Epic Roma IC

Epic Roma

Enter Kilik

The Land of Fire was a sauna of gold. The sand stretched on for miles into the hills of the west where it depleted into the grasslands of the region of Wind. Unlike the other lands, the Land of Fire was restricted to the deserts and canyons of Fann. The Elders of the Four Lands agreed that Fire needed to be controlled and because the people of the Land of Fire were known to have the most energy, thus why it was so. But there was one young man who didn’t agree.

Standing on the border of fire and wind, was a young man with bright strewn locks of hair and eyes blue like the heart of a flame. Currently, his eyes were focused on the grass before him as he outstretched his hands and small sparks leapt from his fingertips to turn the patches of green grass black; and then with his foot, he’d kick the sands overtop. I’ve made some progress thought Kilik as a smile curled at his lips. If I continue like this for a month, maybe the Land of Fire can catch a cool breeze for once. As he slowly began to walk beyond the border, his pants of red and gold satin wildly began to flap. Kilik’s brows slightly perked as he watched the sparks glide back into the fire lands. The fiery strands of his hair curled back and his beaded necklace was swept over his shoulder as two wind elementals of the grassland descended before him with elbows bent at their hips and fingers splayed to capture the wind. There were smirks of pity arched on their faces and cockiness in their eyes.

“So we finally found the arsonist,” said the elemental with sky-blue hair. The other elemental just smiled and crossed his arms over his chest as his friend continued,
“Did you really think you would have accomplished expanding the borders of Fire?”

Kilik frowned and glanced down at his progress. “I think I got pretty far,” he stated with a pleased smile.

It was then the two wind elementals broke into laughter. They bent over in a fit of giggles and one slapped a knee. “You’ve done nothing but write a word,” they laughed. From above,Kilik was written in a clean, golden cursive across the grass. “What’s a Kilik?”

Kilik rested his hands on his hips just under the hilts of his twin scimitars. He stood with his back straight, chest out, and flashing a proud grin. “I’m Kilik and may that name be burned into your eyes from now on,” he answered.

“Pfft,” the white-haired elemental spat. “Yeah right.” He drew from his back a double-bladed staff and grasped it firmly with both hands. “We’ll have the earth elementals erase that ugly word, and in the meantime, Eos and I will teach you a lesson.”

Kilik’s hands lifted to grasp the hilts of his scimitars and drew them from his hips. He slid his left foot forward and leaned over, placing all his weight upon that leg, and at the same time, lifted his arms behind him with the blades of his scimitars pointing downward. His lips rolled back into an excited grin as his brows furrowed with determination. “Bring it, Squabs” he growled.

The tension was thick between the three. Kilik could feel the wind changing around him and watched as Eos, the light-blue haired elemental, raised a crackling hand. The battle began on the next blink of an eye. The wind violently knocked Kilik into a spin to the left and Eos unleashed a stream of dancing electricity. Kilik fed the spin he was knocked into as he stretched out his arms. His scimitars sliced into the electricity that ran up his blade and canceled out; and his left foot stomped into the ground to halt his spin as his eyes shrunk with adrenaline, stared sharply at the two Wind folk. The scimitars began twirling in his hands, spinning until they looked like disks that sparked on fire. He threw the disk in his right hand at the white-haired elemental, Degan, and then the disk in his left at Eos. The two elementals swiftly leapt out of the way as the disks left tracks in the grass like wheels and returned to Kilik who expertly caught them. “What was that?” he mocked. “My ass could blow a stronger wind.” It was then he turned around, dropping his pants to flash his bare bottom that stung the eyes of the two elementals. While slapping his ass in mockery with the flat end of his scimitar, long streams of fire shot forth from his buttock like trumpet blasts to burn them.

Eos and Degan backed up with their arms raised to guard against the flames. “Ugh, so foul” said Eos as he shuddered. Degan was holding his nose until two more wind elementals decided to join them. They were women and both had bright white wings. One had matching light-blue hair like Eos and the other white like Degan.
“Is that nasty, fire elemental giving you trouble?” Degan’s girl asked.

Degan smirked deviously. “Not anymore.”

Kilik had pulled his pants up and raised a pierced brow when he noticed the two women clinging to the men. “That is so unfair,” he growled.

Eos drew his girl into his arms and glanced at Kilik. “Get a mate and maybe you’ll actually stand a chance. But oh wait, that’ll never happen. Let’s get him!”

A strong gust began to wrap around Kilik, causing him to cross his arms over his face to protect himself from the sand and grass blades that were blowing everywhere. Every second the wind grew stronger and faster until his arms were pulled back by the vacuum that had surrounded him. A funnel, a tornado, rose into the sky, ripping at Kilik’s pants and suspending him in the eye of the twister. His teeth were grit as he felt the winds pulling at different areas of his body and just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, dark clouds formed over the tornado’s mouth and lightning began to flash. Oh god thought Kilik, closing his eyes to prepare for the worst, but to his surprise the worst never came. Fire roared from the desert and swirled up the tornado, turning it red. The wind elementals lifted their arms to hide from the heat and immediately dropped their attacks. As the fire tornado collapsed and the dark clouds dissipated, Kilik was gone.


