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Soran Keel

"You're death will be slow, I assure you. I'm quite good at it"

0 · 465 views · located in Dragoon

a character in “Reign of Dragons : Rebooted”, as played by Siryn

Description

Name: Soran Keel

Dragon’s Name and Color: N/A

Appearance: Imagehis eyes are different colored. The right eye is blood red, the other a brilliant glowing yellow.

Age: 45

Race: Dark elf mage/assassin

Strengths/Abilities: Stealthy and silent. You won't know he's there until he's put his knife between your shoulder blades. Soran knows magic as well, not a lot but enough to be deadly. Mostly his magic is used to paralyze his prey. He's a stalker in the night and once his eyes are set on a target, he won't stop until he's finished the job.

Weakness: His only weakness is his obsession, he will only focus on one objective until it's complete disregarding anything else. He's one to take his time with a kill, and that can be dangerous to him, especially if his opponent matches him in strength.

Personality: Soran is a killer through and through. He enjoys the thrill of killing another person, he's got a twisted mind as well. Any pain he inflicts on another gives him more strength in a fight. He has never had any companions, so he only looks out for himself and will never befriend or love anyone else. He is cruel beyond comprehension. He taunts easily, enjoying making a fool out of his opponent as often as he can.

Equipment: An array of knives on his person and two twin blades that he wields in deadly combination.

History: He was once part of the dark elf tribe along with Locien, but his obsessions led to a deadly conflict between himself and Locien. He'd taken a liking to Locien's betrothed and had followed her every foot step during their time in the tribe. One night, while Locien was away, Soran went after her. After failing to get her to submit to him, he went into a fitful rage and killed her brutally. Once Locien had returned, the two engaged in a fight that left Soran without his right eye. Fleeing the tribe, he managed to escape the wrath of Locien and the other dark elves. Marked a traitor, left with only his skills to survive, Soran became obsessed with hunting Locien down and killing him as slowly as possible. He left the forests, made his way to the city of Ro'ell and there picked up some trades in dark magic. Upon learning dark magic, he restored his right eye with a dangerous spell that ultimately altered his eye colors and deepened his already twisted personality. Though he didn't learn much, he learned enough to make things... interesting for himself. His favored ability is to paralyze his prey then kill them in whatever way pleases him. Though he's fought and killed many men and woman over the years, his one and only interest is Locien, and he's been hunting the Pride of the Seeker ever since. It's only a matter of time before Soran finds him, and anyone standing in his way will taste just how cruel he truly is.

So begins...

Soran Keel's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Lion. Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
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.

The setting changes from City Crystacia to City Skyfall

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
"Now tell me Talon, tell me exactly what was it that the bracelet showed you,” Jennifer's voice took his attention as she snapped a book shut and tossed it behind her. She crouched down next to him, a smile across her lips like always. Talon was beginning to expect that smile at all times no matter what, he could be lying in a pool of his own blood and she would probably still smile at him.

Taking a deep breath he calmed his body and settled his breathing, "I saw dragons, red, white and black all fighting each other. It was war, but there was one dragon that stood out among the rest. He was larger, red in color with burning red eyes," he closed his eyes and rubbed at his temple, trying to keep the images in order as best he could, "That one seemed to be in control of the fighting, but I don't know what dragons were on his side. They all seemed to be on their own... He destroyed villages and towns with a single sweep of his claw. I've never seen such power before. Then I saw three dragons attacking him, they were red, white, and black again. The three of them managed to kill the larger dragon, but they also perished right after, their power spent too. I didn't know that all three dragons had magic at one time, only the reds do because of the mages."

He sat up then, pushing up with his hands to be level with her as she sat crouched next to him. Raising his hand he pulled back the sleeve and eyed the silver brace that seemed to glow perpetually now. It was a soft glow, nothing that would hinder him in the darkness, but it seemed... shinier than before. His body felt stronger too, a different kind of power residing in him than that of Riena's touch. He flexed his fingers, pulling the hand into a fist, every muscle contracting as he did so, then he released it and looked back at her.

"That's all I saw," he sighed and got to his feet, "It's time we head back to Crystacia," he said as he waited for her to join him. They would reach Crystacia by mid morning. If Jennifer didn't know much of what he'd seen, then perhaps Locien could help fill in the gaps.

I think that bracelet will continue to show you things as events progress, my little assassin, Vy offered.

Maybe, but if it happens like that every time I'm going to be dead before we can do anything about these rebels.

Vy laughed, You'll be just fine.


City Crystacia

Soran Keel

The city was destroyed, entire sections missing even. Fires still burned as he made his way through the city, using the darkness as his pathway. He silently crept through the dark alleys, his yellow eye glowing and the only indicator that something was sleeking through the darkness. He knew that Locien was there, he could feel the dark elf's very presence like water cascading over his body. He trembled at the thought, knowing that his adversary was so close to him. Patience was key, stealth was priority. He moved fast, but not too fast, enjoying the sensation that prickled across him.

It was in no time that he reached the barracks where the activity in the city seemed to have moved. He watched from the darkness as guards moved back and forth across the entrance, a couple of dragons in the sky. He was going to have to be quick, though he hated the idea of killing quickly. Still if he wanted the dark elf, he would have to do what was necessary. From the darkness, two knives flipped handle over end and took one guard through his throat, the other knife would have made it's mark had the man not turned just in time. The blade went through his shoulder, knocking him backwards, but Soran was there to meet him. Right behind the man, a strong grip took his jaw and top of his head. With a quick twist there was a soft 'crack' and the man dropped, his neck broken.

Soran moved into the barracks, wasting no time as he went. Another guard fell to his knife as he slowly shoved it through the elf's back, one hand over the man's mouth to keep the screaming from alerting anyone. As Soran laid the elf down onto the ground, his sharp gaze spotted the fleeting figure of the dark elf he hunted. Peering through the sheeting at the front of the barracks he spotted one woman who might be trouble for him, but otherwise the rest of the elves inside were too injured to be of any importance to him.

The knife came quickly, handle over edge and only glinting once against the fire light. His aim wasn't to kill her, only to pin her down so she could watch Locien die and he would savor her last. Or maybe he would kill her first and make Locien suffer? The thought was fleeting and gone before it could even form a plan. He came out of the darkness with both blades pulled from his belt just as a soft pink was beginning to fill the eastern sky. A wicked smile curved his lips as his eyes locked onto Locien as he shot towards him, both swords held out at either side of him.

"Found you."

The setting changes from City Skyfall to Dragoon

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Lion. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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"Then you handle him Zonian hunter, I have a feeling I have my own enemy to worry about at the moment." Locien told Damascus angrily as he held his sword handle very carefully.

Rania cried out as a knife pinned her on the wall. She struggled to pull it out only to see another Dark Elf appear out of nowhere and rushing towards Locien at a fast rate. Locien barely had time to unsheathe his sword and cross blades with him. Her eyes widened as she saw on Locien's face a dark look of rage.

"Soran, you're wanting to lose the other one then? You blasted murderer, you should've stayed in whatever hole you crawled out of traitor." Locien stated in clenched teeth as he then leaped onto the banister and beckoned the man he once called comrade to come after him. "Come on then Soran! You want to kill me don't you?! For taking out your eye, but I must say, that new eye is an improvement!"

"Locien, do not tap into the amulet's power, we gotta just fight him long enough till Talon gets back and we can shake Soran off then." Zoron told Locien in the depths of his mind.

"Who said I'd use the amulet?! Worrisome Dragon!" Locien snapped back as he then leaped off the balcony and onto the ground below. "You will pay Soran, for making the Seeker CRY!" As he said those words he got into a ready stance.

Rania was still there, astounded by Locien's burst of rage as she ripped the sleeve caught on the knife off of it. She then immediately made a beeline for the exit of the barracks.

---

Lyuze climbed the alley walls as she hoped to keep onto the shadows and made her way to a shady spot near the barracks. She then saw the Dark Elf she was after getting attacked by another Assassin. "Darn, competition..." She muttered under her breath as she decided to wait until the moment was right to either interrupt the battle between two male dark elves to finish. She wanted to be the one to handle the Seeker's Pride, if it is the man she was after.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Lion. Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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"Locien now i shall help you.As my ally it is my duty to show to this idiot my power."
I said confident in myself then i jumped off the balcony on the ground.
".This fool is nothing compared with my crossbow.We can crush him."
I told this time being eager to shoot in what it seems that was Locien's enemy.

It was an very tensionate situation so i decided that momentanly i must let the opponent to make the first move.
From what Locien told about him,this guys Soran at some point losed his eye.
Observing Soran's new eye as it was i started thinking that maybe he became powerful.
"Astarod what do you think about his eye,that eye.?"I asked my dragon.

Astarod replied me in my mind"I am pretty sure that his new eye is an enhancement."
"Enhancement.This means that he is more powerful now."
------
"She got away.I said nervously.Lyuze was in this alleway but now she escaped.
I decide to go to the barracks.Then i scream knowing that she wasn't too far from me"
Lyuze you shall not escape.You shall be hunted like an animal."
As i approached the barracks i could saw that someone made it's way to the same place as me by destroying everything.

A person who indeed was powerful.That person could be Soran?My second target.But i wasn't sure until i saw Damascus and other persons including an injured elf woman.
I looked on my list and only then i realizated that even Locien Kestal was there.Lyuze,I was at a small distance from them but i observed that Locien and Soran were preparing to fight."Locien Kestal,Soran Keel,Damascus Lion and Lyuze Pyren.I found 4 thropies.For thropies for The Dragon's Scourge."I told to myself in my mind.

Even if i was at a small distance from them i didn't wanted to interrupt their fight as they would become more weaked after the fight so an potential battle between me and one of them could give an advantage.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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(Okay Folks here comes the collab me and Qaida did of the Confrontation of Soran and Locien!)

As he expected Locien was just as quick as ever. His sword lifted just in time to block Soran's two blades as they came in at the dark elf like a scissor. The blades were locked, his in an X with Locien's dead center between them. Soran pushed, leaning his entire weight into the weapons, causing them to scream across the dark elf's sword. The sound sent chills down Soran's back, the kind of chills that were thrilling.

"Soran, you're wanting to lose the other one then? You blasted murderer, you should've stayed in whatever hole you crawled out of traitor. Come on then Soran! You want to kill me don't you?! For taking out your eye, but I must say, that new eye is an improvement!"

Locien leapt backwards and landed gracefully on the banister behind him. Soran's blades finished their original move, cutting through empty air. His lips twisted into a sickening smile as he slowly straightened, his gaze only fixed upon Locien. He ignored anyone else in the room. Too caught up in his delirious thoughts on how Locien had wronged him, and the plans on how he was going to kill the man before him. He ran his tongue across his lips as his eyes gave off a kind of shimmer of excited malice.

"Oh," he purred, "You have no idea how wonderful this new eye is. I've gained power that I'm just dying to show you, dear Locien," he said, acid pouring from each and every word, "I'll enjoy every scream I pull from you tonight. You're running ends here. I will finally have my revenge on you."

Pulling his body into position he lunged at Locien, the blades held outwards just as before. However, as he got closer to Locien, his body twisted and he went into a full spin, one blade leading, the other following. Power filled his body, it would only take one touch to paralyze Locien, one touch and it was all over.

Just hearing Soran's words of wanting eternal revenge on him set Locien's face to near rage. He jumped from his position to dodge his spin attack and took a slice towards one of Soran's arms to nick one of his arms out of action so it would be even weapons. The amulet about his neck was pulsing green as his mind dove in and out of his rage, as if it was poised to unleash it's power upon Locien.

"You simply never learn do you? You lost the duel, fair and square. You were judged fair and square, what would you merit by this blind obsession of vengeance?" Locien said through clenched teeth holding his sword in another ready stance as if he was switching to a different style of swordsmanship. "You've learned nothing but how to fall deeper into the pit you dug."

The blade came at him as Locien dodged his next attack. Steel cut across his upper arm, just deep enough to make it useless to try to wield the enormous sword in his hand. So he dropped the weapon, ignoring it completely as he turned to face the dark elf's new position. A wry smile curved his lips, the dull pain through his arm not affecting him at all.

"You let her die, Locien. So it's your fault. I had never had anything precious to me until her, but you let her die," he flipped his blade in his hand as he took a step forwards, "I can't allow you to live. That would just," he stopped, taking a deep breath and raising his mismatched eyes upwards as if he were agitated, "haunt me, to let you live."

He lunged forward, his sword held diagonally across his body as he prepared to strike Locien straight across his chest.

Locien raised his sword to block the oncoming attack as his face turned ever more raging at Soran's words. "Leave. her. out of this Soran." Locien said in an emotionless tone of anger. In the oncoming swordlock they seemed to look like two wolves fighting for a scrap of meat. Locien backflipped away from the flip and was ready to engage in an attack of his own when a crossbow bolt whizzed by his face as he saw a dark elven woman charge into the fray.

"How many people are after me today!?" Locien exclaimed in a comical angry tone.

"Im your only concern Casshern." Lyuze stated as she drew her two swords. Locien's eyes widened as he recognized one of the swords she drew in her hands.

"You're Zianro's sister or else you wouldn't have called me By the ancient Elvahn word for 'Seeker's Pride'." Locien said as he kept his eyes on both her and Soran, how could he possibly handle two foes at once? "Miss Pyren, I'll let you have a chance to avenge your brother's death soon, but of course I have to juggle both you and my former kinsman."

"That's fine by me!" Lyuze yelled out as she sliced at Locien, causing him to jump away from the attack. He had a feeling the next attack would come from Soran and readied himself for that attack.

Soran's instinct was the only thing that kept him from being impaled by the crossbow bolt that flew between them. He stopped mid stride as he'd been chasing after Locien when the dark elf had back flipped. The cross bolt flew right passed him, nearly cutting across his neck, even so, he could feel a thin trickle of his own blood slowly spill down to his collarbone.

Turning his sharp gaze, he caught sight of a striking young woman as she too attacked Locien. At first he admired her as she swiftly set to a string of attacks. Then, he grew angry at her for stepping in and taking his prey without permission. Not that he would have given it anyway.

Soran's power filled him as he watched her, waiting for the block from Locien. Once it came, he went after her, his eyes narrowed dangerously, "Who said you were allowed to fight him?" Soran growled as he came in at the woman fast. He swung his blade at her, hoping to take her down in one strike, though at the back of his mind, he wouldn't have minded killing her slowly.

Locien was surprised at how Zianro's sister was, in almost every aspect save for her swordsmanship, like her brother. He couldn't help but give a small grin during their fight. During one sword lock, however Lyuze managed to push Locien away.

But then Soran came charging in angry at being ignored for that fraction of a time, with a slight scratch on his neck. Locien's eyes widened as his mind flashed to the moment he imagined how Soran killed his betrothed. "No, not again, No no no no....." Locien's teeth clenched as the words escape his mouth. In a flash Locien rushed to Soran and sent a powerful punch towards him, just as Lyuze managed to pull her blades to a defensive state.

"I have allies coming back soon Soran, Im sure you don't want to meet them." Locien stated. Lyuze was in a state of shock as she backed away in confusion, why did the Pride of the Seeker save her from the other assassin out for his head.

"Wh-Why?" She asked out loud.

Soran raised his arm and caught Locien's punch into the hard bone of his forearm. A slight pain wracked him, shooting up his arm to his shoulder, but he ignored it. Instead a wild light filled his eyes as he turned his gaze to the dark elf. His wicked smile that never seemed to leave his lips grew wider.

"Protecting her hu? My what a shocking coincidence. I wonder how it feels to not have been there to keep her from being killed. It's your fault, Locien. You know this as well as I," Soran's voice was deep, dripping with acid. Snatching his other hand outwards, he caught Locien in a tight grasp, his fist gathering the elf's clothing at the neck and pulling him closer. His magic long forgotten, Soran savored the look in Locien's eyes.

"What if I immobilized you and made you watch as I kill her too? What would it matter to you? She just tried to shoot a cross bolt at you. Why should she live? I can take care of her for you, Locien. Then you and I can be uninterrupted in our glorious reunion," Soran pulled his sword back and pressed the tip of it against Locien's shoulder.

Locien's face turned more wrathful as Soran inked his words of dark malice upon him as he grabbed him and pinned him down. He was going to be immobilized and he knew he had to work fast before the sword pierced his arm.

"Sorry Zoron, but it's an emergency." Locien apologized to his Dragon in his thoughts in which he only heard a small growl of understanding and support. As soon as he heard that he grabbed hold of the amulet around his neck and whispered, "I awake in repentance." As he said those words he kissed the amulet as it started to glow it's green glow as he grabbed onto Soran's arm.

"You forgot something Soran. As Pride of the Seeker, I am a direct descendant of One of the first Elvahn that became Dark Elves, and was appointed by the Seeker himself to be as such." Locien stated as he threw Soran towards a wall. Getting up Lyuze saw a shocking change to the Pride of the seeker's appearance. His normal Violet eyes had started to glow as green as the amulet.

"Like I said before, Soran. There are going to be some allies of mine coming anytime now. Of course one is already here." Locien stated as clear as day while he grasped the amulet again, whispering, "Sleep in forgiveness." and kissed it once more, causing the glow on both amulet and eyes to fade. "You remember him well, Soran. If I give the word, He'll lick his chops for the rest of you. You're going to be outmatched Soran, so what will you do?"

The strength that had Soran lifted off his feet and thrown into the wall was unexpected, but exhilarating. Even as he hit the wall, coughed up a bit of blood, he still smiled at Locien. Doubled over from the blow he took, his sword now on the floor, he allowed his own power to fill him once again. Both weapons raised from the floor and came back to his hands, but that wasn't his real skill in magic. The paralyzing touch filled him as he leveled his gaze at the man.

"Comrades you say? Then all the more pleasure for me!" He cried and lunged at Locien, turning his blades in a deadly whirlwind, his body doing the same spin as he'd done before, but faster. It didn't matter to Soran if the others came, it only mattered that he had Locien right in front of him.

( and There! Kudos for Qaida for her superb help in making this fight come to life! :D)

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Crystacia

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Damascus Lion. Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Olivia Wildbane Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka.
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#, as written by Siryn
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.

The setting changes from City Crystacia to Dragoon

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Damascus Lion. Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Azmirian
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Locien jumped out of the way of Soran's next attack while he observed Damascus fighting with an elf that was presumed to be the Dragon's Scourge. That man did seem to be obsessed with attacking assassins. Locien Rolled his eyes as he then spied two approaching figures and grinned broadly. "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." Locien shouted as he flipped around and looked at Lyuze. "Well, now's your chance to avenge your brother's death."

Lyuze was still in shock from the fact that her brother's murderer wanted her to have a chance at killing him, much less saving her as well and frowned angrily. "I'm not buying it, you save me only to make me want to kill you?! You're insane if you want that Casshern!"

"My name is Locien Kestal. Before you say your name, I'll guess. Lyuze right? Your brother told me about you a lot, back when he was still alive. I didn't want to kill him. We were friends. But we had two different versions of the same job in which there was a conflict between us." Locien explained. "We both didn't want to fight, but the contracts dictated such. For that I apologize for that sin."

Lyuze only glared even more. "Locien, you can keep your life for now, but whatever you're doing in the City of Crystacia I shall never know, but If I lose sight of you again I might not catch up. So I'll just go with you."

"WHAT?!" Locien shouted in surprise as Lyuze sheathed her blades and walked back to the sidelines.

"Well talk about wanting to keep a quarry close eh Locien?" Zoron stated and gave a growling chuckle.

"Not helping Zoron!" Came the only thoughtful Reply.

---

Rania spotted Talon's dragon near the barracks and sighed with comfort. "Azzy, the others have returned, lets regroup with them and decide our next move!" She shouted to her dragon.

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Crystacia

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Damascus Lion. Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Olivia Wildbane
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#, as written by Siryn
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.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Damascus Lion. Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Olivia Wildbane
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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.

The setting changes from City Crystacia to Dragoon

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Thane Illuvatar Character Portrait: Vier Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
City Laowlee : Jennifer and Locien

"It seems I may have underestimated your talents, Pride of the Seeker," Domieen's form came out of the shadows and barred the exit to Jennifer's cell. His clawed hand reflected the minimal light in the dungeons. If the room could have gotten any darker, it would have from his presence. Slowly, the True Dragon came forward into the room his eyes hidden by his hood.

Darkness swirled around Domieen's form, rising up to cover the lower half of his body. Raising his gloved hand, the darkness stretched forth from his arm and fingers and slowly crawled up Locien's legs. The tendrils of magic tightening over him until it reached the lower part of his abdomen and stopped, holding him in place. Domieen turned his hood to look at Jennifer.

"It seems you desired to see her. Well then, elf, you get to watch her lose all of her power. Do you think she'll survive from it?" He taunted as he moved towards Jennifer. He reached up and took hold of the black creature that was latched to her neck. A clawed finger poked gently at the things neck and it released her, a dark slim leaving a trail between it's mouth and her skin. The True Dragon pulled it away from her and let it drop to the floor where it curled in a circle and seemingly went dormant.

"Can't have you dying on me yet, you've got far too much power for that, illusionist," his fingers pulled her chin up to have her look at him, "Besides, I have a question for you. Where did that assassin of yours find that vambrace?"

City Kingsburrow : Talon V'lyn

His finger traced the design of the brace around his wrist. The silver glinted in the late afternoon sunlight. It was going to be dusk soon, and Talon wanted to be out of Kingsburrow before then. His eyes were staring at the silver attachment without really seeing it. At the forefront of his mind were thoughts of Jennifer and what had happened in the past couple of hours.

Vy?

Yes, my little assassin? The dragon replied lightly.

Why did she create that illusion?

You wish to know the mind of a woman? One such as herself? That is a mystery even I don't know the answer to, young Talon. Perhaps she wished to see your judgment of her. Maybe she did it for her own pleasure. Who knows the truth other than herself.

Talon sighed as he gazed at the brace, his finger still tracing over the insignia. The silver swirls around letters that he couldn't understand. A kind of elvish he was sure, but one that was much older than what he knew. He took a deep breath and pulled the sleeve down, looking up from his deep thoughts. The shadows were stretching and they curled upwards towards him, the touch of Riena always at his back.

However, there were others who stalked the darkness as well and one such being was much more deadly than he. The sharp knife pressed against his neck as a low cruel voice whispered in his ear. Talon's reaction was too slow to break out of the iron grip that held him across his chest.

"Where's the dark elf? Where's Locien?"

Talon turned his head just enough to get a slight look at who was behind him, but he figured by the crazed sounding voice it was the same elf who had attacked Locien in Crystacia. Reaching up, he grabbed the man's wrist and pulled forward. Twisting around, he faced the man and with his free hand he had already produced his dagger. The weapon thrust towards the elf's stomach, but was met with another blade. Steel scraped as the two were locked together. Talon's eyes narrowed as he glared at the man who smiled wickedly back at him.

"Not here," Talon growled back in response.

