NIRRIVEN: DIVIDED WE FALL!

THE VEILED FOREST, OUTSKIRTS OF THE REACHING MOUNTAINS

At last, sunset! Perdante Argentys had always loved this time of the evening, when the sun blazed red and the sky cooled to soft blues and purples around it. It was her favorite hour of the day to hunt, for that was when deer and rabbits came to refresh themselves at the stream near her primitive camp. Perdante was good at fighting, being a former Paragon of the vast realm of Nirriven, but hunting was not her forte. If she would have been more skilled, she would have ventured out to catch game in the morning or at midday, but the animals were more skittish then. At sunset they were calm, yearning for sleep instead of fresh activity. Perdante concealed herself among some nearby trees to watch the deer arrive.

Something that sounded incredibly large rustled and snapped several branches not far away from where she stood, waiting. Turning her head with a reflexive jerk, the young warrior almost did not have time to scream before a great bear growled, charging headlong at her. Apparently, Perdante was not the only hunter who preferred the sunset's glow to illuminate her prey! Before her mind truly registered what her body was doing, her limber arms unsheathed "Ychec" and "Makht", her trusty, well-worn dagger and longsword. As the bear tried to sink its teeth into her midsection, Perdante stabbed its muzzle with "Ychec". The bear, startled, stumbled backward, but not for long. Even though its muzzle was sensitive, it was not going to lose this chance to feast upon some tasty deer--or an even tastier human! It charged again, relentless.

Perdante fought hard, harder than she ever had in any other skirmish save her newly-lost Duel of the Fates, but the bear's girth and claws proved too much for her. It knocked her to the ground, preparing to maul her with a final coup de grace...

"Oro, Malestat!"

Jenna Talravin had been wandering the outskirts of the reaching mountains training her magickal arts. She was trying to build up her ability to stand against Faren Mageslayer. He hated her and she abhorred his narrowmindedness. With the old king dying, there was a question of who had the claim to the throne with no heir. Martial right dictated that the second in command had the right to succeed the king but the old king and his lieutenants were driven by force and not reason. For that, Jenna was determined to challenge him as was by law of the land. If she won, she would be the legal heir to the throne.

Not something I truly want. Jenna would mutter to herself as she practiced with the elements while walking. Yet she had enough pride to take up a job no matter how difficult or how unorthodox. All except one.

That sent her to remembering a time long ago. If I had been as strong with those principles as I am with others... It was a thought best left uncompleted for throughout the course of her musings, her Elemental magick became more accentuated and forceful. It reminded Jenna that magick indeed was bound to teh emotions of the wielder. So she continued through the outskirts of the mountains.

She was walking through the forest when she heard a noise. She stepped quickly and came upon a clearing. There she saw that a great bear, the largest of his kind, was after a warrior. The warrior was good from Jenna's standpoint but the bear was more determined for a meal. Still Jenna had to give credit to the woman who was determined to live and was content at watching the spectacle. When the great bear knocked the warrior down and was prepared to swipe its deadly claws, Jenna raised her staff and shouted, "Oro Malastat!"

The bear immediately backed off and ran away. Jenna sighed slightly. What a way to ruin the day. Jenna never liked using Inception unless she had to. In this case she did since great bears, once they were on top of you, were hard to get off even if you managed to kill it. Jenna walked over to the warrior and looked down at her. "Most would thing twice before going after a great bear Warrior. Those that do are usually foolish."

Perdante gazed up at the figure--tall, Elven, and female--who had saved her life. Stars were still spinning around the crown of her head, or at least they would have been if they could be seen with the naked eye! "Mayhap so," she rasped, "but I was actually searching for more peaceful prey. There are deer that come to the stream nearby at sunset, and I was hoping to hunt one down. However, sod it! That bear had the same idea, before it spotted something even more delicious." Ruefully, she hoisted herself to her feet. "Thank ye for coming to my rescue," the former Paragon said, breathing hard, "but by what magick did you drive it off? I have not met many of your kind during my...travels," she said after a pause.

Suddenly, she came to realize that she had not yet introduced herself. "Ah! Pardon me a thousand times for not giving you a proper greeting. I'm a hunter and gatherer in these parts, entirely new to the Veiled Forest, but an old hand in battle."

Alaire had been making her way through the forest. She had for some reason found a companion in the shape of a small wolf. She had tried to get rid of her but for some reason the female wolf would continue to follow her. At times where the burden of the souls came too heavy, she would slip between her arms to provide the comfort and wipe the tears away. And so she had accepted her presence and without realizing it, she began to welcome it.

She came to a halt over a clearing where she watched a young huntress being overwhelmed by a bear but a female elven mage helped the young woman to escape the bear's grasp. She watched from afar as they introduced each other, but the mage had introduced herself correctly. The other, the huntress failed to introduce herself and even neglected to say her name. This was something she could not hold back from and before she knew it, she was speaking.

"You failed to introduce yourself twice, huntress. It is customary to give the name before the profession. As an example, not that you would care anyway, my name is Alaire Stechtain, I am a warrior, renegade reaver, but don't let that spook you, I have given up that lifestyle. The burden of the souls gets too heavy to carry for some. But if you're in need of a mercenary or just a helping hand, I am available for a price", Alaire said as she sat down on a large boulder with the small wolf at her feet.

The warrior knew that she herself had spoken amiss, as this newly-arrived Reaver had pointed out ever-so-correctly, but what name should she give--could she give? To be the loser of a Duel of the Fates was a disgrace second only to being a wanted criminal! Her true name, Perdante, would give her away immediately. Fortunately, in the dim light of the setting sun that was filtering through the trees, neither of the other two women could see the red Brand of the Vanquished below her left eye and brushing her pale cheek lightly.

"I apologize to you both," the scarlet-haired maiden said at last. "You may call me Rada. It comes from an ancient word in the common tongue meaning glad, and I, for one, am glad to meet you. If it had not been for your quick assistance, my savior mage, I would be dead by now. Secondly, with your arrival, former Reaver, I stand a much better chance of survival in this dark and danger-filled forest than I've ever had before!"

She winked at the two, leaning back against the nearest tree. "Do either of you know the shortest way to the base of the Reaching Moutains? I seek refuge with either the Elves or the Dwarves--whichever race will take a wretched beggar in for the night. You see, I have no coin, and it's truly a pity. I was hoping to afford your services of protection, Stechtain, just in case I run into any more ravenous beasts! As for you, honorable Elf," said the former Paragon, "I thank ye again, and hope you know the forest's exit."

"Well I apologize to you Rada, I am afraid I do not know the way to the base of the Reaching Mountains, I am merely trying to cross it myself, but I don't mind protecting you for a while. It doesn't hurt to help every now and then, you never know when you might need a helping hand", Alaire said but didn't bother looking at the elven mage, in a way she resented the elves more than the humans. At least with the humans she had attained reknown and fame as a reaver although most feared her more than they respected her. But she did speak to the elven mage. "Perhaps the mage knows the way".

