Lore

Astra had let the Nephilim by without commenting for he offered light, which in this dark black forest was so very necessary.

She stood back and watched Thorin handle the beast, she did not intend to help him unless he was so close to death, that she could see the God's coming to get him . . . She wanted to see what he was truly made of.

Zaldir showed up close behind the Nephilim, Malik. Astra was just about to reprimand him his constant big speeches and lectures when he said something that struck her to silence . . . It was like her father was speaking word for word.

“Who told you that Zaldir, the last of the Kestal Clan?” She finally got out in a whisper . . .

Kael had started walking back to the tavern on impulse until she saw one by one each adventurer walked out, seemingly on a mission. perhaps they are going to slay that monster that the elder was talking about.... she mused. She felt compelled to follow them and she did so silently, not wanting to be noticed quite yet. She watched as one by one they joined in the battle for the giant monster.

On one hand she could simply sit there and watch how the battle unravels, however she had a lot of pent up frustration and anger and wanted desperately to kill something. She moved quickly to stand next to Thorin and held her book in front of her, she had the spell memorised but the magic infused book would help to make her spell stronger, considering she hadn't yet mastered it without the aid of the book and casting it "blind" could possibly make it backfire on her allies. She stretched the arm not using the book out in front of her and held one finger up to point at the monster. It was still trying to come into the small circle of light cast by Malik. Concentrating quickly and watching the thing with her eyes a deep red, she began casting her spell.

"Rekisix di whedabra si clax mojka dout toma. Irlym di sini si clax dout nymuerir." The spell was cast in Dragon Tongue and roughly translated to "creature I take sight. Enemy I take hearing." For spells she had mastered she could cast them with one simple word, but for all others she needed to recite the full incantation. The monster stopped and looked from side to side, it screamed in rage its clawed hands coming to scratch at it's face. Its eyes were still red and visible to them, but nothing could be seen from them.

Kael turned around to stare at everyone at once. "That spell will not last, if you have a plan then quickly execute it." She waited turned so one eye could watch the confused monster and the other could watch the group. What will they do?

Thorin marveled at the magic of his allies yet it was Kael's blinding incantation that truly gave him the opening he needed. He charged in, hammer in hand and a roar in his throat. The beast wailed about wildly as his sightless eyes betrayed him. Thorin leapt and swung with all his might. The blow connected solidly with the beasts knee causing the bone to shatter under the strike. The monster howled in pain and fell to it's now ruined knee cap. Thorin followed up with an upward swing that connected with the jaw of the beast. The blow was titanic in it's raw power. The beast fell back in a heap, it's face in the dirt. Thorin stood behind it ready to strike again should it move. It was then a sickening sound began to eek it's way out of the creatures maw. The sound of a laugh, hampered only by the now swollen jaw of the monster. It slowly pushed its self to its clawed hands and knees as it turned to look at Thorin for the first time since the fight began.

"Impressive monster slayer... but you will need more than that if you wish to kill me. Fail... and I shall eat your heart before I gorge on the pretty one."

The realization that the beast spoke shook Thorin to the core and that moments hesitation was all the time needed for the beast to charge and close the gap. Thorin had no time to bring his hammer to bear and instead had to drop the weapon or be caught within the gnashing jaws of the foul beast. The monster snarled viscously as it tried to bite into Thorin's body yet the strong man kept the beast at bay by holding it's upper and lower jaws at arms length with his own two hands.

Thorin Balderson and this beast of darkness were now caught in a deadly wrestling match that would end in one of their deaths. Yet it was the quip about the pretty one that gave Thorin a strength the beast could not contend with. The Slayer of Sleipnir gritted his teeth in determination as he growled with exertion.

"Tell me... monster...How you plan to touch her... WHEN YOU'RE DEAD?!"

With rage in his voice Thorin unleashed a savage flurry of blows. Heavy right handed punched rained down onto the beasts face and eyes to disorient before finally Thorin allowed the beasts maw to open and miraculously step foot within. He put his boot on the bottom jaw, pinning it to the dirt before grabbing the upper jaw with both hands. Now a dead lift for the ages, Thorin roared out with raw power as he used every ounce of strength in his body to open the beasts mouth far past it's breaking point. Tendons snapped and bone shattered beneath his power. The beast let loose a gargled groan of agony before it gave way completely and the monsters head cracked back at a sickening angle, ending it's life. Thorin tossed the now dead beast aside with disgust.

"This one had no idea of whom he faced..."

Zaldir turned to Leena, she was apparently shocked at the statement he gave, either that, or he gave her reason to pause. "He was a King. A good one, and a good man. He was called Lord Vontguard. I never knew his true name. He never gave it to me." He stated. "He was My teacher in the sword, my mentor for my, at the time, towering rage against my clan's destroyers. But ultimately, he was my only friend."

Zaldir sighed. "But what do you know of him Miss Leena, like you said, you've never been to the north, you wouldn't know him." He stated. "Although, we did make a promise, or I promised swearing into it by my True Name, I can't turn from it. He said if he ever had children, and anything happened to him, I'd go and protect them. It seems though his next in line is making a mess of things in the north somehow... I never asked him who would protect them from themselves." As Zaldir said that he ruefully chuckled, as if he regretted doing something before making the Promise.

"That was almost a hundred and four years ago, when I was twenty one, when I made such a promise. Though I thought he had twins, but all Im hearing is just the one. Which does make me wonder, have I failed already?" He said almost with regret in his voice, sheathing his blades when he saw Thorin being a show off monster slayer. "Some student I'd be."

"I need to see the Captain of the guard."

