Fate of Fantasy +The World of Norindul+

[Key Tuzi]

Escaping the Assassin Part 2
Sera and Anabelle

Hobbler's body collapsed with a sickening thud on the forest floor, like a sack of meat dropped off the back of a rickety wooden cart. And like a rushed merchant with no time to spare, they couldn't bring themselves to retrieve his corpse. Not when his very butcher stood clear as day between them, a threat hissing from her masked lips. Only deep red eyes and a thin stretch of gray skin shown beneath the dark assassin's outfit, familiar traits, although Sera couldn't place them in the heat of the moment. She was paralyzed on the edge of the cliff, Tyler and Griffin planted like statues in front of Sera and Anabelle, as if to keep them safe. How laughable that idea quickly became.

"Go, both of you need to get out of here while we hold her off." Tyler rushed to get the words out and nearly lost his head for it, saved at the last moment by Griffin's quick reflexes. For a long moment Sera stood there with wide eyes and a gaping mouth, trying to understand what possessed Tyler to believe she might actually listen to that particular command. Sera wasn't one to run from a fight, not when other people were at risk; she'd been that way in every game they'd ever played together, every pathfinders campaign, every real-life fight some dumb kid tried to pick with them as children. She wasn't about to run away now, and leave them to fight some crazy assassin on their own. Not that she had any real fighting ability. Sera didn't even have a weapon to use, though as the fight commenced and her friends began to trade blows with the cloaked woman, she doubted very much any weapon would do her much good in a battle like this. The assassin was clearly more skilled than even Griffin when it came to physical combat. She was faster than the both of them, stronger, more nimble and acrobatic. She dodged sword-swipes and kicks aimed to know her off balance like they were nothing more than pesky flies, returning each attempted slice with a stab or bladed kick of her own. The scene was dizzying to follow, and the longer it stretched on, the more helpless Sera felt. Each time she edged forward, hoping to help in some way, the assassin bore down on her and Griffin and Tyler struggled harder to keep the aggression on themselves.

To make matters worse, Anabelle seemed to be mentally cracking from the panic and fear of the situation and was scrambling every which way, trying to find an escape route. Her restlessness drew the assassin's attention time and time again, making things more difficult on the boys and pushing Sera well past a point of frustration. She might have shook the girl stupid if doing so would have helped the situation. But it wouldn't, and so rather than rattling Anabelle's bones, Sera took up a defensive stance in front of the irritating girl and edged her farther off to the side of the fight. A dagger was launched in their direction, and luckily Sera was responsive enough to tug Anabelle down before the small blade sliced cleanly through her neck. The dagger chopped into a tree close behind them, and Anabelle dropped to the ground, a muffled sob raking through Sera's eardrums. Things were only getting worse, and with Anabelle already so far over the edge of composure it was becoming increasingly impossible for Sera to remain focused and analyze the situation.

Griffin's blade sung each time it collided with one of the woman's daggers. Tyler joined the fray, and was quickly descended upon by the woman's blade, a strike he just barely avoided as Griffin kicked out with a foot to send him on his ass. A harsh breath left her lips as she watched them, fear and panic struggling to overpower any sense of intelligence she had left. It was so difficult to watch the ones you love struggle so hard, fighting for their lives. Sera was useless here, as she had been in the clearing the day before when Tyler and Griffin faced off against a giant troll. They'd both been so close to death, then, saved only by a sudden and unexpected army of trained warriors. There was no chance of that happening for them now, they couldn't get that lucky twice. Knights would not ride up on valiant white horses and save the day, keep Griffin and Tyler from meeting the same terrible fate Hobbler had... no... they couldn't rely on extra help now... All they could rely on was themselves, their own abilities, and somehow the two boys still seemed to believe that would be enough to get them through this.

She couldn't just sit here and watch the two of them die. They were too stubborn for that, and so was she. There had to be something she could do, something that would distract their attacker long enough for Tyler and Griffin to get an edge on her. Ironically, Sera's thoughts jumped back to the third Twilight book, when Bella had been stupid enough to slit her wrist and distract the vampire that way. It was a stupid thing to think about right now. Clearly that wouldn't work here - hell, that wouldn't work in any scenario - but the concept alone was enough to jolt Sera's mind in a positive direction. There's not much I can do in this crappy fantasy world, but I do have one thing, at least. A completely harmless thing, as displayed so far, but it hadn't failed her yet...

Standing slowly, Sera cast a glimpse into the forest they'd come from. It was darker out now, the sun had set and maroon hovered over the dusk horizon, fighting against the dark blue of the night sky. She wasn't entirely sure it would work, what the stipulations were and if she would even be able to summon them now - all questions she deeply regretted not asking Hobbler, especially now. But there wasn't much time to hesitate about the unknown. Griffin and Tyler had been forced to the ground and were rolling off one another, trying to regain their stance... and the assassin hardly looked to be bothered at all. She was probably enjoying this, in fact, though Sera doubted she would stretch the fun out for much longer. It was now or never. Heaving a deep breath, Sera closed her eyes and reached her hands out, searching for the warmth that was just becoming familiar to her. Energy traced the air like tangible threads, and if she could catch it at the right time, she was sure this would work. They would respond to her call, she just needed to direct it... "Light," she murmured softly, as if unsure of herself, and then a surge of energy forced her to call out with more strength and faith, "LIGHT!" Her voice sung like a gong, and she opened her eyes to find all ten of the Will-o-Wisps bursting into existence. They weren't spread out like usual, though; the spitting and sparking orbs were coagulated into one massive sphere of raw light, and they thrust themselves into the woman's face with no reservation, blocking out her vision like a sun.

The assassin hissed, throwing her arms up to shield her face from the dazzling light, and in that moment of blindness Tyler was able to kick the legs out from underneath her. She crashed into a thorn-covered bush in a disoriented heap, scrambling to make sense of her surroundings, but the Will-o-Wisps bore down on her with overwhelming intensity and kept right in her face. This was the window they needed, the distraction that would get them to safety. "Lets go!" Sera shouted to the already moving boys, who were sprinting over to where Sera had gotten Anabelle to earlier on. They were off to the side, and if they continued down this slope it would take them to the bottom of the cliff. Sera took the lead down the semi-steep decline, Griffin following close behind, and Tyler leading up the pack with a stumbling Anabelle at his side. They ran hard and fast, as fast as Anabelle could go, and for a brief moment Sera allowed herself to believe that this would be enough; that they would be able to escape unscathed.

Then she heard a scream. A very high pitched, pain-filled scream. Sera whirled around to see Anabelle crashing toward the ground, a dagger lodged in her shoulder blade. Tyler was just fast enough to catch her upper body before she slammed into the rocks, but it wouldn't matter, because the assassin wasn't too far behind. And neither was a second dagger, which was flung so perfectly that it would slice clean through Anabelle's neck. There was nothing left to stop it, no time to avoid its path. Anabelle watched with horror as the small blade sung through the air, a blood-curdling screech pouring from her trembling lips. "NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!" The girl cried, and just as the dagger began to close in on her, a body flung itself forward to intercept. Tyler. He jumped in front of Anabelle like a shield, and Sera cried out at the same time Anabelle screamed... and then a vine shot up behind the both of them, snapping out to send the dagger far away into the forest. Sera couldn't comprehend what happened next; only watched as more vines lifted from the treeline on their right and lashed out at the assassin who was closing in on them. It was like a scene from some anime she'd watched a long time ago, large roots and plants coming to life and entangling the enemy. They seemed to have a mind of their own, wrapping tightly around the woman's arms and legs, whipping her cloaked body. The vines wouldn't help for long, though; not with her bladed legs and the daggers she struggled to hack and slice with.

Sera wanted to shout that the strange help from nature wouldn't last, that they should turn around and try to fight the woman while she was bound and vulnerable. Griffin was tugging her forward before she got the chance to say anything, however. Tyler was following close behind, outright carrying Anabelle at this point, who was bleeding profusely from the shoulder area. Trying to fight even now wouldn't do them any good, she realized; they couldn't win against a trained assassin. Running was their best chance at this point... so she turned and ran, allowing Griffin to push her forward down the remained of the hill and into the little valley. Sera hoped this would be enough to get them to the town, or at least someplace safe, but in her heart she couldn't help feeling like this was only the start of their struggle.​

 

[Wolfsin]

Gm Post
~Chapter 2 Finale~

@Sinopa @DarkHost @Ketseuki
A loud roar quaked the earth below, as fissures of heat and steam spouted from the already desecrated earth. The light of both the grand magical birds had now coerced as one and was a symbol of defiance to death itself. Though Heracia and Aneira were preparing for themselves, the Phoenix of fire and the Feron of Frost danced elegantly upon an ash ridden sky. Neither of them could afford to let up. Their attacks had slowed the creature, but it did not seem like it had slowed him much, as he whipped through the air on powerful ashen black wings. The gale that was left behind could have been enough to rip apart the world below with just the size of this demon.

Stella stopped at one side and so did Neve as they watched the beast... they noticed one thing different this time. The rider, atop its back. He had finished whatever he was doing and now held his veiled head to look upon them through tiny slits in his helmet. A deep black glow formed around the entire Dragon and spines of pillar like spikes formed along its body making it even MORE menacing as it had been before. The rider formed a weapon in his right hand and a shield in his left and pointed it at Neve. The blade was menacingly black, Along lance of sorts with wicked edges, that looked as though it could easily deal a great deal of pain. The shield was a tower shield, that would cover a large part of his body; it was apparent that things were getting serious now, and all too soon for Heracia had not regained her power yet. Aneira was stationary; ready to protect Azel at all costs but no one could tell what was on the girls mind.

Stella looked to her cohort and then shot to the sky. It was very obvious that they needed to get very serious now. Neve was not far behind as a tornado of ice and fire formed in the sky. No one in all of Norindul would miss this spectacle, that was certain. Further and further the two flew in perfect unison until they reached the final edge to the sky, then like a duo comet they fell through the storm of cold fire. They were as a sword that aimed to strike the beast and smite it down from the air where they could finish the job. There attempt... meant... nothing.

The air around them swelled with the mixture of heat and cold in one spot. Miniature cyclones formed all around the area and the clouds stirred with them. Then they head a solid force that forced them to rebound and be cast aside. Dust cleared and a barely visible barrier seemed to be healing itself at approximately the exact point where the two had hit the Dragon and rider simultaneously. The Dragon was stirring and let our a screech that shook the sky with its might, piercing and powerful it decimated the near by mountain top. Still nothing had been done to this creature.. nothing could stop it, and now it turned to charge a powerful blast meant to obliterate the group on the shore next tot he lake. Stella screeched out angrily, and her and Neve shot forward in some worthless attempt to stop the end, but they would not be there in time.

Zapp!

