Vin_Da_DM: Previously on Warriors of Destiny: After Kuan and Arcanus� arrival onboard the Ettik the group got a view of the Dark Army using one of Arcanus� scrolls. The massive horde under Daegriss� command was a terrible sight�
Vin_Da_DM: Giving the Warriors a chance to look at his records of them Arcanus went to Alexei to help him guide the Ettik into the godly realm, bound for Aventine. Meanwhile, Clarissa continues to spite her parents, clinging to the lies that Shaiya fed her.
Vin_Da_DM: As the Ettik approached Aventine, one could see the signs of Selenia�s gathering army throughout the gleaming white city. We rejoin the crew as Ettik sets down not far from the outer walls of Selenia�s castle�
Vin_Da_DM: A low thud echoes across the ship as Ettik�s landing struts hit against the marble landing pad. Alexei�s voice comes over the com, �We�re landed...I guess.�
Vin_Da_DM: $ Start
Vin_Da_DM: Standing on the bridge Arcanus looks at the view before leaving and heading for Ettik�s docking hatch.
Vin_Da_DM: Alexei shrugs and looks out the view port, �Can�t say as we�ve ever seen anything like this before��
Luna_Faline glances out the window at Aventine. �Home,� I sigh, feeling no sense of relief.
Clarissa stands in front of one of the obsidian statues of Tabris, �Shaiya said your heart was just as black, but yet when I did everything I could to bait you...I don�t understand why you didn�t react the way I expected you would��
Vin_Da_DM: �We should get going,� Eclipse looks at Luna as he turns for hallway.
Vin_Da_DM: Out of the corner of her eye Clarissa notices one of the statues move slightly.
Luna_Faline nodding, I stand up and walk out with Eclipse.
Claron starts down the hallway in search of Tabris.
Tabris: Turning a corner Tabris notices Claron and sighs, �That girl of ours��
Clarissa: �What trickery is this?� Reaches out to touch the statue in front of her.
Vin_Da_DM: �OoooOOOoo!� The statue moves again, tottering from side to side.
Vin_Da_DM: Arcanus crosses his arms as he waits by the docking hatch, looking outside at the city. Kuan walks past him and outside.
Clarissa neo style dodges and finds herself in front of the door of the room. ~Stryder!!!!!! Help me!!!!!~
Vin_Da_DM: Clarissa feels a tap on her shoulder followed by a low �Boo!�
Claron looks at Tabris. �Oh dear! I take it you didn�t make any progress with her.�
Luna_Faline studies Arcanus as we approach him whispering, �Why don�t I remember him?� (Mostly to myself.)
Tabris: �Yelling, screaming and insulting me. If you call that progress.� Tabris shrugs.
Vin_Da_DM: �I presume the rest of the Warriors will be just as slow?� Arcanus looks at Luna and Eclipse.
Clarissa screams and beats on the door. �Let me out of here!!!!�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse shakes his head at Arcanus then pauses at the docking hatch. Looking down at the ground several meters below.
Luna_Faline: �They have free will. They are not compelled to come as we are,� moving past him with Eclipse.
Vin_Da_DM: �Hahahahahah!� Stryder�s laugh sounds from Clarissa�s bed as he sits on it, watching her. �So much for the big and tough act.�
Vin_Da_DM: Kuan looks up at Eclipse and Luna, �Just step out.�
Luna_Faline looks out at the scene before me for a moment then steps thru the hatch and lands on the ground lightly.
Claron reaches her hand out and runs her fingers through his hair...�We will just have to be patient and prove to her that Shaiya is a master at lies and deceit.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Well, that�s new.� Eclipse hops down landing as equally soft on the ground, as if he had stepped onto an even surface.
Vin_Da_DM: �Or let her beat up hunks of rock for the time being,� Tabris smirks then looks down the hall. �Guess we should go find the others.�
Clarissa jerks around at the sound of Stryder�s voice, her eyes flaming, �Oh, you think that is funny�� while stamping her foot and clenching her fists.
