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The Plains; Meanwhile...
Topic Started: Sep 30 2013, 01:12 AM (1,574 Views)
Tasha the Gypsy
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Reema sat on a small boulder high on the mountainside. She often came to the grazing lands to calm herself down after having another argument with Gand, the elder of Ranae. Reema was not a member of the small mountain village of Ranae, but she spent much of her time there since it was one of the only villages with grazing lands so high in the mountains. As Reema sat on the rock, she watched four or five graceful unicorns slowly wander over the field of grass below her, each looking for the best spot to graze on the sweet grass of the mountains. She was seated so far away form them that she could only distinguish them by their blue horns, which shone out like sapphires against the dark green of the grass. After a short time, Reema tired of watching the unicorns, and took out her favorite stiletto. She began to sharpen it, watching as the light from the fading sun glinted off the blade and the three small red stones set in the hilt of the slim dagger.
Edited by Tasha the Gypsy, Oct 4 2013, 01:34 PM.
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The Inkweaver
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Credna swept back in alarm as the flames blazed out. Her Firestone crackled, pulling her toward the flames. Heat radiated from the stone and enveloped her body. Like an ashen ember, Credna spread her cloak and yielded herself to the movement of the wind. Flapping the edges of her cloak like the wings of a bat, Credna focused the wave of heat from her body to overwhelm that of the burning arrows. One by one, the shafts disintegrated into ash and the flames died where they struck. There would be no burning of Renae tonight. Encouraged, Credna rose on the gust of wind and flew on tongues of fire till she settled on a mountain peak nearer to the town to see what the Drow or the defenders would do next.

Down in the town (minutes before the first strike of arrows fell), Moraenor oversaw the readiness of the people. He nodded to Gand respectfully, as if to apologize for his earlier rudeness and recognize his authority over the people. He turned back to the motley assortment of farmers and craftsmen that populated Renae. They held pitchforks, staves, spears—only about half of them were armed with any sort of projectile weapons, such as slings, arrows, and javelins. Drow were fast, Kail’tor had warned. They would need to impede their progress as quickly as possible, for as long as possible.


Let those with spears and pitchforks ready themselves at the wall, he ordered. Archers, if there are any sturdy roofs in the town, climb upon these so that you will be able to make the longest shot possible. Those with slings may stand among the rest, who will be their shield. Let anything flat—tables, doors, whatever you can find—be set up as a barricade in front of the slingers. Those of you who do not have the skill to fight may work at keeping the archers and the slingers supplied with ammunition. Kail’tor, Tara and I will be in charge of an offensive strike if the Drow withstand this onslaught. Moraenor hesitated, then nodded to confirm he had finished. He could not think of anything further to say—but would the plans he had already made be enough?

Tara stepped forward, the bright-white stone embedded in her staff crackling with energy.

I know there are those among you with knowledge of magic, she said. Let any spell-workers come forward and offer their abilities—no matter how insignificant they may seem. Remember the ancient saying, ‘A pebble may yet stem the tide of an ocean.’ Every small part helps!

The Elf and the woman waited side by side for several tense minutes. Tentatively, a voice came from the back of the crowd.
I can make objects light and then heavy again, a man called.
Moraenor kept his face passive, but inside, he grimaced; what good was a spell like that, unless the Drow were attempting to change money or barter goods?
Tara was unfazed.
You, sir, shall be posted near the front of the town. When you see the arrows leave the bows, make them light, so that their flight will be far and swift. When they reach the enemy, make them heavy again, that the decline of their stroke will inflict the most damage. It is good, my friends! Who else has something that could help us?
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Tasha the Gypsy
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Gand became totally unaware of Bella, who stood behind him, as he allowed a half smile to cross his face when Reema began giving orders. He stepped forward, just in front of the massive centaur and spoke to his people,
"Mellath, Taunel, Frelin. Take care of the children. Get them to the crystal cavern. Everyone else, you know what to do."

