Riddles: Tales from Tailte IC

[BumblingBee]

Officially changed to PG 13 for upcoming scenes of gore, blood, and some sexual scenes

The trees whispered in the night air
They sang of dark futures and bringers of death
They knew what was about to arise

A time of war and fire
Where friendships would break
And trust would be scarce
They knew what would return

But until then there was peace.
The alliance would not fall for a while yet.

[Little Red]

In the land of Fhrainc, there was a slightly pale beautiful girl with long beautiful raven black hair who was crouched down behind a bush staring intently at a warm, steaming, freshly baked cherry pie that sat on the window still of a bakery. Her tongue slipped between her lips as she licked her lips hungry, starving; her last meal was a bony rabbit three days ago. She was waiting for the right time to dash over and steal it...she was soooo hungry. Xena slowly inched closer to the window still, staying close to the shadows; staying down low to the ground almost crawling towards the window, slowly and so very gracefully she crawled closer until she had her back against the wall of the building.

Jensen walked around the perimeter of the woods, his sword hanging from his hip. Sam trailed behind him with his sword, today they were going to spare each other and train. He looked back at his brother, “Sammy, don’t fall behind! We’ll be at the training area in a minute.” He said. Sam nodded and picked up his pace to catch up to Jensen.

[BumblingBee]

The Boar and the Bark

The young woman watched the sun rise over the tree tops and light up the leaves like fireflies. She began to hear the convoy of caravans below her wake up and greet the new day. Then something suddenly nudged her in the back, she turned and faced her companion: Topthorn.
“I know I know. Look I haven’t been fed yet either!”
The horse whinnied at her in response.
“All right”
She took a last glance at the horizon, then mounted her steed.
“Come on old boy”
The two made their way down the small hill where they had been appointed guard duty. Blaidds had been sighted on the outskirts of the Celtica settlement, which was a very rare occurrence. Blaidds barely left the Bhreatain woods never mind crossing the border.
These thoughts were pushed out of her mind by more important things however, like food.

By the time she and Topthorn got back to the Settlement her uncle Alroy was waiting for her. Her uncle organised who did what within the Convoy, and according to Aoife her was far too food at his job.

“You’re late”
“Good morning uncle, how did you sleep? Well? Good because I didn’t sleep at all because guess what? You put me on guard duty all night long”

Aoife dismounted Topthorn and lead him to a nearby field, her uncle followed them.
“Ha bloody ha Aoife. Now hurry up and eat, the both of you”
He turned to face Aoife
“You’re on hunting rounds with Gilly till Midday”
Aoife groaned dramatically

She plucked an apple from a nearby tree.
“Looks like breakfast on the go again”
Wearily she walked over to the entrance to the Forrest, bow in hand and dagger at the ready.

Gilly was resting against a tree waiting for her already by the time Aoife turned up.

Gilly was Aoife’s bestest friend (Apart from Topthorn of course) She was a small girl with lots of freckles and wild ginger hair. She was good at skinning animals and was almost always on hunting rounds.

She greeted Aoife with her usual chirp “Morning”
Aoife nodded in response, too tired to talk properly. This was the way they both liked it anyway. Enough silence too concentrate on their goal: Dinner.

Within a few minutes they had tracked a wild boar. Aoife waited patiently amongst the tree tops while Gilly lurked in the under growth below. The boar emerged from behind a hedge, Aoife lined up her shot. The point of the arrow aligned perfectly with the beasts head.

But before she could take the shot the beast began to splutter and wheeze, then it stopped still and fell over quite dead.

A few seconds of silence passed before Gilly piped up
“Err … what just happened?”
Aoife made her way down from the tree top in one flowing movement.
“I don’t really know”
She walked over to the beast and gave it a light kick to make sure it was well and truly dead. It was.


“Pass me your skinning knife”
Gilly unsheathed a sharp ceramic blade from her belt and passed it to her friend.
Aoife plunged it into the boars belly and wrenched it sideways exposing its insides.
It was quite obvious what was wrong. Its insides were completely black through and through.

Gilly stepped back in shock.
“What in Eans name is wrong with it?!”
But Aoife wasn’t listening, as quickly as she had descended from the tree she made her way back up.
With the ceramic blade still in hand she plunged it this time into the bark of the tree.
The outside was the usual healthy brown colour; its inner bark however was black and blue with decay and mould.
“Oh gods” Aoife shouted down to Gilly “Tie that boar up! And whatever you do don’t let it touch any other plants!”

When they reached the settlement it was mid-morning.
Uncle Alroy was waiting for them.

“What are you two doing back so early? And with only one piece of game! You’ll be on half rations the both of you”
“Uncle please listen to us” Aoife gave him a look that explained it all. He nodded and followed them into his own caravan. He closed the door behind them.
“Well then? What’s the meaning of this?”
The two girls looked at each other in confusion, then they simply showed him the boar and the bark and left him to analyse them for himself.

For a long LONG time he said nothing. Eventually he asked Gilly to leave him and Aoife alone. She nodded and gave a small wave of goodbye to Aoife. When she had left Alroy looked at Aoife in pure despair.

“This is not good Aoife, Not good at all”
Aoife shook her head in confusion.
“What does this mean uncle? Is it just a disease can we cure it?”
“This is no disease child, this is far worse”
His facial expression changed to one of seriousness. He grasped Aoife by the shoulders firmly.
“Now child what I tell you now must never leave these walls, you hear me?!”
Aoife nodded.
“Good. Now when darkness falls tonight I will send you on guard duty, but you won’t be going to that cliff top tonight. You must travel to Sareas and request an audience with King Cadman to show him this”
He handed her the piece of bark.
“If it is what I fear, you will not be allowed to return”
He looked her dead in the eye
“And not a word of this to your auntie! If this doesn’t kill us she will”

[Little Red]

Jensen stopped walking and looked around, something was off. He looked over at the border that separated the lands and looked over at that Atoni land, "Somethings wrong over at Atoni....I can sense it..." Jensen said looking at his brother. Something was extremely wrong.

[dirkinz]

Milef walked into Woolton Town, holding his cloak close in the terrible rain that was pouring down. He had been traveling for several weeks now with a trading caravan on his way to Sareas following rumors of work. The Caravan was parked some ways out of town, preparing to sell their wares tomorow but they so Milef decided to head into town and get out of this miserable weather. He found his way to a simple inn and steped in, pulling back his hood. Inside was a large common room where two patrons sat quietly having some dinner. A large fire burned in a hearth at the end of the room, spreading warmth throughout the area provided a warm glow. Milef walked over to the counter and called into the kitchen. A friendly voice responded with "One moment please." Milef took of his cloak completly and sat it down on a stool waiting for the bartender to come out. After a minute or two he emerged holding a steaming plate of potatoes, bread and a hunk of meat. "Ill be with ya' in just a moment lad" said the bearded man and he walked up the stairs presumably to drop off the plate. He was wiping his hands on his apron when he got back and asked "So, what can I do for you, lad?" walking around behind the bar.
"I need room and Board for the night." said Milef.
"very well, ya can see the room now but I recommend ya eat first while the roast is still hot" Milef agreed and after handing over a few coins the man went back into the kitchen. Milef walked across the room to sit by the hearth putting up his cloak to dry. After a couple minutes the bartender brought out his plate and a mug of mead. Thanking him for the meal Milef quietly began eating, staring into the fire.

[Reiteration6]

Kirill was, once again, in a tavern.
All in all, it seemed, the Raincs were not nearly so bad as the rumours had led him to believe. Sure, they had a tendency to take the fastest, easiest route whenever anything needed to be done, and yes, that did mean that many would be happy to murder him without hesitation if it meant getting their hands on a few coins without needing to work for them... but, even so, that did not mean that they were immune to friendship, and already, in the three short weeks that he had been here, acting as a minor diplomat and assisting the actual ambassador (in truth, only one emissary was actually needed, but Kirill and the other lesser diplomats were there just in case one of Fhrainc's oh-so-common accidents should occur, and a new ambassador should be needed at short notice), he had made three fast friends.
The bard who sat in a chair by the door strumming his harp, wearing a brightly coloured motley outfit and a small, sly smile on his face. The stranger who sat stoically in the darkest corner of the room, wearing an entirely slate-grey outfit, complete with gloves, a cloak and a couple scarves wrapped around her face, leaving only her dark and piercing eyes uncovered. And finally, a big bruiser of a man dressed all in a hunter's leather armour, much larger than average for a Rainc, who had about half as many brain cells as Kirill's own none-too-intelligent brother, who sat drinking with a group of his friends.
They were good people to know, and he had every confidence in their skills.

Kirill's attention was focused on none of them at the moment, though, but on the small Rainc who sat beside him. This greasy looking – and, by this point, thoroughly drunken – individual was one of Lord Truco's not-so-trusted advisers (this was Fhrainc, after all, no lord would last five minutes if he started trusting people). By buying him as much alcohol as he could drink, and letting slip a few half-truths at the same time (under the pretence of his own drunkenness), he could ensure that however much of his messages the little fool remembered would get back to Truco, and then the game could begin in earnest.
Truly, politics was such good fun. If it wasn't for the fact that his father had sent him here solely for the purpose of killing him off, he might have actually been grateful for this opportunity.

[Little Red]

OOC~ Hey, Reiteration, I'm really digging you character and wondering maybe your character could catch my character stealing. I thought it would be a cool way to start interacting with our characters. I'll repost the message.

In the land of Fhrainc, there was a slightly pale beautiful girl with long beautiful raven black hair who was crouched down behind a bush staring intently at a warm, steaming, freshly baked cherry pie that sat on the window still of the tavern. Her tongue slipped out between her lips as she licked them hungry, starving; her last meal was a bony rabbit three days ago. She was waiting for the right time to dash over and steal it...she was soooo hungry. Xena slowly inched closer to the window still, staying close to the shadows; staying down low to the ground almost crawling towards the window, slowly and so very gracefully she crawled closer until she had her back against the wall of the building. She slowly slide closer to the window, once she finally got to the window she slowly and cautiously poked her head up to the corner of the window for the coast is clear, then when someone walked past the window she quickly ducked down under the window until the person walked away. Finally when she was for sure it was clear she stood up to a crouch so she could look through the window and grabbed the pie, her mouth watering like crazy and her stomach growling like a monster.

[Reiteration6]

OOC- You want him to catch her? Oh well, if you insist... ;)

IC- Taking a sip of the cheap, low quality ale which the bartender claimed was wine, Kirill leaned back casually, whilst the advisor continued cheerfully drinking himself into a stupor. Just then, however, he caught a glimpse of something darting out of his field of vision.
Suspecting something, of course (this was Fhrainc, after all), his head snapped round to stare out the window. He could have sworn he had just seen movement out there... he glanced across at his new friends. The bard, Simeon, was playing, the sudden silence would be noticed if he stopped, and the thug, Leron, was busy talking to some friends, he'd never be able to get his attention inconspicuously. The stranger, Eshe, on the other hand, he could see looking at him from the corner of one eye. He gave her a slight nod, then tipped his head in the direction of the window. She understood his meaning immediately. Kirill chose his friends well, after all.

Surreptitiously, she headed over towards the front of the room, but stopped before opening the door, and instead sidled across to stand just beside the window, but completely hidden from the sight of anyone without.
For some reason there was a pie on the windowsill.
She only had a few seconds to wait before the suspicious individual, who was apparently nothing more than an opportunistic thief, made her move.
Two hands darted out from nowhere, latching on to the pie-
But not before one of Eshe's own hands had locked around one of the girl's forearms like a pincer. The teenager let go of her prize instantly, and tried her hardest to tug herself free, but to no avail.

And Kirill walked out of the door, his hands in his pockets, smiling pleasantly and looking utterly harmless. Leron, on the other hand, who had excused himself and followed the diplomat out when he noticed what was going on, looked as though he could break her arm like a twig.
Once the two of them were safely between the girl and the open street, Eshe released her grip and backed away. So far, the bartender had yet to even notice that anything was amiss.
“Hello, my dear,” Kirill began, still smiling, not cruelly, but in a genuinely friendly manner (unlike Leron, whose mouth was twisted into a disgusting leer), “it is nice to meet you, though I must confess, I am rather new to this region, and as such am not entirely sure about the local customs... specifically, in this case, what punishment tends to be dealt out to thieves... would you happen to be aware of this piece of information, my dear?”

[Little Red]

"I haven't done squat shit! I'm just trying to survive! I'm hungry! I haven't had anything to eat in three days." She snapped. She glared up at the the brewed that was beside him. "Nice bodyguard..." She grumbled her fingers wrapping around her dagger that was tucked behind her back. She was always prepared for a fight hungry or not she would fight until she couldn't anymore. She brushed her raven black hair out of her blue-green eyes and watched them studying them. "Whatcha gonna do about me trying to survive?" She said a little ticked off.

[Reiteration6]

“What will I do?” he asked, his smile broadening. “Well, first I believe I shall introduce myself; I am Kirill Maratovich Kozlov, a minor diplomat from the land of Bhreatain, and son of one of the great Farmer-Councillors of that mighty nation... though I doubt that someone in your position knows much of politics. Oh, and for the record, Leron here is not actually mere hired muscle, he is in fact a valued friend of mine... as is the woman who prevented you from satiating your hunger, and was considerate enough to keep you here until we could arrive. I have some good friends... of course, if you haven't eaten in days then you're most likely not much of a thief, and so, alas, may not be suited to join their ranks.”

Kirill thought for a moment, looking back in through the tavern window, and then up and down the wide open, empty street around them. Not failing to notice the fact that it was broad daylight, nor that anyone seen running down the street with a pie in their hands would no doubt look highly suspicious, even if they weren't being chased by an enraged barman... or, more likely, an entire mob of drunken oafs who'd been promised that whomever caught the thief would be given a free drink or two.
Perhaps this girl was not only a poor thief, but a very desperate one as well... honestly, the chances of no one noticing the sudden and mysterious disappearance of such a conspicuously positioned pie were next to nil.
Kirill wouldn't have considered himself a bad person, and it was true that he did feel some amount of sympathy towards the girl, but he couldn't just start handing out money to everyone he felt sorry for, or else he'd soon be broke. Diplomats may have fairly good rates of pay, but it wasn't like he was royalty. If he was to help her, there must be something she could do for him as well...

“So, tell me, child, just out of curiosity; do you happen to have any skills other than theft? Anything at which you are, say, actually competent?” he fished a coin out of one pocket and held it lightly between his forefinger and thumb. It alone would be more than enough to pay for the pie, and with it she wouldn't even need to risk being maimed in order to get herself a meal.
He hadn't lied before; he really didn't know what the punishment for theft was in Fhrainc, but in general the loss of a hand tended to be seen as adequate, and given Lord Truco's stern disposition, Kirill wouldn't be in the least bit surprised to find that to be the accepted sentence in this country.

[BumblingBee]

Parting Gifts

Aoife sat up and looked around at the small caravan that had been her home for over fifteen years. She would probably ever see it again after that night.
There was a knock at her door. Slowly, she got up and opened her door.
It was her Auntie Cara and Uncle Alroy, both had solemn looks on their faces.
He Uncle spoke first,
“She beat the information out of me” He had the bruises to prove it. Aoife chuckled softly and let them inside the small caravan.
Very calmly and softly her Auntie began to speak.
“I do not agree with your Uncles plan child, let me make that clear. But I accept that it has to be done. We have brought you parting gifts to help you on your journeys” They handed Aoife the two parcels they had been carrying.
It was obvious what the first gift was. Aoife removed the cloth revealing a beautiful rapier. It had a wider blade than the usual types but it still finished in a sharp point. The handle was made of intertwining strands of gold, engraved with rubies and the symbols of the old Atonian language.
She admired it for a good long while before moving on to the second gift.
When she opened it confusion filled her face. It was essentially a rock that fitted in the palm of her hand, it was almost in an egg like shape. It was very pretty to look at; it had marble like swirls of reds, ambers ab burning bright gold’s.

She sheathed the sword in her belt and placed the rock in her travelling bag, she then thanked her Auntie and Uncle for the gifts her uncle began to tell her in detail what she must do.
“Myself and your Auntie both think it best that you find someone to train you how to use that sword properly. It is only when you feel confident that you should speak to the king” He muttered under his breath “Ean knows his current state of mind” he sighed and spoke with hints of sorrow in his voice “Now there is only one thing left to do. Say our goodbyes”

Aoife mounted Topthorn and took a last glance at her homelands. She looked down at her only remaining family. She spoke an old Atonian prayer written in the language of old:
“Slán theaghlach mór dom a fhágann tú
Cé bhriseann sé mo chroí chun dul
Ach beidh mé a bheith in aice leat i gcónaí
Cé go bhfuil mé amach le dul i ngleic leis an namhaid
Agus i gcás ina bhféadfadh mo thuras mar thoradh ar dom
lig do paidreacha a bheith mo threorú
Sobohne”

The meaning was simple:
Goodbye family I must leave you
Though it breaks my heart to go
But I will always be near to you
While I'm off to fight the foe
And where my journey may lead me
let your prayers be my guide
Sobohne”

(Sobohne means Goodbye to loved ones in Old Atonian)

She then turned to the road ahead, and began the first steps to her new life.

[Little Red]

"I'm an excllent archer, I'm skilled with a sword and I'm an excellent experit with a knife." She said pulling the dagger out from behind her back and threw it at him it passed his face by a couple of inches and lodged into a tree. "I don't need your pity. And I should really be going..." She said looking around unease. She felt like someone was watching her. Had he found her? She needed to skip town and hid as soon as possible. "Ragtop!!" She called. A beautiful black wolf bounded over to her and she grabbed her quile that hung in the wolf. "Now if you would please...I need to go...NOW..." She said intensely.

[Reiteration6]

Kirill flinched as the dagger flew past his head, losing his composure for a moment. Once he had recovered himself, however, he turned to glance back at the tree. That was impressive, he had to admit, especially since the dagger which she had thrown was... well, a dagger, rather than a proper throwing knife with a balanced blade designed to stop it from flipping end over end when thrown. Flinging one of those with any great precision was no easy task, but doing the same thing with a regular dagger was an extraordinary skill.

Oh, and she apparently had a pet wolf as well.
“Wait. You can't afford to feed yourself, but you have something like this on your side? Hmph, well, if you want to leave then so be it... you would have been a good friend to have, I suppose, but it's not like I can force you to like me. Take this, though,” he insisted, tossing her the coin, “as a token of my goodwill. If you're ever in need of some help then you should be able to find me in the Bhreatain embassy building.”

With that said, he and Leron moved off to one side, allowing the girl the freedom to leave if she wished to do so.

[Little Red]

Xena stopped before moving and looked at him questioningly. "I rescued him when he was a pup." She said. Then she went to walk away but saw Him. "You know on second thought...I'll take you up on your offer...just get me away from here...please." She said giving him a look of distress. "I'll explain later. But I really need to get away from here. Please." She said unease. "Just please trust me." She said.

[Reiteration6]

“Here? As in this tavern? Or the city in general?” he asked once the girl had chosen to accept his offer. If it turned out that she was being chased by someone then in order to help her out he might have to delay his grand political plan a little, but it wasn't like he was short of time. No events of world-changing importance were likely to occur within the next few weeks, after all.
Although, that did remind him...
“Actually, Leron, would you mind escorting that new friend of ours home? It would be a somewhat irritating setback if he ended up getting himself killed by some over-enthusiastic mugger before he could inform Truco of our little conversation tonight, after all.”

“Yeah, sure thing. Don't you worry, he's in good hands.”

“I know. Oh, and send out Eshe & Simeon as well, will you? Their talents may come in useful in solving this young woman's problem.”

The thug nodded and headed back inside, whilst Kirill turned back to the girl. “Actually, now that I think on it, my dear, you have yet to introduce yourself. Before we go anywhere, might I have the honour of knowing your name?”

[Little Red]

"My name is Xena, like the warrioress." She said looking around because He had disappeared. She grabbed a dagger out of her quile and mover closer to Ragtop. "Where are we going?" She asked keeping an eye out.

[dirkinz]

The sun rose over the horizon chasing away the last of the storm clouds from over Woolton town and warming the fields. Rays of light peaked through the shutters on Milef’s window and covered him in warmth. He smiled a little, feeling more comfortable than he had in a long time. Eventually, it got too bright to continue sleeping and he grumbled as he pushed down the covers and looked around the plain room. With a sigh Milef got off the bed and packed his things before heading down to the common room. “Good morning Lad, was the room sufficient?” asked the bartender as Milef entered.
“Aye, its been a while since I had a real bed at night” Said Milef, still groggy with sleep. After minimal converstion Milef made his way out of the Inn and into the bright sunshine. He could see the trade caravan coming down the hill into Woolton. He had already thanked them for all they did for him and he didnt want to be there when all the people of Woolton swarmed into town to trade wares with the caravan. He turned around and began walking out of the small town on the north highway, heading towards Sareas.

