Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: After the ordeal on Shaiya�s planet, the Warriors decided to find a good planet to relax on. Alexei located a nearby galactic trading planet, Telios Prime, and changed their heading to go to the busy metropolitan planet.
Vin_Da_DM: During a visit to the spirit plane, Shinta was visited by an Azrael. After a short conversation the Azrael told Shinta that another shaman like himself could aid the Warriors in their journey.
Vin_Da_DM: Once on the surface the group split up. Some rested while others shopped and a few just decided to have a look around. After following a stray spirit, Shinta found Yu Kameko, a fellow shaman, who could turn into a giant white wolf.
Vin_Da_DM: Yu mentioned that a dark man was looking for Shinta and the others, and in another part of the city Lilly had the misfortune of running into him. This man was none other than Black Inferno, one of Daegriss� minions.
Vin_Da_DM: Forcing Lilly to take him to the others, he eventually gathered them and told them his plan. Black Inferno wished to retrieve and destroy a box containing an item that can resurrect anything that has died within a 10,000 years.
Vin_Da_DM: The item is currently in the possession of Bronze who wishes to resurrect a long dead sorceress to rival Daegriss. The evil twins Kabal and Cara are also after the item so they can bring their mother, Shaiya, back from the dead.
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno also mentioned that they would have to travel across demon-infested lands, and into an ancient temple, where a confrontation with Bronze and perhaps the twins would take place.
Vin_Da_DM: To give the Warriors incentive to work with him Black Inferno secretly cast a spell that would kill them should they fail to capture/destroy the box and its contents.
Vin_Da_DM: *Time passed: A few minutes*
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno glances up at the Ettik as he pauses at the bottom of the ramp, �Hurry and gather whatever you need. Your little ship here and it�s pilot won�t be going where we are��
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian stands on the opposite side of the ramp, watching Black Inferno intently.
Kat|e sighs, still pale. �Yer so kind,� she sneers, heading onto the ship to change and prepare.
Fern wakes up and leaves her tree for the first time in what feels like years to her.
Luna_Faline looks down at my purchases, �I think I should leave these here. And retrieve an item of use,� I whispurr to Eclipse. Then start up the ramp to my room.
^Lilly^: Walking onto the ship and eyes Katie as they pass each other. �I agree...you think we�d be able to take the ship.��
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight blinks and stares at Fern as she leaves the tree.
Fern: �Midnight,� I smile and pat his head.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse nods as he follows Luna up the ramp, giving Inferno a glare as he leaves.
Tewyn looks at Black Inferno, �I know I should of bug zapped your ass when I had the chance�but for now I�ll play Mr. Sunshine, and just hate your ass and stab ya in the back when I get the chance,� making a funny face at him.
Clarice stands beside Tewyn, �Is there anything you need from our room?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Oh, by all means do that. Say hello to the devil when you reach hell, dark elf.� Black Inferno smirks at Tewyn.
Fern: Stretching and yawning I look around the plant room.
Tewyn: �Nah, should of bought that weapon though�guess I�ll make due with what I find�go get what you need.�
Tewyn: �Oh, I will...and didn�t you hear...I killed the devil already, the bitch that she was.�
Kat|e reaches her room, quickly changes clothes, braiding the hair at her temples and pulling the rest back behind to fasten it. She puts her pistols in her new holster, and checks herself in the mirror, nodding her approval.
Claron stands beside Tabris checking to make sure she still has her daggers on her. Feeling both daggers, looks back at Black Inferno.
Fern: �Alexei,� I call out, �What�s happening ?�
Luna_Faline enters the room and dumps the old cloak and boots in a corner. Moving to the alter, I retrieve the sai and slip it into the new sheath. �I can�t believe this, where the hell did he come from?� I ask Eclipse as I try to fasten the sheath to my thigh.
Vin_Da_DM: �If you think I care about Shaiya, I do not. Merely another piece of the big picture,� Black Inferno shifts his gaze to the Guardian, studying him for a moment.
Vin_Da_DM: Alexei�s voice coms over the botanical bay�s speakers, �Looks like everyone�s packing up for an outing.�
Clarissa darts off quickly to her room to retrieve the large knife Durandal gave her and the dagger she stole. In a blink of an eye, she is seen standing back next to Claron.
^Shinta watches Black Inferno, �You know, you are heading down a dead end path, don�t you?...This silly spell is merely a ploy to try and twist our arms...you will never leave with that box.�
Fern: Flicking into dog form I trot up to Midnight and wine at him, then I leave the plant room in search of the others.
^Lilly^: Arriving at her room and grabbing a few extra daggers and a new cape before walking back out.
Clarice nods her head and makes her way back to their room to get the bow and arrow she picked up when they had visited Selenia�s castle.
Kat|e pulls on her old cloak, and strides back out to where the others are waiting.
Vin_Da_DM: �Perhaps. We shall see what happens to the box when we find it,� Inferno turns to Shinta, �Paths change with every step, as I�m sure you know.�
Clarice returns from the ship and makes her way back to stand next to Tewyn.
^Lilly^: Walking back down towards the airlock and noticing Fern, �Oh, hi...who are you?�
Vin_Da_DM: ~That was fast...got all the daggers you need there, Sis?~ Stryder appears next to Clarissa with a smirk.
^Shinta: �That it does...but with your bumbling idiotic self...you gave us a new path to follow�one that will now lead to your and Daegriss� demise�once I find and talk to that spirit you both fear so dearly.�
Fern flicks into human form. I smile, �I�m Fern.�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight follows after Fern intently.
Tewyn looks at Clarice, �Got everything?�
Clarissa watches her aunt return next to Tewyn before she turns her gaze onto the dark elf.
^Lilly^: Nodding as she headed back down the airlock to meeting the rest of the group.
Clarissa: ~Like any of this will stop them.~
Clarice smiles at Tewyn, �I believe I do.�
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno chuckles, �Shamans...try your luck talking to that spirit. It may just end up killing you before I do.�
Fern follows along behind, glancing down at Midnight and giving him a pat.