"Now you're hiding him from me?"

Talon didn't reply. His jaw set and he pushed hard against the elf. The brace pulsed again and a powerful pulse in the air sent the man stumbling backwards into the shadows. The assassin followed, he pulled his throwing knives from his clothes and the sent them into the alleyway where the man had gone into. The sound of his knives being knocked aside told him where the elf was. Lunging forward, he slashed into the darkness at the elf. Once again they were locked as the two blades clashed together.

"Not bad, assassin, not bad. But you're lacking. In everything. You can't truly be an assassin unless you wish to see some pain in your targets eyes," the man leaned forward, his sinister smile sending chills down Talon's spine. The second blade came at him and Talon barely managed to knock it aside, his hand connecting to the elf's wrist to keep the weapon from going through his shoulder.

"I do enjoy a good fight. You and Locien both give me a thrill when fighting. Perhaps I'll kill you here and now before I go after Locien seeing as you're in my way," the elf laughed and twisted out of Talon's hold. Their knives scrapped across each other in the alleyway as the fight escalated and Talon's brace glowed brightly as the power pulsed through him.

Vier

"I will control this bone with my capabilities and in the meantime, answer your questions. You will try to wrest control of it from me. If you can take it, then you pass and we may move on. If not, we begin from scratch. I will break you down and rebuild you into an image of insurmountable power, nearly as much as a Nephilim."

Vier's lips pulled into a smile as she gazed at him from the seat on the dragons neck. They were up in the air heading somewhere, but she didn't care about the destination. Her eyes shifted to the bone that was slowly twisting around in the air above his opened hand. She called her own power to her hand and let the darkness twist outwards to join the bones dancing. Her smile never faded as she concentrated on grabbing the bone, wresting it from his magical grip.

"Is there a reason you offered to teach me all of this? You and I could have easily fought for a while longer," she said as she leaned forward onto his large shoulder, running her fingers up his arm. All the while her magic twisted around his as she fought to grab that ridiculous bone from his control. The bone quivered for a mere second, tilting towards her, but snapped back under his control and swirled around as it had before. Vier's smile faded as she leaned against Thane and she glared at the bone that seemingly taunted her.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Locien- City Laowlee

"You've made three mistakes before and after I got here. One, you killed Queen Fae, in front of me. Two, one of your Magi marked herself for death by my hand. Lastly, and the most important of all, you forget the face of death. Those who forget the face of death..." Locien strained the words out in clenched teeth as he started to pant in some form of animal like anger. Thoughts and memories were flooding through his mind as his pupils within the greenish glow of the amulet's power started to course ever faster in his veins, his heart pumping it into him like adrenaline.

"Varak tu sankor, Casshern inferius." Locien finished in a calm voice that almost wasn't his own. "Or in the common tongue, Those who forget death's face, invites the return of Casshern." He fully stated as he looked up to stare at Domieen with an even fiercer green glow in his eyes as an ancient rune appeared on his forehead. It looked like a crescent moon, but that was probably a rune signifying a letter in the Elvahn alphabet, or even a number. "Seeker greets you scum of the Earth, for I am Casshern, come to remind those who think themselves above death."

At those words a violent ripping occurred as the tendrils holding Locien down was torn as Locien grabbed at Domieen with one hand, if successful he threw the Magi away from Jennifer's space, whilst drawing his sword with his other hand, which started to glow with a violet glow as he cut Jennifer's bonds. "It's been a pleasant visit Domieen, sorry we can't stay, but I have a schedule to keep." Locien sheathed his sword and wrapped an arm around Jennifer's waist and looked up to the ceiling. "Master! Summon me to the place where our companions are!"

A green fire rose at Locien's feet and started to wrap around him like a snake, whilst the same thing happened to Jennifer. "Farewell for now Dragonslave. Next time we meet, let's not be so hostile and just have a drink of Icefire brew." Locien said with both sarcasm and venom. With that note the fire encased the two jailbirds, exploding in a brilliant flash of green light, by the time the flash faded and several of the True Dragons went to check on their leader, both former captives were gone.

---City Kingsburrow: Outskirts---

"Sleep in forgiveness." Locien stated as he kissed the amulet and the rune upon his forehead and glowing in his eyes faded. "We should get mo-" Locien stopped mid sentence as his stomach started heaving. In alarm Locien moved to the nearest bush and did what was necessary. "I hate teleportation of all forms, be they divine or infernal!"

When his stomach finished expending it's contents he cleared his throat. "So, what the fel do we do now Jen?"

---Lyuze and Zoron---

Lyuze was walking through the town, trying to clear her head of the fact that Locien was taken and possibly killed by the rebels. She couldn't understand why they would want Locien other then the fact of who he is. Zoron watch her walking from the distance, only to notice Talon walking in the opposite direction before spotting a familiar foe.

"Soran! Locien better escape fast before Talon gets killed! Wait I think Lyuze spotted him too!" The Dragon said in alarm.

Lyuze was running towards the conflict between Soran and Talon, Trying to find a good way to stop it before it went out of control. She pulled out her crossbow and shot at Soran's shoulder. "Leave him alone you sick sick drow!" She shouted. She couldn't believe her ears that she said that. Why did she say that? Now she was sure that Soran was gonna come after her next.

"Oh no....I don't want to die." she whispered to herself, letting a frightened tear flow.

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Kingsburrow

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran Keel : City Vaye

The forest was familiar, a place he'd been to many times before. However, this time he was hunting and the thrill of the hunt was more than invigorating. His sharp gaze caught sight of his prey soon enough, a wide smile spreading across his face. Soran looked from left to right to ensure that the two women were indeed alone. The one was a fair skinned elf, the other dark skinned. She looked familiar, as if she resembled someone he knew at one time. The elf didn't spend anymore time on the past memory.

Using the shadows of the woods to his advantage, he made his way silently behind the fair skinned woman. Behind her, two mismatched eyes glimmered wickedly. A dark hand slowly crept from a darkness that was almost too black to be natural. He clasped his hand around the back of her neck and let his magic course through her. His paralyzing power dropped her in a moment.

Quickly, before the second elven woman could react, he whirled around the tree and faced the woman. His hand gripped her neck and gave her the same treatment. Paralyzing her, he grinned at her wickedly. The insane light in his eyes hardly dimming as he gazed at her. With a fluid, harsh movement, he put himself behind her and leaned against the tree with a knife to her throat. He was the only thing holding her upwards. Soran's paralyzing power would keep both women immobile for several hours. Besides, if he needed to, he could put them both down just as easily a second time.

Leaning to her ear he whispered to her, "How long do you think he'll be? I do wish to see Locien again. He and I have much to discuss, being old friends and all. You can scream for him, woman. Perhaps it'll hasten his advance here?"

He laughed after he taunted her. His hand gripped her tightly around the waist, holding her upright as he leaned against the tree. Soran's eyes watched the clearing area ahead of him, all the while waiting for his dear Locien to come into view.

Talon V'lyn

The creature reared backwards, its scream deafening as it echoed in the caverns. Talon had been in awe when Jennifer had come before him, brushing passed him with a wild look in her eyes. Her voice rang clear and solid as she cast her magic upon the beast before them. He nodded in appreciation to her, grateful to have the mage at his side in such a dire time. Talon was sure he wouldn't have made it thus far without her. In fact, he'd still be back in the pool of water most likely dead. His eyes flicked back to the beast as it came back down on its front feet and glowered at them. The deep guttural growling had escalated and the sound vibrated Talon's chest.

Lunging forward, Talon grabbed Jennifer and brought her to him. Tossing them both to the left side of the tunnel, he barely escaped the lightning fast lung that beast executed at them. Long gaping jaws snapped behind him as the creature tried to take them both in one bite. Turning to look behind them, Talon's eyes widened as the things head twisted immediately to follow his lung. The jaws came right at him and he closed his eyes, hugging Jennifer close to him and hoping to protect her.

The growling continued to echo in the air, a furious scrapping across stone issued forth as well. Turning slightly, the assassin witness that the beast was struggling to get passed a silvery shield that had developed around both him and the mage. His eyes flicked down to the bracer around his wrist. The pale white light was pulsing, telling him that he'd somehow activated the shield. He was grateful for that, but he wasn't sure how to keep it up. Nor did he know for how long he could keep it going. Looking over his shoulder he looked to Jennifer.

"Ready?" he asked her as he tried to figure a way to power up the bracer and let loose a barrage of power at the thing. In the tunnel, the enormous creatures tail whipped back and forth, cutting into the rock and making the cavern shudder. That was making Talon nervous, and he wanted to be rid of the thing as quickly as possible before it caved in the tunnels.

The bracer around his wrist glowed brightly, and continued to grow brighter as he concentrated. His breath was coming shorter with each second, sweat beaded on his forehead as he fought to build up as much energy as possible. He wanted enough to kill the beast, but not so much that he destroyed the caverns. Raising his arm in front of him, he closed his eyes and focused the energy that he felt pouring through his body. After several minutes, he opened his steely gray eyes, narrowing them in anger. The silver light reflected off his eyes making them look like molten steel. He released the pent up energy, hoping that Jennifer had prepared her own magic in time with his.

The setting changes from City Kingsburrow to City Vaye

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Damascus Sankar
Sankar was exploring this new land trying to reach a city.He didn't heard anything about his son since he left Kingsburrow and so he didn't knowed about Damascus death.Looking at the envoirement he realized that so many things changed.Approaching he spotted Soran and the two female elfs.Immediately Sankar realizated that the two of them were in danger so he decided to help them not knowing how powerful was Soran or his fighting abilities.

He changed his appearance from his normal appearance.Damascus was very frightening and anyone who would saw him could
tell that he was a monster and not a elf."Leave now."Damascus told on a change voice because of his changed appearance.In the meantime fire energy gathered around his axe Sankar being ready for a fight.But to protect himself he sticked his axe in the ground.Sankar then takes it out the fire trap being set he waited to see what his enemy will do.
_______
Moseun Zarka
"Sir you are the Dragon's Scourge.You have connections in every city.Every noble and city ruler knows you.Use them to catch your targets.And what do you think that is suspicious just attack it with your weapons."The voice of his dragon told Moseun through telepaty."You are genius.I tried to catch them alone when i can use the soldiers of this city and thanks for the advice."Moseun told while he started walking toward the city gates.As he looked at the peoples who were entering Vaye it wasn't hard for him to see Locien althrough he didn't knowed that this mysterious person was indeed Locien.The Dragon's Scourge takes the helmet off looking at this person.Moseun started approaching him slowly.Then when he was extremely close to him Moseun whispered"The hunt begins."With an quick move he uses his claws to penetrate Locien's chest.Even if the distance between them was of a few centimeters and Moseun used an suprised attack there where small chances that Locien could have avoided this attack.

The setting changes from City Vaye to Dragoon

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Locien saw the man coming towards him as if he was ready for a fight. A foolish mistake if the man was wanting to fight him. He ducked from the attack as soon he was pulling and starting the swing, whilst losing a couple strands of his hair in the process and dived into the bushes nearby, heading for the nearest tree to climb up in. Stealthily he jumped from one tree to the next, making his way to a forest path in which he landed on safely.

"Locien there's trouble in Zianro's clearing! It's Soran!" Zoron yelled mentally in the dark elf's mind. Locien's eyes widened as he angrily followed the sound of Zoron's voice towards the clearing. "Soran!" he yelled out angrily as he got ever closer to the clearing, drawing his sword and preparing to fight the man he once called kinsman once again. "I'm coming for you! This time it'll be more then your eye you'll lose!"

He walked very slowly as he discovered that Rania and Lyuze were stunned by some form of magic. "Leave them out of this you sick bastard. They've nothing to do with you or I Soran. What you want is simply your own jealous obsessions, that's what killed her, not anger, not even malice! Just your own envy." he stated. He shifted his feet into a ready stance to fight against Soran once more. "Let's settle this."

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Vaye

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka. Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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'Locien."Moseun shouted angry.Moseun puts his helmet back while looking after Locien.It seems that his target avoided the attack and escaped.Moseun was angry and didn't wanted that this to stop so he started walking toward the forest supposing that he would find Locien.
___
Sankar saw Locien approaching.After hearing he told"Well i wanted to save them but it seems that you have some things to resolve with this guys that you call him Soran.I will Damascus Sankar,will not interfere with your battleStill if you want my help i am here to ofer it."Sankar told watching him then changed his appearance to the normal appearance.He didn't knowed how the battle between the two of them could evolve so he was watching them carefuly.Still if the fight would turn in the favor of Soran he was there to help Locien.

The setting changes from City Vaye to Dragoon

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Vier
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran Keel

His grin widened even more as Locien finally stepped into view. He'd been intrigued by the new comer, but his attention wasn't stolen by him at all. No, he had continued to sit and wait for the dark elf to appear. Soran was rewarded with his patience. Leaning forwards with the dark elven woman still in his grip, he ran his tongue across his lips as he gazed at the man.

"Locien, finally!"

With a short look at the woman, he grinned at her. Raising his knife he nicked the side of her cheek, just barely drawing a thin trace of blood, "Don't worry, I won't be long. Then I can finish with you two," he dropped her unceremoniously on the ground then and stepped around her. Turning to Locien he sheathed the dagger and drew both his swords.

"Lets," he said with glee and lunged at the man, both blades pulled backward in preparation. As he closed the distance, his power fueling him, he brought in both weapons to cross over each other at Locien's throat. That is, if all went as planned.

Vier

The throne room was dimly lit. All around the shadows twisted and turned. It was the same as it had always been, the place never changing. She'd visited Domieen in this room many times before. Vier idly wondered why she was there right then. It didn't make sense. Hadn't she left and gone to a different place? A different world even? Maybe, or maybe not. Perhaps she'd been dreaming.

"If only it were a dream, what you've done," a thick voice reverberated off the walls.

Whirling around, Vier tried to find the source of the sound. Finally, her gaze settled on the just barely visible throne ahead of her. Someone sat there, their black robes making it nearly impossible to see them correctly.

"You've left the order. You realize what this means don't you?"

Vier didn't answer, her lips twitched, pulling into the sadistic smile she always wore no matter what the situation. It was a challenge really, a challenge against him. One that she might not win, but Vier didn't care either way. She flicked her eyes up the figure as best she could, only able to make out their booted feet and the edges of their body. The man stood and slowly came down the steps at her. It wasn't until he was upon her that she realized it was in fact, Domieen who addressed her.

"I don't suppose I'm dreaming right now."

"Clever," the God replied in a hissing rasp filled with anger. Silver clawed fingers snatched her neck in an iron grip and lifted her off her feet. Vier reacted quickly, her hand going to grip his wrist while the other stretched outwards and called her power to her. Domieen's hooded face turned slowly to see her calling her power, then turned back to her. Vier's grin didn't cease even passed the struggle to keep air in her lungs. Her eyes flashed, a wild light that told of her pumping heart, the adrenaline that was rushing through her.

"You fail to realize you're against a God. A
Dragon God, human. You're petty tricks are useless. However," he cocked his head off to the side, "You power is of much use to me in other ways," the claw tightened and she felt something wiggle it's way down to her core. Vier didn't know what it was, but she had a dreadful feeling it wasn't good. In the next moment, she was wreathed in pain and unable to think properly. Something was tearing at her, pulling at her power and her soul, and she was powerless to stop it.

In the room where she'd been laid to rest, her magic had begun to heal her from the wounds that she'd recieved from the earlier fight. However, part way through her sleeping her body tensed, and she tossed around as if having a nightmare. Moments later, she was lifted off the bed, black magic pouring from her body and surrounding her in a dark, deadly mist. A sharp scream penetrated the air.

Talon V'lyn

"I'm fine," he panted to her as he ran. Behind them he heard the cries of the creature as it scrambled to get back to its feet. Taking another turn in the tunnels, he could just barely make out the shine of light at the end of it. His heart lifted as he looked to it. Then, from the darkness that they were quickly leaving, the beast gave a scream and the sounds of claws tearing down the cavern filled the air. Talon turned to look behind him, but couldn't see anything. He ushered Jennifer to go before him, urging her to run faster.

Another glance over his shoulder showed him the flash of green eyes that were narrowed in rage. Returning his attention forwards, he concentrated on making it out of the tunnel. He was feeling overly hot, and more than once the tunnel swirled in on itself. The end of the caves was drawing near, as was the beast behind them. The assassin put on one last burst of energy as they reached the end and tackled the mage outside. Sunlight shone brightly, even if the rays were dying out. Both rolled across the slight hill that led up to the caves.

Looking up as he came to a stop, he witnessed the creatures head pop out from the darkness for a mere second before it screamed and shuffled back inside. Obviously the beast detested sunlight. Talon was sure that went for most of the creatures in the dark and was more than relieved to see the thing scramble away. With a sigh he lay on the ground with Jennifer not too far from him.

"Sorry... I... didn't think... we'd make it..." he panted. He looked up over his arm, cracking one blue-grey eye opened to look at her. With a wry smile he let his head fall back down on the ground and took slow, deep, steadying breaths. Opening his eyes once more he rolled his weary body over and looked around them as best he could. They seemed to be in a dense forest area, the shadows growing longer with each passing moment as the sun set.

He tried to reach for Vy, but couldn't feel his dragons presence. His chest tightened and he felt a lump in his throat, "Vy..." he whispered, unsure of how to take the unnatural silence in his mind. Talon mentally shook himself. He was still alive, there was no way that Vy would be anything other than alive as well. It might be that the dragon is just too far to contact. With that settled, he turned his attention to how he was going to get Jennifer and himself to Vaye, the city where he'd told everyone to meet up at.

As he was concocting a plan, the bracer crackled. Sharp waves of pain raced through his arm and across his chest, spreading down to his stomach then and other shoulder. The radius of the bracers magic was growing at an alarming rate. Grinding his teeth, he rolled to his side away from Jennifer and gripped his arm tightly with his other hand. His body shuddered violently from the rejection of magic. Already wounded enough, he could feel warm blood spreading across his clothes and body as the wounds that had stopped bleeding, re-opened.

With a sharp scream that echoed in the surrounding area, the assassin fell back onto his back and lay there for sometime, immobilized by the powerful bracer. It was soon after that the reaction ceased and he could breath again. A cough filled his lungs and he felt warm liquid in his mouth. The sound of something moving near them caught his fading attention and he turned his head to see what it was, half expecting another fight.

What he saw was an elder woman coming out of the trees, her bright silver eyes unnatural as was her white hair and even paler features. Had she not spoken aloud, he would have thought her to be a ghost.

"Is he alright?"

She moved to him then and dropped down next to him. Her fingers were warm as she touched his forehead and neck. Her silver eyes roamed his body, taking in the damage done. Finally, her gaze settled on the bracer and the silvery eyes shot first to him then to Jennifer in astonishment. Slowly Talon tried to move, but found his body couldn't respond. So, he lay there, unable to do anything about his predicament and feeling like an utter burden for the beautiful mage.

"You must come with me. By the looks of it, he's no mage," her eyes flicked down to him, "And he doesn't have a lot of time left."

The woman stood and spread her hand over his prone body. Talon saw a white flash of light, and the last thing he remembered before weariness took him into the troughs of sleep was his body feeling as if it were lifted off the hard, cold ground.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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"Locien, finally!"
"The protector and the destroyer."Sankar told to himself as he saw the two of them.He already knew that they were rivals and so only one of them would remain alive.Sankar now knew who Soran awaited so much to battle this being reason that the didn't fought.His enemy.Seeing the two elf womans which were paralyzated he walked toward them trying to protect them.
Looking at them he sensed that maybe he should tell something."As an Zonian i know how is a war and a personal fighting.Soran,you are a destroyer and you Locien are a protector.One is trying to protect what other is trying to destroy.The person which shall have greater will of winning shall kill it's enemy.Your fight is one that decises the fate of these two womans and of other persons"The old elf said trying to raise Locien's will of winning.

Knowing that one of them would die he hoped that Locien would win.While seeing Soran's first attack this conflict awaked memories,about his own fight with his brother,and with his two sons,both of them ending with his victory.The he killed his own childrens.Then he remembered that he didn't saw Lion.He was still asking what was happening with him and so on a loud voice he asked to himself"Where are you Damascus?".

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Azmirian Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Lifting his sword, Locien locked the two threatening blades together with one hand on the blade, his other reaching for the handle of his new blade and drawing it. The blade was golden at the handle, decorated with emerald gemstones and a beautiful silver shine on the actual blade., as if time hasn't touched it. The blade had runes upon which ancient elvahn runes were carved into it on one side, and on the other side was hieroglyphics of an older, ancient race.

"Awaken to repentance to combat the shadows of sin." He muttered to himself as he saw Zoron and Azmirian appear with Vy in tow, landing into the clearing and coiling protectively one the paralyzed women. The amulet and the gemstones on the blade glowed the familiar green glow that Rania was still unnerved about, but she couldn't move her body as the paralyzing magic was still there.

"Now Soran, you've been hounding me for thirty years all because of one thing I did in retaliation of your crime." Locien stated as his eyes gave the green glow. "I may no longer call myself an assassin as you or Lyuze are. Nor do I call myself a hero as all I've done was steal from bandits to give back to those they stole it from. But I am nothing like you." As he said this he pushed Soran back and did a backflip, as a ring of green fire arose around the two combatants.

"Locien be careful, after this fight we'll have to leave Vaye as fast as we can. It seems the Dragon's Scourge decided to increase your notoriety in an attempt to catch you in the open." Zoron said to Locien's mind. "I think he'll try to either find Talon and Jennifer, or try to threaten you directly by harming innocent villagers."

"Well I can't fight him, Soran and Domieen at the same time! We'll have to find a way to expose him to his service to Barthomel!" Locien shouted in his mind as he swung at Soran's face, fully intent on removing one of his eyes again in payment for threatening his friends, whilst he was ready to block any of his attacks with his other blade.

"Soran!" he shouted in a rage.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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"Now that everything is ready i must wait them."Moseun said to himself being sure that his trap will work.But immediately he heard the voice of his dragon telling him"Moseun try to search them.Locien isn't the type of person that would fall into a trap,so easy."Thinking at this his dragon was right,he musn't subestimate his enemies and so he leaved the city looking for them.
In the meanwhile on the battlefield a raven maked it's appearance but only for a few seconds before flying.On his dragon Moseun was looking his target trying to see if he was in the forest.Then suddenly the same raven appears landing on his shoulder.Moseun's dragon stopped."Here we meet again."A voice could be heared from the raven.

The Dragon's Scourge first reaction was one of panic as he knew what that meaned"You,here but why?"He asked scaried.

The voice responded"Moseun you know why.For 100 years you were free,as Barthomel's servant.Now you must become a rebel."Moseun didn't expected to something like this as he for 100 years did what he wished do to and wasn't forced to join the True Dragons but now everything was different,a change was going to happen.
"I don't want to join the cult."Moseun told in his mind to his dragon.
"You don't have other choice.If you don't join them you will be killed."His dragon warned The Dragon's Scourge as the rebels weren't the type of persons who would shown mercy at the first sign of disobeying orders.