After walking for a few miles he crested a tall hill and looked at the horizon. To the north east he could see the rising peaks of the mist top mountains. After I am done in Sareas I should pay him a visit Thought Milef. He hadnt been to the shrine he had made for his “father” in far too long. He sighed, he didnt want the nostalgia right now so he continued walking, the mountains fading from view behind the other hills in the area.

[Reiteration6]

“Where are we going?” Xena asked, after introducing herself.
For a moment he was puzzled. After what she had said about having to leave, he had assumed that she had had some sort of destination in mind already. Apparently not, though.
Still, that was not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps, since this turn of events seemed to essentially confirm his suspicions (that she was running from someone, rather than to somewhere), there might actually be a way to solve this issue without resorting to flight.

“Hmm... if you do not have any particular place in mind, then may I suggest heading to my nation's embassy? I assure you, we will have no cause to fear prying eyes or ears in that place, so you should be able to explain to us the exact nature of whatever it is that troubles you at the moment without needing to worry about being overheard. So, what do you say to-”

“Well, well, well, who's this then?” asked Simeon, as he and Eshe stepped through the doorway of the tavern.

“This is Xena, tamer of wolves and expert swordswoman, archer, and knife-thrower. Provided we can solve her dilemma, she may yet choose to join our fine and merry band.” Kirill informed him cheerfully.

“Another new friend, then?” Eshe commented glumly, before sighing. “Honestly, do we really need them?”

“Aw, come now,” Simeon said, strumming his harp, “can't you put your paranoid loner routine aside, Eshe? For the sake of the mission? In the name of our lofty goal?”

“Paranoid? Seriously? Have you forgotten where we live?”

“Heh. Good point.”

“Anyway, back on topic; prior to your emergence from the building I was just inquiring as to whether or not the Bhreatain embassy would make a fitting venue for a briefing on what exactly it is I have offered our services in dealing with... so what do you say, Xena, shall it?” Kirill asked kindly, whilst Simeon smirked and Eshe eyed her suspiciously.

[BumblingBee]

Revelations

The stars glimmered in the sky as a cold wind swept through the settlement of caravans. A woman stood staring up at the night sky, she prayed her niece would one day return home safely with the salvation they so desperately needed. Eventually she returned to her home.

Her husband was pacing up and down the caravan, muttering to himself. Slowly she walked over to her chair and sat down with a long sigh. Her husband stopped pacing and turned to face her. He looked as if he wanted to say something, anything really to break this feeling of sorrow sweeping through the small room. But he couldn’t and he knew it.

She decided to voice her own opinions instead.
“Do you really think we should have given her the sword?”
Her husband sat down beside her
“Personally no, but her mother told us we must. And who are we to question a daughter?”
They sat for a while longer in contemplative silence before Cara spoke again.
“We should have told her” She said it bluntly and without hesitation, Alroy looked at her for a moment, her face was serious and emotionless.
“No” He hesitated for a second “No we were right not to” He got up again to face Cara.
“Imagine life knowing the responsibility of a nation, possibly the whole of Tailte lies on your shoulders. Without anyone or thing to tell you what to do” He shook his head.

Cara stood up and placed her hand on his shoulder.
“Well … now she is living that life, whether she knows it or not. But I know that her ancestors will guide her, and when the time comes she’ll know she is the tenth daughter.

[Little Red]

Xena eyes the one called Eshe, handed gripping her dagger while the other hand was resting on Ragtop's neck. "First off, this one can stop eyeballing me before I scoop her eye out if you've got something to say then say it...don't say it behind me back." She said. "Second off, I honestly don't care where we go as long as I don't get in trouble and I can just keep moving..." She said looking up at Kirill. She put her dagger in her boot before putting the other dagger in the sheath attached to her thigh. She took a deep breath and looked out the window and saw his gray hood, her eyes went wide and she grabbed a hold of Kirill's wrist when she did.

[Reiteration6]

“Excellent, we'll be on our way, then.” Kirill announced cheerfully, as Eshe averted her gaze, choosing not to respond to the threat.
Just then, however, Xena grabbed his wrist. He glanced at her in surprise, then followed the direction of her gaze through the window of a nearby building.
A grey blur was all he saw, as someone darted off to one side.

“Hmm... irritating. It seems that your pursuer already has you in his sights, Miss Xena. I suggest we move along quickly.” Kirill advised.

“And keep your guard up this time, diplomat.” Eshe added coldly. “Without Leron here to watch our backs, I'd prefer not to see a repeat of last week's incident.”

“Hmph.” was the only response he gave her, before turning and striding off in the direction of the embassy.

Behind him, Simeon cackled at his unusually ineloquent reply, as he and Eshe followed him along.

[Little Red]

Xena nodded and followed after the people quickly, walking right behind Kirill's heels. Xena set her hand on Ragtop and looked up at Kirill, curiously as they walked to where ever they were going.

[Reiteration6]

Through dingy streets and dreary alleys they wandered, past homeless beggars and thieves, past not-quite-so-poor thieves and muggers, past pretty-well-off thieves, past merchants and tradesmen (who were also opportunistic thieves).

Fhrainc was not a place for those with an inability to keep track of their gold.

Eventually, turning a corner onto the main alley (in the cities of most nations this would have been the main street... in Fhrainc, however, it didn't really seem to matter all that much how large a street was, it always had an atmosphere of being run down, poorly maintained and utterly filthy), they spied the embassy before them.

Striding towards it, Kirill waved the guards aside; by this point they all knew his face, and had grown accustomed to seeing him bring home apparently random people.
The large, iron gates swung aside as they approached, and the four people passed through unhindered.

“We should head up to my private room,” he told Xena as he opened the door and they entered the building, “the common room is also available, but there are often other people there, who may or may not seek to eavesdrop upon any conversations we may have... and it's better safe than sorry, I always say.”

“No you don't.” muttered Eshe, glancing around at the other diplomats and the members of the cleaning staff suspiciously, whilst they passed through the entrance hall and headed upstairs.

“Well, okay, maybe not always, but I have said it once or twice.” as he spoke they reached his bedchamber and he turned the handle, pushed the door open, and ushered everyone inside...

[Little Red]

"Hey!! What about Rags!!" Xena said looking back at her only friend that she could ever trust, but by the time she finished her sentence they were already in the boy's bedchambers. Xena quickly ran over to the nearest window and looked down at court yard looking for Ragtop, she was kinda having separation issues. "Will he be okay? No one's gonna hurt him right? He'll be safe right?" She asked quickly still looking for the black four-legged creature that had always been there for her from the start.

"Please tell me he'll be okay. He's been there for me from the start, ever since I left Atoni and went into hiding." She said, destruct. Then she realized that she basically just summed up why she was the way she is. Xena turned around and sighed, staying near the window to keep an eye out for Ragtop, even though they had a special connection with each other. "Okay, so you guys want to know why I was in such a hurry to leave, right?" She asked, she took a deep breath before looking back out the window thoughtfully, trying to figure out where to start.

"Well, when I was a child my mother passed away mysteriously and then a year later my father remarried to a horrible women. For years on end, that horrible women and my father treated me like horse shit...I was their personal slave and punching bag, they took their angers and frustrations out on me. May it have been physical or verbal or a cruel punishment, but it was mostly physical." She said, unconsciously touching the scar that was one of two flaws to the beauty on her face, the scar stretched from her right ear all the way down to her lips. But that wasn't the only scar there was many, many others.

She sighed softly and looked back at Kirill. "Anyways, about two and a half years ago my step mother decided that I should get married and she planned to betrothed me to this....monster....the way he looked at me, the way he looked, the darkness that surrounded him, everything, it scared me. Never in my life had I ever been as scared as I was when I was with him." She said. "Finally after so many long weeks I finally discovered why he scared me, he was bloodlust...he was a murder. On the night of my supposed marriage I ran away and hid. Ever since then, there's been a bounty on my head and he's been looking for me..." She said, again unconsciously reached up and touched the more recent looking scar that ran across her cheekbone. "He came close to catching me, lucky I have Rags...he gave me this scar and a few others." She said.

She was quite for a long moment as she stared out the window before finally looking back at Kirill. "Now do you understand why I'm a thief and why I needed to leave so quickly?" She asked.

[Reiteration6]

“Ah, I see, now that does make sense.” Kirill replied, making sure the door was locked, so as to keep out any unwanted visitors. “This man must be pretty powerful, though, to have spread word of this bounty he's offering all the way to Fhrainc... of course, if the hunters can find you here then I highly doubt any of the other nations would be safe for you either. It's fairly obvious, I think, that running won't save you from these people. Now, I don't know if there are any especially skilful bounty hunters after you, but in general most of them tend to be little more than thugs and murderers out to make some quick coin, so even just having a few guards around might well be enough to scare them off-”

“Oooh, I can see where this is going.” Eshe declared, sitting down on his bed and glaring across the room at Kirill. “The helpless young girl who can barely afford to rest lest she be jumped by vile ruffians and dragged off back home to marry an evil beast of a man meets her handsome prince, who happens to offer her lodging in his own home, free of charge... provided she be willing to share his bed?”

Simeon sniggered at the suggestion, but Eshe's voice was cold.

“Don't be absurd.” Kirill protested indignantly. “I'm not so low as to attempt something like that... Xena, we have plenty of spare rooms here in the embassy, and our guards are all highly qualified Bhreatain soldiers. Even if a bounty hunter thought he or she could fight past them, though, no one would dare; to attack an embassy could very easily cause an international incident... and in these trying times, with old alliances so fragile, not even the most reckless of hunters would dare risk it. None of us want a war to break out, after all, not even the criminal underclass. They can be conscripted and sent off to die in battle just as easily as anyone else, after all. So you can take my word on it, my dear; so long as you stay within this building, you shall be safe... and you won't have to worry about stealing to feed yourself either. I'll see to it all... I'll even have an area of our stables partitioned off so that your wolf can sleep in there without bothering the horses, if you'd like. And all I'd ask in return is that, once this bounty matter is sorted out, you might be willing to assist myself and my friends here, if we should ever happen to need your combat skills for some reason... what do you say?”

[Little Red]

Xena glared at the girl, wanting to bite her head off but held her tongue, she looked back at Kirill. "No, I can't sleep with out Rags...I-I feel safe with him around." She said. "I know it's a lot to ask of you, especially since you barely know me and obviously some people, whom I'm tempted to throw out the window right now because they remind me of my step mother, don't like me. But please...is there anyway Rags can sleep with me. I promise he's trained." She said. "And you honestly don't understand how much this means to me...honestly." She said. Her face light up with joy as all her troubles lifted off her shoulders, her smile lighting up her face making her beautiful pale face glow radiant even brighter.

[Reiteration6]

Kirill laughed. “Well, I did come here to be a diplomat, I suppose, and this might well be a good test of my negotiation skills, after all. Yes, I'll do my very best to convince our guards to allow your wolf inside.”

“This is unnecessary. Leron might not have been paying attention, but the three of us all know how well that meeting of yours went. Everything is going ahead as planned already. We don't need to involve anyone else.” Eshe objected, although she surely must have known that it was pointless to do so.

“Call it insurance.” Simeon replied, plucking a few of his harp's strings melodically, though both the woman's question and her glare had been directed at Kirill. “As wonderful as Mr Diplomacy's plans may be, nothing can be certain in this world, so if Xena here really is as talented a warrior as Kirill claims then she'll no doubt be a most useful ally to have... don't you agree?”

For a few moments Eshe simply stared at him, her expression blank. And then she sighed.
“Fine. Do as you wish.” she stood up. “I'll head out now. A few of my contacts around the city may be able to shed some light on the identities of any bounty hunters after the girl. Dealing with that lot severely ought to discourage others from taking up their cause, don't you think?”

“Yes, of course. I'm glad to see that you're warming up to this task a little, at least.” Kirill replied cheerfully.

Without responding, Eshe strode to the door, unlocked & opened it... but stopped before heading through, and spoke up again, without turning back to face the others.
“A word of warning, Xena; of all the deities that he could have chosen to devote himself to, Kirill picked Shaira Ean, your Atonian goddess of sacrifice. He firmly believes in the principle which he calls equivalent exchange, and you would do well to remember that. If he offers you a deal which seems too good to be true, then that's because it is.”

And with that said, she closed the door behind her. Kirill sighed and shook his head, while Simeon smiled slyly at Xena.
“Don't mind her,” the bard told the girl, “she hates meeting new people, but loves that mysterious-and-brooding shtick of hers. She didn't like the idea of me joining the team either, and the only reason she put up with Leron was because she hates getting her own hands dirty. She'll warm up to you eventually and... well... she's a little less irritating after that point, at least.”

[Little Red]

"If she speaks like that about me again I won't hesitate to cut her tongue out." Xena said flatly, "She reminds me to much of my step mother for comfort." Xena closed her eyes and sighed heavily before opening them again. "And what she said about the goddess...I don't really believe in them...I prayed for help years on end and got nothing out of it..." She whispered softly shaking her head. "If you really want something, get up and get it yourself....had to learn that at a very young age." She added softly. Xena looked down at the bag of coins that Kirill had given her. "Where's the nearest clothing store...excuse me...cheapest clothing store?" She asked looking down at her ragged, torn, dirty, old clothes. She smiled to herself. "I can finally buy that bow and that sword I've been eyeing for the past few months." She said to herself smiling happy.

[Reiteration6]

“There's a market street only a short way from here. The nearest shops tend to be somewhat expensive, but there are also cheaper stalls in the alleyways that branch off from the main road... though you should keep an eye out around there, pickpockets are even more common than in the rest of the city... of course, having a wolf at your side may discourage them, I suppose.” Kirill turned to face the bard. “Simeon, I still have to go find the guard captain and see if I can persuade him to let us bring a wolf inside... would you mind showing Xena to the marketplace?”

“Yeah, no problem. And let me guess, afterwards you'd like me to head back to that tavern to see if Leron's returned yet?”

“Yes, that would be most helpful, he really should be brought up to date on the matter of these bounty hunters, after all.” Kirill replied, smiling gratefully at his friend, whilst Simeon smirked back, then bowed melodramatically, strode over to the door, opened it, and glanced back to see whether Xena was following him...

[Little Red]

Xena blinked, "Oh, okay." She said and followed after him. "Where to know?" She asked once she was right beside him.

[Reiteration6]

“Well, you did want to head over to the market, didn't you?” the bard inquired, leading her through the corridor, down the stairs, and straight back out of the door, much to the surprise of the guards, employees and other diplomats who had just watched them wander in a few minutes ago.

Once the pair were outside, Kirill – who had followed them downstairs – strode over to the captain of the guards, who was presently sitting at a table in the corner of the common room, dressed in full plate armour and smoking a pipe, whilst glancing around with a suspicious expression, as though he expected the very walls to suddenly turn on him.
In some societies extreme paranoia was seen as a mental disorder. In Fhrainc, it was one of the most valuable skills that could be developed.

“What do you want?” he demanded irritably as Kirill pulled up a chair and sat down across from him. The captain liked him even less than he did anyone else. Kirill's habit of bringing suspicious-looking “friends” into the building for long chats behind a locked door set off every mental alarm he had.

“Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to you about wolves...”

[Little Red]

"Oh yeah." Xena said smiling. "Rags!!" She called, brushing her hair out of her face. Ragtop looked up from where he was, trapped in a corner as almost all the kids who lived in the castle walls tried to play with him and ride on top of him while their parents freaked out. But Ragtop was a good wolf, he was trained well, adults with weapons and an angry look are bad. Kids were always innocent so he wouldn't hurt them.

Ragtop got up and slowly maneuvered around the kids before quickly running over to the two of them. Xena laughed and set her hand on Ragtop's head. "Poor baby, it's okay, they won't hurt you." She said giggling as she pinched his ear. Xena smiled and ruffled the fur on top of his head before looking up at Simeon and smiled. "Rags is terrified of kids, all they want to do is pull his fur and tail and ride on top of him and climb all over him." She said giggling. "He doesn't like that too much...but he's a good boy, I trained him well, so he won't harm a hair on any child...he knows when it's okay to protect himself and when not to be snappy." He said.

[BumblingBee]

A Difficult Arrival

The sun had just risen over the horizon and was now illuminating the surrounding fields. Aoife gazed at the fields that now encircled her. These were not Atonian lands; they would be arriving at the Atonian-Saibhreas border soon. She kicked Topthorn on at a steady walk and as soon as they reached the top of the next hill, the border became clear.

A stone wall at about waist height stood a few metres before them. There was an archway in the centre of the wall engraved with golden swirls that spelled out a powerful name: Saibhreas.

She could see a town off in the distance and she presumed it was the small town that bordered the Padgate woods, she prayed it had a inn she could rest in. Riding through dense woods in the pitch black wasn’t an easy task. There was also some guards practising their skills in a field close by. She could tell one of them was an officer as he was on horseback like herself.

The officer caught her gaze as she watched them. She quickly ducked her head and hurried Topthorn along, but it was too late. The officer began to gallop towards her and attracted the others along with him.

“Halt! You there”

They met about halfway at the arch. The officer blocked her entrance into the great nation.
“What business do you have in Saibhreas, Atonian?” he said it with a sneer and spat after saying Atonian.
Aoife stayed calm and simply answered the question.
“I request an audience with the King regarding urgent business”
The officer looked her up and down in a way that made her feel uncomfortable.
“A traitor should not be allowed into a nation as grand as our own” the other guards chuckled to themselves, “Sadly though there is no law denying your entry”
He noticed the bow and sheath of arrows on her back
“So how about a little test?”
Aoife groaned inside her head
“Me and the lads have been practicing are shooting skills over there” He pointed to a tree with branches covered in targets, either dangling precariously off twigs or stuck onto the trunk.
“If you can shoot the highest target while riding, I’ll let you in. It’s as easy as that”
Aoife looked to the very top of the tree; the highest target dangled a few good feet away from her.

The guards had decided to view this event from the safety and comfort of the wall. Aoife led Topthorn a few metres from the target tree.
She then cracked the reins and set off at a full gallop. Within seconds Topthorn was nearing the tree.
“Steady now boy” She whispered into his ear.
She loosened her feet from their stirrups and brought them up to the seat. Very slowly she rose up from her position so that she was crouching on the saddle. And as quickly as lightning she stood up nocked her bow and fired at her target. She fell back into place on Topthorn and steadily slowed him down.

When he had stoped she looked up to see if her arrow had reached its destination. It had. Perfectly. She smiled to herself smugly and trotted into Saibhreas not even bothering to look at the guards (Who were still mostly in shock).

Unknown to her, a hand had emerged from the brambles in the Target tree and grabbed her arrow. If anyone was standing below the tree they would have heard voices above them discussing the recent event. This is what they said:
“Nice arrow”
“Quite”
“Atonian craftsmanship I think”
“Yep, the bow is Atonian too”
“She’s a good shot”
“An excellent shot”
“Brilliant rider too”
“Indeed”
“Shall we?”
“Why not?”

[Reiteration6]

“... so he won't harm a hair on any child...he knows when it's okay to protect himself and when not to be snappy” Xena finished happily.

“Well, that's good to know; at least we won't need to worry about being held responsible for any children who go missing.” Simeon responded as they strode down the street.

It didn't take the pair long to reach the main market street... on the way there, though, quite a few people stopped to stare at them. Some were simply curious; tamed wolves were pretty rare, after all, but others seemed entirely more suspicious... as though they were contemplating the risk & reward involved in becoming a one-time wolf pelt dealer.
Whenever he saw one of the latter group, however, Simeon would play a merry little tune and smirk at them. Most of the time, the greed-stricken individual would suddenly lose their interest in wolves and go back to whatever business he or she had been dealing with prior to spotting the beast... oddly, this business often seemed to comprise of nothing more than lurking around menacingly.

“Heh. I know I may not look as dangerous as Leron and Eshe, but as a bard, I tend to hang around taverns a lot, so I've been in many a bar-fight throughout my life, and one way or another I always seem to manage to come out on top. So you needn't worry about those guys; so long as I'm by your side, they won't lay a finger on your wolf buddy here.” Simeon confided as they walked.

