Mage Clans: Shards of Apotheosis

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Ash did not know she was being observed by another in the trees to her side. She was not showing any hostility, and seemed to be more curious than anything. She watched the small group of mages head off in a direction, and faint bits of their conversation came to her. It seemed as if there were a lot of people heading to a body of water.

Where ever the masses were, there was sure to be trouble. Ash made her decision to head in a different direction than the small group, consequently turning right towards where her observer was placed. As she turned to make her way off, she caught the silhouette of the Ilonrian even in the dimness of the treeline. She could not make out much of him, and could not identify him, but the figure was enough. She slowly raised her hands up, palms out in a classic sign of peace. She had no quarrel with anyone, especially someone as level headed as she was to not barge out and make themselves known to the world. Perhaps she could make her first partnership here. She approached his position slowly, giving him plenty of time to react to her slow, quiet movements.
 
Burning fire sparked from an area of the ground a ways from the original mage group, Haimi almost instantly turning her head to see what this new commotion was. A large black figure appeared out of the flaming vortex and soon it was recognized as the other of the Phiali Arch Mage, the great armored man introducing himself as Ignis Gentes. Though, Haimi already knew this and the rest of the Arch Mages' names. She took it as part of her responsibility, and to be honest she didn't know if such an entrance was appropriate for the Wyrion Lands. It was extra noise, light, and energy that the Wyrions might just be able to sense even from miles away.

Haimi had also noticed the way Kyle had taken up a defensive stance, his right hand completely covered in water. At least he seemed to be on alert for any discrepancies in their surroundings. But there was still one question. Where were the other mages? If the Airith's guess was correct, they were most likely in hiding and watching them. A threat or not, her and the other mages still had to be cautious of both the Wyrions and the other mages. She only hoped the spirits were watching over her.

She met eyes with Ignis, giving him a nod to show her acknowledgment of him, before waiting for everything to settle once more. Only then would she continue with Kyle and Seburo to the lake.
 
Taking note of her passive stance, Ninoorut's hand drifted away from the hilt of his weapon and relaxed now at his side. Determining that the women didn't seem to present at a threat, considering how she proceeded upon taking to notice to him. Recognizing that even given the situation, the first impression he'd shown was that of cautious hostility, he decided to rectify the situation.Placing his has palm across his chest while his other arm remained at his side, he elicited a respectful bow.

" My apologies miss, for the circumstances in which I've had to present myself to you. As you can understand, a cautious nature is a trait one must attribute oneself with in times like this."

Erecting himself from the bow his lavender eyes rested on her visage as he spoke, displaying a certain sense of decorum.

"I am Ninoorut Glacialis of the Ilonrian. May I be so bold as to ask whom you are?", he titled his head slightly as he asked for the woman's name, there was nothing necessarily wrong with developing a sense of familiarity with those attending. He hoped however that this courtesy wouldn't pose any problems for him later.
 
Euphemia smiled inwardly at the comical sight before her, her eyes ever watchful as she noticed the Tyarlan run off. They were a volatile duo, and in any way, it just seemed risky to get on either side of them. Or rather, it would also be risky to get in between them. "Don't bother," she spoke up to Lark, "She's the least of our problems."

She switched her staff to her free hand, jade green irises glanced from the corner of her eyes. Ash was here. Euphemia could sense that presence, the signature shadow coalescence that her clan was known for. "I"ll be glad to help you, but now... forget her," she continued to direct her words to the Silaes'raan, though she did feel some form of movement to some distance from her immediate left. Ash moved, somewhere, then came the light sound of a murmur. A greeting. Someone else had entered the fray, yet the fight was yet to begin. It would come much, much later. For now, Euphemia decided to approach the other two later.

"I would prefer if you would come with us," Euphemia requested after some thought. By us, she had somehow alluded to the rest of the Arch Mages that were left behind the trek towards the lake. The Silaes'raan could be destructive and uncontrollable at the best and worst of times, and Euphemia deemed it as both an advantage and a disadvantage. It all came to how she could make use of him to her advantage. His powers, mostly the unpredictability and destruction a Silaes'raan produced, could prove to be beneficial in certain situations. Her smile widened as amiably as she could muster. True, the past tied their clans together, but that didn't mean she'd give it all to the Lark in the end.

She tilted her head, the amethystine hued mark on her forehead glowed eerily in the dim light, "My name's Euphemia, by the way."

