RPG Mists of Aurocon

[Dragon Warrior]

Upon escaping the cave, they came across the waterfall and a very long drop. "Crap. Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap! Crap!! Did I say crap? I mean, really, crap. We're in deep crap. C'mon! Crap! Cra--"

"Sariyah!" Irima scolded.

"No worries," Tyniah said calmly. "I know of a way out. I am, afterall, lord of this cave. He slowly chanted a spell and the cave became a field with many trees here and there, dabbing the landscape like a painting. They took of as the eleven black mages chased them down.

It didn't take much to lose the, but nevertheless, they all worked up a sweat escaping them. Tyniah released the illusion and they plopped down against a REAL tree.

"Well, now, Tyniah, you've got us this far, how much further toward the castle?" Sariyah didn't bother turning to whom he spoke to.

"Five days worth, I suppose," was Tyniah's reply.

"Sounds good," Irima put in. They all sat with their backs against the tree, staring at the sky. Tyniah looked over at Irima.

"Hey, Irima, what did you think of that kiss I gave you?" He bounced his eyebrows with a smile.

[b]BONK![/b]

[Little Serenity]

"Great... another letch..." Irima sighed, looking down at Tyniah's unconscious form. "Glad we lost those mages."

"Yeah seriously." Sariyah lay down and sighed. "Hey?"

"Hm?"

"What are you going to say to the king when we get there?"

"Well, I thought I'd start out with: Don't move or I'll blow your brains out."

"Bad idea."

"Jeez, you're stiff. I'm just kidding!" Irima laughed, closing her eyes. "I... I'm kinda tired..." She yawned.

"Well, we might as well rest here. We can't travel with Mr. Beautiful over there unconscious and you can bet like hell that I'm not going to carry you."

"What about him?"

"Fat chance of that too."

"You need to relax..." Irima curled up under the tree.

"I just feel like... like something bad is going to happen at the castle."

"Don't worry about it. I'll keep my cool."

"Nothing... life threatening, just... like life will change forever, you know?"

"No I..." Another yawn, "Don't know..." Irima fell asleep. Sariyah sighed and stared at the stars.

"The sky is darker tonight..."

[Dragon Warrior]

"Okay, Louie, but this is the last time!"

"Just calm down, Joey! I am the brains of this outskirt, ya know!"

"Don't you mean outfit?"

"I said that!"

"I could've sworn..."

"No you couldn't of! Swearing is against our species!"

"Sorry, Louie."

"Now, let's just pick them up, carry them back to our leader and we will finally be voted as the greatest robgoblins in the universe!"

"Universe, Louie?"

"Yeah!"

"Sounds big!"

"You bet your feathered hat it's big! And there's a big world out there, just waiting for us to grab it by the short hairs!"

"I don't have hair, Louie."

"Life does, though, Sean!"

"I thought my name was Joey."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

"Can we eat yet?"

"Not until we capture these guys!"

"Oh, c'mon, Louie! I only had five snacks today! I'm missing seven! SEVEN, Louie!"

"Alright, alright! Here, have a granola bar."

"Oh boy!"

"Now how are we gonna capture them?"

"Bwhy mot bump mwem?"

"Bump them?"

"Bump mwem!"

"Bump them? How the hell do we capture them by bumping them!"

"I had food in my mouth!"

"Oh."

"I said jump them!"

"That's crazy! We could die."

"Sorry, Louie. Bad idea."

"We could jump them, though."

"I just said tha--"

"Yes! That's it! We'll jump them!"

"Whatever."

"You finished?"

"Yeah. Still hungry."

'You're always hungry. Now then, got the nets?"

"I think."

"You think? YOU THINK? Larry--"

"Joey."

"Joey, life is full of obstacles. We can't let little flaws like this stop us."

"Sorry."

"Now let's get closer to them. That's it... those three elves are all ours."

"I've got the girl."

"Now, Joey, you know you can't have the girl. What's the rule?"

"You always get the girls."

"Right. So let me just... get over... here... and... hmpf! HMPF! She's heavier than she seems!"

"Maybe it's because she's three times your size."

"Size doesn't matter, Joey. I thought you learned that earlier with that girl robgoblin I set you up with."

"Yeah. But she still thought the room was small."

"We do have--HMPF!--apartments!"

"Yeah, we get paid twice as less as everyone else."

"Lowest ranks, we are."

"Louie?"

"Yeah? What?"

"Wouldn't it be easier to just steal all their stuff?"

"The boss will pay us big if we bring home the people we [i]could've[/i] robbed."

"Ohhh... I get ya."

"If you wanna make through life, Jerry, you must learn these things."

"Joey! My name is Joey!"

"Yeah, yeah. And my name is--OOF!"

"OOF!" Irima smacked the two robgoblins unconscious in her sleep.

[Little Serenity]

Sariyah got up and yawned, looking over at two small creatures near Irima, seemingly unconscious. He poked her awake.

"Hey, Irima. Wake up."

"Huh... huh wha...?" Irima looked at the little creatures.

"Even when you're asleep you knock things unconscious."

"Jeez! I'm sorry little...."

"Robgoblins."

"Robgoblins! Wait... that doesn't sound very friendly."

"That's because they steal things."

"Oh... should we just leave them?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Get up... Tariyah..." She shook him gently.

"Oh please!" Sariyah walked over to him and gave him a quick kick in the ribs.

"OW!! Oh... Lady Irima!" He took her hands, "An angel wakes me from my sleep."

"Actually... it was Sariyah. C'mon, we're leaving."

"Alright..." Tyniah picked up a satchel and followed Irima and Sariyah. "The castle is this way..."

A few minutes later, Louie and Joey awoke. "That woman is the devil!" Louie cursed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Her aim was exact..." Joey cried, rubbing his swollen cheek. "So are we going to follow them?"

"Of course we are James!"

"Joey."

"That's what I said. If we go back, we'll be the laughingstock of our species! We'll follow them, Johnny..."

"Joey."

"Whateva."

[Dragon Warrior]

The sun broke over the high mountains and Sariyah shielded his eyes from it's rays. "Warm," he commented.

"Quite," Tyniah put in as he took the lead of the pack alongside Irima. "So, Irima, have you been around here before?"

"Not that I know of," she replied shyly.

"May I show you the beauties?" Sariyah rolled his eyes at Tyniah's sweet words.

