Raiha

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Eventually, she came back to herself. Saturnine sat up and pulled away from Roland, suverying the damage she had caused. The entire camp had burned and the survivors had ran with whatever limbs that hadn't been removed by Saturnine's vengeful rampage. She stood and covered herself with her robes once more. She reached into her vials, all of which had survived her ordeal. Roland watched, mesmerized, as she opened one. Instantly, the smell of wisteria filtered through his nostrils, swarming around him, fluttering through the air, visible. She dipped a hand in it then drew a sign in the air, which became magic manifest. The cleric closed her eyes and whispered her prayers for the dead.[/i] "May the Faithful Father bless and guide you on your way to the Path. May the Faceless God recieve you at your journey's end. Be at peace, for you are free." [i]She continued, her voice dropping a few levels until she sounded, to almost every listening ear, just like the whispering of leaves on the trees. She continued for a little while, then finished. She closed the bottle and put it back at her belt. Then she turned and looked around. As she had prayed, the forest had reclaimed the camp. The entire place had regrown. Forest trees had sprung up. Roland found himself standing on soft green sward, completely comfortable, surrounded by singing birds, brushing leaves, and warm light. Saturnine dried her eyes and smiled slightly at him.[/i] "I'm done. .....we can go now." "Yes. We can." [i]She took his hand and they began walking back through the forest, on the right path they had meant to go on anyway.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Liang looked at him, disbelieving he hadn't heard of the worst tragedy to ever strike the Japanese. More demoralizing than the firebombing of Tokyo. More horrific than anything else ever inflicted in the entire war./[/i] "Hiroshima is where the atomic bomb will be dropped." "....fuck." "And then Nagasaki. We'll be completely and totaly anihilated. Everyone here will die in horrific agony. They'll be burned alive, incinerated like Hitler burned the Jews." ".....but we're already dead." "What's to say we won't be able to do it again? To suffer more?" [i]Liang hugged herself, glad for the silk that covered her body. For some reason she was suddenly very cold. Tsuke put an arm around her and they looked up. A clock across the street had the time. And Liang mentally reviewed the notes she had taken in all of the history classe she had ever had. She knew enough. More than she wanted to remember. And even knowing. Would only make her focus on what would happen. It was unavoidable. People's faces were calm. Busy, hurried, like they had no idea hell was about to be unleashed upon them.[/i] "They're all going to die. We're all going to feel it." "What will it be like?" "Our flesh. Will be singed from our bodies. Our skin will blister and crack open. There's no way we will get away from this without incredible agony." [i]Tsuke looked up at the sun. It seemed to hang in the sky, unmoving. Waiting for them to look away. The drone of a plane reached their ears. As if on cue, both looked up.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Liang looked around. Tsuke and her were standing on a street corner, people rushing around them in droves. They stood on a street corner. It was crowded, and the lack of cars showed her more than she wanted to know. They were in Hiroshima. Her ability to read the signs was augmented by Tsuke's own ability. He pointed up and they saw billboards advertising the war effort. Liang was glad for her clothes. In this day and age, if they were right, .....she wouldn't be permitted to be unclad. Suddenly, she saw the city's name flash across a maquee across the street and she sucked in her breath swiftly, exhaling and saying it outloud.[/i] "Hiroshima." [i]Tsuke turned to her quickly, a look of slight panic on her face.[/i] "Shit." "We're definitely in hell. I can tell." [i]Liang bit her lower lip and instinctively moved closer to Tsuke, afraid that the people would separate her from him, and they'd be unable to find the other. She wanted to run, she wanted to hide, she wanted to be invisible. But most importantly, she wanted to know...[/i] "Where's Kojiro?" "We must have lost him in the transfer." "....is he okay?" [i]She hugged herself, terrified. She didn't know where he was, Tsuke didn't know her. She didn't understand. Why would they be separated?[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Liang pulled herself closer to Kojiro and slept. The Mother watched them and smiled to herself. A bond like that would save them both. In this world of dark and hate. The next morning, Liang sat up straight, feeling her body. She felt fine. Not sore, not tired, just....feeling like she had been taken last night and held for hours. Eventually Kojiro woke up as well and held her hand. She looked up at him and smiled slightly. He stood up and drew her to her feet. Her clothes were gone once more, but she didn't mind. She was just about used to it. Eventually she pulled on Kojiro's hand and pointed at the waterfall.[/i] "Let's go." "Why?" "She's waiting for us." [i]He followed. Liang leapt like a deer, clearing several trees, then turned, still flying, and bid him to follow her more closely. He did. A dark shadow followed her every move, landing on her shadow just before it darted away again. She laughed, tossing back her head, the red hair flying out behind her like a cloud. Eventually they came to the waterfall. Tsuke was standing there with the Mother. They watched the approach of one naked girl and a shadow that was Kojiro. They turned to each other for a moment, exchanging a knowing glance.[/i] "They are partners." "Yes. She helped him master his Shintai. In a way." "What happened?" "Why don't you ask him?" [i]Kojiro and Liang landed at the edge of the waterfall and walked into the grotto. The Mother, smiled so to speak, and handed Liang another set of clothes. While she dressed, the Mother gave them some last minute instructions. Then, without another word, she dissappeared in a flurry of cherry blossoms and paper cranes. The three looked at one another and then back at the waterfall. Liang smelled the air, then walked closer into the cave itself. She held up one hand, creating a small light in her palm.[/i] "It's this way." "How can you tell?" "I.....just feel it." [i]Tsuke and Kojiro looked at each other. They followed her. The light in her palm cast a glow through the gloom of the cave, which grew darker as they walked furhter in. Eventually they couldn't even hear the waterfall anymore. Instead, they felt increasingly cold in the chill of the darkness. They could see their breath, and feel their warmth seeping away. Liang held her hand up higher and continued. Eventually her light extinguished and they found themselves in complete and total darkness.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR=MediumTurquoise]Thanks, the breaded man might have gotten me...[/COLOR] [center]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/center] [FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Lilluthia smiled slightly. She noted the female assassin standing at the stairs. Her back stiffened slightly and she wiped her blade without dropping her gaze. Skillfully she spun it and dropped it into its sheath across her hip. Horres bowed slightly. She shook her hair out and retied it again. He watched her move, her fingers slowly sweeping back long strands of red and gold hair. Horres stood still as she walked towards him, the blood on her cloak fading as the fabric absorbed the stains into itself.