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Create your character and choose to work with others or yourself and go on a quest.FULL |
| [Introduction]
This is the 3rd spawning of the campfire the Quest. In this campfire it is your typical fantasy story where everyone comes together for a quest. But the twist in this one is you can be anything you want knight, archer, devil, a fish etc. You can check out the two other previous quests at: http://www.stories.com/main/campfires.php?item_id=337876 http://www.writing.com/main/campfires/item_id/512095 **N.B. Everyone will have four days to post or they will be skipped!!** Follow the basic character structre and email me your character bio. I will add it up here (do not include with your intro!) Fig Name: Joe Character: Archer Abilities: Extremely fast, good with bows and throwing objects darts, spears etc.He also knows how to use magic (He doesn't know this is yet) Appearance: Black hair, brown eyes, brown skin, traditional linclon green archer suit and cap Home:Earth Jaidyn452 Name: Vatori Character: Archer,Demon Abilities: She has the ability to disappear and reappear on will. She can shoot from long distances. She can travel forward and backwards in time. Appearance: Blond Hair that has an unnatural glow/Tanned skinned. She wears a silk purple gown and black leather boots. Home: Unknown Vatori finds herself falling into strange predicaments. Not belonging really anywhere, she travels alot and kind of attracts trouble wherever she goes. ~*A: S&C all the way! Name: Serina Character: An assassin Abilities: Agile, extremely athletic, and acute senses, she uses any weaponry of any kind. She’s also a pro at martial arts. Appearance: Medium height, with creamy beige skin and dark green eyes. She has short dark hair. Is very beautiful; has a curvy athletic body. Home: Unknown da_ddq Name: Calls herself Jana Character: A result of an experiment crossing DNAs. Looks like a cross between a faerie and an elf Abilities: Flying, expert with fire magics, a small bit of telepathy, but absolutely hopeless with weapons. Appearance: Gold hair with pink streaks that falls below her shoulders. Bright blue eyes that turn silver when upset. Lightly tanned skin, about 5'5, with plain brown shirt and pants, with slits in the back of her shirt where she can hide her wings. Has a barcode and the word "HETYA" tattooed on her left ankle. Home: Nowhere. Jana has been on the run for the past six years, ever since she ran away from the place that made her. However, for some strange reason, she cannot remember anything that happened before she ran away. All she knows is that she will not go back foureyes is back finally Name: Soren (Which means "Terror") Character: Dark Shaman Abilities: master of what has been called "Black Magic" (A few people misuse it and the whole branch is branded as evil.) Also has use of elemental magic and is known to dabble in necromancy from time to time. In terms of weaponery It all comes down to knives of all kinds and his staff. Hopeless with bows and spears, but man can this guy run. Appearance: Tall, sinewy, and covered with tatoos of symbols and demons and an all around frightening guy to look at with long scraggly black hair. the tatoos on his face have flames on his cheeks that burn over the face and run up into his hair with little figures dancing in the fire. that and his blood red eyes would make a preist wet himself. Home:Forest of Shadows *Teddybear* (catching up) Name: Darigan Age: 25 Gender: male Race: Human – warrior. Ability: Anything that can be done with your body, Darigan can do it. Flexible, but solid as a rock, everything about him calls strength and reflex. Also, the ability to read minds at times of strong emotion. He has a soul mate, linked to him from the time he was a child in mind, who is a female siberian tiger. Appearance: Quite messy dark brown hair - short, but not too short. Brown eyes and a face that nearly always seems to be in the shadow, giving him a dark, dangerous, cunning look. Rarely smiles with a true smile - when talking to someone in either an argumentative situation or trying to get them to back down - even for seducing, his face seems to wear a self contained almost smirk, be it sexy or contemptuous. Solid body, standing at 6', lean, but muscular. Personality: The dark and mysterious stranger - he does not trust, though he is wise. He is not innocent. He fights man and beast with a ferocious energy that seems to radiate and burn behind his eyes. Yet something about him seems... good. Sensitive. His body and personality alike resemble a remote castle - contained, dark, mysterious, solid, but inside... who knows what there might be. He draws the ladies, but whilst they are attracted to him like a moth to a flame, they don't know why... Home: Anywhere and Everywhere. He has no home. RandomHack: Cynic Name: Teron (Tear-ron or Terran -(Tear-ron and terran sound the same anyway)- ) Character: A Necromancer Abilities: Death magic, raising the dead, curses and two handcrafted swords with magic abilitys brought out only by the Good. Appearance: He looks like a 40 year old man(Necromancers look old for some reason) he wears something like a suit of armor but chain mail and cloth. Home: Unknown Seth Hicks Name: Brandon Conway Character: An ordinary human, with a habbit of getting himself into big messes with important people. (Sounds like a lot of people I know, including myself.) Abilities: Brandon uses his intelligence, medical knowledge, and strength to get out of unnavoidable scrapes. Sarcasm is a virtue. Appearance: Average height for a male, crystal clear blue eyes, and a somewhat athletic build. But not from working out or running- more from just tromping through the woods on an autumn day. Has blondish curls, but hates them so he keeps his hair as short as possible. Home: Nowhere. Sonny-At me? Name: Lori'en Lor'enstar. Character: An Elf, a Lord Elf to be exact. He is the world champion Silver Knight, the most powerful knight in the world. Works for the king sometiemes. Abilities: Can control and manipulate fire, ice, sonics, raw energy, is telekinetic, telapthic, knows aloooot of magic, very strong, has two very beautiful swords that have some magic in them and are very powerful, several throwing knives, a bow and arrow, spear, you know that kind of stuff. Is extremely fast and very agile. Appearance: Tall, 7'6, muscular, very buffed up, usually wears black leather with silver armor implaceent, and when he wears armor he has either silver armor or black armor, very handsome, blonde. Home: He has no home. After leaving the royal circle of archers in Canterburry Joe looks around for some adventure. He was the top archer in the King's army and now that all of the dragons and the mage's were destroyed he looked for some form of adventure. He was properly equipped with all of his favourite arows and he was given some special bows from Jerlin(The Royal Blacksmith) , so he was not worried about being hurt by anyone or anything. Fixing his cap on his head properly, he looked around cautiously. He knew that he was in a forest, but he didn't exactly know where he was. " I knew I should have taken a right when I was at Shimasura." he muttered to himself while pulling on a few strands of his almost non-existent beard. He was lost and he had no idea what to do next. Sitting down on a nearby rock he considered what to do next. " I could just wait for someone to pass by and ask for directions..." he thought to himself. Pulling out his specially made dagger, he began to practice some of his attacks on a nearby tree while awaiting a passerby... |
| The tree began to break into, and finally gave, falling over it caused several surrounding trees to fall also. Joe looked around him to he if anyone had noticed, looking twice he spotted someone standing among the trees. This person from far was wearing a khaki colored skirt and a green jacket made of leather. Joe stared at this female figure as if he were in a trace and he didn't notice when she started making her way towards him or when she rested her hand on his cheek. Snapping back into his senses, he stared into her brown eyes, and suddenlt all thought went away from him. "What is your name?" he asked. She rubbed his cheek gently and leaned closer to him and whispered in his ear,"My name is Vatori, and you must follow me, for your life is now in danger." She pulled away from him, the palm of her hand still resting upon his cheek. He looked into her eyes and said " What do you mean?" She continued to look at him and with out moving her lips he heard her say, " There are those who wish to kill me. Those same people are watching you right now. You must come with me, or you will certainly die!" Concern came over her eyes. Joe looked out the corner of his eyes and he saw the shadowed outline of a armed figure. Turning back towards her, he nodded. She stepped closer to him laid her head against his shoulder."Close your eyes," she whispered. Joe's heart started beating extremely fast against his chest and he could clearly hear footsteps coming towards there direction, as well as whispered commands one in which said," Take the shot now!" "Close you eyes," he heard her whisper again. He obeyed and he did, the men around him came at them in full charge, but it was too late, they had already begun to disappear. Joe's mine became light in the inside of his eyes, he saw tiny purple lights that spun and began one. His grip on Vatori loosened and she was gone. All he could do was wait for this to end, where he would end up he didn't know. He wished that it would end soon, he was getting sick. "Oww, Damnit!" yelled Joe. He had landed on something hard and sharp! "Who are you?" came a voice in the distance in a language that Joe understood. Opening his eyes, what he saw shocked him. He stood up and prepared to fight the hairy beast in front of him. They had sharp knives pointed in his direction and from the tip there was blood,their sharp fanglike teeth showing. Joe subconsciously absorbed the room into his memory as if he had been here before. "Stop, I know him.." came a voice from behind him. Joe spun around and saw Vatori standing there in a silk purple dress. " I saved him, he is the one when need to end this war, if you kill him, than you have killed us all!" |
Name: Serina Character: An assassin Abilities: Agile, extremely athletic, and acute senses, she uses any weaponry of any kind. She’s also a pro at martial arts. Appearance: Medium height, with creamy beige skin and dark green eyes. She has short dark hair. Is very beautiful; has a curvy athletic body. Home: Unknown Serina used to work for an underground organization, secretly run by the King. She liquidated most of his enemies, while in return she got whatever she wanted. Soon, she grew tired of the job and decided to go on a hiatus for awhile. She is a born vagabond, and likes to travel. However, chaos ensues everywhere, and the King needs her, so she kissed her vacation plans good bye. Serina has a bit of a temper and can get angry easily. She’s tough and proud to show it; as for men, they can get on her nerves. But that doesn’t mean she will not welcome a relationship. *** Serina ran quickly through the forest, chasing her prey. The branches scraped at her leather-clad body and bare arms. You won’t get away from me so easily, she thought, pulling out another arrow and letting it fly. Her target was someone the King didn’t quite like. He told Serina she worked for the enemy and that she “suddenly” had the idea to switch sides and fight for them. The King didn’t believe this. “Why?” Serina had asked him. “Because she did it twice before with other kings, but she’s not going to fool me!” the King said, slamming a fist on a table. The wine glasses jumped, spilling the dark maroon liquid. “I want you to get rid of her before she messes up what I fixed for this kingdom! I want you to do it, Serina.” “But what if she really wants to be good?” Serina asked curiously. “Do you call a seductive wench who’s daughter of my enemy and who likes to see things fall apart ‘good’?” the King rhetorically asked her. “Just get to her before anything else. That’s all I’m asking.