"I-don't kno--"

"Of course you want to see these beautiful roses!" He took her hand and lead her to rose bushes. Sariyah trudged behind. "You see this one? It's just for you." He picked it for her and put it in her hand. She looked down at it with a strange look. "Go ahead. Sniff." She did, then smiled.

"It's lovely!" she replied. Sariyah arched an eyebrow.

"Allow me to show you more." He lead her off again, leaving Sariyah behind.

He made a mocking face as he spoke, "Allow me to show you more. Spf! What a doofus." Sariyah trudged on down the hill as Tyniah held Irima's hand and lead her faster to the wonders of nature. Sariyah felt like gagging.

[Little Serenity]

"Sariyah, are you coming or what?!" Irima called over her shoulder. Sariyah sighed and stomped through the rosebushes. "Wow! Tyniah, what's this one?" Irima pointed to a bluish-violet rose.

"Well..."

"Yeah Mr. Wonders of Nature, what is that called?" Sariyah smirked.

"It's so pretty..." Irima sighed. She picked one and admired it.

"Here... let me get my flower guide..."

"You're what?" Sariyah asked in disbelief.

"Well, it's actually a manual to different Magical herbs and flowers. Let me just find the picture..."

"My Lord." Sariyah sighed. Meanwhile, Irima was still holding her flower. "Can we get out of this... wondery nature thing? My sinuses are starting to swell..."

"Let's see... red... pink... purple... green... lavender... blue... nothing that looks like that so far."

Irima was off in flower wonderland though, "I wonder how this smells. It must be very nice if the flower is so beautiful."

"Ah! Here it is!" Irima inhaled the rose's fragrance. "The Nightshade Rose. Properties: Instant Sleep to the one who inhales its pollen." Irima keeled over.

"YOU IDIOT!! You led us into a Flower Garden of DEATH!!"

"Oh dear... Miss Irima?" Tyniah poked at her. "She's not breathing! Her armour must be suppressing her lungs! I'll take it off-"

"No you won't." Sariyah stepped on Tyniah's head while reading his discarded flower book. "It says that she'll be awakened by either the antidote or a prince's kiss."

"I'm a Lord." Tyniah offered, smiling slyly.

"Let's go with the antidote."

"What's it look like?"

"Like... er... a cactus thingy..." Tyniah read over his shoulder, exasperated with Sariyah's less than impressive description.

"You imbecile, that's a Spiny Rhododendron. The properties of that are Slow and Painful Death!! It's on the next page!" Tyniah turned the page. "Oh dear..." Sariyah gulped and read.

"The leaves of an Ochu. A living plant usually found in dark cave-like areas with vegetation.

"Alright!" Tyniah clapped and smiled. "I'll just kiss her then."

"No, you won't." Sariyah stepped on his head again. "There's a cave over there, let's find this... this Ochu thing and kill it so that Sleeping Horror can wake up."

"Why do you always act like she's such a nuisance?"

"Because she is!"

"I don't think so."

"Well, you're a frilly elf who tortures people and reads flower manuals for fun." Tyniah was quiet as they entered the cave.

Meanwhile, back with Irima, two very familiar creatures were creeping up on the sleeping Quessir.

"Alright Jeff,"

"Joey."

"Right. Got the net?"

"I... think so."

"Didn't we have the conversation?"

"Yeah, yeah! I got it!" Joey pulled the net out of his bag. Louie nodded proudly to him.

"Okay, throw it over her!" With some difficulty, the two robgoblins managed to get the net over Irima's sleeping form.

"On three, we both pull it!"

"But I thought you said that you always get the girls?"

"Eugene..."

"Joey."

"Right. Rules are meant to be broken... sometimes..."

"When can you tell?"

"It's just... something you'll learn eventually, okay?"

"Alright."

"Now... one, two, three, GO!"

"Go what?"

"Pull the net Louie."

"That's your name. I'm Joey..."

"Right. Now... PULL!!" Slowly but surely, Irima began to move, curled up inside the net. The two robgoblins were making good progress as well, maybe twice the pace of a snail... or more?

[Dragon Warrior]

Sariyah peered over at the two distinct creatures carrying off Irima at a gradual, but successful pace. "Hey, you two little thieves! Give her back! We need her to break the spell on... well, her!"

"Back off, elf boy. She's ours!" Louie glared.

"Yeah!" Joey put in.

"I say, I suggest you two stop these shinadagins and give up the lady." Tyniah waved his hands and the two robgoblins yelped as he began floating in the air.

"What's going on, Leo?!"

"JOEY!"

"Shut up about the names right now! Just... what's happening to me?"

"Are we gonna die, Louie?"

"I dunno! I'm too young and handsome to die!"

"Relax," Tyniah glared at the two miscriants. "I'm just going to send you somewhere else where you two cannot bother us!" He then waved his hands and the two robgoblins flew through the air and over the forest, screaming for their mommy robgoblins as they did.

"Well, would ya look at that," Sariyah said astounded by Tyniah's antics. "Pretty boy can do something right."

"Hey, we cannot fight right now. Ms. Irima is in trouble. Now come..." Sariyah started to pick up Irima but Tyniah butted in. "Allow me," he said, picking her up and beaming. They started off, Sariyah grumbling under his breath.

The cave wasn't too far off in the distance. In fact, they reluctanly found such a cave in the next hour or so. Upon entering, they were attacked by bats, but Sariyah's blade took care of the problem.

"I hope we find the antidote soon so we can get out of here," Sariyah said, staring at the gross walls.

"I hope so too. This light is harming my perplexion."

"This isn't a beauty conflict, Romeo," Sariyah scolded, rubbing his forehead.

"Hey, a guy has to look his best when saving a damsel."

"Their best, huh?"

"Yes, and by the way you look, I think you may be out of the job."

"Listen, pretty boy, I do what I want, when I want. I could ditch you and Irima right now, but I'm not going to. You know why?"

"Because you care for Irima?"

Sariyah gawked, then glared and made a face. "No! Because I know pretty boys like you wouldn't survive a second out of your happy world you had hidden in your waterfall!" Sariyah stomped off and Tyniah followed gradually.

"Geez. What a jerk."

[Little Serenity]

"Well..." Tyniah referenced his book, swinging Irima over his shoulder. "This cave definately has life in it. We should be able to find an Ochu here."

"Have a little respect for the unconscious girl, okay?"

"Well, I can't read my book if I'm using both my arms."

"Oh yeah..." Sariyah muttered under his breath, "Saving a damsel. Just wait until Irima hears about this..." As they continued walking, Sariyah thought about just how deep he was in with this Ochu thing. "Just... how big are Ochus Tyniah?"