Almost before the Gand finished speaking, the three women he had named were gathering the children and shepherding them into their leader's house. They would take them through a small tunnel in his cellar which led straight to the crystal caverns that came out far south of Renae.
The others villagers sprang into action, each one going to a specific location as if they knew exactly what to do in case of an attack. Gand quietly observed as they fell into position; some behind the wall, and some around the corners of the stone houses. Within minutes they had formed a circle around Renae, just inside the wall. Though none of them had traditional weapons of any kind, they all had heavy, hardwood staffs. One after another, the knot of wood at the top of each staff began to glow faintly, and each man and woman began to softly whisper a spell or two that would aid their magic in battle.
Gand turned back to Reema and Kail'tor, the half smile still playing on his lips.
"Thank you for your help, but we know what to do. You seem to have forgotten already that everyone has, and knows how to use magic. This isn't the first time Renae has fallen under attack, nor is it the first time we've had to fight for our lives."

Anabella watched silently as all this was happening. She knew she should find her own staff, but she also knew it would be useless in her hands. Even though everyone else of Renae knew, and could wield magic, she had never been able to. She had always felt outcast by this, which is why her small house was on the edge of town. She never felt as if she fit in Renae very well. Gand was the only person in town that didn't make her feel even more so whenever she was near him. She looked up at Kai'tor one more time before sighing softly and turning towards Gand's house again. Perhaps she could catch up to the group of children and help take care of them.
"At least," She thought to herself, "Even if I don't follow the children, I won't be in the way if I just stay inside..."
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The Inkweaver
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Reema's face burned at the chastisement from the Elder, but just at that moment, a hail of burning arrows sailed through the sky. This was no ordinary wolf attack! Reema watched as the arrows shot through the night sky--

And extinguished before they reached the town. A cloud of black ash reached the village walls, nothing more. Reema blinked; what had caused that? She had no time to wonder at this, because a flare of magic from the other side of town alerted her to the fact that the Drow were already upon them. The Stone on Reema's staff crackled to life in the light of the waxing moon. She raised it high and began chanting the deflection spell.

At the center of town, Moraenor directed the archers. Huniel, the man who could change the weight of objects, aided them greatly in shooting the arrows. The speed at which the long, dark bodies moved through the grass astonished Moraenor. Not even Hiromorni could move that fast.
A small movement at the edge of his vision called his attention away from the sight. A small body was in the act of entering the house. Was it not the same young girl who had been standing with Elder Gand, staring wide-eyed at Kail'tor when they had arrived? What was she doing? If what Elder Gand said was true, why then was this girl not out defending her town with the rest of the people? Moraenor nodded to the man appointed as his lieutenant and conceded his post. Moving carefully, he ducked into the same doorway the girl had used.


Hello? he called into the darkness.
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Amaurea
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The Centaur paused after hearing the elder speak, conscious of the fact that there was already a ladder of command here. Unwilling to put his hooves over anyone else's, the creature turned to observe, keeping his blade drawn and ready to jump to the aid of anyone. The villagers put on a fantastic act. Once standing with strong, if unconventional farm equipment for weaponry, he noticed their pitch forks and shovels begin to glow with a strange and magical light. Blinking a few times, Kail'tor shook his head in astonishment. The tension of battle must have been getting to him, for where he once saw crude weaponry, now he saw strong wooden staffs practically quavering with magical energy. He snorted, what ever. If he died tonight it would end his confusion.

Hie eyes lifted to the sky and a frown creased his face. If only Rune was here, he'd have a bird's eye view of the area and the enemies' movements. For now, he only had the earth. Low to the east, he saw some strange flaming creature glide to a stop atop a rocky peek. For a moment, the Centaur pondered on what it could be, until the clash of metal and wood awoke him from his musings.



The griffin saw the shiny firefly person also, and decided that it would be much more interesting to chase than a boring human. So, like a cat...with wings, Thell darted after the flying flaming creature with intent to catch it. When it landed and the fire extinguished itself, he stopped, hovering silently in the air, confused. That WAS the human he'd been after earlier, the very same woman who had ignored his cries for help.

With grace and silence, the large creature landed softly behind Credna. Perched atop some rocks, probably towering over the human before him, Thell puffed out his feathered chest and glared down at the girl with slitted, annoyed eyes.



