Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: Recovering from their battle against the Dextera Ex Malum the Warriors had a short respite before being called by Admiral Nina to the Issik. Docking with the Issik the Warriors were shown to the briefing room.
Vin_Da_DM: In the briefing room was the artifact, the Moonlight Key, an object from the godly realm. Luna, being the goddess� avatar, was able to activate the key and ended up transporting everybody to the godly realm.
Vin_Da_DM: The Warriors were transported to a lake in one of the southern provinces of Selenia�s domain. A village nearby looked out over the sunken temple in the middle of the lake. A few days journey from Aventine the group had another chance for a respite.
Vin_Da_DM: *Time passed: Night-time*
Vin_Da_DM: The morning suns peer over the horizon, seeking to cast light between the mountains beyond the forest. Something sounding similar to a rooster craws hoarsely, clearly not with youthful pride. The sounds of a village coming to life soon follow.
Vin_Da_DM: Elsewhere: Daegriss sits back down on this throne, relaxing into a casual posture, �Silence? Surely the daughter of Shaiya Elinae of Goldspire would have more to say. Speak your mind, my child.�
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
Vin_Da_DM: Mileor moves away from Cara and takes a seat in one of the empty council chairs, crossing his arms as he watches her.
Valrash gets up and prays to his mother.
Shadow walks out of the inn, looks around.
Katie wakes up and finds Kyra gone.
Cara glances around at each of the members of the council before returning her gaze back to Daegriss, �What is it precisely that you want to know? Are you not the least bit interested in knowing that I did not go with the Warriors by my own choice?�
Vin_Da_DM: Villagers are milling about starting their daily routines. A pair of nymphs playfully splash at each other as they draw water from the local well, one of them eyes Shadow and giggles.
Shadow smiles back and heads off in the direction of the temple and takes off his armor and tunic, leaves his pants on and neatly stacks his stuff and swims to the temple.
Katie gets up and dresses quickly, pulling back her hair, but leaving a tendril on either side to curl becomingly, framing her face.
Valrash finishes praying and comes downstairs looking a little depressed, but he heads outside.
Kyra sits by the lake, a dreamy expression on her delicate features.
Valrash heads to the lake.
Vin_Da_DM: �I have eyes watching all of my followers, even you. I am aware you were taken into the Warriors by another�s choice. What I want to know is everything that happened after you left my sight.� Daegriss studies Cara with his gaze, continuing to grin to himself clearly amused.
Luna_Faline feels the sun shining thru the open window warming her fur, and smiles in contentment.
Kyra: �Yes, Kyn. I did have some rather good dreams. Can you blame me?� Kyra gives a small smile.
Claron smiles as the morning suns peek over the horizon. �It has been a long time since we camped out...wish we could do it more often,� as she runs her fingers along Tabris� naked chest.
Vin_Da_DM: �A bit taken with the boy, eh?� Syne stares at Kyra�s reflection in the lake as he stands behind her.
Valrash walks up to Kyra. �You know, you�re cute when you blush.�
Kyra jumps, flushing a bit. �I� � she stammers. �I�m sure I don�t know what you mean��
Shadow looks for an entrance to the temple.
Vin_Da_DM: The rainbow colored streamer fish scurry away into the shadowed underwater areas of the temple as Shadow approaches.
Clarice lays looking at the ceiling of her room in the inn, her eyes red and swollen from crying and lack of sleep. �I don�t know why it surprises me that he has shut me out again.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne smirks then turns to leave, �Have it your way...but I�ve noticed the glances he gives in return.�
Valrash pulls out his wings and stretches them.
Katie leaves the inn, her brilliant eyes dancing with life. She looks around, and seeing a stand of trees, heads for them, wanting a bit of a walk.
Tabris: �It is nice to have a night under the stars again,� Tabris turns and smiles at Claron.
Vin_Da_DM: The entrance of the temple isn�t visible from the surface, from the looks of the temple itself the first several stories of it are under the water.
Cara stands facing Daegriss and the Council, �I awoke aboard their ship and had every intentions of killing my father, then the others...but it was somewhat more complicated then I had anticipated.�
Shadow swims back to the shore, looks at Valrash. �You wanna watch the stuff I left over here?�
Kyra blushes harder, but her curiosity is pricked. �What kind of glances?�
Valrash looks at him, �Sure,� he says.
Shadow heads back to the inn, but grabs the tunic and dons it, and then looks for Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: �Then explain it to us, girl,� a smooth voice with a slightly romance-language accent to it speaks out from a hooded figure on Cara�s right. Sliding back his hood the pale white haired man looks at her with albino eyes.
Luna_Faline rolls over and snuggles up next to Eclipse�s hard length, purrs, �G�morning.�
Vin_Da_DM: �If you haven�t noticed them, then I shouldn�t bother.� Syne looks at Kyra instead this time with another smirk.
Cara�s eyes grow wide as she recognizes Luercas. �I had not expected to see you, too.�
Valrash looks through Shadow�s possessions.
Kyra chews her lip and looks confused.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse tilts his head to Luna with a smile. �Morning, fair sun. Come to light up the heavens for me again?� One of the spines on his head moves for a moment, �Heavy footsteps...seems the dwarf is coming.�
Valrash picks up the axe that is left there and swings it around for fun.
Cara: �I attacked my father shortly after I awoke. I thought it would be a piece of cake seeing how Kabal and I had battled with him before, but this time he was different.�
Katie hums a bit, smiling, as the breeze causes her curls to dance. �What a glorious day,� she sighs.
Luna_Faline smiles in pleasure, then turns her head and growls, �Purrrrfect timing, again.� Reaches for her jacket and slips it on. �I think I�ll go freshen up then.�
Shadow gets inside the inn and asks the waitress if she has seem a man fitting Eclipse�s description and puts in the qualifier, �You prob�lly saw a young lass that looks like a cat hanging all over him.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Different how? Some new found strength since he killed your mother?� Luercas responds to Cara, a grin with vampiric fangs showing.
