. The trolls, seeming forzen in place, fell next, erupting into fountains of blood as they tumbled into pieces.

He took a step forward, feeling weaker than an infant as he slowly apporached the wizard, no longer able to run. "All...alone...now...mage."

The wizard had given Evee an annoyed look but said nothing, now looked about the field. He made a sniff of disapproval as he surveyed the scene, making a few more notes. "Well, Dragon priestess, while I'd normally like to make a little conversation, my Master will be expecting my report." He passed somewhat scornful eyes over Taren and the other fighters. "Not bad, I suppose, but you'd do well with a chief to lead your braves, Holy One." He bowed to the party, his fingers activating the speel he had as a contingency effect. He lifted a hand to one eye, framing it in a circle made by his thumb and forefinger. "Be seeing you." Then he vanished, only the sound of air rushing to fill the vaccum he left behind to signify he was ever there.

Taren stared for a moment, then fell to his knees. The scythe clanging dully as it hit the ground. He should feel great, they had won a great victory...but he felt cheated somehow. "Holy One...Evee...please see to Ritsuko first." "She doesn't know any of us...but she risked her life." "As a favor to me...heal her." He reached over, his hand closing about the hilt of the magnificent katana the elf wielded. "But...put this in her hand first."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan could tell Eeve was exhausted as well as he and the others, but it took less out of him to heal. "Taren... I will take care of Ritsuko." He moved towards the woman who lay unconsciuos in the ground.

As he stepped closer to her prone form he lowered his head and lightly touched her with his horn. He felt the power welling up within him as he concentrated on fully healing her. He could tell she wasn't dead, but seriously hurt. He felt the warmth of the healing flow through his horn and into Ritsuko.

He said a simple prayer hoping it would work. He had never healed wounds this bad, but knew it was possible to do so. He had heard the stories of his ancestors when he was alittle boy, those his mother told him of his ancestors and their great deeds. It was those stories that gave him the strength now to heal Ritsuko.

He felt a final rush of energy as he pushed even deeper within himself to heal her. He looked to her as the warmth passed out of his horn and into her. He felt himself stagger as he noticed her eyes flutter open.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

Taren nodded, closing his leaf-green eyes in a moment of fatigue. "Thank you, Logan." "For the fight as well, you fought bravely." He opened his eyes, smiling wearily at Evee, "as did you, Holy One." "Thank you for giving my suicidal paln a try."

Taren rose to his feet, lurching unsteadily forward to come down again near Ritsuko. As her eyes blinked open, he bowed to her from his kneeling position. Then he extended the katana to her, the blade resting on the length of his arm, hilt toward the elven samurai. "You fought with the skill of an army, Ritsuko of Clan Hitari, and the bravery of a hero." "I am grateful to you, and honored to have fought by your side." "You have done well by your blade this day."

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee blinked as the wizard said such things. She lifted her staff and swung it at him right as he vanished. She spun around for a moment before falling down in a heap.

"The nerve of that wizard...."

She trailed off as Taren came over. She nodded softly as she took Rikka's katana from him and stood back up.

"I'll do what I can, but I do have little energy left..."

She turned to see Logan beat her to healing Rikka, but she gave a soft smile as she moved over to kneel beside Rikka. She reached down and took Rikka's hand gently in hers as she laid down the katana in front of her.

"It's alright now Rikka. The wizard is gone and the horde is dead. You can relax now."

She reached down and gently pulled Rikka up, holding her gently.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan looked to the others gathered there.. Taren, Eeve and Ritsuko. "Taren I must rest." He took a step towards the others then felt his remaining energy drain like water from a spilt bucket. He stumbled and then collapsed in a heap near them, all his energy drained from him made it impssible to stay in his unicorn form.

As he fell, the air around him seemed to shimmer, his form seemed to blur. When the magic aura faded from around him he lay stunned on the ground near his three companions, completely naked. The huge amount of energy it took to heal Ritsuko had drained him to the point where he was unable to keep himself from changing back to his human form.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko

Smoke.

The smoke of fires dying slowly penetrated the blackness that permeated her mind. Weakly stirring, her mind began to drift.

Flame. Smoke. Corpses. Ritsuko's eyes widened with shock and horror as she surveyed the forest clearing where her clanhold had been. Pagodas once beautiful with their whitewashed walls and red tiled roofs now lay devastated, raped of their beauty by the flames that had claimed them. Body parts of the clan warriors lay strewn haphazardly through the courtyard, her eyes noticing the lone standing building.

