Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: A new day dawned for the Warriors who are currently staying in a small village on the edge of lake. Relaxing the Warriors had some time to deal with personal issues, ranging from soul searching to flirting.
Vin_Da_DM: The real story however was taking place far away in an outpost of the Knights of Purgatory. Cara, having been captured by Mileor, had to face the remaining members of the Dark Council. In order to save herself from certain death Cara had to persuade them that she was of some value to them.
Vin_Da_DM: As her �trial� progressed Cara was able to convince Daegriss that she could be useful as spy, but that her return to the Warriors would require she be injured. How injured, however; was not up to her but the other Knights.
Vin_Da_DM: *Time passed: About thirty minutes *
Vin_Da_DM: Midday draws closer as the suns overhead disappear behind a large bank of clouds. The villagers continue to mill about doing their various jobs. Underwater in the temple Shadow can feel a soft tingle on his spine letting him know that the spell was losing its power.
Vin_Da_DM: Meanwhile; Cara is rudely awakened by a sharp smell, definitely engineered to wake one up with its overpowering odor. A black cloaked figure withdraws the foul vial away from Cara�s face and sets it down on a table crowded with other containers of varying size.
Vin_Da_DM: The stone slab underneath her is cold, slightly colder than the cool air floating about the chamber. As pain from nearly every part of her body begins to reach her, the figure turns and heads outside through the chambers only opening. Surveying the dimly lit landscape it glances over its shoulder at Cara and motions her to follow.
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
Shadow swims up and goes to the top floor.
Valrash looks into Shadow�s possessions yet again and finds a small gem the color of blood and perfectly smooth all the way away around.
Valrash peers at it and drops it as it seems like the gem is screaming from the inside.
Vin_Da_DM: Rukil glances momentarily in Shadow�s direction then goes back to looking over an old scroll and mixing ingredients, �Watcher of Shadows has found what he was looking for?�
Valrash then puts everything back the way it was.
Shadow shakes his head no and sighs, �Maybe it will come to me, thanks for your time.�
Vin_Da_DM: �The Goddess answers us in surprising ways, Watcher of Shadows,� Rukil says as he sniffs his mixture, then fans it away coughing once.
Cara wrinkles her nose as she gets a whiff of something foul enough to make her gag. Painfully moving her head to look at the dark figure she tries to sit up, wincing and crying out, she slowly slips off the table and follows after the figure. Each step shoots pain throughout her body.
Shadow smiles, �Well then, maybe I will get my answer soon. Again, thank you for putting up with this old dwarf�s demeanor and I hope the smell of dwarves don�t bother you again.�
Luna_Faline lays in the warm sun next to the lake dozing lightly.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse sits quietly next to Luna watching her as she dozes.
Valrash rushes away from Shadow�s possessions and is so distracted that he trips over Luna. He looks so worried when he gets up, that he forgets why he tripped and keeps running away from Shadow�s stuff.
Claron sits next to Tabris at one of the tables in the Inn nibbling on fruit muffins.
Valrash mumbles something about souls trapped in something.
Vin_Da_DM: �Bother me you did not, Watcher of Shadows,� Rukil turns and gives him a look hinting at knowledge of something more, �Your answer may find you sooner than you think...now go.�
Luna_Faline sits up quickly with a growl and grabs Valrash�s ankle as he tries to run away. �What have you been up to?�
Shadow bows and walks out and dives into the lake.
Vin_Da_DM: �He�s distracted by something,� Eclipse notes as Luna questions Valrash.
Valrash notices that something grabbed him and bursts into flames screaming, �No!!!!! I don�t want to go back.� Rips his leg from Luna�s grasp and runs away.
Clarice sits on a grassy knoll overlooking the lake, a tear slides down her cheek.
Luna_Faline blows across my scorched paw as it heals quickly, �Damn him!�
Cara wraps her arms around herself trying to stop the pain she feels in her ribcage as she walks behind the black hooded figure.
Shadow swims to shore seeing the little spat with Valrash and says, �What�s eating him?�
Shadow puts on his armor and weapon.
Vin_Da_DM: �You were a fool to come here, and even more the fool to stay,� the figure speaks to Cara, a harsh male�s voice but with a hint of caring hidden in it. �And now you seek to return to them.�
Cara hears the figure but can�t find her voice, fearing that if she opens it she will scream out in pain.
Vin_Da_DM: �Interesting...he did not seem his usual self,� Eclipse says giving a glance to Luna�s paw.
Luna_Faline�s gaze follows Valrash�s trail back to where he came from and sees Shadow with his items. Leans against Eclipse and whispurrs, �What do you think?�
Shadow pulls out a picture and sits down staring at it
Vin_Da_DM: �You get what you ask for,� the man shakes his head, �Perhaps next time you should do your beatings yourself. You were lucky I could stabilize you, Nightside was close to adding you to his collection.�
Shadow starts crying silently.
Vin_Da_DM: �With a strange half-demon new to our company, I would think this an unresolved issue,� Eclipse shrugs a bit, his expression slightly confused, �But only he could explain his problem.�
Cara manages a weak reply, �N--Nights--shade kept his word, I--I am the first to survive,� the agony of moving and speaking show clearly on her face.
Vin_Da_DM: �I am to see to you return, as you requested,� the man looks back at her studying her, but his unseen gaze seeming to focus on her injuries, �It is good you can walk, but let us hope you can act the part to convince them to stay their hand.�
Luna_Faline shifts around and lays down with my head on Eclipse�s thigh, looking up at the fluffy clouds floating over head. �We seem to accumulate unresolved issues don�t we?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Every mortal, and immortal, has them.� Looking down at Luna Eclipse smiles a bit, �Some easier to fix than others.�
Cara painfully looks the man in the eyes, �D--Do not worry...I know what I must do,� she pauses in between each word.
Shadow sets down the wing as its flopping around a lot.
Luna_Faline points a finger at the sky tracing shapes in the clouds. �And some I have no desire to try to fix,� sighs, �How long do you think it will be until we have to face another attack from Daegriss� Knights?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Good, I would hate to have you pass this way again so soon,� the man pauses and turns to face Cara fully. Waiting for her to reach him ,the man moves a hand causing the glowing wisp to become visible as it darts around Cara, �I suggest giving it back to them, perhaps a sign of good faith to win over some favor.�
Valrash stops running, sits down and curls up in a ball rocking back and forth.
Clarice wonders to herself where Tewyn has gone. �Why are you always shutting me out? Just once I wish he would clue me in to what is going on in his mind,� she whispers quietly to herself.
Vin_Da_DM: �I don�t know...but sticking with past events I would say not long,� Eclipse sighs heavily as he says it, �There are several of them we have yet to see.�
Luna_Faline runs a paw over Eclipse�s cheek lightly, �And now they may know even more about us than before.�
Cara slowly nods her head as the glowing wisp circles around her, �And Voyager�s heart?� wishing she could lay down and die as the pain racks her body with each step.
Shadow starts to polishes his armor.
Vin_Da_DM: The man steps in front of Cara, moving his hand again with a different gesture, the deformed heart materializes in her hand. �When you are prepared I will send you on, but unless they take action you may not find them as soon as you�d like.�
Tabris takes small sips from his drink as he looks at Claron across the table, his expression content with a soft smile, �I have yet to find a moment that you do not look beautiful in.�
Shadow stops crying, puts his picture away and walks over to Eclipse. �I can�t stand the sight of this place. When do we leave?�
Cara winces once again as she nods her head, �I am as ready as I am ever going to be,� closes her eyes briefly as a painful sounding moan makes it way past her lips.
