City Crystacia

Locien slumbered in the safety of the tree, yet his dreams were filling his mind and body, as if something was pulling him towards something. When he seemingly awoken, he was in a white room with white walls, presumably made of marble and rock. The dark elf marveled at the complex structure of it.

"Hello Locien." spoke a voice that nearly made said dark elf leap up in surprise and turn around in shock. The speaker was a dark elf, almost as tall as Locien, with long crystal blue hair. "Fate has been kind to your life so far, has it not? Sent away by your father to pursue your own destiny, I wonder how far you will go, or in fact, run from the past as the Kestal chieftain's son. But enough of you. When you awake, get to the City Crystacia as fast as possible. The Beloved Queen Fae is in danger as will be a certain Elven guard only wanting peace. You must save them, how you do this, Swordsman, is up to you. The Seeker, has spoken."

At those words the white intensified as Locien was flooded with a bright light.

---

Locien bolted up from his dream as he let what the dream meant, as he pulled out his amulet of the Seeker's sign, sunk in. He was given a visit from his clan's Deity, but for what cause? What does this have to do with the Queen of Elves, both dark elf and ordinary elf alike? Is there some danger afoot in the politics of the Three Powers?

"Zoron, come get me as soon as you can. I need a flight to the City Crystacia as soon as you can manage to find me!" Locien shouted in the air, knowing that by shout or by thought, his faithful Dragon would hear and obey. And in a matter of minutes, Locien was atop of Zoron's back and taking flight towards the City of the Elves.

---
Rania Birviel, Second in Command of the captain of the city guard, was busy arranging some flowers within her quarters in the Barracks of the City Crystacia guard. She was wearing a small smile on her face as she did it. "Today is Mother's birthday. She always loved her blue flowers." She said to herself smiling as she did it. She was wearing her off duty dress and fell onto the top of her bed face up with a smile on her face. "This day is a good day. Azmirian, you agree right?" She assumed that the silence in her mind meant that her white dragon was sleeping or hunting. keeping a small giggle concealed she breathed in the sweet scent of the flowers.

Then there was a banging on her door as the Captain of the Guard barreled in. Captain Inael Atrum. She always felt intimidated by the tall, two hundred year old elf, but he was a veteran to have lived this long. "Lieutenant Birviel, get your armor on! We need to hurry to the Queen's throne room now, the City is about to be under siege by some form of Magi Cult!"

Rania sighed. "Captain, I'll hurry up, but I swear if it's a false alarm I swear I'll cut you to-"

"No time and tell your dragon to try and defend the city walls!" came the barking orders of her Superior as he exited her room. Sighing she rubbed her ring that was upon her finger as her armor magically replaced the clothes she was wearing moments ago and grabbing the sword and Bow with Quiver.

"Azmirian, some sort of attack is going on at the City walls, will you be a dear and stall them for me while I go with the Captain." She thought in her head as she rushed out her room as fast as she could to hurry with the captain to go to the Queen's castle.

A sigh echoed in the elf's mind. Oh, do I have to? I was having a wonderful nap... and you know I hate fighting, love. If necessary, you know I'll do it, I'd just like to make sure. The mind-voice was a pleasant tenor, that of the white dragon laying in the shadow of an ancient oak. He blinked open his golden eyes and stretched his back. The sleek white dragon unfurled his wings with a sort of careless grace and flapped them slowly to regain circulation. He shook the sleep from his head, golden horns knocking leaves off of the oak as he stood. He rumbled an apology to the tree and stepped out from under the shadows. His eyes and horns glinted in the light as he observed the bustle of the city. 'Magi... always the magi,' he complained silently. He turned his eyes to the sky and began to flap his wings, slowly taking off so as to not strain his still awakening body. Soon he was up to her window. She was gone, of course, always in a hurry, silly thing. He noticed the flowers on the sill. Her mother, stars watch over her, would have had a birthday today. He made a mental note to take her to the grove when this was over.

With the sun beginning to rise, the alarm was sounded bringing Queen Fae to her throne room sooner than usual. Her long white hair was half pulled back in two twirled locks of hair. Her brilliant ice blue eyes were narrowed as she came down the steps in a white dress and surrounded by her guards. The sound of their foot falls were light on the marble of the palace nestled at the far end of the city. The double doors burst open and she walked right in with an air of determination. There already was her captain of the guard, Inael Atrum and the lieutenant Rania Birviel.

"Tell me what's happening," her rich voice echoed across the room as she strode passed both her guards. The men who had accompanied her into the throne room fanned out and stood at attention while Fae swept up to the throne, turned on her heel and sat down gingerly. Her body was leaned forward as she intently listened to the Captain's report.

"They were sighted just moments ago. Black dragons came out of nowhere, they're too many in formation for it to be anything less than an attack."

"The defenses?"

"Already in place, though I don't know how long it will hold."

"Black you say? Damn Laowlee, just when we were on the verge of a treaty as well," her voice hissed between her teeth. Her icy blue eyes narrowed to slits as she glared at the marble floor.

"Defend this city with your lives. Send a dragon to Skyfall," her voice deepened as she barked out the order, standing as she did so. Fae was not about to lose her city to the likes of King D'earl. "Call for Lord V'lyn."

City Skyfall

“Hello there, I wonder would you be so kind as to tell me about this rebellion of yours. World fracture!”

Talon had gone two alley's down when he'd run into two more men in black. His fingers quickly threw another set of knives, his other hand drew his dagger as he rushed the last man. Leaping up, he pulled his hand back in preparation. As he landed on the startled man, he drove the weapon deep into rebel's throat, silencing him. However, the feminine voice echoed in the dark and he couldn't help but look out into the street where he'd started his attack. From her hands a spell weaved forward just as her voice shouted the words.

He watched in amazement as her magic quickly took out the one on the right. However, his chest clenched as he watched the one with the clawed hand reach up and merely flick the air. This one was cloaked head to foot in black, the large hood obscuring his face entirely. Even the flickering firelight in the street couldn't reach underneath the cowl. Talon took hold of another set of daggers and flung himself out into the darkness, calling upon Riena to cover his foot falls and warmly welcome him in the darkness.

The shadows curled around him as he left the safety of the alleyway. As the woman's magic peppered the other mage, he threw his blades to assist in the fight. However, he ground his teeth as he watched both of his knives stop in mid air. There was a soft whoosh that sounded around the area, the fire even bending towards the man as he slowly closed his hand. To Talon, it seemed as if the man had absorbed her magic entirely.

Talon! Vy shouted in his mind, above he could hear the dragon give a roar to add to the warning. The assassin didn't wait for another invitation. He sprinted for the young woman, grabbed her and pulled her against him as he flung them both to the ground and as far out of the blast zone as he could get them. Had he waited a second more, the man's spell would have killed them both. Twisting around, he took the fall on his back with her cushioned against his body. The fire blew out with the force of the spell that had thrown whatever it was she'd sent, right back out ten fold.

"That was close," he said in relief. Gently, he released the young woman and got to his feet. Pulling out his sword he stepped into the street, allowing the pitch black of the darkness to curl around him once more. He didn't have much longer to use the shadows as a slight pink in the distance could be seen, marking the rising sun. It was probably his only chance at getting the upper hand against the magi. However, as he pulled back and prepared to rush the man, the cloaked figure turned his head to look right at Talon. His heart nearly stopped as it leapt to his throat in utter surprise.

"Boy, I heard there was a meddlesome assassin in Skyfall," the voice that spoke was deep and scratchy as if sand paper were being rubbed together. The growling voice held a kind of... interested tone to it. Talon lifted an eyebrow as he stared at the man, unsure of what to do next.

Overhead, Vy was attacked. A large black dragon crashing into the slim silver body that was Talon's dragon. Claws cut deep into Vy, causing Talon to wince and grind his teeth in pain, Vy, are you alright?

Fine, stay focused on that mage! The dragon growled back in frustration.

The mage lifted his hand and curled one of his clawed fingers at Talon, beckoning him, "Come, assassin. Let us see how well you play with fire."

This is no drill, love, informed Azmirian solemly. He watched as the cloud of black dragons approached, knowing well what it meant. There was no way he could stop them on his own physically, no matter how quick he was. He hadn't the strength of those poor souls. He had a special trick up his sleeve, though. Love, I'm going to put up the shields, inform me of any change, he told his companion as he soared for the center of town. Already, soldiers were scrambling about to get out of the way at the sight of the dragon's descent. He carefully landed in the center of the town's center plaza. Carved into the ground were coeccentric circles filled with different colored gemstones. A focus for his magic. He closed his eyes and nestled into the center circle, all his focus being pushed down into the ground and out through the circles. He breathed deeply and heartily, all his thought going to each breath to push the energy into the focus.

Moments later, a shimmering bubble appeared over the city, translucent, but barely visible. Rainbow flecks skittered across the rippling surface, and Azmirian continued to breathe deep. Focus.

"Seeker's breath... what the fel is going on in the city? An attack Zoron?"

"It would appear so master." Came the answer to Locien's question as the battle they reached up to came with the blinding light of dawn. Locien was appalled at the black dragons attacking at the city. He knew that the attackers might either kill or hold the Queen hostage. He'd have to hurry to save them and whoever else might be with her.

"Let's get going Zoron!" he shouted as he directed the Green Dragon towards the city. Zoron breathed fire on the attacking people below as they approached the city at a fast rate, only to look at a white dragon fly at the center of town and start forming a magical shield. Zoron didn't have the speed to get through it in time. But his master, if Zoron timed it right, would. He moved his long tail towards Locien and wrapped him around it.

"Hey! What are you?!" Shouted Locien as he tried to struggle out of Zoron's grip. "This is madness!"

"I'll hold off as many black dragons as possible, You get into the Castle and save the Queen Locien. I don't want the Seeker to boil you alive for failing him." Was all that Locien could register in his mind as Zoron then flicked his Emerald tail, sending Locien towards a roof of a building on the other side of the wall. Locien Landed on his feet and rolled forwards to get his balance back on track.

"Dang you Zoron!" he shouted in the air as he started running across the rooftops to make the rest of the Journey on foot.

---

"Hold it steady then Azmirian." Rania ordered her dragon as she got back to the Meeting at hand as the guards prepared for anything. She was half afraid that the Magi would somehow get past Az's shield and attack the castle. She was afraid of what would happen during the fight. She didn't want to join her mother in the afterlife for her Birthday. Not yet. She still had a duty to perform. Her hands shook visibly in her nervousness.

"The dragons been sent, my Queen," one of the guards said as he entered the throne room. Queen Fae was sitting again, though she was on the edge of her throne, with one fingernail tapping the armrest in agitation. All the while her silvery blue eyes narrowed as she listened to the report. Her lips were pressed firmly together, all thoughts on the audacity of Laowlee to launch an attack on them.

"King D'earl must know how idiotic that move was," Fae uttered, her voice seething with anger. It was rare that anyone saw the Queen in such a state, and her anger was enough to freeze over the room.

"My Lady," one of the guards stepped forward, pressing his arm across his stomach as he gave her a bow. Slowly, Fae turned her attention to the man dressed in silver armor. "It was not King D'earl."

A thin eyebrow rose as she stared at the guard, "How would you know this, guardsman?"

"Because," he lifted his head, dark green eyes glittering as a smile pulled at his lips. A cloud of black mist swirled around him and four others. Replacing the bright silver armor was black cloaks with hoods to hide their faces. His hand lifted and from another cloud of dark mist, a weapon formed in his hand. A long black spear with a wicked tip. "It is the True Dragons who are bringing retribution to this land. He will come back and reclaim it all for himself."

Fae was on her feet the moment the man was encircled by dark magic. Her eyes were vibrant with shock and rage. How did these men manage to infiltrate her ranks? The guards remaining formed a wall between Fae and the men that had turned.

"He? Who is this, 'he' you speak of?"

"You will all soon find out. Born of blood and magic, he will sweep the land and rebuild it," then the mage brought up his arm and charged at the guards, all five attackers went straight for the Queen.


City Skyfall

Talon startled as the woman disappeared from his grasp, yelling at him wondering how long he was going to cling to her. His eyes narrowed and frustration easily came first as he watched her lingering face smile brightly at him. Then she faded away completely and he twisted and turned to try to find her, at least until he heard her voice from above him. Vy, only turned his head sideways and gave a soft coughing that indicated his amusement at the woman's trickery.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Jennifer. Your assistance wasn’t necessary.”

Talon released a heavy sigh, dropped down to his knees and let his head hang down, he groaned as he sat there, "I hate mages..." he mumbled. Then he turned his head to look up at her, letting some of his blue grey hair fall across his left eye. Across his right eye was a thin scar going from just above the eyebrow down to his cheek bone.

"Pleasure, Jennifer. Talon V'lyn. Perhaps a thank you would have been nice instead..." he muttered the last part as he turned away to look at Vy who had lifted his head to see over the building.

The fighting seems to have stopped, Talon. We need to check the guild... Vy's voice held a slight hint of fear as he could see something that Talon could not.

"Lets get moving."

Talon stood up and started down the alleyway not waiting to see if Jennifer would follow him or not. Though the bulk of the fighting had stopped, there were still some black cloaked rebels fighting with the rest of the assassins. As he came out into the square where the assassin's guild was, he was shocked to find so many bodies lying on the ground, blood nearly painting the cobblestones over completely. Raising his hand to his mouth, he breathed through the cloth that covered his arm and hand. Rushing through the decimated area, he made the guild in a few seconds.

Bursting through the door he halted in his steps as his eyes widened and his heart lurched to his throat. Lying on the floor with his sword impaled through his chest, was Lord V'lyn. The old assassin's eyes were glassy as they stared at the door, seeing nothing at all. Stumbling backwards, Talon hit the wall and slid down it as he stared at his Fathers body.

I'm so sorry, my little assassin.

This time the nick name was filled with tenderness and was not being used to tease him. Talon pulled his hands through his hair, clenching the straight locks of blue grey between his fingers as he shook slightly. With a deep shaking breath, he tried to steady himself. Skyfall had taken a direct hit. With the loss of their leader and Talon not yet ready to take a leading position, Skyfall had been sacked.

The first wave hit without warning.

Az remained in his mind, completely shut off from the rest of the world about him. A dull thud echoed about his head, and he felt something like an irritating fly bump against his consciousness. The invisible scourge receded a few milliseconds after. In the real world, the attacking black dragon would have knocked straight into the shimmering bubble and bounced off, much like the metaphorical fly. No problem to hold up against. Azmirian continued to breathe deeply, passing his energy into the circles about his WorldSelf.

Then two hit at once. Two little bumps in different places against the sphere around Az's mind. Three. Ten. The thuds multiplied rapidly, exponentially increasing in ferocity and fury. None attacked, but they rammed against the worldly shield with their physical forms relentlessly. Twenty four at once. Azzie's WorldSelf winced as one hit slightly harder than the others, leaving a tiny stinging welt on his consciousness. Thirty. As irritating as it was, the flies were easily dealt with.

Then they used talons.

The attacking dragons ventured a slash at the shield, and Azmirian threw up a shield on his mind to protect his companion from the pain. She needed her focus right now. He send a murmured apology to her for not thinking to defend her from that pinprick of burning pain. He then continued to focus as the rest began to slash and whip at the shield about the city, and more were coming as they fought. One mind against a horde of dragons. 'About time for a challenge.'

Raina! I can't hold it! he called to his companion, voice reflecting his intense pain. The entire horde was against the now fluttering, sparking shield attacking it with all their might. The black cloud smothered the entire side of the beautiful dome, drowning out its light and causing it to crack and splinter. Azmirian's WorldSelf's eyes were jammed shut against the brutal assault on his mind, and his breathing was shallow and rapid. His claws flexed in determination, head tossing to and fro to try to shake the pain. The resiliant dragon kept his jaws clamped shut to keep from crying out, but his flying horns posed a danger to anyone who got too close. Raina!!