As she emerged cautiously from concealment, she watched the bodies themselves dissolve into grey mist. Replacing them were the images of women, maidens and swordwomen alike that she had grown up with. Their faces contorted in pain, their legs and thighs broken and distorted. Naked and bleeding from scores of wounds, they had died slowly as someone or something raped them mercilessly. Ritsuko kept walking to the lone building, trying not to look, trying to keep the tears from her eyes as she recognized faces.

She gasped as she passed her uncle's tower. A mighty mage in his time, the wizened elf had shown nothing but love to her as she grew, often finding time for her when her father could not, training his disciples in the art of swordplay. Now his tower lay a smoking ruin, many parts of the once proud building laying in slag as the stone melted under intense heat. Frantically, she attempted to focus on her goal, turning back to her path she found she had reached the bamboo doors that would allow her entry....into her mother's temple.

Her sandals left behind her at the door, she crept forward barefoot into reception chamber. Glancing around, she saw the festive green garlands that marked the Spring Festival strewn from the ceilings high rafters. Bright, colorful light coming from now apparent direction lit the room. Strangely, the tension eased from Ritsuko a sense of revelry and joy swept over her. Without thought, she impulsively swept herself into a graceful dance, smiling at the memories that flooded her now.

All of a sudden, the lights dimmed drastically, casting creeping shadows along every wall of the room. The elf's dance stopped almost immediately as apprehension returned. Something was wrong. Looking up, the garlands weren't green anymore, they were kind of pink....and dripping something that smelled foul.

With a cry, she recognized the slimy strands as intestines. Clutching a trembling hand to her mouth, she tried hard to keep her food down as she turned and fled. Through one door, then another, until she finally came to the temple alter. Resting upon the great slab of stone lay her mother, naked, violated, and gutted like an animal. Dead eyes stared unbelieving at the ceiling as her daughter struggled to bring herself to walk towards her, barefeet nearly recoiling as she tread through the congealing gore that surrounded the alter.

She knew why her mother had come here, and of course, why her enemies had pursued afterwards. Ritsuko had no doubts she had been tortured for much longer than any of the men, or even the women outside had endured. Unable to tear her gaze from the lifeless gaze of the corpse, the last Hitari samurai moved slowly to the far side of the alter. Slender fingers quickly found the catch that concealed the secret compartment in the stone, a drawer sliding silently outward. Ritsuko sighed in relief as she saw that her clan scroll still remained there. All the clan's secrets and techniques through the years would remain safe, if only she could escape this nightmare.

"Ahhh....so the Moon Child returns. You ARE Ritsuko, aren't you?"

Ritsuko spun, alarmed, to come nearly face to face with a dark haired human youth. His green eyes pierced her own as they both took a moment to regard the other. Taller than she, a hardened mask covered most of his facial features. When he spoke, his voice held the cold edge of a veteran killer.

"So that's where she hid it", the ninja shrugged. Reaching into his pack, he drew forth a gold hilted katana, the handle wrapped in black and red fibres. The mask hid a truly wicked smile as he dropped the blade at her feet.

Her eyes widened as she recognized the Hitari clan blade. Then widened farther in horror and grief as the youth reached to his pack again to drop something else at her feet. It landed with a solid thump, rolling to rest gently against her bare toes. Looking down, Ritsuko couldn't stifle a cry of pure mourning as she saw the flame haired head of her father gazing dully back at her.

In anger she reached for the blade, its solid form dissolving at her touch. An illusion? Frightened thoroughly, she glanced back up to see her opponent advancing on her.

"This time, Ritsuko Hitari, you won't win.

He paused a moment, his eyes widening. Ritsuko stood proudly, calmly awaiting the deathblow that would reunite her with her family.

"NO! Ancestors take you, you'll not escape me again!"

Confused, she glanced at herself. Escape? Her thoughts were becoming less focused by the minute, her body becoming less substantial. Frantically, the ninja charged, his katana slashing towards her in a killing blow his sword passing harmlessly through her.

A soft moan escaped her lips as her eyes fluttered open. Confused she tried to move to take in her surroundings, but firm arms held her. Ritsuko smiled at the warmth she felt in that embrace.



"It's alright now Rikka. The wizard is gone and the horde is dead. You can relax now."

She wanted to speak, to tell the woman holding her that her name was Ritsuko, that she must be mistaken. The fatigue of the day rolled over her as she held her tongue, rememberance of the battle fought snapping back into clarity as yet another voice invaded her awareness.