It was a long trek back to the canyons. Kilik was limp in the arms of a man dressed in a rough brown armor (the armor of the desert worm) and staring up into his face. It was his father, and as always he didn’t look pleased. He was embarrassed and furious; and his mother was with him. She had to be for his father to create an attack like that. Who knew what name Kilik’s stunt gave the Land of Fire? Returning the frown, Kilik bowed his head feeling a tad bit of shame. He knew he wasn’t going to hear the end of this when they got home.

Closing the door behind him, his father tossed him to his feet and Kilik was wise to actually land on them than on the floor. Fire was already sparking within his father’s eyes and he could see the flames flaring in the back of his throat. “Are you mad or do you enjoy making the Land of Fire seem as a joke?” his father scolded. “No…Do you enjoy embarrassing me? To think I have a fool for a son!”

Kilik wasn’t hurt by his words for he had grown up with them. As always his mother tried to back him up, asking his father to be lenient but he never was. “I was trying to expand the borders of Fire. I thought we could use more room,” said Kilik softly. His father sent a flaming backhand across his face that ruthlessly knocked Kilik’s head to the right. His cheek burned and was numb with pain as he stared at the wall in shock.

“Foolish? Did I say foolish? You’re an idiot! That’s war; actions of war! We are at peace with our neighbors. If you want to go and ruin it, then go live in Tarsus!”

“Sal!” Kilik’s mother screamed angrily. She was already inspecting Kilik’s cheek when his eyes opened, glistening with held-back tears.

“I don’t have to listen to this,” he growled and stormed toward the door.

His father stepped in front of him and ordered, “Don’t walk away from me. I’m not done with you yet.”

Kilik stared him dead in the eyes and hissed, “Burn in Hell!” With those words said, he shoved past his father and strode out into the city. It’s about damn time I left he thought. His mother ran out the door after him, hoping to see him, but he had evanesced amongst the other elementals.


Sitting upon the canyon wall over-looking the city, Kilik caressed his bruised cheek as he watched the villagers below and thought about what the wind elementals had told him.

Get a mate and maybe you’ll actually stand a chance.

He frowned at his thought. “Screw that,” he said to himself.

Dimitri: Present

It was as any other day for Dimitri as he walked from his newly built cottage toward the part of the forest he would work today. The morning sun's rays were slanted at just the right angle to bring out the burnished browns and oranges of the leaves. His eyes found a lonely sharp red leaf in stark contrast to the soft orange leaves surrounding it. "Change is a thing that sometimes is to be accepted little one. We all have our time and place." He intoned quietly to the leaf as his long steady stride took him past the tree containing the lone red leaf.

He paused in a clearing some minutes later and cast his gaze upon the open meadow before him. The grass was such a rich and full green while the flowers seemed to have a magic all their own for creating such dazzling colors and captivating scents. Such beauty is this, it shames me that too few of my kind still wonder freely among the forest but dwell in the towns and city finding those places convenient. Have they forgotten that it is the richness and closeness of the earth that makes us who we are as a people? He thought to himself sadly as he continued on his way toward his destination taking care to avoid a foxes den at the base of a small knoll.

Dimitri stopped in front of a mighty oak, it's trunk scarred and cracked almost halfway up, and bent down to lay his axe on the ground before removing his moccasins. He then casually removed his leather vest and leggings, to have no barrier between himself and the mighty earth, and calmly took a seat upon the ground. He crossed his legs slowly but smoothly and rested his hands on his knees closing his eyes. He sat this way for almost a quarter of a hour, a slight breeze blowing his long brown locks lightly across his face, before he felt the first stirrings of awareness from the great tree.

It was growing weary and weak he knew, the old lightening strike had finally weakened it's great foundation and it feared it would come crashing down to destroy it's smaller kin. This was the reason Dimitri chose his path in life; not to destroy the forest as some misguided and ignorant folk joked behind his back, but to nurture the growth of the whole by bringing culling the weak so the rest could flourish and thrive. He conveyed his sympathy to the elder tree as best he could with his sporadic talent before rising and pulling his leggings back on and bending down to take up his great axe.

Even though he knew this was best for the whole, Dimitri always felt sorrow and trepidation at this most unsavory task. He pushed his misgivings aside and sought to restore calm and purpose in his task. He rotated his shoulders and hips away from the tree; the weight of the axe head flowing with the motion, his arms swinging back and wide slowly. At the apex of his swing the muscle of his torso and arms suddenly bunched and he switched momentum gracefully bringing the axe around to bite deeply into the old trunk. He deftly pulled the blade free and continued his grisly task without thought.

It took far less time than one would think for him to bring down such a large tree. He paused but once during his unpleasant chore to guide the ancient trees fall along a stream where it could crash to the forest floor freely and become one with the earth once more. Dimitri wiped sweat from his brow and leaned his axe against the great trunk of the fallen tree. He slowly slid to the ground and rested his bare back against the trees rough bark and lost himself to the whispers of the forest.