Vin_Da_DM: �About you and the others, perhaps,� Eclipse tilts his cheek into Luna�s paw, then shifts his gaze to the lake, �There is little they do not know about me already.�
Luna_Faline gaze moves to Shadow as he blocks the sun, �You can start walking any time you feel compelled to do so.�
Shadow looks at Luna, �What way then? I�m sure that the rest can catch up. After all, I�m just a dwarf.�
Vin_Da_DM: Moving his hand again Cara can see it is covered in smooth red skin, �Then go with the grace of fate, Cara of Shaiya from Tewyn. And try to remember which side you truly desire...for only one is your destiny.� With his last words he places his hand against Cara�s shoulder and the world fades away around her into darkness.
Vin_Da_DM: The key in Luna�s possession begins to hum again, it�s melody different than before.
Luna_Faline sighs, looks at the road that flows away from the town, �Go where you want. But all ways lead to the Goddess.�
Claron smiles sweetly at Tabris as she finishes the last bite of her muffin.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse tilts his head as several of his spines shift positions, �The key is doing something��
Shadow looks at Eclipse, �Is that a good or bad thing?�
Cara feels the man place a hand on her shoulder and winces, for even the softest of touches sends searing pain throughout her body. In her mind she thinks, �I will�� as the world fades away.
Tabris: Reaching over Tabris wipes a smudge of berry from Claron�s chin, licking it off his finger he smirks, �That�s better.�
Luna_Faline sits up and reaches back to retrieve the key from behind my back.
Claron giggles, �Shall I make certain I wear berries from now on, then?�
Luna_Faline holds the key by the silver rope and looks at it, �Should we get the others before I touch it?�
Vin_Da_DM: �I�m not sure,� Eclipse�s eyes look over the key with interest.
Shadow looks at it and shrugs.
Vin_Da_DM: The key spins slowly under it�s own power, the melody continuing to play.
Luna_Faline gazes at the spinning key feeling slightly mesmerized by it.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder kicks the dirt at his feet and looks over at Kyra, �So, did you enjoy the food? I don�t think I�ve seen anyone eat a muffin that quickly except my dad.�
Kyra blushes a bit and looks to the side. �I was hungry�� she mutters.
Vin_Da_DM: �There you go again, going as red as the berries,� Stryder chuckles lightly, �I�d say you were.�
Kyra can�t help but smile, and sticks out her tongue.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne drags his feet as he walks towards the village slowly. Pausing the light reflecting off Luna�s spinning key catches his eye.
Valrash gets up and looks around.
Valrash walks towards the glimmering near Luna.
Katie finishes her makeshift picnic and sprawls in the grass, �Damn. Fruit muffins. I think I ate too many.�
Shadow stares mesmerized.
Vin_Da_DM: Shaking his head Syne picks himself up and continues back to the village at a normal pace.
Clarice rubs her forehead wishing Tewyn would miraculously appear beside her.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse notices Shadow and Valrash looking at the key then back to Luna, �If you�re going to do something with it, I�d suggest soon before we starting drawing un-wanted attention.�
Claron reaches for another berry muffin, then smirks, �Care for a bite of my muffin?� she teases Tabris.
Luna_Faline closes my eyes and pictures the Goddess Selenia in my mind as I grasp the key in my paw.
Tabris raises a brow with a sly smirk, �Didn�t have enough last night, eh?�
Katie stares at the sky, rubbing her stomach with a grimace. �Soooo worth it, though.�
Vin_Da_DM: As Luna�s paw touches against the key it lets out a pulse. This pulse sails along the ground away from them then dissipates leaving Cara sprawled on the grass, the glowing wisp hovering around her.
Valrash looks at Cara for a second then it registers and he finds himself walking towards her.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder turns his head with pulse�s light catching his eye. Looking to Kyra he blinks, �Did you see that?�
Shadow looks at Valrash and walks right in his way.
Valrash stops then steps back.
Cara: As the world fades Cara can hear a faint whisper in her mind. The whisper grows clearer and sounds very familiar to her. Tears pool in her eyes as she whispers, �Kabal��
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse looks over at Cara with a look of some shock, �I did not expect that to happen��
Shadow walks up to Cara and inspects her.
Kyra looks at the village and wonders if there�s any decent shopping to be had. At the pulse, she jumps a bit and gasps, �Wow!� then, recognizing who it is, she goes pale. �Is that�.?�
Claron laughs, �I can never get enough of you, my love.�
Luna_Faline growls, �Great, I wanted my Misstress and got her?!�
Shadow looks at Luna, �She�s hurt...bad.�
Vin_Da_DM: �...yes,� Stryder loses the friendly look he had on his face as he steps closer to where Cara is.
Luna_Faline looks at the key then turns it over several times and grips it hard again with my eyes closed wishing it would work in reverse.
Kyra reaches toward Stryder, then lets her hand fall limp at her side, and steps back a bit, watching him walk toward her.
Vin_Da_DM: The key is silent again in Luna�s grip.
Cara whimpers softly as she lays on the grass.
Katie hears a commotion and gets up to go find out what it was.
Shadow inspects closer, �She has someone�s heart in her hands.�
Luna_Faline returns the key to it�s safe place, stands up looks down at Cara then turns and walks the other way silently.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne pauses mid-step and glances over his shoulder. As his eyes adjust for the distance he blinks, �Well, I�ll be damned��
Claron stops for a second, �Is that shouting I hear?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse watches Luna walk away then moves to stand near Cara, looking down at her he studies her injuries, �Looks like she had a rough time.�
Shadow tears off a part of his tunic and wets it and sets it on Cara�s head, �What do ye have to say for yourself, Miss?�
Kyra: �No. It can�t be�� Kyra�s whisper is anguished. She chews her lip as she backs farther away, shaking her head.
Tabris looks around, �Not sure...but maybe we should check it out.�
Valrash throws a fireball and hits Shadow in the back.
Vin_Da_DM: Several of the villagers are watching the commotion from a distance.
Shadow turns and throws his axe, hitting Valrash in the leg.
Katie arrives at the scene, and feels the acid rise in her stomach. �Well, shit. If it isn�t our little bad penny.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse growls at Valrash and Shadow, �Stop! Fighting isn�t going to solve anything!�
Shadow turns back and says, �Well, what do you have to say for yourself? I�m probably the only one here who will even listen to you, so tell me what happened.�
Claron nods her head, �Oh, a nice stroll after muffin eating might be pleasant,� giggling as she rises from her chair. �Shall we?� reaching her hand out to Tabris.
Tabris: �We shall,� Tabris takes her hand with a kiss then walks with her to investigate.
Valrash looks at the axe in his leg and just stares at it, and then pulls it out and falls down.
Luna_Faline walks into the woods following the same path as Tewyn. Growling to herself �I don�t heal stupidity.�
Clarice hears the commotion, then sees Claron and Tabris coming out of the Inn. Clarice quickly rises and follows after them to see what is going on.
Kyra trembles, as she turns and hurries away, not wanting to see him go to her.
Shadow looks at Eclipse, �I was stopping him nothing more.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne joins the others standing by Cara and looks down at her, �Phew...what planet did she crash into?�
Katie looks at Cara, sneers, and turns her back on her, going back to clean up the remains of her picnic.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Don�t go, Kyra...~ Stryder says to her mentally, glancing over his shoulder as she runs off.
Kyra: ~I�forgot something in my room.~ Kyra�s steps falter for a moment, and she is torn. She closes her eyes as tears rise, and she tries to blink them away.
Cara begins to hear the sounds of different voices, slowly opens her eyes and sees Syne looking down at her. Cara grimaces as she reaches her hand up towards Syne with the heart in it, �Voyager is no more,� the pain sounding through each word.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Kyra...~ Stryder lowers his head and stands still. ~Please...don�t go. ~
Shadow feels something weird fly though him as the wisp flies through him, but sinks into the gem near his chest.
