Arnaxas001

[Mistress Sheena]

Dragoons of Hojen
As Kana turned around to check if Hitari indeed had been following him, she wasn’t where he thought she would be, but he saw a kunai fly by his left ear, and he gave a light smirk as he turned around to see her there giving him an evil grin.

“What? You think you can overtake me this early? You’ve only started your training a year ago…but alright, let’s see where your skills have taken you.” Kana said as he appeared right behind her.

Get ready for something for which you’ve never seen before, uncle Kana Hitari thought as she jumped up and performed a few zodiac seals in which Kana was then suddenly overwhelmed by witnessing some naughty acts by some gorgeous and naked women that just suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and five minutes later he caught himself going under an illusion—he probably didn’t want it to end, though—and as he went back into reality, he found himself in a small amount of pain in his legs and his head was throbbing with a headache. He began wondering where she had learned that illusion technique and how long it took her to learn it, for it was a really good technique to have if you want to confuse your enemies.

Perhaps she is evolving quicker than I had expected. This is a good sign for a couple of reasons. One, of which is because of the grand tournament at the end of the year, in which a very select few ninja are selected to be promoted to Chunin. The second, is because now she can hold her own without my help anymore.

She appeared before him. Hitari Mitsu looked dead into her uncle’s eyes and ran at him like a bullet train. No, faster than even that. She performed a low sweep and he jumped over it, then did a handstand and tried to kick him in the neck, but he blocked that, and he acknowledged that her speed had increased, but as soon as he finished that small thought, her left foot was coming at the other side of him. He then realized that he didn’t have enough time to think right then. As her other foot was coming in to hit him, he grabbed it, and it looked like he was dangling her by holding her ankles, but she took her right arm, and punched him in his crotch and he immediately dropped her and grabbed his sack of goodies.

“Ow! That ****ing hurt like hell! What the hell were you thinking?!”
“Sorry, I was carried away in the moment of combat.”
“Like hell you were…” he said as he took a few moments to regain his posture. “You’ve improved your combat skills, I’m proud of you Hitari.”
“Thanks Uncle Kana!” Hitari replied as she bowed with a happy grin on her face.

Just then one of the clan members from the village ran as fast as he could and screamed out that a huge--and he had an emphasis on the word huge—amount of Bahjeebs were invading from the south and there had to be something done about it. Just then Kana knew that he himself with the rookies wouldn’t be enough to ward off this large amount of Bahjeebs.

“Alright, tell Ben that he is in charge while I’m gone and you guys are to watch over the village while I head to Kejunu to take the Dragoon Express to then head to Hojen so I can warn the Dragoons there that there is a huge invasion heading our way.”
“Yes Kana-sensei, right away!” the young boy named Shingaru said as he ran back into the village to tell Ben the news.
“And you Hitari, you better head back and--”
“Aww, can’t I go with you?”
“No, you can’t you’re needed here to watch over the village while I’m gone to get reinforcements.”
“Oh okaaay…” she said in a saddened tone.

Kana then started running like mad and leaping through tree to tree throughout the plains of Onshu and headed north to the city of Kejunu.

I don’t know how long the Bahjeeb were going to take in getting there, but since one of the clan members spotted them, they shouldn’t be that far off so I should get there as fast as I can and warn the Dragoons of Hojen of the invasion.

(OOC:I already posted this but it seems to have disappeared. oh and by the way kana this may sound stupid but could you please tell me where you are on the map and where you are going so we can meet up soon.))

Dimitri opened his eyes once more on this day, yet he did not know it. It was as if he was reborn a new person. He was lying on his side staring off towards the trees, he rolled to his back and looked to the sky, instead he saw a face staring at him. Dark brown eyes, they watched him curiously as he stirred restlessly like he usually does when he wakes. The eyes were familiar, he didn’t need to be quick witted to recognize that it was one of the bandits that had attacked him. The one that tried to cut him down with his own axe. He no longer had the bandana covering his face meaning that Dimitri was most likely about to be killed. He had heard about the bandits of this forest, they would capture trespassers and then stare down on them as they killed the victims, sending them into the afterlife with one remaining image of their killer.

Dimitri prayed to himself wishing for a miracle something impossible to save him from his doom.

“Please don’t kill me,” he found himself pleading.

“Why should we not kill you, you have entered our lands, and we know you are the terthri that his been killing our people all across the countryside,” the boy answered showing how young he really was. His voice was soft and without suspicions would seem almost innocent.

Dimitri wondered how they knew, obviously he had killed bandits that shared the tag of this clan and now he regretted it. Maybe he deserved to die, but he would do anything to save his own skin.