"You fought with the skill of an army, Ritsuko of Clan Hitari, and the bravery of a hero." "I am grateful to you, and honored to have fought by your side." "You have done well by your blade this day."

Recognizing her new freinds at last, she looked up into the gentle face of Evee and smiled. As Taren offered her clan sword to her, the samurai once again found peace. Accepting the blade with a nod and an appreciative smile, she slowly slipped from Evee's embrace, standing of her own volition.

Scanning the battlefield with normal sight this time, she frowned at the carnage. A soft movement to her left seemed to call her attention away from the scene. Slowly, but inevitably, the form of a unicorn shrank, muscles and sinew sinking in upon themselves to form the naked body of a human male, laying face down in the earth.

Glancing at her friends in alarm, Ritsuko rushed to the fallen form of Logan. Relieved to see no serious wounds on his body, blushing slightly as rolling him over exposed his manhood to her, she called to Taren and Evee.

"I'm going to need help carrying him. As a human, I'm sure he's quite heavy."

 

[Armphid]

Taren

The half-elven warrior looked about the battlefied, taking stock of what needed done. The group couldn't go far...the tower would be the best place to stay the night. Or several nights depending. Something would have to be done about the bodies. He flexed the fingers of his right hand, noting that he still had a few hours until the Strength of Stone Meditation left him. His mind drifted back, remembering something Gynan had once said....

A scrawny green-haired youth turned and wheeled through an array of wooden blocks suspended from overhead branches by taunt vines. Striking with twin wooden training blades, the blocks swung back in retaliation, connecting with the struggling youth. Nearby, a lanky older man, clad all in black, sat smoking a pipe. Leaning against his shoulder was a hadn carved staff, enameled to a matte black. Gynan Fahn, The Weapon Master exhaled a cloud of smoke, lecturing as Taren trained. "Don't work so hard to avoid the small hits, that you open yourself to the harder ones." "Remember, you can afford to take hits." "You are Earth Aspect, don't ever forget it." "I will teach you grace and agility, but your true strength will always be in endurance and strength." "You are the mountain, eternal despite anythng that strikes you." "Endure, for your own sak, and so that when the time comes, you can endure for those that cannot."

Taren smiled at the memory. looking to Logan's naked form and sighing. He reached into the small pouch at his waist, pulling forth a large travel stained green cloak. He rose, sliding the scythe back into the pouch with one hand. Walking over to Logan, he bent to wrap the cloak around him. "I'll carry him, Ritsuko." "For as long as needed, even if he were stone." He lifted the slightly smaller man into his arms easily, as one might a child, then stood. "We should make camp in the crumbled tower." "We all need a rest, and it's a perfect site."

He began to walk toward it, then paused in mid-step. He turned to Ritsuko. "I have my hands full." "I'm sorry to impose, but would you be kind enough to bring my shotels." The unusual curved blades still stood where they had fallen after his Rea[ing The Bloody Grain technique. He smiled a bit shyly, "I would be pleased if you did this for me." "I'm somewhat picky about who I let handle Overture and Finale." He felt like he should say more, but instead continued his trek up to the sheltering walls of the ruined watchtower. He set Logan down on a bed of moss, looking up at the noon day sun.

As Evee and Ritsuko came up, Taren undid the harness that held his shotels on his back, then began to undo the buckles on his now dented and scratched breastplate. "I will start to clean up the battlefield...I don't know what these bodies will bring if I don't." "I'll send Zarl and Lavastine up here, all of you just rest for now." "Once I've gathered the crystals...we'll see about food." The final buckle released and with a sound like a softly struck bell, the now slightly deformed breastplate sprang open. Wincing, Taren eased it to the ground. He looked forlornly at it, mentally realizing how much time it would take to pound out that dent.

Well. First things first. A few straps were loosened and the brown leather fingerless gauntlets he wore fell to the ground. He then pulled off the blue long-sleeved tunic, tossing it atop his armor. His bare chest was hard muscle, his elven heritage making it hairless. He stretched, feeling muscles shift and relax as he did so. A faint blush stained his cheeks as he came to realize that he was half naked in front of the others. "This will take me a few hours at best, but I'll take care of it." "Just keep your eyes open...we may not be finished yet."

