RPG Final Fantasy: Prelude to Chaos

[Flash]

Sorry I took so long..

[I]The twilight sky over Krysst was a beautiful sight. The swirling clouds were ablaze, lit up with shades of red, orange and gold... Below the clouds, in the city of Krysst, a man looks to the sky, standing on a balcony on a large manor... His name is Vincent Verdigris. Vincent sighs... He took a sip of the wine he was holding in his hand, and then looked away from the dusk sky, and back into the manor... His manor... He could hear the guests all socialising and mingling with one another downstairs. He wondered whether they had even noticed his absence yet. After all, it was his party.

He put the wine down on the wall of the balcony, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his vest. With another sigh, he walked through the doors leading onto the balcony, back into his bedroom. He had it all... Money, friends, fame... But he felt something was missing. He walked over to his bookcase, and pulled a book out. He stepped back, and the bookcase swung around, revealing a secret passage. He grinned, and walked down it, the bookcase closing behind him.

The passageway walls were covered with portraits, and the floor adorned a rose red carpet. The music from downstairs was still faintly audible. Vincent looked at the pictures on the wall... He hadn't been down this corridoor in nearly 4 years... He came to the end of the passage, two doors. He grasped the handles firmly, and flung the doors open. There it was. A sky blue coat, and leather belt. He looked to the right of the outfit, and saw an oak staff. He looked left, and saw a Silver Elven Dagger on a pedestool. And glancing up, there was a pointy leather hat. They all looked slighty worn, but that didn't matter. Vincent realised that it was time for him to become Flash again.

He called his Butler, and requested that he inform the guests that he was departing, and may not return for quite some time.[/I]

[B]Vincent:[/B] And Garland, please, do take care of yourself.

[B]Garland:[/B] Yes, Master Verdigris. I wish your safe return.

[B]Vincent:[/B] Will you be alright here alone?

[B]Garland:[/B] Of course. After all, the gardener, grounds keeper, caretaker, chef, nurse and maids will be here as well.

[I]Vincent shot a huge grin. Garland just moved his eyebrows as if to say 'I wouldn't even think of it'. Vincent knew this was true, as Garland was getting rather old. They were refering to the fact that Vincent had hired an all female staff, all in their late teens/early twenties. Some might call Vincent a pervert, but he felt he was doing them a favour by giving them all easy jobs with high pay. Think what you might, Vincent was a good man... Even if he was the horniest on the planet. He shook Garlands hand, and even gave the old man a hug. He turned around, opening the secret passageway, and passed through, to the room at the end. He grabbed his cloak, and put it on over his clothes. He slung the elven blade at his hilt, along with a satchel of Gil. Finally, he grabbed the oak staff, and put the leather hat on. He was changed... No longer was he Vincent Verdigris, Lord and Baron of Krysst... He was once again Flash, High black mage, master of dark magic. He grasped his Oak staff tightly, and pointed it at the wall... A shot of blue slammed into the bricks, and they rippled like water being hit by a stone... Flash smiled, and walked into and through the wall, appearing outside his manor, on a hill... This hill led over the ranges, and across to the eastern side of the continent... Flash took one look back at his mansion, and the town of Krysst itself... He then turned to the horizon, and made his way toward the setting sun in the east... To live, to die, it was unknown... but Flash had chosen the way of the nomad over anything else, as it was truely his destiny, and what lay in store he could not begin to comprehend...[/I]

[Queen Asuka]

[color=crimson][size=1][i]Arianna sat high in the branches of a beautiful tree on the warm spring night. She looked around at the lake below her, hearing the sounds of the animals of the night and seeing the reflection of the night sky above. The amount of stars was unfathomable and the silver sickle of the moon barely lit up the area around her. The breeze blew slightly, gently letting her silky pink hair move around her face. A few strands stuck to her wet cheek where the tears had run down.

The transparent silk of her long over-jacket flowed down off the side of the branch. Arianna cried silently, reflecting on the pain she was now feeling because of the loss of her lover. She thought again of the ugly woman he had chosen over her, slightly overweight and plump, not pleasant to look at, no skills whatsoever....

"He only loved her cooking...it's like they say...the way to a man's heart is his stomach," she thought to herself, taking the end of her long finger and gently brushing the tear away. She knew she was better without him, but her heart was still broken, along with her pride.

The breeze began to blow harder and it seemed as though a storm was approaching. No one cared that she was out here alone anyway...she felt as though no one loved her anymore. [/color][/size][/i]

[James]

[i] The spring air in Glorethroth was warm and there were only two sounds to be heard; the gentle rustle of the tall grass swaying in the breeze and an occasional, sharp "thwack!" coming from somewhere in the field outside the city.

"Thwack! Thwack!"

The sharp sounds broke the monotonous rustling of the grass every few seconds. And in between, the sharp sounds were punctuated by giggling and whispering.

The source of this noise was in the north of the field: two young elfin boys lay in the thick grass, slingshots at the ready. Both were carrying soft brown leather pouches with rope drawstrings, each pouch containing a small collection of Spring Nuts. Spring Nuts can be found only in the elfin city of Glorethroth and they are the ammunition of choice for young elfin boys with slingshots.

The boy laying on the left fired a nut, which was met by a quiet "Ohh! Nearly got one!" from his companion. And then, the boy on the right would proceed to fire, his companion whispering "Darn! Missed again!".

The boy on the left was easily identifiable -- his hair was completely white. He was the only boy in the entire city with white hair. And on many occasions, this caused others in his school to tease him, or strangers in the street to stare for a little too long. But nevertheless, he had several good friends. And his best friend was laying there in the field with him right now.

The boy on the right was exactly the same height. And he even looked rather similar, causing many to mistake the two for brothers. The boy on the right had dark hair, however.

And while everyone in the town was preparing for bed, Karu and Calya were laying in the field, shooting at fireflies with Spring Nuts.

But soon, their fun ended. They heard a swift rustling in the grass behind them, causing them both to immediately sit upright.

They could see an elfin woman walking towards them, her long dress fluttering in the breeze. Her long, brown hair was draped elegantly over her angular elfin ears. Despite her down-to-earth good looks, she had a distinctly unhappy expression on her face.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Karu! What are you doing out here at this time?