“I’ll pay you,” begged Dimitri.

“Hahaha you have no power, we have stripped you of all but your clothes,”

“I have more D'res, in a safe place, a lot of it.”

The boy pondered for a second before beckoning another bandit over to join him. Dimitri pushed himself to his feet to meet the man and plead his case more seriously.

“This guy says he has a lot of D’res stashed in a safe place,” muttered the boy.

The older man shook his head, he held a club in his right hand and was beating it softly in his left hand. He was a burly man with broad shoulders and a messy goatee.

“And you believe him?” he questioned.

“It would be worth checking out,” answered the boy eagerly.

“Go to your tent, I will deal with it,”

“No way your not getting the credit for this, I caught him and I’m going to get the D’res.”

“Boy without me you would be dead, another victim of this terthri and what does credit matter, all money goes directly to the clan but if it means so much to you I will see to it that you get recognized for getting this information.”

The boy glared at him coldly before storming off towards the campsite. Dimitri’s eyes followed him studying the campsite slowly. It was about one hundred yards away and was hard to see with all the trees. It seemed to be a normal site with a long line of brown tents with no particular order. Just placed randomly across the grass. Trees littered the area meaning it would have been tough to start a campsite but the trees were thinner here much thinner than any other part of the forest.

“So you say you have a lot of D’res,” chuckled the man.

“I do and if you let me go I will tell you where it is.”

“You are in no positions to make demands, you have no possessions and there are a campsite of men who are itching for a fight at my call,”

“But if you kill me, you shall receive no bounty.” Retorted Dimitri.

“That diamond on the axe you own was more than enough, at least three times more than what we get from anyone else.”

Dimitri’s face turned red with anger, someone else enjoying the comforts of his treasure. Without even thinking Dimitri jumped forward and tackled the man to the ground knocking his club a few feet away. He covered the bandit’s mouth so all that could be heard was muffled screams. Dimitri began hitting him heavily with his fists but that would not be enough. Finally the bigger man threw Dimitri off and tried to grab his club. The terthri felt behind him and grasped what he had hoped he would find, a large rock with several sharp edges. He claimed a firm grip on the weapon before diving from his hands and knees towards his foe. The bandit it let out one last loud scream before being hit heavily in the forehead with the jagged stone. The man went limp, his eyes wide falling to the ground softly.

Dimitri stared blankly at what he had done, he had murdered a man in cold blood, he killed with no mercy. He then remembered that they were planning to kill him, or was that just an excuse was he really a ‘murderer’. He felt saddened but did not lose any composure he gained his feet quickly and wandered over to the club that he assumed had knocked him unconscious earlier. It was sturdy wood, oak perhaps? It was hard that was for sure. Suddenly he remembered the piercing scream that the bandit had released just before passing to the afterlife. Dimitri gripped the club tightly and looked over to the nearest tent wear a few men were gathered looking his way. The trees obviously impaired their vision as they assumed he was the bandit and had just murdered the terthri. The clapped loudly and cheered in his direction. Dimitri not knowing what else to do raised the club into the air in a sign of victory. The men continued clapping as they walked towards him. Suddenly Dimitri tore off towards the forest with only one thing on his mind, survival. Then the bandits realized what had happened, and now the chase was on.

[Senna]

(OOC – the language is Romani in case any of you were wondering.)


"You were screaming. We had no idea what was going on. What happened to you?"
"I think I saw them. All of them."
"Them? What do you mean?"
"What you were just talking about, that instant comprehension of everything I saw and heard, I just had it!"

Alexia looked more than confused and just slightly terrified. "I'll—I'll be back in a minute," she said hurriedly. She yelled "Mehrehia!" as she sprinted out the door, and down the hallway.

Her bare feet battered against the stone floors. She pounded on Mehrehia’s door and it opened almost automatically.
“It’s Taere.”
“I know. Take me to him.”

They went back to Taere’s room and he was sitting on the edge of his bed. He sat there, holding his head. Alexia brushed his mind and was overwhelmed by the confusion. His whole life had been changed with that dream, and she felt something else. A loneliness.

Mehrehia went to him.
“Stand up.” She snapped. He did so and looked at her.
“What did you see?”
“It flickered. It was strange. Faces.” He frowned and shook his head. “There was a voice.”
“Was it a man or woman?”
“A girl.”
“What did she say?”
“’I am all that is, and all that was, and all that shall be. I am all of those, and none, and you shall understand this soon.’ That’s what she said.”
“Right. Come with me. Both of you. Dress warm.”

Alexia was taken aback by all of this. She looked at Taere and he shrugged. She turned and walked out.

