Furry-Within

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.