Near imbearable burning savagely ravaged Azmirian's consciousness. The flies had evolved to elf-sized hornets, slicing and crushing in on his shield. He breathed and focused the best he could, but his one wish was to cry out in searing pain, to have it all stop. He weakened by the second, the walls faltered, but he threw them up again before any dragon could get through.

He wasn't going to make it. He was clever, sometimes too clever for his own good. One last trick resided in his claw, and he prepped to use it. He forced in one massive lungful of air. All his strength, bodily, mental, and emotional, was condensed into a blinding ball of white light. He sculpted it in his mind into a pointed spear, hoisted it, and flung the missile at the shield about his mind.

The translucent dome exploded into blinding light with a deafening boom, deep and rumbling. A wave of golden rays was flung out all around the dead shield and shoved out. The black dragons roared in pain and began to fall, crashing into the trees about the city. They'd be dazed for ten minutes tops, immobilized and senseless.

Back at the circle, the white dragon stilled. He forced open his golden eyes, bleary and unfocused, for just a moment before shutting them. His head crashed to the ground and he fell into a deep, peaceful darkness.

Rania only had a few moments to see her beloved Queen get run through in the back. She screamed a cry of anguish as she rushed to Fae's side and started to cry, ignoring the pain in her arm. Locien had only managed to kill the other two assailants before seeing the slain queen of elves. "Uh oh." was all the dark elf could utter as he then saw the blonde elf faint for an unknown reason.

Locien sighed as he picked up the knocked out Rania and turn to the guards. "Find a place of mourning for your queen, then come to the medical wing of your barracks with info on any known heirs to the throne of Crystacia." Locien stated as he carried the elf away from the scene.

---

At the medical wing of the barracks Locien had managed to take the knife out of Rania's shoulder and wrap the wound with a healing solution soaked bandage he carried with him in a pouch before heading to a corner to try and sleep off the anger he was feeling. But also it was to get the Seeker's punishment for having his orders half done. He sighed with resignation. "Hopefully he doesn't boil me alive." he muttered as he started to fade into the realm of sleep.

---
Locien was not in the white room this time. He was more or less in a purple colored bedroom, complete with a balcony overlooking an endless sea. "This is my punishment Seeker?" Locien asked to himself as he looked out at the balcony. He had seen this balcony once before when his jobs were half failures in his dreams. But that could only mean that it's not a punishment it was also some form of reward, but not what he had in mind.

"Oh no please don't tell me I have to spend a night with her do I?!" He said in exasperation. He knew all too well who he was talking about, for he remembered a time when his father had to save his mother before he was born, but to do that, Lord Maelthra Kestal made a deal with the Seeker. Any deal can be made with him. Selling a soul to the Seeker, or simply determining one part of your fate. For Locien, it was both.

"Come on Loci dear." came a sultry voice that echoed through the walls. "Grandfather's letting us spend time together again. You should be happy." Locien knew that voice all too well as he turned to see a female dark elf dressed in a red dress that reflected the moonlight to a shade of red, with her lips forming into a smile of happiness and adoration to the man in front of her. "After all," she continued to state as she wrapped her arms around Locien with a laugh, "I am your future wife aren't I?"

---

Locien woke with a start an hour later. "That wasn't funny Seeker, it was cruel, you know why I both love and fear Vera. Her Dad maybe your illegitimate offspring, and My father's best friend, and you and Dad decide to give me to her like a willing groom! We were good friends until you dropped that bit of dragon dung!" Locien screamed inside his head at his Patron deity. Sighing he looked at the still sleeping Rania Birviel. She was stirring in pain and there were tear streaks in her eyes. Sighing Locien walked over to a mirror and rub his head.

Looking at his reflection he noticed a bit of blue lipstick on his right cheek as his eyes widened and a slow purple flush of color came on his face. "Okay that's uncool Vera." he muttered to himself. Wiping it off his face with the end of his cloak he slowly sighed with regret. "Someday Vera I'll return home. Then we'll fulfill the promise my dad made together."

Outside the Barracks Zoron shook his head. "Poor Locien, every time the seeker sends him something like that it always pains him. Every minute with her, and the moment they're gone, is his personal Hell."

Rania, I'm sorry, whispered the semi-conscious dragon. He had no awareness of his WorldSelf, but enough consciousness to try to contact his companion. I have failed... I dazed them, but not for long. Soon they'll be in the city and I am defenseless... Are you able to hear me, love? he called, dejection and failure heavy in his mind voice. He needed to be sure she was safe... If he was killed in his vulnerable position in the middle of the city...

The connection faltered, but he strengthened it again through sheer will. Rania, love, I'm so sorry. I tried. I don't know how long I'll be out, or if we'll survive this. I'm so sorry. He reached out a false claw to try to embrace her mind in apology. He wanted to know she was there.

Rania's mind flinched as her dragon touched her. "Azy. They killed her. They killed the Queen. I failed in my vow to protect her." She thought in her mind. she couldn't bear it in her physical body as it cried in her injured sleep. Locien turned to her, snapping out of his reverie of longing for his home with his clan and his beloved. Giving her a long look of pity he sighed before walking toward a balcony nearby her bedside.

"Zoron. Make sure you help out any White dragons in distress." He instructed out loud to the green dragon as Zoron was already in mid flight towards the center of town.

"I already have one on my sights, the one that raised the shield. He's unconcious, so he must be that female's dragon. I'll get him so that way he's near you. We can protect both easily there." The Green dragon said as he flew to the white dragon before him. Wrapping his tail around the tail of Azmirian, Zoron then clasped his foreclaws around his torso and started to fly back rather slowly and with careful speed.

"Ugh, brother dragon, you need to not be a deadweight if im carrying ya." Zoron stated as he finally managed to reach the barracks and set the white dragon down. Locien was watching with a look of relief in his eyes.

"Well done Zoron." Locien stated as he heard a soft groaning sound as Rania sat up on the bed. Locien walked over to her hurriedly. "Stay still. Your shoulder is injured." He then started to check the bandage carefully on her shoulder. "Any sharp movement could reopen the wound even with the healing agent working."

"I can see that, Cousin of the Dark. Was it only you that came, or are there more of your kind wanting to help us?" Rania asked Locien as she jerked her arm away from him. Locien softly shook his head. "Oh so it's just you? Im grateful though. I am Rania Birviel of the House of Birviel. I gave you my name. Now give me yours please."

"My name, is Locien Kestal, Son of Maelthra Kestal, Chieftain of the Kestal Clan." Locien stated in a slow yet strangely humble voice.

The dragon stirred slowly, mind buzzing and stinging with false welts and sores. He didn't dare to open his eyes, nor move more than he had to. But he had to get out of the open, find Rania, and get to her. She wouldn't be thinking straight after the Queen's death, stars rest her lightly. Through sheer will, he blinked open his unfocused eyes and cleared the sleep from them with a few more blinks. Everything was doubled and blurry, and there was naught he could to to repair it. His consciousness had been badly damaged in the assault, the black dragons were fiercer than any he had ever seen and had a sort of unbridled hunger to get into the city. There had been nothing he could do to defend the inhabitants. He had failed, not only Crystacia, but the Queen and Rania.

Rania. He had to find her. Nothing was accomplished through vision, so he shut his eyes and used hearing and smell to guide him to his shaky feet. Naught could keep him from getting to her, from saving her. If he was in this bad of a condition, she would be in worse. His knees shook and wings quivered as he managed to become upright. It didn't last long. One knee buckled and he toppled forward to the ground, a chaotic pile of white and gold. He growled with frustration and tried again with more vigor, tossing his head with frustration at his weakness. His horns swung about, and he hoped no pedestrians were nearby. If anything it would ward off any black dragons that came to pick at him.

There was nothing you could do, now hold on, I'm coming!

(Note, he is unaware as to where he is)

Talon felt her smaller body press against his back as she leaned forward and clung to him with her arms around his waist. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from feeling any amount of embarrassment. He'd never had a woman riding Vy with him before, so the experience was more than a little distracting. Of course the one thing that kept him from feeling any amount of liking towards her proximity, was her condescending nature. To that extent he was semi-grateful, he'd never been close to a woman before so this whole experience was entirely new to him.

This is the only woman you've spent time with... I wonder how this will end up, Vy said.

You're not helping the situation, Talon growled back in reply.

“Hope you don’t mind. But death from falling isn’t high to do on my wishlist,” Jennifer voiced as they shot off into the air. She had to lean forward, raising her voice to be heard over the wind. Talon rolled his eyes then, but only because she couldn't see.

"I wouldn't let you fall," he replied loudly, turning his head towards her so she could hear.

How sweet of you. Last I thought you wouldn't have minded if she stayed behind, now you're not going to let any harm befall her. Human's are interesting creatures. You especially my little assassin.

Once again his eyebrow twitched in irritation and he clenched his jaw as he sat on Vy's neck, the area right between the start of his neck and shoulders where the wing joints were. The flight was a constant up and down feeling, almost like being at sea but where the waves constantly tossed the ship. Flying was not straight or smooth, the wind always changed direction and because of this, the dragon would have to constantly adjust. Not to mention the wings flapping added altitude and when they glided, they lost altitude. Never was flying steady. However, Talon had grown used to the feeling and he enjoyed it immensely.

It was a few hours later that they reached Crystacia. The sun had risen far off the mountain range and was slowly making its way to the center of the sky to mark midday. Talon's gaze narrowed as he spotted the white city built in the side of the rocky mountain. Smoke was billowing from several areas of the city and the sight alone left the assassin agitated. He'd hoped that the elves would have held longer, but it wasn't looking all that good. Talon ordered Vy to circle the area once before landing, just so he could take in the scene.

Down below he couldn't see too much beyond the smoke and buildings, but Vy's eyesight was much better and the dragon informed him of the goings on down below. Several of the True Dragons remained in the city, but they were being held back by the guards and warriors. Vy also spotted what looked to be their area of command, the barracks that were on the outside of the palace. Slowly, the large silver dragon began his descent into the courtyard area where there were many other dragons as well.

Once down on the ground, Talon leapt off his dragons back gracefully and turned to aid Jennifer in her decent from the dragons neck as well. He held his hand out to her, the other arm outstretched to catch her should she fall awkwardly, though he doubted she would. The woman seemed very quick on her feet and he was certain that her agility and balance far exceeded his own.

As soon as she was down, he headed for the building in search of anyone who could tell him where Queen Fae was. She had called him, therefore he needed to see her. Not to mention she needed to know of Lord V'lyn's death and the destruction of Skyfall. As he entered the barracks, he spotted many elves laid out on beds being tended to. The wounded were many and there seemed to be more still coming. His eyes narrowed at the sight, a disgusted feeling welling at the back of his throat. Slowly he turned his gaze and he spotted a being that he'd never seen before. The man was elven, that was for sure, but his skin was black and his hair white. What type of elf was this? Talon thought to himself.

"You there!" One of the guards that had been standing nearby called out to him and moved towards him. The elven man looked him up and down before recognition sprung in his eyes, "You're face, I've seen it before. You're Lord V'lyn's are you not? Where is your father? He was called here to speak to Queen..." the man's voice choked and he looked away before composing himself.

"Talon V'lyn, last of my house. Where is the Queen, I need to speak with her," he said shortly, his voice hard as he cut right down to business.

"The Queen was killed, Lord V'lyn."

"Killed?! How?"

"She was attacked from behind. Somehow, he got inside the palace. Several of our own men were a part of this organization as well. It's a miracle any of us survived. If he hadn't of showed up in time, I don't think anyone in that throne room would have walked out."

Talon raised an eyebrow, "Who?"

"He calls himself Locien Kestal, Son of Maelthra Kestal. As of right now, he's the closest we have to a leader. He's been keeping everyone busy and orderly. You should speak to him," the guard pointed to the dark skinned elf before bowing and taking his leave. Talon looked back at Jennifer before starting towards the man.

"Locien Kestal? Queen Fae called me here. I was told to speak with you on what has happened in the city so far," Talon started as he stood behind the man.

Never before had she ridden a dragon, not since the Romanias killed her bond, and never since the time she'd abandoned Ro’ell, so to say Jennifer was less than comfortable would be a rather large understatement. Jennifer clung on for dear life as the air rushed past her face, buffeting against her tiny body and carrying her dark hair wildly over her shoulders. Thankfully, Talon’s waist was firmly constructed and just thin enough for her to comfortably wrap her arms around. Such comforts did little to negate her growing anxiety and the sense of illness she felt churning within her stomach however. Her eyes were crushed together so tightly she almost missed his response when Talon whipped his head around to yell at her.

"I wouldn't let you fall," he yelled, his reassuring voice carrying over the wind and quickly being lost somewhere behind them.

“Oh? I could’ve sworn you were about to stab me earlier this morning!” she screamed over the roaring winds in return. She dug her head deeper into his back in a futile attempt to forget the nauseating sickness which threatened to discharge her last meal. Each and every jostle and curve during their flight only serving to compound her condition. After what Jennifer could only describe as several hours of pure agony, they reached the city of Crystacia. The white city was a fine sight indeed. Ominous black smoke billowed over numerous sections of the metropolis, smothering the otherwise perfectly white architecture with the taint of war. As their view continued to expand, masses of ruins became gently illuminated under the sun, the smell of their burnt out carcasses wafting its way up to their noses. All of which mattered little to Jennifer who seemed simply gratified at the prospect of being on solid ground.

For once she was glad to accept Talon’s support, stumbling off the dragon in her haste to reach stable soil. Her creamy face seemed all the more paler as she stepped down, her one free arm wrapped tenderly around her chest as she exhaled deeply. “Next time, I’ll just walk,” she muttered, rearranging her wits quickly. Judging the immediate activity of the elven soldiers, she was able to determine they’d arrived at some central command hub for the army. Talon led the way into one of the buildings which progressed into a makeshift infirmary on their way to make contact with some measure of authority. The cries of the wounded distorted the air as they passed, exciting her senses. She had half a mind to inflict further pain on the soldiers resting there, but she resisted the pointless temptation as a guard approached them. It was an elven soldier. Tall, thin, and with eyes and ears moulded into slits which exuded a permeable aura of aloofness, the elves represented a noble fantasy in the minds of many humans. Jennifer was no such human though. A wicked smile tugged at her lips as she recognised the look on the guard’s face, the look of failure.

"The Queen was killed, Lord V'lyn."

Her grin could only broaden, turning into a sharp, cruel expression of joy. These rebels were doing most of her job for her. Talon’s reply was predictable as the shock of the revelation became visibly etched into his young features, his eyes widening in alarm, "Killed?! How?"

She followed the rest of the conversation until Talon craned his neck to glance at her. Locien Kestal was a name she’d never heard of so she shrugged in response to his silent enquiry, her small shoulders shifting up then down in uncertainty. They approached their apparent target, and similar to their previous elf, he was tall, noble and possessed the signature ears and eyes of an elf. The similarities ended there though, Locien Kestal was a self-possessed figure, with dark marble like skin and effeminate long hair. The perfect buddy for Talon it seemed, much to her chagrin.

"Locien Kestal? Queen Fae called me here. I was told to speak with you on what has happened in the city so far."

Talon wasn't too surprised that the dark elf knew who he was. Most people could tell by his tall tell blue-grey hair and eyes. The scar over his eye was also another mark that told others who he was. The V'lyn house was known for their hair color and being assassins.

"I've heard of your father, boy. Good man, good assassin. Seeker be with you, from one Clan of Assassins to another. I am Locien Kestal of the Kestal Clan and this is Lieutenant Rania Birviel of the House of Birviel, you two have a lot in common, if you're the last of your line boy," the dark elf gestured to a woman who was in a cot with her dragon right next to her.