[i]Karu scratched his head and put away his slingshot.[/i]

[b]Karu:[/b] Aw sorry ma...we were just enjoying the clear moonlight. It hasn't been this clear in weeks. :(

[i]Calya stood up and nodded, but said nothing. Alice sighed. She knew that during the last few weeks, it had been rather cloudy over Glorethroth. And she knew that the children hadn't had much of a chance to play in the field, which had always been their favourite pasttime.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] I know, Karu...I know. But it's a little too late for you to be out here now. Let's go back inside. Calya, how would you like a glass of warm chocolate milk before you go home?

[i]Calya beamed.[/i]

[b]Calya:[/b] Yeah!!

[i]In his excitement, he dropped the pouch of Spring Nuts, as well as his slingshot.[/i]

[b]Calya:[/b] Oh...oops... :(

[i]Karu glared at his friend. Alice put her hands on her hips and faked an angry expression.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] So [i]that's[/i] what you've been up to! Well, I don't know what to say...

[b]Calya:[/b] Please ma'am...don't tell my parents! They told me not to use my slingshot! :(

[i]Alice smiled.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Yeah, gathering all those Spring Nuts from the high trees must be difficult. We wouldn't want you to have to give them up, would we?

[i]Calya smiled and shook his head.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Okay. I won't tell your mother if you promise to come back to our house for some milk before you go home.

[i]Calya nodded and picked up the pouch and slingshot. Karu nudged him and smiled.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Good. Come on, you two.

[i]Alice turned and walked back towards their house, which was only a short distance from the field. Karu and Calya walked some way behind, making sure to discuss the important business of catching fireflies.[/i]

[Raquel]

Siren Kojia strolled across the golden brown plains, her plain grey cloak flaping at her heals... Dark green eyes peered out from under her hood... Seeing no life other than the odd firefly Siren stoped and pushed back her cowel... Breathing in the deep clean sent of the forest ahead Siren tipped back her head to stare at the moon... Her hands came up and unbraided her hair... The long black locks fell in waves down her back, her slightly pointed ears identifing her as half elven... Laughing like the child she had never been, Siren ran twards the forest looming nearer... She slowed suddenly and a shadow crossed over her carefree face... Soon she would cross the boundries of Glórethroth... Her homeland... Sighing Siren pushed her hair under her cape and tugged her hood over her head and face, shutting out the moon... Loosening her katana in its sheath, Siren strode into the forest of the elves...

[Mist]

[COLOR=darkred]Mara smiled as two children past her. Her emerald eyes lingered on the two figures, as they turned the corner.
She shook her head, a slight and easy smile apparent on her face. She started to walk lithly through the small town, her off-white robe fluttereing lightly in the breeze. Sh smiled warmly to all those who greeted her, and even added a curtious "Hello!" every once in a while.
Her curly raven hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, yet some curls fluttered in the breeze next to her foreheand and ears. Her ears were slightly angular, revealing that she was half human and half elvian. a mix of human and elvian ears, in fact.
Mara walked into the common square of the town and approached her friend's house. She opened the gate gently and swiftly walked into the already-open door.
A short, squat figure turned around and smiled. She stopped stirring at the huge pot in front of her and smiled as Mara removed her robe, revealing her elaborate silver dress, cut to her knees.
"Ah, if it isn't Mara," the short woman exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air enthusiastically, " My, My,you've grown since we last visited."
Mara smiled warmly at the short woman, bending down into her embrass.
"Hello, Alditha," Mara replied, sitting down at a table in the corner, " How are you this day?"
The old woman smiled, sitting down heavily across from the girl.
"I am fine, child, just fine. Now, tell me off your recent journies." She replied, leaning over the table.
Mara smiled and begun her tale.
"I have just finished visiting Oraneon. It was a grand place; everyone I had met there was so kind. I had a lovely time there at their summer fesitival, they had released a thousand butterflies at the end of the event, along with millions of fireflies that lit up the night!" Mara said enthusiastically.
Alditha smiled.
"It must have been lovely, dear." She replied kindly.
Mara nodded.
"Yes, but something was very wrong there."
The old woman's eyebrows shot up in suprise.
"What is it, child?"
Mara shook her head.
"I don't know."
"Well, goodness, child, " the old woman exclaimed, "Why didn't you try to find out?"
"I did."
"And?"
"Well," Mara said, looking blankly out of the window, "I couldn't turn back time. I couldn't forward it either. There's something wrong if a Time Mage can't even access their own domain. I'm frightned, Alditha."
The old woman shook her head.
"Bad times, we are having," Alditha replied, looking at the sky outside, " Those clouds have been here for the past few weeks."
Mara nodded gravely.
"So I thought."
[/COLOR]

[Break]

[i]The moon's light fell brightly over the massive port, Jurest. Even at this time, people were still wide awake in Jurest, it was a working town which recieved boats full of goods, pirates or something nearly everyday.

The actual port area had a stench of fish, which wasn't very pleasent, but that was mixed in with the smell of the warm sea air, sweet and salty. All the citizens of Jurest didn't mind the smells at all, but visitors found it unpleasent.

The main town was a beautiful place, full of cobbled streets, tall townhouses and grassy squares. In the middle of the night, horses and carts still could be heard, trotting around the city.

Sheila looked out of her window, which overlooked the Baard Square outside her townhouse. The small market which is usually there was packed up, but a few people still habited the square. These were mostly young couples, looking for some peace and quiet. Obviously, they didn't realise that every house overlooked the square, and they could be seen very easily.

But the night was also a great time for theives and bandits to commit their crimes. Because of this, most stores and markets closed early, because of the danger the owners could be in if theives came.

The only people Sheila could see on Baard Square were two couples, they were sitting on the benches, talking and kissing. One couple got up and walked into their house, which was the opposite side to Sheila's. The other couple continued to kiss, oblivious to the fact that they were the only ones out.

Suddenly Sheila saw a shadow dart across the square, then she saw another three follow the first. The couple stood up, presumably they had noticed the shadows, they clutched each others hands, looking around nerously. From the dark a teenager walked out, he looked really scruffy, but he wore very exquisit clothes.

Sheila couldn't hear, but he saw that he was talking to the couple. The man pushed his girlfriend behind him and put his hands out. The teenager looked like he was laughing and he whistled over his shoulder, three other teenagers came out of the dark and surrounded the couple.

Sheila frowned and grabbed her Dragoon Spear, then climbed up onto the roof of her house and jumped up into the sky.[/i]

[b]Man:[/b] Why should we give you our money?!