[/i] "Why did you interfere?" "You looked overwhelmed." "I assure you that what you saw was not what really was." [i]He blinked. Her voice was lower than a woman's wont. Soft and lilting, and very strange to him. She spoke the common tongue but she had a bizare accent. An accent he hadn't heard before. It caused images to come to his mind. But maybe it was just her. She was obviously a forest elf. A ranger of sorts. He caught the marks on her skin and forehead.[/i] "I'm sorry I intruded." "It's alright. I recieve your help in the spirit that it was given. May Aresta bless you." [i]She was a cleric. A warrior of the Forest Elves, and a cleric. He bowed again and walked back up the stairs to where he knew his charge was waiting. The woman on the stairs was gone. Lilluthia closed her eyes and inhaled, then she exhaled and exited the building. She wouldn't stay. She could envision the knife that would find her in the dark. Into the back, between the ribs. She shivered and then walked out into the cold night air. She drew up the hood of her cloak and began to run.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]The Mother had put her hands on Liang and blessed her. Then, without another word, she pushed. Liang fell back, panic rising in her throat, the same feeling she had felt when her boyfriend had pushed her from the window. Eight stories was a long fall. And now she felt the wind rushing past her, faster than she had ever gone, more than 15 stories, and the water began to rush towards her. Liang willed herself to be calm, and in that instant, she felt something flood her body. A warmth spread up from her toes, to the top of her head, and as she fell, she felt a sense of weightlessness, and her heart began to slow. Time around her seemed to pause, and to the watchful eye of the mother, she looked like she was floating. A leaf suspended in the air. She touched down on the tip of one toe, the other drawn up to her knee. Balancing on the surface of the water. It held her weight, it didn't even move. She turned and raced across the lake, her feet barely touched the water, and she felt wonderful. Shang Guan Liang felt something rising inside her, and she let it out. It was a scream of pleasure. Delight. Glory even. She jumped. Instantly she rose almost to the half the height of the waterfall. Then she fell again, flipping herself backwards.[/i] "Good." [i]The Mother was falling with her again, copying her every move.[/i] "How does it feel?" "It feels wonderful." [i]"It should." A voice echoed in her head. The Mother's voice. Liang turned and followed her lead. The two of them leapt across the ground itself, barely touching it, and rising up into the air. Liang adopted her movements, the Mother giving her the forms she would want to know. Both hands outstretched back, head up, legs firm. The two traced patterns through the foilage, then circled around to the waterfall again.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Instead of struggling, Liang leaned her head back as far as she could, eyes closing, tears seeping from underneath her lashes. The woman's eyes narrowed and she tightened her grip. Liang refused to cry out.[/i] "Why did you come here?!" [i]Liang's eyes flashed open and she found herself standing at the rock base, face to face with the woman once more, bruises surfacing on her skin. She bowed to the ground, touching her head to the floor three times.[/i] "Please forgive us Mother. We were trying to find a way from this hell. We meant you no offense or harm." "You drew a weapon on me." "I thought you would kill me." "And these...men. Are they your friends?" "The tall one is my companion. He helped me and was the first to find me in the great darkness, Mother." "...I see. Have you anything else to tell me?" [i]Liang bowed once more.[/i] "May the Blessed Amaida give light to your way." [i]Then she stood and drew Kojiro's coat tightly around herself and held very still. This woman could kill her and finish off her only friend if she so chose. Insead the woman lilted down to Liang and walked around her once. Then again. And just as she was about to complete the third walk, Liang darted away. The woman laughed hysterically.[/i] "Somone taught you. Never be circled three times. Do you know why?" "Even if you don't know my true name, that would enscorcle me. And I would be your slave forever." "Exactly. ....Now. How can I help you? You've obviously defeated the monkies, and found the Scarlet Road. You're not ordinary Kuei-jin then. That's for sure" "No. We all have reasons I suppose....for lingering like this. I want to kill my boyfriend. He murdered me because he had decided I was a burden. I want him to feel my pain." "Revenge? Anger. Good. You'll learn then. I will teach you." [i]Her dragon eyes seemed to pierce Liang. But she didn't turn away, even though the effort made her eyes instnatly water. She held her gaze for what seemed like an eternity, feeling things pass between them. Words. Phrases. Memories. Actions, experiences, falling, screaming, having cloth torn away, everything that Liang had ever felt or said, she felt it all pouring out of her. In return, she felt the lady pressing down on her, giving her things she had never experienced before. And it was blinding. Almost overpowering her. Eventually, Liang came to. She found that they were in a grotto behind the waterfall itself, the echos bouncing off the walls pleasantly. The three men were laid out, clothes dried, wounds healed, but fast asleep. She knelt at Kojiro's side and stroked his hair from his face slowly. The woman watched from the corner of her eye, smiling slightly, but saying nothing. She then stepped in front of Liang and held out a bundle of what looked like clothing.[/i] "You'll need these." [i]Without another word, Liang removed Kojiro's coat at long last and slipped on the silk tunic and pants, tying the sash expertly into a square knot, then tying back her hair once more into a single long braid. The woman nodded approvingly and bid her to rest.[/i] "When you wake up, we will begin."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]She walked into the town, swiftly raising her hood over her ears. People didn't always like forest elves. She felt all eyes turn on her. But then she figured it was out of their boredom and not their swift and sudden desire to run her out of town. Lillutha walked through it and came to the church. She looked up at the building itself, noticing nothing out of the ordinary. Once she entered, she felt the energy of spirits descend onto her. It was very quiet. Empty. Apparently it was built for no reason other than to claim as a historical site or a place that endeared it to those of pious nature. It hadn't been burned or hurt in any way, despite attacks, this place remained holy. She smiled and approached the alter. Kneeling, she lit one candle at the retable with her fingertips, then bowed her head and began a simple prayer.[/i] "Faithful father, hear my prayer." [i]The first words left her lips and instantly she felt calmed again. As she prayed, she felt an intense pleasure rise through her entire body, starting at her toes and working its way through her folded hands, her fingertips, through her chest and head and surrounding her completely. As she prayed, she wondered to herself if anyone else ever came to pray, but she pushed the thought out of her mind and returned her thoughts to those holy. ..................