He could not clearly make out what the other trees quested toward him but two emotions were strong enough to be claimed; anguish that such a grand father was gone, and joy that he would return once more to the earth whence he came. Dimitri took comfort in the latter as he slowly drifted off to sleep as he often did after communing with any aspect of the land. His mind slowly opened to the past...
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dimitri: Past

...Dimitri was sitting by the hearth listening to his grandfather Rushgard tell stories from his own childhood.

"It was a normal fall day when I first seen her, she had her down and it blew in the breeze as she bent down in the stream tickling for fish. I still remember the smile she gave me when she finally looked up and met my eyes." His grandfather said. "I believe she knew I was spying on her the whole time but she wouldn't never admit it, not your grandmother. Oh not her." Rushgard continued wistfully with a far off look in his eyes. Suddenly his eyes cleared and he looked down to study Dimitri intently before speaking directly to him. "Boy when you find the one you know in heart is the same as you do not dither and be afraid. For she will feel the pull as strongly as you." Dimitri had no response for his grandfather so he obediently nodded, not wanting anything to do with girls at his young age, as he heard an odd sound outside the window...

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dimitri: Present

...Dimitri's eyes snapped open at the sound and he cast his gaze about in the diminishing light. He had slept longer than usual after his communing and had dreamed yet again the same dream of his grandfather recounting the day he met his grandmother and the importance of not keeping your "chosen" mate waiting. He continued to glance about unmoving lest he be taken unawares by a wild animal. His eyes were beginning to strain when he finally found what had startled him awake and a surprised gasp escaped his lips before he could contain it as he looked on in awe and wonder.

Ala Avery: enter

The Sun glistened a powerful yellow-orange, its bright rays smudging through trees of glorious height, their branches wide and spacious, and their leaves green as an Emerald stone. Glancing back at her quaint cottage, she smiled. It was petite, with white walls and a thatched roof of golden wonder. The window sills were decorated with masses of bright, lively flowers; their colours ranging from pink to yellow. With one last glance, she walked forward, her feet moving at a standard pace, her bow and quiver comforted in her hand. Her eyes began to scan the surrounding village, as they always did.

Cottages resembling her family’s own, stood vividly beside one another; each having their own unique characteristic. Like Ala and her family, their cottage’s door was carved from the finest of Oak wood, its entirety possessed carvings of vines, entwined with trees and flowers. Her thoughts, as per usual, had occupied her mind long enough for her to have passed the village’s limits. She was now heading for the large forest that she held so dear. Her feet crunched on leaves, their brightness like a guiding path. They were not as trod upon as they used to. People had taken a liking to the villages, showing a disregard for the beauty of the forest.

Continuing along, her hands skimmed the tops of bushes. Her fingers began to feel the light brushes of flowers and leaves. Her right hand swung gingerly, her bow, attached to her quiver, covered by her slim fingers. In one swift movement, she placed the quiver upon her back, feeling its presence; she became more comforted than before. Her bow still lay in her hand. Shades of light glinted through the trees canopies, resulting in Ala’ eyes’ glistening. Her light hue of green gleamed, full of intensity and joy. Nothing made her feel more at home than feeling the sun’s rays upon her skin, and the chirping of birds surrounding her.

She stopped as she reached her destination. A large tree with a target carved upon its bark. Setting down her quiver beside a nearby bush, Ala grasped her bow tightly. For a moment, she caressed the bows’ carvings. Its wonderful vine carvings made her smile. She always felt special when she held this bow; it was like her family was there with her. Of course, they were back in the cottage, but her father had given it to her; a present. With an arrow held tightly in her other hand, Ala raised the bow slightly, her right eye squinting as she aimed at her target. Her hand jolted, releasing the arrow. Its speed was uncanny; it’s accuracy even more so. After twelve or so years of this, Ala considered herself pretty good.

An hour passed quickly, the suns brightness slackened, yet she could still see its beautiful rays through the large trees. As always, her fingers felt stiff. She stretched her hands automatically, moving her head from side to side also. She bent down now, retrieving her quiver, and placing it upon her back once more; this time, her bow clasped onto it. Her body was weary; hunger was sneaking up on her. She decided upon a little trip to the lake, and she started upon going.

Her eyes caught the sight of the lake, her ears knowing it was close before, however. With a little skip, she strode towards it. She noticed the large tree that once stood before the lake was down; with a gasp she sighed and shook her head. “Horrid thing to do...” She muttered under her breath. Once again placing her bow beside a nearby bush, she took off her pom-like shoes. Flipping her golden hair behind her shoulder, she pulled up her flowing white gown to her knees, and walked into the lake. She felt its cooling water touch her skin, and she felt as if she would melt from the pleasure. Kicking the water about playfully, she grinned to herself while singing. “Water is so beautiful, as is the sun. Let them shine and flow for centuries long…” the song was farce, obviously. She made the rhyme up as she went along. Her voice trickled off as she caught sight of a large man, his eyes gaping at her. Ala’ eyes shuffled around, not aiming at anything. After a while of him continuing to stare, she smiled; a sweet grin directed his way.