From the clouds a bolt more ferocious than anything any of them save two had ever seen was quick enough to smite the Dragon through the final tiny hole in its barrier. The Rider shook and the duo plummeted to the Earth; crashing into the ground below. A bright golden and purple streak of light lit up the sky as a Large grey wind like bird fell from the sky faster than their eyes could see. Lightning seemed to trail behind the graceful creature and struck out in all directions. Each streak formed a web that almost seemed to encase the sky and fall just as fast as it had come. The Dragon was berated upon its barrier with lightning and every other strike was far too fast for the barrier to keep up. A screech shook the wind, and the air became conductive. Every bolt had another streaking right after it, the Dragon could do nothing now.

The rider of the beast dismounted and drew the powerful lance as he waited for the next bolt of lightning to hit. This time he lunged forward intercepting the bolt with the tip of the lance before he aimed it to the sky and fired it back in a black lightning form ten times what it had been only moments before. The elegant bird was now dancing against its own power and the Dragon was forming a large black orb in its mouth; aimed towards the ground below all of them. Neve caught it first and dove in, there was no chance of her or Stella making in time,a nd the obvious superior to the two was very preoccupied.

Kanari was trying now harder than ever to get all of them to move. It wasn't going to matter but the strength of one so young had to be admired as something truly pure. The rest had no chance of doing anything and Aneira still had not captured her essence in total, partially due to frustration. Azel may of been able to survive what was to come but it was a dance with fate that NONE of them were prepared to face. More and more lightning back and forth split the sky, and cyclones converged to try and strike at the sides. Nothing worked. The rider who ever he was caught the cyclone and turned it into his own weapon. he used it to whip the other two away as they charge in.

Another loud screech from the Black Dragon as the power in its mighty maw began to fluctuate. His eyes were barely slits now, and you could tell this much raw energy caused him a great deal of pain. This time however his voice, his cry of devastating victory was adjoined by another cry. This one more elegant, almost mystical... yet familiar.

Heracia Shot into the sky as the pillars of water fell around her in large bursts. The lake began to freeze up and parts of it came along with the hulking body of the Grand Blue Dragon when she tackled the demon before her. Snarling and hissing and ripping at the creatures throat. The rider once again mounted and took his eyes from the battle in the sky to try and focus on the task at hand. The mighty black drake shook off the pissed off Lady of the lake and took to the sky, barely dodging a collaboration of fire and ice as Neve and Stella trailed it. That was until a Mighty god like sound erupted over the land. Even Heracia did not have such a presence as this.

Enough! This battle is done let them leave.

The air stiffened for a second. The clouds disperesed and what could have easily looked like a storm to mark the end of the world shaped itself back into a beautiful clear blue sky only minutes after it had reached its surmount. Heracia returned to her lake and sat upon the waters calmly musing to herself over the events. No one said anything to each other save for the ones who had been most vulnerable during the fight. Neve and Stella had not said anything, but they knew what the arrival of this one meant. An egg of fire and ice formed around them before they stepped out once more there true forms; they possibly even thought for a moment to attempt an escape; but as they turned they found little Kanari, and standing next to her... a Man with dark features... Blazing yellow eyes.. They knew punishment was now unavoidable.

"Neverana, Stelemara."
His voice was cold, his hand rest atop the little girls at his side, and his eyes sparked with judgement. "As guardians we are not to tamper with the lives of mortals. You know the choice you have made in revealing your forms to humans despite the circumstances." Stationary and dark. Zera was always straight to the point with everything. "You must come before the Hall of the Gods, your judgement, your punishment for breaking the laws of our kind will be judged as is seen fit. i give you only five minutes to say your goodbyes." With that the black haired male turned away from all of them and his hand left Kanari's head. He knew he now was at fault as well, but better he received them, than the sentinels of Gods.

Heracia having calmed down turned her attention to the couple she had spoken to before. her eyes shimmered with a majestic twinkle. "You came very close Fire Petal... or rather.. Frost Petal. I seen it. Do not doubt yourself." Heracia had said and seen enough for the time; she decided, and with her final words she fell back deep into her lake to rest and regain her power. She left the two with thoughts. This world was harsh and they would need to become who and what they were meant to be, if they were to survive this.

Stella was the first to approach Kanari with a partial tear on her face. She looked down at the little girl and smiled. "It was all sorts of fun little one. I enjoyed every second I had with ya, even the bad ones." A reassuring smile was the last thing she could do as she left Neve with her little friend. No one could hear what Neve whispered in Kanari's ears but it must have been heartbreaking. The little girl was mortified by the realization of what she would lose after so much had happened, she understood to some extent but.. the timing was horrible. Then Zera spoke up directing his voice at Kanari. "Your blood is strong, your bonds are stronger, use those things and become one who can protect themselves, and the others that they care for. I offer you a single chance. Come with me and learn. Even Neve will seem nice beside my tactics but I will make you into someone that can live in this world without fear. You have one chance."
The three turned into massive birds once again and took to the sky. They would wait for a moment; allow Kanari to make a decision and then they would be gone.

@Key Tuzi @Sora Blade

Anablle had become completely useless of her own will. Tyler struggled against his better judgement and carried her along as the party all dashed far from the Assassin. Every second gaze way to an angry hiss, a slash of a blade and a low growl from the creatures lips but she was not going to be deterred forever, and the further Anabelle went away from them, the faster the vines that attacked her withered. They had little chance. The village was still quite a bit away through another brush of woods, and this woman, was trained for tracking, to kill; that much was obvious to all of them even Anabelle in her stupor.

Tyler was slower than the others now, Exhaustion and the weight of another body had made running nearly void. Griffin and Sera were still trying to dash towards the village but Tyler knew that a straight shot was never going to work, she was much faster; lighter than all of them. "We have to delay in the forest. If we stay on the beaten path then we will get rundown and picked off like cattle." The others acknowledge how true his comment was. If they continued they would all be killed in plain sight, they needed the cover of trees. Griffin sped up, but Sera was ahead of him; they all detoured into the thick brush of the forest.

The moon was their only light now as they pushed past the winding layer of trees and the vines on the ground. They all had to be careful not to trip lest it be the end of them. The unknown consumed them. The fact that no one knew where their stalker was only perturbed their senses more. Each of them was tired now, the mental and physical toll of everything was far too much to handle at that moment but stopping now would have meant death for all of them, and Anabelle had already been hit.

whshhhh...

Tyler stopped in his tracks as all did the rest of them as they ducked into the shadows of the nearest tree. The only thing that could betray them now would the harsh breathing against the quiet of the night. Her image shown in the clearing ahead of them. She was black as night and both blades were drawn as she stalked through the air and scanned the area with a predator's glare. "I can easily smell your fear children... it is delightful, one of you is already dead, despite her little surprise The poison will set in soon and she will die in a very gruesome manner I assure you. Ask yourselves; do you expect to escape me?" Only the slightest brush in to woods caught a moment of her attention and a yelp followed as her knife flew fast as wind to kill the small creature that had dared move. "Oh, you are all being SO careful now, but I know you are here. I also know that you wont let your precious red head die in your arms. I will wait as long as I have to, but remember the longer you wait the more pain she will be in. She will die right in front of you if you avoid me for too long."
Her words were as a dark hiss, a Kiss on the cheek of cruelty and the worlds ideals, but Tyler realized she was right. he knew that if he was not careful; Anabelle would die. if he moved they all would die.. where was the justice in a world with only those choices? "Anabelle... you're okay.. we will be fine." His words were almost entirely silent, but it was still too much. He threw his hand over her mouth as a knife stuck in the tree right above their heads. They couldn't even communicate, the slightest noise would kill them, staying silent meant death too. They were trapped.

Tyler hated it, his mind blurred with so many thoughts. There was no chance of them living now, not without something to distract her. He had to be that distraction. If he had any hope of saving Anabelle, of saving the rest of them he would have to stop her now. His body edged only slightly but he hesitated, Fear froze him in place then. The paramount of fear and the idea of the pain left him stricken, frozen in place when he knew he had to make a move. A sigh barely audible left Tyler's lips and he lurched forward ready to dash in at her, to take her down and possibly buy some time for all of them.

He was not quick enough.

A blur of black shot out from the side and slammed hard into the woman just as she had turned to look in Tyler's direction. Griffin mounted over top of her crumpled female body now and he slammed his fist into her face, time and time again. It was a berserk rage but the strength behind the blows seemed to jar her really good. Griffin knew, he knew Tyler's mindset, he knew Sera would not last long. he wasn't going to allow anyone else to sacrifice themselves for this. Hell Griffin himself did not intend to sacrifice himself for this task, but it would be enough to let them escape. "Go Now I am right behind you!"

Griffin continued to struggle with the Assassin on the ground, and Tyler appeared in front of the others still holding Anabelle. "Come on we have to get moving." Sera didn't even think to budge for a second. Her stubborn atmosphere was apparent now, but she had to understand what this was meant for. They had to ALL get to a city, and Tyler did not intend to leave Griffin behind either. "Please Sera move on, I will not let Griffin get left behind. Anabelle can you walk?" Anabelle nodded for a second; and Tyler let her down. "Please move with Sera. I am going to get griffin out of this. We are ALL getting out of this alive. NO exceptions!" His voice was strong, a command, like a leader ushering troops to great victory, this time victory meant the different of life and death for them.

The girls couldn't argue the point anymore. Anabelle limped off before Sera reluctantly agreed to move. Tyler wanted them to get out of there, but Sera lingered, he knew that was the best that he could ask for at this point; until Griffin was in a safer position. He ran to griffins air, just in time to catch the woman bringing her knee hard into Griffins face and knocking him to the ground. His sword flew forward aimed to strike her while she was still off balance. She was far too quick and spun on her heel to aim a low kick towards Tyler's legs, the blade extended only scratched him. Griffin did not stay down for long. he didn't care at all and while on the ground crawled over to her biting his oddly extended fangs into her legs.

Finally they heard a more encouraging sound; the bitch screeched out in pain before planting her foot into Griffin's side and sending him to the air. He landed in a crumpled mess but was quick enough to recover. Tyler was at his side, and helped him up as they joined the others. Sera let out a sigh of some relief as they continued along the forest. The bite would be enough to slow down the assassin if nothing else, which helped them. "This is our only chance.. we have to get to that village or we are dea.." Tyler's voice cut short as he noticed the sound of those familiar light footsteps, his eyes widened again as he cursed there luck.

"Run!"

There was no reason that she should be able to move that fast. Griffin's attack should have easily crippled her for longer, but he could tell that it was her rushing very close behind them. The steps were muffled under the sound of rushing water nearby, it was almost a dramatic scene, and they were only yards away from the village now, but they couldn't run. Sera realized it first, but the others could tell too. They had cornered themselves again, the rush of moving through the forest had placed them near a large waterfall, a pool of water nearby, and to the side the Village. They could not dash for the village or they would be intercepted. Griffin grasped at his wound and drew his sword. Tyler did the same and Tyler tossed Sera one of the Knives he had managed to obtain. "We have no choice anymore.." Tyler stated. "We have to fight her here to earn our freedom... there is no other choice.."

