Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: With another day of rest within Aventine�s walls the Warriors prepared for the journey they would be taking in the morning. Luna and Eclipse took up the offer to survey the troops of the 1st Regiment.
Vin_Da_DM: Meeting with Lord Diego Ironblade, commander of the 1st Regiment, they were told that in the morning they would be traveling to Corrin at daybreak. Corrin, an outlying county in Selenia�s domain would be the sight for a Dark Army assault, looking to take control of the western counties.
Vin_Da_DM: *Time passed: Night-time*
Vin_Da_DM: The pre-dawn air is calm, warming up from the chill of night as the first light from the suns begins to shine on the horizon. A knocking sounds on each of your doors, loud enough to rouse you but not overbearing.
Vin_Da_DM: Outside the city the 1st Regiment is taking it�s camp apart and packing it away for the journey west. Diego secures the magical box containing his tent to his horse and looks through the city gates into the city, �They should be here soon.�
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
DracBlue gets out of bed. �Geesh, not too early, just sunrise��
Vin_Da_DM: Syne trods along the main road heading in the direction of the main city gate, �So early the town is still sleeping,� he comments to himself as he looks around.
Valrash rolls over and yelps still feeling the pain from his injuries from DracBlue, �Damn, remind me not to fuck with bird boy.�
Tabris cracks an eye open and sighs, �Who ordered the wake up call�� he yawns and rolls to the side to look at Claron.
Katie pads silently through the halls, unable to sleep. She stops at a window and gazes out it, humming softly to herself.
DracBlue wanders out feeling really good. He walks to Cara�s door and waits outside it.
Cara rolls over and throws one of her pillows at the door, �No! You just made me miss the kiss of a lifetime from Stryder...damn you!�
Luna_Faline lays tangled up in the satin sheets next to Eclipse. �Morning comes way too early,� in a sleepy growl.
Valrash mutters, �Damn that cat, she doesn�t know I can�t use my wings that well...I can�t use them freely where I come from,� as he gets to the door and walks out to the encampment.
Arwyn gets quickly out of bed and then dresses.
Vin_Da_DM: An armored soldier approaches Katie, �Lady Katie? Pardon me, but the Warriors have been requested to report to the main city gates. Please see the stable master for your ride.�
Kyra stretches, but doesn�t open her eyes. �Oh dammit. We were just about to�� she burrows her head under the pillow with a groan.
DracBlue jumps as he hears Cara yelling, but remains silent.
Vin_Da_DM: �It always will, but they more bearable with someone to share it with,� Eclipse says softly, kissing Luna on the cheek.
Katie sighs, but nods. �Of course.� Then she looks down at her bare feet, �Just as soon as I retrieve my boots.�
Claron cracks open one eye and manages a smile as she sees Tabris looking at her, �G�morning, my love.�
Vin_Da_DM: The soldier nods and then leaves Katie as quickly and quietly as he arrived.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder yawns, throwing the sheets aside and getting off the bed. Stretching he looks over for his clothing.
Katie grumbles and heads back to where she left her boots in the indoor garden.
Clarice rolls over, reaching her arm out to touch Tewyn. Her eyes blink open wide when she feels the empty spot next to her in bed.
Valrash notices Syne and runs up to catch up with him. �Good morning. Or should I say�good ass crack of dawn.�
Luna_Faline slowly opens her eyes smiling at Eclipse, �I love you too.� Sits up and begins unwrapping the sheet. �I think I have to take a shower before I go anywhere.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Morning not treating you well? Most humanoids don�t enjoy it, never really understood why.� Syne shrugs and sighs, �Just a big ball of hot gas and fire rising moving around in space.�
Valrash just shrugs and says, �Its too cold for me. The midday isn�t so bad, but its kinda cold in the morning.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Sounds like a plan, how about we both take one and save on time?� Eclipse rolls out of the bed with ease and agility, as if the tangled sheets were no problem.
Clarice bolts up out of bed, �Damn it, Drow!� and in the next breath, �Don�t jump to any conclusions just yet. He promised you�� she admonishes herself.
Tabris sits up, stretches, then glances around the room, �Honey...where�d you put my pants. I only remember you taking them off.�
Luna_Faline crawls across the bed and heads into the large bathroom turning on the water and stepping in with Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: �It can be.� Syne shakes his head, �Only extreme temperatures bother me, so to me it's not �cold�.�
Valrash smiles, �Give me hotter than Hell any day of the week. I hate the cold, its such a bother. So did you see yesterday�s skirmish?�
Vin_Da_DM: Finishing putting on his clothes Stryder takes a quick look in the mirror before heading to his door.
Kyra burrows deeper in her bed, drifting off again.
Vin_Da_DM: �Yes, Luna�s quite the good fighter. Didn�t even have to make a move to defeat either of you,� Syne chuckles.
Claron giggles as she pulls them out from underneath her pillow. �You mean these? Maybe we should become nudists, and then there would be no need to have to look for our articles of clothing�� she teases.
Tabris: �Maybe, but as good guys, I think modesty is part of the job description,� Tabris smirks then takes his pants and slides them on.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder heads down the hallway, trying to remember which room was Kyra�s as he hums to himself.
Valrash says, �Ummm, I didn�t want to fight. And Drac was driven for reasons of his own, I suppose. No clue why he did it, but boy how I don�t want to piss off bird boy in the future��cause damn�it hurt. I�m still sore.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Don�t pick fights you�re not ready for,� Syne pats Valrash on the shoulder. �So I suggest you start preparing, this next one could be a doozey.�
Katie pulls her boots on and stretches, then wanders back down the halls and toward the stables.
Valrash frowns, �That�s just it�I didn�t pick this one. He just started beating the crap out of me.�
Cara closes her eyes briefly, then groans when she realizes she isn�t going to recapture the dream moment. She gets up from bed, grabbing her clothes off the chair and begins to dress.
DracBlue hears stirring in the room and stands at attention like a guard.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse smiles at Luna as he watches the water flow over her fur, �Water warm enough?�
Arwyn moves quietly to the door of her room, opening and peering out of it for Sabir.
Vin_Da_DM: Sabir bows his head to Arwyn, �The Warriors are moving out, m�lady. Do you wish to accompany them to Corrin?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder knocks on Kyra�s door then waits, listening.
Kyra hugs the pillow tight to herself, a small smile hovering at her lips. She nuzzles the pillow with a sigh.
Kyra: �Mmmph?� Kyra frowns.
Vin_Da_DM: �Always expect the unexpected,� Syne says to Valrash as he looks ahead, waving to Ness as he sees him with the other soldiers.
Luna_Faline splashes Eclipse with her tail. �Always the purrfect temp here. It�s all custom set for me, one of the perks of being an avatar.�
Clarice finishes putting on her clothes, brushes her hair, then gathers the rest of her belongings before she heads out of her room and down the hallway, �Please...let him be in the dining hall,� she whispers to herself.
Valrash waves at Ness as well. �Well, I�ll keep that in mind there, Syne.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse smiles, the water splashed on him slowly sliding off his hide, �And what about the other perks?�
Vin_Da_DM: ~Time to wake up, sleepy head.~ Stryder says as he stares at Kyra�s door.