IN Nerphelia


"Phelia! ... Pheliaaaa!" a womans voice echoed through the darkness she sat in. A place she hasn't been to, never seen or heard of, and there it was again. "Phelia!" someone calling out for her. The darkness still hanging above her like a veil of sorrow and sadness, unwillingly tears started dwelling up, rolling down her soft and rosy cheeks. 'Where am I?' was all she could think of, this place was frightening, and the womans voice was slowly fading. As if it was devoured by the black nothingness surrounding her. She had been sitting in that one spot for far too long, shaking a little she got up. Her legs felt as if they had been drained of energy .... No! Her entire being felt as if it had been drained of anything and everything.

Heavy, yet crystal clear tear drops formed under chin. Dropping down onto the floor it was dissolving the darkness, somehow. As it disappeared it left behind a familiar picture of a village. A small place in the heart of the mountain chains of the Kingdom of Wind, blazing in high flames fed by the strong winds roaring through the streets. Why was she crying in the first place? She didn't know herself. As more came up she buried the thought of resisting, falling back onto her knees - she held her hands up to her face. Covering her eyes as she started to wail uncontrollably. The pale blond hair of hers falling heavily over her shoulder, some strands drenched in tears others wildly flowing around as a strong gust of wind hit her straight on.

Distant memories, something out of her childhood - something she had successfully ignored for so long crept up in her mind. With a loud thud she planted the bare palms of her hands onto the dirty ground. Head lowered, tear drops trickling down onto the ground. She was slightly out of breath, huffing she drew in as much air as possible. Clawing her fingers into the ground, she bit her bottom lip. 'Why am I here, why!' she screamed it a million times in her head. Wishing to get away from this place. Lifting her head up slightly, those golden eyes shimmering mysteriously encircled by long full lashes. A last tear drop escaped her eyes, widened in horror at the scene played out in front of her.

An unfamiliar house, standing proud and steadfast - even though flames were eating away on it. Yet it seemed familiar, it seemed as if it belonged to her. Terrified screams and cries filled the thick air, which was consumed by black smoke lingering throughout the entire place. "Phelia!" there it was again, that voice - calling out for her. This time a face, a person - a middle aged woman. Calling out for her? She had the same long blond hair and her eyes shimmered in the same golden glow as hers. 'Mother?' squinting her eyes a little, was that really her mother? It couldn't be... This woman was not the person she had called her mother for all those years. This village wasn't her home either, but yet it all seemed so familiar.

Slowly getting back up she watched the scene unfold in front of her. The woman was still calling out for that 'Phelia', she looked as if she had seen a ghost when a small child's head peeked out from the top floor window of the building. The woman, screaming - ran inside. Disregarding the flames, the fire and the thick smoke - disregarding everything that could end her life. Nerphelia stood there like in a complete daze, her eyes seeing but her mind not comprehending the whole story. Taking a step forward, she was about to run after the woman - into the house ... a sudden jerk. Pulling her backwards, further and further away from the fire engulfed house.

Struggling she tried to shout but no words, no sounds left her mouth. Turning her head, she tried to see who it was that dragged her away. But the moment she turned she was let go of, the village around her - again shut away by a veil of darkness. Frantically she got back up onto her feet. Looking around, everywhere she looked darkness, she was back at the start. Nothing - absolutely nothing at all. The place she had been a few seconds ago, vanished. Running, she started to run feverishly. Further and further, the darkness seemed as if it had no end in sight. Stopping to get some air she felt the ground underneath her disappearing. Reaching out with both her hands for some sort of edge - with no luck. She fell ... and fell ... and fell deeper.



Nerphelia awoke, her blond locks drenched in sweat and her eyes seemed in much pain as she sat up slowly in her bed. Massaging her temples softly with both her hands. After a while, she felt better - flinging a few loose strands of hair out of her face, she gave her room a disapproving look. 'Urgh, I really need to clean up all these books scattered over my entire floor' she thought to herself. Getting out of her bed, she picked up a few books placing them on a nearby desk. For a moment she spaced out - that reoccurring dream... what was the meaning of it? Shaking her head swiftly she snapped out of it. Frowning a little, she went ahead with her morning rituals. Showering, dressing up, checking her notes for the day, eating quickly before leaving for her job.

It was a beautiful little village in the Greens of the Kingdom of Wind. The Grey mountains with their icy tops in the distance, the fresh breeze - swiveling through her blond hair. How she loved this place... patches of green here and there, a majestic Oak next to a little building. She had arrived at her destination, the school she taught in. Nodding at a few of the children playing in the school grounds she entered the school, heading for the teachers lounge. She herself was young but her mind was far beyond her age. She had taught herself so many things and her specialty lay in History and Art. As she entered the room, she over heard a few other teachers talking about an incident which happened just few miles away from their village border.

"Yes, somebody started a fight at the border again..."

"Ah you don't say, did they get punished?"

"Well I hope so, a boy out of the Fire country I suppose."

"Oh those stubborn beings, don't they know? How can they even think of going against us?"

