RPG Siege 2. The Necromancer's Return...

[Shinkoru]

[color=green]OOC: Looks like I'll be makineg a slight interruption.

IC; Eve walked briskly after Lacroix. She stumbled backwards. She accidenly bumped into an Elven man whom she rembered had helped them fight.[/I]

[B]EvE:[/B] I'm sorry..um..excuse me..um?

[B]Nolth:[/B] I'm not supprised you didn't catch my name before. I came in at an aquard time. Nolith is my name. Eve is it?

[B]Eve:[/b] Yes. Pleased to meet you Nolith. Please aquaint yourself with everyone else. I..I'll be back in a moment...

[I] Eve walked off briskly after LAcroix. After tired of trying to catch up with him she dissapeared in thin air. She re-appeared next to Lacroix. He stopped walking.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/b] I know you knew I was commeing. Look, Lacroix. Your one of my oldest and dearest friends, you know htis. I'm the first person who ever got you to consider anyone, any other mortal or immortal being, as friend. Allie. Please rember that? I can't stop you if you don't wish to go after..my..son. But I beg you to. I need you, just as I did over a hundred years ago in that cabbin deep in the woods, when I asked you to stay because you knew what you were doing. I've had many battled since then, made many allies as well an enmies, as I'm sure you have been through much, but my feeling towards you hasen't changed. I am your friend Lacroix, I don't know if you've forgotton that in these past 100 years. I love you as I love my best friends. You mean a great deal to me, and you know it. Also..I found something many years ago...I wish to give to you. You know it well.

[I]Eve flung her satchel infront of her as LAcroix looked down slightly curious.

After a moments rummageing Eve withdrew a verry small pouch. But Lacroix knew this to be deciveing, an entire person or more could fit in the small black velvite bag. It was magicked. Eve untied the strings and handed the bag to Lacroix. He opened it slowly and slipped his hand in, when he pulled it out his fingers were wrapped tightly around the hilt of a sashmir. One dubbed long ago as Twinkle.

Eve looked up at him as his gaze met hers. She couldn;t decpier the emotion in his eyes, she wasen't even sure if there was any. She hated not being able to tell if her cared. So she did as she had once before when awaiting an answer from him. She stood there, watching his eyes and waiting...[/I]

[center].:: Meanwhile ::.[/center]

Nolth was makeing good on aquanting himself with everyone. He had met and talked to everyone so far but Ryth, who was deep in thought sitting upon the ground. HE was currently deep in conversation with the dryad, Vondeux.[/I][/color]

[Dmitri_Dragoon]

Nolth had indeed introduced himself to everyone so far except for one. But he found that he preffered to talk to the dryad. He seemed more comfortable around her. Perhaps it was because they were both so close to nature. He didn't know why.

He was trying to talk to her, but his eyes would constantly look suspiciously at the others, ecspecially the drow. Whenever that elf would come around he would absentmindedly let his hands roam over his hilts. He tried to stop doing this, but it just happened. He had to learn to accept his companions now.

[Eclectic]

OOC: Sorry, just realized I never posted. A thousand pardons.

Bast stared at them all. So many different races, so many different backgrounds all mingling and such. They had to have something good to steal. She left her scythe behind, moving through them, taking random items from them all. When she finsihed, she had a few new daggers, rings, and other such baubles. She quickly stuffed them into her pack and ran off. Hoping no one saw her.

OOC: Sorry again, but anyone can come in here.

[Bunni Chan131]

Raven observed the scene from above, in her tree, eavsdropping on the conversation, but not really understanding what the strange group of people were speaking of. She too had heard the lilting notes drifting down from the room above the tavern where she worked, finding herself drawn to them. Raven didn't remember much about her past, but the flute playing had somehow brought back faint memories, not in her mind, but to her ears. Her ears recognized the soft, sweet playing as something she knew she'd heard before, but that she could not quite put her finger on. So she decided to observe the group of strangers a little longer, hoping to get back any other type of memory her sensses could recall. But none came.

One of the strangers in particular, caught her eye, until she realized that this man was no stranger. Hunter! Her old love. That she definately remembered. But one thing confused her. The woman, whom also seemed familiar was calling him Ryth. "Ryth...Ryth..." She played with the name but no memories came back, not even a glimpse of recognition. Maybe this was not the same man. Yet still, she felt strangely drawn to him, and the woman, and she did not know why, but she was going to find out. She jumped siletnly out of the tree and approached the strange group of people. She put on her best freindly smile and bowed politely.

