Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: The Warriors sought to return to Aventine quickly after receiving news from Kabal that the attack on Corrin was a ruse to draw them away from the main battles. During their ride however, a time-anomaly occurred causing several of the Warriors to be brought to events in their pasts.
Vin_Da_DM: Some merely observed their past, while others had a direct hand in how events were shaped. When it was all over the group found themselves back on their journey to Aventine with Shadow Watcher back amongst them.
Vin_Da_DM: Shadow was given a directive by those he served, to help keep the Warriors timeline in check and if possible to deal with Sarasvati, the time-manipulating Knight, by any means necessary...
Vin_Da_DM: *Time passed: None*
Vin_Da_DM: The Warriors continue on their way, Aventine shining in the distance and beyond it an ominous darkness on the horizon. ~They�ll be here soon from the look of it.~ The dark voice dances around Eclipse�s mind, his sword glinting in the sun.
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
Katie watches the ground, leaning wearily over Ki�lin�s back.
Tabris slides up into the saddle in front of Claron, looking over his shoulder he smirks, �Good to be back.�
Luna_Faline holds on tightly to Eclipse as Mah races towards Aventine.
Shadow rides up to Eclipse and Luna on a war-plated ram and tips his helmet at Luna.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse blinks, giving the sword at his belt a glance. Looking ahead he sighs, �An all to familiar scene�� He says softly.
Luna_Faline stares at Shadow �How...where did you come from?�
Valrash ties Richard up on his pony and spanks the horse, making it shoot ahead. Then getting on his own horse, he rides to catch up to the Warriors.
Claron manages a smile. Not replying back, she wraps her arms around Tabris� waist and leans her head against his back.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder�s gaze wanders over to Kyra, in his mind wondering about her sister.
DracBlue flies above Cara. Keeping his distance, he starts munching on some iron.
Shadow says, �I come from then, now, and here.�
Vin_Da_DM: �So, does that overgrown pigeon follow you around all the time?� Kabal asks Cara after glancing at Drac flying above.
Katie smiles over at Claron and Tab. �As it should be,� she whispers to herself. Though oddly, having Tab riding behind her brings back memories of the crush she�d once had on him. She laughs softly, thinking she wouldn�t have wanted things to end any other way. She was proud of the love her friends had found.
Luna_Faline growls loudly at Shadow, �I�m in no mood for your riddles.�
Shadow says, �I am here now, isn�t that all that really matters?�
Kyra broods over seeing her sister (and herself). Something starts to nag at the back of her mind.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Time travelers, dear, love to be vague when it�s really quite transparent.~ The soft woman�s voice echoes to Luna.
Vin_Da_DM: �Kyra, you ok?� Stryder questions as he rides alongside her.
Luna_Faline glances around quickly, then looks down at the sword resting across her lap. Glares over at Shadow, �Unless you have something to tell me, get away from me.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse raises a brow at Shadow, looking at Luna and back again.
Kyra: �What? Oh.� Kyra frowns and shrugs. �I�m�yeah.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder studies her, giving her an expression of disbelief, �That�s not entirely true.�
Shadow slows down letting Luna pass him, smiles at Eclipse and raises a brow.
Cara smiles. �Afraid so...he has ever since I brought his soul back from my time in front of Daegriss and the Dark Council,� shudders as she answers Kabal.
Tabris: �Either that�s a bad storm, or it�s a storm of bad,� Tabris says eyeing the horizon
Kyra looks down at Robin�s neck.
Vin_Da_DM: �Ahh, that, I was wondering what that thing was when they gave you to me,� Kabal said watching Cara, knowing the reason for her shudder he nods, �We�ll repay him in full, I promise.�
Claron raises her head and looks toward the horizon.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder tilts his head, �It troubled you, seeing her, didn�t it?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Still keeping to the silence, I see�� Eclipse comments about Shadow to himself. Then looks ahead, �At this rate we�ll be at the city by sundown.�
Kyra�s chin goes up a notch. �Why would it?�
Cara�s eyes widen, �You were...there? You heard and saw what happened?�
Luna_Faline looks ahead over Eclipse�s shoulder, �What is that cloud on the horizon?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Because your telling me it is, not in words, but still�� Stryder looks away for a second, �I understand that you don�t want to talk about it, but if there�s anything I can do.�
Vin_Da_DM: Kabal nods his head, �Unfortunately I could not act...I had to wait until it would be easier. I�m sorry, Cara.�
Kyra closes her eyes, as a vision of Kyndra being dragged by the hair, bleeding and wheezing for air assaults her.
Clarice rides quietly behind Cara and Kabal, her thoughts drift back to what she just relived. �You always seem to know when I am in trouble and need, my Finnikins.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Taint...you�ll see soon enough,� Eclipse says with a heaviness to his words, his very tone saying it was not good.