Cara opens her door and sees Drac standing there. �Please don�t tell me you spent the whole night outside my room.�
DracBlue shakes his head, then says, � �Bout�the last 5 seconds.�
Luna_Faline grabs the soap and lathers up both herself and Eclipse. �Well, good soap, the softest bed ever created, all my favorite things are here.� Leans up and kisses him, �And it�s even better now that I can share it with you.�
Kyra: ~Mmm, I was just dreaming about y--- ~ Kyra sits up, blinking. ~Oh! Morning. I�ll be out in a minute.~
Vin_Da_DM: In one of the many city taverns the barkeep, a burly creature resembling a humanoid armadillo, kicks the hooded undead man lying on the floor. �Wake up, you still owe me 50 gold for tab!�
Claron tries to hide the grimace on her face from Tabris as she slides out of bed and grabs her clothes, then heads directly for the bathroom.
Tabris raises a brow watching Claron, �The morning upchuck display again, Babe?�
^Richard^: �50 gold? For what? This pisswater?�
Cara: �Well...that�s good to hear.�
DracBlue says, �Had to sleep, for I just kicked the demon�s ass.�
Katie: With a little help, Katie finds the stables, and stands, blinking at the incredible sunrise.
Vin_Da_DM: �Pisswater?� Says the man who drank twenty tankards full. The barkeep grumbles, �Pay up or I�ll call the guards.�
Claron nods her head slightly as she closes the bathroom door behind her.
Vin_Da_DM: A female minotaur, wearing plain farmer�s clothing, walks up next to Katie and looks at the sunrise, �Never gets old watching the twin suns climb over those mountains.� She looks at Katie, �You one of the Warriors?�
Cara raises a brow, �What did you want to go and do that for?�
Luna_Faline giggles as jets of warm water suddenly spray out from every wall at varying levels in the shower to rinse them off. �This is what I like the best about my shower.�
Katie nods regally. �I am.�
DracBlue says, �Well�two reasons. One reason was to get him off your back. The other is because his father was on the council. There were a few more reasons, but those are the main two.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Ahh, here for a ride. Any kind in particular you fancy?� The stable mistress asks Katie.
Katie eyes her choices.
Vin_Da_DM: Ness approaches Syne and Valrash, giving a nod of his head, �Morning, you two. The rest of your friends are coming soon�right? The Commander�s gonna be leaving, whether they�re here or not.�
Kyra jumps out of bed, pulling on her clothes and leaving her hair down, she opens the door, a timid smile on her face as she sees Stryder waiting.
Clarice looks in the dining hall for Tewyn, �DAMN! He�s not here!� then heads toward the main hall.
Valrash nods, �Think so, not sure. Where do I get a horse?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Morning, sunshine.� Stryder smiles then extends a hand, �Guess they want us at the main city gates, said we can pick up rides at the stables.�
Kyra beams, taking Stryder�s hand. �Guess we�d better go, then.�
^Richard^ smirks at the bartender. Unknown to him, the only reason Richard wandered into the tavern last night was by the curious, vengeful spirits violently emanating around the bartender. All night discreetly talking to the deceased from which he learns of the bartender�s interesting blood stained past. �Call the guards? I think that would be an excellent idea. I�m sure they would like to know about the dead woman buried beneath the floorboards over there.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Can�t make up your mind?� The stable mistress raises her brow at Katie, �You look like the unicorn type, got one with green eyes that match yours.�
Arwyn smiles as she sees Sabir. �I don�t see where we have any other choice. Seeing how Va promised our aid,� stepping out into the hallway and shutting the door behind her.
Katie smiles, �That sounds perfect.�
Luna_Faline sighs as the water turns itself off. �And that�s the what I don�t like, Misstress restricted my water usage a couple of incarnations ago and never lifted it.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Very well, the stable master has horses ready for us,� Sabir says to Arwyn, taking his usual place at her side.
Luna_Faline steps out and grabs a big towel drying off with it.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse laughs, �Used a bit too much, did we?� He says as he grabs a towel, wiping off water from the places it didn't slide off his hide.
Cara shakes her head, �I did not ask you to do that...and I am perfectly aware that his father is on the Council of Daegriss, Drac. Please don�t do me any more favors.�
DracBlue frowns, �But�if I do you favors, you might stop calling me bad names.�
Luna_Faline smiles, �Well�I was bored,� throwing the towel down and walking back to the closet to get dressed.
Vin_Da_DM: The stable mistress motions Katie to follow, amazingly the inside of the stable building is much larger than it looks on the outside. Taking Katie along the edge of large grassy meadow she points to a unicorn drinking water, �How about her? Her name�s Ki�lin.�
Cara: �If you promise not to do me any more favors, then I will promise to try not to call you any more bad names. Deal?�
^Richard^: �And seeing how it was you�who raped and killed her. I�m sure they will find it interesting that the ring you are wearing bears the inscription of her husband Leonard of Aventine.�
DracBlue says, �Deal. And I will not do you anymore favors, but following you isn�t doing you any favors.� He smirks and shrugs.
Katie grins, �Hello, Ki�lin. Might I have the privilege of having you bear me to my destination?� she steps up slowly, running a soft touch along the unicorn�s shoulder.
Vin_Da_DM: The bartender raises a brow, then laughs, �You one of those mind readers or spirit talkers? Interesting story, but a flaw in it, I�m Leonard and I�ve never been married.� Shaking his head he moves back behind the bar, �I�ll drop it to 40 gold just because you amuse me.�
Vin_Da_DM: The unicorn looks over at Katie, with emerald green eyes that shine with intelligence. It sniffs her then nods it�s head with acceptance.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse nods and begins sliding on his clothes, �Good thing we got new outfits, not sure my old one would have survived another skirmish.�
Vin_Da_DM: Walking through the castle gardens to the stables Stryder smiles at Kyra, �Did you sleep well?�
Katie: �You honor me, lovely.� Katie continues to stroke the unicorn affectionately.
Luna_Faline walks out of the closet dressed in her black pants and sleeveless wrap top and sits on the bed to pull on her black boots. �I know what you mean. They were looking bad.� Stands up and moves out to the altar to retrieve her amulet, key and sword.
Vin_Da_DM: �Horse?� Ness looks at Valrash, then at the wings at his back with curiosity, �City stables, castle stables, or we may have a spare one around here somewhere.�
Claron turns the water on the sink, rinses her mouth out, then dresses. She reaches an arm around to rub her back briefly, then takes a deep breath, forcing a smile as she opens the door back up. �Ready, my love.�
Tabris brushes stray hairs from his face, then looks over at Claron, �Let�s get going then.�
Valrash smiles and says, �Don�t want to be left behind. I�ll see if there is an extra around here.�
Cara smiles at Drac as they make their way to the main hall.
Kyra: �MmmHmm. Quite well. You?� Kyra takes a deep breath, inhaling the clean scent of morning. �What a gorgeous sunrise. If one has to ride to ones possible death, at least I get to see an awesome sight on my last day alive.�
^Richard^ smirks at the bartender, �Well, bartender, I find your situation amusing too. Your dead friend here seems to be seeking out some kind of righteous soul to avenge her death. Fortunately for you�that�s not me. I�d be happy to pay my tab, but it seems you have a problem here. She�s not going to shut up until she finds the ear of some self righteous spirit talker to take her side, but I might be able to help.�
Vin_Da_DM: Leonard sighs, �Just get out of here, last thing I need is you bothering my morning customers.�
Claron moves closer to Tabris, gives him a kiss. �I�d gladly follow you anywhere.�
DracBlue�s jaw drops as he falls behind and he whispers to himself, �Damn. She�s hot when she�s happy.� He runs to catch up and walks beside her.
