RolePlayGateway™

Claudius had packed up camp, and was ready to move out on the world of Solas, once he had engineered the downfall of earth, that is. And to do that, he had to contact some of the other minions, who were in entirely different worlds at the moment, and almost never in the right place at right time when it came to military operations. They always did this, causing him to come and get them whenever they were central to a military operation of Gorthax.

He took a small volcanic rock from his pocket. It had been gifted to him from Gorthax, and it allowed for him to contact the other minions with just a simple pattern, a pattern he was now tracing along the outside of the stone. It glowed bright red as he did this, eldritch energies flowing into it's dark magical core. Then it's glow faded, to be replaced by another even stranger occurrence, a light which seemed to shine yet cast nothing. This was his signal, and he spoke into the stone slowly, making sure his commands were heard.

The invasion begins, I am at the portals, the Humans must be stopped. Come with me, for the Great Lord, we must act soon.

Humanity, Earth, and the Guardians will fall much easier if this happens, we will reign supreme!

Y"nil, F'thagn, agg'uguil'sd!

Now that the message was out, he would have to send his troops to actually retrieve the minions on other worlds. They were no good in the campaign if they could not get there.

Buellivar.

The portal trip had been harrowing as always, seeming to envelop him in that unnatural web of silver numbness and nothingness, as his matter was transferred from point to point among the dimensions. He stepped out of the portal gasping; For as many times as he had done this, he was never truly used to the strange nothingness that the portal created.

His trip to the castle was rather uneventful, miles and miles of the same charred and black terrain that seemed to swallow the landscape whole and not let go of it, leaving only more of the same flat, blackened terrain. His eyes never seemed to get used to the dark place, also seeming like this was all somehow out of place and just some illusion that could not be adjusted too.

This was the perfect spot for a war, he mused as he walked; It had all the markings of a normal plain, but with no trees or anything to hide behind, a force of Strikers could wipe out entire armies in one charge here.

Now... he came upon the hulking castle of the two minions he was after, and looked up in awe and annoyance, at nearly the same time. The castle was massive in beautiful, but it's many Gothic arches and ornate doors only weakened the structure, allowing for any good group of sappers to bring this fortress to it's knees in a matter of days.

As he approached the zombies, he raised his Adamantime gloved hand, and spoke.

We are of Gorthax, and we have come to speak with the minions dwelling within here. They are expecting me.

Moira waited for Anila to make her move to leave for her home world. In the few minutes she had spent waiting, Moira could already feel herself steadying. Her ability to focus was returning. The cacophony of voices in her head had quieted to a sort of background white noise.

She didn't know the Fairy guardian. But it was certain they would soon discover much about one another. There would be time to talk along the way to retrieve Anila's Orb. The fairy's form was slight, but Moira was well aware of her other skills. Those big blue eyes were filled with intelligence, hope and life. To Moira, these were the most important features of the fairy and Moira resolved to help her keep that hope. She would help find a way to keep Flinx outside the control of Garthox.

Moira's head was still slightly groggy but she realized with a start that the guardians were leaving for their own home worlds. Many of them were leaving alone. She frowned a bit and reached into her pocket for a pad and pen. Moira began scribbling possible outcomes for each guardian.

"Not the best of choices. Risky. Risky indeed." Moira mumbled half to herself. "Together we are strong. Separated, we are vulnerable."

Moira promised herself that she would help direct Anila and the others to gather together as quickly as possible. Perhaps with Ash. The human guardian was the most comfortable with this situation and she had already been warned several times about one of her companions. It was important to keep her alive...

Moira shook herself from her reverie and presented herself to Anila. Touching her brow in the traditional Dreign greeting, Moira introduced herself and gave her most brilliant reassuring smile.

"Let's get this adventure started shall we?"

Kiana dressed quickly, not expecting company. She slipped on a light pink dress with a thin black belt. Though is was almost see-through, the gossamer substance managed to cover most of her stomach and chest. She walked from her bedroom, heading for the main castle doors. One of her slaves had woke her, telling her another minion called.
Grim? She thought. It hadn’t been long since she had last seen him. Surely he was not back so quickly? Kiana stopped, and gestured for her slaves to open the doors. They did so, revealing the presence of Garthox’s most valuable war commander.
“Claudius.” Kiana said. “I got your message, yet I did not succeed in separating it from my dreams. I assume you wish me to come to war?” Kiana asked, already knowing the answer. “Come with me.” She said, turning away.
Kiana led her ally down the hall and into her throne room. There, she climbed the steps to the ebony chair, and settled down in it, comfortable. Two of her guard stood nearby, one at each arm.
“What are your plans?” Kiana asked. “I do not want to leave my world unless by good reason, or by Garthox’s command.” Kiana did not want to seem stubborn, but a Guardian would be arriving in her world eventually. Leaving it would be risky, and would give the Guardian a higher chance at achieving their goals. This was one thing Kiana had always worked against.
“I do not wish to deny you, but I have reason to believe you can handle this without my help.” Kiana said. “Unless you can convince me otherwise, I am adamant in my decision to stay.” Kiana crossed her arms.

Claudius followed Kiana through the hall of her castle, taking note of the strategic positions, and... Kiana herself, as he walked behind her.