Kyra: �It�s�not�True.� Kyra hisses through gritted teeth. �That�didn�t�happen, Kyn.� She looks up at the sky for a moment, blinking back tears. Then in a broken tiny voice she whispers, �Did it?�
Luna_Faline rests her head on his shoulder, �Do you want to talk about what just happened?�
Arwyn rides next to Sabir, �Looks like we will find trouble ahead,� as she looks at the darkness in the horizon.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder continues watching Kyra, concern on his face.
Vin_Da_DM: �Such has it been since we left the palace, m�lady.� Sabir says, his gaze surveying the horizon from under his hood.
Vin_Da_DM: �About the past? What do you want to know?� Eclipse asks calmly as he shifts in the saddle for a second.
Valrash watches in glee as Richard hits his head against another tree. �And that�s for the prank you pulled on me earlier. Oooh�that had to hurt, and that one, too.�
Tabris: �So what did you see?� Tabris asks Claron, curious about what she might have seen.
Luna_Faline purrumbles, �That was you sitting on the throne, wasn�t it? I think you saw us standing in the door, do you remember?�
Vin_Da_DM: �I can�t be certain, but I might have. All I remember is something about that moment caused my change of heart,� Eclipse looks at Luna.
Cara smiles at Kabal, �No need to be sorry...I had no idea you were even there. I thought you were dead....And honestly, all I could even think about was how could I keep myself alive.�
Kyra closes her eyes again, as more visions play in her mind. �I think we broke the pretty little whore, boys. Perhaps her sister will last longer.� Kyndra�s torn clothing. The death-rattle as she took her last breath. The feeling of helplessness when they caught her and pinned her to the ground, leering. The hand crushing closed on her own throat. Kyra shivers, lost in the horror. �No. It didn�t happen.�
Vin_Da_DM: �You are alive because HE wanted you to be,� Kabal says with a heavy sigh, shifting his stance on the terra-surf. �In his humor, he let me treat your injuries.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder shifts his gaze, catching mental images from Kyra in his mind.
Luna_Faline waits a moment for Eclipse to go on, then asks, �And? Then what happened?�
Claron takes a deep breath, then in a soft voice replies, �I saw you and our vacation spot. You were heartbroken, crying, and...digging up the ground��
Vin_Da_DM: �Then�� Eclipse looks ahead at the darkness, �I defied them all...I fought them, the army I had brought to Aventine. They sounded the retreat with half their number reduced to nothingness as they fled.�
Kyra: Tears start to pour down Kyra�s face as she remembers her tunic being ripped down the front, and how when she turned her head, she saw Kyndra lying a few feet away, eyes open and staring sightlessly at the sky. The bite of a lash across her bared breasts, then the putrid breath on her face. The fumbling at her leggings, trying to get them off her. Then the surge of anger that allowed her to overpower her captors, escaping rape and death. And how she found a sword, fighting with a fury to avenge Kyndra. Shaking her head, Kyra begins to keen. �Oh God. It DID happen. All of it. Kyn�you�left me.� She sobs.
Cara: �You? That was you I followed all beaten and near death? I had NO idea. How could I have not known?�
Vin_Da_DM: �I was as you see now, you could not have known,� Kabal said lowering his gaze. �It was better you think me dead, until the time was right.�
Kyra: �We promised we�d never be apart. But you�you left me.� Kyra slumps over Robin�s neck, hugging herself.
Luna_Faline purrs, �You fought Daegriss� army by yourself?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder nudges Cyan closer to Robin and Kyra. Placing a hand on Kyra�s shoulder he speaks softly, �Kyra?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse nods, �After that, I vowed to never use such power again��
Luna_Faline rubs her cheek against Eclipse�s neck. �Because it did so much damage?�
Kyra turns her tear-ravaged gaze to Stryder, her eyes swollen and dead-looking. Her face pale and ghostlike. �She�s�she�s not real,� she whispers dully.
Cara: �I felt so lost without you...I really believed that Black Inferno Clarissa killed you. And I wanted to die, myself. But Stryder had a different idea about that.�
Tabris: �Oh�� Tabris looks ahead, remembering back to that moment, �I remember, the day you came back to me.�
DracBlue finishes up a piece of iron and looks down, �I think she needs to be alone with this man for some reason. I think I will go bother Katie and see if she is still angry with me.�
DracBlue flies down, then above Katie and says, �You still not want me around?� he asks nonchalantly.
Vin_Da_DM: �So he �rescued� you?� Kabal nods, �I believe I was dead...for a time. But obviously I hadn�t outlived my usefulness.�
Vin_Da_DM: �She will always be real in here,� Stryder points at Kyra�s heart.