"Hello my name is Raven. I couldn't help but overhearing your conversation. I would like to join you. I know a little swordsmanship and I'm skilled in magic. Probably not a skilled as any of you, but I promise I can be of help to you. I have no where else to go."

Raven did not reveal her real reasons for wanting to come along, which was that she felt somehow drawn to these two people, she did not think that was relevant at the moment She merely stated her case, smiled and awaited her judgement.



(OOC) Changed my name again, I know, but I really wanna have something to do with you and John's character, and Raven's the only one who had any connections, no matter how small. PS. Legacy syas to inform you of his temporary inability to update due to forces outside of his control. Please be patient.

[Deedlit]

[color=009966][i]Elsyan watched from the corner of her eye as Bast moved past her and among the others. Just when she was on her way again, Elsyan reached out and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt.[/i]

Bast: "Hey! What the---?!"

Elsyan: "I believe you have something of mine."

Bast: "What? I don't know what you're talking about!"

Elsyan: "Then allow me to show you."

[i]With her spare hand, Elsyan pointed at Bast's pouch. Immediately a small crystal globe that can fit in one's palm flew out and landed in Elsyan's own hand. She held it aloft so that the moonlight shone off it.[/i]

Elsyan: "Hasn't anyone told you that it is very dangerous to steal magical items from a mage?"

Bast: "It doesn't look very dangerous to me."

Elsyan: "That's because this particular item [i]isn't[/i] dangerous. It's just meant to store large items in. Had you chosen any other item, you wouldn't have gotten off so easily."

[i]Elsyan released her and Bast walked away, casting suspicious glances at Elsyan over her shoulder. Elsyan tucked the bauble away into her pouch again, this time putting a jynx on it to keep and intruders away.[/i]

ooc: Erm....I can't really decide whether my character will vote for either Heaven or Hell, but I'll try to come to a conclusion later.[/color]

[Hinata]

[COLOR=teal]

As Serena sat back and looked at the converstaions between everyone she was approaded by everyone. Luckily since she met Elsyan firs she knew that they would have no problems getting along. She met a few more who were hard to figure out but they would not become a problem in the future.

As she stared at Eve Serena wanted to approach the flute player but didn't want to impose on such a person. When everyone started to ponder the question Serena became confused and wondered if she had such a right to vote.

Finally after a few more moments. And a small skirmish between Bast ann Elsyan she finally walked up towards Eve.

Serena: Excuse me?

Eve: Yes how may I hlpe you Serena? Have you come up with an answer?

Serena: Well no- I'm sorry I haven't but I must speak with you!

Eve became qcurious as Serena's face gt a puzzled look on it. Everyone esle was looking on as Serena and Eve spoke. Serena also seeing everyones curious faces tried he hardest to ignore them all.

Serena: My dear lady! why have I been called. How was I able to hear your flute. Is it a curse. Please tell me!!!

Eve looked and the slight fear and confusement in Serena's eyes. She wondered exaclt how to talk to Serena. Seeing that there was no way to beat around the bush she came out with it.

Eve: You, just like the others, were chosen. I am seeking help to stop my-
Eve paused for a moment before going on to explain her story but Serena interupted.

Serena:- I know your son. I have heard you speak of it but why my help.

Eve: FATE!!! Now are you ready to decide?

Serena not sure if she should decide or not waited a moment before answering. She looked at everyone else who hadn;t yet made up their mind.

Serena: Well seeing that I don't know what decision you need please give me a quick explanation.

Eve quickly boke it down to all those who weren't present earlier that mornng with the decsion placed before them. Evryone kept a straight face as Eve quickly and almost happily laid the plan before them. Serena was intrigued by this quest and thanked Eve for the explanation. Then she quickly turned to eve again and made her choice.

Serena: I won't speak for anyone else but me. Although but are dangerous places and we will have a tough fight.. I'd prefer to go against demons rather then gods. For the gods hold our fate in their hands.

Everyone stared as Serena continued her ratonale behind her choice.

Serena:Also I can much better see myself killing ugly vile creature more so than, hopefully, majestic and beautiful angels and gods. Besides I have a few old enemies I wish to see ONE MORE TIME!!!!!!


[/COLOR]

[Shinkoru]

[color=green][I]Eve stood, waiting for Lacroix to answer her she she heard a faint and fimillar voice. She turned and almost fainted.

Auctually she did fall. Herback hit the ground as she busted out in fits of giggled. Raven turned her head hearing Eve laughing upon her appearence. Little did Raven know it was in fact her saving of Eve the first go-round that caused her to lose her memories.

Eve got up and walked to her a moment. Leaving Lacroix to explain to her what she wished to know, the drow could be so fickle at times.[/I]

[B]Raven:[/B] What is so funny?