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” Serina had said, bowing. “I shall do my best.” “Beware,” he added, “she knows quite a few spells.” “But my King, you should know,” Serina had said with a small smile. “I’m protected against most spells; they can’t do anything to me. You should know. You made me take a defense against the dark arts class for nearly a decade and a half.” “Then getting her should be easy for you,” he had said. Now… “Hold it, you!” Serina called, as the woman jumped over a fallen log and disappeared into the thicket. Serina shook her head. This woman was crazy. Her craziness had set off Serina’s anger. Serina took a deep breath and crept into the thicket. She pushed back the large leaves and peered through. She saw her target. Good. She also saw a young man in green. Who the hell is that? she thought. Her accomplice? She carefully moved forward, keeping close to the ground. With a steady hand, she aimed an arrow at the woman. She then rose to her full height and was about to let go, when… Men out of nowhere appeared, brandishing their swords. “What the…” Serina said, not understanding. Were these men after the woman too? Suddenly the man in the green outfit closed his eyes and the men phenomenally disappeared. He then looked as if he was in a deep trance, his eyes were still closed and he fell to the ground. He still was conscious, Serina could tell, and he twisted and convulsed. It was as if he was having a nightmare. The lady stood over him, yelling commands. All of a sudden, a loud growl emitted in cluster of tall trees. The trees fell over, and there stood a hideous creature of some kind. The woman smiled as she yelled out more commands and caused the young man to rise up, still in a trance, and draw out his bow and arrow. The beast roared and charged at him. The woman saw this, but didn’t want a fight. “Stop, I know him!” she said to the creature. It stopped running and blinked at her. “I saved him, he is the one when need to end this war, if you kill him, than you have killed us all!" The creature looked hurt at her words. “I want you to take him to the camp,” she said, placing an arm on the archer. He was still in a stupor, and didn’t really know what was going on. “We might need him. He worked for the king, so perhaps he is valuable to us.” Worked for the king? Serina thought. So…he does not work with her. But…what is he doing here? Serina watched him carefully as he walked to the creature. So…he was bewitched by her spell? Serina couldn’t allow for him to go with the evil lady. If he did work with the King, Serina knew he knew of the secrets, the plans, and the work the King wanted to make surreptitious. And since he was under a spell, Serina bet he could easily spill out the details. She couldn’t allow that. Not at all. Taking aim again, she shot an arrow into the creature’s shoulder. She then shot one at its leg, stomach, and forehead. The woman saw this and turned around to see Serina. Serina charged at her. The woman said some commands, and the young archer turned toward her, with a bow in one hand and an arrow in another. Before Serina blinked twice, he shot one at her. She ducked and rolled, taking out a knife. She threw it at him. He dodged and shot another arrow. The purple-dress woman angrily stared at them, knowing Serina had foiled her plans. She grabbed her wounded creature and escaped the area. An arrow pierced Serina in the chest, causing her to fall back. Serina grabbed the arrow and hastily pulled it out. She thanked the protective armor she wore underneath her tight, black, leather attire. The archer lunged forward with a knife and Serina jumped up and spun, dodging the blade. She grabbed his hand, the one holding the knife, and twisted it. He yelped in pain and dropped it. Serina spun and kicked him in the chest. He backed away, wobbling, as she kicked in his face. He fell and blacked out. Serina noticed blood on her upper arm. One of the arrows must have done it. She shrugged it off. She then knelt down and studied the young archer. He had blood on his arm. Serina sighed and quickly patched it up. She then whistled. Her magnificent brown horse, Jano, arrived and Serina picked up the young man and placed him in the saddle. Grabbing the reins, they all made their way to Serina’s loft. Serina secretly hoped the young man would wake up from unconsciousness. She wanted to know who he was. ------------------------------------------------- |
| ((eh heh heh.....sorry)) Name: Calls herself Jana Character: A result of an experiment crossing DNAs. Looks like a cross between a faerie and an elf Abilities: Flying, expert with fire magics, a small bit of telepathy, but absolutely hopeless with weapons. Appearance: Gold hair with pink streaks that falls below her shoulders. Bright blue eyes that turn silver when upset. Lightly tanned skin, about 5'5, with plain brown shirt and pants, with slits in the back of her shirt where she can hide her wings. Has a barcode and the word "HETYA" tattooed on her left ankle. Home: Nowhere. Jana has been on the run for the past six years, ever since she ran away from the place that made her. However, for some strange reason, she cannot remember anything that happened before she ran away. All she knows is that she will not go back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jana stared up at the starry sky, letting the song of the night wash over her; soothing her soul. She closed her eyes, a small smile playing at her lips as she leaned back on the roof. How long had it been since I've looked at the stars? The wind brushed a stray lock of golden hair across her slightly frowning lips as she gazed sadly up at the sky. Too long. Jana sighed and rolled over, propping her head up with her arm as she stared down at marketplace beneath her. People, mostly humans, going about their nightly business. Going home, most likely. Jana gazed yearnfully as two children, about her age, ran laughing into a store. I wonder what it would be like.... "No," Jana sat up, shaking her head furiously, "No." She cast one last glance at the store before turning away. Best not even to wonder. She quickly gathered her feet beneath her, shaking her wings out of their pouches, and launched herself into the air. The wind caught her as it always did, and, flying into the clouds, she hid herself from the sight of the humans beneath her. Always best not to think about it. You know you'll only get sad. That life is not for you. Jana sighed into the wind as her own mind lectured her, "I know. But sometimes I just-" STOP IT! Jana's body went stiff as the shriek raked through her mind, coating the open wounds with salt as it passed. Her eyes went silver as her wings tore against the wind, and she was falling....falling...... |
Serina was bent down, pumping water into a large bucket. She picked it up and carefully carried in the house. She walked passed a table and with her keen eyes, she noticed a large spider under the table. Serina yelped and dropped the bucket, spilling the water. She then ran over and stomped on the spider until there was a large black spot stained into the wood. “I hate spiders,” she said to herself. “Why must they be everywhere? I mean…oh, damn,” she said, noticing the spilled water. “Now I have to go out to get more.” She picked up the bucket and went back out. A few moments later, she was back with a new bucket of water. She was heading towards the fireplace, when she heard a noise. It startled her so she dropped the bucket. Again. She ignored it and ran to her bedroom. She saw that the archer had awoken. He blinked numerous times, looking around the room. “Where am I?” he asked. “You’re in my bed of my bedroom of my cabin,” Serina said. The archer stared at Serina. “Who are you?” he asked. “I’m Serina. I saved you from that bewitching wench in the woods,” she said, taking a seat at the foot of the bed. “Do you remember that?” He tried to think. “I think so,” he said. “All I remember was that I saw visions…visions that weren’t real…” “Yeah, that was her. She wanted to kidnap you apparently. Why, you wonder? Well…you worked for the King, didn’t you? What did you do for him?” The archer looked at Serina and narrowed his eyes. “Why do you want to know? My business with the King is none of your concern.” “Really? You don’t realize that we could be on the same side?” “You worked for the King, too? As what, a chambermaid?” Serina ignored that remark. “No, I’m an assassin.” The archer laughed. “I must be dreaming. You? An assassin?” Serina flung a knife towards him and it impaled the headboard above his head. “Still dreaming?” she asked. The archer was silent. Serina pulled the knife out the wood and pocketed it. “Listen, we both may be suspicious of each other, but we can work together bringing down this unknown evil,” she said. “Really…” “Yeah. I’m supposed to meet the King later. You can come…that is, if you feel up for it.” The archer sat up. “I feel fine. I’m just hungry, that’s all.” “So…you really want to work together? I mean, there will be many obstacles--people to battle, dangerous places, lack of food and water at times, the hot sun and the hard cold wind—the list goes on and on. Are you still up for it?” “Well, seeing how you saved me, I owe you. So I will allow myself to accompany you on your journey, whatever that may be. As for the journey, I’m always up for an adventure.” Serina smiled. She now had an accomplice. She could fully carry out the King’s plan. “Why don’t I go make supper for us?” she asked, standing up. “A nice supper. In celebration for our future adventure.” “Sounds great, I’m starved,” he said, getting out the bed. Before she walked out the room, she turned to him again. “By the way, what’s your name?” He smiled. “I’m Joe,” he said, extending out his hand. Serina shook it. “Joe,” Serina repeated. “So, Joe, do you feel your strength returning to you?” “Yeah.” “Strong enough to get two large bucketfuls of water for me?” “Uh…sure.” “Great. You know, we’re going to be great friends. I have a strong feeling about that.” Then they left the room together. ------------------------------------------------- |
| Name: Rioura Character: Healer Abilities: Is highly skilled in the art of a healer, excellent sword fighter, has a touch with magic Appearance: Red wavy hair, mid-way down her back, ivory skin, emerald eyes, and she wears a green tunic and brown leather pants. Home: Earth Rioura gazed up at the clear night sky. The stars seemed to shine brighter than ever before. She pulled out a pendant from her satchel and pointed it towards the sky. “Ethereal star of the North, show me the way.” Suddenly, a bright flash filled the sky. Rioura placed the pendant back into her satchel and bent down to the ground. She placed her hand on the dark brown soil, her ivory hand contrasted against it like night and day. “Grow.” She commanded in a whisper. She felt a tickling beneath her palm and, as she removed it, a violet broke through the soil. “Grow, and be plentiful.” She said while getting up. Her head tilted to the night sky. “May a field of violets flourish here in tribute to you, Ethereal, star of the North.” With that, Rioura headed towards where the starlight shone. It didn’t take long for her to get to her destination. As she cleared through the brush, she smiled to herself. A small cottage lay ahead. |
| As Joe walked with the large bucket of water he slowed down his pace so that he could walk behind Serina. He begged for her to help him claiming that he didn't realise he was too weak to do it. Giving him a funny look, she agreed, obviously upset she had to do it. He did this, so he could observe her without her knowing. He didn't trust what she had said about her being an assasin. It didn't make sense in his opinion. Why would the King hire an assasin that he never knew about. Joe knew all of the people who worked for the King and all dangers for to the Kingdom, so he would've heard about Serina. So, for now he would have to be weary to not fall into a trap. One of the first things Joe noticed was how Serina moved whilst carrying the bucket of water. It appeared as if she was dancing by how her body wiggled, but she was actually shifting her body weight in a certain way, so she could carry heavy loads without a problem. The bucket itself was large and with the added weight of the water, it should've been difficult for Serina to carry, but she walked with it as if it weighed nothing at all. This was a trick only people who worked with Royal Family knew. " Maybe she did get orders from the King..." Joe thought as his eyes travelled up and down here body. Another thing he noticed was the way that she looked and carried herself. Normal women didn't have a figure like she did. She was fit and her body showed signs of hardship, not hardship as in kitchen tiredness or children worries, but as if she had travelled alot and had the experience of scholars. He could see one or two scars, on her body. Not large ones, but large enough to give her away that she was something more than just a normal woman. Serina stumbled and almost lost her balance dropping her bucket, but before Joe could react, she crouched to steady herself, glanced around, put her hand on her weapon on her waist and still caught the bucket and placed it on the ground. " You're safe here. No dangers are present.' Joe said as she picked up the bucket warily. ' I mean, after all I'm here!" he added with a smile on his face. She turned around with a wry smile in return. Joe wanted to break any tension left between them. After all, he was going to have to work with/accompany her for awhiile, so he wanted to be on very friendly terms with her because he knew that they would have to rely on each other in the future. Walking up behind her, he extended his hand around her waist to open the door for her as an act of courtesy, but in the process he upset Serina's natural flow making Serina offbalance once again, causing her to fall back unto him. Joe could've easily held her up, but still wanting to make a friendship between them he collapsed on the floor with her on top of him. " Whoops.." he said a goofy smile on his face. Joe couldn't decifer the look on Serina's face whether or not she was smiling or angry. Before Joe could apologise she threw the bucket of water on him. " What the!" Joe thought as she got up and began to skip away. Tackling her into a bed of leaves the two began to romp around playfully, until they were both tired. " Time for dinner woman!" Joe declared jokingly. " Huh? Me cook?" She responded in genuine surprise. " You're joking right?" he asked. " Of course." she replied with a smile on her face. As Serina was finished with supper, Joe heard a knock on the door. " Who could that be this hour of the night?" he wondered. Ready to use his dagger if necessary, Joe opened the door only to be welcomed by the presence of a woman with long red hair. " Hello sir, my name Rioura and I'm here to join you." she stated. " Huh?" Joe replied. He had no idea what this woman was talking about, but all he knew was one way or another, a quest was about to be embarked on. |