[b]Denrac:[/b] Why? Ha... show them why, Jeroa.

[b]Jeroa:[/b] Sure will, Denrac.

[i]The theif, called Jeroa, darted quickly up to the man and punched him hard in the gut. He fell on to his knees, but got up again, breathing heavily.[/i]

[b]Woman:[/b] No!

[b]Denrac:[/b] We got plenty more where that came from, right guys?

[b]Theives:[/b]Yeah!

[b]Linek:[/b] So give us your money, or you two won't see tommorow.

[b]Denrac:[/b] No, maybe we'll keep the girl..

[b]Jeroa:[/b] Good idea!

[i]The woman burst out into hysterics, and held tightly onto the man, who still had his eyes fixed on Denrac.[/i]

[b]Woman:[/b] Please! Don't let them take me!!

[b]Man:[/b] I won't, darling. You thieves are sick!

[b]Denrac:[/b]We're sick are we? Who are the ones that stay out here all night kiss--

[i]The lead theif, Denrac, was suddenly cut off. Sheila's spear had just peirced through his back and into the soft grass. Then Sheila landed next to his broken body and pulled the spear out and jumped over to the couple.

She looked at the woman, her eyes were sore with tears.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] You ok?

[i]The woman nodded.[/i]

[b]Man:[/b] Please, stop these theives!

[b]Sheila:[/b] I will.

[b]Jeroa:[/b] A peice of rat scum like you can beat us? Ha! I bet, killing Denrac was just a lucky sho--Aaaargh!

[i]Shiela was behind Jeroa, who was in sliced into two, on the grass, not bleeding alot because of the swiftness of Sheila's move.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] How can a lowly theif like yourself call [i]me[/i] scum? Fool. You two theives better get out of her before I kill you.

[i]The remaining theives looked at each other and sprinted away down the dark street.[/i]

[b]Man:[/b] Thank you, thank you very much! We owe you our lives!

[b]Sheila:[/b] No you don't. Just get inside before those two theives come back with others. It's dangerous now, and will get more and more dangerous as the days go on.

[b]Woman:[/b] Why will it get more dangerous?

[b]Sheila:[/b] Just go!

[b]Man:[/b] Alright, thank you again.

[i]The couple walked away to their house, just a few up from Sheila's house.

She smiled and jumped onto the roof of her house then climbed back inside.[/i]

[conpiracymonki]

[i]Gael looked at the moon. It was big and white, and shined beautifully.
He sighed, and took off his mask.
He leaned back on the T-shaped rock, which was parched comfortably on a mountain-side.

His brown hair blew back and forth in the wind, and he gave out another peaceful, content sigh.
It was good to be heading back home to Rarengard again, and it was good to see the moon again, after so many cloudy nights.

He smiled. It was a relief to finally be able to take that mask off. To feel the breeze.[/i]

[b]'Hey Gael..let's start heading on again'

'Right bro'[/b]

[i]Almost home[/i]

[James]

[i]Karu walked down the hallway from his room to the kitchen. He could smell fresh pancakes cooking. Upon arriving in the kitchen, Karu took some pancakes from a plate on the counter and served them to himself.

He sat down and just as he was about to take his first bite, he looked through the front window and saw his mother standing on the path outside. She was talking to a tall man, who was wearing a deep green cloak with a thick white scarf around his neck. He was holding a long ivory cane with a jewel sitting snugly in the head. And from what Karu could see, the two appeared to be having a heated argument.

Karu got off the chair and crept toward the front door, which was sitting slightly ajar.

He peered through and listened as best he could...[/i]

[b]Man:[/b] I hope you realize, m'lady, that you are several weeks behind on your payments.

[b]Alice:[/b] Of course I realize that...but what more can I do? I have a twelve year old son to look after! If I don't have the money, I can't give you anything, can I?

[b]Man:[/b] Well, you'd better find the money...and quickly. My colleagues are becoming rather impatient.

[b]Alice:[/b] They can wait. They have plenty of money as it is...my contribution won't exactly help them.

[b]Man:[/b] No, perhaps not...but I get a big fat commission. And you really don't want me to miss out, do you?

[b]Alice:[/b] ...

[b]Man:[/b] Heh, a pretty thing like you...why...maybe I can give you a little extension on your loan if you give me my commission yourself...

[b]Alice:[/b] Blagh, don't come any closer...

[b]Man:[/b] Bwah hah hah...my dear, one way or the other, I will get my money. And if you're [i]really[/i] lucky, you and I can have some fun as well...

[b]Alice:[/b] Get off my property. Now.

[b]Man:[/b] Heh, alright alright...don't get your knickers in a twist...I just came to give you a friendly reminder.

[b]Alice:[/b] ...

[i]Karu heard the man walking off. He immediately walked back to his chair and sat down, pretending that he hadn't moved.

Alice walked in and closed the door behind her, making sure to lock it. She looked at Karu and smiled.

Karu admired his mother. Even though the experience just now must have been horrible and frightening, she didn't let on whatsoever. Karu loved her for that. He also loved her for her strength. When his father had died, his mother had been the sole support in his life. Without her, he didn't know where he'd be. She spent all of her time making sure to provide for him (which had become more difficult without his father) and she seemed to focus all her energies on providing a good life for them both.

Karu ate his pancakes quietly.

Alice walked over to the counter and poured a small glass of goat's milk. She sipped slowly, doing her level best to control her shaking hand.[/i]

[b]Karu:[/b] Everything okay?

[b]Alice:[/b] Yes...fine, Karu.

[i]Karu continued to eat his breakfast quietly. It was school holidays in Glorethroth and right now he wished he was at school -- he didn't want to see his mother like this. It made him feel awkward.[/i]

[b]Karu:[/b] I'm going to go to the mountains with Calya today, mother...

[b]Alice:[/b] Oh?

[b]Karu:[/b] Yeah, we're going to hunt for tree gnomes.

[b]Alice:[/b] Oh...well, be careful, won't you?

[b]Karu:[/b] 'course. :) I better go get ready now...

[b]Alice:[/b] Okay. I'm going to wash up here.

[i]Karu smiled at his mother and made his way back to his room...[/i]

[Break]

[i]The sun shone brightly through the bottom windows of Sheila's house as she finished off the last of her drink. She then grabbed her Dragoon Spear, then took her hat from a hook near the door. She opened the door and sunlight poured in her house, she smiled and left the door ajar before walking out and onto Baard Square.