Vin_Da_DM: The waitress glances at Shadow while preparing the morning meal for what would appear to be half the village, �Upstairs in whatever room they chose.�
Valrash puts down the axe and picks up the wing then drops it after it smacks him.
Shadow thanks the waitress then heads upstairs and knocks on the first door.
Vin_Da_DM: One of the four-antlered deer from the nearby forest perks it�s head towards Katie, ears twitching in her direction as it begins to withdraw from the flowering bush it was grazing on.
Valrash picks up a jar and looks in it and sees the liquid moving.
Cara looks directly at Luercas, �It appeared that way to me��
Luna_Faline leans over and kisses Eclipse, �I�ll be back in a bit, Babe,� and goes to the door. Opening it as Shadow knocks. �He�s waiting for you,� and walks out leaving the door open behind me.
Shadow calls in, �You decent, lad?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Perhaps you were merely drained from your battle against Inferno, and the Warrior with it.� Luercas rests his chin on one of his hands, tapping his metallic claws against the table with the other.
Luna_Faline calls down the hall, �He�s not just decent, he�s fabulous,� entering the bathroom.
Cara: �You all must realize that the Warriors were not overjoyed to have me amongst them.�
Valrash is transfixed on the liquid and watches it as it starts moving showing signs of intelligence.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse looks over towards the door as he finishes securing his belt, �Morning, Shadow�something I can do for you?�
Katie stops, looking at the deer in awe. Then she smiles and bending, picks a flower and tucks it into her hair.
Shadow says, �Sure is...with all your advancement in technology�is there some way you people can breathe underwater? I want to go check out that temple.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Speaking of young love�� Syne winks at Kyra then walks off to help an elderly man with his wheelbarrow as Stryder approaches Kyra.
Cara stands shaking her head, �I thought that at first myself, but no, it was not because I was drained.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder stretches and lets out a yawn, standing a few feet from Kyra he nods. �Morning, Kyra.�
Valrash looks for a way to leave, but fails having to watch Shadow�s possessions. He says, �That damn small fry better come back soon.�
Katie resumes her humming, watching the deer scamper away as she floats further into the trees.
Vin_Da_DM: The flower Katie picks changes color to a bright yellow once picked, a scent reminiscent of fresh honey coming from it.
Kyra gives Stryder a nervous smile. �Morning. Sleep okay?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Guess not as comfortable as the beds on the Ettik, but not the worst.� Stryder gives her a friendly smile in return, followed by a momentary glance. �You have a good night yourself?�
Vin_Da_DM: �So your father seemed empowered,� Daegriss shifts his gaze from Luercas back to Cara, �And the other Warriors, did they too possess this sense of empowerment?�
Kyra nods shyly. �Yeah. I slept fine.� She turns to look out at the water once more. �But I agree the beds on the Ettik are more comfortable.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Might be a while before we�re back there,� Stryder sits down next to Kyra and looks at the water.
Luna_Faline quietly sneaks back to wait just outside the door, listening to Eclipse and Shadow talk, and wonders why he wants to go into the temple...
Kyra: �Yeah, I guess it might. I wonder what a baby Ettik looks like.� Kyra muses, still looking at the water.
Vin_Da_DM: �Advancement in technology?� Eclipse chuckles a bit, �Technology and I agree to disagree, such devices exist but finding one here will be difficult. A magical means would be more available.�
Shadow sighs, �That�s what I was afraid of. How would I go looking for this magic?�
Vin_Da_DM: �If it�s like it�s mom...dad...whatever, I imagine it�ll be red and black.� Stryder says sounding confused trying to put a gender on Ettik.
Cara: �Not that I noticed...well.... at least not right away�once I came to understand that maybe it would serve my purpose better to watch and observe. Kabal and I never meant to appear that we were going against the Council. We wanted to right the grave injustice done to us when our mother was killed.�
Katie finds a stump and sits down on it, taking a deep breath. �I wish�� then she shakes her head and sighs.
Valrash pulls a long picture out of the pocket and looks at it revealing a dwarfish woman.
Kyra laughs. �Kinda hard to pin a sex on Ettik,� then she purses her lips in thought, �Do baby living ships have to nurse? Come to think of it, does Ettik eat? I just dunno.� She laughs softly to herself again.
Valrash turns it over revealing text that says, �Maria.�
Vin_Da_DM: �By the Warrior she thought she could control, death was the appropriate response for her foolishness,� a soft ethereal female voice echoes from Cara�s left, two shadow tentacles withdraw the hood from their owner. The shadowy mist taking humanoid form as light hits it.
Claron sits up next to Tabris as her stomach growls, giggling, �Afraid I am famished from the night�s activities.�
Valrash looks at it for a moment longer and puts it back then pulls another item from the pocket, a small cross and he drops it as it burns his flesh.
Vin_Da_DM: �I assume Ettik eats in some manner. Maybe like a whale scooping up space particles?� Stryder shrugs a bit, �Questions better suited for Alexei if you ask me.�
Valrash starts cussing.
Kyra: �I was just thinking out loud. Sorry.� Kyra ducks her head and stares at the grass.
Tabris: �After last night, I wouldn�t be surprised if you ate an entire cargo bay full,� Tabris chuckles as he rolls off the bed and begins looking for his clothing.
Valrash then puts his hand back on the cross with his human hand and inspects the cross.
Luna_Faline moves into the door and leans against the frame, �Why do you wish to enter my Misstress� temple?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse grabs his shirt as he listens to Luna question Shadow, �Especially a sunken one, there are plenty of above ground ones where we are going.�
Shadow looks at her and smiles, �As far as I am aware�she is a god. Therefore, she does have multiple people who worship her.�
Luna_Faline glances at Eclipse, �If you only wish to worship the Goddess then you would be better off to wait until we reach our destination.�
Shadow looks at Eclipse and says, �Look, it just looks like what my people used to worship at. And since my people are long gone, I figure what better place for me to worship.�
Katie: �Whatssss the matter, little Katie? Wishing you were a normal girl, again? With the ability to love who and where you choose? Pitiful. You are not. Face it.� Katie frowns slightly, her eyes losing a bit of their sparkle. But she shakes her head again, looking determined.