Karn felt it. The other drow felt it. Magic stained the air in off kilter patterns and repeating fractals. The town suddenly lit up with faint glowing lights, and two distinct signatures made themselves clear to him. Embraced by shadow, the Drow commander slipped with ease up to the town's wall and pressed his pointed ear against it. The distinct hum of magical energy made his senses tingle with blood lust.

Marka'

He hissed, even as he waved the signal for his troops to attack. One distinct female Drow didn't follow the soldiers in vaulting over the wall of Renae. Rather, she slipped to her commander's side, giving him a questioning gaze and saying nothing.

I sense great magic here. One, the Centaur we've been tracking holds the Earthstone. The other...

Closing his crimson eyes, Karn searched the area, pressing upon the cords of magic entangling the village. He suddenly flinched and his eyes sprang open, snapping to the scout almost dangerously.

Tell the Shade that his presence is needed. I think.... we've found what he's looking for.

Nothing else need be said. The scout turned and made for the plains, away from the town. The tall grass hid her transformation, and for a moment she became completely invisible. Seconds later, a raven sprang from the grass and silently blended in with the night sky.

Now it was his turn to engage the enemy. Leaping up and placing his hand atop the stone wall, Karn leaped over and finally gathered a full view of the situation. His men were meeting more resistance than normal. Some of the Drow chose to silently slip between their targets, rather than outright fighting them. They attacked later, using their preferred, jagged dagger-like knives. Others were more obvious. Bluish-purple energy coursed through their palms in hot spikes of magic. Renae wasn't the only group of magicians in the realm. And then there were those well versed in the art of siphoning energy. Though they had to be close enough to their targets to touch them, these Drow were still very potent.

Soon after the initial contact, the archers- who had been in the cliffs, had made their way across the field, though several of them had been shot by very heavy, yet far flying arrows from Renae.

Karn observed, wondering what the outcome would be. His eyes found the figure of Reema, and his whole body flinched, realizing why his recent probing of magic had resulted in such discomfort. Drow weren't especially fond of the Lightstone...

It didn't matter though. His master would be there soon.
Edited by Amaurea, Aug 14 2014, 01:53 PM.
"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares"
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Tasha the Gypsy
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"Back, back!" Commanded Gand, dashing slightly forward as the shadowy enemies began vaulting over the wall, "Fall back! I want volleys of shedesh, now!"
As Gand ran forward, he whirled his staff in the air, muttering a strange spell. The light at the top of the hard wooden rod increased and began vibrating. When it reached the size of a man's head, Gand forcefully slammed the tip of his staff on the ground, releasing a wave of arcane magic that would knock back any foes near it; stunning them for a few seconds. Others had been slowly pulling back from the wall, summoning similar waves of magic which they used to attempt to repel their attackers.

Bella slipped into the dimly lit building, pausing for a moment at the door to allow her eyes to adjust to the darkness. After a moment, she silently and carefully made her way to the heavy bookcase that concealed the tunnel that lead to the caves where all the children had been taken. She tugged at it a few times before sighing.
"Frelin must have sealed it with magic." she murmured softly to herself as she moved away, "Ah well, I can stay here until the fight is over..."
She found her way to Elder Gand's armchair near the fire, and curled up in it to wait. She closed her eyes, breathing in the heavy masculine scent that seemed to embrace her as soon as she had sat in the chair. That, mixed with the faint scent of freshly carved wood, allowed Bella to relax slightly.

"Hello?" A strange man's voice startled her. She froze, remaining completely silent, in case the person who had entered the building was unfriendly. Her eyes darted around what she could see of the room, but the back of the chair was to the door, and it was so tall that she couldn't see over or around it. Anabella stayed where she was, hoping the stranger wouldn't venture further into the house and find her... especially if he was one of the dark ones.
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Amaurea
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Time seemed to crawl by like an overburdened snail. Karn watched his men leap and jump about like agile panthers as they attempted to rescue themselves from the magical energy shock waves. Most of them were successful, he noted. Some, as expected, found themselves shoved to the ground by something they only saw out of their periphery. He gave them the benefit of the doubt. Light could easily disorient a Drow, just like darkness could confuse a human.