In return, the assassin bowed his head to the dark elf before him, "May Riena guide your steps, fellow assassin. I'm Talon V'lyn from the house V'lyn in Skyfall. I believe my father spoke of meeting a dark elf in his youth a few times before. Alas, he is dead. Killed by these rebels who call themselves the 'True Dragons'."

He listened to Locien's words as he put the lore of the two elven races into a short few moments of time. Talon had heard of the dispute between the two and only knew a little about the goings on between them. Other than that, he was no where near being fully versed in their history. He thought it unnecessary to hear the background, but then maybe it was as the lighter skinned elf sourly spoke up at Locien. Talon raised an eyebrow as he looked between the two.

"Yeah tensions between my people and theirs are still tight after a few thousand years. At any rate, there have been a few stragglers from this cult that I want to try and catch alive and interrogate, hopefully my dragon managed to not singe one for that occasion. Any questions? No questions on my skin, why I am even here and not being with my own kind, and the ever popular, 'am I a wandering swordsman'. Apologies those questions follow me everywhere sometimes."

His lips pulled back into the slightest of a smile as he listened. Obviously the dark elf was a man who liked getting straight to the point rather than beating around the bush with useless talk. A kind of man that Talon would like very much, "No, you're not the first dark elf that I've seen Locien. I find your kind more appealing to work with," he said slowly as he flicked his gaze to the woman. It wasn't that he disliked the lighter skinned cousins of the dark elves, he just didn't like their politics. He'd seen too much of that via his father and Queen Fae.

"I don't have any questions other than how my..." he glanced over his shoulder at Jennifer before continuing, "companion and I can assist you in your endevour to capture one of these mages. I'd very much like to learn as much about them as possible, just as you do. They destroyed Skyfall and Crystacia. They're obviously powerful in that fact. We need to find out who their leader is and start working towards catching him to stop this rebellion as quickly as possible before full out war engulfs the land."

City Kingsburrow

Kill as many as you like, Vier. The more bloodshed, the more power is given to our one and true God. Don't alert the guards or the city on what you're doing. There will be time for that later. Ro'ell is next to fall. When you bore of the city, move on, his deep voice reverberated in her mind as she wandered the streets of the city. Already she'd killed a dozen men and hidden their bodies in various places around the city. She was enjoying herself very much as she flicked her eyes around each and every person that walked passed her.

Vier had discarded her black cloak marking her as one of the True Dragons. No, in order to keep a low profile and not be spotted by the guards, she'd donned simple leather pants and a tight black jerkin that was unlaced at the top to show enough of her curves to keep most men occupied. That is, until she dragged them down to a dark alley and killed them in whatever fashion she saw fitting. Three belts curved their way around her waist, each one holding an array of weaponry. The larger belt held her sword at her side, the two smaller ones held daggers and throwing knives tucked away tightly against her body. Tall boots that clicked softly across the cobblestones came up to her knees and gloves covered her delicate fingers.

Brushing away long black hair that hung loose about her shoulders, her dark eyes settled on an inn that looked promising. She'd seen several men with weapons walk in there a few moments before. The True Dragon was looking for someone a little more... lively to kill than the last few she'd done in. Their pleas for their lives were music to her ears, however she wanted someone who was going to fight her for their life, not simply cower in front of her. Those kinds of screams were something to look forward to. Her lips parted and she smiled evilly as she sauntered up to the door and gently pushed it open to allow herself in.

Sweeping her gaze around the room, Vier spotted a man whom looked highly promising. She'd never seen someone like him before. He was much taller than any man she'd known, and his body was filled out very nicely. Taking a moment to gaze at him, she calculated how much of a fight he would bring her should she play her cards right. Reaching up to her leather jerkin, she curled one finger under the leather strings and pulled, allowing it to loosen a little more. She pulled her hair over one shoulder and moved gracefully through the room towards the man.

It was nearing noontime, and the bar would soon be filled with patrons looking for their afternoon meal before going back to whatever work they had to do. However, for the meantime, it was mostly empty as she walked through. Vier was only partially grateful for it's being empty. Making a scene in a tavern was one thing, but when there were many people around it could have been fun. It would have given her more reason to kill more than just one man.

Slowly, Vier walked up to the man seated at the table near the fireplace that was long since dead. With one hand on her hip, she rested her weight on one leg and smiled down at him, "Alone are we?" She asked slowly, letting her rich voice penetrate the air. The sultry tone unmistakable as she stood there. Leaning over, she reached out one hand and slid it from his chest up to his shoulder before positioning herself right over his lap whether he wanted her there or not. Her other hand reached behind her back and her fingers curled around the small throwing knife tucked away on the underside of her belt.

"Mind having a woman for some company?" She continued, layering her voice and lowering her eyes to look him up and down in a seductive fashion. All the while, her other hand worked the little knife free from it's holder and into her hand. Vier pulled herself up closer to him using every muscle in her own body to steady herself on him and keep his attention on her body rather than her hands.

She leaned forward then as the knife came free finally and she whispered to him, "How about entertaining me for a while, yes?" Her tone changed then and as it did her hand came forward under cover of her leaning body to strike him across his chest. She wasn't trying to kill him, not yet. Vier wanted to toy with him first, a terrible habit really. Playing with her food before eating it so to speak. She couldn't help it though, and her lips pulled into a bigger, wicked grin as she attacked him.

Jennifer maintained a cheerful disposition as they worked their way through the introductions, apparently unaffected by clears signs of suffering around her. Locien turned out to be exactly the type of man she’d anticipated, a gaunt, no-nonsense stifler. She licked her lips at the prospect of torturing him, of peeling off his layers of confidence and laying it all to bear, though she doubted she’d find the opportunity. Instead she simply took to standing casually behind Talon like an idle hunter, her form fitting white blouse and black trousers decorated by a sharp smile which served only to attenuate the severity of the situation. "I've heard of your father, boy. Good man, good assassin. Seeker be with you, from one Clan of Assassins to another. I am Locien Kestal of the Kestal Clan and this, is Lieutenant Rania Birviel of the House of Birviel, you two have a lot in common, if you're the last of your line boy.”

Her eyes followed the gesture until they fell upon a Rania and the white dragon behind her. Like the rest of her elven kind, Rania held and air of nobility and elegance hard to find in other races, but even amongst the elves Jennifer had seen, Rania seemed like an exception. Despite the presence of her armour, Rania's silky smooth skin crowned under a visage of long, perfectly golden hair suggested a relatively sheltered way of life. "No, you're not the first dark elf that I've seen Locien. I find your kind more appealing to work with," Talon reciprocated his support after the introductions. Jennifer raised an eyebrow towards the assassin then, wondering if the young man had realised the potential insult laced at the end of his sentence.

"I don't have any questions other than how my..." Talon paused warily in reference to Jennifer, flashing her an anxious look from over his shoulder. The lithe mage seemed to simply grin in delight, likely imagining his discomfort from being forced to work with her. Talon continued shortly, his sense of duty no doubt compelling him to move forwards regardless of whatever obstacles lay in his path, "Companion and I can assist you in your endeavour to capture one of these mages. I'd very much like to learn as much about them as possible, just as you do. They destroyed Skyfall and Crystacia. They're obviously powerful in that fact. We need to find out who their leader is and start working towards catching him to stop this rebellion as quickly as possible before full out war engulfs the land."

Jennifer coughed at his naivety, her coy grin returning to taunt the assassin. Her arms fell to her sides as she shrugged in a manner resembling hopeless denial, “And I suppose everything will fall neatly into your lap after we capture them?” her smirk turned to address Talon specifically, as though calling him out on his bluff. She almost seemed like she was just taunting him for the sake of it. “And I guess the rest of the rebels will just drop and surrender afterwards too. Boy, it sure is a wonder how your armies ever lost with that attitude,” she frowned, sarcasm icing her tone.

"Azzy, you weren't at the throne room when Locien came, he saved me. For that I see no reason not to trust him other then his race, which im starting to think is rather selfish of me. Besides, his Dragon also brought you back as well." Rania said to her dragon inside her mind whilst she listened to the comments of the human newcomers, the female human that accompanied Talon just made a few sarcastic remarks about how the rebels might fall to their knees after the capture of one of their own.

Rania seemed like making an angry yell of protest about the insult made on Crystacia's army when she heard Locien chuckle. "You don't think this is my first battle do you Miss?" he asked before twitching his pointed ears again. "I've been wandering, and fighting people wherever I go for almost thirty years. Fighting for the sake of innocent lives is my goal for this battle here. Oh yes I expect to get at least one of these idiots alive, but I don't expect the rest of them to fall to their knees like cattle, they'll fight until they die fighting." As he was talking his tone was calm and calculating. Rania almost felt some form of chill running down her spine from him talking about the meaning of battle and bloodshed.

"After they die though, their fates in the afterlife are not going to be pretty, and do you know what I'm going to do to the one I want alive after I'm done with him?" Locien asked in his own sarcastic voice. "I'm going to cut open his stomach and pull out his insides and make him watch as my dragon feasts on it. That is what I will do to recompense the horrible crime that has been committed here."

Locien pinched the bridge of his nose before breathing in sharply. "Sorry about that. My anger doesn't show up that easily." The sound of Zoron's landing on the ground stopped him from speaking any further. His dragon poked his claws in to reveal that he has held onto a struggling Black Mage. "Well well, You got a live one, thank you Zoron. Have the guards tie the fella up and brought to me in the Barracks Dungeon. Will you join me Lord V'lyn? Im sure you can help me with prying some answers out of this one."

"I want to come too!" Rania blurted out whilst trying to move but she decided against it as she stroked Azmirian's head.

"No stay here Lady Birviel, while Im busy you direct the troops to get rid of the other stragglers." With that reply Locien started walking towards the barracks dungeon, "I won't be gone long. Let me know when My pen and two pieces of paper show up!"

Locien felt the shock of the would be interrogator's attack as he momentarily hit his head on a wall and was stunned for several minutes. Locien was about to get up when his mind flashed back to how feeble and powerless he was thirty years ago. "That one day, before my eighteenth. I failed to protect her in her time of need when he betrayed the entire alliance." he thought to himself.

"What happened to Vera was not your fault Locien." He heard an all too familiar voice in his head. "That's why I sent you that vision of her a few hours ago, to remember that it wasn't your fault that-."

"That the bloody traitor sent her to the spirit realm with a sword in her heart?!" Locien retorted angrily at his deity. He started to not like where the conversation was going for him. "You keep punishing me with her visiting me night after night when I don't do your instructions correctly! It's lucky enough Lord Ildhrenion has a son who WILL succeed him in the seat of the Alliance. But for some reason, my father's contract STILL stands. Answer me why that is Seeker!"

"Locien, how can I answer you, when you already do know the answer? She forgives you Locien. But the question is...how far will you keep running from your own forgiveness?"

Locien was about to answer that when his dragon butted in the conversation to check up on him. "Zoron, next time you catch one of those dudes, burn his ass off first." he told his emerald dragon. He then turned to Talon when he started talking. "Skyfall eh? Well you need to recuperate, again before you make any plans to go back to that bloody place, cause I still need to make sure that Crystacia can stand on it's own before I go on another journey." He said with some wincing as he rubbed his head. "These magi don't mess around, I'm sure Miss Warlock here won't fare any better against em."

---

Rania sighed as she contemplated on who would probably take the throne in Queen Fae's place now that she was gone. The question burned in her mind as she stroked Azmirian's head more. She sighed knowing it was probably too much for her to worry about for now. It'll come when it'll come.

Jennifer’s body leaned towards Talon as he whirled around to reprimand her, that signature grin of mockery plastered over her face as always. Locien’s dark rumble of a chuckle gave her pause as it interrupted them then, causing her eyes to flicker up towards the elf. "You don't think this is my first battle do you Miss?” Locien asked, a condescending tone creeping into his words. Jennifer rolled her eyes at him, her sharp, cruel smile turning fully to address the dark elf now. She’d heard this expression so many times that his words were almost a muffled buzz to her ears as he spoke them. ”I've been wandering, and fighting people wherever I go for almost thirty years. Fighting for the sake of innocent lives is my goal for this battle here. Oh yes I expect to get at least one of these idiots alive, but I don't expect the rest of them to fall to their knees like cattle, they'll fight until they die fighting. After they die though, their fates in the afterlife are not going to be pretty, and do you know what I'm going to do to the one I want alive after I'm done with him?" Locien posed his last question rhetorically, “I'm going to cut open his stomach and pull out his insides and make him watch as my dragon feasts on it. That is what I will do to recompense the horrible crime that has been committed here.”

Jennifer’s only reply was to snort contemptuously in the face of the dark elf, as if daring him to make good on his threat. She seemed jaded even, her eyes briefly wandering into the depths of the barracks before falling back to Locien and regarding him with ill-mannered boredom. That naivety was exactly why she loathed people like Locien, to her there were far more interesting ways to torture someone. Though naive also, Talon was a different. He wouldn’t prolong the pain so long as he could help it, but that noble ideal was exactly why she could take pleasure in testing him. She caught the assassin's anxious look back at her as he responded to Locien, a look which cracked a grin over her cheeks, "Yes, I will accompany you," Talon confirmed.

She leapt up nonchalantly, taking slow casual strides behind the assassin until they were led into the torture room. Like a typical interrogation, seated in the middle of the empty stretch of space like a main attraction was their apparent prisoner, a hooded mage. Jennifer found her way to the back of the room and supported her spine up against the thick masonry. Of course her main reason for joining them wasn’t to gain information, it wasn’t even to torture the mage as much as that would’ve amused her. Jennifer was simply there to observe Talon’s behaviour. She watched him carefully as the young man stepped towards the mage, her excitement growing the moment the hooded man initiated conversation. The crowning point arrived as Talon’s fist took hold of the man’s shoulders, a knife suddenly appearing in his hands as Talon held the tip of the blade precariously against man’s neck. Vaguely reminded of the time he’d lunged at her, her own fingers worked their way over the lines of her throat before rubbing the skin of her neck.

She blacked out abruptly and only came to when she felt the cold, damp sensation of the floor all across her body. Her slender frame trembled from the aftershock of the mage’s fire blast but she was otherwise unharmed as she stood up with a shake of her head.

"If you both are alright, then we need to head back to Skyfall. My father left something there for me to see. We'll be needing this,"

Talon’s voice diverted her attention to the sparkling key he held in his hands before he visibly cursed. Her eyes narrowed as she barely suppressed her own groan at the prospect of flying, turning the harsh sigh into a meagre whimper.

"These magi don't mess around, I'm sure Miss Warlock here won't fare any better against em," Locien added.

“That’s rather perceptive of you Locien, I don’t recall having done anything in front of you which could be warranted as warlock activity, how do you know I can even use magic?” she said, smirking coyly towards him. She strode over to Talon then and innocently wrapped her arms around him, her own hands falling gently over the arm clutching his chest as she latched her curvaceous body onto his, “And that’s why I have Talon here to protect me. My own dark knight, surely I can trust such a gracious person to prevent harm from befalling me,” she winked up at him, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Cautiously, predefended against potential nausea, Azmirian ventured one eye open, and then the other. Besides everything being a bit blurry, he could see much better now. Rania's hand rasped over his smooth scales. It felt so nice. Azzie would have stayed there forever if he had the choice, but he had a job to do. Love, you stay here and rest. No point in getting yourself hurt. I'll find survivors. He turned a golden eye to his companion and smiled, twinkle returned to its residency in that deep, wise orb.

