RPG Runes: Forgotten Stories of Our Time [M-LSV]

[Ezekiel]

[COLOR=#FF374C][SIZE=1]Morag wiped his hands on his robes as he pocketed his fourth diamond. He?d almost lost his leg in that last battle and a swollen wound on his right calf was weeping slowly. He tried to block out the pain, looking around for something else to distract him.

Then he saw it, a little creature, or a child, running over a small dune. He smirked, noting the oversized sword hanging from its greedy little hands.

[B]"My my, stealin' ain't good in a friendly competition."[/B]

The sorcerer blew some silver hair from his eyes and flexed his fingers, casting a spell on himself so that his speed and stamina increased. He shot forwards silently, wincing a little as his ears and fingers grew more pointed as an after effect of the spell.

[B]"You little wretch!"[/B]

Morag turned to see a young man running along the sand, obviously trying to get his sword back. He smirked and sprinted again, catching up to the small creature without it even realising. The young man obviously noticed and quieted himself, slowing down slightly to watch Morag.

He pulled out one of the snake fangs from before and grabbed the small beast around the neck, causing it to gasp sharply as its air supply vanished.

[B]"Drop the sword, ya little thief, an' I won't kill ya."[/B]

It did as Morag said and dropped the sword dully into the sand, a soft thud resonating as it hit the ground.

[B]"S-Sir...I...I only wanted to prove myse-ack!"[/B] the child gurgled as Morag slipped the fang into the base of his neck. No point in keeping thieves around, especially ones stupid enough to steal a warrior?s sword.

He picked up the weapon and tossed it to the young man opposite him. "[B]I know ya could 'ave done it yerself, kid, but what can I say? I'm a good Samaritan." [/B] Morag chuckled to himself and began limping off, his spell lifting as he did so. He was weak now; one more battle would finish him off for sure.

It was to his horror then that he saw not one, but three pairs of beady red eyes coming from the distance. He turned to look at the young warrior behind him, his gaze also fixed on the three large caterpillar type creatures advancing on them.

[B]"Well, would it be too much ta ask ya fer a small favour, kid?"[/B]

Morag looked at the man squarely, knowing that his need for assistance was showing greatly in his narrow eyes. One of the creatures screeched and Morag winced, reaching for his small dagger to once again cut his palm. This night would certainly leave a scar.

[B]OOC Fallen, I've left this pretty open. If you want to help my character out, that would be lovely.[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Veritas]

[font=Arial][color=darkred]OOC: My apologies for not posting sooner, I've been working alot lately lol. Anyways I'm running low on sleep but here goes nothing.:animestun [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"NOW GO!!"[/b] The words resounded in Fayt's consciousness, tearing trough his thought, his reason his emotions. He had wandered some distance into the bleak ocean of sand, yet he still found no monsters, [b]"It seems like no matter where I travel there is no monsters, though if I do find a monster I will be fighting for more than I have ever fought for......My life. I'm untrained, and I've never been in anything close to a real spar, how am I supposed to hold a candle to these abominations of the desert?"[/b] Constant doubt assaulted his mind to be discarded with determination, then attacked again. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]In the distance Fayt noticed a cloaked figure staggering managing his way towards him. Tightening his grip on Caspar he began to sprint towards the man, who just collapsed to the mercy of the desert. He approched fastly though began to slow as he neared the downed being. Fayt had fallen into a trap before he realized it, what he thought was a man quickly flew at him with inhuman speed. The creature slashed at Fayt who barely managed to bring Caspar up to block. The attack though sent his weapon flying away from him.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Shit, what the hell was that?"[/b] Fayt muttered quickly drawing the daggers that has been given to him and turning to face what could be his executer.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]The creature was insectlike standing and bearing appendages like a praying mantis, though it had a hard case like that of a scarab. It was roughly the sise of a large man, no taller than 6'6". Its eyes were large and black, so black it looked like they would suck in the world if they could. Fayt was unable to study the insect more as it flew at him for another strike. The creatue screeched as its attack came to a halt as Fayt caught the blow between his left bracer and dagger. Using his free hand he hastily stabbed the beasts arm socket. The screech that the beast let loose broke the determination Fayt had instictivly assumed. The creature swiftly kicked the novice fighter to the ground. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"What am I doing! I am going to die here, Im so stupid for even trying this, I am no here what did I expect"[/b] Fayt mumbled crawling back, struggling against the sand which seemed to be as much his enemy as the abomination he faced. [b]"I cant do this, I cant do this, I cant do this...."[/b] Fayt continued to mumble panic consuming him.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]As his opponent crept forward Fayt desperately threw one of his daggers at the beast. The bounced off with a dull sound only angering the creature who flew to Fayt, and grabbed him and threw him. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]Fayt sputtered and choked, as he struggled to regain his breath. [b]"I wont die now, too much is left unfinished. Caspar should be able to do some damage to that, that things shell"[/b] Fayt though his determination regaining control as he stood up, grains sand falling off him by the thousands. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]Luck was on his side now as he noticed his twin blade Caspar within arms reach. Grabbing the weapon the creature, his adversary was now standing, as if this sudden change had shocked it. Fayt began to sprint at the beast, who began to fly with instant velocity towards Fayt. Ready for his attack Fayt scrapped one of the tips of Caspar into the sand, flinging it into the air as he jumped. The sand slowed the insect just enough as Fayt brought his blade down, through the beasts head, the shell groaned and broke as the powerful blow finished its course. He had killed, but he had to, it was his life or the creatures, survival of the fittest.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]Fayt located the diamond on the middle of the creatures back under his wings. It seemed to have a erie glow, as almost it was aware of what was done to attain it. Fayt searched and found the dagger he had thrown and used that to cut the diamond out. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"I hope that the other diamonds will be easier to attain than this one"[/b] With that he set off looking for his next hopeful kill and diamond.[/color][/font]

[Blayze]

[size=1]Carthre looked from the sorcerer to the creatures. He certainly looked like he needed help, and if they managed to kill these three creatures then that would mean that Carthre had completed his task.

"How many diamonds you got?" asked Carthre.

"Four," replied the sorcerer, standing weakly. One of his legs was badly injured.

"Same as me. So if we kill these three then we'll each have enough, and one left over. What's your name?"

"Morag, and you might be?"

"I'm Carthre. We need to stick together, and we'll make it through this," Carthre said, bringing his sword up. The blood that stained it was congealing, turning hard as it dried. Carthre seemed brave, but deep down he was shaking.

The sorcerer slit his palm open with a dagger, and threw drops of blood towards the three creatures. They sharpened in mid-air, becoming daggers which sliced through the skin of one of the creatures. The others bounced off.

"Looks like that's one diamond fer Morag," said the sorcerer, dropping to the ground to pick up the jewel. He gathered another handful of blood, and threw the daggers at the centipede that was rushing towards Carthre. They knocked the beast to the floor, where it writhed and screeched as it bled to death.

"Thanks fer helpin' me, kid. That's a diamond fer you in appreciation fer yer kind deed," said the sorcerer. Carthre picked up the diamond. The third centipede had scuttled away, scared of the fate of the other two.

Morag got to his feet and began to limp away. Carthre pocketed the diamond he had taken from the beast and jogged up to the sorcerer, sheathing his sword.

"You're hurt," said Carthre, "Let me help you back to the city." He tucked himself under Morag's arm, and let the sorcerer put most of his weight on him. They walked back to the city gates, slowly but surely, disposing any monsters that appeared in the meantime, working together, but leaving the diamonds for others to find.

Once they were inside the city walls, Carthre laid Morag down gently on the ground.

"You need to get someone to look at that leg," he said. He felt a powerful presence behind him, and he turned around to see Commander Yuri standing behind him.

"Still saving people, are we, Carthre?" he asked, but Carthre didn't know whether he was joking or not.

"Yes sir, Commander. However, this time, we are both in possession of five diamonds each." Carthre held out his pouch of diamonds, and Morag did the same. Yuri took them both.

"Good work, both of you. I'll get someone to see to that leg," he said to Morag, before walking off.

"Did he know ya or somethin'?" asked Morag.

"Yeah, something like that," replied Carthre in a moody grumble.

"Ya migh' wanna get someone ta look at tha' shoulder fer ya, Carthre," said the sorcerer, looking at Carthre's left shoulder. He looked down at it, and saw blood seeping out between the armour plates.

"How did that happen?" said Carthre woozily, before collapsing to the ground. He had never liked the sight of his own blood...
[/size]

[Darth Vectis]

[COLOR=DarkGreen][SIZE=1]Kain now stood over the body of another dead creatuer, digging his blood stained fingers into the skull of the mutalated monster. He yanked it out, a small trail of ooze followed, he cleaned it off and examined it, he smiled as he saw he was one step closer to proving he was best.