[B]Eve:[/B] You, dearest sister. Ya know, I thought we had been donw with you the last 100 years. I apologize for what I did back then, but MAra was jelous and, Hunter made me!

[B]Raven:[/B] What are you talking about?

[B]Eve:[/B] Oh, thats right. I'm sorry, I forgot after you dissapeared out sent out a memory charm to you and Raven[size=1](m).(Eve has a brother and sister by the same name)[/size] And well, I figured all aould be well until I saw you next... AH!

[I] Eve had to duck a swift jab to the face from Raven. Eve stepped forward laughing. then swiftly wrapped her arms about Raven hugging her tightly.

Eve then withdrew a small seed from her pouch. She forced Raven to eat it. The young, but in reality old, girls eyes bugged out as she coughed, trying to spit out the seed, it felt loged in her throught.[/I]

[b]Raven:[/B] Trying to kill me?!

[B]Eve:[/B] If I wanted to kill you, you would be dead. Just wait for it...

[B]Raven:[/B] AH!!!

[B]Eve:[/B] There it is.

[I] Raven coughed and out the seed came. IT landed on her palm. The seed cracked and a small piece of parchment was left. Raven read it. IT said the one word that could bring her back to herself. Eve knew it well, for if Raven had heard it from anyone else it would be as a normal word. .:: Sparring. ::.

Suddenly Ravens memories came roshing back, starting they day Eve started to help train Raven at sparring. Her hitting the tree, the woods, then her killing Eve almost ah undered years ago. Raven teared and jumped to Eve hugging her. Eve smiled and turned to go back to LAcroix.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] Answer me please!

______
OOC: Yes Stephi you were in Siege 1. Its towards the end. Go find it so your refreshed.[/color]

[Bunni Chan131]

Now with her memories back and a better idea of why she had been summoned here, Raven began to think about the question at hand. heaven...or Hell. If what Hunt...er..Ryth had said was true, and they did infact have to visit both, did that not make it irrelevant as to which one they ventured to first? Raven had never been to hell, least of all that she could remember, but she didn't fancy it a pleasant place. She had been absent due to uncontrollable circumstances during thw first battle with Nilithokir (sp?), and she did not really understand what was going on, but she knew she'd rather go to hell first and get it over with. But before she could voice her opinion to Eve, her sister was gone.

So she wandered aimlessly amidst the crowd, observing all the new faces and one familiar one. She stopped and stared at the man called Ryth for quite some time. If Eve was here did this not mean that this man was also Hunter?

Ryth: What are you staring at?

Raven: *abit taken aback* oh...umm...nothing its just that you...you remind me of someone. I'm sorry to bother you

[Shinkoru]

[color=green][I]Eve's ears perked up a bit. She teared slightly wishing to tell her sister that Hunter is not himself. HE disen't wish ot be. As for now he has lost his memories. Eve also wished desprately to ask Raven if she had seen Illy. She longed to see him and wished to not make this journey without him. Lacroix would have to answer her later. She turned to tell him so but he was gone. In the woods most likely looking at Twinkle. Wondering what he has to say eve shuggred slightly and walked to Raven.[/i]

[B]Eve:[/B] Don't bother. He is not himself any longer nor does he wish to be. I'll never have my brother back, so don't bother. Come on lets go. The decision can be made on the road. And It is not Irrilevent. For which one we go to first may verry well decide our fates, for if we chose correctly we might not have to go to both. And as for you Serena. God and angels are most certinly not gracefull and elegant once they try to kill you. Inner appearances matter much much more. Ive been up there and served in Avalon as a goddess.Verry few were, in my opinion, were either of the qualities you think they possess. hunter..was one of thoe ones who did though. Hid name as a god was cloud runner, and there he was given the profecy that has been fufillied about Alaris. The sword is with us, and we must help it reconize itslf, and its owner himself. Come on.

[I]Eve wistled and Ryuu nodded. He jumped up into the air and transforem into his normal large sized dragon.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] I'll lead the wya, for the entrances to heaven and hell are one in the same. Raven, come with me. Ryth, lead them on foot. Follow me.

[I] Eve slipped her hand into Raven's as everyone, Elsyan, Lacroix appeared then, Serena, Nolth, Bast, Vondaex. One more would enter their ranks soon. Eve wondered where he was. Ryuu took off, heading north.[/i][/color]

[Talon]

[color=teal][i]Ryth led them towards the gate, somehow knowing the way. His blad whispered to him to fall into the depths of Heaven, to quest to the Magorian palace in Avalon. He looked to Eve, nodding and flickering his blade in a fashion he hoped meant "Heaven" to her. Soon, however, his thirst overcame here.[/i]

[b]Raven:[/b]Ryth.....what is wrong?