| Rioura dipped her head slightly, "I was told to come here and to accompany the people who were here." She smiled at them, eyes twinkling slightly, "I would assume that would be you two?" Serina stiffened slightly, "Perhaps. Who sent you?" Rioura shifted her weight slightly, "Might I come in?" "No." Joe stepped between the two girls, "Ladies, Ladies, please! Let's talk like civilized folk." Serina glared at him, stepping past him and walking inside, "I believe I'm the only one civilized here." Joe turned to their guest, smiling crookedly, "Sorry about that." "Tis fine. Might I come in?" Rioura smiled sweetly. "Please," Joe replied, smiling back charmingly at her, stepping back to watch her go by. As she passed, he studied her carefully, taking in all he could. Rioura stopped in the entryway, gently smoothing her robes as she studied her surroundings, "This is a very nice place." "Thank you," Joe replied, glancing a look at the sullen Serina, "Might I ask about that pendant around your neck?" "Ah, yes," Rioura replied, reverently fingering her pendant, "This is part of the reason I'm here." "Really," Serina asked sarcastically, "Please, tell us more." "I'd be delighted," Rioura returned, either not realizing Serina's sarcasm, or choosing to ignore it. "I am a Healer, and a small while ago, I was told of a rather....special stone." "Special," Joe asked cautiously. Rioura nodded, "Yes. The Stone was blessed by the Mother Goddess many millenia ago. The powers left by Her have grown over the ages. It is said that whoever wields the Stone would have the power to make all their dreams come true." "And what does that have to do with us," Serina retorted. "The Stone is hidden away in the Womb of the Earth, deep within the forest at the edge of Travinia, and is rumoured to be guarded by some of the most fearsome creatures ever known. I, as a mere healer, could not possibly retrieve the Stone on my own. I need help. I meditated, and the Mother Goddess chose to grant me a vision, which has led me here to request your help." "And why do you want this Stone," Serina asked suspiciously. Rioura turned her gaze downward, green eyes staring at the floor, "I need it to heal someone very special to me." "Really," Serina sneered, "I'm so sure." Rioura's face flushed with anger, emerald eyes flashed as she glared at Serina, "May Ethereal the North Star cast down one of her winged Stars if I be lying!" All three of them leapt back as the ceiling caved in, a single winged figured lying in the middle of the dusty mess. There was silence in the room as the dust settled. "Well....it isn't exactly a Star," Joe began.... |
The moment Joe spoke, Serina told him to be quiet. She had heard something. “Shh,” Serina said, as she walked slowly to the window and peaked out. She scanned the greenery outside. “Did anyone follow you?” she asked Rioura. “No,” she said. “Are you sure?” Serina asked again. “Yeah…well, how was I to know? I would have seen them. Otherwise, there would be some kind of sign that indicated that they were following m--” At that moment, a rock broke the window. “Was that a sign?” Joe asked. He looked at Rioura. “You sure do have right timing with your words.” Serina’s eyes flashed back to outside and saw a movement in the bushes. “Get down!” she said, as everyone hit the floor, an array of arrows broke through all the windows, entering the house. Then, suddenly, it stopped. “Are they gone?” asked Rioura. Joe looked at Serina for an answer. But she laid there like a cat, watching with her ears and eyes. There was now a new sound and a burning smell. Fire had entered the house. It spread fast and soon the three were engulfed in smoke and flames. “We’re going to die!” Joe yelled then coughed. “Follow me, and stay close to the floor,” Serina yelled back, crawling out the room and down the hall. They followed her as the traveled through the flaming obstacles. Soon they came to a room and Serina led them to a corner. She found her large black bag and slung it over her shoulder. She looked for a latch on the floor and undid it. A small trapdoor opened and Serina pointed to below. “We’re getting out this way, so be careful,” Serina said. She pointed to Rioura. “You go first.” Rioura did what she was told and slid down the trapdoor. “Your turn,” Serina said to Joe. “Ladies first,” he said. “That’s why I asked you to go next,” Serina said. “Now go.” “But what about y--” he began, but was pushed down by Serina. She then dropped in, the flames barely missing her. All of them slid down the dark tunnel, with all of its twists and little bumps. They were then thrown out and found themselves underwater. Serina led them to the surface and swam to the riverbank. They then sat down and just stared, without saying anything. Joe soon broke the silence. “Is everyone okay?” The girls nodded. “Do you have an idea who did this?” Joe asked Serina. “Um, the enemy?” Serina said. “Yeah, but was it--” Serina coughed and charily glanced at Rioura. Joe understood. They didn’t know if she worked with the enemy or not. “Well, whoever it could be, they will pay,” Joe said, putting a comforting arm around Serina. Serina pushed the arm away. “Yes, they will,” she said. “Luckily I had nothing of value in that house.” “Do you think we should find shelter in the woods or in a nearby village?” Rioura asked. “The nearby village is a day or two walk from here. I guess we will have to camp in the woods tonight,” Serina said. “A slumber party?” Joe suggested, eyebrow raised. Serina sighed. “Rioura, why don’t you lead us?” Serina proposed. “I’ll keep be on the lookout as we walk.” Rioura nodded and led the way. Joe followed, then Serina. She felt as though they were not far away from danger. *** “Are we going to go see the king?” Joe asked, as he bent over to pick up the twig. “Maybe, if we can make it,” Serina said, picking up a heavy log, then throwing it back down. It was too damp. “It seems like something is trying to prevent us from doing so.” “What are we going to do then?” “I’m not sure now, but an idea will come to me,” Serina said. “Let’s go back to Rioura. We have enough firewood now.” They walked back to their camp where Rioura made little beds for them. “It’s going to be a bit cold tonight, so I made sure I chose the leaves that contained the most chlorophyll…” Serina put down the firewood and Joe did the same. “Well, you two can go to sleep. I’ll watch out for anything or anyone.” “You’re not going to sleep?” Rioura asked, her emerald eyes blinking. Serina shook her head. “But Serina, you must sleep!” Joe said in a concerned voice. “Don’t worry about me. You two go to sleep,” Serina said, as she turned to walk. “I’ll come with you,” Joe offered, grabbing his blanket of leaves. “No, Joe.” Serina held up her hand for him to stop. “You go to sleep. We have much distance to cover tomorrow. You’ll need the rest.” “But what about you?” asked Joe. “I said, don’t worry about me!” Serina said irately, walking away. Joe and Rioura looked at each other and shrugged. ~~~ Serina sat on a small hill, her back to a large oak. She had a small dark green blanket wrapped around her. It matched her eyes. She sat there, trance-like, contemplating about the situation. Who could have tried to kill us today? she thought. And could they be following us, too? She suddenly heard crunching leaves. Someone was walking in her direction. Serina got into her traditional assassin stance and stood still against the tree, blending in. She then saw the figure. They walked in front of the tree and stopped, waiting. Serina drew her dagger out and lashed out forward. She grabbed the stranger and held the blade tightly against their throat. “D-don’t hurt me, Serina,” he said, his voice familiar. “Joe?” Serina asked, removing the blade from his throat and pocketing it. “How did you know it was me?” He turned to look at her in the dark. “You scared the shit out of me. You’re the only one I know who could pull off a move like that.” “Well, apparently, you scared me too,” she said, returning to her spot near the tree. “But what the hell, Joe? You’re supposed to be sleeping.” He sat down next to her. “I didn’t want you to be alone,” he said. “Besides, it’s cold out here. Thought you might need a little more heat.” He placed a leaves-threaded blanket in her lap. “You’ll be amazed how warm these things are.” “Thanks, Joe, but…” she looked at him. “I’m accustomed to being alone. It isn’t a big deal. Thanks for caring, but really, I’m fine. You should go back to sleep.” “I’m not sleepy.” The way he said it made Serina a bit nervous. He seemed persistent. He really wasn’t going to leave. Serina sighed. “What’s wrong?” Joe asked. “Nothing…” Serina said, looking at the ground. “So, Joe, do you really trust me to lead you guys to the king?” “So we are going to see him?” “Yes.” “Well, yeah, I trust you.” “Well…I’m not sure I trust you.” “What?” “I know you worked with the king, but why were you wondering around the forest yesterday and got captured by the witch? It looked intentional. And are you actually telling me everything I need to know about you? For all I know, you could be a traitor,” Serina said, looking straight into his brown eyes. The moon was bright and shone like an interrogation light on Joe. Joe was speechless, but smiled anyway. “Serina…” he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. They suddenly heard a scream faraway. ------------------------------------------------- |
| my bio is at the top The night was cool and quiet. this is as good a place as any, Soren thought. he used his staff to draw a cercle around him, and the drew symbols alone the rim muttering words in an odd dialect. when he was finished he sat cross legged in the center and held his staff infront of him. Everything went still as he collected internal energies. After a moment the symbols in the ground gave off a soft glow and Sorens shadow moved a little then pulled itself away from its owner and stood up. It was and exact reflection of Soren and he saw through its eyes. The shadow turned and took to the trees leaping from one branch to another creating no sound and no movment from the leaves as its wieghtless mass flowed from one limb to another. Finally it came to what it was looking for. from the branch of a tree the shadow could see a girl sitting on the ground scaning the bushes infront of her. the shadow followed her gaze and saw fresh tracks of two people who had left this girl behind. Soren, through the shadow, reached out to her mind just to see who she was. The instant his mind touched hers she spun around and saw the shadow in the trees and screemed. The shadow was gone a moment later flying through the woods to the Shaman who had sent it forth. It reached the magic cercle and took its place beneath Soren. He stood up and stepped out of the cercle, turned and pointed a finger at the ground and a powerful wind came from nowhere and blow away all the evidense of his symbols. not that it will do any good, he thought, that girl could sense me in her mind and if she follows the shadow back here she will sense the left over magic. she has some form of magic, it felt like healing powers and something else, best not to leave any unknowns. And off he went towards the girl that had sensed him alost as quiet as his shadow but much faster. Soon enough he could hear voices and stopped and dropped to all fours. he peered through the bushes and saw the girl plus a man in green cloths with a bow drawn and ready standing beside a woman of medium size and a strong build but her eyes spoke of great skill. He couls smell the death on this woman she had killed a great many people. Interesting little band we have here, he thought before he retreated back to his little clearing. I will have to watch these ones, he though, can’t afford to sleep tonight though. they my come looking and if they do they will find nothing. Soren turned towards a tree and laid his hand on it, after a few moments his hand followed by the rest of his body was absorbed into the tree. and there he waited. |