He strode down the hill, stopping to approach Zarl and Lavastine. "We've all survived for the moment, thanks in part to you two." "I don't know if you care to hear it, but you fought well, and you have my thanks." He gestured to the tower. "We're setting up camp there, the others are setting it up while I deal with the bodies." "I think you should both head up and rest...soon the Holy One should be strong enough to do some more healing." He smiled at them, before turning back to the task at hand.

The bodies of those first slain had already disintegrated, leaving behind the mysterious flawless crystals. Those of the goblins were small, the size of a large coin, the trolls the size of a child's fist. They glittered in the sun, the spoils of the hard fought battle. He pulled several sacks from his pouch and began to gather them. They were not heavy, but getting to them often meant lifting a troll sized iron mace, and the casting of spells always left him weary...magic was not his strength.

His muscles ached, but the work felt good. He remembered what Gynan had said. Enduring and tireless for those who couldn't be. Those who had given all they had. Despite the fatigue he felt, he smiled.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko felt a rush of heat as she turned away, averting her eyes politely from Logan's nakedness as she turned to Evee and Logan. Cradling Logan's head in the crook of an arm, she was relieved when Taren broke the silence.

"I'll carry him, Ritsuko. For as long as needed, even if he were stone."

The elf maiden nodded to the proud warrior in appreciation of his offer. His eyes held her own for just a moment as he seemed to consider something. A moment later, a strange smile crossed his face fleetingly, shyness causing him to look away for a moment.

"I have my hands full. I'm sorry to impose, but would you be kind enough to bring my shotels? I would be pleased if you did this for me. I'm somewhat picky about who I let handle Overture and Finale."

Nodding curtly at the request, glad to still be of some use, Ritsuko hurried off to fetch the unique weapons. The honor she had been granted, not lost upon her. She wondered with a half smile, if Taren even knew that he had already been granted a similar boon.

To touch the steel of another's honor blade was to impose a death sentance on oneself, yet in light of the circumstances, Ritsuko couldn't bring herself to fault the man for it. She had accepted the blade back into her possession without so much as a thought of tainted honor. The fact that Taren had requested she do the same with his weapons, prized and valuable as they were to him, brought a warm flush to her normally pearlescent skin.

As she retrieved the weapons from their upright position in the ground, Ritsuko turned back to the group. She paused for a moment, noticing finally that the half elf had stripped away the heavy plate of mail he wore, hardened muscle rippling in its wake. Admiring what she saw of him, she was careful to turn her eyes, hoping not to raise undue attention. Still....she couldn't help glance back once or twice on their way to tower.

It was there that she met Zarl and Lavastine for the first time. A warrior's eye studied the rogue, who seemed to be clutching a dirty rag to an open wound, blood soaking through the shoddy material. Her eyes reflected concern for the woman, dark skinned though she may be, Taren and Logan called her freind, so freind she would be.

It was Ritsuko's first sighting of Zarl that effected her most. She stopped dead as she took in the picture of the bloodied monster. Apprehension caused her body to tense slightly as he met her gaze. Without thinking, a single pair of words escaped her lips in a startled, audible whisper.

Macrai - Itoche!

 

[Sky Jade]

OOC:

Sorry about calling Ritsuko by the wrong name. I was kinda doing something else at the time and I got things mixed up.

IC:

She frowned softly for a moment, as she went to stand up once more to help Ritsuko with Taren. She winced slightly as she felt a sharp pain long her left calf.

"I'm.."

She trailed off as Taren came forward to offer to carry Logan for them, looking down at the ground till Logan was covered up. Using her staff, she stood up and followed after Taren, being carefully of her leg till she could sit down on a fallen stone from the tower. She pulled the bottom of her robe up, strecthing her leg out to examine. Along the back of her calf was a long gash which she must have gotten when she had been thrown from Logan. She carefully ripped a few pieces of cloth from her robe and tied them around her calf to keep the bleeding from worsening. Once her powers were back she would be able to heal herself.

She joined Ritsuko near Taren, blushing a little herself when he had pulled off his armor. She watched Ritsuko move off to retrieve Taren's swords for a moment and then made her way back to check on Logan. She winced for a moment as she placed her full wieght on her injured leg for a moment. She took a moment to look at herself, her robes torn and bloody, as well as nicks and cuts everywhere.

"Despite being a true first battle, I believe I did well."

She stopped near Ritsuko when she saw the condition Lavastine and Zarl where in. She sighed softly for a moment, wishing she could help.

"I don't have enough magic at the moment to heal, Zarl and Lavastine. I am sorry."

She noticed Ritsuko's reaction and placed her hand lightly on Ritsuko's shoulder.