His eye once more settled on Reema and her staff. His feet made choices for him. With fury behind each motion, the large, war seasoned Drow charged the Lightstone holder, intent on riding her of the profane stone. Ideally, he would have loved to dash the stone into pieces. But elemental stones were very difficult to even fracture, and his master needed it for something.

What ever the case, he didn't make it far because a wave of telepathic energy suddenly crashed into his psyche. His well timed run turned into a miserable dance of chaotic stumbling and his anger seethed before he realized where the mental assault had come from. He'd gotten off track and his superior was simply putting him back on it again. With a growl, Karn whirled around in search of his true target. His crimson eye roamed the masses with odd, pin point clarity. She was not outside.

A magical shock wave interrupted his search and the already annoyed Drow reeled back, ramming into the side of a villager quite by accident. Without a second thought, he'd slain the fool for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He then turned to face a heavy looking wooden door, possibly to the town's center hub. The structure itself wasn't exactly large, but great care had been taken in it's craftsmanship. With all the force of a wild bore, the Drow commander crashed into the indignant door, causing it to yield in surrender. And there he came face to face with another elven expression, this one fare and good and noble- Karn's foil. His one un-patched eye glared at Moraenor, and his scarred ebony face twisted into a strange smile. The prospect of doing battle with such a being thrilled him. And he would have done it too, save for the strong tug in another direction.

He'd hesitated too long however. The elf was standing between himself and his destination. Battle would have to wait for another day. Quickly, the dark being shot out his left arm toward Moraenor and spat out a sharp sounding word before clinching his fist and yanking his arm backwards. If all went well, Moraenor would find his body lifted by some strange force, and jettisoned from the building. Karn smirked and slammed the heavy door behind him. His attention turned from what once was, to what remained- the tall backed arm chair.

With careful strides, armor rustling about him, Karn approached the fireplace. Behind the back of that chair, rested something which had halted his pursuit of the lightstone, and interrupted his potential duel with a possible equal. Needless to say, he wasn't very happy with ...whoever was sitting there. He didn't even know who the person was. All the Drow knew was Sham'Gar wanted them for some reason.


Rise!

Karn barked. The sound of metal on metal showed quite clearly that his sward had been drawn. With a sly expression, he positioned the sward's point to the back of the chair.

Or I'll make you.
Edited by Amaurea, Aug 26 2014, 01:38 PM.
"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares"
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The Inkweaver
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Reema waved her staff with the Moonstone high over her head. The power from it pushed back against the dark Drow, and they reeled with screams of agony. Every time the Stone flashed, she felt its energy all the way to the ground beneath her feet, and she could sense where Kail'tor was because of their strange connection.
An explosion behind her caused her to stumble slightly. Moraenor's body flew out of a building somewhere and crashed into a haystack. Reema allowed three other magicians to take her place in defending the plains of Renae while she went to assist her friend.

He was just regaining consciousness when she arrived at his side.

What happened? she asked.
He blinked for a long moment. Then he gripped her arm with urgency.
Tara! he cried, There is a young girl in trouble, in that building there! He pointed to a hut some distance away. We must save her!

Reema glanced toward the door. The Moonstone crackled, and she sent a flash of Moonbeam toward the door. The light spread over the sturdy wooden surface, but the door didn't move. Moraenor had made it to his feet and now drew his sword. Together, the pair moved toward the door.

Credna heard the scrabbling of claws on the cliff above her, and she tensed. Movement in her periphery told her that there was something there--something very large. She turned slowly, with her hands visible, until she came face to face with a gryphon--a very wounded, very angry gryphon. It glared at her.

Hi, she whimpered.
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Tasha the Gypsy
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Bella was trying to breath lightly, and stay perfectly still as she heard a loud noise at the door, hoping whoever was there would leave again thinking the house was empty. She waited a few seconds with her eyes closed, but her heart sank when she heard the voice behind the chair.
"Rise!... Or I'll make you." It commanded.
To Bella's ears it was an evil, cold voice that made her shiver just at the sound of it. She could tell the being it belonged to meant every word, so she quickly rose out of the chair and whirled around to face... whatever was there, though she backed against the wall next to the fireplace so she could be sure there was nothing behind her.
"Wh... What do you want with me?" She asked in a soft, trembling voice, "I mean nothing; I'm just a simple girl of the village..." She said, though she had a feeling this person pointing a sword at her could probably care less about anything she had to say.
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Amaurea
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A girl? A mere human girl!? This child was the reason he'd given up the moonstone and allowed the elf to live? Karn's face twisted into an even more irritated image, if that were possible. Maybe something more resided within her. There had to be some wealth to her for his master to want her alive. Never one for underestimations, the tall ebony Drow held his blade at the ready, and spoke sharply to the girl in answer to her question.