Cara turns her head towards the sound of the ethereal voice. As the shadowy mist takes on a humanoid form Cara senses she is similar to Eclipse, �DOES it not matter to any of you that my mother is dead?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Worshipping underwater, with the exception of sea-folk, that is an odd idea.� Eclipse looks at Luna then shrugs, �If you really wish to, I would ask after the local sage.�
Valrash turns his entire body in the direction of Katie and smiles, �The first familiar thing I have heard.�
Shadow just turns not saying another thing and goes to find the local sage.
Luna_Faline hisses, �Misstress allowed that temple to sink for her own reasons,� as Shadow passes me.
Valrash then turns back to Shadow�s belongings and starts rummaging again, the wing slaps his hand again.
Shadow calls back, �Just like she let my people sink,� he growls at her.
Claron reaches for her black hooded dress, then slips it over her head and slides her arms into the sleeves.
Vin_Da_DM: �This is war, people die,� the back wall of the room, which before had seemed unimportant is actually the body a large black dragon. Tilting it�s head down at Cara it watches her with golden eyes. �What matters is victory.�
Luna_Faline looks down at him, �Where your people Aventinians?�
Shadow looks at her, �We didn�t live here, but we worshiped the true god,� and with that he leaves.
Vin_Da_DM: �Nothing wrong with thinking aloud, just try not to answer yourself,� Stryder smirks, �It tends to draw funny looks.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse shakes his head, �Blaming the gods for the universe�s problems...he has much to learn.�
Shadow stops downstairs and asks the waitress, �Where can I find the local sage?�
Clarice sits on the edge of the bed shaking her head. �Damn it, Tewyn! Why must you always shut me out!� Tears slide down her cheeks.
Luna_Faline steps into the room and closes the door, then moves to look out the window to the sunken temple. �The true god? He doesn�t understand there are more gods then stars in the sky,� shrugs, �No, he doesn�t understand this time and place.�
Kyra nods, stealing a glance at him before turning her attention to her fingernails, she begins to chew her thumb nervously.
Vin_Da_DM: �Sage? You mean Old Rukil? Where he always is, living in the top of the temple. I�m always telling him one of these days the earth will give way and whoosh, that old hermit will swim with the fish he feeds.�
Vin_Da_DM: The waitress looks at Shadow with a nod, �Bit of a swim without a boat, but he�s out there.�
Shadow thanks the waitress and heads back to the temple to find Valrash rummaging.
Shadow just laughs as he swims out.
Valrash says, �I�m leaving,� just as Shadow jumps into the water.
Vin_Da_DM: �You don�t have to be nervous,� Stryder says looking at Kyra chewing her thumb.
Shadow emerges and says, �Fine,� and starts swimming to the temple.
Valrash tests his wings and flies up and straight towards Katie, lands about 40 feet from her and asks, �You mind if I ask you a question?�
Vin_Da_DM: �I hope he will not learn the hard way�� Eclipse joins Luna at the window then shifts his gaze to her, �Either my stomach or yours is complaining.�
K^K: �Mm, nut nerfuss.� Kyra mumbles around her thumbnail, then realizing what she�s doing, she drops her hand into her lap sharply.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder chuckles, �By all means don�t let me stop you, nails can be unruly.�
Cara eyes the large black dragon, �Sarez, still its MY mother and twin we are talking about. It WAS not supposed to be that way.�
Luna_Faline watches the lake as Shadow goes for a swim, slips my paws into my pockets and feels the key still there. Looks up and smiles ,�Both I think, shall we see what�s for breakfast?�
Kyra starts to glare at Stryder, but realizing she�s being teased, she lapses into silence and looks at her hands.
Vin_Da_DM: �And who are you to dictate how things are supposed to be, hmm?� Luercas jumps into the conversation again, giving Cara a questioning glance.
Shadow stops at the temple and yells, �Rukil, I was told I could find you here. May I speak with you?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder extends a hand and places it on her shoulder, �I�m sorry...it was just a joke.�
Tabris dusts his clothes off as he slides them on, �Well...not the most comfortable mattress, but it worked.� He looks at the pile of leaves.
Kyra unconsciously leans her head to the side, toward his hand, then catches herself. �I... I know that. Don�t need to be sorry,� she says softly, a guilty flush spreading across her face again.
Cara lowers her head, �A naive child, one that still has much to learn��
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder smiles watching her blush, ~Cute when you blush...~ he thinks then looks away, �So, you up for some breakfast?�
Vin_Da_DM: �We shall,� Eclipse extends a hand to Luna.
Kyra�s eyes widen for a moment. But she jumps on his offer. �I could eat,� she says brightly, and a little too loud.
Katie closes her eyes, listening to the sounds of nature around her, trying to tune out that horrible voice.
Valrash steps a little closer and tries again with more force, �I need to ask you a question.�
Vin_Da_DM: �If you desire revenge, then tell us what you know of the Warriors and we shall see about giving you that chance,� Daegriss smiles with content, evil content that looks out of place on the human part of him.
Luna_Faline places a paw in his hand and let�s him lead me away purring, �The berries should be sweet and ripe by this season.�
Vin_Da_DM: Shadow�s words echo off the heavy stone of the temple.
Shadow looks for a way up.
Claron giggles, �Got spoiled by the honeymoon suite is more like it, � as she moves closer to Tabris and kisses him.
Vin_Da_DM: The water level is just below the top edge of a large railed balcony. A curved archway leads inside and the light beaming through the windows and openings strikes some stairs.