Sir Guy spoke with authority and command as he stepped into the guard hall of Ebar. Around him were twenty or so guardsmen in varying armor sets and bearing a variety of weapons. Fighters for certain but nothing like the orderly warrior pedigree of the knighthood. Many of the guards seemed to be lounging about at their desks. One had an air to him that differentiated him from the rest. An older man with striking white hair that yet remained full and thick on his head. Well groomed with a bushy white mustache on his face his features were strong and well defined giving his aged face an imposing look to it. His eyes seemed to be permanently squinting as they had lost their sharpness years ago yet from the stature of the man they'd hardly slowed down his active life style. His muscles were still well defined even at his age which was impressive.

He pushed himself up from his desk with a gruff sigh and crossed the room to greet the Justicar.

"Welcome sir. I am Captain Gordon. This is my city, I hope you'll be working closely with my team while you're here. I don't like the idea of someone, even a knight, running around kicking doors in without me knowing about it."

Sir Guy regarded the man with pleased respect. One look at Gordon and it was obvious he was a no nonsense kind of law enforcer who had no intention of allowing criminality to flourish under his watch. This latest string of killings was not like the standard knifings and muggings one would get in the poorer sections of the city. Unfortunately Gordon and his men were just not equipped for something like this. That was where Sir Guy came in.

"I have no intention of undermining your authority Captain. I'm merely here to see justice is done."

"Glad to hear it."

He said as he reached out his hand for an introduction. Guy shook it firmly as he gave his name and rank.

"Sir Guyon, Knight Justicar of the Sword."

"Well Sir Guy, just let me know what you need and my people will see that you get it."

"That is kind of you Captain Gordon."

It was then that a energetic young guard bounded over to the two, full of excitement and wonder.

"Sir Guy, welcome to Ebar sir! I-I'm Gavin, I helped Inquisitor Harkon during his investigation. I'd b-be more than happy to help you too sir."

Guy put up a calming hand to still the boy's eager heart and slow his racing tongue.

"I am grateful for your interest Gavin but I must look upon this case with fresh eyes. I assure you I mean no offense in my intent merely that I can not have the facts I discern jaded by prior knowledge. It helps to fill the cup if it is not already full as it were."

Gordon turned to shoo the eager young guard after Guy gave his answer.

"You hear that Gavin, scram. The Justicar doesn't need some jumpy kid playing boy wonder. Now get, I'm sure you got paper work to do."

Gavin jumped to attention and saluted.

"Y-Yes sir!"

He said before running off to do his commander's bidding. Gordon turned back to Guy as the two began to walk off into the file room with a sigh.

"Sorry about that Sir Guy. Gavin's new. Good kid just a little... well he can be a bit much."

The Justicar merely smiled warmly to the captain.

"No need to apologize captain."

Everyone has a certain sense they excel at, whether it be a great sense of smell, hearing or sight, everyone has one that's a little better then the others. Areth cursed the fact that it wasn't her sense of direction. She had been separated from the group after following some suspicious prints which, unfortunately, lead only to a bear den. If there wasn't a large, bloodthirsty monster on the loose, Areth might have spent the whole day wandering the peaceful forest. It's serenity and innocence could never be broken as long as the blanket of silence stayed put. A loud squeal echoed through the trees along with the sounds of battle. The redhead was on her feet in seconds and racing towards the sound.

Areth smiled. "Finally, the fun begins!"

If the dragoness's hearing wasn't as good as it was, she would have been gored by the tusk that erupted from the brush beside her. Another squeal broke the air as the creature missed it's target, hitting the tree beside her. It was the same squeal she had heard before. The monster spoke in shrill laughter, like an insane hyena. "Your quicker then you look human...wait..that's not right. Your not human are you? Yes, yes! I can smell it in your blood!" Saliva began to drip from the creatures massive jaws. "I can already taste your delicious flesh!"

Areth smiled as the beast charged again, its insane laughter ripping through the forest. The lone girl drew back her fist, flames sprouting along it's metallic surface. "You want some flesh? Here's some flesh!" The beast lunged, it's jaws open to swallow her whole. With a single movement, Areth sidestepped the creature and plunged her fist straight through the beast's torso, the flames only intensified the pain. With a howl of shock, the creature fell to the ground. Apart from the occasional twitch, it had ceased all movement. Numerous organs littered the forest floor. She contemplated burying them but decided against it. I'll leave them for the other forest creatures." Resuming her light jog, Areth continued on her way back to her allies and, more importantly, the dragon girl.

She found her friends chatting around the body of the exact same creature she had slain herself, though this one looked more sane then the other one. Thankfully, no one was badly hurt or even injured from what she could see. "Wow, there sure are a lot of those things lurking around here huh? I mean, they aren't that hard to kill but it gets annoying having to watch out for surprise bush goring. The blood of the creature still remained on her gauntlet. With a sigh, she began to shake the excess liquid off. "Dammit, this is going to stink by the time we get back to a town."

Kael had watched the fight with mild amusement. Humans sure were funny creatures when they fought. She sighed and turned to the Dragonkin she had seen in the tavern. Why was this woman so.......intriguing. With a shake of her head she was about to speak when she felt something familiar. It was faint...but it was moving quickly. A huff of breath and her eyes widened in shock. "Dragon..." was whispered out before she turned and ran in the direction of the aura. She knew this one, knew the feel of it. And yet why had it appeared here, so far from it's lair? Kael didn't know but she sure as hell was going to find out.

Running blindly caused her to rush through a dense forest and this annoyed her greatly. Kael had many scratches lining her unprotected arms, as her white cloak had been caught at the edge of the trees and she hadn't bothered to stop to get it. Cloaks were replaceable. What she could not lose was this soul she felt. Coming to a large clearing she stopped and looked to the sky. Any moment now the soul would come to veiw...there. The sky was dark but she could see the shadow coming closer to the area above the clearing. Without thinking she cast a spell from memory, "Fxen" was breathed out and just how it was pictured in her mind, a small ball of fire appeared from her palm and floated to the middle of the clearing. This provided enough light to see the whole area.