 
As she lowered her hands, she approached to get a better look at her confronter, as well as allowing him to examine her closer. She did not speak for several moments, then replied simply, "Ash." Looking him up and down in the dim light, she seemed to absorb every inch of him. After her initial observation, she decided more questions were in order.

"You with them?" She jerked her head to the clearing and the gathered arch mages. Her hands were folded in front of her passively, and her head swayed back and forth to some unheard noises as she waited for him to answer.

She appeared unarmed in the sense no blades were visible on her person, however any smart citizen knows mages are never unarmed. Even then, her dagger was tucked in a small pocket in the back of her shirt. She seems at ease, not bothered by the presence of the other mages in the clearing, though she does note the presence of Euphemia, and the fact she's probably noticed her as well. She never had reason to talk much before, now hardly seemed the time. She stayed put, attention on Ninoorut,
 
Zeph stumbled forward, mumbling curses while trying to balance himself before he could end up falling on his face. With as much pride as he had left, he straightened up and rubbed at his aching lower back, "Tch...."

He turned his head when a voice called out to him, it was the woman who separated herself before, "Help me? Sure... No problem with that," he agreed while chuckling to himself. At least they both had some common enemy, and he'd lost himself for a moment there. Almostblost himself to his inner demon. Some voice of reason was what he needed now, even if that voice came from an Eimhear that he didn't fully trust yet. He turned around, hands by his sides while he quietly followed the rest of the Arch Mages into the shade.
"Hey... Ugh, can I call ya' Euphie? ," he managed a grin, "Just call me Zeph."
 
She huffed and slowed down her running, "Pheeeew! Hah, so..." she raised her palm to her brow and looked around. "Oh great. Where does this go to.... hmm....." Eyrin looked around, a bit lost but with her pride, she wouldn't admit it even to herself. She had no idea where she was going, there were more trees of the same kind, the ones with their shimmering silver leaves. She walked ahead, still going west, hoping to find something interesting, or something that could be useful to her. She inhaled deeply while walking, taking in the sight of thousands of those trees with their silver glow. "That shard must be here somewhere, or anywhere... eh," she sighed and got a feeling that this whole ordeal would take a long, very long time to get over with, "I'll miss home," Eyrin mumbled to herself, her soft side showing.

Truthfully, she didn't want to join because she was afraid. She was afraid of dying. The only thing that kept her going was her anger and her determination. She clenched her fist and her other hand rubbed protectively over the hilt of her sword. She stopped by a nearby tree, leaning against it and bowing her head, looking at her feet. She sighed, breathed deeply. For everything she lost, the least she could do was to regain something for them, for herself. She looked up, and resumed walking with a straight, concentrated face.
 
"You are nothing to us, Fandos... or rather, Ershi. Leave and never return!"

"Please don't! I'll keep up! I promise!"

His green eyes opened to a sound of people conversing. Ershi tried to recall everything that happened. He was sent to a place for a rather special event... Being bored, Ershi decided to go their ahead of time, and being bored again, he slept.

"About time they got here." Ershi sighed as he rose from the ground he was lying on... He was quite far from the others but the distinct mumbles of human conversations was apparent. Dusting himself from any filth, Ershi tightened his mask and pulled on his hood as he gripped his stave. As Ershi walked towards the location, the thudding of wood could be heard, apparently from his stave.

Ershi decided to not get so close with the others yet, albeit he could see them. They were candidates from different clans... How delightful, Ershi heard another candidate from the Airith was also here.. Ershi was hopeful he could meet her, although he wouldn't show any mercy to her if needed.

He was watching them from a distance, they were cautious of one another...

"Spirits guide me..." Ershi prayed silently as he decided it was best not to reveal himself... yet. He had a feeling should he reveal himself, he would be blasted to pieces. The mage silently weaved himself around the forest, carefully observing the area. However, a sight caught his eye in the clearing where the mages gathered... It was the representative of the Airith, Hayee? Hidee? Ershi didn't bother to care, what matters was the fact that at least he knows that the rumors were true. However, the presence of the other mages unnerved Ershi as he still decided secrecy over fellowship.

"Friends are just enemies who haven't revealed their knives yet." Ershi chanted to himself as he rose from the shadows and continued to roam the surroundings, hoping to find some favorable spots of hiding.

