The Battles of Haven: RP

[Mistress Sheena]

Shino just stood there and blinked as Drake wrapped his hands around her and hugged her. She lightly flushed and patted his head. He released her and babbled about. He asked a lot of questions and let out a huge weight that he seemingly held for a long time.

“Drake…” she sighed. She looked around and led him inside to catch up and answer any questions he had in store for her. She stretched and sighed. She just woke up from a nap and everything had happened so quickly.

The mention of Raven’s name haunted the depths of her mind and caused her to release tears from her subconscious. She ran a finger across her cheek and felt it.

I wonder why I’m crying.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and concentrated on the questions and the rumors.

“…What rumors have you heard about me?” she answered a question with a question.

“It’s more a case of what haven’t I heard. Everything from betrayal and magic to your unannounced execution, and then some. I’ve been chasing down leads one after the other but I have to be careful; I’m sure Yulaii suspects something.” Drake rubbed his temples again; just thinking of all the subterfuge he’d done gave him a headache. It was a bloody miracle no one had found him out yet. He could only pray his luck held out until Raino settled down again.

Shino's expression changed from aloof to serious. This was no time to play a roll.

"Execution, betrayal, and magic," she trailed off in thought. "Well, I don't know any magic so I'm not sure how that rumor was spread. Betrayal..." the same scene played again in her head from her dream and tears fell silently.

"...I was betrayed, alright. We all were."

“Betrayed? By who, and why? There was never an official report issued on the incident, but if anyone besides you knows about this…”

"Of course there wasn't a report. Nobody was left alive to give one. I-It...all happened so fast ..." her memories started to flush back all at once by talking with Drake. The memories were horrible and caused her to cry.

"...Last thing that happened was a huge bloody massacre. One of the team's units betrayed us and worked for the enemy all along. We got ambushed by a huge army. I just got so angry and felt so used..." she punched the air.

"After that, everything was a blur. Last thing I remember was an older woman attempting to protect and restrain me. I don't remember her face, all I remember was that after she grabbed onto me, I stabbed her... and then I heard her voice and had a nervous breakdown after I realized what I had done." she was traumatized again after her locked memories flooded back. Yet again she suffered the wrath of her greatest sin.

"...I killed her. ..The only person in the whole squad that cared enough to try and help me.... is gone." she lifted her head and stared at the ceiling.

"...And so, I then realized there was a bloody massacre. I looked at my Katana and they were both full of blood. I... killed everyone. I'm nothing but a fucking murderer."

“Shino…” Drake lightly gripped her shoulder, providing what little comfort he could to her. He felt like crying himself, but he had to be strong. For Shino and for Raven. “What happened that night wasn’t your fault. We’ll find out what happened together, okay? I’ll see this through with you. I promise.”

He flashed her that winning smile he’d always used to talk them out of trouble when they were younger, hoping to lighten the mood a little.

Shino bit her lower lip after seeing the infamous winning smile she used to see ages ago. She couldn't help but grin back.

“But.. to lighten things up and change the subject, a lot has happened at my last job. Something that no one will ever believe…” she slapped her forehead and sighed.

“Why do I always get into these types of situations? This is the second time, I swear!"

She looked at Drake and shook her head. “Will you believe me?”

“You forget who you’re talking to, my dear,” Drake said with a laugh. “After the things I’ve been through, I’ll believe just about anything is possible. What did you do this time?”

She went back to aloof state and raised an eyebrow. "Alas, it was not me this time. It was actually the captain of the falcon and good Mr. Ramirez. Heard of him?"

“I’ve heard the name but not much else. Rumor has it he’s been declining escorts from the air division recently, though that isn’t unusual at this time of the year.”

"Well, he was behind the hijacking of the ship. He had two key lackeys that made a deal with the Captain. Apparently it's something secret because it required a code only one of the crew members knew, which, I memorized because I hid and watched as much as I could."

“Sounds like contraband to me, but there’s always the chance it could be something worse. I’ll see what I can find out at the base.”

"Be careful, though. There's another survivor out there besides me. I sent her to Jordale on the other lifeboat. She may very well have been framed with the charges that Ramirez should be charged with; murdering the crew and blowing up the ship."

"If that's the case, then we have to go find her before this gets out of hand. I'll let you know what I find."

"I'll be around."

She still memorized that important code she heard when she was back on the Falcon, witnessing what went on with the Captain and Ramirez. Now that Drake appeared, she had to find out the truth about what went on.