"I will join the True Dragons."Moseun said trying to not show the anger that was boiling inside him.
"Good decision from now on i will give you orders on what to do and how to proceede.And the person you are looking for is very close."The raven said to Moseun then leaved very quickly.
The elf found the others.He immediately spotted Lyuze and Rania which were paralyzed.His eyes were concentrated on them and so Moseun jumped with his claws ready to penetrate Rania's chest first.Sankar using his axe managed to dodge the claws.

Observing Locien having a battle with Soran he decided to try again another attack.Again he tried to attack Rania taking advantage that she was paralyzated but Sankar again dodged his attack then kicked Moseun throwing him away at a few meters.Moseun lifted from the ground,he was angry that again someone was between him and his targets.
"Stop unhonorable fighter.You have no right to kill them."The Zonian told as he was ready for a fight.
"I have all the right to kill them."Then Moseun screamed"Death to everyone!"
Seeing Moseun Sankar told in his mind"I think i saw him.His face is so familiar,but i can't remember who is this elf."
He tried desperately to remember but he couldn't.Because he was revived with the help of necromancy some memories were still locked inside him.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka.
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran Keel

"Stop unhonorable fighter.You have no right to kill them."The Zonian told as he was ready for a fight. I have all the right to kill them. Death to everyone!"

The shout caught Soran's attention as Locien back flipped away from him and came in with an attack of his own. This one was headed straight for his eye once more. The scream from behind them startled him and so his concentration to the oncoming sword in front of him was disturbed. Soran barely manged to move aside, still catching the edge of the Prides weapon along side his face and near his eye. With a growl he turned around and stopped attacking Locien. A familiar, yet undesirable feeling welled up in his chest. It was an old feeling, something he'd long since forgotten, but apparently hadn't completely lost.

His sword stretched out in front of Locien, his body right next to the man but with no intention of killing him like he'd been doing just a moment before. For one looking at him from the other side, it would seem that Soran was protecting the Pride. His frown turned into a wicked smile, his crazed gaze narrowing in and locking on the man who threatened both him and Locien.

"You have the right?" Soran asked wickedly, "You want my attention? Well, you've got it. No one touches Locien but me, no one," his voice growled. With a sidelong glance, he turned his mismatched eyes to Locien.

"Don't worry, old friend. I'll protect you from this one," he said, almost sounding sane if it weren't for the gleam in his eyes. Turning his gaze back to the man who'd yelled, he pulled his sword back and prepared to attack. Leading off with his left foot, he sprinted to the man, one blade held low, the other at his side. As he approached the enemy, he let his lower sword come up in a hard upper cut. With the momentum, he spun around and used the second blade, coming at the elven man horizontally. His smile widened as he engaged in the fight, his earlier sense of sanity long gone.

Forests of Dragoon (Just outside Kingsburrow) : Jennifer and Talon

“If you don’t save him, I will paint the entire forest with your blood.”

"There's nothing to fear," the elder woman answered the youthful mage. She stood and brought up the young man's body with her magic. He floated beside her, suspended in the air, his limbs hanging and his back arched slightly from the invisible hold. The woman turned her silver eyes on the mage, "I'm Trinity," she introduced herself and started walking through the forest to her small home. As she walked, she talked.

"Ieer was a great dragon, and a wonderful friend," Trinity laughed slightly, her fragile frame shuddering slightly from it, "You're a mage of Ro'ell. I'm sure you know the name Ieer. The white dragon God of old. You must be wondering how it is possible for me to know such a great dragon. Believe it or not, those dragons had companions once. All four of them were bonded with a mortal, it was how the races began. Us first mortals to walk the earth were Godly in our own way. Blessed with long life and power, just like our dragon Gods. However, when Barthomel turned and started gaining more power, we wondered what was going on and how he was doing such a thing.

"The small cities that had begun to flourish begun to fall apart suddenly. The three of us got together and tried to figure out what had happened. Before we knew it, we were bathed in war. Halfway through the war, we lost Domieen. Both he and his companion turned, but Domieen was ruthless and killed his companion at the end of the war. Now that I think of it, I believe that is how he got out of dying like the others. Barthomel killed Ki's companion, but he could never find me. Ieer was especially good at keeping me from him," as she finished that, they came upon a small home tucked away behind the brush of the forest and three very large trees.

Stepping between the bushes and the foliage, the house was bathed in the last fiery rays of light filtering through the treetops. Everything glittered as if it were magic that protected the area. The air was lighter, no breeze, and it was warm as well. Turning, Trinity smiled warmly at Jennifer. She brought the young assassin inside the house and continued her tale while she gathered water, rags and a couple of other items.

"Ieer fought hard, and I helped him as much as possible. We shared our power often, and that power built over time. Eventually, we were victorious and Barthomel fell. Unfortunately, Ki and Ieer both died. At the time, I thought that Domieen had followed them down that path as well, but the events of late have confirmed my suspicions from that time long ago. No one had ever been able to find Domieen's body, and so we had figured he'd fallen into the chasms of the earth with Barthomel," Trinity shrugged and sighed lightly as she put two vials of liquid on the table next to the bed where she'd settled the young man.

"Well, that's enough of a history lesson I'm sure," she sat down next to the young man, took his hand and pushed back the sleeve where the bracer was, "As to this. Ieer's power is stored in this bracer, as is a portion of my own. No human or person born without magic should be able to wear this at all. He's lucky to be alive at all. Riena must be watching him with all of her strength, bless her," Trinity reached out and brushed a few strands of blue grey hair from his face, her silvery eyes examining his scar.

"A V'lyn, yes? If I'm not mistaken, this is Talon, the assassin who received much of Riena's blessings and power. They say the goddess herself walks by him at all times. I can see how it would be true. Jennifer, there are two things that need to be done in order to keep him alive. One involves your help. You are a mage, one very powerful and skilled in the arts of illusion," Trinity smiled, "I can tell by the aura around you. Reev seems to have blessed you as well. Just like Riena, he walks with you at all times.

"You can handle this magic. In order to help him, you will need to share the power with him. It will continue to build and replenish itself, just like yours does. However, it doesn't stop there. This is a God's power inside the bracer. It will continue building and overwhelm him, as you've seen. Take that extra from him and you've extended his life tenfold. The second is this," she reached and grabbed one of the vials off the counter. She twisted it around in her fingers gently, the sparkling silver liquid sliding around inside it slowly as if it were a thick concoction.

"This was made by Ieer and myself during the last battles of war. Ieer told me that I would need it one day," Trinity smiled fondly as she gazed upon the vial. Turning, she gently released Talon's hand and worked his mouth opened gently. Opening the vial, she tipped the contents into his mouth. After it had gone down his throat, his eyebrows came down and he coughed lightly. Trinity watched him intently, hovering over him. His eyes opened slowly, their blue-grey color now a swirling silver. He stared up at the woman for a long time before he blinked and his eye color returned to normal and he fell back asleep.

"Good, it's working. Ieer's blood and mine mixed together with a bit of magic. Dragon's blood is exceptional, especially from a dragon of power. Now, your lovely assassin will grow as a fighter. He will get stronger and more powerful. Don't think that because of the dragons blood he can handle the bracer on his own. It can still over power him, Jennifer. But now, he'll be able to manipulate it's power more effectively and there shouldn't be any more rejections if you keep up with taking the extra power," Trinity stood and put a towel in the bowl of water she'd grabbed and began taking off his tattered shirt. Her eyes gazed at the fabric for sometime before putting it aside and rubbing away the blood all over his body. She carefully cleaned his wounds and then opened the second vial that she'd brought over. Pouring this into his mouth, she set it aside and washed the wounds once more.

Putting the bloodied towel in the water, she raised both hands over him and the room was filled with magic. Slowly, the cuts and gashes all along his body that hadn't been fully healed, closed. With a smile as she finished, she looked to Jennifer and gave a short nod, "There. He's lost a lot of blood, so he'll need to rest for sometime, but he's no longer in any danger. Your turn," Trinity said and before the mage could protest, she'd wrapped the woman in her magic and healed any hidden injuries that she might have sustained.

"Rest, eat and regain your strength. I'll fix his armor in the meantime. Don't think that you're intruding. It's been so long since I had visitors," Trinity hummed as she picked up the shirt and left the room.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Moseun Zarka. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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As Moseun was fighting with Sankar he could hear Soran."I have all the right to kill you.You are talking me about something like when you are evil.I am just following my goal.
Trying to prepare against him he extended his claws both of them targeting the enemy's swords while spinning.His claws clashed with Soran's blades but still he was too close.Taking advantage Sankar injured Moseun creating an large cut.The blood from his legs started to flow almost immediately as The Dragon's Scourge collapsed on the ground.

Damascus approached the injuried elf looking at him."Unhonorably metods are used against unhonorably enemies."
The elf was boiling in anger and so he shouted.Watching the Zonian in the eyes he told him "Don't tell to a Zarka what is honor."Now he revealed the others his true identity.It wasn't long before they could find out that he was Moseun Zarka.
As he heard him Sankar taked a good look at him then tried to remember again.This time it worked.
Long time ago shortly before Sankar's death The Dragon's Scourge was in Zonia.His scopes were to make an alliance between his clan and Zonia.But he failed and so from that moment he started killing,from the moment he failed in his first mission gived directly to him by the leader of the clan,his father.

:Moseun Zarka that is your name."Sankar told,now with his memories restored he had a choice to do.To kill him or not.Still he decided to let him live but not before humiliating him"Leave pathetic fool.You are no longer the great Moseun Zarka.In fact you are just a weaker version of him.I would humiliate myself if i would kill you."With these words he was trying to do something.If he would have knowed that Moseun kill Lion,then The Dragon's Scourge would have died here.

From nowhere an huge raven came and grabbed Moseun with it's claws.It was more of an abdomination,an living creature of the darkness magic,the raven had 4 legs and strangely it had two blue eyes.They were more like normal eyes but scary ones.More scarier was the moment when the raven laughed,an evil and sinister laugh that scaried even the bravest mens."Soon i will bring great suffering to this world!"The abdomination told being very serious then took it fly while was still holding Moseun in it's claws.It seems that The Dragon's Scourge avoided his death but no one knew what saved him.
"What was that?"Sankar asked the others.He was still shocked after he saw an creature saving Moseun.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Azmirian Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Locien's eyes widened as he witnessed the Dragon's scourge appear from nowhere, ready to attack Rania, he was about to attack him in a rage when he saw Soran lift his sword in front of him, and look at him in a familiar way. Locien was half shocked, it was as if Moseun's desire to kill both Soran and him, shook his former kinsman to his sanity, at least that's what it seemed, Soran could revert back to it and try to kill him.

He couldn't be too sure, the way Soran talked it was as if Soran still wanted payback for what Locien had done to him nearly thirty years ago. "He's trying to protect the thing he wants the pleasure of killing, either that or he really had come to his senses. I don't know what to do about it, but what should I do, what should I say?" he thought. "Just stay on your guard, Soran would still want to kill me probably, insanity or no insanity."

Zoron watched with odd interest, whilst the others had horror when the large raven swooped down and took Moseun away. Locien was a bit horrified but he had to keep his wits about him.

Lyuze and Rania still couldn't move, but they saw what was going on through the wings of the dragons. "Is Soran trying to get Locien to let his guard down?" Rania thought in her head as Lyuze could only watch the odd predicament. She was especially horrified at Moseun's exit.

"Why Soran?" Locien asked, still keeping his guard up. "Why protect me, even though we're fighting each other?"

Setting

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran keel

He watched as his target managed to evade him and was taken by an enormously large crow. A beast of the likes that Soran had never seen before. His gaze lifted as they flew through the canopy above and disappeared in a shower of leaves, twigs and branches. With a wry grin, the dark elf's eyes glittered as he mentally made a note of the next person worthy enough to be killed by him. Locien's voice called his attention and he swivled around to look at his old friend.

"Why? Simple, Locien. If you die by someone other than myself, well... that just defeats my purpose," he said with a wicked smile. He flipped his blades once and slowly sheathed them as he began to back away into the shadows of the trees and disappeared.

Talon V'lyn

Several Hours Later

His eyes opened slowly as he woke from the blissful darkness that had consumed him. The assassin's gaze locked on the ceiling over him and he wondered for a moment how he got there. It took a moment, but he finally remembered, that an elder woman had come to him before he fell unconscious. Perhaps that woman had taken them somewhere? Looking to his right he spotted Jennifer sitting next to him. He coughed slightly, clearing his dry throat.

"Where are we?" he asked her softly.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Damascus Sankar. Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Sankar watched the two of them while he was still wondering.How and why an beast like that saved Moseun Zarka.It was an question that become very important just like the other question,where is his son.He didn't knowed that his son was killed.
Looking he approached Locien then he felt something strange inside his body.Almost at the same time green energy started gathering around him.He falled on the ground not being able to get up as the energy became chains which were holding Sankar.

"What is this?"Sankar asked nervously.He didn't liked this kind of things and also he didn't knowed what was happening.
As the energy was surrounding his body in the air it was feeling something unhuman related to necromancy.An uncomfortable sensation,just like if the darkness was everyone.Then another strange event occured an voice told to Sankar,a loud an familiar voice"It has begun."It was the raven's voice which saved Moseun.

"Necromancy will not control me."Sankar told convinced that he was stronger and could escape from the chains.Gathering fire energy the Zonian changed his appearance from his normal one.He cutted the chains one by with the axe and with the help of fire magic.He lifted from the ground changing his appearance back,what happened was a sign that he will not be free for to much tim.

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Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran Keel

His eyes glimmered as he stood at the top of the cliff that oversaw Vaye. The power that filtered into the air had a ripple affect across the land and shivered up his spine. Soran had long since lost sight of his prey, Locien. Though, right then he figured he knew where the dark elf had gone. Not that it mattered anymore. For some reason, his mind was now set on other things. His dark power had writhed at the feel of the Gods power.

It was that connection to deeper magics that alerted him of a stronger explosion of power near Vaye. Turning his eyes downwards, he scanned the city, his elven sight making out shapes easier than a normal humans. He had felt that power once before in Vaye. He had been after Locien, but instead... he'd run into the damned assassin. The young Talon V'lyn. Yes, that was where that power was coming from. Somehow the boy had discharged a massive amount of magic, the same that he'd used against Soran.

Purely whim (and a bit of curiosity) moved his limbs down the mountain side. Soran quickly descended from his perch up at the top and within the next couple of hours he was back in the city of Vaye. The elven assassin moved fluidly through the near empty city. He'd witnessed many of the residents leaving the city earlier that day. Something had settled over them, a wash of fear that was almost unexplainable. Except, right then, that fear was justly valid. The power of the Dragon God's mingling in the air was enough to put everyone in horror, even those who didn't wield or know anything about magic.

Following the lingering trail of power, Soran worked his way through the empty city till he found the inn where his newest curiosity led him. He was following after the Lord V'lyn, wondering what it was that had happened for the young assassin to have used so much power. Slowly pushing the door opened, he moved into the dim of the structure. Orange rays of fading sunlight flooded the bar room moments before the door closed behind him.

Soran left the main floor quickly and was up the stairs a moment after. He hadn't sighted anyone yet, but he could feel the power in the air. One of the doors was cracked open, so he peered inside. There he spotted the assassin stretched out on a bed, unconscious and leaning against the window was the mage woman. Soran figured that should she see him, he'd be reduced to nothing but ash, so he moved quickly. Charging up his paralyzing power, he was right behind her in a couple of seconds.

A single touch was all it took. Soran caught the woman as all of her nerves went numb, he'd made sure his charge this time wouldn't last too long, but it would be enough for him to explain why he was there exactly.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to kill you this time," he whispered in her ear. His grin had spread once more as he slowly dragged her to a chair and placed her in it gently. Turning he looked at her full on and put his hands on his hips. Soran tilted his head off to the side as he looked at her.

"Seems the assassin is in a bit of trouble, yes?" Soran turned and leered over the bed at the young man. He walked around to the other side so that the mage could see him clearly as he inspected Talon. He put his hand out over the prone body and let his dark magic curl around his fingers. Dark tendrils curled from his fingers and extended towards the assassin beneath. The magic slowly wrapped around Talon's body and began probing around. As he searched, he spoke to the woman.

"Barthomel. He's been brought back to life," Soran spoke clearly, an unusual trait for him. Something about the old God's revival was re-working his dark magic that had driven him insane, "That's not a good thing. I thought you were all going to stop him? I see that failed," his eyes lifted to look at the mage.

"Not that I blame you for his revival," he said after some silence with a wicked smile. His mismatched eyes gleamed in the growing darkness as the sun finally descended behind the mountains. Beneath his probing magic, Talon's body twitched and he uttered a pain filled groan. Soran's gaze flicked right down to him and he frowned.

"Seems your assassin has taken some poison," Soran started. Talon woke with a gasp, his body coming off the bed as he lay there. He coughed heavily and turned slightly looking around. Once his eyes landed on Soran, he coughed harder and made to grab the elf. Soran caught his wrist and held him at bay.

"What... the-"

"I'm not here to hurt you. Not this time," Soran replied with a frown. Even he was still trying to figure out why his sanity had returned so suddenly. Not to mention coping with all of his terrible memories.

"I don't... I'll kill you, Vy won't let you get away this time."

"Vy?" Soran arched an eyebrow.

"My dragon," Talon spat out.

"I see. Just lay back and stop struggling, unless you want to die."

"What did you do?"

Soran's frown deepened, "Do? I didn't do anything."

"Why am I here!"

Soran looked back to the mage, his eyes reflecting his confusion before returning his gaze to Talon, "I don't know, you just came here on your own. Now stop struggling," Soran growled in response.

Talon hardly listened and wrenched his hand free. Pushing himself up he launched a punch right at Soran's face who leaned back and once again caught his wrist. The assassin was doing his best to put up a fight, but the poison was doing its toll and in a matter of seconds, Soran had him down on the bed. Talon's face was twisted up in pain but it wasn't from Soran holding him down.

"Give him back," Talon growled.

"What?"

"Give him back!"

Soran charged his paralyzing power and unleashed a jolt of it into Talon. The assassin gave a short gasp and then fell completely still on the bed. Soran pulled away, "Damn. What the hell happened? Has he lost his mind?"

"You're the one who's insane. Release me..."

Soran ignored the assassin and instead started working his dark magic. He hadn't used it in the way he was about to before, so he was a little unsure as to how well it was going to work, "I'm going to heal him... though, I must say," he turned his eyes on to Jennifer, "I'm not quite sure how well it's going to go. All I can tell you is that my magic is going to be the only thing to save him. You should be able to move again in a few moments, I'll need you then. Keep him still while I work."

The dark magic that had been building around his hands surged outwards and worked its way towards Talon. It slowly seeped into him and Soran's eyes glowed eerily as he concentrated every ounce of energy and power on healing the assassin from the poison in his body.

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Vaye

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Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Jennifer gasped wordlessly, her red lips gaping like a carps’ as a chill coursed up her spine. The effect was instant, the unexplained phenomenon causing her to lose all semblance of feeling throughout her entire body. Unable to control her legs, Jennifer’s knees buckled weakly before collapsing on her. The confused mage became entirely flaccid, her lithe body sagging spasmodically over the thin arm she’d been leaning against. Her almond eyes glittered with fear before something strong arrested her fall. For a moment, she dared to hope it was Talon and that she was just tired, until an icy voice rang through the mage’s mind.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to kill you this time."

Jennifer shivered from hearing his thin lips pull into venomous smile. She became a ragdoll as Soren dragged the helpless mage over to a nearby chair and laid her out like some disabled patient. Turning towards her, Jennifer returned a noxious stare to the red and yellow eyes that greeted her. A glare which suggested she didn’t believe a word he said.

"Seems the assassin is in a bit of trouble, yes?" Soren muttered observantly. The dark elf planted a hand over his sinuous waist and cocked his features sidewards, highlight the sharpness of his blade-like cheeks and nose under the faint light. Jennifer wrestled to break out of her bodily shackles, her short, trim figure visibly trembling with effort. If she could speak, she would have likely been cursing profusely at him. The trembling increased in violence as she watched Soren waltz over to Talon’s bed. Jennifer realised he’d purposefully given her a front row seat as the dark elf opened his palm out above the unconscious assassin. Dark magic stretched outwards and wide eyed, Jennifer screamed, except the scream was an indistinct gust of formless hot air.

No

No

No

How could this be happening again? How was she so powerless to do anything?


"Barthomel. He's been brought back to life," Soren continued to speak as his tendrils of magic casually searched the assassin. Abruptly, he redirected his discoloured gaze towards Jennifer, "That's not a good thing. I thought you were all going to stop him? I see that failed." Jennifer’s struggles halted only for a second as she detected something faintly accusing in the elf’s tone, and a noticeable absence of his usual malice. Her first thoughts where to shake her immobile head dismissively, all of it was a rues she assured herself.

Soren seemed enjoy her disorientation and smiled broadly, a predatory expression which framed his razor teeth, "Not that I blame you for his revival. Seems your assassin has taken some poison.”

Talon’s body arced upwards in agony as he was forcefully aroused from his slumber. Exhausted emotionally and physically, and unable to face away from the horror before her, Jennifer started to weep. Though it vexed her to exhibit such weakness. All she could do to maintain her focus was to plot her revenge, just like she had when the Romaines slaughtered her dragon. And like then, she imagined herself flaying her captors alive and then feasting on their cries of anguish. The one difference now was the throbbing pain which weighed heavily on her heart, pushing the air from her lungs.

"I'm going to heal him... though, I must say. I'm not quite sure how well it's going to go. All I can tell you is that my magic is going to be the only thing to save him. You should be able to move again in a few moments, I'll need you then. Keep him still while I work."

Her water glazed eyes blinked as she felt her fingers twitching. To say that trust was an alien concept to Jennifer would be an understatement. She’d been used, abused, deceived and betrayed to many times to simply trust anyone. She was aware that even Talon, her beloved assassin who always acted with good intentions, could betray her ‘trust’ just as she’d done to him. Jennifer had accepted such things as simply part of life, as part of human nature. There are situations where deception is necessary, but she always felt that for the most part, people deployed it for their own selfish gains. She wondered what Soren’s angle was. It made no sense for him to help them directly unless it contributed in some way towards his retribution against Locien.

Magic hummed in the air, vibrating the very molecules of the bedroom as Soren’s power increased in amplification. The moment to act had come. She could incinerate the dark elf on the spot, or she could take his word for what it was even if doing so disregarded everything she believed in. Sitting upright, Jennifer slowly aimed her arm at the duo.

“World Fracture!” she snarled.

Chains burst from the mattress and wrapped themselves around the limbs of Talon, holding the assassin's arms and legs spread out and locked. She also wrapped chains around both of Soren's ankles, tying both the dark elf's shins to the bed post. Her own insurance policy. Maybe her time with Talon was making her soft.