Luna_Faline pulls on the new cloak and tucks the pouch into a hidden pocket. Settling my amulet under my cloak, I turn to look at Eclipse. �Your awfully quiet, what are you thinking?�
^Shinta smirks.
^Shinta: �Who said it was me that was gonna do the talking.�
Vin_Da_DM: Smirking Black Inferno takes several strides away from the Ettik, �Warriors. Always believing they can be clever, but you do not know all the angles. Shame you did not learn from your predecessors� mistakes.�
Fern: At the last minute I flick back into dog form and trot out to everyone with Midnight.
Clarissa tucks the small dagger in her boot then finds herself looking closely at the knife from Durandal.
Vin_Da_DM: �About a lot of things...it�s hard to remember over all these years but I think I recall hearing about this temple we�re after.� Eclipse sighs, �But I can�t remember exact details.�
Tewyn: �Man, just stop talking already and lets go�you smell like cow shit and look like it, too�so, lets get it over with.�
Claron: �Then why don�t you enlighten us, Inferno.�
^Lilly^: Moving in close as Midnight and Fern trot up behind her, trying to stifle a laugh at Tewyn.
Vin_Da_DM: �Yes, let�s,� Black Inferno turns and heads off down the landing pads heading for an open area.
Luna_Faline reaches up and smoothes down the spines on Eclipse�s head, �Is there anything you need to get before we go?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse balances the sword he got from Shaiya�s guard for a second then shakes his head, �I think I�m ready to go.�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight glances around at the group as he follows Fern.
Claron glances around at her family before slipping her arm around Tabris.
^Shinta starts following Black Inferno lost in thought.
Tabris: �Well...looks like we�re going then.� Tabris shrugs as Claron wraps her arm around him.
Kat|e smirks and follows.
Luna_Faline nods, taking a last look at the altar before heading out the door, �I hope we succeed in this crazy undertaking.�
Fern: Stopping for a second, I sit and scratch at my ear, then chew at my paw while watching the others to see what is happening.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Hmm...this should be interesting.~ Stryder looks at Clarissa before starting to follow after his parents.
Claron nods her head in response as they start to follow behind ^Shinta.
Tewyn: �Well, lets follow Mr. Cowpie and get this over with.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Are you coming, Fern?� Guardian looks down at Fern while �blinking�.
^Lilly^: Moving with the group before turning to Fern, �Are you a changeling?�
Clarissa: ~You got that right.~
Fern: Barking at the Guardian I fall in beside him.
Fern: Looking at Lilly I give her a toothy doggy grin and say nothing.
Luna_Faline heading back down the ramp with Eclipse, I look out and see the group already leaving, �I suppose we�ll just bring up the rear?�
Clarice remains silent as Tewyn and her fall in behind the others.
^Lilly^: Giggling as I shake my head, �Fine, don�t talk to me.� Her head turns back to the group as they continue to follow �Mr. Cowpie� .
Vin_Da_DM: �You go ahead, I�ll take up the rear,� Eclipse winks at Luna as he motions her forward, �Ladies first, after all.�
Luna_Faline smiles slyly at Eclipse then walks ahead of him, making sure that my tail peaks out the slit in the back of my cloak as I go.
^Shinta slows down and lets Kat|e catch up. �So do you think we have a chance or just being stupid, Ms. McKinnon?�
Vin_Da_DM: Grinning Eclipse follows after Luna, giving his sword a few swings to the sides as he goes, �Let�s hope I�m not too rusty with this.�
^Lilly^: Adjusting my cloak as I continue to follow the group, making sure all my daggers are in place.
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno clears the last row of ships and walks into a fairly large sized empty area, a few cargo crates are against the nearby wall.
Kat|e looks at Shinta, �I honestly don�t know. But I�ve got an unsettling feeling about this.�
Claron looks over at the cargo crates as they pass them.
Vin_Da_DM: �Now, stand back unless you prefer to die,� Black Inferno brings his hands together as they wreath in flame. He turns to face the wall.
^Shinta: �As do I...but this spirit is one it seems we must seek out.�
Fern thinks the guy is a bit of a drama queen but sits back and watches.
Clarissa stops moving and finds herself standing next to Tewyn.
Luna_Faline looks over my shoulder, �A little practice and it will all come back to you,� with a wink, �Didn�t we already prove that a few times?�
Tabris: �Well, hurry it up then. We don�t have time for a slow-roast,� Tabris spits out with a grin.
Tewyn looks over to Clarissa, �How you doing, kiddo? Got those nerves of steel built up and ready for this?�
Fern yawns and flops her tongue out.
^Lilly^: Shaking my head, �Anything to blow something up, huh?�
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno closes his eyes as his entire body ignites in flames. Moving his hands out of the sides a large flaming vortex forms in the wall and shoots outwards. A few cargo crates are instantly turned to ash by the swirling fire.
Fern tilts her head to the side then looks at Midnight and whines softly.
Kat|e: �Showoff,� she muses.
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight ducks behind the Guardian�s legs as he sees the fire.
Clarissa looks up at Tewyn, �I best have nerves of steel. Is highly unlikely that Bronze is going to be happy to see me...or you for that matter.�
^Lilly^: �You know�with a name like his, I expected the flames to be black.�
^Shinta bumps Kat|e, �Shhh, will ya...he is just a amateur,� smirking at her.
Vin_Da_DM: �Only the ones that kill little girls in their sleep, elfling,� Black Inferno says as he de-ignites and steams a bit as he enters the flaming vortex as it is sinking back into the wall. �Come along now, children.�
Kat|e grins.
Claron catches sight of Clarissa standing next to Tewyn, then whispers to Tabris, �Now, that is something I thought we would never see�� tilting her head in the direction of Clarissa.
^Lilly^: �What does someone killing little girls in their sleep have to do with me? And are expecting to see black flames with a name such as yours?�
Tabris: �Nope...can�t say it�s on the top ten list,� Tabris comments back to Claron.
Tewyn: �You will be fine...Mom and Dad will make sure of that�Hope you three settled things between you. Far as Bronze goes, could care less if I make him happy, just another person we got to fight.�
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno disappears into the center of the vortex without even a sound.