"I believe he underestimated the power we hold"

Nerphelia scoffed at the remarks of her fellow workers, sighing at their ignorance she went on to grab a few sheets of paper and walked back out again. If she had stayed in there for too long, than most probably would Phelia would have started an argument again. She hated how her own kind thought they were better than anybody. Though knowing it would spoil her mood, she dropped the thought and prepared herself mentally for the class ahead. Smiling widely she entered the classroom, taking a seat behind the desk. She picked up a sheet, ticking away the names of those students present. She children she was teaching were barely 6 or 7 years old, young minds and completely untarnished by the world outside. She had made it her goal to teach this new generation the teachings of equality and freedom.

Enter Anisa


Anisa sat on the edge of her father's boat, watching the calm waters lap against the side. Her long hair was braided in a twist around her head and studded with tiny little pearls. Little wisps would float around her face as the wind blew softly against her frame. She loved days like this. The sun was shining brightly and she looked up into the sky to see the gulls calling and swooping down to catch the fish. Her feet dangled in the cool ocean and dolphins would every now and then call to her to come play with them. She laughed softly, wishing that she could. She leaned back on her hands as she kicked water at the dolphins getting a loud chirp from then, making her laugh harder.

"ANISA!" Uh oh, her father was bellowing at her again. She jumped up and went over to him. "Girl you need to get your head out of the clouds! This boat can't run itself and I need your help!"

"Sorry Papa." She mumbled, trying not to be disrespectful and sigh. She was always getting into trouble for daydreaming...or running off to explore some forgotten grotto. Even though she was an adult, she still lived with her family in their home, so to her parents that still made her a child. It was usually customary for a woman to live with her family until she was mated, but Anisa was wondering if it might be time for her to go out on her own even without one.

He pulled on the ropes of the net and she took a deep breath and calmed herself, feeling the spark of her power within her. She made a sweeping motion with her hand and the waves gently pushed up against the net, helping her father drag the heavy load of fish into the boat. Even with the pulleys they had set up, sometimes the nets were too heavy for them and they needed a little push. She was no where near as powerful as her mother, since she had the power of a mate and Anisa didn't. But Anisa's mother had fallen ill and so it was up to Anisa to help out in the family business. She frowned, worrying about her mother's health. She didn't like to leave her all these long hours while they were out on the sea, and she knew her father didn't either. But they had to keep up the business, or no one else would.

After that last haul, they were going to head back into shore. Anisa sat back down on the back of the boat, her mind wandering away with her again. The thought of finding her mate. Her younger sister, Lina, had already found her mate. She sighed softly, maybe she just didn't have one. Or maybe she liked her independence too much. She smiled again. She did enjoy her freedom. Lina had become almost obsessed with her mate and Anisa couldn't image becoming so absorbed in another being. She had her dolphin friends and her family, that was all she needed...right?

Baird is Here

Deep under the water of the Amora Reef Coast. Baird was doing his usual Diving for sand, pearls and the occasional gem. A soft glow emanated from Bairds head as he preceded into the depths of a reef cave. Bairds sight wavered for a breif moment and at that moment he gave one the swords on his back a quick grip. Although his grip faltered after another moment. The entire cave seemed to look the same as one would proceeded down it. although thanks to Bairds Glow he was able to tell the subtle differences with careful inspection.

A small light pool at the top of the water showed that Baird had finally arrived at the correct spot at which he had been extracting his raw materials for the last month. A splash and a quick gasp showed that Baird had Arrived. The alcove; like the rest of the cave was pitch dark. Even with the amount of light Baird had, he still had to be wary for the slightest noise or indication could prove danger. Glasssmithing was a dangerous business, for the best sand; like all treasures to people, was guarded by a monster. Baird had never met this beast yet, but he could not be too careful. Baird reached to his back and grabbed a large sack folded under where his blade's were clasped. He Unrolled the bag and started to scoop pound after pound after pound untill the bag was full. In total it held around 50 lbs. of sand inside of the leather. He Tied a small but tight not back over the bag to keep it shut. he then Clasped it back onto the spot under his sword sheath. It weighted him down quite a bit, but he could still swim; slowly, but he could still move.

Another splash erupted from the room as Baird fell back into the pool. The water seemed warmer then normal which somewhat stunned him for he was expecting a more tingly and awakening descent. But he ignored the warmth and continued to swim. He Proceeded to the opening of the cave where he felt the warmth grow to an almost unnatural level. Baird turned around and nearly dropped his cargo and his weapons as he stared into the open mouth of a colossal Jawed fish. Baird was unfortunately swallowed in one giant gulp. With the fish attempting to crush him with the pressure and trying to eviscerate him with his gills.......

As they are heading towards the shore, her father spots a huge fish. It seems to be struggling with some sort of prey. "Anisa, get over here!" Anisa stood up from her place at the end of the boat and hurried towards her father to see what he was looking at. She felt a jolt that almost took her breath away. She had a heartbreaking feeling that she just had to save whatever the fish was trying to eat. She just had to.

