Furry-Within

Sethis: ...The thugs laughed at me as I stepped from the shadows letting the young woman they hard started to abuse drop to the dirt and refuse that littered the alleyway.
"A young pup barking at his betters, eh?" remarked the largest of them, standing just over seven feet tall, his scarred minotaur features drawing back in a sneer of superiority.  The others were a mix of humans who had few talents aside from bullying and even fewer wits, and other less than reputable races that dealt in blood and pain, all for the highest bidder, or in fear of those even more dangerous than themselves.  There were always such gangs and gatherings, from the slums of the larger cities to the outskirts of trade towns where those less fortunate inevitably gathered.

"Leave her alone," I repeated quietly, standing my ground even as the first three thugs moved closer, two with crude bludgeons, the last with a rust pitted short sword that looked more like an over sized knife in the ham sized fist carrying it.
"What're ya gonna do if we don't jus leave 'er alone?" the apparent leader snorted, eyes narrowing with a wicked gleam as the promise of further bloodshed brightened his mood.

"You will find out sooner than you might like if you don't listen," I told him, keeping a blank expression on my face, even as I felt the excitement stir in my companions mind.
"They're getting ready to rush you," Nyxis sent to me, the sultry tones of her thoughts like an excited caress along my back.  I didn't reply, keeping focused on those before me, yet knowing after five years, she was far from wrong when it came to assessing combat situations.
"Last warning-"
The smaller of the three brutes leaped at that moment, his cudgel whistling through the air in a backhand swing, face a hideous mockery of manic glee.  Ducking, I let myself fall forward past him, one hand touching his shadow as I felt the silent surge of power flow from Nyxis.
"Devour!"
The human's curse at missing me changed to a scream of panic as his shadow suddenly gained substance and lashed out with inch thick tendrils to grapple with him.  Directly beneath him, a split formed, ringed by wicked pointed teeth that gleamed blue in the light emanating from the void maw.  The screams redoubled as he was yanked down towards it, joined by the sound of breaking bone and torn flesh before cutting off abruptly.

Getting back to my feet, I turned to the thugs, my expression grim even as I noted their expressions were a mixture of stark terror, surprise, and rage.
"Bastards a fucking warlock!" Shouted one of the men near the back, falling on his ass in shock, eyes wide and staring.
"Attack him together!  He can't cast spells on all of us at the same time!" The minotaur shouted, taking a cat-o-nine-tails from his belt and whipping the others into action around him.  They moved slowly to obey, but eventually they worked up enough courage to rush me.

"Now?" Nyxis whispered, even though she had already gathered herself for an attack.
"Yes," I replied with a mental sigh, bracing myself for what was to come.
The area darkened, plunged into unnatural night even in the middle of the day.  The shadows thickened and congealed, slowing the progress of my would be attackers as my companion acted.  Time seemed to slow and I felt the beginings of the strain start along my right arm, a tingling numbness that slowly started to spread.

There was no sympathy for them, not pity, but we would at least grant them a quick death.  One by one, arms made from patches of starry night appeared from behind them, the many fingered and taloned hands taking careful hold of the heads, necks, and throats of those who were now victims, almost tenderly.
The numbing sensation was now traveling down the right side of my body and across the back, feeling more like pins and needles.  I nodded once and and the hands acted.  Throats were ripped out, necks snapped, and on the minotaur who had so carelessly threatened the woman and myself; the horns were ripped off and driven through his eye sockets, the tips emerging from the back of his head.

The bodies were allowed to fall, and eventually faded away with the darkness, the only traces of any conflict having happened being the spatters of blood on the ground and stray bits of flesh.  Staggering, I reached out for the wall and felt someone take hold of my arm.
"Sethis?"
"I'll be fine.  Check on her," I replied to Nyxis, looking up at her and glad that she thought to assume her humanoid form. Dark skinned almost to the point of being obsidian, her hair was platinum blond and tightly braided against he scalp, the braids meeting and being rewoven into further designs once past her shoulders.  Black silk dress hung loosely over her body, barely concealing any of her feminine attributes.
"Always the charitable one," she remarked, her smile hinting at the true pride despite the sardonic tone of her words.

The woman was clutching at the remains of her clothing, badly torn and covered with filth.  Her eyes were wide with disbelief, and though her mouth worked to say something, no words came out.  Aside from a few bruises starting and a thin trickle of blood, I couldn't see any other injuries, nor did I sense any as Nyxis helped her up.  They shared a quiet conversation while I caught my breath, slowly flexing my right arm to regain feeling which was a slow process in and of itself.

After a few moments, the woman shook her head and ran towards the opposite end of the alley and out of sight.
"Well?"
"She won't talk, and even if she did, there's no one who would believe her," Nyxis replied, approaching me and placing a steadying hand on my shoulder.
"Did you-"
"Yes, I made sure that she couldn't see or hear anything after the first one," she told me, nodding a little.  "And a couple silver sovereigns to aid her."  I had to smile at how well she knew me, and for all the viciousness that Nyxis could do to others, she had a sense of gentleness that still took some getting used to.

I still didn't understand how an entity such as she had come to me, or how we had become bonded, but it wasn't something I spent a great deal of time questioning.  As traveling companions went, she was better than the few I had encountered while serving in trade caravans in order to get from one place to another.  Speaking of which...

"Shall we head back onto the road?" She asked, reading my mind and grinning with an impish gleam in her eyes.
"We'll have to in order to avoid the guards," I told her, turning back the way we had come and heading out of the small trade town.  "Besides...after that mess you made-"
"Mess?!  MESS?!" she nearly screamed, her face a look of mock horror and indignation.  I grinned and the banter began as we trailed behind a cart heading for the open expanses of the plains, and wherever our feet carried us...

The Northern Plains. A vast expanse of field and forest that stretches for what seems an eternity. In the distance were the Frozen Mountain. Believed to be the home of Karea the goddess of winter and mother to all. Very few roads traverse The Northern Plains and all lead to one place. The grand capital city of Penny Falls home of the Thunderhoof Tribe rulers over these lands. Penny Falls is three days ride from the southern most border of the plains and is near impossible to reach from the northern without daring the severe rigors of the Frozen Mountains.  The Frozen Mountains offer no solace to those brave enough or stupid enough to face them. 200 years ago the powerful Unagi Tribe sought to take Penny Falls and the whole of the Northern Plains for their own. An army of 20,000 wolves attempted to take the paths of the mountains to launch a surprise attack that would have taken the city in one crushing blow. That army, every soul rumored, never arrived nor returned. No one went to search and so those wolves remain buried in their tombs of ice and snow somewhere along the paths no soul dares to tread.  Beyond those mountains lies the Far Northlands home to the Unagi Wolf tribe along with many others. Three weeks journey around the mountain range merely to set foot in lands contested constantly by the savage wolf tribes that make their homes there. To the south of the Frozen Mountains is the Forest Of Green Glade. A dense and lush forest it is the largest in the Northern Plains and home to many creatures both good and evil. Further south are the wide open fields of Rolling Knolls with it's panoramic view of the forest and the mountains. It is here that one would also find the city of Penny Falls built over and in the Great Rain Falls. The falls, themselves, a creation of an ancient, now dormant, volcano. Penny Falls is actually built within the falls themselves and cresting over the very top of them. Those who make the long journey to reach the city are treated to a wondrous splendor like no other. The Temple Of The Four Winds stands proudly high above the sheer banks of the falls overlooking the expanse of the Rolling Knoll below with a breath taking view of the land. The Temple sits on a great stone archway the reaches more than two miles from one bank to the other and is high enough that any manner of tall ship would be able to slip under it though no ship ever would try as they would be victim to the falls for such an attempt.

The warm wind blows calmly over the fields of green grass and various colors of flowers. Unusual for the season, but welcomed none the less. Perfect for a long day's travel heading southward. Two days so far and the longest part of the journey to the border today. I would not be able to stop for rest until nightfall. It was now important to reach one of several towns long this route in order to seek a safer haven then remaining out under the stars tonight. Many roving gangs of bandits stalked the area at night looking for easy prey. It was worse in the sense that I am alone on this journey. I chose this, but it still wasn't easy for me to go without an escort for such a long time. The two nights had been near sleepless. Jumping almost out of my own skin at every slight rustle in the trees or the chirp of all manner of bird or noise of creature. Dressed as a simple traveler I wore a heavy brown cloak with hood over lightly padded leather armor given me by the Paladin Perrine (pronounced Pear-een) for protection. How I love that Perrine. She was always at my side whenever I needed her, but she was forbidden from following me...this time. It caused her great pain to see me leave alone two nights ago. This journey was something I needed to do alone. My father, Wynstar Thunderhoof, was insistent on my venturing out into the world. As leader of our tribe it was his right to do so even against my mother's word. My Mother, Elara Primrose is the Grand Priestess of the Four Winds Temple, and very protective of her only child. She wished for me to stay in service to Karea and to the temple. How utterly dull that sounded. After much consideration I decided to venture out into the world. Visit the other temples across the land and learn the cultures of this world. I did not go unarmed though. No. Father would not have that at all. Aside from my wooden staff I had his parting gift strapped to my left hip well hidden by the cloak. His sword, Elder Edge, was now mine. This blade was as old as the City and had been the possession of it's rulers in generations past. It was mine by right of succession as father bore no male heirs. As a Priestess of the temple I would have forbidden this weapon, but I have willingly left the temple. Mother, merely as precaution, stripped me of my title and status though I still retain my power of rank and my magic abilities as a Healer of Wind.

My hooves fall silently upon the dirt road as is the ability of those of my kin. I am unicorn. All that can be seen of me under my hood is the tip of my rounded snout and that of the golden horn from my forehead. I move steadily and straightforward. I really should learn to walk without such measured steps as I could be giving myself away easily to those with eyes for details. The pack upon my back carries supplies for a three day journey. Having to walk I needed to remain light so I will be forced to rely on moving from one town to the next until I can find other means of travel. I stay tucked with the heavy cloak avoiding exposing myself too much. I cannot afford to be discovered out here. Unicorns are prized for being rare. The members of my tribe are the only ones in all the lands and we seldom, if ever, leave our own borders. This will be the first time anyone in my bloodline has left the homelands willingly in nearly 300 years. That thought kind of scares me now. My first night out I did my best to keep the City within site. Kind of hard being Penny Falls resides in the falls themselves upon a massive cliff hundreds of feet off the ground. Only the Four Winds temple was visible from a distance. I had moved slowly that first day, but had picked up my pace with some vigor the next. I feel in my heart this journey is right though I strongly wish to return to the safety of the city. That thought makes me stop dead in my tracks and ponder turning back. How pathetic that I have come this far and now I yearn to turn my head to look back. I steal my heart for a moment and resume striding forward. This time adding some slop to my step to freshen the pace. The road ahead seems welcoming and I use that to strengthen my resolve even if just a little............

Sethis:  Barely a day away from the trade town we had left and  there was little on the plains to hint at others traveling.  No smoke or fire lights in the night, not even the sound or sight of caravan lanterns weaving through the early dawn or settling dusk as I continued to walk.  The cart had turned off the faint road only an hour after leaving town, heading to a distant farm at a slow rolling pace.

Nyxis had abandoned her human form once both were out of sight and vanished into my shadow, a place that to her was 'between places'.  I didn't understand what she meant, but all that mattered was she was still able to help me and follow along, while giving the impression that I was alone.  The fact that I still felt her presence was reassuring, and that was all that mattered.

It was a beautiful if solitary day, the sun already high with a gentle cool spring breeze playing amongst the knee high grasses of the plains surrounding us.  My cowl was up to keep the sun out of my eyes, giving me a better chance to take note of our surroundings, not that there was much aside from the an occasional feral coyote, pheasant, and even the odd group of bison.

I took a strip of dried meat from my satchel and started chewing on it slowly, taking things in when I noticed a familiar sensation making itself known.  A slight tugging, as if a small hook in my guts were pulling me to the northwest, gently, but insistently.
"Nyxis.."
"I feel it," She replied instantly, an image of her forming in my minds eye, staring in the same direction I was being pulled.
"Danger?"
"Uncertain...but we both know we have to follow the guidance regardless," Nyxis told me, 'turning' to look at me, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"I just hope its not another fight," I muttered, shaking my head and shuddering as the sensation in my guts intensified while I hesitated.
"If it is, we'll-"
"Survive or die...Just once though I wish I knew why we keep getting dragged into such situations," I told her, sighing as I put the rest of the jerky away and continued walking, changing my direction just enough to follow the 'pull'.
She said nothing, but I knew from her regretful emotions that she wanted to tell me...something.  She knew on some level but nothing that could be expressed with words.  Giving her a comforting mental embrace, I raised my head and kept an eye open...

...Two hours later I finally spotted a figure following a larger road/path through the plains ahead of us.  At the distance, I couldn't tell much aside from the brown hooded cloak worn, and the easy grace the traveler seemed to move with.  Either an exiled noble I guessed or possibly a weapon master.
"Well?"
"Not much i can tell you except...there are traces of divine magick about this one," Nyxis informed me, and rather than explaining further, allowed our visions to overlap so I could see the blue white aura of energy surrounding the figure.
"Templar?" I remarked, more to myself than my companion.  Nyxis seemed doubtful, and I had to agree.  Most Templar's traveled in groups associated with whatever sacred number or teachings their deities held dear.  The aura also seemed to be far too strong to be that of a holy warrior.
"Cleric?"
"If I had to hazard a guess, yes," I nodded, slowly moving to the road so I could meet the figure.  The 'tugging' sensation had grown stronger, and for whatever reason, seemed to indicate the traveler ahead.  "Are you sensing any unease or pain?"
"From it?"
"No...to yourself."
"...Slight....but not painful," She admitted at last.  "Be careful..."
"I'll try," I whispered, shrugging back my cloak so my arms and hands were visible, as well as the large dagger I carried.  Holding my hands at my sides with palms forward, I waited for the traveler to approach, hoping that this wasn't going to lead to another fight and again thankful that Nyxis could help if it came to that.

A figure not far ahead. Could barely make out who or what it was. Smells human even from this range, but somehow seems different. Not sure how. I refrain from making any noticeable movement. First thought is defense. What do I have and what can I use. No shortage there. Wards, shields, and even some illusion spells easily cast on the fly. The sword? No. That sword should never be drawn if it can be helped. No good will ever come of that. My stride is unchanged and unwavering. Heart races and feels like it is about to jump into my throat. Then.....a change in the wind. Shifting from being behind me to blowing ahead of me. Karea? My imagination? Always hard to tell at first. The wind no longer favors either of us right now. Is it....is it blocking me? Karea has odd ways....vague ways of guiding people. She loves to watch her "children" try and figure it out on their own. Still. I need to remain vigilant. Oh goddess please just let this one pass by. I honestly didn't need this right now. Not when I have just started. I can already hear mother "I told you that you were not ready for such foolish endeavors, Elita. You have too much of your father in you. Always prone to such foolish thoughts." ringing in my ears. Hands off the sword and swaying at my side I lower my head as much as I can to prevent myself from being seen by this person I now approach. By the gods I am almost on top of him now. Mentally I ready a spell called Karea's Barrier.

Karea's Barrier - The most potent and powerful barrier spell in Elita's arsenal. This spell, when properly cast, creates a dome of wind around the caster that prevents any and all physical attacks from penetrating through to cause the caster any harm. However, this spell drains the caster of both magic and physical energy at a slow pace and cannot stop magical attacks unless such magic causes indirect effects (I.e elemental magic using rocks to cause injury or the use of fire to try to burn the caster either by direct contact or maybe cause a burning tree to fall.). The caster must remain focused through the use of the spell and is unable to move. Breaking the concentration of the caster or causing them to move will break the spell. Prolonged use will eventually drain the caster causing the barrier to fail. Anyone trying to attack this nearly invisible barrier with be thrown back violently by a sheer and powerful gust of freezing wind usually knocking weapons and shields out of the attackers hands.

I refrain from any further action and simply stride calmly up toward this human alongside the road. Fearful of any confrontation as I do so.

(Quick note: Any Spell Elita uses will be described along with  any effect, both direct and indirect

Sethis: "Greetings!" I called out once the figure was about twenty feet away from my, using the common tongue since I had no idea of what other language they might speak.  "How fare you this fine day?"

I kept my posture as non threatening as possible, taking in all I could about the stranger ahead of me, noting that the clothing and hints of leather armor I could see was of good quality, and without any signs of prolonged wear and tare.  The wind shifted suddenly and before I could react, my cowl was flipped back off of my head, causing me to squint my eyes a moment until I could get used to the light.  I didn't bother to bring my hood back up, as the damage was already done so to speak, my right eye would stand out like a sore thumb once the figure was close enough to notice it.  The 'tugging' sensation stopped and I waited for some form of response...

Keeping my head low and that spell at the ready. I stopped about twenty feet away when the human, now standing, before me spoke up. The wind fading away slowly I caught the smell of him. Where had he been. That certainly was the smell of one fresh from a bath. There was blood on him. Faint, but the scent lingered around him. Maybe the sword wasn't such a bad idea after all, but it was too late now. One wrong move and we'd both regret it. I could also see the evidence of battle on his face. I curse myself lightly under my breath for being in this situation.

"Greetings" Squeaky reply.

Not used to talking to strangers. Life in the temple and around my father's estate had not done as much as I would have hoped to prepare me for this type of thing. Still....it would have happened eventually so why not now?

"I fare well, stranger. How fares thee?" Sounding more like a timid foal that time.

The breeze between us must have been meant to stop me. Either that or reveal his face. Hard to tell as both had happened nearly the same time. It had died down now and resumed it's original direction towards a town not too far off from here if I remembered the map correctly. Stealling a look at him from under my own heavy hood. Something still felt very off and I kept right on hoping it was nothing more than imagination.

Sethis: "As well as can be expected," I said, my voice a soft light baritone, pitched just enough to carry, noting that the stranger was actually a female, possibly equine from the small amount of her face that I could see under the hood of her cloak.  The timid nature of her speech indicated that she wasn't used to speaking with strangers, though her voice sounded as if she might be well educated.

I took a few slow steps towards her, giving a slight smile in hopes to reassure her.  "Though if I may say so...you seem a little nervous and unsettled...Traveling long?"  Slowly, I pulled my dagger from its sheath and allowed it to fall to the ground, stepping back a little as another token of safety from me.
"Sethis...." my companion whispered mentally, concern flowing through the bond we shared.
"I think she's more afraid of me than we are of her," I replied.
"Not her....someone's approaching from the west...a group of riders," Nyxis informed me, her energy coiling in worried anticipation.
"How many?"
"Twelve at least...fast...at least three kilometers away...They're riding Slaug," she finished with a hiss, anger and revulsion surging from her.  My head snapped to the west as I realized just what Nyxis has told me.

Slaug were six legged reptilian creatures, just slightly larger than feral horses, with a set of jagged horns rising up from the tip of their beaked snouts.  Vicious and unpredictable at the best of times, only the most ruthless could use them as mounts, which meant either members of a large bandit clan, or Grelisalfar (The Twisted Ones).
"We have to get off the road and hide!" I said, moving to quickly retrieve my dagger and backing away from the female, towards the east edge of the road.  "Quickly!"

I eye the dagger and remain silent. Discarding a weapon meant nothing. He could have others and there was just something....off about him. I had noticed he seemed like he was drawn away to something briefly more than once. No matter. I had little time to be concerned with this.

"I have been traveling...." Why could I not sound like I was ready to piss myself?

I was cut off by his sudden head jerking. It had happened again. Whatever kept drawing him away had happened again. This time, though, it came with warning. I pondered what he may be up too then it dawned on me. The sudden shift in the wind. It had been at my back, but now it drew to the north. It hadn't been to stop me. It had been to mask my scent. Not from the human, but something far more dangerous I froze in my tracks. Was this some ploy? Lure me to the side of the road or force me to hide feigning the dashing hero or the helpful traveler then sic his approaching friends on me? In any case I was out in the open and that didn't bode well. The wind! Being out of sight wasn't going to be enough! I needed to be upwind as well. I shift to my right hoof and dart to the edge of the road breaking into a quick sprint in the short grass following the wind. Thank Karea. A few yards away there were some tall shrubs. Not the greatest hiding place, but suitable for now. For the first time my hood falls from around my head. Little concern for that as I make the bushes and duck into them crouching down to stay as low as possible. Ears, for the first time today, stand upright and turn in the direction of the approaching beasts. Wafts of my rose colored mane fall around my face as my pink eyes narrow whilst I grit my teeth. A look of determination on my face as my right hand finds Elder Edge's handle just above the hilt. Gripping it firmly makes me wince with anticipation. I fear drawing it. Doing so means no turning back from what will happen.

"Perrine...." As if uttering her name would suddenly cause her to appear.

Wondering what she would do. First off she wouldn't be alone out here. She had insisted I go with no less than 10 of her men in tow. My father had denied that request even against my mother's added insistence. Heart pounds as the sounds of pounding feet draws nearer and nearer. They will be on us any moment now. What is going to happen? Will the see the human? Maybe they have seen me already? Or have they somehow been aware of me......or him? Where did he get too?!? A thousand curses ringing in my head for taking my eyes off him! No time to find him nor worry......here they come.

Sethis:  I saw her dart to the side, taking enough time to note where she seemed to be heading and wait until her eyes were off of me.  Taking a deep breath, I stepped backwards, allowing myself to 'fall' into my own shadow, Nyxis already waiting for me.
"How far are they now?"
"Just over a kilometer away," She told me, sensing what I was going to request.  "Be careful..."  I nodded and felt myself rising slowly, one hand reaching out to lightly touch her shoulder in thanks and understanding before emerging in the shadows of the shrub silently.  The female was already hunkered down, and as much as this shrub provided some cover, I wasn't about to trust it completely.  Calling on my companions aid once more, I wove a faint enchantment that would blurr our forms even more and 'encourage' any looking in our direction that there was nothing of interest to be seen in the shrub.  The air wavered slightly, but noting more was apparent and I moved up slowly beside the female, wanting to get a glimpse of the Slaug and their riders. 

Holding up a finger to my lips for silence, I didn't bother looking at the female, my concentration on the fields ahead.  Five minutes passed without the slightest movement, which meant nothing in the long run.  Then...There...I could hear the sound of something running, faintly, and not with the solid impact of hoofs on the earth, but something none the less.  A ragged group crested a distant hill, then vanished as they road down the side of it, only to reappear closer a few moments later.  Twice more they vanished and appeared, slowing as they approached the road we had recently occupied.

The slaug hissed  and screeched at each other as their riders brought them to a rough stop, their mounts tossing their heads angrily, forked tongues flicking in and out even as they sniffed the air, milling about.  Most of the group were orcs, their armor rusted and dented, bones and skins both from humanoids and ferals adorning their forms, crimson paint marking tribal runes and accomplished feats on their faces and arms.  A minotaur, couple lizard folk, some members of the wolf tribes from the north..

I scowled, a cold chill running up my spine as I spotted the leader, its slaug slightly larger than the others, the saddle more ornate and decorated with sigils of power.  As the figure sat, I guessed that it would have been roughly just over seven feet tall, build somewhat slender and athletic for the most part.  The side that it had toward us was almost elf like, darkly tanned almost to the point of being black, the head held arrogantly high and in disgust, but whether from his companions or the surrounding countryside, I couldn't tell.

There was a loud smack, as its mount turned to bash its head against another slaug and both turned to face each other, revealing the true nature of the leader.  The left arm and part of the face and chest were swollen, as if some kind of tumorous growths had taken hold, the swelling varying shades of red and purple.  The arm was massive, muscled and twisted to nearly grotesque proportions, and on the shoulder was the most telling feature of all.  At the top of the shoulder a crimson eye rolled back and forth, the pupil wide and staring above a fanged maw that seemed to open and close constantly, faint tendrils of smoke issuing from it.

A Grelisalfar.  Legend had that they were once a beautiful people, one of the first of the Elven races, and beloved by the night itself.  Then the first wars with mortals had happened, a seemingly endless plague of humans had come from across the seas and despite all their efforts, in diplomacy and combat, more and more fell to the invaders.
Desperate to try and preserve at least some of their race and sacred sites, they turned to other sources of magick, eventually forging a pact with a powerful and ancient demon.  For the power to drive the humans from their lands, each member of their race would serve as a vessel in thrall to a demonic spirit.  At first the tide seemed to have turned, but later on it became apparent that the demons had little concern for the mortal race of man.  The demonic spirits twisted their hosts, manifesting in terrible ways, and began to corrupt the minds.  Betrayals follow, the demons basking in the slaughter of their enslaved comrades as much as the mortals, soon leading to a fractious war amongst their own kind.

After the Purge, and a few hundred years, the Grelisalfar had been reduced to a couple hundred, living in remote areas of the world, sometimes enslaving bands of raiders.   Much like the one before us.  Vicious, cruel and cunning, there were a multitude of legends to warn against trusting one of their ilk, even for offered power.

I can hear father. In my head I hear him as plain as if he were right there with me. Crouched and ready. In a very real sense he was. Elder's Edge, his sword, now mine was resting in it's sheathe upon my left hip. My right hand drawn tight around it handle. His tone, as always, was soft and yet still held a note of firmness.

Wynstar Thunderhoof: "Remember, my dearest. A blade is only as sharp as that which wields it. Your mind is sharp as is your blade. Only together can they cut down your enemies. Remain calm and keep your mind clear. This is your best weapon. The blade may cut.....but only the mind can kill."

Father was always somewhat cryptic. He was always trying to make me think. Always wanting me to find the meaning in his words on my own. Of my family he was thought of as the wisest even beyond his own father. That was the key. His mind. It made him  who and  what he was and so he endeavored to teach me the same. Make my mind sharper than his. Any hand can wield a sword, but only the mind can chose how to use it and when. I tighten my grip as I see them come. These foul beasts and their foul riders. The first was a Minotaur. He was quickly followed by two lizard men. I couldn't recall what they were called as my eyes caught the site of several wolves. I grit my teeth and narrow my eyes. I know these. Crested Fangs. I could see the markings from here as plain as day on their faces. They were among the foulest of the wolf tribes. This was bad. That tribe was the same one who had attempted to take Penny Falls 200 years ago and met their fate high in the Frozen Mountains. No doubt hired on as trackers and scouts. Still the sheer sight of them was nothing for what came next. A sight I hoped never to live long enough to see.  A Grelisalfar. Horribly twisted both in body and mind. The demon already had his soul so that was all he really had left. I nearly retched upon the foul smell that accompanied him.


"This is real bad................" whisper softly under my breath.

The wind stayed in my favor. There was very little chance they would be able to make my scent where I was in relation to them though the foul stench I was now forced to endure would leave others pondering if the wind really was in my favor. I thought of a few spells, but a light thrum in my hand reminded me that would be futile if I draw this sword. Elder would feed from my own magical energies to charge it's own power. Any spells I cast would be instantly negated as would any magic they threw at me. The sudden screaming from the blade would instantly give me away the very second the blade hit open air. I am stuck fast and with a decision to make. If I am spotted I have only this blade to defend myself, but with no magic and my energies being drained I doubt I could last long enough to beat a few of them let alone all of them. Should I rely on my magic I would also be at a disadvantage. I have no offensive spells at my disposal. Either way I should remain silent and out of site. Remain hidden and draw the sword only as a last resort. For now my magic is to no avail.........

Sethis: They milled around, the wolf men  slowly ranging their mounts up and down the road a few meters before returning to the main group, the distance too far for me to hear what they were saying.  Their expressions were easy enough to see from how they slouched in their saddles when they approached the Grelisalfar.  Resentful, terrified and starving for blood...like whipped starved dogs.  Before one of them could pull back, the twisted one's arm shot out, stretching  grotesquely to cover the six feet that separated his hand from one of the wolves, taloned fingers gripping the head with unnatural strength.

There were exclamations of surprise and fear, followed by howls of terror from the one the Grelisalfar had caught hold of.  Lifting his arm, the cries redoubled, rising to a high pitched squeal of terror as the wolf fought desperately to try and get free.  A loud crunch sounded, and a strange rippling motion began along the arm, undulating from the hand towards the demon's maw in the twisted one's shoulder, the eye wide and staring fixedly at the prey.

My puzzlement at what was happening lasted only a moment, and even after having witnessed Nyxis's own brutality, I felt my gorge rise as I realized what was happening.  The Grelisalfar was devouring the lycan, from the inside out.  The legs were twisting and jerking in panicked awkward motions, the limbs starting to noticeably wither though the howls hadn't stopped.
"The twisted one is keeping him alive and conscious," Nyxis confirmed, revulsion and hatred tinging her thoughts and energy, her desire to try and kill the Grelisalfar almost overpowering.  I tried to sooth her, but it was hard, part of my own emotions and thoughts mirroring her own.  Such an abomination as this shouldn't be allowed to live, but it was hardly the time or place to deal with it...if we were strong enough.

The wolf was hanging limply now, the eyes bulging as the skin stretched taught over the bones, then they vanished to little more than shriveled slits, lips pulled back in a grisly snarl.  The Grelisalfar turned the body back and form a moment, the demonic eye on his shoulder having a glazed drowsy look to it.  Making a remark, the twisted one tossed the body towards the shrubs the femal and I were hiding in, having scant frightened laughter in response from the rest of its companions before yanking the slaug to one side and driving its heels into the sides.  Giving a loud shriek of protest, the slaug reared and thundered back down the road that the female had been traveling down barely an hour earlier, the rest of the raiders following close behind without further prompting.