"Well then, you better pray that your magic works properly Soren, or i'm not sure how well it's going to go for you either," she smiled demonically.

The setting changes from City Vaye to Dragoon

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Locien and the others saw what had happened and hurried back to Vaye, but it took them awhile to do so as they flew on their dragons, who were forced to retreat from the fighting when Domieen revived Barthomel. They were shocked at their failure and were miserable about Vy's death, it seemed as if now everything seemed hopeless and seemingly dark for the future of the world.

"It's hopeless." Rania stated, "we failed."

"We're alive, that's what matters." Lyuze stated as Azmirian and zoron landed on the outskirts of Vaye and the trio of elves rushed to try and find Talon and Jennifer. They checked for the Inn, but noticed that A familiar unfriendly figure walked through the door of the inn. Rania and Lyuze almost jumped in fright of Soran.

"Leave me to handle this, wait outside." Locien stated as the Seeker's Pride walked through the door of the Inn. it was strangely deserted, he only just left there to retrieve his Ancestor's armor only hours ago. Where has everyone gone? did they all leave in fear of the power of Barthomel's awakening?

Slowly he walked up the stairs as he heard talking, Talon was poisoned, and it seemed that Soran was wanting to help. Locien simply walked to the doorway and leaned on it. "Working up the courage to find the old you again Soran? Or are you just being nice for a little while Cousin?"

Setting

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Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Vier
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran Keel

His magic pumped through the assassin whose body was reacting violently to it. As soon as the mage was able, she'd leaned forward in the chair and raised her hands. The air filled with power and her voice cracked out in the silence. Chains swirled all around Talon's body and pinned him to the bed. At the same time, Soran felt her magic curl around his ankles, chaining him to the bed side as well. He turned his mismatched eyes towards her, noting her devilish smile.

"Well then, you better pray that your magic works properly Soren, or i'm not sure how well it's going to go for you either," she cooed to him in a non-friendly tone.

"As do I. I very much enjoy living at the moment," he replied with a wicked smile of his own. There was still a trace of his insanity left it seemed, and it showed through right then. Returning his attention to the assassin, he weaved his power in a desperate attempt to rid the man of the poison affecting him. He felt his brows come together as he concentrated and sweat beaded on his face. The massive amount of power Soran was using was something he hadn't done in a very long time and was unused to it.

"Working up the courage to find the old you again Soran? Or are you just being nice for a little while Cousin?"

The voice only slightly broke his concentration and he looked over his shoulder to the dark elf leaning against the wall of the doorway. He offered the man a smile in return before looking back to Talon beneath him.

"I don't know yet, Cousin," he answered, his voice slightly strained, "Strange, really... I remember everything, all of my killing thoughts, all of my intentions that I'd had to hunt you down. But right now," he shook his head slightly, the light in his eyes slowly dimming as he pushed aside his alter ego, the phycotic killer that was still inside him, "It seems I've gotten control of myself. Though I can still feel the killer pulsing inside me. I wouldn't go as far as saying you could trust me," Soran laughed, the sound thick as he continued his healing process on the writhing Lord V'lyn, "No. But I'm here to help, that's all I know right now."

The magic slithered all along Talon's body, pushing inside him and working to rid him of the darkness that was threatening to kill him. It took Soran quite a long time to finish healing him, almost an hour and in that time it was quite silent after he'd spoken with Locien. Slowly, Talon stopped struggling, his breathing returned to normal after some time and once he was sure he'd gotten it all, Soran pulled away. His black magic retreated from the assassin's body and returned to himself. Soran looked down at the chains holding him in place, then back to Jennifer who seemed still hell bent to incinerate him.

"He's fine now, mage. He'll just need a lot of rest before doing much more. In the meantime, how about we exchange some information. I think I've got somethings that might be of interest to you all," Soran grinned, his lips pulling into a strange smile. He crossed his arms over his chest as he waited for an answer.

Domieen and Barthomel

"I feel her," Domieen growled under his breath as he stretched his large wings outwards. He was perched underneath the ledge where Barthomel was at. The darkness curled around them both as they sat there, looking out into the land that was soon to fall under them.

"Who?" Barthomel growled in their own tongue. Domieen replied in kind.

"My subordinate that betrayed me. Vier. She's just reappeared in this world."

"What does that mean?"

"She was taken from me by a Nephilim. A very powerful one. Now she's returned."

"I hope you intend to make an example of her. I won't allow traitors to foil our plans, nor her filth to try to return to your side," Barthomel growled angrily.

"Don't worry, my Lord. I intend to make use of her in every way possible."

Barthomel's enormous head turned sideways as he glared down at Domieen, "What do you intend to do?"

"The Nephilim. He's done something in the land where you came back from, my Lord. I don't like this feeling, but I intend to snuff it out as soon as possible. She will be my key in doing so."

Barthomel sat quiet for some time as he stared at Domieen who remained un-moving under the other Dragon God's gaze. After a while, he finally opened his maw and let out a loud laugh that shook the very rocks beneath both dragons. Domieen twisted his head upwards to look at the other, a look of curiosity on his reptilian face if one could call it such.

"This I will enjoy watching, Domieen. Please, entertain me with your devious plotting. You were always one for such... wicked thoughts," Barthomel returned snidely as he pushed up his large weight from the ledge and spread his wings in preparation for flight, "I am still weak and need some time to recover my full strength. Once I've done that I must have my armor returned to me. I've little of my original power right now. Once I've regained my armor, nothing will stand in my way," Barthomel took off from the ledge and flew down into the ruined city of Laowlee. Domieen watched him go without saying a word. He didn't tell the old God that he'd lost the armor that he'd been desperately trying to protect and knew not of its whereabouts. What he feared were those humans getting in the way and finding the armor before he did.

Domieen glared out into the darkness towards the other cities that still stood. He would raze every single one of them to the ground if that's what it took to find the armor before them. If he could, he would have started that night, but leaving his Lord unattended and in his current state was something Domieen could not afford. The reason alone was if those humans decided to launch another attack against them. Not that they would win, no... but they could effectively weaken Barthomel further, and that Domieen had no intentions of letting happen. So, he was stuck where he was until his Lord was replenished in his energy. Only then would he dare to venture from Barthomel's side.

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Vaye

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Jennifer heard armoured footfalls and the creaking of wooden floorboards as someone approached the doorway. The boots skidded to a halt just beyond the entrance and briefly, she prepared herself for the worst. "Working up the courage to find the old you again Soran? Or are you just being nice for a little while Cousin?" said the person.

Jennifer snarled as she recognised the deep, throaty tone of Locien, her anger simmering to the surface once more and curling her sharp features, "How nice of you to finally arrive," she murmured, without even shifting her eyes from Soren.

"I don't know yet, Cousin. Strange, really... I remember everything, all of my killing thoughts, all of my intentions that I'd had to hunt you down. But right now, it seems I've gotten control of myself. Though I can still feel the killer pulsing inside me. I wouldn't go as far as saying you could trust me. No. But I'm here to help, that's all I know right now." Soren responded with a laugh but the noise was slick with conflicted emotions, as though the elf had yet to fully grasp his own sanity.

An hour passed, quite possibly the longest hour in her life. The mage remained seated throughout the entire process. Like a mexican standoff she sat upright, relentlessly measuring Soren. At the slightest hint of provocation she would have annihilated the building and severed his head. Reserving her silence, minutes stretched out agonizingly as Jennifer maintained vigilance, doubting her decision to trust Soren the entire time. Being the stubborn person she was, Jennifer could not shake the paranoid feeling of distrust that coiled around her chest. Never before had she felt so vulnerable for Talon’s life was entirely subject to the whims of Soren. The mage only regained her breath after Talon showed signs of relaxing, his writhing contortions no longer tugging at the chains. His violent jerks left a permanent imprint on the wooden bedposts. She exhaled unsteadily, clearing the noose around her throat and ignoring the resounding hammer of her heartbeat. Appearing like he had been through a nightmare, Talon was breathing laboured, hands quivering and his body drenched in beads of perspiration. His battered attire hugged his muscular form, confounding his dishevelled appearance.

"He's fine now, mage. He'll just need a lot of rest before doing much more. In the meantime, how about we exchange some information. I think I've got somethings that might be of interest to you all," Soren smiled. Frowning, the elf idly glanced down at his shackles before folding his arms over.

"So talk then. If you’re here to help then sharing the information shouldn’t be a problem, right?" Jennifer smirked languidly. She made an attempt to smooth back her hair and straighten her blouse, but did little more than smear the ash and grime that still clung to her. Dark circles of weariness ran rings around her almond eyes, marring her flawless flesh. Jennifer was practically running on fumes, but her gaze had lost none of its edge over the course of the last hour or so. The mage would not be seen lacking and so she drove herself to this.

"Not that you have a choice anyway," she said, arching her thin eyebrows in the direction of the bindings, "You can start by explaining what you think maybe of interest to us. Something related to Barthomel i trust?"

The setting changes from City Vaye to Dragoon

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran Keel

"Not that you have a choice anyway. You can start by explaining what you think maybe of interest to us. Something related to Barthomel i trust?" the mage ordered. She looked utterly exhausted, but she wasn't about to give in it seemed. Soran kept his arms over his chest as he gazed at her. Such resolve... he hadn't seen anything like that in a long time. He hadn't felt anything like that since...

Well... it was probably best not to think on those things lest he lost his new found sanity to the thoughts of darker times. He smiled at her before he spoke, "Well, you'll find it interesting to know that the mage guild of Ro'ell has decided to pledge their allegiances to Barthomel. They were planning to do this for quite some time, you know. Not that it was anything of a surprise. They were cowardly to begin with. Whom ever looks to be winning, they'll switch sides as quickly as a leaf does when it falls.

"Vaye has becoming nothing but a ghost town because of their fear of the darkness that is going to come. There's a stirring in the air as well. A deeper, darker power is rising. An old one, almost as old as Barthomel himself. I don't suppose you've felt it, mage? It's bubbling up in the earth as we speak. I can feel it like a second skin clinging to me, but maybe that's just because of the dark magic I wield. My power is an old power, something I found in the books at the back of the library in Ro'ell. I'm sure you know which ones I speak of. The old power, power that once belonged to the beings of this land during the time of the Dragon God's. Twisted if used wrong," Soran laughed, "Well, mine sure is twisted... nothing can be done about it now though. Except, Barthomel's rising seems to have quelled some of the madness in me. Though it hasn't quite snuffed it out yet," Soran's gaze gleamed dangerously as he stood there.

He fell silent for some time, seemingly trying to regain some of the lost control before he spoke again, "But, it is unwise to speak of past deeds. I fear my own control. In the mean time, with Barthomel's awakening, this land is in for a turn of events. The darker power that's rising, I don't know whether its for good or evil, but I think we should be wary of it. The mage guilds... well, we all knew they were untrustworthy to begin with right?" He smiled at her.

"Oh!" he brightened and tapped his fingers against his lips, "One more thing. Barthomel's armor. Seem's Domieen had taken it after the war for it wasn't where it was supposed to be like it was said in the history books. Vaye doesn't have the armor anymore. Would you believe, Crystacia has it? How it fell there, no one knows," he spread his arms wide with a wicked laugh, giving a half shrug, "Of course, stranger things have happened," his tone darkened, "Now all that's left is getting to it before Domieen does, yes? I'm sure you know that if Barthomel were to get his hands on that armor its good bye to Dragoon."

He stopped, his eyes never leaving Jennifer's and his smile never fading. Slowly he pulled his arms back to his chest and crossed them again. "So, that's all I know. What about you? Anything new that is worth sharing?"

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Vaye

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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A measure of silence took the room as Soren contemplated his answer. Eventually he smiled, lips growing into an ever wider grin of excitement. Jennifer closed her eyes and took a quiet, shuddering breath to suppress the nameless discomfort.

“Well, you'll find it interesting to know that the mage guild of Ro'ell has decided to pledge their allegiances to Barthomel. They were planning to do this for quite some time, you know. Not that it was anything of a surprise. They were cowardly to begin with. Whomever looks to be winning, they'll switch sides as quickly as a leaf does when it falls,” Soren started.

Tossing her head to the side, Jennifer’s laughter was like wind chimes, “My dear old father amongst the many who turned-coat I imagine? He threw me to the hounds the same way,” The latest news of her clan’s betrayal was hardly surprisingly, but it disheartened and thrilled the mage all the same. Her crimson lips curled into a delicate yet wicked smile at the prospect of fighting them. “No more walls or petty guilds to hide behind Magnus”, said Jennifer, her words sharp as a knife. If Soren noticed her reaction, he feigned to show it, the shackled dark elf simply focused on resuming his briefing instead.

“Vaye has becoming nothing but a ghost town because of their fear of the darkness that is going to come. There's a stirring in the air as well. A deeper, darker power is rising. An old one, almost as old as Barthomel himself. I don't suppose you've felt it, mage? It's bubbling up in the earth as we speak. I can feel it like a second skin clinging to me, but maybe that's just because of the dark magic I wield. My power is an old power, something I found in the books at the back of the library in Ro'ell. I'm sure you know which ones I speak of. The old power, power that once belonged to the beings of this land during the time of the Dragon God's. Twisted if used wrong,” said Soren, chuckling.

Jennifer’s ebony-brown hues narrowed slowly. The mage said nothing at first, the only sound of the room a faint creak as she leaned into the back of her seat, straining the joints. Her face lost its previous mirth as she gazed at the ground for a moment, searching her memory for confirmation or evidence as flecks of dust particles passing her eyesight, floating through rays of light. The air in the chamber had grown heavy and Jennifer felt like a pressure had suddenly been applied to her shoulders.

“But, it is unwise to speak of past deeds. I fear my own control. In the mean time, with Barthomel's awakening, this land is in for a turn of events. The darker power that's rising, I don't know whether its for good or evil, but I think we should be wary of it. The mage guilds... well, we all knew they were untrustworthy to begin with right?” Soren continued, and though she was not looking up, Jennifer could feel his dangerous smile upon her.

Abruptly, his tone altered. Soren made an act of thinking, rasping his index finger against the bottom of his lips in deliberation. "Oh! One more thing. Barthomel's armor. Seem's Domieen had taken it after the war for it wasn't where it was supposed to be like it was said in the history books. Vaye doesn't have the armor anymore. Would you believe, Crystacia has it? How it fell there, no one knows," he laughed again and gave a meagre shrug, "Now all that's left is getting to it before Domieen does, yes? I'm sure you know that if Barthomel were to get his hands on that armor its good bye to Dragoon. So, that's all I know. What about you? Anything new that is worth sharing?"

The news finally brought her eyes up from the floor as she swallowed the lump in her throat. This new darker power would have to wait. The primary threat to Talon’s life was Barthomel and Jennifer would do anything destroy him. Still, Jennifer wasn't certain she could trust the dark elf's information. Questions taunted her mind, how did he get it? why was he offering it so easily?

“It sounds like you’re much better informed on current events than we are,” Jennifer giggled, “I could go on about numerous things Soren, but the question is what do you want? Since you and I both know that there are only certain things of interest to you.”

Jennifer offered the statuesque Locien a glance before returning her sights to the dark elf before her. “I have to assume you didn’t come here and so conveniently assist us out of the goodness of your heart, so shall we skip the pleasantries?”

The setting changes from City Vaye to Dragoon

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Soran Keel

Soran grinned at Jennifer, "Yes, lets skip the pleasantries," he muttered. With his voice his power charged up and a sound like glass shattering filled the room. Her chains broke from around his feet and he stepped back from the bed and leaned against the wall. His form shimmered with dark magic that curled around him.

"What do I want, hu? Well, there are many things that I want, but they wouldn't really pertain to what we're on about now would they? Believe it or not, but Locien is of no interest to me right now, at least not in the way I was chasing him down before. As I said, Barthomel's magic is... tampering with mine. Oddly enough putting me in a... how shall I put it... better state of mind?" He flashed a smile at Locien.

"Back to the question at hand," he cleared his throat, "Nothing. I don't want anything, dear mage. I'll help you for as long as I can, but when the Old God's are taken care of... well I can only assume that I'll lose what I've gained right now. Should I still live," Soran glanced down at his hands, faking inspecting his fingernails, "Well... I'd ask for a quick death from my cousin."

Soran's lips frowned and his mismatched eyes held a hint of sorrow and regret. His usual psychotic demeanor gone from his face as he stared at his hands. His thoughts were leveled on everything he'd done in his life time, the many years spent running from his terrible sin, his mistake on changing his body into something terrible. Falling deeper into his insanity that had always been there, his split personality. Finally, chasing after Locien for the last few years trying to kill him just because he'd convinced himself that Locien was the center of all of his problems.

Soran pulled himself from his short revere and looked back at the two in front of him. The elf put a smile back on his lips and crossed his arms tightly over his chest, "I suppose once you're assassin has awoken we'll be off to Crystacia to retrieve the armor?"

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Vaye

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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"I suppose once you're assassin has awoken we'll be off to Crystacia to retrieve the armor?"

“That sounds like the prudent course of action, seeing as we don’t want the world to end and all now do we?” Jennifer responded, ignoring the elf’s unsettling smile. A blatant lie from the mage, she only cared about Talon’s and her own safety after all. Defeating Barthomel was merely coincidence. There was still the issue of transport but she loathed to discuss it so soon after the disappearance of Vy. What could she possibly say to Talon after all of this?

Jennifer stopped to consider Soren’s offer of assistance. Brows furrowed in contemplation, the mage gave a troubled expression. The wariness had clung to her face since Soren decided to shatter his chains. Soren’s sudden exhibition of dark power had alerted her already frayed nerves needlessly, setting the mage on edge. Jennifer’s knuckles where white as she gripped the hard ends of her armrest, her watchful gaze unwavering. Her legs felt heavy as she crossed them over one another, her dusty trousers hiding her toned thighs.

“What do you think Locien?” she uttered without looking at the dark elf behind her. Locien’s considerable presence still loomed in the doorway, exuding his natural tenacity. His calm composure was a constant source of surprise and amusement. “He’s your dear friend after all.”

“Personally I’d rather kill him and not have to worry about it at all,” she laughed as if Soren wasn’t even there to hear her murderous intentions. Jennifer’s ebony eyes narrowed again as she regarded the cross armed elf, analysing every square inch of his spidery poise, “What I don’t understand is, if you’re so found of this newfound sanity, why help us destroy the power that maintains it?”

“In any case,” she started again without skipping a heartbeat. A sense of authority crept into her pitch as she adopted a tone which suggested this was a matter she wouldn't budge upon, “I want the rest of you out of this room. A man on the brink of death doesn’t need these pointless disturbances.”

Jennifer uncrossed her legs, stood up and gestured towards the open doorway. “I catch you sneaking in again Soren and the next time I won’t use chains, I’ll just nail your feet to the floor with knives,” she added, smirking cheerfully, “And then I’ll burn you”. Though exhausted, her face still glowed with near perfection. The mage walked over to Talon, padded boots creaking over the wooden floorboards. “World Fracture!” she said, summoning a blanket to cover the unconscious assassin.

The ruby beneath her neck glowed with power, shading her pale cheeks with violet. Jennifer frowned at her error. Since the hectic events at Laowlee she’d completely forgotten to hide the trinket like usual, her mind too occupied by concerns for Talon’s wellbeing. Her fingers touched his tepid forehead, checking for temperature and soaking in some of the sweat coated his brown skin. Thankfully he seemed to be stable but the mage slunk back to her seat with an unsatisfied huff. Outwardly the assassin seemed fine, but that didn't take into account how he maybe feeling. For the rest of the night Jennifer continued to deliberate over him. She wouldn’t rest until she heard words of assurance from Talon’s own mouth.

The setting changes from City Vaye to Dragoon

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Talon V'lyn

Two days later

His eyes cracked open to sunlight flooding the open window. Warm air filtered into the room and he found himself staring out into the open air. Something was missing. The smells of flowers and tea filled his nostrils, a feminine feel to the room caught his attention. Still, something was missing. Talon shifted his aching body slightly, taking a deeper breath into his lungs. He turned his head and looked about the room. A cup of hot tea was next to the bed on a small table. Next to that table was a beautiful woman with short black hair and dark eyes that looked as if she had been missing on some much needed sleep.

Something was missing. There was a nagging at the back of his conscious, a tugging that wouldn't let up. He couldn't put his finger on it. What was he missing? What was wrong? Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as he lay there with Jennifer sitting next to him. It wasn't odd to find himself waking to her frowning lips because he'd done something wrong, or put himself in danger. However, that wasn't it.

"Jennifer," he called, his voice hoarse slightly as he slowly pulled himself up from his prone position on the bed. Obviously they weren't in Laowlee anymore, but that didn't tell him exactly where they were. He looked to the window again and peered outside with more scrutiny than before. The buildings, the way they slightly inclined upwards was almost like Skyfall, except their structures were off. Skyfall's buildings were made of stone, these were made of wood and shingles. Vaye. Talon figured they were back in Vaye.

"What happened?" He asked softly as he looked out the window. The assassin was almost afraid of the answer. What would she tell him in return? Did Barthomel manage to seize the world whilst he'd been bed ridden by Domieen's poison? Had they lost the war against the two Gods? He couldn't think properly. Yet, at the back of his mind all of his assumptions were being pushed off as 'wrong'. Something was still missing.

"Damn," he rubbed at his face as he tried to put the pieces back together. Without thinking he stretched his consciousness, searching for the giant silver dragon that was his companion. However, there was only darkness there at the back of his mind. A deep void that cut deep into his chest and caused him to double over and gasp for air. His hand clenched his chest as he leaned forward, eyes wide with shock. Where was Vy? What happened to his dragon? Why wasn't he responding to him? Why was there nothing but darkness? Why was there so much pain?!

He struggled to breathe, struggled to regain his composure as he lifted his blue-grey gaze to Jennifer, "Vy," he muttered. He dropped his head forward, long strands of his blue-grey hair falling to cover his eyes. What had happened to his dragon? He was gone, that much was now apparent to Talon, but why was he gone?

"He's gone... Why? Why is Vy gone?" He asked, his voice shuddering as his other hand tightened around the blankets that covered his legs only. He took a deep shuddering breathe as he sat there, slumped forward. His dragon... his beautiful, wonderful companion of his entire life... was dead. Gone forever, never to come back to him, never to tease him like he had. Just like that, gone. "Why?" his voice choked and he shook as he fought back tears of pain and anguish.

Soran Keel

He brought the tankard to his lips and took a long drink. There was no innkeeper, so the dark elf had helped himself to the ale. He'd also gotten a cup for his Cousin, Locien. Two days they'd waited for the assassin to regain consciousness. Two long days that had really put Soran to the test. Right before him was the man he'd sworn to kill when he'd lost his mind. Then, there was the assassin who'd gotten his attention as well. However, there was the mage to think about. Should the assassin lose his life there was no telling what that woman would do. She was like a ticking time bomb just waiting to go off.