Alaire petted her wolf, she was wiggling her tail as a happy dog but she snarled every now and then towards the mage. It seemed her resentment towards the elves channeled through her wolf and so she petted her to calm her.

"Don't mind Larissa, she sometimes tends to get over protective of me", Alaire said.

"Larissa?" Perdante smiled down at the wolf. "Hello", she said to the wild animal, who was glaring at the Elven mage with clear mistrust. At the greeting, the wolf turned her head, but the warrior did not know how to read the look in her eyes. "I'm happy to meet you, too. I've never seen anyone with a companion wolf."

She looked at Alaire again, and then the mage. "Would you like to return with me to my camp? I have some salted rabbit jerky and a few nuts and berries left." Her stomach growled audibly. "Sod it! I'm so hungry I could eat the bark off of one of these trees! I don't know how I got myself lost in this forest anyway. One moment, I thought I was on a well-worn trail to the base of the Reaching Mountains, and then..." She trailed off. "I've been trying to survive for a week."

Larissa looked at Perdante and began sniffing her, she didn't recognize any evil intent from her and so she walked around Perdante barking a few times but moving her tail.

"It seems Larissa has taken a liking of you Rada, I know having an animal companion is strange but as she began following me, I just couldn't send her away. I guess I got used to her company, and she's an excellent huntress", Alaire said as she reached into her pouch and took out two hares that Larissa had caught. "I guess we can share this with you as well, I feel we would be taking from you, I prefer if we could share, if that is alright with you".

(@JM12: That's Kyng, not King)

City of Stormrise, Kyng's Court
Ser Jaymes Caran had enough of Faren Mageslayer. First he is named Lieutenant to the Kyng, Second in Command, and then, conveniently enough, the Kyng is taken ill, without much hope of recovery. Too many coincidences. Jaymes thought.

"I'm sorry, Faren, but I cannot in good conscience support you. You are the Kyng's lieutenant, but you are also a zealot and a brute. It takes more than that to lead Nirriven." He told the Dwarf.

"Such dissent amongst the Kyng's highest ranking officers is unheard of!" One Laird, Bariness Edanna Shran of Seaguard, shouted. "But not without good reason. Ser Jaymes speaks the truth. Nirriven under the rule of Faran Mageslayer is an unsettling though." Eagan Ivar, the Ard of Thunderkeep, pointed out.

The Veiled Forest
As Alaire and Perdante sat down to eat the hares, a Wood Troll watched them, blending in perfectly with the rest of the forest. As it prepared to strike, it was pierced in the skull by an Amber arrow.

As it dropped to the ground dead, Athra stepped out of the shadows. "You need to be more careful in this part of the forest. Even the trees might try to make you their next meal." She explained, before seeing the elf with them. "Mother?"

THE VEILED FOREST, OUTSKIRTS OF THE REACHING MOUNTAINS

For a fleeting moment, Perdante wondered if the hares that she was presently sharing with Alaire, and the Elven mage who had saved her life, had eaten some toadstools which caused you to see things that were not there. The warrior herself had eaten only a few of those, and the frightening visions she had experienced had kept her from going out to hunt for two days straight. Where were all these other people, whether Elven or half-elven, coming from? It seemed to be more than a mere coincidence that all four of them were in this particular section of the Veiled Forest, when it was just as vast an expanse in the western part of Nirriven as the plains were in the east...Was some divine plan at work? It gave her the shivers to think of it.

The former Paragon's reverie was interrupted by a Wood Troll, newly-emerged from its cover of foliage, tumbling to the ground with a thud that made the whole earth shake. Perdante screamed and then covered her mouth with her hands, knowing that she had instantly made a fool of herself.

"I'm sorry!", she apologized for what seemed the thousandth time in a matter of only an hour. "I didn't know there were such monsters in this forest! I only thought there were animals, such as the bear that tried to maul me not too long ago. My name is Per--er, Rada--and I'm trying to decide if you are real or simply another vision. I don't believe that the toadstool poison I accidentally ingested two days ago has worn off completely. I've only just now come out to hunt, and these two helpful ladies have shared their food and life-saving skills with me.

"As have you," she continued. "Do tell me: do you know the way out of here? I've been staying in a clearing nearby for the past week, and I'm tired of it. I'm weak and near-starved. This fine meat truly helps, but I fear I shall not last long if I don't find the base of the Reaching Mountains soon. I seek out the Elves and the Dwarves--whoever will take a young sword-for-hire."

All of a sudden, Perdante blinked and looked at the mage, and then back to the half-elven beauty that had just arrived. "You say that the Elven Mage is your mother?"

DUSK AT THE GREAT EASTERN SHORES

Boramir II had finally arrived. Just eight months earlier, he was in Minas Tirith receiving orders from his father, Faramir the Steward, and his Majesty, King Aragorn. His mission is to explore and make alliances with the mysterious peoples across the Great Western Sea. After a seventh month sea voyage on a mighty warship, they finally arrived on a new continent, new to them at least. Boramir had full intension to set out the next morning with 143 of his men, leaving six others to guard the ship. "Cherion!" Boramir yelled, "erect a campsite! We are moving inland on the morrow!"

STORMRISE, CAPITAL CITY OF NIRRIVEN, KYNG'S COURT

Unfortunately for Ser Jaymes Caran and the Lorrds who supported him, far more of the nobles who were gathered in the Kyng's Court were on Faren Mageslayer's side. For one thing, Faren's martial strength was unparalleled among Nirriven's warriors. Not even Ser Jaymes could match his bestial rage in the heat of battle! Secondly, there were many mages in Nirriven, especially Elementalists and Inceptors, who were using their gifts and talents for evil purposes. They had "gone rogue", or so the saying went, and Faren swore that each one would be brought to justice. He had heard dozens of tales of Elementalists who froze and burned their rival mages to death, or turned them into stone. Worse, he had heard even more tales of Inceptors, whether Human or Elven, who had deceived and enslaved innocent people by controlling the faculties of their minds. Faren bought the loyalty of his supporters not with coin, but with firm promises of retribution and security for the realm of Nirriven, which was far more valuable. Faren scowled at Ser Jaymes.

"A zealot and a brute, am I?" he sneered. "I would have liked to see you enter the Duel of the Fates yourself, but you were too much of a coward! I was almost defeated by a woman, and yet in the end, my strength utterly conquered her! Kyng Varhad's throne is mine by martial right, and nothing else. You had your chance to challenge me in battle, good Ser Jaymes, but you refused it. I cannot fathom why! Nevertheless, that chance is lost to you forever, for that was the only Duel of the Fates over which our good Kyng will ever preside. Varhad admires my martial prowess, and that is why he made me his Lieutenant. I won the Duel, and you? You have no right to withdraw your support from me! Such a thing is absolutely unheard of, as has been said.