Katie looks up tiredly. �It was never a case of not wanting you around, Drac. It was just a�shock. I�ve lost so many people. And only once before did they come back to me in any part.� She looks down at her bracelet. �But even then, I was forced to say goodbye again.� She sighs and shrugs. �Welcome back.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse does a half nod, �That was part of the reason��
Claron: �I could hear everything you were saying, even the sound of you shoveling dirt. I tried desperately to get you to hear me while I was in that frozen state, but you didn�t. I was so frightened!�
Tabris: �So what happened?� Tabris questions Claron, curious now.
DracBlue smiles at Katie, �Thank you. I just was so lost when I heard you say that.� He frowns slightly after saying it, but regains his smile after looking at Katie.
Vin_Da_DM: The suns in the sky begin descending into the horizon, the darkness seeming to swallow their light as they slowly disappear behind it.
Kyra shakes her head. �I didn�t want to face it. So I guess�I just kept talking to her. And since I know her�� she cringes, �KNEW her so well�I could hear the things she would have said if she were really here.� She turns her hollow gaze back to the ground, hugging herself tighter.
Luna_Faline watches the suns disappearing as she whispurrs, �What�s the other part?�
Cara nods her head. �He did, I didn�t want to be, though.�
Katie blinks. �Sorry, beastie.� She gives him a small smile. I dinna mean to hurt ya feelins.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Because of the source,� Eclipse sighs heavily, his tone of voice giving hint that he would say no more than that.
DracBlue snorts at beastie, dodges a tree branch and says, �Well, at least my time away from you made me realize something.�
Katie: �Oh?� Katie looks mildly curious. �And what�s that, Drac?�
Luna_Faline shivers at the thought of the source of that much power.
DracBlue smiles and says, �That someone is perfect for you�and that someone is not me,� as he dodges another branch. He flies up and around flying back to Cara.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder leans over and grabs Kyra�s hand, �She may be gone, but you don�t have to face this loss alone.�
Katie�s eyes widen. �Wow,� she muses. �I think I�ve just been dumped.� She chuckles a little.
Claron: �I started talking to myself...telling myself to get a grip, to calm down, and try to figure out a way to make you see that I was alive. I asked myself what was the worst thing that could happen...that I could die?�
Kyra looks up at Stryder again, ~I feel like my chest has been ripped wide open. How can I go on without her?~
Vin_Da_DM: �Because you thought I was gone?� Kabal looks at Cara.
Claron: �You already thought I was. Or I could die fighting. I tried looking at you, moving my head, or least I imagined I was. Then I started remembering when Katie and I first saw you, and then�I relived our first kiss in my mind.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~You are surrounded by people who care about you, people who love you...~ Stryder looks into Kyra�s eyes.
Vin_Da_DM: �That was a good one,� Tabris smiles as he closes his eyes and remembers, �As I recall, Katie and you had some...interesting plans for me.�
Katie�s head snaps up, and her cheeks flame with color. �Oh Goddess. I was hoping you�d forgotten THAT part.�
Cara: �Yes...I believed you were dead. And then, I decided I would exact revenge for our mother�s death. In order to achieve that...the Warriors needed to believe I was beginning to become one of them. I didn�t count on some of the kindness and understanding I received from a few of them, though.�
Tabris: �Any redder and they can use you for Valentine�s day, Katie.� Tabris chuckles.
Claron actually laughs. �Oh, did we ever!�
Katie blushes harder and mumbles obscenities under her breath.
DracBlue lands on a tree and starts jumping from tree to tree, jumping over one using his wings.
Kyra just stares, tears rolling down her face.
Claron starts to giggle, �Miss feeling something from behind, Kat?�
Vin_Da_DM: �I noticed that at the council meeting, I saw it in your eyes,� Kabal nods, then gives a glance to Drac.
Claron: �Or wishing I�d share?�
Katie wheezes, choking. �Damn you, Claron!� She squeezes her eyes shut, wanting to disappear, her cheeks going redder yet.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne looks over his shoulder, noticing Katie go red, he perks a doggish brow.
Katie: �Go to hell, Rogue.� Katie grumbles, starting to laugh in spite of herself.
DracBlue stops at an apple tree, and soon some crunching can be heard down below.
Vin_Da_DM: �From the red, I�d say you got there before me,� Syne shouts out with a dog smile.
Vin_Da_DM: As the walls of Aventine grow closer you can see the darkness on the horizon grow bigger as well, and with a steady eye notice it moving as well.
Cara gets an alarmed look on her face, �If you could see that...the others...Oh, no!� True fear shows on her face as she realizes she more than likely did not fool the others either, then.
Tabris shakes his head and smiles.
Kyra tightens her fingers on Stryder�s. ~All this time you�ve been dealing with the crushing weight of losing Clarissa. And I was hiding from my own grief. You don�t need to have to deal with this.~ She seems to grow even smaller in the saddle.