[/i] "Forgive me for killing two men today. May their souls find rest." [i]Eventually she stopped and rose to her feet. When she turned, she noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Instead she felt refreshed, as if she had slept deeply for hours. Later she walked through the city, looking for a quiet and cheap place. Eventually she came to what she recognized as a very nice inn, frugal, kept up, but not exactly high class. She never bothered with more expensive accomidations. As soon as she entered, again, every eye turned to her. When she walked up to the bar, the tender looked dead into her pale gold eyes.[/i] "You're an elf." "I'm sorry?" "We don't serve your kind here." "Can I at least have a glass of water?" [i]She gave him what he interpereted as a soulful look. He sighed and set down the requesite glass of water. She thanked him and drank deeply. With one hand she pulled out a tip and placed it in the bowl. He didn't look at it, but she knew that he had heard it. Then she turned, ears perking. Two huge men were standing in front of her. She smelled them. Fear. And anger. She knew she was in trouble, but she didn't draw a weapon or make any sudden moves. The bigger of the two clapped a hand down on her shoulder.[/i] "You. You killed our mates." "They were trying to kill me. I did nothing." "You're a dirty cheating elf. We don't like your kind." "You're discriminating against me aren't you?" [i]The thug dug his fingers in deep to her shoulder and she cried out. He laughed and did it again, only to find steely fingers closed on his wrist. Lilutha hissed through her teeth and dug her own fingers in, finding a pressure point. He hollered and released instantly, grabbing his wrist, watching blood ooze up where her nails had pierced him. Then she turned, drawing her sword and impaling his partner. Several people screamed and tables were overturned. Instantly, the entire bar errupted into a huge maelstrom of fighting, kicking, and screaming.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]As soon as the door opened, they found themselves face to face with the people that had taken Saturnine. She backed away, fearful at first, but then her rage overtook better judgement. Roland looked at her in disbelief. Her tunic was glowing white, and it had opened in the back to reveal the Crest of Light. The bandit stepped back as well, because she had just raised both her hands over her head, surrounded by a flurry of white feathers and snow. Then she raised her voice loud enough to be heard within a ten mile radius and she screamed for everyone to hear.[/i] "By sun and flame and shinning light, open thou thy hidden might. Inlucesco!" [i]Everyone was struck by a wave of white energy, knocked back, put down, and utterly destroyed. Saturnine raised her hands once more, filled with an inexplicable rage. She advanced on her captor and raised him up with one hand. He had one chance to look into her eyes before she slammed her gloved hand straight into his face, breaking his nose and shattering the bones inside. As he fell, she caught him agan and did it once more, this time gouging out both his eyes.[/i] "You've hurt me. I do not suffer this lightly. Stab the body and it will heal. But you hurt my pride. So I am going to hurt you." [i]She dropped him this time and stepped on and then over him, eyes filled with a menacing light. As she walked, her wings spread outwards, filling all available space in the room. Roland blinked several times, trying to clear his vision. He remembered seeing an orb of light emenate from her palms, and then her voice. But now all he could see was blood pouring from the hapless wretch that had taken her. Blood. And bright feathers.[/i] "Saturnine! Don't kill them all!"[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Liang didn't scream, but surrendered herself fully to the glorious light that surrounded the both of them. She leaned back and let it carry her to wherever it chose. It was oblivion. Silence. A void. A place for quiet. She laughed inwardly. It was like she was flying. And then there was nothing. When she came to, Kojiro was kneeling next to her, both hands on the ground and his katana between them. He was breathing hard, like he had just run a race. She sat up, feeling her hair instinctively. Thus assured that it was fine, she turned to look at Kojiro.[/i] "What is wrong?" "I fought it. And it backfired." "Fought what? The light?" "...yes." "But why? It was so friendly." "I don't like it." [i]Liang pondered this. She hadn't done anything. She had just accepted it. Maybe that marked the difference between their perspective experiences within the void. She smiled slightly and stood without effort. Kojiro looked up at her. She was still naked, but had her 7 section chain whip, purloined from the monkeys, slung onto her shoulder. Then she looked around. A huge waterfall in the distance, its roar loud enough for them to hear, the mist rising from it. She smiled again and clapped her hands. She loved water. Kojiro stood rather unsteadily, and went to her.[/i] "Do you know where we are?" "I don't know. But I like it. More than the bamboo." [i]He looked at her like she had lost her mind. But there were reasons for this. Liang had noticed her feet weren't hurting anymore. They were standing on soft green grass. Gentle on her skin. No more blood, bleeding, pain coming from her toes. She would have laughed, but Kojiro didn't look like he would want any more loud noises. With a skip she walked towards the waterfall, unconcerned, unworried, almost completely unhinged. Kojiro sighed and followed.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]When Saturnine came through, she was aware of an acute agony spreading upwards from her stomach. She couldn't move. She could barely breathe. It was very dark. So quiet. She couldn't make out anything. Her eyes weren't working. Or maybe she had been blindfolded. She blinked several times. It didn't get any better. Finally she gave up and laid very still, unwilling to attract attention to herself. If the burning sensations on her skin were any indication, she had been lightly tortured already and would get more later. Inahaling brought her nothing. She couldn't smell anything. Was she in a void? It would've been better if she was. Because the blindfold was ripped away. She saw him. The man who had taken her away. Pressure points and all. She blinked several times again, then looked up at him. He gazed down at her, with an expression she could not understand. Then he smiled and leaned down to kiss her. Instead of struggling, Lattinae's finest surrendered to the humiliation, and let him do what he pleased. Then he drew back and raised her into a sitting position. Her arms had been bound above her head, but they were loosened from the restraints. In essence, he flipped her onto her stomach, and tied her back down again. His fingers brushed strands of hair out of the way of her smooth exposed flesh.[/i] "Are you ready?" "Ready for what?" [i]She didn't move her head. She couldn't. Instead, she could hear him moving behind her, picking something up maybe. Saturnine couldn't tell.[/i] "Pain." [i]Without another word, he drew back, if she could tell from the sound of clothing brushing against itself, and lashed out. A multi tailed whip slashed into her back. She didn't move, but instead bit her lower lip. The Crest of Empowerment would heal her internally, but she figured if she did anything external he could tell. Accordingly, she muted her power and only healed the internal damage. He struck again and she remembered to cry out.[/i] "Why?! Why are you doing this?" "Why?" [i]He struck again. This time he laid open her back in several places instead of just raising welts.