Fantasy

Mhisty chuckled when Vee said she wasn't the only newbie anymore. When Vosro asked what that was, she figured he hadn't really been around others much, at all. Nothing wrong with it, of course. Her eyes kept glancing around, giving her hopes up of finding more people to join them.

Behind her, she heard Irsire tell her that there didn't seem to be anyone else, so they should eat and move on. She didn't feel like moving on from the area just yet. The tavern wasn't the only spot in the town they could look. There were also markets and the sort. She sighed lightly, "You have a point, Irs." She turned around, to look at him, although seeing his red eyes glow more. She knew what that meant, so she didn't mind when Irsire stepped out for some air. "Be careful, Irsire." Her voice was softened for him to hear. She grew worried for the demon. It probably would be best if they got some food and left, instead of eating in.

Her eyes were still on the doorway when the woman that was drinking ale left as well. She raised an eyebrow, wondering if she was only leaving on coincidence, or saw something about Irsire. Hesitant to look away, she sat where Irsire was. "I think we should just get food to go. Vosro, did you eat yet?" She looked over to the Drasican as she spoke her question. She then looked to Vee and smiled lightly, "Are you hungry?" Mhisty knew she was. It's been a while since she's had that rabbit yesterday.

She waved a waitress over, placing her order for some simple soup and bread. Mhisty dug into her pocket for the coin purse she had of the money she had saved up, looking at both of them, "My treat if you want anything." She wasn't sure what Irsire wanted though. Was he even hungry? Her mind then wandered to Renth. Should she pick him up something to eat as well? It would probably be best. And if he didn't want it, then it could possibly be easily stored if it was something not soup-y. Also, Leden. She knew what he liked, so she just may get a big deer steak for him.

Irsire peered at Yokio as he commented on his glowing eyes, " I'll be fine," Irsire told him, the full demonic tone being released with that simple statement. He wanted to get somewhere quite where he could meditate and control all of his mental activity, but being outside of the bar was good enough. The tall tales of adventurers, dragon slayers , demon hunters, and war brought back Irsire's murderous thought's. It was never a good idea to have a demon around negative energy, it feeds their will to fight and kill reverting them back to a feral state. Irsire had repressed his demon side for years without an outburst, it wasn't to difficult to repress but as time goes on and the memories start to flow back.Maybe I should let go, he thought to himself then shaking his head at the ideal "It's to damn risky for anything like that" he said to himself still pacing back and forth, It's not like anyone trusts a demon anyhow, either way we'll be shown in our true glory he continued battling his thoughts.

Irsire wanted to move on from this town to the next already, it was taking a tole on his sanity. Well that plus the consent nightmares, he needed to either transform or let out his pent up dark energy soon. Either wouldn't do him any good with the rest of the group, he honestly feared to how they would react to a demon traveling right beside them. The Lady already accepted him and that was good enough in his mind. The sun slowly began to set by the time Irsire had finally calmed down a bit, his thoughts would be a problem to deal with another day. Instead of going inside to fetch the lady and the others he decided to stay alone standing outside of the tavern as the sunlight reflected off of his gray hair lightly

Okami ran up to Fume when she landed. "Sorry I'm late. I saw you land, and since I don't know the current plan, I was going to ask." He wondered if he should have killed the deer on the way. The meat would satisfy his hunger. " Speaking of the plan, is it an attack plan or not? What will we do?"

((sorry for the short post, and sorry that I'm a bit late in the story, but work is basically blocking my time to roleplay. (and my computer got a virus :P)))

Layn sat in the dark corner of the tavern observing Mhisty and her clan. She saw no need for disguises as none of them had seen her before, so she took her standard elven form, and ordered a tea to get rid of the waiter, so she could proceed with her observations.

(* ooc * sorry about the really short post but I didn't know how to introduce Layn. I'll post better once I start interacting with others *)