Oh, this was not going well for Claudius at all... As he was walking along, his dense memory had recovered the fact that one of the minions had enough ties and servants on earth in governmental positions, to single-handedly take the planet on by himself.

Now there was the issue of Kiana not wanting to leave her position and aid him in his conquest, and seeing as how she could be a stubborn as a rock when important things were afoot, he was going to make simple one request to make before he left.

Thinking of the Necromatic powers that she had, his mind hit on an idea, a very sinister, and a quite valuable one for his upcoming conquest of a world made mainly of oceans and island chains. The black stuff, weather it was oil or necromantic ooze, always made a great weapon for blotting out the ocean dwellers in a shower of filth and death.

Bowing before her in a gesture of respect as he talked, He said simply, "I guess I won't have you along on the campaign after all... But... Do you have a font of anything that can blacken the seas and starve out these mermen of the Solas?

“Wake up, It’s time to begin” A young lion had slipped in during the night, and laid waiting until morning. Laying it soft, but heavy head on his legs as he slept fitfully through the night, his mind trying to process the feeling and voices he heard in his minds.

“Wake up” gently licking his face with his rough tongues, the lion pulled of the sheets exposing him to the cool morning air. The breeze of air and the repeated licking of his face caused Earro to stir and eventually open his eyes, letting him see the first sunrise back on his home.

“Are you feeling better, you had a fever in the middle of the night, but it broke later in the night. “Yeah, I feel fine; the noise is still there, but now I can tell what their saying, and can focus a bit better.” He had slept in his shorts from the previous night, and now they were slick with sweat.

Pushing the rest of the covers of his feet he stood up, and peeled them off, the starring unblinking the whole time accustomed to seeing animals in this state. The shorts were just for when he traveled to other worlds, here he wore a loin cloths, that looked similar to a kilt from earth, except that it had a strap that went across his chest, over his shoulder, and back down to the kilt. Putting on the cloth, he slipped the strap over his shoulder; fitting snuggly it held up the kilt, and also served as a place to put his bone knife.

“The tree has shown you the location of the artifact?” the lion moved over to his side, looking up its large eyes watching his intently. “Yes, but only through images.” Walking through the doorway with the lion at his side, he made his way through the town getting bows and handshakes from the people. “I remember their being another tree; it was large and had red leaves, even though it was spring. The lion remained silent the whole time, listening and at times nudging him in the right direction when he moved off course or stumbled and lost his footing. “I don’t understand why I’m so clumsy today; it feels like my muscles are lagging or something”.

Turning its head up to look at him “It will pass, your mind just can’t focus on all the different things going around right now, and given time you will adjust.” Putting it head back down, it nudged him down to the road, steering him away from edges and steps. “Do you know where we can find a Red leafed tree?” looking down at the lion. “Yes, and we can find a book at the archive that can help us reach the other destinations, as long as we have some kind of a marker or icon.” Reaching out a paw the lion pointed at a large tree, its red leaves falling around the base, like snow.

“How long has this been here”, he looked at the marvel in front of him. “This is the great archive, and it has been here forever, but has only recently been used as a library recently.” The lion put its paw down, only to lift it again and use it to push him into movement. The archive was huge, several stories, along with several levels below the ground. Light filtered in through the cracks in the wood, giving it a shimmering appearance inside. The floor was dirt, except for the higher levels made from the wood of the tree. Many animals where inside, along with many Sprites; the animals drifting around, while the spites browsed and perused books.

Walking up to a shelf the lion grabbed a book down with its paw, picking it up in its mouth; bring the book to him and placing it on the floor. Reaching down Earro picked up the book, small indentions from the lions teeth still visible. Flipping through the book he realized that all the pages were empty. “I don’t get it”, this time the lion didn’t answer immediately, instead walked away towards the door s leading outside. Fallowing the lion he kept quiet, realizing that she had to show him rather than tell him. Walking back into the light, the lion stopped and turned around tipping her head towards the book. Looking down, he realized that the book was now, still empty.

“There’s still” “Yes I know, the book can only reveal what has been written, if you want to find something you must write it down, with detail. Then the book will find what you seek.” He didn’t have a quill on him, and most likely see didn’t either. Pulling his thumb to his mouth, he bit into the skin and scribbled down a description of the next image he remembered the tree showing him. Instantly a picture and location appeared of what he had seen in his mind. It was dried up water fall with an etching of a lioness and its cubs on the rock behind where the water would fall. The location was also given in the form of pictures.

“I see, okay lets go” walking over, and past the lion he began walking towards the first marker; the lion turning and following him, its tail swishing softly.

"Thank you."
The word was murmured as Anila bowed her head at the Brother and reached for the chain around her neck. From it hung the opaque blue orb that would lead her back to her home world, and her fingers curled around it tightly as she stepped away from Hugh, the image of Josen poking his head out from behind the large boulder flashing behind her closed lids. With a sigh, her eyes opened once more, only to find themselves lingering on the portal. Placing one foot in front of the other, Anila allowed her dainty feet to take sure steps that propelled her forward, only to stop shortly after beginning.

As Moira presented herself in the traditional Dreign greeting, Anila returned it in a similar fashion out of pure respect of another guardian.

"Let's get this adventure started shall we?"