"Secondly, who else is better equipped to apprehend all of these filthy rogue mages? Not you and your shiftless soldiers, my friend. You tolerate magick, which is an abomination against our Creator if it is not of the Healing kind! I suspect you'd grant these so-called 'Elementalists' and 'Inceptors' a full pardon if you were in my place! Their crimes would go unpunished, and the nether-worldly wails of their victims would go unheard. Why do you side with them? The reason that I am a zealot is that non-Healing magicks are wicked, and as you have seen, these mages are using their 'art' for even more wicked ends! I will not have it. You'd ignore the suffering of our people, and I won't!"

The nobles surrounding Faren, who vastly outnumbered the nobles surrounding Ser Jaymes, shouted and applauded their champion. The others wilted silently.

"As the Lieutenant of our stalwart Varhad," the Mageslayer announced, "I hereby banish you from this Court of the Kyng for all eternity, upon pain of death! Do you wish to say anything else before your sentence is carried out?"

"This isn't over, Faren! Only the Kyng has the authority to do that, and even he cannot do so on a whim! How convenient for you that Kyng Varhad falls deathly ill so soon after he makes you his lieutenant!" Ser Jaymes shouted, storming out of the court. Something was wrong here. There was no was Faren should have this much power. There were safeguards in place to keep even the Kyng from becoming to corrupt. Something had to be done. At the very least, his point about the timing between Faren's ascension and the Kyng's illness would raise questions, suspicions, and doubts in Faren's supporters.

STORMRISE, CAPITAL CITY OF NIRRIVEN, KYNG'S COURT

Faren Mageslayer simply had to laugh out loud. "The fool!" he guffawed, turning towards his supporters, whether noble or of low estate. "He thinks that I had something to do with our stalwart Kyng falling ill! Of course, if this was true, don't you think Varhad would be denouncing me with a thousand delirious curses upon his deathbed instead of promoting me to his lieutenant? Not even the most grave of fevers can addle someone's wits that much. He is febrile, not poisoned or languishing under some mage's evil spell. That is fact, not fiction! I suppose Ser Jaymes can content himself with his ludicrous fantasies all he wants while he's in exile. That would save him from the nightmare of living with his simplemindedness!" The nobles roared with laughter, and the common folk snickered. Only the Kyng's servants, passing by, looked even a tad bit worried. They glanced at him with lowered eyes.

"Well! There's no use standing about lollygagging. As Kyng Varhad's chosen Lieutenant, the very first actions I take will be against these rogue mages. They are wreaking havoc in the land of Nirriven, and dividing it when it should be united! Thus, my first decree is that all who practice magicks other than the Healing arts--that is to say, all Elementalists and Inceptors--shall be slain in the act of practicing their wicked talents, or, if they cannot be caught in the act, these suspected mages are to be apprehended and brought here for trial. If found guilty, they shall be chained to the stake and burned forthwith."

"Hear, hear!" cried the nobles, and the common people knelt in thanks to their Creator. Many had suffered under the effects of these rogue mages' deeds.

"Who shall become the first Knights Opaque, and reveal these sorcerers for whom they really are? May you be as strong as stone, and just as unyielding!"

Almost all of the noblemen, and even a few noblewomen, volunteered.

"Then go out and hunt on the morrow! Do not return to this place until ye have soiled your blades with at least one transgressor's blood, or until ye have brought back at least one suspected mage clapped in irons!"

The Knights Opaque, newly-dubbed, saluted and departed from the Court.

City of Stormrise, Hall of the Blue Knights

Ser Jaymes heard enough of Faren's plan on the way out. If Kyng Varhad were in any condition to lead, this would never have happened, and this was exactly what the Blue Knights stood against.

"Knights, Faren Mageslayer intends to kill every Elementalist and Inceptor in Nirriven with his newly formed Knights Opaque. What he does not understand is that Elementalists and Inceptors are not inherently evil, just as Healers are not inherently good! If we do not oppose the Knights Opaque, many good people will die. This will be considered an act of rebellion, I cannot order you to commit treason, and I will understand if any of you refuse." Ser Jaymes told the other Knights.

Ser Alistair stepped forward. "Ser Jaymes, I believe I speak for everyone here when I say, we stand with you against Faren and his Knights Opaque."

Jenna introduced herself to the warrior, "I am but the Elven mage Jenna Talravin. Th magick you refer to, I'd rather not say except it is an old way." Jenna shifted on her feet to adjust to the weight of the sword on her back and reasserted by planting her staff in the ground. She looked at the warrior intently particularly at the mark but was interrupted by a visitor.

Reflexively she moved her hand to be in a position to maneuver her staff but relaxed when she realized that the warrior meant no harm. Upon hearing both their names, Jenna repled, "Honor to ye in meeting ye. I do know my way out of the forest but alas I am on a journey. We travel in the same direction therefore tis reasonable in accompaniment." She had nothing against the half-elven warrior and thought that for a change she would be reasonable against the centuries old distaste for half-breeds.

The journey continued until they stopped to camp. Rada had hunted down hares which Jenna was only too glad to eat with her special bread. At the time, she became aware of a presence lurking in the Veiled Forest. She made no obvious move to reach for the sword that was within grabbing reach nor for the staff. She did not want to alert the presence until it was time to strike. However she was beaten to the punch. Her sword was in her hand and in a position to strike when a familiar sight stepped into the light and said, "Mother?"

Jenna was in shock that she didn't answer right away. Many a time she wondered if the impossible would become possible and it seemed as if the gods were granting it. In response to Rada's question, she swallowed and said, "This warrior is Athra Talravin, the child of my body."

Boramir and his caravan continued down the western road, until he came to a large and open mountain pass. There was a minor squirmish occuring. The participants looked to be dwarfs and elves. "Try to avoid that battle. We need all if our strenth to continue this journey." A large forest loomed up ahead as the party entered into the realm of Nirreven.

This doesn't seem to be a very happy reunion, if what you say is true, Perdante thought. Perhaps you and your daughter are estranged. If so, I won't pry into your relationship, but I am indeed curious. Instead of voicing her thoughts out loud, however, the warrior simply smiled and nodded her head in acknowledgment--first toward Jenna, and then toward her half-Elven daughter, Athra.

"I am glad to make both of your acquaintances," she said with honest warmth. Despite lying about her name (which she considered a mere fib, rather than a malicious falsehood), Perdante was known as a forthright woman in Nirriven. Her outspokenness and tenacity had earned her quite a bit of recognition (and notoriety!) back when she still frequented the court of Kyng Varhad Poryvym. Now that she did not, however, being an exile and a vanquished Paragon besides, she would continue to call herself Rada unless she were recognized by someone else...or pressed.

"Mage Talravin," continued Perdante, "I would welcome your companionship as well in attempting to find my way out of this forest. Even though the camp I built is as comfortable as it can be under the circumstances, I want to leave."

Chiron was busy napping in a tree when he awoke to a loud noise. When he finally got himself up to a sitting position he saw a large furry monster running from something...or perhaps someone. He been in this forest for a few days and couldn't find anything to do until now. He spent the first day observing a female solid. She had a nice little camp not too far from where he was but she started to bore him. Now he found himself heading in that direction because that was where the large monster had been running from.