"Whelp" Renth stood up from the fountain. "they're probably at the bar, with all the drunks, and alcohol, and soup." He started walk towards the mouth of the cul-de-sac, trying to remember what this towns bar served. He pulled his hands out and started counting on his fingers. Okay so ale, beer, soup, stew, he never really like soups or stews, not enough fight as eating cooked meat right off of the bone. It was the same reason he didn't like utensils. Not enough work. He turned to see the bar, an oak log structure, emitting a smell of alcohol, bread, and meat. He liked the latter smell the most, and decided to focus on that the most.
As he opened the door, creaking with an ominous tone to reveal the hearty laughter and spilt drinks, as well as the telling of old stories that couldn't possibly be true. He saw Mhisty and the rest of the Shira-yui, and as he scanned the group, discovered a small, feeble man who couldn't possibly be evil. As well as some bar goer with dark skin and black hair. He looked over still to see a fair elven maiden sitting alone in a corner, oh well, she must be lonely. He made his way towards her, passing the waiter and eventually making it to her table. he needed a line that could either get her to join the Shira-yui, or be shot down easily enough to get him out of their fast. He pulled down his hood, revealing his pale face and sharp eyes,
"So, what's a beautiful girl like you doing in a place like this?"
Oh god this better work. it's not going to work is it.

Layn notices the door open and sees a man walk in, but she can't see his face as his hood was pulled high over his head. She sees him glance over the table she had been observing and then turn and walk towards her shortly after she dismissed the waiter. He pauses for a minute upon reaching her table before pulling his hood down revealing himself to be a young handsome elf, with fair skin and sharp eyes. She looks at him quizzically thinking to herself Have I revealed myself? Why is the second in command of the Shira-yui approaching my table? incredibly nervous she waits for him to say something. "So, what's a beautiful girl like you doing in a place like this?" he finally asks her.

"I've been staying at an inn not far from here and discovered that this tavern has the best tea in town. I love a nice cup of tea. What brings you here?" She replies without missing a beat, not revealing her nervousness. She feels he isn't dangerous and is interested to see what he has to say. She smiles at him revealing her catlike teeth, forgetting that most elves don't have pronounced canines.

Fume sighed, as she could smell Okami now. Was she going to have to listen to more nonsense, or re-explain everything? She stood up on all fours, her current size still a deer, and glared with glowing white eyes at the oncoming werewolf.

His question agitated her. Obviously, he probably heard from someone who was actually at her semi-speech and heard them talking about it. "It's an attack and take over plan. Yokio is in the area now, looking for recruits. Nora is doing whatever she needs to do to be ready for when the sun sets and moon rises. It's a full moon tonight, but I'm sure you could tell."

She moved to circle Okami, thinking, "You could probably be useful, being a night creature and no doubtably stronger on the full moon. You could be on the ground when we start our arrival; me, Yokio, and Nora are going to be in the sky. Eyes might be focused on us, not on you, and you can go ahead and start your attack. Focus on the edges of populated areas. If someone says 'have mercy,' ask if they'll join or be enslaved. If it's neither, kill them. For now, go around telling our disposable members that when they see fire in the sky, that's their cue to join in. Oh yeah, and there will be a storm when we make our arrival."

She stopped circling and sat down, digging her claws purposefully into the soil. Her voice was the usual raspy sound, "Understand?"

Irsire watched from a distance as Renth entered the tavern where Lady Talos, Vee and the new recruit Vorso were waiting for food, and maybe some new recruits. He chuckled at Renth's perception, how could a food elf just walk pass his ally he thought. Or maybe he has his mind fixated on something important, either way he isn't even supposed to be in town right now. He finished thinking to himself. By actually changing his train of thought to something else, Irsire pushed away his demonic thoughts but reentering the tavern wouldn't give him any desired results. So He continued to stand outside, getting bored after a few more moments of motionlessness he left from the front of the tavern looking for the blacksmiths shop. "Hey Renth the blind elf, I'm going to the blacksmith's my blade needs a check up. You know how to contact me if you need me," Irsire said finishing his message through the darkness, Renth would soon here Irsire's voice prodding at the back of his head until he acknowledged the message. It was a crude but effective way to speak to your companions, and it was always comical to listen to their responses.

Irsire continued to walk away from the tavern heading north from there following the patches of black smoke in the sky, usually the sign of a blacksmiths forge. Walking passed three more buildings before coming across it, the dwarfen blacksmith was hunched over at his forge hammering away at a steel war-hammer, sweat dripped from his forehead down to his short three inch beard . With every strike luminous sparks shot out scattering around the forge putting on quite the light show, Irsire didn't want to interrupt such a masterful craft but as he grew closer the dwarf stopped working. Soot covered the dwarf's face and with a smile he spoke " Do ye got somethin needin a fixin boy'o," the blacksmith said to him. The dwarfish accent always seemed to put a smile on his face replying to the man Irsire spoke " May you look at my blade, such a masterful crafts man as yourself could tell the marital just from taking a closer inspection," he drew closer and lay Disire on the work bench.