Joe and Serina looked at Rioura questioningly. “Are you alright?” Joe asked breathlessly while Serina narrowed her eyes and searched around her. “Oh, I’m alright. Just a bit of a nightmare, nothing more.” She said in mock cheerfulness. “Are you sure?” Serina asked, her gaze back on Rioura. “Yes, now don’t be silly. You two should get some rest, I’ll stand watch this time.” Joe seemed like he wanted to protest but Rioura gave him a sharp look that convinced him that he wax in dire need of rest. Serina sat down begrudgingly, all the while muttering about not being a child. Rioura reached into her pouch and took out a vial of white powder. She poured two cups of water and gently sprinkled the substance in it. “This is to help you sleep.” She said as she handed one to each of them. Joe couldn’t help but think how beautiful Rioura was with her piercing green eyes and fiery red hair. She was like an angel; a guardian angel. Serina, on the other hand, trusted no one. She had to admit that she had a tinge of jealousy against this healer. Why? She didn’t know, but still it was there, burying and grinding deeper against her heart. “What’s in it?” Serina asked as she sniffed and swirled the drink. “It’s sogno root” Rioura replied softly. “The root of all dreams.” Serina had never heard of it. But against her better judgement, she took a deep swig of it. The bittersweet taste of it curled and caressed her tongue. Rioura grabbed the blankets and covered Serina and Joe as they fell into a deep sleep. Rioura’s slender fingertips graced her temple lightly. Someone, or something, had tried to get into her mind. She was confused about its aura. It didn’t seem completely bad, and yet it didn’t seem completely good. Rather, it was in a sort of purgatory between the both. Those were the most dangerous of people; they were unpredictable. She turned her head up to the sky and began muttering soft words. They rolled off her tongue like golden wings. The wind began swaying back and forth. Then, like the ending to an enticing book, it quited. Rioura opened her eyes and walked into the forest. She bent down to the ground and touched the dirt softly. Suddenly, lost footprints appeared out of the earth. “Thank you.” She said to the earth. She followed the footprints into a small clearing. In the clearing a magic circle rose out from the dirt. Rioura kneeled at the circle and traced the symbols delicately. “The art of raising one’s own shadow.” She said approvingly. Soren watched her from inside the tree. Why hadn’t she brought the others, and how did she know the dark arts? He thought to himself. He was transfixed by her wondrous beauty. She turned towards the tree, almost as if she had heard his thoughts. He even found himself holding his breath. He couldn’t believe what effect this woman was having on him. She made him feel like a young apprentice afraid to be caught. She walked towards the tree. Her hand brushed against the trunk. “Great and wise tree, whom do you hide?” The branches of the tree clicked and swayed in a magical breeze. Rioura stepped back. “Show yourself.” She said softly. “Please.” Although Soren knew he could have stayed hidden in the tree until she gave up, he was curious about this mysterious woman. He stepped out confidently from the tree. Instead of screaming, like he thought she would do, she just gazed up at him in curiosity. Her ivory fingertips traced the tattoos on his face. He couldn’t help but shudder at her caring touch. This was a woman of great gentleness, much like a healer, but there was also sorrow in her touch… |
| Name: Darigan Age: 25 Gender: male Race: Human – warrior. Ability: Anything that can be done with your body, Darigan can do it. Flexible, but solid as a rock, everything about him calls strength and reflex. Also, the ability to read minds at times of strong emotion. He has a soul mate, linked to him from the time he was a child in mind, who is a female siberian tiger. Appearance: Quite messy dark brown hair - short, but not too short. Brown eyes and a face that nearly always seems to be in the shadow, giving him a dark, dangerous, cunning look. Rarely smiles with a true smile - when talking to someone in either an argumentative situation or trying to get them to back down - even for seducing, his face seems to wear a self contained almost smirk, be it sexy or contemptuous. Solid body, standing at 6', lean, but muscular. Personality: The dark and mysterious stranger - he does not trust, though he is wise. He is not innocent. He fights man and beast with a ferocious energy that seems to radiate and burn behind his eyes. Yet something about him seems... good. Sensitive. His body and personality alike resemble a remote castle - contained, dark, mysterious, solid, but inside... who knows what there might be. He draws the ladies, but whilst they are attracted to him like a moth to a flame, they don't know why... Home: Anywhere and Everywhere. He has no home. ************************************************************************************************** The great beast shuddered, and shook itself under Darigan's frame. "I know, Sabeira, I know." Darigan said soothingly, patting the tiger on its shaggy neck. "We'll stop soon. I'm sorry, old friend. You've done a lot of work today." The tiger nudged Darigan's hand with her head, grabbing his palm and mouthing it gently without breaking the skin, in a gesture of 'don't be daft, you fool. We're equal in all this.' Voices ahead of him alerted him to the presence of other beings. "People." he murmmered quietly, dismounting from Sabeira's broad back. He went to investigate, when his black sleeve was caught in Sabeira's teeth, as she pulled him away from the voices, looking much like a pleading kitten. "Sabeira!" Darigan chided gently, "Don't be a fool. Let me go." He was only ever this nice to Sabeira, and his mother. Still, the tiger held on. "Sabeira!!" rapped Darigan, sounding more like himself. "Let me go right now." She did so, a soft growl emitting from her vast throat. Darigan touched the fur between her eyes with his fingers as a gesture of love and goodwill, before stalking closer to the voices. Emerging from the trees and shadows, he said softly, with a growl that imitated Sabeira, "And what have we here....?" |
| "Looks like the roots weren't THAT poweful..." Joe thought as he lay next to Serina. Putting his hands behind his head and looking up into the sky . Smiling to himself, he knew that quite an adventure was up ahead. He thought of all the events that had passed during the day. He got controlled by some woman, who to this point he had NO idea who she was and what role she was playing in the bigger picture of things and he was broken free of the mind control by Serina. From all that he saw, he knew Serina was in fact hired by the King to carry out some mission, he wasn't sure what it was yet. But, he knew that Serina's mission was in fact interrupted by the addition of Rioura into their little party. Rioura appparently was destined to join their party, or so she said and it had something to do with the pendant around her neck. He remembered her explaining something about a Mother Goddess and how it was blessed or something or the other. Her story was a bit extrodinary and in the midst of everything, Serina didn't trust Rioura and kept throwing remarks at her. So, at that point there were two issues at head, Serina's mission and Rioura's journey. While the mini argument was going on between Rioura and Serina, something crashed through the roof of the hut they were in. Joe was pretty sure it was a person, but before anything could be said, the hut was attacked and burned down. After everything had calmed down, there was no sign of the mystery person. This perplexed Joe and he tried to re-enact the scene in his mind. The person fell on the floor and was apparently unconcious, so if that was the case then he/she would've been burnt alive, but for some reason Joe knew better. There was also the possibility that the same person could've been one of the same people trying to kill them, but once again Joe got the feeling that this person wasn't trying to do that either. Forgetting about the mystery person, Joe continued reminiscing of the day that had passed. After they narrowly escaped the burning hut, it was nearing night-fall and they decided to make a camp to rest for the night. One of the things he realised throughout the whole journey with Serina was that she was acting EXTREMELY paranoid through the whole thing. He could understand that she should be, with her being an assasin and all, but she was taking it to another level. Joe chuckled to himself because his approach was the exact opposite to Serina's. Without a doubt in his mind, he KNEW that Serina obviously believed that he was an invalid and was incapable of defending himself, but this is exactly what he wanted her to believe. This was one of the things Joe had learned throughout the years, never let everyone see your best, law low and then surprise them. Serina was acting admirably as far he could see, she was showing leadership qualities and she also had the skill to back up her bravery, but one thing which would lead to her downfall he noted was that she judged people a little too quickly. As he saw with Rioura. Rioura was a tough cookie to crack. She seemed a little TOO pleasent in this day and age. When she approached them with her quest, she did so with in a calm collected manner and with a smile. He didn't know what to think about her. Time would tell. For now, he had to trust her. After all, the root she gave Serina and himself didn't kill them, so maybe she wasn't all that ba- Joe stopped his thinking mid-way. He was hearing two sets of voices. He knew Rioura was up, but who was she talking to. Getting up from underneath the blanket, he smoothed out his shirt and pulled out his bow. He had all of his arrows ready for use, but they most likely wouldn't be necessary. Looking down at the sleeping Serina, he poked her in the ribs with his toe. She whirled around with an angry glare in her eyes. "Umm... i heard something and i was thinking we could check it out.' he said with a sheep-ish grin. ' It sounds big.... and could be scary!". Rolling her eyes, Serina got up. Shaking out her hair, she smoothed it out and dusted off her clothes. As the two walked a little further, she saw Rioura facing an evil looking man. He had disgusting tatoos all over his body and his hair was also peculiar. He wasn't your typical fellow. Rioura apparently was in danger as she stood there calmly watching the man. " You ok Rioura?" Joe asked in a low voice. He had his bow lowered, but he was still on his guard. " Who are you?!" Serina demaned. At that point another person emerged from the bushes with a wry smile. " I was wondering that myself." he said with the smile still on his face. " What the hell is going on here?!" Joe wondered. Quickly, without anyone noticing, Joe fished out an arrow and pulled back his bow. He was ready for a fight. He hoped it would be a fight. He prayed that these people wanted to oppose them or rob them or something. He needed some practice. |
| "Hetya. Stand up." Memories? Shadows? "Hetya. Stand up." Dreams? "Hetya. Stand up, or you will be punished." But it burns! Everything burns! Aching muscles, scorching lungs. "You have been warned Hetya." The burning is replaced with electricity, coursing through every part of her, singing her as the burning never did. Thunder ricocheting in her mind,herself the only one who could hear it. Was she crying? The tears sparked as they coursed down her cheeks, her body spasming as the thunder went on and on. Finally, it stopped. "Hetya. Stand up." The burning was still there, but the pain was nothing compared to the electricity. She steadied herself, bunching her muscles beneath her, a cracked whisper escaping her throat in defeat, "Alright. Al-" "Right." Jana shook herself aware. Why was there so much heat around her? Her blue eyes focused upon her surroundings, and promptly turned silver, "Oh." She was laying in the middle of a floor, on hay and wood for that matter, in the middle of a burning building. Great. Just great. Her silver eyes turned upwards, scanning the ceiling. The crossbeams of the cabin were burning, and they had fallen into each other, cutting off that root. Her eyes turned even more silvery as she looked around. No escape paths open. No way out. She pulled her knees up to her chest, the heat and the smoke swirling all around her. The scorching heat riddled away at her bones. She looked towards the door, which was still accessible, if completely surrounded by flames. It was her only chance. She sighed,and pulled her feet underneath her, standing up. She had no other choice. She carefully spread her wings, summoning the fire to herself as she walked among it. The flames dance along her skin, leaving a few ashy specks on her skin as it swirled around her. The heat was unbearable, but the flames did not hurt her. The smoke coursed down her lungs, and she smiled. It tasted much better than the stuff she was used to. ~~~~~~~~~~~~Later~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "A stream!" Jana cried out joyously, rushing towards the running water. "Stream, stream, stream, stream, stream! Jana sang, playfully splashing the water around, cleaning the ash marks off of her body. It had gotten darker out, and it felt like forever since she had left the cabin. The ash on her skin was unbearable. "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," She murmured under her breath, delightedly scrubbing her arms and legs, ducking under to rinse her wings. The sound of a soft growl stopped her where she was. Slowly, she turned around, staring eye to eye with the biggest cat she had ever seen. Jana slowly stepped back, "Nice kitty. Good kitty. Kitty want to swim?" The tiger snarled, baring extremely sharp teeth at Jana. "Guess not." Jana quickly turned and ran, pumping her muscles for all she was worth. The tiger roared, and Jana heard the splash as the tiger jumped across stream in pursuit. "This-" Jana dodged under a tree branch, running for all she was worth. "Is not-" Jumping from rock to rock across a small pile of them. "My day." Can a cat climb trees? Jana couldn't remember, and launched herself for the nearest one. The tiger snarled and leapt after her. Jana whirled around on the limb she was clinging to, launching herself into the air, forgetting her wings were wet. Her eyes went wide as her wings couldn't support her weight, and she went crashing to the ground. "Oof!" The air pushed out of her lungs, but there was no time to pause as she heard the branches above her snapping as the tiger jumped. Jana shakily stood, and ran for her life. Gotta find help. Bad Kitty trying to eat me. Need help, need help, need- "Help!!!!!" Jana shrieked, legs pounding the ground. She pushed through some brush, the cat still in hot pursuit. She stopped as clearing of people stared at her, frozen. The sound of the tiger tearing after her, however, quickly unfroze her. She leapt through the air, wrapping her arms around the man holding a bow and arrow, "Help! Help me!" |