[Acheron]

Both Thomas and Zajan were now regretting coming to the ruins all together once they realized that the airship they came in was further away then they both had remembered. Neither of them were out of shape, in fact Zajan had won the fitness contest in his unit a couple of weeks ago but for today, on his birthday, the last thing that he wanted to do was walk across some plains in order to get back to the airship. Thomas was in shape but Zajan knew it was only a matter of time before his younger friend either starting asking questions or bringing up subjects that Zajan really didn't have any desire for, sometimes he wondered why Thomas had decided to join the military. They were about ten minutes away from the small airship when Tom started on what Zajan feared, more conversation that really didn't have much of a point about anything.

"So do you really think that we won't be around in a year Sir, you think things are going to be that bad?", Thomas spoke with his usual worried tone.

"It was a joke Tom, calm down. I just meant by it that who knows if we'll be around here in the kingdom, more than likely we'll both be in different corners of the world."

"I guess that's good for you though Sir, isn't it? I mean almost all the Admirals are fanatic about you and you pretty much are a master with that sword of yours..."

Zajan frowned at the ass-kissing from Tom, "The Admirals like me but that's because I follow thier orders and I do it quick. As for being a master? I'm pretty good but I still have much to learn, as any of us do. It might be good for me, it might, all I know is that I'm tired of sitting around, I mean that's really all we're doing. I want something to do, a good assignment for once, lord knows I've earned it."

Both of them continued thier march to the airship, which was now moments away. Once they were on board, it wouldn't be too long before they were in the air and headed towards the capital.

[Musicmuse]

Kaleel and Celedonna had gone to bed hours ago but Valeria, however, found that sleeping was impossible. She had spent the entire night wriggling around in her bed trying to find a comfortable position. Now it was the dead of night and still she wasn't even close to falling asleep. Valeria exhaled loudly and propped herself up in her bed.

The Inn they were staying at in Reesa was quiet and peaceful, and it made Valeria feel even more restless. She crept into the sitting quarters of the family's spacious room and plopped down into a large overstuffed chair. Her schoolbooks had been re-packed by her parents after she had deliberately hid them under her bed back home, and they sat underutilized on the far table, the gentle moonlight sprawling over the thick covers and even thicker spines.

"I guess there's nothing better to do," Valeria muttered unhappily as she thumbed through a few pages in her 'Spellbound' textbook.

There were hints and tips on performing all sorts of basic spells, but Valeria found that she only really cared to learn spells that intrigued her. She had excelled in the healing arts, but found herself still struggling to keep up in her enchantments. She read over the page on enchanting simple objects and then focused her attention to a candlestick and book of matches nearby. She closed her eyes and went over the instructions again in her mind. When her eyes opened, they were focused and narrow. She stared at the matchbook and tried to will it to rise into the air. A minute passed and nothing happened, but Valeria was determined to light this candle. She focused even harder and could actually feel the blood coursing through her body from the intensity.

But still no response. Valeria swore under her breath, snatched up the matchbook, and tossed it across the room. It sailed through the air and skid across the ground, sliding underneath the family safe on the opposite side of the room.

Valeria unclenched her fists, not even realizing she had gripped them together so tightly in the first place, and rose to retrieve the matches. She was sure that her finicky parents would somehow notice even a misplaced matchbook. She knelt down and swiped her hand quickly underneath the safe, grabbed the matches, and sat back to let her anger settle.

Valeria studied the safe for a moment, then noticed that something was missing. Usually the safe had a golden aura surrounding it - her father's magical seal that kept anyone from breaking in - but tonight the seal had been overlooked, and naturally Valeria's curiosity was just too great to overcome. She had cracked dozens of safes before, and without Kaleel's seal her family's safe was hardly a challenge.

The door creaked open and sitting inside was a single item: a velvet satchel. Valeria reached into the safe and cautiously pulled the satchel out from it's place of safety. She untied the drawstrings and opened the little bag to satiate her curiosity.

Inside, nestled against the velvet lining was a very strange circular coin. It had a grooved edge and etchings that looked like some ancient language. Set in the middle was a beautiful sapphire that was driven right into the heart of the coin. The moonlight seemed attracted to the sapphire, and as she held the coin in her hand it seemed to grow warm in her grip. She wasn't sure why this coin was important, but obviously to be put into the family safe it must have some purpose.