[/i] "Because it's fun." [i]Saturnine didn't cry again. She only bit her lip. The agony was incredible, reminded her of being engraved. Secretly, she wondered if the lashing on her engravings would ruin them. She hoped not. Instead she figured that she had better just hold on and let him continue as usual. If she didn't move, it might end sooner.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Lillutha Jhayaen, cleric, warrior, and forest elf, knew she was being hunted. She gripped her cloak around her body as she ran through the treetops faster, moving almost as fast as a squirrel. Her feet barely touched the branches, hardly bending them, not making a bit of noise. But still she was persued. She smelled the air, but didn't turn to face her opponent, not until they crossed a river. She cleared it on one leap and then shouted loud enough for the entire forest to hear her. Lillutha raised both hands out, like she was being crucified, and bared her teeth, letting raw energy roar from her body.[/i] "Acclaro Lymphs!!" [i]Instantly the water before her jetted up in a huge burst of liquid and steam. The bandits were just crossing it as she uttered the incantation. Her persuers were flung at least a hundred feet into the air and as they fell, she raised her hand and pointed the palm straight at the two bandits that would have her elf scalp for their own. And these words, spoken softly, pierced them to the very core.[/i] "Nex Necis." [i]Both raised their weapons, but then dropped them. They had no hands, they had no life, and instead fell into the river and floated away, lifeless, loveless, alone. Lillutha huffily shook her cloak of water droplets, and wrapped it around her body noce more. She righted her scabbard, belt, and hair, pushing it back into place with her fingertips. The river resumed its natural course, meandering along as it had before. She smiled to herself, grimly, with a cold sick pleasure. No bandit had ever caught her and touched her, much less taken her scalp. She was a cleric, blessed by the Holy Father, untouchable by darkness and the like. The spell for instant death, Nex Necis, had been handed down to her by her elders. A secret thing, not useable by any other, but the chosen to carry on the line of her belief. And she had been living with it for a while. 12 years at least. She smiled to herself. Then she turned and continued as usual. The brigands had only chased her, made her travel even further than usual. She was headed to the next town. There was a group of humans there, people that would want to hear what news she had of the forest. She had a great ear for news in the woods. Things travelled to her from the ground, the water, the trees, and the inhabitants of the trees. Things of light would whisper in her ear. Birds would trill their news and she could respond. She smiled again, then rested her hand on her sword as she continued walking.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]No monkeys came to bother Liang, and that would have confused her, if Kojiro wasn't being hurt by masses of the little beasts. Liang was frightened, but quickly regained control. If Kojiro was here, she knew that he wouldn't let anything happen to her. And...well, it wasn't like she was completely helpless either. As the monkeys began to swarm onto him, something came over her. She picked up the weapon he had thrown to her. A 7 section chain whip. It's proper name came unbidden to her mind and she held it there as she wrapped her slender fingers around the handle.[/i] "Alright you sons of bitches...." [i]Unwilling to show fear where it would help no one, Liang decided that action would be better than sitting there watching him take hits for her. She took several steps back, then whirled the whip over her head, closed one eye, and took aim. The cold steel sections hissed through the air, struck a monkey around the neck, locked, and jerked him back into her grasp. Once there, she untangled it, and bashed him in the face once more for good measure, then shoved his body aside and struck again. This time, she jerked her hand back and broke its neck instantly. She snagged it down, off of Kojiro's body, and readied it once more. She circled around him several times, then caught two in one blow, flaying them to death, furious, her blood running hot in her veins. Liang's body heated up until steam began to rise off of it. Her eyes began to snap and glow a bright yellow and several monkeys left Kojiro to come towards her. In response, she circled the whip over her head several times, lashing whoever was unlucky enough to come into range. One leapt at her, claws splayed. She threw up a foot, catching a lucky blow in the face, finishing him off with a jugular slashing jerk to the throat. Kojiro swung, beheading another monkey and turned, to find Liang standing on a pile of corpses, swinging her chain whip in a defensive circle, unwilling to let another one of the hideous things come near her. One leapt and cut her back. She howled with fury, reached behind her, caught it by the throat, and flung it down on the ground, stamping on its face. Liang was incessed. She felt hot. She felt invulnerable. The fact that her blood had been drawn made her ......crazy. Her eyes sparked and glittered with rage, enough so that several monkeys began to back away.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Liang and Kojiro paused as soon as they stepped into the light. Dazzled by the brilliance, Liang stood there blinking, but still shivering. It was icy cold. The chattering of teeth attracted Kojiro's attention to the little girl with the pigtails. He looked at her face, only to discover that her lips and nails were turning pale blue. Their breath was visible, coming out in white puffs of vapor.[/i] "Are you alright?" "I can't feel my hands and feet anymore." [i]Kojiro came to the realization that if she passed out, he would have to carry her. And he wasn't enough of a jerk to simply leave her there. Eventually it dawned on him that she was placed in that darkness with him for a purpose. It wouldn't bode well if she died on him, or was rendered completly useless. Conscience stung, he peeled off his coat and draped it around Liang's quaking shoulders. Surprised, she slowly pulled it around herself, slightly disbelieving. They stood there in the new light, looking around. Nothing but bamboo forests as far as the eye could see. Tall, endless, huge, blowing in the wind and creaking against one another. Liang closed her eyes and listened. The sound was so gentle, and pleasing after such a long long silence, punctuated only by the sounds of Kojiro's breathing. Speaking of which, he took her by the elbow and pulled her with him into the thicket.[/i] "Come on." "Where will this take us?" "I don't know yet. But it's got to be better than back there." [i]Liang seriously doubted that, but kept her mouth shut. They walked in, moving slowly. Enthralled by the sights and the sounds, both entered, watching the sunlight filter down through leaves and stalks. She sighed with pleasure, causing Kojiro to turn and look at her. She gazed back at him, a faint smile on her face. He turned back to look at the hazy path through the bamboo. She clung to him a little closer, unwilling to be left behind, even in such a nice place. A stinging sensation travelled up her feet and Liang looked behind her. A trail of blood stretched out behind them. Kojiro turned, and looked down at her feet. They were scored in multiple places, from walking on large slivers of broken bamboo. Liang resoloutely set down her footsteps again, not willing to stop for this.