"Oh they come in a variety of sizes!" Tyniah smiled as if he was selling Sariyah a potted plant, "There's the child ochu, then the adolescent, and the adult. The adults only get to be about the size of a bear. But there's also a type called..." Tyniah frowned, "O.H."

"What does that stand for, praytell?" Just then, a small blob ran right into Sariyah's leg. "Hey! What is this...?" He picked it up by its six tentacles.

"Oh! That's a child Ochu! We've found one!"

"Are you sure it's not one of those O.H. Ochus?"

"No because-" The entire cave shook. The baby Ochu in Sariyah's hand emitted some kind of a greenish smoke. Sariyah recoiled in disgust and dropped the plant-like animal, which scurried off. "Oh look!" Tyniah marveled, "It could have poisoned you!"

"Heh heh, funny. Now we need to find another..." The cave shook again. Sariyah turned to face Tyniah, who seemed to be very interested in the ceiling of the cave. "What is it pretty-boy?" Sariyah looked up. Towering above him was a giant-sized version of the Ochu he had just dropped. "Tyniah...?!"

Tyniah nodded numbly.

"What does O.H. stand for?!!" The Ochu roared angrily and thrashed its tentacles.

"OH HELL!!!!!!" Tyniah turned and ran with Irima in his arms again.

"HEY YOU!! GET BACK HERE!!"

"Sorry Sariyah! I'll tell Irima that you died trying to save her! See you lateeeer!!"

"YOU MOUSE!!" Sariyah looked up at the giant Ochu. "Well, there's only one way to skewer an Ochu I guess!" Sariyah unsheathed his sword and began hacking at it. "You- stupid- over- grown- weed!! DIEEEE!!" The Ochu emitted what seemed to be a dust storm worth of pollen, which, thanks to Tyniah, Sariyah knew was poisonous. He covered his mouth and nose watching the animal. He noticed that everything seemed to be coming from a mouth-like structure near the tentacles. With a cleverly aimed attack, Sariyah jumped into the air and drove his sword into the soft spot in the center of the tentacles. The Ochu writhed and emitted a nasty purple goo.

[Dragon Warrior]

"Stick that in your tentacle and smoke it!" Sariyah laughed at the scured corpse of the giant plant. Leaping down from it's remains, he peered at his work with a gleam in his eye. Then a thought popped to mind. "Pretty boy ran off with Irima. There's no telling what that loaf will do to her! I best pick up this dead plant and get the heck out of here." So with that, he grabbed a tentacle and shoved off.


Tyniah hid some bushes outside the cave, awaiting for Sariyah's bloody carcass to come flying out to scare him. He began to sweat and noticed Irima was very hot. He placed her lightly on the ground and stared at her face. He was mesmorized and slowly bent down to kiss her lips. He smooched her long and softly until her eyes began to flicker.

He gradually lifted his head and smiled at her. All she could do in return was blink. She was about to speak when who should pop out of the cave shouting and dragging a dead animal/plant carcass, but good ole Sariyah.

"Hey! Romeo! Where did you and Irima get off to? I managed to slay this miserable beast of burden!" Tyniah popped up out of the bushes. "Ah, there you are. Where's Irima? I wanna get this job done and done." As if on cue, Irima popped up as well. "What in the name of Hades on his Birthday... how did she get better without the plant?"

"Uh... er..." Tyniah scrambled for words. "She just did."

"She just did, huh?"

"Um... yes." Tyniah gave Sariyah a nervous smile. He looked at Irima who hadn't spoken since her awakening.

"Is this true, Irima?"

She looked at Tyniah who gave her an odd smile. She then turned back to Sariyah. "Yes. Yes it is." Sariyah still gave a suspiscious look, but nodded and dropped the giant tentacle. And so, on they marched, Tyniah and Irima travelling along side.

[Little Serenity]

A day had passed since the rose incident. Irima's feelings seemed to swell like a knot in her chest. Not only had she lied to Sariyah, something told her that Tyniah thought that she had accepted him, which she hadn't. That night, she had felt so horrible that she had slept by herself away from the fire. They had awoken early and Irima was ready to go. They had been walking for a few hours with Irima bringing up the rear by herself. Tyniah fell back and smiled at her. She managed to twitch her face.

"Something wrong?"

"No, of course not," Irima lied. Tyniah nodded. He looked up at some kind of cloud or other and snuck his hand around Irima's waist.

"YOU JERK!! YOU HAVE NO REGARD FOR ME WHATSOEVER!!" She slapped him hard across the face leaving a red handprint.

"Hey hey! Break it up!" Sariyah grabbed Irima's upper arms to stop her from killing Tyniah. She started crying onto his shirt.

"I-I'm s-s-s-sorryyyyyyy!!" Irima ran off into the woods by herself.

Tyniah and Sariyah just stared at the spot that Irima had disappeared into. Tyniah sighed, "Is it that time of the month or what?!"

[Dragon Warrior]

"I'm tired, Louie."

"Quiet, Joey. I have to scratch myself."

"Can I scratch myself?"

"What's the rule?"

"Only you can scratch itches."

"Right."

"Ca--"

"Don't even ask me to do it for you."

"Awww..."

"Quiet! I hear someone!" Irima wandered past them, sobbing as she went. She dropped to her knees at a tree and cried.

"It's that girl, Louie!"

"Right, Mark. We'll get her while she's down!"

"My name is Joey! Joey! Is that so hard to remember?"

"Yes, actually, it is, Harold." Joey made a sour face. "Now, listen. We use this newly brewed potion I have in my hand to send her into dreamland like she was before. Then we drag her off. Without her companions nearby, she stands no chance!"

"Sometimes you can be brilliant, Louie."

"Thank you, Fred."

"This is not one of those times."

"What was that?"

"I didn't say anything."

"Okay..." Louie gave Joey a gaze of suspicion, but he hurried over to Irima unnoticed. He gave a grin, opened the bottle, when suddenly he was smacked by her hand. He flew through the air, the potion spilling into his mouth. Irima looked up.

"What was that?" She stared around, but saw nothing. Then Sariyah and Tyniah ran to the scene.

"What's the matter, Irima?" Sariyah said, looking worried for once.

"Let's talk about it later."

"Okay," Tyniah said, leading them back out of the forest.

"Uhh... Louie?"

"I wanna ride the horsie again, Mommy! Oh! Hehe! Yes! All the marmalade!"