It was totally the oppoisite from last night, it was crowded with people. The market was open, as always in the daytime, people were playing music near the fountain in the middle of the square. Some people were just busying around Varrick as they usually did. Sheila smiled at the happy square, then walked off a bit further down the old, cobbled streets.

Soon Sheila reached the port, a clear blue sea filled the horizon, and the sky was absolutely cloudless. She spotted her regular weapon shop, Protectors, and then went over to the entrance.

The sign on the door said 'closed' but Sheila knew full well the owner was inside. She sighed and shook her head as she pulled out a small, gold coloured key on a peice of elegant thread. She put they key in the lock and turned it then took the key out quickly before anyone saw her. She opened the door, and closed it quietly before going inside.

Inside the shop was every weapon user's dream, hundereds of different weapons available. From tiny Ninja daggers to huge double-headed axes; this shop had it all. Some of the owner's prize collection were there, mounted on the high walls of the shop. Sheila glanced at the spears, about twenty of them, leaning up against the wall and then went upstairs.

The bedroom upstairs was completely different from the shop downstairs, almost like Sheila's room, but alot more plain. All there was in the bedroom was a bed, a small desk, a bookshelf and a painting. In the bed lay the owner, fast asleep, snoring quite loudly, he sometimes mumbled something then went back to snoring but he was in a deep sleep. Sheila walked over to him and prodded him with her finger and suddenly he shot bolt upright and fell out of bed onto the floorboards, Sheila laughed.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] Evading business again I see, Taran.

[b]Taran:[/b] Wha? Oh, it's you Sheila. Uhhh, no I just slept in late..

[b]Sheila:[/b] Are you sure it wasn't another reason?

[b]Taran:[/b] .... Fine, it was. You know, the bandits...

[b]Sheila:[/b] Yes, yes. They robbed your store and stole a few weapons.

[b]Taran:[/b] A few?! They took a--

[b]Sheila:[/b] Sshhh. I would like you to do something for me..

[i]Taran sighed and bowed his head. Sheila always gave him jobs that needed ultimate presicion and skill.[/i]

[b]Taran:[/b] .. What is it?

[b]Sheila:[/b] I want you to make the head of my spear stronger. Maybe coat it with a stronger metal, but make sure it's still light. Oh, and keep it the same shape. Okay?

[i]Taran sighed.[/i]

[b]Taran:[/b] That would cost quite alot of money, Sheila. You know how mu--

[i]Sheila took out a small sack of gold coins and put them on the small desk. Taran put on his glasses and counted all of it.[/i]

[b]Taran:[/b] 2000 Gil?! Where do you get all this money?

[b]Sheila:[/b] Who knows.. But I want this job done as soon as possible, please.

[b]Taran:[/b] Okay, I will try my best..

[i]Suddenly a smash was heard from the shop downstairs, then the sound of glass spreading everywhere.[/i]

[b]Taran:[/b] Nooo!! Not again!!

[b]Sheila:[/b] Let's go downstairs and take a look.

[i]The two went downstairs to find a smashed window, and some little kids outside, laughing. Sheila noticed one of them was holding a dark, shining rock of some sort.[/i]

[b]Taran:[/b] What the hell do you think you're doing, you know how much that win--

[i]Sheila held a hand up, a signal for Taran to be quiet. She went over to the kids and bent down.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] Hey there.

[b]Kid1:[/b] Hello lady!

[b]Sheila:[/b] What's that you got there?

[b]Kid1:[/b] This?

[i]The kid held up the dark shiny rock.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] Yeah, what is it?

[b]Kid2:[/b] Oh we don't know.

[b]Kid1:[/b] But we found it over there!

[i]The kid pointed to some bushes at the other side of the port.[/i]

[b]Kid1:[/b] It's funny. Watch!

[i]He held up the rock and it glowed blue, he aimed it at the bushes he found it in. Then suddenly, everything around him glowed blue and a blue fireball shot out of the stone, setting the bushes alight.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] Wow.. Give the rock here, please.

[b]Kid1:[/b] No it's mine! Finder's keepers!

[b]Sheila:[/b] Awww please!

[b]Kid1:[/b] No!!

[i]Sheila sighed, bent down and took the stone from the kid, who started to cry.[/i]

[b]Taran:[/b] What is it Sheila?

[b]Sheila:[/b] I don't know, but I'm going to take it back to my housr to have a closer look at it.

[b]Kid1:[/b] But, it's, mine!!!

[b]Sheila:[/b] Ssshh. Taran, have that job done as quick as you can. I'll see you later.

[b]Taran:[/b] Bye, Sheila..

[Mist]

[color=darkred] Mara smiled and waved one last time at Alditha before she walked out of the town. She wrapped her robe closer around her, for it was a cold and misty morning. Her footsteps fell onto the ground, and was tickled by the dew on the grass.

She hummed a tune as she walked out onto the huge plain that stretched for miles. She was on her way to Glorethroth, the residence of the elves. She had grown up there, and was more that ready to come home.

"Wings of a fallen angel, eyes of a tired heart," She sang, her voice raising a bit louder, " Sing to me, bitter praises, yet, of passion and love..."

Mara stopped in her tracks as a bush behind her ruffled. She focused her eyes on the bush, waiting patiently for any other movement.

When there was none, Mara smiled and walked on, singing to herself yet again. But in that bushes, something had been there.
Something dark and violent, and as Mara walked away, it smiled.

[i]"Very soon, oh, so very soon."[/i][/color]

[Raquel]

Siren leaned aginst a tree a short ways away from the outskirts of the elvan city... Movement in a tree caught her eye... A squirrel peeres at her curiously... Siren blinked then slided back into the shadows... Seconds later another squirrel twin to the one the half elf saw, scampered into the sun... It sat on a rock and watched with odd green eyes as a disscussion went on between a lady and a man... The squirrel blinked slowly and flashed up a tree and onto the roof of the house... Tearing across the roof Siren/squirrel leaped into the air and grew wings... Now a falcon Sren screached and caught a thermal... Winging high into the air Siren headed for the chambers of the one who banned her long long ago...