Clarice sees Cara and Drac heading towards her and waves to them.
Luna_Faline adjusts the straps of leather across her chest as she reaches for the new sword, holding it carefully as she looks at the inscription on the blade. �I didn�t notice this before.�
^Richard^: �Very well, but be cautious�you never know when that spirit is going to come back and get you.� Richard gets up and walks to the door.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse raises a brow, �Notice what before?�
Cara: �Good morning, Clarice. Where�s Va?�
DracBlue waves at Clarice.
Vin_Da_DM: �Won�t be your last day, not if I have anything to say about it.� Stryder says as he and Kyra enter the stables. Stryder looks around, �This place looked smaller on the outside.�
Luna_Faline carries the sword over to Eclipse and shows him the blade. �This inscription, I don�t know what it says though.�
Kyra chews thoughtfully on her lip and nods.
^Richard^: Soon after that Richard leaves the unsavory tavern. He takes to the shadows and prepares a dark ritual to allow the spirit of the deceased vengeful woman to return to life for a brief while; that will take place after he leaves town, in order to exact her revenge in exchange for the services of her spirit afterwards.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse blinks for a second, �I�m not sure either,� he shrugs.
Clarice shakes her head, �I have no idea. He seems to have gotten out of bed before I did this morning.�
Vin_Da_DM: The stable mistress sets a saddle near Katie, then moves off to help the others arriving at the stables.
Luna_Faline sighs and slips it into the sheath on her back. �I�ll find out someday, right now�it�s just pretty.� Looks around the comfortable room for a moment, �I hope we get to come back here soon. But for now, let�s go get this fight over with.� Reaches for the door to the privacy garden. �Let�s go this way.�
Cara: �Maybe Va is outside waiting for us.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks at the minotaur lady as she approaches him and Kyra. The stable mistress nods, �More Warriors no doubt, what do you two think you�d prefer?�
Katie saddles Ki�lin respectfully and efficiently, mounting up and patting her shoulder, smiling softly, singing in a low tone. She looks over and waves at Kyra and Stryder.
^Richard^: Later out of boredom, he decides to wander into the meat-bag city of Aventine
Valrash notices Richard wandering and says, �What�s it like being dead?�
Kyra waves back, then points at a giant raptor-like bird, �I wanna ride that.�
Claron wraps her arm around Tabris� waist. �Where you leading me to?�
Arywn heads directly towards the castle stable.
^Richard^ turns to Valrash and says, �Quite invigorating really, would you like to try it?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks at what Kyra is pointing at, �They look fine, I�ll take the blue one.� The stable mistress nods, �The chocos�, good choice,� she moves over to the two chocobos. �Robin is the white one, Cyan is the blue.�
Luna_Faline steps out into the garden and inhales the rich tropical scents, �We need to go get our rides from the stable on our way to meet Lord Ironblade,� moving towards the throne room door.
Valrash says, �Naw, I�ve been to Hell, its quite lovely this time of year. You bored, dead man?�
^Richard^: �Without question,� he sighs.
Valrash says, �Well then, how bout a war, old friend?�
Vin_Da_DM: An stable-hand leads two horses to Arwyn and Sabir, meeting them outside the stables.
Luna_Faline opens the door and steps quietly into the throne room with Eclipse.
^Richard^: �Why do you think I�m here, silly demon?� he chuckles.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse follows Luna in then looks around the throne room.
Valrash says, �Well then, let�s find some horses and ride with these people, and kill us some people.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne raises a brow at Valrash and his apparent friend, �Friend of yours, hellboy?�
^Richard^: �I didn�t come to kill people. Only take their souls. I suppose your way is quicker though. I do hate waiting for them to die on their own.�
Clarice looks around as they go outside, �Maybe he�s at the stables procuring our mounts.�
Vin_Da_DM: The woman nods then leaves Kyra and Stryder with their rides, moving off to greet Claron and Tabris at the stable�s entrance.
Valrash says, �An old one, Syne. Really old, and sort of powerful.�
Cara: �Well, there�s only one way to find out. Off to the stables we go.�
Kyra climbs up on her choco, wobbling a bit.
Vin_Da_DM: �That so?� Syne raises a brow, �Smells dead to me.�
Valrash says, �He is Mr. Obvious.�
DracBlue follows them.
^Richard^ chuckles, �If I�m Mr. Obvious, that makes him Mr. Oblivious.�
Claron�s eyes widen, �Oh Tab, look�� points to the panther.
Tabris: �Nice, wonder if there�s another one?� Tabris watches the panther.
Vin_Da_DM: The stable mistress shakes her head, �Sorry, only the one. Plenty of other ones to choose from.�
Arwyn watches as Sabir checks her mount thoroughly before he leans over with his fingers interlaced, palm facing up, to give her a boost up.
Vin_Da_DM: Sabir helps Arwyn onto her horse then hops up into the saddle of his horse, �Ready m�lady?�
Valrash says, �For once, someone wasn�t talking about you, Richard.�
Claron: �We could ride together...the three of us,� looking over at Tabris.
Arwyn nods her head.
Clarice and Cara arrive at the stable.
Vin_Da_DM: In addition to Selenia�s normal bodyguards is a third tiger, with a saddle and banner with a flag bearing the Avatar�s symbol, that approaches Luna after she enters.
DracBlue sighs and waits outside for the two ladies to get their mounts as he needs none.
^Richard^: �You haven�t changed a bit in all these years, Val. Tell me, do you still have nightmares about...PONY?�
Tabris nods, �Guess that�d work. I�ll share the pussy with you,� nudging Claron he smirks at her, his expression clearly covering a giggle.
Valrash says, �That was you. You could never stand a pony being slaughtered.�
Claron laughs, �It�ll be the only pussy I will allow you to share with me, too.�
^Richard^: �Still oblivious as usual, Val. No, I�m not talking about my affection for equines. I was referring to the particular one that almost stomped you to death all those years ago.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne listens curiously, �A pony?�
^Richard^ gets a light in his already fluorescent eyes, �Maybe its time to summon... PONY.�
Valrash shrugs, �Don�t even remember it. I got something more scary than that to deal with now�its called family.�
Luna_Faline moves quickly to the steps at the base of the throne and kneels, �Misstress?�
Vin_Da_DM: Selenia looks up from a long scroll she is reading, �Luna, I trust you are prepared?�
^Richard^ chuckles, �Are you sure it wasn�t because it filled you with such fear that you blacked him out of your mind?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Do I even want to know?� Syne looks at Valrash quizzically.
Luna_Faline looks up at Selenia and rises, �As ready as I ever am I suppose,� gazes over at the large tiger. �Misstress, your sending Mah with us?�
Valrash says, �Not really, Syne. He�s screwing with my head.� He turns back to Richard, �Yes, summon Pony�I dare you.�
Vin_Da_DM: The stable mistress greets Clarice and Cara, �Morning, ladies�take a look around.�
^Richard^ smiles manically, �Very well, follow me. I don�t think the local metal coated meat-bags would appreciate if I did it right here.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Mah asked to go with you.� Selenia smiles at the large tiger who bows it�s head to her, �He is honored to carry you into battle.�
Clarice and Cara look around the stables.