Vin_Da_DM: Kabal nods, �I expect all of the remaining council members to be there,� Kabal points to the darkness on the horizon.
Katie sighs, knowing when to admit defeat. She goes back to staring at the ground.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne slows his pace, taking it up alongside Katie, so that he gets between her and the rut her gaze is burning into the dirt.
Katie closes her eyes. �Et tu, Brute?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Huh?� Syne looks at her confused, �Um...sorry?�
Cara�s face pales, �Oh great!� remembering Nightside�s words to her about the next time...
Katie: �Come to wallow in my embarrassment?� Katie says, a small smile hovering at the edges of her lips.
Vin_Da_DM: �She�ll be with them�� Eclipse mutters to himself.
Luna_Faline watches the darkness moving along the horizon, �Who? Your sister?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Personally, I was wondering what you were staring at,� Syne looks at the ground. �Bunch of rocks and dirt.�
Katie opens an eye and peers at him. Then she shakes her head.
Vin_Da_DM: �Yes...and she doesn�t share my...discretion,� Eclipse says with a concerned tone.
Claron: �Judging from which way she is looking, she ain�t looking at my husband�s bottom.�
Vin_Da_DM: �It�s my tail, the wagging is irresistible. Add what you humans call the �puppy eyes� and I can win anyone over,� Syne says with a chuckle.
Katie: �More just giving myself a focal point, so I can let my mind wander.� Katie�s head snaps up again and she looks over at the mentioned part before she can stop herself. �Ohhhhh shut up, Claron.� Her cheeks flame again.
Katie looks down at Syne, nearly in tears from holding back laughter. �And you are NOT helping,� she bites her lip.
Clarice begins to wonder and hope that Tewyn rejoins the group before they reach Aventine.
DracBlue flies back above Cara.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne smirks in a doggish way, �Sorry, you�re cute when you�re embarrassed.�
Claron�s eyes twinkle briefly, �Would you prefer I go back to you being my mother-hen?�
Luna_Faline gives him a gentle squeeze, �I just hope we get back to the palace before they get there.�
Vin_Da_DM: �We�ll get there, see there on the wall?� Eclipse points to the brazier lights on the battlements and the war machines near them, �They�re preparing for a siege.�
Katie finally gives in and doubles over giggling and wheezing. �You are all making me feel like a clumsy teenager again.�
Luna_Faline nods, �Good, but I have a feeling those aren�t going to be very effective.�
Vin_Da_DM: As the plains shift into the farmlands surrounding Aventine, the sky turns the black of night, sun�s light having been swallowed by the darkness looming ever closer.
Katie looks over at her best friend. �No. I�m kinda enjoying your return to the dirty lil bitch we used to be.� Katie gives her a wink.
Vin_Da_DM: �Riders incoming. Open the gates!� A soldier shouts from the battlements above the city gates. With the sound of heavy wood and stone moving the city gates begin to open.
Cara notices Drac has returned before she turns to glance back at her brother, �What was the determining factor that caused you to reveal to me that you were not dead, Kabal?�
Tabris shakes his head, �Just like the good old days, you two, just remember the dirty bitch is married now.� He smirks at Claron.
Katie grins, �And that stops us from acting up�why?�
Luna_Faline looks up at the soldiers on the wall as we ride thru the gates.
Shadow looks around as he enters behind Luna.
Vin_Da_DM: �Father...but it seems I must wait for him to return from wherever it was he went,� Kabal shakes his head.
Claron can�t help giggling, �It�s never stopped us before.�
Katie: �Amen.� Katie snickers, then smiles down at Syne for a moment, before looking at the gates as we pass through them. Glancing down at her bracelet, she sighs, wondering if things will ever be resolved.
Vin_Da_DM: A soldier motions for Luna and the others to halt, �Avatar, we�ve orders to direct you to General Firefang at the eastern battlements. I trust you know the way?�
Luna_Faline nods at the soldier and nudges Mah toward the eastern side.
Vin_Da_DM: �This way, Warriors.� The soldier motions everyone to follow Luna down one of the city�s major streets.
Cara watches Kabal, �You know, I fully intended to seek my revenge on our father, and then, I would hear you speak to me in my mind to give him a chance. Why and what made you do that?�
Luna_Faline looks back to see who has caught up. �I just want this fight over with as fast as possible with as little damage as possible.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Because he deserves a chance. Mother never truly let us know him, so I suppose it was curiosity.� Kabal shrugs, �I don�t really know...I just wanted to know him.�
Vin_Da_DM: �It won�t be that easy Luna�� Eclipse looks back at her then at the darkness dominating the eastern sky.