The dwarf smiled and examined the blade throwing in a comment for ever observation "ohh ye playin with demonbane, must be a good ol slayer. No No ye almost fooled me, I see a family crest. Seersire, oh a demons blade." The dwarf grew quiet and he wasn't as cheerful as before, "Clansmen Irsire, son of Nisire?" the dwarf said turning and looking directly into Irsire's dimly glowing red eyes. "TALI HO!" The dwarf yelled in excitement, "Me grandfather told me of some demon's back in the ol day's, we workd with your family. I could fix ye ol blade in no time..." Before the dwarf could ramble on Irsire stopped him, "Just redo my blood enchantment Grail, that's all I need for now, plus I don't have the gold to play you. I don't feel like increasing the family debt," Irsire told him with a light grin.

Grail looked to Irsire with a slight smile, "ye blade will be fixd in the morn my lord," with that Grail dismissed Irsire and shut down his forge taking Disire and the war hammer inside to the workshop. Time flew by while he was at Grail's, the sun was already beginning to set.

(ooc: Tried to do a dwarfish accent)

Mhisty sat back in the seat she was in. While the waitress had taken their orders if they had any, she was off. Mhisty's eyes looked at the doorway, wondering if Irsire would be coming back in. She knew how he gets, and she was worried. Yeah, definitely shouldn't stay here any longer. Maybe I should go keep him some company? Then the door opened, and in came Renth. She smiled, wondering if he noticed, but he was off in another direction. Maybe he noticed something? He was supposed to be watching around the town, outside of it. Maybe there wasn't anything around and he was taking a break? She wasn't sure. Maybe he was hungry? Her purple eyes followed his figure until he was at another table, sitting with what appeared to be a female elf. Renth would be able to decide if she could join or not, that is, if she accepted.

Her soup came and she decided to down it as fast as she could, which yes, is not lady-like, but she wanted to get outside and see how Irsire was doing. She wouldn't mind stepping outside either. She was sure Vee, Vosro, and Renth could take care of themselves. She placed her bowl down and some money, surely more than was needed, but it was for if Vee or Vosro wanted anything. Mhisty picked up the deer steak she had ordered to be wrapped up, and some bread, then looked at the two across from her, "Here's the money for what I ordered and if you want anything. If you don't, go ahead and split it between the two of you." She smiled happily and got out of her seat to stand up.

She left the tavern and stepped outside, but she couldn't see Irsire. She frowned. Maybe he was off doing something needed done? She went back inside and over to Vee and Vosro, "Hey, I'm going to check up on Len. If something happens, that's where I am." She smiled before waving and going back out, towards the tree she seen Leden go into earlier. She was going to climb, but remembered she didn't have any free hands. She spoke up, "Hey L-." Her voice got cut off!

(( Okay, all fixed. :D For anyone who hasn't checked out the OOC, there will be a timeskip as soon as Layn either accepts or declines the offer that is about to happen. ))

Almost as soon as Mhisty had opened her mouth, Leden had pulled her into his hiding spot in a hollow log, effectively cutting her off. He held a hand over her mouth, keeping her from talking as he waited. He didn't like doing it, but Mhisty would soon know why. Leden assumed she wasn't all too happy about it, especially because it was so cramped in there. He could feel his body being warmed from what most would find pleasantly cool to the temperature of any normal person due to Mhisty's close proximity, but he knew Mhisty would do her best to keep him from overheating. It wasn't all too long after she had been pulled in than a group of four people wandered past, standing directly in their line of sight.

They were all heavily armed and wore varying types of armor, and clearly were intent on finding someone. They were made up of an elf woman, a dwarf man, a male goblin, and a very tall, muscular elf man, who clearly led the group. The female elf wore a grey hooded cloak, a green tunic, and grey pants, carrying with her a longbow, a quiver of arrows, a few throwing knives, and a hunting knife. The dwarf carried a battle axe, wearing heavy iron armor. The goblin had two swords sheathed on his back and wore armor similar to that of the dwarf. The male elf carried a bastard sword in his hands, keeping a long sword sheathed on his back. He wore a set of shining armor, most likely made of bronze, with a helmet made from a dragon's skull. The elf man spoke to the other three, seeming rather frustrated.