[b]Ryth:[/b]No.....not here.....get away, everyone! My....thirst......

[b]Eve:[/b]What? What thirst?

[i]Ryth pulled a vial from his cloak pocket, dripping several drops of a clear liquid into his throat. At once, his body became slack, still standing, yet nonviolent.[/i]

[b]Ryth:[/b]A month ago, when I saved Jaida at her village, I was chased by many various creatures. Including a daywalker. I was bitten before I killed him. I inherited only his violent thirst. I cannot pass the virus onto others, however. But....I....need......blood.........

[b]Raven:[/b]Mine.

[b]Ryth:[/b]What? NO!

[b]Raven:[/b]Yes!

[i]Raven cut the back of her hand on Ryth's drawn blade and forced the bleeding member to Ryth's lips, at which point resistance disappeared. He lapped the blood violentlym almost biting. The blood flowing into Ryth's lips overloaded his mind, driving him into an involuntary satisfied sleep where he lay....providing a hell of a hindrance to the rest of the party, of course.[/i][/color]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Had to give you guys SOME challenge. Now you gotta drag my comatose body with you until I wake up!

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo]OOC: Can I just make a note people...I DO NOT want my damn scimitars! Not for any reason! Okay? There's a reason I stopped using them, and that reason is that I'm quite sick of basing my character on Drizzt (which is obviously what I did, back when I was annoying, new, and less than creative). So please allow my my piece of mind, and leave my damn scimitars out of this. And in that vein...


IC: [I]Lacroix looked down at him, shaking his head. He looked up to Raven, who seemed fine. Lacroix took a quick series of glances at the other people, who seemed completely at loss at what to do, other than drag him. Lacroix, always fairly short with this being in question, was not so hesitant about dragging him.

He took the pack off his back, and ripped the leather thongs off. The make-shift lashings were quite effectively tied around Ryth's ankles. Lacroix kicked his pack off the road. It spilled open, revealing nothing but a scimitar. Eve caught his arm and pointed. Lacroix looked her in the eyes, and smiled deeply. Eve let go, satisfied. Lacroix, now rather happy with himself, picked up the lashings, and rather effortlessly dragged Ryth along. By the ankles. His head scraping across the ground.

He got about ten metres, with everyone staring, some in horror, some in amusement, some in complete and utter apathy, when Eve simply sighed, glared at him balefully and walked up, cutting the straps with a procured dagger. Ryth, who Lacroix had carrying with the leather thongs over his shoulder, had all the fun of experiencing everything from the shoulders down, or perhaps up, hitting the ground with a loud thump. There were a few muffled giggles at that...Lacroix sighed in disgust.

He again knelt down, this time with his hands over Ryth's eyes. Ryth's body disappeared, and Lacroix turned his hands over, holding a perfectly spherical piece of obsidian in his hands.[/I]

Lacroix: Basically, he's in the middle of a non-existant plane of existance.

Eve: Shouldn't that kill him.

Lacroix: Technically, yes. But considering that his physical body doesn't really anything when his spirit is stuck inside a small rock, then he'll stay alive until I'm ready for him to come back.

Eve: If you accidently lose that piece of obsidian...

Lacroix: Then you and your lackeys can try and kill me later. For now, we have somewhere to be.[/font][/color]

[Dmitri_Dragoon]

Nolth kept an indifferent stance through the hole dragging ordeal, though he held back an urge to put a dagger in the drow's back. He didn't want to stoop to their level.

Lacroix had placed the onyx piece in one of his pouches and continued on, and Nolth followed from a slight distance. He didn't have much of a clue as to where they were going, but he thought it best not to speak.

The little troupe continued on for many hours, Nolth felt his belongins get lighter, he figured he knew the reason. He made his way over to Bast, and drew a dagger to place at her back.

"I wish to have my belongings back," he said in an even tone. Bast gave him a shocked, hurt look, he returned a look of nothingness. She shrugged and rolled her eyes, then promptly returned his belongings.

"Next time I will cut of an appendage." He said with little emotion. Hoping it didn't sound like the false threat it was.

[Hinata]

[COLOR=teal] Serena saw the little skirmish between Bast and Nolth. Before more could be done she stepped towrds the two to stop them from fighting each other.

Serena: We have much better things to do than to be going at each others necks.

Nolth: Who are you to speak woman?

Serena: That is none of your damn business but no matter we have all been called to go on this adventure. Not just you. So don't act to mighty. Besides I have put away a few of your kind with ease so stop the threats.