They met outside the great hall, and to Alexia’s great surprise Augheryd was there. Taere was even more surprised.

Where the hell have you been?!
I was on an errand.

“Stop it.” Mehrehia said from behind them. “Welcome back Augheryd.”
The dragon bowed his head to her in respect.
“Do you know where She is?”
I saw her earlier today but then she vanished.
“It is of no matter. Thank you for your help.”
He bowed his head again before closing his eyes.

Taere looking at Mehrehia, his eyes wild with curiosity.
“You’ll find out later. Alexia, hamen udžile sem æerdinajvol pe manïe olaèiro. Voj isi bašavipe nevimahtar.”
“Vašososte?“
“Me keru džanišem.”
Alexia nodded. “Katar isi voj?”
“Me muklimata lav pe sama lako.”
Alexia turned to Taere, who was looking at them both strangely. She laughed. “Don’t worry. We’re going to see someone who I think might surprise you.”
“Who?”
“You’ll see. “ she grinned.

They were standing in the main courtyard, it was cold out, but the seasons were changing. It would soon be Lughsadnyth again, but Alexia had a feeling that she wouldn’t be able to make it this year. Mehrehia told them to proceed to the main hall while she went to fetch something from her room.

While empty, the main hall looked bare. The walls didn’t have the candle light that they usually did, and it was very cold, without the heat from people around them.
“Alex, who is it?”
She sighed. “Daeia. Your dream wasn’t supposed to happen. It’s either one of two things, Daeia’s been playing again or…it’s something else.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know.”

Mehrehia returned soon enough, carrying a small box. After closing the door she walked to the fire and sat in front of it. She began to chant to a rhythm. Alexia remembered it from when she was alittle girl. It was spoken after her parents had been killed. Minutes passed, and Mehrehia repeated it over and over again. Becoming more frustrated with each passing second. Evetually she gave up. Standing, she yelled.

“Daeia!” Dža mae, av mae!”
The fire burned high and the candles in the room lit. The room was flooded with light and heat.

“What is it now?” A light melodic voice, which sounded quite annoyed cam from behind them all. They turned and Alexia smiled, whereas Taere looked at her with shock.

She was more beautiful than any thing on this earth. A sunrise would not compare to her. Her dark red hair tumbled down her back across her milky smooth skin. Her face was perfect, nothing out of proportion. Her lips were rounded and her eyes were a bright emerald green.

“Hello Alexia.” The Goddess smiled. She turned to Mehrehia. “What? I was trying to get in touch with Lategolo.”
“Taere dreamed of the Gods.”
“A human?”
“Yes.”
“It wasn’t me.” she said quickly.
“Daeia.” Mehrehia said reproachingly.
“I didn’t! Honest. It must have been Mother.”
“Why though?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her in eons.”
“Daeia, was it you who stopped the Verghai?” Alexia asked.
“Yes dear.”
“Why?”
“Because you would have been killed.”
Taere looked sharply at Alexia. “You never told me that.”
“It must have slipped my mind.” she replied quickly.

Daeia’s green eyes shifted over the two.
“Oh dear.”
“Daeia. Not yet.”
“How was I supposed to know?”
“Daeia, they don’t know.”
“Oh.” She stopped.

Alexia was taken aback. She had expected someone quite different. She at least didn't expect Mehrehia to treat her like that.

"I think it's time to find Her."
"Do I have to?"
"Yes."
"Where then? She won't come here."
"Aranis."
"You have got to be kidding me." Daeia said, straightening up. "She won't. I won't. I'm not going there."
"You're being selfish."
"Me?"
"Yes."

Taere looked at them both, and he couldn't help the amused look on his face.
"You're Taere?" Deaia said peering at him.
"Yes."
She looked at Alexia with an approving look on her face.

Nice choice. she sent to her quickly.
I like to think so.

Daeia straightened up, becoming more business like. Alexia noticed she was wearing the same style of robe that she, herself did for the Deguar feast.
"Right, I'm going to explain what's happening." she looked at Mehrehia. "No interruptions." she leaned back in the chair. "Over the past two years there have been some movement in Aranis. The island the elder gods were banished to. Grandfather couldn't do anything about it, so he ignored it. Mother, however, decided that things were getting too busy for her liking, and reinforced the shield with some more Aether, taken from Tolwyn itself. Therefore, the Mages have been losing their magic. The council of the Mages called an emergency meeting about a month ago, they decided to send someone through the barrier."
"The barrier of Aranis?"
"No. A different one. I don't understand it fully. I couldn't hear properly. Anyway, after I heard that I tried to get in contact with Lategolo. He's not in any of the normal places and I'm getting worried. I can't leave here. My children are too dependent on me." she looked pointedly at Alexia. "You, my dear, are very special. You ruined the Fates' plan. Or rather, your lover did." Her eyes shifted to Taere. "That concoction your friend made was quite powerful. It shifted the natural balance of things. Anyway, they've sent someone to the barrier. We have one year before hell breaks loose on Tolwyn." A silence followed. Both Mehrehia and Daeia looked at Alexia and Taere.