What do I want with you? I want nothing from you. Someone else does.

His one crimson eye glared at her, searching her up and down still in some slight bewilderment.

Though, I can't imagine what.

He thrust out his armored gloved hand, beckoning to her.

Regardless, I'm taking you with me. You can struggle if you like. I might find it amusing.

A dark, belittling smirk tugged at his lips. He didn't want to wait around here though. The Elven soldier he'd thrown out was liable to come back at any moment. Though he'd love a chance to cross blades with him, the conflict might give this girl a chance to escape, and that just wouldn't do. Without waiting on a response, Karn advanced on her, making a quick grab for her left shoulder in hopes of placing her in front of him.

The edges of the door flashed silver and Karn's eyes narrowed. They needed to go, now. A few seconds later the large fire behind them flickered out suddenly.

Good. The Shade was here.





All throughout the village, the magic wielding towns folk seemed to have the upper hand. Indeed, at present, they did. Though, their attackers didn't seem to notice their fallen comrades. The Drow just kept advancing, though there were considerably fewer of them now. Those wounded had slipped away into the shadows. Those unable to do that remained scattered about the village.

But suddenly every torchlight and every silver lighted staff dimmed to nothing, simultaneously, for a brief moment. New pares of glowing Drow eyes lit up behind buildings and within shadowed corners. They'd not be the minority for much longer. They didn't wait for a command. Suddenly a new army of dark elves began their attack from behind the villagers, cutting them down when ever possible. A new stock of archers climbed onto roof tops and began battling those villagers already there, over choice sniping spots.

The magician with power over weight and mass was starting to get very annoying. From behind him, a tall dark figure advanced. Without warning, two strong hands clasped the magician's head and his spells ended abruptly. The tide was turning.


Before you continue, you probably want to hear what I have to say.

The echoed voice came seconds before their owner slipped from invisible space, in between Reema and Moraenor. Whisps of dark energy flitted away into the shadow from which Armek had come, and his chill eyes rested, shaded by his hood. Something had prompted him to conceal his features for the time being. Perhaps his paranoia was getting worse the closer he got to a cure. Perhaps some latent memories of this place had triggered something. But Armek couldn't remember ever being here before.

Whatever the case, he stood now before the bearer of the Moonstone, a relic he thought would negate his curse. His own elemental magic sat contained within the twisted, corrupted wood of his staff. The shard pulsed tensely with strange light. Armek reached out his right hand toward Reema, an initial jester of nonviolence.


You can stop this, Stone bearer. I will take the Drow and leave this town in peace, if you would just come with me. You see. What little of the runic marks that were visible on Armek's arm pulsed suddenly with tension. The two elemental stones crackled in opposition to one another. I need your help.



The earth quavered after the darkening of light. Kail'tor had played stone wall for a few magicians who had started attacking the Drow from behind him. That was alright. He'd been able to introduce a few dark elves to his sharp edged sword. Inwardly, it felt good to swing the heavy weapon again. Something changed though. The earth shifted below him. His stone became hot against his chest.

Turn around!

He shouted and whirled about just in time to catch a dark swordsmen off guard. He grunted at the strength these dark elves had. He'd had his bouts with Drow before, but it always surprised him how well adapted to combat they were. Rearing up on his hind legs, the Centaur let out a savage kick, sending two of the darklings flying backwards with possible broken ribs. Without pause, the massive creature charged the new advancing line of Drow, sward at the ready, fire in his protective eyes.

Something pricked him. Reema was in trouble. He'd nail down the fort here and see what he could do for her. He missed Rune.






The woman turned to look up at him. He narrowed his eyes and looked down at her. Her voice was all wavery and thin. Her eyes were all big and roundish. If he could chuckle he would have. Puffing out his feathered chest, he responded to the girl with a loud, drawn out shriek.

