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Under the shadow of the ` ℮ с ℓ ι р ѕ ℮

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There was a long pause for Brand, as he gazed over to Lynnira. At first, he mentally chuckled at being called a â??little oneâ??, as she wasnâ??t that much older than he was, but only smiled sweetly at her direction. When she further spoke though, his smiled thinned, before turning his gaze completely. Her spite was contagious, as many people who lost a loved one would tend to turn towards the anger and revenge. He would never say it aloud, but he wondered, if they were to have assumed one of them would betray the Queenâ?¦ would it have been Gandrian? Brand was an observer, and personality wise, he found it shocking that the most calm and perhaps purest of them had turned into the darkest. But just like water, Gandrian wasnâ??t just a gentle flow, but would mold the path before him to lead them into a different direction. But as it seemed, the path he led them down was dark and obscured with pain.

When he felt a hand on his head, he turned to look down just fractionally to see the smile that was rewarded to him. The blonde returned it with vigor, knowing that avenging the Queen by killing the King was their goal. Briefly, he wondered why they thought he was so childish though, as he ruffled his own hair. Brand was the tallest of them, standing at six foot one, and perhaps the most destructive. But with his gentle nature and sealed lips, he supposed that was the image he gave off.

Mind snapping off of what he was thinking, he hurried to Valenâ??s side. Before he was able to ask what was wrong though, the eldest knight muttered that he was fine, before beginning to smoke from his pipe again. He knew not of what was causing this illness, but he wondered if it was tied to the smoke that the other blonde inhaled. Pressing his lips together, he swayed from the subject and nodded his head, standing almost too close to the other male, as if to keep an eye on his health and would catch him if he fell. If only he had healing magic, as he wanted to ease the pain for their leader.

â??Do you thinkâ?¦â? his voice trailed off, before seeing a large arch of leaves just a few meters before them. Golden leaves swirled around twisting vines, forming a gateway that seemed both inviting and ethereal at the same time. The Gates of Elzara, leading into the sanctuary of Cam. Grinning, he turned to face the others. â??Weâ??ve made it~ see?â? he declared, stating out the obvious. It was clear to see that he wanted to race towards the gates, but stayed bouncing beside Valen. Only Elvin-kin could command the door to open, so the vines were sealed tightly together, protruding thorns the closer they got to the gate doors. Magic veiled heavily around the area, glowing in an almost protective fashion.

Gazing over his companions again, he noted that the Vampire appeared to have vanished. Everan continuously did that, coming in and out. It was strange, but he didnâ??t speak about it, as the third male of their group didnâ??t appear too enthusiastic to aid them. Frowning softly, he continued trekking ahead, as they knew that the Vampire would either go off and do his own thing, or perhaps come back whenever he found it convenient. â??Shall we rest and restock in the town before we resume?â? Brand asked, wondering if they were all strong enough. Together, the knights could create a strong enough light that would beacon them towards where the shard might be. Light found light, and if the knights couldnâ??t conjure enough energy to form the light to be stronger than the shard, then they would find nothing.
 
Hearing a sound and a voice, Gandrian slowly turned his head upwards and spotted the Dragon parched above him on a branch. From his position, he was given a direct sight of Xionâ??s crotch and the bulge that was naturally there. Ughâ?¦not exactly the sight anyone wants to see eitherâ?¦ his mind supplied, but the feeling of disgust wasnâ??t revealed on his features. Instead, the former knight just leered at the other maleâ??s crotch with a pointed look.

â??Why, Captainâ?¦ you know the saying. He who protests the most~â? the silver-blue was obviously making a lewd hint at the Dragon. There had been rumors that circulated within the Dark Army, but none had been confirmed. Some said that Gandrian would sleep with only the elite soldiers, be it male or female. Others said that he was the Kingâ??s bitch, dragged down like some dog to be used in any way and service the King. Those people were usually found drowned to death in the strangest ways. But even still, it was known that he was perhaps the strongest under the King, and perhapsâ?¦ his preferences didnâ??t need consent.

Instead of pressing though, the silver-blue grabbed for his clothes and slipped them on, before getting out of the water. With a flick of his wrist, the water hat had soaked into his clothes and slicked him, evaporated and left the former knight dried completely. The eye-patch that had never been taken off since the murder of the Queen, was soaking wet, but like his clothes, it instantly dried. â??You are welcomed to join my bed at any time, Captain, but until then, I suggest we continue.â? Eyes glowing softly in the night, he padded back towards the campsite nearby and ripped a piece of flesh off of the animalâ??s leg that had been roasting. Taking a bite, he leaned against one of the trees for a moment to rest.

Soon, he pushed away from the tree and began to trek away from the campsite and down the winding roads of the fieldâ??s maze. He had had his fill and a nice bath, so it was time to get going. Gandrian knew that Xion would never pick him up on the offer, but it seemed almost part of his nature to tease; just as he enjoyed teasing Nekar, even if they had never done anything.

Not noticing if the other male was following him or not, he paused as he saw the streak of burnt land, Elvin side irritated with the smell of charred wood. Seeing a speck that was another Elvin, he padded towards the female Elf. She was perhaps in her late hundreds, a warrior that was probably standing post. Her abdomen was seared, and as she coughed out blood and reached out for his helpâ??a fellow Elfâ??s helpâ??he knelt beside her. â??How pitifulâ?¦â? gloved fingers grazed over her abdomen, before the molecules from the air began to collect. Hydrogen and Oxygen molecules smashed into each other, forming the simplest of Hydrogen bonds to form the substance of water.

The water spread, almost as if he was healing her, as the female Elf had seen this form of healing arts. However, the final process of the healing turned a different direction, and as the water soaked into her from all angles as if she was absorbing the fluid, her flesh melted. Acidic waters that carried poisons slowly ate away at her like she was sugar dipped in water, tearing away bit by bit. Her last vision was of Gandrian smiling innocently and proudly, almost as if he was carefree and had done something that he was going to be praised for. In his mind, he had helped herâ?¦ended her suffering and struggle in the life of the pain she was in.
 