In his wandering, sounds of movement caught his attention. The mage lowered himself as he traced the movements to a young girl, possibly in her 20s... The girl was a Tyarlae apparently... She was a bit tired, and best of all, alone. A perfect target of an assassination... or not.

"People are merely tools for our success." Ershi repeated to himself as he continued to observe the girl. She was blonde which fits her spoiled brat look. She was cautious as well, Ershi remarked... Her hand on the hilt of her sword was a proof of this.

"Perhaps I can strike a temporary truce with this creature. Only for success, nothing more, nothing less." Ershi decided as he decided to reveal himself, besides, she was only by herself... No one can know of his presence.

Appearing from on top of a tree, just on the left side of the Tyarlae, Ershi spoke with a cold tone.

"The worst situation for a mage in this event, is to be alone." Ershi spoke as his green eyes observed his potential 'ally'. "However, that doesn't seem to bother you at all. A fair maiden from the Tyarlae blood. How vulnerable can you get or would my eyes just be the ones deceiving me?" Ershi chuckled as he hopped down from the tree, stave in hand.
 
By this time, that sun was slowly coming to it's descent. The late afternoon began to make it's gradual shift to nighttime. On the western side, a light hiss could be heard. The minutes passed, a second hiss. More and more minutes passed by, third, fourth, they grew in number and in resonance. The Wyrions had awoken, though they were still groggy from their daytime sleep. The hissing was a signal for the hunting time of the Wyrions, it just so happened that the first batch to wake came from the western area. Not as close to the lake and the Arch Mages heading towards it, but extremely and unfortunately close to Eyrin and Ershi.

Cracks in the soil formed, as though something underneath it was pushing it's way out. Soon, the ground gave way, and out of it came through the leathery, tough head of a Wyrion, it's glassy green, slitted eyes shone in the afternoon dimness. The hissing, which was slightly weaker when it was still buried underground, was now more sharp and harsh in it's tone. It slid out from it's hiding place, nearly six feet in length.

Part of it's body rose up from the ground, fangs bared in carnivorous hunger. It's hiss now audible to the two mages nearby. The Wyrion hadn't spotted the Tyarlan and the Airith yet, it had it's back turned to them and a few trees blocked the mages from being instantly discovered. It merely stood in it's place, hissing without pause. Matured Wyrions such as this one, which was average in height, always waited for the others to emerge. Wyrions had the tendency to travel and hunt in small groups, however, the bigger Wyrions that grew around ten to twelve feet dug deeper holes and took a longer amount of time to emerge. Wyrions exceeding eight feet, especially and mostly the males, even had the predisposition to hunt immediately, alone. These male Wyrions were more aggressive than their female counterparts, and their fangs were considerably more longer and lethal.

The hissing would spread to the other areas in a few minutes, starting from the closest places on the Western area towards to the farthest corners of the East. Yet Wyrions did not emerge near the mudbanks of the lake, other creatures resided there, creatures that would immediately attack a Wyrion invading it's territory. Only young Wyrions that were around one to two inches long, which posed no threat, would emerge from the soft mud. The creatures at the lake provided both food and competition. The desert was also just as silent, Wyrions avoided such a bare area due to the lack of food sources, the dry heat and other more aggressive and territorial beasts that lurked in the vastness of the desert.
 
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"E-eep!" Eyrin squealed without so much as a thought to how she might've looked. She unsheathed her sword impulsively, turned to her left in time to see another mage, from the looks of it an Airith. "Oh... Uhh," she lowered her sword, relieved and tried to straighten up, to appear unruffled past the blush of embarrassment at being caught in a vulnerable and panicked state, "Hmph. Your eyes are deceiving you."

Her eyes narrowed and she pushed a few locks of her hair behind her shoulder. "Who might you be? Area with them?" her voice was full of pride, and the way she said the word them was full of contempt. Eyrin was about to open her mouth and babble more about certain Arch Mages, but she didn't have time for that. The hissing was in her ears, barely heard, she closed her eyes and tried to listen for more. Nature magic was her specialty afterall, she could almost feel that there was something wrong, or maybe something beneath the ground. The hissing became louder and she now had a clear idea where that noise came from.

She turned her head around and saw the Wyrion. Her nerves stood on end and no sooner did she got into a stance with her sword raised. She turned around, giving Ershi an alert look. Above all the hissing around them, she very quietly walked closer to Ershi with the hope that she wouldn't attract too much attention. "Think we should make a run for it now?," she whispered.
 