Luna_Faline draws a deep breath, inhaling the smell of home. I try to calm my inner fears.
Vin_Da_DM: Luna smells the regular scents of Aventine, as well as the smokes of blacksmiths.
Vin_Da_DM: �Of course not,� Stryder stands up and places a finger on one of the statues and topples it, �It was hilarious.�
Luna_Faline: �The forges are working hard,� I mumble wrinkling my nose at the smell.
Vin_Da_DM: �From all the encampments we saw from above, I�d agree.� Eclipse sniffs the air, then blinks as a set of two elephant sized golden brown dragons approach the landing pad, �Company.�
Claron gives Tabris a look that says �You didn�t� then giggles as she slides her arm around his waist, �Yes, I think we have reached our destination.�
Tabris: �I�m sure Stryder will try to help us out,� Tabris walks with Claron towards the hatch, �He takes after his old man quite a bit.�
Luna_Faline turns to face the pair.
Clarice sits quietly next to Tewyn, praying that he has forgiven her.
Vin_Da_DM: Kuan notices the dragons and walks past them, receiving short nods from the pair before they stop in front of Luna and Eclipse.
Luna_Faline: �Good day to you,� I greet the pair.
Vin_Da_DM: The dragon on the left speaks in a deep bass voice, �Good day to you. Is this all of your party?�
Clarissa moves quickly towards Stryder, jabbing him in the arm, �Why you�� then starts laughing along with Stryder� � I thought Dad left them statues here possessed, that�s all.�
Luna_Faline glancing back at the ship, �No, there are others to join us. In their own time.�
Vin_Da_DM: The right dragon looks at the ship, noticing Arcanus then looks at the other, who continues, �Ahh, I see...when are you ready we shall escort you to the castle. I am Byric and this is my brother Pyre.
Vin_Da_DM: Pyre bows his head, then looks up again.
Clarissa�s laughter settles down, �How is it you can be so friendly with them?�
Luna_Faline bows to both, �I am Luna Faline.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Possessed of what? Ore content?� Stryder looks down at the broken statue then at Clarissa, �How can you not?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse looks at the two, �Eclipse��
Vin_Da_DM: Byric studies Luna, �Yes, the Avatar. Selenia has expressed great concern over your well-being.�
Tabris and Claron clear the hatch of the ship and land on the ground behind Luna and Eclipse. Tab looks at the dragons, �Ok...the welcoming committee I take it?�
Clarissa looks thoughtfully back at Stryder, �You heard everything Shaiya told us about them just as well as I did.�
Luna_Faline nods to Tabris and Claron, �Yes, Byric and Pyre,� motioning to them each.
Clarice looks over at the silent Tewyn. �I am going to go look for the others. I hope you will join me.�
Tabris: �Ah, okay. You two big fellas can just call me Tab,� Tabris squeezes Claron softly, �And this here buxom babe is my ass-kicking, child raising wife.�
Tewyn looks at Clarice, �Go ahead�I�ll catch up��
Vin_Da_DM: Byric lets out a small sigh at Tabris� attempt at humor, then nods.
Luna_Faline takes a small step toward Byric and asks softly, �Is my mistress well?�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder pauses for a moment, then looks Clarissa in the eyes, �And did you hear the whispers in the back of your mind? The ones that said Shaiya was nothing but falsehoods and lies.�
Claron nods her head at the two big fellas, her face flushing red, �Hello.�
Vin_Da_DM: Pyre nods to Byric again and walks back towards the castle gates, Byric looks at him shortly before answering Luna, �She is, but you can see the war already changing her.�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder doesn�t wait for Clarissa to answer before continuing, �I have the feeling something important is going to be discussed...and we may wish to be present, if you decide to behave.�
Clarissa gazes back at Stryder, then meekly shakes her head, �Yes, but--but...I believed�believe Shaiya. Every time I would look her in her eyes...those voices faded.�
Clarissa places her hand on Stryder�s arm, �Brother, for you I will behave. But I am not promising that I will enjoy it!�
Clarice walks off the ship.