Xion was sitting in the tree leaning against the trunk, so how Gandrian saw that was beyond him and probably screamed to anyone else that Gandrian was probably Bi or Gay. That didn't bother Xion though, for he himself was straighter than a steel plate. Besides women had a natural grace adn beauty to them that all males lacked and as a covetous creature, Xion liked beauty for it's own aesthetic value. The lewd comment sent shivers up the dragon's spine and made him stand up and pace back and forth to get the chills out, displaying an effortless balance that most elves themselves had. When Gandrian was dry, Xion got out of his tree and joined him as they both headed into the maze. "Being stupid aside, we should try to get along until we can find those damn shards then we can be rid of each other's company for good." He said to the 'leader' in the most civil tongue he could produce despite his constant irritation. In his mind, it would be better to grudgingly work together toward a goal than to fight the entire way and end up losing something important to those stupid do-gooders. But when they found the swath of destruction Xion had caused, the dragon would only chortle at the actual damage it's wrought. It made him feel joyous.

"Well well it looks like I may've missed one." he said, walking over to stand beside Gandrian to see the Elven woman's expression of surprise and dismay moments before she died at Gandrian's little hand. "YOu know, you should've just let her suffer until she bled out. That's all they deserve." Xion said sharply with a growl, he'd had enough of fighting elves in his life to last two more lifetimes. The only one he'd cared about was Lyra and Corona's mother and she was a long way away from there in a different land all together. Living as an outcast for her fall-from-grace of being a paladin, a knight to carrying half-dragon children sired by a terrifying tyrant of a beast. The term "care" was loose though, it simply meant Xion wouldnt' kill her as long as she took care of those two little girls. "Come on let's get going. Maybe we can find someone that's only mildly charred and wring some answers out of them." he said and continued along the pathway through the devastation.

Within a few moments of exploration, he'd find what he was looking for in another elven woman that was about the same age as the last one, having dodged getting totally incinerated but was still unable to walk due to her legs being badly burned. "Well well another one." He said and walked over, seeming to offer the woman a hand. "come on, we'll get you somewhere safe and take care of those wounds." He said to her, the woman hadn't previously heard his other comments due to distance and thus didn't know howh bad a situation she was really in, made plain by the relieved expression she had.

"My thanks. But why are you here? Travelers?" she asked warily as he helped her up giving a shoulder to lean on to take some of the burden off her injured legs.

"You could say that, we're actually looking for something and have a lead that it might be int his area." He said pleasantly.

The woman nodded. "Well we could go to Cam, if it's still there. I'll guide you there if you would be so good as to carry me there, it hurts to walk." she said, Provoking Xion to blatantly piggyback her like she was al ittle girl which made her blush in surprise. "Thanks... it's that way." she pointed toward the city.

Xion cut a momentarily glance back at Gandrian and smirked faintly as a way of saying: there now we have a guide and lead to where it could possibly be.
 
Seeing how â??niceâ?? Xion was being to the Elvin made him want to snarl, but all he did was leave a neutral expression over his features. For a brief moment, he wanted to extinguish that smirk, but the thought of harming the other male caused his earring to spark again, and the shock zapped his ear hard enough to prevent that idea. Visibly wincing, he huffed, before stepping up beside the two.

Steadying himself, he offered her the brightest of smiles. â??Hi! Forgive my fatherâ??s rudeness; my nameâ??s G, and this beastly man here is Mimi~â? the silver-blue said with all innocence, leaning in and giving Xion the largest and wettest kiss on the cheek. â??Itâ??s alright, daddy, I still love ya, even if you have a funny name~â? with that, he turned to the Elvin woman and smiled sweetly, asking for her name. For Xion to interrupt and try to change their story now, had a very high possibility in drawing her suspicions, as many things had to be looked upon if given a second glance.

If he was expected to play along, then he was going to make it hard for Xion as well. With his childish looks, he almost passed for someone younger than the Captain when he was â??cheerfulâ??. It burned a little inside to be smiling so much, and if he were to jab at himself, heâ??d say that his cheeks hurt from smiling. Acting completely carefree like how he remembered a former teammate to be, he continued to walk besides them, following her lead to wherever she pointed. The maze continued to grow thicker with forestry, the color of orange and yellow glowing around them. It was night by estimates of time, but with the eclipse, it always felt like it was night.
 
Licking the booze from his lips, Naolin tilted his head here and there, wondering what he was going to do for the rest of the day. It was like he truly thought heâ??d do something besides drinking for the day, and while it might have been the plan, he usually found himself smashed and talking to the chair leg. Shadow stayed hidden for the moment, not speaking as he usually didnâ??t, and just watching over the necromancer.

The barmaid shook her head but left him be, as she knew she needed the money, and Naolin was made of nothing but pure money. Well, perhaps he might have been powerful, as he had defended the area a few times, but she wouldnâ??t place her moneyâ??s bet on his victory if he was always drunk; it was a hard moral thing to do for any normal person with common sense. Pouring him another cup when he asked for it, she sighed and moved to clean up a recently empty table.

â??Havanaâ?? was a small tavern that was situated in the edge of a wasteland, deep in within the Kingdom of Lassadar and nearly at the tip of a large cliff. The King of Darkness abandoned this area when Queen Cecilia had been killed, so it was safe in the fact that no one cared for a wasteland that had nothing but dust and death. Materials were shipped in, and even then, it was hard to live in the murky atmosphere. It was the area that mainly humans lived, and since they were seen as such weak beings, they were left for entertainment and not worth ruling over.

â??I think someone drank my boozeâ?¦â? Naolinâ??s voice suddenly came through, as the blonde gazed down at his cup and shook it a few times. He had just finished his drink, but he was shaking it upside-down as if he didnâ??t understand why only a droplet escaped the upturned cup.
 
    • The High Elf did her best to ignore the annoying, bouncing, bubbly, overly joyful Z as she walked alongside the eldest knight. Valen was quiet, more of a somber fellow. It was clear that he was shouldering a lot right now, and that it was weighing The contrast between the two of them was like night and day, polar opposites in every way from what she had seen of them thus far. Lynnira worried her a bit, as she seemed to be the most unstable of them all. No, perhaps not unstable, but the one most likely to fly into a blind rage and do. . .destructive things. Her power was fire, and she appeared to be proficient in it's use. Arioch did not what to think about what they would do or how they would even begin to stop her if she lost control of herself. Well, there were a few ways to stop her but none of those seemed to pleasant, or safe, when she thought about them. Rather than continuing to dwell on the matter, she turned her attention to the structures ahead of her. The Gates of Elzara, the entrance to the city of Cam.