[9mm Avenger]

[i]Marth sat down on the grass on some nameless knole, looking at the sky. He had taken off his heavy armor, and was wearing his black under suit, a thickly woven leather, almost seamless. He looked at a passing cloud, one that reminded him of his mentor, Marnrius Clagar, killed by the Dragon of Kazud-Daram. Marth, in his rage, had picked up his master's sword, and killed the dragon with a vicious thrust into it's black heart. Scence then, Marth had been wandering the continent, slaying monsters here and there, lending a hand where it was needed. With all the favours he had collected, he was sure he could mass a small army in a few days. Having the luxury to do that was a boon in itself. Marth sprang up and grabbed his sword, somthing behind him in the bushes was moving...[/i]

[b]Marth:[/b]Show yourself!*swings sword in a foward facing posistion*

[i]Marth imediatly felt silly by yelling at the bushes, a wild animal would not heed his commands. Suddenly, a yellow head with a small, bright orange beak poked out, and skwaked. A Chocobo. Marth relaxed greatly, as the Chocobo wandered on stupidly, not knowing how close it came to death. Marth heaved an impressive sigh that sounded like it was coming from a frustrated Poet. Marth put his gear back on, and kept moving. Mabey he would find someone out here in this barren wilderness...Mabey, he would not be lonley forever.[/i]

[Mist]

[color=darkred]Mara walked in Glorethroth a few days later, exhausted. As she strode through the town, she was trying to decide which friend she would visit.

She took her robe off, and held it in her arms. She straightned her hair a bit, but kept it in its ponytail. There was no breeze, and there was also no sun.

"Hmm, there's Mr. Amnell, Mrs. Nina, Alex, Ms. Alice...." Mara mumbled to herself quietly.

"Mara!" someone shouted.

Mara whipped around towards the direction of the voice, trying to identify its owner...[/color]

[Break]

[i]Sheila walked on down the cobbled streets of Varrick. Looking at the strange rock with an intreigued look. Every five seconds or so, it pulsed blue and strangely it felt hotter when it did that. She thought it was some kind of Black Magic, but then how was the kid able to use it? Only Black Mages can skillfully harness Black Magic properly. In all of her deep thinking she accidently walked into someone.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] Oh, sorry!

[b]???:[/b] No problem. Hey what's this..?

[i]Sheila suddenly saw that the man had noticed the rock on the floor. Quickly she bent down, picked it up and pocketed it.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] That's mine, sorry again.

[i]Sheila hurried off and left the man staring in confusion at her. When she was near her house, she got out the rock again and opened her door. It was still morning, so the sunlight still poured through her windows.

She took off her hat and hung it on the hook near the door before placing the rock on her table. Then she went over to her bookcase, scanning each row of books with her finger for a book about strange rocks. She found one and took it out carefully, then set it down on the table, next to the rock.

She pulled up a chair to the table and opened the old, dusty book at the first page. It was a rock with the description of it underneath. She turned the page and it had the same thing on it, just a different rock.[/i]

[b]Sheila:[/b] If every page is like this, then it will take me a long time to find a picture of that rock.

[i]She continued flicking through the pages impatiently as the rock continued to pulse blue, getting faster as each second went by...[/i]

[Desbreko]

[color=seagreen][size=1]Sorry I'm late, I've been gone for the past few days... But I'm back, and eager to help start off this RPG![/size][/color]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[color=indigo][I]Drake woke up in the small clearing of bushes that he had found, just south of Outpost 31. He stood up and picked up his robe, which he had slept on, using the large hood as a pillow. After shaking the dust off, he puts it on, leaving the hood down. He then bends down to retrieve his Mithril Quarter Staff from where it was laying beside him while he slept, easily accessible from where he was laying.

He shook his head, his long, light brown hair flying around his shoulders. Gathering it up, he took out a small, light brown, stretchy loop, which he simply called a "stretchy," from a pocket in his robe, with which he tied back his hair into a ponytail.

Checking his dagger in his belt, he started off north towards the Outpost, hoping to find some breakfast. After walking for about five minutes, he reaches the edge of the Outpost, a tall wooden fence. Walking along it a short ways, he came to a gate, and took out a key ring from another pocket. Selecting a small, iron key, he inserted it into the lock and opened the gate, making sure to close and lock it after he went through.[/I]

Drake, thinking: I sleep in till midmorning, and I [i]still[/i] get up before these people...

[I]He walked down the street in between the few houses, to the cookhouse. He opened the door, and went into the kitchen, where he took out a frying pan and three eggs. Starting a fire on the stove, he put the pan on the grill over the fire. He got out a bowl and cracked the eggs into it, and then took out a wisk from a nearby drawer. He beat the eggs until they were ready to be cooked, and by that time the fire was hot enough to cook with. He started to cook the scrambled eggs, waiting for others to arrive.[/I]

Drake, thinking: This is rather odd... Not even anyone here making breakfast...

[I]He took the cooked eggs out of the pan, putting them on a plate, and getting out a fork. He doused the fire in the stove, and then sat down to eat... A few minutes later, he got up and washed the dishes he had used, returning them to where he had found them. As he walked out, he flicked a gold coin onto the counter, for the eggs.

Stepping outside, all is still and quiet. Not a sound to be heard, other than the birds overhead. He steps out into the street once again, and heads for the headquarters. Walking inside, he sees a trail of blood leading down the hallway to his left.[/I]

Drake, thinking: What the hell?

[I]He raises his hood and walks down the hall to find out what the blood came from. The trail ends at a doorway, and he creeps cautiously up to the door. Opening it slowly, he peers inside, alert for any danger. Inside, he finds nothing. The room is completely empty, and there isn't a drop of blood to be found in the room. Drake casts Sense, to see if there's anything nearby... Nothing, not a single person dead or alive...[/I]

Drake: This is not good...

[I]He quickly walks outside, and then checks the other buildings, finding them empty also. Finally he exits the Outpost by the gate which he entered through, and casts Sense once more, a little ways into the forest. Again, nothing. All is still, except for the wildlife in the forest.[/I]

Drake, thinking: Not a thing taken, as far as I could tell... It wasn't thieves... Not a trace of anyone at all, except for that blood. I've got to tell someone.