"Damn that stupid ice dragon!" He said, pacing restlessly while the others simply stood still, listening to him. "We've been tracking it since it attacked that village and was driven off by one of the residents. Where could it have gone? I can't believe we lost it!"

"I know it's around here somewhere." The elf woman said. "We just have to keep looking."

"But we have to find it before it attacks someone else!" The man shouted, causing Leden to roll his eyes. "Who knows how many people it will kill?!"

"Perhapsss we sshould asssk around town." The goblin hissed.

"Di'nt we see some elf lass walkin' this way?" The dwarf said.

"Yes, these are her tracks." The elf woman said, pointing to Mhisty's footsteps. "But they stop abruptly right here, and there's some blood on the ground." She indicated the spot Mhisty had stood in when Leden pulled her into his hiding spot alongside him, the blood having dripped from the deer steak she carried.

"Damn!" The man said, punching the tree Leden had been resting in before. "That dragon must have gotten her... we've got to find him before he gets anyone else!" Leden had difficulty restraining his laughter at this comment. "Let's ask around the tavern in the village, maybe someone there has seen him." With that, they headed off towards the village, going to the tavern with the other Shira-Yuri members. Once he was sure they were gone, Leden wormed his way out of his hiding spot, helping Mhisty do the same.

"Sorry about that." Leden said, running a hand through his dark hair. "Those pests don't give up easily. What did you need, Mhist?"

Vee watched as Irsire walked out of the small building, his eyes glowing red. She trusted that he could take care of him self even though she just couldn't help but worry a bit. When her soup came she burned her mouth with the first spoonful. This made her yelp in surprise and wave her hand in front of her mouth as if it would help cool it down or lessen the burning. Her eyes watered and she took a sip from a tankard she had been handed by the waiter. Wait, this isn't water! Shuddering, she looked around in distress then froze. "I feel like such an idiot." She took a water flask from off her belt and quickly took a sip, washing away the taste of beer and the burn as she sighed in relief. A few moments later she saw Renth walk past and up to another person, seemingly an elven woman from where Vee sat. Vee finished eating her soup after it cooled down and waved to Mhisty as she exited the building. "Okay, will do."

Vee waited for Vosro and Renth to be ready to go, not wanting to leave them behind in the tavern. She did, however, wonder who the group of four people were that had just entered the tavern. They looked heavily armed and that made Vee feel a bit uneasy. The leader looked like a tall, muscular male elf, his followers were a male goblin, a male dwarf, and a female elf. She looked down at her hands as she did a mental check on her weapon inventory. Even if she didn't really like conflict, she always had her many knives hidden somewhere on her figure or at least nearby.

I've been staying at an inn not far from here and discovered that this tavern has the best tea in town. I love a nice cup of tea. What brings you here?
Well he wasn't sure he could trust her, not with those pronounced, triangular canines either. Maybe just tell half the truth.
"I'm in here to get a deer skinned and quartered. I make my living in the woods you see." He put his arms onto the table to form a more aggressive body stance. "But the reason I came over here was to ask you something."
"Do you know who the Akashinu are?" If she were to say no, then she would be akashinu herself, and he would have to kill her on the spot. If she did, then this could be a lot more friendly, and a lot less bloody.
The door behind him creaked open, he turned to see two elves, a goblin, and a dwarf walk into the bar. Probably a couple of dungeon-goers. The goblin seemed well enough equipped to be a rogue, and the dwarf could probably double as a healer as well as fighter. Vee looked a bit off put though, might want to give her a hand and find the beauty he was talking to later. Yah, like he had a shot with her in the first place.
He got up from the table. "Actually on second thought I'll have to catch up with you later." As he walked towards Vee the male elf, if it was male at all, looked at him. Renth donned his hood, and sat down beside Vee and Vorso.
"We should probably leave soon. How's that food Vorso?"

The valiant band of heroes, the Shira-yuri, ate their meal and then tried many of the town's other gathering places to find fresh recruits, such as the market and square, but alas, no more heroes could be found in this small town after Vee, the female elf, and Vosro, a Drasican.

In the meantime, Fume and her army of ghoulish minions, the Akashinu, are prepared to attack the very town the Shira-yuri are in. They obviously outnumber the heroes. The Akashinu approach through the shadows of the forest or darkness of the sky as we speak, hungry for blood and power (especially Fume).