Lucky for him when he moved around he didn't have to worry about carrying anything. All he had with him was the "flesh" form he had chosen to wear and his magical abilities. He had just gotten out of sight from his tree when he saw two goblins. He hadn't spent much time with the meat-headed imbeciles because they were not as fascinating to him as the other races were. He decided just to ignore them, however they had other plans.

One was a bow and the slightly chubbier one had an axe. The one with the axe charged Chiron screaming in its native tongue.

"Are we really doing this?" Chiron asked as he ignited one of his hands.

He shot the one with the axe right in the chest with a fireball which sent it to the ground. Chiron turned to the other goblin with and pointed his left hand at him. His left hand became covered in ice as he got ready to deal with the goblin. He hit this goblin in the legs with an ice ball, freezing it in place. Chiron considered the fight over and simply walked away without another word.

What he would find next would make Chiron one of the happiest beings alive. Not only did he find the human solid from earlier but a bunch of other solids as well. He saw two half elves, an elf, and some medium sized furry creature. Now he would have just left this group alone but what the woman had said made almost made him jump for joy. She was apparently and exiled human as she was seeking a dwarven or elven camp rather than one of her own; this human just went back to being fascinating.

Chiron wanted to look somewhat presentable for this group so he quickly dusted off his purple robes and began to get closer to them. He looked over at the human solid with his glowing red eyes and did his best to smile even though he had a mask that covered his mouth.

"Perhaps I could be of assistance then. Lucky for you sol..er travelers, I know how to get to both the Dwarves and the Elves," Chiron said looking around at the group.

These solids seem to have united in order to get out of these woods, how fascinating!

OUTSIDE THE VEILED FOREST, OUTSKIRTS OF THE REACHING MOUNTAINS

Thannis stood before the entrance to the veiled forest his formally white paladin armour was scratched and tainted black it shone with an unearthly blue glow that would cause a person to feel cold just looking at it. This was but an indication of the dark power he had as a dark knight.

Despite his evil taint he took a moment to take in the surroundings and prepare himself for what might lie ahead, closing his red tinted eyes images of his mentors, family and friends all taken from him unjustly filled his head.

I will not let that happen again! Even if I have to kill every wrong doer I will not show mercy!

With a swipe of his gauntlet he felled several trees then entered the forest.

((Ninja, please change "untied" to "united". Thanks! :)))

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

Perdante Argentys had seen many creatures in her travels to the West, once she had been banished from the Court of Kyng Varhad. Even though seeing an Elf was an incredibly rare thing for a Human to do, since most Elves lived on the slopes of the Reaching Mountains, the former Paragon was not afraid. She had also encountered Dwarves before, namely one hot-headed Dwarf, Faren Mageslayer--her unfortunately-triumphant combatant in the Duel of the Fates! Half-elves? Even though they were even more rare and unusual than Elves, they did not cause Perdante to grit her teeth, stifling another scream. This red-eyed and shadowy creature, however, did...

"What manner of spirit are you?" Perdante asked once she was reassured she would not soil her underclothing out of sheer terror. "Are you a holy deva? A demon? I know not."

"I think he's an Umbral. A Deva would act a lot more pretentious, and a Demon would try to offer us something in exchange for our souls. He clearly means well, though I'm surprised he isn't content to just observe us." Athra suggested. "I for one, would gladly accept your assistance, though as a Ranger, I am very familiar with this forest. My name is Athra Talravin, and you are?"

((Sorry about that, durr moment on my part))

Chiron instantly crossed his arms in front of his chest and pouted. While it was his own fault for taking a form that resembled his Umbral spirit instead of a form these solids would be more familiar with, he still felt insulted for being called a demon. He pointed up with his right hand and took in a deep breath to retort when he was taken by surprise. Not only did this half-elf knew what he was but also respected him. This made Chiron take an interest in her as well.

"You are correct Athra, I am an Umbral. My name is Chiron Gethyro and it is a pleasure to meet you all."

Perdante bowed in response, and then cocked a curious eyebrow. "Umbral? I have only heard of your kind in story-books, and tales told to me by my mother, who has long vwwb gone to the other side of this life. She said that Umbrals don't interfere in the mortal world, which they call 'solid', because they are indifferent towards us, or else disdainful." After a brief pause, in which she twirled nervously with a bit of her scarlet hair, she continued, "Are those tales true or false? I apologize for calling you a demon."

Chiron looked back to the human solid and let out a long sigh. He wasn't sighing at her, but at the thought of his fellow Umbral. He didn't know why they acted the way they did, but he hated it. Indeed their race was powerful, even though they too could be killed.

"Sadly your mother is right. Most Umbral do think of you solids like that. They believe our race to be high and mighty and the solids are not worthy of their time. However I enjoy this world of yours, and the things each race has taught me. Oh and you are forgiven." Chiron responded. "Now where would your group like to go?" he asked.

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

"I cannot speak for the rest of my new comrades," replied Perdante, turning her head toward them slightly, "but I myself am searching for refuge with either the Elves in their capital city, or the Dwarven folk within theirs. I hate to use the word mercenary, but that is what I am at the moment. As a pair of blades for hire, I will serve whomever gives me shelter, just treatment, and fair wages. That is all I ask. I could choose to spend the rest of my days here in this darkly beautiful Veiled Forest, but alas! Hunting is not the greatest of my talents, and I would rather not have to spend my life struggling to survive. I prefer to fight for a cause, and a battlemaster. Thus, I seek a new one." She smiled at the Umbral. "Would you care to help me look?"

THE EASTERN PLAINS, NOT FAR FROM THE KYNG'S COURT

"So we're out hunting mages now," announced Ser Dathrace, the newly-dubbed Commander of the Knights Opaque and Faren Mageslayer's favorite noble. "Good. I was hoping that our new patron would send us on such a mission." He squared his shoulders, which were clad in heavy plate armor.

"Remember--we're only supposed to capture the Elementalists and Inceptors," cautioned Anithrelle, his lovely, dark-haired lieutenant. "Rogue sorcerers."

"HEALERS GOOD! THOSE OTHERS BAD!" added Ser Hanric cheerfully, a veteran of many barroom brawls who had been recruited by Faren Mageslayer five years ago as a Brute Errant, or a fighter who administered punishment to those soldiers of the Kyng who were either weak or disobeying direct orders. Normally, Kyng Varhad Poryvym would have abhorred such a position in his military, but with such chaos in the land, someone had to administer brutal and efficient order to keep dicey situations from getting out of hand.

"Right on, Ser Hanric!" Ser Dathrace smiled. He knew that the Brute Errant might not have had much in the way of brains, but in the way of brawn, he was second only to Faren Mageslayer himself! Thus, he was indispensable.

Ser Hanric suddenly pointed into the distance. "MAGE!" he cried.

Ser Dathrace shook his head. "No, that's not a mage. That's a beggar man."

"OOPS. Sorry." Ser Hanric shook his head and stared down at his feet.