Valrash just sighs, �Can�t�I�m waiting on my horse.�
Luna_Faline bows to Mah and purrs, �I�m honored, Mah.�
Clarice shrugs her shoulders, �I don�t have any specific preference. Whatever you choose will suit me just fine,� states to the stable mistress.
Vin_Da_DM: Mah bows his head to Luna, a feeling of understanding flowing to her.
^Richard^ leads his curious friends to a nearby clearing where he finds a suitable patch of ground to ensign a complicated sigil into the ground with a vial of blood, placing small containers emanating strange soft wailing sounds in a particular pattern. Then he bows over the ritual and invokes the ritual to summon Pony.
Vin_Da_DM: The stable mistress motions Clarice to a light blue colored horse, �How about this one, Ceru is sturdy and friendly.�
Clarice: �Perfect, Ceru it is.�
Cara: �Oh, I want a horse too.�
Luna_Faline looks back to Selenia, �Do you have any instructions for us?�
Vin_Da_DM: The stable mistress leads Cara to a white horse with a flame red mane and eyes, �Flare is brave and full of youthful energy, I think you�ll go well together.�
Vin_Da_DM: Selenia looks at Luna, �I do not know what you will face, my child, but as always stay vigilant. Where there are soldiers of the dark, a Knight is sure to lead them.�
^Richard^ grins as the sky briefly darkens to a thundering red compendium of thick clouds and a convergence of �Fell Lightning Bolts� impacts the ground. With a wailing �EEEIGHH� at the site of the ritual inscription generating a thick cloud of choking smoke.
Cara smiles as she sees the white horse and takes the reins, �What a perfect name for you, Flare,� as she leads her stallion out of the stables.
Clarice follows Cara out.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne claps, �Very impressive. Do you do parties?�
Vin_Da_DM: Gale peers inside the stables looking around at everyone, �Warriors, when you�re ready we must head out. The Regiment is going to be leaving soon.�
Cara stops outside of the stables and checks the cinch, adjusts the stirrups, then glances over at Clarice and sees her doing the same thing. Smiling, Cara places a foot in the stirrup and mounts Flare.
Clarice mounts Ceru.
Luna_Faline nods, �I have a feeling there may be more than one Knight in this battle. They will want to win this one badly.�
Valrash goes back unimpressed and heads to Ness to get a horse.
Tabris looks over his shoulder at Claron, �You okay back there, Momma?�
Katie walks Ki�lin over to where the others are.
Claron wraps her arms around Tabris� waist, leans her head on his shoulder, �Just fine,� she lies.
^Richard^ kneels in exhaustion as the smoke clears and a bright green glowing figure of a horned black horse like creature emerges, pulsating with electricity from horn to hoof and armored with a mysterious runed black armor, tack and saddle.
Luna_Faline looks up at the banner. �I haven�t used that in centuries.�
Vin_Da_DM: A soldier hands Valrash the reigns of a normal brown horse then disappears after saluting Ness.
Arwyn grows impatient waiting for the others in the group.
Valrash mounts the horse and pats it gently.
^Richard^ looks strangely happy to see this strange aberrational horse, and the horse approaches him calmly. But then, it looks at Valrash and approaches him, lowers its head. Richard smirks
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse nods, �No doubt.�
Luna_Faline runs a paw over Mah�s neck, �What about Eclipse?�
Valrash looks at the horse, �Well, at least you can summon it. Last time you tried, you fell asleep for five days.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Enough of my power has returned, so I can arrange for my own transportation,� Eclipse says to Luna.
^Richard^ watches in glee as Pony charges with its horn bared at the behind of Valrash who has turned to walk away.
Valrash turns the horse he is on, and watches the Pony charging at him and moves out of the way.
Luna_Faline eyes grow wide, �Are you sure?� climbing up onto the saddle on Mah�s back.
^Richard^ chuckles, �Seems like Pony is just as fond of you as ever.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne shakes his head, �Valrash, people sure like to fight you.�
Valrash sighs, �At least I expect it from Richard.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I�m sure,� Eclipse says watching Luna climb into the saddle.
^Richard^ can�t stop laughing as he mounts his fearsome Pony, who strangely seems to be laughing as well.
Vin_Da_DM: �Alright, we�re going to move out everyone!� Lord Ironblade calls out from atop his horse at the head of the group.
Vin_Da_DM: Gale lifts his ears, then looks at everyone at the stables, �He�s leaving, come on, Warriors�time to go.�
Valrash turns and follows the group that is currently leaving.
DracBlue takes to the air and stays above Cara.
Kyra flicks the reins as Robin starts to move.
Tabri: �You heard the large wolf, let�s go, kitty.� Tabris leads the panther out of the stables. The panther grumbles softly, �Obsidian...call me kitty again and you can walk.�
Luna_Faline looks over at Eclipse, ears twitching, �I think they�re leaving without us.� Looks up at Selenia, �Blessed be,� kneeing Mah gently in the side to get him moving.
Cara digs her heels into Flare�s side, causing him to rear up on his hind legs briefly before she eases up on the reins and starts to follow the others.
Katie leans down and whispers to Ki�lin, who begins to walk slowly, following the others
Claron: �How appropriate. Obsidian�and an obsidian maker.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse exits the throne room in front of Luna, clearing the castle he kneels down placing a hand on his own shadow. A mass of tentacles begin to weave together, eventually forming a creature similar to one of the shadow beasts Eclipse fought a while back.
Clarice flicks her reins against Ceru and moves behind the others." So much for keeping your promise to me Tewyn�� she whispers.
Vin_Da_DM: The 1st Regiment begins to move out, heading down the western road away from the city. A group of soldiers, each with their own unique style take the lead, with cavalry and footmen following, and wagons behind them.
Luna_Faline sits on Mah�s back watching Eclipse in silent wonder, thinking, �Oh my Goddess, he is getting stronger�.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse jumps on top of the beast as it reaches it�s pinnacle of height, just shorter then Mah. �Suitable transportation, we better get going or we�re gonna be left behind.�
Luna_Faline nods at Eclipse and nudges Mah again, �Let�s catch up to Lord Ironblade.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Riding okay, baby? Luggage tucked in nice and safe?� Tabris smiles at Claron over his shoulder.
^Richard^ sings a dark tune.
Claron tries to ignore the increasing pain she is feeling across her back.
Vin_Da_DM: Mah moves swiftly across the ground, helping Luna close the gap between her and the Regiment quickly. Moving at equal speed is Eclipse�s creature, but it�s movements seem a mixture of crawling and running.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder rides his chocobo next to Kyra, �Well, I can certainly say I never expected to ride a giant chicken to battle.�
Claron: �Yes, my love,� closes her eyes and grits her teeth as she continues the pretense of everything is fine.
Kyra laughs. �Very true.�
^Richard^: �If it perishes, at least we will be full.�
Luna_Faline smiles, enjoying the ride. Leans forward and purrs in Mah�s ear, �Thank you.�
Valrash says, �Very true, and it does look good enough to eat.�
Katie sighs and looks around for a familiar figure.
DracBlue flies down and flies next to Cara and asks, �What is Va?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Looking for someone?� Syne says to Katie as he dashes alongside her horse in his dog form.
Cara glances over at Drac, �Va is Elven for father.�
Kyra: �I really do like that clip.� Kyra tells Katie as she rides slightly behind her. �The way it glows. It��
Katie looks at Syne. �Yeah.� She shrugs sadly, then turns to Kyra. �What?�
Kyra shakes her head. �Katie�your�your clip got brighter.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Her clip?� Stryder questions to Kyra looking over at Katie.