"It is alright. He is helping us. There isn't any need to be afraid of him."

Her eyes closed as she suddenly felt weak and dropped to her knees, her hands hitting the ground hold her upright as her staff fell to the ground.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

He glanced up, his eyes roving over this new woman. She was pretty. But in his weakened and pained state, the darkness stirred to little to even awake the beginings of lust. He simply stared at her reaction, his ears perking at her whispered words. He frowned.

She was dressed and carried a weapon like those in the area where his jungle homeland was located, but not many still remembered the proper name of his species, most falling back on the rather insulting name of 'Macite'. He looked at the elf in a new light, drawing himelf tall. One of his wings spread before relaxing, the stump of the otehr alighting with pain.

"I am Zarl, of the Macrai-Itoche. I assume by the looks of you that you helped us in battle. I thank you. Honor to your clan,..." He trailed off, waiting for her to supply her name and clan name to finish his traditional greeting. He was distracted by Eeve, who dropped to her knees.

Leaning down, he looked over the priestess. "Are you alright, Eeve?"

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine didn't say anything, her eyes gazed on the new person, somewhat disbeliving that they are going to be traveling with another... Female.... Though she did see another one out in the feild, a small glance around in search of him. Nothing.

Pain peirced into her arm bringing her back into what was here and now. Silently moving away from the group and sat near the wall on the ground. She unwrapped the filthy material, needing to stop this bleeding for it was draining her to no end. Stung while peeling off the material from the tender flesh, trying hard to fight back the tears. Even more so when the salty sweat of her other hand was placed over the wound. Just now realizing how deep the wound really was.

Lowering her head and closing her eyes, began to whisper. Feeling faint already, in hopes that she would at least close the wound before she passed out.

"flame of healing
heal this wound at my hands.
Flame of healing,
numb the pain that seeps through."

Her words were barely a whisper of unknown lanuage, using the last remaining strength she had, feeling the darkness clouding her mind. Here she had realized just how much engry she had used today. Earlier with Evee, and now the battle... The night with Zarl.. Now, loss of blood.. She allowed that darkness to overtake her while she layed, small flames still licked at the wound even as she passed out.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko accepted the dragon priestess' word of good faith to Zarl's character, meeting Zarl's gaze with a curt nod. Mere seconds later, the preistess swooned, falling to her knees. Not quick enough to catch her, Ritsuko kneeled beside the tired priestess. Remembering the warm embrace she felt as she woke from her near slumber, the samurai reached for Evee, wrapping an arm around her for support as she helped her rise to her feet once more. A look of concern crossed her face as she noticed the woman's weariness.

"If this is truly your first battle, priestess. Then indeed you DID do well. A battle of this magnitude could have crushed many a force larger than the one we possess here. It is a testament to your skill as well as all here, that we are graced by the Ancestors to still be drawing breath."

As she stood, she felt more than heard Lavastine's chant. She glanced once more at Eeve before turning her attention to the female monster.

The spell seemed to complete as the elf turned, Lavastine letting out a deep sigh, as fatigue overcame her. Another member of her new party now down.

Motion pulled her eyes back to Zarl, who stretched his one remaining wing. Muscle rippled across his chest with the action, though he looked more like a tired cat, than a ferocious monster at the moment. A grimace of pain crossed his face with the action, his eyes still regarding her calmly.


"I am Zarl, of the Macrai-Itoche. I assume by the looks of you that you helped us in battle. I thank you. Honor to your clan,..."

"H-Hitari," she managed to stutter. Her tongue still tripped on the word slightly, the grief still too fresh.

I assume by the looks of you that you helped us in battle....

For the first time, she became aware of just how awful she truly looked. Her once beautiful formal kimono, stained with ichor and blood, her hair matted to her scalp. She blushed furiously as she noticed several large tears that she was sure hadn't been there before.Her tiny hands moved to pull fabric over the long vertical rent that ran from the her waist to her left knee, showing far more thigh than she felt comfortable with. Her other hand rising to grasp the tear in the front of her robe, cool air hardening her nipples as she finally noticed the cut that had allowed Taren a glimpse of her earlier.

He was different from the others of his kind she had met, or so she thought. Surely he had to have seen....yet he did not pounce on her, she remained with what little dignity remained to her.

Sighing softly to herself, she decided it would be best to distance herself from him for now, at least until she had a better grasp of his aura. For now she needed rest.