"Hey! I wanna have funny dreams too!" And with that, Joey drank the rest of the potion and collapsed into slumber.

[Little Serenity]

Irima, Tyniah, and Sariyah walked around the forest for a few minutes, Tyniah leading the way.

"Now... I was sure that it was right..."

"Then we should go left." Sariyah sighed.

"Give him a chance!" Irima scowled at Sariyah, then burst into fresh tears. Tyniah gave him a reproachful look. He sighed, exasperated and pulled a sobbing Irima away by the ponytail.

"Worry not Lady Irima. Soon we shall be at the castle and you and I can get some quality time in together..." Irima cried even harder.

"Look what you've done you crazy maniac!"

"It's not my fault! You made her cry in the first place!"

"But she obviously is upset about something you did!" Tyniah stood there, indignantly.

"How dare you?! [b]I[/b] after all, am the Prince that awoke Lady Irima!"

"YOU - DID - WHAT?!!!" Sariyah stood and fumed for a second. Irima sat down and cried into her glove. "COME HERE YOU LITTLE-"

"Nyah! Can't catch me!" Tyniah ran for his life and Sariyah came after him.

"Guys?!" Irima began running after them as well.

"YAAAAAAAH!!!" Irima turned the corner and saw Sariyah skidding on what seemed to be ice towards a totally stopped Tyniah. He ran into him, but Tyniah didn't fall over, keeping his balance as best he could.

"Wha-?!" Irima skid on the ice and rammed into Sariyah and Tyniah. The trio plunged down a canyon and into an icy cold river with raging rapids.

"OH MY GOD!!"

"Irima!! Give me your hand!" Sariyah reached for Irima. She grabbed his wrist and Tyniah followed suit.

"We can't get separated Lady Irima!" The three braced themselves for what might happen along the way.

[Dragon Warrior]

"I'm getting soaked!" Irima complained as they were rushed down the river.

"Yah! That's usually what happens when you're in water!"

"Stop fighting you two! Lady Irima, you are slipping from my grasp." It was true. Only moments later did Irima lose grip of Tyniah as did Sariyah from Irima. They all seperated down the river, each taking a different path against their will.

"IRIMA!" Sariyah shouted at her from afar.

"SARIYAH!"

The water was terribly cold, but even that wasn't the worst of it. Irima felt tugging at her hair and saw little water monsters leap at her. They tugged and tugged and she screamed as he pulled them off, taking some of her hair with them.

Tyniah didn't have such good luck. Being far from Irima was only a quarter of his troubles. He slammed into different rocks as the river carried him on. he complained about his hair and looks being messed up even more than girl would, but you had to feel sorry for him.

But it seems Sariyah got the shortest straw of them all. He and Irima still shouted at each other he was swept further. Luckily, Irima and Tyniah grasped two rocks near one another, but there was nothing for Sariyah to grab.

"SARIYAAAAHHH!!" Irima shouted as Sariyah plunged over a waterfall and down a sixty foot drop to a rocky grave.

[boothten]

[color=darkblue][size=1]Well, Little Serenity is at her grandparents house. She asked me to post it here in her favor. I gladly accepted! ^.^ Hope it's alright with everyone! ^^[/color][/size]





Irima stared in horrified shock for a few seconds. She glanced at Tyniah who was getting on top of the rock and shaking slightly. He helped Irima onto the rock. All of this happened in a few seconds.

"We have to help him!" Irima screamed over the roar of the water.

"Lady Irima! Surely he is still falling, but there is nothing we can do for him!"

"There is one thing!" Irima crouched down, pulling her staff off her back. Before Tyniah could so much as flinch, Irima had thrown herself off the rock and into the air. She was right over the waterfall's edge. "SOUL SPLITTER!!!" Irima's soul burst forth and tore down the waterfall faster than the speed of sound. Irima's staff fell from her hand and her limp body fell over the waterfall.

[i]She?! She?! I can't lose her! He'll kill me![/i] Tynia leapt in Irima's direction, streamlining his body, trying to catch up to Irima.

Meanwhile, Sariyah was finding religion. "If there's anybody up there, if you love me, you'll save me. But... just make this painless okay?"

[i]SARIYAH!![/i] Before he could blink, Irima was holding him and flying up the waterfall.

"What the?! When did you grow wings?!" He looked at her. She seemed to be transparent and her hair was down. A second later, they flew past Irima and Tyniah. "What's going on?!!"

[i]Tyniah?! He's... he's trying to save me?![/i] Irima gasped. She quickly dropped Sariyah on the bank and flew down again.

"I.... gotcha!!" Tyniah finally managed to grab Irima. "Concentrate concentrate! Don't look at the... PERIL THAT IS INEVITABLY YOURS!!" Tyniah notice Irima's soul next to him.

[i]Give me your hand![/i]

"You'll die!"

She nodded. [i]You are more important.[/i] Tyniah fixed his face in a look of concentration. Irima's vision began to swim together. The jagged rocks below were replaced with...

[i]PILLOWS?!![/i]

"Been saving this one for a special occasion!" Tyniah winked at her. He managed to manuver himself and Irima's body to a safe position as they fell onto the pillows. Irima smiled and faded. The real Irima jolted slightly, her eyes flying open, then she passed out.

[Dragon Warrior]

Sariyah stood up on the bank and looked around. He was familiar with the spot, then smiled with glee when he knew he had survived. He wasn't sure what happened to Irima and Tyniah. In fact, they didn't even cross his mind until the thought of Irima saving him came to mind.

Upon thinking of this, he peered down the waterfall and saw two distinct figures. First, it cross his mind they were dead, but when did two dead people get up and move around. Well... one did. The other was carried. And why were there pillows? Sariyah decided to investigate by jumping. Yeah. He can be an idiot.

When he landed, the impact knocked the air out of him even though they were pillows. Tyniah turned to see the limp Sariyah. "There you are. I was about to go up to find you. Let's go."

Sariyah got up and spotted Irima in Tyniah's arms first thing. "What happened to her?"

[Little Serenity]

"Well in case you didn't notice, genius, she was willing to sacrifice her LIFE for you!" Tyniah stumbled across the pillows and laid her on the bank. Sariyah scratched his head.

"How come she was flying?"

"It's the Soul Splitter spell. One, in esscence splits body and soul and uses the soul to probe memories, like she did with me, or perform tasks, such as saving your *** twice."

"What kind of authority do you have talking to me like that?!"