"It might seem so." Ershi rolled his eyes as he sighed. Ershi took note of her prideful tone, concluding that with those looks and style... she was a spoiled brat. "I met them... I just decided to show myself to you." Ershi replied as his eyes closed in contemplation. Suddenly, a slight hissing could be heard around them. Ershi's eyes darted to the mage beside him, her eyes also met his.. and both were agreeing of running.

Ershi's fears were assured as a large Wyrion rose from the ground. They weren't seen... at least not yet. As the female mage approached him swiftly, and suggested a retreat. Ershi muttered some chants as two souls floated from his stave and revolved around him. Ershi's eyes looked at the wyrion as he prepared to escape.

"Indeed it is... I guess we'll be having introductions later." Ershi smiled, although it can't be seen behind his mask. The Airithian tossed one of the white orbs to the Tyarlae mage which would protect her if she would be hit with something.. however, only once...

"I still need her alive... for now." Ershi thought to himself as he pointed to the shades of the trees. "We'll be safer through the shadows... It would be better for us to meet with the others." Ershi suggested as his green eyes observed the area.

"However... two scenarious will occur. We die, or we kill those wyrions first." Ershi said in a grim tone as he started his slow steps to escape... if he can.
 
Kyle and the small group finally made it to the edge of the water as the sun was setting. He stood there a moment and examined the water. #I guess I should try to purify it, or maybe one of the others will try it first?# He thought to himself while turning to them and slightly smiled, "Well I'm not sure how long that took, but it sure felt short to me. Shall we set up camp?"

He turned away from the group and started to gather magical energy to make an igloo. However, he decided it would be best to wait until it was actually time to sleep and let the energy disperse. Kyle examined the area and saw that a there were a few large rock formations on the south side of the lake. Otherwise the only other thing standing out was a small island in the middle of the lake that held unknown mysteries.

He wondered if there were any creatures living in the lake that would attack them. That was another reason he wanted the other two to test the waters first. He did not know if they truly followed with good intent or ill intent. Kyle hoped that since they had not found a shard no violence would occur just yet. He finally sat down and waited for the group to make a decision.
 
He took note of her inspection of him; admittedly he did the same. He expressed himself with formalities simply because a more cordial approach was preferred to one of aggression in this situation. Despite that it was still appropriate to be a little on edge in times like these. Having observed her thoroughly enough, he allowed himself to relax a bit. She didn't appear to be expressing any hostility nor did she appear to holding any weapons, at least not any he could see outright.

His eyes followed her gesture towards the rest of the group along with her question regarding them. Returning his gaze towards her he spoke in response, "I can't say I've aligned myself with anyone as of yet. How about yourself?" It's not as if it mattered either way, but it would still be nice to privy to the information. He too waited for her to respond to the question, his lavender eyes regarding her form as she swayed her head back and forth rhythmically.
 
"No. Awful wordy..." She appeared to be addressing Ninoorut's speaking style. She sniffed irritably. "'Align' with me? Or power in numbers? Leave the creepy shadow queen to her shadows?" She spoke almost in broken tongue, but the way she spoke showed she could speak fully if she wanted to.

Ash wasn't too concerned if this mage were to ally with her or not. If he did, she might be worse off in the long run, but the power of a group, however small, could not be overlooked. And perhaps she would learn to talk to this man, perhaps even find a way to hitchhike with him into a larger group. However it played out, there was a greater plan going on here. Whatever the others' parts were in it, she had her own plans that would more than likely turn a few heads if nothing else.
 
Ah, they had finally made it to the lake. Very little was known about the waters and about the environment in general, but Haimi thought the water should be safe enough for everyone to drink. It looked clear as did the banks - at least for now - and no foul odors could be smelled. It was obvious that Kyle, one of the runner-ups for the Ilonrians, was waiting for either her or Seburo, one of the Phialis, to test the waters first as he sat down atop of the banks. Being one to take the initiative, the Airith female crouched down next to the water, deep brown eyes scanning below and afar until all she could see was the surface. All was clear and as a result, she slowly dipped one of her hands in the cool waters, only distilling the flat surface by a tiny ration. It seemed even refreshing to her hand and she raised her cupped palm, bringing it to her lips and downing the small amount of water she had taken. If she thought it refreshing to her hand, well, it definitely had her feeling better within the first drink. She almost smiled.