      As the only pure blooded Elf, and the only one who lived her life in the Elven Lands, she was the only person here able to open the gates and grand the weary travelers entrance into the city. She reached out a gloved hand and gently touched the door. Her lips slowly began to move, her native tongue slipping from between them. Slowly, she stepped back and the former general watched with her new companions as the vines receded and opened before them, granting them entrance into the city. Arioch looked to the others and opened her mouth to speak. Suddenly, her voice was gone, and the expression on her face changed. Slowly, the color drained from her face and she seemed to trip on nothing.

      In her mind, she could hear it loud and clear, the voice of the Earth. More specifically, she could hear the voice of the Forest. The things it said to her unnerved her. There was something here, something in the forest. A dark presence that was moving and slowly destroying whatever it touched. Trees were dying, and their painful wails assaulted her senses. It was too much, way too much to take all at once. She slowly raised a hand to her head, massaging one of her temples. "We should venture within now. The gates will not be staying open forever," Arioch said. "I do not think that time is on our side. There is a dark presence somewhere in the forest. It could be just a demon, or, it could be those you spoke of before. Whichever it may be, we are ill prepared to face it head on."[/list:u][/list:u]
 
    • Lassadar.

      This place made her sick to her stomach. There were so many evils, so many atrocities committed here that even the land itself had become corrupt with darkness. Then again, the lands of Lassadar had always been like this, so long as she could remember. Such a phrase was one often used by humans, but to her ears, it meant little coming from their mouths. When she said that, it really meant something. Why? Because Ranis Zaberisi was a dragon. Make no mistake though, she was no mere dragon. Ranis was the current crown ruler of the Kingdom of the North, the Lands of Ice, the Dragon's Keep. It mattered not what name you gave it, she was the Queen, and that was something that she took pride in. Her people were a withdrawn race, hidden away in lands so treacherous that no being other than a dragon even dared to brave the hostile conditions and step foot within the kingdom itself. Not that they would be welcome there anyway. Her people were neutral, and didn't like to be dragged into the affairs of the world.

      Ranis was an eccentric though. Humans fascinated her. So, she left her Kingdom and set out to learn more about the world through first hand experiences rather than through books, scrolls, and other documents. On her journey, she met and made friends with many humans. The most special of which was the Queen of Light. She and Cecilia were close, much closer than the Dragon Queen had been to anyone in her own kingdom. Love? Yes, there was love there. In a romantic sense? Perhaps. Ranis wasn't familiar with things like love or romantic feelings. The death of the Queen at the hands of the traitor hit her hard, much harder than even the death of her parents hit her. Ever since, the Queen changed. She roamed the land aimlessly, destroying dark forces she came across. Taverns? Taverns had become her favorite place to visit. Drinking was entertaining, though near useless as it took so much for her to actually get a buzz. Still, it helped her forget her pain for a while, and allowed her to connect with humans doing something that most humans seemed to enjoy doing.

      Havana was the name of the tavern where she had been resting for some time now, quietly watching as the young man at the bar agitated the bar maid. There was something strange about the fellow, strange in a good way. The Queen decided that she would join him for a drink, maybe have a friendly chat with him. The story he told of the knights and the death of Cecilia left a bad taste in her mouth, what better way to get rid of it than drown it out with alcohol? The human at the bar certainly would have told her that there was no better way!

      After claiming the seat to his right, the Queen dug into the sleeve of her yukata and extracted a small black pouch. She extracted from it a pair of gold coins and placed them on the bar. Together, they were worth way more than what she was about to buy, but money was not something that she worried about. She was a Queen after all. "Three bottles of your strongest," she said with a smile. No matter what she was brought, it wouldn't be near enough to get her drunk. Not like the man beside her. Her golden optics slowly stole a glance at the young man, taking in his features. The first thing she noticed was the choker he wore around his neck. "Are those dragon scales," she asked. The question was a pointless one. Any dragon would know the sight of the scales of a dragon from just a glance. Still, she awaited his answer[/list:u][/list:u]
 
Resting his head against the counter, he pouted as he realized the booze was gone from his cup, and though he wanted another drink, he had promised Shadow that he wouldnâ??t drink pass twenty cups. Sadly, this was his twenty-fifthâ?¦ but that was alright, because heâ??d just put it off as the barmaid giving him five extra for his moneyâ??s worth. Of course, Shadow was just in the corner where there was barely any light, meaning the embodied spirit could see clearly how many the other male drank. But that was besides the point in Naolinâ??s mind.

When someone sat next to him and ordered some of the strong drinks, he turned his head and gazed at the woman. She wasnâ??t the type that heâ??d instantly go â??Iâ??d tap that!â? at, but she was alluring in a sense. Her question about the leather around his neck made his hand slip around the side and rub at his neck though. â??Yeahâ?¦Dragon scalesâ?¦â? grinning suddenly, he scooted his stool closer towards her, so that they were as close as allowed by the wooden chairs.

â??You know, I love a woman who can take her fill and has such a lovely pair of eyesâ?¦not to mention, the lovely ladies that follow you.â? Naolin â??complementedâ??, gazing at her up and down from his near pressed-close-to position, and then gazing over at her shoulder to wink at thin air. â??So, whatâ??s your name, lovely?â? he asked, not recognizing her, or rather, if he did, he was drunk enough not to notice.
 
    • His confirmation of her suspicious only roused her curiosity. Dragons could be difficult creatures. To obtain anything from them meant that an individual had either gained their trust or they had, somehow, been able to slay the dragon. There was a strange aura about this man, something that went beyond him. Perhaps it was he whom that spiritual presence was attached to? That made him all the more interesting in the eyes of the Dragon Queen. Could he have been powerful enough to slay a dragon? Perhaps. He seemed easy going enough, the kind of person who could attract the attention of a dragon like herself - one who was interested in humans. Ranis had become so withdrawn into her own mind that she almost didn't notice how close the man was to her now.

      "Stop that now," Ranis said, playfully pushing his shoulder. His flirting was welcome, obviously something that she was taking kind to. Then again, as a dragon, such comments that stroked her ego made her happy. She was beautiful, she was good looking, and she was powerful. Compliments, flirting, those were welcome thing. Touching and anything physical? That was a whole separate matter. As the bottles were placed in front of her, she took the first and examined it. She knew not what it was, but she knew that it smelled strong. Ranis took the glass she had been given and filled it, then, she turned and filled Naolin's glass as well. Ranis quickly emptied the contents of her glass into her mouth, and sighed with content. Because of the feeling it had going down rather than it affecting her.