Serina kept her eyes on the horrid-looking creature. He looked at her and smiled. “What are you thinking?” he asked her. Serina silently pulled out her sword. Joe looked at her. “We’re going to fight him, right?” he asked her. Serina remained silent as she looked at the man and Rioura. “No,” she said in a low voice. Joe was shocked. “What…” “I’m not going to fight him. At least not now.” Joe looked at his standing by bow and at the man. “Well, I’m going to,” he said, letting the arrow fly at the man. The man easily dodged it, and Joe charged at him with his sword. “Joe, don’t!” Serina called out to him. She sighed and followed him. The peculiar man turned and threw a ball of glowing mass at Joe. He ducked but it unfortunately struck down an aggravated Serina. She fell and dropped her sword, coughing up dust and sand. Joe looked at Serina with concern and then back at the man. “You’ll pay,” he said, as he swung his sword at him. The man blocked the blow with his staff and tried to hit Joe. Joe ducked, rolled, popped back up, and managed to slash the man’s face. The man slowly touched his face as he stared at Joe. He said some words under his breath and a large force threw Joe into a thicket. Rioura carefully observed, not knowing what to do, so she watched, as if this was entertainment to her. The man had plans for her. He needed her. Serina grabbed her sword and rose to her feet. As she did so, she watched Joe standing up, still holding his sword. He put it away and got back out his bow and arrow. Unexpectedly, a small-winged creature came out of nowhere and practically glued herself to Joe’s legs. “Help! Help me!” she yelled. Serina heard a whirling noise and turned to the man. He looked at Rioura, saying something that Serina could not hear. Rioura slowly shook her head, but the man ignored it and grabbed her arm. He said a few more words and they disappeared from the night. Serina sheathed her sword and looked around, breathing deeply. Everything had happened so fast. She first ran to Joe who was about to collapse. She caught him and stared at the nervous winged-creature. “I’ll get to you later,” she said to her as she helped Joe sit down. Inspecting him closely, he had a couple of scraps, cuts, the works. “God, Joe,” she said shaking her head, “why’d you go and get hurt?” She pulled out some bandages and went to work. “Where’s Rioura?” he asked her, as the winged creature’s perked up. “She went with him,” Serina answered, sticking a hot needle into his shoulder. Joe let out a short scream. “If she were here, she would have a painless way of tending to my wounds,” he said. “Well, she’s not. So I’m so sorry,” Serina said in an acerbic tone. “But you must have known you were going to get some pretty bad injuries fighting that bastard. I bet you he’s tied to Vatori somehow. Anyway, I told you I wasn’t going to fight him now.” “Why?” Serina sighed. “After I see the king, I will hunt the man down and kill him for hurting you. Does that make you feel better?” “Actually, it kind of does…” Serina finished and looked at Joe’s leg. “Can you stand?” she asked him. He slowly moved his legs then stopped. “My ankle,” he said. “It kind of hurts.” Serina sighed again as she examined the ankle. It was just as she had thought. “Your ankle is twisted,” she told him. “But don’t worry, in a couple of hours, you’ll be able to walk correctly.” She helped him to his feet. “How about I’ll carry you to that tree over there?” she asked him. Joe nodded. Serina took a deep breath and picked up Joe. “Whoa,” she said. “I didn’t think you’d be this heavy.” “You don’t have to carry me if I’m too heavy for you,” he said. His statement sounded like a challenge to Serina. Holding her head up high, she quickly walked to the big tree and nearly dropped Joe. “There, I did it,” she said, dusting herself off. “You didn’t think I could do it.” Joe smiled. “Bravo.” “You want something to eat or drink or something?” she asked. “Sure,” he said. “Oh and Serina?” “Yes?” “Your sudden kindness is scaring the shit out of me.” Serina smiled. “I’ve been thinking,” she said. “I promised you were going to be my companion, so I should treat you as my companion, right? And seeing you fight off that demented thing, well…it was insane, but in a sense, very brave.” ”Really?” asked Joe. Serina sat on knees. “I apologize for saying anything that has hurt you.” She stuck out her hand. “Friends?” Joe hesitated then grasped Serina’s hand and shook it. “Friends.” "But that doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you," she said as she stood up. "At times, it will seem as if I'm your enemy, but no matter what, we shall trust each other. Even if I have doubts about you in certain things..." "O-kay..." Joe just wanted to eat. “Now that that’s over with,” she said as she turned her attention to the nervous winged-creature, who was up in a tree. “What’s with you? In fact, who are you?” she demanded. “I am Jana,” the creature said. Serina looked at her closely, noticing her wings. “Hey, aren’t you one of the…” she began to say, but was cut off by a loud growl in the distance. “What was that?” Serina asked out loud. Joe grabbed his bow and arrow. “I’m ready to fight again at will,” he said. Serina looked at Jana. “Do you know what that is?” she asked her. “It’s a giant white cat!” she said. “It’s after me!” “What?” Serina said unbelievingly. “Uh, Serina, she’s not lying…” Joe said, his eyes on a shaking bush. He then nervously laughed at his own joke. “Ha ha…lying…lion…tiger…” Serina once again took out her sword as the giant white cat emerged from the bushes. It looked at her with curiosity. It then spotted Jana up in the tree and ran towards it. But Serina jumped in its way. “Oh no you don’t,” she said, guarding the tree. “You will not hurt her.” “Sabeira!” a male voice called from the forest. Everyone’s eyes turned to see a tall, handsome man come into view. He looked at Serina and his cat. “What are you doing to her?!” he said, as he stepped in front of his friend and faced Serina. “Who are you?” Joe tried to get up to defend Serina, but she held up a hand. Her eyes narrowed. “Have we…met before?” she inquisitively asked the man. ------------------------------------------------- |
| The transport was instantaneous and Soren found himself near his house in the forest of shadows. The girl was with him, her arm still in his grasp a dazed from the trip. ‘Humans are so unstable’ he thought, ‘I don’t have the time or the patience to wait for her to recover.’ With that he snapped his fingers and the ground beneath him shivered and line of light drew them selves in the ground in the shape of a circle, then the circle rose into the air with Soren and the girl on it. It flouted over to the house and the door opened for him and the circle landed on the floor before disappearing. He looked down at the girl, ‘this is taking to long.’ He held out his hand and the cupboard across the room opened and a small jar flouted over and rested in his hand. He opened the jar and pulled out a root, and then he waved the root over the girl’s head mumbling some words then her eyes came into focus and she shivered a bit. “Now listen girl,” Soren said, “your violent archer friend was a carrier of a spell that has affected your senses. Now you can stay still and let me help or you can struggle, lose, and I force my help.” The girl looked him in the eyes and Soren knew she could see he was serious. “I’ll stay still.” She rasped still a little shaken from the transport. Soren knelt down and stared the girl in the eyes and held up hid right hand; his eyes began to give of a reddish glow and a little ball of red light appeared at the end of each finger. The little orbs of light began to stretch and form five threads, these threads waved in the air for a bit then they all pointed at her face and slowly reached out to her. A tread when to her ear, eye, nose mouth, and fore head; they stayed for a moment then pulled back to his hand and at the end of each tread was a violet coloured ball of light. The threads and the orbs were pulled into Soren’s hand. “What was that?” the girl asked. “Your archer friend at one point came in contact with a women named Vatori,” Soren explained, “she planted a spell in your friend that was designed to wait till he came I contact with you. The spell was then to transfer to you allowing Vatori to hear, see, taste, smell, and feel everything you did. I had to remove the spell from you so she could no longer spy on you. I was trying to help when your friends attacked me.” The girl noticed the cut on his cheek. “I can heal the cut that Joe gave you.” She said. Soren stood up and snapped his fingers and his whole body began to glow, when the light disappeared to reveal hundreds of scars all over his body. “In a fight I allow my enemy to cut me once to remind me that I can never be perfect. But that is of no consequence now, you need to be returned to your friends.” He held out his hand and the girl took it and pulled herself to her feet. “You will be back almost the exact time you left but because you have been in my world you will be out of phase with rest of the world around you for a time. I will be a ghost to them, they will be unable to see, hear, or touch you till you return to your normal phase, it should take a bit more than half an hour.” Before she could answer she was gone back to her friends, Soren looked at the spot she was sitting in for a minute then turned the door at the other side of the room. He walked over, opened the door, and sat down beside Vatori who was reading a book about astrology. He held out his hand and the violet orbs came out and flouted over to Vatori who looked up from her book and the orbs went into her eyes. “You didn’t have to do that,” She said, “they would have been fine with her.” “No,” Soren replied, “she would have sensed them after a time and would have been able to use them against us.” “We have to keep an eye on them to insure that the Quest is fulfilled.” She argued. “And there are better ways than taking over the archers mind and placing a spell on the girl.” Soren reputed, “It creates a sense of distrust and should things get so serious that we have to intervene directly they wont trust us and that makes things unnecessarily more difficult.” “The assassin would never trust us anyways.” She said and returned her attention to her book. “We shall see.” Soren said. |
| Name: Teron (Tear-ron or Terran -(Tear-ron and terran sound the same anyway)- ) Character: A Necromancer Abilities: Death magic, raising the dead, curses and two handcrafted swords with magic abilitys brought out only by the Good. Appearance: He looks like a 40 year old man(Necromancers look old for some reason) he wears something like a suit of armor but chain mail and cloth. Home: Unknown Someone bring me in the story if you dont mind too much. Thankee In Advance. |