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[b][RIGHT][u]Chapter 1[/u] Page 3[/RIGHT][/b] [COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Times New Roman][i]Tinkerbell, fairy, pixie, and all around curious creature was flitting around the back yard of the Darlings, looking for excitement. Her ears caught the promise that was made between Michael and Wendy. Interest piqued, she swirled away, knowing that Peter Pan, her companion and friend, would be dying to hear one more story.[/i] "I promise." [i]She turned tail and flew straight back to Neverland, shedding pixie dust as she went. While she didn't like that Wendy creature, she did like Michael. And Peter Pan would be angry with her if she didn't tell him there was going to be another story. Peter Pan always loved Wendy's stories. And she didn't like it. The last time they had all been in Neverland, Tinkerbell had managed to get Wendy shot. Unfortunately they missed. Those Lost Boys..... She sighed as she flew, but didn't stop. Wendy always got Peter Pan's attention. When she was held captive, he flew to save her. The pixie sighed again, then shook herself and zoomed up to Peter Pan. He was flying as usual, and she circled him several times, dousing him in her pixie dust.[/i] "What is it Tink?" [i]She hid behind her wings.[/i] "Wendy's telling another story. One more story. She promised." "Really?!" "Really."[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Altair covered vast ammounts of space, enough to nearly make up for lost time. They had just come to the final stretch, when Altair came to a halt and sniffed the air. Saturnine hissed a warning to him and he shook his shoulders. Saturnine sniffed as well, feeling a slow cold feeling spread up her spine. Anyone watching her from behind would've noticed a faint glow eminating from her back. The crest of Light was not only activating, it was pulsing with energy. She pulled Altair's head down to her and whispered, slipping the bridle off and into his saddle bags.[/i] "I want you to go home, take a rest, the stable hands will take care of you." [i]His eyes flickered, then he tossed his head and continued on the way home. Saturnine quietly began her way to the castle. When the doors opened, she noticed the obscene lack of people. Only one was there, and she could smell his darkness nearly pouring from him. She narrowed her eyes slightly, raising her hand to her weapon. Phoenix turned instantly to face her. She raised her head to his proudly, eyes clear and open. He stared straight into her and she stared right back.[/i] "Feeling....lucky?" [i]His words rolled off his tongue and caressed her ears. She pursed her lips and dropped her hand from the handle of her blade.[/i] "I don't believe in luck." "Good. It won't save you." [i]She smiled at him. A dazzling smile, full of pleasure and spark. He didn't return it, but instead, let a little darkness seep from him in the form of a black shape. Saturnine raised her head a little, moved her lips silently, then looked back at him, wings pouring from her shoulderblades in a flurry of white light and colored feathers. Phoenix backed away slightly.[/i] "A counterpoint." "Should I tone it down a little?"[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]This time, the pain was negligent. Enough so that Godo continued straight through the Crest of Empowerment and into the Dragon's crest. This particular set of marks stretched down her chest, over her heart and breasts. She smiled slightly as he laid her down on the table top. As he began to pierce her skin, she deadened the pain, not healing the lacerated flesh right away, but healing the shrieking nerves. This time, everything seemed to run fairly quickly. Brush, clean, pierce again, brush, clean, polish, then close up again. She sighed and closed her eyes. He laughed and washed her skin the final time. Now that he was done, she healed her body from the dull pain that was seeping from her back and chest. Godo bowed to her and she bowed back. Then she slid on her tunic, did up the drawstrings, and then picked up her chain mail from the counter top. Godo aided her in lifting it over her shoulders, then securing it with her belt. He gave her the cloak, swirled it around her neck, and then handed her the weapons she had set down. She looked out the window at the dead town of Clearwater. Then she turned back to him.[/i] "Thank you for everything Master Godo." "But of course. I would not do so much for any other that Roland hadn't reccomended himself. And you were particularly wonderful to work with." "Really?" "Naturally. Your nerves are young and responsive. Your flesh malleable. Like clay almost." [i]She smiled at him, a smile that would've stopped time. He looked back at her. Then out the window as well. Without another word, she bowed once more and left. In the church, she found the rest of her effects adn carried them to the stable. Altair was waiting, pawing the stall in boredom. She walked right up and put on his saddle, loaded the bags, and put on the bridle. He stood stock still for her, then lowered his head as she legged her way up. Once in her seat, he clamly strode out the door and down the long hall to the exit. Then, with sure and measured steps they made their way down the main street. As they passed Godo's workshop, Saturnine turned her head to look for the man that had given her so much. But the lights were extinguished. Nobody was there. Lattinae's newly engraved daughter heaved a sigh, then gripped Altair's sides with her knees and held on tight. He neighed, loud enough to split eardrums, reared up, pawing the air, then slammed back down and charged foward like a bolt from a crossbow. Saturnine clung to his back like a tick, letting him chart their path back to Roland's castle. She wasn't afraid, she wasn't worried. She had amethyst. Engravings. And cold steel inlaid with silver. Anything that challenged her would be struck down.[/i] "I'm coming."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Saturnine slept through the night, trying to ignore the burning of her back. At sunrise she performed her ritual, then slid her tunic losely around her shoulders, not tying anything tightly, and walked out to the stable. Altair was standing in the stable, waiting patiently. When she approached him, the huge stallion whickered to her and frisked his tail. She bounded up, and hugged him around the neck. He nuzzled her back, very very gently.[/i] "Do you want to see?" [i]Altair didn't say anything, of course. But he lipped at her tunic softly. And he seemed to be curious. Her scent would've been different to him of course. She had been imbibed with any one of many powerful elixers. To Altair, she smelled now of starlight and feathers, instead of before. Before she smelled like leather and roses. Saturnine smiled softly.[/i] "I imagine it's all red and inflamed. I can't see it." [i]Carefully, she untied her tunic and let it fall down around her elbows. Altair peered at her back, sniffing it here and there. He avoided the red spots, then nudged her side. She put her tunic back around her shoulders and tied it again.[/i] "What do you think?" [i]The Shire shook his mane at her, not making any vocalizations. Instead he lipped the bridle she had hung. She obeyed and slid it around his head, pressing the bit into his mouth. Then, without the luxury of a saddle, she slid onto his back and asked him to walk forwards. He went at a slow pace, not willing to jar her back and hurt her. After a time, he went faster, trotting at a smooth, even beat, his feathered legs flaring in the wind. Eventually he continued to a canter, not even being asked by Saturnine. He knew what she wanted. Eventually it came to Saturnine that Altair was running in an infinity symbol. She smiled and leaned low over his back. Godo pulled aside the blinds of his window and peered out at the commons behind Clearwater. A girl and a stallion moved as one, following one pattern, wearing the grass down. He smiled and replaced the blinds.