"You treat her like dirt!"

"What?!"

"You put her down, belittle her, and you don't even listen to her when she has something to say!"

"That's not true!"

"Oh, isn't it?!"

"Yeah!"

"YEAH!" Tyniah and Sariyah glared at each other for what seemed like a full minute. Tyniah looked away. "The castle's only a day away from here. Those rapids saved us two days." He picked Irima up. "We'll take turns carrying her."

"Alright."

"Maybe she'll wake up and you two can bond." He chuckled.

"And maybe she'll wake up and bear you a son."

"YOU THINK?!!"

"It's sarcasm Ty."

[Dragon Warrior]

Night fell as it does and they camped out, Irima still unconscious. She had been for quite some time. Longer than she ever had before. This worried Tyniah and Sariyah. But as such, they nursed her and slept soundly, taking turns guarding.

The following morning came and Tyniah awoke with a large yawn. ?What a beautiful day. I suppose it?s off to the kingdom.? He stood up and rubbed sleep from his eyes. He then glimpsed at Irima. What a beauty she was to him. He walked over, meaning to pick her up and carry her, but Sariyah butted in this time and put her on his back.

?Not this time, pretty boy. She?ll be with me. Last time you were with her, you made out with her.?

?Hey! I had to! I wasn?t sure if you were going to return from that cave or not!?

?Well, if you stayed and fought, we could?ve been spared your little kiss of life.?

?I didn?t mind it.? He combed back his hair and Sariyah sighed.

?I know you didn?t. But she did. Now c?mon. We need to get to the castle. I hope she wakes by then.? And she did. By afternoon, the castle was seen just over a small mountain. They?d be there by sundown. Upon reaching the mountain?s base, Irima yawned and stretched out on Sariyah?s back. She peered down at him as he glanced up.

?What are you doing??

?Carrying you.? He was smacked on the head and she dropped to her feet. ?Ow! What was that for??

?Did you have to hold me by my rear, you hentai? I feel so violated.?

?How else do I do it? In my arms??

?Well, there?s a thought!?

?Hey, hey, you two,? Tyniah called from atop the mountain. ?C?mon, once we get back down this mountain, the trail should take a few hours to get to the castle. If we hurry, we?ll be able to spend the night there, then be ready for the ball the next night.?

?Fine. Let?s go.? Sariyah waved Irima on and she followed, mumbling as she did. They all rushed down the mountain, partially since they wanted to get there faster and because the hill was so steep, they had to. The trail was long as Tyniah said, but wasn?t as bad as it sounded. In fact, it was peaceful, especially since Irima and Sariyah weren?t duking it out along the way.

But the trees hid mysterious things. One, in particular. Chewing on an apple, he grinned at the trio. He wiped his mouth on his bandana and laughed. ?If these punks are who da boss is talkin? about, I have no problem fixin? their wagon! Just as long as that mangy punk Mangee doesn?t get the credit. Ha!? He leapt from his branch and off through the brush, leaving his apple in midair to drop to the grass below.

[Little Serenity]

It was night. The castle was in sight, yet Sariyah insisted that they rest before completing the journey. Tyniah had thought it was a good idea too, and Irima, defeated, sat down and pouted.

"Don't give me that look." Sariyah warned. Irima just turned away.

"I could be shot on sight, and you guys wanna rest. Pathetic."

"Never fear Irima, if someone should try to shoot you, I shall give my life to protect you!"

"Yeah right Tyniah," Sariyah scoffed, "If you heard a gunshot, you'd scream and duck."

Tyniah and Sariyah started arguing loudly. Irima got steadily angrier and angrier.

"Will you two just SHUT UP?!!" Sariyah froze with Tyniah's hair in his hand. Tyniah was just about to execute a well-aimed kick. "I'm tired. I want to sleep." Irima curled up on the ground. Sariyah and Tyniah shrugged and sat down. Irima's dreams were haunted by images which she did not understand.

[i]Where... where am I?[/i] It was dark. She was floating through blackness, viewing images of a crying woman.

"She's gone! My girl is gone!"

"Worry not my lady, she'll come back."

"Not while these wars are going on! I'll- I'll never see her again!"

There was a burst of flame and Irima saw herself running barefoot through a burning village.

"Ama! Ama where are you?!"

[i]I'm- I was only five then...[/i]

"Irima! Look out!" A woman threw herself on Irima as a flaming beam crushed her. Irima, shocked, pulled herself out.

"AMA?! [i]AMAAAAA!![/i]"

"Ir- Irima listen to me child! Run! Run to the town center! The third wall panel on the left! Take it down! You... must..." The woman fell to the ground, her clothing on fire. The younger Irima ran to an octagon-shaped building and ran straight to the third panel on the left. She beat at it, not even making a dent. A flaming beam fell from the ceiling. Irima kicked at the panel. No change. The long benches were burning.

"[i]OPEN!! OPEN NOW!! IT'S IRIMA![/i]" The panel disappeared and a white light pushed Irima back into the flaming benches. There, a tall moon-shaped staff with spikes and a star lay. Irima, wincing at the pain in her hand, took it and ran out of the building.

There was nothing left. Nothing but mist in the air. People were dead or dying. Irima collapsed to her knees in the middle of the burnt village. They were gone. Everything that she had once known was gone.

Irima woke up in a cold sweat. She looked around her frantically, but Tyniah and Sariyah were sleeping peacefully. Irima removed her right-hand glove. There was a burn scar on her wrist.

[Dragon Warrior]

"Alright, you two, wakie wakie!" Sariyah knocked on Irima and Tyniah's heads. They slowly rose and yawned. Irima brushed her hand through her long hair and Tyniah rubbed his eyes gently. "We are close to the castle, as you said, Tyniah. We may of not seen it last night because of the fog, but look!" He pointed down the path, and to their surprise, the castle was right there!

It seemed to just appear!

They got up, gathered their things and ran down the road. It was only about a mile or so to get there, but even at their alarming rate, it seemed like forever.What they didn't know was a being with glowing eyes hid in the bushes. No. Not Poncho. Someone else. Then, they were gone.

--------------
Sorry, Ms. Serenity, I gotta fly. Try to get to castle ;)

[Little Serenity]

Irima looked at the castle uneasily. "I don't like this guys..."

"Oh come on, it's right there. The sooner we get to it, the sooner you can get out of my hair." Sariyah muttered.

"Lady Irima's right... I don't like the looks of this."