Anabelle limped to the pool and rung out part of the cloth. She used it to wash out the wound and hissed in a pained reaction. She could have cried at the burning sensation, this whole situation. Tyler watched her carefully out of the corner of his eyes, but they were not too far away from her. "Anabelle are you alright?" He asked her in concern of the poison, but she didn't even seem to be exhibiting symptoms to a poison, it left him confused. "Do you feel"

Wsss..

He only had enough time to swing outward and cut a blackened arrow in half. The direction of the first one was aimed for Sera, but he was too late for the second sound. Another arrow gleaming black aimed for the unaware Anabelle. Tyler lunged forward and dashed to her side, but the arrow was bound to land its mark. There was not choice, no choice but to place life in the hand of luck. Tyler launched himself diving into Anabelle at a much closer proximity than either of them would have liked. One hand caught the arrow, and the other wrapped around Anabelle's model frame. The two tumbled into the dark abyss and vanished in the hazy mist of the Waterfall. A strong rope attached to the other end of the arrow went with them and on the other end, the woman Assassin was flung on her face in the clearing. The rope snapped, along with the sound of bones in her arm.

Griffin didn't say anything, his eyes were nearly glazed over and he was distraught at the scene. Anabelle, Tyler. Both of them fallen to their deaths by the waterfall. he was angry, confused, devastated. Nothing made sense, only that this woman... this bitch was the cause of all of it.

Griffin stepped forward and was just in time for the woman to rise from her huddle position. She didn't hesitate to stab his leg with one of her knives, but it didn't do anything. Griffin lifted his knee and slammed it into her throat. The woman choked out, but he stared upon her with no sense of mercy. She flung her leg around pushing from the ground, and attempting to use her heel blade to slash his throat. Griffin didn't seem to care, he dodged but did so in an almost inhuman way.

Once again she stabbed her knife into his side. He didn't flinch.
Blood ran from different places of Griffins body but he didn't care. It was as though nothing reached him, nothing made him feel in that moment. Blow after blow they traded, eventually neither of them cared to do much dodging, and blood spilled to the floor. At the rate he was going griffin would die and kill her with him; anyone watching could tell that. Sera was a mess watching the whole thing, a feeling of helplessness consumed her being, and the will-o-wisp thing would not work a second time, she knew that. hell she didn't even know how to control the powers yet, she had been lucky and gained knowledge but nothing that could help them now. They had to run, The woman was beaten enough that if they really tried, If Griffin stayed like he was and denied the loss of blood. They could escape, but she had to reach him.

"Griffin.."

Her voice was muffled, a whisper in air that would not receive her words.

"Griffin... Please.."

Another inaudible mark on the wind that held no power over the deadened warrior he had become. Blow for blow, Blade strike upon blade strike he dodged lethal blows and took the lesser cuts, a mess of blood and cuts across every part of his body. She was starting to gain and advantage somehow.

"Griffin!"

Her voice was real, shrilled, pained, honest. Grief was apparent though she tried hard not to show it. Griffin snapped from his deathly coma and found her pleading eyes. Pain set in but he suppressed that feeling and turned only barely fast enough to dodge a slash aimed for his throat by the assassin. "I..I'm sorry Sera.. I didn't." He didn't know what he could say right then, but they had to run. Griffins body would not hold up like this, they had to go... leave.. Tyler.. Anabelle.

The woman spit a large pool of blood on the ground and watched them carefully. her eyes were set upon Sera now. "He is dead, three of them are dead, I don't have to worry about them. All that is left is you bitch... you are the only one I still have to kill." Griffin turned and received her with a glare of his own before he backed up to protect Sera. The fight had been equal moments ago, but now... his mind was not there. or maybe it was. perhaps the problem of his weakness lie in the fact that he was so attached. When he let go he could not feel guilt for being a monster among men and women. "I wont die before I see that we escape you, Ill deny you your last target if it costs me my life." His words noble, but a bluff in his current condition. They could turn and run, they now had a direct line for the Village, but running wouldn't work. "Sera, run. please run do not make me a liar, there's been enough lies told this day. Please live." Sera didn't budge. A certain determination refused to allow her to live without Griffin making it as well. She would die by his side before she left it.
Griffin prepared. Sera got closer. The woman closed in; daggers ready to take their lives.

Owooooooooo!

A chorus of yowls. Howling music of the night became the over all sound of the forest as a league of at least ten wolves tore through the forest and launched upon the Assassin. Fur of all colors, and in the distance a very very Large wolf approached. The pack creatures were relentless as they tore at her flesh and her cries cascaded over them. Griffin was the first to widen his eyes at the sight and realize the opportunity. "Sera.. this is it lets go..." he turned on a broken heel and winced with every step, but soon denied that pain to dash along side of her. The sound of the wolves, each one dying and yelping their final song faded slowly as the gates grew ever near. Hope brimmed for them and the duo flew past the gate. Sera was the only one awake entirely now and searched desperately for somewhere she could take Griffin. An Inn called "The Horse's Arse" Was the closest thing, and pained movements lead her up to the door. She burst in and shouted to the inhabitants.

"Please someone help him!"

@All

The forest will fall Milord, of this I assure you. The machines are working perfectly, and Maerick says he has some new gifts for them as well. He is scheduled to arrive in the coming days. Yes sir, I know of the failures, I am aware that this task must be done. The wolves are causing a great deal of problems. Lobos and his clan are clawing at our backs every chance they get. It will take time Lord but soon we will find it, and you can launch your plan. Yes milord.. I understand.

~End of Chapter 2~​

 

[Wolfsin]

Chapter Three
~Rise of Heroes~

​

The forest burns. The world is ablaze with risen hellfire, and the automation's of deathly devices roam the land. The world is to suffer under the wrath of the mighty metal juggernauts. The Slaver shows no mercy to the woods and will ride his deathly devices to the end of world in search of an item. What.. item?

"Luna, run fast young wolf deliver the message I have given you. Our hero lives I have seen it by the graces of star and moon. The silver haired hero and the Fire crown mistress sit upon the strings of fate, but they do not tug in either direction. Find them and bring them to me. I fear that may be our only chance to save our home."

​

The Mighty wolf stalked around his den and peered over documents laid out. Two other much smaller wolves stood at ready, but he made no sound. The documents were riddled with red markings, blotted out places in layers of green. His eyes were saddened and he turned to dip his head into a pot of red. Then with his paw he marked over yet another very large plot of green on the map.

Alyssa woke with a start, her dream interrupted, her vision vanished and a courier stood outside her door. "Lady Highreign a letter came in for you today. A signet from the king of the High elves marks it so i thought it necessary to rush it to you. I apologize for disturbing you milady." With that the courier turned and left the room at a dash. Alyssa yawned, and sleepily reached for the parchment. Her sleepy eyes gazed over it.

Princess Alyssa Highreign,

This letter is written and sent in good faith that your process, the proceedings of becoming one with us; are not lost. We have constructed a meeting between several of your... Listed races and as such hope that the only eligible person of status to the Highreign name; you might grace us with your presence. Many will travel long and hard, and this is partly due to your persistence in the matters at hand. I too have questions I would like to ask you in turn. For these things I will await your reply. The council is to hold on the coming day of the moons crescent as it fades once more to darkness. I sincerely hope and expect that I will see you then. Ps only one extra attendee is allowed outside of yourself, please do be partial in following this rule I look forward to sharing the highlights of Serna Emalia with you and your... patron.

Signed,
High King Ascelian Erundour.

"remember well the task you were given. You know you could have killed that woman, You know if you'd tried to dodge her, not broken so easily you could have escaped sooner. That side of you is real, do not deny yourself the pleasures of crushing life. Do not deny yourself..."
Griffin shot up from his spot in a small bed. His eyes hurt for whatever reason but he looked around instantly to check the room. Sera was asleep also in a chair next to him, and he played careful not to wake her up. They were both alive though; in ways that was enough. Then in other ways, it left a gaping hole. 'Tyler..." he hummed silently to himself as he rein-visioned the boys leap of faith, a last ditch effort to save Anabelle. Tyler was always unwilling to let anyone get hurt, the old Tyler was always that way and griffin had always given him shit over it. "its going to be the end of you one day, you keep taking the bullet for everyone. One day the bullet will strike true." His words stung worse than most things, they were fire in his heart and pain felt throughout his bones. "Tyler..." Anabelle was dead too, but she had never mattered, not to him. People were people, and only those that you cared about should have any effect on you. Anabelle had never been a person like that for him. Was he cruel to feel so blank about it all? Was he some evil closet bastard? it didn't matter. Villain, Hero, nothing changed what had already been done.

Griffin focused on Sera. His mind blurred but she remained true and unhazed in his sleepy vision. Even now sleeping, she was peaceful. Serene. She was the calm to his storm. Perhaps it meant something, perhaps this was meant to happen. Sera had always liked Tyler, more. It was the way of things, even when she hated him, he guessed that she still liked Tyler more. That could easily of been with how cold he was in the beginning. A broken boy turned to a shattered man, and one who was weak to his whims. It was unfair; the entirety of life was SO unfair. Griffin watched her lips move, her body twitch. He wanted her. Her mind, Soul, Her body. He wanted to steal things from her, to address her as an animal with its mate, to lay lips upon lips and hold her, to blend with her... He had selfish thoughts, thoughts of denying her the ability to say no. perhaps to allow himself that satisfaction if only for a short while before he was forced to deal with hateful eyes. It was sick, but it was a truth that he knew... Sadly it was not one he was willing to embrace.

"Sera... Wake up Sera."

"You have made your decision?"
Kanari nodded though slightly hesitant she was not sure what else could be said at this point. She couldn't be left alone. This world was not a place for anyone to be alone, she learned that now. Playing the hero got others killed, it could get you killed, because the world was unforgiving and unless she learned to be stronger, to have power and learn to live in a world so hateful; she would be washed away. Of course she wondered what would happen to Neve, and Stella but even if she asked, she doubted that her voice would be heard, let alone acknowledged. She missed Griffin badly. So badly it hurt really but this was the chance. Neve had started with her. Had refined her. Kanari wasn't sure what Zera would be able to do for her, but she had to believe in him. What else chance did she have?

"I am ready."
She stated it boldly and then stood next to him. His strong hand was placed on her shoulder as he turned and met eyes with the two remaining. "You hesitate because you cannot accept truths so blatantly presented to you. Corilon the Wisest of the Grand Dragons sits upon a Mountain. Look into this and perhaps you will learn more about the role you play in this world." His words directed towards Aneira he nodded once. The stated coldly to Azel. "You are dead, you just haven't realized that yet, perhaps when you do; you will be more useful." With that the two vanished as if they had never been there at all.