Shadow looks at Cara, �What did you do?� growls at her.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne takes the heart and looks at it, �Smells like you burnt the roast, kiddo.�
Kyra stops, standing with her fists clenched at her sides, shoulders heaving. ~She needs you, Stryder. She�s not in any shape for the interrogation she�ll be given.~
Clarice suddenly realizes it is Cara laying on the ground , �Oh my god�Cara!� as she rushes to her side and kneels down.
Vin_Da_DM: As the soul sinks into the armor the gem flies towards the wing Shadow had been carrying and starts floating in mid air next to it.
Shadow gets up and looks at the gem then walks towards it, �What in the hell?� he touches it.
Katie finishes packing up her picnic things, and shudders, remembering Voyager holding Syne and Claron threateningly, and Cara holding her down, powerless. �Damn you, you little bitch. Why did you bother to come back?� she growls through gritted teeth.
Vin_Da_DM: ~And I need you,~ Stryder turns to gaze at the group surrounding Cara.
Clarice looks around at the others, �Are you all going to just stand here and gawk?!�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse glances around at the others then crouches next to Clarice, �We should concentrate on the major injuries first.�
Valrash picks up the axe and gets up, �No, I�m going to kill her,� and starts limping towards Cara.
Kyra turns slowly in place, her face tearstained and filled with complete astonishment. ~Why?~ her mental voice sounds small and fragile.
Luna_Faline stops in a sunny clearing and sits down with my back to a tree facing the path I just came from. �O�Goddess, what do you want me to do now? If I take her to your temple she may open the door for others to follow.�� purrumbling to the wind blowing thru the branches above me.
Cara closes her eyes, each breath she takes sends spasms of pain through her body.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Cara may need me...but if I go, I will do something I will regret, ~ Stryder lowers his gaze at Cara, ~And I need you to stop me...~
Clarice looks up at Eclipse. �Where�s Luna? WHY is she not here?�
Kyra: With a nod of resignation, Kyra puts on her bravest face and walks back toward Stryder, mopping the tears with the hem of her tunic.
Kyra reaches him and puts a gentle fingertip on his sleeve. ~Remember what she�s been through. She�s probably so confused and lost right now.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne extends a hand in front of Valrash, �I�d think twice about that. Why don�t you put that down before I make you put it down.�
Claron looks at Tabris, then back to Clarice, �DO you think we should move her?�
Katie returns the picnic things to the dining room, then curiosity wins out and she returns to the throng surrounding Cara.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder gives a glance to Kyra and stays his hand from drawing his dagger, �I know��
Shadow: As Shadow touches the gem it pricks his finger. As a drop of his blood touches the gem it causes it to glow.
Clarice reaches out her hand and gently brushes Cara�s hair back from her eyes.
Valrash gets closer to Cara.
Kyra gives him a trembling smile, unconsciously rubbing his elbow soothingly, then turns her attention to Cara.
Vin_Da_DM: The gem starts to spin and begins cracking. As it begins glowing a deep blue, the gem starts to emit blue pulses as it continues to spin faster and crack almost as swiftly. Just when it seems it can go no faster it explodes, throwing Shadow back.
Shadow flies into Valrash knocking them both out.
DracBlue: As the explosion dies out and the smoke from it clears, a winged figure stands looking around. With a familiar voice the figure speaks, �Why does my chest hurt?�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne blinks at Valrash and Shadow flying past him, �Well...I was just going for a simple disarming, but that�ll do.�
Katie blinks rapidly. �Oh dear Goddess, no.�
Tabris studies Cara then crosses his arms, �I�m not sure what we should do with her.�
Cara�s voice whispers ever so low in Stryder�s mind, ~I did it for you.~
DracBlue walks up to the group and sees Cara injured. �Oh, my dear lord.� He hurriedly picks her up sees the town and heads towards it.
Cara screams out in agonizing pain as Drac picks her up.
Clarice yells at Drac, �Just what the fuck do you think you are doing?�
Kyra watches in trepidation, wincing when Cara screams.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder shimmers out, grabs Cara, and shimmers again laying her down against the grass. Looking over his shoulder at Drac he shakes his head, then turns his attention back to Cara.
Katie faints.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne rushes over to Katie and catches her before she hits the ground.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne shakes his head looking at Katie, �One damsel in distress is enough for today, we�ll have to reschedule.�
DracBlue looks at Katie, �What�s up with her? Never mind, I got to find help for Cara.� Takes off towards the village muttering under his breath, �They will have to move her,� lands in the village and yells out, �I need a healer!�
Kyra begins inching away, again.
Shadow gets up rubbing his head. �Ugh, what in the blue blazes?�
Vin_Da_DM: An elf in a white hood approaches Drac, looking at him he nods and states simply and plainly, �Take me to her.�
Luna_Faline ears twitch as voices carried on the wind reach me faintly.
Claron turns and rushes towards the waters edge, ripping several pieces of material from her dress she dips them into the water before returning back to Cara. Kneeling down beside Clarice she offers her the wet material.
Kyra gets a few feet away and sits, hugging her knees and trying to keep her expression from showing her pain.
DracBlue picks up the elf and flies back to Cara, lands and sets him down. �She�s over there,� he points, then walks over to Katie having the first problem solved.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder watches Clarice and Claron with a heavy sigh. Looking up he notices Kyra and frowns.
Clarice looks at Claron, her eyes pooling as she takes the wet cloth, and then gently begins to wipe Cara�s face.
DracBlue looks at Syne, �What�s wrong with her?� He looks at Katie and smiles.
Vin_Da_DM: The elf walks over to the group with Cara and kneels down opposite them. Looking Cara over he studies the wounds then lands his hands against Cara�s side gently as he lowers his head.
Kyra rocks back and forth slowly never taking her eyes off Cara.
Cara screams out, �No! No! Don�t touch me, it hurtsssssss!�
Vin_Da_DM: The elf looks at Cara directly and shakes his head, �You will die if I do nothing.�
Shadow stares at DracBlue and then looks at Eclipse, �I saw him burn like his people do.�
Cara cries out, �Let me die...please...just let me die��
Vin_Da_DM: Syne looks at Drac with a stern look, �Oh, let me have a guess...um, YOU.�
DracBlue looks at Syne confused, �What did I do?�
Katie�s lashes flutter, then open, �Oh no. You�re dead. I saw you die��
Vin_Da_DM: Syne looks at Katie then at Drac.
DracBlue looks even more confused and then scared.
Clarice coos softly to Cara as she wipes her brow, �Shh�lil one, let him help.�
Katie whimpers, �Make it go away�I don�t wanna see ghosts��
DracBlue looks at Katie and then nods, �As you wish.� He whimpers, turns and walks towards the forest crying.
Vin_Da_DM: Turning his attention back to Cara the elf lowers his head again. From his touch Cara can feel her pains beginning to silence themselves.
Katie shudders and wiggles in Syne�s arms. �Tell me I�m just hallucinating, again,� she pleads.
Vin_Da_DM: �Afraid not...birdboy pulled the ole� rising from the dead trick. Minus the flesh-eating zombie part,� Syne looks at Katie and shakes his head with an expression of some disbelief.
Katie: �Shouldn�t have gotten outta bed this morning,� Katie says in a faraway voice.
DracBlue spots Luna and says, �Don�t tell me, you want me to go away, too?� He falls to his knees and cries loudly.
Cara�s whimpers begin to fade, her mind still praying for death and reminding her, that the others would be happier if she no longer existed. Cara tries to fight the elf�s healing touch in her mind.
Vin_Da_DM: Cara�s fighting causes some of her wounds to start bleeding again. The elf clenches his jaw and continues concentrating.