(( I want to credit this 99% to Mer! I only added some here and there. :P Thanks Mer, this saved tons of time! o.o... Check out the OOC to get an idea on tying up the ends of the past to make this flow into the present! :D ))

Mhisty had no chance to mention she had food, as she was taken into some darkened, cramped enclosure. She was taken by surprise, thus her temperature increased, and she almost dropped the deer steak she had for Len. She recognized the hand and the temperature of her "captor" as Len, in his humanoid form. No, he's not a captor. He had a decent reason to do this, that's for sure. Realizing that she had a heightened temperature, she quickly turned it down for her ice dragon friend, looking out into the area in front of them.

She blinked, seeing four figures right in front of them. Two elves, a dwarf, and a goblin. What a strange band, it seemed, but they seemed to have a determination, a purpose, proven by their faces, then by their words. Their words confused her. Attacking the village then being drove off? But Len was up in the tree the whole time, right? That is, until he had probably hidden himself where they were now.

Mhisty had to suppress her laughter to their thinking that she got eaten or torn to shreds by Leden. It was funny, for sure. She couldn't see Leden doing such a thing. When they were gone, Mhisty sighed. Once out of the hiding spot, she smiled, "It's okay, Len. I have... food for you, just in case." She held it out to him, the bread and deer steak, not asking what that was all about. It could be asked later.

After all the four figured confusion, she and some of the others went around the village again, asking for recruits. In between, when Mhisty got a chance of some alone-ish time, she practiced her fire magic. She believed she had to get better, to be stronger, before they had a serious showdown with the Akashinu. A bout with the Akashinu could prove very dangerous at this point. She's heard that Fume and her band of minions were plentiful, while they had few in number. She had shuddered at the thought of a fight, which was unsuspectingly going to happen at sundown anyhow.

The sun was setting, and Mhisty was in the square, with practically everyone gathering towards her. She was looking up at the sky, which, currently, appeared very starry (which will change very soon). Her blond hair was now tied back into a ponytail with the ribbons she had.

The elf jabbers on about the forest as Layn pretends to listen. He grabs her attention when he asks her about the Akashinu but before she can respond the door opens and in walks two elves a goblin and a dwarf, she pays them little attention as they look much like many of the other patrons, covered in armor and weapons, probably returning from a dungeon of some kind and looking for a nice drink. As she turns back to her new table mate she sees him abruptly stand up stating "Actually on second thought I'll have to catch up with you later." as he turns and walks to the group of Shira-Yuri, sitting down with them.

Intrigued by his question and wanting to know more Layn stands and begins to follow him to his table. As she walks her mind races trying to figure out how to justify following him back to his table. What should I say? I don't even know his name. I need to figure out how prepared the Shira-Yuri are and the only way is to get them to trust me. But how do I do that, when their leader is not here? I hope this works...

As she approaches their table she hears the elf man speaking to one of his table mates and she smiles at them saying "I'm sorry to interrupt but your friend here left without finishing our discussion." She looks at him "Yes I do know of the Akashinu, I have been observing both them, and your group, for a while now. I have decided that your cause is a much more worthy one and I would love to discuss this further with the rest of your group. You can find me here most evenings, or at the inn down the road. My name is Layn, and you will not find anyone more stealthy than I." As she says the last word she turns to walk away and as she walks away she transforms into a black house cat.

Fume, whether she got an answer of understanding by Okami or not, left off to go let other creatures know to spread the word. She wondered slightly if that was also what Nora was doing. A successful take-over may be in one that involves many minions! She laughed darkly to herself as she made her way back to her ocean. She needed to replenish herself in her salty waters with her delicious, meaty sharks and fish.

Once in the water, she took care to absorb plenty of the water, in her normal size, without the salt, of course, and eating enough shark and fish to last her throughout the rest of the day. She was soothed in her warm waters, purposely creating tidal waves to hit a destination possibly on the other side of the world. Ah, devastation. Even if I can't see it. Her dark laugh in the water startled a school of fish nearby, like they suddenly realized she was there. Her blue color made it difficult for the animals of the ocean to spot her, even possibly for the creatures peering into the water.

She pulled herself back out of the water, sand grains sticking to the undersides of her paws and tail, water spilling off from her and creating huge puddles in the once dry sand. Getting up onto the grass, she shook her body, noting how the sun was now setting. A cruel, dark smirk spread across her lips. It was time to begin gathering and ascending upon that little village that will be hers. Her white glowing eyes flashed a brighter light and she spread her wings out, throwing her neck back and roared her loudest roar. It was a signal to start going towards the town, or for Nora and Yokio to meet up with Fume once she was in the air.