Vin_Da_DM: �That will have to do.� Stryder shimmers with Clarissa, reappearing outside near the others.
Vin_Da_DM: Byric looks at Clarice, then the twins. Arcanus steps out of the ship and walks past the group towards the castle.
Vin_Da_DM: Byric nods, �Who is left to wait for?�
Tewyn walks out of the room and out of the ship.
Clarissa looks around at the others, her gaze resting briefly on each one of them.
Luna_Faline looks over at the twins, �Glad you have decided to join us,� I purr warmly.
Tabris: Tabris looks over at Clarissa and smiles, then looks at Claron, �Look who decided to show up.�
^Shinta looks around to the others.
Luna_Faline: �I believe we have all that will be leaving the ship today.�
Vin_Da_DM: Byric turns around in his place, shifting his gaze over his shoulder past one of his wings, �This way, Warriors.�
Clarissa mumbles sarcastically, �Yeah, right.�
Vin_Da_DM: The dragon begins to walk towards the castle gate, the tall walls of the castle looming to the left side as you go.
Clarice stands quietly watching and hoping...
Luna_Faline glances over at Eclipse for a moment, then moves to follow Byric to the gates.
Tewyn looks up� �I never did like castles.�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse starts to walk alongside Luna, glancing around at the city noting things quietly.
Clarissa glares at Tabris and Claron, but doesn�t say a word.
Tabris: �At least we got her outside,� Tabris sighs as he and Claron follow the others.
Clarissa walks beside Stryder, secretly happy to be out of that locked room.
Clarice smiles as she hears Tewyn and follows along with the others.
Vin_Da_DM: As you walk along you notice two familiar blue dragons ahead, looking over a group of variously sized and colored dragons nearby.
Luna_Faline looks ahead at the gathering
Vin_Da_DM: Pyre sits at the back of the group, he and his brother the second largest dragons present. A large gray one with feathery wings the largest standing nearly as tall as the castle walls.
Vin_Da_DM: That�s a lot of fire-breathers,� Stryder comments as he and Clarissa walk.
Clarice: �Sure is a lot of fire power around,� as she notices all the different dragons.
^Shinta: �Guess they need all the protection.�
Vin_Da_DM: Telepi turns to notice the group and waves before hopping down and waiting in front of the open gateway. Byric moves to sit next to his brother.
Clarissa: ~Oh good, we can have a Mommy-Daddy roast.~
Luna_Faline sees Telepi and smiles with relief.
Vin_Da_DM: ~I doubt that.~ Clarissa notices the large gray dragon looking at her as she hears the voice in her head.
Tewyn: �So are we making marshmallows and s�mores later?�
Vin_Da_DM: Telepi chuckles then tips his helmet back to see better, �If you want to! This is Selenia�s finest! The Aventine Dragon Defense Brigade!�
Luna_Faline bows to Telepi, �Is Guardian here?� with a small laugh.
Vin_Da_DM: The various dragons turns their heads for a moment and watch the group.
Clarissa: ~OOPS, more telepaths around then I thought.~
^Shinta turns and starts grumbling��No, Remy you may not make a s�more out of Clarissa!�
Vin_Da_DM: A female voice sounds from the red dragon near Telepi, �I believe he�s in Council chambers with the others.�
Luna_Faline nods, �And where is my mistress? Is Selenia also in Council?� I ask Rysem.
Clarissa nods to the large gray dragon then thinks about a brick wall.
Vin_Da_DM: �A squad of dragons...that is new,� Eclipse looks at the gathered troops.
Luna_Faline gives Eclipse a curious look, �How new?�
Vin_Da_DM: ~I have no interest in your secrets, little one.~ The dragon�s voice sounds again before he looks back at Marduc.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks at Clarissa and smirks lightly.