"Papa, we have to save whatever it's trying to eat." She looked up at her father with glassy eyes, trying to hold back tears. "We have to!" Her father, giving her a strange look, but nodding, steers the boat closer to the fish. He readies the harpoon and Anisa prays he won't hit what's inside. The thrashing of the fish make the waters choppy and set the little fishing boat careening back and forth wickedly. Her father takes aim, trying to hit the tail end of the fish so as not to hit whatever's inside. He aims, allowing for the rocking of the boat and the harpoon fires with a loud Twang!

Enter Lasorus

Lasorus crouched atop a building in the strange village that he arrived at only hours earlier. He had seen many tranquil, peaceful villages about the Greens, but this one seemed serene. It was almost disgusting how perfect and tucked away this village was, even amidst the small conflicts going on every day at the borders.

The people of the northern hemisphere were becoming very agitated, due to the conflict going on. It was even starting to turn into aggression within the nations, small rebel factions rising up and saying that the clans weren't handling things well. Though there hadn't been a full out skirmish or battle within any of the nations yet, it seemed like only days away from occurring. The air was far too tense for this kind of peace, and the Wind Clan was incredibly prideful. They would probably be the first to take on another nation...it was a sad state of affairs.

As Lasorus snapped back into reality, he felt the markings on his back start to heat up for some reason. As he looked down at the streets from the building, he could see an elegant woman with gorgeous blonde locks heading through the village. He immediately felt his heart start to race, so he took at step back. Pulling his hood over his head, Lasorus jumped down into an alleyway between two buildings and started moving away from the woman.

I am a mercenary, I cannot bind myself down with a woman. As great as the powers would be, there would be no sense to it. She would not be able to come everywhere with me, and soon we would be split apart, which would be more painful than before. This love shall not exist.

Lasorus grasped the sheath of his sword and darted through the streets, gaining looks from everyone around. They surely thought he was from Tarsus, with his black cloak and shady movements, so soon the nearby guards would be chasing him down. However, that was no object, for although Lasorus was not blessed with very much strength, his speed and agility were on par with the best un-mated warriors you could find. He would simply outrun the men in clunky uniforms.

into the woods again, I must keep moving. The next village will be my resting place for tonight, but I cannot stay here...if she were to catch me off guard, in all of her beauty, I don't know what I could do about it...

The morning passed by, she had enjoyed the couple of hours - teaching the young minds. It was around lunchtime, Nerphelia had forgotten to pack herself some lunch. Thus she had to go out and buy something from the shops down the road. As she exited the classroom, she walked into the teachers lounge and grabbed her bag, which held most of her belongings including her money. Picking out a small pouch full of currency she left the bag in the lounge and headed for the outside.

A cool breeze catching her as soon as she stepped outside into the open, swirling her blond hair playfully around. The children were enjoying the midday sun, playing as carefree and innocently as they were. Some nipping away on their lunches packed by their mother or guardians - a little smile curved up Phelia's lips. Walking out of the main gate of the school she made her way down the road towards a little shop which sold fresh fruits. Looking through the assortment she opted for a banana, an apple and two oranges. As she walked up to the counter the man greeted Phelia kindly.

"Dear, how are ya his fine day?" the man tried to smile but his thick brown beard was covering most of his face - only his eyes could hint upon his facial expression.

"Oh, Frederikkson, I am fine as always!" she replied in a calm and soft voice.

"How are your parents? Audrey wanted to come visit them soon, you know we like to squabble about the old times!" the man started to laughed rather violently, as his big round belly shook with every other breath he took.

Phelia just nodded, "Why they are splendid, I am sure they would be delighted to see the two of you again!" she giggled at the mans laughter.

The man seemed contend, pushing away the few coins Phelia had laid out on the counter, "Take it child, this is on the house" he winked at her before he reached under the counter and pulled up a package, his own lunch.

"Very kind of you, Fred - I'll better head back now. Please send my best wishes to your wife" she smiled at him gently, grabbing the bag with her lunch she walked out of the shop. Back on the road she was heading towards the school when she almost felt overwhelmed by a mysterious presence. The mark on her back aching, pulling her somewhere - the warmth, her heart beating and the blood rushing through her entire body as if it had just waited for this moment.

'Could it be?' she turned around but all she could make out was a cloaked figure running into the darkness of an alleyway - heading for the forests. She almost stumbled over her own step at this sudden revelation - but who was he? She had never even seen anyone remotely dressed like that in her own village, it wasn't a big place so most of the people knew each other here. Pondering whether she should follow the guy or not the sense of duty kicked in. 'I have to go, I can't just stand here all day - or chase men' she thought before turning back and strutting straight back to the school. All the way back something kept telling her to go back but she was a stubborn woman, even though gentle she wouldn't neglect her duties at this school just like that.

If it was fate, than they would meet again - even though this first encounter was hardly a meeting. But still, he might be lurking around the Harvest festival tonight. She didn't know, but either way were they even compatible?

Dmitri was slightly taken aback that this beautiful creature would grace him with so sweet a smile. He actually looked around in puzzlement to ensure that he was the only one present and the intended target of her notice. She looked somewhat familiar but he couldn't place her exactly, she probably lived in the village and he seldom ventured there unless h absolutely had to.