Vin_Da_DM: �I suppose we better follow him�� Stryder looks around at the group.
Kat|e eyes the vortex, �Ewwww, do we HAVE to go in there?�
^Shinta follows him into the vortex.
Clarissa nods her head as she watches Black Inferno disappear into the vortex.
^Lilly^ enters the vortex.
Luna_Faline looks over at Eclipse, �You know how I hate going thru portals and such,� I sigh moving closer to it as I watch everyone going in it.
Fern looks at the Guardian and Midnight.
Claron watches Shinta disappear, then enters the vortex.
Kat|e: �Ugh,� she says, stepping through.
Vin_Da_DM: A burning sensation flows over everyone who passes into the vortex and exits out into a large field of red-colored grass under a bright orange sky.
Tewyn grabs Clarice, �We�re off to the demons, the wonderful demons of...umm, where we going again?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Think of this one as a giant burning ring of fire instead,� Eclipse looks at Luna.
Fern trots into the vortex and upon exiting rolls in the red colored grass she finds there.
Clarissa smirks and follows Tewyn and Aunt Clarice.
Luna_Faline reaches for Eclipse�s hand, �Shall we?� Taking a deep breath I step into it with him.
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight dashes into the vortex as the Guardian follows the others through.
^Shinta: �Well, isn�t this cozy?� looking around.
Claron looks at the red colored grass, then watches as the others appear.
Tabris rubs his head as the exit at the other side, �Phew...looks like the BBQ was in my head instead.�
^Lilly^: Standing up after leaving the vortex, �Damn...that was unique!�
Tewyn: �Dammn, Inferno�BBQ�d elf was not on the menu!�
Kat|e: �I gotta stop eating those tamales. They gimme the WORST heartburn,� she quips, stepping out and looking at the surroundings with a low whistle.
Luna_Faline: Stepping into the world of red and orange, I pull my cloak over my head to shade my eyes. �Good goddess,� I hiss looking around.
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno glances over his shoulder at the others as he makes his way through the field, �Then next time ask your girlfriend to soften the blow, Elf.�
Tewyn grumbles something bout a sparkling ice cream cone.
Fern shakes, hair and grasses flying everywhere.
Vin_Da_DM: �Well...this is vaguely familiar�� Eclipse glances around then down at the grass, �Ahh, yes��
Clarice shakes her head while mocking Black Inferno, �Then next time ask your girlfriend to soften the blow, Elf. I�d rather douse out your fire,� she whispers.
Vin_Da_DM: After everyone appears from the vortex it vanishes, leaving a charred spot in the grass.
Luna_Faline: �You�ve been here before?� I purr softly looking at his face, �Maybe we should catch up?�
Vin_Da_DM: �We shouldn�t hang around in this grass for long. It�s not exactly your garden variety.� Eclipse eyes the grass again then looks at Luna.
Clarice looks at the grass as she hears Eclipse, �What you mean?�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight watches Fern oddly then dashes off through the field in the direction Black Inferno is heading.
Luna_Faline squeezes Eclipse�s hand with my paw and pulls him a little to walk with me �Let�s get going then.�
Fern barks and dashes off after Midnight.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian walks past Eclipse, Luna and Clarice as he glances at them, �He means the grass is a variation on the Earth plant, poison ivy.�
Luna_Faline looks down at my feet, �Glad I got new boots then, I don�t want to be all itchy and scratchy.�
Tewyn follows after Black Inferno.
Clarice eyes widen, �Oh,� as she quickly follows behind the Guardian.
Fern suddenly stops and sits, scratching madly at her side.
Tabris looks at Claron, �Well, they�re going. Let�s go.�
^Lilly^: Shaking off herself as she continues with the rest of the group.
^Shinta hurries behind Black Inferno, �So where is it you are leading us?�
Claron nods her head as they follow the rest of the group.
Kat|e: �Oh, how wonderful.� Katie lets off a string of curses and hurries behind the others.
Vin_Da_DM: �If you must know, beyond this field is a small...village,� Black Inferno says seemingly calmer than before, �We will need a guide to get you across the Plains intact.�
^Lilly: Scratching her arms as she approaches the group, �Why the heck am I itching like this?�
^Shinta: �I see...and does this village have a name?�
Fern stops scratching and races off after Midnight again, leaping in the grass like a deer.
Vin_Da_DM: �None that I cared to learn. I do not need a guide for the Plains. You and your friends however...do not possess the necessary abilities to survive the dangers,� Black Inferno says to the Warriors.
Vin_Da_DM: �It�s the grass Lilly. It�ll go away in a few hours.� Eclipse looks at Lilly with a sigh.
^Shinta: �I see�So, can manage your own here...just want us to all the dirty work.�
Claron: �So out of the goodness of your heart you going to make sure we are safe�� whispers sarcastically.
^Lilly^: Raising an eyebrow at Eclipse, �I hope so...can�t fight very well if this damn itching continues.�
Fern suddenly leaps up in front of Midnight grinning doggedly and lolling her tongue out, then bolts off in the other direction.
Tewyn stops and turns around and smacks ^Lilly^, �There, think about that for a while and the itching will stop.�
Vin_Da_DM: �If you wish to think of it that way. You and your friends will be useful later�� Black Inferno looks back at the others before he reaches the end of the field. Looking down the hill at the scattered clusters of tents.
^Lilly^: Glaring at Tewyn as my cheek stings lightly, �That was just plain wrong, Tewyn!�
Clarissa snickers, �For once I am not the one he wants to hurt.�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight tilts his head and watches Fern bolt off, then continues through the field. Pausing next to Shinta he looks ahead and barks.
^Lilly^: Turning to Clarissa. �Watch it, pretty girl.�
Tewyn: �Doesn�t itch though, does it? Since you don�t think bout it.�
Fern stops and turns at Midnight�s bark and dashes back to him.
Luna_Faline rolls my eyes at Lilly, �You should learn how to walk and this wouldn�t happen,� as I reach out and pat her arm causing it to heal.