"I can't believe what i did.I am walking alone midnight to Crystacia."I said in my mind while carefuly walking.My crossbow was ready in case that i would have been ambushed by an robber.Then i hear a scream at an unknowed distance,it was usual into an forest during midnight to be ambushed but i wondered who was ambushed and if that person was still alive.Following the location of the scream i reach in that place after a few minutes.At the first because of the darkness i couldn't see very good but i heared a small children crying.When i approached him i was that his mother was killed.She had an sword in her chest and i realized that this boy was her children but why did she walked in the forest during midnight without no one to protect her."Mother wake up,wake up!:The children was telling to her,while having tears in his eyes.The poor didn't knowed that his mother would never get up from the ground.Maybe i was an assassin but i wasn't going to let an children into a forest."Boy come she is dead.""But my mother."The little boy told me."I am going to Crystacia and you shall come with me.And you shall come with me.Understood?"Then i tried to calm him and after that i offered him some food and water.Later as i tried to speak with him i found out from him that he and his mother where going to Crystacia just like me,where their father an captain of that city was waiting for me,and that they were from Yeveen althrough the boy recognized me after a few minutes.Everyone from Yeveen knowed me since i was rewarded personaly by the ruler of that city for the missions that i have done in order to keep the city's neutrality.But in the others cities i was wanted and catalogued as an dangerous criminal.As we travelled i realized that if this children shall go with me to Crystacia the guards shall believe that i kidnaped and killed his mother.But again i had luck as i meet merchants going to Crystacia.After i told them the story about how i found this children and after i told the boy"Tell to this mens who is your father so that they shall take you to him.And goodbye."Maybe it wasn't good that i did this thing but i could not enter in that city with an little boy.Hours passed and the sun appeared on the sky.And i reached Crystacia after long hours that really tired me.I had to enter the city without to be spotted and the ocasion was there.After i bribed an human with some gold he allowed me to hide in his cart.There was impossbile for the guards to see me and with this metod i succesfuly entered the city.I thanked to that man then i started walking not knowing where should i go.But that man fearing that i shall kill him told about me to the soldiers and so i found myself surrounded by dozen of soldiers prepared to attack me.At the same time peoples gathered and i was sure that other peoples maybe even assassins could gather as the soldiers shouted"The Hunter is here,the Zonian Hunter is here!"

Jennifer could feel Talon’s every muscle tightening as her body rubbed up against his, absorbing the warmth from his own well constructed frame. His stuttering turned her gaze into his wide eyes of surprise, causing a ripple of chuckles to simmer inside of her, prickling her throat with the threat of laughter. The cruelty of his discomfort was lost on her, no notions, not even a single shred of sympathy or remorse even bounced against the surface of her unfathomable sea of twisted thoughts. She marvelled inwardly as the simplicity of it all, her fingers drawing invisible circles against the back of his hands as though she were manipulating everything, from his actions to the words which followed, it was all so easy it almost made her want to cry. She pressed in closer, her smile wide and eyes evocative like a predator until she forced him to speak, his first question vocalised in a series of comically broken stammers, "I-You- Dark knight? Of course I'll protect you, Talon returned, confusion and embarrassment swelling between his features as the audacity of his position struggled to reach his senses. As the assassin raised an eyebrow in his bewilderment, Jennifer couldn’t help but notice the exposed scar across his left eye being pulled clean across his leathery features with the simple motion.

“Wait.. why are you so close?" he managed eventually, his composure returning from the dead. She felt his arms shifting into an irresistible force as he started to push her away from him in an attempt to reinforce his position. Doing nothing to oppose him, she allowed herself to step away cleanly without the need of his strength, grinning brightly as she circled his dark figure like an obedient pet. Talon stood himself straight before dusting away the dirt on his clothes, "You're too damned smart for your own good."

“Thank you, it’s about time you appreciated that,” she cackled harshly, finally relieving some of her built up laughter. His only response was to glare at her bitterly, his dark eyes offering the hooded expression a sinister aura of its own before he turned to address Locien once more. "I'm fine. I'm not incapacitated and I can still fight. I-We, can help you secure the city. Tell us where to start.”

Jennifer sighed gloomily. On one hand they wouldn’t be flying anytime soon, a positive in her mind. On the other hand it seemed inevitable that she was going to be pulled into helping Talon assist the elves. Her lips curled into a pout then as she shifted her gaze back to Talon, “I think you’re forgetting our agreement honey. I can help you with your magic and fighting, but a pointless goose chase and this city’s security isn’t my concern.”

This problem.I had an solution to let them capture me or to kill and then to hide.I choosed to kill them.As my arrors flyed toward their targets inspiring fear into their hearts.After killing a dozen of them i managed to run and escaped a posibile execution.Another strange thing that i heard from the soldiers where the rebels.They thinked that i was sent by the rebels so the posibility of an execution if i would have been catched were bigger.With the help of my experience as an assassin i managed to get an black robe and capeI used the robe and the cape in order to avoid easier the soldiers,then as i entered an tavern i managed to find someone who knowed an secret path to the palace althrough it costed me very much gold.An elf showed me an place into the market square.At first the horrible smell came to me imediately.I asked him"What is with this path?"He answered me"This path is used for the healers, it can bring you into the palace faster then any other way.But it is rarely used so as you can see the rats have made this underground path their new home."After i heard his explanation i told to myself"Maybe someone from his family worked as an healer.But still i told to myself that after i shall reach to the palace this guy shall be dead.After a few minutes we reached in front of a stone wall.After he pressed a few bricks the door opened.Then he told me"Now you are alone."As the elf was leaving i told to him"I know and goodbye."I told him then i shooted an arrow in his head killing him. Then i started exploring the palace and also avoiding the guardians who were patrolling.A strangely thing that i observed was that the number of the guards who were patrolling was strangely high i started to ask myself if something happed and if that thing had an connection with the so called rebels.

"Then stay here," Talon snapped, a low growl which tingled her spine with fear and excitement, causing her hands to cross over and rub across her biceps.

Jennifer’s conceited smirk tugged apart her lips, scarring her appealing face with the crude expression, “Tootles then my little knight. Have fun with the rebels and try not to miss me while I’m gone.” Her shrill laughter mocked him as it echoed down the corridors after her before Jennifer’s lithe figure vanished completely from view.

---

Jennifer’s back sat snugly against the concave support of the wooden seat, the back two legs of the chair barely creaking under the pressure of her weight as though she was as light as a feather. Passing the time by eating at one of the few remaining food stands she’d found in the barracks, Jennifer leaned back at an alarmingly precarious angle, taking in the scenery around her. She was alone, exposed, even as she sat under the ruined sky, the collar of her blouse suggestively pulled open to reveal her skin. The aftermath of a war could be described as frightening by some. The usual tranquillity broken ceaselessly by the distant wails of the injured and dieing, their cries sharp pitches issued like instruments of constant pain and agony. Ominous black smoke still rose from buildings all around them, staining the otherwise perfect blue sky. Reminded briefly of Skyfall, Jennifer closed her eyes, taking in the beautiful symphony to her ears and smiling.

“What else will you show me rebels, I’m eager to find out,” she whispered before opening her eyes to the city again.

Jennifer's sights were immediately assaulted by short dark hair and an angular, sharp looking face she was all too familiar with. Jennifer’s body became frozen like a statue, a thrilling sensation of dread sinking into her heart all too tightly and forcing her hand to clutch at her chest. Her smile only broadened as she shifted her eyes up casually to address the man, her dark gaze locking onto his.

“You’re as arrogant as ever brother. Appearing before me in such a fashion, you must be confident you can take me in this time,” Jennifer taunted, still leaning against the back of her chair, “Unfortunately for you, I have important business to attend to,” she frowned, faking her disappointment with a robotic shrug.

“Don’t play dumb with me you stupid whore,” the man retorted, his hand lashing out in a blur and took her collar in an iron grip. Pulled from her seat, her wooden chair cluttered against the floor as Jennifer was lifted several feet off the ground, her legs dangling mid-air. “Your crimes and failures will be repaid in full Jennifer. You can’t outrun us all, and you certainly cannot outrun my justice.”

Jennifer’s laughter, full and issued directly in the man’s face was unnervingly cheerful. Her body jerked under the motion of each hissing fit as she wiped a tear from her eye, “You’re much too serious about this little brother. Where’s your sense of humour? It’s been so long since we last talked to each other, smile a little!” Jennifer returned. She spread her arms out in an open gesture to the chaotic state of affairs around them, “Look at this place, isn’t it ironic? The rest of the world falls to ruins and here you come, all the way from Ro’ell, just for little ol’ me. Doesn’t that sound a little bit silly even to you?”

The man was silent as he continued to simply gaze at her, seemingly immune to her taunts. As his thin lips finally opened to speak, each word was uttered like a simple statement, as though his voice spoke with the authority of the world, “Saviour the time you have remaining sister, we come for you now.”

Her brother's illusion vanished abruptly, leaving Jennifer in exactly the same position she’d sat in previously in front of the food stand. She blinked her eyes like she’d woken from a dream before raising a palm over her face, hiding the malicious grin which forced its way to the surface. “How unfortunate indeed.”

Talon V'lyn

As predicted it didn't take long to get the city in order and he was sure that Locien had plans for helping the citizens. So he made his way back to the barracks, working his way through the city as the sun was passing it's midday point. He glanced up to the sky and calculated that if things went as planned, they would be back in Skyfall by dusk. Talon returned his attention to the street ahead of him and as he looked down the street suddenly curled in on itself and he felt a wave of nausea hit him. Stumbling slightly, he reached out his hand and braced himself against the wall next to him.

With a soft groan he shut his eyes tightly and pressed his hand against his forehead. After a moment, he opened his grey-blue eyes again and looked up slowly. Nothing spun, and he felt steady once more. Unsure of what had happened in that instance, Talon took another few minutes before starting back on his trek to the barracks.

What's the matter, Talon?

Nothing. I think I'm just tired, haven't slept for two days now.

Perhaps it is better to spend the night here than chance Skyfall.

No, we need to go back.

Talon, Vy's voice was thick with exasperation.

Another night isn't going to kill me, Talon replied in irritation.

No but if you were to be caught in a fight with another of these 'True Dragons' they would surely kill you.

Talon ground his teeth, but he knew that his dragon had a point. With a roll of his eyes, he finally consented to Vy's suggestion. The silver creatures relief at his agreement was clearly felt through their connection. Slowly, the assassin made his way back to the barracks as the sun was growing lower and lower in the sky. The heat of the day began to fade as well, and Talon welcomed the chill. His body felt overly hot and by the time he entered the area where he'd left Locien and Jennifer, he was sweating profusely.

I've found something pecular, my little assassin, Vy perked up.

Talon didn't even find the strength to be bothered by his dragons pet name for him, What is it?

It seems there's been an uninvited visitor to the palace and he's causing quite the stir.

Bring him, have Locien deal with him, Talon said wearily.

Without saying a word to the dark elf, he sought out an empty bed and let his body fall limply into it. In a matter of minutes he was unconscious in the throws of sleep. His dreams were filled with fire and ice. No matter what he did, he was either freezing or burning up. In the distance he could barely hear Vy's voice trying to call him back from his sleeping state, but he couldn't heed the orders, only slipping further into his fitful sleep.

Talon V'lyn

"Talon! Get up you! Someone decided to smoke us out!"

He startled awake, his body burning up. He looked around in a daze as Locien came right next to him and threw water in his direction. Curling up with one arm over his head, he winced slightly at his muscles pulling the cut across his shoulder blade. When no water splashed across him, but he heard the sound, he looked up curiously to see what Locien was aiming at. Turning he spotted the flames that were rising in the corner of the barracks. Steam rose up from where the dark elf threw the water. He did it twice and then stamped at the fire, effectively putting it out.

Slowly he pushed himself up from the bed, fighting off the dizzy feeling that filled him. Getting to his feet he reached into his clothes and pulled out a couple of throwing knives. Turning to Locien he called to him, "What the hell is going on?" However, that question was answered for him as the culprit of the fire came out from the shadows.

"Your friend was really lucky," the man said to Locien. Talon could only assume that the dark armored male was talking about him, so he turned to the intruder and leveled his weapons towards him.

"You'll regret aiming for me," Talon growled in anger. He threw both knives at the man, but his aim was off which surprised him. One knife went way off to the right, the other one barely glancing off the man's shoulder armor. To add to it, his imposing sight was brought down as another wave of dizziness struck him and he had to reach out and grasp the side of a table to keep himself upright.

Are you alright, my assassin?

Fine, Talon growled back in response, angry at his show of weakness and confused as to what was wrong with him.

I think this is more than just weariness...

The assassin ignored the words and kept his gaze on the newcomer. Still he continued to talk to Locien, which had Talon frowning in response, "Hey boy do you know about the rebels? And one more thing, what are the chances of a possible attack in Yeveen? I hope that you aren't going to make the Zonian Hunter wait. I need answers and I need them now."

"Nothing that would pertain to you," Talon replied coldly, "And you can bet that Yeveen will be attacked at some point," then he raised an eyebrow, his scar stretching across his eye as he did so, "Zonian Hunter?" Slowly, Talon's gaze narrowed and he took a step backwards towards Locien, "Locien, I don't suppose you've heard of the Zonian Hunter have you? If not, he's an assassin without a leader. No codes, no honor. More a murderer than an assassin, Riena doesn't even acknowledge him. This is your city now, but I advise taking him in irons," Talon finished, flicking his gaze to the taller dark elf next to him.

Soran Keel

A day from Crystacia

The trail was worn, dirt kicking up beneath his booted feet as he walked slowly. Twin blades swung at his side, their heavy weight nothing to him as he moved. Blood stained his black clothing, a sickening smile twisting his lips as his eyes glowed with pure pleasure. Behind him in the distance was an elven female lying in a pool of her own blood. She had been a scout for one of the tribes in the forest that he skirted along. The dark elf tribes were somewhere in the depths of the forest, and Crystacia was not but a day from him.

Far beyond recognition from his blades, he'd worked out of her some details of the past few days. The usual hunting grounds of the tribes as they moved about in the forest, the goings on with the council and finally he'd managed to get her to tell him of the Pride of the Seeker. The dark elf he was hunting had passed through the same area before going off into the forests to lose some rag tag band of bandits or something like that. Soran didn't care, all he cared was he was finally on Locien's trail. It had taken him several years to get to where he was, the thrill of it nearly overcoming him. He worked down his excitement though as his twisted mind thought of how he was going to put the dark elf through hell before killing him.

Over the years, Soran had convinced himself that Locien was the one in the wrong. He had taken the woman from him in the first place and that it was only his right to take her back. That it was Locien who had forced him to kill the elven beauty. Soran's corrupted thoughts twirled around the man who'd put him down, taken away his rights to be in the tribe and caused him to turn to the dark magic that now pulsed through is body. However, all was not to be scorned. Soran did thank the man for one thing. If he hadn't of been exiled, he wouldn't have found the power that he did, and he wouldn't have become as strong as he was right then.

To that extent, his lips pulled into a wider smile, his tongue slipping from behind his teeth to curve along his lips. Each step brought him closer to the Pride of the Seeker. Every passing minute brought him closer to the screaming sounds of one dying at his hands. Soran believed himself a God, one who decided who lived and who died. Locien was going to die.

"I'm only here to bring relief to this city boy until any heir to Queen Fae's throne is arranged for." Locien stated. "Zonian Hunter or not, he's still only wanting answers to this 'True Dragons' cult the same as we."

Locien looked at the man who claimed to be the Zonian hunter square in the eyes. "Besides, if what my father used to say about him is true, he's been living and breathing in this world for over a century same as my father. Maybe he knows the meaning of this 'True Dragon' these Magi are talking about."

"Why are you just going to trust him Locien?! He could kill us all if he wanted to if Talon's right-" Rania protested as she sat up on her bed rubbing her shoulder.

"Hush Rania." Locien stated. "You just asked me, why I am not amongst my own kind. What did I tell you?" Locien interrupted. "I'll trust him, until he decides to raise his sword against me because of what I am about to say next." Locien then pulled his amulet to the point where the signet was easily read in the moonlight. "Zonian Hunter, correct? I am Locien Kestal, Son of Maelthra Kestal of the Tok'nowe Alliance. I am also known as the Pride of the Seeker."