[/i] [i]In the evening, she walked back to Godo's work place. He was waiting for her, engraving tools in hand. She entered quietly, sliding off her shirt as he closed the door. She inhaled the scents of both his body and several open jars. Each seemed to glow, but she didn't look further. Because he was pressing her down into the chair again, that familiar needle in his hand. She half shut her eyes and leaned forwards.[/i] "Relax yourself.....this will be cake compared to yesterday." "And why's that?" "You'll feel it soon." [i]She didn't move, and he placed his left hand over her recently formed crest. The newest, the one he would insert onto her tonight....it would uncurl itself on the small of her back, and stretch to her hips. The crest of Empowerment. It would heal her as he formed it. The power it afforded came as he added new sigils. She sighed and closed her eyes once more. This time, she knew what would come, and focused on the sound of her breathing, and the brush of Godo's footsteps on the wooden floor.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Name: Rhilia Graie Age: 26 Appearance: See Attatchment Personality: Sweet and pleasant as you can see from her expression. Of course she also looks this sweet and pleasant as she blows away whoever happens to be on her death list. She displays other emotions as well, but not nearly as often. Her goal is to disarm people psychologically, and it usually works. Weapon: Shotgun, knife, adittional ammo Previous Job: Blowing up ALs. Reason for Accompanying Hunter: Not only is it her job to kill the ALs that threaten the weak and powerless, it's also her joy. She enjoys exacting death on anyone, but mostly ALs. In other words: she's a psycho. Background: Rhilia was born on an advanced planet, but that doesn't mean she's soft. Her father, a soft, caring man, didn't do much besides work and provide food for the family. Her mother, a dangerous and potentially insane GDF worker dragged her daughter to the shooting range, put a rifle in her hands, and said: "Here. Use it." And she did, angry and bitter at her mother, she became a straight up dead eye. After awhile, she switched from rifle to 9mm handgun. Handgun to shotgun. Shotgun to Desert Eagle. Eventually she chose her final weapons, although she still retains considerable skill with each. When her mother went down fighting a GDF, she took her place as an Enforcer. Employed by GDF, she continued doing what she did well. Fighting the bad guys.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Saturnine's senses reeled. The smell of burning flesh struck her nose, but she didn't move. Godo pressed into the small of her back with his left palm, telling her with his touch, to relax her body. She did her best to obey, but every time she felt the drops of liquid strike her, she couldn't help but tense every muscle in her back. Eventually he stopped dripping fluid onto her lacerated skin. He brought his lips to her ear, pulling the hair back.[/i] "Are you ready for the real fun?" "More?" "Much....more." [i]Without showing her what he was using, a finely honed knifeblade, he began to carve new lines, into the spare spaces. The outline of the crest was complete, but now it was time to give the engraving new depth. If he stopped now, she wouldn't be able to use any of the strength afforded by such a thing. Being a kind man, he continued. Instead of small pin pricks here and there, to form the wings of the crest of Light, he made a series of slits, each forming another part, the center points becoming eyes. Moving quickly now, he cut her open, here and there, forming twin pupils for the design. Deep in the recesses of her mind, the daughter of Lattinae felt something stir. She didn't move, or speak a word, but instead focused on breathing. It helped somewhat, but every time he put another line in a new place, he stimulated another nerve. She didn't whimper, but instead dug her nails into her palms. Godo paused, and dipped yet another brush into another pot. This one gave her a sinking feeling. He brought out the brush, loaded all the way to the tip, with a silver substance. This he began to brush into the recently created open wounds of her back. The sensation of wolfhairs being rubbed against her cuts, amplified by the silver liquid, made her feel slightly faint. His left hand stroked her spine slowly, his right continuing to stroke into her body.[/i] "How is it for you? Any....euphoric effects?" [i]Saturnine had to answer with gritted teeth. If she opened her mouth any further, she would've vented the most horrifying screams ever uttered by humans.[/i] "No euphoric....effects. But....I'm....swell." "Oh good then." [i]He continued. Ten minutes later, he had stopped stroking her into oblivion and had started cleaning up. A piece of silk dipped in alcohol was slowly run over the now dry places of her back. He followed with a sealant, this causing little, to non pain at all. Finally he wiped her down and helped her put on her tunic again. The chain mail he left on the tray.[/i] "The worst is over. You'll feel fine tomorrow. We'll continue with the second crest then." "Thank you, Godo." [i]He smiled in a way that made him look slightly psychological.[/i] "Always a pleasure to work on such a pretty little thing."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Shang Guan Liang was dead. Her body had been cremated and her semi-caring parents had interred her ashes at Skylawn Memorial. Her physical body was long gone. Deep in the darkness, Liang screamed, eyes screwed shut tightly in horror. She had come back to herself, only to find that she was dead and in hell. She flailed her arms to touch nothing, only the hard and cold ground. No people to comfort her, no demons to torment her, but even so....she was so alone. And it was so dark. She curled up into a fetal position. An instinct. Make a smaller target, hide, hide....hide.... Her breathing came almost uncomfortably fast, she was hyperventilating but she didn't care. She couldn't calm down. She was in hell. She was alone. She was alone. Preoccupied with the sound of her pulse racing in her ears, she didn't hear the footsteps until a calm and quite voice, a man's voice, reached her.[/i] "What's this?" [i]Liang's eyes opened for the first time, only to find a tall man with a katana over his shoulder, looking down at her. She uncurled herself and rose to her knees. Instinctively she raised a hand to check her hair, normal. Her clothes? Gone. He took them off when he had raped her. She folded her hands over her chest and looked fixatedly at his feet.[/i] "Liang." "And how did you end up in hell? Naked little girl." "....my boyfriend pushed me out of the window. I fell, then woke up here." [i]He regarded her, stretching out a hand to raise her head up. She didn't flinch, but instead met his gaze. Golden brown eyes. After he had looked his fill, he let go of her chin and she stood, still covering her chest.[/i] "Who are you?" "Kojiro." [i]She shivered, feeling the chill from the floor on her bare feet. He made no move to cover her or offer her warmth. Liang reflected on who she had just met. He was easily a foot taller than her, probably weighed twice her weight, and could slice her in two. On the other hand, she had done nothing but ask his name. And she had answered his questions. Out of habit, she began biting on her lower lip, then stopped again. Liang looked around, seeing nothing but darkness. Darkness and Kojiro.