Clarice: �It appears to have worked, I don�t see you scratching��
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse shakes his head as the head for the end of the field.
^Lilly^: Glaring, �It still itches,� as Luna heals it, �Well, till now.�
^Shinta looks down at Midnight, �What is it, boy? Got wind of something?�
Clarissa lowers her head as Lilly speaks to her.
Vin_Da_DM: Glancing up at Shinta Midnight dashes down the hill and disappears into a cluster of tents. Muffled voices can be heard a few seconds later.
Vin_Da_DM: Black Inferno shakes his head, �Pets...go find a guide. I will wait at the edge of the Plains.�
^Shinta: �Seems we have arrived.�
Tewyn watches Fern and Midnight, �I think one of them is in heat.�
Kat|e raises an eyebrow, but says nothing.
^Lilly^ continues down the hill to the village.�
Tabris: �Doesn�t exactly look like a place to rest your feet,� Tabris says as he looks at the village.
Luna_Faline growls, �Did he just call us pets?�
Fern trots slowly after Midnight, pausing to sniff the air, looking at the others, then moving forward again.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse rolls a long and unpronounceable word off his tongue as he notices the village, �Haven�t seen this place for ages. I might have to do the talking.�
Tewyn: �Does look like a lot of things.�
^Shinta turns back to Eclipse, �Mind if I go with you�would like to pick up some of the language...might come in handy.�
Claron: �Just calm your fur, Luna_Faline. There be time later to extract revenge for such a comment.�
^Lilly^: Turning to Eclipse, �You wanna go alone?�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight bolts out of a tent being chased by several young looking humanoid-lizards.
Clarice watches as Midnight bolts out from the tent...�Oh, sure hope that they aren�t meat eaters.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Sure you can come, Shinta. You as well, Luna,� Eclipse says as he descends the hill, eyeing the different sets of tents, �Now, where did he live��
^Shinta nods his thanks, �Lead the way.�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight pauses then turns around and barks at the kids, who in turn run off as he chases them.
Fern: Watching Midnight I start to grin and wag my tail.
Tewyn starts laughing, �You tell them, doggie.�
Luna_Faline crosses my arms and tucks my paws into my sleeves as I follow Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: �At least someone is having fun,� Stryder says as he watches Midnight.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian makes his way down the hill silently. Watching Black Inferno bypass the village he decides to follow him at a distance.
^Lilly^: Giggling softly at Midnight as he and Fern prance around.
Tewyn looks at Stryder, �I�m sure you could join them�Midnight would love it.�
Clarice smiles as she watches Tewyn, �Sure is nice to hear you laugh again.�
Fern: Giving a deep �wooooof� I run off after him.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse�s gaze wanders the tents before settling on several that crudely hide a stone structure in the middle. �There we go..�
Tewyn looks at Clarice and smiles, �Dogs are funny creatures and crack me up�.rub their belly and they are just in nirvana, piss them off and they pee on your bed...come to think bout it�that could be me, too.� Laughing again.
^Lilly^: Turning to Tewyn, �No, you just kill them.�
Clarice laughs along with Tewyn, �One could say that��
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight begins another round of being chased and chasing back, barking all the while. The young lizard kids are giggling as they run.
Luna_Faline follows Eclipse�s gaze to the stone building, �Is that where you want to go?�
Tewyn: �Only when I have to, Halfling.�
^Shinta: �Someone you know there, Eclipse?�
^Lilly^: �The name�s Lilly.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Presuming he�s still around, yes.� Eclipse says as he heads for the tents, several adult lizards stand outside their tents watching everyone cautiously.
Fern: Bouncing along with Midnight and the kids I laugh inside.
Tewyn: �Nah, its Halfling...you�re not as cute as the flower, so can�t disgrace its name.�
Clarissa pipes in, �Tewyn does what he must, seems to me there are some that could learn a thing or two from him.�
^Lilly^ sneers at Tewyn, �Yes, that MAY be true, but its my name and I would GREATLY appreciate it if you�d USE it.�
Tabris: �What I wouldn�t give to have our kids be that young again,� Tabris looks at Claron while he watches Midnight play with the village kids.
^Shinta follows behind Eclipse staying back a few paces.
Luna_Faline glances at the lizards as we pass by.
Tewyn: �When you earn that from me than I shall...but for now you can be Halfling.�
Vin_Da_DM: Some of the adult lizards watching Luna, Eclipse and Shinta begin to chatter amongst themselves.
Claron smiles watching Midnight and the village children, with tears in her eyes, �There is much we missed with them.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse moves around the circle of tents and stone building at approaches a tent flanked by two burly lizards with spears.
Fern stops chasing after Midnight and runs back up to the group, panting.
Vin_Da_DM: �Oh, don�t start crying on us, Mom!� Stryder says as he looks over at Claron.
Luna_Faline listens hard to the chatter as we pass, trying to see if the translator that Guardian implanted in my arm still works.
Vin_Da_DM: Luna can�t make out the words, they seem distorted to her.
^Shinta looks at Luna_Faline, �I�ll fill you in, if I can pick anything up.�
Luna_Faline nods to Shinta, �Please do, my translator unit is useless.�
Claron turns to look at her son while wiping a tear away, �Dust must have gotten in my eyes,� says smiling.
Vin_Da_DM: �All right...stay here for a sec...let�s hope I remember all this,� Eclipse walks up to the two guards and begins to churn out his own version of their language to them.
^Shinta stands back a bit listening closely to Eclipse and the lizards.
Luna_Faline waits with Shinta, watching Eclipse talk to the lizard men.
Vin_Da_DM: At first the language is odd to Shinta, but as Eclipse as the guards motion some of it begins to make sense. One of the guards motions to Shinta and Luna, �----with you?�
Clarissa moves closer to Tewyn, �I think you should have this,� offering Durandal�s knife to him. �You have been a much stronger warrior than me,� looks back up at Tewyn with her gold eyes beaming.
^Shinta whispers to Luna_Faline, �They want to know if we are with him.�
Luna_Faline just nods as Shinta translates.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse begins to reply back, �----friends ----see----now?� To which the second guard gestures and speaks in reply, �Wait----there.�
Fern sits at the feet of Shinta and Luna Faline, looking up at them.