      "Ranis Zaberisi," she said plainly. The look in her eye told a different story though. She was studying him, his features, and searching for some sign of recognition from him. Would he know her name? Would anyone else here recognize the name? Even if they did, she doubted that any of them would care. This was the middle of a no-man's-land, a place where the poor and downtrodden resided. The people, the environment, the creatures that stalked this area were hostile. One wrong word, one wrong move, and trouble could come pouring down on you harder than the rain could fall. "Would you be so kind as to give me your name as well," she said as she turned to refill her glass.[/list:u][/list:u]
 
For a good moment, Naolin seemed to just ignore what the woman in front of him was saying. Rather, he was staring beyond her, gazing at the spirits that sat by this lady, waving at him. Smiling, he waved back, resting his chin against his new companionâ??s shoulder. The necromancer had a habit of becoming too friendly in the first five minutes, so it wasnâ??t something new to him or those that knew him. Just a bit to the side, the barmaid shook her head, before leaving Ranis with the drink to tend to others.

â??Do you watch over her?â? he asked, as if Ranis wasnâ??t right there, asking for his name. The spirits werenâ??t giggling masses of girls, but they were formless. He just had an eye for previous genders, that was all. One of them answered him, telling him that they watched over their Queen. â??Isnâ??t she dead?â? Naolin muttered, his drunken eyes roaming over them, noting that they were former dragons. â??Ohâ?¦ so sheâ??s that oneâ?¦â? he then pulled back and nodded, as if understanding.

Parting his lips, he was about to answer her, when a voice from the side muttered at him. Turning his head, he waved at the corner where there appeared only darkness from the lack of light. What appeared like a human within the shadows made a motion, before it was given the finger from the blonde. â??Sheâ??s just asking my nameâ?¦â? blue eyes rolled, before he turned his gaze back and smiled at her with strangely white teeth for a drinker. In fact, it was odd that he could be so drunk and have his words un-slurred. â??My name is Naolin, your Highness. What brings you to this little establishment?â?
 
    • This man grew more and more interesting as time went on. Ranis emptied her glass once more as Naolin conversed with the spirits beside her. It was impossible for the woman to suppress her laughter as he bickered with a spirit hidden away on the other side of the room. She was unable to converse with the spirits herself, but she was aware of their presence here. And unlike the rest of the people in the bar, she knew that he wasn't crazy. No, this man, Naolin as he finally introduced himself, was quite far from it. There were many things about him that made the Dragon Queen most curious. That earned him a smile from her.

      "What need is there for such formalities in a place such as this? I'm merely here to enjoy a drink, and to rest as I've grown weary from my travels," she said, once again filling her glass and emptying it. A Queen she may have been, but formalities were one thing that she had had enough of after twenty thousand years. She was a Queen, and a person, and so long as she was respected, she cared not how she was addressed. Ranis turned in her seat so that she was facing Naolin. Her elbow came to rest on the bar, while her free hand took hold of the bottle she had begun drinking from. She raised it to her lips and took a swig. Her golden optics remained fixed upon Naolin, her smile slowly widening.

      "A Necromancer? Quite rare these days Naolin. It's a most impressive skill. I've known a handful of individuals who attempted to learn the art but failed to do much more than increase their own spiritual awareness," she said, taking another swig from the bottle. I'm being watched over am I? I wonder who could be following me around still. Old bodyguards? Soldiers? Maybe old companions that passed on? Those are such depressing thought's. . . Her eyes momentarily left Naolin and focused on the shadow back in the corner for a moment, then returned to the man before her. "You are being watched over as well I see."[/list:u][/list:u]
 
Away from Naolin and Ranis sat a figure that was half shaded by the atmosphere of the Havara tavern. Renate was leaning back in her seat with her booted feet resting upon the surface of the table before her, taking in the people around there. She'd been here a few times in the past as she wandered through the countryside, taking jobs and tracking down leads on an investigation she was on. She'd met Naolin a few times and the two were drinking buddies to say the least. But right now she was more interested in that woman that was talking to him at the moment; there was soemthing about her that troubled half of the brunette. The dark, Demon half of her was screaming to attack the dragon-in-human-form due to the nature of demons but she was half..something else despite looking human.

Renate didn't really even know what she was, she just thought she was at least half human; that's how she was raised by her mother until she disappeared. The woman in question was tall with very long dark brown hair that seemed to spike up in any direction it wanted, bound at the nape of the neck into a rough ponytail. But she decided to get up and greet her friend just to get a reaction adn stood from her seat and stalked over.

"HEY NAOLIN< BUDDY!" she exclaimed, glomping into him from behind and grabbing the necromancer ina strong bear hug. "It's been a while" she said and released him. "Who's your friend? Don't tell me you got anther woman to buy you drinks again." Renate said jokingly.
 
Upon hearing that Ranis knew of Shadow, he leaned in closer to her and did an extremely loud shushing sound. â??Shhhâ?¦heâ??s not watching over me, heâ??s my stalker.â? the necromancer joked, completely foregoing the chance to affirm or deny that he was a necromancer. She could believe he was, or perhaps, sheâ??d conclude later that he was someone in training. Naolin almost hated his heritage, and so, he rarely delved into it, nor did he speak about it to anyone.

Before he was able to respond further though, a pair of strong arms wrapped around him in a firm and strong bear-hug. Normally, any sane or even drunken man would have attempted a slight struggle, but instead, he just allowed it. However, instead of pushing away once he was released, the blonde instantly turned around and face-planted himself into two mounts of flesh.

â??Why, hello there~â? Naolin cheered against flesh, nuzzling the large breasts and pressing his nose between the natural cleavage. Her skin was soft and smooth, and he could just lick the top of her breasts all over, if he wasnâ??t already drooling down her breasts and probably ruining her shirt. In the corner, Shadow twitched, as if he wanted to spring forward and take out what looked like a threat that just ambushed the necromancer. But instead, he remained there as it looked like Naolin had no trouble being friendly with the brunette woman.
 
Lynnira was tired of walking. So very tired. Her legs screamed at her and the tightness of her calf muscles gave her a very slight limp. Usually this was no problem with walking. But the addition of emotional pain and slight exhaustion for lack of sleep. Too much crying for her mother...s. Both now dead.