At those words Locien turned to Talon. "After what I said about myself Lord V'lyn, am I also a dangerous person?" Locien asked softly, "Am I a monster?"

---

"Hmph, I won't attack him yet, but he will pay for your death soon my Brother..." the Dark Elven Female said before she leaped off of the tree she was in and just walked casually into the chaotic city, moving through the shadows to wait for a perfect opportunity to attack her quarry. She softly smiled at the thought of when she'll ambush him.

Azmirian continued to swoop low, but only was met with chaos and death. He found no survivors in the section he patrolled. Love... there's no one left outside... I daren't go into any buildings for fear of wreaking terror. His heart twisted with grief and uselessness.

Not for long. A searing pain ripped up his tail and he bellowed in pain. With a quick, fluid movement, he slashed back with a hindclaw and met scales. He turned to see a black dragon clamped down on his tail which then began to fly upwards. Azzie twisted to go belly up and fought to get up to his attacker, but the speed and angle he was being dragged in by the larger, more muscled dragon left him vulnerable. It was the best he could do to throw up a shield to protect Rania.

Day had turned to night and Jennifer was back within the confines of the barracks by the time the sunny rays of light had disappeared beyond the horizon, leaving only rays of darkness instead of sunlight, pouring through the windows. A chilly breeze permeated the air in the elven barracks, ushered in from the outside whenever the large doors to the building opened, receiving the cold winds whirling outside. It prompted her to seek out steal a blanket as she passed by the infirmary once more, wrapping the warm material around her slender frame like a cloak. The infirmary’s smell was nauseating, reeking of wet pus and dried blood mixed with antiseptic, but it was busy nonetheless. Doctors and nurses rushed to and fro, checking and attending to patients. Some of the injured were even fit enough to exchange lively banter with the person next to them; others looked like they wouldn’t live through the night. All of them, every single one, had one thing in common. Misery. It was the one thing they all shared and seeing them tugged at her sharp features, curving her lips into full smile.

As she made her way out of the infirmary she navigated herself towards the side rooms, spotting numerous armed guards rushing down the corridor ahead of her. She guessed that minor conflicts where still rife amidst the city, whether it be from the rebels or the criminals though remained to be seen. She shifted sidewards to allow them to pass but their nonchalant chatter pricked her ears, their words piquing her interest.

“Another assassin in the west wing, two men are reported dead.”

Her grin widened as she smelt the undeniable hallmarks of trouble, the type of trouble she enjoyed.



"Am I a monster?"

“Who knows, but maybe you’re stupider than you look,” a harsh, feminine voice mocked Locien from the shadows.

Jennifer slithered into the room then, a poisonous existence that seemed to turn the atmosphere of the barracks stale. Her pose was casual as she appeared by the doorway, a blanket still wrapped around her shoulders. Her arms and body leaned against the masonry wall as she grinned widely at them all.

“Fancy seeing you all here, I thought I’d come checkout the act, but it seems there’s a whole play here instead,” Jennifer commented cheerily before raising an eyebrow towards the other dark elf, “If he only wanted answers he wouldn’t have killed the guards,” she spoke of the guards informally, as if the notion of dead people was utterly inconsequential to her. She stretched her arms outwards and yawned then, as if she were already bored of their conversation. “But still, being so obviously bias towards your own kind is a rather unsightly trait Locien,” she chided him wickedly.

Talon V'lyn

"After what I said about myself Lord V'lyn, am I also a dangerous person? Am I a monster?" Locien said as he dismissed his words and gave him a sour look. Talon on the other hand only turned his gaze away to look back at the Zonian Hunter. What the dark elf had said did make sense, the armored man before them did only want to know about the True Dragons and the attacks on the cities. However, what didn't sit right with the assassin was why the hunter went through all that trouble just to 'gain their attention'. There were easier ways to do that, and it didn't involve trying to kill another man.

"No," Talon replied softly, "You're not a monster, doesn't make you any less dangerous either, but you haven't tried to kill me just because you can. That's where I'm drawing the line, Locien," he finished turning back to look at the taller man. A wave of nausea hit him and he bit his tongue to fight it back just as he heard the cold voice of a very familiar woman.

“Fancy seeing you all here, I thought I’d come checkout the act, but it seems there’s a whole play here instead. If he only wanted answers he wouldn’t have killed the guards. But still, being so obviously bias towards your own kind is a rather unsightly trait Locien,” Jennifer said, her voice clearly showing her feelings towards the scene before her. Stretching her arms out over her head, she put on the facade of being utterly bored, to which Talon rolled his eyes.

"Where have you been?" He asked her without really expecting an answer. Sweat was beading on his face, his body still overly hot. He took a deep breath, feeling his chest slightly tighter than it was before. At the back of his mind he worried about what was wrong, but still concluded that he was just over worked and in desperate need of more sleep.

Talon, the elven girls dragon is under attack by another black dragon. I think it's the last one, but I'm on my way to help him.

Good, the assassin replied shortly, Have you spotted any other mages in the city?

No. Things should be just fine here. Talon, Vy's voice told him that the great silver dragon was worried about something.

What is it?

You should get those cuts looked at. The mages words to you have me worried. You're not yourself right now.

What gave you that idea? Talon replied sarcastically, I missed the damn hunter... I never miss.

I know.

I'm just tired, Vy. Those cuts are nothing but scratches. They'll heal in time. After you dispatch that dragon, we leave for Skyfall.

The dragon sighed heavily but didn't respond or fight back. Talon turned his attention back to the others. His gaze fell on Locien first, "Vy is taking care of the last dragon out there. Once he's done I'm leaving for Skyfall. Perhaps I can find documentation on an heir for you there as well."

"Where have you been? Vy is taking care of the last dragon out there. Once he's done I'm leaving for Skyfall. Perhaps I can find documentation on an heir for you there as well."

Talon’s question twisted a small smirk which Jennifer directed at the assassin’s face of displeasure. Noticing the cold moisture still caking his cheeks, Jennifer’s smirk grew into another full smile as she revealed her dangerous side once more. Plastering on an innocent face as she strode up to Talon, Jennifer reached out and ran her hands across his shoulder.

“I only did what you asked me to do, you did tell me to stay here after all,” Jennifer responded coyly, her fingers spreading over his corded muscle and feeling the tension bristling throughout his entire body. She applied a firm pressure through her arms then, gently moving her wrists to massage him.

“And shouldn’t I be the one asking you that? Look at you, coming back here without informing me, all tired and covered in injuries,” she frowned from behind. As Jennifer continued, her eyes looked over the wound on his back, imitating the appearance of a lost child reunited with their guardian. “Knowing you, you probably didn’t even have these looked at did you?” she hummed, her words taking on a whimsical tone.

One of her hands lost their grip as she rolled a finger down the assassin's shoulder blade and trace over his spine, weaving her magic though her arm and healing the wounds. The cuts healed at an unnatural pace, the skin reforming and closing over the wound like it had never been dealt. “Looks like you took quite the beating too, a rather fearsome opponent as well judging from your wounds. Did they leave mid-way and spare your life again? It must rankle deeply to be looked down upon by so many of your enemies…” Her taunts continued ceaselessly. If ever there was a word called restraint, it was completely lost on Jennifer. Her acidic voice rose closer to him as Jennifer tip-toed on her feet in order to whisper in his ear, “How can you possibly avenge you’re father if you can’t even deal with the stragglers?”

Talon V'lyn

Jennifer's smile sent chills down his spine, though it might have been a little bit of his weariness and her cold smile that did it. She walked up to him, her body swaying lightly as she moved. Her fingers reached out and stretched across his shoulders, sending another chill down him. Her fingers dug deep into his muscles, working in slow circles to ease his tension. Talon fought her every step of the way, though his muscles did loosen at her touch.

“And shouldn’t I be the one asking you that? Look at you, coming back here without informing me, all tired and covered in injuries. Knowing you, you probably didn’t even have these looked at did you?”

He rolled his eyes at her though he knew she couldn't see him from where she stood behind him, "They're nothing to worry about," he said coldly, trying to push her off him, but then her finger ran down his back right between his shoulder blades. He could feel the cuts healing quickly and he felt strangely better. With an eyebrow arched he took a deep breath to assess his own body.

“Looks like you took quite the beating too, a rather fearsome opponent as well judging from your wounds. Did they leave mid-way and spare your life again? It must rankle deeply to be looked down upon by so many of your enemies… How can you possibly avenge you’re father if you can’t even deal with the stragglers?” Jennifer stretched up behind him, sliding her body up against him once more and leaning into his ear to whisper the last part. Whirling around, he snatched her wrist in his strong grip and pulled her right up to him, his eyes narrowed dangerously. His jaw was firmly set as he glared down at her, his other hand itching to pull out a weapon, but he knew that she would want that.

"Don't tempt me," he growled softly to her only.

The dragon has been dealt with, Talon, Vy cut in gently.

"We're leaving, Vy is ready." Turning, Talon looked to Locien, "I'll be back here sometime tomorrow." Without releasing Jennifer's wrist he turned and left the barracks without another word to either the dark elf or the armored hunter. He made his way out to the courtyard area where Vy came down and landed, making the earth shake slightly under his weight. Finally he released her and mounted his dragon. Turning, he offered his hand to her once again, though his irritation was still clearly painted on his face.

Jennifer’s small frame lurched back reflexively under the larger shadow of Talon, startled by his sudden movement. She felt an iron grip as Talon’s hands clasped around her wrist and yanked her closer to his dead pan expression, his gray eyes sparkling with a hardness that suggested he considered her antics as nothing but vile. A slow smiled spread over her red lips as she locked her eyes onto his in response, her expression reeking of cruelty, snideness and daring all at once. He was obviously getting used to her behaviour by now.

"Don't tempt me," Talon warned as if threatening could work on someone like Jennifer. If only threatening could work. She glanced idly down as his hand, noticing the barely contained fury causing his arms to tremble imperceptibly with restraint then gave him a look of delight. “You should know by now that saying such things hardly works on someone like me,” she returned smoothly, leaning in closer until their noses barely touched and his raven black hair filled her vision. Something distracted the assassin abruptly, like the irritation caused by a fly landing on you, causing Talon to shift his gaze back to Locien.

“We're leaving, Vy is ready."

Jennifer balked slightly, realising the implications of his statement all too well. The prospect of more flying seemed to drain the blood from her cheeks, making her creamy features seem paler than usual as Talon dragged her out of the room and back into the courtyard. The cold breeze brushed past her face as they exited the barracks, making her shiver involuntarily from the rapid drop of air temperature. She clicked her fingers as they walked, creating a dark woollen jacket over her shoulders. Talon’s dragon landed ahead of them, its entrance heralded by the soft thump of leathery members flapping to a halt. The dragon’s silvery hide gleamed magnificently even under the moonlight, reflecting the scenery of the starry night sky over its scales almost. Jennifer felt the forceful grip over her wrist loosen finally and cracked a frown on her face as Talon went for his seat.

“That’s an interesting way of showing gratitude to someone who went out of their way to heal and massage you,” she slurred, rubbing the skin of her wrists like it was sore. Even seconds after he’d let go, the sensation of Talon’s powerful hold seemed to remain with her, “They must teach you some controversial things in assassin school. Just so you know though, I absolutely abhor flying,” she grinned, reaching for his hand.

After the dragon had dragged him up to the point where a dragon could sustain injury from falling, Azmirian realized what was happening. The thing planned to leave the smaller dragon crippled and drop him. Azzie struggled harder, but the black dragon swiped out and landed three nasty gashes on his nose. In return, Azzie hissed and swung up with the joint of his left wing, knocking the bigger attacker on the head. It blinked in surprise but continued upwards, managing to snag Azmirian's wing in the process. 'STUPID,' Azzie screamed at himself. He had just proffered what the brute needed. He fought with fervor, unable to get a prime posititon to attack or defend. With his mouth still gnawing cruelly on Azzie's tail, he slashed out with the claw free of the white dragon's wing. The webbing resisted, and nausea began to twirl about in the helpless victim's stomach. Still the black attacker persisted, trying to puncture the webbing.

In a blink, Azzie was flung to the side by the teeth in his tail. Whiplash smacked his head to the side, and when he managed to look up, the attacker was pulling out of Azzie's sad excuse for a tail to attack the dragon he had seen earlier. (If I have them mixed up let me know) His wing was released and he began to plummet down towards the spires and streets of Chrystacia. Tail useless and tattered, but wings intact, he had one chance. Eyeing the buildings about him, he saw just what he needed. One larger window was open below him. He used his wings to twist himself over close to the wall of the building, but didn't dare to try to brake without his tail, it would've sent him into a headlong spin. As the window neared, he dug all four sets of claws into the white building. Dust and rubble shot out from the stressed spots, but he began to slow. As the window approached, he shot out with his left foreclaw, snagged it, and was left clinging to the building. He was safe, but didn't dare to let down his shields to tell Rania for fear of incapacitating her with the near unbearable pain of his tail.

Locien listened to Talon as he said he'd go to investigate Skyfall for more clues and possibly learn about a possible heir to Crystacia's throne. "Alright Talon, but be careful and come back as soon as you're able. Then all of us will journey to the other Reigning Cities, Both Ro'ell and Laowlee, to make sure their not about to crumble at the Cultists' feet."

"Sounds like a good plan Locien." Rania stated from her bed. She felt funny because she hasn't heard back from Azmirian in awhile, she was worried that the dragon got himself in a pickle.

"Locien, Rania's dragon is having troubles, Shall I help him?" Zoron asked his master as he flew towards Azmirian's location.

"Please do. As long as both he and Rania recuperate at a good rate, we'll be able to leave and find more answers to this whole mess in the other cities." Locien said to his dragon before turning his attention to the Zonian Hunter, who blurted out the name Barthomel and quoted a story his father told him. "So Barthomel, a dragon who was supposedly dead for a hundred years, has something to do with this?" Locien asked quickly before the Hunter stated how he saw what this dragon could do. "Okay so the two things might be connected if the rebels call themselves the True Dragons, however, since we're probably on the same side about this if they are connected, I suggest we pool our assets and solve this mess together."

Locien then turned to walk out to the balcony to look at the city. "Just think on it Hunter. If you don't want to work together I'll respect that."

"Ok Locien i shall work with you.But be aware of something.Soon someone who serves Barthomel shall appear.
The Bounty Hunter of Assassins.He is knowed as The Dragon's Scourge and because he eliminated assassins he can enter in every city he wants since he worked and works for rulers of the city knowed person .I on the other side for the crimes i have made i must infiltrate into a city."
For him it does not matter if an assassin is a good person or an evil one.
That elf is killig all of us.That elf is connected to Barthomel since he sold his soul to the dragon one centhury ago so the rebels have a connection to him.
Very few know the elf who considers us a prey.We must work together in order to kill this Bounty Hunter.And about your friend,the Bounty Hunter could be in Skyfall trying to kill him.So please help me to kill this elf when he shall come after us after all of us."


Maybe it was something strange for an assassin to know what was fear.Because i meet him.Strangely for him he invited me to drink a tea with him.He has so much manniers and is an honorable person since he announced me that day that I shall fight with him.We meet 20 years ago.The Dragon's Scourge for the first time in my life back then i felt a strange sentiment.Fear of death but also he continously gained reputation and is knowed as a public figure for his sevices and because he worked to rulers of the city.I was hoping that Locien would help me to kill him.The Dragon's Scourge needed to die.And if the rebels were claiming to be true dragon and serving a true dragon maybe they were planning something for Barthomel.They represented a small danger but the Bounty Hunter was a greater threat.A threat who must be killed.