I kept still, waiting until Nyxis reassured me that they showed no signs of doubling back, just in case.  Letting go a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, I slowly crawled out of the shrub, carefully avoiding the wolf corpse and taking a few steps before vomiting noisily in the knee high grass...

" By Karea's Mercy...."  I wasn't going to watch.

Averting my eyes away from the site I nearly beheld I chose to leave the wolf to his fate unseen. Merely staying quiet and out of the line of sight. Hand still on Elder's handle and still ready to draw it if needed. No. Best to remain silent......both of us. The sword's shriek would definitely cause them to became disoriented. All of them.....except the leader. No. Those possessed or , otherwise, under the control of a demon are not so easily overcome. The sword has the power to kill him. That much was not up for debate. What was, however, is the fact he would still be very much aware and focused. That and the simple fact that I, even with this weapon, would be open to attack. Having the sword was one thing. Knowing exactly what to do with it, in that kind of situation, was something almost entirely different. The muffled cries of pain and the sound of the wolf's struggle lasted for only a short while. All that was heard after was a few murmurs amongst the survivors along with the sounds of shushing. I refused to move. Trying to convince myself that this was best when I was really just frozen with fear and disgust. There was still the matter of that Human to deal with if I managed too.....there was movement. The slaugs! The sound of those foul lizards finally moving off into the distance. I remain hidden refusing to so much and try to peek out from my hiding spot.

Sethis:  Using the back of my sleeve to wipe my mouth, I sank to a kneeling position, trying to control my breathing.  Drinking a small amount of water from the water skin at my waist, I gargled it a little before spitting it out in a futile attempt to remove the taste of bile from my mouth.
High overhead, a lone feral hawk gave voice to a hunting cry, and slowly, the other sounds of the plains came back into focus after having fallen silent at the passage of evil.

Taking one last look around, I stood and slowly made my way back to the bushes, leaning carefully as I offered a hand to the female.
"They've gone," I said softly, stating the obvious but also hoping that my voice would help to alleviate any fear she might have felt from the near encounter with the Grelisalfar.  Glancing at the body tossed before the bush, my face darkened a little but I remained quiet, sensing that Nyxis had also calmed down...a little.

"We can't just turn a blind eye to this, Sethis," she told me, her thoughts and mental voice stern and calm, barely hiding the urge to go after them and kill the leader.
"We won't, but we can't just leave her here without knowing what she herself plans to do," I responded, looking back to the female in the shrub.  "It may be a wild guess...but I doubt she's been on the road for longer than a week, or has any idea of what its like to travel for longer than a month on her own..."
"M'Lady?"  I said softly, trying to give a reassuring smile to the female, my hand still extended in offer to help her to her feet...

I look first to his hand and then to his face and then to his hand again. Unsure of what to do at this point I merely sit there and watch as he somehow appeared to be distracted again. I simply push that thought way out of my head and attempt to stand up on my own. I don't move. All at once it hits me. I hadn't let go of the sword nor had my heart stopped pounding. The wind. The direction had changed. It now blew back in  the direction of the town that had been my destination. Only now did I notice it. Looking at his hand again it was painfully apparent I was going to need some assistance. Trying to relax as I finally relinquish a firm grip on the sword I wobble to my hooves. Legs felt like jello having sat there squatting on them for so long. My head feels a tad light a blood rushes back down my legs and I get back on my hooves. My hooves......oh dear. I had just realized that my hood was down and my head fully exposed to this stranger. A stranger whose hand I was still holding....

(sorry for the short post. I had no idea where to go from here)

(No worries)

Sethis:  Helping her stand, I transferred my hand to her shoulder to help steady the female, my eyes taking in her appearance more completely.  Aside from her horn and hair, there was nothing else unusual about her, except for the fact that her clothing and armor had a marked newness to them.  My own hood being down revealed my own unusual feature, namely the difference between my two eyes.

Something at the back of my mind told me I should know more about what she was, but in truth, it was little more than an irritating murmur.
"Are you feeling ok?" I asked after a few moments, noticing that her muscles still seemed to be shuddering, but whether from tension, fear, or both, I couldn't say.  "We can't stay here for long, just in case they decide to turn around...or have a scout following them..."
I didn't mention that I had a desire to follow after them and find out what was going on.  The Grelisalfar were rare enough as it was, that when one was seen traveling, it was best to take word to surrounding villages or cities.

Perrine would tell me to make the next town if I didn't intent to turn back. The town was a safer option at this point as I would be less exposed than remaining out here. Short on supplies and still weary from travel I would be easy prey for any number of thieves along the road home. Gathering my strength I straighten myself up as best I can and head back to the road. The wind had definitely shifted back in the direction of the town and that is, with all determination, where I was going to go. I take a few moments to look around and listen. My ears turning this way and that for any sound of those slaugs. Hearing nothing of note I pull my hood over my head and resume my travels towards the town and some measure of safety. Once again concealed by my cloak I pay little heed to the strange human. He didn't seem to be heading my way when I first encountered him so I assumed our encounter would end where it was.

(you are going to find her somewhat difficult to deal with from here. Just in her character)

Sethis:  "You're welcome," I muttered as the female walked away from me, continuing on the road towards the trade town Nyxis and I had left only a day earlier.
"Arrogant little bitch, isn't she," my unseen companion remarked, her head poking out of my shadow a little.
"More than a little.  Take on your other form and perhaps we might be able to keep a better eye on her, or at least give her a sense of ease...Strength in numbers..."
"Three?" she said, having completed the transformation in seconds.
"Better than one," I told her, giving a slight smile and looking over at her a moment before following the horned woman.  There was little point to catching up and walking along side of her, so we kept a distance of twenty feet, not bothering to make any further attempts at conversation, but keeping an eye out for further trouble non the less.  The slight tugging sensation returned, but it still seemed tied to the traveler ahead, and again, the reason was still not obvious to either Nyxis or myself...

I didn't have to look back to know that I was being followed. For whatever reason this human was being persistent and I had to wonder why, but I follow the wind and the wind says to head towards the town. After what just happened back there I feel compelled not to argue. The rest of the journey went by without further incident and I was thanking Karea herself for that as the town finally came into view. Dusk was falling now and the swagger in my step earlier had faltered badly. Now I was just plain tired and ready to find a bed to crawl into. Even in a strange place like this any bed was better than sleeping on the ground. I needed supplies and rest. I stop in my tracks turning to look over my shoulder. Yep. The human.....and now someone else was still following me though at some distance. Had to shake my head. Not at them, so much, as at the sleep wanting to drift over my eyes. Had another issue too. Hungry and fresh out of food. I had no idea how I would be met in this town. Unicorns, I would assume, are not a normal site even here on the borders of the Northern Plains. Turning back to view the town (I don't know the layout) I quickly look about for an inn or even a Tavern.....

The sound of hammers rang much like bells, filling the halls of the local temple of Zaharr. There was the usual bustle of those visiting the local shops, as the temples themselves usually were positioned in the center of towns. This often led to the little grouping around the blacksmith's anvils, as there was always the curious or fascinated crowds that watched them work. This was as much a recruitment strategy as marketing, this let to see the time and work that went into each and every piece of metal-work as well as the life lived by those followers of Zaharr. Cerek sat at his forge, with the usual crowd of children and teenagers with a speckling of some of the town guard around him. However he was not one to notice, he entertained them enough to not shoo them away but his mind was always focused on the task at hand. His hammer fell with a distinct ringing, his great strength always making his particular strikes distinguishable among the others. However this eye wincing shriek of metal on metal never drove away the crowd before him, they always stared in wonder of his work. Upon his well worn anvil lay the newest bit of metal, held in place by his own hand. He struck with each swing of his hammer being as calculated and precise as one who had done it several thousand times before, some of the smaller children craning their necks to try and get a look at what that strike had done. It was nothing special however,merely the finishing blow on a training sword meant for the town guard. It was a flat piece of work, the edges dull as could be. However there was still the ooo's of the crowd as he dropped the blade into a barrel of water, the hissing of cool water on searing hot metal fading as fast as it was heard.

"Disseer, tell your captain I will have this batch done in a few days time." Spoke the stallion, casting his gaze to a nearby cat clad in the reddish armor of the town guard. Picking up a well used rag and starting to wipe away the soot and oil that was smeared on his metallic hands.

"Thank you ForgeMaster, there has apparently been an increase of raider attacks around the town and I am sure the Captain would be glad to hear it. Good news is at best a rarity, but we set out tomorrow to see if we can deal with it."

There was a small pause as the cat dealt with a few whispers from the other guards standing with him, the nervous feline taking a moment for what seemed a time to get his thoughts together as he teammates urged him forward.

"ForgeMaster, if there is one more thing..."

The stallion lifted his head, turning his gaze to the guard as he was pulling another ingot of iron from his back storage.

"What is it Disseer?"

"Well, ForgeMaster, we were wondering if you had anything that might, well, give us a bit of an edge." The cat asked, his eyes seeming to having trouble staying in contact with Cerek's.

After a silent moment, the stallion nodded and disappeared once more into his back storage room. After several minutes of rummaging around, Cerek finally appeared with a medium crate in his hands. Setting it down upon his anvil, the horse prized off the top and held up a shirt of white stained chainmail.

"Here, take these. Made of White-Steel, a steel worked and tempered several times over. Put this on under your armor and it should give you a buffer in case they get through your armor. Wouldn't want you dying out there, or else the crowd around my forge would get smaller." He gave a small laugh as he watched their faces light up like children given a sweet, putting the top back on the crate as a pair of the guards took it.

"Now, there are only about 20 there. They were for one of the Houses, but I am sure there head will understand that caravans get raided." He nodded, giving the three of them the Sign of the Aquila as they walked away. Returning to the ingot he had before taken ahold of, and pushing it into the glowing coals of his forge.

Sethis:  I noted the slackening of the females pace as we neared the trade town ahead, the fall of dusk giving a soothing peaceful sense to both Nyxis and I.  Quickening our pace a little, I caught up to the equinesque woman and gently touched her shoulder.
"There's a travelers hostel just inside the edge of town here.  I'll show you where it is," I said, taking a slight lead, and going along the left side of the street as we stepped onto it.  Most of the town had dirt streets, until one got closer to the center.  While only a town of perhaps a thousand people, the center was notable for more than just the mayors residence, but also a temple smithy to the god of Fire, Zaharr.  Most of the other business's were drawn up around it, the buildings by far better built and cared for than those on the outskirts, except for the taverns, Inns, and the travelers hostel, run by low ranking clerics of Tu'alla.

A single level building that sprawled a total of twelve acres; it included a large stable, a sleeping hall and dining area as well as a small temple section where travelers could pray and receive healing services.  More often used by travelers who had little to no coin, or kingdom messengers, it was open to all and had wards to prevent violence from breaking out amongst the guests.  Where possible a small donation was asked, but not required.

Situated right next to the main road leading into the city, it would be easy enough to go to the markets in the morning.  Going up to the double doors that led to the courtyard, I knocked lightly, stepping back when I heard the sounds of footsteps on the other side, followed by the wooden bar being slid back.
The gate opened and an elderly badger in a white robe trimmed with gold and silver, peered out at us, small round spectacles perched on the end of his nose.
"Yes?" He asked, voice deep and resonant, eyes alight with interest.
"Travelers weary from the road, Elder," I said respectfully, bowing my head a moment and touching my forehead.  "The ladies are weary from the road and need rest, food, and shelter if you are able to provide it...Please..."
As I spoke, I withdrew a small pouch of coins from a hidden pocket in my vest, and offering it to the priest.  He took it and one eyebrow rose slightly as he noted the weight within, taking a second to pull open the strings and see the three gold sovereigns, and collection of silver pieces within.

"Weary travelers are always welcome, and your contributions appreciated," he replied, bowing a little as well and opening the door further to allow us entry.  I turned to see if the armored female was still with us or if she had gone off on her own...

I had stooped short upon hearing the sounds of a Blacksmith's forge. Turning, if only briefly, to look into the building to see several people standing there. Mostly likely engaged in business. My mind wanders in this time back to days long past. The thoughts of youth and family. Penny Falls had one of many blacksmiths in the Northern plains, but one in particular. An old Griffon by the name of Balius ran the forge in the center of the city. His was the finest steel in the land and he was a master in his craft. Balius was a kind of "Adopted Father" to Perrine and her mentor in all things war. He taught her to fight and the meaning of honor. To me he had been like an uncle. We, Perrine and I, would spend hours working diligently in his shop helping him and listening to wonderful stories of Balius' glory days. There I stood, in the middle of the street staring at the figures in the forge's warm glow, missing home and friends. It was not until the human touched my shoulder that the images were finally cast aside and reality set back in. Half dazed and every sleepy I merely turn without a word to follow the human. This day has proven to be the most interesting so far and left me wondering if this wasn't even the worst of whatever comes my way. Time would be the only answer to that question.

A slight falter in my step I, otherwise, remain composed under the heavy brown cloak silently following my "companion" further along the road. It was a rather old looking in, but still quaint in it's own way. Most inns faired only slightly better from what I had seen around the towns that surrounded Penny Falls and this was, after all, a border town and thus heavily traveled. I sort of focused on the new face in our tiny group. Some odd looking woman who had suddenly appeared. Where had this one come from? Had she been following him or me? I put it out of my mind. She hadn't spoken or, at least, had not spoken to me and that seemed suitable for now. I did not know her nor she I. Hooves clacking loudly on the old wooden floors as I find myself inside now. I could have moved silently, but my focus had waned badly in the last hour or so and I was not concerned with it. Bed. I just wanted to find someplace to lie down and I didn't really care where. I head up the steps and stumble lightly into the first open door dropping my pack and the staff. Coming back into the waking world only a little as my hand goes to Elder Edge's handle and the small silver buckle that held the belt around my waist. Should I? Wearing this thing to bed would be awkward and I would have to keep the armor on......sighing I pull the cloak off then fumble with the buckle until it finally gives allowing me to lay the blade, in it's scabbard, on the bed quietly. The sword looked completely normal. As if no other blade in the this word differed from it even slightly. The clasps for the armor are proving to be somewhat difficult to undo. I simply cannot focus enough to make this simple task simple.

Sethis:  The old badger led us inside and towards the dorms set aside for travelers.
"Go with the female and make sure she at least falls asleep, Nyxis," I sent silently to my companion.  She raised an eyebrow as she glanced at me but nodded after a moment, following the woman as I turned to enter a room across the hall.
There were no real doors, only curtains across the doorways allowing for a small amount of privacy.  Pulling off my boots, I set them by the bed and then pulled my dagger from its sheath placing it in the shadows of my body as I laid down.  I was exhausted, not in a physical sense, but mentally, my mind screaming for rest from the tension I had felt since the encounter with the Grelisalfar.  Taking a deep breath, I waited for the embrace of sleep to come, but found a void of stars behind my eyelids instead...

Nyxis:  I follow the female as asked, pausing at the doorway to her room and noting that she seemed to be the worse for wear on her journey.  The fact that her hands seemed to tremble and fumble with the buckles of her cloak and sword belt, were clear indication of that.
"Do you need assistance with your armor, M'Lady?" I inquired, voice soft, soothing and respectful.  My expression calm and compassionate with the hint of a smile.  "Your nerves must be shot with the stress of today's events.."

"hmm..." Turning to face the odd female human behind me. "No." Shaking my head and just standing there for a moment. Not exactly wearing anything under that armor and certainly not going to show myself off to someone I didn't know.

(Don't wanna get too far ahead of Hoss)

Nyxis:  I nodded a little before turning away without another word, entering Sethis's room.  Though I had always been close to him, it was rare when we spent a night or even a full day in the open together.  Seeing that he had already lain down on the cot against one wall, I smiled a little, taking in the peaceful expression on his face, something that was all too rare now days.  Sending reassuring thoughts to him as I sat down on the cot beside him, I gently caressed his cheek, a warmth flowing through me that had only happened a few times before.  Sethis shifted a little and made room for me next to him, and I laid down, my smile growing as I felt one of his arms slide over to be draped along my side.

Sleep wasn't something I required, but a form of rest was still much welcome.  Taking his left hand in my right, I held onto it gently, letting my eyes close so I might share his dreams...

***

Sethis:  ...I woke to the ringing of bells, and the sounds of the hammers from the forges of Zaharr sounding not only from the works being done, but also in cadence to the morning hyms.  The sounds of voices carrying the masculine hymns was just barely audible above it.

Letting the rhythms waken me slowly, I became aware of Nyxis laying next to me, her chest rising and falling slowly, more out of habit than need.  Even knowing what her nature is, what she really was, there were moments where I could almost forget all of that and desired to just have a simple life with her...Something that was far from possible.  Sighing, I opened my eyes, taking in the early morning light and the promise of a new day ahead.
"Well?" She asked, turning to look at me, a warm smile greeting me.
"Well...what?" I said, raising an eyebrow.
"What's the plan for today?"

Closing my eyes, I took another deep breath, then slowly climbed over Nyxis and too my feet, stretching a little.
"Depends on what the other female is planning to do," I told her, glancing towards the corridor and frowning.
"Is she really that important?"
"I don't know, but my intuition says she is.  For what reasons, I cannot say.  Our other main concern is the raiding party we saw yesterday...they need to be dealt with," I told Nyxis as she sat up, allowing me to reach my dagger and sheath it.

"We can deal with the leader...but its followers...it would take us far too long and by the time we dealt with them.." She shook her head, grimacing at the thought of just how many raiders might be under the control of the Grelisalfar.  I nodded in agreement, heading to the window and looking up the street towards the fire temple and the forges.  "Not to mention better weapons and some armor," she added, reading my thoughts.

"That's if we-"
"-Have enough?" she finished, amusement and pride mingling in the tone she used.  I looked at her with a quizzical expression on my face that quickly changed to one of surprise as I noted the melon sized leather pouch she was holding.  She moved it slightly and the sound of coins gently clinking reached my ears.
"How?"
"You didn't think I just disposed of those thugs without thinking of how you were going to afford you next meal?" she asked nonchalantly, her smile broadening.  I thought about it and in truth, it wasn't that much surprising, after five years traveling the length and breadth of the kingdom.  More than enough fights had happened, and not a few had died, either directly, or indirectly from confrontations with Nyxis and I.

"My thanks for the forethought," I told her, bowing my head respectfully.
"Don't mention it.  Just means that you owe me dinner sometime," she replied, using an expression we had overheard.  "Think there's enough here for what you need?"
"More than enough I'm guessing.  Shall we see about breakfast and whether our companion is awake?"  I said with a grin, offering a hand to help Nyxis up.  Her smile broadened and she took my hand as we left the room...

It took several tries, but that armor finally came off. Rooting around in my pack I find several comfortable garments to slip into. I figure it is best to keep the blade with me for the night so it is going under the covers along with myself. I silently cast a simple ward spell. One I learned as a young girl long ago and one I have been using. Simply meant to alert me should someone enter the room without permission. Can't be too careful in a strange town filled with strange people. Sleep is not far off and I am out within a few minutes. To sleep and, perchance, to dream. Until morning......

I wake with a slight groggy feeling. God how I needed a bath. I had to stink like heck right about now. Noting that I quickly vanish into what appeared to be a bathing room. There was no one there just yet so I do my best to make it fast so I can get dry and get dressed. With that done it was back into my armor and cloak. With the sword safely strapped to my side and my pack and staff on my back I ready myself to head out again. Time to get some fresh supplies and make my way further south. I emerged from the room just in time to see the human and his......had she been staying in his room with him?

Sethis:  I smiled slightly as I noted the equine female was also up and about, apparently ready for the day ahead since all of her gear was in place.
"Good Morn, M'Lady," I said in greeting, bowing my head respectfully.  "I hope that you are feeling better after a nights rest?  By the way...My name is Sethis, and my companion is Nyxis."
"Good morn," my companion said, giving a slight curtsy and bow of her head as well as I introduced her.  Her smile was warm and compassionate.  Many a male and not a few females had felt their heart quicken at it, but I doubt that would be the case here.
"Careful, we don't want to frighten her off," I sent silently, keeping my eyes on the woman before us.  Nyxis said nothing, but I felt her acknowledgement...

Didn't know what to say really. I was supposed to travel the world and learn all I could about the lands and cultures that surrounded the Northern Plains and my home of Penny Falls. I understood that, at some point, in my travels I would have to rely on others I met for any number of reasons. After yesterday it was somewhat apparent that this strange human and his odd companion had honestly meant no harm. Still I had reserves about openly trusting anyone at this time. So many years spent within my homeland had left me with uncertainties about those from other lands such as this. And that group yesterday.....

"Elita" once again sounding way more timid than I had sounded in my head.

I was refraining from taking up too much of their time. I had no idea what plans these two may have had for the day. I still needed to buy fresh supplies and visit the local Temple. I merely pass them a somewhat awkward glance as I begin making my way out.

"Sorry. I must find Temple and supplies.......uhm....good morn to you and good day."

Sounded like I was scared out of my mind. Meeting new people was harder than I thought. I wasn't trying to blow them off, but I just didn't know what top say or do without looking and sounding like some shy child at this point. Making my way outside I already find myself lost so I just follow the flow of people who seem to be headed for the center of the town.........

Sethis:  "And I thought you were shy," Nyxis remarked, watching the female depart and shaking her head slightly.
"Regular cup full of cheer that one," I said, nodding in regards to my companions comment.  "Well...might as well follow her.  The only temple in town is that of Zaharr, and we'd be going there regardless..."
Nyxis shrugged and, giving a mischievous grin, took my arm in hers as we started to leave the travelers hostel...

...Barely a block away from the travelers way station where we had spent the night, I felt the familiar tugging sensation, only it was different now.   Pausing for only a moment, I closed my eyes and concentrated, eventually becoming aware of a second 'thread' drawing me forward.  The first from the equine woman was still there, though not as insistent for some reason, but the second was even stronger, as if linked to a being who's essence was equally strong.  Or perhaps their will.  Again, I wondered who it was, and why we were being drawn to them.

The market was just starting to gain a bit of life to it, the vendors just finishing setting up their stalls for the day.  Bypassing them, I headed for the forges dotting the exterior of the temple to Zaharr, looking from one of the cleric smiths to another, trying to determine just who it was that I was supposed to encounter.

Coming around the side of the temple, I paused again as I felt the pull strengthen, but it was at a forge that contained quite a crowd of people surrounding it, the rhythmic ringing of hammer against anvil sounding clear in the early morning air.  Carefully moving through the crowd, I emerged to one side of the forge's entrance, seeing another equine humanoid tending it, bearing the rune engraved iron forearms of the temple forge masters...

A lamenting sigh as I wondered about for a bit, but found no temple or even a shrine to Karea. Different region different god. The only temple around here was to the God Zaharr. Karea's younger "brother" so to speak and not a wise idea for me to pray to if I sought Karea's favor. Mother would be so displeased with me. Why does that bring a smile? Trying not to favor the thought any further I turn my attention to the market place. Making a list in my head of what I will need to buy for the days ahead. A map should be highest on that list. The one I have is only of the Northern Plains. This region is far different than my homeland and I fear getting lost. A map would be of utmost importance. I wonder who here would have one? In my wandering and wondering I find myself right back in front of the Blacksmith's shop again. With yet another sigh I realize I am going to need some assistance with matters at hand. Not far ahead a crowd seems to be gathering in front of a shop. My own curiosity piqued at the moment I wander over to see just what the commotion is all about. There I see the human again and go to stand near him trying to look over the crowd of gathering people while trying to keep from being noticed too much.

Cerek stood before his forge, hammering away at another piece of iron as was his daily ritual. His eyes flitting up to look at the crowd that once more gathered before his forge, before returning to his work that lay before it. It was the latest order for the temple from one of the Bannoran Houses, a head of house wished for their son to have a ceremonial sword for events. It was to be a simple iron blade, with the hilt and guard of shaped gold silver. As beautiful as it could be, it was just as simple piece of work. Nothing special about it, it in itself was nothing more then bent and flattened metal. It served no purpose but to hang from a young boys side, to be admired but never used. It was something Cerek did not like, something without a purpose. Not meant to protect, not meant to slay. It just was.

His hammer fell upon the iron blade in a steady rhythm, sparks flying as metal struck metal. His hand pinning the forming blade to his anvil while the work went on, the stallion paying little attention to the eye upon him until he threw the blade into the water barrel. He needed to let the iron temper, also to address the crowd before him.

"Welcome to the temple of Zaharr, those new and those that have been here for longer then need be. I am Cerek, one of three resident ForgeMasters. If you have any questions, or have any work orders to place. Please see the head of the temple."

With that he gave a curt nod to the crowd before pulling the blade in progress from the water, thrusting the iron into the blazing coal that was his forge. Letting it set for a time as he moved to his back store room, returning in a few minutes time with thin strips of gold and silver. The were far too fragile to set directly into the heat, he preferred them in solid state after all.  Setting the strips along the edge of the burning forge as he plucked the blade from it's fiery rest. Pinning it once more to his anvil as he hammered out the edges this time, for soon after the grinding wheel would get its turn at this piece of iron. Tossing it once more into water before taking a small break, a respite from the heat and hammer.

Sethis:  Some of the crowd dispersed after Cereks' words, and I waited until he took another break before approaching him.
"I'm no smith, but I can see that you put much care into your works," I remarked, bowing my head a bit in greeting.  "Tell me...have you ever made a weapon to kill, lets say...demon spawn?"  Keeping my tone neutral, my slight smile earlier vanished to be replaced by a grim serious expression...

Kinda makes me wonder about my own sword strapped to my left hip. What was it's purpose? How did such a weapon fall into the hand of my family? Was there a reason I was now it's bearer? Such a blade was dangerous in anyone's hands so why had Father saw fit to let it leave Penny Falls? Many thoughts with no real answers....yet.

Cerek went about the business of wiping down his hands as the crowd began to thin out, going back to the errands they had set out to do this morning before they decided to stop by his forge. It always perplexed him why people stopped by, maybe it was just to watch to culmination of his work. To see the shaping progress in motion, to see the effort it took to make these things. Perhaps, they just liked things being hit with a hammer. Cerek didn't know, nor did he really care. For just maybe it would inspire the right child to a life for Zaharr, and they too could reach ForgeMaster.

As Cerek wen't about the business of maintaining his hands, his ears flicked at the sound of a voice. Seems someone took time out of their day to speak directly to Cerek, perhaps this young looking human was looking for a history lesson. Maybe he had some notion of a request for a commission of the ForgeMaster, then why was he not speaking to the head of the temple about it? Regardless, maybe some idle conversation was not too bad. However, Cerek did maintain a rather annoyed looking expression, more to drive away those faint of heart then express any real emotion.

"I have made many blades, they kill demons, demon spawn, man, woman, child. Any blade can cut flesh, any blade can make an enemy bleed. Why?"

The stallion gave a snort, resting a hand on his anvil as he looked down at the human before him. The current project could wait a few moments, as many of his patrons have learn that those things will finish when Cerek means to finish them.

Sethis:  "Very few mortal blades will take down certain kinds of demon spawn...permanently...Especially a Grelisalfar," I replied, meeting his gaze with my own, the strange difference of my eyes not hidden by any hood.  My expression was calm, and spoke of one who had been in more than a couple of confrontations in the past, though I had no scars to show that fact.

"My companions and I happened across a small raiding party, led by a Grelisalfar.  We thought it might be best to at least head for the nearest town, give warning to the guards, and also pick up some supplies including weapons," I continued, looking to both Nyxis and Elita, then taking my dagger from its sheath and carefully holding it.  "I would feel better having something more than a simple dagger to defend myself with should it come to that, and some armor." 
"Preferably something with a longer reach than the six inch blade that I can channel our powers into," I added as a thought between myself and Nyxis.

Nyxis stepped forward with a leather pouch that was a third of the size of the one she had shown me in the hostel, the sound of coins jingling a little as she set it down on a clear spot near the work table.  It would probably seem suspicious, a woman of obvious wealth and beauty traveling with someone who looked little better than a vagabond myself...

(Yesterday)

It had been a peaceful day. Quiet and quite boring. Penny Falls was one of the largest cities in the world and the capital of what was known as The Northern Plains. This land was home to all manner of creature and the home realm to one of the five known gods, Karea The Goddess Of Winter (Air). The largest of her temples, The Four Winds Temple, resided high above the city upon the very peak of the falls themselves. The city sets nestled deep within the cliff side of a long dormant volcano. Within the Cliffside is a massive half circle the reaches from the top of this 300 foot cliff to about 120 feet down. The city sits at the foot of this opening arranged in a semi-circle within the cliff opening as well as out over the edge of the cliff on stone arches built some 400 years ago out of solid volcanic marble.. Above the city the falls was slit into three huge funnels by the outcropping of two huge copper colored rocks above. These funnel fall through the center of the city into three giant pools that run through the center of the town in a huge stone canal and back out over the cliff. The whole Cliffside is extremely rich with copper veins running all through it. These massive veins are actually exposed in the amber rock. The river above also runs rich with copper under the water. The sunlight reflects off of these veins giving the city a kind of light copper glow thus giving Penny Falls it's name. Mining of any of the Copper is strictly outlawed around the city and the cliffs surrounding it.