Luna_Faline sighs, �I know, but I have to hope for the best.�
Tabris: �Do not pass go, go directly to the bad guys,� Tabris sighs, �And I wanted my 200 dollars.�
Cara nods her head in understanding, �There was much Mother never really let us know...not just with Father��
DracBlue gazes upon the city and wonders if Cara even notices.
Vin_Da_DM: Kabal alters his terra-surf for the road, slowing down a bit as he does.
Vin_Da_DM: The large road winds a large half-circle around the castle, sitting majestically in the center of the city. The streets are nearly empty of civilians, but plenty of soldiers securing barricades and defenses for the houses and shops.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse glances around, his expression that of remembrance, having seen the same defenses used all those years ago.
Vin_Da_DM: Syne eyes the soldiers, �Looks like they�re preparing for the worst��
Clarice finds herself looking for a certain drow as they move along the city street.
Kyra takes a deep breath. ~This must wait for another time. My team needs all of me. And I will give them nothing less.~ She lifts her chin, her eyes clearing of clouds as she focuses on the task ahead.
Luna_Faline judges the preparations, �Some things never change, huh?�
Valrash and Richard enter the gates, looking over at the corpse of a man, he sighs, �He never could take a prank.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Indeed�� Eclipse sighs and looks ahead, �That must be our stop.� Motioning ahead as most of the army seems to be lining the battlements and preparing all sorts of weapons behind the eastern gate, in the large eastern plaza. The only thing not looking war-ready is the silver plated statue, one of Luna�s previous incarnations lifting her hands so the water cascades down from them.
Luna_Faline shivers as we pass the statue, �Do you think this is another diversion? Should we be putting all our focus on this area?�
Vin_Da_DM: �It�s not...trust me,� Eclipse looks up over the battlements at the sky, �I know that darkness...it�s them.�
Luna_Faline looks up at the sky, �How long do you think we have?�
Katie clenches and unclenches her fingers, thinking to herself that once more she�ll be fighting without Shinta at her side, an occurrence that is becoming all-too-familiar.
Vin_Da_DM: �Morning...the storm is at our door and it will blow it�s hardest to open it.� Eclipse says, then hops off Mah as a large burly orc shouts out from the steps of a cafe made headquarters, �Avatar, Warriors! Come over here!�
Luna_Faline slides down off Mah quickly, landing next to Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: Mah looks at Luna.
Luna_Faline lays a paw on Mah�s neck. �I�ll see you soon.� Turns and walks into the cafe with Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: Mah nods and plods over the fountain statute to get a drink.
Tabris notices Eclipse and Luna dismounting, �Guess we�re getting off here.�
Clarice halts Ceru, dismounts, then follows Luna and Eclipse into the cafe.
DracBlue lands and looks at Cara.
Vin_Da_DM: Kabal stops his terra wave and looks around, �Well...this is my first time in the big city. Not too many people staring at me��
Shadow dismounts and pats the mount as he turns from it.
Vin_Da_DM: Inside the cafe several of the War Council are discussing strategy. They turn their attention to the door as Luna and Eclipse enter.
Katie slides off Ki�lin, patting her neck. �Thank you for carrying me. Hope I get the opportunity in less strenuous circumstances.� She leans and nuzzles Ki�lin�s cheek.
Claron: �Wow...getting off? All of us? Here? Now?� as she tries to suppress her giggles.
Tabris: �That�s enough you...war first, fun later,� Tabris winks at her as he hops off Obsidian.
Kyra dismounts from Robin, her eyes distant.
Katie looks over and sees Kyra looking odd. She frowns and gives Stryder a questioning look.
Luna_Faline makes her way over to the War Council quickly, �They�re getting closer, what�s your plan?�
Vin_Da_DM: Neroosh walks over to Luna and Eclipse and bows his head, �Good timing. You are back from Corrin, so I assume you were successful?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Kyra? You with us?� Stryder touches her shoulder after his dismount from Cyan.
Kyra nods dully, her eyes still blank.
Valrash stops and dismounts, leaving Richard tied to his mount.
Claron tries not to flinch as Tabris helps her slide off Obsidian.
Luna_Faline nods at Neroosh, �Yes, we were successful. It was a diversionary tactic to draw us away from Aventine and divide our forces.�
Vin_Da_DM: Maeve glances up from a large black-bound tome, �The Tower Mages are preparing a shield spell for the city.�
Vin_Da_DM: Vala nods and continues, �And my paladins are enchanting our siege weapons to repel the invading army.�
Clarice looks at Maeve, �Wouldn�t happen to know if Tewyn has returned back to the city?�
Luna_Faline listens to all the preparations but glances at Eclipse, �Is any of this going to slow them down?�
Katie shuffles to the cafe.
Vin_Da_DM: Neroosh glances at the other Generals, then looks back to Luna and Eclipse, �What remains of our allied forces and several regiments will attempt to keep them out of siege range long enough to fortify the city.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse listens, and glances at Luna, �It may��
Arwyn and Sabir dismount and follow after Luna and Eclipse.