He stuffed it in his pocket along with the other four, he bolted off into the dark, Nimcaznim in the sheath and Kraven drawn with streeks of black, red, and green blood. As he made his way to his last diamond, he saw three monsters fighting a soldier and a sorcerer, he saw that they dispatched two of the beasts and the last ran off.

Kain saw that monster as his ticket out, and swiftly chased after it, manuvering passed other men and women and their sand creatuers. After a minute or so he came across the centepide that was still crawling away. Kain smiled again.
[B]
"You will not get away from me!"[/B] Kain leaped into the air as the centipede turned to face and swiftly stabbed the centipede in the side of the neck. It crawled for a moment, then collapsed, Kain sighed. He slowly made his way to the centipede, he was running out of energy and was exhausted.

[B]"At least you died fast."[/B] Kain said as he was now standing over it, he started to search the centipede when it suddenly moved, he drew Nimcaznim quickly ready to kill it again. At that moment a person at the head of the centipede popped out and was staring at him with a diamond in his hand, Kain saw this and started after the human.

The person bolted away and Kain threw one of his throwing knives, hitting the person directly in the back, the human froze and collapsed. Kain ran over to him to collect his prize when he saw who it was. It was but a mere child compared to most of the people, his mind suddenly filled with memories of his past, of the family he had and how their bodys were twisted and broken after the snake monster attacked. Kain held his head and screamed.
[B]
"Go away!"[/B] He screamed as he held the side of his head, the memories faded and he supressed the feelings in his heart. He breathed deeply, and gathered himself. He kneeled down and grabbed his diamond that lay in the sand, Kain looked over the body. He searched him and found three diamonds on the body, Kain grinned.

[B]"Well, I can make a profit off these diamonds."[/B] Kain looked at the body, he sighed, he picked up the body and carried him back to the gate. Avoiding the monsters and poeple along the way, he arrived at the gate with body in hand, Commander Yuri was standing at the gate waiting for people to return. Kain walked up to him and handed him the body, Yuri looked at it.

[B]"Another one?"[/B] Kain looked him in the eyes.

[B]"Take care of this one, he might still be alive."[/B] Yuri looked at the body and the boy move slightly. Kain patted Yuri on the shoulder and started walking, Yuri spoke to Kain without moving.
[B]
"Where are your diamonds?"[/B] Kain reached into his pocket and pulled out five of the diamonds, leaving the oter three in his pocket. He handed them off to the Commander and resumed his walk.
[B]
"And the one's that this one had."[/B] Kain stopped

[I]God damn. How the hell did he know?[/I] Kain walked back and drew two diamonds from his pocket and dropped them on the boys body. Kain walked off with one his pocket slightly smiling, he was fiddling wiht it in his pocket when he was stopped by a guard.
[B]
"Yes?"[/B] The guard held out his hand and Kain rolled his eyes and gave the guard the last diamond.

[B]"Son of a bitch."[/B] Kain said to himself as he walked off to a near by wall and rested.
[B]
"Damn I'm tired."[/B] Kain said as he slowly nodded off into a relaxing sleep.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Kitty]

[COLOR=#006aaf][SIZE=1]OOC: Sorry it took so long to post. Had little time to spend on OB because of lots of homework. >_< Well, anyway, I hope this is alright.
--

Takai and Koinu had been some of the last to exit through the gates, having been pushed back by the more eager ones. One man even tried knocking her over to get past her. However, she was too timid to yell anything back, so she just slowed down and avoided the rest of the people. Two steps out into the desert where the monsters hid, ready to attack, and she saw dead bodies. Not a large amount, but enough to get her more nervous than she already was.

Her entire walk out into the sands was filled with troubled thought. Would she get all the jewels? Would her lengthy trip be in vain? But neither of them mattered if she didn't live through this, and that thought bothered her the most. But when Koidu came to a halt, Takai knew it was no more time to waste. He sniffed the air and bent down a bit, and a low growl escaped him. Takai had never seen him like this, but then again, she'd only known him for little under a day.

She had Koden drawn, and her book open and balanced carefully in her other hand, while her big, black dog's growling grew louder. [i]"There must be something coming our way,"[/i] she thought quietly, looking from her companion to the surrounding desert.

And she was right. Out from the mass of fighting men and women and monsters, a large beast with what looked like scythes for hands emerged from the crowd with something in its beak-like mouth. However, her view of it was hindered by the darkness, and she stepped back a minute, hoping they'd adjust fast.

[b]"Those things are nasty looking,"[/b] she thought aloud. And then, she noticed what was in its mouth.

The man that had nearly shoved her over in eagerness was now about to be chewed up, swallowed and dissolved in the monster's stomach. The thought made her want to wretch, but she held it back. Her eyes began to tolerate the darkness and more of the creature could be seen. From what she could tell, it was a large mantis-like thing in most aspects, except it had talons for feet and a beak for a mouth. She began wondering how in the hell something like it could have ever been created, but was cut off by the sight of Koinu jumping and latching onto one of it's arms.

[b]"You idiot!"[/b] Takai shouted, though she did not take another step. [b]"Koinu! Get down!"[/b] But the dog would not listen. As it chomped and kicked and scratched the beast, it cried out a frightening cry and dropped the body that had been stuck in its jaws. It was horrible to listen to, and hurt Takai's ears. She wanted to plug her ears, but her hands were full. And then, she remembered. She had read through the book many times, memorizing most of the pages of where certain creature spells were and the like.

She held Koden carefully with her left hand underneath the book and began to flip rapidly through the pages. She quickly came to a page where spells for a beast called a 'kamatori' were. The description fit her opponent very well, so she took Koden back with her right hand, holding it towards the best, and began to read the spell aloud.

As she read, she could hear a howl which she knew must have come from Koinu. But she knew she had to finish the spell now. But the doubts of it not working came. She had practiced other spells dozens of times and they worked maybe once or twice, and Koinu was the only one to come to her after one try. Remembering this, she began to gain a bit of confidence. [i]"It'll work. I know it will,"[/i] she thought. As she finished the spell loudly, she walked towards the beast. It had stopped its screeching and was now still, even with Koinu kicking and gnawing at it. Its small eyes were now blank, and were staring directly at the girl below.

Takai held her sword out in front of her and shouted, [b]"Arms down!"[/b] And the beast obeyed. [b]"It worked..? It worked!"[/b] She jumped in the air happily, then returned her book to its bag. Koinu dropped to the ground, still growling, but kept to where he was. She approached the creature and saw what she was looking for. The diamond that rested on the belly of the beast began to shine brightly as she reached for it. Using Koden, she cut it out and it dropped softly into her open hand. She put it in the bag with her book and then stepped back.

[b]"Lay down,"[/b] she commanded. The creature, still standing quietly and motionless, suddenly fell to the ground, face in the sand. Takai was curious as to why it was acting like this. The spells were supposed to merely tame the creatures, not zombify them. But maybe they had different effects depending on certain traits. However, she had little time to ponder it. She then dove Koden straight through the beast's neck, a large puddle of blood instantly gathering beneath it.

[b]"See that? I did it, Koinu! And I didn't trip once,"[/b] she grinned. She took a step forward, but slipped in the blood beneath her feet, falling onto the sand. [b]"Nevermind,"[/b] she mumbled, standing up awkwardly. Her next step, she was careful to avoid the blood puddle, and walked towards Koinu. She then noticed that the beast had landed on the man's body. [b]"Poor guy.."[/b] she sighed, but walked on. No point in feeling sorry for him now.