Tewyn: �Hey, can you guys give us a joy ride later! After the s�mores, of course.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Let�s just stay it was easy to get around last time�� Eclipse gives Luna a look back.
Clarissa wonders why her brick wall trick isn�t working like it always has before.
Luna_Faline nods, hoping this will change the course of the future.
^Shinta looks back to Tewyn, �Could you not mention that snack anymore, Remy is drooling so bad, my brain is becoming water logged.�
Tabris looks at Tewyn, �I doubt they�d give us a ride anywhere.�
Vin_Da_DM: Telepi looks between Luna and Eclipse. �You going in the castle?�
Tewyn: �Well, I had to ask.�
Vin_Da_DM: Rysem looks at Luna and nods quietly, turning her head with an annoyed look as the green dragon next to her yawns loudly.
Luna_Faline looks back to Telepi, �Yes, of course. Where is Mistress Selenia?�
Vin_Da_DM: Telepi pauses, �Council chambers. She hasn�t been anywhere else for several days, save rest.�
Claron watches Clarissa with her brother and longs to be able to wrap her arms around her. Claron tightens her grip around Tabris.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Give it time, Mom...give it time.~ Stryder�s voice echoes shortly in Claron�s mind as he smiles at her, then eyes his sister.
Luna_Faline nods, �May we then?� motioning at the gate.
Tabris: �Well, we�re not getting any younger standing around, let�s go!� Tabris adds in.
Claron smiles briefly.
Vin_Da_DM: Telepi steps aside back to his place next to Marduc, �Go ahead,� Turning back to the group of dragons he barks commandingly in Draconian.
Luna_Faline starts to move thru the gate, but pauses turning toward Telepi again. �Excuse me, can I have a word with you for a moment?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse enters the castle courtyard slowly, looking around as if trying to remember it all over again.
Claron and Tabris walk through the gate.
Vin_Da_DM: Telepi turns his head, then Marduc walks over to Luna. �You may, something wrong?�
Clarice moves closer to Tewyn before heading towards the gate.
Stryder holds Clarissa�s hand as they walk thru the gate.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks up at the large gate as they enter, then around at the castle courtyard and it�s garden.
Tewyn looks over to Clarice not saying a word.
Luna_Faline leans in a little to not be overheard, �I realize there are a lot of you, and I do not mean to insult your skills. But I feel that you should keep the gate closed for Mistress� sake.�
Vin_Da_DM: �We will close it after you have entered. It was left open by Lord Arcanus� order.� Marduc looks at Luna and nods.
Luna_Faline nods, �I see, I am just worried.�
Clarice looks back at Tewyn remorsefully.
^Shinta walks thru the gate admiring the garden.
Vin_Da_DM: �No need to worry while you are here, Luna.� Marduc salutes her before returning to his position.
Claron remembers her grandmother�s and uncle�s rose gardens.
Luna_Faline bows, �I am more worried about after we leave.�
Vin_Da_DM: Selenia�s garden is just as vibrant as usual, the two-headed scorpion gardener going about it�s business. Ahead two large white tigers stand at attention to either side of the large golden doors.
Luna_Faline turns and steps thru the gate, then walks quickly up the path. Falling into step with Eclipse again, I look around trying to make a memory of the place.
Vin_Da_DM: As the group enters the castle courtyard the massive gates begin to close, giving a clang that echoes across the open area.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse notices the gardener and smiles lightly, �Well...at least some things have not changed.�
Luna_Faline: �Yes,� I purr watching him move about the garden.
Vin_Da_DM: �Halt! Who goes there!� A young tomboyish girl�s voice sounds from ahead as a short yellow dragon wearing armor 2 sizes to big points a spear at you.