No more than a couple minutes later, however, they had reached their destination.
“Oh, well, it looks like it's time to split up now. As you can see, there's no lack of shops around here. In general, the way it goes is that the bigger the building, the more expensive it's likely to be. The cheapest places are the stalls set up in the alleyways that branch off from this street, though most of the stuff those guys sell is junk. Anyway, I'd best go find Leron and bring him up to date on all this bounty hunter stuff. You can remember your way back to the embassy, right? Once you're done here feel free to head back; Kirill should have had a room set aside for you by then. Bye.”

------

OOC - I know that Kirill is supposed to be my actual character, but since he's busy trying to convince an NPC to let a wolf enter a building full of people right now, I decided to just write up something for Simeon instead, since he's actually with a PC at the moment.

[Little Red]

"Oh, okay...bye." Xena called after him. She walked into the stores and did light shopping. She pretty much had everything she wanted including the sword and bow that she wanted when she walked past a window with a beautiful dress in it. She stopped and looked at it, she rarely wore dresses but this one....this one was so beautiful and it was so her style and since she was staying in a very, very classy place, the Embassy building to be exact, for a little while...it wouldn't hurt to make a good first impression on the first day. Xena took a deep breath and walked into the store, her first time in a fancy dress store.

Xena walked over to the store owner and pointed the dress out. "I-I'd like to try that dress on." She said. The owner looked her up and down thoughtfully. She held up the bag of coins, "I can pay for it..." She said smiling. "Fine." He said and lead her over to a fitting room before going to get the dress for her to try on. He came back with the dress and once Xena was undressed he helped her put it on. And when the dress was on her she looked in the mirror and smiled. "I'll take it." She said smiling. Once everything was back to normally Xena pulled out her bag of coins and paid for the dress smiling widely. Xena smiled and carried everything back with her to the Embassy, holding the covered dress carefully, she had the dressed covered up because she wanted it to be a surprise; she had never worn a dress as beautiful as the one she now owned before and she wanted to see everyone's reactions.

Xena walked into the Embassy and put everything in her new room. Xena stepped out of the room and looked around for Kirill or one of his friends.

4579

[Reiteration6]

“Ah! There you are, Xena!” Kirill called to her as he strode down the hallway. “They told me that you had just arrived. And I am now pleased to say that, after a very lengthy conversation with the captain of our guards here, I was eventually able to persuade him to allow your wolf to stay inside the building... admittedly, only under the condition that I will personally be held responsible for any actions it takes... so please make sure that it doesn't accidentally start assuming that anyone here is your enemy... I wouldn't particularly like to be tried for murder, after all. Oh, and the housekeeper has demanded that I ask you whether the beast – her words, not mine – will likely attack anyone who comes into your room uninvited... we do have maids to do the cleaning around here, after all, and she is a little worried that we may... well... end up not having any maids...”

[Little Red]

Xena smiled. "Yes he's a perfect wolf...he's very loving and only growls until he gets to know you better but he won't attack unless you attack first. I promise...now...what time is dinner?" She asked.

[Reiteration6]

“Dinner? Hmm, actually, now that you mention it, I've been so busy today that I haven't actually been keeping track of the time. Hold on one moment.” so saying, he turned to the door nearest him, waked across and opened it.
Hmm... this room had no clock inside. His did, and of course the common room, dining room & kitchen all did, but not every room had one. Since Kirill couldn't be bothered checking all of the nearby rooms until he stumbled across one that did, he simply walked across to a window and peered out.
It was winter, of course, so the days were getting shorter, and it was already almost sunset... which meant that it was probably just after 5pm.
“Just under an hour and a half,” he said upon returning to the hallway, “assuming you're eating with the rest of us here. Though I suppose if you have any of that money I gave you left over then you could always go get something earlier if you'd rather not wait.”

[dirkinz]

Elsa strode out of an alleyway like she owned the place. She was in a fantastic mood today as she had managed to aquire a rather larger sum of money than normal today. She reached her hand into her pocket and felt the small sack of coins that resided there and smiled, fifteen! I'm on fire today she thought, a smile creeping onto her face. As she walked down the cobbled streets, going this way and that without having to think about it, she didnt even think about stealing from anyone. With a proud air about her she strode into a small marketplace. The stalls here were dingey and the sellers were even more so. Moth eaten clothes, dirt stained faces, Grimaces on the bony malnurished faces and the wares were not much better. Fortunately this wasnt where Elsa was stopping. However, on her way through she secretly slipped a couple coins onto one of the stalls, if a crate with a man behind it could be called that. She left the crummy market and made her way to a real one, one where she could get something that isnt infested with bugs and doesnt have excessive problems. Namely a new tunic. It was very simple brown cloth but unlike what she was wearing it didnt have any holes. handing over seven coins she took the tunic and sighed. three left she thought. she had just enough left to get a small bite to eat at a local tavern.

[Little Red]

Xena smiled widely and looked over at the black dress bag that held her brand new beautiful dress that hung over in the corner of the room. "No, no, I still have surprisingly a lot more than I thought I would have left over; but I was actually hoping to eat dinner with everyone...to show my appreciation for everything that you, your friends, and everyone here has done for me." She said smiling. Xena looked back at Kirill and smiled widely, her cheeks a rosy red as she remembered what she looked like in the mirror when she first tried it on and the look one the tailor's face when he saw his master piece look so perfect on someone. His words to her exactly where, "Women have come in and out of this store with their eyes on this dress...but every time someone would put it on it just didn't feel right...but you! When you walked in I was a little skeptically but now that I see what it looks like on you. I know that this dress was meant to be your's." He said.

Xena smiled and looked at Kirill. "An hour and a half...okay...I better start getting ready...I've got almost two years worth of dirt to scrub out from under my nails and the last time I wore make it was a longgggg time ago." She said with a girl. "I'm going to look so girly.." She mumbled smiling as she playfully pushed Kirill out of her room. "Okay when it's almost time for dinner can you send someone up here and take me to the dinner room?" She asked smiling. Xena saw a maid dusting a vase and Xena smiled. "Excuse me, Miss. Could you help me get ready for dinner tonight?" She asked. The maid looked skeptical at Xena, "What about to animal, Miss?" She asked. Xena giggled. "I promise Rags is the best wolf ever...he won't harm anyone here...you have my word." Xena informed. The maid nodded and walked inside Xena's room and then stood frozen solid when Ragtop walked up to her, he sniffed her hand for a few moments before his tail wagged back and forth and he licked her hand, the maid relaxed and smiled down at Ragtop as she pet his head. Xena looked up at Kirill and smiled. "Thanks again for everything Mr. Kirill. I'll see you at dinner." Xena said smiling widely at Kirill before standing on her tip toes and kissing his cheek softly.

~~~~~~

Jensen had been training with his little brother, Sam, trying to teach him how to be a good solider; even though Jensen wasn't an officer or the king's personal solider, Jensen had been told that he was listed as one of the best. Jensen didn't care if people thought he was the best solider to ever live or anything like that all he cared about was keeping his kingdom and what he had left of his family, which was only Sam, safe from harm. Jensen stopped sparing with Sam when he heard a set of hooves pounding against the ground. He looked over to see the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen, an Atonian girl. Jensen couldn't help but smile as he watched her own his officer, he laid his sword over his shoulder and clapped when she completed what the officer asked.

Jensen walked over to (just going to say a random name) Ryder, the officer. "Come on, Ryder, let the beautiful girl in the kingdom. She obviously accomplished what you asked her to do." He said smiling. Ryder looked down at Jensen where he sat on his high horse with a glare, Ryder had always hated Jensen from the beginning, Ryder was afraid that Jensen would take his place as officer and he didn't like that to much. "Well, if your going to take an Atonian's side then how about you take the traitor to where she is looking to go." Ryder said. Jensen smiled and looked over at the Atonian girl with a smile, "It'd be my pleasure." Jensen said smiling.

Jensen walked over to the Atonian girl, smiling. "Hello, Madam. My name is Jensen Ackles and this is my little brother Sam Ackles." He said motioning to his little brother, Sam, who had followed him. "I've been given orders to take you to where you're looking for." Jensen said. "But before we go, could I have the honor of getting your name?" He asked as he held onto the Atonian's horse's reins and gently pet the beautiful beast's neck.

[BumblingBee]

Strangers

As soon as the young man took hold of Topthorns reins he recieved a murderous look from both horse and rider.

"LET. GO. OF. THE. REINS."

Aoife slowly moved her hand to the hilt of her rapier.

"NOW"

If looks could kill. He would be dead.

[Little Red]

Jensen jumped back quickly, his arm across Sam's body, shielding him. "Ma'am...I'd recommend that you don't do anything stupid...I was just admiring your beautiful stallion..." Jensen said hand back on his real sword. The look in Sam's eyes held terror as he looked at where the Atonian's hand laid and at his older brother. Sam, the more rational one and the one to use words first to get himself out of a fight unlike his older brother. "Please, ma'am...please don't hurt my older brother...he's the only family I have left in this world.." Sam said quickly, fiddling around with his fingers. "We-we just want to help you...my brother was the only one who offered to leaded you to where ever it is you want to go." Sam said. Jensen gave Sam a look that said that he could have handled the situation without his input.

[BumblingBee]

Her stare was piercing. She saw inside the two lads. She saw the truth.

As if someone had flicked a switch she was all smiles. She let go of the hilt of her sword and jumped down off Topthorn (who had also seen to have cheered up)

She pointed at herself
"My name is Aoife Dóiteáin and this" She raise her hand and pointed at her horse "is Topthorn"

She looked down at the younger boy and regretted her previous harshness. She could see the sorrow he had been through in life.

"You know ... " She paused wondering if she should tell them about herself so soon.

"Topthorn doesn't bite. Go ahead, stroke him if you want"

Topthorn himself wasn't overly pleased, to him children were ammatures that couldn't ride correctly. But he whinnied at his mistress in acceptance.

[Little Red]

Sam smiled and pet Topthorn's nose, smiling. "He reminds me of my horse back at home. But he's just a simple brown Thoroughbred...your horse is amazingly beautiful." Sam said smiling as he stroked the horses's head. "I love riding...it's so...it's so...it's hard to explain how I feel when I ride Braveheart, my horse." Sam said smiling as he looked over at Aoife. Jensen smiled as he watched his little brother pet Topthorn, mesmerized by the horses's beauty. I held out my hand for Aoife to shake. "Nice to meet you, Miss. Dóiteáin." ​He said smiling.

[BumblingBee]

She paused then, tentatively she took his hand and gave it a strong shake with a hint of uncertainty.

The black bark stinged the side of her leg ever so slightly from the inside of her satchel and she remembered why she was there. She gave her head a small shake and was once again serious.

"I need directions to Sareas and the Palace of Kings. I have urgent business with Cadman"

She looked at the young man dead in the eye

"Extremely urgent business"

[Little Red]

Jensen nodded his head, getting the message she was trying to imply. "Yes, ma'am." Jensen said. He pushed his sword back down in the sheath until it clicked back in place before he put his fingers in his mouth and let out a strong whistle. In only a matter of moments a beautiful pure white Thoroughbred came galloping out of the woods and over to Jensen. In one swift movement, as the horse kept running, Jensen grabbed a hold on the reins and jumped up onto the horse, he circled back around and pulled Sam up onto the back of the horse. "If you would, please, follow me and I'll lead you to Sareas and the palace."​ Jensen said.

[BumblingBee]

She examined the white horse.

"Interesting" she murmered softly

Without another thought she mounted Topthorn and followed the young lads.

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

By late afternoon they were nearing the village of Vale. By this point Aoife was exhausted, she was just about conscious. Topthorn nickered gently to stir her. She sat up suddenly, yawned and raised her hood.

Then she heard it. A small snap, a whisper in the trees.

Slowly, silently, she nocked her bow and pointed it into the branches of a nearby tree.

However before she could do anything else, two red haired young men dropped from the trees landing on Topthorn. One on his rump and the other just in front of Aoife. She was frozen solid in shock.

The one in front of her nodded and waved
"Hello"
The one on the rump did the same
"Hello"

Then Aoife screamed and Topthorn reared throwing the three of them into the air.

[Little Red]

Sam knew the drill and he quickly jumped off of Stargazer. Jensen flicked the reins and Stargazer whipped around and tore off back over to them. Jensen quickly jumped off of Stargazer in midstride and caught Aoeif before she hit the ground. He pulled out his sword and pointed it to the twins. "Stay back and don't come any closer if you'd like to keep your heads." ​He said protectively.

[BumblingBee]

The twins had landed perfectly and were now stood next to each other with their arms folded and smug grins on their faces. Their red hair was tied up into short messy ponytails. They both wore identical sets of light leather body armour, with matching bracers and greaves. They carried daggers and throwing knifes for weapons. They were both slim and tall.

One of them spoke

"We apologise for our rude arrival"
"Let us introduce ourselves"
"I'm Danny"
"I'm David"
"This is your arrow"

One of them stepped forward (Aoife couldn't even tell which one) and handed her the arrow.

She was still in shock

"H-how did you even" But she remembered the target tree from earlier that day. She pressed her hand to her head too confused to think clearly.

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

OOC - Hey redd since Jensen is a guard maybe he could recognise the twins from various wanted posters or whatever? Just a thought :P

[Little Red]

Jensen still had his sword in is hand. He wasn't letting his guard down for nothing. "And my I ask why you decided it be a good idea to jump onto her horse and almost hurt her just to give her, her arrow back?" Jensen asked puzzled himself.

[BumblingBee]

They stepped back, looking offended.

"Now just hold on a minute!"
"Who said thats all we were doing?"

They smiled at each other, almost as if they knew a secret they couldn't contain.

"We've only come for one thing"

They both pointed to Aoife

"You"

[Little Red]

"Hell no! I'm not letting you take her. She came for important things...not to be kidnapped but some thieves." Jensen said, rolling his eyes. "If you want her...you've gotta go threw me." Jensen exclaimed.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife was flattered at Jensens concern for her.

The twins simply glared at the man.

"You should watch your tounge around your superiors"
"You never know where or how they might have power"

Aoife had calmed herself down, she looked at the two men in pure bewilderment.

"What the hell are you two on about?! Why do you want me?! How are you our superiors?!"

The twins laughed for a while then stopped.

"We're not your superior"
One of them looked over at Jensen and Sam, he noted to himself how protective the older one was of the younger.
"Well maybe we're your superiors"
"Definitely"
They turned and adressed Aoife once more
"No you, little skylark are more powerful than all of us combined"

Aoife couldn't handle this. It was too much. It was too late. It was far too confusing.
The twins suddenly bowed and said in unision...

"Daughter of Ean"

Aoife decided this was the best time to collapse
It was not.

As quick as a flash One of the twins placed a knife at Sams neck, the other picked Aoife up in his arms, bridal style.

[Little Red]

"NO!! SAMMY!!" Jensen roared. Jensen looked over to see the other one had Aoeif. Without looking and without a seconds hesitation Jensen grabbed the hand with the blade in it and twisted it to the side forcing the blade to drop, then he flexed his muscles and punched the one twin that held the knife against his brother's throat. Jensen threw that punch with everything he had sending the guy flying backwards, when his fist made contact to the thief's face there was a sickening crunching sound as the guy's nose broke. "Sam, get on Stargazer and go, go fast, and go NOW!!" Jensen said, barking the order. Sam nodded and got back on Stargazer and took off. In a flash Jensen grabbed the one twin that was holding Aoeif and held the blade of his sword to his throat. "Now...put the girl down and slowly walk away." He ordered, harshly.

[BumblingBee]

"Arse"

Davey (Who had been punched) got up slowly. With a ugly sounding crunch he corrected the position of his nose.

"Danny the plan may have backfired ever so slightly"
"You think so?"

Danny raised his hands and dropped his knife
"Look we could have killed you hours ago if we wanted to but we didn't. We need her. More importantly she needs us"

Davey spoke up (Carefully as the blade tickled his neck dangerously if he was too loud)
"Do you even know who she truly is?"

[Little Red]

"Just meet her today, buddy. Now...set her down and walk away real slowly. And if you come near her body I will cut your brother's throat right open." Jensen informed the other brother. "If you wish to speak to her...you can do it civilized...got it?" Jensen said. "I don't deal good with people who kidnap people for things or people who threaten my brother." Jensen said, pressing closer to Davey's neck with the blade of his sword when he mentioned his brother. "Most people get hurt worse then you did when people decided to threaten my baby brother...most the time they end up needing a healer...other times they go missing."

[BumblingBee]

"FOR THE SAKE OF GODS! CAN YOU NOT SEE WHO THIS GIRL IS??!!" Davey shouted as best as he could with the blade at his throat.
"SHE'S A GOD AMONG MEN! SHE'S THE TENTH DAUGHTER OF EAN! THE ONE TO PURGE THE WORLD WITH FIRE"

Davey calmed himself "Look if you still don't believe us their should be a birthmark in the shape of a bird at the back of her neck. Go ahead check"

[Little Red]

"PUT HER THE FUCK DOWN!! I DON'T GIVE A FLYING FUCK IF SHE IS OR NOT!! SHE'S UNDER MY CARE AND I WILL PROTECT HER!!" Jensen roared. Jensen growled and then kicked Davey's knees in before hitting him on top of the head with the butt of his sword and grabbed Aoeif out of his hands and pushed Davey on to the ground with his foot. Jensen quickly seethed his sword before jumping on top of Topthorn, holding Aoeif against my chest. "If you want to speak to her, do it civily...you'll know where to find us when you want to." Jensen said before he flicked Topthorn's reins to take off.

[BumblingBee]

As the two rode away into the distance the twins said in unision
"No need for that type of language"

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

Aoife awoke to find herself in a warm bed in a unfamiliar room. The sun was beginning to set below the horizon. Slowly, Aoife sat up and walked over to a nearby counter. A small note had been placedexplainng how Jensen and Sam were waiting for her below in the tavern. She guessed what had happened after she blacked out.

She remembered the words those twins had said.
Daughter of Ean.
The Daughter of Ean.

It all made sense now. Her bag had neatly been placed in a corner, she strolled over to it and picked up the rock egg thingy. She had read the books. She knew the prophercies as well as any other Atonian. She knew what was going to happen soon, She knew what she would have to do.

As quietly as she could she packed up her things. She hastily scribbled down her own note. It simply said Sorry and thank you. Aoife was about to leave but she turned fiddled around in her bag and placed a purse with about a dozen gold coins in it next to her note.

She opened the window and breathed in the salty sea air. So they had reached Vale.

In one flowing movement she made her way onto the roof of the inn. There were the twins. Waiting for her.

[Little Red]

"What's taking her so damn long?" Jensen asked pacing back and forth, Sam just watched. "Why don't you go check on her?" Sam said. Jensen nodded and walked up to her room and knocked on the door before opening it. "Son of a bitch!" Jensen barked. He picked up the note and ready. He looked at the bag of money. "I don't want your damned money!" He snapped rolling his eyes.

[Reiteration6]

Just under one and a half hours ago, Xena had asked Kirill to send someone up to fetch her when it was time for dinner, and then had thanked him once again for his generosity and had kissed him on the cheek.
Mr Diplomacy seemed quite pleased about this.
And as such, once again, Simeon had been given the duty of escorting the young woman to her destination. Still, it was only down the stairs and through a hallway this time, rather than several streets away... and he had to admit, if any of Kirill's three friends were to be asked to help out in this manner, he was obviously the best suited. Leron knew about as much about etiquette as he did about arithmetic. Nothing whatsoever, in other words. And as for Eshe... well, both he and the diplomat had agreed that leaving her alone with Xena for even just a few minutes most likely wouldn't end well...

Simeon knocked on her door and waited patiently for the few moments before Xena opened it.
“Well, well, well,” he said, his eyes widening slightly upon noticing her new dress. Even his ever-present smirk seemed to fade a little, such was his surprise. Like any good performer, though, the bard regained his composure swiftly, “I must say, my lady, you truly would make a fine noblewoman indeed... or a fine courtesan, perhaps, should you ever decide to leave behind the life of a warrior.”

He winked at her as he said this, then smiled slyly. “Heh heh. Ignore my jesting, Xena, dear; everyone else does... and do me a favour and don't mention that courtesan comment to Kirill. Now, what say you, shall we be on our way?”

Simeon held out a hand for her to take, if she so chose, not failing to realise as he did that if they were to enter the dining hall together then he would be thoroughly upstaged by the girl. His own outfit consisted almost entirely of silk, it was true, and was as bright and flamboyantly colourful as could be, yet even he had to admit that beside her dress it would appear cheap and tacky by comparison.
Drat.
He wouldn't hold it against her, of course, but like all bards, Simeon absolutely adored being the centre of attention.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife motioned a finger to her mouth in a shushing motion to the twins. They understood and nodded. She could hear Jensen looking for her below, a sense of guilt panged at her heart but she needed to do this she had to.

The twins were waiting for her, they pointed to the street below. Among the bustling traders and fishermen stood Topthorn with two other horses (Aoife guessed they were the twins) ready and waiting.

Slowly and silently they began to climb down the side of the building. This wasn't a tricky task for the group at all. They were on horseback in seconds.

Aoife spoke to them quickly
"Alright where are we going?"
The twins smiled that smile again. Aoife sighed.
"Follow us"
And the trio galloped away towards Sareas.

[Little Red]

Xena smiled when she answered the door and saw Simeon, she added a giggle at his courtesan comment. Xena looked down at herself and chewed on her bottom lip. "Is it too much?" She asked. "I've never really been to a place like this, or had anything other then those clothes you guys saw me in..." She said. She didn't do to much on her hair, but kept it natural and it suited her well, especially with the dress. "When I saw it...it just...I dunno...it felt right." Xena said. "Maybe I should just put on the other outfit I bought...it'll only take a second." She said, blushing a deep rosy red. She chewed on her pinkie nail and looked up at Simeon for help. "I don't want to be center of attention...it wasn't that much...honestly...I thought it was simple gown..." She said. She was freaking out inside.

Xena chewed on her bottom lip and picked at the now none existing dirt from underneath her nails. "Simeon, please help me...I-I've never been in a place like this and surrounded by people with such wealth. And I've never felt so...well...girly...never in my life, I've always been boyish...I've always worn pants." She said. "Are you sure this is okay to wear?" She asked, stepping out of her room, the maid who helped her get dressed walked over to them and put the hood that was attached to the dress on Xena's dark brown hair. "You look beautiful, Miss. Xena...if it's too bold to say, but I think it looks perfect on you for any occasion. Don't you agree Sir Simeon?" The maid said smiling. Xena blushed and let out a sigh.

Without waiting for either one to speak the maid set Xena's hand in Simeon's and pushed the two of them on towards the staries, "You've worried to much about such a simple dress that soon dinner will be finished if you don't hurry, Madame." The maid said smiling. "Go, go." She added motioning with her hands to hurry them along. Xena continued to chew on the inside of her lip, "Fine...but if I feel as though everyone is staring at me I will run back to the room and stay in there until everyone forgets about the dress." Xena said looking up at Simeon and motioned for him to lead the way.

Once they got to the dinning room, the guards opened the doors for them. Xena swallowed the knot that was in both her throat and her stomach before stepping into the room. She looked around at everyone before pushing the hood back off her head. She looked around for Kirill, picking at her nails again, nervously, then she brushed off her dress, even though nothing was there to begin with. Xena felt like everyone was staring at her, but maybe they were staring at Simeon and his loud shirt, yeah, that thought made her feel a little better; they weren't staring at her they were staring at Simeon and his loud shirt...right?