Kyra: ~Cara�come back. I know you don�t want to face them, but they�ll need answers only YOU can give.~ Kyra continues to rock, still looking at the scene before her.
Luna_Faline�s eyes focus on Drac sitting in front of the clearing and purrumbles, �Your just full of surprises, Misstress.� Stands up and picks an apple like fruit from the tree above me and tosses it into Drac�s lap, �Here, eat that. It took you long enough.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~Listen to her, Cara...dying isn�t the answer.~ Stryder closes his eyes as he speaks with her.
DracBlue looks at the apple, �I�m not h--hungry, t--thanks,� tosses the apple.
Vin_Da_DM: Cara�s fight against the healing breaks down and her wounds begin to heal slowly. Some of her major injuries mend but a majority of them scar instead.
Cara hears Kyra in her mind, and turns her head to gaze at Kyra with a forlorn, lost look clearly showing in her eyes.
Luna_Faline throws another apple at Drac, �I insist. It cleanses the blood, and sweetens the breath.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse watches the elf and the others with Cara with interest.
Kyra: ~That�s it, girl. You are so strong. Don�t let them intimidate you. I believe in you. And so does Stryder. I want to hear those answers, too.~ Kyra stops rocking, her expression turning sympathetic.
Luna_Faline picks another apple and waits, ready to throw it at his head if he refuses again.
DracBlue looks at the apple and takes a small bite, eats it, but refuses to eat the rest.
Cara: ~Would death not be better�then to know that you don�t belong or are not wanted?~ replies so both Stryder and Kyra hear her only.
Kyra: ~You ARE wanted, Cara. More than you will ever know.~ Kyra looks at Stryder�s back and her eyes well up again.
Luna_Faline crosses my arms and waits, watching him. �All of it, or you�ll wish you had not come back.�
Vin_Da_DM: Removing his hands the elf nods then rises to his feet, �She�ll live." Going silent he quietly walks away, disappearing into the forest halfway to the village.
DracBlue growls at Luna but obeys and finishes the entire apple in one bite.
Cara feels the pain completely subside. �Enough...leave me be,� she says to the elf healer as she tries to sit up.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse notices the elf disappear, �Curious��
Cara looks at Kyra, shaking her head, ~By who?~ turns her gaze so she looks into Stryder�s eyes, ~Surely...not by you...~
Katie wiggles again, �Put me down, before we start a rumor,� she grumbles, but her eyes are sparkling just a little.
Luna_Faline nods and returns to my place beneath the tree, then asks Drac, �Now, where have you been?� as I take a bite of the apple in my paw.
Clarice stands up next to Cara, leans over offering her a hand up, �Let me help you.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne chuckles as he puts Katie down, �As long as you promise to not have any more quick naps on me.�
DracBlue looks at her and says, �Last thing I remember�I saw Kyra looking up at me and I was falling, then it was black.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks at Cara for a moment then looks away.
Cara reluctantly accepts the offer of Clarice�s hand.
Katie scowls and looks around. �Sorry. Just a little unnerved.� She walks a few steps away and rubs her temples, �I REALLY shouldn�t have gotten out of bed today.�� she whispers
Luna_Faline tosses the apple�s core over my shoulder, then licks the juice off my fingers as I listen to Drac.
DracBlue asks, �Am I no longer welcome with you any more?�
Kyra closes her eyes and shuts down her mental link with great effort.
Clarice smiles softly as Cara accepts her hand. �That�a girl. Your father will be happy you are back.�
Cara: �Oh really, if he�d be so happy�then why is he not here with the rest of you?� a hint of sarcasm sounds through her words.
Valrash�s eyes open.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse kneels down and picks up the disfigured heart Cara had given Syne. Giving it a quick study he ponders what to do with it.
Luna_Faline shrugs, �It�s up to you now. You can continue on with us or go your own path. The choice is yours.� Turns my face to the wind and inhales deeply, �There have been some changes since you�ve been gone. You may be uncomfortable for a while.�
Shadow grimaces at him, picks up his axe and sits down near the lake thinking.
Cara looks at Eclipse. �Destroy it, so that he can never return��
DracBlue looks down, �Is it cold here?�
DracBlue says, �My robe is gone.� He frowns.
Luna_Faline looks at Drac and gives him a sly grin, �No, it�s not cold here.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Gladly,� Shadowy tendrils extend from the dark places of Eclipse�s palm and tear the heart into pieces before dragging them back into the shadows they came from.
Luna_Faline removes her purple jacket and tosses it to Drac. �Your not lucky enough to have fur.�
Claron quietly walks over to stand by Tabris, slipping her arm around his waist, �Clarice seems to be showing more of a maternal side, don�t you think?�
Tabris: �Noticed that, did you?� Tabris says to Claron as he moves a hand onto her arm.
DracBlue picks up the purple jacket, puts it on and looks down. �Hmmm, purple doesn�t look as good as black, but thank you,� he smiles.
DracBlue asks, �Where did I go?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder stands and moves off from Cara and the others. Finding a nearby tree he rests against it, his stare losing itself somewhere along the tree line.
Claron glances at Tabris, nodding her head, �Now if we could just see the paternal side of Tewyn��
Luna_Faline shakes her head slowly, �I have no clue. When I leave, I go home, but I don�t know about anyone else.�
Tabris: �Just seeing Tewyn for now would work,� Tabris sighs looking over at Clarice.
Katie wanders over to where Kyra sits with her eyes closed. �Hey, wee one...you alright?� But Kyra doesn�t answer. Katie reaches a hand out to brush a strand of hair out of Kyra�s eyes tenderly. �Darnier....you in there?�
DracBlue sighs, �Well, wherever I went�it was black and cold.�
Cara catches sight of Stryder moving away. ~Surely you have questions for me.~ He hears in his mind only.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse turns his attention away from the group, the spines on his head arching up as he tries to find where Luna went off to.
Kyra swallows past a lump in her throat, then opens pain-filled eyes. �I�m fine,� she says distantly, her eyes seeking out Stryder instinctively. Catching sight of him, she visibly relaxes.
Claron sighs, �Yes, I think it would. Wonder where he got off to?� A puzzled look appears on Claron's face, �I wonder how Cara was able to find us?�
DracBlue lets his claws slide out, �Well, at least I still got these.� He looks at them and then lets them slide back into his hands and into his arms.
Katie follows her gaze. �Aww, lass. Do not despair. All is not yet lost.�
Luna_Faline watches the claws extend then retract, �That is one good thing then.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~The answers are what I am not sure about. ~ Stryder sends to Cara but continues to stare off into the forest.
Cara: �So where is my father? WHY is he not here?�
Kyra�s eyes shimmer with unshed tears. �It doesn�t matter. This can�t help but change everything.�
DracBlue gets up, walks to a boulder and lifts it up with one hand. �Seems my strength is still here, too.�
Katie sits beside her, sighing. �You haven�t seen what we have, Sweetie. Believe me when I tell you, things are not as bad as you would think.�
Vin_Da_DM: Walking towards the shady part of a tree Eclipse moves seamlessly into it and out of a shady tree near Luna moments later.
Kyra looks unconvinced, but says nothing. Tearing her gaze away from Stryder, she watches Cara, her chest aching.
Luna_Faline studies the trees surrounding us, �Well, this just seems fitting, Lugnasad is approaching.� Then smiles slightly as Eclipse appears, �So? What happened after I left?�
DracBlue punches the boulder, smashing it, and keeps punching the shards till they�re dust and letting his sadness out.
Cara lowers her head as she hears Stryder�s voice in her mind, ~I deserve that, not exactly the most trustworthy person ...am I?~
Katie fiddles with her bracelet, losing herself in her own thoughts.