"No matter; all is forgiven. Come, Knights Opaque! Let's go catch us some real mages!"

Jenna nodded, "I know the way out but tis a foolish idea to travel at night here."

She was aware of another presence, a dark one as she listed her reasons for not traveling at night. She had returned her sword to its place on her back and began scouting the area. When the creature revealed himself she backed into a combat stance, her hands in an open slicing gesture, ready to strike.

When the creature introduced himself as Chiron the Umbral, Jenna relaxed slightly. This Umbral was different but that didn't mean she would let her guard down. She replied, "We are heading out of the forest Umbral Chiron but advice given is that only fools travel at night. What say you on such advice?"

THE VEILED FOREST

Thannis stumbled momentarily losing his footing on the loose foliage and debris that littered the floor of the forest.

"Damn this place!.." He cursed out loud "..heavy armour may be good on the battlefield but not when one is walking on uneven land"

The commotion of noise created by this disturbed a pack of wood trolls that were scavenging for left over scraps.

As soon as they saw him they decided to attack leaping down from the trees teeth bared and crude weapons drawn.

Drawing his own blade which was covered in runes and imbued with dark power Thannis seemed to detect the threat from above, rolling to the side he managed to evade their attack.

He countered their attack with one of his own, using dark magic he focused his energy and life force down his blade as he swung sending out a crescent of dark energy which exploded on impact sending up a dark cloud of smoke.

Gasping for air as his own attack had weakened him, he spotted something in the distance.

"Who goes there?" he said as he readied his blade once again.

The Eastern Plains

Ser Erina approached Ser Jaymes and his party, camped out at an old stone structure of some sort. It might have been a watchtower, a fort, or even an estate, but what it once was didn't really matter. It was as good a place as any to serve as a secondary base of operations for the Blue Knights, since it was likely Faren would have their Hall raided in due time.

"Commander, we've spotted the Knights Opaque. They've begun their hunt." She explained. "Did you recognise any of them?" Ser Jaymes then asked. "Ser Dathrace, Ser Anithrelle, and Ser Hanric." Ser Erina elaborated. How typical of Faren to employ a Brute Errant, and particularly stupid one at that Ser Jaymes thought. He had dealt with each of them in the past, none of them being particularly fond memories, except for the time he bested Ser Hanric in a duel, proving to Kyng Varhad that clear headedness in combat easily trumps battle frenzy.

"Have they caught the trail of any Mages?" Ser Jaymes then asked. "I don't think so. The closest they've come so far was Ser Hanric mistaking a beggar for a mage, or possibly Ser Dathrace just dismissing a mage as a beggar." Ser Erina replied. "And they didn't spot you?" Ser Jaymes inquired. "No, they were too preoccupied, and I made sure to keep out of their view."

Both the Elves and the Dwarves were good people, at least that was the case when Chiron stayed with each group. However given the fact that the majority of the group was made up of elves it would probably be best to head into Elven territory rather than risk getting into a fight with the dwarves.

He then took a few seconds to ponder the question he was asked. He could easily lead the group through these woods with no problem, even in the dark. He had almost forgotten that most solids could not see in the dark. Finally he was ready to address the group once more.

"It is good advice for those who can not see in the dark. To me it does not matter if it is light or dark out so I can not say when it is better to travel. So I will leave the decision up to the group. Would you like me to take you to the Elves now, or would you rather rest for the night and I can guide you there tomorrow?" he asked before adding in, "Or would you prefer going to see the Dwarves instead?" He said to anyone in general.

Jenna stopped short. It had been a long time since she had been to the land of the Elves ever since she left to go teach Humans magick. There were many who disliked the fact that she was sharing knowledge and she was not anxious to find out how they felt about her teaching Inception. She also knew her daughter was not welcome very well and she herself had not been the best at showing her support for her. Besides she was on a mission. Out loud she said, "Neither the Elves or Dwarves I seek but the Eastern Plains."

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

"Perhaps we should part ways, then," Perdante replied. "You see...how do I put this delicately?...I am not welcome among my Human brothers and sisters in the Eastern Plains, as I once was. Upon pain of death, and by the order of Kyng Varhad Poryvym himself, I have been exiled, never to return. If I even cross the borders of the Eastern Plains, I will be a wolf's head--a wanted criminal! The loss of my home and my comrades has been painful enough, and I do not wish to lose anything further, including my own life. Thus, I seek asylum in the West. I do wish to thank you once more, however, before we separate."

She turned to Jenna, extending her leather-gloved hand for the mage to shake.

THE EASTERN PLAINS, RUGGED ROAD

"So, when will we see any mages? Huh?" Ser Hanric was getting tired.

"Be patient, you lout! Inceptors and Elementalists are tricky folk. Some of them can even turn themselves invisible and ambush us, so shut your mouth!"

"That goes for you, too," Ser Anithrelle pointed out to Ser Dathrace.

"All right, all right! Let's be silent. As soon as one of us spots one of those sorcerers practicing their wicked art, we will charge. Until then, hush!"

Still, Ser Hanric thought they could march all night without finding any prey...

Jenna eyed her companion and said, "So the great Perdante fears death. Something unheard of for a warrior of your reputation." She then smiled, "Truth be told I am not welcome in the Eastern Plains either yet I am going anyway."

Jenna looked at her daughter to gauge her response. She knew that she could never ask her to follow after what she had done to her yet there was a small part that hoped that they would be able to travel a ways together. She then looked back at Perdante and added, "I go because Faren Mageslayer thinks that he should rule after the Kyng passes. I go not for my people like me but for your people who are like me. Where I go there is a certainty of death but I offer a chance to take back what is yours, if you deign to trust me."

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

Perdante's jaw fell slack. "So, you've heard of me, then? La Perdante? The Vanquished of the Duel of the Fates?" Horror and shame filled her heart. After a moment she said, "Faren Mageslayer is the Dwarf who won the grand Duel. Thus, he became Kyng Varhad's lieutenant, and the throne is his by martial right. Of course some dare to oppose him, such as yourself, but in this land, might makes right. I shall give you some advice: if you wish to defeat Faren, you're going to have to overpower him. Overwhelm him utterly. That is what I could not do, and he almost clove me in half." She shuddered at the memory. "I had to yield before I was slain. Faren would have slaughtered me. Yes, I fear death, but what I fear more is betraying my earthly lord and master. The Kyng himself has decreed that the loser of the final round of the Duel of the Fates is to be exiled. Varhad hates weak people, and I proved my weakness by not overcoming Faren Mageslayer."

"I agree with my mother. You gain nothing from seeking refuge with the dwarves and the elves, and this Faren Mageslayer sounds like someone worth rebelling against." Athra suggested. Then, turning to her mother, she asked, "Mother, have you considered enlisting the help of the Blue Knights? They'd certainly oppose Faren, and I know Ser Jaymes Caran, their leader, personally. He's a good man, which is far more than I can say about Faren."