Luna_Faline prompts Eclipse, �But?�
Tabris notices everyone heading to the cafe, �Guess we�re getting a briefing or something.�
Vin_Da_DM: Narrowing her eyes, Maeve eyes Luna and Eclipse, �But without support of some of our more powerful soldiers, the field battle will not hold them for long.�
Cara grows quiet as she slides down from Flare. �Guess we should follow the others,� turning to look at Kabal.
Vin_Da_DM: Kabal nods, �Agreed...despite my presence, we should hear what�s being said.�
Luna_Faline nods at Maeve, but keeps looking at Eclipse.
DracBlue just looks at Cara waiting to follow her.
Vin_Da_DM: �She�s right,� Eclipse sighs and nods.
Luna_Faline looks around at the rest of the War Council, �Anyone else have any thoughts, or plans?�
Shadow remains silent.
Vin_Da_DM: �Kyra...is there anything I can do to help?� Stryder walks around her a bit, looking at her blank look.
Cara glances back over her shoulder at Drac, �I see you are ready, too.�
DracBlue smiles at Cara, �I always try to be.�
Kyra gives Stryder a small shrug, looking sad, but composed.
Vin_Da_DM: Ashren looks over at Luna, �All of my cavalry will be joining the field battle, and the dragons have notified us they have secured the castles defenses. What�s left is where you Warriors want to be.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder frowns, then reaches over and hugs Kyra.
Luna_Faline looks at the maps on the table, �We can�t let them get inside the temple this time.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Agreed,� Eclipse nods giving a glance to the maps as well, �I will go wherever you do, Luna.�
Kyra wraps her arms around Stryder, her chest tight.
Cara catches sight of the hug Stryder gives Kyra and finds herself thinking, ~If only it was me.~
Vin_Da_DM: �Cara, are you coming?� Kabal asks her as he looks down from the cafe doorway.
Cara jerks her head back and moves quickly towards, Kabal, �Sorry, something caught my eye.�
Luna_Faline looks at Eclipse, �I know you will.�
Vin_Da_DM: Syne sits down on the floor near the cafe door, listening to the plan.
DracBlue moves with Cara wondering himself why she looks at Stryder so.
Luna_Faline resists the urge to look at her sword as she thinks about it. ~Your awfully silent, any ideas?~
Vin_Da_DM: ~Well, being what I am, I would bring the fight to them, dear. ~Luciendar�s soft voice plays in Luna�s mind, a hint of power in it�s voice.
Luna_Faline bows her head a little, ~That sounds about right, but where?~
Claron stands next to Tab, and finds the voices of the others seem to disappear as the memory of the recent miscarriage creeps back into her mind.
Vin_Da_DM: ~A good battle is just what I need.~ The voice says to Eclipse, who meets it with another wary gaze.
Vin_Da_DM: Neroosh looks around, his expression slightly irritated by the silence, �Well speak up, surely you Warriors have an idea what part in this defense you�ll play?!�
Clarice finds herself looking around at those in the cafe, her heart sinks as she realizes Tewyn is no where to be seen.
Luna_Faline glares at Neroosh and growls, �Excuse me?�
Valrash walks into the cafe.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Your power is focused here, inside the city.~ Luciendar pauses, almost as if thinking. ~And the others power seems to flow from the man who holds him.~
Vin_Da_DM: �Pardon me, Avatar, but time is not on our side at the moment,� Neroosh glances over his maps again.
Luna_Faline turns from Neroosh, practically dismissing him, to look at Eclipse. �Purrhaps, we should attack them before they are ready to attack us.�
Clarice: �What�s the matter? You got a wedgie, Neroosh? You should know we will be right out in front�daring them to get passed us.�
Vin_Da_DM: Maeve perks a brow, tilting her head at Luna, �A risky suggestion, but one I would join on. If you do this, we must leave immediately, and with a good strength to disrupt them.�
Tabris: �Kick them before they can kick us, sounds like a plan from the good ole� days,� Tabris comments to the room.
Luna_Faline turns back to the maps, �The question is still where.�
Vin_Da_DM: Neroosh sighs, and points on the map, �Their main forces are advancing from the east here, scouts suggest they number enough to spread out enough to lay siege to half of the city, most likely north to south.�
Katie leans against the wall, feeling ill in the pit of her stomach.
Luna_Faline nods and studies the map. ~But where are the leaders? If we take out the Knights, the rest will scatter with out much of a fight.~
Vin_Da_DM: ~ I can�t say for certain...it is a large darkness I sense, finding individuals in it is like trying to find your way through a deep fog. ~ The voice says to Luna.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse shakes his head, �More of them...I�m going to take a look.� Turning from the map table Eclipse heads for the cafe door, a determined look on his face.