[i]"Well.. Only four more. But most people out here already have most of them.. That's alright. There are monsters a plenty,"[/i] Takai thought to herself. She kneeled down and put a hand on her canine's head, rubbing gently. [b]"Alright, boy, find me another one. We gotta hurry this up,"[/b] she smiled. He licked her face, then began sniffing the air for a scent. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Veritas]

[font=Arial][color=darkred]Fayt was no killer, but he now knew what it meant, and cost to take a life. He had no problem taking a monsters life, a creature so foul and wretched, a creature bend on killing, that was a service. But it occured to him that one day he might have to take another mans life, maybe a father or a son. Although the other would be trying to do the same to him, it still felt so wrong to think about. Fayt tightened his grasp on the two diamonds in his hand, at the frustrating thought. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]Returning to his task, the task that had beeen given to him as well as many others he surveyed the desert. His pace had slowed as he found he had a developing bruise on the left side of his chest from his first battle and kill. Still looking across the shifting sands he noticed a girl and her dog. They stood over one of thier kills, looking where they might find thier next. Fayt walked over to the girl eager for human contact, it had seemed like forever since he last spoke to anyone.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Impressive kill"[/b] Fayt noted drawing the attention of the girl and her dog.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"I guess, but its only our first so we have to catch up, some people are allready done."[/b] She said shyly looking at her dog sniffing the air.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Well if you beat that, I am sure you will have 5 in no time, but I better go I only have two which means I have to catch up also"[/b] Fayt said walking away [b]"By the way my name is Fayt, maybe I'll see you back at town"[/b] he added turning and smiling before running off.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[color=darkred][font=Arial]It wasnt long after he left the girl behind when he noticed three figures fighting in the darkness, one large and birdlike, a giant vulture so it seemed, the others appeared to be a pair of wolves. As [/font][font=Arial]Fayt drew closer he noticed what seemed to be another wolf in the birds break, though it soon dissapeared. Not wanting to get any closer Fayt stopped and continued to watch, though it seemed nature betrayed him as a stong gust of wind swept past him to the creatures. The wolves where first to react as they sprinted towards the intruder, ready to kill.[/font][/color]
[color=darkred][/color]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Damn, what did I get myself into this time...."[/b] He thought readying Caspar, for he would need it, sooner that he would have liked.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]The first wolf to reach him jumped in to the air, fangs ready to rip whatever flesh they encountered. Fayt quickly ducked and thrust a tip of Caspar up, showering Fayt in the life blood of the wolf. Before he could turn to the other wolf he felt a sharp pain in his forearm. The second wolf had takin the opportunity to bite deeply into Fayts arm, just above his bracer. Fayt yelled out a scream of pain as he dropped Caspar and grabbed a dagger. He stabbed the beast repeatedly in its neck over and over, the exert dampenening the pain in his arm. As he shook the wolf off his arm its fell into a slump, its head half way severed from the rapid stabs. Quicky he ripped off the rest of the sleeve on his injured arm and bound his wound, wincing at the pain.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"I gotta be careful with this vulture, one more serious blow and I dont think i'll be able to manage back to the city, even if I do win...."[/b] Fayt said gingerly looking up as the bird, slowly approached.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]Fayt angrily threw a dagger at the creature, bearing better results than his first attempt at throwing his blade. The dagger had found its way into the beasts chest, where it stuck there. It did little but anger the beast as it sreamed and began to run towards him. [b]"Damn, that should have hit his heart"[/b] Fayt thought reaching down and picking up his twin bladed spear. The beast sudden increase of speed was halted though with a matching scream from the beast. Fayt looked around curiously before he noticed a black falcon, clawing at the giant vultures eyes. [b]"Luck has found me again"[/b] Fayt laughed at the turn of fate. [b]"Maybe I was meant for this after all."[/b] With that he began to run towards the distracted blind beast. As he reached it he noticed the dagger sticking out his chest, he trust a tip of Caspar to the right of his dagger and drove the weapon in as hard as he could. The monster reared in pain sending Fayt flying back. The sand was a semisoft cushion for his fall, he slowly stood to his feet and ran at the beast still writhing in pain. Fayt jumped and grapped the handle of Caspar and kicked of the beasts breast. The blade unsheathed itself ou of the beast followed by the deep color of heart blood as the beast fell. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]Fayt walked over to the beast and removed the diamond from its beak. He examined the fresh talon marks on its eyes as he left some extra weight fell on his shoulder guard. The falcon who has blinded the beast stood their as if surveying his own work of battle. [b]"Thank you"[/b] Fayt mouthed before walking over to the wolves and collecting thier diamonds. The falcon still remained perched on his shoulder, faning his wings ever once in awhile but not flying.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Thats five, thanks to you"[/b] He said to his new companion "Since I think you are going to accompany me, you need a name. "Fayt said thinking through names as he began to walk back towards the city. [b]"Shadow, I will call you Shadow"[/b] Fayt decided as he told the falcon who stared at Fayt for a second before returning his gaze elsewhere.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]His vision was blurring as he walked, he was injured and tired, but most of all he was alive. Fayt had done more now than he ever thought or expected of himself, and for that he could be proud and return with honor even if he wasnt chosen. [/color][/font]

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Her eyes slanted further upwards, and she turned around. Nepenthe rolled two diamonds down her arms and onto the tops of her hands. She caught both with dizzying speed of the hand, and then shoved them into her kirtle with the other two. She saw other people turning tail and running home, others being slaughtered where they stood. Nepenthe didn't mind so much, and decided to head back to the castle and see what would follow her back to humans. It didn't take much for them either....

The final monster, the only one she would need now, attacked with the same sort of speed she had used. Her magical energy was slowly depleting itself. She had already fought enough, used enough energy, and was running low on sleep. So, with a burning desire to end it quick, she used the last of her adrenaline, magic, and sleight of hand to make it a quick kill. As he leapt over her head, clawing downwards, her stiletto flashed out, magical silver, infused with the last of her magical essence, and slashed away all clawed apendeges.[/i]

"Khyaaa!"

[i]Its pain filled scream echoed orgasmically in her ears, and she relished the sight of the footless monster limping along on bloodied stupmps. It arched its back in agony and rolled over onto its stomach, only to find her standing over it, stabbing downwards with the shimmering blade. Her laughter was a bleeding gurgle, it had caught her on the cheek, in the same spot as before, but she didn't mind. It hadn't gotten her too badly, and she would heal easily enough. She gathered up her things. Five diamonds, her blade, her cloak, her sanity, and beat a path to the castle. Her speed picked up as she reached firmer sand, and the wind died down as she exited the plains.

Once she was through the gates, she was ushered upstairs, and once there she took a much needed bath in relative solitude. As she bathed, she noticed that her scars were duller, and her magical energy was returning faster than anticipated. She shrugged, then opened the kirtle she had folded up and laid down, and withdrew the five diamonds she had taken from the monsters. They glistened wetly as she washed them off, and she shook her hair out of her eyes.

Soon enough, she got out, dried herself off with a thick white towel, then dressed in a similar outfit, only a little more ornate. She folded up her diamonds and placed them in her fresh clothes, and parted her hair, braided it down, and pinned it back. Then, quietly, she returned to the courtyard and waited.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[Sakura]

[color=Navy]Noah snapped his fingers and the thick, heavy chain he had been holding disappeared. He was sweating and there was caked blood on his clothes and skin. He made his way to the corpse of the last monster.

He frowned as he no diamond was in sight, he pulled a disgusted face and alchemised a knife, slicing through the wolf like animal's stomach. Noah made a sound and stuck his hand in, rummaging around inside. He finally pulled his hand out quickly, and inside was a dirty looking diamond, it and his hands were covered in dark blood from being inside the monster.

[b]"Finally, now I can get back." [/b]he sighed. Out of the five diamonds, two had been inside the creature rather than on it.

Noah tucked the last diamond away and jogged back in the direction he had come from, knowing that was where the castle lie.

When he saw the gates not too far away, he picked up his speed and finally passed through the large gates. He went back to his quarters and took a luxurious shower to wash away the sweat, sand, blood and any other grime. When he emerged he felt refreshed. Noah remembered the five diamonds he had fought so hard for and decided to wash them, since they were all grimy as well.

When he was done, he pulled out another set of clothes that looked identical and ran a hand through his naturally messy hair. Noah put the diamonds into his pocket and returned to the courtyard to wait for whatever was to happen next. There were already some people waiting, they didn't look as if they'd cleaned up. Noah hung around lazily, eyes drifting between the gate and the other entrances to the courtyard.
[/color]

[Kairi]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium][SIZE=1][RIGHT][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][B]OOC[/B]: I'm gonna speed this up a little and have everyone finish with all five diamonds...great job everyone...[/COLOR][/RIGHT][/SIZE][/FONT]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][CENTER][B]"Alright men...that's the last one alive out there...close the gates...quickly!"[/B]

Finally resting his blade down by thrusting it into the ground...soldiers in front of Yuri pushed hard on the gates...trying to repel the intensity of the sand storm. Finally it closed and locked as Yuri turned his attention back towards the survivors. They all were beaten and brusied...blood was spilled all across the courtyard as everyone tried to gain some composure back.

[B]"Captian Josia!"[/B] yelled Yuri as a young looking man stood before him...[B]"gather 10 of your most trusted men and take an attendance and account of who has 5 diamonds. Collect the diamonds and give them to me...after this is done...then they are able to go back to their chambers"[/B]

[B]"Yes my Lord"[/B] Josia immidiately responded and left...

Many magic healers and caretakers had flooded the courtyard attending to the wounded...those who were near death were not cared to. Yuri saw the young man named Carthre being cared too by what seemed to be a high amount of lost blood. He smiled as he saw 5 diamonds laying by his side.

Looking to his side he saw Kain as well and smiled...he could tell that he was upset for being caught in hiding the diamonds. Unknown to Kain was how important the diamonds were to Yuri. In his spirit Yuri thanked him and was pleased for Kain not struggling in handing them over...