Katie opens one eye, realizing she�s being spoken to. �Hmm?� she raises a brow.
Shadow heads inside.
Valrash looks at her. �I need to know what �black widow� is and why that man nearly killed us over it.�
Vin_Da_DM: Just inside the archway stone chairs and a table are cluttered up against the wall. Two burlap bags of what look like bits of seaweed and moss sit against the edge of an opening leading down into the water.
Katie�s serene expression crumbles, and it�s as if a dark cloud has obscured the sun, her dancing eyes going dull.
Tabris kisses Claron back during the tail end of hers, �Having you as the love of my life spoils me more than any hotel room.�
Shadow: �Is there a Rukil here?� Shadow says hoping for a response.
Vin_Da_DM: Shadow doesn�t get a response, but rummaging and footsteps can be heard several stories up the temple.
Katie: �People..� she starts, but her throat is suddenly dry. She licks her lips, clears her throat and tries again, �People I care about�die around me.� She whispers, as if the very words are going to cause someone to be struck down.
Shadow sighs and heads up the stairs.
Cara returns her gaze to Daegriss, �I have told you what I know...I did not witness empowerment changes on all of them...I did see that it was more difficult for them if they were faced with someone like Voyager.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder stands up and offers to help Kyra to her feet.
Valrash sits down about 10 feet from Katie. �And that�s what �black widow� is, your self doubt?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse and Luna descend the stairs into a now crowded common room of the tavern. Many of the patrons from last night are here, the minotaur musician taking up a whole table alone with several plates piled high.
Kyra places her small hand in his, her eyes finding his gaze and locking on. Her chest gets tight, and she feels like she can�t breathe for a moment. Her smile lights up her face as he pulls her to her feet.
K^K: �Black Widow means it is dangerous to be too close to me.� Katie says coldly. �Dangerous to even be in my company,� she wrings her hands unconsciously in her lap.
Luna_Faline takes a seat at a vacant table and smiles at the waitress who comes over, �Fresh berries and cold cream, please.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Difficult�� Mileor lets out a highly amused chuckle from his seat but says nothing more. �Difficulty you say...and their weaknesses, surely you have studied the Warriors enough for that,� another council member speaks, but keeps his hood down.
Valrash gets closer about 5 feet and smiles, �I can try to help you with this black widow, if you want. Its one of my abilities, but it works much better if you have one�s consent.� He sighs, �But if you don�t, that black widow can eat you alive soon.�
Vin_Da_DM: The waitress nods then looks at Eclipse. Eclipse rubs his chin for a moment, �Biscuit and some sausage, whatever juice you have as well, please.� The waitress smiles and skips off to the kitchen.
Vin_Da_DM: �I think I spied fresh fruit muffins in the inn,� Stryder looks at Kyra with a child-like grin.
Luna_Faline looks around the room for a minute then takes off my amulet, �Can you untie that knot? I think that is the safest place to keep the key right now,� as I pull the key out of my pocket.
Katie�s eyes blaze, �Really? You can resurrect everyone who�s died as a result of their connection with me? How�omnipotent of you.� Her cold voice seems to have a slight echo of something sinister.
Kyra: �Muffins?� Kyra�s expression turns blissful. �Lead on. You�re my hero, now.�
Claron wraps her arms around Tabris� neck, �I am the luckiest woman in the world�� smiles, �Have I told you today how much I love you?�
Valrash chuckles, �I can not resurrect anyone. I can merely calm the voice of the widow in your mind.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder chuckles, �I�ll take my costume with a red S and cape then.� Stryder leads Kyra into the inn and looks around for an empty table.
Kyra notes he keeps his hold on her hand, and can�t stop the little thrill in her soul.
Tabris: �No, but several times last night,� Tabris gives Claron a big hug then sets her back down, �Twice in different languages if I remember our diplomacy training from military days.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I�ll give it a try, knots don�t get along with me very well,� Eclipse works on Luna�s amulet with his fingers trying to loosen the knot.
Shadow looks around at the top floor.
Katie�s scowl deepens at his chuckle. �I�m so glad my suffering amuses you so�� her voice trails off for a moment, �but as to my �voices��the only thing that would calm them is the one thing that has yet to happen.� �And the one thing I fear letting happen,� she thinks to herself.
Vin_Da_DM: The top floor is cluttered with more stone tables and chairs. Plants, scrolls, reagents of all sorts and several odd looking devices cover the surface of nearly every table. At the far end of the large oval room is a statue of the Goddess, clean and smooth as if it were carved yesterday, surrounded by a fleet of candles. A wiry man with flowing gray hair is sitting in front of the statue chanting to himself.
Valrash frowns, �It doesn�t amuse me, it concerns me if I will be traveling with you...I just want to help you, and if this widow gets any stronger�willing or not�I can�t help you.� He sighs, �You know, I came here because you are the only suffering person within miles and I just want to help.� He adds whispering like, �Its what Mother would want.�
Clarice wipes her tears away from her eyes as she heads towards the door of in her room, �He just needs some time to think� thinking to herself, �Don�t go over reacting,� as she moves slowly down the staircase.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder picks an empty table and pulls out a chair for Kyra.
Luna_Faline smiles as I watch Eclipse, �I can�t think of any better place to put it can you?�
Valrash then adds in another thought, �Besides that woman at the inn that made me watch Cara.�
Vin_Da_DM: The waitress swings by Luna�s table depositing the food they requested with a smile. Turning she skips towards Kyra and Stryder�s table.