Tewyn looks at Clarissa, �Now that is very kind, but I will be ok, I�ll find something useful around here�Why don�t you hold on to that and get some training, only way to get stronger, right?�
Luna_Faline glances down at Fern then back to Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: Two young lizard kids come up and interrupt Shinta�s listening as they latch onto Fern and begin to drag her off, �Furry!�
^Shinta cocks his head, �Couldn�t make out all of it�he is wanting to see someone...and we have to wait.�
^Shinta: �Hey!! Ummm, that�s our furry!�
Fern whines.
Clarissa: �Will you help me learn how to use it?�
Fern pulls against the lizard kids trying to drag them back to Shinta and Luna Faline.
Vin_Da_DM: A third lizard kid sticks a make-shift ribbon on Fern�s head with a giggle as they let her go and begin to dance around her.
Vin_Da_DM: �Dust...sure!� Stryder rolls his eyes at Claron.
Tewyn: �I could...but why don�t you ask the spirit keeper...seems he has a sword master at his side, teach you things I couldn�t�but I�ll be a backup if he says no...how�s that?� patting Clarissa�s shoulder.
Fern: Chewing on the ribbon I watch the kids dancing.
Luna_Faline laughs at the kids playing with Fern, �Serves you right,� I purr, �Cats don�t get treated like this.�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight pauses and pants heavily as he looks back at the group and lizards.
Clarissa smiles sweetly, �Deal!�
^Shinta: �I think she is gonna become present.�
Fern looks at Shinta, growling.
Vin_Da_DM: The two guards disappear into the tent and Eclipse looks back at Shinta and Luna, �Well, I hope this works out��
^Shinta looks at the kiddies. �You like furries?�
^Shinta looks up to Eclipse, �Then they agreed?�
Fern jumps up and runs off towards Midnight, leaving the smell of a doggy fart behind.
Luna_Faline sees the men enter the tent, �I hope so, too.�
Vin_Da_DM: The kids look at Shinta oddly then chase after Fern laughing.
Claron replies, �Can�t help wishing your father and I had never missed any time with you and Clarissa.�
Tewyn smiles at Clarissa, �Now go see those parents of yours...spent enough time with me�they missed ya.�
Tabris: �Nope, but now that your older we get have to the �talk�,� Tabris smirks as he rubs his hand in Stryder�s hair.
^Shinta turns up his nose, �Damn dog.�
Luna_Faline raises my sleeve covered paw to my nose, �Damn. Need a hazmat warning on that ass.�
Kat|e stretches and rubs the back of her neck.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse waves the smell away then turns as a voice echoes from inside the tent. �All right...follow me.�
Clarissa nods her head then turns and dashes quickly over to where her parents are standing.
Vin_Da_DM: Moving forward Eclipse pushes the tent flap aside as he enters.
^Shinta moves slowly into the tent.
Luna_Faline coughs, clearing my throat as I follow Eclipse into the tent behind Shinta. I pause to allow my eyes to adjust to the light.
Vin_Da_DM: �Hey, cut that out, Dad!� Stryder says as he bats Tabris� hand away, �And I already know what the talk is about!�
Tewyn pokes Clarice, �You�re quiet over there.�
Claron tries not to laugh, �Looks like you may too late for that talk!�
Kat|e watches the twins interacting with their parents and gives a wistful sigh.
Vin_Da_DM: Inside the tent is fairly simply, the two guards are sitting at a nearby table with some food on it. Several stacks of shelves hold everyday items and two beds flank the entrance. The back of the tent opens up into the stone buildings.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse pushes past another leather flap to enter the buildings.
^Shinta motions to Luna_Faline, �After you��
Luna_Faline looks around the room briefly as I follow Eclipse, �Thank you,� I purr to Shinta.
Clarice startles from the poke, �I was just watching you with Clarissa...wishing....oh well. Some things just aren�t meant to be��
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight catches something in the air and runs off again to find it, disappear behind the tents.
Tewyn: �Hey, never count anything out�this goddess lady owes us a big favor if we pull all this off�don�t ya think?�
Clarice: �Was nice seeing you and her talking civilly for once. I suppose you are right.�
Fern watches Midnight then looking around, slowly follows after him.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse quietly enters the stone room inside the building. It is quite spacious and houses a life-sized statue at the far end. A large bowl filled with offerings is flanked by large red candles. A curtain covers the entrance to the next room.
Tewyn: �Well, I am almost her uncle, I suppose...got to treat her right.
Luna_Faline entering the stone room I study the statue.
^Shinta looks around, �Some sort of shrine I take it, Eclipse?�
Clarice smiles as she wraps her arms around Tewyn�s neck, �That you are��
Fern�s nose is to the ground and wandering round the tents, following Midnight�s scent,
Vin_Da_DM: Luna notices the statue is nude lizard-esque version of a female resembling Selenia. The curtain brushes aside as a third burly lizard enters. He looks the group over before setting his large hammer against the wall. �----old friend. Who----with you?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse smirks as he moves over the lizard and gives him a pat on the shoulder. Motioning at Shinta and Luna he nods, �Shinta and Luna ----friends of ----.�
^Shinta looks to Luna_Faline, �Seems he found that friend.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Shinta, Luna. This is a rather old friend of mine, Skellech. Sort of the local priest in these parts,� Eclipse looks at them as Skellech listens and looks like he�s trying to understand.
Luna_Faline turns from studying the statue toward Eclipse�s friend to bow.
Luna_Faline as I stand up straight my hood falls back and I twitch my ears slightly.
^Shinta looks to Skellech offering a hello friend.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech manages a fanged smile as he picks up his hammer and moves across the room, �S0----be---guide to----then? This----the two----me.�
^Shinta smiles, �He will be our guide....Hopefully giving us a one up on Inferno.�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight paws at something in a bag near the tents, managing to get it open after a few tries. Sniffing it he grabs it and begins to eat it.
Fern catching up to Midnight I sit and watch.