She remained, protective of them though she was deeply weary herself, until all had settled down to rest. She watched for any sign of danger as it seemed that Taren had taken it upon himself to build a pyre for the dead. When she turned again to survey the group, she found most of them fast asleep, yet Zarl's eyes continued to bore into her.

Nodding wearily to the Macrai-Itoche, she too began to make herself comfortable on the hard ground. The sun dipped low in the sky, causing a wistful smile to cross the face of the lonely elf. Her gaze dropped to meet Zarl's one last time before closing.

"Wake me when the moon has risen, if you are still able. I will take night watch if no one here protests. I assure you, nothing will bother us this eve."

As an afterthought she added. "At least not for long."

She lay back then to rest, eyes closing peacefully as sleep finally claimed her, her left hand still clutching her prized katana.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee drew in her breathe slowly, nodding gently in response to the questions if she was alright. With Ritsuko's help, she was able to stand up once more, using her staff for report. She shivered for a moment as she watched the interaction between Zarl and Ritsuko.

"Thank you for your concern. I just need a little rest, that's all. Today took more out of me than I am used to."

She limped over to one of the fallen slabs of stone which was covered over with ivy. She laid a hand on it for a moment to test how hard or soft the surface was before she carefully laid down upon it. She closed her eyes for a few moments before looking over at Ritsuko as she fell asleep. She gave a soft smile and then looked to Lavastine and Zarl.

"I should have my powers back after I sleep alittle, then I will help heal your wounds. Please...be..safe.."

Her words were barely out of her mouth before her eyes closed and she fell into a deep sleep. Her staff was held against her lithe body for protection as her head to n it's side, her red strands obscuring her dirty face.

 

[Armphid]

(OCC: Grand Mage reminded me that when monsters die, they leave behind crystals. So there was no need to burn the bodies. I'm sorry for the confusion everyone. It had been so long I had completely forgotten. My apologies.)


Taren

Taren walked back into the shade of the tumbled down walls, seeing most of the party asleep. He carefully set the five sacks of crystals down, not wanting to disturb them. He picked up his tunic...then set it down again. The wind and sun felt too good on his bare skin to put it back on yet.

He noticed Zarl still awake. "Zarl, go ahead and get some rest." "You'll need your strength back." He hesitated a moment, then set one sack next to the monster. "It's your...your wing." "I found it, other than the cut...well, it wasn't damaged." "Eeve or Logan should be able to reattatch it, once they've rested." "I thought you would want it back, to at least try." The look he gave Zarl was that of one warrior to another, of respect and appreciation. "...get some sleep." "I'll keep watch."

He plucked up Overture and Finale from where Ritsuko had set them, moving out into the sun. He climbed again the ruined staircase. Looking down at the party, he felt a strange surge of...belonging. He stood atop the wall for an hour or more, descending to attend to the crystals. He counted them, sorted them, and split them up. So it was that as each companion came to, next to them was a pile of gleaming crystals. One of equal size for each of them. Taren had perhaps a handful of the precious things...but for him, it was more than enough.

Blades in hand, he stood in silent vigil over his companions, watching the sun as it arched overhead, dipping down, and staining the heavens orange and red as it slipped below the horizon.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

When settling himself down inside the tower, he had brought Lavastine over, glad to feel her warmth next to him. They were so weak now, another attack would be perfect. He watched the elf a few more minutes, noticing how conscious of her state she had become.

Still, he was far to weak to worry about raping her, of even making the suggestion of being with her consentually. Perhaps later he would try the female of the Hitari Clan. He watched her a moment more, wondering what her name was.

He glanced at the wing Taren had retrieved. He'd reattach it in the morning, once they were up to healing him. The power used to reabsorb his own void-parts took void from elsewhere in his body, and would leave his hands with bloody injuries, probably easier for the others than healing it back.

He wrapped his arm around Lavastine, feeling her body against his own as he drifted off, a peaceful smile on his face, from of the darkness for one night, at least.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan was not aware of being picked up and carried into the tower. He wasn’t even aware that he had changed back to his human form. He slowly opened his eyes, realizing he was in a darker place. His amber gaze falls upon Taren as he is setting the gems beside him.

His voice a tired whisper as he speaks, “Where are the others.. are they alright?” Even exhausted his thoughts are on the condition of his team mates. He moves to sit then realizes he is only covered in a cloak.

He sat up carefully, pulling the cloak about him. He could see in the growing darkness, the others were sleeping. He did not see Zarl or Levastine. "Taren, where are Zarl and Levastine... are they...?" His voice trailed off not wanting to ask the question.