"I take it you are to accompany me, then? Very well, I suppose we best leave now. I have reason to believe that travelling to the location of my orb will not take too long, I know the place intimately. However, I am unsure as to where, exactly, the orb is in the location."

As she spoke, Anila headed towards the Portal, slipping the chain over her head to hold the orb in her hand loosely. Stopping in front of the portal, Anila heaved a gentle sigh as she placed the orb in the gentle dent, the silver chain hanging down from it. As the light shimmered down, Anila smiled over her shoulder at the Dreign beside her.
“Give me a moment after I go through to get in the right position to catch you.”
This comment, Anila knew, would leave the Guardian bewildered, but Anila was intent on seeing Moira’s reaction whilst in the dark of what was to happen.

Stepping through the portal, Anila allowed herself to relax purely in the encompassment of pure bliss, before taking hold of the present and preparing herself from the drop, which was cut short after a mere two seconds as the Flinx’s instincts took control and she found herself hovering in front of the large crack a few dozen feet above the ground, deftly hidden in the trunk of a tree. Preparing herself, Anila waited for Moira to move through the portal and find herself stepping on empty air.

Kiana clapped her hands together.
“I have something that will boil the waters and purge them clean of any living thing.” She said. “It is extremely potent, and will take much energy to make.” Kiana stood, walking past her ally and toward her library. “Come, let us find it in my text.”
She knew just what he would need for the deep seas of Solas. Unfortunately, she could not guarantee it would permeate the whole ocean.
“I suggest you select strategic points in the water to open the capsules.” Kiana said. A slave rushed off the find the capsules she mentioned. She walked into the library, already heading for the right book. “Once the capsules break, the liquid with feed off the life nearby, and bloom. It will spread easier this way. Dropping it all at once, and it may consume too much and fail to have much effect.” Kiana slammed the book on the table, flipping through it.
“Fetch these ingredients.” She said for the second time today to a slave. She read off the list and the slave went to search for them. Another slave came in with the capsules, which were simply metal spheres with a clasp. “Do not let it touch your skin.” Kiana warned. She placed the five capsules on a desk, each about the size of her fist. “Cauldron.” She said, and the slave dragged it from the corner. “It does not need to be heated.” She said, preventing him from fetching wood.
The other slave arrived with the ingredients, and Kiana arranged them in order. “Water.” She said. A few minutes later and a slave arrived with a bucket of water. “That’s good.” She took it, pouring it into the cauldron. Kiana grabbed the ingredients, many of them vials of liquid. She poured them in hastily, not needing to stir. The concoction started to fizz and pop as she added more to it. Eventually, all the ingredients were in, and the poison was complete.
“One of my greatest accomplishments.” Kiana said. “Hard to find anything to use it for though.” Kiana turned to one of her slaves. “Fill these capsules.” She said, stepping away from the cauldron. The slave stumbled forward with a metal spoon, and slowly filled each capusle. It was careful not to spill any, and now it was full.
Kiana turned to Claudius, holding them out.
“They cannot effect you in these capsules. Open them, and pour them into the water to allow them to take effect.” Kiana handed the metal capsules to Claudius, and turned toward the sounds of her dying slave. The one who had scooped out the liquid had been overexposed. It clutched it’s stomach, blood seeping from it’s mouth. As it started to throw up it’s insides, Kiana turned away.
“The effects are immediate.”

His response to Javo's question was well thought out and Ash could find no fault with it, for now.

Focusing her attention on getting Azrael garbed first, Ash knew she had no choice but to 'borrow' a set from someone. Looking to the sides, she saw a young man, almost the same size as Azrael leaving his home. His clothes would fit Azrael perfectly. "Wait here," she told the two of them as she went back into her home to emerge at the small backyard.

Placing her foot on the fence that divided her old house from the man's house, Ash pushed herself over it to land on the other side. Silently, she moved towards the backdoor and prayed that it was left unlocked. As she turned the knob, the thin door opened. Quickly, she shifted into the house and looked about, checking if anyone was still around. Satisfied that she was now alone in the house, Ash went up to the second level and looked into the bedrooms before she found one that looked as if it belonged to the man.

She opened the closet and peered in and was about to look through the clothes when she heard the main door below open. Quickly, she grabbed a pair of jeans and a random shirt before dashing out of the room. But as she stepped out, she saw that the man was now climbing up the stairs. Instinctively, she called upon her powers and the man froze as time slowed down. Ash walked right by him and headed down the stairs. Not worried about being caught, she left through the front door. She took a moment to look at the streets; the cars were paused in motion and the children looked like statues, some in mid air. Everything was silent.

As she stepped on the pavement in front of the house, she released her control over time and all movement as well as noise resumed. Returning to where Javo and Azrael stood, she tossed the clothes at Azrael and pointed at her old home, "Here, you can go in and change."

A man from the next house over stepped onto the sidewalk wearing a blue business suit. He looked to be about the same size and build as Azrael, and Azrael certainly took note of this. He was about to suggest borrowing some attire from the man's house, returning it when they found Ash's artifact, of course, when Ash told them to wait. Watching Ash return inside, she emerged in the backyard of her former home. She leaped the fence with ease, entering through the back door of the man's house. Turning to Javo, he spoke softly, so that no one else could hear. "She's willing to do what it takes to get the job done. I like her."