"Oh no. No no no." Alexia said quickly. "I'm not doing it."
"You have to dear." Mehrehia said gently.
"I'm going to have to go away for a year? No way."
"No, not a year, you'll both be leaving after Lughsadnyth."
"Oh and you've suddenly decided this?"
"No, not suddenly. It's been known for a millennia."

Alexia began to swear.

"When you run out I can supply you with some you may not heard." Daeia told her. Alexia shot her a look of dagger before walking out of the hall.

"She's very much like her mother isn't she?" Daeia noted.
"Yes. I should probably go to her."

Mehrehia left the room and Taere was left with Daeia.

"I've been told you need your head clearing of certain misconstrued concepts." she said turning to him.

(OOC – muahahahahahah tis Daeia. XD.)

i too posted before seeing any of this lot, it was just before the boards went down so quite a few posts are prolly missing if they were around that time. here i post it again:

~~~~~~~~~

Asala slept soundly throughout the night. She dreamed dreams she can't remember and saw nightmares she wished she forgot. The sun had not yet risen when a cry of pain eminated from her room. She clutched in her hands the ebony dagger she had placed nearby and a man sat crouched by her bedside in searing agony.

When one would come into the room, if anyone had the mind to care about these screams of pain, teh first thing you would notice is the lady in bed awake, the man at her side crying and the silver udds scattered upon the floor. Then if you walked around the bed you might notice the cause for the man's torture. Asala had awoken to the noise of shuffled silver and reacted as any good thief would react. Grabbed her knife and and stabbed it deep into the flesh of the offending thief.

Blood slowly dripped from his hand and then a small burst much like juice from a straw erupted form the wound as Asala grabbed his wrist and pulled the blade out of his hand leaving a gaping hole.

The man fell to the floor completely clutching his hand.
"You psychotic freak!" He roared still holding his bleeding hand close to his chest.

"Maybe you'll think twice about stealing from a poor defenseless girl!"

The man continued crying spilling his blood upon the floor and writhing upon it. Asala got up and kicked him in the back smiling as his spine threw back and forwards again in a movement alikened to muscle spasams.

"They aren't always as defensless as they look."
Asala kicked him again and the walked behind him to where he could not see. Picking up the small leather bag that she had used for her money, and then knealing down she collected the silver that had scattered upon the floor. Then standing up she picked up her staff and walked out the door leaving the man there in his own self pity.

Descending the stairs she tied the pouch bag onto her thick black belt and reorganised the trellises upon her gown.
Turning sharply at the bottom of the stairs she sat down upon a table and waited for the bar to open.
Light dawned in the windows and the manager saunteerd in a smile on his face.
"Can I get you anything?" he smiled to her in a most patronising way.
"Yes, you can." Asala tosses the manager 3 silver coins. "Get me a drink of your finest coffee and tell me where to go to the library. Oh and sorry about the mess in my room. It's a little blood stained."
The managers face dropped and he quickly shuffled behind the bar, a moment later he produced a hot coffee in a small plastic cup and imediately gave her instructions to the nearest library. If not out of new found friendliness, then to get her away form his establishment as soon as possible.
"I'm sorry miss but, we are full tonight aswell you will need to find alternate accomodation."
Most definately the latter.

Asala downed the coffee, it's heat barely warming her throat and she stepped outside into the now sunny streets of Sernek.
Her main priority was the library of course, but since she planned to travel a good deal around lately, she decide to visit the shops, if any sold anything but fish, and get some more durable clothes. She peered into her purse; 14 silver udds and 4 gold. She'd lost 5 silvers to the incident at the inn. To be expected with the holes between those floorboards. Most likely an intentional sideline business of the managers.

Tieing her pouch back up she began to walk along the pathway staring up at the blue sky. Perfect clear blue with not a single cloud, she'd never seen anything like it in Jekkido. It was at thsi point she realised she missed home, a great deal. Her Tarin nature was getting the better of her for a moment, but she was determined to continue her journey until she finds the answers to her questions.

[Malevolence]

Taere started after Alexia, but thought better of it. He turned back to face Daeia.

“She's very much like her mother isn't she?” Daeia noted.

“Yes. I should probably go to her.”

Mehrehia left the room and Taere was left with Daeia.