"Oh shut up pretty-boy. You just want to camp here another night and try to pull another stunt."

Irima sighed, a vein pulsing in her head. "Do you two always have to fight?!"

"Well... er-"

"What's with you Irima? You're biting our heads off every five seconds."

"Must be that time."

"Let's just go!" Irima stomped ahead of Tyniah and Sariyah.

[i]Why am I like this? Am I just sick of their fighting...? It seems like... they don't really care anymore. Sariyah didn't seem upset when he found out about Tyniah kissing me.[/i] Irima gasped, [i]Why do [b]I[/b] care?! Sariyah just wants to dump me off at a castle with no money or place to stay. He's heartless! Cold! Cruel! He left me at a bar for crying out loud![/i]

"Irima! You're going to fall into the moat!!" She looked down. She felt her feet slipping on the gravel and could almost imagine plunging into the green water with God knows what in it. However, Sariyah grabbed her around the middle and held her there until she got her footing back. Irima looked down, then at Sariyah.

"You... HENTA-!!" Before Irima could finish her exclamation, a bridge dropped over the moat.

"Guess that's the welcoming committee..." Tyniah looked inside the dark interior uneasily.

"I REALLY don't like this. Sariyah, can we please go back...?"

"Quit your moaning. Let's go." Sariyah pulled Irima by the wrist over the drawbridge, a whimpering Tyniah following.

[Dragon Warrior]

Upon crossing the bridge, the trio entered the castle gates and met a tall guard. He stood nobly, quite proud of his rank. "I am Gworthro, Main Guard of Aurocon Castle Gates. And you are... ?"

Irima stood forward, lifting her hand to reveal the ring's insignia. "Invited to the ball."


There was laughing and great excitement going on. People all around the kingdom were preparing the castle for the grand Masked Ball that would be held later that evening. Gworthro lead Irima, Sariyah, and Tyniah allow the hallways and large rooms where people strungs leaves and other decorations along the walls and ceilings.

The guard led them to their room where beautiful clothes were laid out neatly on large beds with a lit fireplace next to them. A table spread with large sums of food awaited.

"It's like your illusion, Tyniah," Irima said, marvelled.

"I've seen the insides of this castle before so I was able to transfer my memories to reality." Tyniah stroked a hand across the soft blankets of the bed.

Sariyah nelt at the table and peered over the food. "Breakfast..."

The guard chuckled. "Breakfast will be served shortly. Please, feast upon these appetizers the King presents the guests of the ball." The three went wide eyed as Gworthro headed for the door. He cracked it opened slightly, then turned. "Be ready for the ball tonight. The king expects everyone to enjoy it." He nodded kindly and left the room. The trio then ate.


Sariyah stood in the ballroom, dancers everywhere, swirling around in grand garments. It was the night and the Masked Ball had started. Everyone wore masks as the party intended. Well, most did. Sariyah had his lifted at the moment to sip the fine wine he was drinking as he sat at the table. He left the room early to catch the beginning of the ball. He mumbled something about leaving Irima with Tyniah.

The moon shown through the windows, giving the darker parts of the ballroom an eerie glow. There was a sudden spoon tapping on glass and everyone turned to the Aurocon King whom sat in his chair, but was now standing to give a toast.

"Good people of Aurocon," the King began, "I wish for you all to enjoy this night that graces us with it's greatness. I couldn't of asked for a better night than this to start the Masked Ball on. I wish for you all to have a grand time!" There was a loud applause with some cheers, then the king seated himself and the music began again. Sariyah sipped his drink once more to it's last drop. He then saw a woman off the rim of his glass. He placed down the drink and she removed her mask to reveal Irima. Sariyah almost when pale.

[i]She's... beautiful![/i] She grinned and walked over to Sariyah. She seated herself at the table and lowered her mask, which triggered Sariyah to do the same.

"Enjoying yourself?" she asked.

"Oh yes, quite," Sariyah said, turning away slightly, using his hand and elbow for support on the tabletop. "Where's pretty boy?"

"Oh, Tyniah? He's off flirting with the other girls. He's doing quite well if you ask me."

"I see." There was a long silence besides the other people whisping around like fireflies on the dance floor. The music was soothing and quite charming.

"Sariyah..." Irima began. He turned to her slightly and looked at her through his mask. "Want to dance?"

[Little Serenity]

"I- I er... well I... I mean... it's not like I-" Irima stared bluntly at the stammering Sariyah. She laughed lightly and pulled him onto the dance floor.

"I'll take that as an 'I'd love to.'" She raised her eyebrows and grinned. He wrapped his hand around her waist and took her other hand. Sariyah had never danced much before. Irima led him around the floor, making it seem as though he was leading her.

"Thanks." He muttered.

"Sure thing." She drew closer to him. "You don't mind... do you?"

"Er, I... no, not at all." Sariyah looked nervously to his right, his eyes resting on Irima's wrist. It had a burn mark on it. "Where did you get that?!"

"A fire. In a village that I lived in when I was young."

"Oh."

"Listen. We need to corner the king, right?"

"Right."

"Let's get started." They moved across the dance floor towards Tyniah who was surrounded by a few young girls.

"Yes, that's right. I defeated twelve black mages, one of whom was The Black Quessir herself!"

"Ooooooh you're so cooooool!!" One of the girls squealed. Irima cut in, leaving Sariyah in the middle of the crowd.

"Giving me a bad name, are you?"

"Er, Lady Irima! I wouldn't dream of it!"

"We're going to see the king. Back us up."

"Got it." Sariyah cut in and Tyniah merely strolled behind them, seeming to be very interested in the ceiling. Finally, Irima and Sariyah bowed to the king.

"Your Highness, I request a private word with you." Irima flashed her ring. "Along with my accomplices. You may bring your guards if you wish, but I assure you that there will be no violence of any kind."

The king looked rather baffled, but nodded. His guards escorted him out of the ballroom and to a large balcony. Sariyah and Tyniah flanked Irima.

"State your name and business, young lady."

"My name is Irima! I have come to clear the Black Quessir's name!" A murmur went through the guard.

"I knew that this day would come! Your Highness, she has surely come to overthrow you."

"That is not the case!" Irima drew her staff. "I am a White Quessir! I am not responsible for the Mists of Aurocon!"

"She is threatening the king! Attack them!!" Sariyah and Tyniah pushed Irima behind them and drew their swords. A frenzied battle followed with Tyniah pushing two of the guards into a terrifying illusion. Sariyah managed to confuse three guards and then knocked them out. The head of the guard was the only one left.