Vin_Da_DM: �Probably the safest place for it,� Eclipse says as he finally removes the knot, �There we go.�
Katie: �So that�s why you came to us,� Katie muses, her eyes suddenly dull. �Cuz your Mommy wanted you to fix the poor little crazy girl?� She cocks her head a moment, �And I�m NOT the only person suffering, for your information. So why the extreme interest in me?�
Vin_Da_DM: �More silence?� the shadowy-woman raises a brow at Cara, �You do not wish to share that with us?�
Kyra turns a beaming smile up at the waitress, �Could I get some toast and a glass of juice?�
Shadow sits behind the man ands starts praying in his thoughts he asks, �Why am I the only one to survive the battle in your name. I must know why everyone I have ever loved you ripped me from. My death is lost and you brought me to these people why?�
Kyra thinks for a moment. �On second thought�do you have any fruit muffins?� she grins at Stryder.
Valrash says, �Because you are screaming for help behind that black mass of clawing death. But it seems no one understands it enough to help. That is why.�
Cara looks back at Mileor and then turns her head towards the other council member that spoke. �I thought I just told you their greatest weakness. For the most part they seemed unstoppable up until Voyager appeared.�
Valrash says, �And yes, I was to help the Warriors in any way I could was her wish. And I would follow that wish to my death, now that I know what my father is truly like hiding cowardice.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Hmm...I smell like a dwarf.� Rukil says sniffing the air, opening his eyes he turns and notices Shadow. �Oh! Who are you? Did I whisk someone away with a spell again?�
Luna_Faline takes the loose ends from his fingers and slips the key onto the silvered rope with the amulet. �This will work for now,� I purr as I retie the knot and slip it over my head again, adjusting the key to hang down my back out of sight under my jacket. �No need for everyone to see it,� I purr as I pick up a strawberry to nibble.
Shadow is so deep in prayer he doesn�t notice speaking.
Katie folds in on herself, her emotional armor ripped from her. Her beautiful emerald eyes fill with tears and she makes a small sound in her throat before crumpling to the ground.
Vin_Da_DM: �And now their terrible adversary is food for the beasts of the rift,� Mileor chuckles once, �If they have such trouble with the likes of him, why did you have such difficulty?�
Cara: �I--I did not see weakness in all of them.�
Vin_Da_DM: Rukil stands slowly and pokes Shadow with his walking stick, �Goddess...not dead is it? Too heavy for these old bones, so you cannot be dead.�
Shadow grabs the stick.
Shadow opens his eyes letting tears escape.
Vin_Da_DM: �Crying? So much water and you add more! Are you trying to drown me?� Rukil tries to pull his stick loose, �Tell me what causes you to flood this old man�s home?�
Valrash then walks up to her, gathers some leaves and places them at her head and lifts her up placing more leaves in a pile and lays her on it.
Valrash then sits down close by and waits.
Cara thinks for a moment. �I was trying to gain their trust. I lead them to believe that I was weaker, power wise, since Kabal�s death.�
Shadow wipes his face and chuckles, �Life is what causes me to do this, wise one.�
Valrash sighs, �Mother�you always said the direct approach was best, look where it gets me.�
Vin_Da_DM: �And such a good job you did,� Mileor claps, �Bravo...gain their trust then join a traitor to fight them. What was the next step in this clever ruse of yours? Bake them cookies?�
Valrash thinks to himself, �Why do you not respond Mother?�
Clarice enters the dining area of the tavern, her eyes still red and swollen, scans the room in hopes that Tewyn is sitting at one of the tables.
Luna_Faline takes a drink of her cream then asks Eclipse softly, �Should we stay here longer or start back to Selenia?�
Katie�s pale face is now relaxed, her breathing shallow as she lays there like some bewitched princess in a fairy tale.
Vin_Da_DM: �Crying because of life...so you have left several oceans behind then?� Rukil moves over to one of the tables, �And why does life cause the stranger who smells like a dwarf to shed his tears?�
Valrash watches her with interest, �Mother�her demons are quite like yours.�
Luna_Faline sees Clarice looking around and motions her to join our table.
Vin_Da_DM: �Up the group,� Eclipse says downing several bites of his food and nodding in agreement with the taste, �On foot it should be several days up to the walls of Aventine.�
Shadow then sighs, �Ripped from my own time, my life ripped from me along with my death on the battlefield.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Ahh, but why? Hmm?� Rukil mixes some herbs in a mortar, �Fate always moves us to where we are needed.�
Shadow looks at him, �I was needed with my love and my family�not here now. I am of no use to my companions other than them laughing at me for my lack of power. I can swing an axe nothing more. Yet�I face beings that can do things that magic would be scared of.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Kat?! Kat?!� Syne calls out as he walks along the shore of the lake.
Luna_Faline glances at Eclipse, �The group has gotten smaller again, I believe.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse sighs, �You may be right.�
Valrash then wonders how mother and father ever met in the first place and how in the heaven they ever had him.
Cara: �I wanted Voyager to think I was with him. I knew that if I pushed him through the portal I would gain audience with all of you. I knew you would kill him....he after all did betray all of you, too.�
Vin_Da_DM: �There is always a reason, dwarf smelling man,� Rukil pours some water into a pot, then sprinkles the herbs inside. Walking slowly across the room he places the pot on a round flat red crystal that brightens when the pot touches it.
Clarice sees Luna_Faline motioning her to join them. As Clarice approaches the table she asks, �Have you seen Tewyn?�
Shadow then says, �I am a dwarf, not a man, old one.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Their trust in you must be repaired if you desire your vengeance,� Daegriss looks at Cara, �So your crimes are resting on your word that all of this was a grand plan of deception?�
Shadow then says, �The name is Shadow Watcher most call me Shadow though.�
Vin_Da_DM: "Well then, Watcher of Shadows. You bring something to your companions, and if you know not what then seek it out.� Rukil watches the pot steam then takes it off grabbing two cups. �Tea?�
Luna_Faline looks up at Clarice and shakes my head, �Not since we arrived, he is gone again,� as I motion to an empty chair, �Hungry?�
Shadow looks down, �Please. And though I know not what, I will try to help them as I have already.�
Vin_Da_DM: The waitress brings a large bowl of muffins to the table for Stryder and Kyra for them to pick from. She also sets down two large glasses of juice with a grin before disappearing over to another table.