"I certainly hope this Ser Jaymes has strength and fortitude that border on the supernatural," replied the former Paragon. "That's what it's going to take to cut Faren Mageslayer down. As I was fighting him, I was horrified to discover that his executioner's axe, which he calls Palach, or headsman, has a power and will of its own. When Faren himself is injured or exhausted, and his battle frenzy can't sustain him anymore, it's almost as if Palach itself takes over. That's how I lost the Duel of the Fates. I was about to make a coup de grace against Faren and make him fall to his knees in defeat, but then the axe shimmered with a violent jolt of electricity and spun toward me, pulling Faren along with it. Do I sound insane? I must. However, that's what I witnessed..."

She shook her head. "Palach was going to kill me. Faren couldn't control it. I don't know how a weapon can have such power, but it did. I swear it!"

"Magical enchantment of objects or even evil spirits taking possession of an object is not uncommon. The Axe you speak of must have some kind of force inhabiting it. The Mage must know more about this, but I only heard stories of it in elven villages", Alaire said. The village she spoke of was the one that she used to live in and slaughtered everyone so she could absorb their souls to fuel her might.

Larissa was looking intently at the Umbral, she wasn't scared of him nor aggressive towards him but she was as always prepared to jump at the first sign of aggression. Alaire simply petted Larissa to make sure she eased up.

"But this Faren Mageslayer intrigues me, I had heard of him before, although I never really met him when I was in the army. But then again, everyone kinda shunned us reavers", Alaire said.

Chiron couldn't help but go silent as the events unfolded around him. First was this human solid who use to be a powerful paragon. Then Jenna revealed she was going to challenge a dwarf named Faren Mageslayer who thought that the title of Kyng should go to him after the other one dies. His excitement changed to confusion at the mentioning of the name Ser James Caran.

He scratched his hooded head with one of his fingers as he tried to remember how he knew that name. He recalled this James Caran being a human solid but he couldn't remember why he knew that. Chiron simply shrugged and went back to listening to the conversation. He couldn't help but feel like he was being watched and looked to see the furry creature staring at him. He stared back at the creature and was amazed how the half elf was able to calm it. When he had the chance he would ask this half elf her name and what exactly her furry companion was.

The half elf mentioning she was a reaver was all he could take. Chiron nearly jumped for joy at all this exciting new information. He tried to calm himself down but he couldn't contain himself.

"A reaver, we have a reaver with us! Oh this is absolutely marvelous. You must tell me more about your abilities when we get the time to do so," He said joyfully to the half elf. "I apologize for my outburst, its just I've been overwhelmed with all this information. I would be more than glad to assist either of you if you wish," Chiron said to both Jenna and Perdante.

Perdante closed her eyes for a brief moment, let out a deep sigh, and then opened them again. "It is true that by royal edict and the Law of the Fates, I have lost my right to challenge Faren Mageslayer directly. However, I could serve as a second to any others who wish to do so and who have not yet fought in the Duel." She sat down again, removing a silver cord from around her wrist, crafted of braided and dyed silk. It shimmered with an unearthly hue. "This is the thread of my life, imbued with the force of the Higher Power that guides me and represented in visible, earthly form. I had to keep Faren Mageslayer--and Palach--from slicing right through this thread, and my wrist." She smiled. "However, there is something else that is particularly remarkable about it..."

Clasping the thread close to her heart, she continued, "In this case--among Duel combatants--the stakes are higher, and the bonds stronger, than simply becoming the Kyng's new lieutenant or being sent into exile. A 'second' is far more than simply a right-hand man or woman. The second, as an act of loyalty and submission, chooses to bind himself or herself to their master for as long as their master is alive. If the second wraps his or her life-thread around the wrist of their master and presses their head to the pulse-artery, the thread will glow, and a part of their life-essence will live inside their master. Faren Mageslayer has done this, and part of his vitality lies in Kyng Varhad. If he had ANYTHING to do with the Kyng's illness, he is taking a great risk. Perhaps he thinks that his brute strength and berserker's rage will save him. I myself think not, however.

"Why do seconds--lieutenants and Duel combatants--do this? The Law of the Fates, which I follow, says that all of us are interconnected, especially those with a very close bond: masters and seconds, siblings, husbands and wives. Lovers. A thread-bond is a bond for life, and when one perishes, the other is weakened considerably. However, in turn, one's strength benefits the other.

"One more thing: My own thread-master died right before I went to fight in the Duel I lost. Perhaps that is why I was defeated, along with the combined power of Faren and Palach. I am...quite weakened. I yearn to serve a new champion. If you are willing to bind your strength and life to the greatest loser of all time in order that you both may win once more, please step forward..."

"I know of this type of magick," Jenna replied. "There are many objects of such in this world but from what you describe, it seems that Faren and Palach are not a true partnership. Then again Palach was always one to do things his way. Perhaps we will need the Bluee Knights if this is to succeed."

Jenna looked at her companions and particularly Perdante. She saw someone who may have fallen but could become strong again. "The Kyng knows nothing of true weakness becuase of this bond you speak of. You on the other hand know it and can overcome it even without the strength of a thread master. I will step forward and bind with you but I ask do you wish to be strong without a master, to learn to be strong again?

((Perdante's bonding will be postponed. She's meant for another, I feel...!:)))

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

After seeing the clear logic of Jenna's point, the former Paragon nodded vigorously. "Of course! Then, if and when the time comes for me to bond my thread of life to another, I shall bring him or her my full strength and power, not my shame and weakness. So be it. I wish to rebel against Faren Mageslayer, not only because I now have a sworn vendetta against my opponent in the Duel of the Fates, but because he also seems far more dangerous than I ever thought! My good mage? Is there any chance that I...could combine my fighting skill..." She paused for a moment. "...with the power you used to drive away the bear? If it turns out that Faren's axe, Palach, has a mind of its own, then perhaps I could use that mysterious ability to turn it away from whomever it's attacking." She arched a curious eyebrow. "Do you think you might be able to train me?" Perdante crossed her fingers...

THE EASTERN PLAINS, REMOTE CAMPSITE

Four peasants, who had gone out hunting for a week's time, had experienced a turn of ill fortune. Not only had they not caught any deer or bears, but the most they could hope to bring home to their families was a sack full of rabbits each. This was not a good sign, with the Eastern Plains in the beginning of a recurring summer drought! To compound matters, the tinder that they'd managed to gather up for their evening meal's campfire was so dry that the flames quickly reared high and began to roar out of control. "Help!" they cried.

Suddenly, one of the peasants remembered an arcane incantation that he had seen a mage, an Elementalist, do once as part of a festival in his home village. "Lyod, moroz, upast'!" he shouted. Immediately, ice crystals cascaded out from beneath his fingernails and rained down upon the raging fire. Within a few minutes, it had gone out, and his remaining three comrades cheered! The man himself looked dazed and shocked.

"How did you learn how to DO that?" one cried, his eyes full of fear.

The man replied, "I...I don't know. It was just something I saw a mage do."

"You're a sinner!" cried a nearby female voice. "You called upon wicked arts!"