Kyra: �Look at it.� Kyra points to the jeweled shell clip in Katie�s hair.
DracBlue says, �Hmmmm, that is a lot easier than what we say for father. We have to refer to both parents for there is no father, nor mother.�
Luna_Faline sits up straight and looks over at Eclipse, �So how does it feel to be getting your power back?�
Katie reaches up self-consciously to her hair. �What are you talking about?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Good, but it has it�s downside as well.� Eclipse sighs a bit, �As I get more of it, this body will degrade faster, eventually consuming it entirely.�
Cara smiles as she thinks about the dream she was having before it was interrupted.
Luna_Faline gasps, �Then what will happen to you?�
DracBlue flies back up into the sky, pulls a bar out of his bag and eats it.
Vin_Da_DM: �By then�my powers should be stable enough for me to maintain my original form,� Eclipse nods.
^Richard^ listens intently. �You know, there are ways of preventing your body from decomposing.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Does look shinier than before,� Syne says, but grunts a bit. �But I can�t see very well from down here.�
Valrash chuckles, �Yeah, you would know, you pony riding corpse.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse raises a brow as he looks at Richard, �And you would be?�
^Richard^: �And you wouldn�t, you horse raping fire bat?�
Cara�s smile widens.
Kyra shakes her head. �Maybe it�s just my imagination.�
Tabris: �Looks like the kids are still getting along,� Tabris motions to Kyra and Stryder for Claron.
Luna_Faline turns and looks for the unfamiliar voice that spoke out, �Smelly and Rude?� following his comment towards Valrash. �And you. I think I told you what to do last night.�
^Richard^: �Allow me to introduce myself. Richard, Lord of Bones, Consumer of Light, Lord of the Dark Arts, and Mayor of a little village on the east coast. Its very scenic this time of year, you should visit.�
Claron lifts her head from Tabris� shoulder and glances towards Kyra and Stryder. �I�d say�its more like love is in the air.�
Valrash frowns, �Sorry, I can�t fly all that well, and I already have a horse.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I see�� Eclipse looks over at Luna and rolls his eyes.
Luna_Faline growls at Richard, �We have no Dark Lords here. Where are you really from?�
Valrash says to Eclipse, �He�s an old friend, found him in town. No doubt duping his way out of something this morning.�
^Richard^: �Well, if you have to ask�I used to dwell in the same realm Valrash is from. Until I got bored and decided to come to the human world.
Valrash sighs, �How you can get bored of torture, I will never know.�
Luna_Faline feels Mah tense under her as she becomes angry. �You will never fly well if you don�t do it. The horse will follow along.�
^Richard^: �Well, those that would have been tortured for millennia�really aren�t very amusing to torture any further.�
Valrash says, �I�d rather not get to the battleground all sorts of tired.�
Luna_Faline reaches back for my sword, �Do you want to push me this morning?�
Clarice continues to remain silent, picking up fragments of comments being made by the some of the others.
^Richard^ picks up fragments of comments while making a necklace of sorts for his Pony as they continue to move along.
Valrash looks at Luna, rolls his eyes and takes off blowing all the wind entirely at Richard.
Luna_Faline glares at Valrash as he rises into the air, growling. �I know he did not roll his eyes at me.�
Claron feels the pain in her back creeping it�s way into her sides.
Vin_Da_DM: Lord Diego on horseback is flanked to either side by his apparent seconds in command, a lizard-man in armor with a large sword and a woman in black, also on horseback. In the air in front of the Regiment is a large armored figure with large angelic wings, riding the breeze and surveying the lands ahead.
Luna_Faline reaches over and down to grab the reins of Val�s horse, so that it keeps up with her. �I�ll let him come down for a break in a mile or so.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Assuming he doesn�t fall out of the sky,� Eclipse says looking up at Valrash.
Valrash as if on cue falls out of the sky.
Valrash lands in a tree, hits the first branch, says nothing, but waits there. Then takes off again. �Damn, I need to get used to these thermals.�
Luna_Faline looks over at Richard, �You stay down wind of me, and I won�t touch you,� sniffing as I move Mah forward watching Val. �Oh geez, he needs lessons.�
^Richard^ feels like crying inside.
Vin_Da_DM: �I don�t do flying,� Eclipse says to Luna plainly.
Luna_Faline shakes her head and laughs at Eclipse, �Me either.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Don�t look at me,� Syne barks out.
Katie snickers and ducks her head.
Luna_Faline searches the area and sees Drac floating along above Cara. �Well, Drac makes it look so easy.�
Kyra chews her lip to hide her smile and looks around.
DracBlue does a barrel roll for the fun of it.
Vin_Da_DM: �Nice countryside,� Stryder says to Kyra as he glances around the rolling hills.
Luna_Faline shakes her head, �I don�t think I could ever convince him to teach Val, though.�
Kyra: �Beautiful.� Kyra smiles.
Claron�s grasp around Tabris� waist tighten as a wave of pain grips her hard and a groan escapes through her clenched teeth.
DracBlue watches Valrash and almost falls out of the sky laughing.
Valrash falls into another tree, waits a moment and takes off again.
Vin_Da_DM: A medium sized red dragon takes up place alongside Valrash looking at him, �You�ve got to move your wings with the changes.�
Valrash nods, but obviously doesn�t understand.
Luna_Faline sighs as Val hits another tree, then smiles as one of the dragon guards takes up with him.
Vin_Da_DM: The dragon shakes it�s head and continues weaving it�s serpentine body through the air, �Haven�t flown much with those wings of yours, have you?�
DracBlue flies in front of Valrash still laughing, but giving a demonstration.
Valrash says, �Most I�ve done is hover.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Seems you don�t have to,� Eclipse says pointing out Drac in front of Valrash.
Luna_Faline shades her eyes and watches Drac and Val, �I still don�t trust him yet.�
Katie looks down at Syne. �How can you keep that pace? You have to be getting tired.�
Vin_Da_DM: Wraith, having taking up a position riding on Gale�s back, tilts his head listening to one of the whispers brush past him. He looks down at the back of Gale�s head, �The black wind...the dark ones travel with their horde. Three, it says to us, powerful.�
Vin_Da_DM: �No muscles to tire out,� Syne says to Katie with a doggish grin. �If I get tired, I�ll just fly.�
Katie: �Showoff.� Katie mutters.
Luna_Faline looks around at the troops and the Warriors, �We seem to be missing the boys again.�
Vin_Da_DM: �This is showing off,� Syne says leaping mid-stride and transforming into a large raven.
Claron�s pain continues to intensify and she begins to feel a warm stickiness in her clothing along with the urge to bear down.
Katie laughs and shakes her head, then looks down sadly with a sigh.
Vin_Da_DM: �Noticed...wonder where they got off to this time,� Eclipse looks around.
Tabris: �Who the hell is that guy anyway?� Tabris points over toward Richard, looking over his shoulder at Claron questioningly.
^Richard^: Inspired by Luna�s comment, Richard decides to take some of his dark alchemy medical ingredients to make a body spray that smells like roses and douses himself.
Luna_Faline shrugs, �Nothing seems to change.� Her eyes land on Claron, �Oh Goddess, no.�
Claron�s only response is a loud groan.
DracBlue shrugs and flies back above Cara.