Rioura peered out through blurred eyes. Everything looked like it was underwater. She blinked a couple of times until her vision cleared. Serina was running to Joe while a strange winged creature sat shaking nearby. “Serina, Joe!” She called out to them, but they did not hear her. She got up and walked over to them. She remembered Soren’s words, You will be back almost the exact time you left but because you have been in my world, you will be out of phase with rest of the world around you for a time. I will be a ghost to them, they will be unable to see, hear, or touch you till you return to your normal phase, it should take a bit more than half an hour. “So, they do not know I’m here.” She said to herself while pacing a bit. She watched as Serina roughly took care of Joe’s wounds. “I could have done that better.” She said at the same time as Joe said, “If she were here, she would have a painless way of tending to my wounds.” This brought a small smile to her face, but something else drew her attention away. A man’s face flashed in her mind, he was an older looking man with sallow skin and deep-set eyes. He was asking for help. Rioura looked back at the odd little group just as a handsome man burst into the clearing with a tiger. The older man’s face flashed in her mind again, this time more desperate. She’d have to find out what was going on later, right now, her healer instinct was more dominant. She quickly ran through the woods. Her toned leg muscles carried her swiftly through the untamed wilds. She had no idea where she was going, but she knew it was in the right direction. In what seemed like an eternity to her, she reached her destination. There was a hole in the ground, more than likely a crack to an underground cave, in front of her. She peered down into it, but it seemed to have to end. With a leap of faith, she jumped through the hole. She fell at a breakneck speed until suddenly—the ground caught her. She hit the stone floor at a rate that should have killed her, but instead, she felt no pain. Suddenly she realized that while she was out phase from the world, she must also not be able to be injured from it. “Mora, Queen of the Earth, lead me to the one who needs help.” She cried out to the darkness. Suddenly the cave began to glow. It was as if the rocks itself was giving off the light. Rioura saw an opening in the wall to her left and immediately headed towards it. When she had entered it, she found the man crumpled on the floor. Blood oozed from his head and an apparent wound also bled from his chest. His eyes opened weakly and he called out, “Who’s there?” She drew in her breath, but then realized that he could not see her. “Who’s there?” He called out again, this time more demanding. She wondered how he could sense her, then it hit her, he was a Necromancer. She walked up to him and kneeled beside him. Her body began to tingle, as if new blood was beginning to flow through her. For the first time, his eyes met hers. She was back in her normal phase. She quickly ripped open his shirt and gazed at the deep gash that had been left there. He quietly watched her as she began her work. Suddenly he said, “You have been tainted by Soren,” before falling unconscious. The word Soren sent chills up her spine. She had seen into Soren’s mind, and what she had seen there was enough to keep her up at night. She did not trust him, but she knew when he was near she would have to pretend not to know of his plans. If he knew she was on to him, then they would loose the only advantage they had. Suddenly she remembered her own quest. The quest to save the person she loved the most. She didn’t know what Joe or Serina would do when they found at that it was the King’s son, and her future husband, who she was trying to save. However, she knew it was only a matter of time before they found out. Rioura shook the thoughts out of her head and concentrated back on the man. This man’s life was dangling in her hands and she had no time to waste. |
| Darigan stared at the girl in front of him. "I'm sure I'd have remembered if we'd met before - and so would you." he told her, an almost seductive curve falling over his lips. The green eyed girl flushed. "What's that supposed to mean?!" she demanded. Darigan shrugged dismissively, turning to rub Sabeira's ears. "Nothing." he said curtly, the seductive slink to his character gone. "I just think you'd realise if you met a man travelling with a tiger." He felt rather than saw the girl relax. As he turned to look at her, she locked her eyes with his, studying him. Uncomfortable but outwardly showing passive coldness, Dariagn turned his gaze away from her and to her companion. The boy raised his bow higher, pulling the string tighter as a warning. "It's ok, Joe." the girl said, gesturing to him. The boy glanced at her, not moving. "How can yuo be so sure?" The girl turned towards her companion with a rye smile. "I can't. But I have to trust my instincts, and we're better off with more friends than less." 'Joe' lowered his bow, and the girl stuck her hand out towards Darigan. "I'm Serina." she told him, as he solomnley shook her hand. "Darigan." he replied, glancing at the wary looking boy. "I'm Joe." he said sullenly, as if grudging Darigan any trust. Sabeira nudged Darigan's hand with her immense head. "This is Sabeira," Darigan told them with a softer tone of voice. "She's hungry." "You're telling me!" said the winged creature from the tree. Darigan looked up, suprised because he'd forgotten that she was there, but his outer self showed nothing. "You can come down." he said calmly. "She won't touch anything or anyone that I tell her is off limits." "Can you tell her before I come down?" "Of course." Darigan said politely. "I'm Darigan, by the way." "Jana," she replied. "Now please call her off so I can come down!" "Yes." Darigan said amusedly, turning to Sabeira. "No eating anyone who can talk, ok?" |
| Name: Lori'en Lor'enstar. Character: An Elf, a Lord Elf to be exact. He is the world champion Silver Knight, the most powerful knight in the world. Works for the king sometiemes. Abilities: Can control and manipulate fire, ice, sonics, raw energy, is telekinetic, telapthic, knows aloooot of magic, very strong, has two very beautiful swords that have some magic in them and are very powerful, several throwing knives, a bow and arrow, spear, you know that kind of stuff. Is extremely fast and very agile. Appearance: Tall, 7'6, muscular, very buffed up, usually wears black leather with silver armor implaceent, and when he wears armor he has either silver armor or black armor, very handsome, blonde. Home: He has no home. He sat watching a spectacle, below a man , walked up on a group of people, some of which he knew, and said "Is this a joke?" Lori'en smiled, the shear impudence of this person was humorous. The archer aimed his bow at the mans head and got ready to fire. "Time to intervene." Lori'en said to himself , as he lept down from his perch. The archer fired but to his dismay a very large black shape flew downwards and landed right in the path of the arrow. He normally wouldnt care, but this was someone he knew, you might call him a friend but, some might not. The arrow slammed into the man, but it richocheted off, and the man never flinched. He threw back his black hood, and behold he was not a man but an ELf!!! "Hello Joe." |
| Jana's head was spinning. She ran to these people to be saved from being eaten by a tiger, only to find out the tiger was "friendly", and then to be caught in the middle of what seemed the single point in the woods for people to meet. Fortunately, everybody else seemed to be just as dazzled. "Who the hell are you two," Serina snapped. Or maybe they weren't. "Well," Serina asked, eyebrow arched as she pointed a weapon in the two beings' direction. Joe stepped forward, a broad grin across his face, "Lori'en!" He gave a swift pound on the back to the elf, "What are you doing here, you scoundrel?" "Joe," Serina asked, swiftly training her weapon on the unidentified male, "You know this fellow?" The elf smiled charmingly at Serina, "My name is Lori'en. Joe and I knew each other a very long time ago." Joe grinned, "Exactly." "Still," Darigan mused, leaning against a tree, "Can we trust him?" "Um, excuse me," the human injected nervously as he held his hands out between him and Sabeira, who was sniffing him curiously, "Could you please call the tiger off me?" Darigan grinned, showing many pointy teeth, "Good job, Sabeira." Sabeira turned to look at Darigan for a moment before returning to sniff at the human, nose curling in disgust every so often. "Back to the point," Rioura murmured, "Who exactly are these two? And what are we going to do?" Jana walked beside Rioura, face furrowed in concentration, "Do you hear that?" "Hear what," Serina asked, still focused upon the unidentified male. "I hear it too," Darigan replied, turning his face to the south, "It's coming from that direction." "What is it," Joe asked, readying his bow. The human was sweating grossly now, "Could you call the creatures and the weapons off, please?" "No," Serina snapped, turning her head to talk to the others, "What's coming?" Lori'en's eyes narrowed and he pulled out a sword, "I may have forgotten to mention why I'm here..." "Oh, gods, please don't tell me there's something ELSE that's going to try to eat me," Jana prayed loudly eyes glued to the skies. Rioura placed a hand on her shoulder, "Shush, youngling. This is serious." Jana snorted in amusement, "Right." She pulled away from Rioura, shooting her a look of disgust. "Joe, the woman is right, this is serious. You and your companions need to leave immediately." Lori'en placed his hand on Joe's shoulder, "I know you are an excellent fighter, my friend, but the horrors of this forest are nothing to laugh at." Joe smiled sardonically at his friend, "Please, I'm sure we can handle whatever it is-" "Aw, this is just peachy," the human groaned, pointing a hand up at the sky. As one, humans, elves, tigers, and mixes looked up at the sky. Through the leaves, they could just make out what seemed to be a flock of birds blocking out the sun. Lori'en's face drained of color and he looked at the motley crew gathered in the forest, "I'm sorry. They're here." The wind picked up in the clearing, but it seemed to be blowing from all directions. "What's here," Darigan demanded as Sabeira left the human to crouch at his side, snarling up at the sky. Deafening bird cries filled the clearing, cries so loud and piercing they sounded like women screaming. Everyone in the clearing clutched their ears and cried out in pain as the shrieks pounded through them. Sabeira roared in pain as she knelt to the ground. Lori'en's face contorted in pain, but he managed to stay standing as he yelled, "They're going to attack!" "What's going to attack," Serina roared, biting her lip so hard she drew blood. Abruptly, the bird cries stopped, leaving an eerie silence as the group continued to moan in pain. A faint flapping noise added a soft undertone to the silence. Joe's eyes narrowed, and he quickly grabbed an arrow, stringing it on his bow. "Lori'en, what was that," Rioura asked shakily. The trees above them splintered with a thundering explosion. Jana ducked behind Darigan, who quickly covered his head. Joe drew back his arrow, ignoring the falling wood, "Harpies." He let his arrow fly, and it sank thickly into a woman's neck as the Harpie fell screaming to the ground. The disgusting creature landed next to Serina, who quickly rolled out of the way. Jana's eyes widened as the flock of Harpies descended upon them. There had to hundreds, no, thousands. "Look out!" Rioura screeched, pointing to Jana. Jana looked up to see razor sharp talons descending on her. Time seemed to slow as she watched death come to claim her. After all she had been through, after all she had survived, she was going to be killed here, like this? With a group of people she didn't even know? "Sabeira, go!" Jana knelt down low, hands covering her head as the birds' cries filled her ears. She was going to die. Faint sounds filled her ears. A tiger's roar. The slice of swords through flesh. The singing of arrows. The whimpers of fear. Something launched above her, and the Harpie screeched in pain. Blood poured over Jana, drenching her from head to foot as the Harpy landed upon her, her taloned feet missing. Jana grunted, the crushing weight too much for her to bear. "Sabeira!" The world started to turn black, to turn into the world of fiery rooms and cold hearted stares. Through the looming grayness, she thought she heard somebody screaming in pain, but she couldn't tell as she fell completely into the abyss. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Jana," a voice murmured softly, "Jana, wake up." Jana moaned as she slowly drifted back to the surface. She ached all over. "Jana, I need you to wake up." Jana batted away the last vestiges of fog, blinking open her eyes to stare at the bedraggled face of a woman. She blinked again, studying the face, "Rioura?" She nodded, taking her hands off of Jana, "Are you alright?" Jana sat up, wincing as her bruises complained, "Yeah, just a little bruised." She looked around the clearing, which was soaked in blood and dead bodies, "What happened?" "The harpies, remember?" Rioura looked her over, "You seem all right." Jana nodded, "I'm fine." "Rioura," Joe called, "I found another one!" Rioura nodded, standing up, "I'll be right there." She looked at Jana, "Why don't you help Darigan with Sabeira?" She hurried over to help Joe. Jana grimaced as she stood, her muscles complaining loudly as she walked over to where Darigan was petting Sabeira's head, and murmuring sweetly to her. She knelt down on the other side of the giant cat, "What happened?" Darigan caressed the tiger's soft fur, "Her back leg got a nicked a little by the Harpies." Jana hesitantly put her hand in front of the tiger's face to let her sniff it, "Will she be alright?" Sabeira's tongue snaked out and licked Jana's fingers once before she leaned her head on Darigan's lap. He rubbed her ears, "She'll be fine. Rioura healed it up. Now she's just resting." Jana gently rubbed her neck, "She saved me, didn't she? From the Harpy." Darigan shrugged, "Maybe." "What happened to the others?" Darigan sighed softly, looking into Sabeira's eyes, "Serina, Lori'en, and that human were taken by the Harpies." Jana suddenly became very cold, "What do you mean, 'taken'." "Just what it sounds like. The Harpies picked them up and carried them off. Probably for tonight's dinner." "Well, aren't we going to go save them?" Rioura and Joe appeared next to them, Joe leaning heavily upon Rioura's shoulder, "We don't know where they are." Jana looked up at them, "Isn't there anything we can do to help them?" Rioura chewed on her lip, looking away, "We don't have time. I need to complete my quest. There is an innocent life on the line." Jana turned to Darigan, looking for support. He shrugged, "It's too dangerous. I don't want Sabeira fighting those birds again unless she has to." Joe slumped to the ground next to Jana, "They're on their own." |