Her father let out a snort in his sleep and Valeria snapped back to reality and replaced the coin in the satchel, putting the satchel back into the safe. She stood up, placed the matchbook back onto the table next to the still unlit candlestick and headed back to bed. Her mind was inquisitive, but Valeria found that now her eyes were starting to grow heavy and figured she could probably get to sleep. She'd worry about the coin in the morning.

[Fehrant]

Kaysha who was arguing with a ship merchant turned her head at the cry for help. She smacked her forehead, realizing she had left the helpless girl to her own devices. The girl tried to free herself, but it only backfired as a hit in her side sent her right to the ground. The girl quickly got to her knees, almost defiant.

Captain Ral'Antar grinned. "She's got spunk." Ral'Antar walked slowly towards the guard, but the higher ranking officer pointed a sword at her. "Not another step, pirate;" he warned. "Do not meddle in affairs that are none of your concern."

Kaysha raised her hands trying to come out clean. "Matey, like yer be say'n, I be pirate. I'll be damned if I be help'n such a helpless brat, ye bloody idiot. Though if the girl needed save'n, I'd just kick ye in the balls, an' whack the other son o' a fat wench."

The guards laughed nervously. Ral'Antar face suddenly changed to surprise, as she raised her arm, pointing to somewhere behind the two men. "Avast! That be Lord Ramirez!" She cried.

The two guards turned around, ready to face their commander. One of them got a boot in the nuts, and the other was whacked in the face. "Har har har," laughed the hearty pirate. "Yer be a hundred bloody years early to take on me, lads!"

Taking the girl by the arm, Captain Ral'Antar made a run for it. She looked for possible routes of escape, when she noticed the ship merchant looking rather reluctant to be near the situation. She considered stealing a boat right there, but it would take a whole crew to man the ship and have it fly out of here quickly. She ran instead towards the heart of the city, the more populated area where the markets were plentiful. Guards eventually showed up ensuing the chase. Kaysha shoved people out of the way, guards almost tripping on those unfortunate enough to cross paths with the non so refined captain.

"Move yer arses, bloody fools!" She shouted, and she pushed people aside.

They reached a statue of what appeared to be the physical center of the town. Out of the crowd of buyers and sellers guards started to surround the couple. Kaysha spotted an anchor stand, and lunged at it before the guards could manage to surround them. She shoved the girl underneath the stand, ignoring the pleas of the merchant to take their fight elsewhere. She grabbed a small anchor that had a short rope tied to it as a sample, and started spinning it, whacking guards foolish enough to attempt to come closer. Now it was four against one. They all charged in unison, but Kaysha ducked, arcing the rope and anchor to sweep them to the ground.

Getting a hold of Skye again, she continued escaping. Two guards suddenly appeared in front of her, but she used the momentum of her sprint, grabbed the girl by her two arms, and swung her on the air, making her legs kick the guards in their faces. Skye landed a bit roughly, but the tactic had been effective enough. "So yer useful after all!" Kaysha jested.

The markets started to narrow down in amount as they reached the non-merchant section. They hid in a small crevice betwen two houses, letting the inattentive guards ran past. "We be need'n a ship. We wait here, and I will 'borrow' one when the scurvy dogs get off our arse."

[DragonHeart]

As he was leaving, Drake caught a glimpse of movement around the corner. Frowning, he glanced back at Shino.

“You be careful too, all right? If even one of these implications can be confirmed, you will be a major target for both Yulaii and Triaan. Watch your back.”

Advise he too would take to heart. He didn’t like the situation at all. Too many unknowns, too many unseen threats. Even if he wanted to, he doubted he’d be able to back out now. Just what had they gotten themselves into?

He found out all too soon.



“Hey Drake, where you been? If the General finds out you’re chasin’ skirts on duty he’ll have your sorry hide!”

“You’re not one to be talking, Kai,” He sat down, grinning at his comrade as he signaled a barmaid for a drink. He took the offered mug and nodded his thanks at the woman, watching her return to the bar. Luckily, their usual table was the back corner. Glancing around to make sure no one was near, he leaned forward. Kai followed suit.

“Listen, I need your help. You’ve heard of the incident with the Falcon, right?” Kai nodded. “Good. I need the real official report on it as soon as possible, as well as the follow-up. Can you do that for me?”

“Drake…we’ve been friends for a long time now. You know what you’re asking. I don’t like this any more than you do but a case like this isn’t a normal access record.”

“I know. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t need it. Please.”