Vin_Da_DM: Another regiment member, a man with red hair, rides up towards the front of the group and tosses several sacks to those on horseback. �Avatar, food.� He hoists up a bag to show Luna before tossing it to her.
Tabris looks at Claron, �Babe? You feeling okay? You don�t look so hot��
Valrash finally getting the hang of flying misses the next tree and lands on the ground and wipes his brow, �Where is that damn horse now?�
Luna_Faline catches the bag and nods at the soldier, �Thanks,� then hands the bag and to Eclipse and drops the reins of Val�s horse. Nudges Mah to move over to Tabris and Claron.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse takes the bag and watches Luna move to Claron and Tab.
Vin_Da_DM: Valrash�s horse wanders off the road to munch on some grass.
Luna_Faline feels a tear slide out of the corner of her eye as she reaches the couple. �Oh, Claron.�
Claron looks weakly up at Tabris, her face pale in color, �Make...the pain...go away�� she mumbles intermittently through her clenched teeth.
Valrash spots his horse and sits next to it while it grazes.
Tabris: �Obsidian, pull us over,� Tabris says. Going off the road they stop and Tabris slides off the saddle and gets Claron off. �Luna...what�s going on?�
Luna_Faline jumps down from Mah�s back and motions Tabris to lay Claron down in the grass. �I fear she�s losing the child.�
Tabris: �What?� Tabris looks at Luna confused, �How?�
Katie looks up from her thoughts, and goes pale. �Oh no, Claron. No. Not�� she spurs Ki�lin to where Tab and Claron have stopped, and slides down, rushing to her side.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse pulls his creature out of the line as well, joining Luna and the others.
Luna_Faline shakes my head, �I do not know, I can only imagine that all the turmoil since conception has not been good for her.�
Claron looks up at Tab with tears in her eyes, �No!...No!...I can�t lose another one!�
Tabris: �What do we do?� Tabris� expression is a mix of confusion and fear as he looks at Claron.
Kyra stops, too. She slides off Robin and stands watching the horror unfold, feeling helpless.
Luna_Faline places her paws on Claron�s belly and rubs around carefully feeling the movements within. Willing it to pass quickly with little pain.
Katie grabs for Claron�s free hand. �Oh, Claron, hold on�� as the tears slide down her face.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder stops as well and gets of Cyan. Standing next to Kyra he instinctively takes her hand, his own shaking as he watches.
DracBlue notices the gathering and lands next to the group wondering what is going on.
Kyra: Realizing he needs her strength, Kyra squeezes Stryder�s hand gently, then steps close to wrap her arms around him. Without words, she pours all her support and love into the embrace.
Luna_Faline looks up sadly at Tabris, �There is nothing to be done now, but let nature take it�s course.�
Claron looks at Katie as she feels her take her hand, �Oh...Katie! This can�t be happening��
Katie keens softly, her own memories flooding in on her. �I know, Claron. Gods, I�m so sorry�I�I know. I�ve...been there...too.�
Tabris: �But�� Tabris hangs his head and sighs, �If you say so.� Reaching down he caresses Claron�s cheek, �I�m sorry, Claron.�
Clarice notices the commotion up ahead, stops and slides off her horse. �What�s wrong?� as she nears Stryder and Kyra.
Luna_Faline looks around at the group, �Alright�Eclipse, I need water, and blankets.�
Cara�s slows Flare down and sits quietly watching from atop of him.
Katie reaches a hand out, motioning for Clarice.
Vin_Da_DM: �Mom...the baby�� Stryder shakes his head, then uses his free hand to wipe away a tear before it slides down his cheek.
Luna_Faline looks at the rest of the men in the group, �Unless you�re family�you need to go back to the regiment.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse nods silently and returns to the convoy with his creature.
DracBlue looks at Luna and takes off into the sky flying above Cara again.
Katie turns her tear-soaked gaze to Luna. �I...need to stay��
Valrash mounts his horse thinking it has had enough of a break and catches up with the group
Clarice moves over towards Katie, then sees Claron lying on the ground, �Oh, no! Claron!�
Claron�s groans grow louder as her body spontaneously begins to push and blood begins to pool beneath her.
Katie squeezes Claron�s hand, talking softly and stroking her sweat-beaded forehead lovingly, her own agony matching that of her best friend.
Clarice�s eyes tear up as she realizes what is happening.
Luna_Faline nods to Katie, �I meant the boys, they don�t need to be here.�
Tabris turns to look away from the blood, looking down at Claron�s face instead.
Claron grabs Tabris by his pant�s leg, �Don�t you leave me��
Tabris nods to her, �I�ll never leave you, baby�I love you.�
^Shinta turns looking back over his shoulder, �Tewyn, stop...There is trouble back towards the group, we should circle back and see what�s going on.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse comes back with some water and a blanket for Luna. Then returns to his spot with the regiment afterwards.
Tewyn stops and looks at ^Shinta, �Trouble? What kind of trouble?�
Katie: �Hang in there, honey. We�re right here beside you.� Katie croons, tears pouring down her face as she relives her own hellish nightmare a few years back. �We�re not going anywhere. I promise.� She sees in her mind Daezhel sitting by the bed, his face pain-filled and worried as their dream slipped from Katie�s wracked body.
DracBlue flies down to Eclipse and stays silent, but follows him in flight.
^Shinta: �Just pain...lots of pain...All Sano has told me...We should get back.�
Luna_Faline unfolds the blanket and covers Claron with it, then using what little privacy it offers removes her bloody clothing. �Claron, don�t fight it. Just let it happen and it will go easier,� I purr as I go back to rubbing her belly.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks over at Kyra, but finds himself lacking the words to say, so he simply hugs her instead.
Tewyn nods, �Then yeah, we better get back,� pulls up a terra wave to get them there a bit faster.
Claron: Her tears begin to roll down from her eyes, �I�m...so...sorry�� as the pain begins to ease some from Luna�s touch.
Katie brushes the hair from Claron�s face, her soft sobs lending an air of unreality to the whole awful affair.
Kyra stands on tiptoe, her own eyes spilling over with tears, unable to put into words her sorrow for him and his family, wondering if she should really be here at such a tragic time. She begins to think about going away quietly, as she presses her lips softly to his neck.
Luna_Faline purrs soothingly, �Ssshhhh, Claron, it�s not your fault. You don�t have anything to be sorry for.�
Tewyn stops the terra wave and looks around for the Warriors.
Claron sobs as she bears down for the last time, the pain stops instantly as she passes the fetus and an empty, hollow feeling takes its place.
Katie puts a comforting hand on Tabris� arm, her gaze finding his and showing all the hurt she shares with him, her fear forgotten as she comforts her two best friends.
Luna_Faline looks up at Katie and Tabris, �I don�t doubt that Cara�s misquoted spell played a large part in this.�
Katie nods sadly, as the same thought had also occurred to her.
Tabris looks at Katie and thanks her with his expression. Looking back down at Claron with his melancholy, but tearless expression.
Cara�s eyes widen as she hears Luna�s words. ~I never meant for this to happen.~
Tewyn keeps looking, �Ok, so where are they?�
Kyra: ~Shhhh, Cara. You didn�t do anything malicious. Mistakes happen. Don�t beat yourself up for it.~ Kyra sends a reassuring warmth to Cara as she senses her crushing guilt.