~~~~

"UGHHH!!! I'M GOING TO GET MY ASS HANDED TO ME ON A PLATTER!!!" Jensen yelled. Jensen ran down the step. "Engrad, watch Sam for me! I need to go for a ride." Jensen said. He got outside and got up on Stargazer and flicked te reins and Stargazer took off as fast as he could, Jensen was infuriated. Really, did she not understand that it was his job and his responsibility to keep her safe? He was the one who suck his neck out and offered to watch her and guard her, whatever happened to her was to be blamed on him. Jensen rode off until he got to his home, many miles away from the tavern, right on the edge of the beach.

Jensen got of his horse and pulled out his sword and swung at the nearest thing, he sliced his wooden fence clean down the tree thick wooden post that held it up. "That's the last damn time I try to help anyone! She acts like she can fight but in the face of those idiots she fucking faints! Which causes them to want to threaten my brother...ohhhh, I'm got to kill those two...I'm going to cut their heads right off their shoulders." Jensen growled, swinging his sword again, it cut right threw the tops of two posts that held up his fence.

[BumblingBee]

Sareas was amazing. The buildings were so lavishly decorated with jewells and gems they glittered like sunlight. Aoife couldn't believe her eyes. It was nightfall by the time they finally reached their destination. It was a large building near the outskirts of town nearer to the north a short while away from the coast. The building was huge but nowhere as glamorous as the mansions within the city centre. A large sign hung above the doors to the building, it read Sahreas Acadamey for the gifted

Aoife looked at the building, suprised more than anything.
"Wow, honestly I expected something more classy for a palace of thieves"

On the way the twins had explained where they were going and why they were. They told Aoife they were taking her to see their Master: Calloch. For what reason they didn't state.

The twins chuckled at her remark and carried on. Aoife followed, she couldn't stop thinking about Jensen and Sam. She had been so-so selfish. She would have to apologise properly one day but not now.

The twins dismounted, she copied them.

"We have some fields around the back for the horses"
"But we'll keep them in the stables for tonight"

Aoife hesitated slightly as she unsaddled Topthorn. She leant into him, rubbing his neck. She whispered into his ear "If anything goes wrong, run"

She trailed after the twins who had set off at a brisk pace through the doors and into a maze of corridors and hallways. Aoife almost had to jog to keep up with them. Finally after two flights of sairs the twins suddenly stopped in front of a large grand looking door. Aoife looked terrified. Danny saw this and tried to smile reassuringly. Davey mothed at her "It's ok"

A voice beckoned her from within.
"Come in Aoife"
So she did.

[Little Red]

Jensen roared at nothing before throwing his sword and it stuck into the side of his house. He swung around and punched the nearest thing, which was a tree. Jensen took a deep breath in and tried to calm down. "Ugh...I'm so going to get fired for this...or worse...a war will break out because on of the Atonian's got kidnapped on my watch..." Jensen said before sitting down up against the tree he had just punched and ran his hands threw his hair. "This is so not good...their going to take Sam away from me..." Jensen mumbled under his breath. He needed to get Aoife back before anyone found out...because of her stupid actions its going to cost him his entire life...which was Sam. Jensen got up and pulled his sword out of the wall and let his best tracking dog out of his cage and handed him the bag of coins she had left. "Okay, Jet...go find her." He said and quickly got on his horse and followed after the dog, the dog following Aoife's scent.

[dirkinz]

A large rock outcropping just off the road caught Milef's attention. It was a perfect to cook a bit of lunch. Milef walked up to it, looking at it for a moment determining it to be unscalable, for most at least. He tapped his walking stick on the ground and said in a ster voice "Kella sha bulla". Then with a light hop the dust around his feet was blasted away and he flew several meters into the air, landing gracefully on the rock. From on top of the rock he could see a trio of riders coming up the road. He gave them a small wave as they passed with no more than a small greeting. Milef watched them go before sitting down, placing his hand flat on a flat part of the rock and spoke another spell. "Jek Dal, Lethaino", he spoke, lifting his had as a flame grew underneath it. Milef reached over to his pack and unbuckled a small frying pan from the front of it and went about making a little support system to position the pan over the flame. As it grew hot he pulled out two dried slices of ham and placed them into the pan. He laid back on his hands, the sky was clear, the smell of bacon filled the air about him and the sun warmed his face. Soon the bacon was ready and he took the pan off the fire, taking a careful bite of the hot bacon. Curling up his hand, as if to hold something, Milef blew into it, creating a slight swirling of air which he released over the fire, quickly putting it out. Milef shouldered his pack, one piece of bacon held in his mouth when he saw the man and the dog coming towards him. "Kella sha halla" Milef said and jumped down from the high rock, landing as if it was no more than a foot rather than three meters. "Hail" he said as the person came up, the dog trying not to get distracted by the tantalizing smell of bacon.

[BumblingBee]

Slowly Aoife walked into the room.

A fire was roaring away to the side of the room, Aoife gladly accepted its warmth. There were two chairs by the fire. Different maps of the city and Tailte were dotted around the room on the walls. Near the other end of the room stood a large desk with various items scattered across its top.

A man was leaning over the desk. He was tall and broad, Aoife guessed he was in his early forties. The man had a rugged face that must of been handsome in his younger years. It still was, just a little more worn pherhaps. He had piercing golden eyes similar to Aoife's, black hair too that wasn't quite shoulder lentgh. He had a short stubbly beard and a long scar down the side of his neck. The man wore black and grey robes, topped with a green hooded cloak attatched by golden brooches. This man was rich. Aoife didn't have to guess how.

The man looked up at her and gave her a kind smile. He beckoned towards the chairs "Please sit"
Aoife gave a timid nod and did as she was told. The man followed her and sat in his own chair with a long contented sigh. Aoife relaxed, only a little. She saw true compassion in him.

He turned to face her
"My name is Calloch, you must be Aoife"
She nodded
"Now the twins tell me that you're something special. Are you?"
She thought for a moment, then answered truthfully
"I don't actually know"
"Hmm"

Suddenly as if from nowhere, Calloch produced the rock egg thingy. Aoife was astonished to say the least.
"How did you even?!"
She went to grabb at her bag, but instead grabbed nothing but air.
Realisation hit her. Hard.
She groaned.

"How long have the twins had my bloody bag?"
Calloch chuckled
"Long enough"
He analysed the rock closely for a moment. He analysed Aoife for a moment.
"Do you trust me?"
The question took her by suprise
"What? Well .. . I ... I guess"
He took her own hand within his and moved it into the fire. Aoife flinched and tried to pull away but his grasp was too firm. She was too confused to observe what was happening fully.

After a few more seconds Calloch let go. Instantly Aoife recoiled her hand away from the flames. Then it dawned on her. She looked down at her hand. No burns. Nothing.

She couldn't speak.
Calloch spoke for her.
"Well thats certainly a valuable asset"
He chuckled and placed the rock back in her bag, which he then placed on her lap. Aoife still said nothing.
"Well you're definitely a good rider, the twins told me that much. Your Atonian heritage guarantees your skill at archery. You'll make a fine addition to our little family I think"
He smiled.
"Follow me"
He grabbed her arm and hustled her out of the room.
Aoife remained speechless.

[Little Red]

"Please don't..." Jensen said to the man. "I need to keep going..." He added setting his hand on his sword. "Jet! Go! Find her! Find her now!" He barked, the dog took off running. Jensen whipped Stargazer around and took off after the dog. "It's a matter of life or death!" Jensen called over his shoulder. Jensen finally came up to a school. "You've got to be kidding me." He growled. He got down off his horse and walked up to the door and started banging on the door with all his might, hand on the hilt of his sword. "I hope those twins answer." Jensen said chuckling.

[BumblingBee]

Before Calloch could introduce Aoife to the others a loud banging was coming from the entrance. The twins popped their heads around the corner.
"Don't answer it" Calloch said in a whisper

They each stood perfectly still waiting for whoever it was to leave

[Little Red]

Jensen kept banging on the door. He got aggravated after a while and started kicking it, and kicking it, and kicking it and then finally the door flew open. "You...your coming with me. Because of you I'm going to get fired, and if I get fired they'll take my brother away. You need to come back with me explain everything to the embassy and then you can come back." Jensen said, his body shaking cause he was so mad. "You don't understand...I CANNOT lose my brother...I will not because of your stupidity! Because they think your the daughter of who-the-fuck-ever. But your coming back home with me right now and then you can come back." Jensen said. Just the thought of losing Sam brought tears to his eyes. "Please...I would rather die then lose my baby brother..." He said then he saw the twins and a growl rumbled threw his chest, his hands griping the hilt of his sword in his head he was playing how he would slowly hurt them from threatening my brother.

[BumblingBee]

However before Jensen could do anything, Calloch stepped in between them. He raised his hand.

"Stay your blade soldier. I apologise if my students have harmed or offended you, But I must ask you to leave. You are disturbing the peace of my academy"

From behind Calloch the twins pulled various assortments of rude faces and poses. Obviously not intimidated by Jensens fury

[Little Red]

"HELL NO!!!!!!" Jensen roared. "I'M GOING TO LOSE MY BROTHER!!...I will not lose my brother. I can't lose him." Jensen said. He then snapped and pushed the man out of his way and grabbed the twins and slammed their heads together before slamming their heads against the wall. "Go fuck yourselves." He snarled and threw them to the side. Jensen walked over to Aoife and grabbed her arm gently. "Please, you've got to come back...you don't understand how much Sammy means to me and if I get fired because you ran away on my watch...I will get fired and they WILL take Sammy away from me...just please...I'm begging you...I will get down on my knees and beg." He said. "Please, I stuck my neck out for you, I defended you, if it wasn't for me you wouldn't even be in the city right now, the least you can do if come back and explain that it's time for you to leave or something." Jensen said with a sigh.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife looked at Calloch, He nodded at her

She looked into Jensens eyes and gave a soft smile
"I will go with you to the embassy, but then I will go my own way"

She leaned in close and whispered sweetly in his ear
"I can't risk hurting the two of you"

Then as if nothing had happened to trotted out the door to get Topthorn saddled up.

As the couple began to saddle up Calloch dragged the twins back up to their feet and slapped them awake.

"OW!"
"What wah that for?!"

His voice was a low whisper

"Follow her make sure she returns to us"

[Little Red]

Jensen sighed a big relief, "Thank you...thank you so much." He whispered. Jensen followed her back outside and got up on his horse. "Jet! Come on boy!" He called to the hunting dog he was stalking a bird. Jet lifted up his head and bounded over to Jensen before Jensen reached down and picked the dog up by his scruff and set him on the back of Stargazer. "Good boy." Jensen cooed and gave him a treat. "Come on, Aoife." He said and started and Stargazer walked back to the embassy. Then he stopped. "You two follow us and I won't hesitate to slit your throats when I find you two." Jensen said looking at the twins his hand on his dagger. "You will die for threatening my brother's life...I don't put up with the shit." He added before he kept walking. Jensen looked over at Aoife. "I'm sorry I came of harsh...I don't like the idea of losing my baby brother...or the idea that some threatened to end his life. Sam mean's everything to me..." He said then paused. "I would end my life or sell my soul if it meant I could save him." He said looking her dead in the eyes when he told her.

[BumblingBee]

She smiled
"It's good that you're so protective over him, but be careful you don't smother him"
She rolled her eyes amusingly
"I've had my own experiences of that"
She glanced upwards at a rustle in the trees

"the twins only wanted to protect me you know, they told me. They would never harm a child"

[dirkinz]

Milef sat lazily on a roof near to the academy. He had followed the rude person he met on the road, he thought he had looked familiar, someone out of a dream he had. Well he sure is a stupid one thought Milef as he watched the mans temper tantrum from the cover of a spell, rendering him rather hard to be seen. Kicking the door open might have been an impressive show of strength if the man had even tried the doorknob once, because as polite it is to knock before entering, if was planning to kick it down anyways it could have been much easier. Milef felt his spell getting close to fading and so he made his way down the back of the building, the side that faced away from the academy. From the alley he waited until the people left, planning to watch them from a distance. Things may get interesting with. He thought, work could wait until tomorrow.

After a short while the two twins came out of the building as well. Milef smiled and realized they were trailing the other two. After following the twins for a little he stepped up behind them and with a smirk and a small bow he presented himself as "Milef, the wizard of the Misttop mountains" in a quiet voice. "So what is it that makes her so important?" If it was terribly significant he doubted he would get an answer that easily but it was worth a shot.

[Reiteration6]

Simeon smiled brightly as they walked into the dining hall, and many people turned to look at them both.
There was one long table down the centre of the hall, at which those diplomats who had guests over to discuss various matters sat and ate. The occupants of this table were all finely dressed and were taking care to act courteous and professional.
There were also, however, a few smaller tables set up by one of the walls, for those diplomats who didn't feel like getting dressed up for a meal, as well as a few other friends of theirs who weren't feeling much like discussing matters of state. Leron was easy to spot, of course, due to his size. He was sat with the latter group, and was still dressed in his customary leather armour.
Over at the other table Simeon soon spotted Kirill and Eshe, sitting together and chatting about something whilst they waited. The two seats beside them had been left empty, so that the bard and the warrior girl had places of their own.
Walking her across, he pulled out the seat beside Kirill for her, and then took his own place on the chair beside hers.
The diplomat was dressed in a tunic and trousers of the finest make, both of which were jet black, but which were embroidered with delicate patterns set out in silver thread. The belt and boots he wore were back also, though these were made from high-quality leather, with clasps of silver.
Eshe, on the other hand, was dressed just as she always was; in her entirely grey outfit. In fact, her sole conssession to the meal appeared to be that she had tugged her scarves down below her chin, rather than having them wound around the lower half of her face. She hadn't even bothered to take off her hooded cloak before sitting down.

“My, my,” the diplomat exclaimed upon spotting Xena's new outfit, raising an eyebrow speculatively and smiling across at her, “who would ever have guessed that our ever-so-fierce warrior woman would look so natural wearing such a refined dress, and would fit in so well in as high-class company as we keep here?”

[BumblingBee]

The twins walked past the wizard, and simply replied
"Her? Oh nothing really"
"She just has the possibility of turning into a raging firebird"
"That could possibly destroy all of mankind as we know it"
"So you know"
"Nothing major"
"Good evening"

And they walked away just like that

[Reiteration6]

Ignore this post.

[Little Red]