He was about to make another joke when he saw the man jogging back towards his house, looking at his wrist and swearing under his breath. Damn. If she gets caught, I'll have to get her out of trouble before I can kill her. Azrael begins to stroll casually towards the house to try to distract the man who had just gone inside, when his blood froze. Unable to move his body, Azrael looks about with his eyes and notices the rest of the street is frozen as well. So she's using her powers so frivolously. That will certainly tire her more quickly, making the final kill all the easier.

Seeing Ash exit the house, he sighs inwardly, and almost stumbles as his foot, which had been stopped mid-stride, continued forward to strike the pavement in front of him. He stops and watches Ash approach with some more of the odd garments in her hands. She tosses them at him and Azrael catches them easily, placing them under his arm as she tells him to change in her house. Bowing, Azrael turns on his heel and walks back into the building they had vacated moments before. He feels no need to find a room in which to change, and so merely closes the door and disrobes, sliding easily into the black t-shirt and baggy blue jeans easily. The fabric was coarser than the silk he was used to , but if it helped him blend in, he would not complain.

Azrael transfers the objects and powders from the pockets and pouches of his old garb into the pockets of the jeans, then straps the sword belt about his waist. Looking at his reflection in the hall mirror, he scoffs. He looked untidy and unkempt, however he did like the fitted look of the t-shirt Ash had found. Adjusting his hair to better accent the new outfit, Azrael opens the front door and exits again, just in time to see the man from before now running up the street, a briefcase now clasped in his right hand.

"So, now to the...library was it?"

Claudius's face became a twisted grin at the sight of the servant dying. He was going to have some fun with those on Solas. He took the capsules gracious and stowed them in his Adamatine fiber backpack, which was hanging from one of his shoulders at this point; He had never bothered to straighten it as he watched Kiana do her thing, brewing up instraments of mass destrcution as if they nothing more than mixed drinks.

He saluted Kiana again, and turned on his heel to face the exit.

He marched on his way out, saying his last words for a long time to Kiana, who he was now very grateful for.

You have done the Great Lord a favor more than you know just now!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skip to 3 hours later, and Claudius has returned to his own world and the portals, and his army is amassed around it, awaiting the command to swoop through and begin the first phase of the operation.

Claudius himself is standing on a conveniently placed rock, overlooking the first wave of troops to go through the portal. He is wearing his most powerful battle armor, a battered suit of Adamantine measuring over 3 inches thick, and enchanted to feel and act as if it were as light as a feather. He yells his commands, cutting through the din caused by the combined idle chatter of his troops.

Today we fight for the land of Solas and the eternal dominion of Gorthax! For Victory! For Honor! For The Great Lord!

The troops, catching on to this, start chanting in unison with their commander, some pounding their pikes on the ground, and some with guns just yelling into the night. There were bonfires lit long before this frenzy started, but now they served to enhanced the scene even further, adding their own new life to it in some strange way.

For The Great Lord!
For The Great Lord!
For Victory!
For Victory!
For Honor!
For Honor!

Now, we begin!

The crowds went wild on this note, roaring and pounding their weapons in some primitive war chant. Claudius looked down upon this whole spectacle, he was against this primitive chanting, but hey, it worked. He found it to be an overall morale booster, even if it seemed so strange to his customs of tactics and silent strikes. And sometimes he would do it for stress relief, chant along with with troops.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[i]Now the morning has come. The troops are prepared and ready for the assault, and the first wave, a group of Strike Knights and rocket barrages, it ready to launch.

It starts. The rockets scream through the portals with lightening speed, leaving trails of sparks and smoke in their wake. On on other side, the rockets slam into the barren rocks, exploding in multicolored furies of magical fire, and burning their targets with the heat of a red sun. More rockets fly from the portal, seeming to come in a never ending barrage of hellish noise and smoke, and once on the ground, a disturbingly beautiful blaze of multicolored fire.

Once that is finished, hulking metal suits walk through the portal, seeming immune to the magic fire that is issuing from the rockets as they land. They step forward in a column, fanning out as they reach the edge of the flames, and moving to take the entire island.

Such is war. Now, who will defend Solas from the crushing forces of Gorthax?

As the wind slowly swept through the worn and silent ruins a ripple seemed to pass through the oppressive darkness, and a single figure stepped forward, cloaked in a cloth darker even than the shadows from whence it came. It walked with a slow sureness, born of millennia of training and experience, yet walked also with the carefully honed weariness of a Veteran warrior, forced in the art he had mastered. The figure swept forward, its cape billowing in the now silent breeze, and cast a single blackened, scarred hand against the stony surface of the ancient portal.

Tracing its finger along the intricate symbols the figure stepped back, seemingly content with it’s testing. Bending to one knee the figure began to carefully carve symbols into the dust covered floor of the ruins, before making an odd motion and letting a single crimson drop all upon the center of the runic symbol. Seemingly satisfied the figure rose, and clasped its hands, as if to worship some heavenly deity, and began to whisper a string of ancient incantations. As the last of the words hung in the silent air the symbols glowed and flared, as a wisp of dust floated to the beings outstretched hand, coalescing into the loose form of a large opaque stone.