Another soldier ran up beside Yuri as he continued to take into account what had happened this night...

[B]"My Lord...several individuals havealready left for their chambers to rest and clean up. What shall I do...should they be allowed to without being accounted for their diamonds and names.?"[/B]
[B]
"Send a party into the castle to retrieve the diamonds and names...tell everyone also that those of magic and enchantment are to report to me here in the courtyard in the morning while those of melee and blades will meet on top of the mountain. Have someone escort them up the ancient path please...Master Bruce Sonne will be there as well."[/B]

[B]"As you wish......"[/B] and it was done without question.

While everything was being organized and gathered...Yuri stood in the center of the courtyard with a golden chest during the entire night. Within were all the diamonds that had been collected...and throughout the night...the amount increased to its full.

Bodies lay everwhere...but they were not disturbed from their rest as the surrounding areas were cleaned of all blood by hundreds of workers throughout the night without making a sound. Only the bodies remaind...the rest of the courtyard seemed undisturbed.
[/CENTER][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium]
[RIGHT][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][B]OOC[/B]: Remember...if you post regarding the next new day...please put in bold on the top...Day 1. Not everyone must do this...only the first who makes the rpg into a new day. Again, you all did great...I apologize for not waiting for some...but I got the overall view of your posts. I thank you again for you all doing so well...now time for the second test. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/RIGHT][/FONT]

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][color=darkorchid]The guard who knocked politely on her door was bidden to enter by a soft, femenine voice. Not knowing what to expect, he walked into the room, painfully aware of the tramping noises made by his boots. Then, he turned around to find Nepenthe, Lady in Waiting, standing at the window. She turned to face him, holding out a soft, white parcel. Folded in fine linen, were the five diamonds she had taken with varying degrees of violence, trickery, and all out assault. He bowed to her, then approached.

Even if she served nobility like him, her rank remained the higher of the two. Her dazzling smile was afforded to him, and he bowed again as he took the diamonds from her hands. His fingers avoided hers by mere inches, and she laughed delicately, the sound brushing his ears like it had to the butler the day before. His voice stammerd slightly, and she did nothing to ease his discomfort.

"My master bids that he know your name and by what skill you aquired the neccessary items."

"Tell Yuri, your Lord, that my name is Nepenthe Amatsu. And tell him that I am an enchantress, capable of illusions, curses, and a master of the stiletto blade."

He bowed at this, then, clutching his prize, made a hasty exit, close the door quickly behind him. Unfortunately, as flustered as he had been, he had forgotten to tell her when to approach. Realizing this as soon as he had delivered the diamonds downstairs, he fled back upstairs again, sighing to himself. Before he could knock, the door opened by itself and revealed Nepenthe standing where she had been moments ago. She tilted her head slightly in his direction and he babbled out the information then ran for it. There was something uncannily unnerving about a woman like her.

"Courtyard, tomorrow morning, early. Thank you my Lady."

[i]Thus edified, Nepenthe laid her body down, even though it was still daytime, and drifted into a deepening slumber. Her dreams were soft and sweet, even though her work had been hard, and full of different sorts of suffering.

When she awoke the next morning, she dressed quickly, in something that complimented her figure and added to the charm she knew would always help her as long as she was in the castle. She stepped downstairs and waited patiently.[/i][/FONT][/color]

[Orcus]

[SIZE=1]Lio stared up from his newly made friend, Takai, to the ceiling of his room. He was lucky to be back and alive. Once he had passed out in the dragon's cavern he was sure his life would soon be over. However, the young warrior Takai had walked in and seen him in his predicament and had uttered out a spell of sorts at the dragon. The dragon stopped it's decent of it's head to Lio's body and straightened out. It's body shook, but it seemed to be under control. Takai came by and shook Lio into conciousness.

[B]"Wake up! Wake up, damn you! I know you're not dead and this is no place to take a nap!"[/B] Lio's eyes flickered open, and he surveyed the face of the women crouching over him. She seemed like a kind person, but her eyes flashed with worry. He tried to move, but a surge of pain streaked through his body. He layed back down.

[B]"Just head on without me. You got that dragon creature under control. He won't...do...any....?"[/B] The dragon had leaned over Takai, and he didn't have the dazed look in his eyes any longer. Lio's eyes opened wide as it reared it's head back.

[B]"Shit, look out!"[/B] He quickly shoved Takain out of the way as the dragons head came swooping down. Takai quickly muttered something, and Lio drew Balmung. As the dragon started to descend into a sleepy state, Lio drove his blade into the creature's forehead, cutting out the diamond. He then slowly stood up and slit the creatures neck.

He smiled at the beast. He picked up the diamond from behind him to give to Takai, but she wasn't there. He heard a whistle from behind him, and he found that Takai had something in her hands. She turned around and smiled, 4 gems in her hand.

[B]"Nasty bloke had eaten four other creatures. You can go ahead and keep that one. I'd say this victory was well worth it."[/B] They had walked back into the castle together, and where now just relaxing. It had been a rough day and night had fallen. Lio pet behind Koinu's ear and adressed Takai.

[B]"I'm desperate to discover what our next task is. If it's anything like what we did today...I certainly am looking forward to it."[/B] Takai stood up and smiled, and walked towards the door. She called for Koinu and grinned at Lio.

[B]"Better hit the sack then. We'll need all the rest we can get if we're going to do well tommorow. Best of luck!"[/B] LIo smiled as she walked out, and found that dreariness hit him swiftly, his eyelids flickered, than flickered again, and he collapsed into sleep.

The next mornin he dressed in his usuall battle attire and made for the main hall. The main hall was extravagent, and was beautifully decorated. A large fountain resided in the middle. He found that Takai and Koinu were up and about already, as was another female warrior he had caught a glimpse of earlier. He sat down on the fountain edge and gazed out over the land.

[CENTER][B]*****[/B][/CENTER]

[B]OOC:[/B] Hope that's alright, Kitty. ^__^[/SIZE]

[Darth Vectis]

[COLOR=DarkGreen][SIZE=1]Kain had awaken from his quarters, after they had collect his diamonds he was in a bad mood, he didn't appreciate them taking the ones he wanted to pawn off. He didn't trully understand what they were for and why they were important, but he figured that would be revealed to him in the future. As he woke he dressed and took Kraven from under his pillow and sheathed it back into his belt, he cracked his knuckles and neck before he left his room.

He had his hand on the handle of Nimcaznim, slowly tracing the designs of horried demons faces and the shapes of the sun and moon with his index finger. He entered the amazing hall that they had at the castle, Kain had been in many halls of Kings and lords but none seemed so grand and well designed.

Perfectly edged angles and holy beings in the stone of the walls and the marvouls stained glass windows, rainbow colors coming in from all directions with the sun light slowly making it's way through the windows. He didn't usually take the time to admire what the lords did with their homes, he was usually summoned quickly and sent off to his job just as fast.

Soon after he entered he passed a fountain and stopped, he felt a suddenly jolt of someones misery and darkness. Any ordinary human it would have been but a slight tingle and would provide hardly any strength for Kain, but this one seemed to help Kain out. He looked around and found the source, he saw a rather happy knight sitting at the edge of the fountain. Kain shook his head with a slight smile.
[B]
"The kind knights always seem to be the most miserible."[/B] Kain wallked to the knight and stood over him, the knight wasn't yet aware of him.

[B]"Why do you create so much negative energy knight?"[/B] The knight stood up quickly, a little startled. He relaxed a little when he saw it was only a curious warrior.

[B]"I am a Dark Knight, I manipulate the dark energys."[/B] Kain smiled a little.

[B]"Well I hope I fight you when we start our next test."[/B] Kain said coldly, he walked away and tried to find out what they were to do next, Kain found out that he was supposed to go to the mountains. He made his way to the mountains as he was instructed, hold his cloak close to his body against the cold, mountain wind.

He made his way up the mountain and found a training ground with several other warriors awaiting their chance to prove they were worthy. Kain laughed at them quietly.
[B]
"They will never make it through me."[/B] Kain said to himself as he waited for the trainer.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Kitty]

[COLOR=#006aaf][SIZE=1]OOC: No problem at all Archangel. ^_^
--

[b]"You and I lucked out, boy,"[/b] Takai grinned, nuzzling Koinu as she sat on her bed. Koden and her spellbook were resting on the desk that rested across the room. [b]"Imagine that. Only had to get two monsters and we got all five diamonds. But.. the spell didn't work as well as it had with the first one.. Oh well. At least I got 'em. And we met Lio, too."[/b] She paused, picking up one of the gems that she had taken up to her room and examining it, though she wasn't thinking about it at all.