“Oh all right, don’t give me that look.” Kai finished off his ale with one swallow and slammed it on the table. “It’ll be tough and I can’t use the normal channels but I’ll get your damned reports.”

“Thanks, Kai.”

“Don’t thank me yet, you’re payin’. Hey, bartender! Gimme another special!”

[Hyzenthlay]

Her las words had barely left captain Ral'Antar's lips when a rustle came from the narrow passage they stood in. Skye turned futily brandishing handcuffed fists, stood before was a man garbed in a black uniform. His uniform was that of Valaian navy not army, as he stepped into the light and his features showed Skye felt more tears well up, but this time with relief and Joy.

"Uncle Lawrence, thank Alanthil you are here. I've been framed" she blurted out feeling stupid.

"I know. Why'd you think I came, for a giggle? Come with me, both of you" he turned and led the way into a small bar at the end of the narrow alley, once inside he sat down at a nearby table that was covered with a wall of wood and painted glass,

"Please, sit" asked Lawrence again,

Skye sat opposite but the pirate girl stood defiant before going to the bar for a beer. Lawrence looked at Skye then at the handcuffs she wore on her wrists, he shook his head.

"I can't pretend to know whats going on Skye, that would be a stupid thing to assume. However I can tell you one thing, I know you didnt kill Barry" he looked around as Skye flinched at hearing captain Lialli's name being mentioned,

"I-I can't explain what went on. I can't, you wouldnt believe me even if I did" she said to him turning her gaze to a small blue ashtray which sat proudly centered on the tabletop.

"Good grief, I don't want to know, you know me. I'd try to save the day, its more than this old man can take" Lawrences face retained a look of sorrow, "I cannot even begin to comprehend what you have seen, or lost young lady. All I know is that this world has something in it right now, I'm not sure what, but I know its there" he sighed and turned the edges of his silvery beard with his fingertips.

"Uncle Lawrence. You must protect the king, you must" blurted out Skye again, she suddenly felt quite foolish at telling a royal VR admiral what to do.

"Believe me, I will not leave his side" she felt his hand on her shoulder, as she looked up as he beckoned his head towards the pirate woman, "I will give you a small ship, Captain Kaysha Ral'Antar there can have it after she's helped you. Get to Raino, get your things and hide. It's not safe here, theres a ship waiting in the third dock, its all yours." his eyes darted back to her, his look was of such overpowering sincerity that Skye would have listened to anything his wise face told her.

Skye simply nodded and went to stand before she could Lawrence grabbed her arm again, he looked at her his gaze unwavering and spoke three words,

"Save the senators" with that he stood and raised his hood walking from the bar.

Skye felt confused to say the least, she knew exectly what he meant but not how to do it and why. She stood throwing the thought around for possible meanings before turning to Kaysha,

"Kaysha, we have a ship, shall we go?"

Kaysha turned back to him and grinned with a pint in her hand, she leaned heavily showing her confidence and nodded,

"Bloody great, lass! Move yer arse already!"

Skye couldnt help wish she had the kind of confidence her new-found friend did. She suddenly realised being wanted and seen in restrains may look a tad out of the ordinary, so she slid her sleeves down and moved her hands closer together. She had o get these bonds off before she got to Raino, in a village of that size it wouldnt take long to spot them. Side by sid ethey walked down the streets of Jordale, dodging merchants and traders as they went. Skye kept her head low but Kaysha simply bounded down head held high as if she didnt have a care in the world. When they finally reached dock three they boarded a small trade ship laden with fruits, no crewmen were aboard and Kaysha went right awy to the helm and called for Skye to bring up anchor. Again Skye felt like a lacky, but what could she do but follow these orders. She couldnt very well take teh ship herself she didnt have the first idea of how to run a ship. Night crept in and the gentle breeze blew Skye' hair like shafts of golden moonlight, she stood on the port side looking up at the stars, she was in a daze and unthinking she sang sweetly to herself, she had always done this to calm herself whenever she was nervous. Still wearing her uniform yet only underneith a long black coat with a grey trim. She watched the stars, unthinking.