^Shinta: �Aww, look at the cute lil kid��
Luna_Faline steps to the front of the group. �Luna Faline, Selenia�s Avatar, and her Warriors.�
Vin_Da_DM: Lifting her head to see under the large helmet the dragon nods, �Oh...I�m Jakuzzi! Guardian of these big doors! Wow...the Warriors!�
Tabris grins at Jakuzzi, �She is cute, I�ll give it that.�
Vin_Da_DM: �You�re doing a fine job...may we enter?� Eclipse looks down at Jakuzzi.
Clarissa notes how impressed the dragon guarding the big doors seems.
Vin_Da_DM: Jakuzzi looks at the tigers that are nearly three times her height and nods, �It�s the Warriors! Yes, yes! You can enter!� Lowering her spear she turns and knocks on the door.
Luna_Faline moves toward the doors slowly.
Vin_Da_DM: ~Now, if they were as cruel as you believed, I doubt such admiration would be shown.~ Stryder looks at Clarissa with a questioning glance.
Vin_Da_DM: The doors open slowly and Jakuzzi steps aside, giving a over-acted salute to the group, �Fear not, Warriors! I will guard these doors!�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse gives Jakuzzi a return salute with another smile then looks at Luna, �A bit young, but brave.�
Luna_Faline: �She will give her life for these doors?� Shaking my head sadly. I step thru the doors into the hall.
Clarissa: ~Maybe�~ deciding at that very moment that watching, listening and keeping her mouth closed could be very beneficial.
^Shinta looks at Jakuzzi smiling as he is walking by, �We have no doubt you will...You must be very strong to guard such a important place in this castle.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Oh, of course! Strong as...as a Warrior!� Jakuzzi giggles at Shinta.
Luna_Faline moves thru the great hall toward the Council chambers.
Clarissa: ~Brave, let RD have her for a little while.~ Stares a hole through Jakuzzi in her mind.
Vin_Da_DM: Several sets of golden armored knights line each doorway. The two in front of the Council chambers eye Luna as they open the doors. From inside you hear discussion.
Tewyn: �You got spunk, kid...I like that, we could use more like you.� Walking past and into the hall.
Luna_Faline doesn�t pause but steps into the chambers and looks around.
Clarice smiles at Jakuzzi as she walks by her.
Vin_Da_DM: Luna notices the Council chambers are similar in size to the throne room. Selenia sits at the head of a large circular table, a large magical scale model of the city and surrounding country taking up most of the surface.
Luna_Faline moves quickly around the table to kneel next to Selenia. �Mistress,� I purr softly with my head bowed.
Claron thinks... �If only Clarissa felt that way about us,� as she and Tabris enter the Council chambers.
Vin_Da_DM: Surrounding the table are several figures; an elf, a satyr, two orcs, a black haired woman, a bald man, and purple skinned woman with wings. They turn their heads to look at the Warriors.
Vin_Da_DM: �Luna, it is good to see you, please rise.� Selenia rests her hand on Luna�s shoulder and Luna feels a comforting warmth wash over her.
Vin_Da_DM: �You are well, I hope. And your companions as well,� Selenia turns her gaze to the group, �Warriors, please take a seat. There is much you must hear.�
Clarissa watches the woman touch the kitty-woman kneeling down and instantly thinks of Shaiya.
Luna_Faline raises my eyes to look at her nodding, �As well as can be expected, considering all the battles so far.�
Tewyn finds a seat.
Tabris bows his head to Selenia, not knowing what else to do, �Um...nice to see you.� Tabris moves over to a chair and pulls the one next to it out for Claron.
Clarice sits next to Tewyn..
^Shinta takes a seat looking over to the unfamiliar faces.
Vin_Da_DM: The blonde haired high-elf looks across the table at Tewyn, studying him for a moment before turning his gaze to the others.
Luna_Faline stands and bows gracefully, then moves to the seat closest to my mistress.
Claron smiles at Selenia then takes the seat that Tabris pulled out for her.