[I]He sets off east towards Krysst, alert for any danger that might be lurking in the forest around him. He casts Haste on himself, wanting to get there as quick as possible, hoping that nothing has also happened in Krysst.[/I][/color]

[Raquel]

Siren decended into a darkened ally and transformed back into herself... She shuddered and pulled up the cowel of her cloak, shrouding herself in shadow... Gripping the small stone around her neck she took a breath and plunged into the chaos of the street... Avioding hwakers and street salesmen, Siren waded through the river of flesh... Her nose wrinkled at the many perfumes and smells of sweat and food... Suddenly the woman in front of her turned and nearly bashed into her... Siren, disliking human contact, leaped out of the way... Her sudden leap caused her to crash into a stand selling fruits... She rolled out of the way of the fast falling stand and stood... When she did she found the lady who turned peering at her couriously... Her face paling, Siren found her hood had slipped back during all the excitement.. Hurridly she pulled it up... Elbowing her way through the crowd Siren made for the nearest inn...

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][i]In The [u]Oasis[/u], Kitan Sat. His Bone shield by his side, the lonely winds of the desert not far away at all. Kitan hadnt kept up with the world around him, his life that of a nomad, wandering the desert defeating the monsters that rose up to challenge him, and making out a living on the Border of the Desert. [/i]

Kitan: Thus is the life of a nomad. I best be hunting for something to eat, I suppose I could wait... Better to do it now...

[i]Standing up, He took his bone shield in one hand, and his Axe in his other hand, and took out to the sands of the desert, that seemed to continue on forever southward. His scarf covered his face from the sands, only his eyes could be seen. Walking slowly across the dunes, The Gaze of the Warrior searching for a sign of something somewhat near edible.... A low rumble came from behind, causing Kitan to turn around in suprise.

Yellow, like the sand, a Sand Worm rose to meet the challenge of the Beserker, Its teeth dripping with drool within its circular mouth. Raising his Bone Shield, Kitan yelled and ran foreward, his axe swinging over his head. It come down, and sliced into the Sand Worm, It's red blood trickleing down, staining the sea of yellow.

Letting out a shrill scream, The Beast Reared Back, Almost taking Kitan's axe and Himself with it. Before he was launched backward, Kitan ripped his axe out, only to be hit hard in the hip by the beast, sending him flying across the sand...

Rolling over, Kitan scrambled up, his Boneshield some distance away.[/i]

Kitan: Well. This guy is a bit overzealous...

[i]Kitan grinned slightly, lifting the arm with his axe to rest on his shoulder as he ran again, raising his other hand to the handle of the axe, and swing it upwards with all of his strength, slitting the throat of the Worm, a deadly blow which almost for sure would kill it instantly, or make it bleed to death.

With a gurggled Scream, The worm's mouth filled with blood, and it sank slowly into the sand, bleeding to death... It spit out blood, as its head sank below the Desert, sand filling in where it had been.

Kitan lowered his axe, his eyes searching for his shield. He decided it couldnt be far, and within a few seconds of searching, he found it, part of it buried under the sand. He picked it up, and continued on his journey into the desert....[/i][/color]

[Flash]

[I]Flash crosses the plains east of Krysst, heading towards the eastern pass... The road that leads through the Krystal ranges, the massive arch of mountains that surrounds Krysst... Once he reaches the mountain path, he turns around, and takes one last look at Krysst... He grins, and continues walking east, along the dirt path. As he walks, he senses something... Something strange... He keeps walking, for about 10 minutes, until he feels it again... A figure, dressed in a white cloak is heading down the path in the opposite direction as him... Flash, quick to jump the gun and unfocussed, immediately recognises the figure as a monster...[/I]

[B]Flash:[/B] ...Maybe that's one of those 'Tonberries' I've heard so much about... But I've never seen one...

[I]Flash decides to put up a fight. Grabbing his Oak staff tightly, he stands aguard, waiting for his enemy to emerge from around the bend... Without warning, the white-cloaked figure sprints out from behind the corner, moving at unbelievable speed... Both Flash's and the cloaked person's eyes widen as they are about to Collide... Flash swings his staff around with inhuman speed, casting 'Stop' on the white-clothed runner... He opens his eyes, and sees the person an inch away from his face... He's a human, brown hair pulled back in a pony-tail, and the cloak of a white mage...[/I]

[B]Flash:[/B] You're a white mage.. Err... I thought you were something else... I apologise for the inconvienience...

[B]Drake:[/B] Yeah, thanks. Are you gonna lift this spell or what?

[B]Flash:[/B] Right, of course.

[I]Flash reaches for his belt, pulling out a remedy... He removes the cork stopper from the neck of the small bottle, and throws the bottle at Drake... Drake tries to recoil, waiting for the bottle to hit him... However, as soon as it touches him, it seems to dissolve into thin air, and rays of blue and green light dance around the paralyzed Drake before disappearing... Drake can move again..[/I]

[B]Drake:[/B] Thanks, I have to get to Krysst, and quickly..

[B]Flash:[/B] Why? I'm just leaving Krysst, everything is fine.

[B]Drake:[/B] Oh, I see... That potion you used on me was a Remedy, right?

[B]Flash:[/B] Yeah... When you're a Black mage, you gotta carry alot of curative items...

[B]Drake:[/B] I've never really used any....

[B]Flash:[/B] Heh, with power like yours, who would need to?

[B]Drake:[/B] Well, it's not always so easy. It's hard to defeat enemies sometimes...

[B]Flash:[/B] It's not the defeat that's hard for me, it's the damage I sustain that makes it tough for me.

[I]Flash smiled at Drake, who could see nothing but a black shadow, two yellow eyes and the outline of a mouth in place of Flash's face... Flash extended his hand to Drake, and awaited a response.[/I]

[B]Flash:[/B] My name's Flash. Pleasure to make your aquaintance.

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][i]Kitan's search turned up futile. Anything edible had disappeared for the day, so he now headed north to the Pains near the [u]Oasis[/u]. Walking swiftly, he continued looking north, the plains just over this done.

A small amount of time and running later, Kitan was on the edge of the Desert, more foliage and brush pokeing out of the sand as he neared the end of the Desert that had been his home for so long....[/i]

Kitan: I should visit Krysst. It's been awhile since I had been there... I could use some potions as a safety measure, who knows when battles can turn sour. I shall do that. North For a Little Longer, Than East Through the Mountain Past, Then North Through The Forest... I wonder if I'll Meet up with any people. Hmmm. Good to be on an adventure agai-...

[i]Before he could finish, images of a burning town flashed in his mind. Kitan stopped, his face etched in fear and sadness. He shook his head and looked to the sky. Within seconds, he was silent, and walking north... To Krysst to see what he could find...[/i][/color]

[Guest Zeh]

[color=indigo][i]As Zayle and Gael were gathering their small ammount of supplies Gael asked something. It was somewhat a quick question...[/i]

[b]Gael:[/b] Where are we headed anyways bro?