Then he closed his beak, folded his wings tightly against him and turned his head away as if seriously offended.





Edited by Amaurea, Sep 18 2014, 01:05 PM.
"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares"
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The Inkweaver
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Reema could not understand the coldness that crawled over her body as the stranger appeared. For a brief moment, she was deaf, blind, and paralyzed--then the moment passed, and she could feel the thrum of energy from the Moonstone.

"You see... I need your help," said the stranger.
Reema scowled, everything in her revolting against the deep, light-sucking darkness surrounding the stranger. All around, warriors fell, Drow shrieked both in pain and in glee, magic flurried about in colorful, sweeping arcs that threatened to unravel the very threads of reality--and this, a total stranger, expected her to abandon her post in their time of direst need, merely because he wanted her help?


"And what if I refuse?" She challenged him.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Credna winced at the loud, indignant squawk, but as it turned away from her, she perceived that it was not interested in eating her, as in all the legends she had ever heard.
As it turned, the hint of a harness caught her eye. Once again, Credna eyed the cliffs around suspiciously, her guard on full alert. A battle below, and a gryphon above...


"Where is your master?" she asked the large beast.
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Amaurea
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Andolla
Armek's expression never wavered. He expected this kind of reaction from her. But now he had to prove his seriousness. With a sigh, he jerked his expression over to a villager running past them. Thrusting out his hand, Armek spat a few words in an old forgotten tongue and a strange red mark appeared on the villager's forehead. The man stopped suddenly and turned to look at them, confused. With a snap of Armek's fingers the mark flashed crimson, and the villager's eyes widened as his body was engulfed by flames from within. Only an interrupted cry and ash remained.

Armek turned his cold gaze on Reema. His voice took on a much sharper tone now, laden with unnatural wickedness and a barely tempered rage.


If you refuse to aid me, then I will make you watch as I tare the life from every breathing thing in this village. You will hear the cry of ever mother as I slaughter their children. And then, I will make you help me.

Armek blinked and shook his head. The dark miasma which had begone to grow around him, taking the shape of black foggy tendrils, faded away somewhat. The trimmers that had suddenly come upon him subsided, and his eyes slowly lost their crimson hue.

I really, truly beg you. Do not make me prove my words.
Even his zealous voice had dropped back down to a near whisper. Time was short. He could not bargain with her for much longer. Even now his mind was sinking down into darker things and he feared if he remained here much longer, he would not be able to keep his promise to leave this village in peace. The shadow stone wanted blood, and he was beginning to want it also.



Karn's eyes narrowed as the firelight died. The magical energy used to open this many shadow portals, all at once, must have tremendous. The Shade's power was growing. Without hesitation, the war torn Drow gripped the girl tightly and ducked, darting for the fireplace. They passed through the small shadow portal seconds before it closed, and both of them were lost to the village of Renae.



They just kept coming. Kail'tor managed create a wall of stone and earth to protect the mages in his absence. Though it was crude and quickly done, the wall was strong and sturdy, like everything the Centaur did.

Turning about, he quickened his stride, heading at a brisk gallop toward Reema and the house of Gand. Another spike in magic warned him that something irreversible had happened. What that was, Kail'tor didn't know.






What was his name? Really? She'd been all rude and mean to him and now this woman wanted to know his name?! Thell grumbled and ruffled his feathers before crooning softly at her. Closing his large avian eyes, he realized that she probably couldn't speak griffin.

With a huff, the beast turned his side to Credna and lifted his wing to show the saddle, where was etched his name in old elfish runes on a leather strap. Maybe she could read that and if not, Thell felt like he'd done the best any griffin could do.
"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares"
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The Inkweaver
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Moraenor struggled to his feet as the large centaur thundered toward him. Years of service as lieutenant to Laurel's father, Commander Nareandor, had not prepared him for this! Not even her evil cousin Gwynnaloreth ever attempted any kind of magic on this scale. He waved to Kail'tor as he approached.

Tara stands yonder, Moraenor explained. I'm afraid the man conferring with her will try to harm her in some way!