Kael put her hand on her dagger and took a defensive stance as the beast dropped heavily to the ground, letting loose a great sigh and scrambling to at least stand right. It appeared as if it was injured and Kael looked it over. Big, bigger than most Dragons she had yet to see in her short life. And black, with red liquid running freely from a wound in its side. The beast looked at her wide extremely bright green eyes. Dragons eyes grew brighter the closer they were to death, and this one would die soon. She knew this Dragon, he had been the one to give her the tip about the village, saying that there was gold to be had and a way to travel farther north, in the direction of the Dragons. Her Dragon tongue was not great, but she could speak basic sentances, enough so to ask about his injury and why he was here.

"wux... wux re ezoukea..." She was not a foolish young child who thought he could be healed. She knew he would die, and soon. "kii re wux tenpiswo?" 'why are you here?' Somehow through her shock she managed to raise her voice enough to speak loud enough for him to hear.

The rumble was heard, one that could be only taken as laughter, and the beast spoke, his voice broadcasting for she assued was miles away. With his voice came a near searing pain her head, he was too close to death to control his voice but she didn't mind. She cringed to listen to his broken speech.

"Moxt ir... si tepoha vi regipre..." She frowned as he called her 'little one and listened when he said he had a gift. "Nou'ara.... hefoc wux.... " he called her a half-breed "Sone kornari di darastrix...." Nausea rose at the mention of eating a Dragons heart. "Itrewic throdenilt vers..." She squeaked and cut him off.

"Wait you want me to EAT your HEART?!" At his nod she shrieked, "WHY WOULD I DO THAT???" He responded with another chuckled, followed by a cough before continuing to speak.

"Yoweth Darastrix.... persvek korth.... whedab rekisixi svent shio... thric tokeq...."

There was a stunned silence before she repeated his words. "The High Dragons are in danger?" he nodded and she continued. "Dark creatures kill all...Are those demons?" Another nod. "No safe...."

He grumbled in approval at her translation. He had been the one to teach her Dragon Tongue, although he had always spoken in a broken and akward version of the common tongue. He must not be strong enough to concentrate on translating.

"Kael, moxt nuwa'jimos --"

"I am NOT a 'little hatchling', I'm not even a Dragon! How is ... how is eating your heart going to help anything...?"

"Wux geou vucot persvek tairais, qeelak si mi nearly gethrisja" You will know in time, quick I am nearly gone

She took a shaky breath and walked forward, refusing to look at his eyes for she was afraid she would cry. She spoke softly, "ok" for this was the one who taught her how to fight, how to hunt, how to speak. This was the Dragon who didn't care that she was only a half-breed. He had accepted her. Her dagger was pulled out and she leaned on his neck for fear of falling. His blood was pooled around them, and his skin was growing colder and colder. She felt his massiv head on the other side, finding he had wrapped his neck around her in comfort. "Kael....I am.........glad it was......you little.... his breathing stopped and acting on impulse she plunged her sharp dagger into the soft flesh by his shoulder. Her brain shut down, she had cut out the heart of a Dragon before, but that was for a job and she had delivered it was harsh words to the human who paid her to do so. Now it was different.

When she reached the heart she hacked away at the veins around it and pulled it out, it was a very dark read and still quite a bit warm, since the inside of his body had not yet cooled. Kael blinked away tears she would not yet shed and placed the heart at her mouth. Her sharp teeth were usually something that she hid, but they came in handy for biting and tearing at tough substances. Now she consumed the heart in silence and as quickly as possible, trying not to gag. It wasn't the fact that it was the raw heart, it was the fact that this was the heart of a dear friend, one she would never again speak to. But he had once told her that if a Half-Breed consumed the heart of a Dragon, they would gain the powers of the Dragon. She had thought it was a myth, but apparently not as he would not have asked otherwise. Later she would follow the blood and the scent and track whoever or whatever had injured him to the point of death and slaugther them/it.

After the heart was completely eaten she walked around his head until she was no longer in the semi-circle made by his neck. Kael sat in the puddle of blood near his head and just stared at his now lifeless face. Then, sitting there with the dead body of a black Dragon, she cried, not even bothering to try to figure out what powers she gained.

Sir Guy and Captain Gordon were leaning on a desk in the records room going through everything Harkon and Gordon's team had come up with on the case. Guy was looking at reports from the court physician on the state of the corpses they'd found. Each one was horribly mutilated and left out in the street once the killer was finished with them. This kind of thing would give most people nightmares yet Sir Guyon had faced many an evils during his time as a knight. That being said it was the evils of man that truly were the hardest to stomach.

"He's got five so far. Harkon would technically make it six."

Gordon said as he folded his arms across his chest with a tired groan.

"Inquisitor Harkon was a murder of neccesity. Not a part of the killers true motives. He doesn't fit the profile. Every person murdered has been female, kidnapped at night and has been reported as stunningly beautiful. Beyond that they have no discernible connections. They are all from different social classes and back grounds. They don't run in the same circles or even know each other. One night the killer takes a noble woman and the next a courtesan."

Guy said as he allowed his thought process to be voiced yet never once taking his eyes off the wealth of information in front of him. Gordon stroked his mustache with his thumb and fore finger in contemplation.

"You said true motives... You think these aren't just some random killings? Just some mad man?"

Guy took a deep breath as his intelligent mind grappled with the case. He lifted up a detailed description of one of the murder scenes. It outlined how they'd found the girl dead on the floor of an octagonal room with know visible entrances or exits but the one the guards entered through. She had been changed out of the clothing she had been wearing and into a white nightgown. A deep laceration had been found from her collar bone to her navel and her innards had spilled out from the trauma. The whole thing seemed very staged for something mad man would do.

"The mad don't put the time and care into these killings that this murderer has. Each victim is carefully chosen, selected. The time before murder's is evident of that. After one body is discovered another doesn't go missing for several days if not weeks. He's hunting, choosing his victims. He follows a very strict criteria of whom he shall abduct. The mad wouldn't do that. Anyone would be suitable for slaughter if they were truly just killing for the thrill of it.... Then..."