Azmirian looked down to the side and planned his descent. The next rooftop was a safe jump. Carefully, the dragon scaled the wall until he hung over the white roof. With a deep inhalation, he withdrew the pressure on his claws and slid down the side of the building until the tip of his tail touched the roof below him. Pain lanced up his spine, but he gritted his teeth and ignored it. Azzie slowly put all four claws on the flat surface and continued to the barracks cautiously. He had begun to lose an unsafe amount of blood, but ignored it.

After the same process of going rooftop to rooftop, Azzie had reached the gaping roof to the barracks. He dropped in unceremoniously and stumbled over to Rania. He smiled and plopped his head down on her lap again. For some reason nothing else mattered but that wonderful scratching she had been gracious enough to give earlier. Everything was also funny for no explainable reason, but he wished that things would stay in focus. He had just dealt with the vertigo of passing out, but twice in a short amount of time was ridiculous.

Locien listened carefully to the Zonian hunter's words about a potential threat coming after them. "Well I've tossed numerous would be pursuers off my trail before, I can do it again. Since the beginning of my thirty years of wandering, I became a popular target for several clans of assassins. I bet you as soon as these Rebels figure out who I am they'll want a piece of me too." he stated with a chuckle. "I have ways of dealing with these types of people, keep em off my scent, or just plain old do em in."

"Speaking of such trivial matters," Zoron cut into Locien's explanation. "I have another dark elf's scent. Female posssibly."

"Ugh probably a member of Selian Clan's seducer unit." Locien thought. "Keep on the scent let me know if it's getting closer." With a sigh Locien placed his dark hands on the banister of the balcony. He looked to the skies and closed his eyes to take in the night air and breathe in the memories of his life before, when he wasn't wandering. When his beloved was still in the living world, and he followed his orders without question.

Then the thought of his one equal came to mind, his best friend from the Pyren Clan. Zankora Pyren. he half wished their assignments didn't clash that day. He fought and killed his only friend, other then his Beloved. But even then, when he returned from that assignment, things turned ever worse. Clenching his hands on the banister till they turned pale purple, his face nearly turned to one of fury. The Amulet on his neck seemed to react slightly, as the signet slowly tried to glow around the writing.

"Mister Kestal?" Rania asked politely. "Are you okay?" Locien snapped open his eyes as he slowly started to pant. The amulet's attempt at glowing faded away with it as he turned to her.

"I'm fine. Just fine. Make sure your dragon recovers. As soon as Talon gets back, we leave for either Ro'ell or Laowlee." Locien stated as he walked back into the building.

"Azzy, I know your shielding me, You're going to be in big trouble if I see you messed up badly." Rania stated in her mind.

---
"Drezia curse it! That green dragon almost spotted me!" The Dark Elven woman thought to herself as she ducked into an alleyway and hid, panting for near fear of her life ending in a mouthful of sharp teeth. "No use continuing onward... I'll have to wait till daybreak to catch him. Soon Pride of the Seeker, you'll pay."

---

Talon V'lyn

“You’re as disgustingly considerate as ever,” the mage muttered under her breath. Talon rolled his eyes as Vy flew steady towards Crystacia. He could tell that she wasn't enjoying the flight at all and he took comfort in that fact. It was his one pay back against her constant taunts.

“Even to someone like me. Your acting so far has been rather enjoyable Talon, but I’ve never believed in chivalry and honour, so I’ll enjoy peeling away that facade of yours.”

Talon snorted in response, "It may seem like a facade to you, but I assure you there's nothing to 'peel away'," he answered coldly. Irritation easily spilling to the forefront of his emotions. In return, Vy's laughter could be heard through their connection and Talon's frown deepened.

“Feel like throwing me off your dragon yet? It would be incredibly simple. And, you’d never have to listen to another sentence of my poisonous words ever again.”

He let his gaze drop down to her eyes, staring at her for a long moment before answering. His lips pulled into an evil smile as he looked at her, "Now that would be too easy. To let you off like that would just be a waste. I'm enjoying the fact that you're so utterly uncomfortable when you're riding Vy. Don't worry, Jennifer, you'll get used to it soon enough. Though, if you don't, that's fine by me as well," he said with a soft laugh. He would never throw her off the dragon, no matter how much she aggravated him.

That's because you would miss it, Vy said slyly.

You are ridiculous.

I'm just stating a fact. You're feelings are too easy to read, my little assassin.

Talon's eyebrow twitched as he glowered at his dragon. He didn't answer the large silver beast as they came into view of the city. The sunlight was rising, lifted far up over the mountains. The cold air was beginning to warm up, but not nearly enough yet to brush off the freezing of the night air. Vy circled around, coming down low as they prepared to land near the barracks.

Something's wrong, Talon, Vy advised him as he landed, shaking the earth with his huge weight.

Talon dismounted quickly, landing fluidly with the cloak like part of his clothes flying upwards for just a second before settling behind him. Turning swiftly he reached up for Jennifer once more and helped her down.

"You should stay here. No need to push yourself further," he told her then started towards the barracks, his hands reaching for the throwing knives in his clothes and unknown to him, the brace glowing slightly as it prepared for a fight.

City Kingsburrow

The little knife hit metal instead of flesh and Vier was startled. Her attempt to wound him had been thwarted and she found herself lifted off the man's lap as he stood. She dangled in the air as he held her arm in his large hand. Pulled up to his enormous height, she stared him in the eye, refusing to let his sheer size deter her. A wicked smile lifted her lips as he dropped her unceremoniously and pushed her away. Landing light on her feet, she stumbled away from him from the shove.

"Go home child. You'd do well to not aggravate a Nephilim." the man rumbled at her.

"I was taught very well," she answered in kind, "And I am no child," her smile widened. Her eyes shot to the side as one of the patrons stood up, his hand on his weapon as he eyed her and the man she was engaged with. Vier's tongue left her mouth and ran across her lips as the warrior drew the weapon slightly from it's sheath as she looked to him.

Power flooded her veins and filled her body. Her fingers splayed open and she lifted her hand, pointing right at the man. Black mist swirled around him, working it's way up towards his chest and mouth. At first he just looked at it as it did nothing to him, but once it reached his throat, he let out a terrified scream. The mist sunk into his body and he lurched forward, blood spraying from lips before he crumpled to the floor.

"Armor or not, I can still kill you," she said with a soft voice turning her attention back to the towering man she'd chosen to fight with. Her heart thrummed as she lifted her gaze. A dagger seemingly appeared in her free hand and she laughed lightly, "But I want to play first before I kill you," she lunged forward then her body light and fast. She used a chair nearby to launch herself upwards and above the mans head, coming down on him from above with her arm pulled back and the dagger ready to plunge into the soft tissue between his collar bone and shoulder.

"Now that would be too easy. To let you off like that would just be a waste. I'm enjoying the fact that you're so utterly uncomfortable when you're riding Vy. Don't worry, Jennifer, you'll get used to it soon enough. Though, if you don't, that's fine by me as well,"

Jennifer’s body seized up in a fit of chuckles, forcing her eyes to snap shut as she repressed her voice, still vaguely aware of the danger of vomiting out her stomach’s contents. After exhaling through her nose she smiled up at him again, her lips spreading thinly across her cheeks as she angled her eyes up towards his chin.

“Oh? Isn’t that against the teachings of Reina? Not that I mind at all,” she purred, her soft voice reaching his ears despite the wind rushing past their faces.

They circled Crystacia as Talon’s dragon brought them down towards the ominous city. The morning sunlight was poured over the horizon, casting sharp shadows across the city’s ruins as light reflected up off the building’s surfaces, seeping its way through broken windows and skeletal walls. Immediately the city was morphed, its scenery manipulated into something out of a surreal painting. She caught the sun’s warmth brushing lightly against her face, touching her exposed skin and revealing her paleness. Jennifer continued to lean against Talon, the queasiness in her stomach maintaining itself thanks to their flight being far from fluid. Her sleep had been far from comfortable, but any sleep at all was invaluable at this stage.

Approaching the barracks they’d left of at previously, Talon leapt down immediately, anxiety suddenly creeping into his features. Jennifer observed his dark eyes narrowing, as if alerted to some hidden threat as he landed with a quiet thump across the masonry, his black cloak and hair lending him the qualities of a shadow. He reached up to help her down, his strong grip lending her support, to which Jennifer gladly accepted as she toppled to the floor with noticeably less grace. Slowly regaining her composure, she pushed aside her hair, pulling it back behind her ears to stop it irritating her eyes. Free of the obscurity, she looked around, observing their surroundings watchfully.

"You should stay here. No need to push yourself further," Talon suggested before he began to head towards the barracks.

Jennifer plastered a smile onto her face as she glimpsed the dull glint of his throwing knives, her enthusiasm rekindling into a flame. Briefly, she tapped her boots against the ground, as if testing the physicality of the surface, and then took several easy strides to catch up with him.

“That wouldn't be fun at all now, would it? Don’t worry, I can handle myself,” she winked, before her curious gaze was drawn to the faded glow encompassing his wrist. Grinning broadly, she rested her arms together behind her back as she followed him, humming a tune.

City Kingsburrow

"Armor or not, I can still kill you, but I want to play first before I kill you."Merely annoyed at the girl's tenacity, Thane sighed. He side stepped and turned, narrowly avoiding Vier's weapon. Meanwhile, he let his abilities weave themselves together and crawl towards the fresh corpse in the room. "I've already told you girl, go home. Nephilim are not the best playmates. Especially one who needs a nap."

He circled around her slowly as he started reading her movements. In one hand, he held a large blade, a short sword to Vier, but more along the lines of a large hunting knife to him. In the light of the inn, the blade looked a pale orange, shadows dancing along it as Thane moved. In the other he held a large sickle. The curved blade shone with a brilliance that could be achieved by no regular steel, the silver and steel metalurgy giving the blade a pale, white sheen, even in this light. After a moment, the sickle fell back to his side, hanging by the leather strap that pierced the bottom of the handle.

"We giants among men have a knack for being puppet masters," He told her as the dead man slowly got to his feet behind Thane. "And to get to the master, one must first go through the puppet." With an astonishing speed, the cadaver picked up his dropped sword and placed himself directly between Vier and Thane, its sole purpose, to defend the necromancer that stood at its back.

Soran Keel

"Bout time Talon, was beginning to worry! Come and join the fight I'm in, I'll let you meet a former kinsman of mine that has got to go."

"Fool," Soran growled as he watched the dark elf turn his attention to the woman. Their conversation irritated him and at being tossed aside like he was nothing more than a child was even more infuriating. Soran closed the distance between him and the dark elf, his blades pulled up and leveled to run Locien through. He was no longer interested in taking his time killing the man, he wanted blood.

Soran moved quick, his face an ugly twist of rage. Dark power radiated from his every pore. The magic not only pushed through his skin, but also to his weapons, sheathing each blade in a dark mist that swirled around slowly. With a growl of anger, Soran made to run Locien through as he descended on the dark elf.

Talon V'lyn

He heard the shout from inside the barracks, Locien was calling to him. His tone belied his words, though, he seemed to be angered about something. The assassin picked up the pace and rushed inside. Locien's attention was on another elven woman that he'd never seen before, beckoning for her to try to kill him. Talon raised an eyebrow as he prepared to leap between the two to stop whatever was happening. However, there was a second elf that he didn't notice until the man uttered something he couldn't hear and lunged forward. Twin blades came at Locien who's attention was elsewhere.

Talon knew that if he didn't move, the dark elf would be run through by the stranger with bright white hair and mismatched eyes. The man looked every bit insane as he lunged forward, his face telling Talon that he was intent on killing Locien. The assassin rushed forwards, putting Locien right behind him and raised his dagger to try to block the first hit, knowing the second one would most likely go through him. However, the elf stopped short, his one weapon caught on Talon's dagger, the other pressing against something invisible.

Talon only spared the strange phenomena a single glance before turning his attention to the attacker. His eyebrows came down as he glared at the man, who's lips had pulled into a wicked smile. The stranger pressed forward, leaning in towards Talon, his tongue slipping out between his teeth to run across his thin lips.

"You must be the 'help' that Locien spoke of. Get out of my way, boy," the man growled, his smile turning to a snarl.

Talon didn't answer him, only pushed back harder against the man. The knife slipped slightly, letting the blade cut into his forearm that wasn't covered by the long sleeve. The glowing of the bracelet became brighter as the strange shield strengthened. The magic pulsed and threw the white haired elf away from him. Talon pulled his arm back and threw the throwing knives in his hand. Both projectiles went straight for the man, but he was quick to deflect them. The twin swords flipped upwards in half arcs, nothing but silver blurs as the man moved gracefully.

Talon sheathed his dagger and in the same motion, both hands pulled out another set of knives. Moving forwards quickly, Talon followed the elf as he receded into the darkness of the barracks, a smile ever present on his lips. The first set of knives flew from his hand as he threw them, his arm crossing his body in a full swing. Then his other arm did the same, throwing the next set. The momentum of the throw had his body twisting slightly and as he went into the move, his free hand reached back into his clothes and pulled out three more knives.

They flew from his fingers as he twisted around completely, the momentum from his earlier throw giving the last three more speed. Talon slid to a stop, his body sideways as he glared into the darkness. His eyes had been following the elf's slow movement into the shadows, then finally to the glowing red and yellow of the mismatched eyes until they both disappeared as well. With a soft growl of disappointment, Talon straightened his body, letting his muscles relax before turning back to Locien.

"Who the hell was that?"

City Kingsburrow

Vier

Her eyebrow raised, a smile stretching across her face as she watched the undead step before it's master. Her eyes brightened and her heart quickened with excitement. Yes, she'd done well to pick this one as her next target. Vier's lithe body fluidly took a step back and her arm tightened as she pulled the muscles together. Her throw off to the side was quick and unexpected. The knife went through another patron, the blade sticking out from the man's eye. As he toppled over, Vier let her own dark magic weave across the room and fill the recently dead man. The lifeless corpse stood up and moved to her side.

"Oh how entertaining," she said, a rich, crazed laugh falling from her lips, "Let's see what we each can do, yes?"

She flicked her hand forward and her undead puppet lurched towards the other one, drawing it's own weapon. Shadows wreathed in the corners of the room, spreading to create a darkness that was unnatural to the inn's dining room. With her power thrumming through her, Vier was in her element. It had been a long time since she'd had to use so much power before. She was enjoying this way too much, her body overwhelmed with expectations from the Nephilim before her.

Tendrils of darkness swarmed across the floor, covering her as she called it to her to take her from one place to the next. At the same time she ordered the darkness to slowly curve its way around the man, holding him in place so she could attack him. She disappeared from where she was, lost in the darkness. Her body was moving forward though she couldn't feel it. Vier appeared on top of a table in mid stride as if she were running, then she was lost again. Turned to face him, she was now using the large structural beam overhead as her place of launch.

Crouched down, her legs shot forward propelling her body down towards the tall man like lightning. Vier's arm was pulled back once more, ready to plunge the weapon down into the top of his shoulder. All the while her eyes wild and her mouth curved upwards. The darkness was still attached to her, making it seem as if she had a cloak of black mist trailing right behind her as she shot downwards.

Jennifer leapt up against a balustrade casually as Talon forged ahead of her, the young assassin beckoned by Locien’s cry for assistance. Balancing her lithe frame with her arms outstretched, she took several slow, exaggerated steps forwards as if she were walking over a tightrope before stabilising herself fully, all the while observing the duel from afar. If anyone cared to look, a sinuous smile covered her face, a simple gesture which managed to be both appealing and malicious simultaneously. Her gaze fell entirely onto Locien, the once impassive dark elf’s face now a mask of bristling fury as his eyes narrowed murderously in the direction of the other man.

“A rivalry? Or perhaps something more personal?” she mulled with a lick of her lips.