Valrash hears Syne call out and yells back, �She�s over here.�
Kyra inhales the scent of the muffins, and groans as she realizes how hungry she is. She reaches over to grab one, just as Stryder does the same. At the contact, she snatches her hand back, blushing. �Sorry. You first.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne jogs over to where Valrash is, noticing Katie he looks at Valrash. �What the hell...what did you do her?!� Syne growls at Valrash.
Valrash explains what happened.
Cara nods her head slowly, �Bringing Voyager�s head back might have done that...but Mileor made that an impossibility.�
Valrash says, �First of all, I wanted to figure out what was troubling this person. So I asked her what Voyager was talking about, and then I offered my help in calming it.� He sighs, �She fainted shortly thereafter.�
Clarice heart sinks, �I have lost my appetite...are you sure he left?��
Vin_Da_DM: �This should do instead,� Mileor tosses Cara a bloody disfigured heart, �Courtesy of your friend.�
Luna_Faline shakes my head, �I�m never sure of anything, but I know he�s not with us now. I just hope his return this time is better than the last.�
Cara catches the bloody heart in her hand. �I am not so certain they will believe that it is his. It could be anyone�s.�
Vin_Da_DM: �A right fine job your help did,� Syne kneels down next to Katie. Turning his eyes darken to red on black, �I suggest you leave while you�re still intact��
Valrash says, �Fine, I was just waiting till she woke up. But since you�re here, I�ll take my leave,� and flies up and off back to the lake.
Vin_Da_DM: One of the council members stands up and walks towards Cara, phasing through the table as he does. Taking the heart from her he looks it over then stares at Cara with glowing eyes. �It belongs to the traitor.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne turns his attention back to Katie, his eyes returning to normal. �Kat? Can you hear me? Damn it...what did he do to you?�
Cara: �And how do you know that? Is his name written all over it?� asks sarcastically.
Katie: Behind her closed lids, Katie�s eyes flick back and forth, a horrified expression stealing over her features, as if she sees evil closing in on every side.
Valrash sits at the edge of the lake, �Well Mother, it seems that I�m in it now. I try to help and nothing good will come from this, I tell you.�
Luna_Faline reaches up and takes Clarice�s hand, giving it a squeeze, �Do not worry too much, he�ll show up sooner or later. He always does.�
Vin_Da_DM: The figure leans closer to Cara, having to look down because of his height, �Shall we see if yours bears your name?�
Vin_Da_DM: Rukil hands Shadow the cup carefully, then pushes some scrolls off a chair and sits, �So, Watcher of Shadows. You come to visit an old man, more than tears you wish to share, yes?�
Shadow then says, �I wish to go to the bottom floor of this temple.�
Kyra snags a muffin and nibbles it, her eyes rolling in obvious pleasure. She moans. �Mmmm�these are wonderful. I�m in heaven, I think.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Watcher of Shadows does not look like a fish. What is at the bottom that you cannot find at the top hmmm?� Rukil sips his tea and looks at Shadow, his expression difficult to read through the wiry hair and wrinkles.
Valrash then throws a fireball at the water, �Is nothing I ever do right?� he sighs, �Unless I show them I mean nothing but good intentions I am very well dead.� He lays back.
Cara leans backward from the waist as the figure moves closer to her. She can feel the pure evil emanating from him, shaking her head��N--No...I just mean I seriously doubt that they will believe I killed him�� cringing as she speaks the next word, �...unscathed.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Close...but it�s just another universe in its own respect,� Stryder says taking a hefty bite of a black berried muffin.
Shadow says to the man, �My people died in that battle, basically sunk into the depths. So that is where I wish to pray. Though it may not make sense to you I just can�t seem to want to do it any other way.�
Kyra smiles, unaware she has a bit of berry stuck to her chin.
Vin_Da_DM: The figure stands upright again and returns to his seat. Daegriss glances curiously at Cara, �Interesting...and how besides a ruined facade shall you convince them you are worthy of trust again?�
Clarice looks up at Luna, �I�m not so certain. I am so afraid Cara�s actions will destroy him.�
Vin_Da_DM: �As long as it makes sense to you. So Watcher of Shadows wishes to pray in the depths with the fish,� rising from the chair Rukil makes his way over to the reagents, picking through them.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne lifts Katie up and looks at her, �What should I do...don�t suppose you�d like to wake up and tell me?�
Katie�s frightened expression deepens, as her body twitches, she whimpers.
Luna_Faline nods, �Yes, I fear he will return to his evil ways. We�ve witnessed his dark side before. I dare say I won�t be so kind next time someone puts a fist thru his chest,� remembering their search for Bahamut in the Dark City.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder chuckles at Kyra, �Nice makeup, though others might not find it as charming.� Smirking Stryder motions to his chin where the berry is stuck to Kyra�s.
Cara draws in a deep breath, �I must look the part as if we both battled for our very lives,� closing her eyes as a visible shudder runs through her body.
Shadow finishes his tea and realizes that the old man said that he smelled like a dwarf. �So you know my race, do you?�
Kyra�s face blooms scarlet. �Oh my Goddess!� she yelps, diving for a napkin and hiding her face behind it. �Idiot!� she mutters to herself.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder laughs at Kyra, �A veil now, you know you�re as red as the berries. It�s...cute.�
Kyra gives another startled squeak, as tears well up. She�s obviously mortified, and looks around for a way to escape.
Luna_Faline turns and looks at Kyra and Stryder, �He better grab her or she�s gonna bolt,� I purr softly to Eclipse and Clarice.
Vin_Da_DM: �No? If only it was that easy�� Syne looks down at Katie with confusion, �Quite the stubborn woman you know that? But gods be damned if I will let anything happen to you.�
Valrash gets up and sighs, �I�m not sure what to do and I have no guidance. WHAT DO YOU WANT OF ME ?!� he thinks as loud as he can to his mother.