Guy paused to take a seat in the chair behind him as his brilliant mind continued to work in over drive. He rested his elbows on the arms of the chair touched his fingertips together as he continued to speculate.

"Then... there is the sneaking suspicion that there is indeed a larger game afoot. Yet the players have yet to reveal themselves. The pawns have fallen and the knight is now on the board yet where is there king I wonder? Where is..."

Guy was cut off as Gavin rushed in and consequently tripped and fell. The tray of tea he was carrying crashed on the desk in a terrible cacophonous display that splashed all over the table the two men were doing their research on, soaking through many of the documents.

"GODS ABOVE BOY ARE YOU DAFT?!"

Gordon roared in anger as he hauled Gavin up and tossed him away from the desk to frantically began attempting to salvage the papers.

"Oh dear s-sorry sir, I merely t-thought you two w-were thirsty and I thought I'd b-bring t-tea sir! I only-"

"It was an accident Captain, I'm sure. Besides I no longer require any of it, I do believe I've collected what I can from it."

Guy said attempting to ease the tension as he put a friendly hand on Gavin's shoulder, putting the boy at peace. Gavin looked up at the knight gratefully, letting loose a embarrassed chuckle. Gordon turned and glared at the boy as if he would strike him.

"Out Gavin... now."

Gavin saluted immediately and turned to leave yet stopped shortly as he reached into his jacket pocket.

"Oh right Sir Guyon, post just arrived for you."

Sir Guy eyed the letter produced quizzically.

"Post?..."

Guy asked aloud as he took the letter.

"Something wrong?"

Gordon asked as he came to stand behind the Justicar, his anger still radiating off of him.

"No one knows I'm here yet."

Guy said forebodingly as he broke the wax that sealed the letter to read it's contents. Guy read in silence the words scribbled on the letter. When he was finished he paused to smell the paper and it was only then that his eyes flicked up to the two men staring at him.

"It's from the killer."

Gavin gasped in shock as Gordon cursed under his breath.

"Bastard must have been watching you since you entered the gates."

"Indeed."

Guy said as he folded the letter and slid it under his breast plate for safe keeping.

"Umm sir?.. I-I have a question if I may..."

Gavin asked sheepishly. Sir Guy turned with a polite smile.

"Yes?"

"Why did you smell it sir?"

"To validate a theory."

"What theory sir?"

"That the letter... was written in blood."

Ren was sitting on a tree above where Thorin had slayed the beast, counting the gold he had taken. He looked down below, and then noticed an oddity.

He then called down to them, pointing out "You know. Absolutely nothing about this made sense. You had it outnumbered. And magic usually scares beasts. Even tougher ones would run if outnumbered. And the beast was stupid, easy to kill. Additionally, it was oddly aggressive. But this one, it decided to fight, which leaves two likely possibilities.....". Ren jumped down, landing on two feet, and made his way to the creature, taking out these weird looking glasses. He put them on, and looked at the dead creature. "Either it was in a pack, which would mean we are already surrounded most likely, or this beast was smart. It knew what we were doing here, and knew it had to fight. And before you ask how could a beast like this be smart in any way, a revealing spell might answer that.....".

Ren looked at the body. But through the glasses, he did not see a beast's body. He saw a body of a man.

That's when he pointed out "And before any of you go telling me I was lucky or too young for this, I would like to ask you to check your pockets for how much gold you have. And then, you will know not to doubt my skills".

That's when he heard a branch break. "On a side note, it is possible there are more of them. And while I am not a magic expert, I am smart enough to spec....to guess that the longer they are beasts, the more like beasts they become".


(Sorry if it's a bit much, I wanted to make it good and interesting. Let me know if anything was wrong, and il correct it appropriately (within reason :3))

Flashback

A seven year old raced into the small room - with a wooden table with candelabras and wall-hangings lining the walls – just off of the Throne Room.

Her long open silver hair and fair skin rivalled the moons beauty.

Lord Vantgaurd sat drinking with his vassals after a long day riding from the borders of the far North from the Kingdom Gallosor.

“Papa!” The young child shouted out in joy as she ran into the dark Lord's arms and the propped onto his knees.

“I missed you!” She said as the Knights bowed to the Lord and his Lady daughter and took their leave.

“And I you.” He said placing a kiss atop of her head. “And where is your sister?”

“She is in a foul mood and refuses to leave her Chambers.”

Lord Vantgaurd deep throaty chuckle reverberated through the small cosy room.

“And what did you do to put your sister in such bad temper?” He asked

“I did nothing!” Astra defended “It was all her own doing! She said she was the good twin because she was named after the light and day where as I was dark and evil one because I am named night and sky. I told her she was wrong and then she pushed me saying it was I that was wrong . . . and well then I got angry and pushed her into the pond.” Astra finished sheepishly “And she's been in a strop ever since and refuses to leave her room . . . I-I apologised, but she was not having any of it.”

Lord Vantgaurd booming laugh filled the air.

“Is she right?” Astra asked confused by her father's reaction.

Lord Vantgaurd sobered up. “About what?” He asked looking down into the innocent face of his beloved child.

“That I'm evil?”

Lord Vantgaurd frowned at first and then his rough features softened into a smile.

“Look, Astarai, my little Goddess of the Night . . . You must always remember that the day's light can often blind people . . . but you, you are that light of the night that guides the Pilgrim . . . How would our fair devote Pilgrim ever reach his Holy destination if you did not light his way through the dark Night . . . Think no more about your sisters words. Like the light of day she misleads and in turn is misled. It is not you I worry about . . .” Lord Vantgaurd finished kissing the fair cheek as concern flooded his face “It is your sister that which concerns me most . . .”