[b]"I wonder what he wants with them, though. And what will the next challenge be.. And what if I don't get any food tomorrow morning, [i]either[/i]?!"[/b] Koinu grunted as if in a laugh, and she gave him an awkward look. [b]"I know animals can understand me.. But they don't laugh."[/b] He tilted his head in that 'what-are-you-talking-about' kind of way, which she returned with a 'oh-nevermind-I'm-too-tired-anyway' look.

Sighing loudly, Takai fell back onto the bed and bounced a bit as she hit it. Her arms were outstretched and she stared up at the ceiling, wondering if she could fall asleep after all the excitement, no matter how tired she was. She was amazed by how much the spells took out of her, especially the one for the dragon. As she had read the spell, she had grown so tired so quickly. It was as if it zapped her energy from her.

[i]"Maybe that's it, though,"[/i] she began to think, sitting up slowly. [i]"I had plenty of energy when facing the kamatori and it took little energy to subdue it. But the dragon nearly exhausted me, so I stopped to help Lio.. Maybe my being distracted messed up the spell!"[/i]

[b]"I think I'm getting the hang of this,"[/b] Takai smiled to Koinu. He was now curled up in the bed they had delivered the previous night, and didn't want to bother lifting his head up. [b]"And to think. I've had this book for fifteen years, and I just now begin to understand it. I guess it's just something you learn from experience,"[/b] she shrugged.

Suddenly, there was a rapping at the door. Startled, Takai hesitated, which resulted in more knocking. This time, she spoke up.

[b]"Coming! I'm coming! Hang on.."[/b] She opened the door to reveal the soldier that had escorted her to her room when she had first arrived. [b]"Oh! Uh.. Hello. Do you need anything?"[/b] she asked, a bit confused.

[b]"Um.. I am here to ask that you give me your diamonds, and to tell you that you, being a weilder of magic, are to--"[/b] But the young man was interrupted before he could finish.

[b]"Well, not really, no. I don't use magic in the general sense. Instead, I think I really just.. hypnotize and bend the will of creatures. And even still, I have a sword,"[/b] Takai explained.

[b]"Ah, but in your file you said specifically that you are in the beast taming trade, did you not?"[/b] He smiled as he saw her blush before lowering her head.

[b]"Oh.. Yeah. I guess I did. Sorry,"[/b] she mumbled, knowing she had embarrassed herself yet again.

[b]"As I was saying, you are going to meet with Yuri down in the courtyard tomorrow morning for your next test. Now, may I have your five diamonds and your name,"[/b] he asked politely.

[b]"Right, right. They're over here,"[/b] she stuttered, tripping over herself just to get to her bed. Koinu made some low growls that sounded sarcastic, but she paid him no mind. Grabbing the five shining gems that littered her blankets, she then walked back to the soldier and dropped them in his outstretched hand. [b]"And my name is Takai."[/b]

[b]"Good luck tomorrow, Takai. And I'll make sure you get credit for collecting these,"[/b] he winked, holding up one of the diamonds.

[b]"Thank you very much,"[/b] Takai smiled, bowing awkwardly. He disappeared down the steps and she closed the door behind her and rushed back to her bed. [b]"Maybe it won't be so hard to fall asleep afterall,"[/b] she grumbled into her pillow, feeling the red in her face.

[i]"Can't I go five minutes without embarrassing myself in front of [b]anyone[/b]?"[/i] she thought tiredly to herself. She readied herself for bed, even though it was still daytime. Curling up ontop of her sheets, she grumbled to herself for a bit more before falling asleep.

The next morning, Takai woke up to Koinu's pawing at her. She got dressed and left her quarters to see if she could find something to eat in the large city. She did find several vendors, and one that had particularly good breakfast foods. She bought herself a small meal, plus a few snacks for her canine counterpart, and chowed down. Filled, she decided she might as well look around a bit before meeting with Yuri in the courtyard.

The two wandered around a bit before finally stumbling into the main hall. Koinu seemed quite interested in the water splashing around in the fountain, so they stayed there for a few minutes before a familiar voice called out her name.

[b]"Takai!"[/b] She turned her head and saw Lio approaching.

[b]"Lio! Good morning. Feeling any better?"[/b] she smiled, speaking softly.

[b]"You bet,"[/b] Lio grinned, coming to a stop beside her. [b]"So, did one of the soldiers come and get your diamonds?"[/b]

[b]"Yeah. I guess Yuri really wanted them or something. Not that I mind. I don't know what I would do with them anyway. I don't particularly like jewelry,"[/b] she mumbled. He laughed a bit before asking if there was anywhere he could get something good to eat for breakfast.

[b]"I'm starved, but I'm not in the mood for lunch yet,"[/b] he sighed, a tired grin on his face.

[b]"Oh, sure. There's this one place I ate this morning.. Here, I'll show you. Koinu, c'mon,"[/b] she whistled, calling him to her side. He reluctantly left the dancing waters and followed the two as they walked towards the food stands.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Veritas]

[font=Arial][color=darkred]Though one task lay complete before him, the trial was only one of many which he would be judged on. Fayt layed in bed as the morning flickers of sunlight danced apon his eyelids. [b]"I wonder if the next trial will be more individually judged, rather than more of means to filter the candidates."[/b] Fayt pondered piously as he sat up, Shadow flying over and perching on his bed post.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred] He examined his scar from the wolf bite he attained before, it was hard to believe that it had occured just yesterday. The scar was a pale white and spiraled around Fayt's arm in an intricate manner, he liked it to be honest. Still the skill of the healer amazed him, he had healed a would that would have taken over a month to heal in a day. "[b]Amazing how one person can possess so much power; I am have no skill of magic, and am only a novice at combat, what can I accomplish?"[/b] Fayt though nervously thinking of the trial that he would have to endure today. He was envious of the healer, not in the fact that he could heal but he could use magic. Fayt wished that he could enchant his weapon and, he dwindled on the thought of how he could apply it to different things. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]"[b]One day, I will learn to enchant, I will become a magic smith"[/b] He declaired to himself now fully dressed, gathering his things preparing to leave.
[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]Fayt walked into the lavishly decorated main hall, Shadow sitting atop his shoulder guard. There was a beautiful fountain in the center of the hall, its craftmanship unrivaled by any work of art Fayt had seen. As he walked he passed the girl with the dog, he had seen in the desert. [/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]She stopped at seeing Fayt[b]"Oh hey you made it, I never did tell you my name back there, I'm Takai, and this is Koinu"[/b] She said bowing motioning towards the dog.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Nice to meet you both"[/b] Fayt replied softly, as Shadow pecked at his armor.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"So who is this? I don't believe you had him yesterday"[/b] She said smiling at Shadow as the held a finger up to it and watched him nibble it.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred]"[b]This, is Shadow, and without him I don't know if I'd be standing here right now"[/b] Fayt said turned to the bird as it tilted his head to look at him.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Really, thats interesting mabe sometime you can let me study him"[/b] She said as if a spark had been lit in her soul. "[b]If it is ok with you, and him of course. I gotta get goin though, I've yet to eat and I'm sure I'll need my strength"[/b] She added cheerfully before say bye as she began to walk away.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Bye, nice seing you again"[/b] Fayt said watching here leave, Koinu faithfully at her side.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"We better get going up the mountain, its gonna take us alittle while, I hope someone is going up there ight now too? The hike would be alot better with company."[/b] Fayt said triggering a sqwak from Shadow as he pulled Fayt's ear.[/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][/color][/font]
[font=Arial][color=darkred][b]"Hey stop that, your nice and all but not that good with a conversation"[/b] Fayt laughed as he began to begin his trek into the mountains.[/color][/font]

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=Indigo][FONT=Arial Narrow]Cira groaned as she reached for her abdomen. The brightly colored scar that now stretched from a little below her naval up to the base of her rips still ached despite the effort the healer had put into trying to heal it. She tried to ignore it as another person sat down beside her in the crowded travern. She shoved another spoonful of hot soup into her mouth, took a swig of her drink and excused herself from the small round table.

[I]Time to head up to that mountain.[/I] Cira told herself as she walked into the busy city street. She shifted her sword back to the center of her back and fiddled lightly with her belt.

Images of the sand storm and the beast that attacked her while out in the desert threaten to make Cira waver as she strolled down the street, seeming to be careless and free loving of the bright sun that was slowly raising above. Cira nodded her head at the few people that passed her by, a bright smile flooting across her lips.

Cira shook her head once she left the city streets, trying to calm herself as she made her way onto the mountain path. She had misjudged the beast's tail length. A swift swipe left her sprawled on her back, her sword far from her grasp. She had pulled one of her daggers from her waist but she was too slow. The monster was on top of her and with a heavy blow, tore into the leather vest and tunic and into her tender flesh. She let out a horrific cry, clamping her mouth shut to keep from exciting the beast more as she shoved her dagger in between two scales. Blood spewed as the beast rose up and flipped backwards.