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight pauses after swallowing then shutters for a moment. Shaking he looks at Fern then bolts off back towards the others.
Luna_Faline smiles and nods, �Glad you can understand some of that, I�m completely lost,� I whispurr to Shinta.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse nods, �That he will��
Fern: Sniffing at the bag, I look up and twitch my nose, backing away from the bag, whining.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech motions you outside, �----a moment. Go----for me.�
^Shinta: �Luckily I pick up languages sorta quickly.�
Clarissa sits down on the ground.
Fern: Chasing after Midnight I catch up with the others and sit panting.
Luna_Faline pulls my hood back up over my ears and bows to the statue as I head for the tent flap.
Vin_Da_DM: �How long is this gonna take anyway?� Stryder says as he looks around.
Tewyn: �Lets hope they found who they went looking for...don�t think Inferno is going to wait for us�he is long out of sight.
Kat|e snorts, �Be just like him to leave us here, too.�
Vin_Da_DM: Giving a few lines to the statue Skellech nods to Eclipse then turns to leave.
Fern: Flicking into human form I approach Katie, �Midnight ate something and it smelt funny.�
Clarice: �I hope so, too. I am worried that this will turn out to be some sort of trap, one that we may not get out of.�
Kat|e: �Hmm. Wonder what it was?�
Kat|e: �This does nae sound good. Perhaps I should check the wee rogue out.� She ambles over to Midnight.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse and Skellech both leave the building and tent together, chatting away as they go.
Fern: Following after Katie I watch as she checks him out.
^Shinta follows behind listening all the while.
Clarissa takes her knife and starts etching lines into the ground.
Luna_Faline waits outside and then falls in behind Eclipse as they walk past.
Vin_Da_DM: Shinta catches them mostly discussing old stories and times from long ago.
Kat|e: �And what didja get yerself into THIS time, ya lil rascal?� She runs her fingers along his coat, checking his eyes and nose.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder notices Eclipse and the lizard approaching them, �Looks like we�re in business.�
Clarissa looks up from her etching lines as she hears Stryder�s voice.
Fern: �Find anything?� I ask Katie.
Tewyn: �Well, lets get going, we have to catch up.�
Kat|e: �No. Nothing shows yet. But we�ll have to keep an eye on him.�
Fern: �My nose still tingles, so I can�t imagine how his tummy feels.�
Clarice: �Right, ain�t know telling what else is lurking out in them Plains��
^Shinta: �Seems they have a lot of catching up to do�guess we just sit back and follow.�
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech looks over the group as he approaches with Eclipse. Grabbing something a pouch on his kilt he eats it, then speaks clearly understandable. �So, I hear you�re looking to cross the Plains?�
Clarissa stands up, �So...we just going to stay here forever?�
^Shinta: �Well, that makes things a lot easier.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse chuckles, �I had to remind him he still had it, Shinta.�
^Shinta shrugs, �Just when I was starting to catch on, too.�
Fern: Flicking into hawk form, I fly up into the sky and lazily circle round the group.
Luna_Faline shakes my head, �I don�t have a gift for language, so I�m glad he can do that.�
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech turns and starts his way out of the village, �Come along, young ones, we have quite the trip ahead of us.�
Luna_Faline looks up at Fern, �Don�t let an updraft carry you away.�
Tewyn: �Lead they way...sooner we catch up to Inferno the better.�
Fern screams in hawk�s voice, swooping down over Luna Faline�s head.
Clarissa shrugs her shoulders as she starts to follow the group.
^Shinta follows behind Skellech, �Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?�
Luna_Faline laughs at Fern, �Cute,� as she flies by.
Kat|e follows lazily, still watching Midnight carefully.
Claron follows along with Stryder and Tabris.
Vin_Da_DM: �Not at all, young one...what can an old prophet do for you?� Skellech says as he walks forward, his massive tail brushing up dust behind him.
Luna_Faline moves to walk next to Eclipse, �Glad you remembered your old friend, but how did he recognize you in this body?�
Fern: Looking ahead I fly off in the direction that the Guardian disappeared in.
Clarice moves quietly along beside Tewyn.
^Shinta: �The temple or shrine I should say...who was that a statue of?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Let�s just say it isn�t the body he sees when he looks at someone,� Eclipse says as he looks at Luna.
Clarissa begins to sneeze from the dust being kicked up.
Tewyn squeezes Clarice�s ass, �If you don�t perk up��
Luna_Faline slips an arm around Eclipse�s waist and hugs him as I walk, �I wonder what he sees when he looks at me?� I ask softly.
Vin_Da_DM: �The statue is of the divine one�� Skellech points ahead as he speaks, �It is said the divine one clashed with another powerful being. Their battle resulted in the Plains being as they are today.�
^Shinta: �Could it be?...This divine one�is the story about 1000 yrs old?�
Clarice giggles, �Now, Now... �
Vin_Da_DM: �I�m not sure...it�s something you�d have to ask him.� Eclipse replies as he looks ahead at Skellech.
Vin_Da_DM: Ahead of the group is what appears to be small poles sticking up from the ground. Skellech extends a hand in front of Shinta, �From ages past...slow yourself. You do not wish to fall.�
Clarice: �If I don�t perk up, you going to perk me up?� smiles slyly.
^Shinta slows a bit, �I see...just pondering if it is a spirit I caught wind of�one our enemy is dearly afraid of...but was told I would perish by trying to even communicate with it.�
Clarissa looks at the small poles sticking up from the ground. �Why are these sticks here?�
Tewyn: �Well now, I have to keep you suspenseful.�
Fern flies back to the group and lands, flicking into human form, �There is a lot of grass out there.�
Clarice laughs, �Hmm, you may find that a might difficult to do.�
Luna_Faline looks out at the plain and purrumbles, �I�m afraid to know the answer.�
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech looks at Clarissa and Fern, �Not grass, a trick of the mind, young one. Observe.� Skellech approaches the sticks, clearing the line that they form on the ground he looks down. From behind the sticks he appears to be looking at the ground at his feet.
Fern tilts her head as she watches.