Xena smiled at Kirill, picking at her nails again. "To be honest...I've never really worn a dress without trousers underneath...but I couldn't do that with this dress." She said softly smiling at him. "But when I saw earlier it just felt right to by it." Xena said smiling. "And I've never really been classy...but...I thought well maybe I should...I dunno...more respectful." She said blushing. Xena looked up at Kirill and smiled as she chewed on her bottom lip. "So what were you guys talking about before we walked up?" Xena asked before brushing her hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear to reveal a tattoo of a simple stick arrow just below her ear, on her neck.

~~~~~~

Jensen nodded. "I know...and I give him space sometimes...but I worry to much...like we both said, we're all we had left." He said, looking up at her. Jet barked at her and his tail started wagging. Jensen chuckled, "He likes to say hi." He said smiling at Jet who had laid his head on Jensen's shoulder.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife chuckled and stroked the dogs head softly

"I'll wager a hat full of coins against all the songs you can sing, that someday you'll love and the next day you'll lose, and winter will turn into spring"

She finished with a flourish and told him "It's an old Atonian proverb that we all believe in. So what happens when we get there?"

[Reiteration6]

“... So what were you guys talking about before we walked up?” Xena finished.

“Ah...” Kirill replied, his smile fading a little. He glanced around to make sure that everyone else was still involved in their own conversations, then turned back to Xena when he was confident they could speak without danger of being overheard. Even so, he lowered his voice. “We were actually discussing your predicament, my dear. Eshe tells me she has spread the word amongst her contacts around the city and assures me that they will be on the lookout for any bounty hunters who may be after you. Fret not, for whomever these individuals are, we shall surely have all of their names and places of residence within a mere two or three days, isn't that right, Eshe?”

She stared at him silently for a few moments, not responding to his question at all, but then sighed. “Yes. Three days from now we will surely know who these people are and where they all live.”

“Exactly.” Kirill said cheerfully, his bright and charismatic smile returning. “And then we can send in Leron's friends to teach them all a little lesson. After word of that gets out, I doubt you'll have to worry about bounty hunters again.”

[Skyren2231]

Aine looked up at the night sky, the crackling of her campfire and the rustling of the leaves on the trees the only noises that broke the silence in her mind.
"I need to find out where I am" Aine said to herself finally.
She stood grabbing her bow and knocking an arrow to the string, she turned, drew back and loosed. The arrow soared sharply and hit the branch of a tree sending it flying through the air as it separated from the trunk.

Aine packed up her camp and began to walk, determined to find a town of some sort so she could find out where she was. She forged forward, not sure where she was going, but sure she needed to go somewhere. Suddenly she heard a strange rustling in the foliage next to her, she readied her bow preparing for an attack. All of a sudden a flock of birds burst from the bushes darting this way and that disorientating her. She put her bow away realising there was no danger and kept on walking.

As the sun reached it's highest point in the sky, Aine saw a clearing in the trees ahead, a light at the end of the forest, she picked up pace and started to run towards it. As she broke the tree line she came to a large opening and in the centre of it was a small town surrounded by simple wooden walls.
"Finally." Aine thought, finally she had found civilisation... finally she could start her mission...

[dirkinz]

Milef laughed as the twins walked off. "Some people are so odd" he muttered as he followed them, staying quiet so as not to disadvantage their cause but not particularly hidden himself. He would just look like a passerby to most but he walked with purpose. The smirk on his face never leaving. He was rather amused today and he felt like things would get even more amusing if he followed these people.

[BumblingBee]

As soon as the twins were out of sight they dived into a nearby bush to converse in privacy.

"I didn't see him"
"Nor I"
"How"
"Luck?"
"Wits?"
"Magic!"
"A wizard!"
"We could use him"
"Indeed we could"
"But we can't"
"Oh yeah"
"What were we supposed to be doing again?"
"Crap"

And with that said they jumped out of the bush and ran in the direction the two riders had been heading.

[Skyren2231]

Aine entered the town quietly making sure as to not bring attention to herself. She put the hood on her cloak up covering her face since her brother told her stories of other peoples mistrust and hatred towards Atonians. Looking around she spotted an Inn on the main street and entered it.

As Aine entered she noticed the emptiness of the Inn. She stepped towards the counter where a woman sat. The woman turned as she approached "Yes...?" she asked almost uncertain she was seeing a person there at all.
"I'd like a room if I may," Aine replied being wary as she wasn't sure what this person was thinking.
"A room eh? Alright then, what's the name for the log then." The woman looked at her trying to see under the hood, but Aine turned away. The woman smiled subtly then suddenly started laughing.
"What's funny?" Aine asked startled.
"Atonian huh? You're Atonian." She chuckled.

Aine looked down shocked. Was it that easy to see her. She took down her hood and turned to face the woman. The woman just smiled again.
"Pretty, very pretty. Well you'll be fine here, but you're gonna need to improve you're skills if you wanna stay hidden here, darling." The woman turned picked a key off the shelf and walked up the stairs, "This way to your room then."
Aine followed still wondering what she meant by having to improve her skills.

The woman opened the door to the room.
"Here you are one room." She said handing Aine the key.
"Wait." Aine said quickly as the woman was about to walk away, "What's your name?"
"Erica child, Erica." She chuckled to herself, "And you are?"
"Aine." Aine replied bowing quickly.
"Well I'll see you in the morning then." Erica said smiling going down stairs.

[Little Red]

Jensen smiled at her. "You know...I like that saying." He said smiling at her. "I'm also sorry that I kicked the door down earlier." He added with a shy smile. "But no one was answering me."

Xena thought about what they were saying and nodded slowly. "I just hope he doesn't find me." She said. "I just can't...I just can't marry someone so evil." She said. "I want to fall in love...I want to fall in love with someone who's kind, sweet, caring, generous, loving." She said, Xena paused for a moment. "Someone like you." She said, motioning towards Kirill. She then blushed and looked down at her silverware fiddling with them. "Just saying."

[BumblingBee]

By the time the two reached the embassy the stars had settled themselves in the night sky. The Atonians had no official embassies in any of the nations, so the friends had to make do with the Bhreatain embassy.

They had to go through a fair bit of paperwork stating for what reasons she had entered Saibhreas and if her protector/Guide had done a satisfactory job. She made sure this was filled in.

It was midnight when they were finally allowed to leave, legally. They twins were waiting for them, horses saddeled and ready. Aoife turned to face Jensen.

"I cannot tell you how greatful I am. You have been a true friend when others would have mistrusted me without hesitation. But I must leave you now" She bowed to him and with her head still lowered she spoke "Sabhone Jensen".

Then she gave him a small peck on the cheek and mounted Topthorn.

[Little Red]

Jensen walked up to the two twins and quickly and may I add, oddly skillfully, curved a 'J' in their forearms. "To remember me by...and a reminder not to touch my brother again...got it?" He said before punching them in the face sending them flying backwards, once again...just to get the message through. "Ever!" He added before jumping on top of Stargazer. He looked up at Aoife and smiled. "Til we meet again, Ms. Aoife!" He said flashing her a smile. He flicked the reins and let out a loud Yahah!! and Stargazer took off into the night, back to Jensen's home getting ready to get a good nights rest.

[BumblingBee]

Quite obviously the twins were getting tired of being repeatedly punched and their newfound wounds were not helping either. For the complete ride home Aoife had to put up with a lot of grumbling and mumbling.

When they finally reached the Academy Calloch was waiting for them. The twins put the horses away while Calloch lead Aoife to her new room. After what seemed at least a few dozen flights of stairs they reached the top floor.
Calloch explained "We only have the one room so..." He opened the door to a small attic bedroom. a bed sat in the corner and a large dresser next to it. Other than that there was nothing but the window which provided a rather nice view of the ocean.

"It should suit your needs" he was about to leave but he stopped and added "Oh by the way the twins room is right below yours so..." He waved his hands around in the air "Just expect some 'disturbances' " he left her in peace shutting the door behind him.

Aoife sighed contentedly and waltzed over to the window. She opened it wide to breath in the fresh sea air. She smiled and simply thought "This is a good place"


When the morning came it brought with it a rather loud crash followed by a shout of "Sorry!" from the twins. Aoife decided to make her way downstairs to see what was going on. She followed sounds of shouting and general chatter until she reached a large dining hall. A long table ran down the room covered with all sorts of food stuffs. And people. Lots and lots of people. The twins were stood at the head of the table surrounded by a large crowd of people, all of whom looked variably dubious for all sorts of different reasons.

Aoife went to sit down at the complete opposite end of the table but still the twins saw her. And as soon as they did they let everybody else know.

"THERE SHE IS" They pointed at her in a over exagerated manner.

Within seconds a crowd had surrounded her that was so thick she had trouble finding room to breathe.

[Little Red]

Jensen put Stargazer away in the stables before going inside to find Sam asleep already. Jensen got undressed before heading to bed. He looking up at the ceiling window to see the stars. Jensen crossed his arms over his chest, sleeping on top of the covers, his dagger in his hand. Jensen always slept with one eye opened ever since that fetal night where his father was murdered.

Jensen woke up early that morning and started cooking breakfast for Sam before heading out to the stables. Once he got to the stables he started brushing Stargazer down. He started humming a song as he worked.

[dirkinz]

Milef awoke in a crummy bed in the corner of a small crummy room. He hadn't had money to blow on some big fancy room so he had settled with the Kilted Gnome, A small Inn tucked away in the poorer area of Sereas. Trying to ignore the smells emanating from below he got himself out of the bed and yawned. He closed the spell book he had left laying open last night and packed it along with a few other belongings before heading out. People already filled the streets and Milef groaned as he waded into quickly strengthening river of faces. He followed the cobbled road north, allowing the smell of seawater to guide him towards the docks. Once he was almost tempted by the tantalizing smells of freshly baked bread but the lack of metal clinks emanating from his coinpurse stopped him at the door. A grimace was on his face the whole rest of the way until eventually he reached the source of the foul smell of fish, seawater and large sweaty men. Milef pushed his way through them if they didn't get out of his way already; last time he was here several sailors learned just how hot fire can get. "Hoy! Sevari." Milef called up to a tall blond haired man, standing at the edge of a boat. no answer. Milef sighed as he made his way to the gangplank and boarded the ship. "Sevari" He tried again, this time with more effect.
The man looked over to see who had called his name and said "Hoy! Milef! How have ya been laddie?, shooing away some people he had been talking to and put his arm on Milef shoulder.
Milef tried not to cringe at the smell of the man, he was used to them at one point but not anymore. "Im doing fine but my purse is running dry. Do you have any work for me?"
Sevari sucked in a breath through his teeth with a look of resentfulness. "Sorry lad, im near to over crewed as it is." he gestured to the men going about business on the fishing vessel.
Milef nodded, he definitely had a lot of men. "Sure you cant take one more?"
"Sorry lad, If I take any more there wont be a cut of the pay for me, an' I own the boat." after a short pause he said, "Let me see what I can do, I may be able to find somewhere to send one of my new swabbies and Ill talk with th'other cap'ns, see if I cant get a spot for ya." Milef thanked the captain and made to leave when he was stopped. "Hold on lad, how much do ya have?"
"One gold left." Said Milef and shook his near empty coinpurse.
Sevari pulled out his own and handed Milef two more. "this ought to last ya a few days. Come back tomorrow and I may have work. Said Sevari.
"Thanks Sevari, I owe you." Milef said gladly taking the coins and heading back to the street. As used to barely getting by as he was he hated it. A dejected sigh passed his lips as he walked back up the cobbled street. As he walked he remembered the strange events of yesterday and a little smile managed its way onto his face at the thought of the two who looked the same. Oh well he though not every day can be so amusing.

[Psychostapler]

Rean walked through the halls of the Academy, admiring the building. Getting inside had been no small feat, requiring him to climb a wall and leave his sword outside, hidden in a bush. Now that he was inside, though, it was well worth it. Step one, grab some sellable stuff from the rooms. Step two, write my name on a wall. "Rean stole your shit, catch me if you can"... No, too long. "Rean stole your shit". Yah, and with a smiley face drawn next to it! He chuckled at the thought of everyone seeing his work. Doing all of this while it was daylight was going to be difficult of course, but that's what made it fun!

Rean stopped as the scent of food hit his nostrils. He hadn't eaten since last night, and the smell was too good to pass. Following the smell, He found himself in a large dining hall. There were a lot of people there and the tables were covered in food, but everyone seemed to be more interested in something at one end of the table. Whatever it was, he didn't care at the moment. Quietly making his way to the opposite end, Rean took a seat and began eating. As long as he was here, he might as well enjoy himself. Even if they did notice him, he could probably talk his way out of it. If not, I'll just run. Everyone knows scholars can't run for shit.

[BumblingBee]

A hand suddenly reached through the crowd and pulled Aoife free. It was Calloch. As soon as everyone saw him they all settled down quickly and returned to their meals. Aoife pulled herself together.

"What was that all about?" She asked still dazed and confused.
"Nothing. The twins just having their little show is all"
He offered her his arm which she took gladly and walked with him up a flight of stairs into the library.

Meanwhile the twins had spotted something, or more accurately someone, who could be their next victim. The young man was eating his meal quietly and ignoring the other students, except he wasn't a student. The twins looked at each other and nodded, then silently, they jumped up to the bannisters of the hall, hidden in the shadows.

They made their way over to the young man, and when they were directly above him they dropped so that they were hanging upside down right in front of him. Not suprisingly it gave the man a bit of a shock.

"Hello stranger!"
"What might you be wanting?"
"Or taking!"

[Reiteration6]

"I want to fall in love...I want to fall in love with someone who's kind, sweet, caring, generous, loving... someone like you. Just saying."

Eshe, who had been sipping some wine, was so shocked that rather than swallowing the liquid normally, she actually inhaled it. And immediately began coughing and spluttering.
Simeon, on the other hand, started laughing. A lot. So much so that within a few moments he was struggling for breath, and showed no signs of stopping any time soon, though it wasn't clear whether he was laughing at Xena's proclamation, or at Eshe's situation.

“Why thank you, my dear,” Kirill replied, smiling genuinely – not in a mocking or light-hearted manner, “that you hold such an opinion of me means a lot, I assure you.”

Before Xena could form a reply, however, Eshe (who had recovered by this point) spoke up.
“Wow. I never knew that Atonians were so gullible. You haven't even known the guy a day, and you already think you've figured out his character? You know nothing, girl.”

[Psychostapler]

Rean coughed on his food as two red-headed men hung down from the ceiling. Choking, he quickly stood up and started beating his chest with his hand until the food came up out of his windpipe and went down his throat. After a deep breath, Rean angrily grabbed the twins' heads and banged them together. "What the hell! Didn't your parents teach you not to scare someone while they're eating?" He yelled, uncaring the fact he had been found out. At the moment, he was too angry to fully realize what they had said.

[BumblingBee]

The twins simply sprung back up to their feet as if they were made out of rubber. Firmly they grabbed the mans arms so he could not run away however hard he tried. The twins whispered to him.
"You didn't answer our question"
"This isn't a normal academy you know"
"We're not mere scholars and teachers"
"No my lad, we're one of you"
They said it together
"Thieves"

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

The libriary was much quieter than the dining hall below, but it wasn't empty. A few people were scattered around the large room reading and (suprisingly) studying. Calloch let go of Aoifes arm and began to explain to her.

"Now I'm sure you've guessed what we really are. You're certainly bright enough" he turned back to face the room "Elites! Come here the lot of you"

A few people walked over to them and lined up. Calloch lead Aoife to a young woman who was just a bit older than her. She was slim and blond, with very short hair that curled perfectly. Her eyes were a shimmering blue and she had perfect skin with curves in all the right places.
"This is Letti, she's our little spy in the political world"
Letti smiled warmly and gave Aoife a small bow.
Aoife did the same.
"Letti's methods may be ... a tad unusual, but they work well for us" (She slept with any politician she could then get any information she could out of them)
Letti spoke with a smooth polite voice
"Hey Fee, If you need help with anything just ask me. It will be nice to have another girl around"

Calloch then turned Aoife to face a brute of a man. He was obviously a Bhreatain. Aoife let out a small squeak.
"This is Brick"
Timidly Aoife asked "Why are you called Brick?"
"Well they say" (He pointed to the others) "That I have the endurance, wits and charm of a brick"
Aoife couldn't help but let out a small giggle
Brick smiled, frowned then left.

Aoife was then turned to face another man, a lot smaller than Brick.
"This is Venom, our man with the potions"
Venom was a Raic with a thin and gangly figure. He had brown greasy hair scrunched up into a deep purple bandanna and piercing violet eyes to match. He gave Aoife a small wave and smile.
"If you need to be healed or need a special brew Venoms your man"

Finally they moved on to face a young man the same age as Aoife. He was very tall and slim but still strong, with almost a regal tone to his posture. He had sharp blue eyes of clear blue and sharp features to match. His hair fell in thick brown curls across his face, he was handsome is a quirky manner. When standing in his presence you almost felt inferiour to him.

Calloch patted him on the back "This is Lock, my second in command and your new teacher along with the twins"
Aoife stood back for a minute confused
"My teacher?"
"Aye. Unless you can use that blade" He pointed to her rapier "Lock here will teach you how to fight and the twins will teach you the ways of sneak and shadow" He smiled at her "You'll be a fantastic little thief in no time"

And so Aoifes new life began.

[Skyren2231]

The sun rose over the town and shone in through the window on Aine who was looking out at the small town she was in. Aine turned has there was a knock on the and Erica entered smiling that sweet smile of hers.
"Sleep well dear?" Erica asked still smiling.
"Yes thank you." Aine replied returning the smile
Erica looked at her then said, "You are a pretty girl... yes very pretty."
"Thank you." Aine looked at her quizzically, "By the way... Erica, where exactly am I?"
Erica looked at her regarding the question then smiled again sweetly, "Oh that's easy enough we're in Bhreatain."
Aine looked out the window again, "Bhreatain?" she was sure she'd heard that name before, but where?
"Yes dear this town is called Tref town." Erica replied.
"Tref town?" Aine was still trying to work out where she had heard Bhreatain from.

Erica walked over to Aine still smiling and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Would you like me to show you how to stay hidden child?" Erica said to Aine's suprise
"What do you mean?" Aine asked puzzled, what could this Innkeeper teach her about staying hidden.
"Looks can be deceiving child and there are plenty of ways to stay hidden all you must do is have the knowledge to use them." Erica replied the smile still there gentle as ever, "Besides if you don't stay hidden you won't survive very long in this current climate and if you don't survive you can never see your brother again."
Aine turned to face Erica her violet eyes consumed by shock, how did this woman... this Erica know about her brother.
"My brother is dead!" Aine exclaimed seemingly enraged.
"Are you quite certain child? Are you sure your eyes should be trusted so readily?" Erica replied calmly the smile had faded now.
Aine looked at her in shock, "What?" Aine sat quickly shaking, not sure what to think... not sure what to do.
"Your brother lives Aine and unless you can stay alive you'll never see him again." Erica stated coolly and sharply.
Aine looked up at her from where she sat "And how do you know this... Erica?"
"Come with me Aine... I'll show you." Erica turned and headed for the door. As she reached it she stopped turned looking at Aine once more and smiled then left. Aine stood slowly still shaken and confused and stepped towards where Erica had once stood, what was going on here? Aine had to find out...

[Psychostapler]

Rean was surprised at the twin's durability, but was even more surprised that they already found out why he was there. They almost sounded like mind readers, the way they kept following after what the other said. It was honestly pretty disturbing. Whatever it was, his cover was blown and there was no use hiding it. "Thief? Me? No, no, I'm far more than a thief." Even with his arms held Rean managed a smile. He never stopped trying to get out of the twin's grip though; Being held like this never made him comfortable. "I'm every woman's dream and every man's nightmare. I don't steal for the money, just for the sake of alleviating my own boredom. Comparing me to a thief is just insulting. You can call me Rean Lügner! Now, if you two are done feeling up my muscles, I'll be on my way."

The commotion was very quickly attracting the attention of the students at the tables. At this point, stealing anything was out of the question. Rean could still make quite a spectacle with his own escape though, as soon as he could get out of these damn thieves' grip. If only he had his sword, he could have chopped them up long before any of this happened. As it was presently all he could do was wait for the right moment to make a break for it.

[Little Red]

Xena looked over at Eshe and snarled. "Screw you, Eshe! First impressions are important in life, so why don't you shut the hell up before I take this knife right here and cut you damned tongue out! Okay? Besides...did I say anything about know him? No, I gave my opinion on what i know so far. Im not gullible, got it?!" Xena snapped waving a steak knife in her direction.

[BumblingBee]

The twins looked at each other, then back at Rean, then back at each other.
Again they said in unison
"Would you like a job?!"

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

Letti had decided to take "Fee" (a affectionate new nickname) out for a stroll in the courtyard. The winter sun was low in the sky and casting bright rays of light onto anything it touched.

Letti began to explain to Aoife how the academy worked.
"If Calloch see's someone he thinks he can..." She waved her hands around in the air "Improve I'll say, Then he recruits them into our little guild. If they turn out to be exceptionally good then they become one of us. The elites!"