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]She didn't have to wait too long....maybe two hours. In the stable, Altair slept as he had always slept, standing up. One hoof cocked up a little, his tail was lowered, his ears pitched far forward, eyes shut, breathing very slow and steady. Saturnine Lattinae waited for the two hours, hands folded, head bowed, as if in prayer. While in a house of the Father, she felt no problems with praying for those two hours. As she did, as often happened, a pale gleam emminated from her face, nothing bright enough to illuminate a room, but enough so that you could see it in a dark place. She brought foraward the names of her bretheren and sistren of Lattinae, her leader, her fellow warriors, and even the demon she had slain this evening. After awhile, she was about to start once more, this time confessing past sins. Unfortunately, or fortunately for her, the doors were kicked open and a hooded figure pranced in. She heard bells jingling, but couldn't make out anything else. In the stable, Altair woke up, and whinneyed. Saturnine didn't relight her candle but instead stood up straight. The figure danced straight up to her, then threw back the hood. The daughter of Lattinae blinked several times. He cavorted around her twice, then stopped and reached out a hand to touch the skin of her face. She didn't flinch, even though physical touch wasn't something she was very good with. He leaned in, smelling her scent. Then he spoke.[/i] "You came to get engraved. I am Godo. I'll engrave your skin." "Oh." "Are you ready?" [i]She didn't say anything but instead bowed her head slightly. Godo grabed her gloved hand and pulled her down the church aisle and out the door and down the street. He kept on capering, forcing her to go at a particular pace. Eventually they stopped at the entrance to one of the workshops. This time, the place was well lit, lanterns hanging on the eaves, and a candle in the window. Godo threw open the door with his free hand and gestured grandly. Saturnine walked in slowly. Silver tools hung from the walls, candles and torches burned in holders and sconces. He pulled her to a hardback chair and instructed her to sit in it backwards. She obeyed, straddling it and re-aranging her robes. And then he pulled off her cloak, hung it on a rack, then asked her a very pertinent question.[/i] "We'll do the crest of Light first. Where would you like your first engraving?" [i]Saturnine turned her head to look at him, biting her lower lip.[/i] "Shoulder blades." "Very good, very good. Are you afraid?" "Yes." "Good." [i]Without being asked, she pulled her chain mail off and dropped it on the tray he held out. Then she carefully undid her tunic strings and set that down as well. Instinctively she folded her arms over her breasts and leaned forward slightly. Godo didn't say anything, but instead moved to the wall and took down a tool that looked remarkably like an ice pick. Saturnine closed her eyes, knowing that pain would strengthen. He placed it over the fire, warming the metal, then gently pressed the point into her back. One hand splayed over her spine, the other held the tool, pressing in at certain points, always moving slowly. She didn't move, even though she wanted to. His hands were warm, gentle, almost maternal. ............... ..........[/i] "How does it feel?" "It's....fine.....doens't...hurt....much." "Then you'll love this part." [i]After pressing the points in, he dipped a brush into ink and held it over her back, letting it drip onto her back. As each drop hit her skin, it began to sizzle, working its way into her skin, burning her, she felt, to the bone. The urge to cry struck her, but she resisted.[/i][/color][/font]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Altair took her in the direction she had indicated while she continued to read her map, scratching her head at one point. Two arrows in two different directions. Both appeared to lead to the same place but one was a nearly straight line and the other was a rather squiggly one, leading through what appeared to be a forest, a field, and another forest. Two hours later they reached the crossroad. A post had two signs. She read them outloud, partially for her benefit, partially just to hear a human voice.[/i] "Clearwater. 4 miles. Clearwater. 15 miles." [i]Altair shook himself and breathed through his nostrils. The four mile route looked dark. It was the forest route.....and she wasn't a fan of such. The 15 mile route looked far more inviting, well lit, just a field, but too long for her to see any end. Frustrated and feeling indecisive, Saturnine dismounted and removed Altair's bridle. He put his nose down in a patch of clover while she pulled out a bun and chewed. Mentally she reviewed what she knew about orienteering. The fastest route isn't always the best. The direct route can be misleading. She grimaced. Lunch break over, she replaced Altair's bridle, remounted, and let him choose. Going with his instinct, they took the 15 route. She didn't know if she would regret it later, but figured if they took it at a moderate pace, they'd reach Clearwater by nightfall. She let Altair take it at a trot, not took concerned, but still mindfull of their direction. Godo was supposed to be in Clearwater. She flipped over the map and looked for anything else. Saturnine held it up to the light, passed her hand over it with a few choice words, and sprinkled it with water. Nothing. No hidden clues. No magical runes. She sighed and let him keep the pace. Eventually the sun began to set and Saturnine performed her cleansing rite from the saddle. There was no time to stop and take 15 minutes for a ritual, and it could be done anywhere, just with water. Saturnine poured a small ammount of water into her hand and rubbed both together, then spoke again. Altair picked up a little speed, uninterested in a long night run. She gripped the reins and let him continue. ..... ................ ....... ......... ......... Dusk time, and they were halfway there. She shivered, drawing her cloak over her head. Altair wasn't cold, but she was. And there was no cure for it either. Halfway past the halfway point, she couldn't see any lights and any proof that they were approaching Clearwater. Feeling a cold sensation crawling over her back, she drew her blade and look in every direction. Her stallion came to a halt, ears laid nearly flat across his head. She drew out a vial from her belt, opened it, and jerked her hand, letting the contents splash into the air. Instantly the air began to reverberate with screams and howls, unnatural and horribly loud. Altair reared, striking nothing but air with his hoves. Saturnine held on with her left, holding her blade with her right.[/i] "In the name of God, reveal yourselves!" [i]The holy water revealed a monster, horribly twisted, circling above them, parts of its flesh terribly blackened by holy water. She gripped Altair with her knees, raised her sword and waited for him to come closer. As soon as he swooped down, his claws raked her back and shoulder, but gave her the chance to catch him with cold steel. She cleaved it in two, speaking a prayer as she did. Smoke began to rise from both her sword and the monster. It shrieked and turned into a puff of sulpher. Needing no further bidding, Altair turned tail and ran in the direction of Clearwater, his mistress clinging to his back like a tick. She fought the nausea from the scent, gripping her naked blade, nearly faint from the encounter. A few more hours of galloping took them to Clearwater.