Of course, there was the struggle between his sanity and the dark magic writhing inside him that wished to bring out the psycho inside him once again. Soran wasn't about to let that happen, so he put up a valiant fight, that coupled with the Dragon God's power... it seemed he was holding out fairly well. At least for the time being. Then there was the mage's words to contemplate. Why would he help them to defeat a dragon god that had just brought about his new found sanity? He'd answered that quickly enough. Because it was the right thing to do.

Soran had done too much in his life to enjoy breathing anymore. He would atone for what he'd done to Locien in some way and that included helping his Cousin kill the demon Gods. If he lost his life in the process, well than so be it. If he lost his sanity in the process, than Locien had every right to kill him. Well, Locien had every right to kill him right then as well, but his dark power was what saved the assassin and Soran was betting on it to get an upper hand on the two Gods. The man's mismatched eyes stared deep into the cup that he held in his hand as he leaned against the counter. So much to do, so little time. So much to think about, and not enough time to do so.

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Talon V'lyn

His boots hit the wooden stairs lightly as he came down the staircase swiftly. His sharp gaze turned to look down into the bar area of the inn that was only occupied by a couple of people. All inhabitants of the city Vaye seemed to have gone elsewhere since the battle with Domieen and Barthomel had begun. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of one particular patron. White hair and slightly lighter skin than Locien's, the mismatched eyes raised from the cup to catch the steely glare that Talon gave him.

The assassin wasted no time as he made the landing and turned quickly to face the dark elf. Thrusting his hand forward, the bracer ignited once again and the magic twisted around the startled elf. Whipping back around, he pulled Soran towards him and slammed the man into the wall behind him. In another quick motion, he had drawn his dagger and thrust the blade through Soran's shoulder getting in return a sharp cry of pain and shock at the sudden attack.

Soran grinned at him though one eye was squeezed shut from the pain in his shoulder as Talon twisted the dagger slightly, "Seems... the assassin is awake and... well."

Talon glared at the man, "Why are you here?"

"I'm here because I want to be."

Talon turned the dagger sharply in Soran's shoulder and reached for his other knife. Drawing the weapon from it's sheath he put the steel against Soran's throat and leaned forward, "You'd better have a better explanation than that, elf."

Soran didn't lose his smile as he watched the changed assassin. Talon could tell that he was a bit different than before. Maybe it was the bracer, or maybe it was because of everything that had happened up to that point. He swallowed hard, his eyes growing harder as he unconsciously reached for Vy's opinions that weren't there anymore. The dark void in his soul was bitter to taste and colder than ice.

"Well, as for that," Soran began wincing slightly as he tried to move from the uncomfortable position of being held up against the wall. The knife on his throat nicked his skin and a thin line of blood began trailing down the blades edge, "Barthomel was raised... Something about his power... messed with mine. So I'm here now... and for the record... I saved your life, assassin."

"What do you mean 'messed with' your power?"

"You can't tell?" The elf asked with a grin, his red eye that was opened gazed directly at Talon. Even as the assassin looked at the elf, he could tell that there was definitely something different about him. He was lacking something that Talon had come to expect at all times.

Soran's smile widened and his yellow eye opened slightly, "My sanity, dear assassin. I've got it back."

"So why are you here still?"

"I wish to help you."

"Just like that? You really can't expect me to believe that," Talon moved the dagger to a better position under Soran's throat, lifting his head.

"Well, no not really, I don't expect you to... but don't you think that if I really wanted to kill you right now, I'd have done so already?"

Talon narrowed his eyes at the man who continued to give him a sarcastic grin. Soran continued speaking even as Talon pressed the cold steel harder against his throat, retrieving another line of crimson, "Besides, I can take you to Barthomel's armor. You're going to need that if you wish to defeat him."

The assassin released the pressure only slightly and Soran let out a sigh of relief, "Barthomel's armor? How would you know where that is?"

"Because I took it where it is now."

"What?"

"You see... I could explain this a bit more.. thoroughly if you weren't holding a knife against my neck..."

"Talk," Talon insisted, grabbing hold of the dagger through Soran's shoulder and giving it a hard twist, tearing apart the muscle. The elf closed both eyes and ground his teeth visibly. His breath was short as Talon released the dagger and Soran opened the red eye to look at him once more.

"I followed Domieen a long time ago... after I ran into you in Crystacia. I didn't know who he was at the time... but he went to Lethandrill and down in the treasury he looked for something. I thought he was stealing things... so I followed. Instead he was only checking if the breastplate that was Barthomel's... was still there. When he left... well I took the armor and took it back to Crystacia. Don't ask me what I was thinking of doing with it at the time... I don't really remember. All I know is that without the armor, Barthomel is finished. Don't get me wrong... the bastards still going to be strong, but with help, you'll be able to kill him for good. Both of them."

"And why would you help us? You say you recovered your sanity with Barthomel's power. Why would you wish to lose it after he dies?"

Soran grinned at him again, "Before I became like this, I was like Locien. He and I fought closely together, until I found his lovely woman and fell in love with her too. I don't know what drove me to be so.. unkind at that time, but I regret it. If I lose my sanity with Barthomel's death, than Locien's blade can take me from this world as well. It's more than I deserve."

Talon stayed quiet as he gazed at the man. He didn't move for sometime, but he didn't ask anymore questions. After a few minutes he finally pulled the dagger from Soran's throat and sheathed the weapon. Putting his hand on the dagger in his shoulder he narrowed his eyes at Soran one last time, "Take us to the armor. And if you do anything to make me suspicious of you, I'll end your life before anyone else," then he pulled the dagger out non-to-gently.

"If you're all ready, we're going to Crystacia," Talon called to the others as he wiped off the bloody dagger and sheathed it. Turning he headed to the door and pushed it open, stepping out into the sunbathed city of Vaye.

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Vaye

Setting

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Arms behind her head, Jennifer released a low whistle as she descended the staircase. All eyes where on them as Talon rammed Soran into the wall, eliciting a loud thud which echoed across the empty chamber. Her gaze shimmered darkly with amusement as they locked onto rivulets of blood that welled beneath the blade of Talon’s knife. Goblets of crimson were greedily consumed by the elf's top, amalgamating into a red pool around Soran’s lean shoulder.

"Seems... the assassin is awake and... well," Soran winced, the pain visible in his pointed features. His mismatched eyes narrowed, stricken with quiet agony.

Jennifer gandered past the exchange, seemingly oblivious to the dark elf’s plight. Approaching the table where the two dark elves had previously resided over, she reached over and reclaimed Soran’s cup which had miraculously landed upright after Talon’s brutal assault.

"Why are you here?" Talon boomed, his stern voice demanding answers. But Soran was no simple soldier, this was a self-possessed assassin. This was a man who could kill on a daily basis and not lose a nights sleep over it. Returning the assassin's cold stare, Soran hardly batted eyelid, well accustomed to such intimidation tactics.

"I'm here because I want to be." Soran replied smoothly.

Observing the interrogation over the rim of her mug, the mage shivered. A thrill of anticipation worked its way into her system, pumping into her veins. Talon failed to disappoint, rising to the elf’s provocation and easily quashing it. Her excitement became feverish as Talon twisted the blade in his hand. The razor edge undermined Soran’s flesh, severing nerves and tendons within the elf's shoulder. It was a gesture she would have never imagined Talon committing without witnessing it firsthand. Talon was always so uptight about following the teachings of Riena. He had been so adamant about never prolonging someones pain. Jennifer guessed recent events must have altered those principles. Apocalypses had the tendency to pervert logic and reason. She drank down the final contents of Soran’s drink, allowing the cool liquid to ease her parched throat before giving a satisfied sigh.

"You'd better have a better explanation than that, elf." scowled the assassin. There was a flash of silver as a second knife came to rest beneath Soran’s adam’s apple. After gulping uncomfortably, Soran realised his mistake.

"Well, as for that...Barthomel was raised... Something about his power... messed with mine. So I'm here now... and for the record... I saved your life, assassin." he decided to answer. Soran's venture to assuage Talon only served to raise the assassion's suspicions.

Repeating a conversation almost identical to the one she had with Soran two days ago, Talon ruthlessly continued his questioning. Whenever he received an displeasing answer, a quick prod of the elf's shoulder was enough to torment Soran into submission. Jennifer was rather enjoying this new side of Talon. At the conclusion of their talk she leaned back and clapped, applauding the interview like it was some kind of show.

"Take us to the armor. And if you do anything to make me suspicious of you, I'll end your life before anyone else." said Talon, finally withdrawing both of his knives.

“Amazing! Bravo! Stupendous! Ten out of ten for performance Talon,” her red lips grinned wickedly, exposing her cruel enthusiasm. Jennifer winked at him coyly, “You’ve come such a long way since we first met. Aren't you being a little too heartless though? He did save your life technically.”

"If you're all ready, we're going to Crystacia."

“Aye aye captain.” Feet snapping together, the mage gave a melodramatic salute before setting off.

The setting changes from City Vaye to City Crystacia

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
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."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rania Birviel Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Lyuze Pyren Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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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?”

The setting changes from City Crystacia to Dragoon

Setting

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Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
Talon grinned as he turned towards her. The mage had moved towards the door of the barracks, ready to leave and start searching. He was grateful for Captain Earvine's cooperation, but he was even more grateful to Jennifer's presence. She was so utterly valuable to him. Even if he was currently irritated with her, he still loved her nonetheless. With her suggestion in mind, he stretched out his hand and ignited the power in the bracer.

The silver band began to glow faintly but beyond that it did nothing. Perhaps he wasn't concentrating enough on what it was he wanted the bracer to do. Talon turned his eyes towards Soran who was leaning against the pillar still, watching them with a curious look in his eye. The assassin beckoned to the dark elf and the man came without question, raising an eyebrow. Without warning, Talon snatched Soran's wrist and directed his power into the dark elf. His purpose was to find the image of the armor so that he could better direct his own power.

Soran hissed in pain and surprise, dropping to one knee as Talon held him mercilessly. It took several minutes to get what he wanted, but when he did he released Soran and started out the door. The dark elf got back to his feet, rubbing his wrist with a sour look on his face, "Could have warned me..." he muttered.

Talon turned and looked over his shoulder at Soran for a mere moment before giving a short shrug and continuing on. He brushed passed Jennifer, taking her wrist gently as he passed her. His bracer glowed brightly, silver bands of magic stretching out before him and seemingly tugging him in a single direction. He followed the pull of the power that he'd just activated. They left the barracks area and headed down towards the capital of Crystacia, the marble palace that was once home to Queen Fae.

The assassin felt the magic of the bracer growing stronger as they went. The magic built around his wrist and crackled up his arm towards his chest. Talon winced at the sudden change of power, and then realized that there was simply too much energy inside of it. Even though he was using the power right then, he wasn't exactly releasing it either, and so it was just building up. He was going to have to be quick to find the armor. He took the steps two at a time to reach the double doors of the palace, his hand still gripping Jennifer's.

Talon pushed open the doors, letting the oaken wood swing wide open before he stepped inside. The palace was just as elaborate as always, aside from the pieces of stone that littered the floor from the attack so long ago. Portions of the ceiling were gone, now on the floor. Glass was still strewn about and so Talon worked his way carefully around the potential danger. He moved at a good pace towards the throne room of the single story palace. The room opened up into a large hall before him. The bodies of the deceased were long gone, but dark stains of dried blood still lingered.

The assassin released the beautiful mages hand and looked around. There didn't seem to be any other rooms or doors to go to, however the bracer was pulling him, telling him to make his way down. Talon looked at the floor and scuffed his boot across the marble before he started forward and began looking for any signs of a way down.

"It's here, below us. Soran," he called loudly, getting the dark elf's attention, "Do you remember how you got below the throne room?"

Soran stared at Talon with his mismatched eyes for some time, apparently deep in thought before he finally let out a long breath and shrugged. With a shake of his head he answered the assassin, "No."

"Of course not," Talon muttered to himself. He turned away and continued searching once more.

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Character Portrait: Locien Kestal Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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She watched his back from behind him, permitting Talon’s strong grip to ferry her to wherever their destination lay. The sudden display of determination piqued her curiosity, raising her thin eyebrows.

“I assume you did something to learn about the artefacts whereabouts?” she pondered, glancing over her shoulder to watch Soran idly. That was the second time the dark elf had been subject to the whims of Talon today. Smiling cruelly, Jennifer admitted to feeling some trivial joy in watching the pernicious elf squirm for once.

“I had no idea you could do something like that,” said Jennifer, a spring taking her step. Once again one could never be sure if she was paying him a compliment or insult.

Talon seemed to be leading them towards Crystacia’s once proud centre of power, the palace of late Queen Fae. After receiving no reply from Talon, the mage was left to her own musings. Scanning their surroundings, she noted the light haze of dust which permeated in the air like brown snowflakes. Thankfully, it took little time to reach the yawning entrance of the castle with the vigorous pace they had adopted. Pristine walls stood shrouded beneath trunks of giant, ionic columns. Further beyond where inlets of ornamented windows, strategic openings within the daunting walls. The overall shape was quite remarkable, and one would expect nothing less from the elves.

“It’s hardly the most subtle location to hide a priceless hunk of metal,” Jennifer commented upon climbing the grand flight of stairs.

Inside the marbled floor matched the spiralling ceiling perfectly. They passed vast throngs of hallways before reaching the throne room itself. Despite the apparent disorder, the main chamber still shimmered with prestige and the scent of royalty. Jennifer was vaguely reminded of the castles in Ro’ell in such respects. Only then did Talon seemed content to releasing his hold. There was no chance of his promiscuous mage getting lost here. She observed him briefly, watching his distinctively coloured eyes search the room until they sank to the floor.

“So?” she wondered, thoroughly perplexed by her beloved assassin’s utter lack of responses since they had left the barracks.

A moment passed before he finally spoke, but not to her. Talon directed an inquisitive gaze towards Soran, "It's here, below us. Soran, do you remember how you got below the throne room?"

Talon voice boomed clearly within the throne room, a hint of urgency betraying his confidence. Soran reply was predictable. The dark elf answered by concurrently shrugging his blade-like frame along with a shake of his head. “No.”

"Of course not." Talon cursed, obviously fed up with the dark elf’s unreliable memory.

“Psh, always taking the long route. I suggest you all stand back,” Jennifer commanded as she pushed herself past Talon. A fierce grin of anticipation attacked her lips then as her lithe arms shot out before her.

“World Fracture! Drill!”

A conical beam burst out from her palms, blue, hot and molten as Jennifer directed the unnatural force into the ground. The heat pressed against her face, highlighting her pale cheeks indigo as she continued to melt away the floor.

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#, as written by Siryn
Talon V'lyn

He watched his lover call forth the beam of hot power, blue in color and lighting up the room in flashes of magical energy. The heat of the summons filled the room and sunk deep into Talon's skin, making him sweat in mere seconds. He felt his face flushed and sweating. Reaching up he pulled back the long strands of blue-grey hair, feeling the locks sticking to his fingers and forehead. Turning his gaze, he caught sight of Jennifer as she wielded the power, stunning as always. He felt a twinge of guilt as he watched her perform her spell. She'd spoken to him quite a few times before and since arriving to Crystacia and he had hardly muttered a word to her. Though he wanted to reply to her in kind, he was still struggling with how she'd treated his loss not to mention he was still struggling to fill that dark and empty void inside his soul.

Every passing moment was a moment that was missing something. That something being Vy, and his own habits of unconsciously reaching out to touch the dragons' mind was painful each and every time as he felt nothing, it was hard to deal with in just a single day. His heart ached horribly and so he'd done something else entirely. Talon had wrapped himself in a tight shell of cold, hard, ruthlessness. All of his teachings, gone... out the window in a matter of hours. Riena, he was sure, followed him no longer. If she did, well, he sure didn't deserve the Goddess' blessings any more.

Some time passed before Jennifer released the energy her spell was casting and the beam of blue light faded away along with the sweltering heat. Talon took a much needed breath of clean, cold air. His body was soaked in sweat from the heat and he made a mental note of taking a bath once they recovered the armor. The assassin moved forwards and looked down the dark hole that Jennifer had drilled for them.

"Well, you were always practical," he muttered softly, intending to break the distance he'd put between himself and his mage. At least, it was a start. He still couldn't directly meet her gaze, but he would work up to it. Adjusting his armor that was more or less molded to his body then, he stretched out his hand and shot a flash of magic down into the dark hole. The silver ball illuminated the smooth walls of stone that Jennifer had created until finally it stopped at the very bottom and the light stretched outwards in two directions.

Without waiting, he jumped down after the ball of light and landed lightly on his feet with hardly a sound. Slowly he stood up from his kneeling position and looked up to see Soran peering down as well. He moved aside and waited for the elf to join him down below. He looked down the tunnel on either side, the silver light only penetrating so far.

"Look familiar?"

Soran stood up as he too had joined Talon in the tunnel. The elf looked around him quickly and then turned and faced the direction Talon had been and stood there for a time seemingly deep in thought. The assassin was about to give up on an answer when Soran looked at him and gave a wry smile, "Yes. Finally something I can remember."

"Not so helpless after all," Talon replied coldly and looked up the hole as he waited for Jennifer to join them. "I'll catch you, if you like," he offered to her as he stood beneath the makeshift entry way she'd created. Though, he figured he already knew the answer. She wasn't some damsel in distress after all. No, she was far from that. Still, he thought to at least offer. He put his hands on his hips as he waited for her response, already expecting her usual taunting.

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"I'll catch you, if you like," called Talon, his gruff words echoing deep in the recesses of the cave only to be churned out slightly muffled through the impromptu opening she had created. Jennifer glanced quickly over the edge, spotting the assassin. Adopting a pose with his hands over his hips, Talon had clearly braced himself in anticipation of one of her usual taunts. Quickly, she whipped her head back and disappeared from beyond the opening. Silence followed as the mage agonized over his offer, although none of this could be seen by the patient assassin below.

“GERONIMOOO!”

The sound of her petulant voice was swiftly followed by the soft tapping of her boots as Jennifer took a short run up before blindly leaping below. Bypassing the still smouldering sides of the dark cavity, Jennifer’s lithe form plummeted all too recklessly. Performing a dive bomb, it was apparent she had no intention of landing on her own. To anyone else, the jump would have looked utterly perilous, but that was surely the mage’s intentions as she landed perfectly between Talon’s outstretched arms. Her rapid and ultimately treacherous trajectory had forced the assassin to reach out in a state of astonished haste.

She felt his strong arms wrapped entirely around her frame, buckling to contain her carelessness. Nonetheless, with her dangerous flight arrested, she beamed up at him with a childish smile, offering her signature smirk. For some inexplicable reason she adored his surprised expression, bordering on raw fury at her hooliganism. Moreover, she missed the caring sound of his voice being directly addressed to her.

“Ever the gentleman,” she teased, tone slick with amusement. “Though I must confess to loving that naïve side of yours. How else would I enjoy moments like these?”

Jennifer pushed up with her chin and pecked him over the cheek, tasting the salty droplets of sweat still rolling over his cheeks. Licking her lips, the mage hardly seemed to mind as she rotated her legs and finally touched down safely. Clearly she liked to contradict his expectations also.

Talon’s replied with a conflicted look that spoke volumes of the inner strife he was still experiencing. Jennifer had ignored it until then, but eventually she sighed and turned away from him, shoulders sagged. Allowing him to continue this way would only be detrimental to his survival.

“Look,” she started, struggling to piece together the correct words. Damn Talon for making her this inept. Once again she felt completely out of her element. She never received training to deal with people’s emotions, and ever since meeting Talon, contending with them and a whole host of new feelings had become a daily occurence. Fidgeting slightly, she gulped down the lump in her throat, “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I thought it was the only way to set your mind on the task. Defeating Barthomel is the only chance we have now of surviving…”

Jennifer gazed up at the ceiling, trying to dispel the awkwardness and shame which had abruptly assaulted her, diminishing her voice. She loathed how weak her words had become, but forced herself to continue. “I couldn’t have you brooding over Vy at such a pivotal time, though that clearly hasn’t worked. I’m sorry for the loss of your dragon Talon. If only I had stopped you from going to Ro’ell earlier, then none of this would have happened,” she said, practically blurting out the last words like someone had finally released the pressure valve. Jennifer did not particularly care that Soran was watching at that stage either.

“And I’m sorry for keeping the necklace a secret from you. If i hadn't of done either of those things we likely could've saved Vy, so yes its my fault! Hate me if you will. Hit me even if it'll make you feel better. Just…let me help you until this is over...I'll disappear or do whatever you want...”

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#, as written by Siryn
Talon V'lyn

“Look, I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I thought it was the only way to set your mind on the task. Defeating Barthomel is the only chance we have now of surviving. I couldn’t have you brooding over Vy at such a pivotal time, though that clearly hasn’t worked. I’m sorry for the loss of your dragon Talon. If only I had stopped you from going to Ro’ell earlier, then none of this would have happened.

“And I’m sorry for keeping the necklace a secret from you. If i hadn't of done either of those things we likely could've saved Vy, so yes its my fault! Hate me if you will. Hit me even if it'll make you feel better. Just…let me help you until this is over...I'll disappear or do whatever you want...”


He watched her as she turned her back to him. Talon had been more than startled when she leapt from the throne room floor down towards him. He'd just barely managed to get himself in position to catch her. After setting her down she'd turned around and the tone in her voice told him that she was feeling upset about something. It was his turn to feel the pang of guilt as her words spilled from her mouth.

Forgetting Soran completely, Talon took three steps towards his mage and took her shoulder in hand. Turning her, he reached out with his other hand and lifted her face with his fingers under her chin. He didn't say anything for some time, not sure how to filter through his emotions. For a moment he was happy that she'd apologized to him, but at the same time he regretted that feeling as well. If it wasn't for her, he would have still been in Vaye, lying on the bed unable to move with no will to live any longer.

Stretched down, he tilted her head up a little more and pressed his lips against hers. He kissed her softly at first and pulled away, then came down a second time, kissing her with more passion. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her close to him and ended the kiss with a smile.

"Hit you? Never. Not in my life, love. Hate you? It has never crossed my mind. Yes, I was mad at you, but I love you still. You're too important to me," bending down he nuzzled his face against her neck, taking a deep breath of her sweet smelling hair, "Without you I would still be broken. It hurts, yes. Unlike any pain I've ever felt before, Jennifer," his voice choked slightly but he quickly cleared the emotion away, "But you're here. That's all I need. I told you I would protect you. I plan to do that. Killing Barthomel and Domieen will ensure your safety. So please, don't disappear from me. Don't. If you were to ever leave me I'd die and it wouldn't be the bracer to do it. Understand?" He pulled away and took her face in both hands and gazed at her.

Behind him, Soran coughed lightly and Talon felt a twinge of anger course through him. Slowly he turned his steely gaze over his shoulder to the elf who interrupted.