"I will not let you harm His Majesty!!" The guard leapt over Tyniah and Sariyah and grabbed Irima's hair. "Don't move, or I'll kill her!"

"Wouldn't you think that the Black Quessir would have done something by now?!!"

"No don't!!" A woman's voice pervaded the balcony. "Release her!"

"My Queen..."

"Do it!" The guard let go of Irima. She fell to the ground in relief. The Queen approached her. "My dear husband... could you not recognize our own child?"

"WHAT?!" Sariyah yelled.

"Lady Irima is the Queen's child?!"

"I- I'm not. I was raised in a village."

"She denies it! She is not your child, she is the Black Quessir! Insolent wench!" The guard struck Irima across the face. She staggered back into the balcony's stone railing. It crumbled and gave way to her weight and Irima began to fall into the dark oblivion.

(I'd like to write the part where they go their separate ways, okay? ^_^)

[Dragon Warrior]

Of course ^_^
----------------
Sariyah leapt forward, pushing the guard aside and grabbed hold of Irima's clothing. He gradually pulled her up, she not helping for she was in shock. The guard stumbled, almost falling, but regained his stance and put his sword's blade tip to Sariyah's neck back.

"Drop your weapon," the guard insisted. Sariyah did as he said and rose his hands over his head. Tyniah dropped his staff which seemed to appear in his hand out of nowhere. Irima's staff was already to the floor behind the guard.

"This is madness," the king protested. "My Queen," he began, "are you sure this young lady is our lost daughter Maria?"

By this time, the queen had made her way to the balcony and stood by her husband's side. "I am most certain!" The queen grabbed Irima's face by the chin and moved her head up to get a good look. "I am not going to doubt myself on this one."

The king grunted, but nodded. He approached Irima who was rather limp in Sariyah's arms. "Young man, do you know who this is?" Sariyah gulped.

"The princess of Aurocon?"

"I don't want you to guess. Tell me what you know her by."

Sariyah looked back at Tyniah, then forward again at the king's dark eyes. They were small and beady-like. "I know her as a white mage and good friend."

The king rubbed his enormous beard in his chubby fingers as he thought. He then rose one of his large index fingers to a point. "We can prove it." He turned to the limp Irima whom rose her head to stare the King in the eyes. The King smiled. "What type of flower did the maid line your crib with?" Everyone gave the King an odd look like he went loony. He seconded his question. "If you are my daughter whom was lost long ago, you'd know this. My wife, the Queen, still did it even after your crib and told you the name many a time. That is, if you are our daughter." There was a long awkward silence. Irima then spoke faintly. "Jimson Weed. They were a white kind of flower."

Once more, silence arose. It was even more uncomfortable than before. Sariyah noticed a tear befall the King's wrinkled cheek. He was crying. "My daughter!" He grabbed Irima from Sariyah's arms as did the Queen who hugged her for a great time. Even the guard dropped his blade and ran to her.

"Princess Maria!" He shouted as he hugged the group, not even knowing what he was doing. Tyniah joined in, dancing about like crazy.

Only Sariyah didn't rejoice. He stood back from the crowd and stared and stayed there even after the balcony was deserted.

[Little Serenity]

Irima woke up the next morning in a giant room. There were around twenty people around her bedside.

"Erk!" She pulled the sheet up over herself, "What are you doing in my room?!"

"Here is your breakfast My Lady Maria. When you are finished, your dressers will dress you." Four or five women held up a black dress, another holding a corset rather threateningly. Irima gulped.

"Could you call me Irima? I mean... I'm used to it..."

"You will be called by your proper name Princess Maria, and that is final."

Meanwhile, in Tyniah and Sariyah's room...

"Wow, what's with the fancy clothes?" Tyniah was admiring some rather fancy court clothing that had been brought in.

"How am I supposed to know?" Sariyah muttered, still in bed.

"What's wrong now? You haven't touched your food or gotten out of bed. Don't you want to see Irima?"

"You mean [i]Maria[/i]?"

"Come on. You know her name is Irima. Children don't choose their names. Are you depressed because Irima's a princess?"

"Don't be stupid."

"Because you'll never see her again most probably?"

"No."

"Because you'll miss her?"

"Not a chance."

"Because you... like her?"

Sariyah tore of out bed, "Because I'm going to be stuck with you!"

"Gotcha. Now, get dressed. The king's called us to his court at noon today and it's already 10:30. You've got some nice travelling clothes here. Improved versions of your old ones, I assume."

"Yeah, whatever."

Back in Irima's room...

"GAAAAAH!! STOP IT!!"

"Hold still Princess Maria! If you don't, we'll have to do this again!"

"It's too tight!! I'm going to die in this!"

--

"I can't stand this. I'm going to go mad." Sariyah stood up.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to see the Princess Herself."

--

"Lady Maria! Come back!"

"No friggin' way lady!"

--

Sariyah stormed down the hall, passing a guard. "Which way to Ir- Maria's room?"

"That's Princess Maria to you!"

"Where is she?!" Sariyah roared. The guard meekly pointed down the hall to a door.

--

"You're only in your underskirt and corset!"

"I don't care! I can do whatever the hell I like!" Irima slammed the door behind her. Sariyah's head turned and he saw her. His face darkened. He had heard the last thing she said.

"Is that what you think of this?"

"Sariyah! Thank God! You have to get me out of here! Look at what they're doing to me!"

"You just want to kick back and do whatever you feel like doing? You don't care what happens to anyone else?"

"Wha- what are you talking about? What I said back there?! Oh no, that was just to get those women off me! You should have seen what-" He turned around and left her.

"Just stay there. You're in your underwear anyway."

"Lady Maria! Come back in this room! Three of the women carried a fighting Irima back into her room.

--

"So what happened Sariyah?" Tyniah was still trying to figure out what hip his sword should go on. "Irima'd be able to tell me which one was proper protocol..."

"I don't want to hear you speak her name EVER in my prescence."

"What's up with you?"

"She used us to get here! She knew she was the princess! She knew all along! She even told me where she got a scar on her wrist! She knew everything about her past and she just used us to get here safely!"

"Are you mad? Lady Irima would nev-"

"She told some women that now she could whatever she wanted to, alright? If that doesn't scream 'stuck up' I don't know what does."

"Sariyah... I just can't see-"

"Just get ready for this meeting. We're going to get in, get out, and get on with our lives."