But she sucked it up. Straightened her shoulders and forced herself not to frown. "We're here eh?" She bit back another sorrowful expression. Why did this place make her so.. so sad? She felt unwanted, hated, feared.. at least by the Earth. Well, she knew her powers might make it not want her there, she might burn it all to the ground, right? A pain hit her, of course, emotional. Everything had always been scared of her. Always.

Though, she laughed it off. Possibly causing some odd looks from her companions. "We ought to get inside, like Elfie said. I would feel terrible if this 'dark' stuff came about and I burnt these trees down." She half jested. There was an urge to burn down the orange glow about her, it invaded her vision and told her to leave. It was hostile to her, as she was to it in nature. It was almost like every step she took towards the Elven city it pushed her back more. She felt weak suddenly. She swayed in her spot and had to catch her balance. Quickly, she played it off as hunger. A soft blush touched her face. Waving a hand, she quickly stepped closer to the entrance. That aura of distrust and hostility washed over her, but she kept her face sturdy and fought on. Stepped next to the vine-gate.

With a final push she stepped inside. The struggle didn't end there. No, physical pressure made her steps heavy and hard. Making her breath heavy, as it did the night smoke filled her lungs as her family burnt to the ground around her..
 
Gerrit grew bored quickly of the random people speaking about nothing.

As he lay on his tummy, head muzzle buried between two thick, furry paws he yawned. An itch started on his neck, and rolling onto his back with a loud thump, he scratched it. Even as he kicked himself in the face to relieve the irritation in his fur, he looked graceful. Of course. How could he not? He was a giant beast with rippling muscle with a thick fur. He swore he caught someone curled up against him the other night. A low growl touched his throat. A slight homophobic, he assumed it was a male, which made his stomach curl. The elf woman was too stuck up for that bullshit.

With a roll, he was on his feet. Looking about cautiously. Something had moved. His eyes were wide, gleaming a purple-blue, his fangs bore and long nails digging into the ground. A soft drip of saliva furled from him. "Something changed in the forest." He was a-tune with nature. He was a beast. The rumble of what was the gates opening had caused him to sober up. Though, he was unable to tell which direction, or even what it was! That angered him.

With a twist of his head, he sniffed the air.

The sickly scent of flowers and other foresty things muffled his senses. "Fucking Elves..."
 
The elven woman just perked a brow and looked between them, suspecting it wasn't the case. "You have to be adopted then. You don't match up with your light hair and eyes compared to his dark hair and red eyes." She pointed out and just tried to smile again through er pain. "But that's always good. My name is Amara." She said as they continued along, following her finger points or verbal directions. Xion wasn't having a problem carrying her but Gandrian was starting to get on his nerves and he was about to lash out and kick the knight in the gut for his action. It was sending chills up his spine and back down, the contact irritated him beyond belief as only his daughters were the ones allowed to do that without repercussions. "He's more like a parasite I found in the woods one day, I can't seemto be rid of him." Xion said coldly and thought for a moment noticing Amara's confusion clearly written on her face. "Would you care to take him off my hands when we get to Cam?" he asked her with a sly smirk at Gandrian knowing it'd pain the knight to just hear that.

"Well maybe, he's certainyl cute enough." the elven woman said after a few minutes of thought then paused. "wait, theres a trap here thath would teleport you to the othersideo f the forest adn make you have to turn around again." she said and cautiously directed them around it, a clearing of slightly glowing pyramidal stones.

"That would've been a pain to deal with." Xion said, throwing a pinecone into the are and watching it vanish. "Hey boy, go test that out for me." he said to Gandrian, considering kicking him into the area himself just for amusement.
 
â??My purposeâ?¦purposeâ?¦to find himâ?¦himâ?¦must help his causeâ?¦only wayâ?¦only way Iâ??ll have a purposeâ?¦â? his lips moved quickly, repeating that phrase over and over againâ?¦ He tossed and turned on the prickly grass beneath his slender frame, the hood of his cloak covering all but his moving lips. The ground shook softly beneath him, the roots of nearby trees stirring, the stem from the rose around his left arm extending, raking its thorns across his cold flesh. â??My destinyâ?¦must fulfill itâ?¦must help himâ?¦â? blood trickled down his arm slowly, staining the left sleeve of his green cloak. The smell of the demonâ??s blood had awoken Firuâ??en, his tiger. White ears perked up, his golden eyes switching to its master. A low growl slipped from its mouth as it rose to its feet. Firuâ??en pawed at the cloaked being, tapping at his bleeding arm trying to bring him to his senses.

Firuâ??en began to whimper softly as Tsuâ??Ro failed to respondâ?¦ He suddenly roared, its powerful voice filled with sorrow, as yet another master of his has died. Shooting up from his trance Tsuâ??Ro turned to his tiger a small smile curving his lips. The ground ceased its shaking, as the stem of his rose dug deeper into his skin. â??Are you alright Master?â? Firuâ??en asked telepathically, worried golden eyes staring up at his master. â??Iâ??m fine dear Firuâ?¦â? the demon replied as he stood up off the ground sniffing the cool night air around him. The scent of a dark presence mixed with the scent of elven magic filled the air. So much evil surrounded these lands ever since the queen fell. It was such a shame to see the land rot the way it was. â??Elven magic?â? Tsuâ??Ro thought as he pulled began to follow the scent. â??Perhapsâ?¦perhaps heâ??ll be thereâ?¦.â? The demon thought as he started toward the scent.

It took him no more than ten minutes to find his way to the Elf who had been using its magic. The gate was open, with Brand, Valen, Lynnira, and Arioch in his sights. There he wasâ?¦the one heâ??d been searching for. The one he had admired so much. How would he approach him after so many years? No words could describe the amount of emotions currently flowing through Tsuâ??Ro at the moment, as fear of being shunned by his former companions clouded his judgment. â??Master Tsuâ??Roâ?¦you have done nothing wrong. Why would they shun you?â? Firuâ??en asked. â??I have a charred passed my dear Firuâ?¦I fear such lies from the King has been planted inside of their mindsâ?¦â? Tsuâ??Ro admitted sadly. â??You can always pass as an injured traveler in need of aidâ?¦.â? The tiger suggested. The demon thought as he stood in the shadows. He couldnâ??t bare the thought of Brand not knowing who he wasâ?¦especially since he traveled so far and long to see him. But perhaps the tiger was right. Maybe he could get him alone.