Vin_Da_DM: �I hear Aventine holds a nice festival...she�s alive and her injuries healed for the most part,� Eclipse raises a brow at Drac then shifts his eyes back to Luna, �Apparently she was present when Voyager died. She�s also asking for her father.�
DracBlue picks up one piece of metal that was in the center of the boulder and looks at it.
Vin_Da_DM: ~We�ll see.~ Stryder says back to her, turning his eyes surf the land till they settle on Kyra.
Luna_Faline stands and brushes off the bottom of my dress, �Who healed her?� as I step closer to Eclipse.
DracBlue still looking at the metal he says, �I got a cleric from town.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I would put that down, stone-eaters will eat organics if threatened,� Eclipse shakes his head at Drac.
DracBlue notices it is not metal but a stone and drops it.
Kyra chews her lip, her gaze darting to Stryder. Finding him looking at her, she tries to give him a reassuring smile, which fails miserably.
Vin_Da_DM: The metal parts showing it as carapace of a centipede like creature. The Stone-eater crawls along the ground then bores into a medium sized rock nearby.
Cara remains silent.
DracBlue looks at Luna, �I�m going to have to pick a new person to follow.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder sighs and lowers his gaze ~Thank you again...~
Luna_Faline looks down at the stone-eater and whispurrs to Eclipse, �You realize that we can�t let her go to Mount Aventine.� Pretends not to hear Drac.
Clarice watches Cara closely: �To answer your question. Cara... I honestly don�t know where your father is.�
DracBlue rolls his eyes, �Well, at least I still get the same reaction from you.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Until we�re certain of her intentions, I agree,� Eclipse looks at Luna, �If memory recalls, there is a long route through the nearby mountains and their foothills.�
Luna_Faline turns and faces Drac walking slowly toward him, �You are now a grown man, you are free to go where you wish. You require no one to follow.�
Kyra jumps, certain she had shut off the mental link, and startled to find she was still able to hear him. ~I promised. Whatever it takes, I�m right beside you.~
DracBlue says, �You have no clue do you. In your terms, I am no older than a teenager. I�m still young, I follow because stung have no clue what to do.� He sighs and flies up into the sky not wanting to discuss it further, and then flies to the lake to wash for he smells like death warmed over.
Luna_Faline closes her eyes and thinks for a minute then opens them, �I don�t like the thought of dragging her thru the mountains. Why don�t we leave her here with the priest in this temple. Hopefully her father will return and find her.�
Vin_Da_DM: �In the middle of the lake, and how would Tewyn find her out there?� Eclipse watches Drac fly off then turns his attention on Luna, �Leaving her here could be an error.�
Luna_Faline looks up as Drac flies away and roars, �Don�t get that leather wet!�
Katie pats Kyra�s knee, then gets to her feet with a sigh. She walks to the edge of the lake, and sits there, trailing her fingers in the water idly.
DracBlue sets down next to the lake and undresses, sets the duster on the shore. Making sure no one is around he starts washing himself, and then he notices a scar on his chest, �Now where did this come from?�
Vin_Da_DM: �I�m starting to agree with you�� Syne says as he stands a few feet away from Katie, �Only I didn�t sleep in a bed last night.�
Luna_Faline remembers the sai in the pocket of the jacket Drac is now wearing. �O�Goddess, he�s got the sai hilt.� Looking at Eclipse, �Tewyn and Cara could figure that one out for themselves. And I don�t think it would be any bigger of a mistake than leading her right into the temple.�
Katie looks up at him, raising a brow. �Where DO you sleep? I�ve often wondered, but thought it rude to ask.�
Valrash gets up and burns the hole in his leg shut, grinding his teeth together while he does it.
Vin_Da_DM: �When I sleep, it�s usually on the ground. Not having a spine to ruin, I find it comfortable enough,� Syne looks over at Katie with a grin.
Shadow starts walking around the lake and notices DracBlue bathing. He stops and yells �Lad, can I come over?�
Katie: �Thank Goddess for my spine.� Katie muses, then smiles. �Kinda like camping every night, huh?�
DracBlue looks over and sees the dwarf , �Come on over, if you want.�
Shadow wanders over to Drac, �I burned your body the way your elders would have wanted, but I have to ask....how did you come back?�
Vin_Da_DM: "Pretty much, but without those...oh, what did that human call them...something involving chocolate and sweet crackers?� Syne shrugs, �Sometimes humanoids can be very peculiar.�
DracBlue gives Shadow a look like �you ask again, you die�, �I have no clue.�
Katie: �S�mores.� Katie whispers, her shoulders shaking with mirth.
Shadow looks at DracBlue, �You know, there is a bath house there in the village.�
DracBlue says, �I have no money.�
Claron catches a glimpse of Katie moving over and sitting down at the water�s edge, but then notices Syne a few feet behind her, �Damnation...Katie seems to have a shadow of late�� she whispers more to herself than to anyone else.
Shadow says, �I believe they help for free. If not, you can always carve them a statue.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Well, let�s hope Drac doesn�t find it...gods know what�d happen.� Eclipse shrugs, �Leave her or bring her...we�re going to have to deal with either choice, eventually.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne glances over his shoulder, �Looks like I should take a walk.�� He mutters to himself then walks down the lake shore.
DracBlue says, �So true,� and sighs.
Katie raises a brow once more, but says nothing, watching him go.
Shadow says, �So which one are ye following, young one? Most likely the cutest of the bunch in your eyes anyway.�
Luna_Faline�s shoulders drop in defeat and I turn my back to Eclipse, �I just wanted to go home without any trouble,� bowing my head.
Claron chuckles, �Tabris, if you don�t mind I think its high time I got to the bottom of what�s been troubling Katie where you are concerned,� as she moves away from Tabris, heading towards Katie.
DracBlue says, �Was Katie, but she just said she don�t want me around.�
Shadow says, �Maybe she is just in shock.�
DracBlue says, �I was hurt when she said it. Here,� he points to his chest.
Shadow says, �You sure it wasn�t that scar, lad?�
Katie sits musing, and doesn�t hear Claron�s approach.
Tabris: �Ok�� Tabris says slightly confused as he watches Claron walk off.
Drac finishes washing the best he can for right now smelling like the lake rather than death warmed over
Shadow says, �Well, I think I�m gonna go do something, I�ll leave you be,� and walks away.
Claron approaches Katie, smiles and nods as she passes Syne. �Kat, do you mind if I join you?� as she stops next to her.
Vin_Da_DM: �I know...and I�m sorry it couldn�t be trouble free,� moving over to Luna Eclipse gives her a reassuring hug.
DracBlue looks at the shore and spots Syne.
Katie jumps, �Um�sure.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Mind if I join you?� Stryder says as he approaches Kyra.
DracBlue sits on the shore and lets himself dry out.
Kyra looks up at Stryder with eyes shining. �Of course not,� she gestures beside her. �Have a seat.�
Claron sits down next to Katie, �You sure I am not interrupting anything?�
Vin_Da_DM: Sitting down he smiles lightly at her, �Thanks.�
Katie shakes her head. �No, of course you aren�t interrupting, Claron. It feels like ages since we�ve had any time to talk,� she looks wistful.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne pauses and crouches down picking up a small rock. Skipping it across the surface of the lake he shifts his glance back towards Katie and Claron, �Wonder what they�re talking about��
DracBlue shakes off his wing and a single drop of water gets on the duster, �Oh no, Luna is going to kill me.� He wipes it off and feels something in the pocket.