>>>>>>

Reema felt her own blood heating to a boil as the man arbitrarily killed an innocent villager--a villager she had been tasked with protecting.

You idiot! She seethed, rushing at him. You think wanton murder is going to make me want to help you? Her Moonstone crackled at the top of her staff; he had called her "Stone Bearer", which meant he must have a Stone, himself. But which one? How many were there? This is my bargain, Stone Bearer! she spat the words mockingly. I am the Guardian of this city; while it is besieged I shall not leave it behind. If you will have me come with you, first remove the threat of the Drow, then I will accompany you in the knowledge that this town is safe. But so help me, she scowled again, If you harm one more person I will exercise the full extent of my power against you here and now! A bolt of lightning reached down from the sky and struck the Moonstone, as if to emphasize her point. Do we understand each other? asked Reema, in a calmer tone.

>>>>>>

Credna gasped as the gryphon quickly turned, but it only raised its wing to reveal a saddle, well-made and cunningly carved. Credna traced the old Elvish runes along the back of the saddle.

Thell, She pronounced, watching the beast carefully for any sign of reaction.

The existence of a saddle did prove that there was a rider somewhere--Credna scanned the cliffs. On an impulse, she grabbed the harness of the saddle.
May I? She asked the gryphon; perhaps it would be willing to bring her to its master.
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Amaurea
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The one thing that kept Armek from chuckling at the woman's threat was a healthy understanding of the magical stones and what they were capable of. Just as his stone enabled him to tare multiple rips in the fabric of space, the moonstone possessed great power. And, Reema did, in fact, strike a deal with him, a deal he was expecting.

Very well. We have an understanding.

Lowering his head and uttering a short silent phrase, Armek rammed his staff into the ground. Violet energy shot from the shadowstone, down through the staff and into the ground like some strange magical conduit. It was a signal, a silent one at that. The draw immediately began strictly defending themselves and retreating to the nearest darkened corner where they expected a shadow portal to take them home.

now gripping the staff with both hands, Armek began to channel the magical energy needed to reopen the rifts which had brought them here. But something massive interrupted him.





Go dark creature! Back to the pit with you!

Kail'tor's towering form made a powerful sweep with his broad sword. Alas the fiend wasn't so focused on his magic that he was unable to dodge it. Grunting in frustration, the Centaur finished his pass and turned sharply to ultimately end up behind Reema.



That's what I was trying to do!

Armek spat as he stood to his feet again. He heard, then, the sudden cries of trapped Draw who never got the escape they expected. His eyes narrowed dangerously on the horse beast as he lifted his voice and called to the Drow, in their tongue, telling them to take refuge in the mountains. They'd have to right their way out of this village, which would result in the loss of more Drow lives at least. Thankfully, the dark elves were very illusive, and easily hidden. Within minutes, every Drow both living and dead, had vanished from the village, leaving only the destruction of battle behind to show their presence.

But Armek was livid. This Centaur also held a powerful elemental stone, the earthstone. It made the creature stable, but also nearly unstoppable when his mind had set itself on something, obviously like protecting Reema. His overzealous actions had caused a serious tactical disadvantage to his army, and Armek was still responsible for it. He attempted to stifle the fury welling up within his chest, and managed to keep his voice even and clear.


We have an agreement, Beast. No harm will come to her, and no harm will come to you if you do not interfere. Certainly you have wounded villagers to attend to or something.






That I do... Kail'tor retorted through clinched teeth. But only because of you and your dark army. His hooves pawed the ground restlessly and his grip tightened on the broad sword. I should slay you where you stand.




One day, Creature, we will have a chance to recon with eachother. Armek said, evenly. And on that day, I will make you bow before me.

He'd been distracted far too long and now, he had no army. That was alright. It did fall inline with his promise. Though, he did want to be on his way before Reema changed her mind and sent the Centaur after him. He really didn't want to kill anyone else today. He turned his full attention back to the woman.

I've removed the threat, as you asked. Are you ready to uphold your end of the bargain?









At first, the Griffin stiffened, but lowered his head in acceptance as Credna mounted his back. Without warning, however, Thell bounded across the rocky outcropping they'd been standing atop, and leaped into the open air. His large wings unfurled and captured the wind, taking them from the ground and off into the night.