“I've been told you need your head clearing of certain misconstrued concepts,” she said turning to him.

“I need to be cleared of them? Look, Humans are godless creatures and we know it.”

“You are not as godless as you think. Do you know how Humans were created?”

“Of course I know. The Brodhalven made us in their breeding tanks.”

“No, not their physical forms, but them. You don’t know, so I will educate you.”

“Now wait a second what do you me—”

Taere was cut off, as he seemed to lose consciousness. His vision faded to blackness, and he felt flattened. He then saw a small light, far away. He tried to reach for it in the dark, but he could not feel his limbs or his body. The light grew brighter, and soon covered his vision. He knew he should feel blinded, but the light seemed somehow…normal. The white light soon faded, and he saw a breeding tank. In it was something small…a human baby.

“This was the first human.” The voice was resounding and spectral. It was obviously Daeia, but it wasn’t her physical form, it was resonant and rich, and felt as full as anything Taere had ever heard. The voice continued, “Soon, there were more.” His vision expanded to see more tanks, and the Brodhalven tending to them. “But these were not humans. These were shells that contained your true selves. There is more to you than you think, and more than you – or anyone – can ever know.”

Taere’s vision moved closer to the first human’s chest. He saw the heart beating, but inside it, he saw something else. A small light, bright blue, beat inside the heart. He again heard Daeia speak.

“This, what you see, was truly the first human. You are not godless, in fact far from it. The Brodhalven helped along your existence, yes, but the only way you were to come into existence was through the assistance of a god – or in this case, many. The Brodhalven are creatures of the Elves, therefore Vinilir is a part of you. They used Dwarven technology, and therefore Dordarin is a part of the Humans. Ghaal is part of you, through the lands that once thrived with his people. Lategolo is part of you because he made it possible for one to give you life. That one…was I.”

Taere then saw something odd. The tank faded, leaving only the child. It soon grew larger, older. The eyes were closed, the face was blank, but then Taere felt something. The eyes opened to a bright crimson glow, and Taere again saw the whole body. Just before he returned to normal consciousness, he saw red-feathered wings burst from the now adult human's back. He then opened his own eyes, and found himself out of breath.

“You will soon know what I mean by this. For now, sleep on the thought.”

((OOC: Ekk, shortness))

[Senna]

Alexia stormed to her room, cursing with every word she knew. It wasn’t enough that she’d just endured the worst two years of her life, but no, she had to go off to who knows where and attempt to save the world. She slammed the door and began to hit a wall. She didn’t hear Mehrehia come in and shut the door.
“You’ll hurt your hands.” She warned.
Alexias half turned, and then back again. “Like I care.”
“Alexia.” Mehrehia said in a tone, which she only used for scolding her.
She turned and looked at her. “I don’t want to go.” She spoke in Daeian.
“I know you don’t. But you’re the only one who can do it.” She replied in the same language.
“Why?”
Mehrehia sighed wearily and sat down. “When Taere saved your life, he messed up the plan of the Fates. The Prophecy of Nara was broken. Your destiny is unknown to everyone. Even the Gods. You are the most feared creature in the universes.”
“Then I’ll resign.”
“You know you can’t do that.”
“What about Taere? He’s so much stronger than I am. Why isn’t he feared?”
“He is dear.”
“How? The Fates don’t count the humans.”
“Exactly. Taere is the only human capable of assuming the Red Dragon. The Fates didn’t count on this, and neither did the Gods. You and Taere are without destiny. Each of you for your own reasons.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Now, you’re being childish.”
“So?” Alexia stopped and laughed. “I guess I am.”
“Lughsadnyth is about a month away. You can deal with what’s coming next and then relax at Lughsadnyth. But you’ll have to leave the day after the main feast.”
“Great.” She said sarcastically.
“Alexia, you can chew on your own liver in your own time.” Mehrehia snapped. “ You have a job to do and you’re going to do it whether you like it or not. So I recommend you make peace with it before you set off or you’ll get yourself killed.””

And with that she got up and left.

Alexia swore again before stripping off her clothes. She washed quickly and climbed into her bed. It took a while to get off to sleep, and when she did she sank into it like a warm bath. Completely relaxing every muscle in her body and mind.

She awoke the next morning and found her temper was no better. She went down to the main hall for breakfast and found Taere in deep conversation with Mehrehia.