Brandon adjusted the newly-made bandage on Serina's wrist. "How's that?" he asked her. "Thanks," she said. "You're a wonder. But you'll probably won't be as good as Rioura." "Thank you...uh...I'll take that as a...compliment..." Brandon said hesitantly as he helped Serina to her feet and then pointed to a dark uncharted way. "How about we take that way to get back to the others?" “No,” Serina said, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t take that route unless I really, truly had to.” “But we really, truly have to,” said Brandon. “There’s no other way…” “There are plenty of ways,” said Serina. She glanced at a tree and beyond. “That seems like a good way, let’s go.” “Wait, wait. You didn’t consider which way I think we should travel,” Lori'en suddenly said, jumping from a tree. Serina sighed. “What way is that, pray tell?” Lori'en charmingly smiled. He pointed the same direction Serina suggested. “Why, that way, of course,” he said. “What a genius you are,” Serina stated sarcastically as she led the way. ~ “Should we stop for a meal? It’s been hours, you know,” Brandon said. “Hmm…maybe later. Right now, we have to get back to the others,” said Serina. “But I’m starving!” Brandon said. “Here, chew on this,” Lori'en said, handing Brandon some tree sap. Brandon made a face but took it. “Uh…thanks…” “Oh hey look, a spring!” Serina said as she sprinted forward. The others followed her and they indeed saw a crystal-blue spring. “You see that?” Serina asked the men, pointing to a small stream leading west. “That tributary will flow to the river that’s near our friends. If we follow it, we’ll be there in a couple of hours.” The men had blank stares but nodded. They didn’t like being lost or led by a female. But since she knew what places to go, they didn’t complain; they just wanted to get back. “I must say, Serina,” Lori'en said conversationally while trudging through the deep moss. “You’re quite a fighter when we fought off those Harpies. Such skill for a woman is usually very unlikely.” “Yes, but you were quite astonishing too,” Serina said, mocking his tone. “What with that sword-slashing, knife-throwing, magical, spellbinding stuff. I bet no one else on Earth can do that.” “Well, you’re right about that!” exclaimed Lori'en. “I amthe world champion Silver Knight! Faithful to the King and protector of the innocents!” Serina rolled her eyes, wondering why she had to make that compliment. Suddenly she stopped and turned to face the Elvish gentle giant. “What, you know the King?” she asked. “Do you…work for him?” Lori'en looked at her with a smile. “Yes, I do,” he said. “You could say I’m his best advantage.” “Uh-huh…” Serina said disbelievingly. “Why did you ask?” Lori'en asked, wondering. “Oh nothing, nothing at all,” said Serina. “It’s just that…well….” Brandon suddenly spotted a feather and picked it up. “Do you think it’s from a Harpie?” he asked the two. Serina analyzed it. “It’s from a crow,” she said. “But crows usually don’t live here….unless they are spying for someone….” “What do you mean, ‘spying’?” asked Lori'en. Brandon chuckled. “It’s when a living being watches, eavesdrop, etc. for someone else, usually in order to find out more infor—“ “I know what it means!” Lori'en shouted at a laughing Brandon. Lori'en snatched away the tree sap from him. "I think you've had enough of this stuff." Serina looked around and brought out her sword. “Come on out, Vatori,” she called out. “Come on out as well as your magical buddy. It’s time I teach you a lesson in what you did to Joe.” Silence. “There’s nothing here,” said Lori'en. Serina sighed and put away her weapon. “Come on, let’s go. If we put a little more speed and effort, we’ll meet up with Joe and the others in no time.” The three dashed away, not noticing a black crow in a tree. It turned its head to face the tree. “I guess the Harpies didn’t work. They’re on their way back. In a few hours, they’ll meet up with the others.” “So your plan didn’t work,” said the tree, or rather, the being inside the tree. “What shall we do now?” “Well…I think I now know a weakness of the assassin,” said the crow. “Let’s just hope he won’t have the assassin, luck, or his little bow to protect him.” The crow cackled and flew off into the distance. ------------------------------------------------- |
| Soren and Vatori found themselves at the edge of the forest of shadows staring into the emptiness beyond their realm. “The Forest is shrinking faster. ” Vatori observed, “We need to hurry if we are going to save what’s left.” Soren nodded, “To do that we need to complete our quest and it seems that we must help the girl with hers first. If she marry’s this prince then that would make her Queen eventually, with her soft heart, and influence over the king she would weaken the laws on practitioners of magic being a caster herself.” Vatori smiled slightly, “And when the humans come back to us our realm will grow again. And we will be able to fight back against the people of the pearl mountains and we shall triumph over them and they will never attempt to destroy our realm again.” “Lets not get to far ahead of our selves Vatori,” Soren said, “first we need to get the girl back on track. She has encountered Teron and he might be tainting her with his twisted perception of us.” Vatori sighed, “Yes that might be a problem. Come on we had better go find her.” |
Rioura’s eyes lit up in alarm as she remembered the necromancer. “Joe, there’s a badly hurt necromancer in a cave a little ways off. He’s in stable condition but we have to move him. I wasn’t able to move him myself.” Joe looked at her in confusion. “What do you mean?” Realization dawned in his eyes. “Wait a minute, when did you come back, what happened…what’s going on?” He said in near panic. Rioura put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I don’t even completely understand it myself.” Darigan and Jana looked on in fascination. Neither of them knew what the heck was going on. “I was taken by Soren into—“ “So, that demented freak has a name.” Joe said with furrowed brows. Rioura sighed impatiently. “He took me into the Forest of Shadows and removed a spell that had been cast onto me from you.” “What!” Joe exclaimed. “If you’re accusing me of—“ “The spell was placed on you by Vatori.” She said evenly. Joe became quiet. “Why were you the only one who was affected by it?” Rioura bit her lower lip. “Because it was meant for only me.” She raised her hand to stop the onslaught of questions from Joe. He rubbed the sparse hairs on his chin as he contemplated. “I haven’t been completely truthful with you and Serina.” Rioura said with sadness. “I was ordered by the King to talk of it to no one. I was ordered to find you and through the powers of the universe I was able to track you down. You already know that I need to find the stone of Emerald Light, but you don’t know why…” Rioura ran a shaky hand through her hair. Darigan moved towards her. For some reason he felt the need to comfort her right then. She held a trembling hand up to Darigan signaling that she was fine and didn’t need assistance. “My reason to find the stone is to save the Prince. He has fallen into a coma like stake from a spell that can only be lifted by the stone. There is a new evil in the world. One darker than that of even Vatori and Soren. I do not know where they come into play with all this, I just know that the evil is hunting them down as well as us.” Joe blinked. All of this was new to him, but one question was nagging at him. “Rioura, how do you know the King?” Rioura looked down at her feet. A slight tear trickled down her cheek. “I am engaged to the Prince.” Jana spoke up from her seat underneath a tree. “So, what you’re saying is that you’re the future Queen?” “Yes.” Rioura spoke sullenly. “Why was this kept secret?” Joe asked, it was odd that, being the King’s archer and all, he wouldn’t know about this. “I’m the daughter of a powerful Mage. He was a good friend to the King, but was killed in battle to save the kingdom. Many people do not trust magic users, but it is for the good of the entire kingdom that we unite. Our marriage will strengthen the Kingdom, but now the prince is on the verge of death. If he dies, our freedom dies.” Suddenly a flash of heat seared Rioura’s mind. She fell to the ground in pain. Joe was immediately by her side. “We must get to the necromancer before they do.” She gasped before falling unconscious. |
| Rioura and her little band headed off towards where Teron lay wounded and Soren and Vatori watched them go. They resumed their human forms and started to slowly follow them. “That was relatively easy,” Soren said. “We didn’t need to help her along at all.” “How did she know about us and the Pearl Mountain?” Vatori asked. Soren thought for a moment, “She must have picked it up when we first touched minds; she is the daughter of Tromgrad.” Vatori shrugged, “True enough.” They approached the cave that the necromancer was in, he was awake and the archer and the assassin were helping him to his feet. Vatori whispered to Soren, “Best if we put him out for now while we straighten out things with the others.” Soren nodded and reached out with his magic and put Teron to sleep; the two holding him thought he had passed out but Rioura had sensed Soren’s magic. The pair from the dark forest stepped into the cave and everyone froze. Serina and Joe simultaneously dropped Teron and drew their weapons and before Rioura could stop them an arrow and a throwing dagger were flying through the air. The dagger stopped just short of Soren’s face and Vatori caught the arrow and dropped it to the ground. “Before any more sharp objects begin to fly through the air,” Soren said, “we need to have a little discussion.” Every one but Soren and Vatori looked to Rioura; she stood there for a moment then said, “All right but first we need to get this man out of here.” Soren nodded, snapped his fingers and Teron rose of the ground and flouted out of the cave. Vatori and Soren turn to follow the flouting body and everyone else one by one went after them. Serina was the last t leave and before she did she plucked the still flouting knife out of the air and trailed after them. |
| With a angry scowl on his face, Joe followed the others to outside of the cave. Serina was trailing behind with her throwing knife in hand, but this did not seem to bother Vatori and Soren one bit. Joe looked around his band of allies. His good friend Lori'en, Serina the assasin, the faerie girl Jana, the tiger owner Darigan, the simple human Brandon and last, but not least Rioura. He shielded his eyes as the rays of sunlight beat upon them as they exited the cave. He didn't care about reason right now why Soren wanted to speak with them. All reason went out a window awhile back. Several things he never knew about was happening and this was overwhelming. Where WERE all of these people coming from. He had no idea what Vatori wanted with him and what about the satanic freak which went by the name of Soren. He had a stone expression on his face as he stared heavily at Rioura. Another thing that was bothering him was that he never knew about Serina the assasin. He knew for sure that she did in fact know the King and worked for him, but if that really was the case how come he was never informed of this? Why would the King have assasins working for him? Were there enemies and dangers Joe didn't know about? And couldn't he had handled it? What was so different about taking down a dangerous mage compared to what Serina had to do? And another thing, how did Rioura know of the King? Gritting his teeth, he looked up at Vatori to see what she had to say. "We come not to cause you any harm." she said with a smirk on her face. "Oh gimme a break!" came the voice of Brandon who was being shielded by Lori'en. "What was that?" Vatori asked, obviously amused by the challenge of this human. "You heard me. We ain't fraid of you!' With that he stepped out behind Lori'en and waved his hands around to everyone surrounding him. As he did that, he made eye contact with Joe and winked. Joe raised an eyebrow, oblivious to what he was trying to show him. 'I'm sure I could take both you and Mr. Tattoos there." Joe looked at Brandon to try and figure out what he meant. Brandon kicked his left foot backward, Joe followed the direction of his foot to Lori'en. He was concentrating. Joe knew what he was planning. "Your pathethic group are no match for my powers....' Soren said showing his impatience. 'Let us explain what we are doing here so we could leave you." "You chicken or something?" Brandon shot at him. "Brandon stop!" hissed Serina. "Don't shout at him." Joe snapped at her. She turned around and glared at him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she asked stamping her foot. He could tell she was confused and angry at the same time. "Shut yer trap. Nobody wants to hear ya." He replied in an angry tone. He had to give Lori'en more time. "Ummm.. guys, wanna cool it a little?" Jana asked from off to the side. Brandon aware of what was going on, assisted Joe with his barrage of insults to Serina. "Stop!' screamed Rioura. 