Her brown eyes moved towards the dark elf clashing blades with Talon. The illusionary mage made no move to assist the young assassin, apparently confident in Talon's close combat abilities. Only her light giggles teased his every action, dogging him with her typical nonchalance and nauseating amusement. It wasn’t until after their assailant retreated did Jennifer make a move, deftly jumping from the barrier she was perched upon and landing on a single foot. She righted herself as the others started to regroup, resting her arms behind her head as she listened to them.

"Who the hell was that?" Talon questioned the moment the group came together. Confusion mingled within his voice, the assassin still clearly recovering from the suddenness of the engagement.

Locien’s response was terse as the dark elf painted on a frown. His his angular brows dipped and furrowed, making his already stony features become all the more sombre, as though something painful had pressed upon his mind. "His name is Soran Keel. He was once a part of my clan thirty years back. But then he performed a very serious crime. He killed a woman. Lady Rivera Galadiir, Daughter of Lord Ildhrenion. She was my betrothed. In the fight against Soran that followed, I plucked out his right eye and fed it to Zoron. Then the Clan chased him off. He was banished. But it seems now, thirty years later, the past returns to haunt me. Seems also that he's learned a bit of black magic, otherwise that new eye of his is a glass eye. He's become utterly insane and obsessed with killing me for ruining his life."

Jennifer’s smiled widened fully. She understood the brunt of the emotions carried within Locien’s words well. Despair, misery, regret, these were all of the things which prickled her spine with pleasure. As impossible as it seemed, her wicked smile grew further, as if the spark of a terrible idea had imbedded itself within her. Another dark elf woman introduced herself then, pulling Jennifer's attention back into the conversation. The older woman's outward appearance bore many of the dark elf racial traits shared between Locien and herself. Tall, and with illustrious long hair, she had a toned figure which suggested the dark elf was well accustomed to strenuous movement.

"Anyway, did you find out anything about a possible heir to Crystacia, or anything concerning where the True Dragons may strike next?"

Jennifer’s stifled yawn interrupted Locien’s question, “Assuming we did find where they might strike next, I’m guessing you’d save that city? Crystacia had an entire army and a fortress and look at her now. Oh, and that last true dragon you interrogated went so well too, maybe you still want to try capturing their leader?” she snorted, neglecting to restrain the acidic sarcasm slipping out of her mouth.

Talon V'lyn

Turning his face to look down at her, he frowned in response to her answering his question. He was beginning to think that his jaw was going to permanently be set in the grinding motion if he wasn't careful around her.

"You're quite the dolt aren't you my poor assassin? I wonder if you've simply shed your ability to hear after listening to the screams of your dying victims?" His eyes flashed dangerously as she finished speaking, his mind going immediately to when he'd killed the woman back in Skyfall. With a soft growl he forced himself to ignore that comment.

"Locien killed her brother. Seems like he carries an awful lot of grudge killing actually." Jennifer turned her gaze from him to the two dark elves. He'd heard that part yes, but it hadn't really sunk in. So he let her carry on with what she was saying.

"Lyuze more than likely wants revenge, why else seek out the killer of a relative?"

With a sigh Talon rolled his eyes and turned so he was facing the shorter women fully. His bloodied hand gripped her upper arm as he glared down at her, "You. Are a pest," he said giving her a shake to emphasize his point. Damn this woman. He'd never felt so angry all the time before. She was certainly poison to him, but a poison that he couldn't get rid of because of her value and ability to fight the rebels on even terms.

"I swear... If I didn't need-" he stopped in mid sentence, his teeth clenching tightly in response to a sharp and unexpected pain that shot through him. The brace on his arm glowed brightly. Slowly his body was engulfed in the white light, curving backwards as his head slowly tilted back while his teeth felt as if they would break from the force with which he clenched them. He only managed to keep the cry of pain held up for a short time before it burst forth.

Images flooded him, the enormous red dragon, Barthomel rearing forth. His huge body rose up over a city as flames engulfed it. Red dragons fought each other in the sky, their companions fighting as well on the ground. The thick red wings expanded, shooting outwards to cover the area. His gaping maw opened and he let forth an ear shattering roar. The three dragons from before appeared, one black, one red and one white. They were larger than the ones fighting over the city, yet they were still smaller than Barthomel. They each held a kind of power that exceeded anything Talon had ever seen before.

The city darkened slowly as the fighting grew longer, the red dragons wheeling in the sky were the only thing that marked the place for Talon. However, the vision wasn't done yet and as he continued to watch through the blinding pain, the white dragon that attacked Barthomel came in too close and the enormous dragon landed a slash that raked down the beautiful white scales. Talon's body arched forward, the pain from that attack flooding him. In the distance he heard Vy's voice screaming his own pain as he too felt it.

As the white dragon fell, twisting in the air, the image showed Talon a silver brace that was wrapped around the end of the dragons tail. He wondered why it looked so familiar, but it didn't click until after the vision faded and he was dropped onto the floor. His breath was short and ragged, his bloodied hand and arm reaching up to clench his chest as he lay there. The silver brace faded to a dull glow and he opened his eyes slightly.

"Ro'ell is next," he coughed out.

Jennifer grinned broadly, knowing that Talon had already deduced all that she’d said to him without the need for her to say it. She just couldn’t resist the urge to answer his ambiguous question in a purposefully counterproductive fashion. He whirled on her, leering in an irritated manner like a parent reluctantly being forced for deal with a baby’s temper tantrum for the umpteenth time. A vice like grip seized her bicep and shook her firmly, his formidable strength rattling her lithe frame like a rag doll. Her white blouse became stained red with the blood caking his palm. "You. Are a pest," Talon hissed. His blue-grey eyes narrowed threateningly at her, evidently pissed off.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I won’t say another word,” Jennifer laughed in reply, as only she could, a cruel, shrill expression of humour that danced mockingly into his ears with a noticeable lack of sincerity. Still caught in his grasps, her eyes glinted predatorily as she returned his gaze, her dark brown gaze almost managing to look down at him. They gave each other a look then, although Talon’s was mostly withering. It was a look which was reflected in both of their faces, a look showing they both knew one of them provided an invaluable service to the other.

Talon relented after a moment of silence, his fingers loosening their hold. "I swear... If I didn't need-", he paused as pain wracking across his facial features without notice, his eyes losing their focus under some overwhelming anguish. An unnatural white light engulfed him and Jennifer realised the source of the phenomenon was once again the bracelet. As light flooded the room, filling her vision with the marvellous spectacle, a wry smirk lifted her lips.

Talon obviously felt anything but marvel as his tortured scream echoed across the room. He continued until his voice became hoarse, likely unable to think or commit to any other action whilst caught in the throes of his vision. Imitating the scene in the library, he finally dropped down as the bracelets power subsided.

Talon’s words had to fight through his pain and discomfort before it could reach them, "Ro'ell is next," he wheezed urgently.

Upon hearing Talon, his words repeated themselves inside of her head painfully, a sort of unexpected shock freezing the illusionary mage for once. Jennifer’s eyes were wide, yet her pupils were constricted as she stared at Talon. Slowly, and methodologically, her lips pulled into another grin as she pictured Ro’ell and its people ablaze. She imagined Ro'ell rising up before her like an indomitable fortress, its buildings defined by sharp interlocking lines giving the impression they were all conjoined. Picturing the ominous black smoke rising from the city's depths creating the illusion of a giant fire, made her want to shriek with joy at the mere prospect. Jennifer admitted that Ro’ell and its inhabitants had played an important role in shaping who'd she'd become. Revenge wasn’t specifically the only reason she wanted the city destroyed however, Ro’ell stood for everything she abhorred. The social hierarchy, the clans, the unbending, rigid system. She loved and hated all at once.

A frown fell onto her face as one of the other elves broke out in hysterics, lining his own crossbow in the direction of his heart. "i failed in protecting my new home.What happened with Zonia happened again with Yeveen.I can live knowing that i failed again.I must die."

What she assumed was his dragon cried out to the group, pleading them to stop the elf from killing himself. Jennifer's only reply was to scoff, forming a pistol with her hand and lighting the tip of her index finger on fire. She aimed the makeshift flamethrower in the direction of Damascus without a hint of remorse. "Oh please, if you're going to die, at least let allow me to have some fun. You know, they say burning alive is one of the most painful ways to experience death," she taunted, the flame growing just large enough to highlight the menace over her pale face, "If you think killing yourself will atone for whatever atrocity you've committed or failed to stop, then maybe you should kill yourself and rid us of your stupidity."

Shifting her eyes to the young assassin, she spoke again in a dangerous tone. “So, what do you plan to do?” Jennifer asked Talon with a raised eyebrow, though one couldn't be sure whether she was referring to Ro'ell or Damascus.

Lyuze was about to explain herself when Jennifer butted into the conversation. She growled a bit slightly as she hated to have her answer given out by others. Yes she wanted to kill Locien for killing her brother. But somehow something else was boiling in her. Something that slowly started after Locien saved her from Soran's attack. Respect, or admiration? She never could tell.

"She's coming with us, because I say she volunteered. Besides, I promised Zianro to make sure his family was safe. I owe that much to him." Locien stated bluntly as he observed the other conversations slowly. Reaching in his travel bags he pulled out a large rag and tossed it to Rania. "Rub that on your dragon's wounds. It'll help with any injuries it's sustained and renew it's energy for the trip."

Rania looked at the strange gift and only nodded as she walked to her dragon to do just that. It would be a long way to Ro'ell, as Talon's little fit of magical detection from that amulet caused. It was then that another elf showed her face and also volunteered to come with, even coming close to nearly seducing Talon.

"Seeker's breath," Locien said with exasperation. "Too many women around a few guys, Talon. This is seriously turning into one of my father's adventure stories he'd share round the campfire."

"You mean the times when he traveled with a group of women trailing behind him Locien?" Zoron asked. Locien only gave him a nod in response. Lyuze once again hid one of her giggles at Locien's outburst of how many people are going. She assumed that thirty years of wandering made Locien used to being alone. Well, being an ex-assassin of the Kestal Clan forces one to be alone.

In hearing 'Whisker's' introduction, Locien decided to lay the cards on the table. "And I am called the Seeker's Pride, but you can call me Locien." he stated very bluntly, even though he knew most of the party knew of this by now. "So what are we waiting for, an invitation or what? Let's get the fel to Ro'ell and try to make a strategic approach to defend the city."

"Girl, everyone has a moment of stupidity when they don't think clear."

Jennifer smiled, lifting her pistol hand to her lips and blowing out the fire with a puff. “I’m sure, because suicide is a completely normal way of expressing stupidity,” she sniffed and then rolled her eyes at the elf.

After having waited for their crisis to resolve itself, Talon answered her rhetorical question. "I plan to go to Ro'ell," the young assassin stated. Of course he would. Jennifer looked to his face, recognising the hard look of resolve etching itself into his blue-grey eyes. Reading his tanned, leathery features, she knew Talon’s sense of duty and revenge compelled him to resist the rebels, it made him predictable.

The chilling outside wind rushed back into the room abruptly, prickling the exposed portions of Jennifer’s silky pale skin. Following the breeze came the introduction of another elf as she stepped towards the group, careful to show no signs of threatening them. Long, dark brown hair cascaded over her slender frame as her unnerving crimson gaze swept over the congregation. Whether it was the wind or the sinister composition of the clothes which hugged her suggestive figure, she carried an air of aloofness and mystery. “And I will be accompanying you. If you will have me, that is.”

"Why is it you wish to come with us? I don't suppose telling you to stay here would do much," Talon returned, asking the obvious.

By the way her soft cheeks twitched underneath the hooded shadow, the elf only seemed to smile dryly in response, “I do not enjoy dwelling on such a question, but when I entered this very building, I felt an immediate connection.”

Her crimson gaze studied Talon entirely, indicating who she was referring to. “You in particular.” Jennifer watched her take a step closer to Talon, one of her eyes twitching at his complete lack of resistance. Stopping face to face with Talon, the elf's lips moved to form a sentence barely audible to her ears.

After remembering her place, including the ominous stares of the various individuals around her, the elf stepped away to finally, “Whiskers is the name, if that rings a familiar bell. After all, I am well-known for my thug-catching talents.”

Jennifer’s face cracked a coy smile before her small shoulders leaned their way towards Talon once more. “Oh my, aren’t you popular with us ladies. Alternatively, this could be an opportunity. Maybe you can learn some information from her, she seems to like you especially,” she teased in his ear, her eyes glinting with its typical mischievous. Suddenly conveying a hint of vindication and disappointment, Jennifer leaned in closer. The casual delight in her tone dropped from her voice completely as her whisper became a hissing rasp, “But to be so easily tempted, you really are a worthless assassin.”

She pulled away without giving him the chance to reply, that same cruel smile affixed to her face once more. Not a trace of that brief glimmer of bitterness remained. "That's okay though, because i already knew this."

Locien took the cue to introduce himself to the rest of the group fully before sensibly suggesting that they should proceed to Ro’ell with all due haste, but such sentiments were lost on the illusion mage already. Thoughts of destruction filled her mind, blanketing her body with a tingling excitement. The excitement crawled over her skin like the sensation of a billion flies, driving her crazy with an unfamiliar itch. All Jennifer wanted to do was bring misery the council mages of Ro'ell.

Talon V'lyn

He felt hot around his face as the woman leaned in closer, her voice soft as she whispered to him about being a great asset to the group. He tried his best to ignore her and was only slightly relieved when she leaned away from him. The elf introduced herself as 'Whiskers', a strange name to say the least. Talon raised an eyebrow at her and was unsure on how to reply to such an introduction.

As Locien formally introduced himself to the group, Jennifer leaned in close to him, her condescending voice reaching his ears. “Oh my, aren’t you popular with us ladies. Alternatively, this could be an opportunity. Maybe you can learn some information from her, she seems to like you especially. But to be so easily tempted, you really are a worthless assassin,” Jennifer whispered the last part to him, leaning in closer so only he could hear. The tone had changed drastically from teasing to an acidic hiss. The change startled him, and he looked to her sharply as she pulled away. Instead of anger, his eyebrow raised. Was she truly angry with him?

"That's okay though, because i already knew this." Then her smile returned, the same one he'd grown used to seeing as she spoke. To this his lips pulled into a frown and he rolled his eyes with a heavy sigh. Reaching out he took hold of her forearm and started towards the exit of the barracks.

"Let's go then," he ordered without further delay. At the back of his mind he agreed with Locien's statement from earlier. There were too many women now. Women were devious, plotting, conniving...

But you can't live without them, Vy butt in.

I would find a way.

Well, you better be careful with this new one. Wouldn't want Jennifer to get jealous over you and dispose of the poor elf.

Why would she do that? Talon asked in exasperation.

You'll learn eventually, my little assassin.

His eyebrow twitched as he approached the large silver dragon who was eyeing him with a look of amusement. He glared at his dragon as he passed his large spiky head and jumped up onto Vy's back. He immediately reached for Jennifer and drew her up behind him. He ignored her for the most part, knowing that she was going to hate the flight to Ro'ell as it was longer than the last couple of times between Crystacia and Skyfall.

Yeah, well it's not like I care all that much for her in return, Talon said after Vy had jumped into the sky.

This entire time you've been thinking about that? I think you're just trying to convince yourself.

The assassin rolled his eyes, You're no help at all sometimes, you know that Vy?

City Ro'ell (several hours later)

Red dragons wheeled in the sky, flames burning the air. Magic tingled through the wind and the spires of the dark city were already crumbled by the time Talon and his companions made it to the city. Vy started wheeling through the sky as he tried his best to avoid any incoming black dragons. A loud inhuman scream echoed overhead and Talon looked up just in time to see a red and black dragon slam into each other and lock. Both dragons fell at them and Talon immediately reached back to hold Jennifer tightly to him. Vy flapped his large wings hard, ascending at a sharp angle.