Nolth stepped away from Bast and turned his anger to Serena. He faced her and stood there for a moment gazing at her.

Serena: But how can I kill one such as you. I have to much reverence for you sir for I remember what you had done for me long ago.

Nolth looked at her questioning what she was talking about.

Serena: Maybe this will bring back your memory.

Serena took off her cloak and turned her back to Nolth. She lifted her shirt up and showed him a long scar running down her back diagonally.

Serena: You saved me from having more of these and possibly being dead. I believe its been 30 years. You may not remember. You saved me from a small raid and they had took me captive. *scoffs* They were one of rhte few people who had done so. *she lowered her shirt and dawned her cloak again.* You luckily stummbled upon their camo and saw what they were trying to do. You killed them all and untied me but left me there to again fend for myself. I didn;t really concentrate on the face but your smell remains. It was you!!!

Serena backed up taking Bast with her.

Nolth: That means nothing now, but you *poining at Bast,* this had better never happen again!!!!!

[/COLOR]

[Bunni Chan131]

Observes the skirmish from a safe distance and keeps trailing Lacroix to make absolutely sure he does not lose that rock or whatever it was. Even if her sister had given up hope on Hunter returning, she had not. Perhaps she was just blindly hoping, but it was enough just to reassure herself that one day, she would be reunited with her love. The real Hunter was still in there somewher, and even if Eve pretended not to know, Raven knew somehow that she did.

*sighs as she lags slightly behind the group*
Oh bittersweet irony, to riped apart from the one you love the moment you get them back.

Oh well, sshe had her sister back and for now that was about al the happiness she needed. She hurried to catch up with Eve and placed her hand back in her sisters.

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo][I]Where he'd found the ability to persistantly nag him inside his head was unknown, but Lacroix found it somewhat annoying. He suddenly stopped, for a reason no one else was able to discern, and let out a rather vicious, not to mention very inventive, string of oaths, and withdrew the obsidian. He absently dropped it, and looked at it a moment, taking a step back as it shimmered and disappeared, being replaced with a now conscious, not to mention irate, Ryth. He started to yell something, but was forestalled by Lacroix.[/I]

Lacroix: You could have come back with the piece of obsidan lodged where it lay, which right now is taken up by your body. Think about it a moment, and then tell me I was unfair.

[I]He kept walking, more apathetically annoyed than usual. A hard, rather distinct Lacroix, combination that one.[/font][/color][/I]

[Shinkoru]

[color=green][I]Eve signed to herself. This would be a tough one. Everyone got along last time. She decided to slip up next to Bast.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] Steal another object from anyone and youll not have the hands to do so with. Do I make myself clear?

[I] Bast looked frightend but still unnerved. She shuggred, her pakc felt lighter. she noticed her sword was gone.[/i]

[B]Bast:[/b] Hey!

[B]Eve:[/B] Your not the only thief around here. As I said take one more item and youll lose more tahn you bargined for. Other wise I like you.

[I] Eve smiled innocently and slipped bakc further next to Serena.[/I]

[B]Eve[/B] I would like to know what you ment bo your kind. If you mean elves. I am a dark elf, he is grey. Its an insult to me, your comment was. I advose you not doit again. If you noticed your surrounded by elves. Raven, myself, Ryth is part elf, nolth, and Lacroix. A drow he is, much more deadly. Lucky he didnt act upon hearing, and yes, he heard you.

[I]Eve giggled, she had pulled Raven back with her while she addressed a few people. turning to her sister she sopke.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] stay with Hunter..Ryth. My bad, I'll be back.

[I] Eve walked forward next to Lacroix, who was currently leading the group.[/I]

[b]Eve:[/B] Lacroix, whats following us? I've been hearing it a while now, sounds..fimillar.

[I] Just then Elsyan pulled up on Lacroix's other side.[/I]

[B]Elsyan:[/B] Rust monsters.

[B]Eve:[/B] Crap. Like befroe, will they ever get new enmies? Well, they won't be upon us for a while. Time in a bit to see whos been brushing up on fighting. Wish Mara was here eh Elsyan?

[B]Elsyan:[/B] Yeah, she worked wonders with that chain of hers, haha.

[B]Eve:[/B] Yeah, and for companty. Betcha wish Illy was here don't you Lacroix, care to see how your former pupil has been doing? I can tell you last I saw him that he was ten times more powerfull than you last saw him. Taking on Nilo's...oh god no.

[B]Lacroix:[/b] What is it?

[B]Eve:[/B] You don't think, by taking in Nilo's sprit, Nilo is working through Illy?