Later that day, Sariyah and Tyniah were called to the King's court. They bowed and then stood there. The King and Queen sat before them and Irima stood off to the side, looking at the floor. She was wearing a sleek black dress and her hair was up in an elegant knot. She had a small jewel fixed on a chain around her head.

"I must thank you, noble gentlemen, for assisting my daughter in her safe return to the castle."

"It was nothing, Your Majesty." Tyniah elbowed Sariyah in the ribs.

"Nothing at all."

"Well, we want to reward you for your kindnesses." The King smiled. "Lord Tyniah, you have lost your lands to the Mists. You shall stay in the castle and serve Princess Maria. The only question is whether or not you would like to stay in her room."

"Well Your Highness..." Sariyah could have gagged at Tyniah's trying to hide his excitement.

"Of course, it would require you becoming a eunich."

Tyniah's eye twitched reflexively, "I would have to decline. But I shall serve Lady- Maria to the best of my ability."

"I thank you Lord Tyniah. And for you Lord Jovan..." Sariyah raised his head, turning his gaze from Irima. "You shall be given the ransom for the Black Quessir."

"Thank you."

"Wait! Sir!" Irima interrupted. "Sariyah isn't going to stay?!"

"Maria this is hardly the time to discuss this! Return to where you were!"

"But I-!"

"Do not cross me!" Irima looked to Tyniah and Sariyah for some help, but Tyniah shook his head slightly. Her eyes watering, she returned to where she had been standing. Sariyah looked at Irima. She was crying silently, not making a sound and keeping a straight face, but tears were rolling down her face.

[i]Look at what they're doing to me![/i] Sariyah replayed Irima's words in his head, [i]You have to get me out of here![/i]

"Irima..." Sariyah whispered. She turned her head at him and he smiled, "Don't cry." She smiled at him in relief, but she couldn't stop sobbing.

"Don't refer to my daughter by that name! Lord Jovan, I have given you everything that you desire, you may leave now!" The guards stood at attention. Sariyah bowed to the King and Queen and then nodded at Irima. He turned and began to walk out of the court room. Tyniah looked at Irima questioningly. She looked like she was fightning with herself.

"Wait!!" Irima ran down the hallway.

"Maria!"

"Maria come back!" Irima didn't listen. Sariyah turned around to see what all the comotion was about and he found Irima's arms around his neck.

"Ir- Irima?"

"I don't want you to go... ever..."

"I have to... you have a different life now. I can't stay here and you can't leave."

"I hate it here though... you're the only one who calls me by my name!"

"Irima... trust me... life around me isn't something for you. Stay here and be safe... for me?" Irima nodded. Sariyah stepped back from her. "Tyniah." The illusion master turned questioningly. "If you try anything, I'll come back here, got it?" Tyniah raised his eyebrow and smiled. Sariyah nodded to Irima, "Take care of yourself."

"Wait." He turned around. "I have something for you." She raised herself up and kissed Sariyah's cheek. "Thank you... for everything..." Sariyah sputtered a little, but then a couple surly looking guards escorted him outside.

"Well Maria, I don't think I've ever seen a more disgusting display in all my life!"

"Bite me old man." Irima ran out of the court, crying loudly. Tyniah followed her.

[Dragon Warrior]

There was a long road ahead for young Sariyah. Leaving the castle?s premises was one of the most hardest things he?d have to do in his whole life. Without looking back, he trailed into the forest surrounding the kingdom. It was the same like last time, but seemed more dark and lonely, still. Sariyah winced at a cut on his arm.

[I]Probably from an earlier battle,[/I] he told himself. Then he came across a small cabin in the woods. It was homely and very well built. Curiosity and hunger got the best of him. He, afterall, didn?t eat the food the castle supplied him that morning. He crouched down in the bushes and gradually advanced on the cottage. Once at the window, he tried to peer in, but the door swung open and smacked him, knocking him down. A small being popped his head around to see Sariyah?s surprised body on the ground next to him.

?Can I help you, Sariyah??

?You knew me?? He stood up and dusted himself off. ?Of course you knew me. I am a great bounty hunter.?

?Erm? well, I did know you were a bounty hunter,? the small man said, ?but not a good one.? He laughed at this. His large hat flopped to and fro. His face was black. You couldn?t see anything, but his yellow illuminating eyes. The rest of him was completely covered with heavy clothing from overly-sized gloves to large, leather boots. He finally stopped his humor and became serious. ?I am Boots, a white mage of this forest. I happen to be able to see fortunes and such as well.?

?Oh. So? I?m not that popular??

?Let me think,? Boots said, putting a finger to his chin which Sariyah couldn?t really see if it was even there. There was a silence, then Boots shook his head. ?Nope.?

?Bah! What do you know??

?Plenty,? the small white mage said, wobbling back to the door. ?And if you want the surprise I have for you, you best act kinder to me.?

?Surprise??

?Yep.?

?What surprise??

?Come inside and see. I believe you?ll really like it.? He walked inside and nodded to a pile of clothing on a chair. Sariyah stared at it, then jumped as a head rose from it. It was a man. He turned slowly and smiled.

?Is tha??

?Sariyah, say hello to Monte.? His eyes beamed as Sariyah slowly wobbled to Monte. Monte stood and the two embraced in a large hug.

?Monte! You?re alive!?

?Yes! Thanks to Boots here!?

Sariyah let go and grinned at the small white mage. ?How? How did you get him back? I saw him die before me and scattered to the skies.?

Boots waved one large finger. ?Silly, Sariyah. So adorable in your inexperience. Ya see, all your white quessir friend did was scatter him to the skies and made him into a star. I happen to be near when this happened and when night fell, I took the star back down and revived him.?

?How did you know what star? Why did you revive him? How old are you??

?I have my ways. Because it wasn?t his time. My age does not matter.?

?Well, this? is incredible!? Sariyah almost burst into laughter.

?I have my next chance,? Monte beamed. ?I suppose life is a gamble, but I made it out this time. I will no longer gamble and do all the sorts of things I did long ago. Now I?ve seen the light.?

?That?s great, Monte,? Sariyah said, patting his old friend on the back.

?Where?s Irima?? Monte smirked.

Sariyah lost his smile and fell silent. Everyone just stared at him. Boots, seeing and knowing of Sariyah?s pain, broke the subject. ?How about dinner? I am preparing a soup!?

?That?d be nice.? Sariyah gained back his smile and they all sat down to a feast to rejoice Monte?s well-being.