[b]Zayle:[/b] We're off to Jurest, it's just around the corner to the north-east. I have an old friend that lives there.

[b]Gael:[/b] You and friends just don't....

[i]Zayle immediately stopped what he was doing, and glared at Gael, Gael just laughed.

The 2 Ninjas headed off north-east talking about what they had just accomplished, there was nothing much more to talk about...[/i]

[b]Gael:[/b] I think they over-paid us for such an easy job at Drakur.... i mean, "kill so and so before he does this"?

[b]Zayle:[/b] You usually enjoy the assassination jobs, more than almost anything.

[b]Gael:[/b] This seemed to easy. Hmmmmm.... .... .... hear that?

[b]Zayle:[/b] The sound of people...

[i]Just as Zayle finished speaking, they rounded the corner and, Jurest was right there. They continued on and walked in. Zayle wasn't sure where to go, he had only heard that his friend was here. Not exactly where.[/i]

[b]Gael:[/b] Weapon Shop....

[b]Zayle:[/b] Right!

[i]The 2 Ninja brothers walked up to the store. The sign on the door read "Closed". Gael pulled out his Crosscut, and with a swift flick of his wrist cut right through the metal of the lock. Children hiding in a nearby bush stared wide-eyed with amazement at what they had just seen. Gael put his Katana away.

They walked into the store and saw weapons hanging all over the wall, you name it, it was there. There was no shopkeeper even up, Zayle didn't blame him, it was early. Gael pointed towards some stairs behind the counter. They silently walked up.

What they had guessed was the shopkeeper was fast asleep on a bed. Zayle pulled out a thin dagger from his leg. He raised it and hit the doorknob. It rang with a steel sound, waking the shopkeeper.[/i]

[b]Taran:[/b] Wha...huh.... who's there?

[b]Zayle:[/b] Do you know of someone named Sheila?

[b]Taran:[/b] Yes, ummm do you plan to visit her? Shes a good friend and costomer to me.

[b]Gael:[/b] Noooo, we just wanted to know if ya knew her....

[b]Taran:[/b] In that case yes, i do!

[b]Zayle:[/b] Slow isn't he? So where does she live?

[b]Taran:[/b] She lives in Baard square, got a small dragon implanted on her door can't miss it. Here, would you mind taking this to her.

[i]He holds out a Dragoon's Lance[/i]

[b]Gael: (wispered to Zayle)[/b] Doesn't he suspect us for thiefs or anything? Must be a pretty sure we're her friends....

[b]Zayle:[/b] Thanks.

[i]They both dashed back out to the entrance. Taran just laid down and went back to bed.

They walked down and finally came across 'Baard Square' They walked along the houses and finally came to one with a dragon emblem on the door. Zayle proded the door open with Sheila's lance, and walked in shortly followed by Gael, closing the door behind him[/i][/color]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][i]Beads of Sweat formed on Kitan's forehead, as his journey continued. He had fought some more Fiendish Monsters, and he had a few wounds, but he was holding up well. He could take many more hits before he went down for the count. His axe was rested on his shoulder, and he continued walking, The part in the distant mountains slowly coming closer, but he knew that wasnt even halfway to his destination.

He hadnt seen many souls on his way, but a few adventurers and lost people he helped to direct to their destinations. It was overly quiet, even with the monsters.

Seeing a large boulder, Kitan slowed and leaned against its shaded side for a little rest. He wanted to clear the mountain pass before morning, and he had set a goal to do that. This seemed to be the last spot for real rest, so he decided to take that opportunity...[/color][/i]

[Chaos]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by PyroMaster [/i]
[B]Can i please join your game cause i'm bord right now. [/B][/QUOTE]


You may certainly not, seeing as how 1) Your grammar and such is horrible and I doubt Feh would want that in one of his blessed RPGs, and 2) We already have tons of members. Also, do NOT double post.
-- -- -- -- -- --
Also, I just wanted to tell you people that I'm not going to participate in the RPG... I just...feel unconfortible in it.. Let Locky take my spot...

[Desbreko]

[color=seagreen][size=1]Hmm... this is going to be kind of hard, since Flash is gone right now... I guess I'll just have to do without him for now.[/size][/color]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[color=indigo][I]Drake paused for a second, looking into those two glowing yellow eyes. Finally, he extended his hand to grasp Flash's in a handshake, and forced a smile.[/I]

[b]Drake:[/b] Nice to meet you too... My name's Drake. Drake Desbreko...

[b]Flash:[/b] Something wrong? And why in such a hurry to get to Krysst?

[b]Drake:[/b] It's Outpost 31, off to the west. Everyone's just... gone...

[b]Flash:[/b] Just gone? What do you mean?

[b]Drake:[/b] They're just gone! I found a short trail of dried blood in a hallway in one of the buildings, like someone had been wounded, but when I went into the room that it led to no one was there. I checked the rest of the Outpost, and there wasn't a single living thing there besides me. Nothing was taken, except everything in that one room that the trail of blood led to; that room was completely empty. And there were no bodies, not a single trace of anything, except the blood and the empty room.

[b]Flash:[/b] That's quite disturbing...

[b]Drake:[/b] It's as if someone wanted something from that Outpost... Maybe information... that would explain the empty room. They took everything, because they weren't sure what they were after, perhaps?

[b]Flash:[/b] They? You think it was more than one person?

[b]Drake:[/b] I don't know, but I wouldn't think any one person could take out everyone there and barely leave a trace.

[b]Flash:[/b] Yes, that does sound like more than one person... Where did you come from, anyway? How did you find out about this?

[b]Drake:[/b] I had just come down to the Outpost yesterday, from Galthun City. I camped a little ways south of the Outpost, and when I went back for breakfast this morning I found everyone gone.

[b]Flash:[/b] You're a traveler, then? So am I... You know, it'd be nice to have someone with white magic around, and not have to rely on potions so much...

[b]Drake:[/b] And it'd be nice to have someone around that could help me with the monsters... You want to come with me, then?

[b]Flash:[/b] It'd be easier for both of us... Are you still going to Krysst?