Aoife thought for a moment
"So I'm an elite now?"
Letti nodded
"Oh. Ok." She knew why she was one of these 'Elites' really.

The two girls talked for a good long while until finally decing to return to the dining room (Aoife still haden't eaten)
Upon their return they found the twins pinning down a young man. By this point Aoife wasn't really suprised. She simply grabbed her food, and decided to eat somwehere else.

[Reiteration6]

Eshe sighed and shook her head. “You deserve exactly what you've got coming to you.”

Before Xena could respond (most likely in an excessively violent manner) Kirill interceded.
“Eshe, stop antagonising the poor girl! And Xena... please put down the knife, you're drawing quite a lot of attention... and not the good sort of attention, either.”

Indeed, every single person in the hall was staring directly at the girl. Most of the diplomats and other people of import appeared horrified by the fact that someone had just begun brandishing a large knife. The guards stationed at the entrances to the room, however, merely looked wary, though there was not a single one who had not reached down to clasp the hilt of his or her sword in their hand. They were ready to spring into motion the instant she should make a move towards the grey-clad woman.

From the chair beside Xena, Simeon smirked across the room at Leron, who grinned back. Xena may have chosen to dress finely, much as the bard himself did, but it was still obvious that she was just as uncultured as they were. Noble ladies tended not to go after their enemies with steak knives, after all.

[Little Red]

Xena rolled her eyes. "Even in a nice dress they still wouldn't be able to catch me even if I did do something." She said stabbing her knife into the table before pushing her hair out of her face and began to eat her food, starving out of her mind now. Xena caught Simeon smiling at Leron, she smiled back and swallowed her food. "What, a girl can't defend herself?" She said smiling widely. "I'm the most boyish girl you'll ever meet...trust me...most girls are like all diamonds and pearls and shit...but I like knifes and swords and hunting and getting dirty." She said smiling. "Oh, and they don't have tattoos either, whereas I, I have more then I can count, you just can't see them because their hidden under this dress." She said smiling.

[Skyren2231]

Erica lead Aine to a small hatch hidden behind the counter.
"Well would you like to see what's inside?" Erica asked Aine.
Aine looked at her curiosity filling her eyes, "Yes," Aine said simply.
Erica nodded and took out a key from her pocket and unlocked the padlock from the hatch. Opening it she climbed down the ladder and Aine followed quickly.

As Aine touched the floor she found herself in a medium sized room with a large fountain in the centre and a lot of strange instruments hung and lay around the room that Aine didn't recognize.
"What is this?" Aine asked calmly trying not to let her feelings of caution and miss-trust get the better of her.
"This... my dear is how I know so much about you." Erica answered the sweet smile again reappearing on her face.
Aine looked at the fountain wondering what was so special about it, Erica saw the look and smirked slightly.
"It lets me see points of interest across Bhreatain, and recently it showed me you Aine." Erica explained.
Aine tore her gaze away from the fountain and turned to face Erica, "What do you mean? What's so interesting about me?" Aine asked confused and bewildered.
"You don't know, do you Aine? They didn't tell you, huh? Interesting." Erica replied seeming to ponder on Aine's questions.
"Know what exactly?" Aine's eyes filled with anger.
Erica looked back at her, "You're special Aine, very special."
Aine looked at her confused, "Special how?"
"If you want to find that you're going to have to find the Blaidds." Erica said simply a serious look crossed her face.
"The Blaidds?! You mean the Giant wolves that roam this nation?" fear and shock coated Aine's face.
"Yes." Erica responded calm and collected.
Aine looked up at the fountain that sat in the centre of the room and pointed, "And I suppose you want me to use that to find them then?"
Erica looked at her smiling once again, "You catch on quick my dear."

Aine stepped towards the fountain that sat in the middle of the room. She looked down at the still, calm water that filled it's basin and looked behind her towards Erica.
"Now think of what you wish to find and look in the water and you will see where to find it." Erica instructed.
Aine turned back to the basin and thought of the Blaidds. To her surprise the water stopped being still and a ripple was evident in the water and an image became clear within the water reflecting in Aine's violet eye's. After about a minute went by Aine looked up from the waters and turned towards Erica.
"I know where I must go!" Aine said eventually her eyes aglow with determination...

[Psychostapler]

Immediately after the twin's proposal, Rean stopped struggling. It was so unexpected that he thought it might be some joke. "What?" He asked, confused. After a few moments, he started laughing. "Wait, is how you recruit people? You sneak up on them and scare the shit out of them? That's hilarious!" After laughing for a few more seconds, he managed to stop. "Alright, alright, I'm in. I could use some part-time pay anyway, and you two seem fun. Now, seriously let go."

[Reiteration6]

The diplomat cringed when Xena ruthlessly stabbed the expensive mahogany table with her knife. Something told him that he'd be the one paying for that damage.
And out of the corner of one eye he saw the captain stride into the room, looking at first annoyed, and then suddenly becoming much more cheerful when he noticed how uncomfortable this whole scenario was making Kirill.

“Well, I'm not entirely sure cutting off someone's tongue because they insult you can really be called self-defence... but, well, I'm sure you're right about none of these guards being able to catch you. They are pretty useless, after all.” Simeon made sure to speak loudly enough to be heard easily all throughout the hall. Kirill hadn't noticed him turning towards the captain at any point, but it was obvious that the bard knew he had arrived.

The diplomat looked back at the main entrance and groaned. Ilari Rogov; the captain of the Bhreatain soldiers whose duty it was to protect the embassy and the diplomats of his country, was striding towards them with two of his guardsmen at his heels.
Rogov was, like the majority of Bhreatain's men, tall and muscular. Unlike most, however, he was no idiot. He was old enough that all of his hair had gone grey, yet was still an accomplished swordsman. Upon his face he had grown a large and somewhat pompous-looking moustache, but despite this, Rogov always managed to appear menacing, if he so chose to.
And right now, he most definitely had chosen to.

Many people, when angry, became red-faced. The captain, however, did the exact opposite. And right now he was as pale as a corpse.

“Well? What's the meaning of all this then?” he demanded as soon he and his compatriots had drawn to a stop before Xena, Kirill, Simeon and Eshe.

Kirill winced.

[BumblingBee]

The twins released him and gave him a rather hefty pat on the back
"All you have to do is steal stuff"
"Whatever you want"
"Whenever you want"
"And we get 20% of the profits"
"This gets you"
"A free bed and roof over your head"
"Free meals"
"And whatever training you need"

They took a hand each and shook it vigorously
"Good luck!"
And then they ran out of the room after a girl with black curly hair.

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

Aoife had just finished eating when she heard her name being called
"Hey Aoife!"
"Fee!"

Aoife turned to find the twins running towards her. She gave them a small wave.
"Hi you two"
Before she could protest the twins had took an arm each and were leading her through more endless corridors. Aoife decided to just go with it.
"Who was that you were pinning down earlier?"
"Him? Oh no-one"
"Just a new recruit"
"How is it that your recruiting methods are so violent?"
The twins laughed and just carried on walking.

Eventually they reached a huge hall, full to the brim with training equipment of all kinds. Aoife gazed in wonder at the countless dummies, weapons and targets that were scattered around the room.
"This is the training hall"
"Lock's going to teach you in here"
Aoife looked at the twins
"What about your training for me?"
The twins smiled
"Our teaching methods are..."
"A little more practical"
They folded her arms and gleamed at her
"Just be on the roof tonight"
"Eight'O'clock, sharp!"

[Skyren2231]

Aine ran up to her room quickly grabbing all her clothing and items and packing them hastily in to her pack. Erica stepped in calmly that sweet smile still across her face casually as she watched the frantic Aine running about the room.
"So then, where did the fountain show you to go." Erica said finally.
Aine looked up from her packing, "South-west. To the area around Celtica near the border of..."
Suddenly Aine froze her eyes wide with fear and her body shaking as if being pushed by a huge pressure.
Erica's smile faded and she lunged forward catching Aine as she almost fell. Aine shook her head and picked herself up steadying herself.
"What's wrong?" Erica asked worried as Aine looked up at her.
"I just realised which border Celtica is near." Aine said a strange emotion coated her voice which seemed to be a mix between anxiety and fear.
"Which one?" Erica asked.
"The Atoni border." Aine said simply her eyes looked as if they were to glaze over again.
Erica looked at her for a moment then stepped over to her and embraced her, "You're going to have to face the past someday why not now."
Aine looked up at her and nodded.

Aine waved as she left the Inn. She wasn't sure why, but she felt like Erica had become a friend in the past couple of nights. She left bow in hand and hood covering her face with thoughts of what she may face plaguing her mind. She continued walking south following the map that Erica had dug out for her before she left. Aine looked up at the sky noticing that the sun was already beginning to set, as the sky turned an incredible orange hue. Aine looked around for a place to set up a camp for the night out of sight. She stepped into a nearby wood and sat down unrolling a bedroll she had packed and went off to find firewood.

Aine lay down looking up at the stars that glistened against the darkness of the night. The campfire that burnt beside her, crackled breaking the silence.
"I wonder what the Blaidds will tell me," Aine thought to herself, "And what's so special about me anyway?"
The questions plagued Aine's mind as she slept.

The sun rose creating a red hue across the sky. Aine woke and started to pack away her camp. Suddenly she heard a crack in the bushes behind her. She jumped up knocking an arrow to her bow and drawing back in one swift movement. To her surprise a Blaidd with black fur and a muscular frame emerged from the bushes and walked towards her.
"What would a single Blaidd be doing here when the rest of the pack is so far south?" Aine looked at the huge wolf cautiously bow still raised not taking chances.
The Blaidd let out a small growl and looked at her carefully, regarding the bow with caution.
"I was sent to find you it seems." Aine heard the voice of the wolf in her head clear as day.
"What? By who?" Aine asked surprised.
"Our leader sent me, Cryfder," The Blaidd growled again seeming to indicate Aine's bow, "He sensed your power and sent me to ensure that you make it to him."
Aine looked at the beast startled, but nodded, "Then I'd be happy to follow you noble wolf." Aine bowed and the Blaidd turned and began to leave. Hastily Aine grabbed her belongings and began to follow suit, curiosity grabbing her. Is she really that important to Cryfder, more importantly who exactly is he and what does he want with her exactly? Aine was determined to find out...

[BumblingBee]

Aoife released the small bird into the sky, a small letter tied neatly to its leg. It would give her Auntie and Uncle Peace knowing she was safe. While she was on the roof she looked around the surrounding town and fields. She suddenly realised Topthorn must still be in the stables. Scanning the fields once more she found one perfect for grazing. It was the Northern field nearer to the edge of the cliff by the sea.
__________________________________________________ _______________________

Lock grabbed the reins of a chestnut thoroughbred and began to lead him towards the fields around the back of the Academy. He opened the gate to the Northern field and let Calder (His own horse) roam at his own free will.
“Just don’t go to the tree where I can’t see you”
Calder began to walk to the tree where Lock couldn’t see him.

Lock groaned and trudged after Calder, muttering nothings as he rubbed his arms for warmth. Lock could now see Calder; He was by a tree in the furthest corner of the field with another horse. Lock stopped for a moment
Odd. He hadn’t noticed this horse before.

When he was close enough he grabbed the reins of this mystery horse and began to stroke its neck. He admired its beauty.
“Hmm you’re Atonian aren’t you lad” It suddenly clicked in his mind
“Ah. You must belong to that new girl”

Said girl then decided it was then the best time to fall out of the tree she had been in. She fell in a heap a few centimetres away from Topthorn and Lock. She jumped up and dusted the leaves and twigs off her, then nodded and said
“Yes he is my horse”
She smiled.

Lock groaned inside his head. Brilliant. He would have to talk to a human being.
“Indeed”
He turned and began to walk away
“Good day”
Aoife was puzzled
“Wait! Hold on!”
Lock sighed and turned
“Yes?”
Aoife looked up at him shyly
“Well I was just thinking we could … talk for a moment … Since you will be teaching me”
She thought for a moment.
“By the way are you all right about that. It seemed to me that Calloch thrust me upon you”
She laughed at her own joke, thought, and realised it didn’t quite sound as funny as it had in her head. She fidgeted with her hands.
“Anyway I’ll be happy to repay the favour”
She began to mumble and lose focus.
Lock felt bad.
“Look Aoife. I don’t enjoy talking to people. I’m not good at it either so-“
“THAT’S IT! I’ll teach you how to have a decent conversation with somebody! Fantastic!”
Before Lock could protest she told him
“Meet me every morning from now on…”
She looked around her
“Here!”
And with that said she skipped off out of the field and away into the academy. Lock watched her then placed a hand on his head. He then realised she’s left both horses in his control
“Perfect”

[dirkinz]

Milef thought he might pay a little visit to his "father's" memorial, it wasnt too far away from the city. So with his pack slung over his shoulders and his cloak pulled in close to avoid the bite of the winter air he began to head towards the southern gate. Passing through buildings and alleys he stopped only to buy a small bit of food for his journey. On his way through the gate he told told the guardsman he would be back later that evening, so they would be expecting him just in case he didnt get back before they closed the gates. He began following a fence, next to the road and saw a fairly young girl happily making her way up the hill. She looked familiar for some reason. "Hail" he called out over the fence. As the girl got closer Milef was more sure he had seen her somewhere. How could he have forgotten someone as distinct as an Atonian, for she obviously was one. "What is an Atonian doing this far up north?" Milef asked suspiciously.

[BumblingBee]

"Hail" Aoife replied to the young man
She gave him a short bow.

Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the twins at the top of the hill. They had noticed her too, and this mystery man. The twins decided to be polite and only pul rude faces when he wasn't looking.

Aoife stifled a small giggle.

[Little Red]

Xena looked up at the captain before taking a bite of her food before she spoke. "Nothing but a harmless argument my good sir. Don't mind us go on to doing whatever it is you do best my good sir." She said nonchalantly and a smile on her face. "My name is Xena by the way and thank you for letting my wolf stay in the castle...Im assuming it was you that is." she said and motioned towards her wolf who was walking along the shadows towards her chair before sitting down beside her where she set her hand down on his head. She turned back around and went back to eating, giving her wolf a bite as she did.

[dirkinz]

"So, what is an Atonian doing so far north?" Milef asked, eyeing the obviously Atonian girl with slight suspicion. Over the top of the hill came the two twins from the other day and Milef made the connection. She was the girl who they had been following in the streets, the supposed firebird. He hadnt been able to see her well before in the light of dusk. "I thought your people some problem with others." Milef continued, not giving any hints as to their previous encounter, alerting her to his spying did not seem a wise choice at the moment.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife became suspicious immediately.
"My business here is my own"
She looked him up and down quickly
"Now if you'll excuse me I have things to do"

And with that said she carried on her way up the hill. Not looking back.
Shortly she was followed my a tall young man looking rather annoyed.

[Ashling]

Seer clutched her cloak as the bitter winter wind blew. She looked over at the forrests beyond the border, at the bare trees and their twisting branches.
Atoni.
Her home.

She longed to go running back to see her family again, to see the little one she had lost maybe.
No.
That was impossible.
The one she lost would be far away from Atoni by now. Well, she already knew this, she had seen it.

Without thinking she said aloud
"I will never se ths place again"
She had seen what was coming.
The fire.

Suddenly a voice piped up from behind her.
"And why is that Atonian?"
It was a Saib officer up on his horse
Seer snapped to her senses and began to walk away at a brisk pace.
"None of your business thats why"

The officer went to reply but didn't. He'd had enough of Atonians for a while now
__________________________________________________ ______________________

The sun was just begining to set by the time Seer reached The channel of peace. She crouched down and placed her hand in the water.
As always it was warm, even in the middle of winter.

She made her way across the river over to Ariett and the temple of Ean. As always the doors to the temple were wide open welcoming her inside. The last time she had been there had only been a dozen or so brothers attending to the chapels well-being.

She took off her cloak as a sign of respect and held it in her arms, she could see one of the brothers at the top of the aisle by the alter praying quietly. She began to walk up the aisle towards him and as she did she looked at the stained glass windows that adorned the walls. There were nine in total, each one dedicated to a daughter and how they came to be.

She stopped in front of the eighth.
Shaira.
She placed her hand against the smooth glass and sighed.
"Dear mother"
She closed her eyes and leant her head against the glass.

After a while she began to remember why she had come in the first place. She turned around to find a old friend smiling at her. The brother gave her a small bow and she returned the greeting. Like all the brothers he wore robes of pure white and he had long air and a beard to match. His face was worn and old but still kind.

He spoke with a strong Atonian accent
"Coira, you have returned to us"
Seer quickly shushed him and looked around nervously
"I no longer go by that name brother Aidan"
She looked down at her feet
"It bears me no good will now"

Aidans face sorrowed and he ushered her along to a private back room. He sat her down as he took a place across from her.
"What troubles you girl?"
Seer finally looked up at him
"The time has come I am afriad, The Firebird is rising and Atoni will soon be destroyed"
She grit her teeth and suddenly threw nearby book across the room
"AND THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO TO STOP IT! HOWEVER HARD I TRY!"

Brother Aidan stood back in shock. He thought for a second
"But the new Firebird is your own child! Why don't you simply speak to her?"
Seer took some deep breaths and finally calmed down, she stood up and began to walk out of the Temple with Brother Aidan hurridley following.
"I'm afraid it is not that simple Brother"
Once outside she turned to face the temple
"Times are changing"
She raised her hands
"The world is not as it once was"

A soft blue light began to cascade down from her hands like smoke, it twirled around her ankles and down onto the ground, surrounding the Temple.
"And I must protect whats left of it"

[Skyren2231]

The sun was at it's highest point, as Aine and the Blaidd approached Celtica.
"I know it's near the end of our journey, but do you have a name?" Aine asked unsure of what the answer would be.
The wolf turned with an aggressive look covering his face, "What? you think just because we're animals we don't have names?" Aine noticed a gruffness in his voice which had been absent previously.
"I apologise I meant no disrespect." Aine replied bowing hastily and in a slight panic. The Blaidd turned around once more and carried on walking.

"We're here." The Blaidd said suddenly as they approached a woodland different from most. Aine looked around her noticing that they were being watched, but unable to make out what by.
"Are these the Blaidds watching us?" She thought to herself as they carried on.
As they carried on they eventually entered a small clearing in the woodland where in a wide circle stood a large group of Blaidds. The Blaidd who had accompanied Aine seemed to bow as he stood before them.
"This is the girl Cryfder, as you asked of me." He said simply.
As he said this the large group of Blaidds parted and a Blaidd stepped forward.

He stood over Aine and looked down at her, his eyes watched her carefully seeming to analyse her. Aine looked back up at him noticing he seemed so much larger than the other of his kind.
"I see so your the one that I sensed then?" He said a touch of disappointment seemed to coat his voice.
"Apparently so, Cryfder." Aine replied sternly not wishing to be underestimated.
Cryfder seemed to smile at Aine's confidence and howled loudly, as he did so all the other Blaidds surrounding them joined in the chorus.
"I like you child," Cryfder said finally looking down at Aine,"Let's go then no time to waste this place won't be safe very soon."
"Where are we going?" Aine said suddenly confused.
Cryfder turned to her and his eyes suddenly became serious, "To the place which shall explain everything."

[Ashling]

The old man and Seer sat in silence.
The fire roared gently beside them, ocasionally letting out the odd crackle to break the stillness that had settled in the room.

"How long will the spell last?"
Seer looked up at Aidan, She turned her head to the flames
"Until the next winter. The temple will be hidden from anyone who wishes to cause harm from it while still being open to anyone who requires help"
She paused
"Hopefully this will all be over long before Winter"

She looked over at Aidan who was deep in thought. His inner thoughts passed over to her own mind.
"Ask your questions Aidan"
He looked up at her in suprise
"You need not fear me"
"Look, all I can think is... Why did you give away the child if you care about Atonis well being so much?"
Seer sighed
"I dare not discuss my secrets too openly, but lets just say that the Firebird is not my only child"
Aidan gasped, Seer simply stood up and leaned her hands against the mantle
"Let us leave that particular matter alone now"

Aidan rubbed his hand against his head.
"Well now that the temple is safe what are you going to do?"
Seer began to pace the room
"Before the Firebird truly rises there are other threats that deserve my attention. I'm headed North, to catch up with some old friends"
"Fair enough, just one more question"
He stood up to face her
"You see things before any of us do. Atoni may burn away to ash but, what of our people?"

Seer remained silent.
This answered Aidans question well enough.
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________

By the time the sun was rising the next day, Seer had reached Saibhreas once more. She stopped at a small town for breakfast and to ask for directions on the quickest way to reach Sareas. She had previously arranged a meeting with some even older friends. Two older friends infact. Two identical older friends.

[BumblingBee]

Weeks passed.
Winter thawed.
Spring began.

Lock wandered into the field with Calder. He made his way over to the tree. Topthorn or Aoife were no-where to be seen. He went and sat on the fence anyway, he subconsciously began to drum his fingers on his knee and whistle a sad little tune.

After a few minutes he saw a some familiar figures making their way up the hill towards him. He couldn't help but smile. He didn't want to admit it but ... Nah. They were just friends. Good friends.

He shouted out to her
"You took your time"
"Oh shush you"
She flopped down on the fence dramatically and groaned
"Whats up with you?"
She shushed him again
"Too ... tired ... to speak"
"Hmph"
Lock smiled and shook his head
"Who wanted you last night, Calloch or the Twins?"
"BOTH"
Aoife sat up blearily
"Training with the twins, and Calloch..."