Luna_Faline turns into Eclipse�s arms and rests my cheek on his chest purring softly. �It�s much better with you here. You�re the calm to my storm.� Wraps my arms around his waist and whispurrs quietly, �I love you.�
Clarice starts to wrap an arm around Cara, hesitates for a second, then drops it back to her side. �Maybe we should get you a bite to eat, or maybe you�d rather rest in a comfortable bed for awhile��
Kyra doesn�t look at him, picking up a rock and turning it over and over in her hands.
Vin_Da_DM: Leaning over Eclipse kisses Luna and says with a loving smile, �I know��
Kyra: �So�� Kyra says quietly.
Claron smiles softly at Katie, �That it has...I have missed our talks...very much, myself.�
DracBlue pulls the item out of the pocket and looks at it. �Hmmm, wonder why she�s not carrying this? Oh well,� and he puts it back.
Shadow walks into the town and looks for a tailor.
Katie: �Me, too.� Katie sighs. �But you�ve had things on your mind. And I wouldn�t intrude for the world.�
Vin_Da_DM: As Drac goes to put the sai hilt back it sends a quick jolt through him, almost as if it was defending itself.
Luna_Faline feels a pulse rush thru me, �I think he found it,� as I shake off the hot rush. �We should go get it.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse looks at Luna, �That�s a new reaction��
DracBlue sets his wings in front of him and starts grooming them.
Cara turns her head to look at Clarice, the scar around the corner of her eye visibly showing, �I�I... am not very hungry...a steaming cup of tea might be nice, though.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Yup�� Stryder nods, words lost to him again.
DracBlue picks a shard out of his wing and looks at it and gasps.
Claron nods her head, �Life changed quite a lot for me after we lost you��
Luna_Faline nods, �I don�t know, maybe I just never noticed it before now.� Looks up at Eclipse, �Short cut? Or long way back?�
Kyra: �You think she�s gonna be alright?� Kyra frowns, searching for something to say.
Vin_Da_DM: �That depends on Tewyn,� Stryder looks at Kyra�s frown.
Katie: �I�ll bet.� Katie�s gaze becomes unfocused for a moment and she flinches.
Clarice: �Then come along,� as she gently wraps an arm around Cara and is surprised when Cara does not pull away. �Lets try the Inn.�
Kyra turns to look at him. �She�s going to need your support while her father is gone, though,� her voice sounds wary.
Vin_Da_DM: �Short cut,� Eclipse takes Luna�s hand and enters the shady side of the tree again, coming out of a tree closer to where Drac and Luna�s coat are.
DracBlue remains looking at the shard in shock.
Vin_Da_DM: �I know...what about you? Are you going to be all right?� Stryder�s expression is genuine concern.
DracBlue puts down the shard and covers himself with his wings, surrounding his body. He picks up the robe and starts walking to where he remembered where Luna was.
Kura: �Why wouldn�t I be?� Kyra suddenly sounds a bit defensive.
DracBlue notices Luna at the end of the clearing near the trees and heads towards her.
Claron notices Katie�s flinch, �You seem to have more of your memories back...I have been wondering�do you remember ALL that happened to you?�
Katie: �Most of it.� Katie frowns.
Luna_Faline sees Drac coming and waits for him to reach us. �Let�s hope he learned a lesson anyway,� sighing to Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: �I will help her because I am responsible for her being here...but I do not wish to see you hurt,� Stryder tilts his head looking at her again.
Kyra: �Hurt?� Kyra echoes, holding her breath.
DracBlue remains silent and hands Luna her robe looking distracted he says, �Thank you,� then starts walking towards where he saw Shadow go.
Claron looks directly at Katie trying to see any reaction she may have at her next question, �Does that include what precisely happed to you back in the military organization?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Well, seems death didn�t change him that much,� Eclipse comments to Luna as he watches Drac depart.
Katie: �There are some things that are still fuzzy.� Katie gives Claron a sharp look, �What are you getting at?�
DracBlue keeps walking towards where he saw Shadow go, his claws extend to just below where his wings are showing glints of metal.
Luna_Faline takes the jacket and growls upon seeing the drying water spot, �Doesn�t seem so.� Reaches into the pocket and takes out the sai, �It�s here, I hope I don�t need it before we get home.�
Claron draws a deep breath in, �Do you know why it is you seem to have such an adverse reaction to Tabris?�
Katie�s eyes flick to Tab, fear shining in her eyes and tears welling.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder studies Kyra�s reaction then whispers softly as he leans in close, giving Kyra another soft smile, �For once I wish to defy the saying, �You always hurt the ones you love�.� Closing his eyes he kisses her.
Tabris stands in place, shifting idly as he watches the lake, the trees, grass, sky in no particular fashion or order.
Claron catches Katie�s eyes darting towards Tabris, and pushes her further, �I know you do...your eyes are showing it.�
Katie: �Yes,� Katie whispers.
Kyra stiffens for a moment, in complete shock, then she sighs and leans into the kiss, her own eyes drifting shut.
Luna_Faline folds the jacket over her arm then takes Eclipses hand again, �Well. if I have to take her to Mount Aventine, I would rather not take the long road thru the mountains.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder open his eyes and looks at Kyra slightly speechless, �Well.��
Katie begins to shake, her eyes not seeing anything in front of her. It�s obvious she�s reliving the moment.
DracBlue arrives at the village and looks directly at Shadow who seems to be talking to an unknown person.
Claron watches Katie, �Tell me what you are seeing Kat...please.��
Vin_Da_DM: The villager looks at Shadow, �And what do you need tailored?�
Kyra licks her lips, looking dazed. �I hope I�m not dreaming,� she whispers, tears are now spilling down her cheeks.
Tabris pauses looking over at Katie and Claron with a raised brow, muttering to himself he looks closer, �I don�t think I like that look��
Vin_Da_DM: �Not dreaming,� Stryder reaches over and wipes the tears from Kyra�s cheeks.
Shadow looks over and sees Drac, �Well, its not for me its for�him.� He points to DracBlue. �He needs cloth�� as he gets stopped short when DracBlue�s claws are at his throat. �You did it, you tainted me. You resurrected me with a Blood Stone. Give me one good reason why you should not die.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne follows Katie�s look towards Tabris and gets a curious expression.
Katie moans loudly, �Tab? Tab it�s me. It�s Katie. NO! NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? OH GOD, TAB, STOP�STOP, PLEASE DON�T HURT ME! PLEASE, TABRIS! WHY?�
Tabris: �What in the�� Tabris looks at Katie with surprise and confusion.
Shadow turns his eyes, �What are you talking about, lad? I haven�t the slightest what one of these stones are, and why would you be tainted?�
Katie screams loudly, her entire body wracked with shudders, before she stiffens and goes limp.
Claron pushes for more information, �What�s he doing?" then glances over at Syne before returning her gaze to Katie.
Vin_Da_DM: �Not good...definitely not good,� Syne says to himself as he begins to head for Katie.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder turns his gaze towards Katie.
DracBlue looks at him and realizes he is telling the truth and retracts his claws. �Just know this, I don�t like you at all.� And he walks off.
Claron raises her hand and shakes her head at Syne as she manipulates Katie�s gravity gently so that Katie doesn�t fall over as she goes limp.
Kyra chews her lower lip, �I�what do you say in a moment like this?� She leans her head on to his shoulder, then lifts it again to stare at him, �You can�t love me,� she says quietly.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne stops at Claron�s signaling and watches Katie carefully with concern.
Shadow looks off at DracBlue and finishes his sentence, �He needs clothing, probably a black robe, if you can.�
Katie: �Burning. He�s burning me alive. Why does he hate me? I thought�I thought we were�friends�� tears pour from Katie�s eyes and her voice sounds like a small child�s.
Shadow sighs.