In the center of the city, at the edge of the Center Pool's north side sits Paladin Steel. A small blacksmith shop owned and operated by an old griffon named Balius. Balius, a retired Templar Knight, takes great pride in his little shop and his fine wares ranging from small pocket knives up to huge Claymores and even full plate armors and shields. Each piece carefully hand crafted and tempered to perfection. The forge here is well known in the plains as it is the only one that draws it fearsome heat from a volcanic magma vein from within the cliff (I said the volcano was DORMANT not EXTINCT) and water is drawn directly from the funnel that feeds the Center Pool. This water also powers the forge itself as well as other equipment in the shop through the water wheel and a very elaborate pulley system. The sounds of ringing metal can be heard from within the shop. Basking in the glow of his forge stood Balius himself. The old grey griffon busy working on his latest piece. It was a custom long sword he was forging for a newly promoted Guardian. It was a very simple and elegant design based loosely on The Elder's edge sword of legend around here. Thus blade was nowhere near as powerful though. Later it would be blessed by the priests in the temple and given magical properties to suit it new owner. Further back in the shop, actually out back, sat Perrine. Sitting on the edge of the Center Pool leaning against a large wooden post supporting the water wheel. She was dressed very simply in a Tan colored Tunic and some worn looking slacks. Certainly not the attire of a normal lady, but Perrine was no normal lady. In her left hand she held a stick about a foot long and an inch in diameter. In her right she held a whittling knife and had busied herself whittling the and of the stick down into a sharp point. There was no real reason for this, but she was bored and honing her whittling skills. The day was just too quiet and this was her day off. Thoughts turning to only one thing right now......"Elita" she thought quietly as she felt her heart sink a little. How badly she wished she was out there right now with her friend. How could they, Elita's father and mother, have let her leave without so much as a small escort to guard her? Ridiculous. Perrine had pleaded with both Elita's mother, Grand Priestess Elara Primrose, and father, Lord Wynstar Thunderhoof, to allow her to accompany Elita on her journey. Both simply replied no and refused to hear anymore of it. Perrine had been brooding the last several days over this. The thought of Elita out there....on her own....defenseless...it just simmered in her mind. She grit her teeth, narrowed her eyes, and snorted loudly. The knife dug deep into the wood and the stick snapped in her hand as her temper started to flare.


"Still angry, daughter?" A calm voice rose only slightly against the roar of the funnel in the center of the pool. Perrine snapped out of it and tried to cover her angry/worried expression. Looking to see her own "father" Balius standing there leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking concerned for the angry mare he had raised from a mere foal. Huffing she tried to look away feeling embarrassed. Balius tilted his head. He knew her well enough to know what she was feeling right now. What Elita really meant to the mare. Friendships can run very deep and sometimes something more is born from them. "You need to learn to..." He was cut off by some loud commotion now coming from the shop. Some excited shouting followed by a loud crash as someone had tripped over some tools that had been laying around. Perrine's ears perked as she stood up to follow Balius, quickly into his shop. They were both met with the site of a young Cleric neatly sprawled out on the floor surrounded by a mess of tools and several unfinished weapons laying about. The cleric, a small white mouse, dressed in the typical grey cloak and cowl with a red tunic and pants looked up at them was they reached to help him up.

"Lady Perrine! Lady Perrine! You must go to the temple immediately! You must do so quickly as you are needed!!!" The squeaked out sounding very alarmed and frustrated. Perrine's ears stood on end and she suddenly became somewhat concerned as they drew the cleric off the floor. "What is the matter? Why am I being summoned and by whom? Tell me, now!" she stated with authority. The mouse stood up and briefly brushed himself off. "Guardian Samuel has summoned you, milady. He states the matter is of utmost urgency! Grand Priestess Elara has suffered collapse!" sounding almost terrified now as he squeaked. With a grunt as that sunk in Perrine immediately pushes past the mouse and goes to grab her gear from a nearby rack. Dressing as quickly as she can in her armor she then dons her two swords. "Father?!? Watch him." Pointing to mouse as she shimmies for the door and vanishes into the depths of the city....................


(Present)
"Companions?" He she heard him right. Elita's ears tried to stand up lifting her hood slightly as she tried to listen in a little better. "Mortal Blade....." She though to herself gripping the handle of her sword. "Are you a Mortal Blade, my friend?" Elder Edge was as old as the city where it had first been found. No explanation had ever been made of the sword's true history and those who had sought it out never found out anything. She pushes the thought out of her mind. She must not allow herself to be distracted from her task any longer. She'd leave these three to talk. She had supplies to find and travels to undertake. Silently she tries to slip through the crowd. Several bystanders giving her dirty looks as she does. "Hey! You better watch where you are going, stranger!" She immediately gets shoved hard to the ground by a rather large dark colored human dressed in badly worn armor. Hands and knees she hit's the ground with a snort. The blade slipping from it's scabbard to clatter loudly to the ground. The Large human steps forward with a grin on his face. " I was speaking to you, you little....wait what do you have there?" His eyes fall upon the shimmering pommel of the sword. Grabbing Elita's shoulder he jerks her to one side getting a real good look at the sword on the ground.. Elita grunted and saw him reach for Elder Edge. "No!" Quickly she struck the man's hand away from the handle. Startled the man snarled and scowled at her. Her face still hidden under her heavy hood. "You little..." Her reared a large hand back moving to strike her out of his way. Elita panicked and reached for her sword. The next few moments seemed to slow. Her left hand found Elder Edge's handle and the sword came awake in the same instant. A shrill scream filled the air quickly turning into a gut wrenching scream like a thousand angry and terrified souls crying out all at once. Bystanders were clutching their ears and falling to the ground as the scream only seemed to get louder.. Instinct seemed to kick in and Elita lifted the sword and took a swing at her attacker. The Blade glowed brilliantly and with such intensity that the very air around the edge's burned. The smoke drawn back to the blade. It made a wide arch through the air as it swung.

Aiming for the man's hand the sword's blade connected just below the wrist. The sound of hissing could not be heard over the shrill cry of the sword as it sliced right through the man's heavy gauntlet, skin and bone cleaving his hand from his arm. The wound almost instantly cauterized in the same swip leaving him howling from pain caused both by the blade and his hand being lopped off. Elita's hood fell from her head. She had rolled into a kneeling position quickly drawing the blade close to sheath it as quickly as she could. The sword slipped into the scabbard and fell silent. The dark colored man did not as he clutched the end of her arm where his right hand had once been. It dawned on her, in that instant, the commotion that had just been caused. The sword's shrill cry would surely have been noticed. Cursing herself for being so clumsy and follish she gets up and quickly heads away toward the edge of the town drawing her hood back over her head, There was such a stirring now she had hoped she went unnoticed. In all the commotion she hadn't realized only a couple had actually seen what really happened as most had been disoriented by the effects of the loud shriek they were exposed too. Even Elita was feeling a tad dazed. Wielding the blade made her immune to it's shriek and the intense heat the sword generated, but it was still a confusing matter to deal with. She had just sliced a man's hand off. She hadn't meant too! She didn't want to hurt him! She was terrified of being attacked and having her sword taken. She had to do something, but this?!? She felt a little sick as she strides away.

Sethis:  While I waited for the smith to reply, I heard the commotion to my right, seeing what was happening with Elita and the human who looked like a mercenary.  Before I could intervene things started to go wildly out of control.  She drew her sword as the man moved to strike her again, and along with its shriek of freedom was Nyxis's scream of anguish and surprise Vanishing from sight into a shadow.  The sword was magickal!

I dropped to my knees as the shrieking climbed to an unbearable tone, feeling the heat coming off the blade, only to have both sound and warmth vanish as the female sheathed her weapon again.  Ears ringing, I sought out contact with Nyxis as I staggered to my feet, along with a few others who had also been brought to their knees by the swords brutal song.  She was fine, but refused to come out into the open again just yet, her thoughts and mind almost as shaken as mine were.
Shaking my head to try and clear it of ringing, I stumbled after the female, knowing more than ever that there was a reason we had met and encountered her.

"Nyxis," I sent to her, hoping that she could at least aid me.  A usual, our thoughts melded, our intents known to each other as I caught up to Elita and grabbed hold of her left arm gently.  Contact was all that was needed as a wave of shadows enveloped us...

...Shadows receded, revealing a realm of night, the dome showing the starry sky wheeling slowly, the ground a glassy black disk twelve feet across.  Releasing the equine woman, I stepped back quickly raising my hands to ward off any sudden attacks.
"I honestly don't know what the hell you were or weren't thinking by that little display of yours, M'Lady," I said in a stern grim tone.  "But you have one hell of a way to draw attention to yourself which seems to go against your attitude of aloofness.  Now who the hell are you and why are you traveling with a weapon like that in your possession?"

I wasn't worried about her running away or even stumbling back into town.  The place surrounding us was 'between' places, a small temporary dimension created by Nyxis and the power we shared.  Attempts to leave the disc would result in either one of us simply appearing on the opposite side of it, facing inwards...

(Yesterday)

Baited breath, baited breath. Trying to remain calm. Mane was a mess after nearly sprinting all the way up here. She'd never run so far so fast with her armor and gear still on. There....The Temple Of The Four Winds. It towered over everything high above the cliff. The climb had been tedious, but she made it. The temple was built of solid white stone and stood a daunting 100 feet high. The design, as with all Karea's temples, was simple and yet elegant. The main tower stood tallest among four others that stood around it. Each tower represented one of the four winds from the North, South, East, and West with the tower in the center meant to represent the Goddess who controlled them, Karea. These four towers were only ¾ the size of the center, but boasted the same simple design. All four bore the crest of the Goddess as did the center. The towers were all joined by a simple wall that ran between them. This wall stood 30 feet tall and enclosed a lush garden and several smaller buildings used to house the priests and priestesses within. The center tower stood alone not being connected to any of the others above the ground. There were no tunnels under the temple as the whole thing stood above the rushing waters below on a huge stone archway. The Main entrance to the temple was at the Tower Of The South Wind. This entrance was the only one open to the public. Perrine would use the entrance at the Tower Of The West Wind that was reserved for the Knights Of Templar. From there she made her way to the center tower, but first she would have to check all her weapons and her shield. Both of which were strictly forbidden within the temple walls. Any attempt to sneak them in would invoke powerful wards that would instantly teleport her to any given place, completely at random,  around the world without even the slightest warning. She could end up right outside the temple or half way around the world. She acted quickly and checked her two swords. It was all she had anyway. The next 15 minutes would find her well inside the center tower nearing the top floor. Here was the most sacred of places. The main floor boasted a shrine to the Goddess, but the top floor was where the real shrine was. She was not headed there however. Only Priests and Priestesses were allowed to even set foot there. Adjacent to the shrine was the quarters where the Grand Priestess, Elara Primrose, resided. It was there she had been summoned.

Standing watch at the door was Guardian Samuel. Samuel was the Commanding Officer of the Penny Falls garrison of the Templar Knights. The big human was very imposing. Broad chest and huge arms crossed as his Golden hues turned to face Perrine as she walked quickly in his direction. She could see strands of his brown hair sticking out from under his heavy helm. Normally he'd smile as she came closer. He seemed to like her a lot. Today, however, there was no smile. Perrine wiped the sense of worry from her face and straightened herself up quickly showing proper decorum. "Guardian Samuel. Paladin Perrine reporting as summoned." The clam in Perrine's voice would creep anyone out except for Samuel. He merely turned to her and, with his left hand, thumbed toward the door. "Lady Elara summoned you, Paladin Perrine. I merely sent the messenger to fetch you," He had a heavy note of concern. It was not normal for the Grand Priestess to speak with anyone other than the Guardians or the clergy of the temple directly. Perrine stopped for only a moment before proceeding inside. This room was rather elaborate. It had to be. There were all sorts of old and ancient tomes in here. Every manner of spell the Unicorns of times past had created or discovered were here. Healing spells, elemental spells, the list would go on and on for awhile. Shelves upon shelves of spells new and old. It was of no concern to Perrine right now. She couldn't cast a single spell to save her life so the edge of a blade was her only road to stand at the side of her one desire in life....and somehow that objective was feeling a lot closer than ever before. Candles filled the room with a warm golden light that surrounded the simple wood bed near the center of the room on a raised stone pedestal. Several low ranking Priests who acted as healers in the temple now surrounded the bed softly whispering between themselves over the form of the Grand Priestess, Elara Primrose. They fell utterly silent as they noticed "The Grey Mare" had entered the room. Perrine knew what they were thinking and it made her snort quietly at that thought. "The Grey Mare" was a kind of nickname she unintentionally earned a few years back. Rising through the ranks of the Templar Knights with such feverous zest as she had gave rise to fear and foreboding from others. The name had been meant to insult. Instead it became somewhat revered. They step aside and move to leave the room carefully watching Perrine watching them from the right side of the bed until the door clicked closed.



"Perrine.." It was a voice almost as soft as the breeze wafting through the room. Perrine looks to Elara slowly with her ears perking towards the charcoal colored mare in the bed. Elara looked up with her soft white eyes. Many years ago, long before Perrine had been born, Elara had been struck blind by Karea herself. It was a trade for the site she now bore. The ability to see into a living creature's very soul. To know their very nature and intent and to be giving the site of the goddess herself. Elara often had "visions" or glimpses of things to come and even visions of things far away. She could see things of great importance to Karea and even to the kingdom. It was both a blessing and a curse. Elara was unable to control when these visions would occur and that lead to many sleepless nights. As such she restricted herself to the tower where her clergy could handle her if needed. "Grand Priestess" Perrine instinctively bowing as was decorum. Elara looked bad. Her white mane a mess all strung out over the pillow. Her eyes seemed tired and she looked weak over all. She was reaching 200 years of age now and yet still looked as young as maybe 50 at best. Being a powerful Healer and the Grand Priestess to Karea had it benefits she figured. "Perrine. Child, do not stand on ceremony in this place. Come. Sit beside me, Perrine. I have much I need to discuss with you and time is growing very short...."


(Present)
Elita looked around here for a moment in this dark place she was apparently transported to. For the most part she opted to stay quiet for the moment and merely stood there watching him even after he asked his questions. She wasn't trying to draw attention to herself and just who was he calling "aloof" anyway? She had simply wanted to go about her own business quietly and nothing more. "I wasn't trying to draw attention. If that man had simply kept his hands to himself and not steal my sword none of this would have happened." Frowning at the human in front of her. "Had he not meant to strike me he would still have both hands. As for my sword...." Clutches the handle tightly though she had no will to draw it again. "That is my concern and not yours." She still felt slightly weak. Had the sword really taken that much out of her with one simple attack? She was still trying to wrap her mind around what happened. What had she been thinking? Had she been thinking at all.....or had the sword done the thinking for her? All thoughts now turning back to the matter at hand. "My name is Elita. Elita Primrose, daughter of Elara Primrose Grand Priestess of The Four Winds Temple which presides over the city of Penny Falls. Daughter to Wynstar Thunderhoof Lord of The Northern Plains." She seemed a little out of sorts with that last bit as if it had been more an insult than anything. Wynstar Thunderhoof was her father, true, but his was a name she did not like. You see, Wynstar Thunderhoof wasn't a Unicorn like her mother. Her father was, in fact, a Nightmare. Nightmares are creatures of a darker nature. Not necessarily evil, but certainly not good either. Wynstar had met Elara many many decades ago and had fallen in love with the unicorn. From that love grew the current ruler over the Northern Plains after Elita's grandfather, Lord Denali, had perished fighting against a group of rogue wizards that set there sites on taking the city over 50 years ago. Wynstar's rule had been heavily contested after Elara was declared "queen" and he "king". Still he had been a fair ruler and had done many things to keep the peace and his people happy. All for his great love for his wife and that of the lands he ruled over.

Elita stands there just being quiet. She had to admit she was glad she had been rescued. She didn't know what would have happened had she actually left or even stayed. Staying meant facing  whatever consequences her actions had wrought or leaving the town without little to no food and supplies. She would have been in deep trouble either way. She still might be if this human decided to just leave her to her own fate right now.

Sethis:  My scowl deepened as I finally learned just what her lineage was, the people and places Elita mentioned known to me, but distantly.  Once, two years ago, I have passed by Penny Falls the energy of the elements and the temple making me wary enough to not approach the city itself.

I had been correct though as to the fact that she was in fact a noble and the mere fact that her mother was the high priestess of the goddess of winds explained the divine energy that seemed to emanate from her.  The sword however was another matter.
Shaking my head and heaving a sigh, I relaxed a little wondering just what forces were at work to have brought us together.
"Well...going back to that town is out of the question," I remarked, thinking of just how much commotion would have taken place since we had 'vanished'.  "We need supplies amongst other things, and-"
"-There is another place to find them," Nyxis said, stepping out of the starry void in her human form and onto the platform, expression wary as she looked at Elita.  I looked to her with a raised eyebrow sensing that something was...troubling her.
"Nyxis..."

"I don't know how I am aware...its....almost like a memory," she told me, her words ringing true as she mentally shared what she became aware of.
"Are you certain?"
"As much as I can be," Nyxis replied.
"We can't keep your...our true nature secret from Elita.  Not if we continue to travel with her," I thought to her.  A pained look crossed her face for a moment, realizing that doing so would be a great risk to us, especially if she drew her sword again.  We had no idea just what the real power and nature of it was.

"We don't want to alarm you, but there are some things that you need to be aware of as well in regards to myself and Nyxis," I said, looking to Elita while mentally asking Nyxis to take us to the 'supply cache' she had become aware of.  Darkness closed in around us again, and when it faded, we were in some kind of stone structure with a few shafts of sunlight from openings in the walls or ceiling.  The air was chill, but fresh, and there was no sign that anyone had been in this place in decades...if not centuries.

The stone was a dark basalt, roughly worked, but serviceable in form.  Roughly twenty feet long, and ten wide, the ceiling was just over seven feet tall, with the occasional iron lamp hanging from a rusted chain.  A table, chairs, counter and even shelves were carved out of the very stone of the chamber as well.  Small debris dotted the floors, and a layer of dust showed that it had been more than a while ago since someone had been here last.

Scrolls, tomes, and a few relics rested on the shelves, and in small alcoves seemingly at placed at random around the chamber.  Two doorways led from the chamber, but to where I couldn't say.
"What is this place?"
"The home of your...our predecessors...The Avalars of the Void," Nyxis told me, face awed and stunned, something moving at the edge of her thoughts...memories that were not her own.  I said nothing more to her, feeling that she would tell me what exactly it was she remembered, and if there might be some other explanation as to what our purpose was.

Looking to Elita, I gestured to the two stone chairs, one on either side of the table against the left side of the room and taking a seat myself.  Not bothering to wait and see if she joined me, I closed my eyes a moment before falling into the story of how I woke up in a burned out building of a farm, surrounded by the remains of two others who had burned, and my encounter with Nyxis.  I explained what I knew of her, an elemental of the Void, something not evil but the primal energies from which all things emerged from and returned to except the spirit.  Of what little I had learned of the Avalars, mostly legends that were told with something akin to a mixture of terror, awe and praise.

I said little of our adventures over the last five years, as well as the few attempts we had made to try and figure out my past.  Eventually I asked Nyxis to slowly change back to her original form, feeling a surge of fear and uncertainty as to what Elita would do when she finally saw the truth...

***

Varia:  "Make sure to give the herbal broth at least twice a day," I told the human woman as I rose from the bedside of her daughter, setting a pouch of the mixture I had used to start the healing process in her hands.  "By the end of the week she should be feeling better.  If not, be sure to take her to the priests for further healing."
"Thank you!  Thank you!" She said, tears of gratitude falling down her cheeks, a look of relief on her face.
"No need to thank me," I told her, looking up at the woman and giving a slight smile.  "Blessings of the sands be with you..."

I left the building and sighed as I found myself in a stream of belts and baskets as the people moved back and forth on their way to market, or with errands.  Only four days in Penny Falls and I was already starting to question what had caused my Sa, my spirit intuition to guide me to this place.  Erron had been silent as well, basking in the warmth of the stone near the center of the mountain city.  Never the less ready to answer a call should there be trouble.

Four days...and the guidance had faded to nothing more than an insistent reassurance that I was in the right place.  In all my traveling, I had yet to encounter another of my people in these strange moist lands.  The climate colder than I was used to, but not so much that my training allowed it to inhibit my abilities.
In that time, I allowed myself to wander and work as a healer, bartering my skill for a place to stay and any other supplies I needed.  Thinking of those who I had helped in my time, I almost missed the resurgent tug of my Sa as I crossed from the side street onto one of the main thoroughfares leading through the city.

Blinking again in the bright sunlight, I paused and looked around, trying to figure out where it was I was meant to go.
"There..."
At the span of stone that connected one side of Penny Falls to the other, five spires of stone worked in the style of the Wind Goddess rose, gleaming in the sunlight.  Whomever I was to meet was there, in that building.  Taking a deep breath, I started towards the temple, resigned to wait a little longer if need be.  The Sands of Fate were already weaving their patterns, Grell's will indicating that another test lay ahead for me.  If only the Goddess of the skies would aid us with her wisdom as well, it might be a short test...then again...it was just as likely not to be...

...Half an hour found me waiting before the temple entrance that seemed to allow commoners to enter and exit, the winds light and almost playful as they ranged through the towers.  Smelling the incense and hearing the music of the wind whistling through the spires to form an ethereal music.  Soon...Taking a stance, I allowed my senses to meld with the stone, gaining assurance by its silent strength and composing my mind to wait by going through mental exercises...

(Yesterday)

"The land is facing great danger, Perrine. No.....not just the plains, but all of Farium. I have felt a power evil grace the Plains. It came close to Elita. I fear they may know of her journey." Elara strained a bit to sit up. Perrine moved to help her, but she was merely brushed away. "I  am fine. You must listen, child. I have to tell you something I have held in secret for many years now. The very reason I have called you here today." Elara sits up and slides back against the headboard of the bed. Perrine perks her ears, but remains silent keeping an eye on Elara. "The very day Balius brought you too me....the day you were found in the arms of your dying mother....I was given a vision of things to come. The role you, my child, would play in the days ahead. The very reason I have kept you close to my daughter." Elara reached slowly to gently touch the mare on the chin as she would have her own daughter. "You are destined to protect her. I had hoped this day would have been much further away, but I fear it draws closer and closer quickly. You are to be her guardian in the days to come, Perrine. I cannot say what dangers she will be forced to face, but without you......I fear only her death." Elara fought back something. Perrine could almost see the fear on her face. "An ancient and powerful force is rising. One as old as the land and thrice as tough. We dare not stand against it ourselves, but there are those who will have too. Elita, I fear, is but one who must take up the cause. You.....you Perrine are another. The day you were brought to us was no mere coincidence, Karea weaving the strands of your fate and Elita's together." Feeling a little weak Elara pauses a moment fearing what she was about to say next. "You must go to her, but you are bound by the service of the Armor you wear. An amor you have strived for so long to adorn......one you can no longer keep." Perrine's eyes went wide as the grey mare suddenly realized what was about to happen. Still she remained silent knowing how this affected Elara. She, along with Balius, had taken great pride in watching her grow into one of the kingdom's most renowned figures in the Templar Knights. It was a matter of pride for Perrine as well, but her best friend was in danger and there was nothing that was going to stop here from being at Elita's side. "Perrine Of Thistlewood, Daughter of Balius, I henceforth strip you of rank and privilege from the service of The Templar Knights." The pain in her voice was almost too much for Perrine to bear. Perrine stood up. Saddened by the loss of her place within the ranks of the Knights, but also gladdened by it. Now she could leave the plains and seek out Elita. Now she was free to be with her. "I understand, Grand Priestess. I know what I have to do  and you have freed me to do so." She choked a bit. A mixture of regret and excitement.

This whole encounter seemed nothing short of sur-real and she had trouble believing it. Elara turned her head toward the mare looking somewhat relieved at Perrine's words. The deep note of seriousness in the young mare's voice was a re-assurance to her. "I ask you, Perrine, to find my daughter...find Elita and keep her safe. Seek out your destiny and hers. Never falter from her side. Promise me this. I ask of you deeply." She reaches out to take Perrine's hand in hers. " Perrine smiles. Finally coming to terms with what has transpired. " I promise, milady. I will find Elita and I will guard her with my very life." Perrine gently squeezes Elara's hand. They both had to turn to look as Samuel strode into the room. The sullen look on  his face told Perrine he was aware of what was to happen next. He had known since sending for her. "Perrine....your armor." He reaches out with a flat palm toward her motioning for her to surrender it. One last sigh and one last feel of the chest plate. She would never wear it again. That was the curse of being kicked out. No matter what she would never be allowed back in again. Popping the straps on the sides and over the shoulders the heavy plate falls free and she slowly hands over her life's work. Samuel took no joy in taking it. "The Leather is yours, Perrine, as are your swords, but I can offer no more than that." Samuel hung his head slightly. Perrine was one of his most trusted and he hated to lose her like this. "but.....if you ever need us...." Perrine hushed him by strolling up and placing a finger over his mouth. "I will ask, Sam." She whispered. Looking back to Elara. "I have little time to waste. I must gather some supplies and find a way to track Elita down." Elara only nodded to her. "Then go with the blessings of Karea, child." Turning quickly Perrine heads for the door and quickly makes her way outside the temple heading for the city below and Balius' shop.

(Present)
Elita took a slow look around. Whatever this place was it seemed to be abandoned and in disarray from neglect. She runs her fingers over several dusty tome feeling the dust crumble between her fingers. What a mess this place was. Snorting softly she strides over towards the "chairs" the human had pointed out simply content, for now, to remain silent and listen to what he had to say. She quietly sat down drawing her cloak around her a little tighter. She kept her hands well away from the handle of Elder Edge wary of even touching it again at this point.

(Yesterday)

Varia: The trance slowly dissolved as I felt the one I was meant to meet draw nearer to me, my eyes opening slowly and adjusting to the light as I gazed towards the entrance of the Wind Goddess's temple.
"Ahh...there," I thought, seeing a charcoal grey mare in leather baldric leaving the the temple entrance.  My Sa gently drew me towards her, a sense of haste apparent in her step, though as for the reasons why I did not know.  I followed a few steps back, content for the moment to just observe and see where it was the dark haired female went, sending a mental summons to Erron, just to make sure he was ready to leave in case the females path did indeed stray outside of Penny Falls...

(Present)

Sethis:  For two hours I talked, the light outside dimming slightly, but not to indicate the approach of evening.  Nyxis hovered in her true form behind me, just a few feet away, her burning blue eyes staring intently at Elita as the outline of her serpentine form shimmered and shifted slowly, as if she was immersed in some invisible liquid.
"Now you know as much about me as I can tell you, and even then...I can't say its everything," I said finishing with a slight sigh.  I looked up into the unicorns eyes, my expression blank of all but a wry compassion.  "Nyxis and I are still looking for answers, and a purpose if you can call it that.  I'm still not quite sure what an Avalar is meant to do and the legends are little help if any at all."

"There are answers and reasons...just...its something that can't be rushed," Nyxis remarked, her voice having an ethereal echo to it.  "Here at least....some of the mysteries might start to make sense."  I chuckled a little, shaking my head slightly, a wry smile on my lips.
"Perhaps," I said.  "Anyways...why were you traveling alone, Lady Primrose?  Someone of your bloodline wandering around alone...I don't know if that was meant to look courageous, idiotic, or just due to arrogant pride in your station.  Surely you had more than a few in your household who would have been able to travel with you and help keep you safe while traveling?"

(Yesterday)
Mind raced with a thousand questions. How to track down Elita? What to do when she finally caught up to her? How to explain the first two question? Arriving at the shop she first confronts Balius and explains the situation. Balius, saddened by what was going on, retreats into the back of the shop where some rustling can be heard for a few moments. Perrine busies herself getting together whatever supplies she can carry with her. A few rations of food and water, change of clothing for at least three days, bed roll, and a few other things. Balius returns carrying something in his hands. A suit of leather armor unlike anything Perrine had ever seen. It was a rust colored material slightly thicker than regular leather. The padding around the joints, knees and elbows, had been removed and plates of light metal sewn in place with well oiled hinges to allow them to move. The shins and forearms had strips of heavy plate about an inch or so in width sewn on kind of like small, long shields meant for deflecting blades or blows. What was really unique was that this armor was all one piece and fastened together using metal straps rather than leather. Perrine looked at the armor with awe. It was far more elaborate than hers and looked far more durable as well. The center of the chest piece bore a simple emblem upon it. The head of an eagle atop two crossed blades with a fig leaf below it. Balius' family crest. He hefted it up a little with a broad grin on his face and a look of pride in his eye.

"The day I brought you here.....brought you home I started working on this. This.....this is the armor your father, your real father, had been wearing the day he died protecting the town of Thistlewood. He was no mere miller, but a skilled fighter as well. He took 15 raiders with him trying to protect you and your mother. This has been here the whole time. I was repairing it little by little. It was not easy. Made from Minotaur hide and that is tough to work with. The..uh...the emblem was my doing. I had intended to give this to you when it was finished.....I finished it last night." He sounded a little embarrassed as he strode over to present it to her. Perrine looking like her face was about to catch fire. She knew nothing of her "real father" or her mother other than she had died in Balius' arms whilst still clutching to Perrine begging the Griffon to help her newborn child. Her father had failed to protect his wife, but his actions allowed her to survive just long enough to see her daughter to safety before her own life slipped away. The though brought a tear to the griffon's eye. In a sense he had always felt he too had failed. This armor was all that was left of that family's history. A history Perrine would never know. Perrine's expression softened a great deal as she saw the look on his face. She slipped under his arms and threw hers around him hugging the old griffon as tight as she dared. "thank you......father" she whispered in a soft tone fully meaning what she said. Balius fought back another tear and hugged Perrine tightly happy to hear her say that. Afterward Perrine had vanished into the back to change and grab the remainder of her gear. The Armor had lots of little pockets here and there. All apparently added by Balius for hiding away everything from small throwing knifes to daggers. She would stuff a blade in each pocket full intending to go out fully armed and ready for anything. She found a cowl roughly the same color as her new armor as well a heavy black cloak she'd use to conceal herself and her two swords. Topping off her personal arsenal was her Glaive. This weapon was around 8 feet long (6' pole with a 2' blade on it) and could be collapsed down, thanks to three folding sections, to be easily strapped to her pack. Made it far easier to travel with it. She also took a moment to grab her heavy plate gauntlets and a scarf with which she could cover her face. That was the final straw and now she was ready to go. The only question being.....how was going to get there? Elita had a full three days lead and there was no telling exactly where she would head after reaching the border towns.