She beat her wings a good few times, getting her body up with ease into the chilly air. It felt nice, and with a storm to be created by Yokio, she will have plenty of power on this full moon night. Her body felt full of ecstasy as she dreamed of the oncoming devastation and possible put-down of the Shira-yuri, or the death of Leden. She flew towards the town, knowing it might take a bit to get there.

Once closer to the town, she circled huge circles around the area until the sun was finally set, and whether or not Nora and Yokio were with her. It will be time, very soon. Once Yokio starts the storms, the starry sky will be no more and be filled with dark clouds.

Watching Vee's little display with slight amusement, Vosro remained quiet for the time being. He had finally managed to find and join the Shira-yuri. This made him happy, but he knew that things would get harder from here on out, sooner or later they would fight the enemy.

When Renth and Layn came over, Vosro listened for each to say what they had to say, taking careful note of where Layn said she would be. Then when Layn turned into a cat, a small magic circle with tiny runes appeared infront of one of Vosro's eyes as he watched Layn walk away. Curious He thought to himself.

When everyone finished their meal, they left the tavern, Vosro (Vee and Renth as well if you 2 stayed with Vosro) met up with Mhisty at the town square around sunset. When he found Mhisty, he told her about the elven woman named Layn and where to find her, in his usual timmid voice and with a stutter.

Leden leaned back in his perch. Mhisty had been quite kind to bring him food, and he was grateful for that. He kept a watch, but soon he saw the dark form of a dragon flying towards and around the village. He jumped from the tree, flying as fast as he could to the village. Once there, he searched for Mhisty, eventually locating and landing beside her.

"Dragon!" He shouted, panting softly. "There's a dragon above the village! We've got to get out of here!"

Irsire felt a huge demonic force circle the town, Fume it shall be time to finish you off for good in the name of AzsireIrsire thought to himself as he prepared his bout mentally. He thought of Fume as being a lower demon, for her to get so far in his mind was due to the lack of action by the order. They could have ended things before they had gotten this bad, and as a representative of the order Irsire would be sure she would fall in her quest. Looking back to Grails shop, Irsire wondered if he could get his blade back from the old dwarf with ease. Disire would be great against whatever demon's Fume brought over, and against Fume herself the sword would be very useful.

Deciding not to go after Disire, Irsire turned away from the blacksmiths shop sprinting full speed towards Lady Talos. The orb that she carried allowed him to track her with ease, turning down one street and watching as she gathered few of the Shinra-Yuri outside of the square

Irsire's eye's focused on Lady Talos, even prepared for battle the young lady look as beautiful as always, her blond hair was now tied back into a ponytail with the ribbons she had and the look of determination showed. Irsire knew she was ready no matter how much she may have feared the outcome of this fight. Sliding to a stop as he approached Mhisty "my Lady, I can feel Fume she looms over this town. No matter how much we wish against it, many innocent people may lose their lives today. However this fight, will decide if they can walk away with freedom to go along with their lives. I trust in your fire ability's my Lady, I trust in your ability to lead and to fight. I will try to be by your side throughout this battle, my goal is to keep you safe unless you have other orders in mind for me," Irsire paused and kneeled at her feet. Swiftly standing back up and turning to those present at the seen.

"I've been to war... countless of times, I've fought beside my brothers and father on the battle field. And there is no worse feeling than losing those who fight beside you, who would pick up their blade and fight in your honor. Vorso, though you have just joined with us, I want to see your face as it is when we end this fight. I don't want any single one of you to die here, I've dug graves for my brothers, my service men and my mother. I don't want to dig another for any of you, be careful, be mindful, and be quick on your feet and we'll live to fight another day. I've drawn arms against Fume that dragon bitch to stop the suffering of family's cause of war, conquest and lust for power, to many have lost lifes to her ruthless and selfish cause.This speech might not hit home for any of you, but this is my reason for serving under Lady Talos," Once again he paused, his eyes now glowing with fury and blood lust urging for combat. "As the order would say 'As the cycle of life and death continues, we will live they will die"

Spark's started to gather around Irsire, his mind was clear, and his goal was to keep Mhisty safe while taking out as many as he could. Looking to her one last time smiling again.