It took several hours to reach Raino, this was due to them taking a long way round to avoid patrols, thats alot of time of just staring, trying not to think about a big catastrophy like she had experianced. When she finally reached the small village port Skye felt her heart lighten and she snapped out of her stupor and stepped from the boat looking around, she should visit her parents first. Without thinking more about it she sprinted in the direction of her house, as she did she noticed two VR knights just enter into a bar nearby and panicked, she had completely forgot about them occupying here, they probably wanted her too. She decided to keep low. Her clothing nearly making her invisible in Raino twililight, yet trying to move without being heard by night watchmen was difficult. with her hands still bound she felt the steel cut into her skin as she trie dto stop them from rattling thus minimizing noise. As she approached her house she saw the lights were all on, highly unusual for her parents who usually went to bed fairly early to get up for the farm in the daybreak hours. She walked over slowly and rapped her knuckles on the wood gently.

[Musicmuse]

Valeria woke up the next morning with the velvet satchel still on her mind. She threw off her covers and slipped out of bed, hastily putting on her many necklaces and trinkets and roughing up her hair quickly to give it a bit of volume. Her mother and father were preparing to go meet the Pope, and they hadn't even bothered to wake her up.

"Are you leaving?" she asked rhetorically, already seeing that they were practically out the door.

Celedonna nodded, saying "We have an audience with the Pope, Valeria. We can't very well keep him waiting."

Valeria noticed that her mother's usual gentle tone seemed strained today. Upon inquiring if she was going with her father Kaleel was quick to inform her that this was a private meeting and she would have to occupy herself while they were gone.

"Without supervision?" she asked suddenly, immediately regretting having said anything. Surely her parents would have some sort of plan worked out to keep their wild daughter in check.

"We assumed you were meeting with that monastery boy," Celedonna replied shortly as she checked her appearance in the mirror.

"Well, I am, but..." Valeria's voice trailed off. Her parents weren't even paying attention to her answer. She suddenly felt very confused and worried that her parents were unusually anxious about this audience with the pope. Her mother whisked Kaleel out the door and as the door was closing Valeria called out "Forgetting something?"

Celedonna peered back into the room. She shook her head from side to side to indicate that everything was as planned, so Valeria tried a roundabout question to find the answer she was looking for.

"Don't you usually have a present for Senator Frenze?" she asked as nonchalantly as she could. She was hell-bent on finding out what that coin was for. Celedonna told Valeria that she had already presented the senator with a gift the day before, and went to leave again.

"Then what's in the satchel?" Valeria blurted out.

The door swung open very slowly. "In the --" Kaleel started, stepping past Celedonna. "Valeria, you are overstepping your boundaries. You'd do better to not busy yourself with things that don't involve you."

And with that the door swung shut and Valeria was left alone and feeling awful. Her parents had spoken to her with anger before, but it was rare that they were so secretive. She looked back at the safe and saw that her father's seal was glowing dimly, protecting the contents once more. Valeria shrugged off the scolding and decided she would get ready to meet Xadir.

[Mistress Sheena]

Shino decided to leave her house and head for the docks and watch for suspicious actions that would take place. After several hours of stake out had passed, a small airship landed in the dock and a cloaked figure ran out ahead. Nightfall had struck and the cloaked entity nearly passed Shino’s detection.

She decided to trail the mysterious person to see what they were up to at such a late hour. But then she stopped and realized that it was too dark out to actually recognize them anyway. She sighed and went to the tavern and hoped that it wasn’t closed. Shino had inkling to quench her thirst.

She made her way to the tavern and saw that it was still open, even at this late an hour. She walked in and sat at an open table. Her stomach growled as she ordered a meal and a large beverage. She had the hunger of a lion that night and ended up ordering another meal. With her stomach full, she became content and paid the bill. She headed out and decided to jog around the village in stealth mode to burn off the calories she ate just a moment ago.

After several minutes of jogging, she headed back home to her house. She stepped her foot in the door and yawned immediately. She headed to her room and plopped onto her bed. She looked up at the ceiling and yawned. Her eyes closed and whisked the rest of the night away.

[Hyzenthlay]

Skye was sure she had heard a stealthy person follow her from the dockland but now, looking around in the dark, she saw nobody. She smiled at her own nerves and shook her head. She didnt have to wait long before her motehr opened the door teary eyed and speechless at the sight of her youngest daughter. She took Skye into her arms and held her tight, Skye wrapped her arms around her mothers hefty figure. She buried her face into her warm skin and felt herself tear up. Her mother must have been waiting up since the crash for her. They stood there for several minutes untill Skye heard her fathers voice call from the kitchen in an aggitated tone,

"Margarete close that ruddy door, I'm catching a death of cold here woman" Skye felt her mood instantly lift at her fathers attitude, he had always made her laugh, acting as if her mother actually listened to him. Skye knew that he'd give anything to see her mother happy.