Cira chuckled as she rubbed her stomach. "Funny how that beast gave me the last jewel I needed too."

"Huh, what?" Some one said.

Cira looked up the beaten path to see a young man and a bird. She smiled brightly as she took in his charming site. It had been awhile since she had interacted with another person, this could be fun and maybe they would get paired together during this next little test.

"Hi there, my name's Cira. Yours would be?" Cira smiled as she jogged up to him.

"Fayt." He smiled as he shook her hand.

"Heading up the mountain?" Cira said as she placed a finger in front of the bird, pulling it away quickly as it snapped at her.

"Yes I am. Are you?"

"Sure am." She said with a brilliant smile. "We should walk up together. What's the bird's name?"

"Shadow."

"Friendly little thing." She winked at him.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][I]OOC: I hope this is ok, shadowofdeath13.[/I][/SIZE]

[Retribution]

[SIZE=1][B]OOC:[/B] Sorry if it's rushed, but I wanted to post. I've been constrained from my use of the computer.

---

IC:

[B]Day One[/B]

Leonardo woke up early, but it was not as easy as one might think. He had sustained a fair number of bruises and aches in his body, and using magic to ease them didn't work as well as he had hoped. Instead, he chose to walk it off, and look for food.

"So... where exactly is everyone?" He pondered the question until he saw several people who had entered the task yesterday. He didn't stop to say hello to them, though - he had no idea who they were, and he wasn't comfortable greeting random people. Spontanuity was not his strength. He walked past them, and bought an apple and some bread for a cheap price.

"Oh. Hello! Were you fighting yesterday?" He was puzzled as to who addressed him. He whirled around to face a familiar looking girl.

"Yes, I was. My name's Leonardo," he said, taking the time to introduce himself while who he guessed to be her boyfriend bought food. She nodded silently and looked at his robes.

"Wouldn't be a mage, would you?"

"Holy sorcerer. Cleansing spells, protecting spells, healing spells, redirection. That sort of thing has always been niche."

"Very interesting, Leonardo. Oh! Sorry for not introducing myself - I'm Koinu."[/size]

[Blayze]

[b][size=1]Day 1

[/size][/b][size=1]Carthre woke up in the bed he had been laid in after he collapsed the previous evening. He struggled for a moment to remember what had happened, then put his head in his hands in embarassment. He had fainted at the sight of his own blood. How good was that going to look to Yuri?

He rolled out of bed, and found a note nailed to his door. It read:

[i]Carthre,

Your diamonds have been taken and accounted for, and your next challenge awaits you. You will make your way up to the top of the mountain, and bring your blades. You will need them for this challenge.

Commander Yuri.

[/i]Around an hour later, Carthre arrived at the top of the mountain, after taking the ancient path to the summit. There were the other warriors who had survived the previous challenge waiting there. Carthre saw a few that he recognised, a young man with a bird standing next to a young girl, an arrogant-looking knight who had taken one of the diamonds that Carthre was going for the previous night. Out of these two, Carthre picked to talk to the young man and the girl. They seemed the better option.

"Hi," he said, "I'm Carthre." He extended his hand, and the young girl shook it.

"Carthre? That's an unusual name. I'm Cira, and this is Fayt," she said, smiling.

"Nice to meet you, Fayt," said Carthre, holding his hand out. Fayt shook it, but the bird didn't seem to happy about this.

"Nice bird," Carthre said, "Falcon, right? Probably from somewhere around Nin. God knows how it got all the way over here. What's his name?"

"Shadow," replied Fayt, "How did you know all that?"

"Well, you can tell it is from Nin by the markings. Birds from Nin generally have these long darker streaks over their eyes. Birds from Minbar have the same kind of streaks down their tail feathers. It's difficult, but you can tell the difference between them."

"Are you some kind of bird expert?" asked Cira.

"No, by no means. It's all part of basic training in the Minbar army. You need to know these things to find out where you are if you get lost. However, if you were lost, and you found this little creature, you might get a little confused. You don't normally get birds crossing over between Nin and Minbar. They're like the people, they normally like to stay apart. So either Shadow here has been particularly brave by coming all the way over here, or else he has been banished by his flock. And from the looks of those bent tail feathers, it would seem to be the latter."

"You can tell all that by looking? And you claim not to be a bird expert?" asked Cira.

"Well, I did pass at the top of my class for that portion of the training. I just have a good memory for these things."

"Interesting. So, do you have any idea what this test is going to be?"

"No idea. But, knowing Commander Yuri, it's going to be something mighty interesting. He does manage to cook up the strangest ideas for these things."

"Do you know the Commander then?" asked Fayt.

"No, I just bumped into him earlier. Also my uncle's a captain in the Minbar army, so he has served under Commander Yuri before."

"Wow," said Cira.

"Wait, I think they're about to start," said Fayt, pointing to two men standing in front of the crowd of people. They began to speak...

(OOC: Hope you don't mind, shadowofdeath13 and DC)
[/size]

[Kairi]

[COLOR=DarkSlateGray][CENTER][SIZE=1]***[B]On Top of the Mountain[/B]***


A trumpet sounded loadly...catching everyones attention as they all looked upon two men standing in front of them. The mountains top was long and wide...perfectly flat...obviously produced for some purpose.

One of the men was tall...almost like a giant. He wore armor which covered his entire body besides his helmet which he held to his side. A massive double-edged axe was strapped to his back as he gazed down upon everyone before him

Thee other was much short than the other...he was slim and firm...wearing only a black kamono...which was quite foreign to the area...such clothing came from beyond the known realm...past the lands of the Gwar. He had short silver hair which came over his read eyes. He hands were hidden underneathe the robe as he stood upon the rock barefooted...waiting for everyones attention. A single soldier then stood in front of the two men...trying to adress the crowd.

[B]"Ladies and Gentlemen...Commander Yuri congradulates you all for your accomplishments last nigth...and commending you for getting this far. Your next test will be of skill and discipline. Before you stand two men...one is Lord Bruce Sonne...a master of the Minbar kingdom. The other his is subordinate and student...Mark Lucier. They will now instruct you on what you are to do next..."[/B]

The soldier quickly ran away as the little man in the black robe stepped forward.

[B]"Hello there...I am Lord Sonne..."[/B]

Quite a few of the men and women in the crowd were surprised...they figured the giant was the Lord and master...

[B]"This is your next test....please..........find a partner....."[/B] and with that he nodded and waited for everyone to comply. Everyone looked around...trying to figure out who they were going to pair up with.

As everyone began to walk around...the giant made its way into the crowd and gathered selected people on his list...yelling at the top of his lungs which seemed to shake the entire mountain...

[B]"Kain Savage...Carthre Letin...Cira...Fayt Argentum...Takai...Lio Garavan...come to me my little ones!!!"
[/B]

All those who's names were called gathered around the behemoth as he looked around to see who was who. Kain stood away from the group as the others were more comfortable with one another...came closer...
[B]
"My Lord Yuri has some special instructions for you all...Carthre Lestin...you are to fight Takai. Cira...you are to battle Fayt Argentum...Lio Garavan...you are to engage Kain Savage in a duel."[/B]

Everyone looked at their opponents all with different forms of expressions on their faces.
[B]
"By the way...those who have crystals with you...give them to me now!"[/B]

Cira was the only one to act as she handed out all 5 crystals...taking them into his massive hand...Mark quickly crushed them all in his hand. Cira looked up in a furry as she saw her hard earned crystals crushed to nothing but dust.

[B]"Remember...we will be watching you all...and how well you do will greatly influence your potential in being choosen. Heed my words...and good luck. This is not a battle to the death...so...no killing. If you do...you will be killed as well...do you understand!"[/B]

Without even waiting for an answer...Mark left group and walked amoung the other soldiers fighting with one another...watching their every move as they fought...making note of everything without interferring. However Lord Sonne...kept his watch on the other six...his eyes never moving as he watched.


***[B]In the Courtyard[/B]***


The great White Cities Bell rang once more as many left the courtyard as others flooded in. Morag, Noah, Nepenthe and Leo were among the few to enter. Sitting on a chest in the middle of the courtyard...Yuri waited patiently for the others to arrive.

Twenty chairs sat all around him in a circle. He motioned for everyone to stand before him before taking a seat. When he had accounted for everyone being there...he stood up and greeted them.

"Hello everyone...as you well have guessed...I am Yuri."

They all bowed in respect as he returned the favor.