After a few moments of looking stupidly at her he remembered that he was still sitting against the tree bare chested and quickly rose. He fumbled at donning his shirt, his cheeks slightly reddening in embarrassment at his own uncharacteristic awkwardness. She put him out of himself with just a disarming smile which he didn't understand at all. No woman had ever graced him with a smile, most assumed he was slow witted due to his size and his slow responses. He just liked to think things through before he answered.

Dimitri realized that he was just standing there and that the young woman was still looking at him so he slowly made his way toward her. "I'm sorry... for startling you. I was just taking a nap after taking down that great oak when your approach woke me." He told her shyly standing several feet away not to make her nervous with his size and presence. "You were singing." He states almost dumbly and continues almost as an afterthought, "It was very pretty." He rakes his hand through his long brown hair at a loss for words abruptly realizing that he hadn't introduced himself. "I apologize for my rudeness, my name is Dimitri." He says simply still looking at her in unabashed wonder.

A large thump and an even larger shriek erupted from the beats that was so close to killing baird. He was stuck under the beast's tongue and it was keeping him from being able to grab his weapons, but the creatures sudden shock gave him the chance. He grabbed one of the 2 swords that was fastened to his back and managed to cleave a portion of the beasts tongue off freeing himself from it's grip and alowing him access to his other blade.

A quick push from the base of the beasts mouth propelled Baird straight up to it's roof, with his blades pointed up in a streamlined fashion. The tip of the blade met with the fish's flesh and both swords penetrated the roof of the beast mouth. Blood erupting from the stab. With the added weight of the sand, Baird was forced to drop his parcel, otherwise he would have been stuck there. With a quick jolt and a proceeding Run, Baird ran across the roof of the fishes mouth, the blades slicing the fishes head into 3 sections, leaving a trail of blood. When Baird finally made it to the throat the fish attempted to swallow him with the help of Bairds inertia. A quick Push propelled baird back out from the beast mouth, while the beast itself fell from it height and sank, the water surrounding it, turning a light crimson.

Bairds air supply was starting to run low and he needed to get back up to the surface, but his spoils were still stuck inside the beast cavernous mouth. He had to decide, life or job. Life or job... and with a few quick kicks he swam back to the beast. He had to swim through it's sharp gills to enter and he was able to grab the bag without much effort. But the fishes gills suddenly snapped shut, crushing Baird and nearly leaving him breathless. One of the gills hit Bairds right handed blade and sent it just out of reach across the beasts mouth. Futile attempts kept Baird from retrieving his freedom, his only option was to keep trying, and try he did.

A loud groan came from Baird as he tried to slide under the crushing gill, blood started to ooze in the saliva, baird was wounded, but better to be wounded than dead. He was finally able to reach his blade and he quickly cut the gill that crushed him. He was nearly gasping for air now, and he had to swim 5 score meters till he hit air. He tried as hard as he could, kicking and pulling and fighting the need for oxygen, but he failed. He was knocked unconscious right before he it the surface, and he just floated on the water, It becoming redder every second because of his emulsion.

The cloaked figure sat on a tree outside of the village, contemplating his next move. He could continue onward, never thinking of this moment again, but then his mind would always ask him 'What if?'. There were two other options, very simple ones actually. There was a big Harvest Festival tonight, which set up a perfect reason for him to be in the town.

Lasorus determined that during this festival he could confront the girl, or do 'recon' and watch how she behaved with the locals. As an outsider, he didn't know if she already had a love interest, nor if she had a family. It would be beneficial to find this out before he even confronted her, but then it could build up tension that he didn't want.

The young man settled on observing the girl for a night, then if he decided so, he would confront her. He was almost sure she'd seen him when he was fleeing though, so he'd have to stick to the shadows all night. If she saw him again, it could mean devastating results to his little...experiment.

Lasorus, convinced of his decision, hopped down from the tree and made his way back to the town. After deciding it would be best to get his spot now, rather than wait for the craziness of the festival to begin, Lasorus climbed atop a building nearby. It had a perfect vantage point over the town square, which was undoubtedly were the festival would be held. The girl should be there tonight, as well.

Anisa's father reeled in what was left of the fish, with the help of Anisa's power of waves. As she was pulling the fish in, she noticed a man floating atop the water, surrounded by a pool of blood. She gasped, eyes wide. "Papa look!!!" She quickly attuned herself to the waves and used them to bring the man gently towards the boat, the gigantic fish creature forgotten as it seemed the blood around the man was starting to attract sharks. She concentrated, feeling the strange jolt again that had drawn her to the fish in the first place. She licked her lips and tried to keep her focus on the waves. Ever so gently, the wave washed up close to the boat so that her father could reach down and grab the man and bring him aboard.