“Has your temper improved any?”
“No.”
Mehrehia seemed to ignore this. “There’s another Daeian here.”
“Who?”
“Nikolas.”
“Don’t know him. Gyran or Bree?”
“Gyran.”

She sat with them for a while, thinking of nothing in particular when he walked in. She knew him straight away, and with no words spoken between them, she felt as if she’d known him her whole life. He sat at a table with Arenyas, and began to eat. Alexia couldn’t take her eyes off him. He stared straight back at her. When he had finished eating he spoke to Arenyas briefly before heading out of the hall. Alexia followed him.
“Who are you?”
“You know.”
“I’ve never seen you before in my life but I feel as if I’ve known you forever.” She paused. “See? I wouldn’t have said that. But I did.”
He smiled. “It’s Du’ranna.”
“Dur what?”
He frowned. “You need to talk with your aunt.
“Yeah. I just…can we meet up later?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“I’ll find you.”
“I have no doubt.” He bowed his head and walked away.

Alexia stood there thoughtfully before walking back to Taere and Mehrehia.
“What the hell is Dur’anna and why the hell do I feel like this?”
“Oh dear.” Mehrehia murmured.
“Oh dear indeed. What is it?”
Mehrehia looked at Taere, “Would you mind? Augheryd wishes to speak with you.”
He nodded and got up, looking at Alexia strangely.
Alexia sat in his place and looked hard at Mehrehia.
She sighed. “When you were born, your parents and Nikolas’ parents came to an agreement. You were to be placed under Dur’anna.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a link. A deep mental link place between two Daeians when they are born. Think of it as an arranged marriage.”
“What?!” Alexia exploded. “I don’t love him. I don’t even know him.”
“I know. We hadn’t taken in the fact of Taere.”
“Well you’d better take it in now. Break the bond.”
“It’s impossible.”
“You have got to be kidding me.”
“No dear. I’m afraid not.”
“That’s what Daeia was talking about. “Alexia said, it dawning on her. “She didn’t know.”
“No. If we had known we wouldn’t have done it. Your parents wanted the best for you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I hoped that your love for Taere would over power it. But the two years you spent away from each other weakened your love for him. Not by much, but it was enough for the Dur’anna to grasp onto.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“There’s only one who can break the bond. And She’s busy.”
“Daeia.”

Later on Alexia was sitting in one of the living rooms when Taere walked in. He sat down with her and looked at her.
“What?” she asked.
“You know what.”
“No I don’t you’ll have to tell me.”
At that point Nikolas walked in and saw her. He came over to them both. Taere sat back and watched them both.
Alexia looked at him awkwardly.
“We need to talk.”
“Later.” He was looking at Taere. “Who’s this?
“Taere, he’s…I’m…well we’re…”
“Together.” Taere finished for her. He took Nikolas’ outstretched hand and shook it firmly.

“Daeia, we’ll be having a very very long talk when I speak to you again.” Alexia sent out in her mind.
“I have no doubt.” Daeia replied sighing.

[Malevolence]

Nikolas' handshake was firm, but his hands were thin and bony. He did not feel well, but Taere had no idea whether this was normal; he had no idea if he had ever met another Daeian besides Alexia. Nikolas was obviously not used to anyone other than Deguar and other Daeians, and as such he was taken aback by Taere, being havily armored and strong.

“Yes, erm, hello. I believe I’ve heard of you through Mekare…a Dragoon, correct?” Nikolas’ voice was upscale with a noble accent, that showed power through words by heredity, but not much other power at all. He sounded almost pathetically proud.

“Yes. I guess I’m more famous than I thought.”

“So you are. Now you say that you two are, how did you put it, ‘together?’”

Taere placed his hand around Alexia’s shoulder. “Yes, why?”

“Well, as I’m sure you know, Alexia and I were put under the bond of Du’ranna. As you also know, that means bay every definition, she is mine, and you cannot be ‘together.’”

Taere put a sarcastically quizzical look on, and said, “You’re kidding, right?”

“No,” Nokolas replied, his voice suddenly rising in power, “and I plan on taking her back.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Nikolas said. He reached for Alexia’s hand. She relaxed, and simply went with him.

What are you doing?
I don’t know! I’m sorry, but I just can’t compel myself to stop. It’s—

Taere’s mind was cut off by an icy dagger of pain. Nikolas again spoke, “I’m sorry, but we’ll have none of that. You will no longer influence her mind against me or anyone.” His voice now grew to the intonation of someone who had the same power as a king. Taere felt inferior, even though he knew he was not. But he couldn’t shake off the feeling of inferiority, no matter what he tried to think about instead. He felt…excluded.