"Sorry, but two old Dragon Gods aren't going to wait for you two..."

With a soft grown Talon turned back to Jennifer, "Can I kill him?" he asked softly, loud enough only for her to hear.

"This way!" Soran called his footfalls echoing in the tunnel as he moved. Talon rolled his eyes as his lips frowned. He stroked his thumb across her cheek bone before releasing her. Taking her hand firmly in his, he started down the dark hall, waving his free hand before him to move the silver ball of light.

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The mage felt uncharacteristically conscious as she waited for her assassin’s response. Jennifer stood alone, shoulders withdrawn and delicate fingers anxiously tracing circles around her thighs. His stealthy footsteps barely registered to her hearing, making her flinch at his impending touch. Silently, she prepared herself for the inevitable vitriol that would break her heart. Instead a soft grip gently twisted her body. She shiver slightly under his touch, uncertain what to expect from him after revealing all that she had. Instead, she felt soothing compassion as his pink lips pressed against hers, tongue and all.

"Hit you? Never. Not in my life, love. Hate you? It has never crossed my mind. Yes, I was mad at you, but I love you still. You're too important to me," Talon said as he leaned against her, propping his chin against the crook of her neck and shoulders. Short bristles of chin hair tickled her immaculate skin, inching her head sidewards against his. She heard him take a deep whiff of her scent and felt smiled inwardly.

“You’re surprisingly suave when you need to be,” she joked. Jennifer giggled as she indulged in his comforting hold, feeling like she was melting all the while. “Well, at least you have backbone.”

Voice shaken, Talon was still coming to grips with his unspoken emotions however, "Without you I would still be broken. It hurts, yes. Unlike any pain I've ever felt before, Jennifer. But you're here. That's all I need. I told you I would protect you. I plan to do that. Killing Barthomel and Domieen will ensure your safety. So please, don't disappear from me. Don't. If you were to ever leave me I'd die and it wouldn't be the bracer to do it. Understand?"

Jennifer clung to his words as fiercely as she clung to his shirt, desperately and gladly accepting his consolation. Sweet relief swelled in her heart, compounded by her stunned amazement at his affection. Half of the shock she directed at herself for being affected by such words when in the past she would have simply dismissed them. More than anything she was glad he still loved her. After nodding between his hands, she tilted her head back into his form fitting armor. “Hah. You liar, I thought you hated my behaviour,” she sighed heavily, digging her brow into the attractive enthralls of his chest. “If anyone has cause for concern, it's me. I've had to deal with almost losing you twice now! Guess I’m not the only one who’s hypocritical. Heck, i may have to drop illusionary magic and worshiping Reev entirely and dedicate myself to Myst. Being a proper healer is probably the only way to keep you alive at the rate you're going.”

Unbeknownst to her, Soran had witnessed the whole affair and now stood watching the couple beneath the tunnel's mouth, one apathetic eyebrow raised. "Sorry, but two old Dragon Gods aren't going to wait for you two..."

Talon growled in response, "Can I kill him?" He did not appreciate the intrusion in such a delicate situation one bit at all.

Jennifer laughed out loud, “He does have a point, technically.” Abruptly, a knife appeared in her hands as she juggled the blade deftly before him. “And what do you mean can you kill him? As if i'd let you steal all the fun. If anyone’s going to be doing the killing, it’d be me. Watching him squirm is far to entertaining of a prospect to miss,” she said, her ebony gaze never leaving his handsome face.

"This way!"

With her need for showboating completed, she reached down and sheathed the knife, noticing him brush against her cheek before taking her hand once more. "It appears to me we're both incredibly selfish people, Talon. Saving the world out of coincidence when in actual fact we're just trying to save each other is rather ironic i think. I'd argue you're the most selfish of course, dragging me around to share in your woes and all, but we make a rather good duo. I guess that's enough dilly-dallying for now though." she laughed again, exhibiting no small measure of reluctance as she stood apart from his grip and followed Talon down the dark corridor.

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#, as written by Siryn
Talon V'lyn

Their foot falls were loud in the corridor, or perhaps it was just Soran's loud stalking before the two that followed close behind. The assassin held the mages hand in his own lightly as his other hand flicked forward occasionally to throw the silver light further down the tunnel as they went. They followed the dark elf down the tunnel for quite a ways and nothing changed. It didn't seem as if anything was going to change any time soon either. Had they gone down the right way? It was nearly impossible to tell, though Talon could tell they were steadily going further down into the earth. The descent wasn't steep or anything, but the ground was titled just enough to let him know.

"How far down, Soran?"

The dark elf looked over his shoulder at Talon and gave a half shrug as he turned his focus forwards again, "Not sure, Lord V'lyn."

"Don't call me that."

"Hm? Don't call you by your rightful title? Why?"

"It sounds insulting when you say it," Talon replied with a soft, cold, growl. His eyebrows came down in irritation as they walked. He could almost feel the insolent smirk that was sure to be plastered on Soran's lips. The elf in reply laughed lightly, but said nothing else.

"So, what do you plan to do with the armor once you get your hands on it?"

"Destroy it," Talon replied without hesitation.

"That's impossible."

"How would you know?"

"I might have been insane before hand, but believe it or not, I know quite a bit about the old dragon armor. Yours and the mages both are items that were once an old dragon gods armor. They cannot be removed from your bodies unless you were killed before hand. They also cannot be destroyed because of the magic surrounding them. Consider it like a defensive spell that is constantly wrapped around each item. Nothing that we use, or any magic that we wield can destroy those items. Only the actual dragon can."

"So unless its Domieen or Barthomel, that chest piece can't be destroyed, is that what your saying?"

"Yes."

"How inconvenient," Talon muttered.

"Yes, very inconvenient. So, what are you going to do about it then, Talon?"

"Well, if I can't destroy it, then I'll use it."

"You plan to put it on?" Soran turned to look at him over his shoulder, "I wouldn't advise that. The bracer alone can kill you if you're not careful, yet you're willing to risk putting on a second dragon gods item? You must have a death wish then."

"Then what did you have in mind?" Talon asked with acid in his voice.

"Allow me to use the armor. I'm probably not going to live after this fight anyway, might as well make it useful."

"You're insane if you think we'll just let you do that."

"Well, decide soon, Talon. Because we are here," the dark elf stepped off to the side as the tunnel opened up abruptly into a small treasure room. Gold and silver glittered all around in the silver light that Talon had been using as their light source. In the center of it all was a large piece of silver metal. The breast plate was quite large in size and the assassin wondered briefly how Soran had managed to bring such an item down into the depths of Crystacia as he claimed. Talon crossed his arms over his chest and glanced back to Jennifer.

"What do you think? Can we trust him enough to actually wield something like this?"

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Partly shielded from his light orb by the breadth of Talon’s considerable bulk, Jennifer felt overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding his light orb. The air here was eerily still, augmenting the echoes of their footsteps no matter how hard they tried to mask them. Still, she kept an ear out for any signs of pursuers behind them, cautiously assessing it as the greatest threat to Talon’s life at the time.

Talon's face scrunched up in frustration after some silence. Clearly her assassin was growing impatient, prompting him to question the elf and not for the first time that journey either. "How far down, Soran?" asked Talon. They had been travelling in the claustrophobic tunnels for the best part of an hour now, slowly descending further into the depths of the earth.

Soran craned his neck a little and glanced idly over his shoulder, "Not sure, Lord V'lyn." His answer was ambiguous as ever, igniting Talon’s distaste for the dark elf once more.

"Don't call me that." Talon responded, sounding deeply insulted.

"Hm? Don't call you by your rightful title? Why?" Soran pondered. For all intents and purposes it was a legitimate question, but something about the cheeky manner in which he voiced it suggested he was simply egging on Talon.

"It sounds insulting when you say it," Talon snarled, picking up on the dark elf’s joke. His stern features earned him dual chuckles from both Soran and Jennifer, her eyes glittering with something akin to humour. Realising that they had drifted off topic, it was Soran who made the first attempt to address the issue they had all come here to resolve.

"So, what do you plan to do with the armor once you get your hands on it?" he queried.

Talon's reply was sharp and snappy, a dangerous glint sparked between his distinctive blue-gray eyes as he spoke again, "Destroy it." Talon stated the words with resounding assurance, leaving little doubt in Jennifer’s mind as to his intentions. An impressed whistle escaped past her pink lips. It was an ambitious statement to attempt to destroy such an artifact.

“That's impossible,” Countered Soran.

Jennifer listened to the flow of the conversation intently as Soran revealed that the artifacts could never be destroyed unless the original dragons willed it. She could not explain the sinking regret that forced her hand up to her chest and curled her delicate fingers. Did that mean there was no way to remove the brace which imprisoned Talon? Jennifer searched her empty mind for the answer, feeling her breath hitch uncomfortably. Over and over she imagined the brace's power consuming him, assaulting his body with its spectacular white light as it had done so often in the past. The mage was so lost in despair that she almost missed Soran’s audacious proposal.

"Allow me to use the armor. I'm probably not going to live after this fight anyway, might as well make it useful."

"You're insane if you think we'll just let you do that." Talon’s retort mirrored her own feelings on the subject.

It was at that point they reached their destination. A vast chamber opened up ahead of them, receding into piles of gold, silver and gems of all varieties. An immense wealth of treasures coated her pale skin honeycomb as the metallic sheen of jewels reflected off one another, illuminated by the cold light of Talon’s orb. The collection was breath taking and Jennifer struggled to contain the urge to pocket at least several particularly ample gems. On top of the scent of riches, each jewel charmed her with their distinctive features, each piece displaying unique cuts and decorations. How petty, she thought. She could have summoned and created any of these trinkets at will, yet they still managed to hypnotize her with a false sense of grandeur, just like her necklace had. "Well, decide soon, Talon. Because we are here," Soran said.

"What do you think? Can we trust him enough to actually wield something like this?"

“Ah…” Jennifer started uncertainly. Shaking her head, she blinked at Talon, finding it easy to focus her dark eyes on his personable features. Managing to frown at herself, Jennifer looked at the armor at the center of the room. Unlike the other treasures, she felt nothing but a disturbing dread from it.

“You’re really asking me if I trust him? You know I tend not to trust anyone,” Jennifer smirked reassuringly at her beloved assassin, completely and utterly at ease with the entire affair. The mage strolled over to the artifact, passing Talon and nonchalantly treading her way over mounds of gold. Her boots scattered coins, sending waves of them clattering to the floor. Upon reaching it she bent over, ebony eyes glossing over its sparkling surface.

“Well, we both know you certainly can't handle one dragon god's power, Talon. That rules you out. So, why don’t I try it instead?” she grinned, her features adopting a jovial expression.

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#, as written by Siryn
Talon V'lyn

"No," his sharp voice boomed in the treasure room as Jennifer took a few steps forward and reached out to touch the onyx colored chest piece. He'd spoken almost right before she could finish her statement. The assassin wasn't going to allow her to wear the armor at any cost. She already had one old god's artifact, another certainly couldn't be good for her. Even if she was the most powerful mage on the planet right then, Dragon God's aside.

"I don't want to put you into unnecessary danger, Jennifer," he concluded, softening his voice from it's earlier tone. He gave her a small smile and moved up to the armor, kneeling down next to her. His eyes shifted over the valuable artifact before he looked over his shoulder at Soran. Did he dare let the dark elf don the armor? Did he have a choice? Not really... Especially if Jennifer would kill him should he put it on, and he would never forgive her should she do the same.

He narrowed his eyes as the dark elf grinned at him, knowing that he'd won Talon over, "Well, looks like there isn't really much choice is there?" Soran concluded.

"Don't get to ahead of yourself, Soran. I'll allow you to wear it, but don't think I'm not putting any precautions into this," the assassin stated coldly. He was going to bind the dark elf, a spell that was slowly forming at the back of his mind. He wasn't sure how he knew about it, but it seemed as if the bracer were acting along with his wishes and providing him with a solution.

Picking up the heavy armor, he tossed the onyx chest piece right at the man who caught it deftly, though he stumbled backwards a bit from the weight. Talon let his arms hang at his side, the silver bracer slowly growing brighter. Soran caught sight of the magic and wearily turned his mismatched eyes back to Talon.

"Put it on."

The dark elf grinned again, though there was less mirth than before, "Yeah..." he said slowly. Soran pulled the armor over his had and took a deep breath. He let the metal fall against his chest and cinched it tight via the straps on the other side. It took a moment, but the armor registered it's new owner and Talon had to admit he enjoyed the sight of Soran dropping to the ground, wreathed in magic that assaulted him. It reminded the assassin of when he first put on the bracer, the intense agony that had coursed through him while the bracer melded to his wrist. He could only imagine how it felt with an entire chest piece.

It was over soon enough and Soran lay panting on the ground. Lifting his hand, Talon stretched out his fingers and tendrils of silver magic wrapped around the dark elf's body. The magic didn't do anything to the man, only that it bound him to Talon directly. Should the elf so much as think of betraying them, the assassin would know for the magic would be triggered.

"I've put a spell on you, Soran. It's crept deep into your thoughts and feelings. Should you ever have the slightest thoughts of trying to kill me or Jennifer, I'll know about it that instant. Handy, don't you think?" Talon stated as he knelt down next to Soran who turned slightly and looked up at him with his red eye.

"Very handy," Soran panted in return. He pushed himself up to his hands and knees and then leaned back. His head fell backwards, white hair falling from back from his face, "This is definitely Barthomel's chest piece. I saw everything... from the beginning of the world to his downfall," he gave a half laugh, "You think I was evil? That dragon makes me pale in comparison. We'd better be careful, or we may just die even though we've done this much."

Talon pulled his hand up to his chin, his elbow resting on his thigh as he stayed kneeling, "I don't plan on dying that easily, Soran. We will win."

"You say that now," the elf retorted, turning his head just right so he could look at the assassin with both eyes.

"Don't tell me you're going to turn tail and run."

Soran shrugged, "It was a thought, I won't lie. But no. I'll continue forward. I'm interested to see how this ends, to say the least. Besides, after what I saw..." the man visibly shuddered, "Even I wouldn't wish those events to be repeated."

Talon watched him for a moment before standing, "Well then, it's best we start thinking of how we're going to destroy those two dragons. Come, lets get out of here as a start," turning he offered his hand to Jennifer. He wanted to get to an inn to discuss their next move. Food and a good nights rest were in order afterwards.

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In a scene reminiscent of the brace binding to Talon, Jennifer agonizingly watched the unfolding phenomenon. She could scarcely believe what she was witnessing as Soran wedged his head and limbs through the appropriate openings, securing the armour firmly around his chest with a slight grunt. More time was devoted into pulling the straps tightly around his athletic frame, eating into her valuable patience. Her pink lips twisted into a small, embittered frown, indicating her frustration at having been so quickly rebutted by Talon earlier. Did he not trust her to be able to take care of herself?

The reaction was immediate, resulting in a catastrophic string of reactions. Sensing its new host, dark powers assaulted Soran savagely, wreathing his body with the illusion of flames. Gravity had Soran entirely within its grasps for he was viciously thrust upon the ground, trembling futilely against the stone cold floor. The dark elf’s sharp features flared with pain, pinching his eyes shut with anguish. As much as she was thrilled and delighted by Soran’s tortured expression, the revelation of what she was seeing ruined her mood. Jennifer glared slightly at Talon mid-way, uncharacteristically hard eyes offering a questioning gaze.

What are you going to do about this? they begged.

Without replying to her, Talon’s arm extended fully above the recovering dark elf. Soran was breathing heavily, eyes wide with the lingering shock of powerful sensations. He blinked like a man waking from a nightmare. The mage only sniffed dismissively, the salty aroma of perspiration rubbing her nose uncomfortably. Jennifer observed her assassin with curiosity, following the white magic that purposefully slipped from his fingers, dribbling like flowing water down over the sweat that still caked the spores of Soran’s skin with a greasy like sheen.

“What did you do?” she asked, eyes narrowed.

"I've put a spell on you, Soran. It's crept deep into your thoughts and feelings. Should you ever have the slightest thoughts of trying to kill me or Jennifer, I'll know about it that instant. Handy, don't you think?" Talon explained, crouching besides the dark elf without the slightest intention of aiding him. He wore an unsympathetic expression as he looked down at Soran’s mismatched eyes, apparently levelling himself only to voice his newly discovered cruelty.

“Very imaginative,” she nodded approvingly, excited by Talon's callous indifference. "Seems like some of my efforts are finally starting to pay off," her sugary tone craved to see more, encouraging him to do it again.

A moment stretched before Soran Spoke again, still gathering the remainder of his thoughts. "Very handy," he replied in brittle tones, a semblance of his previous composure returning with the memories, "This is definitely Barthomel's chest piece. I saw everything... from the beginning of the world to his downfall. You think I was evil? That dragon makes me pale in comparison. We'd better be careful, or we may just die even though we've done this much."

"I don't plan on dying that easily, Soran. We will win." Talon brushed off the warning, casually resting an elbow over his thigh. It was as if their victory was suddenly a certainty for him. Impressing by his confidence, the corner of Jennifer’s lips curled fantastically, lifting her pale cheeks.

“I actually believed it when you said it that time,” she laughed at herself. How long had she been denying those fanciful words of self-hope? How many times had she heard him repeat similar phrases? No matter the number, his words demanded her faith every time.

"You say that now," Soran scoffed, unable to mask his disbelief.

Shadows passed over Talon’s face at the simple suggestion. He scowled, "Don't tell me you're going to turn tail and run."

Soran shrugged quickly, "It was a thought, I won't lie. But no. I'll continue forward. I'm interested to see how this ends, to say the least. Besides, after what I saw…Even I wouldn't wish those events to be repeated."

"Well then, it's best we start thinking of how we're going to destroy those two dragons. Come, lets get out of here as a start," said Talon, starting upright and opening his hand out.

The mage looked at the hand, pensively shifting her weight side to side on her feet. Her open eyes stared at the outspread skin like she was hopelessly enchanted by it. Shaking her head slightly, she resisted the temptation and turned around, swiftly proceeding to pocket several jewels with greedy fingers. Only after the satchels of her pants bulged misshapen did Jennifer accept his warm grip happily, playing about as she sprung over to him and cupped his hand tenderly between both of her own. “I guess now you know the reason why I stole this stupid necklace in the first place,” she smirked shamelessly, “Sorry to ruin your impression of me, but no it wasn’t some grand plan. I was just younger and stupider. Admittedly, I bit of more than I could chew, but if it meant being able to help you, Reev damn the consequences. I’d steal it a thousand times over.”

“In any case, if Barthomel cowers behind an army, the solution is easy Talon. You do what you do best. You assassinate him,” she spoke like the task was the simplest thing in the world, attaching herself next to his bicep and leaning close.

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Crystacia

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Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
“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.

The setting changes from City Crystacia to Dragoon

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"Damn…I know you're not going to like this, but... we should at least go meet with him in the stables and see what he has to say."

Jennifer looked over at the assassin, his alluring musculature in plain view thanks to the perilously thin sheeting. He sat upright with one hand supporting the majority of his bulk. The other hand was tracing idly over his head, displaying his frustration.

“Okay,” she responded, trying not frown. Judging from her earlier reaction, it was already glaringly obvious that she was less than thrilled at the idea of facing her younger sibling. So much so it negated the need to exhibit it further. She lowered her long, delectable arms slowly, still half-expecting her brother to burst through the doors without warning, before finally laying them to rest down by her waist. The potent magic inside of her palms fizzled and died out along with her will.

With the intrusion concluded, at least for now, Jennifer managed to unwind a little. Wavering, the mage was on the verge of collapsing, but she refused to give into weakness. She felt like a flash tension wire, one which was slowly being stretched, bent and twisted towards breaking point. Her limbs numbed and ached even though she had just slept more comfortably than a dozen days previous. Air returned to her revitalized lungs, and she only realised how stiff she had been after Collin had left. His appearance once more disturbed those deep and dark memories, leaving her slightly exasperate. She had come excruciatingly close to losing Talon too many times to consider unnecessary risks.

Her self-defence mechanism kicked in on instinct, forcing a smile that quickly swam to the surface. Smirking audaciously, she strode back to Talon and puckered down alongside him, planting her supple form on soft bed sheets. In the absence of other certainties, she reached out to him. Pathetic as it was, she needed his attention then, desiring his assurance on so many levels. She leaned in just close enough so that she could comfortably trail her fingers over his rigid jaw-line and then kissed him, as though it were all she could do to halt the waves of anxiety.

“I’ll be depending on you from now on,” she whispered after pulling away, satisfied for now. “Let’s go chat with my brother, shall we?”

Unwilling to prolong the inevitable, Jennifer stood up again and proceeded to get dressed.




Perhaps stables were not the correct term for describing the suspended hanger bay whose roof was now extending several dozen feet above them. The entire complex was huge, easily combining the size of several storehouses, though one could not foresee its entire magnitude from their current position. A daunting grid line of pillars sustained the essential structure of the receding warehouse, arrayed within regular intervals that rose up to connect with the angular portal roof. Framed within the vast sanctum of space where numerous docks, some sectioned off and others open for accessibility.

Such a place was design to accommodate and house hundreds of dragons, of all different shapes and sizes. The air was abuzz with constant activity, whether it be the peddling of luggage or guttural cries from dragons conversing with their own kind. More disconcerting was the near constant stream of air traffic going to and fro the hanger bay, creating an perpetual feeling of urgency. Conveniently, Collin had parked near the southern gate from which they had entered by, and stood waiting impatiently for them.

Upon noticing the group he grinned and waved them over. Collin looked remarkably well kept considering everything that had transpired. So prim and proper that he made even the glamorous Jennifer looked like some country bumpkin, or at least he certainly did not look like an individual who had just spent the past few days fleeing from a warzone. Greeting them, he bowed and revealed his dark hair, cropped and pulled over into a neat pile by the right side of his head. He still wore an extravagant stripped shirt, spotless and tucked into his black trousers. For what little it did, a musky perfume perforated his clothes, though the effect was largely dulled by the permeating smell of manure.

“So glad you decided to come,” he started, voice slightly raised to be heard over the deafening background ambience. Collin’s red dragon was curled behind him, resting within a single bay that belonged to a series of others. It snoozed loudly, chest inflating then deflating with each intake of breath. Collin tucked his hands into his pockets and switched his gaze between the three of them, going from Soran, to Talon then Jennifer. He regarded her coyly for an extra second or so, entertaining the idea of antagonizing her further, before finally settling his gaze in the middle. Jennifer sneered childishly when he did, acting like a riled up kitten. Collin could almost anticipate the animalistic hiss, but surprisingly she managed to keep her tongue. Instead, her dark eyes were primed as if daring him to do so.

“I noticed you've discovered all three artifacts. Excellent work, that increases our chances of success greatly. Before we carry on however, you doubtless have many questions. So, speak up,” he said, smiling amicably.