Finally Tsuâ??Ro stepped out of the shadows, holding onto his bleeding arm as he slowly approached his former companions. â??Excuse meâ?¦â? he began as he approached the group his voice soft the words rolling of his tongue. Blood dripped from his sleeves onto the grass beneath, the pain keeping his mind focus as it had the tendency to wander.

"Do you know of where I can fix this?" he questioned his voice smooth like silk...almost feminine in a way. Firu'en sat beside him, looking up at the travelers.
 
    • Ranis could not help but giggle watching as things unfolded before her. Naolin was an amusing man. His reply to her question was totally unexpected, which was perhaps why it was so funny. The humor he exhibited reminded her of a certain young knight, always ready with a smile and optimism despite being in the most bleak of situations. That boy could smile in even the worst of situations, and was always ready to give his companions and those rallied around them hope. If not for his words, she probably wouldn't be where she was now. The dragon could not help but wonder what he and the other knight's were up to now. Somehow, she felt that she would be meeting them soon enough. Each had a common mission in mind, so it was only natural that their paths would cross. Wasn't it?

      The woman that approached the two of them, or more specifically, Naolin, seemed to be quite familiar with him. Just as she was able to sense her true nature as a dragon, Ranis was able to recognize the other side of her. The demon half that lie underneath the surface. Ranis had no ill intent towards the young woman though, and offered her only a smile as she spoke. Courtesy and kindness even in the fact of those who intended to bring you harm - the ways of the diplomat. So long as she was not attacked, she would remain civil. That was all there was to it.

      "Ranis Zaberisi, a pleasure to meet you. Why don't you sit down and join us? After your friend here. . .contains himself," Ranis said, trying to contain her laughter. Seeing the way that Naolin was so quick to latch onto this person and plant his face right into her chest. . .it was funny. It was just. . .funnier than it should have been. Judging from the way that she approached him though, Ranis suspected that she didn't mind what was happening, but then again, there was always a chance that Naolin would be flying into the corner to meet his 'stalker' soon. Her eyes narrowed in anticipation and she took yet another swig of the drink.[/list:u][/list:u]
 
Malak grimaced when he smelled smoke, indeed, the dragon had scorched an area of the forest, which did far more than irritate the warlock "Stupid beast" he hissed, turning around and scowling, he would need to hurry.

"Whatever it was it came from over here"

Malak glanced to his side, watching as two elves appeared from the foliage, freezing in their tracks when the taint of his power hit him. There was a male and a female. The elves released a gasp at the same time, their eyes wide and locked on Malak's form, his dark power washing over them, filling their bodies and souls with an icy dread. The male quickly pulled an arrow from his quiver, preparing it and aiming at Malak, who stayed his distance

"Halt creature, state your business in this sacred wood" The little elf strained to avoid stuttering, he had never run into a warlock before, then again, Malak was unique, the last true warlock to curse the lands was his teacher, and that was well over two hundred years before Malak even found his most prized medallion.

Malak smirked, letting his aura wash over the two elves, the male was armed with a bow, the female a slim blade, they were hunters from their appearance, Malak's spell must have not reached the city, which was a good thing, in the destruction caused by the dragon's little romp, Malak's signature would go well ignored to many elves in their homes. The elves were young, perhaps having never seen a being like the one who stood before them, if their wide eyes. The boy released the arrow he had nocked, the projectile flying true through the air, though missing by only inches thanks to the trembling hand of the archer in question. Malak moved quickly enough to ensure the arrow missed, his hands leaving his robe, weaving an intricate symbol through the air "..... ....... ..... ....... ..." He whispered dark and baleful words, gathering taint from the air around him before stretching his hand out to face the elves as they turned to flee.

"Neemah"

The final word of the incantation was uttered, and dark energy gathered around Malak's hand, seven tendrils bursting forth, thick ropes of black energy that spiraled through the air, terminating in the heads of demonic serpents, which latched onto the elven archer, several-inch long fangs piercing his form and pumping venom into his veins, the creature died more or less instantly, slumping to the ground

"W-what *are* you?!"

The elven girl, having witnessed her companion simply die in a shock of black magic was unable to move, her muscles locked in horror as the warlock finished the boy off, the serpents extending from his sleeve locking onto his neck and tearing his throat out before ripping his frail body to pieces, splashing her with his blood. The serpents core into the boy, their fanged maws cutting him apart and spreading him in large pieces across the clearing. Malak grinned and took another step towards the girl "Such a beautiful little creature, aren't you, so fresh and young"

The girl finally managed to stumble backwards, falling down as the warlock approached her, her brain screaming at her to scramble and run, she was overtaken with his aura, the ungodly cold that she felt numbing her mind. Malak smiled, noticing that the frail creature was trembling like one of the many leaves in the trees above as he approached her, his steps slowing in pace as he loomed over the pathetic creature, a fanged grin appearing on his lips from under the dark hood, the evil green eyes focusing on his new prey. "Don't worry my dear... it will be all over soon..." Malak loomed over the girl, who by then had lost all color to her face, looking up at the nearly demonic smile before her. Malak leaned down, the gloved fingers of his left hand wrapping around her slender throat before he lifted her into the air, giving her a good view of the warlock's face as he licked his lips like an animal would before a feast. Malak showed her the back of his right hand, letting her watch as the artifact he wore awakened, the piercing eye opening and the red lines coursing through the gauntlet. With a final smile Malak went in for the kill, plunging the fingers of the gauntlet into her chest, watching the dark power coursing through her body as she withered in his arms, her veins turning black as the life was sucked from her form before Malak was finally done.

Malak dropped the lifeless body of the female elf, smiling to himself cheerfully as the energy from her life-force coursed through him, giving him a much needed boost of energy. He even looked rejuvenated, the pure life force having restored any strength he lost. The male smiled, licking his lips and sighing in an unpleasantly satisfied manner "Delicious" he cooed, turning again towards where he felt his "Comrades" had gone.

Once his business was concluded Malak absorbed his aura, erasing his magical footprints for the time being, more elves were likely to appear soon, he would lay low until he was needed, avoid future conflict.
 