She stopped herself quickly. Only the Twins and Calloch knew about her 'gift'
"Calloch just ... wanted to ask me some questions"
Lock looked at her
"Really?"
"Yes"
"Well okay then"
Lock smiled to himself. It was so obvious when she was lying.

Aoife nudged him playfully
"By the way I won't be able to go to training today"
"What! Why?!"
Aoife looked down at her feet
"I see Cadman today"
Lock froze
"I see"

Suddenly, Lock got up and left, simply saying
"See you later"

Aoife sighed and got up herself, she stroked Topthorns head. He whinnied softly at her.
Why did he do that? She always felt so guilty, as if it was her fault.

"Come on then my Bonnie boy, We need to look our best for the king"
__________________________________________________ __________________

Calloch and Letti had decided to wave Aoife off (even though she had told them she would be back well before dark)
She mounted Topthorn and waved to her family
"Sabhone!"
__________________________________________________ _____________________

If the gates to Cadmans palace were meant to look intimidating, they were. The black iron bars towered above Horse and Rider. Aoife was told Topthorn would be taken care of while she met the King, she was ushered into a large grand looking hall. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling casting bright golden light everywhere. Aoife was told she would need to wait for a few minutes before standing in front of the King and his Council.

She decided to find herself a seat and go over the speech she had made (With Callochs help). Her presence had been noticed however by a advisor to the King. Sadly this advisor hated Atonians, and he decided to make this clear.

He nudged another fellow advisor and pointed out Aoife. Then in an auidable whisper he said
"Gods we really should keep the scum of her kind out of our glorious nation"
Aoife froze. She clenched the parchment she had been holding
"Nothing but cowards and traitors if you ask me"
Aoife began to shake with anger
"We should kill them all if you ask me"
Aoife sharply stood up, as calmly as she could she demanded
"Sir I ask you to hold your tounge"
The advisor was in his prime
"How dare you! You Atonian bitch!"

And thats when it happened.
Nothing would ever be the same from that moment on.

In seconds the feathers began to spread across her body in a burst of flames. Burning red with flecks of gold and orange. They followed her spine, down her back and in a straight line on her arms and legs. Even in her hair the odd feather could be seen. But it was the flames that were the most suprising. They emitted from her very skin, crackiling and roaring as her fury grew. She was no longer Aoife in this stage. She was Featherskin.

She grabbed the advisor by the neck and lifted him clean off the ground with new-found strentgh. The advisor began to scream and struggle. Aoife was oblivious to all that was happening around her. The words simply swam in her head.

Traitor. Scum. Coward.

The air was begining to leave the advisors body. He gasped for the precious air he needed. He looked into Aoifes eyes, pleading with her. But she showed no mercy, only anger.

"AOIFE!"
The familiar voice snapped her out of the trance. The fre receeded back into her as if being sucked back in. Aoife turned to see Lock. She then realised what she was doing. Instantly she dropped the man and fell to her knees, shaking. She looked at her hands and screamed. Her nails had gone. Now there were only Talons.

Lock ran forwards and grabbed her, he held her in his arms. She was still shaking. People were shouting, screaming, forming a crowd.

Then the doors to the throne room opened, revealing the king. Cadman caught Locks eye with his own suprised gaze. He mouthed something at him but Lock couldn't hear over the noise of the crowd. He knew what he had said anyway.

"Son?"

Lock simply ran.

[Ashling]

It was spring by the time Seer had reached the most nothern realm of Saibhreas.
She had met with the twins.
They had told her of their own plans and how the Firebird was growing.
She would have to hurry.

Seer hurried through the busy dock. There were people everywhere, fishing, buying, mainly shouting. She walked over to a smallish boat by the end of the dock. The boat was full of sailors walking to and fro with various crates and barrels, each emmiting an overpowering stentch of fish.

Seer turned her face to the skys, she found her target soon enough.
"Oi! Gangfield!"

From high above in the boats riggings a young man poked his head out. He covered his eyes to see the speck of a person down below
"Hello Seer! What are you doing in these parts?"
He dropped down to the deck below and landed with a thud. Seer chuckled and dragged him up to his feet.

Gangfield was tall and slim with young looking features and a grin that always made you think he knew something you didn't. His brown hair often flopped over his eyes to he kept it back with a red band.

Seer looked at him. He had changed in such little time.
"I need to hire your boat"
"Alright, where to and for how long?"
She pointed to the oceans ahead
"To the nothern seas, and I don't know how long I need it"
Gangfield sighed and looked at to the ocean as well
"You mean to tell me you want to risk the lives of my men and my boat by travelling to the most dangerous seas in Tailte for a unknown amount of time and for a unknown reason?"
Seer nodded
"Yeah, pretty much"
"Alright. We leave at Dawn!"

[BumblingBee]

The two friends sat on the roof of a house near the town square. There was a crowd gathering and gossiping loudly about the events that had taken place that very day.

Lock looked over at Aoife. Those feathers had dissapeared and she seemed to be back to normal. She was sat with her arms curled around her legs. Lock sighed, she hadn't stopped crying in a while.

Lock took a deep breath in. This wasn't going to be easy, but it had to be done. There was no other way.
He would have to say something.

He spoke in the softest voice he could muster
"Hey, Aoife-"
"Shush!"
She had suddenly stood up
She was peering over the roof to the square below
Lock stood up and followed her gaze.

A Squire had walked into the middle of the square and made himself promient. He began to shout in a loud clear voice
"Attention all citizens of Saibhreas! The king, after discussing a particular matter with his council, Has declared the land of Atoni a lost nation!"
The squire paused for a moment
"And so the King has begun the Purge of Atoni. It shall be purged, in blood and flames"
Aoife gasped and raised her hands to her mouth
"We urge you to stay inside your homes for the remainder of the evening"

Aoife stumbled backwards, shaking with shock.
"This can't be happening, no"
Lock had remained still.
"This time Father you go too far"
He made his way down off the roof
Aoife followed quietly, wondering what Lock was up to.

Lock pushed through the crowd to where the squire was stood. He shoved him off his post and stood there himself. He reached for something inside of his pocket, he pulled out a seal on a golden chain. Aoife didn't recognise it, but the crowd did. Immediately the crowd began to whisper and murmur amoung themselves.

Lock took a deep breath.
"I am Lockesmi 3rd child of King Cadman and a prince of Saibhreas! My Father has gone too far in his need for Power! The Atonians have done no wrong! For one mistake in the past we should not prejudice ourselves against them!"
Lock stopped for breath
He stood up tall.
"And so ... I declare war against my father"

The crowd were silent.

And then, little by little. People began to step forwards.
Some smiled in agreement, others simply marched.
After a few minutes, at least a quarter of the crowd had joined Lock and Aoife in the middle of the square.

This would become the birth of The fellowship of Saoirse

[Skyren2231]

Cryfder lead Aine to what appeared to be a small ruin just within the Atonian border.
"We mustn't stay long." Cryfder said as they approached.
"Why? What's wrong?" Aine asked afraid of the answer.
"A bad wind is brewing... and we won't want to be here when it hits." Cryfder replied simply he then moved his head seemingly indicating for Aine to enter the ruins. Aine nodded and entered the ruins her face showed only determination and curiosity as she moved through the ancient building.

As they kept moving they eventually stumbled across what appeared to be a giant hall-like room.
"We've arrived." Cryfder turned to Aine. Aine looked around mesmerised by the intricate sculptures that seemed to coat the walls around the hall. Just then Aine eyes set on what seemed to be a shrine at the other end of the hall. She turned to Cryfder and he nodded to her. They stepped towards it slowly.
"Now go and focus your energy at that shrine and all will be clear." Cryfder looked at Aine.
She stepped forward and kneeled before the shrine and started to breath then suddenly a blackness enveloped her and she suddenly collapsed and silence filled the room...

[Skyren2231]

Aine's eyes opened. She looked up for a second then struggling she sat up. She found herself outside in some sort of makeshift camp. She looked about the Blaidds were gone and there were no sign of them. Her bow sat beside her with her quiver. Suddenly Aine heard a rustling in the nearby bushes, quickly she grabbed her bow and knocked it struggling to her feet. Aine watched the bush intently unsure of what would come out.

As she drew back her bow a young boy stepped into the clearing carrying some wood.
"Ah your awake then." The boy said warmly.
"Who are you?" Aine said keeping her bow drawn noticing the large sword on the boys back.
He looked up at her and smiled, "Oh I'm Kai, Kai Itomi."
Aine looked at him quizzically, she couldn't place him. His dark eyes and hair didn't seem to fit with any of the races she was aware of. He smiled at her again seeming to almost sense her confusion.
"Well if you want to put down your bow I have some wood for the fire to cook dinner." Kai turned and put the wood down in a pile where he seemed to have placed out a campfire.

As the campfire burned Aine kept her eyes on the strange boy. He glanced at her slightly and smiled.
"What happened to me?" Aine asked finally after a long silence.
"Well that's not something I can answer I only found you." Kai replied simply.
"Where exactly?" Aine asked curiously.
"Over there honestly, you had no clothes so I got some of mine out of my pack and set up camp here." Kai answered her. As he spoke Aine looked down at herself and realised that her clothes were missing. She turned away blushing and cursing.
Kai looked down at the fire, "Sorry if that embarrasses you."
Aine looked back at him shaking her head, "No, thank you for helping me."
Kai looked back up at her and smiled again then stood up drawing his sword. Aine watched him closely as he stabbed his sword into the ground.
"That sword is huge!" Aine looked wide-eyed at it's blade with seemed to be about 6 inches thick and 5 feet.
"Oh this it was my fathers," Kai said still smiling, "Right let's rest it's about night now."
Kai moved over to his sword and sat down leaning against it. Aine looked at him wondering how an earth that was comfortable, but then lay down herself and fell asleep.

[Ashling]

Ignore this made a mistake, sorry :sweat:

[BumblingBee]

Aoife and Locks return to the academy was silent.
Aoife was sat on Topthorn while Lock held his reins and lead the way.
Each had plenty to say, but neither could find the words.

Lock had told the volunteers from the crowd to go to the academy the following morning.

As they approached the academy the twins rushed out to meet them.
"You two!"
"Inside now"

The twins hustled the two inside and up the stairs to Aoifes room.
The door was locked and Brick was guarding it.
He straightened up as he saw the group approaching
"Password?"
One of the twins stood on his tip toes to whisper something in his ear
Brick opened the door for them

Inside Aoifes small attic room Calloch was sat on a chair across from a table with the rock egg placed delicately on it. He was staring intently at it.
Aoife looked at it herself and noticed something.

She suddenly glared and looked at the twins
"You broke it!"
There was now a large crack spanning all the way down one side of the egg
"What?!"
"What makes you think we would do it?!"
She kept her glare

Aoife moved over to the table and knelt down besides it, she gently placed the egg in her arms.

A sound like thunder echoed through the building.
There was now another crack down the side of the egg.

After recovering themselves the group fell deathly silent.
Lock was the first to speak
"What is that?"
Calloch stood up from his seat
"I have no idea, but its waking up thats for sure"

Aoife blinked, then placed the egg in her satchel.

Calloch began to usher people out of her room he turned to face her
"We'll leave you to rest"
He smiled then shut the door

As soon as they were away from Aoifes room Calloch wrapped his arm around Lock and hurried him along to his study.
"We'll begin training and forging tomorrow, Our forge isn't as big as we need it but it should do for now. Do we have any idea about numbers?"
Lock was astonished
"How do you know about all of this already?"
Logic kicked in
"Ugh, The Twins"
Calloch smply smiled
__________________________________________________ _________
Aoife sat in darkness. Slivers of moonlight invaded her room like an unwanted guest.
She raised her hand to eye level.
She cleared her mind and concentrated.
The feathers and talons seemed to grow from within her.
She shuddered and took a deep breath.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw a red glow coming from her window. She walked over to it and peered out into the inky black sky.

Far away in the distance, she could see flames. Flickering, roaring high into the sky. Flames.
Flames where Atoni had once stood.

[Ashling]

The salty sea air.
The winds blowing through her hair.
Ugh.
Seer hated sailing.

She was leant against the side of the boat looking at the teal ocean below.
Gangfield walked over to her and leant against the boat himself
He started up a conversation
"You're lucky"
Seer looked at him
"We have a strong wind and gentle tides"
"Well excuse me for not leaping for joy, I fear if I do I'll lose the contents of my lunch"
Gangfield chuckled. He looked at her deeply, concern passing over his face.
"Who is it you're looking for?"
Seer's eyes widened slightly in suprise, she turned and continued to look out to see.
"I told you, just an old friend"
"Ah"
Gangfield turned away and began to walk to the helm
"of course"
__________________________________________________ ____
Boats always looked grim in the night, Seer had always thought this since she was young.
Unknown to the sleeping crew and even Gangfield, they had in fact reached their destination.

Seer silently climbed up to the top of the highest mast on the ship. She balanced precariously on the pinnicle. She cupped her hands around her mouth and let out a call unlike any other. She was so high the crew below didn't even stir. Except for Gangfield. He woke up immediatley, following the sound he walkd ut onto the deck and looked up to se Seer.
"Thats a tad eccentric even for her"
He thought to himself
He climbed up to the crows nest a little way below her
"May I ask what it is you're doing at this time of night"
He asked her quizically
"You can, but I don't guarantee you a logical answer"
He smiled
"Try me"

Seer squinted her eyes and saw her contact approaching in the distance
She pointed
"That is what I was doing"
Gangfield followed her gaze
His eyes widened in suprise and he slid down from the mast yelling
"SWEET DRAOI THATS A-"

There was a almighty thud as a giant black scaly bundle landed on the deck. It unfurled its navy wings and straightened itself out. Small bursts of blue flames could be seen emmitting from its mouth.

Seer decended from the mast herself. She wrapped her arms around the creature.
She turned and smiled at the now cowering Gangfield
"A dragon?"

[BumblingBee]

Aoife ran.
One leg in front of another.
She just ran.
The landscape was a dark blur as all of her thoughts were focoused on one thing.

After a short while she could hear the thunder of hooves from behind her. Topthorn was soon by her side. She quickened her pace and jumped up onto him.
"Run Topthorn run for all you are worth!"

They had reached the border within an hour

Aoife pulled back on Topthorns reins bringing him to a much needed halt. She peered out to where the seperating wall stood. Guards lined the border all silent. All that could be heard were the screams of people being burnt alive.
Aoife winced.
She dismounted Topthorn, solomly she looked him in the eye.
"If I'm not back soon go back to the academy"

She took a deep breath and concentrated once more. As expected the feathers and fire returned. Aoife moved to face the guards and slowly began to walk towards them.

Some ran, others tried to fight.
All were killed.

Atoni was no longer recognisable. Due to the summer bloom the Convoy would have been travelling along the border for a few weeks anyway. All the more corpses to burn away.

Aoife didn't know where to start.
Everywhere she looked flames filled her view. Corpses charred and burned beyond recognition. Some were still alive! Screaming and moaning in agony. A particular scream filled her ears. She ran frantically in the direction of the sound until she reached a small clearing. A young woman lay beneath a stack of burning trunks.

"HELP ME" She screamed desperately at Aoife.
But however hard she tried Aoife could not lift the heavy trunks.
"Just save my baby please!"
The woman pointed to a nearby caravan. t was overturned and crackling with flames.
Upon entering the caravan Aoife could hear the baby.
She grabbed it from its craddle and returned to the clearing.
But it was too late. the young mother had died.

Tears were streaming from Aoifes eyes. For a moment the lack of crying went unnoticed. Suddenly she looked down at the young child in her arms. Her own flames were begining to consume it.
"NO!"
Aoife dropped the toddler. It didn't matter, it was already dead. Not from the flames in the caravan though. It was her own flames that had killed the child.

She sank to her knees in pure desperation. She simply sobbed. She covered her face with her hands but yelled out in anger.
Why couldn't she help her people?! Why DIDN'T she help her people?!
She fell to the floor in a crumpled heap, deflated, defeated.


"Shoes upon the table,
and a spiders been killed,
someone broke the looking glass,
There's a full moon shining,
and the salts been spilt,
Walking on the road cracks, don't know whats gonna come to pass"

[AvisCrown]

Under one of the caravans flipped by the commotion was an unconscious man unaware of the danger going on around him as the flames consumed everything. His shelter would only last so long before even he would be consumed by the flames as the others were. He was a woken by the sounds of the fire crackling around him as it devoured wood and flesh a like. part of the bottom of the caravan above him broke way. He let out a scream as he came around just in time to curl up and cover his head to protect himself from the flames. It would all be in vain if he could not find a way out from under the wagon. How unfortunate that what was his shelter from the flames only moments ago was now his prison, keeping him trapped left only to wait for death.
He called out hoping perhaps others had gotten out of the flames and would be able to free him but his screams fell on empty. He coughed as the smoked started to travel in his lungs. His screams became more panicked and harder to make.

[BumblingBee]

Salvation. Help.
It did not come from guards or civillians.
It came from a bunch of thieves.

The twins leaped from withing the burning branches saving who they could.
Brick ploughed through burning debris saving who he could.
Letti helped the victims through across the border to safety, saving who she could.
Calloch and Lock were on horseback, screaming one name, wanting to save her.

Calloch found himself in a clearing. Flaming caravans surrounded him. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed what looked like a hand underneath some burning remains.

He dissmounted and ran towards the man.
"Bloody hell! Lock get over here and help me!"
Lock was no-where to be seen
Calloch pulled with all his strentgh (which in fairness was quite a lot)
Eventually he managed to release the man of his blazing prison.

He was panting from the effort, after a while he managed to say
"Gods, are you alright?"

[AvisCrown]

Besides for a few scorch marked the man seemed to be alright, which was lucky and near impossible considering where he was. He could not respond to Calloch's question however, all he could do was cough and try to breathe in the fresher air. Eventually the man picked up the strength to flip off his back and onto his hands and knees still trying to catch breathe. He struggled to try and get to his feet.
"I'm not sure." He finally coughed out in response to his question and then used Calloch to stable himself.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch was mildly suprised by the mans forwardness, but on a night like this ... well.

He spotted Letti in the distance.
"Letti!"
Letti turned to face them and ran towards Calloch and the stranger
"Here"
Calloch placed the man in Lettis arms
"Letti will take you to safety"
Letti gave the man a warm smile
"Venom can heal your wounds sir"

Calloch mounted his horse and rode away in the direction Lock had gone.
He hoped for the best.
But worry still festered away in the back of his mind.

[AvisCrown]

the man looked at Letti and gave him a nod that he understood but he seemed more interested in where it was that Calloch was rushing off too. He frowned as his dark eyes followed him as he rode off.
Letti and the man headed to safety where other survivors and their saviors were gathered. People were rushing back and forward, trying to get the survivors who were in the worst state.

The man was seen through quickly to a healer where is few injuries were cared for. He introduced himself as Olander now that he was better and able to talk without struggling for breathe.

Olander watched everyone around him rushing back and forward. To be honest he found it a bit amusing. The faster they moved didn't seem to change the outcome, for fate had already made it's choice an no amount of care would save those who's name had already been called. He took a cloth to rub some of the burn ash of his cheek. There was a woman next to him weeping into her skirt, at least what remained of it.
Olander put his thin bony fingers on her shoulder. They startled her and she looked up, her eyes still wet. He gave her a smile, though it looked awkward and alien on his face, as he offered her the cloth he had just used on his cheek. She graciously took it.

[BumblingBee]

For once in his life, Lock was worried.
He was screaming her name.
No answer.

After a while Calloch found him.
"Lock!"
Lock ignored him still searching, still shouting.
Calloch simply followed him.
The two men found themselves in a clearing.
The burnt out remains of a caravan was nearby.

Then, relief.
Locks eyes found her.

She was lying on the ground curled up into a ball. Her face was hidden. Ash and soot covered her skin and her clothes were almost completely burnt away. Just enough remained to cover her dignity. The feathers were back again too.

The thing that stood out the most though was probably the giant black bird that seemed to be protecting her, forming a shield of sorts with its wings. The bird was about three foot, with each wing spanning at least a metre in lentgh. Its feathers were a beautiful shade of midnight black edged with a deep purple. The soft flames that were flickering around it were also purple.

Slowly Lock walked forwards.
"Fee?"

Very slowly she lifted her head
Her face was stained with tears and blood
Steadily she stood up, the flames bellowing around her but not harming herself or the bird. Lock himself had to step away in fear of being burnt.
Aoife outstretched her arm. The bird flew onto it and perched there gladly.
__________________________________________________ ________
The thieves had set up the camp near the eastern corner of Atoni.

As soon as Calloch, Lock and Aoife were visible there was a huge commotion within the camp. Crowds formed around them instantly. But all were silent when they saw Aoife.
The Featherskin and the Phoenix

[AvisCrown]

Olander was a bit confused as to why everyone was getting up but he followed. Even he had to admit he was a bit shocked with what he saw. He separated himself from the crowd. He seemed to be looking for a way to leave but there was no direction he could go unnoticed. He stopped and turned back to where everyone was looking. "Well, If luck would have it." He snickered a bit to himself.

[BumblingBee]

Suddenly Aoife spoke.
"Lock?"
Lock immediatly looked at her
"Yes? What is it? are you ok?"
Aoife gave the smallest of nods, She had seen Topthorn tied to a tree nearby. Slowly, she walked towards him. As she did the crowd parted before her.
"Rally up the remaining Atonians"
Shakily she mounted Topthorn, the phoenix soared overhead.
"I must take them to Arriett"

[AvisCrown]

Olander remained quiet and watched the scene unfold. He decided things had just gotten too interesting to leave. He returned to the crowd. " I don't understand what's going on?" He spoke up, others seemed to chime in with the same question.

[BumblingBee]

As if matters weren't confusing enough the twins showed up.