[B]"Some of you may be questioning why a soldier like myself would be looking over those of a magic class. I am both warrior and sorceror...mastering in all that I can...but before we continue with your test of power and strength...I would like you all to tell me a little about yourselves."[/B]

With that...Yuri sat back on the golden chest and sat crosslegged upon it with his palms underneathe his leaning chin...waiting patiently with all of his attention for someone to speak...
[/CENTER][/COLOR]

[RIGHT]
[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue][SIZE=1][FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium][B]OOC[/B]: Well...these are your next tasks. Those on the mountain...this is a sparring session for you and the one that I've paired you with. Enjoy...and please remember all the rules which I've stated through this entire rpg. Have this happen for a couple of posts until you both decide to end it. Then you will report to Lord Sonne afterward.

Those in the courtyard...I would like to know a little bit more about your characters...anything that you would like to share...this is still important...and it will be a good transition leading to your next test which lies in the chest. Will also give you something to do while the others are sparring. After you four have posted I'll then move on.[/FONT] [/SIZE]
[/COLOR][/RIGHT][/SIZE]

[Raiha]

[font=times new roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Nepenthe stood and curtsied once more to the man who had been the cause of her recent deviation from her usual duties. As soon as she had dropped her curtsy, she raised her sleeve over her face decorously and spoke only slightly over a murmur, in a voice that everyone could recognize as that of a lady, a well bred functionary, and an exceptionally controlled woman. Yuri turned to her and nodded to her bow. As she spoke, she waved her right hand in the air, the free one, drawing up smoke and vapor from the ground, shaping it into the pictures that could easily illustrate her story. Each was deftly rendered by the movement of her fingers, and she balanced each image on her fingertip before blowing it softly into the air, surrounded by gently wafting breezes.[/i]

?My Lord, Yuri, I am Nepenthe Amatsu, a Lady in Waiting, a servant to the ladies of the court. I was born into this life, but also trained in things other than the ability to curtsy in fourteen ways, carry on polite and elegant conversation, and entertain.?

[i]At this point, she illustrated her words with the image of her own self, dancing delicately in front of several royal ladies, turning and curtsying and gesturing with her sleeves, all the while singing a song that couldn?t be heard.[/i]

?I also spend time in the garden, admiring flowers, and it was there that I learned the art of the enchantress. A woman who prefers to remain unnamed, recognized my raw talent, and it bled quite easily into my other learned abilities. As an apprentice, I learned the subtle arts of the charm and the curse.?

[i]When she spoke of flowers, the extraordinary scents of moonflower and rose filled the air, and the images of each began to overtake the earlier images. When she mentioned the arts she had acquired, she made new images, these filled with gently curling, almost sultry images, incapable of description, but still delightful.[/i]

?As I progressed, I was taught more complex skills, those that directly attacked the aura of a living being, those that penetrated it without detection, and the ability to show vivid and believable illusions. These skills gave me a strange presence, but I was ordered to mask it, and so I have until recently. The woman responsible for my training has since vanished from the garden, and I?ve been progressing naturally since then.?

[i]She smiled slightly, then decided to show one final image. This was a stiletto, balanced on the tip of her finger, flashing brilliantly, infused with a light she hadn?t shown in any of her other pictures.[/i]

?Lastly, I learned the art of the blade. My dancing ability helped me master this art with little difficulty, and as to where I learned it, I?m afraid, like before, I must not say. But it?s proven a natural compliment and I hope to always have opportunity to use it. Thank you for your patience. Yuri.?

[i]When the last words fell from her lips, she waved her hand once over her face, then clapped her hands three times, and each image vanished instantly, leaving behind only the scents that she had conjured up. Then, she sat once more, folding her skirts around her quietly, and covering her face demurely, once more. She watched Yuri?s reaction, and the reaction of the people around her.[/i][/COLOR][/font]

[Orcus]

[SIZE=1]Lio raised an eyebrow at his opponent. The man looked to him and grunted. Lio grinned, and so did Kain. Kain seemed like the battle hungry type, so Lio was sure he would enjoy this. He walked over to the man and stuck out his hand, sportsman-like.

[B]"Kain, huh? A pleasure. I'm sure our bout will prove to be interesting."[/B] Kain smiled and shook Lio's hand.

[B]"I'm sure it will. But just know, even though we've been fomrally introduced now, I won't go easy on you."[/B] Lio grinned, and his eyes flashed beneath his shades, almost as if saying, And neither will I. Lio and Kain looked around the mountaintop and shrugged. They both didn't see a good place to do battle. Lio spotted a spot further down and pointed.

[B]"How 'bout there?"[/B] The spot was one of the only places on the mountain that was grassy. It was a wide area, one might have even mistoke it for the ground itself, had the looming edge not been there. Lio loved the beauty and danger of it. The perfect place for the dance of death.

Lio bounded down towards the area, did a flip, and laded, his hand on Balmung. Kain chuckled, shook his head, and jumped from his spot to the battleground. He drew his blade and grabbed it with both hands. His eyes had been lit with a flame of intensity. Beneath Lio's shades, his eyes were as well. He grabbed Ragnarok and put it to the side.

[B]"A fair fight. You have one blade. I have one blade. No we rely on skill and luck. Commence!"[/B] Lio charged at Kain. Kain made no attempt to move though, and met Lio's strike with his own. Their blades struck with such ferocity that the ground trembled. Lio wasn't ready for the force of the blow, and was knocked over.

This was a mistake. Kain rose his blade up, and made to bring it down on Lio. Lio rolled out of the way, sprung up and swung at Kain. Kain ducked, slid bacwards, and launched himself forward. Kain and Lio engaged in a fierce cloud of battle, consisted of blows, parrying, and dodging. They seperated, and jumped to different sides of the cliff edge. Both were breathing heavily. Lio fell to the ground, laughing.

[B]"Man, this is fun! Wouldn't you agree?"[/B] Kain looked at Lio strangely and shrugged. Lio sprung back up and grabbed Balmung with both hands, and charged Kain again. Kain wasn't prepared for that so the blow knocked him backwards. Lio swung his blade at his side.

[B]"We may be battling each other, but that's no reason not to enjoy it. Loosen up."[/B] Kain stood up and grinned, despite himself. Lio though back to Takai and Leonardo quickly. He wondered how they were doing. His thoughts were interrupted by Kain's blade being attempting to thrust his blade into him.

Lio brought Balmung up, having Kain's blade slide along the edge of it. He then spun around and kicked Kain in the back. Kain managaed to grab Lio's leg, though, and tossed him as he fell. Both warriors his the ground hard. Lio shook and sat up, holding his head. [I]Now we're talking![/I]

[CENTER][B]*****[/B][/CENTER]

OOC: Tag, Achill---Chief Predator. ~__^[/SIZE]

[Retribution]

[size=1]Leonardo looked at the woman dance with delight. The attraction he immediately felt was nearly irresistible. A frightening lust filled his heart to the brim; the feeling was so intense he wanted to jump out of his seat and make love to the woman he had never met before in front of everyone. To tear away the clothes and? and?

[I]It?s magic. She?s an enchantress. It?ll die down? I hope.[/I] Feeling no other way to relieve himself from his tension, he decided to speak next. When he noticed the silence hanging, it immediately struck him everyone was feeling the same way.

?Yuri, sir, my name is Leonardo de Medici. I am an Italian man of twenty years. I have trouble sharing my past, please understand,? he said. He tried mustering the courage to continue about his past, but ended up moving his mouth with no sound passing his lips. He tried again with more success.

?My? father died when I was six years old. I prayed to God, but He told me to train to become a Holy Sorcerer in His name. And so I did. I live my life, serving God and following His will. It is all I can do, for He gives me a new sunrise and a new breath in my lungs.? He paused for a moment, when a few in the group remarked that God was false. He restrained his urge to argue, and continued.

?It?s a very ? personal thing. I?m very sorry that I can?t articulate too much on the subject.? He paused, thinking he was going to stop. He was inspired to keep talking by and unknown force.

?Well, I don?t hurt people because of what happened ? to my father. My work is for my father, as well as God. Please understand,? he stopped midsentence in an awkward place, with everyone else expecting him to continue on.[/size]

[Sakura]

[color=Navy]Noah watched as Nepenthe told the group about herself, he was enchanted by the images and scents she conjured to help illustrate her background. He payed attention as Leonardo shared his story, he did believe in God, unlike some others in the group. A few others relayed their pasts, then it was his turn.

Noah cleared his throat and stood, he bowed to Yuri, as all the others had and started. [b]

"Lord Yuri, I am Noah Valentine, I come from a distant city in the East called Meribia, in Nin. My past is quite...sad, I suppose. Before I arrived at Meribia, I lived in a different village with my parents. I left there because there was no one left. When I was eight, my parents and everyone in the village was killed by bandits." [/b]he began.

He closed his eyes and the scene was replayed, as it was many times in his head. [b]"I watched as my parents fought, not to protect their riches, but to protect me. I was hiding in a cupboard.