Katie�s body reacts with a violent spasm, her body arching, nearly causing Syne to drop her. Then she goes limp in his arms once more, and a low moan issues from somewhere deep in her.
Kyra grits her teeth, wipes her face and eyes, and picks up the muffin again, bringing it to her face and taking a bite, trying for all the world to look nonchalant.
Clarice turns her gaze towards her nephew and Kyra even though Luna�s words seemed to have gone in one ear and out the other.
Valrash gets a look of extreme calmness on his face and passes out.
Katie�s eyes open, but they are dull, unseeing.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne looks shocked, �Eh...Kat?�
Katie: �So much blood,� she whispers, her speech slurred, talking to no one.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse smirks, �They�ll make an interesting pair,� noticing Clarice he turns his attention to her fully.
Luna_Faline sits back in my chair and rests a paw on Eclipse�s leg. �How long should we wait here then?� I ask him softly.
Vin_Da_DM: �There�s no blood, Kat. You�re fine, I�m fine.� Syne tilts his head trying to read her expression, her tone of voice. Sighing he shakes his head, �I don�t think I understand.�
Katie: �I didn�t mean it.� Katie makes a small mewing sound ,�I never wanted�.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Bruises and blood are all well and good,� Luercas says to Cara, �But you did not answer the question. You think they will fall simply for a battered young woman?�
Kyra looks around, wiping her face after each bite. �I wonder what�s keeping Katie. She usually wakes up famished. Odd that she�s not down here yet, stuffing her face.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Never wanted what?� Syne adjusts his hold on Katie as he listens to her.
Valrash wakes up with a thought and gets up wipes the dirt off his face, flies up to the sky and towards Syne to tell him what he needs to know about Katie to help her.
Vin_Da_DM: �I�m not sure, I haven�t seen her all morning,� Stryder says after taking a gulp from his glass.
Katie�s eyes focus on Syne and a tear leaks out of the corner of one. �He wants to fix me.� She says, a note of hysteria in her voice.
Katie �He can�t fix it.� Katie's eyes are still dull, but with a note of pleading.
Tabris: �Losing ourselves in silence again,� Tabris looks at Claron, �So tell me what�s running through that mind of yours?�
Kyra takes a dainty sip of her own juice. �Yeah. Weird, ain�t it?� she finishes her muffin, and picks up another, looking thoughtful.
Vin_Da_DM: �Who can�t fix it? I can�t? Someone else?� Syne speaks, his words filled with confusion.
Valrash says, �She thinks I can�t. But I know you can, if you only knew what was wrong.�
Cara shakes her head slightly, �I suppose not...but it would be a start�Maybe if I were to give them some useful information...something that is no consequence to our cause... Bait...perhaps...believable bait.�
Katie: �That demon whelp.� Katie�s voice is a bit stronger, but still shaky. �But no one can. I�m�� she gives Syne a stricken look, ��broken.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne eyes Valrash then looks back at Katie, �You�re not broken. You�re a strong, funny, brave...beautiful woman, Katie.�
Claron smiles, �I�m sorry...Couldn�t help but think how Tewyn must be feeling. Cara�s actions brought to the surface the memories of Clarissa.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Perhaps�� Daegriss rubs his chin and looks around the Council, �Any suggestions?�
Katie: At his words, Katie begins to sob.
Valrash directs at Syne, ~Her demon Black Widow is fighting with her. She needs comfort and someone to convince her that it isn�t her fault for the deaths�not just saying it�prove it. Also she needs someone to get close to her.~
Vin_Da_DM: �False troop movements, perhaps a special squad forming to strike at Aventine�s defenses?� one of the council members says.
Claron looks at Tabris with sadness in her eyes, �I can�t help it...I wish she was still with us.�
Katie: Managing to gain control of herself, Katie�s defenses slam back down, her look shutters to the blank expression she�s been seen with for weeks.
Vin_Da_DM: �Out of my head demon�� Syne glares at Valrash then down at Katie, �Kat, don�t you go doing that on me again.�
Katie gives Syne a blank look.
Luna_Faline squeezes Eclipse�s thigh and smiles, trying to draw his thoughts back. �Your awfully quiet.�
Cara listens to the Council while remaining silent next to Daegriss.
Valrash turns and says, �Fine�don�t accept my help, but sooner or later that demon will eat her whole and you will be the first she kills.�
Vin_Da_DM: �No, she will need false information regarding the traitor�s actions,� the shadowy-woman says, �Perhaps words that this Voyager and his master had found a way to this realm and have sent minions to attack Selenia.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I will heed your words, demon. But if you truly wish to help�go now,� Syne eyes Valrash, �I will not ask again��
Valrash walks in the direction of the forest to be alone with his mother�s thoughts.
Katie�s gaze flicks from Syne to Val, and back again. �I can stand up,� she says quietly.
Vin_Da_DM: �An assault against Selenia would be more believable,� Luercas smirks slyly, �What do you think, Cara? You will be key to making the bait truly believable.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne offers Katie a hand to her feet, �Kat��
Cara: �It could work...I will do what I must....to make it believable.�
Katie rises, her expression still masked.
Vin_Da_DM: Daegriss nods slightly, �If you think you are up to the challenge, I will allow it. But I will be keeping on eye on you this time, I would not wish to see you turn again once my gaze has gone.�
Cara: �I WILL show my father that he taught me well,� as she looks directly at Daegriss.
Vin_Da_DM: �Is it true, Kat? Is that what you�ve been hiding?� Syne sighs a bit, �Please, Kat. Talk to me, let me help you with your burden.�
Katie: �Is what true?� Katie steps away to pick up the flower that had fallen out of her hair earlier, pulling it to pieces idly.
Claron stops outside the tavern door with Tabris, �Now look who has gone all quiet��
Claron�s stomach growls rather loudly.