Kyra steps back, sniffling a bit, tears glistening. �We should get in there and see what they are deciding,� she says in a hollow voice.
Vin_Da_DM: �Probably best,� Stryder says in agreement, extending his hand to her.
Luna_Faline looks around the room, then follows Eclipse out side and tells him, �Be careful.�
Kyra slips her small fingers in his, walking beside him, his love giving her the strength to push her pain back for a while longer.
Vin_Da_DM: �I will,� Eclipse nods to Luna. Jogging to the city wall, he climbs his way up it. Pausing at the top of the battlements he looks ahead at the darkness, �Where are you hiding��
Luna_Faline watches Eclipse climb up to the top of the wall, then goes back into the cafe. �Eclipse is going to try and locate the Knights.�
Vin_Da_DM: Maeve watches Luna then looks at Neroosh, �Secure the city and deal with your troops. I doubt they have much defense on their backside, getting enough troops there could disrupt their advance.�
Luna_Faline tells the Warriors, �Let�s be ready to go when he finds them.� Turns and goes out to find Mah.
Katie nods quietly, fiddling with her bracelet.
Cara thinks, ~Bad mistake to underestimate Daegriss.~
Kyra looks at the ground as they enter the cafe, listening but not looking at anyone.
Valrash thinks, ~I know, but we�re gunna do it anyway.~
Cara looks over at Valrash, but remains silent.
Valrash thinks, ~I just hope we win.~ he nods at Cara.
Arwyn moves up to Maeve, �Has the aid promised by my father arrived?�
Luna_Faline finds Mah resting in the shade of a nearby tree and leans her head against his �Well, we�re going to attack them before they can get to the city.�
Vin_Da_DM: Maeve studies Arwyn, �Princess...yes it has, whispers say you bring more than just soldiers.
Cara lowers her gaze ~Kabal, what are your thoughts? Surely since you were there among his council you have first hand knowledge.~
Vin_Da_DM: ~They know we are here and will expect us to attack them, but the advantage is they do not know when.~ Kabal nods to Cara, his telepathy sounding a bit rusty to her.
Vin_Da_DM: Sabir looks at Arwyn then to Maeve, �Yes, we have more than just our soldiers.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Monsters and demons, the years change, but the brute force does not it seems,� Eclipse comments as he scans the darkness.
Arwyn tilts her head slightly as Sabir speaks to Maeve.
Cara: ~Out of practice...are ya?~
Claron looks at Tab, �Don�t you find it rather odd...the sudden appearance of Cara�s twin?�
Tabris: �Yes�� Tabris steals a glance towards Cara and Kabal.
Luna_Faline looks up at the wall where Eclipse is standing, but remains quiet.
Claron: �I�m not sure if he can be trusted. And I worry that his appearance will undo all the good changes we have seen in Cara.�
Kyra steps closer to Stryder instinctively for comfort.
Claron looks behind her and sees Katie leaning against the wall in the cafe, turning around, she moves over to Katie and embraces her. �Thank you for being there for me back there.�
Katie gazes in Claron�s eyes. �It is what a best friend is for. I love you with all my heart. I could do no less for the woman who has saved me from myself more times than I can count,� returning the hug fiercely.
Cara tries not to let the sight of Kyra near Stryder get to her, and reminds herself that Kyra has, for whatever reason, been more understanding of her than most.
DracBlue looks at Cara and watches her reactions.
Shadow sits back sharpening his axe waiting.
Claron�s eyes pool with tears, �We have been through so much together. I wanted so much to hold a wee one in my arms again�and to experience all the things that Tab and I missed when the twins were ripped out of my arms. But I guess, it just isn�t meant for that to happen for us,� as the tears start to slide down her cheeks.
Vin_Da_DM: Kabal stands next to Cara, studying the Warriors and the rest of the group with intrigue, �I will stand by you, Cara, and after this is all over we�ll get a chance to be a family again.�
Cara slides an arm around Kabal�s waist, �I look forward to that, brother.�
Vin_Da_DM: Sabir looks at Arwyn, �I apologize m�lady, your father forbid that I tell you.� Reaching into his back pouch he removes a wrapped item and hands it to her. �He said you will know when to use it.�
Katie gives her best friend a gentle shake. �You are not going to give up on me, Claron Nuffing-DuVallis. You are still young and healthy. Another bairn is not so out of the question. Perhaps the timing was off. But you will have more. Never doubt it.� Her sad eyes tell how much her own completely childless state preys on her.
Arywn looks back at Sabir as she takes the wrapped item from him and opens it.