Tewyn: �Need a picture there, Blondie?�
Clarice watches the elf man studying Tewyn.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse crosses his arms and stands in between two chairs, letting the other seats fill up.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder drags Clarissa over to a chair and sits her down, then sits next to her looking at her, ~Behaving, as you promised.~
Vin_Da_DM: �I believe introductions are in order,� The Guardian adds as he enters the Council chambers with battered scroll.
Tabris: Sitting next to Claron, Tabris studies the table�s residents.
Vin_Da_DM: Moving to his seat the Guardian looks around, the motions to the Satyr, who stands.
Clarissa wants to fight back, but contains herself as Stryder drags her. ~Yes, Brother dear...I will keep my promise to you, but only to you...for now.~
Vin_Da_DM: �General Ashren, leader of the Cavalry forces,� the Satyr bows his head then takes his seat as the elf next to him rises.
Vin_Da_DM: �Prince Lysander, I oversee m�lady�s Scouts.� The elf gives Tewyn a look before sitting.
Luna_Faline looks at Guardian and lowers my head, feeling suddenly unworthy to be there. �I have let them down� I think to myself.
Tewyn mumbles softly, �Where�s your tiara?�
Claron glances over at Clarissa and Stryder, happy that Clarissa seems to have some control over her actions.
Vin_Da_DM: The two orcs rise, the muscular one wearing plate-mail nods, �Neroosh and my daughter Raven. General of the Legion.�
Clarissa notices the look the elf gives Tewyn. ~He seems to have some reservations about Tewyn.~ Clarissa smiles.
Vin_Da_DM: The woman with black hair rises, giving Luna a glance, �We�ve met before, but for the others I am Paladin Vala. I would be high priestess and leader of the Paladins.�
Clarice finds herself getting irritated with the blonde-elf�s looks at Tewyn.
Vin_Da_DM: Vala motions to the bald man with tattoos next to her, who rises, �This is Brother Mhenlo, who oversees the city�s healers.�
Vin_Da_DM: Lysander looks at the others, giving Clarice a questioning look as he notices her.
^Shinta: �Does he not speak�or is he under a vow of silence?�
Luna_Faline nods to Vala, then looks at Mhenlo briefly, my gaze returning to my paws in my lap.
Vin_Da_DM: Mhenlo and Vala sit as Vala replies to Shinta, �He does not speak in a tongue you would understand, so he does not disrespect you by doing so.�
^Shinta: �Guess I�ll have to learn his language sometime then.�
Vin_Da_DM: Mhenlo gives a nod to Shinta as well as three quick glances to the air around Shinta, clearly seeing the spirits with him.
Clarice tilts her head as Lysander gives her the questioning look and mumbles low enough for Tewyn to hear, �Wish he would just say what it is he is thinking.�
^Shinta returns the nod.
Tewyn: �Don�t worry he will...one way or another.�
Vin_Da_DM: The last person stands, the purple-skinned woman. She looks over the Warriors with dim white glowing eyes and speaks in a very soft but attention-grabbing voice.
Vin_Da_DM: �You mortals may refer to me as Maeve...I manage that which m�lady cannot, and that is all you shall hear.� Maeve sits and returns to her silence.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse leans in close to Luna and whispers softly, �I think I know her...she�s a good soul but very deep in Black Magic�s.�
Luna_Faline glances at Selenia, when the word �mortals� is spoken. I hear Eclipse�s whisper and nod slightly.
Tabris looks around with a nod, �From the looks I�m getting, I�m guessing you all already know who we are.�
Vin_Da_DM: �Yes, they have been informed,� Arcanus adds in from his spot at the table.
Clarice places her hand softly on Tewyn�s thigh, squeezing it gently.
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder looks around the room, arching a brow when he notices Kuan meditating off in the corner.
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian rests the scroll on the table top and waves a hand at the magical map. A clear-black layer spreads across several of the neighboring lands near Aventine, �Now, to the matters at hand.�
Tewyn looks over to Clarice.