[B]Lacroix:[/b] No, he's too controlled for that.

[B]Eve:[/B] I hope your right.

[I] They walked on in silence, eve heard some of Lacroix's louder thoughts as he wondered if Illy was to blame, it was all to convient...timing...[/I][/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo][I]The possibility, while remote was there. Nilothakiir had been a master of auric possession, better than Lacroix some days. And he'd given Illy enough information to allow his spirit to maintain its resonance, but perhaps not enough to defend itself. He'd always regretted not teaching his one-time pupil more about the etheric side of his art, rather than simply the shadows, but that was past. Right now, he had to developed a contingency plan on just how to avoid that pitfall if it came up.

The main problem was a matter of tact. He could have quite easily destroyed or banished the spirit. But untangling two separate, and certainly snarled threads, most likely with more than one person screaming at him for whatever reason, would not be easy. It would be possible, but would not be easy. But then, nothing ever was. Such as the fact that right now, he was at the head of the party, rather than his usual stance as rear guard. Mainly because you got talked to less there...But now there was a practical reason, at least. He signalled as such to Eve and Elysan, who long familiar with him showed no surprise, and stepped off the trail, watching everyone intently as they passed. He fell in about thirty metres behind the stragglers, ears on the slight sounds behind him.[/font][/color][/I]

[Talon]

[color=teal][i]Ryth smiles slightly, sensing the over-grown ticks with a lust for dissolving iron. He held back, his absence completely unnoticed by even Raven, but then again, because of his Breathwalk, he seemed absent at all times. He turned about, hearing Lacroix making a shade too much noise to be silent to his well-trained ears, yet even Lacroix either did not notice Ryth's passing, or pretended to do so. Ryth drew his blade swiftly and silently, running softly towards the ever-burgeoning noise of the rust monsters. The first glimpse of them afforded him time to smile in victory to himself as he readied his blade for a strike on one of the five creatures. His heart beating in excitement, he raised his blade.......that wasn't his heartbeat. A steady, pulsing sound, as steady as a drumbeat......Ryth dropped his blade in surprise, jumping back against a large tree......which moved. The rust monster furthest to the right never knew what was coming until the wyrm's jaws closed upon it. The huge, metamorphic wyrm, posing as a tree, had sensed the monsters and knew a meal was nearby. It hadn't expected an elf to willing throw itself in as a meal, too. Ryth grabbed Knight and ran, four rust monsters following him for....health reasons, some of which did not involve the fifty-foot long shapeshifter behind them.....[/i][/color]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=indigo][I]Lacroix, who allowed Ryth to fall back on the grounds that he refused to be in any way responsible for his safety or complete lack thereof (and thus could be neither vindicated or implicated, when one thought about it, but you had to take the good with the bad), was nevertheless somewhat ...nonplussed, by the oversized abomination following them. He fell into step with Ryth, giving him a rather reproving, almost condescending look. He did, however, maintain the forethought to let out a shrill whistle, sure enough sign to the others, now more than fifty metres ahead, that once again something annoying had happened.[/I]

Lacroix: Tell me, where you simply interested in examing anatomy from the inside, or did you not realise the damn thing was there when we walked past it not twenty minutes ago?

Ryth: How the hell was I supposed to know?

Lacroix: Truth be told? Tree leaves usually don't appear in scale patterns. Any, to hell with it. Are we going to keep running, or should we do the noble thing and try a ....delaying action?

Ryth: I have a strange feeling you're trying to bait me.

[I]Lacroix stopped instantly, spinning on his heel and dropping a foot back into a low stance. That abrupt halt caused the rust monsters behind him to stop in confusion, afraid something worse was ahead. The wyrm also stopped. But it was merely confounded that something wasn't afraid enough to run anymore, which meant it was possibly painful.

Lacroix looked back to Ryth, who'd stopped a few paces later.[/I]

Lacroix: I take it you've fought greater drakes before? If not, learn fast. And everyone else's presence would be ...appreciated.[/font][/color]

[Talon]

[color=teal][i]Somehow knowing his dragonette would know what to do, he withdrew the fire lizard, Frenze, from his pouch.[/i]

[b]Ryth:[/b]Frenze, hurry! Fly fast to Eve, Frenze, and ask her to help us!

[i]The silver dragonette chirruped back, disappearing in an instant. Ryth leaped onto the wyrm's back as Lacroix did the same, the wyrm confused about the disappearance of its meal. Taking its time, it bent low and began munching away at a rust monster, two of which hadn't taken the opportunity to run.[/i]

[b]Ryth:[/b]Yes, I've fought greater drakes. My only problem with them, excepting golds and silvers, is that they seem to regard anything smaller as food.