​

The next second they appeared upon a slab of stone. The clouds were no longer above; but right next to them. Zera looked down upon Kanari with a harsh gaze. His demeanor all together had changed. "Why did you not help them? Were you afraid?" He didn't wait for her to answer. "You can do nothing but snivel and wait for things to be done for you, and in doing so you have placed to people I would think you hold dear, in very dire circumstances. Perhaps i am wrong, and you do not care though; your actions might lead me to believe as such." He was cruel with his words, with every taunt; every word meant to dismantle her at her core, break her down and change her completely. "I will not see weakness in my home. You will be strong, and if you are weak you will be punished, My training is not one that is so simple as combat I will teach you to embrace loneliness. Only then will I allow you to appreciate kinship. Your training starts now."

"The prospect of humanity is null and void in these exercises. Your idea of morality must not belittle your expectations for progress, if you are to master the Art of necromancy you must think of Life, of living beings; as catalysts and building blocks that will build your own grand regime. Your power does not rely on their life children, it relies on their death."
Seridis spoke to both Aiden and Nadia as he explained the properties, the magic and purpose behind dark magic as people called it. Each time a soul or life was taken it swelled in an invisible pool that Dark Magic casters all must personally have. This pool would be the source of power. A collaboration of the lives taken in over all. "No one but you can see your pool, and thus it gives you an upper-hand on others. No one can judge you, no one can gauge your promise. You could look as useless and harmful as ever, and then you can prove those assumptions quite wrong. Even mana can be gauged. An aura and its level shows the amount of magic not only PRESENT in the area, but also what level of mana based mage that you face. You must keep this in mind always and play to the advantages. All of them." His hand slipped and the book he was holding closed. "Now my children I have a task for you, but first Id not have you go alone let us incorporate what you have learned thus far... Show me your desire."

 

[Sinopa]

.:Heracia's Lake:.
~Kanari > Everyone in this chaotic mess...~​

​

"I am ready."
The words came out and I was conflicted on whether I meant it or not. I'm not ready for this, I thought I was before, in High Rest but that confidence was poorly placed. This world... It was just as cruel as the last one I was in. Alone, this world was going to tear me up as if I were nothing but a tiny ant.

Suddenly before I knew it the man and I appeared on a land of stone, among the clouds which seemed to hover next to us. I looked at the man with confusion, but noticed his merciless glare, which only confused me more.

"Why did you not help them? Were you afraid? You can do nothing but snivel and wait for things to be done for you, and in doing so you have placed two people I would think you hold dear, in very dire circumstances. Perhaps I am wrong, and you do not care though; your actions might lead me to believe as such. I will not see weakness in my home. You will be strong, and if you are weak you will be punished, My training is not one that is so simple as combat I will teach you to embrace loneliness. Only then will I allow you to appreciate kinship. Your training starts now."

His words pierced my heart like a blade, the only thing stopping me from breaking down was his eyes. They seemed to stare into my soul with so much hate, I feared that if I cried, or even showed any sign of deficiency, I would feel pain unlike any other. The struggle was hard though as the words sunk in, my face twitched and scrunched as if trying to let everything out.

This could be my last time seeing you. I'm not quite sure yet. I have broken one of the rules, one with serious consequences that may even end my life. So, just in case, know that you meant so much to me, ever since I found you in that clearing. Goodbye Sukoshi.

Her whisper echoed in my head as I remembered what she said before flying off with Aunty Stella. I only spent a little time with her, but she already felt sort of like a mother to me, and she taught me so much in that time. Now, she was leaving me. This pained me, another person I loved, once again taken away from me by the harsh world.

"You're wrong! I do care! Neve, Stella, they were practically my family! You think I would purposely get them in trouble! I didn't mean for that to happen! I didn't know! So many people are dead because of me! And now two more might as well be added to my list! I didn't mean to! I didn't know!"

I failed miserably at containing myself as I yelled, then crouched down, placed my head on my knees, and cried. I couldn't hold it in, as hard as I tried, as much as his eyes scared me, I couldn't hold it in.

 

[Rowlet]

Lake in Norindul ➳ Survived the Battle ➳ Quest to finding Corilon, Wisest of all Dragons

Theme Song #1: Is This My War? [Startling Revelation]

​

"Please come with me I don't want to see anyone else killed."

A flurry of colors filled her vision - vibrant orange, crimson red, grotesque ebony, sapphire blue, silvery white, golden yellow, brilliant green - it blinded her momentarily. She lifted her hand and shielded her eyes, overwhelmed by a scenario she was forced to endure. Aneira didn't hear the girl's cry. She didn't move, nor did she follow. She remained rooted on the ground, standing in front a man she vowed to protect. A few minutes later, her eyes filled with realization. This was real. She transported to a mysterious world; Norindul. Dread clawed at her heart viciously, reminding her of her destiny. After she unlocked her hidden heritage, what will happen to her? Will she ever return to her birthplace? Aneira watched the battle rage on, uncertainty etching on her callous expression. Her instincts screamed to fight, but her heart reminded her this wasn't her fight. It wasn't a simple brawl. It was war.

"Defend yourself, young hatchling," a voice whispered.

Her chest illuminated a brilliant aquamarine. A familiar cold sensation bubbled inside her soul, spreading through her veins. Her amber eyes gleamed an icy blue. Her nails formed into claws, incisors sharpening into fangs. A guttural snarl emitted from her throat. An ethereal glow surrounded her body, shining a pure white. Ice particles formulated in the air, creating a chilly mist. Frost traveled down her legs, enveloping the ground underneath her feet. Her skin rippled, shimmering a beautiful silver. Aneira was on the verge of her first transformation, but a impeding question shattered her concentration.

Was this her war?

Every trace of her power vanished, leaving her in her human form. Aneira clutched her heart, trembling from adrenaline. Why did she continue to hesitate? She accepted her role! She was a descendant of the Great White Dragon! She possessed an affinity towards ice! "So close, my child," a voice murmured.

"You came very close Fire Petal...or rather...Frost Petal. I seen it. Do not doubt yourself."

An image of Heracia surfaced inside her mind. A frown marred her lips. Was it healthy she didn't feel remorse? Despite her guidance, Aneira didn't care for the ancient dragon. However, she developed a sliver of respect. She doubted that creature would perish so easily. A sigh escaped her lips. In a blink of an eye, she survived a battle that didn't belong to her. Aneira should consider herself lucky. On the other hand, why did she feel disappointed? What did she have to prove?

"You hesitate because you cannot accept truths so blatantly presented to you. Corilon the Wisest of the Grand DRagons sits upon a Mountain. Look into this and perhaps you will learn more about the role you play in this world."

Aneira averted her gaze towards a man's voice. Corilon? A wave of déjà vu washed over her. Why did it sound so familiar? She inclined her head in response. Her gaze lowered to her feet. For the first time in her life, she didn't unleash her uncouth tongue. "I will guide you to Corilon, young hatchling. Leave this place. Head west and you will find your destiny," a voice whispered. Aneira complied, traveling west. She listened to her inner dragon, following her guidance. It would be a long journey to the Wisest of all Grand Dragons, but an unexpected twist hurdled in her direction; discovering her soul bound mate.

 

[Mikasa]

​

Princess Alyssa Highreign
Royal Cygnet, the Bearer of Highbloom, the First Born
​

Royal Chambers

Alyssa was still very much unsettled. The meaning of the dream she had eluded her. Talking wolves, visions of an end; it was terrifying to behold. Yet, very real. Very, very real. She had to wonder if the wolves were some manifestations of herself or people she knew, or if there really were talking wolves. What she did glean from the dream though, were the two 'heroes'. The "silver-haired hero" coincided with the prophecy's "white crowned champion". The other "fire crowned mistress" was an unknown element. Alyssa fingered her own hair, sighing as she ruled herself out.

However, as the thought of the prophecy came to mind, so did the realisation that her dream corresponded with it well. As much as Alyssa would like to continue disregarding the workings of a greater being, there was no denying it now. "Cleo," Alyssa called, with a heavy air of authority. Cleo bowed low, sensing the importance of her new orders. "Go to General Godric and instruct him to find the people he spoke of post haste. If he already departed, catch up with him to deliver this message. Tell him he must find them and bring them back within 2 days."

Cleo left the instant Alyssa finished. The Princess had to wonder if two mere days was truly enough to bring them back. With six days left to the meeting in Serna Emalia, and about 2 days by carriage, that would not be as early as she would like to be. After all, Serna Emalia was a beautiful place, according to many. Thus far, she only had the luxury of meeting the High King of the Elves halfway. For her to visit the capital directly would be a first for her.

"Theo, I shall depart for Serna Emalia in two days. If General Godric returns earlier within these two days, I will depart immediately. Be ready."

Theo bowed low but remained unmoving.

"Oh, go ahead to settle that, I shall continue with my nap."

Theo nodded and exited the chambers. It was a lie on Alyssa's part, for she had woken enough to no longer have any need of sleep. Nevertheless, she still laid on the bed, her mind pondering the upcoming meeting that was long in the making. The Human Kingdom was a sufficiently strong one, but there were just as many other strong Kingdoms amongst the other races. A proponent of unity amongst the different races, Alyssa had spent most of her time in office striving to inch closer to the goal of an alliance amongst the various races.

Although this was due in part to the prophecy and her dreams, there was a part of her that longed to break free of her cage. As she was now, she as a bird in a cage. That was why she found no joy in being bestowed the sobriquet "Royal Cygnet". The cygnet, a child of the graceful swan, would be a name many of her royal siblings covet, but to Alyssa, the bird reminded her just how much of a cage she was in. Working on diplomatic fronts meant more opportunities to break free of her gilded cage. Once she discovered that, she never stopped embracing it.

And that was how a shaky agreement between the High Elves, Dwarves, Wood Elves, Giants, Dusk Elves and Orcs came to be. The former four were friendly on her approach, somewhat awe-struck by the mere fact a member of royalty came in person. The latter two, however, proved to be more difficult. Both were hardly open to the idea of interactions with humans, much less an alliance with them and the other races, some of which are not on particularly friendly terms with them.

The Orcs in particular was the hardest. Alyssa remember how she slept in their orcish tents, trembling with fear every night. A brutish bunch that made war with every chance they got, the orcs were determined to put her to the test through a series of battles. Thankfully, for all their brawns, they were not the brightest race. Through skilful verbal manoeuvring, Alyssa managed to convince them to let her demonstrate her brawns through archery.

Her archery wasn't the most stellar, but the orcs were never one to favour ranged weaponry, so she easily defeated their best archers - by killing them. It won their respect but Alyssa felt a little of her die inside. Still, it brought her to where she was now, culminating to a meeting amongst all these races! She could feel the excitement building in her, but at the same time, she felt trepidation. Despite actively trying to be optimistic, she could already see the problems arising.