Stepping forward the being placed the shimmering object onto the gate, causing it to light and shimmer into a rippling pool of light. Stepping forth to mere inches in front of the viscous portal the being slowly stepped forward, like a damned man sent to the gallows, before being swallowed and whisked away. After a slight moment of hesitation the small artificial stone seemed to spasm and shiver, finally breaking away into a super fine powder and causing the portal to shimmer and dissipate, once more sealing the way against all who would seek its entrance.

As the being entered the peace of the inner portal it seemed to cringe and grow far wearier than one would have expected, despite the uniqueness of the magical surroundings. For this creature, Grim, Assassin of Garthox, despised this realm, this momentary path in between the worlds, as the warmth and comfort of it represented that, which he could never have; that which he had been destined to never have. For this was not the haven of a Minion of Garthox, as it was to most others, but a torture far more terrible than any inflictable by a mortal being. For this represented what had been lost, or what had been sought, or what was to come, yet never what was for these powerful beings. This peace, this warmth, this harmony, was not theirs, but the lesser beings of the worlds, those that had not embraced their power, and therefore this place would always be loathed by all those that claimed to serve Garthox, for millennia, and millennia, to come.

Gabriel drew a deep breath, closing his eyes, and allowing serenity to wash over him. Then, before his fears, doubts, and weaknesses could reassert themselves in his mind, before he could begin to question himself again, he stepped through the portal back to his home world. Sniffing in the fresh air in large gulps, a feeling of warmth swept over him. In spite of everything, it felt good to be home. Whiping the smile off of his face, Gabriel's eyes went cold. It was time for business. It was time to find the Sitora Armor. The question was, where?

Azrael looked very different in the modern attire. She suspected he would take awhile to get used to the material but at least he would blend in now. Her azure eyes scanned the area and she tried to recall the way to the library. Getting the directions right, she moved down the steps of her old home. "If I remember, it is....that way," Ash turned to face Jude and Azrael while pointing to the right. "It'll take us ten minutes to reach the library."

She began to walk, expecting Azrael to catch up. Occasionally, she would look up to see the place she had once lived in. Ash had moved on, accepting her parent's deaths but the one thing she could never get out of her head was who had killed them. Realising her hands were clutched into fists, Ash took in a deep breath and relaxed. They walked in silence, the sounds of the city filling her ears as they neared the library. Despite the fact that she had been gone for a decade, the library was the same. Ash walked up the stairs and pushed the doors to enter the cold library. She turned to Azrael and spoke softly, "We'll just need to look through the images of caves so that I can identify which it was."

He and the lion had been walking for nearly 2 hours straight with no more than a cough and a purr between either of them. It was reaching an unbearable climax; the silence made it easier for the voices in his head to be heard. He was starting to get a migrant when the lion stopped and looked up at the sky.

“What is it” he asked glad to have something to talk about however fruitless it was. “We’ve been traveling a long time, I think we should stop eat and rest” the lion sound as if it was suggestion, even though its stance indicated it was intend more as a statement. “Sure, I’m Hungry too” Grabbing his bone knife from the pocket on the strap, he held it loosely, wondering what animals lived around here that he could eat. They had traveled far from the town and with it the Forrest and Jungle, they were currently in the middle of a savanna; this meant that there was most likely some gazelle or zebra nearby.

“Let’s keep walking, were sure to find something” he walked over to the lion, and patted its head, trying to get the lion to rise from the ground since it had deiced to lie down and rest. “I want to rest; you slept in today, while I was up watching over you.” With that the lion put its head down, closing its eyes and also further debate on the topic of walking. Kneeling he rubbed the lions broad back, getting a few shudders in return, and then he felt the muscles below the skin relax. The lion was stressed about something; he was able to tell because its muscles were all bunched up. Moving to the back of the lion, he began rubbing its back trying to get it more relaxed. Even though the lion wasn’t talking to him, he could still here its thought vaguely.

At times they were clear, but at times they were just vague impression or feelings. The shifted slightly, stretching it legs out further. He didn’t know what had been the matter, but whatever it was the lion had seemed to have gone to sleep and forgotten about it. He finished rubbing the lions back, and leaned his back on the lions. He wasn’t really that tired, and now that he was farther away from the town, it seemed like he could understand the voices and feelings better. They were still a bit over whelming, but bearable. He knew that the tree had brought him closer to nature, but at the time he hadn’t been able to process what exactly had changed. These voices seemed to get stronger if he was closer to animals, and the feeling seemed to be amplified around plants. The fact that he could still hear the lion’s voice in his head was proof that he was on the right track.

Looking around he realized that there weren’t many of either plant or animal, which was why the voices had died down considerably. Shifting around Earro lay down on his side, resting his head against the lion like a pillow. He could here its strong heart beat through it back, along with its steady breathing. A lot of things had happened today, and more seemed destined to come; even now he was learning more about his ne abilities. The voices and feeling were always there in his mind, but he never tried to respond back to them. Out here was the perfect place to try and use them, here where no one would get hurt, and there wasn’t as much life. Closing his eyes, he tried to find the closest feeling nearby. Sifting through the mess was easier than blocking them out, they seemed to just move around him as he searched. Finally finding the feeling he was searching for, he realized that the stronger feelings weren’t necessarily the closest one.