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Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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#, as written by Siryn
“I noticed you've discovered all three artifacts. Excellent work, that increases our chances of success greatly. Before we carry on however, you doubtless have many questions. So, speak up,” Collin stated as they entered the courtyard.

The red dragon sleeping next to him heaved a heavy sigh, the air pulsing around the ground and pushing dirt across the cobblestones. Talon's gaze ran over the red dragon and he felt a pang of loss, thoughts going directly to Vy. The emptiness was still hard to get used to, no matter how hard he tried to forget.

Behind him, Soran gave a soft laugh, the dark elf stepped up beside the assassin and eyed the man curiously, "So, who is this Lord V'lyn?"

Talon glared at the elf, the tone didn't fit when Soran called him by his title, "His name is Collin and he's a weasel of a man."

"Ah, I see. Dabbling with dangerous people seems to be your strong suit, assassin."

He gave a soft growl in response and promptly ignored the dark elf, instead turning his attention to Collin who obviously was still waiting for questions. Talon crossed his arms over his chest, the first couple of questions mainly regarding why the man was insistent on helping them in the first place. It seemed that all he'd ever wanted before was to track down and trap or kill Jennifer, a notion that didn't sit very well with Talon at all.

"What's in it for you Collin?"

Jennifer scoffed before Talon's sentence even completed, "More like, why isn't he cowering with father?"

The discrimination sluiced of him like liquid water, and was ultimately ineffectual. "Why does there have to be something in it for me?" Collin began, offering a hopeless shrug. "I'm not stupid, Jennifer."

"Stupid enough to confront the three of us," Soran provoked.

Talon tossed a sharp glare his way and the dark elf seemed to take a step back, though his evil grin didn't fade away and his mismatched eyes still gazed with a mischievous light at Collin.

The mage coughed in a minor attempt to resume his train of thought, "As I was saying, unlike father, I realize there's no future for anyone in a world ruled by Barthomel. Is it that hard to guess at my motives? Is wanting to live not enough?"

He strode over to the sleeping beast and began trailing one of his hands over the metal railings, "Well, not that you'd believe that anyway would you, Lord V'lynn?"

Talon smirked at this and assumed a defensive like stance, leaning off to one side, putting his weight all on one leg, "The only thing I can think of as a reason for you to live is to chase down Jennifer."

Soran glanced over to Talon, raising his eyebrow in curiosity, "Why would he want to chase her down?"

"To use her, make her a weapon, maybe kill her later on," Talon replied though his gaze remained on Collin, his blue-grey eyes turning to molten steel as he narrowed them.

“I welcome him to try,” Jennifer said, bristling in rage.

"Please," said Collin, sounding rather insulted. He paused in his trailing and actually managed to roll his eyes at them, "It's the end of the world and all you can think about is selfish gains?"

"I could," Soran commented lightly.

"I wouldn't put it passed either of you," Talon shot back, "Well, if it's life that you want, fine. So how do you propose we get into Laowlee then?"

Collin nodded agreeably, a slight spring taking his step. "Elementary my dear assassin. Back a while ago my father was tasked with infiltrating Laowlee," he explained, resting his hands behind his back. He spoke up again to be heard over the din of general activity, "Their mission wasn't entirely successful, but they did manage to sneak in undetected via the sewerage system that opens to the outer river."

"Of course, you'd still have to somehow evade their aerial pickets. The True Dragons have a lot of manpower and they'll be routinely scrubbing the area for trespassers," Collin continued, "But luckily, you have illusionists."

"The sewage? What an original way to sneak into a place," Soran said.

"Better than the front gates, you idiot," Talon snapped back, "Well, at least it won't get us killed right away. I suppose we're to take your dragon there. How do you plan to get us there without alerting their dragons? I don't suppose you could hide a dragon that easily."

"I can't, but Jennifer can," Collin said, jerking his chin in Jennifer's direction. She perked up at the mentioning of her name and grinned delectably. This was what she had trained to do after all, so she had no qualms about deceiving their enemies.

"Not to say that I'm not eager at the idea of fooling the True Dragons, but why can't you just teleport us in again Talon?" Jennifer mused, acting the devil's advocate. Teleporting was just not her style after all, she preferred the slow, miserable way.

Talon turned to her and raised his eyebrow. Teleport? Wait, when did he do that? Confusion was clearly written on his sharp features as he gazed at her. He tried hard to remember when he'd 'teleported' them anywhere, but nothing really came to mind.

"What do you mean? I haven't done anything like that," he asked her softly.

"You mean to say that you used a massive amount of power and you don't remember?" Soran interrupted.

Talon shook his head, keeping his eyes locked on the beautiful mage before him. He honestly couldn't remember using any kind of teleportation spell, let alone expelling such an amount as Soran seemed to think.

She stared at him with astonishment before stifling her voice. “Must be my memory playing tricks on me,” Jennifer glanced up and waved kindly, desperate to evade the topic. The last thing she wanted was to dislodge his memories of Laowlee. If he had forgotten it, all the better.

"Well, looks like that brilliant plan is out the window, dear mage," Soran said as he moved from his spot just shy of Talon's right side. He walked up to the red dragon and eyed the beast cautiously. He turned his mismatched eyes to Collin, the red eye boring into the mage as he stared.

"It's been a while since last I rode a dragon."

"Excellent, you'll be the perfect flight partner for Jennifer," Collin smirked.

The setting changes from Dragoon to City Laowlee

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Sometime Later

It was nostalgic to be riding on the back of a dragon. Talon leaned forward, his arm around Jennifer's waist as he felt the wind rushing passed him. Behind him, Soran leaned back, his arms gripping one of the many spikes lining the dragons back. Surprisingly, the elf had seemed to hold his stomach fairly well, though he did look a little sick. Jennifer, as usual, was incapacitated with nausea and she clutched onto his wrist for support.

The assassin raised his eyes and looked passed Jennifer and Collin. As the dragon's body naturally came down from the pumping of his wings, the sight of Laowlee came into view. The black city was looming ever closer, and the assassin had a terrible feeling in his stomach.

"Don't you think it's about time to start hiding our approach?" Talon asked, leaning into Jennifer so that she could hear him.

The mage nodded meekly in response and raised one of her hands in front of her heaving chest. Redirecting her focus away from her aching stomach, her unfathomable magic weaved its way over the dragon, masking their approach from prying eyes. To anyone else, they would have looked like an approaching cloud. "How long until we reach the river?" she asked anxiously, desperate to return to solid earth.

"Not long now," Collin yelled from the front of his dragon. "You just concentrate on not spewing on me!"

Talon tightened his grip around Jennifer's waist. He knew she was uneasy already with flying on the dragon, he also knew that her distaste for her brother was just as potent. He gave a soft sigh in response to Collin's reply. Indeed, the river wasn't too far off and it was in a matter of minutes that the large red dragon was on his decent down.

"Can't this thing land any faster?" Soran complained from behind the assassin.

Talon didn't turn to acknowledge the dark elf, only enjoyed the fact that the man was in such discomfort. If only Jennifer were more accustomed to flying, then he would have insisted on being in the air for much longer, if only to spite Soran. The dragon pulled his wings back, angling his body so that his large hind legs came down first into the water of the river. The rest of his body follow right after.

Slowly the dragon turned his body so that he was right next to the bank of the water and hunched down so that his passengers could disembark. Soran leapt off the beast as quickly as possible and landed on the muddy ground with a splash. He stumbled to his feet and then found himself on all fours once more.

Jennifer was much the same, and her boots hit the soil with a dirty squelch as she practically threw herself off the dragon's back. Collin was next to leap down and did so with fluid grace. His dark eyes shimmered with amusement as he watched the recuperating duo catching their breaths. "To think that all Barthomel has to do to beat you is take you for a ride," he chuckled.

Talon came up behind him, landing just as gracefully. In his fingers the tip of one of his throwing knives just barely poked out between his clenched fist. One hand gripped the mages shoulder while the other pressed the weapon to the back of Collin's neck, "And to think that all it will take is a simple knife to have you bleeding out on the ground," he threatened in return.

Collin relaxed in his vicious hold, seemingly unnaffected by the assassin's threats. He grinned openly before shrugging, his smirk barely wrinkling his perfect features, "Is now really the time to be assaulting each other Lord V'lynn?"

"Ha, this is Talon you're talking to," Soran piped up, only to recieve a cold glare from the assassin.

"Is that the entrance?" Jennifer said after some moments. The mage had one of her fingers raised and pointed in the direction of a sawn off, man-sized pipe that opened up to the river. Of course, the entrance was barred with iron poles to hinder undesirable intruders, though they were hardly any hindrance at all to a god-imbued assassin.

Talon stood for a moment longer behind the mage, not taking his eyes off of him even as Jennifer pointed towards their destination. Slowly he pulled the blade back and looked to where his love had directed their attention. The pipe was barred but it looked as if it would lead in towards the city.

The assassin stepped away from Collin and towards the beautiful mage. He sheathed his throwing knife and drew his dagger instead. Having a weapon out and ready seemed much better than not having one.

"Looks like this is it," Talon said, flipping his dagger around so the blade was against his forearm. Reaching out with his free hand, he channeled the magic in the bracer through his body and into the metal. White light crackled across his body and shot straight into the barricade. A few seconds later and the metal bars shook violently before shattering under his power.

"Not bad," Jennifer grinned, complimenting Talon's mastery of the brace's power. She took a deep whiff as she peered into the murky depths, "Couldn't do anything about the smell could you?" Talon grinned at her over his shoulder and gave a half shrug as he stepped into the three inch deep water that rushed from the sewer pipe.

"Allow me, I read over father's report. It'll be easier if I lead the way," Collin said, climbing up after them and pushed his way to the front. He gave a deep sigh as his polished shoes splashed into putrid water, "I just got these shoes also..."

Collin waited for Soran to enter into pipe before clearing his throat to grab their attention. "We have to be careful now, this place is an utter labyrinth that runs throughout the entire course of the city. Our objective is to reach the vat chambers, undetected. I trust I don't need to re-emphasize how important stealth is here," he said, levelling his gaze at them all. Without waiting for comments, the mage turned back into the immersive tunnels and led the way.

Talon frowned at Collin's back as the man moved through the water in the tunnel. Soran shrugged as he looked back at the assassin and started forward leaving only Jennifer and himself to start moving as well.

"Arrogant ass..." Talon muttered under his breath as he started walking without making so much as a sound through the water. His hand unconsciuosly reached out behind him and took hold of Jennifer.

"When this is over, do you have any qualms about my killing your brother?" He asked Jennifer softly so that his voice didn't carry through the tunnels.

"I'll kill him myself before this is over," she smiled mirthlessly before raising a thin eyebrow up in Talon's direction. "Why are you so eager though?"

He shrugged his shoulders, a frown on his lips, "Just a bad feeling," he murmured in reply. Talon walked with her hand in his, leading them behind Soran and Collin. They neared the end of the sewer line, the water draining from another pipe in the side of the wall. The pipe line ended in a tunnel, the water long gone then. Talon followed the other two men who jumped lightly down the measly foot drop.

The tunnel went left and right and then another intersecting one right before them. Talon turned his head one way then the other, looking down each opening to try to determine where they were and where to go next.

"Now where?" he asked softly, though his voice was still cold as he directed the question to Collin.

The younger man smiled warmly in reply, obviously enjoying the agitation each and every person there felt to some extent. "To the left. Beyond that the path should lead into the vat chambers. Apparently, the room was being used to store blood and magic," he reported, keeping his hands within his pockets.

True to his word, the route to the left did provide an entrance into the vat chambers. A jagged gap was cut into the roof of the tunnel, and beyond the crack shone an unnatural light. From the look of the crevice, it was safe to assume that the makeshift hole was probably used to discard unwanted matter. Bodies, organs, blood, whatever useless material the True Dragons had left. Squinting her eyes, Jennifer gave a cursory glance around to see if anything immediately dangerous existed beyond the lip of the void above them.

"Looks safe enough," she murmured, "World Fracture! Ladder!"

The climbing device appeared by the opening, providing stable access to room beyond. Collin joined her and regarded the hole for an instance before gesturing upwards with his hands. "Ladies first," he said.

"How considerate of you, brother," Jennifer flashed a grin, easing her fingers into a firm grip around the wooden steps.

Jennifer wasted no time in scaling the wooden ladder. Upon reaching the top she peered around at her surroundings, ensuring the area was secure before she signaled the others to follow. "Oh my," she whispered abruptly, voicing her surprise.

The setting changes from City Laowlee to Dragoon

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Talon looked up the ladder where Jennifer had gone, hearing her voice as she said something from above. He shot a look over to Collin before reaching out a hand to the ladder to start climbing. A sharp sound caught his attention and a second later a crossbolt shot passed his arm, just barely cutting open the fabric of his sleeve. The assassin drew his throwing knife and caught sight of who had shot at him.

Stepping out away from the ladder, he sent the knife hurtling through the air in a blur of motion. The blade made a sharp sound though the air before hitting the man in the throat. Behind him he heard Soran draw his sword and steel scrapped together. Talon whirled back around and withdrew his own blade from it's sheath. While the True Dragon was distracted with Soran, the assassin came up on his blind side and slide the blade through his ribs.

Soran stepped away, watching the man fall to the floor, "Well... looks like they were waiting for us."

Upon the first signs of danger, Jennifer's magic was already building. "Talon!" she screamed from above. Her short, sharp features appeared beyond the rim of the opening as she prepared herself to leap back down.

Talon frowned as he eyed the black cloaked enemy, a pool of blood beginning to form underneath him, "We shouldn't linger any longer."

As if heeding his words, another crossbolt flew through the air. Talon ducked, barely missing the projectile. His lips pulled back to bare his teeth in a half snarl of anger and he grabbed Soran roughly by the forearm.

"Climb!" He growled the order. The dark elf took one look behind him and started up the ladder quickly as the room was suddenly awash with deadly missiles. Talon followed right after, using his sword as a way to deflect the attacks that came close to him.

"Collin, hold them off!" Jennifer shouted as she crouched down to pull Talon up the rest of the way, extending her arm down to grab his.

"How did they find us this quickly?" Collin quipped, adopting a defensive position as deadly projectiles flew all around. No sooner had the words left his mouth when something sharp whisked past his ear, causing the young mage to flinch instinctively. As his vision adjusted to the encroaching darkness, Collin counted the silhouettes of over a dozen cloaked figures. All of them rapidly approaching.

"Damn! Climb faster," he yelled as more bolts flew overhead. Other projectiles were joining the fray now in the form of fiery magic blasts, each impact sending mini-vibrations through the fabric of the tunnel. Collin dashed aside in time to avoid one of the explosions as it found the ladder and tore through it, spraying splinters. "There goes the escape..." he murmured, throwing up a protective bubble.

The dark figures were just about upon him now, circling like a pack of hyenas. They picked and proded at his shield, biding their time, safe in the knowledge that his death was inevitable. From his position, he was helpless to retaliate likewise. With one final heavy sigh, the young mage seemed to resign himself to his fate. "Seal the exit!" Collin ordered abruptly, "I'll hold them of here!"

Talon grasped Jennifers extended arm as he reached the top just in time. The ladder exploded beneath him and he managed to reach the edge of the hole above. With her help, the assassin was safely pulled into the other room. He didn't have time to look around as he turned swiftly and watched Collin down below.

"You've got to be kidding!" Talon shouted back as the other mage ordered them to close the hole above.

"Leave him," Soran offered coolly behind him. The assassin shot a cold glare over his shoulder.

He pushed off the ground and stood with his arms crossed over his chest, "Picking the easy way out..." he muttered.

"Oh I see... You wanted to torment him some hu?" Soran snickered, the dark elf obviously didn't know the assassin wouldn't think twice about killing him out of spite.

Not hearing the later part of their conversation, Collin flashed an endearing smile up at the group. "Oh, i'm touche-"

"World Fracture! Door!"

An iron door appeared out of thin air before plugging the gap, blocking the rest of the young mage's sentence. "He asked us to leave him," she shrugged playfully after a moment.

Talon raised an eyebrow as the woman, then grinned at her and gave a short laugh. Of course she would do something like that. Jennifer would never think twice about leaving someone behind, especially if they weren't in her favor. Uncrossing his arms, he started forwards to the only hall in the large room they found themselves in.

"Anywhere in particular that we're going?" Soran asked.

"Would you like to lead?"

The dark elf raised his hands and smiled coldly, "No. I'm good. I don't want to get shot at the first corner we turn."

Talon rolled his eyes as they worked their way down the hall. He had half a thought to turn around and push the elf out into the next hall just to see what would happen to him.

"I will admit that my hastiness seems to have killed our guide," Jennifer pondered idly besides Talon. The assassin gave a soft laugh at her comment. Collin had probably withheld the information to safeguard his survival, unfortunately no one could anticipate Jennifer's recklessness. With one elbow support over an arm, her fingers began gently drumming her chin in contemplation.

"Where do we go from here? I'm no sensor," she asked plainly.

Talon gave a soft sound almost like a humm of thought and a sigh. He slowed as they approached an intersecting hall. Pressing himself up against the wall he slowly peered out to into the hallway and looked down either way. A second after he'd looked, a streak of magic caught some of his hair. He quickly ducked back behind the hall as the intersection was awash with both magic and arrows.

"Bastards..." He whispered.

His eyes narrowed as he looked down the hall before them. There weren't any True Dragons there. He was beginning to have a bad feeling about where they were going. However, it wasn't like he had a choice in the matter either. Reaching back he grasped Jennifers hand and prepared to run through the intersecting hall of deadly magic and other projectiles, to the safety of the other side.

"Looks like we continue straight," he answered in an unamused tone. He tightened his hand around hers and powered his bracer. Soran grinned at him as the dark elf got up to the other side of the hall and peered out as well. The elf quickly withdrew as some magic aimed directly at him. The power streaked across the hall and shattered the corner of the wall.

"Well, isn't this entertaining?" Soran laughed his mismatched eyes wild and his smile the most mischievious.

"This is far from entertaining!" Talon snapped back. He turned and wrapped his arms around Jennifer, holding her tightly as his power expanded around his frame. The magic created a kind of sheild on all sides and then a moment later, the power exploded and sent the assassin and the mage hurtling through the dangerous hall and towards the other side.

Magic cracked along his shield, arrows snapped upon impact. All of it lasted a couple of mere seconds and then both of them were safe in the other hall.

The surge was exhilerating and left Jennifer's tiny frame slightly breathless as the sudden rush of power propelled them across no-man's land. Talon's power was entirely unpredictable. Unlike conventional magic with set effects, the brace worked according to the situational whims and needs of the assassin. The familiar sensation caused her to grin and chuckle as they halted on the other side, the sound of deadly metal pinging the walls behind them.

"Ah, to feel the wind through my hair," Jennifer said as she turned back to regard the intrepid dark elf still on the otherside behind them, "Come now Soran, we don't have the time to dilly-dally!" Her voice, a cold-hearted shrill, careened through the corrider tauntingly and without the slightest intention to help.

The dark elf grinned at her as he slowly peeked out into the hall once more, gaining the same results as last time. The wall became an explosion of wood and paint. He glanced down at the breast plate that he now wore, the gleaming onyx reflected the blasts of magic that crisscrossed in the hall. With a slight shrug, Soran readied himself and then sprinted into the danger zone.

Talon watched as he held Jennifer still, a bit of curiosity keeping him in the same spot. He idly wondered if the man was going to make it two feet or not. As the dark elf rushed across the small expanse, three shots of power aimed directly at him. All three bounced off of something, mere inches from his body.

He came to a halt once he reached the safety of the other side, a grin on his lips. Raising his hands out and away from his body, he looked down at the armor adorning him, "My... what an interesting toy. No wonder the Dragon God's were so powerful."

"I believe this was the reason why I didn't want you to have that on..." Talon retorted. Soran grinned at him.

"Too much power lying in the hands of a crazed man? Would make sense, V'lyn. Especially since two crazed Dragons are in it for the power just the same."

"I should warn you," Talon stopped mid sentence, thinking about his next words. He wished to tell the elf that to over use the power could potentially be bad for him, but then... on the other hand.

"Warn me? I already know. You're a prim example, assassin. Too much power and you'll die. Use too much of it at once, and you're in a lot of trouble as well. Don't think I'm completely in the dark about what I've got on," he replied as they started moving down the hall once more.

"And yet you still put on the armor. That's rather admirable, Soran," Jennifer smirked.

"Admirable?" Soran laughed in return, "No, my dear. Not admirable, not even honor driven. Stupid maybe, but nothing worth mentioning in the future."

The lithe mage giggled before nudging Talon playfully in the waiste, "At least he knew what he was getting into though, unlike a certain assassin I know."

Talon frowned at her, shaking his head slightly, "I had an idea," he scoffed lightly in return, "But don't let him fool you. The bastard's probably just being modest to try to downplay his own ego at this whole thing. I still don't think he's doing this just because he 'felt like it'."

"True," Jennifer mused before meeting the assassin's gaze directly with her own, "But neither am I."

"Oh do have some faith," Soran called from behind them, grinning the entire way. Talon sighed and decided to let the subject drop. As long as he had Jennifer with him, he could careless about anything else. A far cry from when he first started out from Skyfall under his fathers orders.

He moved quickly, stealthily down the dim hall. He could have kept going also but a strong hand took hold of the fabric of his armor and pulled. Falling backwards from the sudden yank, he crashed hard into Soran. In the hall before him, something clicked and the wall that he'd been standing next to fell outwards, sending wood and brick into the area.

"You should pay more attention."

"How the hell did you know?"

Soran shrugged as he released Talon, "Not entirely sure, but I did... Maybe its this thing," he lightly rapped his knuckles on the metal breastplate, "It is attuned to our dear Barthomel."

Talon peered into the room where the wall had broken. Inside was large and circular, a pedastle in the center. On the other side, facing them was a tall figure cloaked entirely in black. The assassin was slightly taken aback, what happened to the black dragon that Domieen had transformed into when they had first tried to infiltrate? Did he revert back to his original form?

"So glad you all could make it here," the rough voice was unmistakably Domieen's, and the moment he finished speaking, his clawed hand rose up and pulled inwards as he pointed it at the three of them. Talon barely caught the power as it rushed at them and dragged them inwards. Had he not, all three of them could have plunged to the otherside of the room and straight into the stone wall behind. Even so, they slid quite a ways into the darkness.

Jennifer snarled as her body reacted instinctively to the dark magic of Domieen by building her magic. Her short hair was tousled by the violent pull of momentum but thankfully Talon’s silver light exploded out in time, counteracting the affect. “Domieen!” she screamed the name, howling like a banshee.

Without the suction no longer working against her, she landed deftly on her two feet. Close enough to smell the acrid stench of the black dragon now, Jennifer's left hand flashed outwards. "World Fracture! Glue!"

Viscous liquid spat out from Jennifer's fingers and sprayed forwards, targetting the black dragon's feet. Jennifer was far from finished however. She twisted, swinging her right arm in rapid succession, "And impale!"