Dusk Elves against their other Elvish brethren. Orcs picking on the temperamental Dwarves. And her alone to put them all in their place. She hoped to avoid that, but she had to prepare for that reality.

"Ah, damn it all to hell," she hissed under her breath, glad that no one was around to hear her curse. She closed her eyes, trying her best to return to her nap. Trying not to think, trying not to feel.

​

 

[Key Tuzi]

The Horse's Arse Inn
Griffin

Sera stirred at the sound of a soft voice, the calm repetition of her name. It coerced her from the blank dreamscape of sleep, slowly pulling back curtains of unconsciousness one layer at a time while her mind tried to place the voice's owner. A face loomed above her blurry vision, pale messy hair falling around an even paler face. Blue eyes swam before her own, mischievous laughter contained in their depths, and the familiarity of this face warmed Sera to her core. In her half-conscious daze, Sera wanted to lean forward, allow her lips to taste the silk of his skin, to feel his heated breath and know that he was really so close. She had wanted this for a long time, so long that the prospect of her dream finally coming true was enough to break her belief, like the clipping of butterfly wings. A hard breath escaped her parted lips and like a gust blew the vision away, along with her sleepy daze, and the comfortable ignorance she could only bring herself to embrace while sleeping. Tyler's face was replaced by a plane of darkness she recognized to be the ceiling of the room she was in. Her eyes fluttered to wash away the drowsiness, and when she tilted her head, Griffin filled her line of vision. A name lingered on her lips, but it was not his own, and the very realization filled her crumpled body with dread. Sera would never get to see his face again, to call his name or see him smile. It hurt beyond recognition.

"Griffin... Sorry, I guess I fell asleep like this..." She was very sore from the position she'd slept in; curled up in an uncomfortable wooden chair next to his bed, legs folded against her chest as if they could somehow contain the harshly-beating heart that felt so close to tearing through her flesh. Sera unfolded her numb legs and allowed them to drop to the cold floor, lifting her hands to rub at her half-open eyes. Tears had begun to sting her nose and she didn't want Griffin to see them. "How are you feeling?" Vague images swam through her memory from the night prior. Her bursting through the doors of the inn, just barely carrying him on her shoulder. Blood flowing from his skin and staining both of their white robes. Strange men shouting, carrying him into a room while she struggled to follow behind them. Griffin had been dumped on a bed - the very bed he sat on now - and she'd been told to wait with him while they fetched a healer. Sera had been crying very hard then. Both from the knowledge that Tyler was dead, and that Griffin might soon be joining him. Despite the men's warning not to touch Griffin she'd held onto him the entire time, shaking against his unconscious and heavily-wounded body, praying over and over that she wouldn't lose him, too.

There had been a poignant smell on his body, like acid, and for a time she feared that it was death's claim. Then she'd seen the traces of green around his wounds, and although she couldn't understand how, Sera had known that it was poison. If that hadn't been enough, she'd been able to see it tracing through the veins beneath his skin. The venom had been so close to his heart then, any longer and he would've died, but when her tears began to spill against his skin... the poison stopped moving, frozen in place. And as time passed the venom reversed its path through his body until nothing remained. She'd sopped the green liquid from his bleeding wounds with one of the bed sheets and threw it carelessly on the floor, where later she found the heaping pile of fabric deteriorated beyond recognition. The healer had come and gone quickly, staying only long enough to cleanse and heal his stab wounds with her magic. Only dark red and still healing scars remained last Sera had seen, and she wondered what they looked like now, though it was too dark for her to tell.

"Griffin..." She murmured softly, trying so hard to keep her heavy sob contained, though her voice still cracked. "You almost didn't make it... I almost lost you, too, and I..." Dread pierced Sera to her very core... dread for the person she'd lost, for the fear she'd felt, for the pain that accompanied seeing Griffin so close to death. It was easy to forget those things when you were asleep, but Sera didn't even have that anymore, and so she pulled her legs back up against her chest and threw her face into them, hoping that her knobby knees could handle the pure anguish she sobbed into them. Her body shook with such overwhelming force that she nearly broke apart. And that's what it felt like... like she was breaking apart, pieces of herself crumbling to dust and leaving behind a hallowed corpse. She didn't want Griffin to see her like this; she couldn't even imagine the pain he felt after losing Tyler, and openly showing her anguish probably only made it worse for him. But Sera was too weak to hold it in anymore. Every time she looked at Griffin, her thoughts traveled back to the sight of him on his death bed, poison racing through his veins, and she cracked all over again.​

 

[Wolfsin]

The Horse's Arse:
Griffin>Sera

"Sera..."

It came as a murmur but it was the least of anything that ran in griffin's head at that moment. His eyes downcast over her, and his arms moved to pull her close. they edged closer and closer, but for whatever reason they remained in place. Griffin wanted so badly to believe that the tears, the fear, and weakness she finally showed him was his, that it was for him alone. he wanted so badly to believe that when she woke it was Him that she hoped to see. In a world where things were right, perhaps he could allow himself to be so caught up in a foolish bliss, but not here. That world did not exist.

"Sera, I'm alive. We both are alive. That is all that we can ask for at the moment." He knew it was dumb, saying anything so selfish and wrong as that was only discounting their friend. Griffin hurt for Tyler too, his heart was beating faster just thinking about it, but he hated him. A sick sort of jealousy withheld him from breaking next to her, a heroic stance allowed him to remain stone faced in the presence of her downfall. How heroic was it though? How much of a Hero was he, to have not only let two of them die, but to have such horrible selfish disclaimers for the situation. Heroic didn't even sound right; let alone taste right when tested in his mouth.

"Sera, I'm not good with knowing how to say things to help in these situations... I hope you will forgive me for that." She would forgive him. he knew she would. The question more plausible in that moment; was whether he would forgive himself or not? "We can't let it end like this though. We lived, and you know that there is meaning behind that. We have to continue sera, become more attuned to this world, so that we can keep each other alive. Perhaps we can learn why that wom..." He stopped for a moment; bile forming in his mouth even at the thought of her, he turned to the side and let it loose in harsh coughs. "Bitch... we can learn why she came after us... " His voice had altered slightly, it was dark, menacing but still it was Griffin. "I still need to find Kanari. You need to learn more about your power, about your place here. We still have to live Sera. Even if we were not given a choice to save them. We have to live where they can not."

"You know that is what Tyler would be bitching at us about right now if he were able to be seen or heard. He's probably a very angry ghost right now, sitting here with us." It was light hearted but he hoped she would understand his attempts. He hoped that the cold front that fell off of him would be disregarded, and that she could find some warmth, Some comfort in his words. He hoped that this time he could be her hero.

 

[Wolfsin]

Haven:
Zera>Kanari

"Here I thought I had made myself clear."

His voice cold as an earthen tundra; yet it didn't compare to what came next. "When you cry, what does it accomplish, when you feel! What does it do to help you in your current situation!" He didn't wait for her to answer, His leg moved like a bolt of lightning and crossed with her ribs sending her high into the air before she tumbled against the stone. "When you allow your weakness to become a presence in you over all, does it make you stronger?" He stepped forward and grabbed the back of her hair before pulling her up to meet his cold bright yellow gaze. "Is there a point to tears in a world that has no compassion for them. KNOW your enemy, know who you face or you will be manipulated, KILLED on the spot. In fact if this were a real challenge, IF you were alone and I were so inclined as most this world WILL be. I could kill you right now with barely a thought." His hand rushed forward as he touched three lethal areas in the matter of barely a second. "Had I a blade you would be dead right now three times over, all because you let what I said get to you. You let your emotions leave you unguarded!" He stepped away for a second dropping her back to the ground. "I will settle with this for punishment." His finger flung outward and a stroke of lightning ricochet from the stone before it hit her directly in the throat. Her body would easily run numb, her throat would refuse to work. The effects would not last long enough to kill her, but she would feel so close to death. She would realize the feeling of choking. A kiss by death on her little forehead, nothing more but perhaps it would enlighten her. With that Zera turned and left her to deal with her pain on the cold hard ground. She would come to him again when she was ready. Until then she was useless for him.

 

[Wolfsin]

@Mikasa

Cleo rushed down the streets, each step bringing him closer to Godric's house. The Giant of a man did not choose to live as most lords might, In fact when offered a fortress he was more than inclined to decline the offer. instead he settled with a humble abode that was just perfect to his suiting. The house was small, but large enough to fit him swimmingly. Furs hung about the place and it was made of cut and trimmed logs. To be said; the house stood out greatly amongst the rest. Perhaps it was testament to the mans home in the north before he became such a prominent General.

Cleo entered and was nearly knocked from his feet when the sound of a loud roar came from just in front of him. A large feline; a Lion stood in the doorway and stared him down. One of its eyes had a long scar, and the other was a deep feline green gold color. its main was braided at points, and its tail swayed back and forth as it eyed its newest target. Godric appeared next behind the creature and looked to Cleo. "Oi thas bein a good way te get yerself maimed yknow." The thick accent to his voice ever apparent as he bared eyes upon the Princess personal Servant. The next expression was much more enlightened. "What bizness you have wit me? The princess in trouble?" His words accusatory, he almost looked ready to rush out the door. "Maybe she sent you to remind me ofmeh duties? D'not worry yerself I hav't forgotten."

Godric stepped forward, and finally despite the Lion and the overly large man, Cleo got the nerve to relay the princess message. "Two days eh? Alright then, you'll be need'n te get out meh way." Already donned in his armor he gave a loud inaudible command and the massive Lion moved forward along with Godric. "Leave es Ill be gettn him ready in his armr. and we'll be off. Tell the Princess ill try to return bfore she leaves." Cleo nodded once and then vanished, his job was apparent. He would return to the Princess. Godric would head away from the castle. A great many things were in store for the people of the land, the change of the alliances being forged would usher in a brand new era for Norindul, but the circumstances of this meeting did not seem too trustworthy, given the recent events.

"Cough... Cough..."

"Alyssa, are you in?"

A gruff, but all too familiar voice resounded from outside the door. It was frail in comparison to the former glory it had once inspired but the proud strength was still found in every single word. "I would speak with you if you'd have me, My Daughter. Only for a little while of course I will not keep you for long." It was almost pitiful to listen to. The High King Dynamus Cursed by a Witch. No death for the man, only pain. Only suffering. "It has been so long since we last spoke Alyssa. I have missed your voice."

Cough... Cough.. cough.

 

[Wolfsin]

Bottom of the Falls:
Tyler>Anabelle

The sound of rushing water was ambiance in the darkness that clouded his vision. Every bone in his body ached with every breath he made, but it was not so lethal as before. Wet and sloppy white hair fell over the pale sphere of his face and he longed to find the strength to push up from the shallow puddle he lay in. He was cold, his body was weak; tired. Pale blue eyes reflected in a silver glow of moonlight; he knew he had to push on.