His sharp eyes searched the ground for I'edra, his master, and after a few anxious circles, the griffin finally spotted her, a female Drow, running from a particularly flashy mage. All the other Drow were fleeing the village too, which confused the griffin. But more importantly, the mage pursuing I'edra was now poised to fire a devastating blow from his staff, at the Drow.

With a startled shriek, Thell clasped his wings to his sides and dove head-long for his master's position. Maybe he could grab her before magical energy struck her. Maybe he could save her life... again.

"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares"
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The Inkweaver
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Reema watched as the Drow withdrew into the craggy darkness. For all of the evil and darkness emanating from him, this stranger did comply with what she demanded of him. Perhaps he was every bit as desperate as he seemed.

Very well, She said quietly. I will go with you.

She stepped forward, and instantly, the Moonstone activated with a fierce crackling sound. Vicious white light ignited the whole staff and arced between his staff and hers. Reema stumbled backward as an unseen force seemed to push her staff backward. Try as she might, she could come no closer than ten paces.

She stopped and looked at him, puzzled.
I don't understand, why can't I come closer to you? I have agreed to go with you, but-- She stopped and examined her staff. Could the conflicting energies of the two Stones be the thing preventing her from joining him?

>>>>

Credna gasped and clung tightly to the feathers as Thell dipped toward a knot of Drow.
"Oh Blazes of heaven!" she cried through clenched teeth. "I should have known your master was a Drow!"
But by this time there was nothing she could do. They dropped closer.... closer.... As the shadows surrounding the detachment of Drow grew smaller and smaller...
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Amaurea
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Armek smiled contentedly, even as the stones' energies prevent them from joining one another. The moonstone and the shadowstone opposed each other, and that reaction was exactly what Armek needed to accomplish his goal.

It's alright.

He said calmly.

You aren't meant to come near me. Nevertheless, I will bring the two stones together, so that I may be free of this curse."

Ignoring anything the Centaur rambled about, Armek motioned toward a particular cliffside in the distance.

The ritual is too dangerous to preform here. He extended his hand, then, to the tall stone wall beside them and dark swirling shadow energy coalesced there. It must be done safely away, from those who are effected by darkness. I'll explain more, when we arrive.

Armek motioned toward the shadow portal and took a slow step back, so that her stone and his stone wouldn't collide again. The portal, he thought, wouldn't effect her stone, as it was simply a rift in magical energy, much like the other elemental portals.





Sorry Dark one, but I will not let this girl out of my sight, especially with you.

Kail'tor said with a huff and a stomp of his front hoof.




Nevertheless, You will have to.

Armek responded flatly.

I have absolutely no reason to Harm her. All I need is her elemental stone, and only temporally.






Kail'tor snorted and shifted uneasily, looking to Reema for an answer. If she felt comfortable in her abilities, then so did he.

I'll fetch the elf. We won't be far behind you.

He assured, sternly, as if daring Armek to challenge him.





The wind whipped past Thell's feathers and probably whistled in Kerdna's ears, but he became ever closer to his objective. The ball of magic left the mage's staff. It flew through the air, and the Griffin slammed into the ground, fully intent on taking the full impact of the magical burst to his side.

But he was too late.

After skitting to a stop, Thell opened his eyes to find that he still lived. He lifted his head slowly and looked side long at the lifeless form of Iedra, sprawled out on the ground, still jerking. The Griffin jerked his head to the side and glared at the mage as he attempted to struggle to his feet. Something kept him on the ground though. A terrible pain erupted in his left one and he found he could not move it. So, he did the only thing a desperate Griffin could do. He shrieked an ear piercing cry at the floundering mage and sent the man fleeing toward his village.

With a heavy sigh, Thell's cry dwindled to a mournful murmur and he lay his head back down on his two massive front paws, breathing heavily and refusing to move. His left wing lay loosely by his side, and one of his amber eyes remained fixated on his lifeless master. Kerdna's fate, at least for now, was completely forgotten by the beast, though the impact might have thrown her a few feet away.

"In sleep dreams embody our hopes and our future, but when dreams escape into reality, they become nightmares"
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