It was true he had not even really gotten to know them, but they had all fought together and it bothered him to think that something had happened to them like that.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine came to just long to feel Zarls' warmth around her, his body laying next to hers. She wished she could have done more for his wing, she didn't know that kind of healing. It made her happy enough that she was at least able to stop the bleeding.

Thoughts ran into dreams, somewhere she thought of that mysterous guy that ran back into the woods. If only she had gotten a better look at him, wondering if he was hurt. Or worse dying out there. Or was he too, coming to attack Zarl?

Sleep, rest, maybe in the daylight she will find him. Out looking for her horse, or perhaps remains of the beast. But in reality, looking for this stranger. Some reason, he had caught her attention without even doing so purposly.... Lavastine loves the unknown, and he was unknow to her.

 

[Armphid]

Taren

The half dressed warrior laid a hand on Logan's shoulder, his face happy. His voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke, not wanting to wake the others. "Everyone's all right, Logan." "We all made it." "Some of us got pretty beat up, but nothing that your healing magic or Evee's won't take care of."

He stood, Logan's stack of crystals being the last to set out. "Now, just go back to sleep, my friend." "You need the rest." "Don't worry, I'm watching over you."

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko

Her eyes widened as she recognized the Hitari clan blade. Then widened farther in horror and grief as the youth reached to his pack again to drop something else at her feet. It landed with a solid thump, rolling to rest gently against her bare toes. Looking down, Ritsuko couldn't stifle a cry of pure mourning as she saw the flame haired head of her father gazing dully back at her.

Reaching down in anger, her fingers closed around the hilt of the blade. Drawing it just in time, she spun to parry the stealthy ninja's first attack, sparks flying from the clash of the blades as he sought to overpower her. Adrenalin and fury charging her muscles, she heaved mightily, forcing the younger man back a step.

Without a word, she turned and fled, her killer in heated pursuit. She had no intentions of letting this one live, but nor did she wish to let him choose the battlefield. In short, the building itself hampered her. She needed to be rid of the confining walls and back into the coolness of the night. She could almost feel the caress of the night wind on her skin as she burst out of the temple.

Deep in slumber, Ritsuko winced slightly as the memories of the past day continued to haunt her.

Five creatues fed upon the bodies of the slain, their glossy black armor imposing to the elf who dared not pause to stare. A wave of fear and dread washed over her, drowning out the cold edged fury that had been her dominant emotion until now.

Trembling lips uttered a soft, horrified moan as the samurai tossed restlessly in her sleep.

Kirin! Was this how her clan fell? The creatures had noticed her now, their huge lumbering forms moving toward her, black chitinous bone plates grinding harshly as they advanced. A glance behind her revealed her ninja pursuer, no longer interested in the chase, quite content to see how she would fare against such odds.

Sweat formed on her brow, as the dream dragged her along with it. The scene in her mind changing to suit the chaos of the moment.

A Macrai-Itoche, screaming in agony as its arms were ripped from its moorings. Another fighting for its life, dragged down by the weight of the enemies mass, torn asunder by teeth and claw alike.

Her breath quickened slightly as the creatures in her mind again advanced on her. Her face calming suddenly with no apparent explanation.

A single hand raised, her katana pointed skyward. A twisting of her wrist caught the reflection of moonlight along the blade. One eye cocked curiously, the young man watched with an inward smile his pets advanced to do his job for him. It was then that the night exploded silently in moonlight and dancing shadow.

A sound, a distraction, and she was awake again. Once again unsure of her surroundings, the images of the dream fading back into her personal history. Raising a slender finger to brush a stray lock of hair from her eyes, she turned to see most of the group sleeping, the moon having risen into the night sky. With a sigh, she rose, and began her watch. Turning, she noticed Taren not a far distance away, concern clouded by fatigue as he regarded her silently. She nodded politely to the stern warrior, motioning silently for him to take his rest.

Looking down, she noticed a large pile of crystals piled neatly not far from where she had lain. Working silently, she selected two of the stones for herself. Dividing the pile evenly in two, she moved the crystals one by one into the similar looking piles of Logan and Zarl.

As she gazed down at the human who had saved her life twice this past day, her whispers were nearly inaudible as she bowed before his prone form, speaking in the Elvish tongue.

"For your kindness."