This was somewhat disheartening. How was she going to track the unicorn down? She thought for a moment. Elara would not have the answers as she didn't know where Elita had gone. The vision she described had only been a general one and left no clue as to Elita's actual location. There were several town she may have reached taking the main road headed south to the border of the plains and any number of roads, directions, and town she could head to from any one of those. There was one way to find out how to track her down. For that she would need to pay...him...a visit. Only he would have the resources she was going to need from here as well as a means of getting to Elita as fast as possible. With a sigh she decided just that and heads for the door. "Where are you going?" Balius asked following her out the door and seeing that Perrine was not headed for the city gates, but towards the interior of the cliffs. Perrine pauses for just a bit looking back. "I am going to pay Elita's father a visit before I leave!" turning to stroll off. "What?!? Wynstar?!? Have you lost your mind, Perrine?" Balius calls to her alarmed. This time Perrine stopped and turned back to face him. "Who else? I have no one else to turn to and he will certainly want her found. Besides, father? How else am I going to get there? I have no idea where Elita went and you know how he is when it comes to her. He'll have a better idea than anyone else on how to track her down and have a way for me to get to her. I have to." She replied sounding as calm as she could. Balius looked perplexed for a second or two. He couldn't very well argue the point right now. She was right after all. Wynstar Thunderhoof was very protective of his family and he'd certainly have kept track of which way Elita had gone. "Just be careful, Perrine. Please bring Elita home.....and be safe." He feigned a smile and fought the urge to run up and grab her to keep her from leaving. Perrine merely waved and turned away to wade through the crowd as the sun set in the distance.

(present)
"I decided to travel alone." She snorted not really liking where she was right now. She didn't know if she could escape or of his intentions at this point. It was true, however, that she decided to travel alone. She had convinced her father that walking around with a contingent of armed guards or even just a few would draw a lot of unwanted attention. The Templar Knights are forbidden to leave the lands and priests and priestess would be waaay to obvious. Elita had desperately wanted to see the world as it was and not be distracted by people trying to impress her or capture her. Looking back on it though maybe it had been a bad idea afterall. She had not gone a week yet and already she had lopped off some purr guy's hand and caused quite the commotion in a border town not three days from home! At this rate her father would surely catch wind of what had happened and send half his army out to track her down and force her to return home. She snorted and leered at the human and the serpent thing floating next to him. "You have had your fun, human. If you do not mean to hold me for ransom, then let me be." She had no idea what she was going to do now. She was stuck here, as far as she could tell, with no means of escape. Thoughts of drawing the sword again came to the fore. She really just wanted to be on her way. Wanting to leave this town and the incident from earlier behind her. Still she kept her hand well away from the handle.

"All I wanted was to get some supplies and be on my way. I have wasted enough time on your talk of The Void and these things you call Avalars." Now she was just sounding a little scared and desperate. Trying to put up a big front to hide the screaming little foal running around looking for mommy. She shut up after that and just remained seated still leering at him a bit. This was more than she had expected to deal with on her first real journey beyond the city gates and she suddenly found herself in pretty deep.

(Yesterday)

Varia: I followed the female to a smithy, and paused again to wait outside hoping that she would soon reemerge.  In roughly an hour, another figure emerged, cloaked and cowled, but my instincts served to identify her.  Before she could go more than twenty step, I moved to stand before her, bowing my head in respectful greeting.
"Good day, M'Lady," I said, loud enough for at least the woman to hear me, my eyes seeking her own beneath the hood she wore.  "I would speak, or at least walk with you a while..."
My expression was impassive, though my words were sincere enough to be known as truth...if only a partial truth...

(Yesterday)
Sethis:  Sighing, I shook my head, putting a hand to my forehead and rubbing slightly.
"I have no interest in ransoming you; and as for this talk of Avalars being pointless...more than a few 'pointless' legends and tales can turn out to be very terrifying realities, especially for those ill prepared to deal with them," I replied in a low tired voice.  "You aren't a prisoner here, and I will take you to a town if that is your wish.  As for supplies..."

Turning to Nyxis as I stood, she nodded and beckoned us to follow her.
"Where exactly is this place, By the way?"
"In the mountain wall surrounding the Primal Basin," Nyxis replied, leading us down the nearest of the corridors.  Intermittent light filtered in from angled channels in the ceiling, showing that there was no decorations, no art or even written language indicating where it was we were heading.
"Each Avalar had a secret lair in order to be safe from the world and follow whatever pursuits interested them.  The only times they came together were in times of conflict, or when summoned to the Protean citadel in the center of the Basin.  As you can see...your predecessors made sure that both they and their successors would be well provisioned," Nyxis informed us, turning left through another doorway, lit by a gentle blue light.

The light gently illuminated a large hall, slightly taller than the room we had arrived in, the center and left hand wall showing shelves carved from the same stone, but upon them were bundles, urns, and other containers marked with runes.  On the right were racks of weapons, some familiar, others of unusual design, but each carried an aura of the same energies that Nyxis and I had learned to use.

Ignoring the weapons for the moment, I went over to one of the shelves and opened an oil cloth packet.  Inside of it were small withered lumps that had a strangely pleasant aromatic scent to them.  Taking a small bite of one, my eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Dried fruit...preserved," I said, awed that it was still edible.  Opening a larger bundle from another shelf, I found a leaf of bread with sprinkles of herbs, oats, and a light glaze that smelled of honey.  Taking a small chunk off, I tried that as well, smiling as it turned out the bread was as fresh and delicious as the day it had finished baking.  "Well...our supplies issue seems to be solved..."  Breaking off a chunk of the bread and offering it to Elita with an impish grin.

(Yesterday)
Perrine stopped short. Halted by the stranger before her. She was about to be slown down by this new arrival, but she wasn't so rude not to, at least, pay her some heed. "You had better walk fast then. I have pressing matters and I must make the palace by night fall." She cocked her head toward the sun noting that it was quickly falling behind the distant horizon. "I must seek Lord Thunderhoof before dark." She easily side steps the stranger, but keeps her pace somewhat slower than before. Life in Penny Falls was vastly different than most cities. Here things were run by both the Palace  and the temple and with two armies headquartered here the peace was well kept. There was little crime, but being out after dark was still something unadvised even around here. That and the guards, under strict orders, closed the gates to new visitors the second the day gave way to night.

(Present)
Elita inspects the bread handed to her carefully. Not sure she should be accepting any kind of food or drink from this strange human, who only seemed to get stranger, whom she had only met yesterday. She had such a hard time trusting people openly. Not something you think would be a problem for a healing priestess, but then she got that from her father more than her mother. Stomach decided otherwise and started to growl the second she took a sniff of the bread. Still fresh from the smell of it. She takes the risk and takes a nibble from the piece of bread. Says nothing for the moment as she was content to just remain where she was and slowly eat her bread.

(Yesterday)
Varia:  "Then I shall accompany you, as my Sa demands," I said simply, easily keeping pace with the equinesque female despite my height.  "It seems that you are preparing to go on a journey of some kind...Longer than just visiting a local lord I would guess..."  I glanced up at her and gave a slight smile, but not in a mocking manner.

(Present)
Sethis:  I had to grin a little as I heard Elita's stomach growl, setting the remainder of the bread loaf on the shelf near her.
"Feel free to help yourself.  From the looks of this room...its provisioned to feed a small army at least," I remarked, going around the shelves and heading to the weapon racks, my eyes taking in the various designs and sensing the energies woven into the very core of their materials.  Most were silvered and brightly polished, even after all the years they had been here.  Others seemed to be made of a metal darker than iron, or of obsidian stone; the latter crude in appearance but never the less holding a lethal edge to them.

My attention was drawn to a pair of rings made from obsidian each with three small bands of silver.  The outer edges of them had been sharpened with only a few jagged points left, but the centers were smooth and rounded.  Each ring was just larger than an average dinner plate.
"Chakrams," Nyxis told me, having moved to hover near my left side as she watched me.
"There's something...familiar about them," I murmured, taking them off the stone hooks and holding them gently.  They were surprisingly light, and as I shifted them in my grasp, I caught sight of metallic veins woven into the stone itself.  Something at the back of my mind stirred as I held them, carefully spinning first one around my hand, then another, the feeling of familiarity growing.  "Whatever it is...These were not made by normal means..."

(Yesterday)

"You are very observant." Does really look at her as she has her eyes set on the palace gates just looming just ahead. Seems they would reach the gates just in time at this pace. "I am intent on a rather important journey and I have need of....did you say "Local Lord?" She almost stopped in her tracks upon realizing what the stranger had just said. "Heh. Now I am sure you are not from around here. Wynstar Thunderhoof is no mere "local lord". You may wish to still that tongue in his presence."  Perrine reached the main gate of the palace and stopped looking back to the stranger. "Now what is it you needed to say? Be quick as you need to be silent within the palace."

(Present)

Elita merely ignored whatever was entertaining the human and focused on eating some dried fruit while planning what she was going to do next. Provided she would have an opportunity to do anything  at all from this point on. She took liberty in stuffing as much food as she could caryy into her sack. AT least she would be ready for a few days with this much. Soon she would have to find a place to rest and be ready to go about her business in the morning.

(Yesterday)
Varia: If the desert garb wasn't enough indication that hailed from another land, I didn't know what was.
"I shall endeavor to follow that advice as I travel with you, warrior," I replied with a slight smile, moving to take up a position just behind the female and to her right.  "Perhaps my skills as a healer might be of value on the journey ahead, but that can wait until later..."  Keeping my expression calm, i remained silent as one of the guards at the gate called out in greeting, demanding to know what business we had approaching the palace...

(Present)
Sethis:  I found a holster that could be worn on the back to hold the weapons, and with a little more searching, a few sets of armor in stone drawers beneath the weapon racks, and some clothing that I was in sore need of.  Not bothering to hide my actions, I removed my old cloths and exchanged them for some soft black leather breeches and boots both worked with silvery thread; night blue tunic than hung down to just above my knees, and a wide black leather belt.

On top of that I got Nyxis to help me with a chain mail shirt of blue tinted metal, adding leather bracers and shin guards.  Last but not least, a deeply cowled cloak dyed in shades of black and grey.
"Much better," Nyxis remarked, amusement and satisfaction plain in her tone.  "At last you start to look more...civil."
"I'll be sure to apologize when I disappoint them," I replied with a wry smile.

Finding backpack in far better condition than the sack I had been using for the last four years, I started filling it with provisions and other supplies that might be needed on the road.
"Lady Elita...do you wish to continue traveling today or tomorrow?" I asked as I continued to peruse the shelves, pulling just a few small packets of food which I began to eat bits out of, tasting the contents before adding to my pack.  "We can take you back onto the road near the town we left, far enough away that we wont attract attention.  From there...Nyxis and I would be willing to help you reach whatever destination you have in mind."

(Yesterday)
Perrine stopped short with her ears standing on end. "You? Want to travel with me? Do you even have any idea of what I am about to undertake?" Yanks the cowl back exposing her face. One of the guards was now wide eyed and snapped to attention. "Paladin Perrine! Forgive us we had no idea it was you in those clothes!" Perrine cocked her head at the guards. As a Paladin she was very rarely seen with out Templar armor around the city. "I seek audience with Lord Wynstar. It is of utmost importance to him that I be seen." She was going to let a window of opportunity like this slip past. Word of her demotion from the Templar Knights would not be known around the city just yet so she still had a little pull left around here. A guard, upon hearing the request, motioned toward a young boy. The boy, a palace steward immediately jumped up and raced away toward the palace. He would head straight to the Palace Chambers and inform Wynstar Thunderhoof of Perrine's arrival and request to see him. "Paladin Perrine, please head to the throne room and wait." The guard remarked now motioning them both inside. Both guards eyeing the stranger with Perrine warily. Perrine taking graceful steps now and keeping her eyes locked forward. "Stay close and say nothing. Don't look around and do not touch a thing." She stated coolly keeping her decorum. The Palace itself was not an actual building in the normal sense. It was not built, but carved into the side of the cliff behind the falls. In relation, it sat almost directly beneath the temple high above. The palace front was all that could be seen. A rather ornate structure at least 6 stories tall carved from the white stone of the cliffs. Brilliant veins of copper woven throughout the front of it. In the sun it would gleam with utter beauty as the light passing through the three funnel of the falls caused the light passing through them to dance across  the front of the palace. This time of the day, however, there was a warm copper glow to it against the dying light of the setting sun behind them.

Two more guards standing at the door stepped to the side as one of them opened a large, heavy wooden door to allow them entrance to the interior. The inside of the palace was no different. High ceilings and walls meticulously carved into the stone with expert care and craftsmanship basking in the glowing light from the bronze torches along the wall and the huge bowls that stood near each of the doors. There were several doors in this section of the palace, but the ones Perrine was interested in were two Doors just ahead. These doors were made of wrought iron and accented with gold and silver in the shapes of twigs and leaves all around the edges of the doors. Against the backdrop of the walls they stood out, but were elegant and well crafted so as not to look mundane or out of place here. Those were currently still open as the palace was only just closing up for the night. The young boy from the gate rushed forth to meet then with a graceful bow.  "Lord Wynstar bid the Lady Perrine and her escort to wait in the throne room. His lordship will attend to you soon." His white and red colored tunic hung down a bit from the boy's lean frame. Obviously this one was new to his duties. Perrine did not reply nor change her serious expression. She merely looked to the boy briefly and continues her graceful stride forward into the main chamber. This chamber was much like the previous one, but much more heavily decorated and with many furnishings. Here there were great stone benches carved into the four corners of the chamber right out of the walls. There are no windows this deep inside so the main light of the room comes from four massive stone bowls carved from the floor with brilliant fires roaring from them. Walking along a luxurious blue rug that lead from the door right up to a huge throne. The Throne was carved from solid Cherry and dressed in the same gold and silver trim is the wrought iron doors had been. It sat upon a raised "stage' with four curved steps leading up to it. All around the chamber hung portraits of past rulers. Above hung giant chandeliers of pure copper with white candles adding their own light to the room. The candles were actually magic. Their little flickering flames made only light and did not melt the candles. To either side of the "stage" were two long and curving stairways that lead to two double doors spaced apart. These would lead even deeper into the palace interior and were crafted from heavy wrought iron as was the main set of doors leading into the throne room.

Flanking the throne itself, to either side, were two portraits. One on the right was of Elara Primrose though the portrait depicted a somewhat younger look to her. In the Portrait one could see her beautiful and luminous green eyes as they had been many years ago before she was struck blind. The Portrait on the left was currently covered with a fine, blue, silk cover. Perrine knew who's picture hung there and why it was covered. Perrine would come to a stop at the very foot of the steps before the throne. "hoo boy....." she though quietly to herself while keeping a straight face.

(Present)
"hmm?" Elita looks to the human and blinks. What he mean? "Why, on Farium, would you think to travel with me?" she thought of her "pilgrimage' because that is what she was supposed to be on. She wasn't sure if she wanted the company or the bother, in her mind anyway, of having two strange people tagging along with her. She wasn't really concerned with where they left her off. The situation in the town was sure to have calmed long ago and dropping her anywhere else would not have been a bad idea either. All she knew now was that she wanted to be away from whatever this place was. For the first time she started to recall the events from the previous day. Specifically their encounter with that Grelisalfar and his party. That was a close encounter with a very dangerous enemy. Her father would need to be warned as would her mother and the temple. Perhaps returning home with such news would be best rather than continue on her way. It was more important that she protect her homeland than seek her answers in the world......at least for now. She hadn't really thought of it until just now. She was already cursing herself for that. This was far too important to simply ignore and walk away from. Besides.....that incident in the town would soon reach her father's ears and she knew he would dispatch some of his most trusted to retrieve his daughter. She sat there quietly pondering and looking both worried and perplexed.

(Yesterday)
Varia: I shrugged at her response, remaining silent as I followed her into the castle, my toe claws clicking rapidly as I kept pace with the armored woman.
I had seen more than a few such structures from outside, but very few from within.  The stone though resonated strongly to my senses, and it was hard to not hum one of the chants often used to connect with the Earth Father, Grell.

Arriving at what was a large audience chamber, I stopped a few feet behind the female, settling into a wide footed stance that allowed me to relax, even as I swayed slightly, shifting just enough to match the ebb and flow of the energies surrounding us.

(Present)

Sethis:  "She isn't that perceptive is she," Nyxis said dryly, looking down at Elita from the top shelf where she had curled up.
"In case you haven't figured things out just yet, M'Lady, our meeting on the plains wasn't an accident," I said in a serious tone, my eyes meeting her own, expression calm.  "There is a fine line between coincidence and some other force being at work.  If not, how would we have met you at just the right time, to warn you of the Grelisalfar and the bandits?  Why bother warning you at all when, just as easily I could have vanished from sight without telling you anything and allowed the raiders to do as they wished to you?  For whatever reason, Lady Elita, we were drawn to you.  Surely you noticed something before we met, and even after..."

(Yesterday)
He was massive even by equine standards. Standing just over 8 feet in height and build like a brick wall. Jet black fur that nearly hid his facial features aside from those glowing ruby red eyes of his. They seemed to just pierce you the moment they were set upon you. His stride was graceful yet very male. His mane was brilliant orange and vivid yellow from root to end and the way it moved it truly looked like intense flames erupting from his head. The clank of his heavy plate armor announced his presence in the room. Gleaming silver and color and highly polished it caught the light of the room as he moved from behind his throne to stand in front of the two, His tail, same as his mane appeared, swished from side to side behind him. Folding his hands behind his back as he looked over his visitors. "Perrine....you have nerve enough to summon me at this hour?" His voice was deep and loud. What did one expect from a Nightmare of his stature. He was nothing, if not intimidating. Perrine knelt on her right knee and quickly drew her eyes to the floor. "Yes, M'lord. Forgive this intrusion upon your time." Trying her best to sound calm though she just wanted to go home right now and pretend this wasn't happening. "I See you without your armor......so then the rumor holds true. A Templar Knight no longer stands before me, but the adopted daughter of the town smithy. And just what gives you thought to call upon me, Grey Mare?" He stated coolly. Perrine grit her teeth. That name again. How she abhorred that name! "M'lord. The Grand Priestess, the Lady Elara, has informed me of a disturbing vision. A vision concerning..." She was cut off. "My daughter, Elita." His voice seemed a tad softer, but no less deep. "Stand before me, Grey Mare. State your need. Tell me of this disturbing vision imparted on you by my beloved wife." He slowly turned and moved to sit upon his throne. The throne didn't so much as creak under his weight. Perrine stood and recalled what Elara had told her about the Grelisalfar. How she sensed her daughter was in grave danger. She recalled all she had been told. As Wynstar sat there with his hands folded across his lap he leaned forward listening intently as Perrine told him she was stripped of her rank in the Templar Knights and tasked with seeking out his daughter with all due haste. His expression never seemed to change. Whether he showed disdain or concern was impossible to tell, but he was silent for a few moments. "And what of this...stranger who stands beside you? What is her role?" He turns his head slightly looking at the stranger who had yet to speak a word having meant to direct the question to her...

(Present)
There was that serpent thing. Talking again. Annoying really. Paying no further mind to that she listens to him for a bit. Prattling on about how their meeting was some work of fate or forces unseen. She wouldn't argue that at all. The Gods of the realm certainly had a way of making these things happen. After all she had been following the winds and they did lead her to the human and out of danger. That much was very much apparent. Still. She had to wonder why? Certainly there was far more to this than just to warn her of approaching danger. She looked less than amused at the moment. There was just too much going on here and she was feeling the need to leave this place growing by the minute. Time was being wasted here, but there may be purpose to that. Forces deeper than she had planned on dealing with were still at work and she could feel that something else was about to happen. "I will admit that something is amiss here, I am not entirely sure what it is or why I am somehow involved, but this Grelisalfar matter is something I cannot ignore. I feel I must return home to inform my father of this matter." Elita stopped there starting to wonder if that was the right move as well. Certainly even the likes of a Grelisalfar would not pose much of a threat to Penny Falls. Still there seemed to be so much they were unaware of and that was ebbing into her mind. Tapping her chin and looking unsure of what to do next. Out here, away from home, she was in way over her head. "And if you had hidden and left me I certainly would have told them right where to find you. You know they'd have been happy to let you in on the party....." Sighs and averts her gaze. "In any instance we had better figured out what we are going to do and where we had best go to do it. Sitting around here will get nothing accomplished other than allowing whatever it is behind all this ti gain the advantage of time."

(Yesterday)
Varia: I was somewhat surprised that the lord was a Nightmare, but aside from that, I showed no great reactions to the fact.  All things in stride, all in time, and only part of that was seen could be known or understood.  I listened intently to the explanation that Perrine offered as to the reason for the late audience, smiling inwardly as I saw just what my task was meant to be, or rather why my Sa had led me to meet this female.

When he turned his gaze to me, I bowed my head respectfully, but no more than that.  A lord he might be, even a ruler of the city, but the Wav'vi, respected not bloodline or title, but deed and strength of spirit.
"I am Varia Sand-step, and I am here to offer my services as a healer to Warrior Perrine, as directed by my Sa," I answered, having to crane my neck back to meet his gaze, my small stature less than intimidating, but more of an asset that most would think.  "It is my wish to travel with her..."

(Present)
Sethis: I grimaced at Elita's mention of showing the Grelisalfar where we were hiding if I hadn't helped her earlier, but I said nothing in reply to that.  Nyxis's eyes narrowed and I felt a stab of anger coming from her through our link at the idiotic comment the stuck up foal had made.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let it out slowly before meeting Elita's gaze again.
"So much for gratitude," I said softly, Looking up at Nyxis a moment, then gathering the darkness around all three of us again...

...Letting the shadows fade as we emerged on the lee side of a large boulder, half in, half out of the ground at an angle.  It was at least two weeks away from Penny Falls, the road a few yards away leading to a hidden pass through the northern mountains that few were aware of in this day and age.  Just about Midday from the looks of the sun overhead.

Nyxis had remained in the shadows between this world and the one she was part of, still seething from the females earlier remarks.  I couldn't blame her for feeling that way.  We could have brought us right to the edge of the lone mountain city, but that would have been just a little too easy for 'daddy's girl'.
Pulling my hood up, I started towards the road, walking in the direction I knew led towards Penny Falls without a word..

(Yesterday)
Dusk had fallen though one could not tell from within the Throne Room of the palace. Wynstar  listened, if only to humor the stranger, to Varia speak. His mind was more turned toward thoughts of his daughter and the disturbing word of his wife's vision. "Warrior Perrine...." He let that thought linger. "Indeed a fitting title. Your wish to travel with her is noted and I approve of this. Having a healer along may well prove of use. We have no way of knowing just what awaits you should you venture forth." He remarked coolly sitting upright once again. "I see your point, M'lord. " Perrine finally managing to look up at him. It would be nice to have someone along since none of the other knights were allowed to leave the Northern Plains "I cannot afford to spare any of my own men right now. I have been dealing with those mangy mongrels along the northern borders to the west of the Frozen Mountains. Two villages have fallen victims to raids within a month's time. Elara's knights have been busy with keeping the peace to the south with both armies spreading out to keep order in between. Something has been stirring up the rabble and it is taxing our resources'. Word has come from other kingdoms of the same thing. This Grelisalfar only seems to cement that fact." He sat back in his throne and sighed. "I imagine you came here hoping to find where Elita has headed? Three days ride from here along the main road is a sizeable border town. She was headed in that direction. I have s feeling she will have been well on her way by the time your reach there. Even taking one of the dragons would cost you at least a day and a half lead on her. Elita can be.....elusive when she so desires." He was making a fact there. Elita was sneaky when she needed to be. Perrine was not ready to admit defeat before she even got started. "There has to be a way. One of your wizards must have some sort of tele....." A look of utter astonishment fell over the mare as she suddenly realized something. "...portation spell....." Why had she not thought of this before. For the first time since he had come out to address them one could see a flash of a smile over Wynstar's lips.

"Something you wish to share, Grey Mare?" He sounded a bit amused. Perrine was nothing if not extremely clever when faced with something nearly hopeless like this. She had proven this many times over. One of many reasons she was well known in these parts was her uncanny ability to overcome nearly any obstacle in her path. "The Wards. The very enchantments that protect the temple." Perrine had a very serious face on her right now. "Those wards can teleport you anywhere in this world.....at random, my dear. That is their one purpose. Karea made sure they would scatter entire armies foolish enough to try and lay siege to her temples." Again he stated fact. Perrine stood bolt upright. "Yes. I am aware of that fact and also the fact that Karea herself put the wards in place when she first blessed the temple. She controls them, milord." As Perrine's tone grew excited Wynstar had to smile again and even glanced over to Varia as if proud in this moment. "Go on..." She remarked. "If I beg her maybe........." Perrine looked at Wynstar as if she could no longer wait to be on her way. "Then go and tempt your fate, Grey Mare. If your hopes hold true we shall know of it when.....and if you return." Perrine bowed and turned on her hooves to face Varia now. "You wanted to tag along? Well then get ready for one hell of an adventure......if this works." She turned and strode, with some zest, for the doors intending to return to the temple and test her theory........

(Present)
Elita only looked around as they emerged from darkness into the light. It was clear now that they had left that wretched place and emerged somewhere.....exactly where had they emerged? This wasn't the town nor was the town anywhere within site.. "where in the..." She thought quietly to herself noting the human was now walking away. She looked up and saw what appeared to be...."The Frozen Mountains?!?" Judging from the position of several peaks they were on the wrong side of the mountains. They were reversed which could only mean......"Oh for the mercy of....."She stated with some surprise and a shit load of worry. The Far Northlands? She had to gather her dignity quietly. She could only hope she was dead wrong and those were some other mountains and she was badly mistaken. Drawing a quick breath she huffs and follows the human........

(Yesterday)
Varia: I bowed again in acknowledgement of Lord Wynstars words, turning to leave along with Perrine easily keeping pace with her and wondering about the plan she had in mind and whether it would work...

(Present)
Sethis:  The day was slightly cloudy and a little cooler than I would have liked, but with the 'new' clothing, I didn't notice it as much.  Shaking my head a little with the frustration I had with Elita, I kept silent, asking Nyxis to continue scouting ahead of us so that we wouldn't run into any surprises.

After an hour passed I looked back to Elita, keeping my expression impassive though the walking and fresh air had calmed me down.  Why the hells I had met up with this female was still beyond me, but it had to be something to do with not just the Grelisalfar, but something more...and it scared the hell out of me as to what it might be.

(Yesterday)
Wynstar merely smiled as the mare and her new companion leave the throne room. It was a sly smile. The kind that lent a hint to darker thoughts. Neither of them would have seen it on his face nor would they have seen a shadowy figure emerge from the balcony above. "It would seem, milord, that you plans are going exactly as you had hoped. The Grey Mare will find your daughter as planned and we will be able to move forward now that she is out of the way." It was like aloud whispering hiss. Wynstar grit his teeth and narrowed his glowing red eyes just hearing it. "Indeed. The time is nearly at hand. Soon all our ambitions will be realized. Everything......everything is about to change." Wynstar chuckled coldly to himself.

Perrine had been busy mentally preparing herself for this for nearly an hour now. She stood at the southern entrance to the temple in the dark just beyond the lights from the torches along the outside of the wall. The posted guards wouldn't see them so far out from the walls. If they approached the guards would see them and attempt to stop them. Once per hour one of the guards would leave their post to do a walk along the walls to the next post. This was normal guard rotation at night. It served to keep the guards, at their posts, alert and awake through the night. If you looked down at the temple from above like it was a clock the rotation was counter-clockwise. The guard that remained at the gate would move over to the opposite side of the gate to take his turn in the next rotation. There was roughly 15 minutes before the next guard would show leaving 45 minutes for the next rotation to occur. They would need to charge the gate, and it's ward, within that 15 minute window. 7 ½ minutes was the key. Once they were spotted the alarm would be raised and the guards in rotation would converge on the gate. The Outer walls were not heavily guarded thanks to the Wards that protect the temple. During the day the small guard house at each gate would have 4 or more guards inside checking any weapons in  from visitors and fellow knights. At night it was only the two guards at each post. The gates, themselves, were closed and locked, but the wards came before the gates. The wards that protect the temple were actually just beyond the wall. The gates are recessed into the wall about 20 feet. Each of the gates was about 20 feet deep due to the ramparts in these containing the Guard houses along with a small armory. All that can seen of the guard house was an 8 foot long grated window with a heavy steel door next to it. The armory lay just behind that room. Anyone trying to attack the temple would encounter the wards well before they could even touch the metal gates just beyond them. 