Before the peasants knew what was truly happening, the members of the Knights Opaque, with Ser Dathrace and Ser Anithrelle at their head, had clapped all four of them in irons. The man who had cast the spell now wore an X of grease painted upon his forehead, and his three comrades? They were to be thrown in prison as accomplices to a sorcerer--if they confessed. If not, then they would also be burnt for such a transgression, along with obstructing the Kyng's justice. All of them marched on into the night, with the Knights Opaque being glad that they could finally return home to the Kyng's Court. They were all incredibly tired, and they had claimed their victory prize.

THE CITY OF STORMRISE, KYNG'S COURT, KYNG'S CHAMBERS

"Who--who are you?" the dying Kyng Varhad asked Faren Mageslayer.

"It's me. Faren. Your lieutenant?" the Dwarf asked with an amused smile.

"Oh! Excuse me for not recognizing your face. You'd think I...think I would remember the only Dwarf at Court for miles around." He and Faren laughed.

"Your Highness," continued the berserker, "have you heard about the mages?"

"The Healers? Yes. How are they doing? Have they found a cure for me yet?"

"I'm not talking about the Healers," replied Faren, "and they have not. I'm talking about the Elementalists and Inceptors, who have been terrorizing our people with their craft. I've recruited and sent out a band of Knights Opaque to hunt them." He smiled again. "Hopefully, that pleases Your Majesty."

"Oh, aye. Aye, it does. I've heard so many stories..." The Kyng trailed off.

"Well, you'll be hearing them no more. Not when my Knights are through..."

((Sorry, time for another Faren Mageslayer scene...))

CITY OF STORMRISE, KYNG'S COURT, PALACE CATACOMBS

"Come now, Palach. Be reasonable. You can't be asking me to do that..."

Faren blinked his eyes and shook his head. He was talking to an axe, of all the blasted-fool things! An inanimate object. Nevertheless, this inanimate object was not as lifeless as it seemed. The dread spirit of Kyng Varhad's father's executioner was imbued into Faren's weapon, and it wanted revenge against the Kyng's son. Palach, the brutal headsman who had taken the life of Kyng Lanhareid, had been found out and put to death by Varhad as his first order of business as heir to the throne. It was Palach the Headsman who had formed the conspiracy against Varhad's father, and the poor fool, now lying on his own deathbed, had believed the spirit of his father's betrayer had been put to rest. However, Palach had made a pact with a certain young Dwarf berserker. It was restless, yearning for the taste of royal blood. If it could not have Varhad, then it wanted either Faren or that other one, along with all of the souls who opposed Faren and supported the dying Kyng.

I am. I have made you strong, Faren Mageslayer. You were first-round Duel fodder when I first met you, a weakling stained with cowardice and reeking of sweat and dirty underclothes! As soon as you found me, a discarded weapon among those that were going to be sent to the forge and molten down, I spoke to you. I promised you matchless power, and gave it to you. Do you think you can change the rules of the game, right in the middle? I think not. We've made a bargain, and unless you fulfill it, Dwarf, you will perish.

"But to lose so much! To feast not upon meat and ale, but souls..."

That is what I've wanted all along. That is what I've always wanted. The more people that you slay through me--the more people I SLAY--the more powerful I grow. With enough power drawn from the life-essences of those who were weak enough to fall before me, I shall have enough strength to fully and completely inhabit a new body--yours. It is time to enter the second phase of our pact. You shall become a Reaver, and feast upon those you conquer. Thus, you shall transfer their life-force to me, and I, Palach, will rise from the dead through your stump-like Dwarven form!"

"This is sickening." Faren shook his head again. "I won't do it, you scum."

Palach suddenly whirled and sunk itself deep into Faren's chest. He roared.

"I yield! I yield, Undying Headsman! Heal this wound, and I shall reave!"

A jolt of electricity cauterized Faren's gash, and Palach inhabited his flesh as well as the axe Faren wielded. From weapon to guts, the Headsman's power flowed. Both were stronger, yet weaker. No matter. Faren would feast very soon upon powerful mages...

The Veiled Forest
"I'm no expert, but if his axe is sentient, it'll likely be too intelligent to be affected by such a basic spell. You'd have to render it inert and mundane if you want to stop it." Athra pointed out. "Even that would likely prove difficult. I think it would be best if we sought out Ser Jaymes before we figure anything else out."

The Eastern Plains, Road to Stormrise

Unfortunately, for the Knights Opaque, they had grown tired in their search, and were unprepared for the trap set by the Blue Knights. Dressed in all black, rather than their typical blue regalia, Ser Jaymes poured oil onto the road, thick enough to stop the Knights Opaque's caravan, but too thin for it to be visible. Once they slipped on it, Ser Alistair tossed a couple of smoke bombs at the the group, blinding those not already unconscious. Ser Erina then made her way into the commotion, and spotting the captive peasants, pried open the irons, and led the four of them out, telling them, "Come with us if you want to live."

By the time Ser Dathrace and Ser Anithrelle came to, it was too late, and neither the peasants or their saviours were anywhere to be found.

The Eastern Plains, Lindaren

After the Blue Knights had been established, Ser Jaymes felt it appropriate to reclaim Lindaren, and make use of it as another base, more secluded and more fortified than the
Abandoned Watchtower they also used.

The four peasants were still in shock, but they gladly accepted this oddly well furnished ruin over the . They saw their mysterious rescuers conversing. "Well done, we have just turned the Knights Opaque's first victory into their first defeat." The man who appeared to be their leader said before turning to them.

"You're probably wondering who we are and why we brought you here, and you have a right to know. My name is Ser Jaymes Caran, Commander of the Blue Knights. We brought you here, to Lindaren, because unlike the Knights Opaque, we understand that magick can be a force for good or for evil, and we aim to save those undeserving, like yourselves, from their clutches. If we had not intervened, you would likely be dead by now." Ser Jaymes explained. Then, Ser Erina stepped forward.

"You'll be safe here, and you're free to leave whenever you feel you can avoid the Knights Opaque, and free to stay as long as you need to." She told them.

CITY OF STORMRISE, KYNG'S COURT

Faren Mageslayer didn't know whether to laugh or cry. His Knights Opaque had proven to be pathetic in the truest sense of the word. Not only had they failed to capture any Elementalists or Inceptors, but they had also fallen victim to a clever trap set by none other than Ser Jaymes, the Knight he had just banished! No wonder Palach had suddenly grown ravenous by the time Ser Dathrace, Ser Anithrelle, Ser Hanric, and Ser Thorn had finished telling their master of the midnight defeat on the Eastern Plains. Thanks to the Mageslayer's sentient axeblade, they were all now minus their heads...

Faren discovered that feeding had utterly sated and exhausted him. He felt marvelous, better than he had in many a year, and certainly better than he had before he ventured to fight in the first round in the Duel of the Fates! Still, he also felt like he was going to vomit. Eating four human souls at once had glutted his appetite. Palach, however, seemed like its own craving was being whetted, not dulled. It wanted more, but it would have to wait. In the meantime, Faren had to recruit some better warriors if he was going to win against that blasted, stinking, rotten cur who had outsmarted him!