When Vee walked into the town square she continued on until she was within a five to ten foot radius of Mhisty, not really wanting to make it too crowded in a huddled way. As she took a mental head count of everyone that was there she noticed how unusually quiet it was and looked up to see the sky had become darker, the sun leaving behind a mixture of different colors as proof that it was setting. She listened as Vosro gave the report about Layn then when Vosro finished she couldn't help but speak when he was finished which was a bit strange for her to do without being spoken to first. "Yes, nothing much really happened after you left. The waiter gave me bowl of boiling soup which ended with me doing something that made me feel like an idiot and seemed to slightly amuse this one even if he was quiet." She nodded her head with a smile towards Vosro and continued. "Then, a heavily armed group consisting of two elves, a dwarf, and a goblin entered the tavern. I'm not sure what they were up to but they seemed a bit angry and distressed. Afterwards, as Vosro said, the elven woman known as Layn gave us instructions as to where she could found.

Once Leden landed beside them while announcing the presence of a dragon above the village her instincts made her look up and, sure enough, there was a dragon. No wonder I haven't heard anything animal related like birds rustling around in the trees. They must have been scared off. She looked to Leden and nodded. "I agree, but what about the village and the people?" She wasn't the type of person to leave people behind whether she knew them or not, especially when she knew of the impending danger looming over them. "Shouldn't we warn them or something of the kind?"

As Irsire skidded to halt next to Mhisty, Vee listened to his speech then bowedd her head. "I too have buried my mother and my brother though I have not been to war. And though this is all new to me, I do not wish to have to bury any of you. Good luck, everyone. Let us fight for the freedom we and all beings deserve. She smiled a small smile at everyone that was around in the area, getting ready to either pull her knives from their hidden places under her cloak or use her other abilities.

When Vee mentioned Vosro's amusement he smiled sheepishly. When Leden came, Vosro didn't know who he was, but due to the reaction of the group, he asumed Leden was one of the Shira-yuri. Then Irsire showed up and made his speech, listening to all of this, Vosro decided it was time to speak up himself. "I d-don't know the st-strength of the enemy, b-but I suggest we fight in su-such a way to learn th-their strength and we-weaknesses. But be re-ready to fall back if-if needed. Learn wha-what we can so if w-we can't take them d-down now, we will know h-how better for a la-later battle." His proposal was not that they don't fight full on now, just that they pay attention now and learn what they can. After all, no battle is a sure victory so you should always try to learn more to be prepared to fight another day.

"Well said, Irsire." Leden said, casually putting an arm on the demon's right shoulder. "We'll make it through this. I think our best course of action is to try and keep them away from the village, obviously, but trying to take them on now would be suicide. I'm not dying today, or I'd rather not, but I'm more concerned with you guys. I'll make sure you guys get out of this alive, even if I die doing it. Not that I'm expecting that to happen." Leden grinned at Irsire, somehow managing to make light of such a dire situation. His eyes flashed dangerously as he did that, and his grin seemed more maniacal than normal. He almost seemed to be looking forward to the fight. Len grimaced when he heard Vosro speak, walking over to him.

"This isn't about learning their strengths and weaknesses, bud." Leden said grimly after hearing what Vosro said. "It's about living to fight another day. I'm sure we will, but don't take too much time analyzing them. They're led by a dragon, Fume. They're not very predictable creatures, so analyzing one won't do you much good. Try not to get yourself hurt. It would be a shame if you got injured on your first day here." Leden spread his wings, walking over to Vee's side next.

"Hey, Elf." Leden said. "I'm counting on you to keep these guys under control." He indicated Ren and Irsire as he spoke. "I trust them, they're capable fighters, I just don't want any 'victory or death' going on tonight. You seem sensible enough to keep them from going overboard, so if you don't mind doing that for me, I'd appreciate it." He made his way to Ren, but instead of saying anything, he simply gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. He wasn't quite sure if he had anything to say to him that he hadn't said already.

Finally he reached Mhisty, and stood in front of her, looking into her eyes. "Any objections, Mhist?" He sounded oddly formal, yet the nickname made it seem casual at the same time. Without really waiting for her answer, he gave her a quick hug, whispering to her before letting her go so she could answer his question. "Stay safe, Mhist."

"Greater men than you have bowed before me."

Somewhere in the forest south of a certain town there was a clearing. In its center grew an old oak. This oak was not terribly remarkable in breadth or height. To look at it the only truly unusual aspect would have been its curious isolation. However, the oak held a great and terrible secret. This secret was entirely irrelevant to the situation at hand, and could be safely ignored.