You're just asking for it... the knight sneered in his mind, but his face held the serene and smiling image. While he had meant to tug at the other's leg a bit, he supposed he should have expected for Xion to come back at him with something equally annoying. "But how can I ever leave by beloved father? He acts tough, but he's really a softy inside." he 'gravely' informed, before being told to go test out the teleportation stones for Xion. It was then that he bit down on his bottom lip hard, facing away from the two so that Amara wouldn't suspect anything.

Gandrian was the General of the Dark Army, the highest rank and literally just under the King in command rank... he had worked hard for that, and it wasn't just the killing of the Queen that had led him to where he was. It burned slightly to be ordered around, but unless they wanted to be found out by the Elvin women, then he needed to play the part. While it was possible to find Cam and enter it without her, it would be easier to have someone to 'hide under' while they were traveling through the city. After all, any newcomers were highly suspicious, especially an Elf and a Dragon together.

Walking up to the area that was slightly marked by the pyramidal stones, he gazed around it a bit. The path that they were on was the area that Xion had burnt, so they saw a clear view of at least a good two to three miles, at the least. But the magic had protected this small section, and the stones were still active; as they had saw with the pinecone. However, that was if one stepped into the area that was surrounded by the stones. Just barely five yards into the area with trees and bushes wouldn't kill, so he gazed back at the Captain and placed a foot out at an angle, as if he was going to side-step the field and say 'And...?'.

"Sorry, but I guess I will fly solo. I'm sure you'd understand?" giving a less innocent and more twisted smile, he re-angled his foot. With a small wave to Xion, he stepped into the area within the pyramidal stones and vanished completely. Gandrian found it convenient that the area was there, as now, he had an excuse to say why they got separated... mainly for him to just get Xion off of his back. Landing on the other side, he turned and began to dash with speed towards the center again, eyelids fluttering as he sought to get directions from the trees and wind. Scent was another thing he had, and he could smell the stench of burnt land. That would lead him towards a general direction of where Xion was, so he would avoid that area. Having a guide would be helpful, but as an Elf alone, he wouldn't be suspected of much in an Elvin city.
 
Valen stopped, the motions the elf went through said something bad happened, Valen felt something was off too, though his sensation was nowhere as clear, a sinking feeling in his stomach, distracting from the pain for a moment before fading.

"I feel it too... though I have never felt it before, it is unlike any other force of darkness we have ever faced" Valen of course perceived the presence in a different way, there was an unnatural presence in the air, he had spent many years patrolling here, helping the elves and defending this sector from threats... something was wrong, though Valen wasn't able to determine what... he remembered the sensation, but he couldn't remember from what. "We should tread carefully"

Valen himself walked through the vines after they parted, passing effortlessly. through the gates despite the pain he felt, lowering his spear a little so he could pass the long spearhead through the entrance without nicking any vines.

"Lyn? are you alright?" Valen looked at Lyn, concerned. He had known Lyn for a long time, and she was like a little sister to him. As a result Valen like any good older brother could see through her emotions, or at least her hotheaded flare. The male looked slightly concerned, as the female looked strained for some reason. Valen walked back over to her, his pipe hanging from his lips, he extended a hand for her to take "Come on, let's not fall behind lyn" Valen's voice was kind, not regarding his own health in favor of Lyns.

The male stopped and turned his head to the side, paying attention to the voice he heard, another male stood a small distance away, looking wounded, blood dripping down his arm. Valen blinked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, he didn't quite recognize the newcomer, though it seemed that they had sought them out, the man and his... tiger? The male stepped between his group and the newcomer, frowning and not speaking for a moment "Yes, we do, we have a healer amongst us, and there is more inside the city." Valen answered the male's question bluntly, though without hostility.
 
¤ Chapter Two â?? Of Memories and Encounters ¤​

Hearing a rustle of sounds from their side and in the shadows, Brand found himself just a second away from sending lightening down that area. He was always on edge, energy that was pent up dancing along his fingertips and zipping through his nerves. As a lightening wielder, the blonde's body created and generated enough energy to ignite his power, but with his constant urge to hold back, he was literally charged. However, when Valen stepped before them, he paused his motions and blinked, waiting for their somewhat appointed leader to assess the situation.

The other blonde didn't seem to recognize the person before them, and while Brand liked to say he had a fairly good memory, he didn't as well. The other person vaguely reminded him of a shorter and older male that used to hang around Elizer. But after the fall of the Queen, they neither saw nor heard of anyone, and Brand had to admit that the chances of anyone that had allied with them at the beginning being alive was rather slim. In fact, he threw that thought away, because with the cloak around this person's form, he assumed this strange could be a male or a female. "Yes, there are plenty in the city, unless Arioch is willing...?" his tone trailed off, turning his gaze towards the other Elvin.

Even as his eyes were on her, the tall male made his way pass Valen a bit, patting the older knight on the shoulder as if to tell him that the injured person was probably not going to attack them. At least, he hoped not, because he was the closest person at the moment. "May I see how extensive it is? Were you attacked by...them?" the tilt of his head was enough to finish the sentence, silently asking if it was by someone from the Dark Army. It wouldn't be the first incident that they'd ran into, since it had been quite some time that the Dark Army has ravished the once flourishing land.

When he reached close enough to stand right next to the stranger, the hand that he held out to reach for the other's injured arm paused; as did the rest of his body. "Wow, you're one tall woman." he noted almost gleefully, despite his choice of words, and gave her a smile to take the bite out of his words. Hopefully, if this person was a male, he hadn't offended 'him', since he just assumed that this person was a female. From what he had seen, mainly females hid under cloaks, so they weren't underestimated or caught by lewd dogs of the Dark Army. His hand went from reaching out to what looked like an injured arm, to brushing against the top of the other's head and touching the hood that cloaked him or her. It looked like a good two to three inches, if he was able to estimate anything. Valen was just a bit shower than he was, not by much, but Brand had always found it amusing that he was the tallest in their group.

They needed to continue on with what they were doing, but if they were not going to help a person that approached them for aid, then what was the purpose of their journey? It was to save and heal the land and the people, and if it took them one person at a time to save Marosia, then he saw no sacrifice that was not worth the means.
 