"Oh hush Jack, we have a visitor" smiled her motehr leading the way inside, her mother was wearing her hair in a bun an a quaint flowery dress, the gray curls of her hair had always been the subject of teasing by her and her sister. For that reason it was a very hurtful thing for Skye to notice so she looked at the floor all the way to the living room.

When she entered the room she saw her father sat in an armchair in the far corner reading a newspaper, the wrinkles of his face and his big handlebar mustache were covered with the story of the crash, it read 'Graceful Falcon?' It made Skye mad to see a pun about it she clenched her fists. Her fathers slippers crossed over eachother and he lowered the paper.

"Skye, thank Alanthil. But, where is Erin?" he asked, but he didnt need an answer as he saw Skye lower her head, "Ah, I see." he said again, "still lass, it is a fine sight to have at least on of you back home safely. Wake your brute of a bother will you. He's been worried sick" he said pointing to a mass of muscle in the corner,

Skye walked over to Daarzil and shook him lightly, when he didnt wake up she poked him hard with her left index finger, the burly teenager shot up. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked around in a trance.

"What is it admiral, are we under attack?" he said looking around as if on a rehearsed alert.

Skye almost laughed but she could hear her parents whispers faintly, they were talking about Erin and it made Skye feel terrible. Daarzil then rubbe dhis eyes and looked blankly at Skye as if he still hadn't registered her being there, he blinked stupidly a few times before talking to her in his deep voice.

"Skye?" he inquired, "you're safe?" he said looking into his big sisters eyes, his blonde hair resembling a haystack and his blue eyes were lost in a sea of fringe.

"I've looked everywhere since the report, they gave me compassionate leave, you know?" as if he realised he were wittering on he stopped talking about it and hugged her.

"I'm fine, but" Skye began, she felt the familier lump in her throat and her yes welling up, a common place for her as late, "but Erin, she didnt make it" she said. She felt his huge muscular arms tighten around her and she knew how he felt.

Daarzil sighed and pulled back out of the hug, he flattened his hair and pushed his fringe to the side so that she saw his watery eyes.

"I bet she went down fighting though, eh?" he said with a proud smile, "I bet she fought to the last" he added.

Skye smiled and nodded, she too felt a sense of pride at her last glance at her older sister taking up the captains sword battered and bruised but still fighting. Daarzil rose to his feet, behind him sat his VR uniform next to his fathers, though his was only a trainee armour. She looked at him and smiled,

"You finally got into VR?" She said, the pride welled up inside her.

He scratched the back of his head and smiled cheesily, "It was going to be a surprise for you and... Erm, it was going to be a surprise" he smiled feeling awkward, "I'm only a knight in training, I have my test soon, when I've passed that, I'm in".

Before they could talk further Jack, Skyes father, called them to sit and chat on the sofa.Skye and Daarzil sat side by side an looked at one anothe before focusing on their dad.

"What is it daddy?" asked Skye in a still child-like manner.

Jack looked at the floor then up to his wife, "I'm afraid you can't stay here baby bear. I know they are after you, it's my job to know these things and blimey im as good a spy as ever I was. They will know you are here. Is there a way you can get her out Daarzil?" her father looked at her huge brother.

"I can get myself out daddy, I have a boat and a friend that can sail it" she answered for Daarzil.

Daarzil looked at her and ruffled her hair, "I'm ya way out you clod. You cant sneak past the patrols they'll have here. Not if they know you are here. you need some VR knights to help you out, maybe i'll keep it low and explain the situation to a few of the others?" said Daarzil smiling, "i'm not having my sister arrested ya know, eh?" he added with a slight laugh.

"I'll go check the bar where a load of the guys hang out, maybe I can get some info, perhaps leave a gap for ya to escape".

He felt important already with his VR knight in training role, and it sure was handy having him around Skye thought.

With that Daarzil walked to the corner and lifted his armour onto his massive frame, he took up his sword and fixed it in place then marched out and across town to one of the barracks' late shift bars to talk to a few of his VR friends. Her mother looked at her and sighed smiling.

"I guess I should make you some lunch. Jack, please help me in the kitchen. Skye, go on upstairs dear. Pack some clothes for yourself" she said, her features beaming Skye nodded and bounded upstairs two at a time.