Pacing in a slow circle below the tree was an angel. Maybe angel wasn't entirely accurate. She had a halo, certainly, a cold blue metal disc that floated above her head and seemed to drink in the moonlight until it glowed. She had wings also, though they could not at that moment be seen. But there are other aspects to being an angel, a goodness and wholeness of spirit which she lacked entirely.

She was garbed in what could be called a toga, an almost-grey robe that wrapped about her and flitted with the shadows. Her body was a strange, not quite white shell of segmented parts, as if an insect had made to feign humanity. Her eyes were, rather than holes filled with jelly, luminous rhombuses on her carapace made in the likeness of eyes, and they saw naught. Her head was covered by a voluminous hood that cast a shadow over her face and made her 'eyes' all the more prominent.

Angel may not have been the right word, but to look at her it was the first word to come to mind, and any word to properly describe what she was had long passed from any spoken language. Spirit may have been more accurate, but she was far too corporeal, so angel would have to do. She had another name for herself, however.

She called herself Ru.

The forest had a unique silence to it, one that Ru was almost loath to break. Unfortunate, really. The flickering moonlight gave the entire scene a feeling of romance and mysticism, silver dapples casting themselves along the ground, the ferns, the bed of leaves, her plain robes, and the elf.

Ah, the elf. She'd forgotten about him.

He hung suspended from his neck, pressed bodily against the tree where a thin blue tendril had caught him. The translucent projection seemed to emerge from the bark, wrap lightly around his neck, and then reenter the trunk on the other side. The elf was handsome, red-haired and slim, dressed in hunter's leathers. Originally he had been holding a bow, but weapons tended to complicate matters. The bow was hidden under the leaves, well enough it would take a while to find.

Ru moved almost utterly silently through the undergrowth, pacing back and forth as she pondered her situation. She had found herself rather caught up in the hidden parts of the world, so much so that she had completely missed humanity's downfall. A shame. She'd rather liked the creatures and their penchant for supplication.

A gag brought her attention back into the present. The elf grasped desperately at his throat and the blue line that held him. Ru looked at him curiously, trying to figure out why he panicked so.

Ah, breathing. Right.

Ru mentally released the mote of half-aware concentration that manifested her wings. The blue tendril faded away, and the elf fell to the ground, coughing and spluttering as air flooded back into his lungs. Just as well she hadn't held him tightly, Ru thought, else her nostalgia may well have killed him.

She waited patiently for the elf to regain his breath, tracing a circle in her palm with one finger. It made a sound like a knife scraping ceramic.

When the elf at last regained his senses, he muttered, voice rasping, "What... cough... what do you want?" He looked up at Ru with something close to anger. A brave man, she thought. Not very smart, though.

Ru's own voice, a high, soft monotone that rather evoked a hymn, replied, "I do not much appreciate being hunted. While your attempts on my life were... Entertaining, I've more use for an informant than a sparring partner."

"Wh-what?" The elf's expression shifted to a slightly more vacant one.

Ru sighed, "I require information about the area. A major population center or the like would be ideal. Simply point me in the right direction and I will leave you to your poaching."

"D-dinna have to choke me to ask that..."

"I have little appreciation for arrows, less so when they are being fired at me."

"U-understanable..." The huntsman nodded quietly, and pointed behind Ru, to the north. "There's a town that was, just past the horizon. Maybe six..." he was interrupted by a spurt of coughing.

Ru would have smiled, had she a mouth. "Thank you." She nodded gracefully to the elf, and, turning, began walking away, towards the edge of the clearing.

"W-wait!" Ru paused at the hunter's outburst, "Where's my bow?"

"Oh," Ru let out an airy chuckle that drifted through the air, "around. I'm sure you can find it." With that, she took the last few steps, and was hidden beneath the leaves and shadows of the forest, leaving behind a hunter groping in the leaves, looking for his bow. By the time he found it, lying next to his quiver under a particularly deep pile, she was long out of sight.

((Blank since the system glitched and double posted the same thing))

Under the village of innocent creatures lied a secret. But not just any secret, a dark secret of unspeakable evil. Under the tavern lied a lab made by humans. The lab was made of all white tiles. Blood and skeletons where scattered around the lab and a sign. A sign that read "PROJECT O.M.E.G.A", and under the sign was a black blob with the scent of tar and 'new car'.