Every moment hurt more than the last, but the boy pushed up from the shallow water and pulled himself to his knees. Wheezing, sighing, he stood as alive as he could be at that time in pale moonlight over cool crystal water. The thoughts of the night before flooded in. The assassin. Sera, Griffin,... Anabelle.. The realization hit him like a truck and he flung his head to the side in search. "Anabelle!" He called; only to feel stupid when he spotted her hair, a mess in over her body on the shore. Tyler didn't hesitate to move towards her and continued to call her name. "Anabelle. Anabelle wake up!" He wasn't sure what happened after their fakk. he wasn't even sure Sera or Griffin survived, but he held faith, and at least there was Anabelle here. It should have brought him comfort, but an emptiness still remained. Tyler sat at her side and shook her from her sleep. "Anabelle.. come on. Its time to wake up." Tyler was a mess, Consumed in mud, dirty water, and sweaty blood. Anabelle was still bleeding from a wound in her shoulder, but she hadn't seemed to get any worse, it was as if the poison had virtually done nothing. "Anabelle.. wake up let me know you're okay Im not gonna have you dying on me here damnit."

 

[Key Tuzi]

The Horse's Arse Inn
Griffin

Griffin spoke her name softly, and all she wanted was to be able to look at him and find peace. She wanted this torrent of sadness to disappear with the breath of a sigh, so she could feel alright again. But that wasn't probable. Sera doubted she would ever feel alright again, not after what they'd gone through together, and what they lost. It hurt so badly because after all the fighting and fallouts between them, Sera couldn't deny loving Tyler any more than she had when they were younger. He was still every bit a piece of her, every bit the counter-balance they'd been for each other. Missing him was like missing half of herself, and she would never have that back. Even worse, she hadn't been strong enough to tell him so before now. He died, probably still believing she hated him, and she would never be able to change that. Her regret was mountainous enough to fill several life-times of sorrow, and Sera doubted she could ever be strong enough to shoulder it all. Not even with Griffin's help.

He tried, though, so hard that it almost hurt. Although he never really knew what to say and went on long-winded tangents to fill the silence, his sheer passion and effort brought some lightness to her suffocating sadness. Sera still couldn't bring herself to look at him but she listened quietly, her tears slowing as the moments ticked by. The depth of his voice and the edge in his words seemed harsher than she remembered, but she couldn't blame Griffin for his anger... she was angry, too, at the cruel woman who'd done this to them. Even now her voice echoed like a fresh taunt in the back of Sera's head, reminding her of the threat, of the fear she probably should have felt. He is dead, three of them are dead, I don't have to worry about them. All that is left is you bitch... you are the only one I still have to kill. She'd been wrong; Griffin hadn't died, due to Sera's intervention, though she still didn't really understand it yet. But the woman still believed she'd killed three of her targets and Sera was the only one remaining... and that should have scared her, probably would have if she valued her life. But at this point, with Tyler gone and Griffin having come so close to death himself, the last thing Sera worried about was her own safety. But if I'm still a target, what happens to Griffin if he comes with me? He's safe now that she thinks he's dead... but that won't be the case eventually...

Something stuck out in Griffin's speech, though. The idea of protecting each other. They hadn't been able to do so for Tyler or Anabelle, but he was right... They were stronger together than apart. If they traveled alone and went their separate ways they were far less likely to survive. She was less likely to survive, anyway. As Sera was now, she doubted she would be any use to Griffin, who was already a seasoned warrior. Outside of her stupid little tricks, Sera could do hardly anything to protect him. If they were to survive in this world, if she was to be of any worth at all, then she needed to get stronger. She needed to find that forest Hobbler mentioned and learn more about her abilities, her purpose here. Something bothered her though... something she hadn't thought about earlier - Kanari. Sera had yet to tell Griffin about the scream she'd heard in the forest. At the time, she'd been so sure it was Kanari - but thinking back on it now, she couldn't tell if her mind had just been playing tricks on her. Whether it had been Kanari or not, deciding not to tell Griffin was something she both regretted and saw as necessary. It would have done more harm than good to tell him she'd heard a scream that sounded mildly like Kanari; Griffin was protective beyond reason, and if he thought even for a moment that his little sister had been in danger, Sera doubted he would be able to act with a clear mind.

Still, the prospect of Kanari being alone in this world frightened Sera beyond reason. They needed to find her, and it felt extremely selfish to seek out this forest before doing so... But what choice did they have? They weren't getting any further finding Kanari just by walking around in random forests. There was greatest promise in seeking out these Star Elves - if they were lucky, someone might know of a way to find Kanari. That's all Sera could hope for at the moment, all she could tell herself to sooth the raging guilt that seemed so determined to eat her from inside out. Griffin was right... they needed to push forward, to survive and keep fighting, no matter their loss, or their fear, or sorrow. And if Griffin remained as strong as he seemed now, Sera knew she could be strong, too. If for no one other reason than protecting him and finding Kanari. What else did she have to fight for anymore?

"You're right... We can't give up yet. I don't think this pain will ever go away, but... If you're here to help me shoulder it, then I'm sure I'll be fine." A small and shaky sigh left her lips, and Sera unfolded herself slowly, scrubbing the last lingering tears from her eyes. When finally her hand dropped and she managed to look upon Griffin, there was a steal to her silver-pink eyes that solidified her words. She would be resilient, determined; she would become stronger so that she could keep him safe and help him find little Kanari. And then... maybe, if there was a fight left in her, Sera would discover why they'd been stolen from their world to struggle in this one. "This world is more cruel than I ever expected a fantasy realm could be. If we plan to survive, then we're going to have to learn as much about ourselves and our abilities as possible... quickly. I'm tempted to say that you should find your own people while I find mine, but considering how stubborn you are I doubt you would agree to that..." She sighed again, softly, and lifted herself out of the chair so that she could sit on the edge of the bed next to him. The room was dark, though she could see as though broad daylight shone through their cloaked window, now that she was wide awake. Sera lifted his harm carefully so that she could get a good look at his side, where one of the daggers had torn through his flesh. Mild discoloration spotted the area, but the wound was now a mostly-healed scar to her relief.

"How do you feel? You were hurt pretty badly, though I think the poison was the most dangerous part..." A weird expression twisted her face up, one she cast to the side, hoping he wouldn't see. Mostly because she still couldn't understand how she'd been able to extract his poison, and her ignorance about her own abilities bothered Sera more than she would ever admit. Biting her lower lip lightly, she began to asses his makeshift robe, which was torn and bloodied beyond belief. Her eyes surveyed him with the depression of an artist whose creation had been mangled and destroyed. Her own dress-like creation was spotted here and there with blood, too, though not nearly in as rough a shape as Griffin's. "I'll have to go out and buy you something new to wear before you can leave the room..." They needed food, too. And supplies. And... well, a lot of things now that she thought about it, but new clothes definitely seemed to be high on the priority list for the moment.​

 

[Wolfsin]

The Horse's Arse:
Griffin>Sera

Griffin was relieved to see her finally bounce back. She was good at that, even if it was mostly a show he was fine with accepting things like that if it left the other person ina better state of comfort. Tyler would have dissected it, he would have forced her to live out her emotions, but Griffin had no thought of doing so. "Good, so that settles it. We will definitely need to continue with what we planned. We can't stop now." his words were strong, filled of hope. She would never guess underlying tones, or meanings in his words. She would never think past his smile; or wonder what went on in his mind. Both a wonderful, and very sad truth he had to realize.

"I am alright, My body seems to heal very quickly. I didn't expect to have so much extra strength. I guess I was out for a bit which didn't make things very easy but I am okay for travel now. Err My sword?" He realized that durring a point in the night, the weapon had fallen from his hands. "Damn... well i guess if we still have both of our gold, we may as well make use of it and equip ourselves. Ya know.. lets see how you idealize me as a Hero. Take my gold and buy me some epic equipment and stuff. Im trusting you. I think you have good sense of style, so get me something that will really make me look epic; it has to be as cool as my skills." He flexed his much larger than normal muscles and smirked at her. he was being the old playful Griffin again. Though probably to her stress; he was entirely serious about her picking his stuff out. partially because he was fine with having a little alone time to handle things as he needed to.

 

[Key Tuzi]

The Horse's Arse Inn
Griffin

Sera was glad to see him joking around and being a derp, like he used to be. His playfulness reassured her that his wounds were alright, but even moreso that he was coping far better than she was with Tyler's... She pushed the thought from her mind abruptly, shaking off the onset of tears and laughing softly as he flexed his muscles. If there was one thing Sera could count on him for, it was making light of situations and distracting her from sadness. It was a good quality for him to have, especially given her own inability to do so. Though his declaration left Sera feeling put on the spot, as if she had been asked to perform something crazy. "You're funny, there's no way in hell I'm going to pick out armor and weapons and fancy gear for you. I wouldn't even know if they'd fit, and then I would just be wasting all of our money... But I will pick you out some nice clothing to wear, if I can find it. Something that shows off your... new muscles..." She coughed, diverting her eyes for the moment as she pushed herself from the bed. Talking about his muscles didn't seem like such a brilliant idea, considering how he was nearly naked in front of her again.

Deciding not to risk embarrassing herself, Sera snatched their bags of gold from the nightstand and hurried quickly to the door. She threw him one last glance over her shoulder before opening the door, a smirk on her lips. "You better not be doing anything weird when I come back. I won't let you live it down if you are." With that, she stepped into the hall and closed the door behind her. Sera traveled with light steps through the Inn, finding her way back to first room she'd burst into. A wispy man stood watch behind a counter, and she addressed him with a slight bow, to which he smiled. "I can't thank you enough for all your help. If you hadn't called for a healer, I'm sure my friend would have died last night."

"My pleasure, young miss. How does he fair this morning?" The man leaned over his counter, gripping a mug firmly between his thin fingers. A book of parchment lay open near his hand, names and dates scrawled in messy ink. Sorai Tenshi was listed near the bottom of the open page - the name she'd given him the night prior, after Griffin's wounds had been healed and things settled down.

"He is doing well. Nothing but scars left, thankfully. We should be leaving within the hour, but I will have to buy him new clothing first. How much do we owe you for the room?" The inn keeper pursed his thin lips, sparing a brief glance at his book.

"Seven gold coins should do just fine, young miss." He almost looked apologetic about the answer, as if the price might shock her. But it seemed fair, all things considered. In fact, it seemed extremely cheap. Then again The Horse's Arse wasn't a high-end abode and they hadn't received any meals, but they'd gotten a private room and a healer, which seemed very gracious now. Smiling slightly, Sera pulled one of the coin pouches from the inside of her robe and retracted from it ten coins, to which she spread upon his counter. The inn keeper's eyes widened briefly before he swept the coins into his hand. A large grin revealed chipped and somewhat yellowing teeth. "There will be a hot meal ready upon your return, with fresh meat and wine."

"Meat sounds lovely, but we will do well without the wine. Thank you, sir, I greatly appreciate your kindness."