'Now is not the time to be acting chil-" Before she could finish Lori'en hurled a Cold bolt at Soren. Taking the cue, Joe dashed towards Vatori pulling out his knife in the process. It all happened in slow motion. He cold see Serina gasp and then run behind him to help. Jana flew up into the air with a scared expression in her face at first, but then she began to concentrate on firing a ball of fire. Brandon ran behind some rocks for cover. Soren was surprised by the attack from Lori'en, but waved it away before it could hit him. But he didn't see the knife that was aimed at his foot. It struck him in his knee and he fell to the ground. Serina had a good aim. Soren cursed under his breath and shook the ground underneath Serina and Lori'en. Vatori saw Joe running towards her with his knife in hand. Using her telepathy, she threw Joe aside. Before she could turn, Darigan's tiger pounced on her and scratched at her face. She screamed and Soren whirled around to see that Darigan was not far behind with his sword bore. But, in a second Vatori and Soren disappeared. The firebolt from Jana came flying in too late and missed them. "Be on your guard they're still around here!' Rioura shouted looking around panickly. ' You may not be able to see them, but they are most definitely here." Whipping out his bow Joe had it ready to fire a shot. Serina pulled out another knife and whirled it in her hand. Lori'en and Darigan both had thier swords in hand in a battle position and Jana was flying round in a circle. "We need to get out of this forest..' Joe thought to himself. 'If we return to Canteburry we'll be protected by the King." Pulling Serina close, he whispered to her almost falling unto her, "Do you think it's a good idea to go back to the Kingdom now?" "Yes it would make alot of sense. We need to inform the King of all that is going on and we would protected .....because they wouldn't be able to harm us." she whispered back moving even closer to him. Joe smirked and replied, " Feels like a C.....' Serina's face flushed red and she then slapped Joe. "I can't believe you! I'm trying to get close to you so others wouldn't hear and you're busy imagining.." she stopped mid-sentence obviously disgusted (or so it seemed) by Joe's behaviour. Wiping his smile away, Joe blew a loud wolf's whistle indicating everyone to come closer, but to keep up their guard. "We are going to try and reach to the Kingdom of Cantebury for safety. This forest is way too dangerous and we need to organize a strategy how we're going to defeat this new danger.' He said in a loud whisper. Everyone nodded in agreement. 'Now, we need to figure out where IS the kingdom.' Serina slapped her head in disbelief. 'Well i WAS lost you know." Joe cried in defence. "Jana could you fly up into the air and see if you can see the Kingdom in the distance?" Rioura suggested. Jana did as requested and she came down with a broad smile. "We just have to go THIS way." she said pointing in a westerdly direction. "Let's get to moving people's and watch your backs!" Serina shouted while leading the pack. "WAIT!!!' Brandon shouted. Everyone stopped. 'Where did the Necromancer man go?!" "Guys... we REALLY need to talk about what's going on, but first let's get to the Kingdom." Rioura said with a worried expression on her face. With that the group raced in the direction as pointed. Jana carrying Brandon in the air, Serina and Joe racing in the front, Darigan riding on his tiger with Rioura and Lori'en pulling up the rear. Rioura was still feeling Soren's presence.... Joe had to talk to the King about all of the secrets he was holding from him..... Serina needed to talk to the King urgently.... "Looks like we didn't have to persuade her." Soren replied hidden by some leaves and branches. "She MUST marry that prince. So we must make sure that happens. But, that archer worries me. I want him back under my control...I sense something odd about him" Vatori said in an uneasy tone while watchin the group run away. |
| ALl was white around Teron as he wandered farther into the seemingly endless void of the Netherverse. He had been walking for what seemed like many years, and felt that he was reatching a power unlike any he had seen before. THen he couldn't move, and he looked up to see Audric Tal'ne'lori, the Third Generation Elder Necromanceer who had once ruled and saved the world from utter destruction. Teron bowed. "My liege." He said quietly. Audric smiled and held his hand out. "Stand, young necromancer." Teron stood up and looked at the glowing form of Audric. "Your body has been wounded, and you were sent into this realm as your astral form. You are, however, too weak to return to the Mortal Plane. Therefor, I must give you the knoledge that gave The Grand Necromanceer's power enough to control the galaxies. You must, however not use your full power untill you know the time is right. When the time comes you will have reatched your Time Of Judgement, and the Grand Necromanceers shall appear before you." Audric held his hand to Teron's head and Teron was shot backwards faster than humanly possible. Soon he could no longer see Audric, but coould see a forest backround swirling about him. He sat up, and looked around him to see what seemed to be the remains of a camp. He stood and looked around for anything familliar. His apprentacices were nowhere to be seen, meaning he had to be miles from his cave. He tried to reach out to his students but was in too much of a flush to even stand. He heard a noise to his left and jolted up. Out of the shrubery walked his succesor, Kain. He was covered in wounds and was stagaring to stay upright. "Dear Audric, what has happened to you?" "We were attacked when you were sleeping, and then you left your body, so the barrier you had put aroud the cave was destroyed. Jagon is dead, the rest of us are hiding away in the Hallga. I saw people take you away so I followed as best I could." Teron sat up slowly. "What, praytell, was powerful enough to break my barrier to the point of forcing me out of the Mortal Plane, and to wound my succesor so horribly?" "The Dark Knight's of Cerabrix." Teron looked at his apprentice questioningly. "The Dark Knight's have always failed in their attempts to destroy me or my barrier-" "They control a Balrog." "...No...How can this be... THey have no knoledge of the Ancients Texts, or the Arcane Summoning Arts." "Jagon's sister Jalgon has betrayed us. After her outcasting she traveled to them and became their witch. She also stole your text books from under our noses, probably by beguiling her fool brother. Now she has been the death of him." Teron frowned. "Come, help me up." Kain helped his teacher up but as Teron stood visions flashed in his mind. Pictures of his students being attacked fiercly by the Demon Balrog, and of Jagon being slaughtered. "We must regroup and find your brother in the east. How are you and the others regenerating your magic after such a battle?" "I am almost at full power, Kalligan should have healed the others by now, we can get medical treatmaent once we reach the Hallga." |
The group hiked up steep hills and traveled over vast, grassy plains, with Serina and Joe in the lead. Serina didn’t say anything to Joe, but obviously, he had something to say. “Serina?” he said in a low voice, so only she would hear. But she didn’t reply. “Hey,” Joe said, waving a hand in front of her face. She slapped it away from her. “Are you still mad at me?” he asked her. “For insulting you? You know it was just an act, right? I didn’t mean it at all, you know.” “Whatever, Joe,” Serina said, not looking at him. “No really, I’m sorry.” “How far is Canterbury? Are we any nearer?” “Oh, so now you’re trying to change the subject,” Joe said. “How far???” “Um…I’m not that sure.” He stopped and looked up. “Jana? Are we there yet?” Jana flew ahead and was gone for some minutes. She soon returned and nodded. “Only a couple of miles, Joe,” she said. Joe turned to Serina with a smile on his face. “Well, what do you know? We’re not very far, my lady. Soon we will all be safe and will be able to speak with the King. Isn’t that great?” “Let’s just go,” Serina said, leading the way again. The group walked and walked in silence once more, until Joe’s voice piped into Serina’s ear again. “Um, Serina?” “What?” “How come the King never told me of you? I didn’t think he had assassins.” “Every ruler has them, Joe. They’re like the secret knights of black armor. They do the King’s dirty and furtive work.” “But why does he need you? Is there something I don’t know that’s going on?” “Joe, there are a hell of a lot of things you do not know.” Serina stopped and the group did also. She looked around. “What’s going on?” asked Brandon. “Why did we stop?” “The trees are different here,” Serina said, walking toward a tree. “And the air smells different—not as sweet as the trees before.” She turned to the group. “I think we’ve entered the Canterbury realm.” Everyone cheered and did a victory dance of some sort, but Serina held up a hand they were silent again. “Yeah, we’re all excited, but there’s still work to be done. Jana? Could you see how far the town is from here?” Jana once again flew ahead, but this time, returned quickly. “Not very far. We will reach it in about ten minutes or so.” “Okay, so here’s the plan,” Serina said, but Joe cut in. “What plan? We never discussed a pl--” Serina covered Joe’s mouth with her hand. “As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, I have a plan. I want Jana, Lori’en, Brandon, and Darigan to go into the town and be spies. I know the King won’t tell me everything, but the common folk sometimes know more than you know. We can meet you guys at the Starkfield Tavern, okay? You can stay there for the night. Just tell the barkeep that Serina said so. He’ll understand.” They nodded. “Rioura will go see the Prince and Joe and I will go see the King. So, I guess we’ll meet up by tomorrow the latest. Darigan, I want you to be the leader and I want you to make sure everything goes well. Danger lurks everywhere. So, everyone got that? Let’s go, shall we?” Everyone divided and went their way. Joe caught up with Serina. “What made you leader all of a sudden?” he asked her. “Like I said, I know of the going-ons around here, so I pretty much know where to go and who to speak with.” She looked at him with a smile. “What, you don’t like it when I take the power away from you? Aww, poor baby. Why don’t I make it up to you later?” She patted him on the back. Joe eyes brightened. “Really?” “Sure…” Serina then secretly turned to Rioura and with her finger, made circles around the side of her head. Rioura laughed. Soon the three reached the castle gate and entered. They didn’t know what to expect when they walked inside. ------------------------------------------------- |
| ~Lori'en~ Darigan, Lori'en, Jana, and Brandon, split up from Joe and Serina, and went around the castle to gather info. Darigan and Lori'en seemed to be getting along quite well, Darigan accepting his role as the leader quite efficiently, and split them up a again, Darigan with Lori'en, Brandon with Jana. They went to opposite sides of the town to gather information. "I sure wish we get the proper amount of information for Serina, she can be quite quick tempered sometimes." Darigan said to Lori'en who chuckled. Lori'en walked over to a stand full of food, and bought several pieces of fruit, talking to the woman selling them all the while. "Thank you, hmm. . . this does look delicious. Ma'am have there been any things happening here the past few weeks; I've been goe for several months and I was wondering if you could tell me andything of interest?" Lori'en flashed another one of his charming smiles. The woman talked, "Well, there have been strange folk about, rumor has it that there are assasins in the castle, targeted towards the kind himself." Lori'en grinned and thanked her, slipping several extra coins into her hand, plus the expense for the food. "Thank you kindly." Darigan grinned at his fellow Warrior as he came back munching on an apple. "Well?" He said expectantly. "Oh lay off will yer? You heard every blooming word she said, don't try to trick the trickster." Lori'en said around a mouthful of apple. The rest of the day went around mosty like that, gathering bits of stories rumors and the odd tale or so. They were getting ready to leave to go to the tavern, and they were walking down a street, when hey were pulled into a dark house. Lori'en was immediatley smashed in the face with a club, while Darigan had four figures jump on him. Lori'en struggled upright again, throwing off several men, and hurling them into the walls. A sword slashed into Darigan's' leg, and he let out a small groan. Lori'en snatched the sword from the upraised hand, and broke it with a snap. The dark figures backed off a bit, while a large figure, cloaked in black cursed and howled at them telling them that it was only two men. Then the large figure itself threw himself into Lori'en, who was surprised by the strnegth an ferocity of the attacker, and quickly retaliated smacking him in the face with an armored glove. The rest of the attackers ran into the fray, Darigan felling three or four, with a sword he had picked up, while Lori'en threw bolts of energy, ice and fire into their midst. "enough, lets get out of here!" The largest figure said, and Lori'en saw his face, Soren, with Vatori beside him. Thye ran out into the streets and dispersed, leaving Darigan and Lori'en alone in the dark room. "We had better get to Serina and Joe, and tell them that Soren and Vatori are in town." Darigan said. Lori'en with his ever quick wit said, "Naww, do ye think?" "Shut up." Darigan replied. Lori'en grinned. They reached the Inn and went told the barkeeper that SErina had said so, and took their seat waiting for the others. Serina and Joe walked a bit later taking a seat when they saw Lori'en and Darigan sitting. "Well?" Serina asked. Lori'en Darigan told them the whole story. "Very interesting......" She said vaguely, when the rest of the gang walked in. |
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