Vin_Da_DM: Tewyn notices a unicorn, large tiger, a panther, horse and a pair of chocobos parked on the side of the road with some of the group nearby.
^Richard^ stares on from the distance.
Luna_Faline feels the tension finally ease from Claron�s belly �It�s done.� Reaching for the water and a cloth Eclipse left nearby, I begin to clean Claron up. Looks up and sees Tewyn coming toward us.
Tewyn: �Well, I�m guessing from the zoo over there�we are close.�
^Shinta nods, looking around.
Valrash says to Richard, �Come we need not see this.� He looks at him while riding past him.
Cara lowers her head as tears begin to pool in her eyes. ~I don�t think the others will see it that way. You heard Luna and Katie.~
^Richard^: �But I like zoo.�
Tewyn spots Cara and goes over to her, �What�s going on?�
Kyra: ~I can�t speak for Luna, but I know Katie. She�d not hold it against you. We all know you were just trying to get us out of there. And anyway, you�ve got me. I�ll defend you to the death.~ Kyra is stunned to realize she means it.
Tabris: �Is she going to be alright?� Tabris looks over at Luna with concern.
Valrash says to Richard, �But Pony don�t like your attention away from it.�
Clarice has mixed emotions as she sees Tewyn approaching, part of her wants to freeze his nuts off and the other part wants to feel his arms around her, offering words of comfort.
Luna_Faline shrugs briefly, �Time will tell, I can only take care of the physical body.�
Katie nods. �Physically, yes.� Her haunted eyes find Tab�s. �Emotionally? Not so much. You never really get over�� Tears spill again.
Luna_Faline looks over at Clarice and motions toward Tewyn, �I could use his help right now.�
Claron continues to shed tears and barely hears those around her as she mourns the loss of another child.
Katie presses a soft kiss to Claron�s forehead. �It�s over, sugar. I�m here. We�re all right here.�
Clarice nods her head at Luna, �Tewyn, looks as if Luna needs your help more than I do at the moment.�
Tewyn turns, �My help for what?�
Cara finally hears the sound of her father, �I think Claron is losing her baby and its�ALL my fault.�
Tewyn turns back to Cara, �What?!? Who said it was your fault?�
Luna_Faline looks over at Tewyn and motions him closer, �I don�t believe I need to shout at you.�
Luna_Faline stands up and waits for Tewyn to come closer.
^Shinta stands back a bit watching, then lowers his head.
Katie goes back to stroking Claron�s hair, lost in a world of pain.
Tewyn moves closer to Luna_Faline.
Claron whimpers, �All of us except for�our�� her last word unspoken due to the increase in her sobbing.
Luna_Faline turns away from Claron to speak softly to Tewyn, �I need your help, with burying the child she lost. Can you work the ground for me.�
Katie: �Shhhh, darlin.� Katie whispers, �You can�t do this to yourself.� Her heart is breaking.
Tewyn: �I suppose I could, after I find out who is blaming my daughter.�
Tabris reaches down and touches Claron�s cheek, wiping away some of her tears.
Luna_Faline levels a look at him, �I said her misquoted spell, not her.�
^Shinta keeps his head lowered, �Sano, let Katie know we are here if they need us�But respect them enough and do not look...If you can, please.�
Kyra steps back from their embrace, feeling like she�s intruding.
Claron turns her head away from Tabris, �Make him go away�� she cries out to Katie.
Tewyn: �Think you should pick those words more carefully next time, kitty...She is a kid. But I�ll help as I can, for now.�
Katie looks pained. �Claron...he feels the need to be with you.�� but she remembers having the same reaction. She turns a sorrowful expression on Tabris. �She�s going to need some time to deal with this. And right now, she just can�t do it with you so close.� It kills her to tell him this, but she knows how Claron is thinking.
Luna_Faline shakes my head, �I will deal with that later. But for now I need a burial, and I don�t want all that blood to be seen.�
^Shinta: Sano appears behind Katie with his back turned and head lowered and speaks in a deep mellow voice, �Shinta has told me to inform you he is here if you need him.�
Tewyn: �Then you better move everyone.�
Katie nods woodenly. �Tell him...tell him I�m grateful,� her voice is hollow.
^Shinta: Sano nods and vanishes.
Tabris looks between the two slowly, then nods, �I-if you...think it best.� He stands up and looks down at Katie, �Take good care of her, Katie.�
Katie jerks a nod at Tab, not able to meet his eyes. �I will. I swear it,� she says softly.
Luna_Faline looks back at Claron and sees Tabris moving away. �Katie, we need to move her away from this spot.�
Tabris turns, looks over his shoulder at Katie, �I didn�t expect any less from a good friend.� He starts walking in the direction the regiment is, alongside the road.
Tewyn starts to make the earth toil, �Get a move on, will ya.�
Katie: �I know.� Katie moves to a semi-squatting position, tucking the blanket around Claron. �C�mon, Clar. Let�s get you away from here.�
^Shinta: �Thank you, Sano,� moving away back towards the way from which they came.
Claron tries to help Katie as best as she can even though she is weak and feeling quite numb in the very depth of her soul.
Luna_Faline reaches down and tucks her paws under Claron�s shoulders to help her up. �We�ll move you over by the trees, and I�ll take care of everything else.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder hops back onto his chocobo and looks over at Claron, Katie and Luna, unsure of what to say much less do.
Katie loops Claron�s arm over her head and supports her fragile frame gently, helping Luna get her to standing position. They move slowly to the trees.
Clarice moves over wrapping an arm around Claron in added help and support, �That�s it, Sis.�
Valrash drags Richard away, so he can�t watch any longer.
Tewyn makes the ground toil faster, removing any evidence of what was there.
Tewyn steps away and goes back toward Cara, �So who was it that was blaming you, daughter?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Flyboy, morning snack for you,� Syne says as he flies up to Drac with a large sword in his claws. �Snatched it from one of those wagons.�
Luna_Faline lets Clarice take her place with Claron and moves back to the site of the new grave, kneels and says a simple prayer over it.
DracBlue nods and says, �Thanks, Syne,� as he eats the sword.
Cara shakes her head, �I do not want to say...I wish no help in this, Va. I need to earn their trust...and only I can do that.�
Tewyn: �Trust is one thing, daughter, misguided anger and guilt is totally different. And if they aren�t accepting you, then they are not accepting me...and we can be on our way if you want.�
Cara continues to shake her head, �No, Va...I do not wish to leave...the Warriors.�
Luna_Faline looks at Shinta as she rises and shakes her head sadly. �I don�t know what to do for them now. I can only take care of their bodies, their spirits are beyond my help.�
Tewyn: �Not even for your brother?�
^Shinta shakes his head, �Only they will heal that pain.�
Katie looks over her shoulder at the newly turned earth, but sees only an identical mound out behind her cottage, with wildflowers scattered all over it, and a half-finished cradle Daezhel was making sitting unfinished in a corner.
Cara shakes her head even more, �Not even for Kabal.�
Tewyn: �Well, if that�s what you want�Take their punishment if you want...but I will not stand by and watch it,� turning and moves up toward ^Shinta and the others.
Luna_Faline studies him thoughtfully, �Are you not in a position to help them?�
^Shinta looks toward Luna_Faline, �Is any man better than another in a situation like this?�
Luna_Faline sighs, �Some are in better positions than others, it appears,� walking away to find Tabris.
Kyra walks sadly back to her choco and buries her head in it�s neck, feeling lost and frightened.