Once there Skye pulled a small leathery suitcase from under her bed and began throwin clothes in from drawers and wardrobes. She knew her parents would be talking about Erin and so tried to occupy her mind with other things. Instead, she thought of where she could go. Suddenly she remembered the festival of Alanthil, she could slip into the crowds of pilgrims fairly easily there and vanish from sight for a while, that would be best.

[Musicmuse]

Valeria strolled down the streets of Reesa, controlling her urge to cause trouble for the vendors. She thought they should really have better preventative measures for keeping thieves from stealing their wares -- it would be all too easy to swipe a free trinket. Then again, Valeria supposed that in a place as religious as Reesa the wickedness of plundering was probably not the forethought of most merchant's daily life.

She made her way to the storefront she had stopped at with Xadir the day before and sat on a shaded park bench in front of the shop. The air was warm and she noticed a few locals hanging beautiful silver silk ribbons from lampposts. The material shone in the midday sun, and the breeze tossed the ribbons around playfully.

"The festival," Xadir explained as he strolled toward her. His expression was still as stoic as ever, but his eyes twinkled slightly upon seeing Valeria.

"Oh, I know," Valeria responded. "My parents couldn't say enough about it on the journey over here." She subconsciously brushed her hair out of her eyes and smiled slightly.

Xadir didn't return the smile, however. He seemed to be looking past Valeria now, and his eyes lost their twinkle and replaced it with a deep look of shock and despair. Valeria turned to see what could have possibly warranted this reaction from Xadir and immediately her heart sank as well.

The sword was gone.

Valeria turned back to meet Xadir's eyes quickly, but he had already started into the shop. She followed him automatically and he shot right to the counter to ask the vendor about it. The vendor, an old man with wispy white hair sprouting from his sun-spotted head, apologetically told Xadir that the blade had been purchased just hours earlier. Xadir replied with a mumble of appreciation for the information and stumbled out of the shop in a daze.

"I'm sorry, Xadir," Valeria said woefully. "I know how much you wanted --"

Xadir held up a hand to stop her. "It's just a sword," he replied, but his expression betrayed him. Obviously this loss was more important to him than he let on. The two of them flopped down onto the grassy boulevard and Xandir laid down on his back, staring up at the clouds.

Valeria decided to change the subject. "My parents are meeting with the Pope today," she offered, knowing it was not the most riveting news. Xandir seemed to think differently. His head swiveled around and he seemed confused.

"Like in person?" he asked. Valeria informed him that they seemed very nervous about the meeting when they left this morning, and Xadir knew why. "It's extremely unusual for the Pope to meet with anyone before the festival," he told her. "There are a lot of preparations that go into making a festival a success, and I've heard that this one was supposed to be extra special." Xadir paused for a moment. "Your parents must have had something VERY important to tell the Pope for them to be granted a personal audience," he finished firmly.

Valeria shrugged. She told him she sure didn't know what it was about, and that they had specifically went without her and left her to roam free, another unexpected behavior for her otherwise intelligent parents. Xadir mulled this over for a moment trying to come up with a response. He didn't have long to think, though, because a Papal Knight dashed across their path and hissed to Xadir to follow him immediately.

"What's wrong?" Xadir questioned, sitting up in confusion.

The Knight whizzed over to where the two of them sat and crouched low so no one else could hear. "There's been an attack on the Pope," the Papal Knight informed the two of them in a hushed tone. "Everyone is required to report to the monastery immediately!"

Xadir and Valeria leapt to their feet and dashed off alongside the frenzied knight. They caught the rest of the story as they made their way through the streamer-lined roads of Reesa. Apparently a man in a black mask had led an unknown group into storming the Pope's chamber. Valeria gasped knowing that her parents were probably in their meeting with the Pope this very second. The knight said that the details were sketchy and this had all occurred just moments ago. A monk had witnessed the intrusion and had secretly sounded the alarm to the Papal Knight.

The three sprinted toward the monastery under siege, not knowing what awaited them when they got there.

[DragonHeart]

Drake had hoped to leave as soon as his business was finished, but of course Kai couldn’t let that slide. It took hours to pry himself away from his friend’s drunken ramblings. As soon as Kai got up, Drake piled the involuntarily promised coins on the table and left.

Just as he slipped out into the cool night air, a large young man in armor passed him. Drake vaguely recognized him as one of the new cadets waiting for the rank tests next week. He paused, watching and wondering when kids had been allowed in late night b