"Karea. Goddess of the winter. Mother of the wind. I ask that you hear my prayer. Seek now my heart and know my intent to be true. I am Perrine. Daughter of Balius and servant of your will. I pray to find Elita. Daughter of Elara and your faithful servant. Hear my plea and grant me this one request, Karea. Take us to her. Take us to my heart's desire that I might protect her as you have seen me do. As you have willed me to do. We ask for your help. We beg for your help. I cast my breath to your winds, dear mother, please hear it." it was a quiet prayer and one she felt in her heart. For a moment she stood there in the dark as if waiting. All that could be seen or felt was a slight breeze that whispered by. Perrine swore she heard, within that breeze, and soft voice. "Come onto me my child and know I have heard you." Only Perrine would have heard this. To Varia it would have just been an odd sound in the wind. Perrine snorted and seemed to tense up. She was getting ready to charge the gate. "Alright. Get ready. The guards will rotate any second now. Remember to stay very close to me and do not stop for anything. The guards will try to halt you, but they may pause when they see me coming." She looked back to her new companion. "I do not know what is going to happen once we hit that gateway. The wards could send us anywhere so be ready. We should end up near Elita at the very least." Perrine squats down and gets herself into a starting position like a sprinter would do. "We will need to be as fast as possible, but I will try to keep a pace you should be able to keep up with. If you fall behind I cannot guarantee you'll be teleported with me. No telling where you'll wind up if you even make the gate." She didn't want to sound strict or anything, but she had to make that ward no matter what. She needed to be with Elita and that was the most important thing right now. She saw the guards start the rotation. "Wait......." Had to be timed just right. They had to wait at least 7 minutes before they could charge the gate and the unsuspecting guard still guarding it. "Wait....." she told herself trying to count the seconds of the minutes.

She waited until the right moment approached. "Now. GO!" Perrine's long legs tense as she pushed off and lunged forward. Ears pinned back as her hood slipped from her head as planned. Her face fully exposed so the waiting guard would notice. From the corners of her eyes she tried to watch along the wall to either side of the gate for any guards. There shouldn't be any, but they'd be coming once the guard at the gate, the one who just noticed them coming, snapped to attention at the site he beheld. He looked at though he was about to shout something as he raised a hand to them in an attempt to halt them, but then he suddenly fell silent. Perrine could just make out what appeared to be a small funnel of wind emerge from the guards, A rather large brown stallion, mouth. He had been silenced! By whom? No that didn't matter and she refocused on the gate. "Almost there!" She panted. Moments later Perrine hit the ward head on and simply vanished right there on the spot. No so much as a flash of light to be seen nor even the slightest of sounds. Upon the rampart above the gate, where they would not have seen her, Elara stood in silence watching them. "Go, Perrine. May Karea guide you both......."

(Present)
Elita was busy keeping an eye out. Looking around while trying to make it look like she wasn't. If it wasn't for the hood hiding her face she would have looked somewhat un-nerved right now. This was bad. Real bad. Even this close to the mountains they were not safe. This was Unagi Territory. At least she thought it was. The wolf tribes were nearly always fighting over territory. Constantly taking and retaking territory and changing their borders. That made it real hard to know who had what lands and when. "Of all the places to end up....we are nowhere near Penny Falls!" That came out a little louder than she had wanted. "By Karea's mercy.....if the Unagi catch us hear we are dead." her father had a kind of peace treaty with the Unagi, but trespassing, of any kind, on their lands was not tolerated at all. They'd be captured and brought before Thorne Silvermane. There they would either be thrown into some dirty, musty, old smelly dungeon and executed in the morning or just killed on the spot. "And if the Crested Fangs find us......" She shuddered at the thought of what they would do to her. The Human they would just rip apart and cook him over a camp fire, but her? She tried to push that though out. His Avalar would prove to be of some use in a fight, but the Crest Fangs travel in very large groups. They would be overwhelmed quickly and even if they managed an escape they would most likely be hunted from them on. Not to mention the Unagi, if they didn't find  them before the Crested Fang, would find out they were there and also come looking. Without even realizing it she had placed her hand upon Elder edge's pommel. She moves her ears inside her hood trying to listen out for any signs the wolves might have spotted them. They would hear a series of low howls if they got spotted. An alert call to notify others in the area. So far she didn't hear anything........yet.

(Yesterday)
Varia:  I watched and waited with Perrine, gathering what energy I could to be ready to move when she did, Linking with Erron so he would have a better idea of where I would be...if we did indeed go anywhere.
At her command, I didn't bother to run so much as glide swiftly across the ground beside the horse woman, as much a natural talent of my people as a gift from being an Avalar.  At the last moment I took hold of the back of Perrine's belt, so that I would be drawn through the magicks along with her...

(Present)
Sethis:  Slowing my pace a little so I was nearer to Elita, I looked to her calmly.
"You know...if you say that just a little louder...we might actually get noticed and you can find out for yourself who has caught sight of us, and what they might do in person," I said some what caustically.  "I mean first hand accounts are so much more informative than the dull tutors you must have had in your nice plush castle or temple..."

She had never been teleported before so she had no idea, whatsoever, just what to expect. It was almost instantaneous and before she could so much as blink she found herself emerging face first into a huge pile of snow! It was a quick flash of light followed by bitter cold and lots of white. She wasn't hurt so much as surprised. "Where the ffff...." Picking her head up she quickly looked around. It was now bright and sunny out. Teleportation was not an exact science so she figured it must have taken longer than the blink of an eye to get wherever Karea's ward had dropped them off. it took only a more thorough look around their surroundings to finally realize where they had both wound up. About 30 yards away she could just make out what appeared to be a pole with a tattered red banner affixed to it. The banner bore a large white wolf Paw print with two black curved swords crossed under it. Wafting lightly in the cold breeze. "For the love of.....watch where you step. Please watch where your step.* Looking around to find Varia almost right behind her. "See that banner over there?" Getting up on all fours she tilts her head in the banner's direction. "The is the crest of the Unagi Tribe.....well it was about 200 years ago. Where are sitting right next to where their army froze to death. They tried to invade the Northern Plains some 200 years ago. They made the mistake of thinking they could sneak through the mountain passes to reach Penny Falls. 20,000 wolves lay buried under this snow and ice. Frozen, legend has it, right in their tracks. Karea's realm. She is believed to call  the Frozen Mountains her home. Very few people have ever seen this place and fewer still will seek it out. After their army failed to take Penny Falls or return the Unagi simply abandoned them here along with the hopes of conquering the Northern Plains." Perrine then stood up as best she could in the deep snow and pulled her hood over her head. "General Longthorne had no idea these mountains are sacred. He didn't stand a chance against Karea's wrath." Looks back to Varia. "It is forbidden to disturb them. Legends say that any who do join them in their icy tombs." Perrine looked straight ahead and down the face of a very long slope. At the foot of that slope she could just make out a small path that lead further down the side of the mountain. She points down towards the small path. "There....that looks like a path leading down. We should get off this slope as quickly as we can and see if we can find one of the mountain paths. If we stay here too long we will freeze to death. We should be somewhere near the Crystal Peak. There are several paths there not many know about. They are safe paths, but people still fear to tread near here." Perrine half turned around pointed back to the massive peak behind them. "That.....is the White Giant. It is believed that the very first temple to Karea was built high atop the peak. No one has ever dared climb to the top." She started wading through the snow carefully. One wrong step and she'd drop right down in. There had to be a reason they were sent here. Elita should be nowhere near these mountains! What was going on? She was ure Karea had heard her prayer. Why would she have sent them here? As perrine carefully made her way through the snow closer and closer to the path below she was unaware that she was a lot closer to Elita than she believed.........

Elita had tuned him out already. She had her focus on the mountains ahead and on home just on the other side of them. This whole journey was turning out to be a nightmare. She had never expected to be involved in such a situation as this. She felt, however, that there had to be a reason for all of this. The human, apparently, had some role to play in all of this as did his odd friend. The wind suddenly shifts and starts coming in from directly behind them  as if urging them toward the mountains. Once they reached the mountains they should be safe. The wolves tend to avoid them altogether out of fear of Karea. They had good enough reason as well. 20,000 wolves had met their fates there. She brings herself out of her train of thought and re-focuses on the human again. I hope you know where we are headed. These mountains are considered sacred land. Karea's realm. Any who trespass upon the White Giant meet with a frigid fate......" She lifts her right hand pointing to the highest and largest of the peaks. The very tip now completely obscured by heavy clouds. She thought of suggesting to find a way around, but that would take entirely too long and timme, she  thought, was short in this matter. She kept pace with the human staying about two arm's length just behind him to his left.

Varia:  Going from a warm calm afternoon only to be dumped into a bank of snow taller than my shoulders, I gasped at the sudden cold as I fell to my knees, my head vanishing.  Crouching there and shivering after only a few moments of exposure, I closed my eyes, fighting to regain some semblance of clam and self control.  Taking deep breaths as I listened to Perrine's explanation as to where we were and the dangers; part of my mind already seeking to link with the energies of the mountain itself, hoping to gain some means to keep warm.
"Easy there," Erron whispered in his gravelly voice to my mind.  He was close, but not willing to take form before an outsider just yet.  I let out a slow breath, and on the next inhalation, I felt the mountains warm earth energy start to flow into me, warming my core and banishing the cold.
Silently thanking my companion, I stood and looked around, taking in the remains of the banner and noting in a few places where the snow had blown almost completely away to reveal unusual shapes in the snow.

I noted the temple, and a few other things, as well as the fact that the air seemed to have an unusual energy to it that would have to belong to the wind goddess.  Yet for all the fact that we were within the reaches of the sky, we stood upon a mountain of stone, something that linked us to Grell, the earthen lord.
"Trust in the stone," I said, moving up ontop of the snow, my feet barely making any impressions in it due to my light weight and the practiced tread of a monk.
Within a matter of moments, I could see a clear patch of stone that looked like it had once been a well worn path.
Stepping down onto it, I felt a surge of energy, and with a small request, caused the path to gain a little more roughness to it so that we might have some better traction...

Sethis:  Shaking my head, I glanced about once more, sending a silent request to Nyxis as to whether she had found anything, or how far we were from the mountain pass.
"Nothing as of yet," she sent to me, both relieved and somewhat worried.  "We are at least half a day away from the mountain pass where we encountered those corpses."
I grimaced at the memory of stumbling onto them, not knowing at the time just who they had been or why they had gone up the mountain only to die.
"Please keep an eye out for trouble," I thought to her, giving a resigned sigh as I paused a moment, looking up towards where we had encountered the strange structure and dead army a few years ago.

"Do you know anything of the mountains?  Or rather why an army would have tried to cross them?" I asked Elita, not really knowing if she would bother to answer.

(No need to reiterate what has been said in the earlier post by Perrine, just that Sethis isn't aware of who or what led the army in the past.)

Hazarding a guess. "Oh? So you have seen them?" Now she had at least a rough gauge of where they were. "The frozen army. You risked much by finding  them even if all you did was stumble around these mountains. They are Unagi Soldiers. They tried to invade the plains some 200 years or so ago." She smiled a little and looked up at the White Giant peak. "Those mangy wolves squander their lands and resources with their constant fighting. Their lands have been in turmoil as far back as anyone can remember. Being this far to the north doesn't leave the mutts with much opportunity other than to try and expand south. They covet or lands for their abundant resources and unspoiled beauty. That is what got that army frozen solid high up in these hills. They dared cross Karea and challenge her children. So she stopped them in their tracks. 20,000 strong..." Looking back to the human again. "Be warned....stray to far from this path and you will most likely join them as well." She could only assume this path was safe for the moment. Very few souls ever dared these paths for fear of meeting a frigid fate or having to tangle with the creatures who live amongst the various peaks of the mountain range. She stilled herself and continued to follow the human content to allow him to find his own fate in this place.

Perrine hadn't really been paying attention to Varia. Right now she was busy listening around and keeping a sharp eye out for any danger. There was plenty of that to be had in the Frozen Mountains. A goddess wasn't the only thing making it's home here. All manner of creature dwelt here and some of those didn't take lightly to anyone or anything trespassing in their domain. After what seemed like an eternity Perrine breathed a sigh of relief as her hooves finally clacked lightly on the stones of the path. Once she was on that path a light breeze blew down it headed north. "North it is then......" She hoped this was Karea's hand and not just the natural course of the wind moving through the mountains. Looking back to see where her companion had gone too. "Everything ok? I haven't lost you I hope." Brief smile then serious face.

Sethis:  "I guess the old saying 'Ignorance is Bliss' might have a kernel of truth," I commented, a faint smile coming to my lips for a brief moment.  It had been a grim discovery the first time, and it was only thanks to Nyxis that I had managed to survive the long trek at all the first time.

Either way-
-my head came up sharply and I stopped, my gaze going to the summit of the mountain as I felt the presence of something...similar to me ahead.  Still distant but close enough to allow me get a sense that another Avalar was close.  Though, who or what they were....another matter and one that may or may not be answered...

Varia:  "Fine," I murmured, my eyes gazing down the mountainside, towards the lowlands ahead, my steps slowing as I took in the new presence.  Another...Strange...in what few writings I had read about those blessed with elemental companions, each age had at least one.  When there was more than one...it usually indicated a prelude to something of great importance or change about to take place in the history of Farium.  What did it mean?
"Erron?"
"I'm here...and everywhere," my companion assured me, silently speaking to my mind.  "I feel them...how shall we proceed?"
"As the Sa dictates, Erron.  As the Sa dictates," I replied slowly, going from walking on the ground to sliding along it, watching the patterns of earthen energy shimmer to my eye as I followed the direction of the path illuminated before me, just slightly faster than the pace Perrine had set, but not to the point where she'd lose sight of me...

And Perrine had no trouble keeping up. Seems her knew companion had more zest than she had figured. Oddly enough Perrine was feeling more energetic herself now that the disorientation had worn off. Being thrown from one place in time to another was a bit more taxing than she would have thought. She had also taken notice of the time change. When they charged the ward it was night time. Now it was middle of the day. She picked up her pace a tad so that she was now walking next to Varia. Now that things seemed to have calmed a bit it was time to gather whatever info she could. "Ok. I have been holding off for long enough. Just who are you and why are you here? I know you just didn't pop up out of the blue and decide to follow someone you have never met until just yesterday." She had to smile while she asked. This could prove to be an interesting conversation. Besides....she had never even seen an armadillo until just yesterday and she simply wanted to learn whatever she could about her companion. Getting to know allies was the best way to work with them and made it easier on everyone when there was some sort of understanding. Her hooves clacked quietly along the stone path. She was nearly as silent as a unicorn. She watched the path carefully and did her best to keep her ears and eyes open to their surroundings. "I am not trying to pry, mind you. It just seems a little......odd that we met like that. By the way, in case you missed it, My name is Perrine. Perrine of Thistlewood. I...ah...don't have a last name really." Figuring she would get the conversation started. Didn't want to seem rude by asking questions without first introducing herself. She'd answer any questions she was asked as well.

Elita sighed and shook her head not really saying anything at his comment. "I would not say that their ignorance was bliss." She felt a little cold at the thought of all those wolves buried under tons of ice and snow up there on the side of the White Giant. "Why did you bring us here? You could have just taken us to Penny Falls, couldn't you? Do you enjoy doing everything the hard way or can you really not control you.....power? She did this kind of wiggly figure thing as she cocked an eyebrow at him. "And just what is this serpent...thing that persists on following you around and where does she come from? Feeling a tad cold she pulls her cloak a tad tighter around her. Right now she was trying to keep her mind clear and remain calm. These mountains were not the place to come unhinged. There were many dangers and it was easy to get lost. "And why are you interested in following me about. Do you not have better things to do?" Her tone didn't seem to be as snaky as it had in the past. A bit more relaxed and curious really, but now where near as snotty as it had benn.

Varia:  "My name is Varia Sand-step, and as for my reason to follow you, I do as my Sa directs me to," I replied, slowing just enough to be beside Perrine, my gaze still wandering the landscape below.  "Intuition or gut feeling is what you...northerners call it.  My people have learned how to listen and trust such feelings, as part of our culture's training.  As for what I'm doing in these lands...currently I'm acting as a healer for you..."  I gave a sidewards glance and a reassuring smile.  "My time in these lands has been...most instructive."

Sethis:  "Yes, 'We' could have taken you straight outside the gates of Penny Falls.  As to why we didn't, various reasons, the first and foremost of which is that ever since we first met you, you've been an ungrateful, stuck up wench, rather than a level headed, practical and thankful daughter of a local lord," I replied, keeping my tone even though not hiding the sarcasm.  "As much as some nobles are raised to think and believe that the world revolves around them, their money, military, and spiritual pious declarations, the reality of things is a hell of a lot different.  Take three years on the road, traveling without a title, coin, or even an inkling as to who you are or your own family is...or was...fighting to survive simply from one day to the next...you will find a different perspective from the life of luxury you may have had at home."

I paused, drawing in a deep breath and simply looking around, taking in the landscape that was at once foreboding and strangely majestic at the same time."As for my...powers...they are linked to Nyxis...and if you had been truly paying attention earlier, you would have understood what she is.  She...Is a being of the element of Void, chaos...from which all things emerge through the action and will of others, even the gods, and to which all things eventually return...except perhaps the spirits of those who have died before.  As to the reason we are following you...We don't know for certain, but we can feel that you are somehow part...of events to come that we are to be part of.  I think that Some of what we've witnessed was meant to be...especially the Grelisalfar."

Perrine listened to Varia intently even though she was still focused on the task at hand. Things just seemed....wrong. In so many way things seemed wrong. She was stripped of her Knighthood because Elara had made mention she would need to leave the Northern Plains and yet here she was starting off in the Frozen Mountains which are part of the Northern Plains. Wynstar had been vague and not nearly as much help as he should have been. Almost as if his concern for his own daughter were not as deep as it should have been. And why send her out on her own to begin with? Certainly he had to have realized Elita was nowhere near as prepared for something if this magnitude as was proper. There were way too many holes in all of this. And why here? Elita had headed in opposite direction so why had Karea put them here in the mountains? Then that sudden wind that convinced the mare to head north along the pass. Her faith in Karea not withstanding it was also a "gut feeling" just like Varia had mentioned. "Just so you know...uhm...magic doesn't really work on me for some ungodly reason." She turned to look at Varia not even giving the slightest hint her mind had also been plagued with other matters. "And as far as "gut feeling" goes I have always gone with mine. It gets me into and out of more trouble than I care to recall, but I am still breathing to see this day." She suddenly felt the urge to pick up the pace a little. Something was just down the road. She did feel it as plain as the day and they were getting real close now. "Something is just down the road. We should pick up the pace a bit, but stay on your guard. This path is the safest through the mountains, but that isn't really saying much." She knickers a little feeling both anxious and apprehensive as she sped up just a tad again.

Elita snorted and shook her head. "So...because you are upset with me....you land us neatly in Wolf territory where we can be attacked and possibly killed. All while that Grelisafar roams around killing innocent people and doing who knows what else. When you could have dropped us off right in front of the palace where I could have warned my father....and his army....of the danger that presents. Where we could have had an army out looking for that thing instead of hiking through these mountains passes trying to get back too....never mind" She snorted again and simply stepped up her pace ahead of him feeling this conversation was about to devolve into an argument that there was really no place for at the moment. A gust of wind whipped up and took her hood off her head. Long locks of her pink mane wafted back in the breeze. There just had to be a reason for all of this, but what was it? Certainly she didn't meet this human and his companion for nothing, but there were no answers that she could see or think of. Was he right? Was she part of something to come? What was it and to what end did she have a part to play?

Varia:  "It was safest," I said, a split second after Erron's warning reached me.  Sliding to a stop, I raised both hands and crossed my wrists before me, the ground rising in a matter of minutes to form a broad wall of rough stone, four feet thick, ten feet wide, and just over five feet tall.  Standing behind it, I gestured for Perrine to do the same and hunker down.  My elemental companion had warned me of something aside from the other Avalar, which was near.  Something large was moving closer, and from what little Erron could sense, there was part of a path ahead that was frequently crossed by it.

At first I could hear nothing but the wind blowing, the occasional bird...there...Ponderous footfalls, something dragging through the snow and rock, and heavy breaths...issuing from multiple throats.  Mist started to form to the right of us, and in moments, most of our surroundings were obscured, save for a faint shadow that steadily grew darker...

Sethis:  "Sometimes...things are not that easy," I said to no one in particular.  Taking a deep breath, I was about to ask a question when Nyxis sent a warning.
"We're about to run into trouble," She told me, her presence drawing closer.
"What kind of trouble?" I asked openly, making it plane I wanted to keep Elita in the loop.
"Our old friend, Death-gale," she stated with no small grimace of her own, her eyes flaring bright blue.  I swore softly, my head coming up as I started scanning for the telltale mist cloud that followed the creature.
"When we were here two years ago, we ran into a denizen of these mountains.  A frost hydra that's got an appetite for cruelty as much as frozen corpses.  If that wasn't bad enough, the bastard has nine heads and enough scars to make up for a couple centuries of fights," I told her, scanning the ridge ahead and feeling the presence of the other Avalar drawing closer.  "We didn't part on good terms that time..."

Perrine not only got low, but quickly sought out an excellent vantage point in some adjacent rocks just a little higher up from the path itself. Needing to get a better view of whatever was approaching. Her hands first went to seek out her twin short swords, but paused and then reached for her trusty glaive. She had just oiled her swords earlier yesterday. That oil would still be fresh and the aroma would be rather pungent right now. The odor would have given her away. Leaving them in their scabbards hid that odor. The glaive, on the other hand, she hadn't gotten around to cleaning and oiling just yet. Not to mention she had better reach with it. In her hands the weapon remained folded so she would better stay hidden. Thumb on the release she could snap it and bring the blade to bear when needed. Steady and quiet she began formulating several possible plans of attack and retreat. The path had many large rocks, ditches, and caves all around the area small enough to keep this thing out should they need to fall back. Caves were the last resort as they would be trapped after going in any one of them unless she could find one that was connected to one or more others. She got her back firm against a boulder she had ducked behind and leaned left craning her head around the boulders edge just enough to get a good look while still having Varia in her lkine of site just off to the right....

"Oh goody." She shrugged and sighed. "First time I see you I nearly get captured by some freaky elf with an eye on his arm and now I am gonna get easten by a nine headed gecko that has a problem with you. Do the adventures never end?" She hardly sounded amused at that point. She stood there looking about until she spotted a niche between to rocks. She slipped easily in between them pulling her cloak back over her head and trying to think of a spell or two she could muster quickly. They had to be potent ones too. Hydraa were nothing to take lightly. Instinct had her hand on the sword's handle ready to draw it. Hopefully that ungodly scream would scare the fowl thing off or at least make it think twice. She peeks out carefully watching to see where Sethis had gotten too........

Sethis:  I had ducked into a shadow not far away from Elita, but behind the Hydra, not that it would matter all that much if some of the heads were looking back.  Peering out from behind the boulder, I watched the draconic creature slowly making its way along the slope.
Its scales were a faint grey/white, with blue tints and patches along its hide.  Six heads wove back and forth, the eyes gleaming the bright blue of glacier ice; the body easily the size of a two story inn in height at the shoulder, fifteen feet in length, and at least half that wide, the necks and tail fifteen feet long, the backs of which were covered with spines that resembled ice and granite spikes.

If this turned into a battle, it wasn't going to be easy.  What little I knew of Hydra's and their ilk wasn't encouraging.  Despite the scars that marked Death-gale's hide, I had born witness to the regenerative abilities it possessed during the last confrontation we had.  It was only thanks to Nyxis that I had survived, and even then, only due to a small cave we had come across...

Varia:  Erron showed me the presence of the others who were nearby, the Hydra blissfully ignorant at the moment to our presence.
"Its not as ignorant as we might like to think," Erron told me, sensing my unspoken hope.  "Its heartbeat has risen...it senses someone is near."
Closing my eyes a moment, I took in a deep breath, placing a finger on the soil and starting to write slowly in the language prevalent in this continent.  I could feel Perrine's presence and the others, and in the soil before them, the words would appear as a warning.
'It knows we are here.'

Ok....what do we have...."Her mind was already racing as she looked over to where she had last seen Varia. "A healer. No way she is going to have any offense spells powerful enough to put a scratch on this thing." Quickly takes a moment to recall what she had on her. "My glaive isn't strong enough to pokes holes in those scales and I can't use it to lop off heads. Short swords are.....too short. Daggers, knives.....shit. Nothing either of us have is going to even scare this thing. It sees us and we are eaten." Perrine was positive it was at least aware something was about. It was searching about as if it had picked up on something. Perrine was always ready for a fight, but this was way out of their capability right now. If she had an entire platoon of knights with her it might have been a different story, but all she had was herself and a healer against nine heads filled with razor sharp teeth atop two stories of heavy scaled hide. Perrine watched with caution and didn't like what she was feeling. "Fuck.......it knows......" she thought to herself wanting to curse this run of bad luck right now.  Had it seen them coming up the pass? No. It would have already known where to look if it had. It might have heard them or even picked up on their scent at some point. It certainly seemed to know roughly where to look. They must have been no more than a few dozen feet from this thing. Even though it hadn't struck it wasn't moving anymore. It stopped where it was and searched. Perrine knew that meant only one thing. It knew they were there, but just not exactly where. The Glaive suddenly snapped open making only the slightest sound muffled by the noises the hydra was making as it shifted about on the snow beneath it's feet. She grimaced and bowed her head slightly pulled the glaive up closer to her chest in both hands. She would not make a single move until she was certain it had found them.....

Elita had a death grip on the handle now. The only thing keeping her from drawing was the fact she knew what would happen the very second the blade came out. The sword's shrill cry would immediately give her away and creatures like this would not be subject to the scream of the sword. If anything it would only enrage the creature further. She squats down as much as she can hoping the thing doesn't notice her and moves on. She lost track of where the human had gone and she really didn't care right now. Her mind had already gone blank. Any spells she had mustered with fleeting memories. Still she thought she could hear something. A very faint whisper almost. Like something was trying to get into her mind. Urge her onward, but to what and why?

Sethis:  I noticed the writing in the dirt, but kept silent, not really surprised that somehow someone was trying to help communicated with us.  I could sense that the Avalar was near, but as to whether the message was from that person, I wasn't about to call out and ask.
"...Sethis..." Nyxis had an idea as to what I wanted to do, and didn't like where my thoughts were going.

"We don't have much choice.  Someone has to act," I sent to her, slowly gathering the magicks around myself, feeling a little less substantial.  Sinking into the shadows, I emerged ahead of the hydra behind a mound of broken rocks, possibly smashed by some avalanche yeas ago.  Chills passed through me that had nothing to do with the coolness of the air as I took a deep breath...

"Follow the leader you six headed twisted excuse for a lizard!"  I shouted in draconic, sending five shadowy images of myself dashing in different directions along the slope before running out myself, my voice seeming to come from each of them at the same time.

There was a roar followed by a frigid blast of air that brushed past my left side, numbing pain biting into my arm as I tumbled behind another set of stones and sank into shadows.  Nyxis was waiting for me, feeding more of her essance into me to stave off the effects of Death-gales breath weapon while cursing me in multiple languages...

Varia:  I started at the sudden unintelligent shouting and the subsequent roar from the hydra as it suddenly lunged forward, moving far faster than I thought was possible.  I felt a surge of alien energy coming from ahead following what sounded like a blast of cold wind.
'Well...'
I didn't finish the thought as I jumped ontop of the wall and made a sweeping gesture with both hands as I spun in place, exerting my will on the already abundant earth energies present.  The ground erupted right beside the Hydra, the rock slamming into it and knocking it sideways against the slope!

Perrine was mildly surprised at what she was witnessing. Had guessed her new friend had access to elemental magic. "Well now. Varia you can color me impressed!" She exclaimed clutching her Glaive bringing the heavy blade of the weapon around, in a readied position, to bear on the Hydra. The sudden shouting just ahead also provided an additional opening. "Foul thing knows we are here now! No turning back...." Hoof hit the ground and Perrine rushed forward to the edge of the path opposite to her. This section of the path was just high enough to get above the hydra in one good leap. Those powerful legs of hers easily had the strength to pull off such a leap too. The Glaive, raised high over her head in both hands, glinted lightly in the bright sun. She had to time this just right. The Hydra, at least one head anyway, looked in her direction just in time to catch that heavy blade right in the left eye. The thing was pinned to the slope just long enough. The Glaive's blade dug  deep and dug fast into the eye as Perrine's hooves planted right on it's cheek, She gripped the shaft of the glaive pressing it inward as far as the blade could go until it actually hit the bone behind the eye. She had to move fast. Letting herself swing around, using her momentum, on the shaft of the glaive letting go with one hand while quickly reaching for a dagger with the other. The Hydra, still reeling from Varia's magical attack and what appeared to be at least 5 people running around down below trying to distract it now had to contend with two additional attackers. She retrieved the dagger from it sheathe tucked just under the right breast of her armor as she let go of the glaive and slid across the top of the head. Gripping the dagger she huffed and swung for the right eye. The blade of the dagger slicing into the eye's soft flesh easily digging deep. She releases the dagger as the head rears back howling in pain. She slips back along the head and attempts to slide down the neck as far as she can. She already had eyes on another head swinging around to see her, One head was now disabled. With the glaive and the dagger buried deep in it's eyes they would not be able to heal up and that head was now blind and nearly useless. She was already plotting her next attack as she managed to reach the Hydra's back stopping her slide by grabbing one of it's icy spikes. Back here any of the heads would be at a considerable disadvantage. Any attack that missed her, be it breath weapon or simply trying to bite, would only inflict damage upon it's own body. Perrine reaches around to her left hip gripping the handle of her short sword to draw it from the scabbard. "Next!" She kind of stood there with her short sword in her left hand gripping that icy spine with her right.