---

Astra's breath caught in her throat as Zaldir's final few words ran through her mind . . .

“ . . . I never asked him who would protect them from themselves . . . ”

Indeed who would save Aurora from herself? . . . She did for a moment believe her mother would step in and stop her sisters madness . . . I will have to do it myself, Astra told herself firmly . . . For her father's sake.

She did not relish going against her sister. Aurora was more dangerous then her pretty face would have people believe but Astra knew her twin better then anyone else in the world . . . but she is still my sister . . . no matter what . . . Would she able to kill Aurora if it came down to that? She prayed to the Gods it would not come to that.

“I know nothing of it of course,” She lied finally, turning to Zaldir “Call it morbid curiosity, I am heading North after all.”


Astra turned to face the Thunder beast Slayer. She could not in all honesty say that she was less then impressed. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest when he was caught up inbetween the sharp teeth of the deadly beast and Astra was just about to step in when Thorin ripped it apart.

She could not help but stand in awe of the Warrior . . . However, his ego was big enough as it was and she would not feed it further.

“That,” Astra drawled as she stepped forward through the massacre and stopped in front of Thorin, “was the most . . .” a coy smile playing on her lips as she stepped over the defeated beast and looked up at the Thunder Beast Slayer, she could taste his anticipation for her veneration of him and said “unimpressive display of valor I have ever seen. Why they call you one of the greats is beyond me . . . and now if you're quite done showing off can we go back? I should like to collect my Steed and be off at long last.”

Thorin was dumbstruck. He's just literally felled a hell beast with his bare hands an yet she rebuked him. What was it she wanted from him? What would she have had him do? Thorin tensed his jaw as frustration took hold and he pointed an accusatory finger at the woman who vexed him so.

"You... are the most infuriating, maddening, confounding woman I have ever-"

Yet the ranting of the monster slayer were cut off as a whisper was carried on the wind. As if drawn from the corpse of the beast now slain it spoke on the sudden unearthly breeze and filled the companions with a dread that chilled them to the bone.

"We are but the first of many..."

The words hung heavy in the air between those gathered as they all exchanged worried glances. Thorin bent over to collect his fallen hammer as confusion and concern took root in his mind.

"What in the name of all the gods above and below was that?"

He asked aloud to his companions.

It more then amused her when she got the reaction out of Thorin that she had expected. Astra smirked at his vexing words . . . but her smile soon disappeared as the chilling words swirled in the air and settled between them all.

"We are but the first of many . . ."

A chill ran down her spine and she shivered visibly. She had to get going now . . . the journey to the cold harsh North, her homeland was long perilous . . . and time was running short every second she wasted . . . yet Astra dare not think about what she would do when she got there . . . the first question was . . . whether or not she would get there . . . at least in time to stop Aurora before it was too late.

"That was a warning." Astra said coldly "And we have been fair warned. I am leaving, the battle here is done and the road is long."

Turning she made her way out of the forest leaving the group behind her as she headed for the Tavern.

The scent of tainted flesh had begun to fill the air, accompanied by screeches from all directions. It seemed they were surrounded. A sudden thought flashed in her mind, chilling her to the bone. She gestured to Malik. "Hey, you, angel-boy. Fly around and find the purple-haired girl who ran off. I'm sure we can handle things here."

Pressing her back to Thorin's, Areth slammed her gauntlets together, rekindling the flames that often covered them. You could hear the excitement in her voice."I haven't had this much fun in years!" How many of them would there be? 2? 5? 100? Areth didn't care. As long as she could bury her fist in their guts, she was content. "Everyone! Back to back now!"

Throin turned to Areth with an arched eyebrow, putting one massive hand on her shoulder to calm her excitement.

"Calm down girl, now is not the time. The battle is over yet there will be more. Come, you seek battle then follow me. I go after Leena, see what she can tell me of this evil."

His decision made Thorin followed after Leena on her way back to the tavern. The noble woman had almost made it out of the tree line, to the outskirts of the village before the big monster hunter caught up with her.

"Leena! Leena, hold a moment!... God's woman how is it you move so fast?"

Thorin asked as he paused to catch his breath. His hands on his knees he took a few well deserved deep breathes before continuing.

"You know more about this evil than you tell. I do not ask you to share your secrets. People keep their tales for their own reasons and I don't need you to tell yours. Yet I ask that you let me help you. My strength with yours we can beat back this darkness, whatever it is. In order to do that however you may need to start trusting me, even if it is just a bit."

Thorin's eyes locked onto Leena's and for a moment the warrior and the woman were one. They both understood that action needed to be taken and that together, they just may have a fighting chance. The beast in the forest fell but there was more blood to be shed. If Leena, Thorin and their allies did not stop this threat more innocents would die. It fell to them to stop this evil. Yet in this moment all that mattered is that Leena was willing to allow someone in enough to accept their help. Thorin gave her a reassuring smile and a firm nod as if to tell her he was ready to follow.

"What say you?"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Ebar was split into five districts. The two top tier districts were Thessia, and Illium. Thessia was the seat of power for the nobility in Ebar and where most of the legislature took place. Illium was the private sector for the rich and the elite. Illium was full of sprawling mansions and luxuries abound. The middle district or merchant district was known as Palaven and is the largest district in the city. Here one could find merchants selling everything from brooms and brushes to explosive magical weaponry. Palaven was also the district in which the bulk of the middle class made their homes. Modest homes and apartments were found all over the large district. Then there was Omega, the home of the poor and every class of criminal imaginable. On the streets of Omega one could have their wildest dreams come true one minute and have them taken away at the edge of a knife the next. All the gangs that made their home in Ebar called Omega their base of operations and were almost always fighting for territory rights. The final district was not officially a district at all for it was not deemed livable. Tuchanka was named after the half orc foreman who commissioned the under works of the great city of Ebar. Constantly steaming with heat as massive cogs turned to power the city above. It was full of enormous pipes that funneled noxious fumes out of the city and water to the homes or sewage from them. It was also home to the most desperate citizens of Ebar. When you fall too low for Omega you end up in Tuchanka and make a living like the rats that scurry the streets. Many say that the denizens of Tuchanka are hardly men and women any more but twisted beings, shadows of their former selves. Truly theirs is the saddest tales.