"It is no hindrance at all. Stay vigilant in town, young miss, for there are many slimy fiends lingering who wouldn't dare let your beauty escape their grasp." Although smiling, a very sincere concern tightened the wrinkles around his eyes. She made a note to be careful and nodded lightly, bowing once more before exiting the cramped little Inn. It was dim and gray outside, dreary clouds overshadowing the sky though the streets were dry and free of rain thus far. The sun just barely peaked through clouds above head, telling her it was probably a little before noon. With any luck, the merchants would be out and about, selling their wears like she imagined they would in a little medieval town such as this.

Sera didn't have to walk far before she came across what looked to be the town's square. Various vendors were sprawled throughout the space, carts and counters sitting on the dirt-ground, no stone or paved roads in sight. It seemed to be a very small and poor town, like Hobbler mentioned. She wasn't quite sure if that was a good thing or not - a cheap village meant cheap items, though in what sense she couldn't tell. Injecting some strength and sureness into her step, Sera crossed the square and ended at a cart covered in various clothing. A female merchant hovered around her wears, wry eyes watching Sera carefully, as if waiting for her to try and steal something. Sera smiled lightly to the woman before picking through the materials, hoping that some kindness would reassure the woman of her innocence. "Good morning, miss. I'm looking for some sturdy traveling threads, might you have something for me?"

"D'pends, how picky r'ya, girl?" The woman's voice was surprisingly harsh and guttural, the product of poor teaching, Sera assumed, though she said nothing about it.

"...Anything will do, though I prefer something light, easy to move in. Pants would be nice, too..."

"Bah! Ya want light? Go see lil miss Serephine o'er dere, she can giv'ya sum nighties. I sell wool, n'fleece, n'leather wears. No thin garbage." The woman sneered, and Sera scrambled to say something that wouldn't offend her, but before she could get a word out clothes were being tossed in her face. "Look'it those, do they suit yur fancy?" Pursing her lips, Sera set one piece aside and unraveled a long cream-colored fleece top, which looked to be an elven-styled coat. Dusky rose piping trimmed the sleeves, long pixie hood and choppy-edged bottom, and wooden buttons lined the front. It was actually pretty decent, although thicker than she might have liked. Nodding her approval, she picked up the other piece of fabric she'd been tossed and unraveled it to find bone-colored leather pants. They were small, and would probably hug her legs nicely.

"These will be perfect." The woman looked particularly smug at that, flashing Sera a toothy grin. "Do you perhaps sell men's clothing as well?" That question brought a mildly cross expression to her face, and she stroked her chin for a long moment in consideration.

"I got uh small selection fer men, nuthin' fancy tho." The woman bent to access the lower levels of her cart, and snatched two piles of black fabric. She tossed them at Sera once more, to which she found them to be a very basic tunic and leather pants. They weren't atrocious at least, but Sera knew with a needle and some thread she could do better. At least these seemed to be mostly in Griffin's size, if not a little big for him.

"I'll take them, thank you." Sera smiled again, and the woman gave a firm grunt, rattling out individual prices for the clothing with a firm voice. Sera obliged, paying the set price without trying to haggle and wishing the woman a lovely day before setting off toward another vendor. They still needed shoes, preferably boots, which is what she sought out next. After a brief conversation with a slightly more pleasant male merchant, Sera walked away with two pairs of basic but sturdy leather boots, both black. In total her shopping spree hadn't costed much at all and she'd bought enough to suit Griffin so that he could come search for armor and weapons himself. Satisfied with her findings, Sera retraced her steps back to the Inn and waved a greeting to the keeper before heading to her room. She knocked briefly before stepping inside, only to find Griffin on the bed still, thankfully not doing anything too weird.

"So this town kinda sucks in the fashion department, but I found us some basic stuff that we can get by on until I can make better clothes for us. Dress quickly, the inn keeper should be bringing food for us any minute now." With that, she tossed him his clothing and wandered over to the opposite end of the room to dress in her own newly acquired clothing. Sera made sure to turn her back towards Griffin, so as to avoid seeing him naked again as he dressed.​

 

[Sinopa]

.:Haven:.
~Kanari > Zera~​

"Here I thought I made myself clear."

His voice was full of malice as I was soon kicked in the air then fell to the ground, landing on my back. I cried out in pain as I turn to my side, but I was soon picked up by my hair and forced to meet his cold eyes, which scared me to death. I grabbed onto my hair trying to ease the pressure from my head but it didn't help much. I grunted and squirmed but to no avail, his grip was strong and I was too weak. I flinched as her quickly touched three fatal spots: The base of my nose which was between my eyes, The base of mandible, which formed the lower jaw and kept the bottom teeth in place, and the carotid artery in my neck. All place that could cause certain death if stabbed. Then I was dropped on my back once again, I wouldn't dare sit up, I was to scared, frozen in place by fear.

"I will settle with this for punishment."

He pointed his finger at me and lightning shot out, bounced of the stone and hit my throat. My back arched backwards and my hands flew to my neck as pain surged through my body and I began to choke.

No...

I couldn't speak, I tried gasping for air but my throat wasn't working, I couldn't breath!

No!

The edges of my vision was starting to darken, and my hearing was making it sound like I was underwater, symptoms of fainting. One that I may never wake up from .
NO! I DON'T WANT TO DIE! PLEASE! SOMEONE HEAR ME!

The pain was excruciating, like nothing I ever felt before. I was dying! He killed me! This is really the end! Soon darkness was all I could see.

Pathetic, I'm ashamed to even call you my sister.
Brother?
Ha, you think I could love someone as pitiful as you?
Sara?
You're the reason I'm dead, the reason all of those guards are dead.
Neve?
You are useless and weak, if you cannot get stronger then just die already (all)​

"NOOOOOOOO!!!" I shot up screaming at the top of my lungs. I looked around confused, the pain was still there but I could breath. My sight and hearing were beginning to revert back to normal and I was fully conscious. I put my fingers to my neck, feeling my pulse, which was beating fast, then I put pressure on my wrist and quickly removed it checking how fast the color returned.

I was alive!

I slowly stood up, stiff from the pain. I could have been jumping up and down cheering at being alive but I didn't feel like it. I could have been crying from all the pain and trauma from my near death experience, but I didn't want to. I trudged forward, bangs under my emotionless eyes, I didn't know where I was going and I didn't care, I wasn't feeling normal.

When you cry, what does it accomplish! When you feel, what does it do to help you in your current situation!

The words seared itself into my head, repeating over and over as I walked.
Was this how I'm to survive? Feel nothing, nothing at all, become a soulless doll... Fine, if that will keep me alive and get me stronger then so be it. No matter how hard it will be...
That is what I'll become.

 

[RaccoonKing]

Location :
Twins > Seridis

Red eyes, pierced and poised remained upon the one they called lord as he spoke. Explanations of what they were now deeply involved in was set deep in their mind. Every word, carved permanently into their minds as she tried to accept the words that were coming from the more experienced necromancers lips. By now, the twins no longer stood in fear or discomfort before Seridis but both had revealed acceptance to his presence. Aiden had accepted Lord Seridis due to the power that practically burnt the air around him, the power he desired so. Nadia had continued studies and practice for a different reason, ones that involved their relations to the man but both stood before him with determination.

Fingers strummed against clothed legs as narrowed ruby orbs glimmered in lust, pursuit of power more like. "Time to prove what we have learnt huh..." He murmured, lips curling to a hungry smirk as he chuckled softly. "Of course Lord Seridis." He finished, bowing his head before he walked over towards the empty space, the chilling air having brought a shiver to his skin. Nadia on the other hand stared at Seridis a moment longer before her gaze was on her male counter part. "Okay!~" She cheered, following her brothers respectful actions before hopping over to where the opposing red head stood, her lips in a soft grin instead of the twisted smirk.

Aiden faced the slightly small frame with a curious gaze, sweeping over the girl who had changed if only slightly. Her hair had been tied back by a thin ribbon she retained in the transportation to Norindul and her eyes held a little less of the innocent gleam it once lit up with. Other than that she now adorned clothes more suited to this world, although they had been ripped and torn then fixed to creature a black and grey version of her red dress and corset like outfit. He himself had done something similar, although now was enjoying the loose shirts instead of his formal attire. "Are you ready?" A nod. "Are you sure?" Another nod. "Are you honestly sure?" Then there was a pause. A groan passed his lips as his head fell back, eyes squinted closed as brows knitted together.

Expression narrowing in determination, Nadia nodded furiously after a few moments of contemplation. "No! I am ready Aiden!" She declared, slightly angry at his lack of trust but even she could not blame him for that. "So you wont do something stupid right?" "Nope." "Sure?" "Yes. " "Definetely sure?" Then there was another pause as Nadia turned on her heels to turn her back to him. "Lets just start Ai~" She cooed, trying to rile him up. It worked as the eldest turned to face the opposing walls, huffing tiredly.

Nadia faced a bag, tied at the top with multiple layers of rope that remained still, her eyes seeming to gleam with mischief as she stared at the tattered material wrapped around her ritual. Aiden on the other hand held a recent corpse, still clad by sickly pale flesh and lifeless eyes that stared haunting at the ceiling. It had been thrown roughly on the floor obviously but that was of little concern. He shook his head, blinking slightly before gesturing to Nadia. "Lets start." He whispered, receiving a nod as both felt a wave of calmness sweep their forms, shadows almost shrouding them despite the dim lights created by the candles.

Two sighs parted from their lips as slowly they began to murmur unclear words to those without knowledge of necromancy and the arts that were long since forbidden by so called heroes and legends. Condemned magic one could call it. They trailed venomously from their lips, almost as if the pair were reciting beloved poetry, syllables and words mixing as the air once cold was forced from its space so that silky black forms would wrap eerily around the twin forms, Nadia who had long since closed her eyes in trying to recall the magnitude of words and Aiden who stared with pure insanity at the events that unfolded.

Those ominous shadows seemed to coil around the frozen forms, licking painfully at the flesh of the two who were not used to the tempting whispers the shadows told them. The feeling of power that wrapped around them was unimaginable, the heat that brushed against their skin before flickering away to the items before them in slow, lazy movements. Voices raised as their words began to meld together, almost as if to prove the connection hanging between the souls harboring their physical forms. They finally cast a light touch against both the corpse and the hidden objects, the serpent forms having slowly creating a shield for the chosen objects, creating a cocoon around them.

The male twin held out his hand, words but a whisper now as his gaze was cast upon the corpse through the out spread hand. A hue of grey encasing the hand that began to manipulate the summoned powers brought from the energy possessed. Both, his control and the darkness moved together till under the bent and broken male body was a circle coloured with a similar grey as it slowly began to trace patterns and shapes over the span of a few minutes. Nadia was in a similar state although her hand was encased with the ethereal purple, tainted black with her far more developed insanity.