"The water is fine," she spoke for the first time that day as she pulled out a decently sized canteen and began filling it, "but get your fill now be-" A very faint hiss made its way to her ears and she turned towards the rough direction where she thought she heard it. Not seeing anything at first glance, she looked up to the horizon and realized the sun was setting into a deep red and rich orange. Soon darkness would blanket them with only the subtle help from the dim stars and crescent moon. Danger was sure to lurk in the night and Haimi did not know if the lake was the safest place to camp; not only Wyrions inhabited the Cliff Lands.
 
When they arrived at the waters the Phialic mage watched the two he'd partied with cautiously, waiting to see what they'd do now. For the moment it seemed like they were content to enjoy the water and begin setting up camp, he supposed he'd do his part in that case. He paused for a moment when the female mage in their small group spoke, head shifting when she paused. He could hear it too, whatever it was that shushed her, but he wasn't so much worried about it. He did a quick scan of the area, then approached the nearest tree, small flame forming on his palm. No need to look for a bigger one right now, Seburo thought, this one would serve well enough for a campfire. Building a proper camp could wait, knocking down trees in the woods at night probably wasn't the best idea. He did agree to take part in this trial for want of a challenge, but he'd not be the fool to go out and get himself killed right away.

This would be a good place to settle down for the time, to fall back to when night would fall on their search for the shards. Seburo had his doubts when it came to just how safe the place would be, but water was essential to survival. Once it was properly organized.. In the morning, maybe.. People would want it, they'd come to him. He need not chase his fellow mage through the woods and get eaten by Wyrions or whatever else might lurk within. He shook his head and moved to an angle where his small, controlled flame would do its job without risk of starting a wildfire or hitting either of the two he'd come here with. Once he'd found the right spot to strike, he took a step back and got down on his knee. He flicked his wrist and sent his small flame sailing, easily burning through the tree near its base and fizzling out before it before it could get too far, tiny glowing embers floating down to the ground before completely dying. They sort of looked like fireflies. The tree itself now bore splintered hole that went completely through, all the bark around it turned black. Seburo stood and turned his back to the tree and narrowed his eyes, then spun around on one heel to deliver a side kick that appeared rather showy. It did the job though, as was made evident when the tree began to crackle and fall.

Seburo watched with a blank expression as the tree collapsed in the direction opposite the impact of his kick, waiting until it hit the ground to move closer to it. He'd glance back toward the woods once, then toward the other two mages before heaving the end of the trunk up onto his shoulder and dragging it back toward them. "Should be enough for tonight", he told them, dropping it a short distance away from the water, "Don't know if hunting right now is wise. Might be better to wait until morning."
 
Kyle watched as the Airith mage took the initiative and tested the waters. Nothing popped out to attack her and the water seemed perfectly fine. He then saw her look back towards the woods, but he didn't see anything. #What could she be looking at?# He thought to himself as he went to the water's edge to drink. Kyle then brought out his own canteen, filled it and used his magic to purify the water. That was a habit he had acquired from his training, to never trust any source of stagnant water. He looked to the Airith mage, "Well good to know we can drink it. I am sorry though, I should have been the first to test it. Being affiliated with water and all." He smiled slightly, but knew it wouldn't be enough to earn back any trust he may have had with her.

#I'm not playing this game as well as I thought and we only just started. I guess I just need to be more of a leader if these two are to follow for now.# Kyle watched as the Phialic mage cut down a tree with fire and a kick. It was interesting, to say the least, because he had only seen axes or water magic do it. He knew the mage was going to make a fire, but how was Kyle going to handle that? He quickly decided he would put his discomfort for fire aside to stay close to the other two mages. He looked towards them, "We should be able to survive a night without eating. As we are out here until all the shards are found, we need to forget about the luxuries we had back home. We will need to harden ourselves as survivors. Luckily, we have our magic so we should be perfectly fine."

He got up and started to scan the area to see if this would be a good hunting spot. Unless many animals came to drink from this body of water, they would have to venture elsewhere to find better sustenance. Kyle then remembered some plants are edible, but did not know which ones. He looked at the two again, "We could at least forage for edible plants, nuts and fruits. However, I do not know what is deemed edible and I would be more than willing to accompany one of you two, or both, if we go forth." He stood there waiting for a reply with a neutral, but gentle expression.
 
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