All districts were strolled by the knight, every civilians willing to talk were canvased by Guyon for what felt like days. His shining armor was a comfort to some he passed, a target to others. Sir Guy was forced to deal with a few ruffians who foolishly thought the knight would be an easy mark. Their broken bones were proof of their naivety. Sir Guy walked unfettered through Omega now, searching for some clue the guard and the inquisitor might have missed. What he found in Omega was harsh stares and threatening looking scoundrels. Gangs of every type glared daggers at the knight as he strolled by. It was not until he passed a single solitary alleyway did Sir Guy pause as he noticed something amiss. He paused and knelt by the corner of the street and noticed something that caught his discerning eye. A small stain on the cobblestone. Deep brown in color, the hue often taken by blood long since dried. Yet what truly peeked Guy's interest was the smear pattern. The way it seemed that someones foot had been dragged through the blood. The heel of a foot to be precise. Sir Guyon rose his gaze to peer down the dark alley in his kneeling position. A bit of the dried blood on his index and middle finger which he rubbed against his thumb as his mind worked its wonders.

It was then that the clear clicking of heels caught the ear of the knight. He rose and turned to see something he did not expect in the bowls of the city's slums. A woman, beautiful and ravishing. She was adorned with valuable jewels and an expensive dress that was deep burgundy in color and looked as if it was made of the finest velvet.

"Now what could a lady like that be doing in a place like this?"

Sir Guy asked himself as he began his pursuit.

Astra sighed as she looked up to Thorin's endearing eyes. Dare she trust the Slayer of the Thunder Beast. She had trusted no one except her father . . . not even her mother. The dangerous of the Vantgaurd Court was an education she had had since the day of her birth.

Astra knew the biggest and most harmful treachery and treason came from the most unexpected sources . . . the people who smiled to your face are oft times the one's to stab you in the back.

This rational was not helping her however this time. Why was her heart telling her she should trust Thorin Balderson . . . Yet her mind warned of such risks. She tried to read his soul through his eyes . . . A voice in her mind constantly whispered trust him . . .

Dare she take the chance and let someone in . . . Let in Thorin Balderson, Slay of the Thunder Beast?

"What do you know of the Demons & Monsters from the time of the reign of Sephia?" Astra asked looking up at Thorin Balderson.

" as you wish, please hold them off until I return" malik said as he flew up and out of the forest " Kael!!!..... Kael!! " he looked as fast as he could " where are you?" A small breeze flowed past with a smell all to familiar to Him " no no it can not be " Malik raced to where he found Kael and the dragon " Kael ar...are you all right?" Malik steped closer then he saw that the dragon had many wounds and one that stood out very much "ekess sone wer kornari ui ekess xkhat wer darastrix"'to eat the heart is to become the dragon' Malik new Dragon tongue for some time now but had not used it in some time " re wux kepatmasto? "'are you alright?' he continued, Malik know much of the dragons and he did his best to protect them with all his might.

Thorin and Astra began their walk to Astra's new steed as they talked about the road ahead.

"Only what is told in taverns and mead halls. A force of evil creatures spawned from hell sought to cover the world in chaos. Then the Nephilim and Fairies found a powerful ally in the Demon Lord Vantguard. With his might he pushed back the tides of evil and saved all of Lore. Why do you ask?"

Thorin asked as the reached the horse and Thorin assisted Astra in saddling the beast and preparing him for the road.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Meanwhile back in Ebar the Justicar was in hot pursuit of a shadow mistress. She moved like a wraith through the city streets, too well for a noble woman to navigate the filthy crime ridden streets of Omega. She seemed unafraid of the normally dangerous streets that would deter any of her status from venturing this deep and yet she seemed completely at home here. Moving as if she has the entire map of Omega imprinted in her own mind. She was heading toward the passage way that would take her to Distillery District of the city and base of one of the most infamous gangs in Ebar, The Crimson Spiders. As Sir Guy followed close behind the woman he ventured to hastily and she heard the shuffling of feet behind her. She whipped around with a small dagger in hand to look down an empty alley way. Behind a dumpster Sir Guy crouched in cover, praying to the Five she would not venture for a closer look. After a few tense moments he peeked out of his hiding spot to see her standing there, still looking yet finding nothing. Relenting to the belief that it was her own nerves playing tricks on her she sheathed her blade and continued on into the distillery with her mysterious knightly shadow close behind.

Astra looked across at Thorin. How much could she tell him without revealing her whole truth . . . and at the same time keep Aurora alive yet take the power out of her hands.

“Well, that much is true.” Astra began “But only a creature possessing the blood from the line of a Demon from Hell Itself has the power to move between these two realms and open the gates for the Demons & Monsters to travel through - and to be able to close them too.”

She paused and looked at Thorin who listened intently as he saddled her horse. The beast was being unruly and was not allowing her to even touch it. That might be a problem, Astra mused as she watched Thorin. He was such a strange being . . . She did not know how to understand him. His face value was different from what lay beneath the muscular exterior.

“In Sephia's time there was only one man whose veins ran with the blood of Demons – A Warlock by the name of Marius Poisiton” Sephia's lover and Astra's grandfather, if the stories were to be believed “One may never know what his motivation may have been but it was he whom opened the gates for all the Demons & Monsters to travel through . . . And I'm sure you know the great Wars ensued for many a long years. It was then seeing all the cruelty and sadness over the once magnificent land of Lore that pity rent the dark heart of Lord Vantgaurd and he rose up against his Kinsmen, killing the Warlock Marius and sending the Demons back to the depths of evil from which they came from. Lord Vantgaurd was trusted and permitted to stay above on Lore and granted his Kingdom so never a day would come when the dark shadows of hell may shade it's beauty.”