    • Nekar had been watching as her comrades went their separate ways, silently waiting and wondering what to do. It would be easy to let lose and wipe out a village of Elves, but the King wouldn't like that. They were here on a mission, to retrieve the shard that their King desired. All of the chaos that was being caused would surely displease the King. She should have stopped it, but so much happened in nearly the same time frame that it was impossible for even her to control it all. Her hesitation would probably displease the King as well, and she would accept whatever punishment that was given to her accordingly. For now, she felt it would be best if she focused on doing whatever she could to ensure that they completed their objective. Gandrian was moving with Xion, Gerrit was. . .napping, she guessed, and Malak? He seemed to be taking pleasure in tormenting a pair of Elves who had not a chance of living after meeting him. He finished the two of them quickly, and appeared to have the same thing that he did in mind - completing their task.

      Logically, it was only for the best that she joined Malak rather than joining any of the others. So, joining Malak was what she would do.

      Quickly, she was able to close the distance between herself and her soon-to-be companion, coming to a stop in the tree just above him. Silently, she dropped to the ground and landed, quite gracefully, on her feet just behind him. Nekar examined his kills, somewhat interested in the way that he had been able to use his magic to kill them both. It was just as one would expect someone of his rank to be able to do. Quickly and efficiently, but only after filling them both with a certain amount of terror. Her eyes slowly moved towards him, and a bemused grin appeared on her face. Perhaps staying at his side for now would be able to keep her entertained until they were able to complete their objective.

      "You appear as if you could use some company Lord Malak. Or perhaps, a blade to keep these foolish creatures off of your back. Not that they would be so brave as to approach you, m'lord, after feeling the aura that just moved through the wood. They'd have to be fools to even attempt such a thing," Nekar said, her voice soft and low. Her gaze turned from Malak to the two elves that had just been slain. After seeing the two lifeless bodies, and reflecting upon her words for a moment, she couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a bit dense yet amused. These were, after all, HIgh Elves that she was talking about. Of course they were fools. "Then again, those two were foolish enough to approach you, were they not?"[/list:u][/list:u]
 
Xion would see Annie go into the teleporter and sighed some, shaking his head as Amara just did a similar expression and gesture. He didn't like having to tote her around but he could tolerate an elven woman as he did have a bit of a soft spot for them: they were better in bed than human women were. With the woman's aid, he'd manage to hurry toward the city, evading the traps that were laid out adn bypassed checkpoints with Amara's intercession; she'd be talking to the guards saying he's helping her get back since she couldn't walk. They couldn't argue with it and let them through toward the city proper. He'd actually manage to get there just before the good team had but only by a few moments or so: nothing monumental. As thanks for guiding him: he'd let the elven woman live by dropping her off at the nearest clinic. No sense causing trouble just yet: alone he was strong but not even he could fight off all of these elves and the good guys.

He would wander around Cam for a moment, marveling at the efficiency they were operating to put out the fires he'd caused earlier. Xion knew that the good guys could probably sense his presence there but couldn't pinpoint it due to all the magic energy in the air and how it was concentrated in the city itself. "I know they're here, maybe I should go find them and say hi." he sniggered to himself as he found a bench to sit on and leaned back against the bench and sighed some, remembering just how he got into the conflict with Arioch s long ago.

It was some time ago when he was visiting his daughters just before the queen was killed by Gandrian.

The two of them had been arguing about his right to see the two little girls, he wasn't about to let the high elf tell him not to and was blatantly threatening her. He wouldn't hurt her in front of the girls but he sorely wanted to; but to some degree she reminded him of her sister: Lyra and Corona's mother. At the time it was the only thing protecting her from his anger and he'd be forced to leave them but not before he got to hug the girls that seemed to love their daddy and were trying to stay beside him during the argument. In the end it was agreed that it was best for them to stay in their home city so they could go to school easier and at least try to have a normal life.

But after all the bad stuff happened, the city closed it'd doors and that damn witch was the most strident person he'd ever met when it came to trying to keep him out because he was known as a tyrant in the north. The queen herself had turned a blind eye toward what he did as long as he didn't openly threaten her realm, but with her gone things quickly went downhill and several parties of dragon hunters had come after him and all met a grisly fate, usually by getting thrown back to their homes...from 2 miles in the air.

Shaking it off he'd get up and continue his explorations of the city to try and find out by passively eavesdropping on conversations if he could locate the shard by talk of a "royal treasure" or something like that. He could easily find them and shifted his appearance to the one they'd recognize instead of the half-elf one he used while in the city to avoid problems. He knew they were on the outside, so he'd take a seat on a nearby bench inside the city itself within sight of the gate near a fountain to wait for them.
 
Wandering around the area in search of the gates, Gandrian felt as if he was running around like a headless chicken. The trees were guiding him along, his senses much clearer, now that he didnâ??t have to burden himself with Xion and worrying about the other maleâ??s pace. However, it was confusing, and they led him around as if he was their play-thing, running left and right, circling things and hopping over large debris.

Coming to a small path though, he lightened his footsteps, not making sounds that could carry on the wind, much like the light footfalls of Elvin kind. He was near the gates, as he could see them, but unfortunately, it also should be noted that he was near the group that he had been trying to avoid this entire time. It wasnâ??t as if he had been ordered to stay away from them, or that he wasnâ??t confident to take them on, but rather, he wasnâ??t a hundred percent sure he wanted to kill any of them. Gandrian hated that self about him, and had been slowly trying to kill what little affection he had for those knights.

He wouldnâ??t be able to take them all on, not without his own pain and perhaps death, but he would be able to damage some of them at least, and maybe kill one. Probably the weakest one. But Z also had his elemental weakness on his side, and that could provide painful for the former Cardinal Knight. He hated that the youngest of them had proven stronger than him in the fact of a little spark of electricity, so he was sure that if given the chance, he needed to kill â??Lord Brandâ?? first.

However, that was not for today, it seemed, as he paused in his steps and swung himself up onto a tree branch nearby. Heâ??d hide from them for now, but when he gazed into the further distance, he made a frustrated face. What bad luckâ?¦heâ??s close by as well? the former knight mentally huffed, as he spotted with his Elvin eyes the very person he had just escaped. Xion was within the city limits though, further from the group than he was, but if he were to move and draw attention to his area, he was almost sure that the Dragon could find him. Staying where he was, heâ??d just have to wait it out for now in silence, as he had no intention of being caught by the Dragon. The guy was like a leech, and though he didnâ??t particularly hate Xion, he didnâ??t like the fact that he knew that Xion knew that he knew the Dragon was spying on him.
 
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