Vin_Da_DM: The village tailor blinks at Shadow, looking outright confused at what just occurred, �O--okay. I think I have one in my stocks, let me go check.�
Claron leans over towards Katie and gently brushes her finger across Katie�s cheek, "Kat? Kat, open your eyes.��
Katie: �What did I do wrong?� Katie whispers, opening her eyes to glare accusingly at Tab.
Tabris� expression is a mixture of confusion and an attempt to place Katie�s words with his memory.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks back at Kyra, �Says who?�
Katie: �Your face.� Katie says quietly, looking at Tabris. �Your face was the last thing I saw before I�.before I�.died.� She crumbles visibly inward.
DracBlue keeps walking sees Katie, frowns and walks in a different direction.
Luna_Faline ears twitch listening to the screaming, �It�s about time for that, too.� Sighing softly, �Lugnasad�
Claron: �Tell us what you saw?� Claron glances up at Syne before looking in Tabris direction.
Vin_Da_DM: �W--what are you talking about Katie�� Tabris looks at her taking a step forward but pausing before taking another.
Kyra looks pained. �I just mean�� she slumps against him again.
Katie: �You killed me, Tab.� Katie sobs quietly, �It was you. You are the reason I�m only half a woman.�
Claron gasps, �Oh...Kat!� The memories of Tabris in the lava spewing mountain come flooding into her own mind...
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse�s spines fold back down as he looks at Luna, �A day to keep us on edge��
DracBlue walks next to Luna and sighs, �I know how I�m back.�
Vin_Da_DM: �N--no! The enemy got you...I saw them,� Tabris looks at Claron, �I didn�t...did I?�
Claron: With tears in her eyes, �He wasn�t himself.�he--he didn�t know what he was doing....he thought you were one of them.�
Katie looks at Claron, �One of who?�
Luna_Faline reaches up and runs a paw over his spines gently, �It�s not just the harvest of the fields. This is the time for emotional harvesting as well, to take stock of our lives and remember not to take our talents for granted-nor the abundance of the earth.�
Luna_Faline looks over at Drac, �It was your soul essence, Voyager took it from you and Cara brought it back with her.�
Claron: �One of the Hunt.�� her voice falters as she feels a lump in her throat develop.
DracBlue then looks at Luna, �Then Cara is a true friend. Shadow had a gem and he used a forbidden horrible way to bring me back, I fear. I will have to eat one thousand of your apples to cleanse this out of me...if not I will have to find a wise man to cleanse me.�
Vin_Da_DM: The tailor hands Shadow a black robe, �It may be a bit long, but it should fit your...friend.�
Shadow thanks the man and hands him one of the credit chips that he was given for money. �I hope this will suffice.� Starts wandering to find DracBlue
Luna_Faline shakes my head at Drac, �I doubt that Shadow did anything forbidden or horrible to cause your return. As for cleansing, a wise woman won�t do just as well?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse surveys Drac with his glowing blue eyes, �You are not as tainted as you fear...trust me.�
DracBlue looks at Luna, �Yes, it would. But as for the ritual, the stone is made of blood. Thus the name,� he frowns.
Claron looks at Tabris, her eyes pained and clearly revealing that what Katie says is true.
DracBlue says, �And they take hundreds of years to make.�
Katie�s gaze sizzles. �How�convenient. I�m sure he took a lot of trouble to find out the truth before he sent the lava at me, covering me slowly�painfully from my feet upward. My entire body from my shoulders down was pretty much cremated. The Gul-Qian had quite a job making me even look halfway normal.� She lifts her tunic, to show where the skin grafts and alternate sections of something unknown made a patchwork. �Do you think it�s easy seeing THIS in the mirror every day? Do you really think THIS makes me feel anything less than shattered and unwhole? I�m hideous.� All the fight suddenly goes out of her and she slumps, her body quaking with sobs.
Luna_Faline raises a brow, �Blood stone?� with a growl I take out the sai�s hilt and hold it up to catch the light, �Like this one?�
Claron brings her hands up to her mouth as her tears begin to slide down her cheeks.
DracBlue looks at the stone, �No, doesn�t look like it. Maybe your people call it something different.�
Tabris: �Katie�� Tabris looks at her, his eyes trembling slightly as he listens to her, �I��
Katie: Luna_Faline glances at Eclipse and chuckles, �My people?� shakes my head, �My Misstress gave me this herself. Only she knows how old it is.�
Claron returns her gaze to Tabris, her heart aching for him, knowing how painful this revelation is for him to hear.
DracBlue says, �All I know is, if you peer into the stone you will see your worst fear.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse raises a brow at Luna, �Doesn�t sound like a stone you�d want to use for anything.�
Kyra wipes away fresh tears. �I love you, Stryder DuVallis. I didn�t mean to. And it�s going to cause more problems in the long run�but�there it is.�
DracBlue says, �It taints the soul that is used to bring back,� then frowns.
Luna_Faline looks at the blood stone embedded in the hilt then slips it back into my pocket, �We shall see soon enough. But I think your wrong, Drac.�
Claron wraps her arms around Katie, �Oh Kat, you are not hideous�� crying along with her.
Shadow finally wanders towards Drac, throws the robe at him and walks away. Shadow walks back to the tavern, finds a spot in the tavern. and orders a drink.
Tabris� gaze starts to become teary, �No! I wouldn�t...no...!� Growling he throws a hand to the side, a large obsidian spike shooting up from the ground. Turning he sprints away from Katie and Claron.
DracBlue looks at the robe, cut holes in the back for his wings. Then puts it on.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne watches Claron with Katie, turning he lowers his gaze and sighs.
DracBlue looks at Luna, �Where is the wise woman?�
Luna_Faline growls at him, �What am I? Chopped dog?�
Katie: �I am.� Katie whispers, looking stricken. She sees Tabris run off and looks at Claron. �You need to go to him, Claron.�
Claron screams out Tabris name in her mind.
Tabris: Slowing himself Tabris eventually stops and drops to his knees on the ground, �Katie...why didn�t they say anything. They knew...they knew and said nothing!� Shouting at the air he pounds a fist against the grass.
DracBlue says in shock, �You always seemed like a warrior.�
Claron: �But what about you?��
Katie looks cold and remote all of a sudden. �Your husband comes first, Claron.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks into Kyra�s eyes, �Damn the long run, Kyra.� Reaching out he touches her cheek, �Never do anything you don�t mean.�
Valrash walks to town.
Kyra gives him a watery smile, and laces her fingers through his. �Does it make it better if I say I�m not sorry it happened?�
Luna_Faline stiffens, �I am the Avatar of the Goddess Selenia.� Releases Eclipse�s hand, �You think of me as only a warrior.� Begins to walk away, �Save your questions for my Misstress then.� Walks back toward the Inn.
Claron pulls away from Katie, as she stands up she looks at Syne, �Stay with her, please��
Tabris growls again, �How many of them let it lay in silence...were they afraid? Afraid of what I did, of what I might do. Why?!� Throwing a hand forward a wave of obsidian plows through several layers of trees before dying down, leaving a large scar in the ground in front of him.
DracBlue walks with Luna, �I meant no insult. I just meant that you were strong, it is a compliment.�
Luna_Faline stops and looks down at Drac, �So a woman can�t be strong and wise?�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne nods to Claron, �Of course...go find your husband.� Moving over to Katie he looks down at her.
Claron nods her head and with a quick �thanks� dashes off in the direction Tabris went.
DracBlue feels horrid and the look on his face reflects that. �I didn�t mean that either.�
Luna_Faline pulls the jacket on quickly, �I think it would be wise if you stopped before you dug that grave any deeper.�
DracBlue shuts up.