Vin_Da_DM: A small round golden sphere shines delicately in the cafe light. Sabir looks at Arwyn and nods, �Yes, it is what you think. That is one of the reasons I was the one chosen to guard you.�
Claron hears Katie's words, �And risk losing�yet another one. I don�t think I could bear that.�
Katie�s eyes flare just a little. �Loss comes with life, Claron. If anyone has had that shoved down their throats enough to last a lifetime, it�s me. But as you are always telling me, if you don�t take risks, you will never gain anything. Don�t you think I�d like to bury myself somewhere and never care again? Never feel the pain of watching the people I love most in the world be ripped from my arms?� she sighs. �Believe me, it�s crossed my mind. But if I hadn�t risked, hadn�t tried�.I�d never have found you guys again. And THAT I could NEVER bear.� Katie�s eyes well up, too.
Vin_Da_DM: Sabir wraps Arwyn�s hand around the sphere, �Do not hesitate to use it when the time comes, m�lady. You will need it�s power.�
Arwyn: �Va has always trusted you. You realize the ramifications if I should use it.�
Katie�s sad eyes fall on the bracelet on her wrist. �Though Goddess knows sometimes I wonder if I can stand the pain loving and losing brings.�
Arwyn takes her free hand, places it on top of Sabir�s and gently squeezes it. �I hope it will not be necessary,� then pushes up on her toes and whispers something in his ear. As she removes her lips from near his ear, she places a soft kiss on his cheek.
Katie: An image forms in Katie�s mind of her last tearful goodbye with Kyo, and knowing that she�d never again get to see him smile at her. �Sometimes I just wonder,� she whispers.
Vin_Da_DM: Sabir looks at Arwyn, �For our people, m�lady, and the light.�
Claron answers Katie back in in broken voice. �I am so glad you did come back, but the pain is too fresh.�
Katie nods. �As it will be for some time. No one is expecting you to turn cartwheels, Claron. And I will stand beside you for as long as you need me.�
Arwyn nods her head slightly at Sabir, �For our people and the light.�
Claron: �I appreciate that, Kat.�
Katie nods, her thoughts turning to Shinta�s continued absence once more, and a hollow ache in her chest when she remembers their numerous fights lately.
Claron looks at Katie. �This clip in you hair...it is absolutely glowing.�
Katie raises an eyebrow. �What are you talking about?�
Claron: �Its glowing, that�s all I can tell you.�
Katie: �That�s impossible.� Katie frowns.
Claron shakes her head, �What? You don�t believe me? I�m not making it up. It is GLOWING, and its absolutely beautiful.�
Katie pulls the clip out of her hair, but sees nothing beyond the normal glow the shells always have. �You are messing with me.�
Claron: �That�s odd...I�m telling you, when it was in your hair it was glowing.�
Katie: �MmmHmm,� Katie looks unconvinced, and puts the clip back in.
Tabris rolls his eyes at Claron and Katie, �Now isn�t the time for playing with your hair, girls, we�ll find you a nice salon afterwards.�
Katie makes a face at Tab, �Tell your hallucinating wife, buddy.�
Claron watches Katie put the clip back in her hair. Peering behind Katie to look at the clip now back in her hair, �I�ll be damn. THERE it GOES AGAIN!�
Claron shakes her head, �Hush, both of you. I�m NOT hallucinating!�
Katie shakes her head. �Uh huh. Okay.� And laughs at Claron.
Tabris: �Looks like a hair clip to me...if you start seeing dancing pink elephants, then I�ll worry,� Tabris shakes his head at Claron. �Come on, babe.�
Claron throws her hands up in the air, �Fine! DON'T believe me!� Slides past Katie and runs out the cafe door.
Katie: �Uh oh.� Katie frowns at the door.
Tabris: �I�d better go get her�� Tabris runs off after Claron.
Vin_Da_DM: Scanning the darkness Eclipse�s eyes blaze, �Luna, I know where they are!� Suddenly and with a growl on his breath he is pulled into his own shadow. The twirling nether of the Shadow Realm dances about as Eclipse stares ahead at the slender figure before him.
Vin_Da_DM: �It did not take you long to find me, Xamaen,� Eclipse hisses at her. �Still hiding in Daegriss� shadow as you always have. Nightside, Bhaal, Sarez, Mileor...your numbers run thin these days.�
Vin_Da_DM: Xamaen smiles in her own wicked way, �You cannot win this time, brother, not without the power.� As the word slides from her lips, shadows drape around her like a robe, �And you know it, what will do you? After you turned he chose me��
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse narrows his gaze, a wave of shadow growing behind him, �I do not need that power. I am a Warrior, I serve the light, and I will not let you destroy the balance for his corrupt desires! So go back, Xamaen, go back and tell your god the time has come for his Avatar to destroy him!� The wave surges forward knocking Xamaen out of the Shadow Realm entirely.
Vin_Da_DM: $ End