[b]Lacroix:[/b]Well, I assume you know what to do?

[b]Ryth:[/b]Well, the group IS right ahead, the wyrm is shaking like it's gathering energy......I say we kill it before the rest of the party is hit by a fireball.

[b]Lacroix:[/b]Idiot. Use your cognitive faculties, if you have any. We're on the wyrm's back, it is preoccupied. You have a razor-sharp sword, the neck is about two fee in front of you! What do you do?

[b]Ryth:[/b]Oh.

[i]Ryth held his blade aloft, bringing it down into the beast's neck. The blow was not deep enough to kill it, as Lacroix well-knew, but the creature now had a disadvantage, a wound, and a full party preparing to assault it. Ryth withdrew his sword, leapt off of the raging drake, and used his silver gauntlets to grasp a somewhat large log, hurling it at the side of the beast's head...[/i][/color]

[Bunni Chan131]

Raven rushed forawrd with the rest of the people in the group. She gasped in surprise as she saw Ryth throw a log into the side of a dragon's head, making it even more angry. She sucked in her breath as the dragon whipped it's head to the side, blasting Ryth backwards towards her with a fireball. Ryth stood, knees shaking, brushing his chest and trying to clear the black smudges on his clothes, but another attack drove him to the ground. Raven dashed forward, grasping her sword hilt and thrusting the blade into the claw that held Ryth helpless. The dragon, seeing pain was all it would get from the girl and the warrior, it turned to face the rest of the group, who had dealt with the rust monsters and was focusing on the dragon. Ryth lay on the ground, his head resting in Raven's lap. The clench of the dragon had pushed Ryth into a painful agony, his chest squeezed under the tremendous weight. Blood dripped from his lips, the side of his face bruised badly. His breath came in short, quick gasps. Raven shed a tear for her fallen love, pulling his wing to her cheek and wiping the tear away. She pulled his head closer to look into his agonized eyes. His consciousness gave him the feeling of the kiss, but his pride did not allow him the pain. Raven pulled away, blood staining her lips as Ryth smiled weakly. He fell hard against her, fully unconscious. Raven looked up, crying and hoping Ryth would live. The party was leading the dragon was gone. She pulled him close, wrapping his wings around the pair of them as the cold night set in.

[Shinkoru]

[color=gray][I]Eve's eyes flashed slightly. She wouldn't..allow..no. She couldm't. He was her sisters love, but he couldn't even..rember. Eve knew what she had to do. He had told her. It was time, she started acting like a leader. Though she knew she was anything but.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] Lacroix, lead the others north, do not change direction nor course. Do not pause or stop for any reason until I catch up to you. Don't ask, just do it. I can't afford any time wasteing. Raven, go now. You are going with them.

[B]Raven:[/B] But..Hunt-. Ryth.

[B]Eve:[/B] Leave him.

[B]Raven:[/B] Bu-..

[B]Eve:[/B] BUT NOTHING. I said leave him. Now go. Ryuu, protect them from overhead and warn Lacroix and Elsyan if you sopt danger of any swort, even the smallest dark gnome could prove fatal these days. Now off with all of you.

[I] Confusion and worry in their eyes the party started off, lacroix in the lead. Elsyan taking up the rear pushing forward any stragglers wanting to see what Eve's problem was. Raven's eyes were misty as she stood, Ryths head sliding off her lap to the ground. Eve watched with cold eyes until Raven and the party were well out of ear shot. Even Lacroix would not hear what was about to occur.

Eve walked to Ryth, kneeling down beside him. Her eyes a mixture of emotions, but frustration the most obvous. She shook her head and stood. Pulling her right leg back she let go a hard kick, it hit ryth in his side as he grumbled.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] Get up.

[B]Ryth:[/B] muhmg,....

[I]Eves eyes narrowed as she kicked ihm again harder.[/i]

[B]Eve:[/B] GET UP!

[I] Ryths eyes shot open as he looked up at Eve. He grumbled and pushed up, trying to stand but falling back down. Eve walked to him, her arm shot out grabbing him at his throught. Her fingers gripped his neck as she lifted him, pulling her arm back so his face was in front hers.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] Now...you will rember. I will beat it out of you. At first I thought love woul awaken your memories. I was mistaken.

[I] Eve flung her arm, sending Ryth into a nearby tree. He couched as blood dripped down his chin. He hit the ground on his knees. His arm hung limp at his sides, his head lifted as he looked up at Eve disbelieveing.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/b] Do you rember now?....