^Shinta watches Luna_Faline walk away, �This is not my pain to heal.�
DracBlue swoops down to Eclipse and asks crying, �Is there ever any good news here?�
Katie lowers Claron to the grass and sits beside her, holding her hand in silence.
Tabris pauses and looks back over his shoulder, lowering his head he walks back to the small mound on the ground. Crouching, he crafts a Celtic style cross of red glass so that the suns light makes it glow. Standing he nods, �Angels return to the heavens from whence they sprang,� speaking softly, he looks over towards Katie and Claron, then continues back down the road.
Luna_Faline places a paw on Tabris� arm as he passes by, �I�m sorry, Tabris.�
Tabris nods to Luna, �Thank you��
Claron leans her head on Katie�s shoulder, sobbing her heart out.
Vin_Da_DM: �Yes, there is good news.� Eclipse looks back then over at Drac, �For this ill shall there be a good, such is the balance of things.�
Katie says softly, �Goddess, take this wee bairn unto your bosom. And give us strength to deal with all that lies before us now in the wake of this crippling loss,� while rubbing her best friend�s back soothingly.
DracBlue says, �With a war on the horizon, it seems like it only gets worse.�
Tewyn feels himself fill with anger. �Grrr�yep, definitely takes after me a bit...Maybe I should just go scout ahead again.�
Luna_Faline moves back to Mah and opens the saddle bag, pulls out a change of clothes and heads over to the girls.
Vin_Da_DM: �Faith, Drac,� Eclipse nods to Drac
Kyra: ~ I...I�m here if you need me�� Kyra�s head remains buried in Robin�s neck, but her thoughts are with Stryder, as always.
DracBlue shakes his head, �For once, I can�t agree with you, Eclipse.� And he flies up into the air with that final statement.
Luna_Faline looks at Clarice and Katie, �Let�s help her change her clothes, I have extra�s here.�
Tewyn starts walking off. �Get rid of the evidence, Sion�Make sure nothing�s left, Sion...Some things never change, it seems.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~I will be okay...there is a battle to concentrate on.~ Stryder looks ahead as he rides.
Kyra�s heart breaks at Stryder�s words, but she holds her tongue...and her thoughts.
Clarice backs away from Claron and Katie, not knowing what to say to her sister to comfort her, �I love you, Sis�� then looks at Katie, �Let me know when you need some one to give you a break, Katie.�
Katie nods, both at Clarice, and at Luna. �Claron, honey. Let�s get you into some clean clothes,� she says soothingly.
Luna_Faline grabs Clarice�s hand, �Tell him thanks, I didn�t think they needed to see anymore.�
Claron remains solemn, her sobs have ceased for the time being while she allows Katie and Luna to change her clothing.
Katie gets Claron into fresh clothes, then holds her once more, resting her chin on Claron�s head and running her hands over her hair and neck.
Clarice turns and looks for Tewyn, spotting him walking away. She runs after him, �Tewyn!� she calls out to him.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne lands on the edge of the road transforming back into dog form, padding near Katie he tilts his head at her, �Kat? You guys okay?�
Tewyn turns, but keeps walking. �Need something?�
Katie doesn�t look at him. �We�� she sighs. �We will be�in time. Thank you for coming,� her voice is empty, as are her eyes.
Clarice: �Thank you for what you did back there.�
Tewyn shrugs, �What I�m good at�right...making this vanish.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Well, alright,� Syne turns and wags his tail before running off down the road again.
Katie holds Claron tighter. �We will be. I swear it,� she says fiercely.
Tabris kicks a rock down the roadside, watching it tumble through the dust and stop before kicking it again.
^Richard^ wonders what he can even say to you people.
Luna_Faline nods at Katie and Claron, then takes the soiled clothing and blanket and moves away. Tucks them into her saddle bag, then moves to the water that is left and takes the wet cloth to the panther mount. �I�m sorry you had to bear that pain.� I purr as I clean the drying blood off his fur.
Katie begins to sing a folk-song from her childhood, her soft melodious voice calming as she rocks Claron, and tears pour down her face.
Clarice nods her head, �I suppose you were the logical choice�� moving closer to him and reaching her hand out towards his. �I missed you this morning. You left without saying a word.�
Tewyn: �They wanted someone to scout ahead this morning, me and ^Shinta were the obvious choices.�
Vin_Da_DM: Obsidian shakes his head, �Such things happen in life, how is the woman feeling?�
Clarice: �I see...but you left without telling me.�
Luna_Faline looks back at the girls in the shade of the trees, �Not good, I wish we could have waited another day to leave the city.�
Tewyn: �There wasn�t time...Seems you were needed here anyway.�
Luna_Faline feels a nudge against her side and looks over to see Mah has followed me. �I know we should get moving, there is nothing more I can do, I fear.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I will remain until she is well enough to ride again,� Obsidian says giving a glance over towards Claron and Katie.
Clarice looks back at Claron with Katie, �Apparently�Claron needs Katie more at the moment.�
Tewyn: �Surely its not true...You�re her sister, you can always be there.�
Luna_Faline nods to Obsidian, �Yes, thank you, she�ll need you when she�s ready to move on.� Pours the water out and puts the bowl into the saddle bag with the other things, then climbs up onto Mah�s back once again. �Take me to Eclipse, please,� I purr into his ear as I lay my head on his large one and let my tears flow.
Clarice nods her head, �I-I don�t know what to say to her. I have, nor will I ever know, what it is to have one, let alone lose one,� lacing her fingers through his.
Tewyn: �Sometimes just being there is enough. Choice is yours.�
Vin_Da_DM: Mah lets out a sound of understanding and starts off down the road towards where Eclipse is.
Clarice nods her head, �I know...right now...I think Katie is just what she needs.�
Tewyn: �Maybe, guess she knows.�
Kyra climbs back up on Robin, her own tears rolling unchecked down her face, wishing she didn�t feel so all alone.
Luna_Faline feels Eclipse�s presence as Mah comes up next to him, sits up and looks at Eclipse. �How will we get thru this battle?�
Vin_Da_DM: �By any means necessary,� Eclipse looks over to Luna.
Claron finds herself drifting off to sleep as she hears Katie�s calming song.
Katie leans back against the tree, pulling Claron with her. She closes her eyes and pushes the memories away and focuses on being there for her oldest friend.
Luna_Faline reaches over and to takes Eclipse�s hand as we move down the road together.
Vin_Da_DM: Lord Diego looks over his shoulder at the Regiment then gives a shout, �We will be resting at a lake not far from here. I suggest everyone partake of some rations and rest before we continue on to Corrin.�
Vin_Da_DM: Up ahead the armored angel-winged man lands next to a pack of lone trees on a small hill overlooking an expansive lake of deep aqua. His wings fold together against his back, the soft mechanical clicking locking them in place.
Vin_Da_DM: Glancing over his shoulder he scans the Regiment for the Warriors, noting their locations he turns. Pulling a data-chip from part of his armor he nods, �If only I could tell them the reason for my sacrifice, even from afar�I will still be their guardian��
Vin_Da_DM: Elsewhere: Three figures in dark robes stand on a cliff watching their small army march along the landscape, leaving a corrupted trail in their wake. The lead figure pulls his hood back, �The Warriors will be there, excellent, finally our chance.� The second figure, unfolds it�s red-skinned hands, �And she will be with them��
Vin_Da_DM: $ End