The feeling was so vague it was hard to even grasp hold of it; the other feeling each had some kind of description; such as Oak or Banana. This one seemed to be just there nothing more, maybe that meant it was a seed or pod that hadn’t sprouted yet; either way it made for good practice because it was calm and easy to ignore or pay attention to. Opening his eyes, he looked around for the location of the feeling. Digging his hand into the ground he dug a small hole where he thought it might be at. He felt the feeling shift direction, and realized that he had thrown it into the pile of dirt he had created.

Sifting through the dirt with his hands he finally found it, and it was no bigger than a pebble. “So this is what I’ve been feeling” he went to put it back in the ground, but thought better to keep it since it was the first time he had used his abilities. Putting it in the pocket that held his bone knife he went back to the lion and laid his head down proud of his small accomplishment. Time went by speedily, by the time the two had woken up it was already well into night. The lion woke up first, turning its head to lick Earro back into life. Stretching his arms and legs he rolled over on top of the lion, not quite awake. The lion exhaled sharply and got up, shaking Earro off onto the ground.
Rubbing his elbow he stood up and scowled at the lion,

“The thanks I get for letting you sleep”. “A “Humph” was all he got in return, as the lion stretched out its back and looked around. “Now let’s get going, but keep an eye out for a meal”. Nodding he moved to the side of the lion, pulling out the pod he had dug up earlier. “Look what I did” showing it to the lion he pocketed again after he made sure she had seen it. “So it’s a seed” the lion seemed uninterested in the gravity of it. “Yeah I know but I was able to find it by feeling rather than sight, anyways it’s important to me, it means I’m adjusting like you said I would” he got a response form that, the lion smiling at the fact he had been listening to it. “You know, you’ve haven’t told me your name, or anything really about you.

My names Earro” the lion kept walking, but then slowed a bit at being asked who it was. “That’s a strange question to ask, Even though animals live in harmony and all the hunky-dory crap, we don’t ever really ask each other questions like that. I guess we sort of just ignore each other” the lion still hadn’t answered who it was or its name. “Well it’s probably because we share different interest, not because were incapable, by the way you still haven’t answered my question.” Picking up the pace he got in front of the lion and stood there. Walking around the obstruction, the lion bumped him on the way by playfully; finally speaking after walking several paces.

“My name is Rabe; I’m the youngest out of six cubs. I and my brothers are the youngest in our pride.” Turning her head suddenly she crouched down low to the ground, Earro following a split second afterwards. Puzzled at first by why the he had done this, he soon smelled the vague sent of prey nearby. The scent was carried by the gentle breeze towards them, and by the heaviness of the scent meant it had to be in a pack or nearby. Crawling on all fours, he moved silently to where Rabe was crouching. Nudging her, he moved closer to the scent stopping when he heard the rustling got closer. The tall grass obscured them from the animal, but the wind was starting to die down; if it changed directions it would carry their scent just as it had the animals to them. Still keeping low, Rabe made her way past Earro, her ears pressed against her skull.

The animals were in pouncing distance, for not only her, but also him. Tensing up for the lunge, they glanced at each other making sure the other was ready. As if from countless hours of practice, they leapt in unison catching the two gazelle by surprise. Focusing both their effort on just catching one; Rabe steered it towards Earro, while Earro leapt on its back planting not only his blade but also his own teeth into the beast. The gazelle whined in terror, violently running and switching directions, until Earro buried his teeth deep within its neck. The gazelle soon began to weaken, eventually tumbling to the ground, Earro holding on tightly as it flipped over its self. “Pushing the carcass off of himself Earro looked around for Rabe, who was just walking over after watching the spectacle with some amusement.

“So is this how you usually catch you food” she was referring to him biting the Gazelle instead of stabbing it. Lying to the side of him facing the carcass, she waited with an amused smile on her face. “I don’t see why that’s so funny, I don’t see you using a knife for everything” putting the knife back in his strap pocket as a sign of defiance, he looked her in the eye. Turning away, she began ripping through the skin; silently laughing at someone with such a frail set of teeth could tear through the hide. Instinctively he almost did pull out his knife and start cutting, but felt her gaze as he started to move his hand. Looking at the carcass he felt his stomach growl, and said screw it in his mind; pushing his face towards the animal hide, he bit a chunk of the skin and started to chew on it. At first he barely made a bruise, but as he bit harder he finally punctured the skin.

“Ha” showing the bright pink skin underneath.

Fieht stayed in the house for a longer time than the others. She wasn't looking forward to going back to her world alone, at least the others had some sort of company. Sighing she finally stood and readjusted her weapons, which she always slept with. She fixed her hair and went outside in time to see Azrael bow to Ash, offering his services. Fieht looked to Ash, trying to send her a message with her eyes that Ash should not trust the man...but Ash had missed it. Sighing in her mind she took out her stone and opened her home portal, hoping that it wouldn't take her to long to find the ring. She bowed goodbye to the brother who was now alone, and quietly stepped through the portal, making sure to take the stone after wards.
Fieht looked around at the scenery her mood already being lowered a few notches. She had forgotten that the portal had been on a mountain....and far from her village at that. She would have to look for information in the nearest town instead, and she had never liked that town. Sighing once again she started her journey to the village, to get what information she could about her ancestors ring.

Just Ignore this, it has no use now. Thank you Blazingstar.

“Give me a moment after I go through to get in the right position to catch you.”