Vin_Da_DM: Daegriss grins evilly, �There is the fire that your mother had. You may continue your deception. But be warned, if your actions displease me, your mother�s death will look peaceful in comparison.�
Tabris: �Sorry,� Tabris shakes his head and chuckles, �It seems to be catching me as well. Sounds like we should feed you before the noise scares off the locals.�
Vin_Da_DM: �That you blame yourself for the deaths of others?� Syne moves over to and watches her, �You cannot control the motions of life and death, none of us can.�
Cara nods her head slowly then drops her gaze to the floor, �I understand.�
Katie looks over her shoulder at him. She shrugs and goes back to her flower.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse sighs, �Thinking. Thinking about how the war is progressing. Thinking of the problems that may arise with Tewyn and how we can solve them without violent outcomes.�
Claron and Tabris enter the tavern and head directly to the dining area.
Shadow sets his cup of tea down and looks at the older looking man.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne�s expression goes to being stunned, �...ok then. Have it your way.� Sighing he sits down against the grass.
Luna_Faline nods, �I know the war is an ever present concern. Especially now that I don�t have a blade."
Katie: �People around me die, Rogue. Tis neither here nor there whether I actively caused the deaths. The fact is: people who get close to me end up as corpses.� Katie�s tone is chilly, but there is an underlying tone of sadness.
Vin_Da_DM: Rukil turns and hands Shadow a small cup with a thick green sludge in it, �Watcher of Shadows, praying for the dwarves, drink this and be a fish till midday sun. Longer than that and the temple will not be the only sinking thing.�
Valrash uses his own talent against himself and finds that his only demon gnaws at his soul. He claws his head and scratches deep, drawing a little blood and screams out loud.
Shadow thanks the man and heads to the stairs with water in it and drinks the concoction then sets himself in the water.
Vin_Da_DM: �I don�t plan on being a corpse anytime soon,� Syne looks over at her, �And the closer I get to you, the more I�m determined to prove that wrong.�
Luna_Faline sighs, �And as for Tewyn, it seems to me he only understands violence. I�ve never been able to reason with him.�
Claron smiles as she sees Luna, Eclipse and Clarice sitting at a table.
Vin_Da_DM: The liquid feels like it is bubbling in Shadow�s stomach, and slowly he begins to feel drawn to the water, underwater to be exact.
Shadow dives into the water.
Vin_Da_DM: Shadow finds himself able to breathe the water as if it were air. A large fish swims up and stares him in the face then swims off deeper into the temple.
Shadow swims down to the bottom of the temple looking at himself.
Vin_Da_DM: �We�re going to have to find a way,� Eclipse says looking at Luna and Clarice, �Otherwise it will be difficult.�
Luna_Faline waves at Claron and Tabris as they enter the common room, �Nothing is ever easy, is it?� I purrumble to Eclipse and Clarice.
Katie�s armor slips a bit, as her expression turns affectionate. She reaches out, and places her hand on the side of Syne�s face. �Sweet gentle, Rogue. My friend and partner in mischief. Your friendship means everything to me. I would rather die than ever see you fall victim to my curse.� Her expression resumes it�s shuttered look, and her hand drops away.
Vin_Da_DM: �So now we have that out of the way�� Luercas eyes Cara, �To see to our young woman�s battered facade.�
Claron waves back to Luna as Tabris pulls a chair out for her to sit in near their table.
Cara tries not to show any fear on her face as she hears Luercas� words.
Vin_Da_DM: �And your friendship means a lot to me,� Syne sighs, �I�ve still got your back, Kat. We should get back, the others might start worrying about us. And you know what they�re like.� Chuckling he stands up.
Vin_Da_DM: Luercas moves from his seat and walks in front of Cara, �I suggest thinking about something else to distract you from the pain��
Shadow stops at the bottom and starts praying, �I pray to you, a sunken dwarf�sunken to the depths of despair, your loyal subject is now looking for something. Show me that I still belong in this world�for I cannot exist without a purpose. I�ve sunken like this because of time, like my race that was wiped from existence tell me what to do.�
Katie gazes at Syne a moment longer. Then she gives a short nod and they turn back to the inn.
Luna_Faline watches Clarice for a moment, �You up for another round of that torment?�
Vin_Da_DM: Mileor stands and moves over to Cara. Lifting a hand a blue glow floats over his palm, �Take this with you, a Warrior...or what�s left of him.� The blue glow floats over to Cara and hovers around her.
Cara closes her eyes as she seals an image of belonging somewhere in her mind. �I am ready��
Valrash just keeps thinking of his mother�s words as a few drops of blood fall into his eyes.
Katie rubs her temples as they begin to throb. A shaft of sunlight catches her bracelet, and she stares at it, a lump forming in her throat. The voice intrudes, �Your token from a heart that beats for you. Feeling guilty that he, too will probably die?� it hisses. Katie grits her teeth and shoves it aside.
Clarice remains silent, her heart burdened by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness.
Katie: �Hungry.� Katie murmurs, to break the silence.
Kyra finishes yet another muffin and gazes at Stryder for a moment, her expression turning sad. She can�t shake the feeling that she had a hand in destroying Cara, something that will, in turn destroy more lives before all is said and done. Guilt overwhelms her, and she looks at her lap.
Luna_Faline yawns and giggles, �I think I need a nap, I didn�t get much sleep last night, babe,� smiles at Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: �No, my dear�you�re not.� Luercas motions to the larger council member from earlier. Rising from his seat he moves over to Cara, leaning close his whispers echo in her ear, �You are the first to survive me�� Drawing his hands back he blasts Cara back with a bolt of darkness.
Vin_Da_DM: Cara�s body crashes against the hard floor, and though distracting herself with her mind Cara can feel the evil taint of the creature as he slowly steps towards her. For a split second during the lashes of pain striking her body Cara can hear the screams of a thousands souls crying in unison for blood�
Cara screams out as she loses consciousness....
Vin_Da_DM: $ End