Nikolas walked out, and Alexia followed in a semi-comatose state. Taere turned to face Mehrehia.

“What in the ABYSS is going on?!”

“Taere, you must calm down.”

“Calm down? I have no idea what’s going on here. First, I meet this pathetic-looking stick of a man, who proceeds to take Alexia from me by sheer will, and suddenly appears to be a damned overlord! I can’t calm down!”

“Taere, you must.”

Taere again felt subdued, but this time the feeling was less hostile, almost calming.

“Taere, Alexia is under the thrall of what we call Du’ranna. You already know of the basics of what it is, but I must tell you further of it. The Du’ranna is more than just a bond. It is a physical, mental, and ethereal connection between mind, body, and essence. You cannot sever it, since in the course of a lifetime, even in a day, or even the seconds after the completion of the Du’ranna, more energy is shared than is needed. If the bod is broken, part of your body will be separated from itself, and both participants in the Du’ranna will be forever changed. It has never been broken successfully without a change. It has been tried, but all the times, the two Daeians have either gone mad with personality separation, or died outright. You must not attempt it, and therefore I cannot tell you of the ritual involved. It will not be done.

Taere stalked off with a look of disgust accompanied by a background of despair.

((OOC: Again short and shite))

[Senna]

They walked outside the hall and Alexia gathered her will. She pulled her hand away from him and started shaking her head.

“This isn’t right.”

“Of course it is. We’re together now.”

“No. We aren’t. I won’t let us be. I don’t love you.”

“You do.”

“I don’t.” she yelled. The passing Deguar gave her a weird look but Alexia ignored it. “I don’t love you.” She said it slowly. “I had no choice. Love is choice. I want out of this Du’ranna thing.”
Nikolas touched her on the shoulder and her will seemed to melt away.

“You can’t leave me. I’m not going to let you.”

Alexia tried to force words to pass her lips, but nothing came. It was as if a barrier had been erected around her true feelings. She allowed her self to be led off towards the gardens. She didn’t speak, and nothing about her countenance revealed the fact that inside her, her heart was breaking in two.

The gardens were beautiful. The New Year had just gone and flowers began to bloom. All colours around them. Shades of blue and red Alexia didn’t know existed. She was glad to see something to take her mind off of the pain she was having, and causing. A bright paparuga flew next to her. The wings a glistening golden brown with flecks of orange and yellow. The long antennae tickled her neck as it landed on her shoulder.

Nikolas led her to a bench and she sat down.

“Have I won you yet?” he asked her. His voice was light and whiney, and he held an arrogance in his stature that, if Alexia were in a normal condition, she would have hated and immediately hit him. But of course, she wasn’t.

“Am I a prize?”

“Yes, you are the most precious prize of all.” He looked out at the garden. “This…is nothing compared to you. I shall be glad to call you my wife.”

The word wife struck a chord in Alexia’s mind. And her will came back for a short while.

“Wife?”

“Of course. You shall be my most prized possession.”

“Possession?” Alexia stood up as he reached to touch her again. “Let’s get one thing straight. I am no one’s prize. I will never be your wife. And oh yes, I will never love you.” She began to walk away. “If you come near me again, you won’t be able to have children.”

“Why do you love that human?” he called after her. “That’s all he is.” She stopped.

”I…I think I love you.”

She turned around to face him.

Taere…I-”

“Stop talking.”

“He is everything you’ll never be. He loves me. He doesn’t think of me as just a prize or trophy.” She stopped and closed her eyes. Her will failing again. She shook her head. “Leave me alone.”

She walked out of the gardens, picking a small blue rose as she left.

She went to Taere’s room. He was lying no the bed staring at the ceiling. She closed the door behind her. She walked to him.

“Mandar tumend’e.” she said smiling. She handed him the rose. “It’s means from me to you. An apology. Kinda.” He took the flower wordlessly. “Taere I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“What?”

“It can’t be broken.”

“It can.”

“Mehrehia said.”

“Mehrehia meant by a Daeian. The only one who can do it is Daeia. But she’s gone away.”

“So I have to deal with this.” He sat up and turned to her. She could feel the despair in his eyes. “I love you Alexia. But how am I supposed to be okay with this?”

“I don’t know.” She replied shaking her head. “I can’t help it. When I see him it’s…I’m torn.”

“I’ll kill him.”

“No! He can’t help himself. It’s the Du’ranna.”

“He was arrogant.”

“You think I don’t know that? He called me his prize.”