Hearing the commotion Elita froze up. The sudden excitement caught her off guard and her mind just went blank. Trembling, her hand was still upon the handle of her sword. She wanted to draw it out, but she just could seem to get her hand to move. She heard the shouts from Sethis and the roar of the Hydra. Something was going on, but all she could do was sit there behind the rock frozen in her tracks. "Come one, Elita, COME ON! You can't just sit here and do nothing!" She willed herself to move. To do something, but her body just refused to move. She couldn't help but recall the incident back in the town. She had simply reacted, drawn her sword, and lopped that human's hand right off at the wrist. She grit her teeth and tried to push it out of her mind. The Hydra howled. It sounded like a painful one. There was also a rumble in the ground just prior to that. It helped her snap out of her trance briefly. Ears perking at the sound of voices under the roaring and howling of the hydra. Just then...right there...she thought she might have heard.... "Perrine?" It couldn't be! Just couldn't. She had to know! She had to see.. She peaks out a bit keeping her back to the boulder and her hand tight on the sword at her hip.

The nearest head had turn around. This one seemed to be the largest of them and the angriest from the look of it. It's eyes glaring at the equine on it's back. The equine who had blinded one of it's heads and cause the searing pain. This equine would pay for that! It snarled as the blinded head flailed around a bit trying to shake the blades in it's eyes. That wasn't going to happen. Those blades were in way too deep now. Perrine stood there defiant upon the thing's back The hydra was still pinned for the moment, but it struggled to free itself and once it did? This Equine on it's back. Along with these annoying others were all going to pay! They would make tasty morsels indeed. Perrine braced herself ready for the head to strike. Gripping her sword in a ready stance as it finally made it's move. "Let's go, Gecko!" She sneered as the head lunged with it's gaping maw wide open. Her blade came up as she ducked behind the icy spike she had been holding onto to her right, The Hydra craned it's long neck and just missed her. Perrine, who had carefully watched, planted her right hoof and lunged back toward the head thrusting her left had forward. Her sword's tip struck the Hydra just behind the left side of the jaw. There was no scale there. The jaw had to be flexible as to open and close so there was only bare, leathery flesh there, The sword easily slit the flesh and went up to the hilt. The tip penetrated deep enough that it was now on the inside of the mouth. She grabbed the handle with both hand and pulled down. In pain the hydra jerked it's head upward. The two actions combined and caused the blade of her sword to slice the flesh of the jaw wide open. "Shit!" She lost her footing  and slide off the Hydra's back falling down between the creature and the slope it was still pinned against. The hydra moved it's haunches and pressed itself against the slope trying to crush the small equine it now had trapped. Perrine grunts and cries out getting squashed between the rock and the hydra's scaly hide.

"Perrine?!?" She was sure of it now. Somehow...someway it had to be her. Elita could not deny the voice she recognized just now. She round the boulder and just saw her friend slip off the back of the monster and cry out. One head was flailing around with a glaive and a dagger stuck in it's eyes. Another head seemed to be bleeding badly from the jaw and mouth. "Perrine!!!!" The shrill cry carried to the heavens as she drew it out. The sword drew in the air around it and burned white hot. All thought just seemed to stop. Perrine cried out in pain from somewhere down along. "Bastards!!!" Elder Edge chimed as the tip hit several stones sticking out of the ground. The Unicorn charged forward. The Hydra swung one of it's heads towards her as it heard that horrid screaming coming towards it. Elita raised the blade and leapt off the edge. Annoyed by the noise and already in pain from Perrine's attacks the beast was blinded by it's own rage and attacked the Unicorn head on. She swung as hard as she could and the burning blade dug into the Hydra's snout as if it was cutting through butter. There was this hissing noise as the white hot blade seared the creatures flesh while it passed through it. The shrill cry was relentless and only seemed to get even more intense as the sword tasted the hydra's flesh and scale. Dropping to the ground Elita rolled to one side and raised the sword again. She could fee the thing draining her. She still couldn't see where Perrine was and she lost track of Sethis in all the commotion earlier. There was not a lot of time to think. The Hydra seemed to be disoriented now. Too many to enemies to deal with. Elita felt like cursing herself for not having acted earlier, but there was time for that later. She gripped the sword and rushed forward to press her advantage. She had too. She felt the urge too strongly and could not seem to resist it. Running forward she went for the right leg of the Hydra. The sword screamed out and sliced deep into the Hydra's leg severing muscle and bone as it sliced through. "Get away from her!!!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs though she doubted anyone could hear her over the sword..............


(apologies if I got a bit carried away)

Sethis:  I winced as I heard Elita's sword shriek after being drawn; but this time both Nyxis and I were ready to deal with it.  There was no way I could do damage to the Hydra as I was, not even with the unexpected aid of the Avalar and her brazen equine companion (what the hell was it with me and attracting equines anyways?).
Sinking into the shadows again, I allowed myself to open completely to Nyxis, our thoughts, our bodies, our energies merging-

- We reached up out of the Hydra's shadow, Seventeen arms of star filled shadow, our face oozing out of the ground beneath the creatures chest.  There was no emotion, no notice of the painful scream generated by the hateful blade the unicorn held.  This thing threatened Us and those We traveled with...It would be consumed and returned to the Void.  Our face split again and again, and again; revealing a many toothed triangular maw where light itself seemed to dissapear and flow out of; easily the size of the Hydra's shoulder.  Hissing we took a bite, the beast howling with rage, the heads writhing along with the body as it struggled to get free, breaths of glacial frost spraying the mountainside as it panicked!

Varia:  I winced as the shriek that filled the air, my ears folding back as I stumbled, shocked and pained by the sound and sudden force of energy the new stranger had released!
'ERRON!'
My companion needed no other prompt to join in.  Erupting from the slope above the Hydra, Erron barreled into the squirming draconic creature, resembling a living reptilian avalanche of stone and crystal, multiple horns curved forward like a bulls crowing his head.
Crystal pierced flesh, blueish blood fountained as Erron kept the Hydra pinned against the stone, his six legs braced to keep the frozen being from getting free.

"El....Elita?" Perrine grunted painfully barely able to breath with the Hydra's weight squeezing the breath from her lungs. The pain was nearly unbearable and she swore she felt a bone or two crack under the pressure. The beast howled and lurched again. This time it was just enough for Perrine to drop to the ground. Freed from it's hide and the rock she rolls out from under the hydra and attempts to scramble away from it. It was about then that the piercing scream filled the air. Perrine grabbed at her ears trying to block the sword's shrill cry. Elita had not even noticed Perrine scramble out from under the hydra as she pressed her attack.  Crippled by that blow to the leg the creature thrashed about as Sethis and Varia set there attacks in motion. "Why......WHY ARE YOU NOT DEAD YET?" She cried out in what appeared to be a blind rage turning to face the wounded hydra as it tried to free itself and attack the forces set upon it. Elita brought the sword up again. The blade shrieked and she darted forward heading right for the hydra's large body. She cocked her arms back and thrust forward as hard as she could driving the blade deep into the things flanks. Like slicing butter the blade sunk deep into the creature burning through scale and flesh alike. Perrine, meanwhile, has struggled to her hooves and stumbled. The pain shot through her ribs and she was down on one knee again in a half daze as she tried to watch all the commotion. She did her best to keep her ears covered as she watched on barely believing the spectacle she was witness too.....

Varia:  Struggling to my feet as the ground shuddered, the Hydra's howl suddenly turned into a piercing shriek of agony that exceeded the screaming of whatever magick had just been unleashed.  Almost as one, the heads raised, writhing madly as if to escape whatever had just happened, then-

-The explosion was dull, but no less force-full as the Hyra's body suddenly burst apart from within, showering the slope with blue blood and quivering chunks of flesh.  What was left of the main body slumped to the ground, the heads and necks laying sprawled in a twisted heap before it, some of them severed from the torso but without any signs of life.

Erron shrank his size to something more useful and less intimidating, going over to one of the strangers that had aided in the attack on the beast.  The screaming had stopped thankfully, but whether due to its source having been nullified, or simply willed to quiescence I couldn't say.  My first concern was to the one companion I did have.
Sliding across the ground to Perrine's side, I knelt and lightly placed my hands on her stomach and upper chest, just below her neck, sending my awareness into her energy looking for injuries...

Sethis:  I stumbled out of the shadows, the world before me appearing to be in a haze as I moved closer to Death-gales remains.
"Fuckn' lizard," I mumbled, swaying slightly as I gazed at one head that had been split open along the neck.  Despite the cold, the blood was running freely, something to be expected from a creature that lived in frozen places, but the thought was vague, distant and unimportant.  Turning in place slowly, I spotted Elita to the right of the body on the lower slope, and two other figures above it, along with another critter that must have been somewhat friendly...well...since it wasn't trying to maul the rest of us to death...not yet anyways.

Elder Edge's piercing cry had died out. The blade resuming it's normal unassuming appearance. The tip thanked into the ground at Elita's feet as she stood there, in some trance like state, covered from head to toe in blotches of blue blood from the hydra. Her eyes seemed lifeless and breathing was shallow. The handle of the sword still clutched in her hands while she stared off into the abyss. The sword had drained her nearly all her ethereal energies and left her powerless for now. She barely had enough strength in her left to stand. Perrine had forced herself back to her feet with 3 broken left ribs and several large bruises along the same area. Swallowing the pain she stood up and moved forward. Taking Varia's hands and gently removing them from her person. Elita, on the other hand, finally felt her knees buckle and she dropped down to a sitting position finally dropping the sword at her knees. She still looked out of it. Perrine strutted towards Elita. Questions running through her head. How had Elita gotten way up here? What was she doing with this stranger? She had taken notice of the human earlier and could only assume he was with the unicorn. "Varia? Would you help my friend? She looks like she is going to pass out..."She had to wince a little. Ignoring her own injury to tend to others was more important to her, but it still hurt like hell. The mare made it look like an art form however as she gave little to no indication she had ever been injured to begin with. Reaching Elita she squats down next to the unicorn and brushes some of the blood soaked hair from Elita's face. "Elita?" Perrine's voice took on a soothing tone......

Elita seemed to somewhat snap out of her daze. "Huh?" She looked at the mare squatting next to her. Her eyes widened, if only just a little, at seeing her dearest friend next to her. "Perrine." Elita smiled as wide as she could and leaned over draping her arms around her friend. "Perrine!" She exclaimed weakly hugging the equine tight as she could. "Easy, easy...." Perrine grunted as pain shot through her left side being pulled into the hug. "Save your strength, Eli." Grunting again. Perrine was already planning on moving as soon as the unicorn was once again on her feet. Looking over to see where Seethes was. "We need to get moving as soon as we can. All that commotion we just made. Someone or something is bound to have heard that. There are things far worse than this Hydra in these mountains. The stench of this thing's carcass is going to attract all manner of company we don't want right now." She looked around as she spoke to the human making sure they were still safe for the time being. "Need time to recoup and regroup." She was still ignoring her own injuries.......

Varia:  "She's just a little drained of energy," I said with a slightly acidic tone, angered that Perrine had moved before I could tend to her injuries.  I called upon the earth energies once more, creating a small link between the unicorn and the ground that would slowly aid her in recovering her energy, without causing any side effects.  I could sense that she was linked to a different element, but not an Avalar like myself...and the human.

"Hold still and let me tend to your ribs...unless you want to die of a punctured lung by all the hugging and travel," I said in  a somewhat calmer tone.  "Take the chest plate off so I can see just how badly you're hurt."  I had picked up a little about just what Perrines injuries had been, but nothing definitive when she moved to what I assumed to be the Lords daughter.
Erron moved behind them and laid down to provide a little shelter from the wind, keeping an eye on the human.  He stumbled forward a few steps as I drew out the herbs from my satchel needed to make a poultice.  It wasn't until he stood within ten feet that I saw the face beneath his hood, just before he collapsed.

Swearing under my breath, I rose and hurried over to him, gently turning him to lay on his back, feeling for a pulse.  Alive, but only by a fraction.  Blood had marked crimson trails from his eyes and nose, the strain of having merged with his Elemental so early before learning proper control the cause.  He'd have one major headache when he woke up.

"Erron...we need shelter," I said calmly, channeling energy to form another small link to the earth to keep the human stable.  Erron gave a gravely sigh that turned into a low rumbling song that caused even the ground to vibrate.  Stone rumbled  and moved, flowing like sluggish water to create a protective shroud over us.  Three openings were left, the largest at the front just big enough to allow creatures of Elita's and Perrine's stature to come and go easily.  One in the ceiling towards the back, and a small one at ground level at the very back, so that when a fire was set to keep everyone warm, the smoke wouldn't drive us out of the cave.
Erron was near the cave entrance, keeping most of the drafts at bay.
With the human stable, I went back to tending Perrine's wounds, applying a wrap after smearing on a potent smelling poultice.
"Don't move around too much," I cautioned, going back into my pack and pulling out a few rolled bundles that I set at the back of the cave.  The largest of them was a combination of dried dung and grasses mixed with herbs to keep the smell down to a minimum, and kill the illness that was inherent in feces.  Second was a break down iron grill that would allow it to keep off the ground until the fire was well started.  Third bundle and the smallest contained the flint and steel needed to start it all.

Once it was started, I left the cave to gather what little bits of flammable scrub and debris there were, making a few trips so that we would at least last the night...

That armor was as tough as any chain mail armor and just as difficult to get off. It was going to take a few minutes, at least, just to get all the clasps and straps loose. Every little twist and turn she made trying to get the chest plate off made her wince and grimace in pain. Elita was right there helping as much as she could, but Perrine was persistent in doing it her own. The last strap popped off and the chest plate finally came loose enough that Perrine, along with Elita's help, was able to get it off. "oh.....Perrine you really didn't prepare for this...." Elita blushed a bit looking at the mare in front of her. Perrine was wearing only a thin white tunic under the chest plate that did nothing to hide her features. "I hadn't planned on freezing my ass off up here in the mountains, Eli." Perrine grunted folding her ears back trying to be as modest as possible in the cold. Elita looked her over careful running a hand over Perrine's lower right ribs. Perrine inhaled sharply in pain. "Yeah....definitely broken...." Elita sighed and moved her hand away. "And since my magic is too weak to do anything....." Elita's energies were nowhere near strong enough and Perrine was immune to all, but the strongest healing spells she had. Perrine found a place to sit for the moment and leaned back hiking her tunic up just a little. You could not see the bruising through the fur, but you could still see her ribs. "Got that covered, Eli." Perrine feigned a smile as Varia set her ribs and wrapped her up. She was not to fond of the smell from the poultice. Perrine was off her hooves for now. Elita was still a bit wobbly as she stood up. She trots over and stands over Elder Edge laying quietly on the ground. She averted her eyes looking over to where Sethis was still laying. With a sigh she left the sword lay where it was for now. Perrine watching her the entire time, but remaining silent for now. Questions would come later when they were all on their feet and away from this place. Despite Varia's efforts they were still not safe here at least not for too long. Elita walked over to where Sethis lay and quietly sat down next to him. "Is he going to be ok?" She asked coolly looking back over toward Varia.

Varia: "As well as he can be for pulling such a idiotic if brave stunt," I responded, adding small pieces of broken brush to the small fire I had going in the back of the cave.  It was large enough for us to at least cook a hot meal and possibly some tea.  "Merging with his Elemental caused great stress on his body and mind in order to help keep the hydra occupied.  The human isn't nearly strong enough to do so for a prolonged time, and not without some form of training or access to his 'Sa's' guidance."

Rooting around in my pack again, I pulled out a pot and kettle, as well as a few more small packets and a water skin.  To the small pot, I added half a clump of what looked like dried plants, herbs and some form of powder, which would make a warming broth that aided in the healing process and restore both the mind and body.  Adding enough water to fill the pot two thirds of the way, I set it near enough to the fire to heat, then turned to make tea in the kettle.

Soon the scent of mint and honey filled the air, along with the savory smells of the soup, to which I added a few more dried veggies to make it more filling.  After half an hour of tending the pot and making sure the human had no other injuries after cleaning the blood from his face, I gestured to the others to come closer.
"Warrior Perrine, the broth will help to give you the physical means needed to help recover.  But don't push yourself too hard.  We won't be leaving here for at least a couple of days if you want to heal properly," I remarked, dishing some of the stew into a clay bowl and handing it to her.  "Lady Elita, the tea will be more beneficial to you in helping to restore your Sa's energy and aid in resting your thoughts.  Erron will keep watch tonight so you don't have to worry about staying awake."  I dished the unicorn woman a bowl of broth as well, then poured each a measure of the tea in small wide cups, made from the same red clay as the bowl's.

Once that was done, I set about making a tonic for the human when he awoke, pulling out a mortar and pestle to grind the various herbs in before I added the mixture to a small flask of pure spring water...

Perrine drank down the broth and frowned at Varia's statement. "No." Perrine shook her head softly and took a look around. "We can't stay here that long. We have the low ground down in this little valley. We're exposed and weak with two people down." Slowly sits up. She wasn't going to stay still any longer than she was comfortable with and this was damned uncomfortable. "I know you are just trying to care for us, but we are vulnerable to attack here. That Hydra?" Nodding in the direction of the hydra's carcass. "He wasn't the biggest and baddest thing in these mountains. All the commotion we made? That might have attracted other creatures. Possibly a certain dragon know to grace these mountains. There are reasons few travel those paths up there. We are in danger if we stay here. Need to get to the caves higher up. Get some high ground. Someplace easier to defend away from that carcass. Whatever else comes our way will be more interested in that than us." She was already getting up and donning her armor carefully. Wincing a little at the pain, but managing none the less to don her armor again. "Please try to understand, Varia. We are dead if we stay here. I can still move and Elita is back on her hooves. All we need is a way to get the human on his feet or find a way to carry him so we can get moving to someplace safer." Perrine looks over at Elita who seemed to be fixated on her sword still laying on the ground several feet away. She just sat there quietly staring at the blood soaked blade laying there in the snow. A somewhat grim expression on the unicorn's face. Perrine only sighed and shook her head again. "Besides. We have an asset with us that we really shouldn't leave laying around in the open. Just another reason to get moving."

Perrine get up on her hooves and finished buckling her armor. She needed to recover her dagger and glaive from the hydra's carcass. "Elita? If you have any spells you can use to try and get him moving again I would suggest you try to use them. Get your sword as well. Don't leave that laying there." Perrine used as serious a tone as she could muster watching Elita snap out of her little trance long enough to nod in response quietly. Elita gathered herself up and went to retrieve her sword. She lifted the thing out of the snow and it didn't make a single noise. Did she not yet have enough energy to power it? Was it sleeping somehow? She felt rather odd as she stood there just holding it looking along the length of the blade. She took part of her cloak and carefully wiped the sword clean of the blue blood. She was still matted in dried hydra blood herself. She thought of a spell or two that may help out, but she wasn't sure if they were going to work or not.......

Varia:  "We will get him someplace safer...and the rest of us as well by going 'through' the mountain," I remarked once Perrine had returned to the cave.  "Erron and I can guide all of us through the very rock itself to the other side of the mountains, and there will be far fewer dangers than trying to travel over them.  In the condition that you are all in, it would be far easier and give us the most chances to let your wounds heal...Or have you tried traveling over difficult frigid terrain with serious injuries before, Warrior Perrine?"

The last was spoken calmly, but with emphasis as to where I was hoping to guide us, and on the equine woman's title.  Erron resumed his place near the cave entry, watching the others with a literally stony expression, though his senses were attuned to our surroundings as well.
"They wouldn't last two hours hiking over the mountains, let alone a couple weeks trek back to Penny Falls," he rumbled, voice deep and gravely, the ground vibrating slightly.  "I'd be surprised if either of the females had been away from the protection of a city for more than a week, and on their own at the same time."  He gave Perrine a baleful eye before snorting slightly,  turning to look back out of the cave.

"Well one of us hasn't and she should not be out here to begin with." Perrine smiled at Erron as she walked past him. She otherwise ignored the rest of his statement. There was no time or need to argue such things anyway. As soon as they reached Penny Falls this little adventure would be over after that.....She felt sullen all of a sudden. Something Elita seemed to pick up on. The Unicorn finally sheathing her blade. "I noticed you are not wearing your usual armor, Perri." Finally turning around to face the mare she closed her eyes and bowed her head muttering something under her breath. It seemed like the air around Elita suddenly exploded outward slightly. The dried blood that matted her four just leapt right off and vanished leaving her looking clean again. Perrine, who had turned to look back, only watched for a second. "I am no longer a Knight just as you are no longer a priestess. I was.....expelled so I had the freedom to search for you." There was just the slightest hint of regret in her tone. Elita only hung her head a little not knowing what to say at that point. Seems she was out of words recently. The situation right now was just too tense. No one was getting along and it seemed more and more obvious that something was amiss. Elita looked back out the cave and just could not shake the feeling of darkness in the air. Perrine quietly folded her  arms over her chest. She must have had the same idea as Elita was having. She seemed to know about the sword that now hung at her hip. There were going to be questions soon and she didn't look forward to that. "So.....what do we do now?" This was the first time Elita attempted to seem civil and she was probably just asking the obvious question that was on everyone's mind.

Varia:  I took a deep breath to reply when someone else spoke.
"How about following the sand dwellers advice and get some rest, unless everyone is intent of causing my head to split open completely," muttered a rather caustic sounding voice.  I turned to the human who was struggling to sit up, his eyes unfocused and from the efforts, wasn't completely aware of what was happening.  Moving over to him, I gently pushed him back down and thumbed his eyes open to get a better look.  They were glassy, and seemed to wander despite his desire.

"What's your name?" I asked, gently feeling for a pulse at his neck and looking for any other signs of trauma he might have suffered.  His brow furrowed for a moment and he shook his head, eyes closing.
"...Sethis," he replied, the frustration vanishing from his features....along with his consciousness as he slumped without warning.  I sighed before rising to get a small bowl of the tea and taking it over to he human.

Lifting his head I placed the cup to his lips and poured just a little of the tea into his mouth, smiling with relief when he swallowed reflexively.
"Well...two of you aren't ready for travel yet, and even Erron can't safely carry this human and Perrine over the mountains, or keep them warm," I said at last, looking back to the others.  "At least wait until tomorrow so that the herbs can aid in restoring your strength and let your injuries start healing..."

Elita stumbled on her hooves for a second. Her energies hadn't quite recuperated as much as she had hoped. Elder's Edge had drained her completely and even Varia's help hadn't done all that much. That attested to the sword being so silent when she had retrained it She shuddered to think that such a simple cleansing could have that kind of toll. She looked to Varia with some disdain at her comment, but gathered her manners. "Maybe because that particular sand dweller is unaware that if a a Hydra gave us this much trouble and left us nearly helpless then we will have no chance if a certain Great Wyrm Dragon named Xerxes, who just happens to make his lair in The White Giant's slopes, decided to come down and investigate all the recent commotion...." Pauses and sits down right next to Sethis. "....we will all wind up like a certain army of wolves that trespassed upon his territory some 200 years ago." She sat back and closed her eyes. "We are not trying to ignore your advice, but you need to heed ours as well. We are not safe in these mountains. Especially since we are in such poor shape." Casting her glance outside and sighs as she see the light is quickly fading. Behind them Perrine snorts softly and scratches her head. Realization sets in around that time. "We are not going anywhere." She states cooly as she finds a comfy spot near the back to lay back down again. "By the time we get back up to the path it will be dark. Without light or a company of well armed men with us we will be asking for any number of problems to pounce on us. Besides...." Looking at all the others. "....If Xerxes even gave a damn about us being here he'd have come looking already. As much as I want to get underway it is too late now to go anywhere with any amount of safety." Perrine laid back and got comfortable by fetching out and unrolling her bedding from her pack.

"Varia says we need rest? Then we need rest." She points out towards the mouth of the shelter. "As long as someone keeps watch we should be fine. We can take shifts and keep the fire burning. Who wants first watch?"

Varia:  "Erron doesn't require sleep so he will be able to keep watch while the rest of us rest," I said, pulling out the thin blanket roll I had and spreading it out on the ground.
"Silently move us through the mountain once everyone is asleep, Erron," I sent to him silently, meeting his gaze a moment before curling up.
"You know that will just lead to more questions," he responded, giving a grin and turning his gaze back out to the mountainside, settling himself a little more...or rather just sinking into the ground a bit to get more comfortable.  I returned the smile and closed my eyes, taking deep even breaths to help settle my mind...

Sethis: ...My mind drifted through fragments of memories....recent...old...emotions and sensations were faint echoes of the moments they occurred.  I saw them drifting past me, twisting and shimmering in a void of darkness lit only by the star like experiences around me.  There was movement...not just of the stars, but of myself...towards what or from what, I didn't know.

"It's been a long time, my nether child," said a feminine voice, cold and yet somehow soothing even as the whispers echoed lingered in the darkness.  "Your time is almost here...to rise again in a world that has almost forgotten you..."
"Who..."
"I am the Void Mother...the darkness from which all things come from...and eventually return to," the voice responded, amusement and stern reprimand all at the same time.  "Part of your path has been revealed...with more to come."
"...Nyxis?"
"Will be there with you when you awake.  Be cautious...the other Avalar is with you now...Be careful who you trust and listen to your feelings," the voice told me, the amusement vanishing with the seriousness replacing it.  "Without Darkness, there is no light...without light, there is no darkness..."

(Sorry, may try to add more later, but minds not working much.  Any chance the mountains might cause dreams or rather, there's the chance for dreams to occur between a gathering of people with such varied talents/magicks? :))

High upon the slopes of the mountain named "The White Giant" sit's the Skyborne temple. This is the home of the Goddess Of Winter, Karea, who is also known as the "Windy Mistress" The temple sits upon the very peak of the mountain and has remained undisturbed for many centuries. Hundreds of feet below the temple, on the north side of the mountain is another point of interest. A large cave nestled in the slopes that is home to a powerful great wyrm named Xerxes (Zurk-seas) The Wind Over The World. His lair is a vast system of huge caves the run throughout the top of the mountain and boast an unimaginable horde of treasure. Xerxes himself dwell within the heart of these caves guarding both the temple high  above him and his massive horde. The Frozen Mountains are his territory and he guards these lands against those who would dare challenge him might and that of his mistress, Karea. Currently he was awake. He had been awakened from his slumber by a great deal of commotion far below though he had yet to leave the comfort of his great lair. He had thought of dealing with this recent disturbance, but had been retained in his lair by someone of whom he was very fond of. He lay still atop his largest horde. A gigantic pile made of platinum, gold, silver, and many rare and precious gems. This spot was his favorite by far and lay at the very center of his lair. The great wyrm lay half curled on the top of this pile of treasure. His scales were like the finest diamonds and sapphires shining brilliantly even in the dimming light of the torches that currently lit his cave. He was more than 200 feet long with wing span that easily doubled that. His scales are smooth like the finest glass and as thick as the strongest armor. His age shows only in his sheer size. Upon his head sits two great white horns set to either side. The curl neatly back around in an elegant arch to end at the sides of his eyes. Those eyes are like intense emeralds with onyx in the center. Right now they were settled on a small figure set before his gaze at the foot of his largest treasure pile that he often made his bed.

His most prized possession stood before him. Her elegance was unmatched in his eyes. How he adored simply watching her when he was awake. "Why have you come before me, precious? His voice thundered softly throughout the cave. Below where he lay she stood looking up to her master with concern. She looked like a great panda and shared the fur pattern though she was more like a raccoon in form. She had a long, luxurious tail that was white enough to make the virgin snow upon the mountain jealous with the drakes black upon the top of her tail. Her fur matched that. From the black patches on her face stared the ruby hues of her eyes. Her crimson hair cascades about her narrow eyes and her full face. She stood there dressed in only a simple white dress. "Master? What is it that wakes you?" her voice echoes about the cave sounding like a melody upon the winds. She bowed out of respect to him and averts her eyes to the floor of the cave where she stood barefoot. Ears perked as she heard his low growl. He was not angry in the least, but simply thinking to himself. "There was a noise outside. That which was great enough to rouse me from my slumber." He lifted his head just enough to gaze toward the entrance to this section of his lair. "Surely you heard it...or at least sensed that something was amiss outside?" Lowering his head to once again look upon her. She didn't move nor look back at him, but kept her head bowed. "Yes, Master." Now lifting her head slightly. "I have sensed it." The tone in her voice dropped a bit indicating she had news he was not going to like. "It would seem that several have come into your lands. I feel them far below in the valley at the foot of the mountain." She went quiet awaiting her master's reply. Xerxes was quiet for a few moments as he took in the site of her. "And what else is there about these trespassers you withhold from me?" His tone deepened. He hated it when she was not completely forthcoming. She paused for only a moment longer before she turned her gaze fully upon him with a slight frown on her face. He hated that too. He wished only to see her smile. "Master? Death Gale has been slain......." She quickly bows her head again not letting the dragon see her saddened face. She hated to bring him such news. Xerxes remained quiet though his lifted his head higher now.