What an unusual thing to say, thought Moira as she stared, blinking after Anila. She waited a few moments before entering the portal, just as Anila had instructed. On entering, Moira allowed herself to be comforted by the peace of her surroundings. She savored the feelings of comfort and warmth now more than ever. If Garthox and his Necromancer had taught her anything, it was to savor and appreciate what small comforts came to her, no matter how fleeting.

In the next instant Moira stepped through the portal and into...

nothing!

Moira gasped as she realized she was falling, but in the next instant she was laughing. Laughing at herself for not realizing that a fairy would be able to fly as well as walk. Laughing out of the thrill of falling. Laughing because she trusted her companion to do as she had said and catch her. It felt wonderful. It had been such a long time since she had laughed.

Moira shouted through her laughter as she spotted Anila. "Thank you!"

Anila couldn't help but smile to herself as she waited upon Moira, and the smile soon spread into a large, childish grin as Moira arrived. The woman's laughter was infectious, and Anila found herself laughing along with her as she adjusted her position.

Her arms outstretched and slightly cupped, the force of which Moira landed in Anila's arms as she rose a few inches would have winded the Flinx completely before the Tree had enhanced her powers. However, now it merely caused her to lower a few inches. Flashing a humorous grin at Moira, Anila glanced about as she directed them downwards, her feet touching onto the ground gently as she lowered Moira to her feet.

"Glad to see you took my advice." Anila laughed as she lifted a hand to her eyes to shelter them from the rays of the midday sun. Though it was still morning back with Hugh, the sun had reached its Zenith in Anila's home.

All seemed peaceful for the time, and Anila cast her gaze about, searching into the horizon. The lush green grass covered rolling hills, scattered with clumps of tree's. To the west the rising white smoke that signaled of a town or farm house could be seen, and to the North the rippling shimmers of a large lake. However, to the south and east, it appeared trouble brewed. Black smoke billowing in spirals caused concern to grow inside the young Flinx.

"Something is not right..." Anila continued to ponder to herself as she looked in the direction of the black smoke, before speaking again.
"It would be quicker if I were to carry you, and we could fly to the destination. However, I wish to walk for a short time. It seems many months since I have been home, despite it only being a few days."

As Josh walked slowly along the beautiful path that led through the forests. His eyes kept darting everywhere, looking for some sort of change that would signify Garthox being here. He saw nothing thankfully, but was still restless. Even if the forest looked slightly disturbed, he would amplify his sensing ability and see if there was any darkness in the area. Luckily, all was well. And as he continued toward the great city of Andarrith, a small smile actually creeped across his face. He had missed his home, wishing that he had not been brought into the world of Garthox and his evilness. But he knew his faith had said otherwise.

His stronger powers started to arise when he was young. When he was only about 50 years old. Elven years differed from human in that every time there was a elven year, 25 human years passed. So basically, when Josh was two years, true powers started to erupt from him. He was stronger than most of the elves at the Academy and he had always excelled when it came to magic. He would always outsmart each of the magicians that were set upon him. Even all of the Ancients, the ones who were the unwritten Leaders of the Elves respected him greatly despite his youth.

Though as there were many who respected him, there were just as many that despised him. As they saw him quickly grow through the ranks of Elves, they hated how there were so many exceptions made for him and him alone. As they were left trailing in the lower ranks, Josh rose and became recognized as a dignitary in the Elf world. They watched in disgust as he outfought several of the best fighters all together. They despised his swordsmanship against the Masters. Their hatred bursted through as he surpassed them all in his magical uprising. So he had just as much to fear an attack from an unknown source as he did an attack from Garthox.

As Josh approached the giant gates of Andarrith, he covered his head with the hood of his cloak. He didnt want to attract attention. His objective was to get in and out as easily and secretive as possible. Any sign of his arrival could alert some sort of enemy of his. When he neared the gate, the two guards stood bravely at the doors. One was tall, with broad shoulders and a halberd with a emerald green point at the end. The other was small, but fierce, he had a look in his eyes that showed he would give his life for the Kingdom at any costs. They stood staring in Josh's direction with no hint of recognition.

Once Josh got to the very front of the gates, he used his magic to open the doors for himself. The guards stared at him in awe. No one ever dared to open the gates magically. Those who even tried to even pass through the gates without consulting the guards were often attacked and put into a prison for several days. They were interrogated fiercely as to what their intentions were and why they hadnt bothered to talk to the guards. Josh continued to open the doors to their full extent, fully aware that the guards were now staring in disapproval at him. Even the gatemen at the top who usually didnt look at the new arrivals, but were just there to open and close the gates, looked to see who tried to challenge themselves against the Guards.

The guards took one glance at the man who had approached the gate and immediately saw that it would be easy to control this guy. He seemed like the kind of man who was passing through with small magical powers and was coming to the city to become a poor beggar like the ones who had recently taken up the streets after the recent destruction of "Fartho's Workshop." It had been one of the most important weapon stores in the entire continent until suddenly Fartho disappeared and the land was soon uninhabited so the Queen decided to eradicate the place. When Josh began to walk towards the otherside of the gates, the two crossed their halbards together saying in their deep voices. "HALT! You infidel..."