Taere laughed shortly. “When will Daeia get back?”

“A week at least. Before then I think we can think of something to keep us both occupied.” She grinned at him.

“Oh, most definitely.” He grinned back at her before leaning in to kiss her.

It was a while later, quite a while actually, and Alexia stretched languorously before wrapping her arms around Taere.

“You get better every time.” She laughed.

Taere coughed uncomfortably. “Do you have to say everything that enters your head?”

“Yes.”

There was a knock at the door. Alexia sighed.

“Who is it?” Taere yelled.

"Mehrehia. There's something here to see you Taere."

"Urgh fine. Hold on a second."

(OOC - happy now? urgh -_-)

[Malevolence]

((OOC: Someone besides Senna dn I please post, I dun want this to turn into another Try it some time. Anyway, I have a few presents. I posted these in the OOC Thread for this stuff, but here ye go anyways:

Tolwyn Map with Borders

And a Map Key

Enjoy!))

---------------------------------

There was a knock at the door. Alexia sighed.

“Who is it?” Taere yelled.

“Mehrehia. There's…something…here to see you Taere.”

“Urgh, fine. Hold on a second,” Taere grumbled after her. He heard her footsteps as she walked away. Taere quickly donned semi-formal garb, remembering his armor gems as usual, and walked briskly to the main hall. Waiting in the hall were Mekare and Mehrehia.

“Mekare! I haven’t seen you since…I have no idea when. How are you?”

“There are more pressing matters, we will talk later.”

“So where’s this ‘thing?’”

“Here,” Mehrehia said. As she did so, Taere caught a buzzing small creature flying through the air. It whipped around, and landed on his shoulder. The creature’s snake-like head gave away its nature. It was an imp. A small creature similar to a goblin with wings and a tail, imps were pixie-sized obedient creatures used to convey messages over long distances.

“You could have just told me it was an imp.”

“A what?”

“You’ve never seen an imp before?”

“No, but we’ve heard of them.”

“‘We’ being?”

“Deguar. We have no use for imps, we’ve only heard of them.”

“Right,” Taere said. He then turned to the imp. “What is it you have to say?”

“We havesss a messsssage for yousss.”

“What then?”

“The messsssage isss from Hojensss. Theysss havesss a problem with Bahjeeb Raidersssss attacking themsss. Theysss needsss yousss to help themsss.”

“Bahjeeb? Don’t they stay in the Mondu Kelusi?”

“Apparently notsss. There aresss one thousssssand of them comingsss oversss the Soei Woodsssss area.”

“Tell them I’ll be there as soon as possible”

“I shallsss”

The imp flitted off about three feet, then disappeared in a puff of smoke and white light. Taere then turned to Mehrehia.

“Get Alexia awake and ready to leave. Tell Augheryd to wake up as well, and have him saddled.”

“To where do you venture?”

“Hojen Aerie. Jekkido is being raided by Bahjeeb from the Mondu Kelusi. Apparently it’s more than Shojuno’s armies can handle.”

“We’ll have Augheryd ready by the time you get to him.”

Taere ran off down a stone corridor toward Augheryd’s cave to the south. He was momentarily stunned by the sunlight, but continued running over the mountain grass, and found Augheryd, up and about, being saddled by two Deguar attendants. Augheryd let out a growl as Taere approached.

These fools suddenly attempted to saddle me! What in the Drakefire is going on?

“We’re going to Hojen, you skink. Stop resisting and let them get that saddle on you.”

As he finished talking, Alexia ran out of Meldil.

“What’s going on? Why are we going to Hojen?”

“I got a message imp, there are Bahjeeb attacking near Jekkido. Climb on,” he said while vaulting up onto Augheryd’s back. Alexia grabbed his wrist, and Taere pulled her up behind him. She grabbed onto Taere’s waist, and Augheryd blasted into the ari with a powerful sweep of his wings and a thrust of his legs. They flew higher until they were almost out of air. A great black hole then opened in front of them, and lightning poured out of the hole over them. The lightning pulled them in, and without realizing it, they instantly rematerialized in the air over Hojen. Augheryd descended quickly, and landed on the Dragon roost on the edges of Hojen. As Taere and Alexia disembarked onto the Aerie’s floor, they were approached by a man in dark garb.

“Dragoon?”

“Yes, why?”

“You’ve heard of the Bahjeeb problem, right? I was the one who came to tell them.”

“And you are?”

“Oh, excuse me.” The man looked embarrassed. “My name is Kana Mitsu. I live in Onshu.”

“They’ve reached Onshu already? We have to get going.”

Taere looked around, and found Draxom wandering around the Dragon roost.

“Draxom! Get Oreth, We’re going to Onshu.”

“Taere! I haven’t seen you in – what? Onshu? The Bahjeeb have reached that far north already?”

“According to Kana Mitsu, here, they have. Take him with you, we have to leave now.”

“I’ll meet you in the air.”