Clarissa watches closely, �Whoa there!�
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech looks back at the group and nods. Walking forward he ends up disappearing into the ground from the view from behind the sticks.
Fern snaps upright out of her slouch.
Fern walks after him.
Clarissa shakes her head, �That�s so odd,� as she walks past the sticks.
Vin_Da_DM: As Clarissa and Fern clear the line the sticks make the view ahead changes. Leviathan sized dead trees line the Plains for miles, the ground far below looks like streaming molten earth. Ahead Skellech is calmly walking down across a massive branch of one of the trees.
Fern: Blinking I look at Clarissa, �Are you seeing what I do?�
Clarissa gasps, �Oh, looks like a place Black Inferno would find homey.�
Clarissa: �Yes, I see it too.�
Tabris: �Guess we�d better see what the fuss is about,� Tabris says as he steps after Clarissa and Fern, �Whoa��
^Shinta: �Well, here goes nothing,� stepping past the sticks.
Kat|e gives a strange look and cautiously steps past the sticks.
Claron moves up behind Tabris, �Oh, dear��
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse walks ahead and looks back at Luna, �Coming?�
Fern: Falling to my knees I look in distress at the trees.
Luna_Faline sighs heavily as Eclipse moves away, �Yes,� following him slowly.
Clarissa dashes up behind Skellech before she slows her pace down.
Tewyn looks at Clarice, �Shall we follow?�
Vin_Da_DM: As the others clear the sticks they see the view and the massive branch they are standing on. Skellech motions at you from down the branch, �An impressive sight, but come along. And watch your step, these trees are ancient.�
Fern: �They�re all dead. Why couldn�t I see them when I was flying? What happened?� I moan.
Clarice: �Of course, its not like we have much choice in the matter,� moving past the sticks and into the dead tree lined Plains.
Tewyn follows behind Clarice.
Luna_Faline looks around wondering where that devil incarnate is lurking.
Claron: �Guess you have to go past the sticks on ground and not in the air,� looking over towards Fern.
Clarice wiggles her ass for Tewyn.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks around then heads down the branch, �Long way down...into something very hot and nasty.�
Tewyn gives it a smack.
Fern: With tears running down my cheeks I look at Claron and nod dumbly.
Clarissa follows carefully along the branch.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech reaches a circular walkway carved into the tree at the base of the branch. Looking back up at the group he nods and waits.
Clarice chuckles.
Luna_Faline continues to follow Eclipse quietly, lost in thought.
Claron walks down towards Skellech controlling her own gravity as she does so.
Vin_Da_DM: �Goes on for miles in every direction except behind us�� Eclipse says as he looks at Luna, �Hard to believe Selenia would let this kind of fallout happen.�
Fern shudders and wipes off the tears then flicks into dryad form and runs full tilt down the branch towards Skellech, dodging around all in front of her, nimbly staying on the branch.
Kat|e walks cautiously across the trees until she reaches the others.
Claron whispers to Tabris as he moves closer to her, �Wonder what happened to the Guardian and Inferno?�
Luna_Faline looks back over my shoulder to where we came from when Eclipse says this. �Some things happen for a reason, and you have to let nature take it�s course. Grass always grows back greener after a fire.�
Fern: Falling at Skellech�s feet panting and keening I curl into a ball and start to rock from side to side, holding my head as if in pain.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech looks at Fern, �Do not be sad, young one�� He pats Fern on the shoulder lightly, then looks at the others. �Stay close, we have many trees to cross before we reach the lands controlled by the evil ones.�
Clarissa watches Fern, �Hey, what�s matter with you?�
Fern: �They are all dead, all dead, I can�t do this,� I mutter.
Fern: Sobbing I flick into lizard form and just lay still.
Vin_Da_DM: �I suppose they do�� Eclipse sighs, �I�ve never been further the first few sets of branches. After that, it�s all new to me.�
Clarissa bends over and picks up the lizard Fern.
^Shinta: �I�m betting Inferno is waiting for us there...he won�t pass till then, I don�t think.�
Clarissa: �Now what you want to go and do that for?�� tucks Lizard Fern into her pocket.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian rounds the circular walkway giving the group a look over, �Inferno continues ahead on a path across the lava. He said he would wait for us, but not for long.�
Vin_Da_DM: Midnight peers over the edge of the branch and whimpers as he follows the group.
Luna_Faline sees Guardian, �I don�t suppose we could get lucky and he�d fall into it?�
Claron startles, �Where did you come from?� as she sees the Guardian.
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian shakes his head, �Unlikely...seeing as how the surface is liquid and he seemed to be walking along with a decent pace.�
Tewyn: �Figures we wouldn�t get that lucky.�
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech looks at Eclipse and the others, �Inferno? If this one you speak of walks across the burning ground, then he is an evil one. Why would one wait for you?�
Luna_Faline shakes my head, �We have been cursed into helping him,� looking from Eclipse to Guardian to explain further.
Claron: �He will wait because he has some use of us. And if we don�t show, we all will die.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse nods with Claron�s explanation.
Clarissa listens before she speaks, �I wouldn�t trust him to keep his word.�
Vin_Da_DM: �I see...foul trickery is typical of the evil ones,� Skellech shakes his head before continuing on the circular path to the next branch, �The spell effects you all...except for the metal one.�
Kat|e nods, frowning.
Clarice: �Yes, a spell of death if we do not help him in his quest.�
Kat|e: �That sums it up nicely.�
Luna_Faline steps carefully as I move along the path behind Eclipse. �Yes, it does.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Unfortunately,� Stryder comments as he follows the others along the tree.
^Shinta: �But that could be the least of our worries at the moment...its the others that have and are after the item we seek which may pose more danger.�
Claron: �I don�t see how we can let him achieve his goal��
Vin_Da_DM: Guardian watches the others then begins to head forward again passing everyone, looking back he shouts. �I'll will go on ahead and track Black Inferno from above.�
Luna_Faline: �We have to let him think he has though.�
Claron nods her head, �Yes, that we must do.�
Tabris: �We can�t...we have to figure out what we�re going to do to get out of this mess,� Tabris comments.