That was why he chose The Four, a band of comrades who were so cold and ruthless that they even made the most cunning nobles at Court quiver. Kyng Varhad had threatened to exile them many a time, but their martial prowess was only surpassed by Faren's rage--and his axe. This time, there would be no defeat. If the Four failed, they would die, just as the Knights Opaque had.

Their given names had been long forgotten, as they had chosen to adopt the monikers of Korol', Dama, Lad'ya, and Alfil. Korol' and Alfil were male, and the others female. However, rumor had it that the women were just as merciless as the men. Only Lad'ya still had some doubts about the secret, underhanded games of sabotage, espionage, and murder in which she had often played. The others considered her a neophyte, but she was learning very quickly.

"My rules are simple, you Four: bring Elementalists and Inceptors to me in chains. If you do not, and you dare to return empty-handed, you perish."

The Four nodded. They would set out at dawn, for the sake of not only the Kyngdom but their own lives as well. The stakes were that perilous...

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

"Would you mind if we slept first?" asked Perdante, smirking wryly. "I, for one, need a good night's rest from my injuries. That bear packed quite a wallop..."

As soon as Perdante asked, Athra knocked on the nearest tree trunks surrounding the group, checking to make sure none of them were actually sentient and hostile, and then she checked the ground for any other animal tracks, just to make sure nothing would try to eat them in the night. When she was done, she stated, "This spot's safe. We'll leave for Lindaren in the morning."

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

Morning dawned clear and cold in the Veiled Forest. Perdante arose early to bathe in a nearby pond, which was not the same reservoir of the water she drank. After scrubbing herself vigorously with sand and soapweed that could be plucked from the pond's banks, she dressed anew in her leather armor and waited for the others to awaken. Last night's campfire was now a white pile of ashes. She smiled. Perhaps this is a good omen as our revolt begins...

THE CITY OF STORMRISE, KYNG'S COURT

"Korol'?"

"Present."

"Dama?"

"Present."

"Alfil?"

"Present."

"Lad'ya?"

"I'm present, Ser Mageslayer."

"Good. You are the Four, servants of our noble Kyng Varhad Poryvym himself, and I am his lieutenant. Through obeying my commands, you obey your lord and master in this mortal realm. You know your task: locate and apprehend any and all Inceptors and Elementalists. They practice wicked forms of magick, and I would prefer it if you captured them alive. However, if these rogue mages turn their arts against you, you have every right to defend yourself." Faren raised a scornful eyebrow. "Do you know your roles?"

"Prime warrior," replied Korol'.

"Lieutenant," added Alfil.

"Healer," Dama said. She was a mage who despised her "sinful" counterparts.

"Distraction." Lad'ya, being a roguish bard, smiled with a twinkle in her eye.

"Excellent. Go forth and succeed. It is the only way any of you shall live."

The Four saluted the Mageslayer and then ventured into the Eastern Plains.

Chiron leaned back on a tree watching over the group as they slept. Even in slumber the solids amazed him. He found it rather peaceful when night fell. There was hardly any noise except for the few creatures which he quite enjoyed listening to. He had already napped most of the day anyway so he didn't mind staying up all night on guard duty.

When he did notice the sun pop up he got up from his spot and went to do some hunting. He figured the group would be hungry by the time they got up, so he wanted to be ready. Besides he found that eating was one of his favorite things to do after observing a solid do it. Unsure of what each group member liked, he decided to gather a variety of things. He was fortunate enough to hunt a deer, catch two fish, and gather some berries.

Chiron returned to where he had left the group. He found a large leaf and placed the berries down on it. He had already skinned the deer so all he had to do was cook it. Chiron's version of cooking was burn it until he was satisfied. He was working on the second fish when he heard a noise. He looked up to find Perdante.

"Greetings Perdante," he whispered waving to her. "You're just in time, I just finished with this fish." he added in.

((Whew I go away for a week end and am left behind lol))

Jenna looked at Perdante with an inquisitive eye. She was right in supposing that this warrior could become stronger. She could deduce that she had a good mind but to learn Inception was another matter. Right now there was too much anger. She replied, "What you wish to learn requires time and practice in the basics. I can teach you Elementals, how to move and think with them. We have a long journey ahead and time enough. Will you accept?" She held her hand out towarsd Perdante.

Jenna also managed to give a look to Athra that said, I will teach you too but only if you are willing. It was her way of apologizing to her daughter for leaving her. Out loud she said, "There may be a chance that we will find a magickal weapon that would be willing to be your partner."

THE VEILED FOREST, PERDANTE'S CAMP

"I accept," the warrior replied, shaking Jenna's hand firmly. "I think we'll be stronger standing together than alone. Besides, if Faren Mageslayer's axe is indeed sentient, I might need assistance from such a weapon." She smiled and tried to laugh, but her attempt at snickering fell rather flat. For one thing, she knew how dangerous such a weapon could be, and for two, she knew how dangerous Faren Mageslayer was. Neither was really a laughing matter.

"How much ground can we cover before sunset?" she asked. "Also, where do you believe Ser Jaymes is headquartered? Do you think he'll be anywhere near us?"

Alaire was somewhat shocked that Chiron the Umbral was so excited to meet a reaver. Considering Chiron's nature, it was indeed odd that someone like him could actually find it fascinating to meet one such as her. But she wasn't about to attack him in anyway, not since she had decided to quit the habit of absorbing souls if she could avoid it.

They had all gone to sleep and she had kept her eyes closed. But she never really slept anymore. Her subconscious mind would visit moments in her life of extreme horror for her. It was as if she could see herself from outside as she tore and slashed through her enemies and watched powerless as she fed from the souls of her fallen foes. It didn't matter how much she screamed to herself to stop, she couldn't even will herself to wake.

She envied how Larissa was able to sleep on her lap so easily, so calmly. She watched from the corner of her eye as Perdante and Chiron and soon Janna exchanged words. Janna told her about elementalism and about getting her a sentient weapon.

"Not to disrespect you master mage", Alaire said focusing a bit in sounding more open towards the elven mage. "... but this whole sentient weapon business. Don't you agree at least in some point that Faren actually cheated into bringing down miss Perdante? He had help, and nobody knew about it, at least it's what it seems. So if he indeed cheated, it means that miss Perdante didn't actually loose to Faren, she did not lose to the one who challenged her but another who forcefully intervened. I guess that what I'm trying to get at is, don't you think that she'd be cheating herself if she went and got a weapon similar to Faren? If you teach her elementalism it's fine, it's her own power and skill that would grow, I feel being dependent on something such as a sentient weapon, in her position would not favor her in the long run. I'm just saying it though... mages are known to be wiser so, I was just voicing an opinion".

Alaire noticed she had spoken the longest she had in a long time. But she somehow felt like she could speak her mind around all these people.