[/i] "We're here." [i]Altair stopped. They were in a very qaint little town, three houses, one church, and four work places. She saw no place where she could spend the night, but a stable by the church appeared to be open. Further inquiry revealed a completely deserted building. She dismounted and led him in. Altair sniffed the stall she led him to, then drank the water she provided. Unbuckling his saddle, she wiped him down, rubbed him all over, and gave him a quick brush with the curry combs she found on the shelf. Her companion cared for, she walked into the church. First things first. Empty. No candles lit, no lamps, no humans. She lit one of her own candles, holding it over her head. Feeling a slight shiver up her spine, she turned in a circle, whispering a prayer to hold of evil spirits. Saturnine approached the altar, and found a book open on it. She set the candle down in a brass holder and set it down next to the book. Thus illuminated, the daughter of Lattinae began to read out loud.[/i] "When you are here, you will be alone. When I am there, you will not be...alone." [i]Confused, she raised an eyebrow, but continued to read.[/i] "If you want to find me, burn the map, extinguish your light, and be patient. I'll be there shortly." [i]Without a second thought, she held the map to the flame and reduced it to cinders. Then she blew out the candle, replaced the brass holder, and walked to the nearest pew and sat.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=darkorchid][i]The next morning, Saturnine dipped her hands in water and spoke the words she had uttered last night. A few minutes later she dried them once more and got dressed. She pulled on a fresh shirt, her pants, and boots. Her hauberk slid over her body smoothly and clung to every curve. The belt held everything in place easily enough, made of near-white leather, made to last. Once she had done up her hair, she put on her cloak, slid her sword onto her belt, and pushed a few small vials into as well Just incase. Taking only the things she needed, she left behind her dress, a few other pieces of clothing, and her blanket. She closed the door behind her with her foot, completely missing the note tacked to her door. Cracking her neck, she took the package of food a servant handed her with a smile and nod, then headed out the door to the stables. They looked friendly to her, as if they were waiting. As she walked in, she noticed several steeds were missing. She shrugged and stopped in front of her choice. A pink nose pushed over the stall gate, inhaling slowly. Saturnine laughed and stroked gently, opening the door at the same time. Because she would actually have to steer him this time, she pulled a light bridle over his head, pushing the bit into his mouth gently. She apoligized as she buckled it on under his jaw, sliding both reins across his back. He shivered slightly, but stood very still as she put on one of the lightest sadles she had found. The blanket under the sadle shifted slightly and she slid it back into place. He didn't move as she cinched it up, adjusting each strap to make sure the saddle would stay, and that he was comfortable. She smiled and kissed his forehead, then put a foot into the sturrips and mounted his back, adjusting her seat until she was comfortable. She referred to the map, then put it in a saddle bag to her right and narrowed her vision. Then she leaned over his neck and spoke into his ear. They pitched back, then forward, and he shot forward like an arrow from a bow. Saturnine gave him free reign, pointing him only in the right direction. Due east. He went foraward at a steady gallop, muscles rippling under his hide beautifully. For several hours they kept this pace. Eventually they stopped at a stream and she let him drink. She patted his side and sat back in the saddle.[/i] "I've thought of a name for you." [i]The white stallion jerked his head upright and looked at her with one eye. She smiled at him.[/i] "Altair." [i]He stamped one foot, then put his head back down to drink. She smiled slightly and patted him once more. He apparently approved.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]The white stallion came to a halt on a grassy knoll. Saturnine looked in all directions, asking him to turn and help her with this excercise. He shook his mane and blew through his nostrils, recovering his wind from their run. She patted his neck and whispered in his ear.[/i] "I'll name you later. Maybe when we leave tomorrow morning." [i]He quivered, sending shivers through her whole body. He understood her, that much was apparent. And he liked her. She could tell by the way his ears pitched when she spoke. She nudged him in the direction of what she determined to be a cave. He went at a trot, taking his sweet time. When the reached the entrance, he drew back, despite her urging. Saturnine sighed and dismounted, asking him to stay within earshot. He quickly turned tail and went back to what he deemed a safe distance. Saturnine adjusted her dress and slowly entered the cave. Instantly her senses were assailed by visions of smoke, fire, steam, ash, wings, and light. She stopped to let her eyes adjust to the darkness. Dragons. Masses of them. While she could easily communicate with mammals and some birds, dragons were a different story. Some said dragons were the kynn of birds, but she had never had any luck with them. She remembered one elder saying that a charm would calm dragons if they ever began to rampage. But even though she did learn it and test it on birds at one point, she wouldn't push her luck now and risk the sudden end of her life. Instead she let her senses settle down and her vision to clear. In time, she could make out faces and shapes. A huge red figure, hulking, with wings furled around himself. A silver creature, slender, curved, and graceful. a white and blue dragon, with piercing eyes, and folded wings. This figure seemed to look back at her, and she quickly retreated. She refocused her gaze elsewhere and continued looking, always at a distance, and when she was done she began to back away. Once she was in the sunlight again, she called out, a meaningless sound that carried a simple melody. Soon enough she heard the familiar foot falls of a certain white stallion. He lowered his head to look into her eyes and whinneyed. She grasped his mane and remounted, asking him to take her home. He did, and in record time too. Once they were at the stables, she rubbed him down with a terry cloth, watered him, and put down fresh hay. He nuzzled her ear when she closed his door, making her laugh.[/i] "We'll go at dawn." [i]He sneezed and she laughed softly, so softly in fact, that nobody heard. Saturnine re-entered the building and went straight to her room. The sun was setting and it was time to perform her cleansing. She poured a little water from the pitcher into the bowl on her dresser and dipped both hands in. Then she lifted them out and held them up so they reflected the rapidly diminishing sunlight.[/i] "Bi sie i mo shuil. Le an haisa. Ma ethresa, imhaine. Amun en harlu. Eraeli don bmra." [i]Her fingers seemed to glow at her words, then returned to normal when she stopped speaking. She dried her hands on a towel, packed her things, and went to bed. The sun had set, and she was tired. ....... .................. .............. ......... Her dreams were slow moving, quiet, calming, just colors and vague images. Through it all, she heard the hoofbeats of her newfound friend. These were eventuall replaced by the sound of wings beating the air, and dragoncall. She didn't understand it, but it wasn't antagonistic, so she slept on.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]