Clarice: �And how to break this death spell of his��
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech starts on the next branch which spans across a large gap to where it connects with another tree�s branch. Glancing to the side he nods, �If we keep a steady pace and we will not have to worry about the burning-winds.�
Luna_Faline falls silent again pondering the problem.
Tewyn: �Burning winds? Well, this just gets better and better.�
Clarice looks at Tewyn, �Burning winds? I might could cool them down.�
Luna_Faline looks at Tewyn also, �And lava is melted rock.��
Tewyn: �Seems he left out a few details...go figure.�
Clarice then chuckles, �But you on the other hand, wouldn�t mind you being all hot��
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse glances to the sides then at Luna, �Hmm...I don�t recall the burning winds.�
Luna_Faline looks at Eclipse, �You said you had not been past the first few branches. Maybe that is further along the path?�
^Shinta: �Seems we better be prepared for anything.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Maybe�� Eclipse shrugs as they head onto the next branch.
Claron intertwines her fingers into Tabris� hand, �Lava is something you handle very well.�
Tabris lowers his head for a moment, �Not so much now-a-days. The suit helped out a lot.�
Claron nods her head slowly trying not to remember all that they lost when they found themselves taken from their beds what now seems like an eternity ago.
Vin_Da_DM: As Skellech reaches the link between branches he looks to either side before continuing. �My people mostly refer to this as the Plains. The evil ones say Abaddon. The ground continuing to burn with the fire that the divine one�s foe reportedly rained down upon a once beautiful forest.�
Clarice thinks to herself, �Daegriss?�
Kat|e shudders, looking down, then back up and trying to keep her balance.
Clarissa tries to remember if she ever heard of Abaddon when she was with Shaiya.
^Shinta: �So either Selenia and Daegriss had a big battle here�or it was him...and another.�
Claron: �Apparently.�
Claron: �Who�s this foe you are speaking of, Skellech?�
Claron notices Kat|e having balance issues and begins to control Kat|e�s gravity.
Kat|e smiles, �Thanks, Claron.�
Vin_Da_DM: �The legend does not say a name...merely frightening pictures of a dark creature.� Skellech says as he walks along, �The battle lasted for ages...until the divine one managed to banish her foe into a place deep within the lands of the evil ones.�
Claron smiles back at Kat|e, �Anytime.�
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech points ahead to the massive dark clouds and smoke in the horizon past the trees.
Clarice listens carefully to Skellech, her eyes turning to the horizon.
Luna_Faline looks out where he points.
Vin_Da_DM: �I�d say it�s a pretty good bet this �foe� is the dead mage Bronze is looking to resurrect.� Eclipse adds in as they go.
Clarissa thinks quietly to herself.
^Shinta: �So, you think the mage was the evil one...that�s not good at all then...that means someone even Daegriss fears, but more evil...so which poison do we choose?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder raises a brow at Clarissa.
Tabris: �This might be a case of the lesser of two evils, Shinta,� Tabris says as he holds Claron close.
Clarissa smiles.
^Shinta nods, �But if Inferno gets this box�who is to say that his master won�t resurrect his entire army from the past�then we lose what ground we�ve gained...seems we are in a lose/lose situation.�
Claron: �What...someone else?....�
Clarissa nods her head slowly sliding her hand into her pocket.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech glances back at Shinta as the reach the next tree�s pathway, �Then it would seem, young one, that you need find a way to change the situation.�
Clarissa glances over to Stryder.
^Shinta: �And with the aide of a fellow priest we just might succeed at that.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~You okay, Sis? You look a little out of it.~ Stryder tilts his head as he watches her.
Kat|e listens grimly, her concentration on her feet.
Clarissa: ~Need you next to me...NOW!~
Vin_Da_DM: �Such faith in this old prophet, then all your hope is not lost, young one.� Skellech manages a short belly laugh as he rounds the bend to the next branch.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder moves over to Clarissa looking at her, �What�s wrong?�
Clarissa pulls her hand out of her pocket and shows Stryder the lizard�~Keep it.~
Vin_Da_DM: ~She better not shit in my pocket.~ Stryder sticks his tongue out at Fern as he pockets her.
^Shinta: �Hope is never lost...its just fitting all the right pieces together at the right time�seems our time with you is now.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Luna? You okay? You seem kinda of distant.� Eclipse looks at Luna carefully and questioningly.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech heads out onto the next branch at his steady pace, �It has been some time since I have ventured to the edge of the evil ones� land. They do not take kindly to trespassers, but you seem capable of defending yourselves.�
Luna_Faline nods and shrugs softly, �I�m fine, just listening,� as I step across to the next branch.
Clarissa sighs softly, before sliding her arm around Stryder.
Luna_Faline begins to reach out to Eclipse again but stops and tucks my paws into my sleeves once more, �How far is it to the other side?� I ask Skellech instead.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech looks ahead and thinks for a moment, �Just a few more until there is a branch that leads to a path above the burning ground, then where that ends the evil ones� land begins.�
Kat|e trudges on, waiting to hear the answer.
Claron looks at Tabris, �I dunno if I wanna see what the evil lands look like.�
Kat|e: �I�m sure I don�t. But, as always, we gotta do it anyhow.�
Claron smiles sweetly at Kat|e, �Some things never change...aye?�
Kat|e: �True enough. At least we always feel useful.� She grins back weakly.
Claron chuckles, �Personally, I wouldn�t mind if I was thought of as a lil less useful.� Breaks out in a big smile.
Luna_Faline continues on lost in thought...
Kat|e: �Amen, Sister.� Katie gives a small laugh.
Vin_Da_DM: Skellech lifts his hand to the air, stopping still in his tracks as he shifts his gaze to the west, �This�this cannot be! By the divine one�make haste, young ones. The burning winds will soon be upon us!�
Vin_Da_DM: Pointing to the west he quickens his pace down the next branch. The air begins to warm with a slight breeze. As it gets hotter you notice a reddish-orange blur to the west. As it grows closer you clearly see the wave of fire ripping across the surfaces of the titanic trees heading right for you�
Vin_Da_DM: $ End