"Death Gale.....that retched hydra? Dead?" Xerxes sound both surprised and yet somehow amused. He sensed her anguish. How he heated that feeling. She was saddened that she had to see him awake and tell him just why he had been awakened. Xerxes merely smiled and felt touched by this. She did care for him that deeply as he cared just as deeply for her. His long tail sweeps around to her. The very tip of which touches her chin lifting it slightly so he may see her face again. "Do not shed tears for that worthless creature. I have no concern for him.....but his defeat does interest me. Anyone strong enough to defeat some mongrel hydra may feel bold enough to seek me out." He shakes his head in disgust of the though. "You know how I just hate visitors in my lair." he watched as she nodded her agreement. Whilst she did not mind visitors she disliked those who came here thinking they could challenge her master in his own home, but there was something else she had yet to tell him and she knew full well he was just waiting to hear it. "Well?" He asked trying not to sound too impatient. She sighed and once again averted her eyes. "Two of them had found your garden, Master. I do not know how. I was tending to it when they suddenly appeared there in the snow." She sighed softly as Xerxes' eyes widened greatly. "They did not see you, precious?" There was a deep note of concern there and she could feel it grow. "No, master. They did not see me nor did they sense me. I did not attempt to approach them nor allow myself to be noticed by them." She spoke as Xerxes took notice of the faint glowing around her. Even now she was masking her very existence from the world around them. "They dare disturb my garden?" He honestly didn't care about it one bit and his mocking tone showed it. He was relieved they had not seen her. He could not, for the life of himself, figure out just why she insisted on tending to them. The frozen wolves upon the side of the mountain. "They did not. One was an equine that I believe hails from the Copper Kingdom." This caught his attention as she mentioned it. "Penny Falls?" he quirked an eye ridge at the thought of that city nestled in the cliff in the shadow of a loathsome volcano. Cooper Kingdom was a name he had given that region beyond his borders. "And what of this other you mention?" He lets out a small yawn though it still seemed great to her. "An Armadillo, Master. I have not seen her ilk before in these lands. There was something else about her though.....something I cannot quite put my finger on...." She seemed to drift off there a little and fell quiet. Xerxes knew not to push her too far when she felt uncomfortable with something. "That is merely two....you mentioned several? He spoke up a bit breaking her line of focus. She snaps out of it and looks back to him again. Her Rubies meeting his emeralds "Two others approached from the north. I find it odd as I am sure one of them was also from the Copper Kingdom. She had with her the Angry Blade. I am sure it was. None can mistake that blade's presence" She seemed a little more upbeat now. Her tail swept the floor of the cave at her feet.

"You don't say......that blasted thing can only be held by those of the Primrose bloodline. I made sure of that fact." He watched as she nodded in agreement with him. "Yes...I believe she was daughter to Priestess Elara Primrose, Master. There was a strong magic about her. It was drained from her when she pulled the sword on Death Gale. I wish I knew why she had the blade with her." Xerxes smiled hearing her voice lift with such interest. "A good question indeed. Mistress will most certainly have taken notice of that bit as well. I can only imagine what mischief she may have set in motion. There was one more?" He looked up and reached up with his left paw to lightly scratch under his chin with black claws like the sharpest of swords. "Yes. A human. I cannot tell where he is from. You know how those humans are." She chimed. Xerxes didn't seem to really care about the human. "Filthy creatures, humans, like roaches. They are everywhere and as soon as you squash one two more creep up." Sighing and getting up off his belly. The whole of the cave shook as he did. "I suppose I shall have to deal with these trespassers quickly. If the Equine you mention is who I believe it to be I will have to travel to see Priestess Elara and remind her that her people are allowed here as long as I am not disturbed. The others I will have to make examples of. There are still a few pikes left along my path with which to mount their filthy heads....unless you wish to tell me that which you still withhold?" He cranes his head down towards her inquisitively.

"Mistress has bid you leave them be. They are under her watchful eyes at the moment and I do not believe they will try to seek you out, Master. I can sense other forces at work in their being here and those forces seem to have no interest in directing them here." She sounded a little more cheerful so Xerxes smiled. This made him happy. He detested having to deal with  anyone outside of his own realm. "Good! Hopefully then they will make haste from my home before what little patience I have left runs out. It is bad enough they disturb me and kill...oh hell I do not care about that worthless hydra. They did me a favor of sorts I suppose I can allow them passage as long as they stay away from me!" She smiled and giggled at Xerxes revelry as he slumped down again upon his treasure and curled back up to rest. "I shall see to it that they do not disturb the lair, Master. You rest as I have other duties to tend too." She smiles broadly relieved that he was content to go back to sleep. "Yes....precious." He simply yawned and slowly closed his eyes. She seemed to shimmer slightly and then just winked out of site. Xerxes thought on the matter for what seemed like an eternity though it was only a few moments in time before he nodded back off again.............


(This is just filler. I figured it may add something to the story later. I dunno. It was just in my head screaming to get out. The mountains may have some effect on them dream wise. Karea may reveal a little more about what is going on or maybe where they should head? Something to that effect I would think.)

( I just drove 6 hours to get home and I am very tired, but I wanted to get this done and posted in hopes that we can get this story moving again)

Perrine closed her eyes and simply drifted off. Weary from the fight with the hydra and finally succumbing to her own injuries. Elara, who remained next to Sethis, seemed to have done the same though it was hard to tell since she had her hood pulled over her head. This was probably the first time Perrine had any chance to sleep since this whole adventure started and she was not passing the chance to get some rest up.

Varia: ...Erron had us moving as soon as we were asleep, and I left that part of our groups journey in his trust.  Taking nice deep breaths down into my stomach, I allowed my Sa to drift, in hopes of obtaining guidance from Grel and the ancestors who had come before me...

...I felt the change immediately, the feel of sand, the warm desert winds, the cool air of the evening indicating that I could open my dreamer's eyes.  Seated on a dune of rust red sand, I was in an ever shifting landscape of sand, portents and mysteries.  One part of the sky resembled deep night with the stars shining brightly, but also contained the brightly glowing orb of the sun itself, the light doing little to banish the darkness.  The other half was bright day with no clouds, but containing the full moon, large and silver; which slowly shifted through its cycle's from waning, new,waxing, and back to full again. 

Continuing to take the steady deep breaths, I allowed my gaze to wander until something showed that I knew for an omen.  Sand shifted with a subtle silent hiss that approached and receded much like the waves against an ocean shoreline.  rock became exposed only to be covered again as the dunes undulated and wavered like so many gigantic serpents in a mating knot. 
The sands immediately before me boiled and frothed, my gaze drawn to them as miniature mountains of rust red stone rose, pathways forming in the sand taking on a darker color as they snaked across the image.  It took only moments to recognize it as a map of the plains and mountain range before Penny Falls, which also rose into view.  A small tiger's eye appeared near the base of the mountain range across from Penny Falls.  In the city ruled by Elita's family, both a moon stone, and a cracked bloodstone appeared, the latter seeming to grow a little darker with each moment.

Something else moved on the map, and to the north west, I saw a recessed valley at the farthest edges of the mountain range.  There it curved slightly before opening towards the back of the mountain range in a rough oval, where nine jagged pieces of crimson veined obsidian pushed their way out of the ground.  Even before the sands started to darken from that valley, I had an ominous feeling about those stones, and just what they might represent.  The spreading tide of black across the sand filled with sorrow, anguish and blood.  I nodded in silent understanding and gave thanks to my ancestors, Grel, and the wisdom of my Sa for the guidance I had received; then closed my dreaming eyes once more so I could get some actual rest...

Wynstar stood quietly in front of his throne, but refrained from sitting down out of fear for the figure before him. He could feel those crimson eyes of hers staring right into the heart of his very soul. Though she bore a smile across her face her eyes showed him the great amount of her disdain for having come here to stand before him. Or was he made to stand before her this day? She held her arms across her chest and stared at him silently. He had been summoned to the throne room only moments ago by his stewards. Their terrified expressions and constant mention of a "ghost" demanding his presence gave him a sinking feeling that was only cemented once he saw her quietly standing there in the center of the room. "Wynstar Thunderhoof of the Copper Kingdom. Do you know who I  am?" The calm in her voice only made him feel that much more uneasy. Of course he knew who she was, but not why she had appeared here. "Indeed, Milady, I do know you, May I inquire as to why you demand audience with me?" He had to muster his composure at the moment. Her eyes narrowed at him and her smile slowly faded into a slight frown. "I have come here because a certain incident has taken place upon Xerxes territory." Her soft voice managing to echo around the room. They were currently alone and all the doors were closed for privacy. "Incident, Milady. I am not aware of that which you speak." Wynstar replied calmly now taking a few steps towards her. She placed her hands on her hips with her long tail lightly sweeping the floor behind her. "Your Daughter, and a few who travel with her, were seen in Xerxes' territory. Two of them violated the White Giant." Wynstar felt a cringe as she mentioned the dragon's named and the mountain. She merely raised an eyebrow and frowned slightly. "I do not believe that you wish a visit from the master to resolve this little matter, do you? I am sure he would be more than willing to seek you or your wife out to "discuss" the matter further." Her tome dropped to one of warning. Xerxes had made it abundantly clear that he had no desire to cause conflict or start a war with neighboring kingdoms. He was happy and content to simply be left alone high in the mountains. "No. I do not wish to cause him further inconvenience ." Briefly clears his throat. "I shall speak to my daughter upon her return. I have sent the others to retrieve her from her pilgrimage." He hid the fact that he had only sent Perrine and the one called Varia to find her and he had no Idea they had ended up in the Frozen Mountains. They should have been near the southern borders not up north. She only straightened her gaze to him. "See to the matter, Wynstar. I shall tell my master this matter is resolved for now. If I must return here or if the White Giant is violated again I cannot guarantee he will not pay you a visit." He breathed a very small sigh of relief as the figure before him shimmered briefly and winked out of site completely.

It was about this time he heard the voice of his shadowy friend from somewhere behind him. "That was close. This incident was unexpected. We cannot have that dragon or his......"servant" getting involved. Our plans would be discovered. Though......this could also be made to work towards our advantage." Wynstar didn't turn around much less move from where he was. "I thought you said you were keeping track of her! How could my daughter have slipped from your site?" He was highly unhappy at the moment. There was only a minute or two of silence. "As I advised you yesterday, M'lord. My "scouts" lost site of her shortly after that little incident in the town. She was swept away by some human who was accompanying her that morning. This latest revelation would point to them having used some form of teleportation magic to reach the mountains......as to why I do not know." He remained hidden in the shadow. "I will send the dragons out to find them. I want to know exactly where they have gone." Wynstar turned to walk back toward his throne to sit upon it. "She must be brought back to Penny Falls before she can stir up too much trouble from anyone else!"

Perrine had a thousand dreams she could never recall and a thousand more she spent a lot of time trying to forget altogether. None of them seemed as vivid as this. She stood alone amidst the raging fires of a burning city she knew all to well. All Around her Penny Falls burned. She could see the charred corpses in the streets and the vague images all around her of people running and fighting in the streets. She stood before the doors of Balius' shop as it burned to the ground behind her. The old griffon was nowhere to be seen. The scene felt eerily real. So real, in fact, she swore she could feel and smell the city burning. She saw the edges of the pools in the center of the city through the dancing flames. Heard the distant screams of it's citizens as they fought and fled from unknown attackers. She wanted to race to their aid. To stand in the city's defense, but she could not. She stood her ground before the burning ruins of her home. Facing an enemy she knew was hers and hers alone. The enemy stood a stone's throw before her. The figure was roughly her height and made from some black flame that danced steadily upward. It had a rough humanoid form with these bright red burning eyes that stared right into her very soul. In it's hand was a whiter glowing blade that drown out the noise around it with a pounding thrum that echoes from the walls of the nearby buildings and cliff face. Perrine held her own twin short swords though they seemed useless against what appeared to be a powerful weapon in the hands of a powerful enemy. She wanted to speak. To demand an explanation of what had happened and why, but she simply could not muster a single word. She stood facing the enemy down with rage burning in her heart. She had to fight. She lunged forward breaking out in full stride. Her twin blade came high above her head as she quickly closed the gap between her and her foe. She mustered her strength and brought both blade down to crash upon her foe. The enemy brought it's own blade up quickly across it's face and head and, with one hand, deflected Perrine's strike with ease. Perrine recoiled back from the sheer force of the strike amazed at how easily she had been countered. The swords in her hand rang like bells and were then drown out by a unearthly and piercing scream from the enemy's sword. That scream she had heard before. It couldn't be! For just a moment the flames wafted about her enemy and wavered just enough to offer her a peak at her opponent's face. A Nightmare stared out at her from the black flames. She could see just enough of the face to see the dark equine they hid. Deep red eyes that looked sunken and angry. The grey colored horn and dark purple of....of her hair. In all that there was dread. That face, only briefly seen, she somehow recognized. NO.....she thought to herself as everything slowed to a crawl.

Perrine roused from her sleep with a  start and a loud gasp. Disoriented as she sat bolt upright from where she was laying. Loud enough that it caused Elita to wake with somewhat of a start herself. "Perrine? What's wrong?" Elita had fallen asleep still sitting where she had sat next to Sethis. Rubbing her eyes to get the sleep out and seeing her friend looking  about as if she didn't know where she was. Perrine shook off the sudden dread she had. It had only been a dream.....or was it. She swore she could still feel the heat of the fires and the smell.....the smell of.....


(I will leave it there for now until it is established where they wound up while they slept)

Varia:  I woke to the panicked cries of one of the other females, my gaze going to them in confusion since I could sense no threat through the earth or any indication of such coming from Erron's senses.
"What's wrong?" I inquired, sitting up and looking to them with concern.  "What has happened?"
"A bit of a night terror I would think," Erron muttered, rising up out of the ground a bit and snorting slightly, not with malice or arrogance, but simple fact.  "Her breathing and heart beat have been racing the last few minutes.  Somethings' upset her..."

As he spoke, the cave dome started to recede, sinking back into the ground without a trace that it had ever existed.  Behind us were the mountains, towering and imposing in their silent vigil from ages past.  Before us were the plains country that surrounded the Kingdom of Penny Falls, though we were still to the north west from what I could feel.
"...Erron...?"
"This felt like the correct path to take," he replied, giving me a a bland look.
"He's not wrong either," said another male voice.  I looked to the human who was slowly sitting up, wincing with discomfort and pain, his different colored eyes slowly regaining focus.
"How are you-"
"Like a twelve headed hydra is trying to tap dance on my skull and while singing a bawdy drinking song in a dwarven tavern," he groused, scowling as he put his left hand over his eyes while steadying himself with his right, taking deep slow breaths.  "Please...be silent a moment..."

I nodded, but pulled a few herbs together and put them in a small flask of water that I shook slightly before handing it to the human.  He accepted it without comment, grimacing as he took the first tentative sip before draining the flask quickly and giving it back to me.  He was quiet for a bit longer, then shook his head a little and looked up as his face flushed slightly.
"What the hells was in that?" he asked, looking up, his breathing a little faster, but his voice was a lot steadier than before.
"You don't want to know," I replied, packing up the few belongings I had and getting ready to move...

Perrine sat there silently staring at Elita. It was almost as if she was seeing a ghost before her eyes. She snapped out of it after a few moments. "Uh...." She wipes the sleep from her eyes and gathers her thoughts for a second. "Just had one hell of a dream." The images were sticking in her head. She couldn't seem to shake them. She refused to believe what she saw was anything more than some horrible dream. "Where the hell are we?" She finally took notice of where they were shaking off those last few chills running down her spine. "This isn't the valley we were in...." Instinctively she jumped to her feet reaching for the handles of her swords. Was this still the dream? Had she woke up or was she still asleep? Elita had gotten up and placed her hands on the mare's wrists. "Calm yourself, Perrine." Elita's voice seemed to echo slightly and her eyes took a faint and brief glow. It was a spell. A rather strong one that required direct contact allowing her to bypass Perrine's resistance to magic. It seemed to work to as the mare looked far more relaxed  than  she had a moment ago. Elita also got something back from it. Perrine was in a heightened state of alertness even as she calmed down and she was staring at the unicorn like she had seen the ghost of someone long since passed. "It appears she merely had a night terror as your friend suggested..." Elita stated calmly as she turns to Varia. Truth was she wasn't sure it was just that. Few things could startle Perrine like this had. At any rate there was little to no time to dwell on the issue. Elita recognized the area they were in now. She did wonder what happened to get them there, but figured it was something close to what Sethis had done back in the town. Now was not the time to investigate the matter. "We are near the Edge of the Green Glade Forrest about a day from home to the southeast. The closest town from here would be....." She goes silent knowing exactly where they were. "Thistlewood......." Perrine spoke up still sounding a little anxious. "There is a large stream just beyond  the next knoll that can lead up right to town if we follow it. The road from the town leads right back to Penny Falls. Might be the easiest way to go rather then trying to cut across the open fields." Perrine pointed straight ahead. Elita moved her hand to Perrine's holding it firmly in her own. "That may be, but cutting over the plains will be quicker though it also be rougher." Elita felt re-assured as Perrine's hand began to squeeze hers back. "no.....one of us is still fairly injured and I am not yet healed up myself. The road will be easier and probably a little safer. I think we should head for town and make for the city from there. We may even be able to get a cart or wagon heading to Penny Falls which would be quicker than walking it." Perrine looks to the others over her shoulder. "What do the rest of you want to do?"

Varia:  "As safe as you were on the road when I met you?" The human asked dryly, getting to his feet slowly and stretching a little.  He winced slightly but made no comment in regards to any other pain he had.  "You're not taking into consideration everything that's happened to you in the slightest.  Least of all how we first encountered each other and what would have most likely happened to you if there was no warning of the Grelisalfar when you were on the road the first time...alone I might add."

I raised an eyebrow at that, turning to look at the unicorn woman sternly, Erron's demeanor changing as well as growled slightly with concern.
"A Grelisalfar?  Wandering the plains near Penny Falls?" I remarked, striding closer to the other two women.  "How long ago was this?"

Both of Perrine's ear flicked back and forth briefly as she listened. This was quickly getting tiresome. Seems none of them were ever going to agree on what to do and, so far, it had gotten them nowhere. There was still a lot to be hammered out and none of what had happened in the last few days made any sense whatsoever. Elita had been allowed to leave the safety of her home to wander alone in the great open world they had lived in. Why is it that her father, who was very persistent on protecting her, had suddenly decided it was a good idea to allow his sheltered daughter to aimlessly venture out into the world unprepared and armed with that damned blade. Elita let go of Perrine's hand turning to face the others with a rather annoyed look on her face. "I will have you know that I was doing perfectly fine until we ran across that...that....horrid looking creature on the road. A creature, I might add, that we met strictly by chance and they did not even notice us there. Ever since then this whole ordeal has been one unwelcome surprise after another. These last few days have been nothing short of disastrous and horrid." Slumps her shoulders and looks sullen. " All I want to do is just get home and forget any of this happened at all......"

"That is not going to happen.....we aren't going to make it to Penny Falls." Perrine refused to look at them. She was hiding her expression at the moment. She had taken the last few moments to think the situation through. Elita turned with a surprised look to say something, but she was cut off before she could. "Something.....a lot of things just aren't adding up here and we need answers as to why. Maybe going back to the city is something that was expected. Some one....something is watching us." Elita could only scowl at her. "What the hell are you talking about? We came all this way just to stop in our tracks when we are right at the back door?" There was a bit of a squeak to the unicorn's voice. "None of this makes any sense, Perrine. I do realize that. I also realize that we are a day away from home....away from safety." Elita motioned in the general direction of Penny Falls. "Safety? Yeah. I am starting to think that going back to the city may not be the safest thing to do. Look, Eli, I don't know why, but I am getting a sudden sense of dread. We can't even decide on one simple task here and that means we are putting ourselves at risk. It's been days since you encountered that Grelisalfar and we have no idea where he and his little band have gotten too. For all we know they could be waiting right there in town for us or somewhere near by." Finally turns around showing a grim expression on her face. "If you all want to make for Penny Falls then fine, but we need to decide what to do to get there and make some sort of plan. If we have any other ideas then lets stop beating around the bush and just put them out there. The longer we remain here doing nothing the better the chance our enemies, whomever they may be, have of finding us." Sighs a bit and shakes her head. "Right now I am just confused and running out of ideas. I wanna go home, but I need to figure out what the hell is going on around here."

Varia:  "At least one of you has a brain," the human muttered, sighing and shaking his head ruefully.  "As for learning what the hell is going on...My abilities don't go very far in that direction, though I can feel that there is more to what's happening than we are consciously aware of.  Each of us with a part to play."
"Are there no seer's or oracles in this land?" I asked, looking from one of my new companions to the other.  Erron was still doing what he could to keep his sense's tuned to our surroundings, not having lost the hint of what kind of danger's we might be facing.  Our 'Sa' had indeed been right about the need for our presence here at this time, in this place.

"There is one," replied a tired female voice from Sethis's direction.  Rising out of th ehuman's shadow was a dark skinned woman, her appearance exotic and out of place in these lands, made all the more disconcerting with the weary expression on her features.  His Elemental Companion.  The human put an arm around her in a steadying fashion, a look of tender concern coming to his face briefly as he helped to keep her upright.
"What are you talking about?"
"Nyxis..."
"We need a better understanding of what's going on, Sethis," she told her companion softly, a pleading look on her face.  "The Oracle of the Fell-gallows is the closest one and the most reliable."
"Not to mention the most dangerous to get to and for the price it might demand," he replied with an edge of dread to his voice.
"Our choices are limited right now, Avalar of Shadow," I broke in, stepping forward and looking up at him, but with no hint of deference to stature or superiority.  "What are the dangers of this oracle?"
The human looked at this companion and the others, then sighed, closing his eyes, but the voice spoken in was strange, hollow and echoing...

...It was written after the third age, before Penny falls became the capital of the plains nation, and and the peace treaties between the five kingdoms were signed, a neutral ground existed at the base of the Elemental Basin where traitors and war criminals would be executed and punished for their crimes.  The woods to the southeast of Penny falls eventually became known as the Fellgallows; tales and stories spreading of those who had been slain there rising again to take vengeance upon their tormentors or spending eternity paying for their crimes.  The woods grew dark and menacing with each decade, the tress starting to resemble the  timber platforms and structures from which gibbets and nooses alike hung.

One execution in particular darkened the history of the place even more than all the worst criminals and deserted before.  In the times of the Consolidation wars, a blind seer wandered through the kingdoms, giving prophecies and portents to those who would listen, more than a few taking the words to heart.  It was only three years before the generals of the armies learned of her, and started to send riders out to capture or coerce her into service.  No money was ever asked, or titles or anything of the sort, by the blind woman, but predictions and prophecies she gave, at first much to the joys of the military commanders.

Most realized what a valuable resource they had, and attempted to restrain and imprison her to keep their enemies from gaining advantage of the foresight.  Only to suffer a devastating defeat afterwards.  Bitter with vengeance and rage, the commanders would go back to their camps to punish the seer, only to find that she was gone without a trace.  The Kings and queens eventually learned of her presence amongst the armies and declared her a heretic, to be captured for execution, realizing that despite all the truths she spoke, the moment any hint of betrayal was given, they would face grave dangers themselves.

Less than a week passed before they captured the seer, sitting outside the gates to what would become the royal palace in Penny Falls, muttering dire warnings about the future ahead, and seeming to ignore her own circumstances.
She was taken to the Fellgallows and nailed to a post surrounded by dry tinder, to be burned as a heretic and witch.
"Those who scorn me shall wallow in their own misery for the darkness of their souls will consume them!" She shrieked as the first flames caught and steadily grew brighter.  "Those who seek my knowledge will still be able to find me, but their price will be paid in blood and sorrows, for I am and shall forever be here!  So have I foreseen it!  So Shall it be!"

As soon as the flames covered her form, the soldiers of the combined armies were said to take ill, vomiting black bile that sought to choke them of life and rip their flesh from bone.  Out of the five hundred who had gone to Fellgallows to witness and participate in the seer's execution, less than seventy five made it out again.  Since then, only those with the most dire of needs have gone there to seek the Oracles council, and ended up paying a heavy price...

...The human swayed slightly, then slumped against his companion as if suddenly drained of what energy he had earlier.  I stared at him, not knowing if it was his 'Sa' that had spoken, or something more...

"Fell-Gallows Forrest" Perrine muttered the name and let it stick in her mind for a moment or two. "We are a day north of Penny Falls and Fell gallows is 2 days ride from there...so about 3-4 days to reach it." Elita then clears her throat after letting Perrine finish. "The forest is forbidden to Priests and Knights alike from respective orders.....however...." She sighs lightly. " As neither Perrine or myself are no longer members of our orders we shouldn't have issue with going there. " Perrine had to turn to Elita with a somewhat surprised look. "So you aren't going home to the City? Perrine asked calmly. "I want to.....going to that accursed place is a death sentence of the worst kind and what we will find  there will not be in the least bit pleasant. The dead do not welcome the living there. Still....if it is answers we need...we shall not find them in retreat. Besides this could be interesting." Her tone dropped from her usual to one that seemed just a tad darker. Almost as if she honestly preferred going to the forest rather than home. Perrine took note of that among other things today. Right now she was ignoring the scene that unfolded in front of her as she had seen far stranger things in her life. "We still have the matter of getting there. Whatever magic has been used so far cannot be in endless supply and all we are doing right now is wasting what daylight remains. We need to secure more practical means of transportation for the time being."

(I'd have more, but I have been crunched for time lately)

Sethis:  "Anyone know if there's any chance we can find feral mounts or possibly a wagon and beast to pull it?" I asked dryly, looking to both Perrine and Elita without the faintest idea of where we actually were.  Nyxis and I had never come close to this part of the plains, and it was a fair distance from the mountain pass we had taken years ago.  My companion was silent, and the other avalar, Varia, wasn't saying much at all either.  I doubted that the stone elemental would be inclined to act as the said beast of burden, not after having showed such ferocity against the hydra.  I just hoped we didn't end up enemies at a later time...

`Northern valley - Shadows Gathering`

...the valley was all that remained of a once active volcano; two and a half miles wide at the narrowest, and a hundred at the widest end.  Mountains formed a natural barrier on all sides, and where there might have been evergreens and brush scaling the sides of them, nothing but desolate rock and ash covered the ground.   It would have been a barren featureless wasteland if it wasn't for the thousands of camp fires that illuminated the pale grey of the bleak dawn.  Beings of every possible kind, most noted for their cruelty and chaotic natures.  Thieves, mercenaries, bandits, and warriors alike had been gathered, close to two thousand strong with more arriving by the week.  Yet for every hundred or so, there was always one black cloaked figure moving amongst the campfires, and where they passed, silence fell, as well as any cessation of activity.  Any brawls that continued in their presence never lasted long, and those who weren't disciplined by the powerful thaumaturgic powers used, were drenched with gore, the lessons brutally clear.

Towards the back of the valley, in cave tunnels that once contained the volcanic flows of magma, an even darker gathering of powers was under way.  Nine figures in various styles of dark clothing were seated at rough obsidian tables, some together in groups of three, or just pairs, but for two, who sat alone, staring at each other across the chamber.  Kneeling before them in the center of the room in the only truly illuminated spot was the Grelisalfar that had almost captured the unicorn woman.  It practically groveled in the faint crimson light coming from the jagged crystal above, its form shaking with tension, rage, and most of all, blind abject terror to the powers that surrounded it...

(Sorry...minds been gone on vacation for the last little bit.  Thought it would be interesting to give us the chance to flesh out their adversaries a little more...and their goals/interests.)

"Well..." Elita stated whilst clearing her throat."...I am the daughter of the ruler. I am certain that, once we reach the town, I can get any number of travelers or merchants to give us passage." Trying not to sound too important. Perrine only shook her head looking to the Unicorn. "Yes, you could. That is...if we were headed to Penny Falls. We are not and no merchant or traveler would dare take us anywhere near where we are headed.....none in their right mind anyway." There was a brief pause followed by a sigh. "The only two ways we will get mounts is if we buy them or steal them and unless we have the coin for it? Option two is all we have. We might be able to secure transportation with a merchant that will get us closer to our destination, but not the whole way. Too many people steer very clear of Fell-Gallows and for very good reason. Not too mention that using merchants or travelers can take longer and draw unwanted attention to what we are doing." Scratches her head. "Stealing the mounts also has it's own problems if we get seen or caught. The roads are going to be well patrolled and word carries by way of bird around these parts. We can duck towns and villages, but we will need to secure supplies very soon." Elita, having felt slighted, spoke up now. "Wait until dark and see what we can find? If we hit one of the outlying farms we can probably find some mounts to use." She was just trying to help and didn't like having her suggestion simply brushed off, but Perrine did have a point and she knew it. Perrine walks over, seeing Elita was unhappy, and rests a hand on her shoulder. "That is awfully dark of you to suggest, Eli. I didn't think theft would ever cross your mind." Lightly touches her hand to Elita's cheek. Truth was the thought of stealing mounts made her cringe as well. After all, she was a well known knight at one time. Some one may easily recognize her and if she got caught.......perish that though. "Well it seems we have our options laid out unless some one else has a better plan?"

The Frozen Mountains - Deep within the White Giant

She couldn't ignore the sensation she was feeling. Something felt....ominous. Her rounded ears perked a bit as she stood near the mouth of the cave overlooking the vast expanse of the mountain range. Down below was the valley where she felt those six before. The four and their two odd friends. Xerxes slumbered quietly within the depths of his lair behind her. She was very silent and very still. Feeling out what that ominous sense was. It was pretty far off to the south. Well away from the mountains and the master though she knew, somehow, that it was not going to stay there for too much longer. "Master will have to awaken...soon." her eyes narrowed and she turned quietly to step back inside the cave. Taking only a few small steps before shimmering and winking out.

Penny Falls - The Palace

Wynstar sat upon his throne in the empty throne room. He had forbade any audience today. Having sent out his patrols to search for his daughter some time ago. His thoughts now intruded upon by an encroaching darkness that felt some distance away. "it is drawing closer....this darkness I have felt. Time is running out." he thought sitting there drumming his fingers together. His shadowy friend was nowhere to be found and he felt some solace in his absence.