Claron stops when she sees Tabris in front of her on his knees, �Tab?�
Luna_Faline sniffs Drac then walks into the inn. Thinking about him as I go up the stairs to the room I shared with Eclipse the previous night. I throw myself across the bed and lay there with my cheek resting on my crossed arms.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse slides out of the floor and looks at Luna, �You shouldn�t let him get to you like that.�
DracBlue sighs and heads to Katie.
DracBlue stops about 50 feet away and sits down.
Luna_Faline�s eyes glide over to Eclipse, �It wasn�t just him.� Pushing myself up to sit in the middle of the bed, �His scent is different than before. But still very familiar.�
Tabris looks over his shoulder at Claron, �How long did you know? Tell me...how long.� Claron can notice a faint fire burning in his expression.
DracBlue looks out at the lake semi keeping an eye on Katie and thinking.
Katie plays with her bracelet, her eyes unseeing as she withdraws into herself.
Vin_Da_DM: �I see�� Eclipse sits on the edge of the bed, �I noticed it as well��
Claron chokes up as she looks at Tabris, �I learned of it shortly after Finn and I found you, Uncle made certain to tell me��
Katie: �Some things just aren�t repairable.� Katie whispers to herself.
Vin_Da_DM: �And why did nobody tell me? Katie�s been with us how long, with it buried in her memory?� Tabris turns to face Claron, �Claron...why? Fear? Did you think I would do it again?�
Luna_Faline rises up on my knees and leans against his back, resting my chin on his shoulder. I wrap my arms around his chest, �I�m sorry I wasn�t very nice today.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Even Avatars are allowed to have bad days,� Eclipse says to Luna, looking at her from the corners of his eyes, �I have several millennia that I wasn�t nice, and I was forgiven.�
Claron doesn�t move forward seeing the faint fire burning in his eyes, �Because I had hoped to protect you and Katie from having ever having to relive it, my love. I didn�t want you to feel how you did when.�� her words drop off as her hand instinctively goes to the space between her breasts. �No�my love, I am not afraid you will do it again. I trust you with my life��
Luna_Faline frowns slightly, �Do I need to do penance?� growls playfully in his ear.
Tabris: �After what I did to Katie...how could you?� Tabris slumps to the ground again, �I may not relive it, but do I need to? Katie is scarred...and it may never heal. How can I ever apologize to her? I was a monster then...and I�I�m still that monster, somewhere inside of me��
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse looks at Luna, �I forgive you, but absolution may require a few tries.� Arching his eyebrow playfully at Luna he kisses her.
Claron feels like her heart is being ripped into pieces. �We will find a way�� inching her way closer to Tabris, �You are not a monster��
Luna_Faline laughs and gives in to Eclipse�s idea of �absolution�.
Katie stands up and walks a short distance away, then turns and, looking out over the peaceful water of the lake, begins wading in�until the water closes over her head.
Tabris stands and stumbles forward to Claron, landing on his knees again he looks up at Claron, �It would be easier...then these feelings, I wouldn�t have to face them. But I�m not...and I�m...lost. Claron, help me find a way...to forgive myself.� Leaning forward he hugs Claron�s waist, burying his head into her clothing as he cries.
DracBlue sighs and picks up a stone and throws towards the trees.
DracBlue keeps watching Katie while he throws stones.
Kyra turns and looks, gasping, �She�s not��
Katie surfaces, sputtering.
Katie: �No, dammit. Let me�� Katie howls brokenly.
Claron wraps her arms around Tabris� neck as he hugs her waist, �We will find a way...I love you, Tab, with all my heart and soul,� as tears flow freely down her cheeks.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne notices Katie in the water, �What is she doing��
Katie throws a look at the shore and shakes her head. �Not anymore. Never again.� She swims farther out feeling her arms begin to fatigue.
DracBlue watches her thinking, �she doesn�t want me around, but what am I to do�.
Katie: As her limbs begin to wear out, Katie floats in the water, praying.
Kyra sighs. �Here we go, again. Damn her anyway.� She gets up and sprints for the water. �McKinnon, you are really pissing me off.� Reaching Katie, Kyra pulls her into her arms, �And just what the fuck are you doing now?�
Katie fights her, landing a few good blows. �Leave me alone, damn you!� She catches Kyra in the nose, and Kyra goes under.
Tabris: �I�m sorry�� Tabris looks up at Claron with teary eyes, �I�m sorry that I�ve passed this curse to our son, but...I won�t let it have him.�
Kyra sinks like a stone, and suddenly the glazed look leaves Katie�s face. �Oh Goddess, no�� she dives under the water�
Vin_Da_DM: �Kyra!" Stryder moves to the shore shouting. Diving in he starts swimming out towards them.
Vin_Da_DM: �Damn it, Kat...I told her I�d stay with you, I�ll be damned if I go against it!� Noticing Katie go under Syne follows Stryder into the water, shifting into his bear form as he swims towards Katie.
Katie breaks the surface, towing Kyra tiredly.
Katie: �You had no right.� Katie whispers, struggling to bring them back to shore.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne swims up to Katie, his large furry back alongside her, �I have no intention of letting you become fish food, grab on.�
DracBlue flies up above the lake and dives in, but all too late. He gets there after Syne has a hold of Katie and Stryder has a hold of Kyra, sighing he swims back to shore.
Claron kneels down in front of Tabris her eyes still moist with tears, �There is no need to be sorry�I knew when you placed this ring on my finger what could lie ahead for us�and I have never regretted it...not a single day.�
Kyra stirs, �You had no right�� she coughs, ��to try a stupid stunt like that.�
Katie: �You don�t understand�� Katie treads water as Stryder grabs Kyra and starts pulling her to shore.
Tabris: �We�ll find a way�� Tabris manages a weak smile at Claron, �Have I...mentioned how much...I love you?�
Vin_Da_DM: Reaching shore Stryder pulls Kyra up out of the water.
Katie: �You need help, Kat.� Kyra whispers, looking at her sadly.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne looks at Katie as he swims alongside her, the top of his muzzle breaking just above the water.
Katie: �Syne�� Katie gives him a pleading look.
DracBlue gets out dripping wet, he shakes off his wings and sits on the shore about fifty feet from katie again, frowning. He then says, �I wonder how long I was dead. It seems there all closer now, especially....No, its just my imagination.�
Claron eyes begin to twinkle... �Not since last night, I think you even said it in several different languages�� her words drop off as she kisses him.
Katie: �You shouldn�t�� Katie sighs, shaking her head, and grabs on to him, her body beginning to sink.
Vin_Da_DM: �Not exactly the best time for a swim,� Syne swims towards shore, using his back supporting Katie as they head for shore.
Katie: �You should have left well enough alone.� Katie�s voice is resigned.
DracBlue moves away from the shore where Katie is going to come ashore.
DracBlue gets far enough away from the people, that they can�t hear him. �I wonder if I should tell Luna that there wasn�t just black.��
Kyra looks up at Stryder. �Thank you. I thought for a minute she was going to take me with her.� She looks fearfully at Katie. �She�s not right. And for just one moment�" Kyra closes her eyes. �I thought she didn�t care if there were other casualties.�
DracBlue heads to the town, as he passes Katie and Kyra he just looks to the ground
Katie lays on shore, panting.
Vin_Da_DM: �I told you I�ve got your back, Kat, even if it means protecting you, from you.� Looking at her he sighs in a bearish way then walks off towards the woods.
Vin_Da_DM: With emotions running high the evening suns begin their crawl into night again, shining rays sinking below the tall spires of the distant mountains, sending a vast array of colors into the sky.
Vin_Da_DM: Lugnasad. A celebration of emotional harvesting. The return of an ally, the return of a daughter. Lost memories have resurfaced. How will recent events effect the Warriors in the days to come, in the war that grows ever closer on the horizon.
Vin_Da_DM: $ End