Luna_Faline leans toward the table to look at the map.
Vin_Da_DM: �Avalon, Serino, Tarris and the Borderlands have been seized by the Dark Army.� The Guardian motions again as a light blue layer spreads across the rest of the map, several areas flashing red.
Clarice feels Tewyn looking at her but doesn�t return the glance nor remove her hand.
Vin_Da_DM: �Our forces span this section but these regions will fall within a week if we cannot find a way to bolster our forces.�
Luna_Faline whispurrs, �They�re so close.�
Vin_Da_DM: Neroosh huffs before he speaks, �The Legion cannot maintain a solid force if we are spread thin. I believe we should let them know why they are here.� Neroosh turn his gaze to the Warriors.
Claron: �Yes, please do.�
Tewyn: �Well, that would be nice.�
Vin_Da_DM: Selenia speaks softly from her seat, �Yes, Guardian if you would please. The day grows long and I require rest.� Standing Selenia rests her hand on Luna�s shoulder, �Your thoughts are troubled, please come with me.�
Clarice: �And while you are at it I liked to know what it is that has �Blondie� giving my gray elf such looks?�
Vin_Da_DM: Selenia eyes Eclipse as well before she walks off disappearing behind a white curtain at the end of the hall.
Luna_Faline stands and follows Selenia without a word. I move behind the white curtain as well.
Vin_Da_DM: Lysander sighs lightly, �If you must know. I did not expect to see a dark elf among your ranks. But if he is as skilled as told, we can use the support.�
Tewyn: �Wouldn�t be here if it were otherwise�would I?�
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian eyes Tewyn and Lysander before speaking, �We have much to ask of you I�m afraid. While the Council must remain here to manage the war, we require you to seek out various things.�
Clarice: �Are you certain that is all?� asking with doubt in her voice.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse wanders into the backroom behind Luna, wondering what this was about.
Tewyn: �OH, a treasure hunt!�
Vin_Da_DM: Inside Selenia�s chambers Luna notices the goddess sitting on her glowing white bed, �My dear, Luna. Tell me of your troubles.�
Claron: �Just like we used to do,� whispers to Tabris.
Claron: �What kind of things?�
Vin_Da_DM: Crossing his arms as he stands the Guardian continues, �To assist in this task I will be coming with you. First, we must find additional soldiers, without them we may lose.�
Luna_Faline falls to my knees with my head in her lap, �Oh, Mistress, I have messed up everything. Lord Daegriss knows most of our gifts and weaknesses because of me,� I cry. �And I dreamt of your death, I was here and couldn�t do anything to help you. I couldn�t feel you in my soul and it scared me.�
Vin_Da_DM: �There are also certain weapons in the mortal realm that may aide us against Daegriss� dark powers. And, as you have no doubt seen, there is a Knight who possesses the ability to restore it�s allies. We must stop this.�
Vin_Da_DM: �You could not predict the movements of Daegriss, Luna. Even I do not know all he has planned.� Selenia holds her arms around Luna, �Eclipse has told you of these dreams of the past. And I understand how they frighten you.�
Tewyn: �Just point me toward the fight.�
Luna_Faline nods, �I also have a fear of betrayal from within our group.� I whisper wiping my face with my paws.
Vin_Da_DM: �Ha! Not a day here and already he�s ready for combat, that�s the spirit!� Neroosh pounds his fist on the table with a short chuckle.