Icy spears materialized out of thin air, presenting an intimidating wall of over a dozen sparkling, murderous edges. Following the motion of her arm, Jennifer hurled the icicles of pointed death at Domieen.

Domieen washed away the sticky substance that attached to him, irritation growling at the back of his throat. He'd forgotten how resilient that mage was at times. After tossing aside her illusion magic, he looked up to see that there was a mountain of sharpened icicles mere inches away. The old Dragon God ground his teeth. Raising Barthomel had taken a lot of his power, thus making him weak and slower than usual. It didn't help any that he was still syphoning his own power down to the sleeping dragon.

Raising his gauntlet he allowed a small explosion of power to shatter the ice, only covering his very vital areas, but otherwise taking the brunt of the attack across his outer body portions.

Talon had rolled across the ground, going with the dragon's magic rather than against it. The assassin came up on his feet and drew three of his throwing knives. Just as Jennifer's magic wall of ice shattered, he threw the blades, each one cutting through the air neatly. Two of the knives made it to his target, the third crashed into an ice peice, shattering it further.

Domieen turned, his eyes narrowing in on the assassin, their slitted pupils giving off the aura of his rage. Blood was seeping through the man's tattered cloak. Behind Talon, Soran gave a soft laugh.

"So... God's do bleed. How.... human of you," he laughed.

Domieen didn't answer, only swept his hand outwards in a harsh guesture. Magic washed over the room like a heat wave and hit both the men. Talon coughed hard, his body feeling the effects of the magic that sunk right through him. Soran dropped to his knees, one hand gripping his neck, the other clenching the exposed area of his chest under the breastplate. Talon stayed on his feet, wincing as he did so and summoned his power in the bracer, the white light steadily grew brighter.

He shot off the power as soon as it was ready, striking Domieen straight in his chest. The Dragon God reached up with his gauntlet and used his own power to stop the attack. The ball of silver, crackling light sparked in the gauntlet of Domieen's hand. Slowly he twisted his hand around and the ball seemed to lose its forward momentum.

Talon realized all too late what was going to happen next and started to try to build up enough power to counteract what he'd just thrown at Domieen. The flimsy shield he threw up was easily shattered as the white light came hurtling back at him. The assassin was flung backwards by the force of his own magic, the crackling of the power expanded all across his body and he hit the ground hard. Rolling to a stop, he was flat on his stomach and coughing blood.

He tried to raise his head to get up, but the world spun too quickly and he found he couldn't move. Aside from the dizziness every limb was locked from the electrical shock he took right then as well. Everything was slowly becoming numb. Soran's voice barely reached him as the dark elf stood and launched his own attack at Domieen.

Soran drew on the power of the chest peice, gathering as much of it as he could. He expanded his arms outwards and watched in amazement as the dark mass of power swirled around Domieen's form. The Dragon cursed loudly as the magic assualted him. Soran wasn't entirely sure what he'd done, but he smiled all the more. It was enough to know that he'd irritated the dragon to that point.

As the dark elf prepared to send another powerful blast, mostly to see what he could do, but also to hopefully end it in one shot, the Dragon God lifted his clawed hand at him. Some of his own dark magic materialized right infront of Soran, the same stuff that he'd sent at Domieen. The elf cursed darkly, his mismatched eyes understanding then what had happened and what was to happen next.

The dark swirls took solid form and shot down at him like spears. They each penetrated him through the armor and Soran dropped to the ground, arms wrapped around his body in pain.

"Your...turn," he managed to croak out to Jennifer. Though he was sure she was going to unleash hell after having Talon thrown down in such a way. Soran coughed, warm blood spilling out across his lips and chin. With a wicked grin he looked up to see what damage she was about to unleash.

"Get up," Jennifer ordered, taking a stance in front of Talon, "You where the one who said you weren't going to die so easy. Show me your resolve!"

Looking directly across the room at Domieen, Jennifer presented a smile so big it was almost painful. Amidst all of the action, barely anyone had noticed that Jennifer's ice spears were now melted puddles of water, soaking the marble and dark fabric of Domieen's robes. In one smooth motion, the mage slapped her hands down on the ground, "World Fracture! Electricity!"

The spark of realisation sent the fear into Domieen. The black dragon started backwards in horror but the surge was upon him instantly. Charged volts raced upwards and soon, they engulfed him. A terribly popping sound filled the air, along with the smell of freshly cooked meat as a sensation which could only be described as scalding ripples of water assaulted Domieen. For a moment, all he could do was shudder in temporary paralysis as his muscles spasmed uncontrollably.

"Not yet," Jennifer seethed, clearly the mage's torturous routine had only just begun. Intent on making the black dragon pay for all of his past crimes against Talon, she lashed out again. This time her artifact pulsed, responding to her growing emotion. It was hate, and perhaps more hate than she ever felt towards anyone, "I'm going to make this excruciatingly slow and painful. And then, once I've stripped away your will to live, then you have my permission to die."

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Character Portrait: Jennifer Live Character Portrait: Talon V'lyn Character Portrait: Soran Keel
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Some moments later

Talon lifted Soran easily, holding him with one arm around his shoulder and the other around Soran's waist. They'd left the building where Domieen had taken refugee in, of course, there wasn't much left of the building anymore. When Talon had gotten his surrounds cleared after being attacked by the Old Dragon God, Jennifer was the only one standing. The assassin had laid eyes upon a devestation that he had only seen once before, even so, it was hard to witness.

Outside, in the courtyard, Talon found a spot where he could put Soran down and get a bit of rest himself. Kneeling on one knee, he ran one hand through his blue-grey hair and looked up to Jennifer. The one thought in mind was where the other Dragon God was. Although, at the same time, he almost didn't want to know.

"You're alright?" He asked her, unsure if she'd sustained any injury during the short fight with Domieen.

Standing idly next to Talon, she looked down at him thoughtfully, "I'm good, actually. Better than I've felt in a long time." The mage frowned at herself as she recalled the transpired events. Domieen was finally dead, she had performed the deed herself and made certain of it. "It's just... really weird," she murmured, "I thought I would be happier."

"It's alright," Talon responded and sighed, releasing his stress at the same time, well some of it anyway, "At least your alright. That's all that matters."

He stayed in the kneeling position for some time before the rumble came. The earth beneath his feet shook violently and tossed him over to the side. The assassin caught his fall with his hand and balanced his body. Cracks began appearing all along the cobblestones near the palace that loomed over head. Seconds later the palace erupted, breaking apart into nothing but shambles as an enormous figure unfurled above them.

Talon's heart raced, his chest tightening at the sight of the dragon that far outmatched Domieen in both size and presence. The unearthly being swooped down, landing in the courtyard, dragging back it's lips to reveal yellowed teeth and growled deeply. The ground shuddered at his landing and Talon lost his balance, falling to his back.

"Hat Shath To'eiyan." The Dragon growled, the ancient language confusing Talon completely. The dragon loomed closer, lowering his head as his dark orange eyes burned with rage. Obviously he had threatened the assassin in some way, but it's meaning was completely lost to him.

"I think... he just said... bow or die... something along those... lines," Soran said next to him. Talon looked to him sharply.

"How the hell do you know that?"

Soran grinned, blood still smearing his face from his earlier injury, his fingers rapped against the onyx breast plate as an answer. Talon turned to Barthomel, eyes narrowed, "You first," he growled and got to his feet, the silver bracer glowing brightly.

Jennifer had never felt so inconsequential in all of her life. A sense of palpable shock washed over the mage, stiffening her limbs as she beheld the monstrosity before them. Its vast body engulfed them with shadows, distending into the lengths of a great wrym. Scattered stone drizzled like rain over the courtyard as the world around them seemed to crumble from his mere proximity. So this was Barthomel, ancient god and devourer of civilizations. "My my," she muttered, gazing defiantly up at the baleful eyes of the ancient dragon, "You're picture books depictions are much more cuter."

Sarcastic or not, the mage vaulted backwards and raised her right hand. A fierce grin of anticipation greeted her pink lips. "I've always wanted to fight an ancient dragon. World Fracture!"

Huge spheres of crimson light energy formed over her palms, crackling with furious electricity. "I guess we all attack at the same time?"

"Excellent idea," Soran panted in response, pushing himself up to his feet, using the wall that Talon had set him down next to. The assassin allowed the bracer to continue to gather power, trying to get as much as he could into one shot. From the corner of his eye, he watched Soran's chest plate also begin to glow.

In front of them, Barthomel gave a rumbling laugh and snaked backwards. He flexed his wings and shifted his head from side to side, eyeing them each. Talon released his power along with Soran and Jennifer. Their magic's mixed together and raced towards Barthomel who stood not but ten feet away from them. All of the power exploded across the giant Dragon, cracking loudly.

What didn't hit him, or was reflected off, took out buildings behind the dragon, causing a large portion of dust to rise and semi-cloak the God. Talon eyed the cloud of smoke warily, his heart racing. He had a bad feeling that they hadn't done anything at all to him. A soft rumble worked it's way across the open air, almost like a gurgling of water at the back of one's throat, except more of a growl. Wings outlined by the smoke extended outwards in a sharp snap.

The dust washed over them and Talon raised an arm to keep the particles from getting in his eyes. He just barely caught sight of the dragon's body lifting upwards, the long neck extended down with the head near the ground, maw opened wide. Light grew at the back of his throat and in the next instant, the magic exploded outwards at the three of them. Talon took in a gasp of air and raised the arm with the bracer quickly, erecting a sheild as best he could.

"Shit..." he heard Soran curse behind him.

"Don't just stand there!" Jennifer yelled. She hauled arse and ran over to Talon, spreading her arms out in front of her. "World Fracture! Slingshot!"

A giant sling wrapped around the trio, summoned out of thin air by her artifact's power. Hastily, she shoved her assassin into the device and then slapped the release mechanism. With a wicked snap, the band accelerated, releasing all tension as it carried them on its desired trajectory. Projecting all three of them into the air, they cleared the attack zone just barely. Jennifer winced, feeling the heat of it all along her back. Silver flames vaporized everything behind them indiscriminately. Stone simply vanished, dust ceased to exist. Such was the extent of Barthomel's power that it almost seemed like a empty void had been cut out of the courtyard.

"World Fracture! Mattress!"

Obeying her command, a carpet of quilted covers materialized in front of them. They hit the ground with soft thumps, their falls cushioned by the hastily erected furniture.

Talon hit the mattress, bounced in the air twice and then finally came to a halt. His breath was short as he looked over his shoulder to the devestation that could have been their end. Nothing was left standing, buildings and structures, gone entirely in a single blast of power. He directed his gaze over to Jennifer.

"Have I told you you're sheer ingenuity is amazing?" He asked softly. He got off the contraption that she'd created and faced the Dragon that had turned and glared at them.

"I'd love to hear all about it later," she chuckled, pushing herself upright.

Soran got up to his feet as well and stumbled over to the assassin, slightly doubled over from the sudden 'throw and catch' that was Jennifer's idea of saving them.

"Krat shath..." Barthomel growled once again.

"Again, with the 'dragon language'," Talon muttered as he wiped at the dirt that had accumulated across his lips and face.

"Want me to translate?" Soran asked with a bit of sarcasm.

"I can assume he's pissed off."

"He said 'Die human...' "

"Figures."

"Ask him if that does not include the dark elf then?" Jennifer said, putting a frown on.

Soran laughed lightly, resulting in a cough. He shook his head lightly at the mage and stepped forward. The breastplate on him began to take on a dark glow, radiating power that was mixed both with the dark elf's and a touch of Barthomel's. Talon looked over to Soran, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't think he'll make exceptions, dear mage. However, judging from his last attack, I doubt we'll last much longer."

"What confidence... Why did I bring you again?"

Soran chuckled soflty once more, "Because. I'm going to give you that chance, Lord V'lyn."

Talon's eyes narrowed as he gazed into Soran's mismatched eyes, "What do you mean?"

"You'll see soon enough," the elf said hoarsly and shoved at them both, using a bit of magic as well as he wasn't strong enough to do it alone. Talon stumbled backwards from the area. He'd been so engrossed with Soran's speech that he'd not noticed Barthomel's snake like movements in the dust that had ensued from his decimating half the city. The assassin hit the ground hard on his back. When he'd lifted his head, his sight took in the enourmous orange jaws of the Dragon God wrapping around Soran.

The elf hadn't done a thing to stop the attack either, only smiled grimly, probably far too gone already to notice any pain. However, the breastplate still glowed brightly as Barthomel lifted his head, opened his jaw again and closed them around the elf completely.

Talon turned away at the last second, unable to watch the elf in his demise. However, a loud sound caught his attention and the orange dragon dropped down to the ground suddenly. A peircing screech filled the air from the Dragon God's jaw. Blood overflowed from his gaping mouth and landed in puddles on the cobbles stones.

"What... happened... did... Soran do that?" Talon asked softly to no one in particular. He watched in amazement as the great Dragon was reduced to nothing but writhing and bloody coughs.

Jennifer had no words for him. Observing the widening circles of blood she made a small, sharp gesture she had not made in a long time. She bowed in reverance. Barthomel's violent twitching made her inhale deeply and focus her eyes back onto Talon.

"This is that chance, Talon. Let's finish this," she growled. Lifting her arms up, magical energy surged into a pillar around her, tossing her hair about madly. The winds picked up, whipping the fabric of her clothes as the force of her magic seared the ground and consumed great chunks of rubble from the streets around them. The red sparks developed into a howling inferno, an embodiment of her rage that lighted the ash clouds above. "So Barthomel, what'll it be. Submission or death?"

Talon stood up and moved to be right behind Jennifer. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, taking hold of her firmly whilst his bracer began to glow once more. The silver light pulsed, expanded and stretched to reach her necklace. The power touched her jewel and then exploded around them both.

"Darean Shath Ka!" The dragon hissed at them, blood spewing from his jaw to add to the pool of it before him. Talon frowned and leaned in to be heard over their howling power.

"Oh, what was that? I forgot I can't speak ancient dragon," Jennifer smirked.

"I don't think he deserves to live, love."

His gaze took on the usual silver molten lead when he was angry, but this was induced by the magic swirling around him and the beautiful mage. The crackle of Ieer's power mingled in the air, stretching forward, gaining more momentum as it built. Much like their first attack at Barthomel, he pushed all of his energy into it. Maybe a bit too much, for he winced slightly, his hand gripping the other with the bracer tightly. Even so, he wasn't about to falter.

"This time, stay dead, bastard," Talon growled and begun to let go of all the power they'd built, aiming it straight at the dragon. The dragon shrieked as death approached, blazing a hole across over the earth to reach it. Their twin powers combined reached out and swallowed the ancient dragon before exploding into a brilliant sphere of white light.

At the same moment, a massive spear pierced Jennifer through the chest.

The assailant cursed as he was forced to raise his hands up to shield his eyes from the incoming wave of illuminessence. The miscalculation saved Talon's life as the spear lost its momentum and stopped just short of hitting the assassin. Gasping for breath, Jennifer fell sidewards as the weight of the shaft carried her down. Landing before Talon, Collin grinning wickedly. "Well, that's the important one down at least," he said, spitting down at Jennifer's corpse disdainfully. He looked up and then skirted back, "That just leaves you."

Whispering an incantation, more ice spears appeared around Collin's head, their tips aimed threateningly at the assassin. "Impale!" he shouted, thrusting the lances forward with a flick of his wrist.

He felt her body jerk at a sudden impact and his heart shot to his throat. What happened? Hadn't they just killed Barthomel? Why, then, was she falling from his grip? He was shocked at what happened, something sharp had just barely pressed against his chest before she fell away from him. Talon caught her before she could hit the ground and knelt down with her, eyes wide with fear and shock. The spear that protruded from her mimicked the spear he was feeling in his chest.

Collin's voice reached him, and Talon turned his gaze upwards to direct his growing fury at the mage. What was this? Why was Collin standing right before him? Hadn't the little weasle died down in the caverns where they'd left him? His teeth ground in boiling rage and he stood up slowly to face the man who was Jennifer's brother.

Collin's incantation caught his attention and the assassin looked up just in time to see the incoming danger. His breath sucked in sharply and he was forced to move from Jennifer's side, that or be impaled. He had no magic left to defend himself with, having used it all against Barthomel whose charred body lay smoking in a smoldering mess not to far off.

Talon danced backwards, just barely missing getting hit by the falling ice. They impaled the cobblestones, creating loud 'thudding' sounds across the earth. He reached into his clothing and withdrew several throwing knives with one hand. In the other hand he drew his dagger from its sheath across his lower back. He manuevered his body so that he had a clear shot at Collin, and with a flick of his wrist sent the knives hurling through the space between them.

He followed his projectiles right after, reaching back to draw the other dagger as well. The assassin moved quickly, closing the distance between them. Both blades cut across the air at Collin in an attempt to slit his throat.

More words escaped his lips as Collin followed up with a shield in response to the throwing knives. An ice wall stopped the projectiles just short of his face before melting into a puddle. So predictable, so simple. He'd spent weeks learning, tailing and observing the young Talon's habits prior to their first meeting. Now it was time for his work to bear fruition. His eyes were just barely able to follow the assassin's lightning movements, meaning Talon had the advantage of speed over him, but Collin had plenty of magic to compensate and something more. A thunderous roar and the beating of wings filled the air as a red tailed swept aside Talon. Claws raked over the cobblestone as Collin's dragon bond landed, intercepting the assassin.

Shifting himself back, Collin narrowly dodged the deathblow that still came scything downwards. They ripped into his shirt, drawing tendrils of blood as the mage was too slow to avoid them completely before Talon was thrown away.

The mage stumbled backwards, hissing his name. "Talon, you've made a fatal mistake." Collin's arm lifted, creating another icy lance and aiming it. Rather than targeting Talon though, he steered the sharpened point towards Jennifer's incapacitated form. "I can anticipate your every move," he snarled.

He launched the spear without hesitation, impaling the wounded mage a second time. Jennifer cried out in shock as the lance sank into her waist. Then, abruptly she vanished.

"And you're about to die," a feminine voice chuckled.

Eyes widening, Collin looked sidewards at the source of the words. Jennifer lay propped up against a wall of stone, blood smeared across the pavement she had dragged herself over. She was grinning, as usual, though her eyelids struggled to remain open. Mockingly, she waggled her eyes at him, indicating he could look behind. With a slow and horrible realisation, he twisted to re-face Talon, knowing the assassin was already upon him.

The knives stopped, bouncing off a shield of ice that the crafty mage had erected just in time to save his life. Talon's eyes narrowed, teeth grinding in irritation. Collin reminded him how much he hated mages, cheaters when it came down to it. He continued his headlong rush at the man, fully intent of driving his dagger through the man's throat.

Just as he was about to cut into Collin's jugular, he was intercepted by the man's dragon batting him away with it's heavy tail. Talon's blades caught the man's chest though, as he was thrown away. He coughed hard as he was swatted by the dragons tail, he was sure that his ribs had been bruised greatly by the impact. The assassin hit the ground, bounced off the cobblestones and then slid slightly.

Talon winced as he finally came to a stop and coughed. Slowly he rolled to his stomach and got back to his feet just in time to see Collin fling another spear of ice at Jennifer's wounded body. He felt his stomach twist into knots, pure rage boiling through him. The bastard had wounded her already, did he have to make it worse? His heart pounded hard and he rushed across the distance that he'd been thrown.

Jennifer's voice filled the air, but the assassin didn't pay it any mind, even as her fake body disappeared into thin air. The fact that she'd been hurt in the first place was more than enough to enrage him. Collin's mistake was taking his eyes off the assassin who approached near silently and rapidly. Talon manuevered around the dragon as best he could and leapt up into the air with his arm pulled back in a striking position. His hand held tightly to the dagger that he'd managed to keep hold of after being hit by the dragon's tail.

The other hand reached out and gripped Collin's shoulder, near his neck as the man turned back around to face the assassin. With his knee, Talon collided hard into the mage's body, pushing him down onto the ground as he struck out with his dagger, his arm snapping forward much like a snakes. The knife plunged downward towards Collin's exposed neck.

Collin slammed against the ground, feeling the weight of Talon's bodily force driving the wind out of his lungs. He writhed desperately to roll away, already anticipating the final blow.

"You bastar-"

There was a flash of silver as the knife slashed down, piercing his flesh without pause. Blood sprayed from the wound as Collin choked on his own life fluid, mouth gaping like a fish caught out of water. His dragon experienced the pain too late to liberate its master. It let out a low keening, shaking its head as it lost all semblance of control. Collin lay gurgling, and ultimately helpless now that his speech incantations had been severed.

Blood covered his hands and got onto his clothing as well. Talon removed the blade as soon as he'd cut into the man's neck. He watched for a moment as Collin struggled to stay alive, his dragon screaming out in pain as well. The beast tossed, falling to the ground in it's drunken state. Talon was brought to the present by the motion of the enormous body crashing to the cobblestones.

He scrambled off of Collin and turned to look for Jennifer. In his rage induced fit, he'd hardly recognized that she'd spoken out to her brother before the assassin had killed him. His eyes shot around, trying frantically to find her. Once he did, he started towards her. The hit he took from the dragon hurt but he managed to keep his footing, up until he was right next to her. Grimy with sweat, blood and dirt, Talon dropped in front of her, hands shaking.

"Jennifer," he whispered, his eyes locked on the terrible wound that afflicted her. He was going to have to heal her, and quickly. He reached out, gripped the icy shaft and let the bracer take over. His energy was low, almost too low to even do any casting with the dragon magic. Even so, he pushed what he could into the power. The shaft shattered in his hands, and he reached down to the wound in her body.

"Not going to finish him off?" she slurred before chuckling ruefully, "That's going against the teachings of Riena isn't it?"

Silver light spiked around her, reaching deep into her body and working to mend the broken flesh, torn muscle and tendons. He was feeling light headed as he worked, his vision swam between bright white and a dull gray. His head lifted a bit to catch her words, his gaze barely making her out.

"He's dead..." he replied with certainty. Even if the mage wasn't, Talon would have no problem killing him a second time. His lips pulled into a tight smile as he caught the second half of her speech, "What.. teachings?"

He finished what he could with her wound before collapsing against her, completely exhausted and near ready to pass out. His breath was heavy, his body leaning dangerously off to the side. He could feel himself slipping off her slowly, and finally hit his side on the dirt.

Still suffering from the burning pain in her chest, Jennifer just barely caught Talon with a grunt of supreme effort. Her delicate limbs quivered, struggling under the pressure of his considerable weight. After gingerly easing his head down onto her lap, Jennifer exhaled a long, deep sigh. What a tenacious man. Always extending himself over and beyond the limits of whats necessary. The gentle serenity which descended over the smoldering courtyard seemed to herald their victory, so she granted herself the pleasure of stroking her assassin's cheek, finding a calming peace in the tranquility. "Thank you Talon, for everything."

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