Leaning forward, the assassin held tightly to the reigns and Jennifer behind him. Vy slowly twisted as he shot straight up in the sky, avoiding the falling pair of dragons completely. However, as he twisted, two black dragons came at him, their jaws opened wide and claws extended. Vy veered off to the side, turning so that his right wing was horizontal and Talon could look directly into the burning city below them. The first dragon scrapped his claws along Vy's shoulder, the burning exploding through both dragon and rider. Clenching his teeth, his grip on the mage behind him tightened, determined not to let her fall.

The second dragon slammed into them then. Claws digging deep into Vy's sides and the jaw clamping tightly into the other shoulder. Vy's body was tossed backwards, the force of it and the attack causing Talon to lose his grip on Jennifer. He barely held onto the reigns himself as Vy struggled to right himself and disengage from the dragon attacking him. The brace around Talon's wrist glowed brightly as the black dragon's red gaze settled on the assassin not to far from his face. With a new target in mind, the dragon clawed at Vy, his neck stretching out and the large teeth snapping at Talon who leaned backwards.

Upon leaning back he didn't feel any resistance and his heart leapt to his throat. The silver brace exploded a bright light from his wrist and hit the dragon straight in the face. With an ear shattering roar, the black creature fell away from Vy who wheeled around immediately and shot downwards. Talon's eyes searched for Jennifer, fear gripping his chest tightly. Vy pulled his wings in tight, and Talon leaned into his neck as they dove. Their speed picking up as the went. In no time the silver dragon had caught up to Jennifer's falling body and shot passed her. Pulling up, Vy's wings shot out and their decent was nearly stopped as Vy gave three good pumps of his wings. Talon, used to that kind of maneuver, let go of the reigns, his eyes upwards with his arms stretched out. A second later and Jennifer dropped into his hold.

"Are you alright?" He asked her the moment he had her in his arms.

Hold on, Talon! Vy yelled and he reacted just as the dragon called out. Pulling the mage tightly against him, he reached out with his left arm and took hold of the reigns. The silver dragon dived again, twisting and turning as three black dragons came after him. Talon shot a quick look over his shoulder to their pursuers. With a soft growl he turned back to see where Vy was going. The huge dragon was twisting through the towers of Ro'ell, trying his best to lose the enemy. As he dove underneath a huge bridge connecting two of the towers to the mages school, a black dragon took him from the side.

Let go when I tell you, Vy growled through their connection as he grappled with the creature locked onto him. Talon leaned over as he held Jennifer crushed against his chest, his lips brushed her ear as he whispered to her.

"Hold tight to me, we're going to drop off of Vy."

Looking to his left, he spotted the ground coming to meet them rather quickly. The assassin readied himself for a hard landing, situating himself and Jennifer as Vy held back the black dragons long neck from tearing through Jennifer and Talon. The jaws of the beast stretched forward almost nipping into Jennifer's shoulder, but Talon lifted his arm to block it. The large teeth scrapped across an invisible wall, ripples of pale white expanding from his wrist.

Now!

Talon's hand released the reigns and his legs loosened from their hold on the saddle around Vy's neck. Pushing off of his dragon, he fell away from him, but it wasn't a long fall. A couple of feet and he hit the cobblestones in a shower of rubble as Vy's wings righted himself and he used the buildings around him to do so. Able now to move without losing Jennifer or Talon, Vy slammed the black beast into the building and dragged it upwards into the sky. Talon lost sight of his dragon as he rolled with the mage in his grip. When he finally came to a stop he looked around them to see if they were in any immediate danger before releasing her gently.

"Are you hurt?" He asked her, his gaze inspecting her quickly. He had to resist the urge to continue looking her over as he was sure her usual taunts would soon be heard. Pulling himself up to his knees, he once again looked around the area where they'd landed. Having lost the others, he could only hope that they were alright. He was going to have to make his way to the citadel and hope that King Greyor hadn't been killed yet.

Thane's puppet was still fresh, it had it's own thoughts for now, so it could handle itself. He was more preoccupied with the flying madwoman wreathing herself in darkness. With a sigh, he drew his arm back and clenched his fist. "Blast girl, I told you to leave me be!" As he swung forward to meet her knife, a cluster of petrified bones knitted themselves around his arm, the sharp edges and blunt sides all just as sturdy as his sword. "Insolence," He cried out as the gauntlet of bone and steel knife clashed with a deafening shriek. "Is no excuse for your actions here!" The sickle spun once, twice, and cut downward, the holy properties of the blessed silver severing the tendrils of darkness that held him. It would not be without fault though, as the silver burned him as well, a necessary fault. Silver didn't mix well with Nephilim, an unfortunate effect of their origin, yet most of them could be found with a silver weapon on them. As he slowly stepped out from the darkness that encompassed his legs, he sighed once more. "You're not bad, I'll give you that. But you can't hope to outlast me and my defense is strong." More and more of the bone dug itself from the ground, his pack, anywhere he could find it, and formed a layer of sickly, pale white armor that replaced his cloth and metal attire. "And unlike other foes, mine will replenish itself as often as need be."

hi man

Talon V'lyn

The ride to Crystacia was longer than usual, of course Talon had been used to travel by faster means. A horse took a few days to get to places, whereas a dragon could cut down that travel time by half. It was mid morning as the group rode into the city of the elves. The only changes since Talon had last seen the city were no fires. Many of the buildings were still rubble on the streets, but it seemed that the elves were managing just fine.

With one hand holding the reigns of the horse, the other gripped Jennifer's hand that was around his waist. His eyes shot from side to side as he took in the city. The assassin was a bit unused to seeing the city first thing from the ground. Even so, he tried his best to ignore the burning in the center of his soul that was the place where Vy had used to occupy. He lead the horse through the streets even as the eyes of the elven people watched him and his group carefully.

Talon was sure they were eyeing Locien the most as he was a dark elf and the tensions between their people were still tight. Turning slightly he turned his hard gaze back to Soran who was riding just shy of his right side. The elf caught his gaze and gave him a smile that did nothing to satisfy the assassin. He readjusted himself on the saddle and frowned as he turned his eyes back to their destination.

When Soran had come to Crystacia he said he'd hid the armor in the barracks of the elven guard. Talon was sure he'd done that after having attacked Locien. They all had lost track of him immediately after that so it was not to far off to assume that the dark elf had indeed hid the armor there. With that information gathered from Soran, they rode steadily towards the barracks. As they approached the elven guard, three of the men came forward and stopped Talon from advancing anymore.

"State your name and business," the elf in the center ordered, his voice thick with his elven accent.

"Talon V'lyn. I've business with whoever is in charge here."

"Lord V'lyn," the elf resounded with a bit of awe in his eyes as he looked up at the assassin, "We thought... we had heard..."

"What? Thought I was dead from the battlefield?" Talon scoffed at it and laughed mirthlessly, "Hardly. Though, I give my condolences to those who lost their lives against Barthomel that day."

The elf bowed his head forward and stretched his hand forth for the horses reigns, "Captain Earvine Lithile is the one you're looking for, Lord V'lyn."

"Earvine... that sounds familiar," Talon muttered to himself as he dismounted and handed the reigns to the guard.

"It should, I met with you when you were called here by the late Queen Fae. I also answered the summons for the attack on Laowlee," the voice came from the barracks and standing in the doorway was the same elf who had greeted Talon and Jennifer when they had first landed in Crystacia so long ago.

"So now you're a Captain hu?"

The elf shrugged and turned sideways, holding back the thick, heavy curtains that covered the entrance to the barracks, "Well, only because I had to. But that is a story for another time, what brings you back to our crumbling city?"

"Barthomel's armor."

Earvine stopped as he'd been leading them inside the barracks. Slowly the elf turned and looked at Talon with a bit of fear in his eyes, "His armor? Why would it be here?"

"Because I hid it here," Soran answered with his usual grin on his lips. The dark elf was leaning against a pillar, one arm crossed over his chest while the other was raised so he could look at his fingers as if inspecting them.

"You did?" Earvine asked with a bit of distrust in his voice, "Weren't you the one who attacked Locien then as well?"

"You have a fair memory, Captain. Things... changed."

"The important thing now is finding that armor and keeping it from falling into Barthomel's grasp," Talon interrupted. His eyes shot over to Soran, "The only thing that is a problem is that Soran doesn't recall where he left it exactly. I need your help, Earvine."

The elf Captain crossed his arms over his chest and shot his eyes towards Soran before returning them to Talon. A few more seconds passed and then Earvine nodded his head, "You'll have my soldiers at your command, Lord V'lyn."

"Thank you," he replied and turned to Jennifer, "Lets get started, there's no time to waste."

The familiar sight of Crystacia disrupted all manner of recollections as they trotted through the abysmal streets. Not much had changed in the time that had passed, many of the buildings still frozen in a precarious state of ruin. Dark spires poked the sky with their carcasses, speaking of some past, distant glory. Jennifer guessed there had been little time to repair the damages after everything that had occurred since.

"State your name and business," demanded an elven guard as they approached the barracks. The elf and his compatriots formed an armoured road block in front of the party, bringing the clip-clapping of their convoy to a halt. Underneath the slick veneer and heavy plate Jennifer sniffed fear reeking like a coat of sweat. The mage scoff from behind Talon, bemused that these elves still clung to protocol and hierarchy in the face of Barthomel. She was not sure if she should complement their loyalty or chide them for the futility of their actions.

“Why don’t you skedaddle fancy pants, do you even know who you’re talkin-”

She received a harsh stare from Talon, his steely eyes awhirl with the brace’s power and subdued her. Jennifer bit the bottom of her lips, withholding the rest of her spiteful mockery. Since travelling from the ghost city Vaye in horseback, Jennifer managed to recuperate the majority of her abilities. She was careful about voicing her satisfaction during the journey, the absence of flight being a welcome change from debilitating air sickness. Talon had put on a brave front, but Jennifer was not convinced. Once you knew, it was painfully obvious. Talon was an astoundingly honest individual after all. She could tell he was frustrated at the impeding slowness and haunted by loss. Part of him was still probably angry at her callous words back in Vaye, so she was surprised he had allowed for their juxtaposition without outbursts of physical violence.

"Talon V'lyn. I've business with whoever is in charge here." he stated after silencing the toxic mage.

The elf responded with shock, eyes widened in recognition of the name but reflected a fashion suggesting he did not quite believe it. "Lord V'lyn, we thought... we had heard..." he stammered, uncertain what to make of the phenomenon.

"What? Thought I was dead from the battlefield? Hardly. Though, I give my condolences to those who lost their lives against Barthomel that day." Talon chuckled sullenly.

"Captain Earvine Lithile is the one you're looking for, Lord V'lyn." bowed the elf, dipping the crest of his helm reverently.

"Earvine... that sounds familiar." Talon mused, mentally deliberating the name.

Jennifer stuck her tongue out after dismounting, boots tapping the cobblestone lightly. Earvine stood underneath the entrance of the barracks, looking as if he had been expecting them the entire time. "It should, I met with you when you were called here by the late Queen Fae. I also answered the summons for the attack on Laowlee," said Earvine, clarifying the assassin’s hazy memories.

"So now you're a Captain hu?" Talon said, implanting the minor praise.

Dressed in his uniform, Earvine’s thick should pauldrons shrugged indiscriminately, implying the title was a mere necessity. "Well, only because I had to. But that is a story for another time, what brings you back to our crumbling city?"

It took no time at all to explain their tenuous position, and Talon did not waste any time in explaining it. Time was short enough already and only Barthomel and Domieen knew when the old dragon gods would make their next appearance. Earvine seemed to understand this well and after a little convincing, offered the aid of his organisation.

"Thank you. Let’s get started, there's no time to waste." Talon nodded, directing the final portion of his statement to the mage an in effort to keep her antics to a minimum.

“Now now Talon. I’m not stupid,” she returned with a mischievous grin. Jennifer paced forwards, her supple legs carrying the mage just short of the doorway which dwarfed her.

“If I was a psychotic dark elf, where would I hide a priceless artifact?” Jennifer pondered, tapping her pink lips with an index finger. “Maybe it will react to the power of the our two artifacts?”

“In any case, if Barthomel cowers behind an army, the solution is easy Talon. You do what you do best. You assassinate him,” Jennifer purred as she molded herself against his side. He glanced down at her and gave her a smile. Yes, he would do just that. After all... he was Lord V'lyn then. It would be shameful if he couldn't carry out a simple assassination, dragon God or no.

He walked out of the treasure room with Jennifer in tow and the dark elf right behind him. Soran hadn't said much since the exchange, and Talon could feel just about every emotion that ran through the man's mind. He was nervous, a little chaotic, but there was an overwhelming feel of excitement that seemed to wash everything out. Talon turned just enough so he could see over his shoulder. Soran wore the same expression as always, the carefree gaze that flicked about him before landing on Talon's eyes. The elf smiled then, a cool grin that was chilling to say the least.

The assassin turned away and continued on till they reached the area where they'd jumped down into the underground tunnel. He stretched out his hand, pulled Jennifer close to him and summoned the magic in the bracer. The air around their feet shifted and swirled. Both mage and assassin seemed to lose their weight and lifted up out of the hole and into the throne room above. Soran followed soon after, testing out his own new found magic.

As the elf landed in the throne room, he stumbled slightly with eyes wide and his mouth opened in awe, "My my," he commented softly, "What an interesting feeling."

"Don't get used to it," Talon retorted.

The elf grinned, "I'll do it just to spite you, assassin."

Talon ignored him and left the palace. He made his way through the streets of the city until he found an inn where they could rest. He didn't worry about the horses as he was sure that Captain Earvine would send them down to the stables near the gates of Crystacia. From there, they would get their horses in the morning. At that moment, though, Talon was more concerned with eating and sleeping for the rest of the afternoon. He couldn't remember the last time he'd actually slept good without having been knocked unconscious or anything of the like. Besides, when was the last time he'd held the mage? Too long, he figured.

Once he found an inn to his liking, he took a seat at the table and waited patiently for someone to serve them. He simply ordered whatever meat they had and water to drink. The assassin idly gazed at the door, ignorant to the conversation between Soran and Jennifer, if there was any at all. His thoughts were deep on what move they would take next. To take down both dragon's was going to be a feat in and of itself. It wasn't like he had an army again to help in the distraction.

Perhaps there was a way to force Domieen back into the human form he'd taken. If there was... that would make assassinating him all the more easy. Taking on a dragon like that would be near suicide if anything. Talon gently tapped the table with a finger as the food was brought to them. Even then, he ate in silence as well, thoughts whirling around in his head. There had to be a way to get the dragon off guard... there had to.

With a heavy sigh he finished eating his food after some time of thinking and turned to Jennifer, "We need to rest before we leave tomorrow. I know for a fact that you haven't slept in days," he said to her running a finger along her cheekbone and brushing back her dark hair that had seemed to grow a slight bit longer than last he remembered. Turning to Soran he motioned for the elf to do the same, "You as well. We'll need every last ounce of strength tomorrow."

"Is that worry I hear? For me? How touching, Talon."

"I could careless about you, elf. I just don't want you to die on us so early that it makes it impossible for Jennifer and I to kill those bastards."

"Selfish..." Soran leaned forward, his tongue slipping out to run across his lips, "I like it. This... 'new you'... Suites you well, assassin. Exactly how you should be. Cold, ruthless... a deadly man. That is an assassin."

Talon didn't answer, only glared at the man and stood up from the table. He took the mage with him as well. Turning, he left the elf to his own devices and went up the stairs to the rooms of the inn. Pushing the door opened to one, he closed it swiftly behind him and embraced Jennifer. Slowly he walked with her crushed against him towards the bed before falling on it with her still tightly tucked in his arms.

He sighed heavily as if releasing the weight of the world. Leaning back just enough, he gazed down at her, "Shall we sleep? Or shall we... do other things?" He asked slyly before leaning down to kiss her.