Words over their lips pursed, both gazes narrowed with curiousity, hope and fear at their first attempt at something their father did so easily. The designs resting under the corpse and bag had stopped moving, its entrancing dance ended as the light momentarily encased the deceased form, allowing it moments later to disperse in tendrils of sickly black. Muscles twitched as the corpse before Aiden's power hungry eyes released a moan of pain, limbs convulsing in spasms as it re-awoke from its previous and untimely death. Nadia on the other hand had headed over towards the bag, a skip to her step as she crouched down to pull open the ends she tied tightly before.

Aiden was over ridden with glee, his expression adorning a huge smirk at his accomplishment that had slowly began to drag itself up from its crumpled pile. He turned to Nadia who shielded the view of her own ritual from him, excitement on his face despite the fact she could not see. "Nadia! Look, We did I-""DUCKIE!!!" The coo escaped her lips as the girl stood, spinning around on her heels to hold out the form of a recently dead duck that now remained limp but revived within her hand. Silence reigned between the twins before Aiden hissed. "Nadia! The hell! A duck?" She just stuck her tongue out, turning to Seridis with a smile. "Lord Seridis! I did it!~" She chimed, Ignoring Aiden who grumbled angrily.​

 

[Mikasa]

​

Princess Alyssa Highreign
Royal Cygnet, the Bearer of Highbloom, the First Born
​

Royal Chambers

Alyssa jolted awake again. She was just about to doze off when the voice came from the door - her father. Jumping off the bed with a start, she hurriedly went for the door. "Hi, Papa," she greets him as she opened the door, smiling radiantly. "Of course, I'll have you, I'm in no hurry."

She ushered him in, dismissing all her servants as she closed the door after her. As she did, she turned to gaze upon her father's sickly self. How the mighty have fallen indeed; to live cursed by the Witch was no mean feat, as evidenced by her father. Watching him struggle was painful. Alyssa always dreaded seeing him in Court for this very reason. Her heart ached so much she had to struggle to keep calm. Her voice nearly cracked too many times in his frail presence.

Yet she knew, were it any common man, he would have died. In some ways, that inspired just as much awe and respect. Still, looking upon him now as he ambled towards her bed, she could feel her heart aching again. He turned back just then, leading Alyssa to force on an awkward smile.

His eyes gazed into her, as if reading her like an open book.

"Sorry, Papa," she sighed, sitting beside him. She clasped his hands in hers. "You're strong. I'm proud of you for that."

She did not dare meet his eyes for fear of crying.

"How fares your health, Papa?"

It felt like a redundant question, but she had to ask nevertheless.​

 

[Wolfsin]

Haven:
@Sinopa

The clouds moved with intricate patterns, the sky was still but it never stopped moving to the eyes of a watcher. Zera knew all too well that his implications, his ways were cruel, but she was too weak. A sigh passed his lips as he reached toward the sky. The others were beyond his reach now, they stood at the mercy of the Gods above and in ways part of his treatment was due to anger, and resentment placed on the little girl. It was not fair, but he was no as perfect as he pretended to be either. some day she would learn that. Some day he would be able to allow her tears to pass. There were only two ways the training would end for her now. Either she would be dead, and cleared of all emotion, or she would learn when she could show emotion in her decisions.

Small foot steps echoed the Parthenon like halls and a small shadow filled the only light of the area. Zera turned and met the cold gaze of the girl. "You are ready then?" his voice had gone cold again, his words like before when he'd tortured her. Zera didn't wait for her to answer him, he knew she would not have come back for punishment if she was not prepared to endure it. The will of Dusk elves amazed him, and though he had only met few before this, it was his first time seeing a girl Dusk Elf in a very long time.

Zera placed his hand on the ground below him and said a few words quickly. A circle of light formed around his hand and metal formed a training dummy. The metal was magnetized by Zera's force and by his will the golem stepped forward to bow to Kanari. Zera spoke to the girl as he took his seat in a large throne at the back of the room. "You will only hurt yourself fighting him fist to fist. training you have learned thus far means nothing here, but I am going to teach you a way to incorporate your skills into something far more potent. You will learn a very difficult magic to sustain in broad combat, and you will learn it in the heat of battle. The Golem will not stop, you must stop him. When you are exhausted he will beat you, when you stop he will not. harness the raw essence of your own aura and apply it to your hits. Only then will you stop this battle. Now begin."

Zera watched as the Golem moved forward and stepped in with a blunted sword aimed to hit her from above. its leg shot out in an attempt at intercepting her evasive maneuver and knocking her back. The golem would remain relentless through out this fight, and Kanari had to learn on her own how to harness and bend her own aura. This was a branch of magic of natural magic that was called Aura magic, and Dusk elves were masters of this art.

 

[Wolfsin]

The City of Gurikson
@Key Tuzi

The door closed and Griffin took the sound as mild comfort. His body convulsed with both anger and sadness, but he refused to let it free just yet. This world, was just as much a lie as the one before it. He thought that they may have been able to enjoy each others company. He thought that Tyler, Sera, All of them could all be happy in this new world. it should have been apparent right away that he was stupid for thinking like that. The Troll, the near death encounter with Tyler, and THEN the damned Assassin. Now his friend was gone, Sera had rekindled her old feeling for Tyler and he had nothing.

His jealousy over a dead man, much less a friend sickened him to a point he couldn't handle. Griffin finally allowed himself to cry, to feel what he withheld. Then when it was done he looked up, his eyes had changed. His face distorted He realized that his tears were blood drained into a pool that did not exist. He could not cry. He realized that his heart was stone and that he was only fooling himself to think that his emotions meant anything.

Sera Returned~

Instantly his eyes shot to hers as he watched her poke in with a bag. She seemed cheerful in comparison to when she'd left. Once again like a stone faced harlequin he pulled down his mask and the truth that only he knew was hidden.

"Dinner in bed and everything huh? I am starting to wonder how you manage all these favors. You are either the fastest sexual deviant alive with an incredible ability to switch out clothes, or the Gods of this world have blessed you." Griffin laughed to himself but turned from her and pulled off the tattered remnants of his sheet. he replaced it with Black leather, straps to hold it in place. it was a very simple tunic; but it fit well with his face, his hair. His eyes wandered for a moment as he caught a glimpse of Sera's beautiful body, the smooth curve of her back, the way her hips sat just perfectly. She was a portrait of grace in a gallery of nightmares for him.

A knock to the door followed very quickly after and a man poked in. He was gruff looking, but seemed to be well established. griffin waved in his direction and man smiled in response. "It is certainly good to see you up and about after all the hassle. You were very beat up." Griffin, didn't care to talk about it, so he simply nodded. The inn keeper then brought in two dishes with a large slab of what looked like hard cooked meat. Some salad at the side. It was not much at all but to griffin heaven had easily just opened its doors to them. Griffin grabbed his own plate with greedy hands and didn't think to ask for any thing to eat it with. His hands dug into the food like an animal starving from a weeks hunger.

Sera was a bit more refined, and looked at him with wide eyes, though she passed off even the slightest hint of disgust with laughter. She giggled and prodded jokes at him about his eating habits; especially considering Griffin had devoured his own plate before she had even gotten much of a chance to start hers. The inn keep took the place and laughed all the way down the hall. Luckily Griffin was receiving a single extra plate out of generosity. The first hadn't come close to filling him up.

While waiting for his second plate and Sera to finish her own food he surveyed her in her pixie like outfit. "I think its befitting of you." He finally stated as he looked at her and smiled. "At least until see see the beautiful things your people have to offer." His tunic, was personally tight. Sera had bought him clothes before, so she probably as careful to pick those same sizes, but here Griffin had grown a lot. It wasn't a horrible fit by any means, and he could still move easily in them so that was all that matters. The quality worried him when it came to weapons. The sword he had when the assassin chased them was a fine steel, a knightly weapon stolen from a battlefield where weapons were forged for battle. He expected that he would find nothing so wonderful in this city; given what Sera told him.

The inn Keeper returned with Griffin's second plate of food, and it was devoured just as fast as the first. he was still hungry but he didn't let that show too much. "Damn, that was good food. I have no idea what exactly that it was, but it was awesome." Sera was just finishing her own plate when talked. She looked directly at him and shook her head. "You are a derp Griffin, I don't know how you could be so hungry, but you could have saved some for later silly." She was right. it probably was a good idea but he was Sooooo hungry it hadn't even occurred to him at that time. "Oh well, nothing that can be done about it now right?" With that he hopped up from the bed and stretched out his body. Even the scars on his body from the battle were starting to vanish. he tied off the Tunic and headed towards the door. "Alrighty, good lunch, good company, not lets go find us some good equipment." he found out very soon how much of a joke, that comment was.

"You are trying to charge me THAT for this piece of shit!?"

Griffin stormed from one of the shops and in his hand he held a fairly long curved blade. There were plots of rust apparent on it, but believe it or not. This weapon was the best in the shop too. Despite Sera's denial, she now had a dagger of the same shitty melded iron material. "God I wish I had kept ahold of that sword. We could go back and search fo.." Sera shot him a heavy glare and he left his comment unfinished. Armor was next, but he half expected that was a fools errand as well.

Armor came fairly easy, they were on to Sera's and both of their joint shopping now. Griffin bought shitty plates and even paid a little extra to have them attached to his Tunic where they might be most advantageous. A cup over both of his knees, a shoulder piece of Layer iron on his left arm, and a metal plate in the palm of his left hand glove. over his chest a rusted iron plate, and On his right arm a bracer of the shitty metal. it was Sera's turn to get herself organized, though he expected that would be close to impossible for her in this shitty little village.

"Rope, Hooks, Flint and steel, Kindle-twigs, Bed mats, a tent, Blankets, all of the main essentials are gathered, is there anything else you think that we need?"

Griffin had never been so thankful for DnD in his life.

 

[Wolfsin]

High Kingdom of Dyanus:
@Mikasa

The old king beamed with delight as he settled himself next to her and let out a pained sigh. He was very weak. his body did not hold well at all but who was going to tell the King of the land that he could not go see his daughter? "Don't fret over me. Nothing has changed, which means I am still fighting and I will not stop fighting for a long, long time." it was good to spend time with her, good to bond when they hardly ever had such a chance. She was a very busy woman now, grown and come into her endowment. "You have definitely grown, your name is one that escapes the lips of every citizen of this fair city. unfortunately with so too, do they bring distressing rumors." The kingliness of Dynamus returned for the moment and he bared his cerulean orbs down on his daughter. "Words of assassinations, and murder, words of letters from a distant land. Do you have anything you would like to talk to me about, dearest Alyssa?"

He brought his gentle hand along her cheek and kept his eyes on hers. He waited for her to tell him the truth.

Alyssa would know all too well if she revealed the things she knew. Dynamus would force himself to come along with her to the meeting. never the less what could she do with those gentle eyes bearing down upon her soul.