Astra peered at Thorin who was done saddling her horse now and listened with folded arms.

“And none in the whole entire of Lore could boast of demonic blood in their veins, except the dark Lord Vantgaurd, thus for Millennia's there was no fear of Hell opening it's blood teeth upon Lore, for Lord Vantgaurd would never all such a fate . . .” Astra stopped, dare she finish her tale . . . She looked Thorin straight in the eyes . . . “The wind whispers the demise of the dark Lord of the North . . . Do you feel it? Lore quivers under a new misrule . . . The heir to Lord Vantgaurd's North Lands was brutally murdered . . . And now the dark Lord's daughter rules in his stead . . . She must be stopped and I will stop her . . . but you must understand she cannot die I will not allow her to be harmed in anyway . . . Do not question me why.” Astra said stepping close in front of Thorin, a small space separating them.

“I want to trust you Thorin, I have trusted you.” She said in a low voice. “But if you betray me, you will not live long enough to regret it.” Astra added stonily for good measure, she did not want him thinking she was weakening to him.

Certainly not!

They gazed at each other for a long moment, until Astra could not take his discomforting regard any longer and whipped around stepping closer to the naying beast.

“It seems,” Astra said much more cheerily turning back to Thorin with a smile “that your horse does not have a great liking for me. I fear I will not be able to ride him alone without him throwing me off while galloping at full speed. Dare you sit behind me Thunder Beast Slayer and control your disobedient beast . . . Or are you too scared?” Astra teased with a coy smile.

Thorin smiled, pleased she had confided in him this much. There was still a cloud of mystery about her yet it was information he need not know nor did his mind pull him to find out. He was never one for riddles. Never one who felt the need to unravel a mystery. He had a friend in the knighthood who couldn't help but tackle a problem of the mind but not Thorin. No he was content with what she was willing to tell him. Anything else he would find out in time as was needed. That would suffice for him. He climbed into the saddle and extended his hand down to grasp hers.

"Oh Leena, fear has not taken root in my heart since I was a boy yet if our journey is to be as adventurous as I hope perhaps we will meet one who can reunite me with the thrills of my youth."

He said with a warm laugh as he easily pulled her up into the saddle to sit comfortably in front of him. Normally the back rider would hold on to the rider in front of them and hold onto their waist for security. Given the massive size difference between Leena and Thorin this was not the case on this ride. No instead Thorin reached around her midsection to hold the reins himself as she relaxed in his arms.

"To glory then?"

Thorin mused as he maneuvered the horse out and began to trot the steed at an easy pace.

The slow ride was making Astra drowsy. Her pretty eyes drooped and her head lolled back hitting Thorin's strong chest. She had not slept all night and only now she realised how tired her feet were for all the walking she had done to get from Croften to here. Her head rested on Thorin's chest when with the smooth rhythm of the ride it lolled forward and she was shocked back to wakefulness.

"I would like to get there some time soon, Thunder Beast Slayer." Astra scolded looking back and up at the giant.

She did not sit astride the horse, it would be unladylike and show her legs which would be scandalous! The fast ride would do well to keep her awake and aware.

"Who do you wish meet?" She asked curiously of his earlier words "To reunite you with the thrills of your youth? . . . And what thrills might those be? Plundering apples from a stall . . . stealing kisses from maids?" Astra mocked.

Thorin and Leena left, after Leena reaffirmed Zaldir's statement of not knowing Lord Vantguard. The Drow sighed. He owed everything, his survival from any chasing enemy of his clan, even his mastery of the sword, to that one great man. He thought back on the day he made that promise to the King of the Northern Land. How they talked and spoke of the conditions, with one using the true name of the other.

That was the same time, he departed from Lord Vantguard's presence to forge his own path. "But where does my path take me now? Is it to the north, to visit my master's grave and become a servant to a tyrant? Or somehow, will I find the other twin on that journey? Could Leena be lying, and this isn't her only time going to the north? Could she be...? No, I'd have to have proof of confirmation that she is who I think." He thought silently. "But regardless, North is where people think is the cause of this resurgence of evil. But that's a long road, the need of supplies would be great."

Knowing this, Zaldir walked back towards the town, intent on joining the journey north to find out the truth of the events going on there. This seemed to please his deity, for during most of this time, The Seeker hasn't been pulling his threads of fate to get him where he was needed at that moment, possibly because he either found out his next path, or the Seeker was taking a nap for the while.

By the time he got back he spied Leena and Thorin discussing about the history of Lore and the King of the North. "For someone who doesn't know him, she certainly knows the history of Lord Vantguard. That proves nothing though. It'll have to take a paid assassin sent by Lady Aurora to convince me." he thought sarcastically. He then saw that they were about to ride on the horse and take off leaving him in the blue, so he had to run to follow them.

"Thorin, Son of Balder, Slayer of the Thunder Beast. You have room for one more?" He shouted in mild curiosity, "Because what I was thinking, since I was wanting to head north myself on a personal matter, I can be of some use. What do you say Balderson? Three is the magic number in a quest, or so I am told."

As he said this he knew he couldn't catch up with the horse. "This leather and mail armor chafes after running...."

[3 on one horse is a bit much and Scarlett's post has us well away from the town at this point. We'll just say you caught up with us before we left and are walking beside us ok?]

"Afraid we can't go much faster than this lady, not with our friend horse lacking a mount of his own."

Thorin said casually as he motioned to Zaldir walking beside them.

"He caught up with us while you were asleep. Did you know talk in your sleep? You kept muttering about someone. Never did catch a name. Should I be jealous Leena?"