[I]Ryth just looked at Eve, she could see the confusion in his eyes.[/I]

[B]Eve:[/B] Well. I see. Do you not rember?! Can nothing make it come to you..or must I...show you..all the pain. Must I?! Do I have to make you rember?!

[I] Eve screamed the last word. Running to Ryth her hand out, fingers extended, her palm hit his forhead, the moment it did a white light errupted, Ryth fell back into the tree, Eve fell ot her knees. In a Flash Ryth was somewhere else. He looked around. A girl. Eve, many years ago, stood face to face with a tall elf. His semi long hair fell about his sholders in silken strands.[/I]

[B]Male Elf:[/B] Eve..

[I] He took Eve's cheek in his palm, they eyes were locked. Nither seemed to notice Ryth. Her fingers clasped around his wrist, her eyes watering.[/i]

[B]Eve:[/B] Illy...no.. you can't go...

[B]Illy:[/B] I must..

[I]Eve's eyes flooded with tears as he tilted his head to hers, their lips meeting momentarlly, the instant he pulled his head back, he was gone. Eve fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. Ryth..Hunter stood walking to her. She seemingly didn't see her. She cried for hours, hunter trying to hold her, talk to her but she didn't see nor hear him.[/I]

[center].:: Flash ::.[/center]

[I] Ryth stood, opening his eyes. He almost screamed as he looked upon Eve. She lay on the ground, in a pool of blood, a deep gash running from the inside of her wrist all the way up to her arm.[/I]

[B]Ryth:[/b] Eve...Sister![/color]

[Talon]

[color=teal][i]Ryth looked into Eve's eyes as blood dripped into his face, clouding his vision. The prophecy was wrong, then, he thought. Only his blood could restore him. Only.....[b]CRAAAACCCKKKKK.[/b]

Ryth realized it wasn't Eve's blood or his own dripping onto his face just in time to dodge Matthew's attack, the tree barely grazing Ryth's boots as he dragged his siter from harm's way. He drew out his blade, the rusted Alaris, and tried to restore it to what it once was. He failed.[/i]

[b]Matthew:[/b]Please, uncle. You honestly believe such trinkets will banish me? Or even.......my grandfather?

[i]Ryth gasped in shock, understanding what the boy was saying, and drawing out Knight, dashing forward towards the boy.[/i]

[b]Eve:[/b]HUNTER, NO!!!!

[i]Ryth's hilt connected with.....a tree trunk, Matthew's bootheel connecting with his skull and driving Ryth to the ground. Ryth tasted blood and knew it was his only chance......[/i]

[b]Ryth:[/b]Selvenia elder moons! Chase the shadows, ancient runes!

[i]His bones elongated, his back cracking as his spine lengthened. His finger joints popped as his fingers grew, claws sprouting from the tips of each member. Almost as if he were in the womb once again, grayish fur began to coat his twisting body, his contorted face. Within ten seconds, he had become a full Ascetic Werewolf, the Nightshade. He charged Matthew, the full moon increasing his speed and power. A large gash to Matthew's head drove the boy into a frenzy, burying a long, cruel-edged sword deep into Ryth's gullet. Eve screamed as Matthew disappeared.[/i]

[b]Matthew:[/b]Uncle Serenol will soon die, mother, and you will be next!!!! Save him if you can!!![/color]

[Shinkoru]

[color=gray][I] Eve opened her eyes. Her jaw trembled as she would have let out a scream, but her voice had left her. All around her jagged rocks jutted out, gaps in the rocks exposed pools of lava and wisps of fire slipped into the dry hot air. The heat, the fire, the atmosphere of despair all around her, was noe, however, what she wished to scream for.

Before her stood a man. An elven man. His sholder legnth blondish hair hung in straggles about him, His once soft gently changeing eyes were now hard and cold, no love mitted from them now, no gentleness he once showed when looking in her eyes. His pointed ears that once graced his slender face now made him look more of a devil than an elf. His built exterior made him now look more rugged and evil, unlike before it made him look handsome, like a hero.

Eve couldn't speak, only stare. She did manage to choke out one word..[/i]

[B]Eve:[/B] Illy....

________________________________________

Meanwhile...
________________________________________

[I] Hunter, back aginst the tree, out of his daze stands, now rebering himself after tasteing Matthews blood, the only hting able to snap away his amnesia, picks up Eve's dead limp body and runs in the direction the others tracks led, his thought speak getting to Lacroix the moment hes able.

Hunter: LACROIX! Eve's dead! We Must go to hell and get her or else she'll be gone forever, wait for me, I'm on my way![/i][/color]