"I ran from the slaughtered village, and some travellers I came across found me, and helped to bring me to the main city, which was Meribia. I searched out a friend of the family who lived there, and they let me stay with them, which I still do. My ultimate goal in life is to rid the world of bandits.

"I have the power of alchemy, I can do practically anything, except create human life or revive someone from the dead. You see, all I have to do is..." [/b]Noah brought his hands together and clapped, his hands glowed brightly and he pulled them apart. A rose had appeared and he offered it to the first female around him, which happened to be Nepenthe.

[b]"I am also skilled in martial arts and a wide variety of weaponry. That is all, thankyou." [/b]Noah bowed again and sat back in his seat.
[/color]

[demonchild781]

[COLOR=Indigo][FONT=Arial Narrow]Cira watched the two men that circled around them and then stood watching the other melee warriors' combat skills. She was growing more and more leery of this game Commander Yuri was playing with them. She loved the thrill of a good battle and wanted to see new lands, but was it worth her life? Not that her previous occupation was much better.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman][I]Life is so ironic. I found myself searching for a new life and realizing that the old will forever haunt me. I wish it was possible for a once poor peasant girl to wallace around in elegant dresses and sweet perfume, only looking for a suiter to marry to make her father happy. But I'm sure that life would bore me after awhile and the man that I married would not be anything I had hoped. Life is truely ironic.[/I][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial Narrow]"Looks like you and I get to do a little bit of a tango." Cira cocked her head and smirked at Fayt as she watched out of the corner of her eye as Carthre walked over to his assigned partner.

"I guess so." Fayt seemed to say with a hint of nervousness.

"So you have double sided staff and you wish to learn how to use spells to increase its power." Cira nodded as she started to walk towards a spot with little interference from either earth or people. "You coming?" She called over her shoulder.

"Yeah." Fayt said as his bird squaked with disapproval.

Both made their way to the spot Cira had chosen and stood before each other. Fayt pulled his weapon from his back and ready himself for Cira's attack. She watched him, but left her well-crafted sword strapped to her back, drawing two daggers from her side.

"You seem nervous and tense? Afraid I might hurt ya?" Cira smiled and gave a soft chuckle. "I'll only fight as hard as you do." With Cira's last words she fell dead silent and her face slid from something fun loving and playful to dead serious and almost frightening.

Cira rushed forward and Fayt threw his weapon up just in time to block Cira's right dagger. She ducked down and swirled around with her left dagger, hitting the other blade on Fayt's weapon. She brought her foot around as she swirled and knocked Fayt off his feet. Cira sighed as she made her way back to her feet, placing one dagger back in its shealth on her hip, and extended her free hand. Fayt reached up with a shakey hand as Cira pulled him back to his feet.

"Now, come on. I know you can do better than that. Stop worrying so much." Cira took a step back and pulled up her small cloth tunic exposing the multiple scars that covered her flesh. "I can take a hit from either your weapon or your body." Cira smiled as she slid the tunic back down.

"So come on. Fight me." Cira's smile faded away as it did before as she took up another fighting stance.[/FONT]

[I][FONT=Times New Roman]I hope one day, that I shall find a life other than the one I'm leading. There is more to this world than the constant life and death struggle. There is love, play and raising a family. And though I have no desire to bear my own children, I would love to watch and be a part of some one elses struggles to raise a family. I think one day I shall become part of a family once again. When the world is done using my skills I shall fine some one to become my family, serving them until my last breath.[/FONT][/I][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkGreen][SIZE=1]OOC: Hey, shadowofdeath13, the only thing I has to say about my character is when she's fighting she doesn't talk. All work and no play, ya know ;) Other than that, I have no limitations for ya.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Darth Vectis]

[COLOR=DarkGreen][SIZE=1]Kain stabbed his sword into the ground and cracked his neck, he then grew Kraven in his left hand and pulled Nimcaznim out of the ground. Lio looked at him oddly as he was standing up.

[B]"Now, that is not fair. You have two blades and I have one."[/B] Kain rolled his eyes.

[B]"Don't complain. You have two blades. You would have to be blind to miss it. So draw it before I attack, Darkknight."[/B] Lio smiled again, he drew both his blades and stood in a ready position. A grin on his face and charged Kain, Kain held his sword and dagger out stretched and waiting for the attack.

Lio brought one blade down on top of Kain and another from beneth him, Kain used his sword to block the one from below as he used the dagger to halt the one over his head. Lio started to push hard, Kain pushed back. Both starting to strain with the strength required, Kain was slightly smiling with the fight Lio was putting up.
[B]
"Your doing well, for a Darkknight."[/B] Lio grinned.

[B]"Your pretty good yourself, for a...."

"Mercenary"[/B] Kain finshed, since he had never told the knight his profession. Lio's face turned from a kind grin to a hidden disgust, Kain pushed him away and Lio instantly held his blades up.

[B]"A mercenary, I've heard stories about mercs. How they fight, kill, steal for money."[/B] Kain smircked, he could feel Lio's feelings starting to stire and twist inside, his anger and misery coming to the surface. Kain was now feeding off of the misery and anger, making Kain feel stronger, but he sensed the Knight was now channeling the energy.

Kain didn't like it, he charged before the knight could use that energy. Lio managed to block his blows, but didn't see a sudden boot come and hit him square in the stomach. Sending Lio to the ground, Kain saw this as a chance to finish this. He made his way to Lio and held his blade ot his throat.

[B]"You came close to getting me, but today isn't your lucky day."[/B] Kain suddenly heard a tapping and looked down, he saw Lio's Balmung between his legs, tapping against the inside of his thigh. Kain looked back at Lio and smiled, he stabbed his weapon into the ground and held out his hand. Lio gripped it and Kain pulled him up, he patted Lio on the shoulder.
[B]
"That was damn good. Glad you didn't take them off."[/B] Lio laughed a little as did Kain. Kain looke down and yanked his sword out of the ground, he sheathed Kraven and walked away about a yard or two then turned and faced Lio with sword held up.
[B]
"We need to finish this, Lio."[/B] Kain said with a bit of joy in his voice, which is unusual for Kain. Lio thought for a moment, but quickly held up Balmung up with a smile on his face, they charged eachother simultaneously, their blades clashing with a thunderous noise.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Veritas]

[color=seagreen]OOC: Doesn't talk to much, I think I can remember that lol.[/color] :p

[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]"She is far more skilled and disciplined than she let on when I first met her" Fayt thought cautiously as he readied himself, digging his feet into the ground. His bent his knees as his body tensed waiting to spring loose on command. His feet were shoulderwidth, the left forward and his right supporting a little more body weight. His left arm layed empty, though slightly out to his side, while his right brandished Caspar. The sat there for what seemed hours waiting for something, a sign to fight. "Just remember your training, you can do this just fight how you've been taught." Fayt ran continously through his mind trying to ease his nervousness.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]Cira burst from her stance attacking Fayt with her left dagger first this time. Fayt met her blade with his own, before pushing back the attack. He quickly twirled his weapon arond and slashed at Cira. She gracefully blocked his attack with her right dagger before rolling along his staff, still using her right to black and attacking with her left. The attack caught Fayt off guard but he managed to bring his left arm up taking the hit with his bracer. Before he could free his weapon or his hand, Cira had flipped forward and ressumed her assault. She attacked with her daggers though they met a stop as the collided with Caspar. Cira took this distraction placing a strong kick to Fayt's ribs. Fayt twisted and pushed freeing thier weapons as he spun quickly and placed a strong kick to Cira's chest. She had managed to get her hands up to cushion the attack but she had still stumbled back.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]"Better" she said before reassuming her fighting stance.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]All Fayt could do was nod and resume his own fighting stance. "See you can do this" He thought as he began to charge at Cira. He carelessly lunged at the woman, who swiftly kicked the blade of his weapon veering the attack off course. She made a quick turn as she switched feet and kicked at him. Fayt smoothly ducked and spun around sweeping Cira's grounded foot with the flat of his blade causing her to fall to he back. Fayt went over and extend his hand, now steady.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]"See you can fight, just dont worry about it" Cira said as Fayt pulled her up.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]"I just think about it too much" Fayt gingerly replied as she brushed off her clothes.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]"You'll get over it" She said with a smile that soon turned to seriousness "Now this time we are going till one of us surrenders" She added almost coldly as she settled into her fighting stance.[/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Arial][size=1][color=darkred]Fayt nodded as he stepped back and assumed his own fighting stance. "Just don't think about it, let my training think for me" he thought tightening his grip on his weapon.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=green]OOC: I hope that was ok demonchild let me know if I can change anything or need to know something for further posts. I figured this next fight could go on for acouple posts though, that is if you want it to.[/color]