[b]Drake:[/b] Well, we've got to do something about this mess... I figured I'd go to Krysst and tell the people there what's happened at Outpost 31... Unless you have a better idea, yeah, I'm going to Krysst.[/color]

[James]

[i]Mara swung around. Standing a garden infront of a modest elfin house was a slender elfin woman. She was wearing a green dress which almost touched the ground and around her neck, she wore a silver chain with a tiny heart-shaped locket on the end. Her long, deep brown hair was partly obsucring her face, due to the wind, but Mara recognized her immediately.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] Alice!!

[i]Mara ran across the pathway and embraced Alice warmly. The two stared at each other for a moment. They hadn't seen each other in at least eight years; the two had been childhood friends in Glorethroth.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Mara, you look wonderful! You don't look a day older!

[b]Mara:[/b] Nor you, Alice! It's wonderful to see you again.

[b]Alice:[/b] Please, come inside...

[b]Mara:[/b] Thank you.

[i]Alice led Mara through the entrance of the modest elfin house. She took Mara's long, white cloak and hung it on a hook behind the door.

Mara sat down at the wooden table in the middle of the kitchen and brushed her hair out of her face. She looked around the kitchen slowly and smiled.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] This place hasn't changed a bit. You're still a neat freak, Alice...everything here is so tidy and clean.

[i]Alice smiled and sat down opposite her.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Well, I only have one son as you know...and he isn't very messy.

[b]Mara:[/b] Ahh yes! Karu! Where is he? Don't tell me I missed him! I haven't seen him in eight years at least! He must be...what...twelve now?

[i]Alice nodded.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] Wonderful! Where is he?

[b]Alice:[/b]He's in his room getting dressed. He and his friend Calya are going to be hunting for tree gnomes in Glorethroth Gardens.

[i]Mara smiled at Alice, but didn't say anything more. The pair waited in a somewhat awkward silence until they heard rustling in the hallway.

Karu opened the door and entered the kitchen, wearing his traditional elfin tunic and holding a bug catching net and a slingshot. He looked a little startled to see Mara sitting there.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Karu, this is Mara. She's an old friend of mine. She hasn't been here for several years.

[b]Karu:[/b] Hello, Ms. Mara.

[i]Mara laughed[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] Oh, just call me Mara, young Karu. I last saw you when you were a toddler. How time flies!

[i]Karu smiled.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] Well, I'm sure I'll be here long enough to see you again. Don't let me keep you; your mother and I have plenty to catch up on. Go and enjoy your trip!

[b]Karu:[/b] Okay, bye Mara. Bye mum!

[i]Alice and Mara both said goodbye as Karu exited the house.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] What a handsome young man he is. You must be proud.

[b]Alice:[/b] Yeah...

[i]Alice's voice was shaky. She seemed reluctant to talk. Mara leaned forward a little and put her hand on Alice's. Upon doing so, Alice began to cry softly. She looked at Mara with her large, green eyes, but didn't say a word.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] Oh Alice...whatever is the matter?

[i]Alice tried to gather herself together. She didn't want Mara to get involved, but she knew Mara would find out soon enough.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] They're...they're looking for money...

[b]Mara:[/b] Who..?

[b]Alice:[/b] The time mages...they want money...

[i]Mara had a puzzled look on her face.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] I don't understand what you mean...

[b]Alice:[/b] Father Time is ill...he's been sick for the past few weeks. Nobody knows why and nobody is allowed to see him. But because he is ill, he is unable to control the flow of time...and a group of time mages from within Glorethroth stormed the Church of Time and locked the Father in the basement with his handmaidens. Now they are calling the shots...

[b]Mara:[/b] Oh gosh...hasn't someone done anything about it?

[b]Alice:[/b] No...what can we do? They posess the Stone of Time...it is used by the Father of Time to control time across the whole planet. And while he is sick, nothing can stop them...so each week, they send mages to our houses to take our money...I don't know what they're using the money for, but it can't be good.

[b]Mara:[/b] So why give them the money? Are they threatening you?

[i]Alice nodded.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] Yes...they are threatening us. They say that if we don't pay them a certain amount each week, they will make time flow faster over the entire city...causing everyone to age at several times the normal speed. And as you can imagine, if they speed up time significantly, that could spell instant death for the entire city...

[i]Mara looked shocked.[/i]

[b]Mara:[/b] Oh! That's horrible! :(

[i]Alice nodded and stood up. She poured herself another glass of goat's milk.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] I don't know what we can do about it. The children in the town are all unware of what's going on...we don't want to scare them. But at the same time, we are powerless to stop this from happening.

[b]Mara:[/b] Well, what if the Father of Time gets better? Can't he stop them?

[b]Alice:[/b] They say he will never get better. I think that these time mages made him sick in the first place...I think someone cast a spell on him to make him ill. And he is the strongest time mage in the entire world. No other time mage can stop this group from what they're doing; they are a group of Glorethroth's most powerful time mages...and they are combining their powers together.

[b]Mara:[/b] Oh I see. Well, I would be happy to take you and Karu with me when I leave the city. I am here on some business, but I would very much like to help you out.

[i]Alice put her milk down and smiled.[/i]

[b]Alice:[/b] But our whole lives are here...we can't just leave. And I'm kind of hoping that one day...

[b]Mara:[/b] Your husband will return?

[b]Alice:[/b] ...

[b]Mara:[/b] I understand, Alice. I really do. I know you are attached to this place for your own reasons. What if I just take Karu with me?

[b]Alice:[/b] Would you?! He doesn't deserve this...not at all.

[b]Mara:[/b] I would be happy to, old friend. :)

[i]Mara stood up and embraced Alice. Alice felt incredibly relieved by Mara's offer and she hoped that Karu would not find out the true reason why he was to leave home...[/i]

[Raquel]

Siren threw open the doors and stormed out of the office... Moving quickly, she made good time and arived at the forests edge in less than an hour... She martched into it intent on geting back to her desert home... This had been a fool's errend from the start... The man responsible for her banishment had died mysteriously... Siren haden't waited around for the details... Still fuming Sirren stoped and leaned aginst a tree on the borders of elven land... Sighing she slumped aginst the solid trunk of the tree... She knew better than to try to transform in her present state... She'd fumble somthing awful... Closing her eyes she let her thoughts and ideas silp away as she settled into the meditation her master had taught her for when she was in a hightened emotional state... Breathe in for a count of seven, hold for seven, breathe out for seven... Over time the counting slipped away and a calm passed over her... She lost all sense of time then as she floated in the abyss...