Anisa rushed to get the first aid kit and some clean drinking water to wash the wounds the man had suffered as her father took the man below deck to the bedrooms. When she came into the bedroom, she again felt the jolt and shook her head, trying to focus on the job at hand. She washed the man's wounds then carefully bandaged them, hoping that he didn't need stitches, though she was almost certain he would. She drew the line at stitches. But the bandages should hold until they could get him to a healer. She covered him in layers of blankets to keep the shock away, then slumped into the chair next to the bed. It would be a long night and she hoped he would make it. She looked over at him, really looking at his face for the first time. Her cheeks blushed slightly then she sighed and closed her eyes to get a bit of sleep herself.

Ala had barely looked upon the man; she became rather reserved amongst the company of males. However, her eyes were suddenly drawn to him, her smile that she had decorated her face with earlier; merely a smile to comfort herself. She glanced at his full form now, his bare chest revealed and bulging. Against her will, she gaped, mouth wide and eyes glaring.

Her body tingled with an enormous sense of embarrassment. She could feel her cheeks burn, turning a hue of rose. The man scrambled for his shirt as she continued to gape. Her heart pounded hard against her chest as he looked up at her. Her smile grew larger, hurting her cheeks. Her eyes shifted from side to side uncomfortably as he stared at her. For what seemed like forever, he continued to stare at her blankly, she returned the stare. She barely moved, her hands twitching every now and then, stiff with the lack of movement.

Her body tensed as he moved towards her, her smile disappearing hastily. His presence was making her feel things that she had never felt prior to this moment in time. Trying to block out her veering thoughts, she moved backwards slightly, her feet pacing slowly, and sliding amongst the crunching leaves.

His voice was deep and rasping, it resulted in her heart rate accelerating once again. She could barely contemplate his words, but she focused now, her eyes squinting in the process. "It's alright... I wasn't... I didn't mean to stare..." Her voice trailed off as she realized the stupidity of her words. She just implicated herself. With a sudden and very slight shake of her head, she told herself not to become startled by this man, she didn't want a mate. She had always valued her independence, she didn't need anybody. "Wait. You did that?" She pointed towards the large oak she had noticed earlier. This was all she needed to wipe the odd feelings she had felt for him away.

"Why would anybody do this?!" She stated, her voice rising. After asking this, her eyes became contrite. With a glance at Dimitri once again, she gnawed on her lips. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound angry. I'm Ala."

Throughout the entire day, Nephelia felt something strange, something very peculiar. The afternoon had passed and school work was done for the day. Now it was time to help with the preparations for the yearly Harvest festivities. The main square was just a few meters away from the school she taught at. Leaving the school she decided to walk home to change into some more adequate robes.

The sun was sitting deep, in the beautifully orange glowing afternoon sky, the wind was flowing mellow - touching her soft skin ever so tenderly. Inhaling a few deep breaths of the clear fresh air, she greeted a few of the locals - who she met on her way, with an illuminate smile. The soft golden locks flowing, as if they were dancing to the rhythm the summer breeze was playing.

Finally arriving home, she got a shower, dried her hair swiftly than dressed herself in her favorite white, flowing satin gown. Picking up the crystal staff she usually carried with her, she was just about to leave home when her mother caught her.

"Dear, I was meaning to ask you something." her eyes lowered slightly, than a faint smile washed over her soft features. "When you came home, I noticed the mark of yours was emitting a certain -faint glow, you know what that means, do you?"

Nerphelia was a little uncomfortable with the whole idea, even though her parents were happy with each other. How could two strangers just bond because they simply were fated to become one. It just didn't make any sense to her, wasn't she supposed to fall in love? Wasn't it supposed to be her decision?

Before she could answer her, her mother spoke up once more... "I do believe you will meet him soon, be prepared - because it is the way of our people... Phelia." a warm hand brushed over Nerphelia's face, trapping a few strands of that pale gold hair in between her fingers.

"Yes mother..." she obediently nodded, before she left her home. Gripping her staff firmly, she threw an angered look upon the evening sky. Though it wasn't in her nature to judge anyone - if she would meet him, she would give him a chance.

Slowly she made her way to the main square, as people already were there, celebrating the rich Harvest this year brought. Wine flowing, a big fire at the center of the square, many souls dancing and singing around it. Her mother's words still ringing in her ears, she walked over to a little more secluded spot - underneath a giant Oak tree. Watching the celebrations, she kept her eyes sharp - wondering if he might be somewhere close.

Several soft moans and groans came from Baird as he laid on The ships medical bed. Although his wound was being treated, it still hurt through his unconscienceness. A few times his vision blurred. He couldn't tell what he was seeing though. On one occasion he saw a bright light, another situation he saw a deep pulsating black. They both seemed to upset him and it made him squirm a small bit. Which caused his wound to bear an incredible pain. Baird gasped as he was shot out of his blackout, a yell pulsating through the cabin. He looked around to see nobody in the room except a girl who looked half asleep. She was quite lovely, Baird was able to notice even through his pain. A small tingling sensation pulsated through his shoulders. Causing his whole body to shake. This gave him a warm sense, but also made his pain even more unbearable and it caused him to black out again. yet this time he was left with a small grin on his face, despite his blood slowly starting to redden the gauze and wraps he had been wrapped in. His coma was calm this time and his pain seemed to pass by.