Thorin teased playfully as kept his eyes on the dark road ahead of him. Morning was still a few hours away and in the failing light it would be too easy to miss a hole and walk the horse right into a ditch, snapping a leg and forcing them to walk.

"In any case we'll have to make a small stop before heading all the way north. It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles. Read that in a book written by a warrior monk from the east."

The shocked look on Leena's face received a deep rolling chuckle from the son of Balder.

"Don't look so surprised there. I do read from time to time. Mostly on the beasts I hunt. I figured where better to read up on our enemies then the great library of Ebar?"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sir Guy watched from the darkness as the women entered the dimly lit distillery. Before her were nine men, four on either side of one in the center. The man standing in the center of the semi circle of muscle sported a thick handlebar mustache and a nasty looking cleaver hanging from his belt. He was adorned in worn finery as if stolen long ago from the back of a noble. A thief who fancied himself a gentleman it seemed.

"Yer early with yer payment there deary... If ya woulda told old Badger you were comin I would've pulled out a bottle of something."

He said, his accent thick and his diction speaking to his lack of education. The woman smiled coyly and strolled up to him unafraid.

"Oh dear badger I do fear you haven't a thing I would be willing to sample."

"Heh I've got plenty to taste pretty bird. Just you wait and see."

She paused and arched an eyebrow at the overly blunt innuendo.

"How quaint... I've come early to not only deliver your standard stipend as well as put to rest your claims for an increase."

Badger chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Ain't a claim love, you owe me more now."

"And why is that may I ask?"

Badger shrugged and pushed himself away from the desk he'd been leaning on.

"Dangerous times we live in deary. People going missing, talk of a mad man killer running about. Means the price of my silence just went up... Less o'course you was thinkin about paying me in another way?"

He asked as he leaned in and plucked one of the buttons on her jacket. She consequently slapped his hand away which received a round of chuckles from the men around them. The laughing of his men sparked a brutish aggression from the gang boss who shot out a hand to grip the arm of the woman roughly.

"You need to learn some manners deary, maybe old Badger teaches you some eh?"

"You will unhand her gentleman or I swear I will commend your souls to The Five this very night."

Sir Guy said boldly stepping out of the shadows as his hand went to his rune blade. In one fluid motion he drew his blade, the ringing of his sword filled the room much to the dismay of the men and the joy of the woman.

"Right then, get em lads!"

"Poor choice."

Guy said heroically as he stepped forward to engage the men.

At any other time, Areth would have accepted the warriors offer of adventure in a heartbeat. Now however, her mind was more focused on the other dragon girl then the monsters quickly approaching. With a small wave of her gauntlet, the flames dispersed, uncovering the bright silver dragon scales "I'll have to refuse. I'll help the others if some straggler beasts get the jump on us."She gave a sly smile, showing slightly pointed teeth. "Which, with me around, will never happen."

Once the duo had left and Zaldir ran after them, the redhead began to follow the scent of the Kael. It was hard to pick out under the rancid stench of the demons but her keen nose found the faintest traces of dragon. 'Maybe she knows something. Something that will turn me human. Even if she doesn't, she's the only Dragon I've seen in..well..forever!'

Upon arriving at the scene, Areth stared in awe at the fallen beast. It's pitch-black scales seemed to sparkle in the dim lighting. Although he was wounded in numerous places, the most noticeable thing was the hole in it's chest directly where the heart should be. "This is...this is unbelievable." she gasped. Kael stood at the head of the Dragon, her lips covered in the blood of their species. Anger welled up inside her. "You! What have you done! Killing a wounded dragon just for it's heart? Your a half-dragon! You already have a Dragon's heart! Like me!" With a furious swipe, Areth tore off her gauntlets, revealing her scaled forearms. The bright red was an almost instant contrast to the deep green of the forest.

"I once met a man with claws like mine and a large tail. I asked him how he had obtained them. He said side effects of eating a dragon's heart. Naturally, I was a bit confused because I WAS BORN WITH THESE!" The conversation went silent until Areth spoke. "Eating a Dragon's heart is supposed to make you live forever but why eat it if you already carry a heart inside you?"

Kael blinked at the furious Dragonkin.....she....suggested that she had eaten her friends heeart merely for power?! She was small but her eyes sparked bright red and she leapt to her feet, ignoring Malik and the blood running down her face and chest she stalked to the Dragonkin and slapped her across the face. Granted...it wasn't very hard at all, it barely even made an impact! Kael was still crying and her eyes were still an angry red, but she sniffed and started sobbing out words, have common tongue and have Dragon.

"He....was killed by demons..." She rubbed her eyes and tried not to wail at what she had done. "thurirl.... ankin... trothar" Friend, teacher, protector. "He wanted me to..........eat his heart," she choked and took a shuddery breath. "So I could......get power. To save the High Dragons." She could not stand any longer and fell to the ground in a heap. He had made her do a terrible thing, and so she could save the ones who cursed her. Her head went in her hands and she shook. "bivai.... si mi zyak bivai I'm sorry.... I'm so sorry....." She sat and cried. She hated Demons. They would pay for killing her friend.

" but are friends are in need of your help right now those demon have them completely surrounded right now. Please its time " Makil nelt beside her " astahii zklaen xikin ihk svabol astahii tepoha authot shafaer nomeno kear"'they must pay for what they have done on this day' he took his cloak and put it on Kael " I understand what your going through right now but there is a time to cry and there is a time to stand up and fight." malik was not sure if his words where helping her at all but he had to try and he needed to get her back with the others. " please get up they need you..... I.. I need your help to, I can't do this alone" Malik stood up and as slow as he could he begain to walk back to the others to help them distroy the other demons.

by the time he got back to the group nothing had attacked yet " Ren is there anything else that you could tell by looking at this demon, you say it was once humen but that means it would be one possessed, and if thats the case then where in alot of trouble, they hunt in huge packs and will kill all in sight"