Moving swifly to finish adding to Zarl's pile, she kept her face on the Macrai-Itoche. She wasn't sure if he slumbered yet, or if he watched her through lidded eyes. Even so, she repeated the gesture to him, added words of Elvish muttered softly into the night.

"In rememberance of your dead."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

A cool breeze brought a multitude of scents to the youngster, standing atop a hill in the Clearing. Behind him, the jungle closed in around a massive stone building, one of the few deep in this land where only a few lived. Utilitarian in build, it harnessed no outside decorations, a simple hall leading into a circular domed room where his people's religions was based.

He was young, yet. Barely past the First Stirrings, he remained with his people, free. A shock of blue hair stood atop his green body. His wings were spread proud as he absorbed the sun.

Below him, the elders were Gathered. The oldest of the Macrai-Itoche, man and woman, sat, eating fruit as they spoke. Unlike other of their people, their wore clothing in their homes. A type of baggy white pants and a robe of splendid material that went just past their knees. Their chests were bare, and they spoke of knowledge beyond the boy's comprehension. One of them, the father of his mother, stood near then, listening but not speaking.

He was tall, and powerfully built. Hair turned silver-white with age hung around his shoulders, and his face showed wrinkles from his years. He had not been caught until he was near elderhood, and he had given only one child before he was too old for breeding, and had joined the Elders. He glanced up at the son of his daughter, though such family ties held little meaning.

With a few words to the others, he strode up the hill until he was next to the boy, towering over him. He turned, and looked down at the clearing, the gathered elders, and the dense jungle behind. "Zarl," he said in the Common Fae tongue, forcing the boy to concentrate on his language lessons, "Why are you here? A gathering has been called, there are no Lessons today."

The boy fidgeted a bit in the presence of the most powerful man in the Macrai-Itoche, the Priest of Deverlota-Itoche. "I,...I had hoped to learn more, Elder Feftivian."

The Elder Priest smiled, and nodded. "So you shall, blood of my blood. So you shall."

Zarl pressed himself closer to Lavastine, sm,iling as memories of his homeland, far seperated from men and elves, came back to him. Memories of the Priest Feftivian, who had such high hopes for the now wounded Macrai-Itoche. Memories of ripening fruits of a variety of colors, of deep jungle pants which gave off powerful smells, of games played through great expanses of the growth.

Memories of a home he dared not to return for most of his life.

 

[Khadgar]

Dreant Firebane

Gasping and flareinghis sleepy eyes open as the sharp pain spiked through his back, he fell to his hands and knees. running his back against that large rock had cracked his spine in a painfully delicious manner. standing back up and breathing in deeply, he stretched. yes, he back seemed to be sore, but not gimpy anymore.

Dreant scurried out of the trees once more, sliding across the blood soaked battleground. he searchedfor bodies, and trinkets he could use. heavy and useless swords, confining and itching armor, most was completely useless to him. helmets, useless, bows, useless, sighing he left the field. his slow trudge, or what was an equivelant to a slow trudge for him, limbs carrying him at a brisk pace, his back and tail arching and flowing naturally.

Dreant let himself come up the hill, his thoughts going to what had happened to his hands earlier, he didn't know why that had happened, why his arms had suddenly.... changed. these thoughs were of course interupted occasionally by a twitching rage towards squirrels and their kin.

His foot kicked agaisnt a soft form, his attention snapping back to reality. he couldn't see what it was in the darkness, but it was stirring.

Dreant's eye's snapped wide, and he was gone in a flash, his crazed pace finding himself hanging by his tail from a nearby tree. watching the camp, and believing no one had followed him, he slowly let himself drift off to sleep.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan

He stirred in his sleep as Ritsuko spoke near to him. He rolled over, the cloak managed to keep him covered as he moved. He woke opening his eyes slowly as Ritsuko walked away. He watched as she stopped and place gems near the pile near Zarl and spoke softly once more.

After she had moved away to a quiet place, where it looked like she would be taking watch, he sat up and looked about for his pack. Finding it nearby, realizing Taren had made sure it had not been forgotten.

Moving quietly, his strength returning from his rest, Logan retrieved his clothes from his pack, and dressed quickly and quietly so as not to wake the ones that were managing to sleep. Pulling on his pants he stood, and then pulling on his shirt he had only buttoned a few of the buttons when he stepped closer to Ritsuko.

He spoke quietly so as not to startle her, "Would you care for company on your watch?" As she would turn to look up at him, he ran his fingers through his brown hair and the movement would cause the moonlight to glint off the unicorn amulet haning about his neck.