Four Winds Temple

Elara stood aloof on her private balcony. From here she could see out over the cliffs below to the city and far out over the lands to the east. However it was not the east that enticed her to come out here, but that dread feeling from somewhere in the south. This feeling had begun to haunt her and reinforce her fear for her daughter's safety. She had lied to Perrine and to her husband of her visions. Tried to protect the ones she loved so dearly. Now this secret may have sent her daughter to face her destiny and Perrine to her fate. Time was not an ally now. The pain of the truth would soon be known.......

Sethis:  "Unless you have letters or some kind of passes/orders that grant you the right to demand aid from the local populace, there's little chance that any form of transportation will be provided without actual proof of who you are.  Then there's a chance that whoever we meet will try to send word to the capitol of where you are and any intentions that they might hear us talking about," I added, looking to Elita, face blank of emotion.  "As for funds..."

I pulled out a melon sized pouch from the satchel I had slung over one shoulder, and the sound of coins jingling together filled the air.
"My...predecessors...made sure to save a little for 'rainy day's," I remarked, opening the pouch and revealing the silver and gold coins, most of unusually old mintage and shapes.  "Might as well put it to use and also come up with a better disguise for the journey, Elita..."
"Not to mention the energies radiating off of her," Nyxis remarked, giving the unicorn woman a contemplative look.

"A group such as ours would probably be best as traveling merchants, since I doubt we could have Warrior Perrine look like anything other than a swords woman," Varia remarked, also giving the others head to toe looks.  "Maybe have Elita traveling as the daughter of a wealthy merchant?  Something that isn't too far out of character for her..."
I put away the pouch of coins, and paused a moment to send my awareness out to the surrounding shadows, making sure that there were no observers.  There were none, but I felt something unusual in the ground around us...or rather linked to the grounds.
I started slightly as I realized that what, or rather who I felt was Varia and her companion, also sending out their awareness to the grounds around us.

"For this to work you'll need to loose everything, Elita. The Cloak, my old armor you have wearing, your staff, even your pack since it bears your family's emblem on it." Perrine was also giving her the thorough once over. "You will remain outside of town until we can acquire new clothing for you. Once we have what we need....we...can....." Perrine trailed off as her ears suddenly stood straight up and panned around until one of them faced north. Elita's ears stood up and panned around in response. "What? What is it?" Upon the wind there was a faint sound that was rising above all the other noises around them. A distinct one both Perrine and Elita were familiar with. The slow beat of leathery wing upon the air. Elita was the first to see them. She had really good eyesight and a notable sense for direction as she looked south. Perrine simply followed her gaze. What they saw were two shadows in the wake of the sun some distance off, but one could tell they were headed this way as they grew slightly in size every moment. At least six of them. Their position in the sky gave no background to compare them with for size at this distance, but Perrine was well aware of what was coming their way right now. "Dragons.....it's a patrol." She sounded utterly sure. "Have they seen us?" Elita sounded almost hopeful at first, but quickly change her tone when she realized just who they were.  "No. I don't think they can see us yet. Too far off still." Perrine turns to the others. "We have to find cover and no magic. Those are faerie dragons they are riding. They can sense magic..even elemental powers. There are six of them...." She sighs looking at Elita. "....normally faerie dragons are not dispatched unless  they are looking for something very specific that uses magic.......you Elita." She was not sure exactly how or why they had been dispatched here, but chances were very good they were seeking the young unicorn. "Faerie Dragons are a breed of dragon that ware much smaller than their larger brethren  They look like a large Wyvern  with elongated snouts and large amber eyes. There scales are all multi-colored in hues of blue, orange, yellow, green, and pink. Though they are the weakest breed of dragon they are still capable of flight with up to 500-600lbs of gear including one rider. They possess no breath weapon, but have extremely sharp claws and teeth. They are also very adept at detecting all types of magic and magical creatures. As of now they haven't detected their prey, but they can sense even the slightest bit of magic from a distance of 1-2 miles around them. They will be in range very very soon" Elita tried to remain calm as she openly explained what she knew of those coming toward them.

"if we stay here they will sense me even if we hide....." Sighing and slouching her shoulders. "I could just surrender and let them find me. You must know they are probably looking for me, by now. And even if they aren't they will recognize me and try to take me home. If they get me while the rest of you hide you'll be able to continue on. If they see you guys as well they may try to seize you or escort you to Penny Falls." She looked like she was about to just walk out into the open and let them see her until Perrine grabbed her hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Not necessarily....... Faerie Dragons can sense magic, but not if are deep enough underground. Elemental Magic doesn't give off quite the presence as arcane magic does.." Perrine looks over at Eron. "Eron? Can you make us a hole or a deep ditch we can hide in....say about 20 feet deep? Once we get down under the ground far enough they shouldn't be able to sense us. We will need to be covered completely though otherwise it won't work."

Varia:  Erron had already vanished from sight, the ground around us starting to sink rapidly.  The depression was uniform and round, but as soon as the edge was three feet tall, it started to close, flowing up and over us.  The human and his elemental faded instantly, vanishing into the shadows cast by the rising dome.  Both Erron and I would be deaf as to the distance of the faery dragons and their approach, unless they landed.  Whatever Sethis and his companion had planned, I could do nothing but hope and wait that it was nothing reckless.  Erron continued to take us down deeper into the ground, causing a luminescent harmless fungus to grow on the dome, which also created breathable air...

Sethis: Though I had vanished from sight, I was still in the shadows of Erron's dome, just a hair's breadth between them and the shadow realm.  Nyxis had her 'eye's in a few shadows on the surface, our thoughts linked by something different than pure arcane magicks.
There were many sources of magick in the world, but the main two that were known to most mortals were those of the Divine and Arcane paths.

The divine magicks were sourced directly from the five gods (Six if you included the Goddess of the Void), the power granted by the beings responsible for the creation of the world and all of its aspects.  Some of the spells worked similar to what arcane practitioners used, but they had a different resonance to those who were sensitive to such energies.

Arcane magick manifested either from within a practitioner of the arts, or was drawn through sheer force of will from the surrounding world and reality.  Some spells were easy depending on what was being done; while others took far more effort and could leave a longer lasting effect, even backlash that could affect entire landscapes for miles around.  Such events could take years, even centuries to recover.

The elemental powers were primal, raw forces that when unleashed by those who were foolish enough to attempt bending them to their will usually ended in disaster.  When someone gifted, blessed, or otherwise smart enough to request their aid left little to no impression on the world, naturally finding ways to balance the use of their abilities on their surroundings.

Even to those perceptive to to arcane and divine sources, it would cause only the faintest of 'ripples' in the surroundings.
"They're still approaching, slowly, but I can't tell if they noticed us at all," I said, voice echoing from the shadows into the domed area.

The dragons would sense nothing. The elemental magic was far to subtle and they were too far away yet for it to have caused them any notice. They simply flew right past without so much as a glance at the spot where they were safely hidden. One of the dragons let out a low bellow as it past right overhead and continued on it's path going further and further away. The knights upon their back noticed nothing they deemed out of the ordinary. The trick had worked, but it also proved they'd need to be a bit more careful in the future. "If....if that patrol was looking for Elita then you can bet there will be more. We may run into foot patrols as well. If they have any magic users with them...." Perrine whispered softly just being careful not to raise her voice. "They may be able to spot me." Elita sighed. She felt a little uneasy now. Most Mages in the order  and in service to her father were trained to be able to spot other magic users and identify them. The allowed the Templar Knights and the city garrison to single out magic users working with any enemy forces and promptly take them out quickly. "If we stick to the roads we will be spotted....or...at least I will." Pulling her hood over her head as if she was trying to hide something. "There are other ways of getting where we need to go. Since we have money enough we can get ourselves some sturdy mounts and follow some of the paths through the hills. It will not be easy, but maybe safer." Perrine was thinking now. " We may have to rough it though. Going into towns will be risky. Elita, you will have to stay outside of any town we come across. If we need supplies I believe me and Varia will be the one to fetch them. The two of us are less likely to draw attention. Sethis....we will need you to remain with Eltia. As far as I can tell you are the most capable among us." Perrine looked to Varia. "Varia I don't mean any disrespect in you abilities, but you are the one with all the money and your are less likely to draw any attention to yourself." Perrine sighs.

"I can agree to that. I would fee safer if Sethis was with me." Elita chimed in though it seemed she was feeling uneasy. She way. This was a lot more than she had ever bargained for and it was slowly eating away at her resolve. "Maybe you and Varia should go and secure what we need while Sethis and I head south to meet you on the other side of the town. That way you don't have to back track here and it will save us a little time?" Elita looked to Sethis. "Is that agreeable?"

Sethis:  I emerged from the shadows into the cave pocket, looking to Perrine with a raised eyebrow, the light provided by the earth elemental linked to Varia more than enough see the others clearly.
"I would think that Varia would stand out more in the country towns and small villages than I would.  I still don't know what her people are or whence they come from, but they are far from common," I responded.  "Besides...Varia and her companion can keep Elita out of sight and in some ways far better protected from the dangers of the countryside..."

Nyxis slowly emerged as well from the faint shadows, still linked to those keeping an eye on our surroundings, but in her human form.
"They've passed for the moment," She said, looking at the others and also giving a mental sigh.  Her unspoken words and thoughts shared between us.  Mostly concern about trying to aid these four and whether it was what we were truly meant to do.  Both of us still felt a tug towards the North West, to the mountains that were rumored to be a desolate wasteland.

"And Varia hasn't shown that she has much coin or need for it the last little bit," I added.
"I don't.  Usually I ask for supplied in return for my services, or whatever a person is able to offer within reason," She replied calmly, the ground beneath her rising a little  as her elemental poked his head out of the ground, emerald eyes gleaming.

"They've past for now. There are bound to be more." Perrine was the first to emerge from hiding and take a moment or two to survey the area before helping Elita and then the others come out from hiding. "We need to get moving now. We're wasting daylight here and we still have a lot of ground to cover. Let's head for the town and get what we need." She was already turning to head towards the town as Elita took a moment to brush herself off and gather some composure. She was getting tired of all the constant bickering and just wanted to get moving now since going home appeared to be well out of the question. "I am going to need something to mask my magical presence otherwise no amount of hiding is going to avail us for long." Elita started following Perrine headed in the direction of the town. Since unicorns are magical creatures they give off a very faint magical aura, but it can still be detected if a trained magic user gets close enough. There were a few ways to hide or mask the aura however. Willowood tree sap, if properly made, is a type of poison that does not kill, but robs the victim of their magic for one day. The problem with the sap is that taking it too often could make one violently ill. An article of clothing made from White Mithril can be used to hide any magic user and magical creature, in disguise, from being detected. The problem there is that the material is extremely rare and extremely expensive and anyone using it must be covered from head to toe for the desired effect to be evident. There are several spells that will disperse the aura for a short time, but the spells usually don't last long and must be recast periodically which can defeat the purpose altogether.

(sorry it took so long to post. I have been busy getting ready to a long trip. Speaking of which I will be out of town all next week so I may not be able to post until I get back)

Varia:  I looked to Erron and nodded slightly as Elita's comments about hiding her magick was aired.  In a few moments the ground next to us seemed to rise slightly before a bubble of what might have been molten slag pushed forth.
"Lady Elita, please kneel for a moment," I asked, going to stand before her as Erron cupped the molten rock in one massive forefoot.  "Sethis, I will also need your aid in this."

"What!  What the hell am I supposed to do with molten stone?" he asked with a start, both him and Nyxis backing off a little, one due to the light, the other due to the intense heat radiating from the stone.  I sighed and turned to look at him.
"Erron and I will work the stone, but I need to you lace it with additional properties, mainly that concealing energies of shadow that you instinctively use," I explained calmly.  "There is still much for you to learn and as much as certain elements might be opposed to each other naturally, they can work together.  Please...trust us in this..."

Trust. The word gets tossed around like coin these days. In most respects it meant very little to people. However....this time it was going to mean a whole lot more. With out trust this little adventure would be over before it began. They'd be lucky to even reach Fell  Gallows at the rate they were going now, but at least something in the way of cooperation was taking place. Elita was not about to argue as she quickly takes off her cloak and then the armor she wore under that leaving the lithe creature in her loincloth and light tunic. Perrine quickly takes the armor and takes it apart and tosses the armor Elita's and in her pack. It may not be of any use now, but it may come in handy later. Elita knelt down where directed looking wide eyes at the molten rock, but not feeling the need to worry about it. Perrine remain silent and moves away from the group a little ways to keep watch.

Varia:  Sethis scowled but moved a little closer, uncertainty marking his features and posture as much as anything else.  His companion moved next to my own, though keeping Erron's bulk between herself and the molten rock.
Looking to Elita, I rubbed my hands together brusquely to help prepare my Sa for what we were about to do before placing my hands lightly on the unicorns head.

Gently, I used my senses to measure her head and facial structure, sharing this with Erron who started the process of molding the molten slag in his 'palm'.  Allowing his awareness to focus on the fit and shape of what we were making, I extended my awareness to Sethis, opening my mind and spirit to him...

Sethis: ...The threads of element Varia and Erron were using were strong, obvious and yet also  invisible in another sense to my mind.  I could feel and perceive them as the faintest of distortions in the air and their strength, but that was it.  A few of the threads reached out to me, and I felt the tentative brush of another's mind, so different from Nyxis's own.  Taking a deep breath, I allowed my own thoughts to reach out to hers-

-I gasped, my eyes opening wide but not seeing our surroundings.  A landscape of energy was before me, angular, grounded, and shaped of crystals, metals and stone; Varia sitting in the middle of it on a single pillar of rock no larger than two feet in height and as thin as an arrow.
Between us the landscape of her mind stopped at an edge of darkness so clear and precise as to be shockingly stark in the contrast.  A landscape of nebulous starry sky was behind me, taking on shapes both beautiful and nightmarish in their abstract appearance.  While Varia's shifted slowly with the pure subtle grace of ages witnessed by the world, the forms of my mind scape were constantly twisting, collapsing and growing with each second.

Turning my attention back to her, I noticed a metallic representation of what she had in mind hovering before her.  Without speech or any other symbolism, I saw the patterns of energy  she and her companion were weaving into the 'skullcap' and the knowledge of how the energies of shadow could also be added to it without causing disruption.
Following the silent guidance, I linked with Nyxis and started to follow the patterns, my mind quickly picking up the knack and moving faster and with more confidence as the powers flowed between us...

The molten blob quivered and twisted in the earth elemental's palm, the heat radiating from it intensifying for a moment as portions slid off and hit the ground with a dull 'plop' before sinking from sight.  More and more ran off from the main molten mass, until something that looked like an oddly shaped elongated bowl rested against the stone palm.  From white hot, to dull orange, angry rust red, then a dull mat steel that shifted to a final glossy grey/black stone.  Anyone with a knowledge of gemstones and other kinds of rock would recognize it as Hematite, also called Soul Stone; known for its grounding effects on excess magic and other energies.

The depression inside of it darkened noticeably more, seeming to fill with shadows that formed a faint mist.  The human stumbled slightly and sank to his knees, panting for breath as his elemental rushed over to him.  Erron presented the cap to Varia who had also moved to sit down, though far more gracefully than the human.

Varia:  I accepted the skullcap from Erron with a deep nod of thanks, cradling this in my hands as I turned my weary eyes to Elita.
"What has been brought forth here is no small thing, M'Lady," I said softly, idly caressing the stones smooth surface.  "Avalars have seldom worked together, and none have done so in the last three hundred years...Take this cap and wear it proudly as a gift, for it will not only conceal your magicks, but part of your heritage...your horn..."  Holding it out to her, I bowed my head again, knowing that the horn would  slide to a space between spaces and thus make it seem as if Elita was just another equine, though one of noble bearing...

Elita, kneeling to the ground, closes her eyes and tries to empty her thoughts. Just trying to get through this so they could move on. It turns inward. Her thoughts seem to draw her ever deeper for some reason. The darkness deep within coming forward to make itself known to her. She knew it well, but had never dealt with it. It felt warm and inviting as if an old friend had come to embrace her and yet she found herself feeling awkward in it's presence. "Do you not know me?" The voice she heard was soft and warm like that of a mother greeting her beloved child. "I do not recognize you." She thought quietly. For a moment the darkness seemed to recede a little. "Am I alien to you? Am I unknown?" It questioned her. "I....no....I do know you, but I do not recognize you." Elita thought. The darkness was silent for only a moment. "This is not true...you recognize me, but you deny me. Why?" It asks. It note seemed to change as if insulted or upset at her answer. "You are not me. You do not belong here. I refuse you." Elita thought. Again the darkness seemed silent for a moment or two. "You cannot. I cannot....you cannot refuse you. I am you. I am denied, but I am here and I call myself....Elita. I am that which you have been denied, but not because you want to. Because I was hidden from you by your mother. I am here and soon.....soon we will be what destiny has called us to be. I will be......" The darkness was ripped away from her as she heard her named called.

Her eyes open slowly as though she had been deep in slumber and her mind aligned itself as before though she felt that dark presence was still lurking somewhere in the very depths of her awareness. She comes out of her light trance and looks up at Varia for a moment. Gracefully taking the cap in her hands and easily, slowly placing it on her head. She could feel her magic shift somehow. As if it was being shoved inward. She had no access to it now. This was the desired effect. Magic needed to be free to be used. This way was like stuffing it into a bag and drawing the strings tight. To use it she would have to remove the cap thus exposing her true identity to all around her. She looked no different than any other equine now. She stood up and even slouched a little adding to her new appearance an bit. "Thank you. I understand what had to be done to make this." She wasn't really sure actually, but she did have the gist of it. It was about this time that Perrine returned from her patrol. She seemed clam which was a telltale sign. "That patrol turned further north towards the mountains and disappeared. I doubt that we will see them again if we move out before too long. There doesn't seem to be any other patrols around on foot so this was just a chance encounter. We will see more along the road..." Perrine noticed Elita. "...however I don't believe they will be able to recognize us once we get some new clothes for Elita. I will be fairly hidden in my own cloak and safe as long as I don't come into direct contact with any of the patrols. There may be some who can still spot me though." She quickly gived the unicorn her clothes. "Get dressed for now, Elita. We need to be on our way"

Elita makes haste in dressing and strapping her sword back to her hip. The thing keeping dormant. She was wondering if maybe the sword still knew of it was her or not or if it was just reacting to her magic being suppressed. Finishing up she looked to the others to see what was going to happen next.......

Sethis:  The armadillo woman turned and started towards where Perrine had indicated the town would be.  Her elemental companion sank into the ground, then what appeared to be a caravan lizard emerged from the dirt with a loud grunt, tongue flicking out slowly.

The lizards were known to be fairly docile and of mild temperament when well fed, and while not fast, they were well suited for carrying heavy loads.  Easily twice the size of a feral buffalo, their bodies are broad and flat, the legs thick and powerful, claws on the front large and almost shovel like.  They mainly fed off of roots or burrowing critters mostly, yet weren't above going after carrion or wounded animals.  Mottle brown green scaled hide, the head was narrow, almost spear like with an under-slung jaw that had wickedly curved teeth jutting from it.  Unlike others of its kind which had small dark eyes, this ones were slightly larger and a bright emerald green that quickly faded.  Close to fifteen feet long and six feet wide, Erron's new form stood around 5 feet at the highest point on his back.

Varia carefully scrambled up onto his back and seated herself just behind his shoulders, a set of reins and broad flat saddle growing out of the elementals body.
I shook my head slightly but said nothing, silently thankful that I has Nyxis's help to stand, still feeling a little drained from making the skullcap for Elita.  Looking to Elita and Perrine, I gave a ghost of a smile and followed after the other Avalar.

After a few moments, I felt my strength return and softly started to sing for the first time in a long time, the song wordless, but the tune soothing and uplifting at the same time...

Elita paused for a moment at the site before her. She had little time to try and make sense of it before she was nudged, by Perrine, along the small dirt path headed toward the town. "I'm going, I'm going..." She huffed mildly as she started walking. She reached under her cloak and set her hand on the hilt of her sword. Immediately the thing thrummed in her hand. It was not fooled by her cap at all. Somehow that was both reassuring and scary at the same time. Perrine could see what she was doing and gauged the Unicorn's reaction. "It's not fooled apparently. That can be good and bad. Best to keep your hands away from it for now. That sword will do nothing, but draw attention. Draw it only as a last resort." Perrine kept her voice down. They were alone, but it seemed as good a time as any to get into the habit. "Right...." Elita nods in reply as they take up position just behind the lizard.

((I assume, from your description, that there was only one lizard))

(Yes, and more than enough room for Elita and Perrine to scramble up onto it if they wish.)

Sethis:  The walk towards the nearby town was uneventful, most of the folks busy with daily chores and other responsibilities.  All in all, the town looked quite peaceful and someplace that would be perfect for settling down and avoiding the larger cares of the world.  A faint, idiotic dream at best for Nyxis and myself.  Such would never be allowed to us if even half the legends about Avalars proved true.  We existed for a reason, to be a voice for events in the world that others would have been deaf to until it was almost too late.
The very thought of finding an out of the way place to live in anonymity brought forth ghosts of images, half formed memories, feelings of anguish, terror, and ultimately a sense of loss that I couldn't explain away.
After so many years wandering, one would think that such things would have faded by now...

...Varia kept Erron on the outskirts of town, her companion now sporting an empty harness from which trade goods might have been secured upon its back.  Varia herself mostly concealed by a light voluminous robe with hood, making it seem as if she was a rodent folk of some kind, glad for the chance to stop and rest after a long journey.
"Don't suppose either of you happen to know what kinds of goods come out of this town?" I asked quietly, acting somewhat subservient to Elita as I attempted to give the impression that she was a wealthy merchant's daughter.  "We need to have something to carry with us to lend credibility to our 'appearances', M'Lady."

Most of the folk in what passed for the town proper eyed us with curiosity, but otherwise didn't seem to have any comment or remarks, nor did they approach us immediately...

(My apologies for the long wait.  Minds been struggling.)

"The only things we can expect to find here are the standard trade goods. Mainly things like Raw Meats, cloth, wood, maybe some camping supplies. Thistlewood is relatively small even for a lumber town. Being this close to the mountains sees few heavy travelers. Still we may find a few shops that have what we need." Perrine sounded like she was reading right out of a text book. Elita just kept quiet for now. The town is arranged in a circle at the center around a large marble statue of a creature known as a Kirin. This horse like creature is covered in fine dragon scales and possesses two horns upon it's head. Essentially it looks like a scaled horse with a hint of dragon thrown in. It is a male adorned in a fine suit of what appears to be leather armor with it's hands resting upon the handle and hilt of a two handed sword as if standing a careful watch over the town. The statue faces north toward the mountains and is aptly named "The Sentinel Q'ilin" In the circle of the center of town is a small blacksmith shop that stands right in front of the statue with the towns small lumber Mill right next to it. Going around the statue, clockwise from there is the "Finery Shop", the famers market, Town hall, A shrine to Karea, a General Store, two small stands with fresh meat from local hunters, A good sized stable selling mounts of all kinds, a shop the sells camping gear and traveling supplies, and finally a small shop that caters to those of a magical nature. The street is a mixture of fine cobble stone and red brick. A few house can be seen standing behind the various shops in the center of town.

The town was busy with people flitting from one shop to the next as well as several merchants patroling the street selling their goods and wares from the backs of their carts. Perrine pulls her heavy hood tight over her head tucking her chin down. She was trying to avoid any direct eye contact with the townsfolk. Elita didn't seem to feel the need as she took to looking around curiously. Her skull cap keeping her real identity hidden from those around her. It made the both of them seem like an elegant lady and her shadowy body guard as they slowly mingled with those around them.

Sethis:  "M'Lady, perhaps you would do better sitting in the shade of the porch, out of the sun until we can obtain additional mounts for the next leg of the journey," I intoned, allowing my voice to be loud enough for any passers by to hear without it being a full shout or overly exaggerated.  "With what those foul brutes did to your stallion, you are surely in need of a little rest..."  I continued to natter on, seeming like an overly concerned servant belonging to her household, while Nyxis got the hint and played the part of a serving maid, though she did little to change the exotic look of her features, or the thin revealing clothing she wore.  Some families had servants in such garments as displays of power, wealth, and also to remind such individuals of their places; which was to obey those in power utterly.

As I talked, I slipped a pouch of coins into Perrine's hand, and another into Elita's, knowing that she had little in the way of money.  "Just find yer'self a nice place to rest for a bit, and Sethis will find mounts appropriate for your ladyship!"
I glanced to Varia but she had already moved Erron over to a trough before the only visible inn at the towns center, the elemental making a show of drinking the waters within it.  I broke away with a slight shuffle, moving quickly for the large stables across from the general store, and finding the owner; a believable lie already in mind as to how 'Lady Elaria Triel' and company had lost most of our previous rides...

Nyxis:  "I swear...if I didn't know better, I'd say he was enjoying the chance to act," I murmured, moving a little closer to Elita and giving a slight bow of my head but with a mischievous smirk.  "Would you care for a drink, M'Lady?  The road must have been very taxing for you these last few miles..."

"Hamming it up much?" Elita retorted under her breath at Sethis' acting. Perrine snorted and shook her head. She heard the unicorn mumbling. "Go along with it. We need to maintain appearances for now." Giving Elita a nudge just after taking the small bag of coin. It was not much, but it would do to get the things they would need. Elita merely swallowed her pride for a moment and then lifted her head beaming with the best fake smile she could muster. "Yes. I could use a bit of rest after our long walk. Perhaps a cool refreshment is in order as well and maybe  a bite to eat?" She beamed as she sought out some place shady and went to sit down. Now Perrine was the one making comments under her breath. Something about laying it on just a tad too thick as she moved away towards several of the shops. It was time to see what she could dig up for the long road ahead. The town was bustling with patrons and merchants so the small group, thus far, had gone entirely unnoticed and what guards there were lurking about were busy dealing with other things paying the group no mind at all. This was not, however, cause for them to drop their guard. Those dragons earlier were only part of a larger search party. Though she could not make any out right now Perrine knew that foot patrols were probably not far off. Even with Elita's nifty little skullcap there was good chance she might still be recognized.

She spotted a shop just the far side from where they had entered. They sold camping and traveling gear there. They would have the basic necessities for the long journey. Sleeping rolls and tents. Packs and materials for making mends and repairs the gear would eventually need. She would secure these things first, but that would be all for now. Until they had mounts they would be limited as to what they could carry for now. Elita sat quietly and looked around doing her best to not look too excited or anxious. "So far. So good." No one had really taken notice or interest in her or her "servant" so far. She wondered if she should help, but then decided it may be best to just remain where she was and keep a low profile for now. She snaps out of her little line of thought as Nyxis offers her a drink which she gracefully accepts. "This will do nicely. Now about that bite to eat?"

Nyxis:  I gave the Innkeeper and his wife little chance to ask too many questions about Elita, using a commanding tone that had just enough of a hint of steel to it to make them hurry with the demands for 'My Ladyship'.  In moments a small bowl of vegetable stew, a couple slices of freshly baked bread, and a small mug of mead were ready on a tray for me to take to Elita; the innkeepers assuring me that if she needed anything else they would be sure to have it ready at once.

Looking everything over with a critical eye, I made a noise of barely acceptable satisfaction before carrying the tray outside.  Setting it on the bench next to Elita with a submissive curtsey and bow of my head, I remained like that a moment then moved to the side, keeping my features calm, patient and demure.
A couple of the local males glanced at us, only to do a double take, their eyes clearly roving over my form and I sighed inwardly.
'Never fails,' I thought, ignoring their hot eyes as I tried to keep in character.  The form I took as a humanoid wasn't something I could change readily, and in truth, I had based it off...a memory?  A passing thought from a traveler Sethis had encountered?  I couldn't really say, other than when the time was right and Sethis had needed a companion that was visible, this had been the form I manifested.  How hadn't been important at the time, and I'd never thought twice about it aside from when passers by or even Sethis himself had been openly staring at the physical beauty of this body.  Ahh well...One step at a time...

*One Hour Later*

Sethis:  ...The owner of the stables didn't believe the story for a minute, but it didn't deter him from bargaining like a devil to get as much coin out of me as possible.  It barely put a dent in the money I had access to, but still, five gold sovereigns a piece for four Avvaren's with saddles and bridles was almost an outrage.  Especially for a wealthy merchant woman and her escort.  At least that's how I expressed the sentiments of the character I had assumed.

The Avvaren's were quadruped blends of bird and lizard, as tall as a feral horse, but far more fleet of foot and in some ways easier to ride.  Their bodies were lithe and slender with long feathered tails that  whipped back and forth at a slow walk; their legs strongly muscled with the scales starting just below what would be the knees.  Four toes on each foot bore wicked claws and could kick with the force of a mule, ripping open those on the receiving end of such a blow.  Their eyes were bright and positioned like those of a bird of prey, with beaks equally curved and as sharp of their feral ancestors.  The ones I had chosen were mottle brown and pale white/beige, the feathers along the tops of their bodies a darker gold brown in color, with their flanks and undersides turning milky white with splotches of the brown at random.  While not blessed with the sense of smell like a feral horse, their eyes could pick up things long before their riders did which made them invaluable to messengers.

Carefully leading them around to the Inn where Elita was seated, I bowed to her before tying the reins of the Avvaren's to the picket poles and approached, giving another bow of respect to her.
"As soon as we have some supplies and wares to replace those stolen by the brutes we encountered, We will be ready to leave, Mistress," I said, glancing about briefly to see where the other members of our group had gone to.  "Is there anything else we can get for you, M'Lady?"