Tewyn smiles, �Fighting is what I do best.�
^Shinta watches over the discussion��And what of these things we must acquire?�Surely they are more than just mortal weapons?�
Vin_Da_DM: �Yes. I know of the troubled mind amongst you, but take heart, Luna. For when it matters most, good will prevail over betrayal.� Selenia touches Luna�s cheek softly, before looking at Eclipse. �You do not have to hide in the shadows as you once did.�
Clarice chuckles then whispers, �That�s not the only thing you are the best at.�
Vin_Da_DM: Looking to Shinta the Guardian shrugs, �I�m afraid I do not know. We will have to find them before we can determine their uses.�
^Shinta: �Then this shall be intriguing.�
Vin_Da_DM: Maeve�s soft yet prominent voice sounds, �Make haste, Guardian. The darkness spreads with every passing moment��
Clarissa starts to laugh, �You are sending them on a treasure hunt and you don�t even know what they are looking for! Now that�s funny!�
Vin_Da_DM: Stryder narrows his gaze and smacks Clarissa on the shoulder, �You said you�d behave!�
Luna_Faline sighs, �Mistress, what do I do now?�
^Shinta eyes Clarissa, �You cannot find that which you do not seek, or is not ready to be found.� Looking over to Claron and Tabris.
Clarissa cringes from the smack. �I AM behaving...I just think that�s hilarious,� trying not to burst out laughing again.
Vin_Da_DM: �Go. Help the others in their tasks,� Selenia stands and helps Luna rise to her feet as well, �And Shadow Walker,� she looks at Eclipse, �Keep close and guard her well. I feel the two of you have bigger parts to play then you realize��
Clarissa looks back at ^Shinta, his words speaking volumes to her.
Vin_Da_DM: The Guardian looks at the other Council members and nods, �Very well. Warriors you have a day to gather what provisions you require from the city before we shall leave. I will meet you at your ship tomorrow.�
^Shinta nods, �We shall see you tomorrow then.�
Luna_Faline takes Selenia�s hand and stands, �Will you give me your blessing again, Mistress?�
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse looks confusingly at Selenia and Luna but bows his head, �As you wish.�
Vin_Da_DM: A few of the Council members stand and watch the group. The Guardian motions to two of the armored knights by the door. �These men will show you to your quarters in the castle.�
Vin_Da_DM: Selenia places her hand over Luna�s and holds it softly, �You have all the blessings I can give, and to replace what was lost�� As Selenia removes her hands another sai appears in Luna�s hand. �Now go, your friends await.�
Clarissa: ~That�s it Stryder! Shinta�s right, if I don�t take the time to discover our parents, then I can�t find out what is really the truth...but...I don�t know if I am ready�~
Tewyn stands and looks over to the other elf, �And, Blondie...I am that good.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~No better time to start then the present.~ Stryder stands and walks over towards the guards.
Vin_Da_DM: Lysander watches Tewyn, �Let us hope so��
^Shinta heads toward the door.
Vin_Da_DM: The armored guards turn and head out into the main hallway, waiting in the center for the group to follow them.
Clarice stands next to Tewyn, �Without a doubt,� pipes in.
Luna_Faline looks at the sai and nods, �Thank you, Mistress.� I bow and turn back to the Council room.
Vin_Da_DM: Eclipse follows after Luna, giving a look to Selenia before he leaves the room.
Tabris stands and holds Claron�s hand, �Wonder if they�ll give us a couples room again.�
Clarissa stands up glancing over at Claron and Tabris. ~Don�t rush me, you know how I hate that!~
Luna_Faline studies the new sai as I follow the group thinking about what she told me. I glance over at Eclipse and then tuck the sai into the top of my boot. �I won�t lose it again.�
Vin_Da_DM: ~Good, little one. You are learning.~ Clarissa hears in her mind.
Vin_Da_DM: As the group leaves the Council chambers the doors close as you begin to hear raised voices and discussion again. Ahead the two guards move across the hall to another, leading you to the castle quarters.
Clarissa follows after Stryder, Shinta�s words still echoing in her mind.
Vin_Da_DM: With war looming at the edges of Selenia�s kingdom you have been given tasks that will hopefully aide in the fight to come...but the future is always changing. And a new day brings new troubles to an already troubled land.
Vin_Da_DM: $ End