Josh looked up innocently keeping his eyes covered as to hide the goldness that was showing signs of true magical power. Josh still remembered when his eyes first began to turn gold. It was one morning when he had gone out to the Waterspring Lake to meet the Water Elf that led the Waterspring Tribe. When he had approached the lake, he looked into the surface and splashed his face with water. For some reason something gold kept appearing on the surface, Josh reached his hand into the water trying to discover the source of it. Again and again, the gold fluttered in the water and then reappeared as the water settled. Josh looked closer into the water and realized that the gold was appearing right where his eyes reflected into the water. He looked different again... he had been changing increasingly, his eyes were normally a deep ocean blue... and now they were gold.

"What is your business here?" The shorter one said angrily pushing Josh back behind the gates. He flicked his hand towards the gatemen and they hurriedly rushed to their positions closing the gate. Though through the corner of their eye, they continued to watch the scene that was unfolding outisde the city Gates. "The Gates of Andarrith are sacred and arent meant to be open by the commoners. That priveledge is only for the Higher Beings and of course the Queen." The other added as he supervised the gatesmen.

"I was simply going to barter some goods." Josh replied in a small voice, trying to fake himself as a trader from the east which were common at this time of year. They would always come from the ocean cities with vast new supplies of fish and items from overseas trips. The Eastern Traders were famed across the land as the people who carried the most valuable items. Everyone awaited the arrival of them because that induced the Blue Fire Festival.

The two men looked at each other and laughed. "You must be kidding. The Eastern Traders personally sent a message to the queen telling her that they would not be arriving until late this year." The smaller one said with a wide grin on his face. "Now why dont you go back to where you came from and get out of this city." He added nodding back towards the path Josh arrived on. Josh stood there defiantly staring at the two of them with a grin on his face.

"Wipe that smug smile of your face you FILTHY----" The tall guard said striking Josh from above. Josh brought his hands up towards the blade and caught it in the air. He thought about simply knocking the two of them out and walking in himself. But he saw that the gatesmen were watching and he did not want to make a scene.

"That would not be wise young one..." Josh said tossing the blade to the side like a toothpick. The guard looked up at him in awe. Who was this man who was defying the guards with such power. Was he one of the Shadow elves? He questioned in his thoughts. The guard looked him up and down looking for a sign of the Shadow Amulent. He saw nothing of the sort, but what did catch his eye was the Elemental Crest that hung inside his cloak, hidden from view. He gaped at it. Those were only given to people who were considered most powerful, even stronger than the "Higher Beings" With the shock showing on his face, he managed to stutter out. "Wh-Who are you?"

Josh pulled his cloak down revealing his true form. The two guards gasped in shock. They had always heard stories of the great Elemental Elf. How he was the only one Elemental Elf that had ever arisen. There were legends about how he had faced the Great Darnoth and defeated him in a battle that was so fierce, it created the absent plain that lay between the Gerdran Forest and the Avistar Ocean. They marveled at the chances. Joshua had not been scene for several weeks in which great changes arose in Jagantha.

They bowed down on their knees and muttered their apoligies for being so rude to someone with such great power. They told him how honored they were to meet him and that they wish that they bless him. Josh gave his blessings to them putting his hand on their heads muttering a small enchantment that would last for their life. "It is fine young ones, I am glad that you are doing your job very well." Josh said to them as he made them stand up. "Stay strong...now I would like you to tell me something."

"Anything, great Elf." The tall guard said bowing his head in respect and waiting for the request.

"Has there been anything strange going on in the past few weeks while I have been gone." Josh said hurriedly his eyes still trailing around the surrouding forest.

The two guards showed grim looks at eachother. "It seems... that a new type of elf has arisen. They call themselves 'Shadow' Elves. They lurk in the shadows and attack when you never expect it. They are not peaceful at all in fact they even took out half of the Eastern Slokas." The elf guard whispered with fear. "Queen Etherra had been debating whether or not to involve herself and the Kingdom in the matter. She is very worried and would need your support." Josh nodded listening in appaulment.

"Then I must go..." Josh said enchanting the doors open once again. He walked through the gates. "Thank you for your help." He replied to them looking back. As he turned around... a flash of determination went through him. He was back on task now. The distraction was healthy, but he had to get back to work.

All the Guardians had left on their journey. He noted that it would probably be three days or even four before they returned. But he knew they would be successful despite the fact that they were thrown into the task. Turning back to his home, Hugh sighed. Garthox was moving faster than anticipated. Lord knew where that monster was now, or which world he was planning to take over. At the thought of the World (Belluvier) they had all ready lost, his will to ensure that the other Worlds did not meet the same fate, hardened.

Using his staff from support, Hugh moved into his small home and walked to the small library he had. His fingers trailed along the spines until he found the book he needed. Pulling it out, he laid it on the table and sat down. Opening it up in the middle, he found a groove that was cut into the pages. Within the square hole, was a small azure bottle that held a silver liquid. Tucking the bottle into his coat, he shut the book and grabbed his staff.

Leaving his home, he stood a distance away and cast a spell over his home. Now that one of the minions had the orb, one of them could attempt to enter his home and he could not allow it. There were too many important items inside. If anyone were to attempt to enter, he would know.

As soon as he finished the spell, an invisible barrier formed around the home. With that done, Hugh began to travel to the lake that lay between the two mountains of Arilt. That was where the council with the High Kings would be held.