They dropped down from the branches in front of a thin man with black hear. They had overheard the conversation from above and assumed this man was Atonian.
They grabbed him by the arms, holding one each firmly. They began to escort him to a makeshift stable area where Atonians in various states of health were being loaded into carts.
"Good evening sir"
"Well not really"
"If you would kindly make your way over here"
"All Atonians have been asked to go to Arriett"
One of them Pointed to Aoife
"By that lady with the big bird there"
"So if I were you I'd do what she says"

[AvisCrown]

Olander really wasn't given much of a chance to object before being tossed into one of the carriages. "Well I suppose that answers my question." He said to the twins, being a bit facetious. It accrued to him by this stage, it was pointless to point out he wasn't Atonian and part of him thought it best not to. He took his seat in the cramped carriage, a bit to close for comfort. He cleared his throat and pulled his body in tight to avoid as much physical contact as possible with the others, his nose curl up with displeasure.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch lead the way to Ariett while Lock and Aoife guarded the carriages. Aoife on the left and Lock on the right. A few young lads had escaped the flames with their horses intact, they brought up the rear. Aoife looked straight ahead, not allowing her mind to wander into dark thoughts.

Instead she studied the surrvivors in the nearby carriages. She knew all of them vaugely, it was hard not to in a community as close as the Atonian Convoy. She noticed Gillys mother in the carriage nearest to her. The look on her face explained her own daughters fate.

Aoife sighed sadly, she turned to the skies to look at the phoenix who was circling ahead.
"Another new friend, eh lad?" She patted Topthorns neck, he whinnied at her.

Once again she studied the surrvivors. One man in particular caught her eye, he didn't look Atonian really.
Aoife cleared her throat,
"Excuse me sir, pardon me for asking but ... are you a true Atonian?"

[AvisCrown]

Olander leaped a bit and looked at the girl on the horse. He laughed a bit, nervously. "Well actually, No but I was shoved on a carriage so I kind of just went along with it and thought it best not to Object." It wasn't the best position to be in. He wasn't really sure the girl would do and he kind of preferred to be on her good side.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smiled at him as warmly as she could at that moment.
She chuckled
"Gods those twins do raise hell for us"

She faced forwards and continued on her way.
Suddenly the phoenix dived down from his position in the air. The Atonians ducked in fear. The bird landed gracefully on Aoifes shoulder, and for some odd reason he glared at the stranger. Aoife took no notice.
__________________________________________________ ___
They reached the channel of peace just as the sun was begining to rise. The forrest looked worst in the sunlight. Aoife simply stared in shock. Speechless.

Her home was gone.

As always the temple doors were always open. The brothers ushered everyone inside and started healing almost immediately. There was a woman too. Joy flooded over her face upon seeing Aoife.

"Aoife!"
She turned to find her Auntie beaming at her
Tears began to escape from Aoifes eyes
"A-auntie!"
Auntie Cara embraced Aoife in a crushing hug, Aoife returned the greeting.
After their reunion a brother approached them.

Aoife smiled once more
"Brother Aidan!"
He chuckled
"Hello there little one, mind you the little girl I once knew isn't that little anymore! Look at you eh?! A daughter of Ean!"
He sighed sadly
"Such a shame we couldn't have celebrated with happier times"
He offered Aoife his arm
"Walk with me child"
Aoife accepted his arm, the bird still perching on her shoulder.

[AvisCrown]

Olander flashed her a smile and another laugh. He avoid eye contact with the bird. Clearly it didn't like him, not that it surprise him.

As they arrived at the temple he was one of the first to jump out of the carriages. The bird on the girl's shoulder turned in his direction. This time, with the girl's attention some place else, he didn't avoid eye contact. He seemed to be mocking it, as he smirked, teasing it to try something, knowing right now it could do nothing.

[BumblingBee]

The bird made a hissing noise at him and turned away clearly distractedby far more engaging things.

Aoife was lead down what seemed like endless flights of stairs until they reached a large circular chamber. All around the chamber were eight statues. Aoife recognised them, they were the nine daughters.

She suddenly thought to herself

"Brother?"
"Hmm?"
"I've just realised, if I'm the tenth daughter then..."
She turned in a circle observing all of the statues
"These are mu ancestors"
Aidan looked up at them himself
"Indeed they are"

Aoife found herself wandering over to the ninth statue. Gingerly she placed her hand against the rough stone. This particular statue of Coira had been worn away or damaged by something, or, someone.
"this is my ... my Mother"
Aidan remained silent
Aoife closed her eyes, and simply walked away.

Aidan lead her to a chest locked behind some gold bars. Aidan unlocked the chest and let Aoife peer inside. Carefully he pulled ot a set of light golden armour. It almost looke dlike scales and feathers. He handed the armour to Aoife and then pulled out a golden circlet. The circlet was made from gold bands intertwineing with rubies almost recreating the phoenix flame.

She put her new gear on and walked back up the stairs to her people. The made her way to the top of the temple by the altar. Silence had now fallen across the room. Every eye was locked on Aoife.

She unsheathed her Rapier and raised it up high.
And she began to sing.
After a while every Atonian in the room started to join in.
For it was an old song known by all.


"And the snow falls, the wind calls, the year turns round again. And like barlycorn who rose from the grave, A new year will rise up again.

And there will come a time of great plenty, A time of good harvest and sun, Until then put your trust in tomorrow my friend for yesterdays ove and done"

[AvisCrown]

Olander stood back and eyed the room as they all joined in song, his eyes always returning to Aoife. He stayed in the back and remained quiet.

[BumblingBee]

Quick note I'm not Aoife here, I'm Lord Truco
_________________________________________

A squire scuttled throught the dank corridors of the Court of Truco. Eventually he reached a grand-ish looking hall. At the far end of this hall stood a tall throne surrounded by quabbling advisors. On the throne sat a man with an annoyed look on his face. he rubbed his forhead with his hand and sighed.

He noticed the squire trotting towards him, he looked up expectantly.
"Well?! What news do you bring me?!"
The squire explained everything that had happened in the last few hours. The declaration of War, The burning of Atoni, and news of this featherskin girl.
"Well! A prodigal son returns and declars war on his father, who then goes and burns down an entire nation!"
A foul smile began to grow on his face
"How very exellent!"

Truco clicked his fingers and a guard appeared
"Yes my Lord?"
"Captain, ready your troops. We're going to war"
_________________________________________________

And so on that very night Truco invaded Bhreatain, claimed it as his own and declared war on the other two nations, well what was left of them.

[El_Lune]

Maluna woke up with a yawn, she had always been an early riser as she enjoys making breakfast for her family, the orphanage. It was summer time, the dawn air was fresh and as she looked out the slightly opened window, she could see the people working at the farm. The orphanage was located at the outskirts of town and her room is basically an extension of the house which the villagers helped to build a year ago when Terra had grown too large to enter the front door, from outside, it almost look like a shed, but she didn’t mind, it was good enough for her. She rose off her bed and noticed that Terra wasn’t there and conclude that he must’ve been out hunting for food.

After changing her clothes and washed her face, she went into the house to prepare breakfast for everyone. Gasten was the first in the kitchen that morning, he was brewing some herb tea for breakfast. Maluna greeted him with a smile and started making pancakes. The smell of her cooking woken up the household and soon 5 of her brother and sister are seated on the kitchen table waiting for her to serve the meal. She chuckles, she would never get tired at greeting their morning faces, as always Fredie and Tina are still half asleep, probably stayed up all night to read and write, they are both 16, some would mistaken them for twins as they always seemed to be together, as Fredie loves to read and Tina enjoys writing story they got along well. While others, Fadina, Adiera, and Yeladie a.k.a the Adi trio who are 10,12 and 13 respectively are so eager for food that she can almost see the girls drooling. She served the pancake and put down a few choices of jams and honey onto the table, and as they are preparing to eat, two more of her brothers barged into the kitchen. It was Brendan, 18 and Pevandal, 21, they had just came back from working at the farm. Maluna greeted them and gets up to make some more pancakes. It was a normal and noisy breakfast in the orphanage.

The morning wears on as Meluna does her daily chores around the house. Terra came back from his hunt later in the afternoon, greeted Maluna and stride off to take a nap under a tree. Her afternoon schedules vary from learning magic, helping in the farm and going hunting with Terra. After preparing lunch, Maluna went into town to study healing magic from the librarian. She was dedicated in learning healing magic, as she wishes to use it to protect her family and the villagers who had been so kind to accept her even though they do not know her origin. Little that she knew, that her peaceful days are about to come to an abrupt end.

As the day comes to an end, Terra was restless, he had a feeling that something big was going to happen, the sky was grim as the sun sets over the horizon. He was pacing around restlessly after dinner time and Meluna was worried. She decided to take Terra to a short hunting trip to calm him down. That very night, Lord Truco’s army from Fhrainc had invaded the whole of Bhreatain, but the country was spared from a bloodbath, as they decided to surrender peacefully when the army came marching in.

Meluna decided to return from her hunt with Terra before the break of dawn. As she passes the farm, she find it odd that no one was out tending the field yet. She looked around to make sure and looked at Terra for confirmation, understanding the look on Meluna’s face, Terra shakes her head, telling her, that there was no one around. Meluna refused to think anything bad had happened, but she rushes towards the orphanage, only to find it empty. When she observed the path, there seems to be horse tracks and large amount of footsteps on the ground. She was starting to worry. She signalled for Terra to hide from sight and ran towards town, doing her best to stay in the shadows.

Not far from the town gates were a few soldiers standing watch wearing armors and banners that she had never seen before. Beyond the gates, she could see the familiar figure of the villagers gathered around in the town square. She thought to herself that this could possibly be an invading army. She was conflicted of what to do, as she has no battle powers, and acting rashly is not the best way to go. When she stepped out of the shadow, a soldier spotted her and proceed to capture her. She surrendered without resistance and was brought to the square. There she found her family and are glad that all of them were safe. Soon after, a horse came galloping into the square with a rider holding a piece of parchment. The rider then proceed to announced that Lord Truco of Fhrainc have siezed the whole of Bhreatain and claimed it as his. The crowds was muttering in disbelief until the rider spoke again, announcing that any act of disobedience will not be tolerated. As the sun rises again, it was the start of a new day, where Bhreatain is in the hands of the Fhrainc.

[BumblingBee]

t the top of the temples tower, in a small private room. Calloch stood over a table containing maps and other various doccuments, he was joined by Aoife, Lock, the Twins and the other elites.

Now war had begun they needed to plan, and quickly.

Calloch spoke first.
"Firstly we need a base otherwise we'll be found an killed in days"
Aoife piped up
"What about here? Aidan tells me there is a protection spell already around the temple, that can keep us hidden from our enemies"
Calloch smiled at her
"Good, ok then thats sorted"
In unision the twins said
"What about the academy?"
Calloch turned to face Letti and Brick
"you two need to return there and take care of the place. Send over all our pupils and if any guards come snooping round there, pretend to them that it's an actual academy"
Letti and Brick nodded and went on their way
Calloch faced the rest of the group
"The only problem is we have no equipment or the tools or labour to build any"
Lock turned to him
"The Atonians that are healthy enough can smith the weaponary we need"
"Yes but we need a forge to smith!"
"The temple has a forge"

The whole group turned to face the twins
"What?"
"Yeah we saw it round the back"
"Used to make tools by the look of it"
"Well ... alright, how do we adapt it for weaponary and armour?"

Aoife stood up straight proudly
"Will phoenix fire do the job?"
Calloch grinned at her

"Now theres only one more thing to settle, what do we call ourselves"
Lock thought to himself
"Well we're a fellowship so, The fellowship of..."
He waved his hand in the air, trying to think of a good sounding name

"Saoirse"

All attention was turned towards Aoife.
She looked at them all
"The fellowship of Saoirse"
After a few more seconds of blank exspressions she explained
"It means freedom in Atonian"

The group all seemed to nodd in agreement
"The fellowship of Saoirse it is then!"

[AvisCrown]

Olander had settled down and sat as he watch families and friends who were reuniting now that things had calmed down. He kept to himself having little interesting in the mingling, and everyone else seemed to have little interest in him. His attention shifted to the window of the temples tower, where some of the others had gathered in private. Every once in a while he could see a shadow shift in the room but that was all. He grew bored of watching and decided to would explore the temple a bit. He stood up from his perch and ran his hand through his hair before taking one more glance around the court yard. He walked casually keeping an eye on the others and when he was sure all eyes were off him he made a quick turn down a hallway into the temple.

It was fairly empty inside besides for a few people who gave little care to him. He made his way through taking in the area. Eventually he found himself wondering down a flight of stairs that were deliberately tucked away and easily missed. He found himself at the bottom in a few surrounded by statues. A smirk came across his face as he wondered up to one of the statues. "Well looky what I've found." He said almost singing the words. He leaped up onto the pedestal of the statue and hung onto the statue for support. His face only inches from the woman's who's face was depicted in upon it's surface. He stared into it's eyes and a smirk formed on his face.

"Oh how lovely it is to finally meet you. " He then frowned. "To bad it's a bit to late." He turned his head to the statue to the left of her then jumped down before jump up as he did before on the statue next to the last. He circled behind her and looked over her shoulder back at the entrance to the room. Part of him was almost tempted to smash the statues to bits but he decided against it. He sighed. "This isn't as fun as I thought this would be." he leaped down to the ground again. He took one more glance back at all nine statues before walking to the ninth.

He did not leap up onto her as he did her sisters but only stared up at her from the ground. "Your little girl has gotten herself in a big trouble." he said almost chuckling as he said it. "But it's alright. I'll look after her. . ." He turned to walk away. He then stood and cocked his head to the side. ". . For now at least."

[Ashling]

Gangfield stood staring in utter shock at Seer and the dragon.

Seer walked over to him and placed her arm around his shoulders.
"Gangfield this is Ansgar, as you can see. He is a dragon"
"You don't say"

Ansgar bowed his head politely
Gingerly Gangfield asked
"c-can he speak?"
Ansgar narrowed his eyes at him, but he opened his mouth and answered his question
"Yes I can, but I prefer to only speak when needed to"
His voice sounding like a grating purr
Ansgar looked at Seer

"What is it you ask of me Seer?"
Seer was suddenly serious
"I shall be direct, Tailte is at war and I need your help"
Ansgar lifted his head, almost in disgust
"I do not see why I should meddle in the affairs of humans"
"Well I do!"
Seer looked him dead in the eye
"you know wha I can see, and I have seen the Olc. They will return"
Ansgar pondered the thought for a while.
"Very well, I shall help where I can. Only because you are a dear frind though"
"Of course!"

Seer smiled and turned to find Gangfield had decided to collapse instead of hearing any more shocking news. Seer simply dragged him to his bed.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife sat in the main hall of the temple. Night was falling and the Atonians were beginng to settle in for the night. Aoife sat by the alter trying to maintain a roaring fire with her new powers.
She was proving semi sucsessful.

She could control it well enough now. Well. No-one liked that basin anyway.

She sat herself down in front of the fire with the Phoenix resting peacefully on her shoulder.
She heard footsteps from behind her and saw Lock approaching.
She smiled up at him as he sat next to her.

"So then"
He motioned towards the sleeping bird
"Thought about any names yet?"
Aoife looked at the bird and thought
"A few"
"Go on then I'm all ears"
"Duer?"
"No."
"Edan?"
"No."
Orin?"
"Deffinetly not"
"Láidir?"
Lock was about to dismiss this name too, but he paused
"Yeah, that suits him well enough"
The bird quivered slightly in its sleep
Aoife smiled
"A good sign, he must like it"
A thought popped into locks head
"How do you know it is a boy anyway"
The pair burst into stifled giggles

[AvisCrown]

Inside Olander had little concept of time. As He exited out into the temple's main hall. It had gotten a bit lost on his way out. This wasn't where he was looking to be but he decided it was good enough. His eyes shifted in the direction of the fire where the girl and the bird were seated. He approached, his presences instantly waking the bird as if a strong wind as thrusted past. Olander gave a smile to the others seated at the fire.
"Mind if I sit?" He asked.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife gave him a warm smile
"Of course sir"

Lock was not as civil.
He frowned.
Got up and left.

It seemed Laidir wished to do the same but he was reluctant to leave his ladys side.

[AvisCrown]

Olander watched Lock leave then returned the smile to Aoife and sat down. "That was quite the day. I'd say I'm exhausted but I don't seem to be able to sleep." Olander stared into the fire, his arms kept tightly towards his torso.
"I should say thank you. A lot more people would have died if it wasn't for you." He said with a smile though there was something cold behind his words as if those weren't the words he had intended to say.

[BumblingBee]

Laidir glared at the mans last remark.

Aoife stared deeply into the orange flames.
"I know nothing of what you speak sir"
The memories of the night flickered through her mind
"I saved no-one that night, I only watched as all those around me..."
Her sentence trailed off into silence

The crackling of the fire was the only thing breaking the silence.

[AvisCrown]

Olander watched Aoife trail off into her own mind as she stared into the fire. "hmm." He made thoughtful noise. He reached is hand out towards the fire. He let his fingers dance a long the heat, keeping them just out of reach of the flames almost as if he was playing a little game of chicken with himself.
"So it begins." he said to himself. He looked back at Aoife. Seemed to instantly drop whatever thought was on his mind and moved to the next. "I'd like to help, with efforts whatever way I can." He volunteer. "I'm more useful than I look." he said jokingly with a smirk.

[BumblingBee]

She drifted away from her thoughts and wandered back to reality.
She looked at the man great fully.
"We'll gladly accept any help we can get sir"
She suddenly thought to herself
"Sorry sir but I didn't think I asked you name?"

[AvisCrown]

"Really? How terribly rude of me." he said, though the comment sounded rather forced. "Olander is my name." He introduced himself with a smile. "And yours?" He asked even though he already knew.

[Skyren2231]

The light shown down onto Aine as she woke the next morning. She looked across to where Kai had been, but he was no where to be seen and neither was that giant blade he had stuck into the ground. She looked about and realised the camp was still here so he'd come back I suppose. She moved over to the campfire and lit it.
"Gods, why am I so cold?" Aine said to herself.
"Must still be waking up I suppose." Aine turned quickly wondering where that voice had come from. She sighed realising it was only Kai.

He walked back into the camp smiling that giant sword slung on his back and what seemed to be a deer over his shoulders.
"Well I got some food." Kai said smiling.
Aine looked at him curiously, How could he catch a deer with such a large sword surely it'd slow him down? Kai saw the look and smiled, but made no effort to explain.
"Can I ask you a question Kai?" Aine looked at him quizzically.
Kai smiled, "I believe you just have so I see no reason why you shouldn't ask another."
Aine didn't seem amused, "What are you actually doing here?"
Kai turned to her his eyes suddenly turned intense and his smile disappeared, "I'm a..." he stopped and faced Aine.
"A what Kai?" Aine looked at him her eyes almost filled with fear now.
"I'm an Olc hunter." Kai said simply looking at her his eyes were intense and fierce.
Aine looked at him shocked, "An Olc hunter? but the Olc don't exist anymore."
Kai shook his head, "If only that were true Aine, if only that were true."

[BumblingBee]

"Aoife Doit-"
She stopped herself
"Aoife ... Ean"
She gave herself a little smile, Laidir cooed softly. Aoife stroked his head.

She turned to face Olander once more
"Our base will be here, we could do with someone to help organise our ... well troops I suppose"
Aoife heard footsteps she turned to find Calloch approaching
"Ah, Calloch"
She stood and gave him a short bow
"This man wants to help with our war efforts"
"Does he now"
Calloch looked at the man expectantly

[AvisCrown]

Olander stood up from his seat when Calloch addressed him. Olander gave him a smile. "Yes sir." Olander recognized the man that pulled him out from the fire. "Also thank you for your rather heroic act of pulling me free from the flames earlier." Olander seemed to watching for the man's reactions and mannerism.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch smiled and placed a hand around Olanders shoulder
"It is not a problem friend, For I am sure you would have done the same for me"
He placed emphasis on this last remark, he looked deeply into the strangers eyes as if judging him.
Eventually he made a verdict.

Aoife smiled and politely excused herself away to bed.

[AvisCrown]

Olander smiled Aoife off and returned his look to Calloch who still had his shoulders firmly in his grip. It made Olander a bit tense, the physical contact. He wonder if Calloch really thought what he had just said or was saying for appearance sacks. Olander thought it best to address. "Well Hopefully we won't have to test that." He said it in the tone of a joke.

[BumblingBee]

Callochs gaze was unresting
"Unlikely my friend"
Finally he turned his gaze to the fire, which was now dwindling away without its creators assistance
"For we are at war, battles must be won, lives must be saved"
Once more he turned to face Olander
"if you truly wish to help us, then I have to place my complete and utter trust in you"
He almost scowled
"Can I do that, friend?"
He placed emphasis on his last word

[AvisCrown]

Olander looked deep into the other man's eyes. He could tell the man was strong willed and would do anything to protect those he loved. He could also tell the man was very vengeful and if any harm did come to those he loved, he'd hunt down the culprit through Diabhal if he had to, which was rather troublesome to Olander. Olander was silent for a moment only exchanging gazes with the man. "You can. I assure you. Put your trust in me and I will fight by your side." Olander reassured him, giving no sense of wariness. It was a promise that sounded honest and true.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch paused, and pondered this deal.
Then he nodded.
"Very well. We'll have some volunteers arriving at dawn, I'll trust you to organise them into regiments. My pupils will provide the training"
And with that said he simply left. Preparing himself for the next day

[El_Lune]

Days passed by and the town goes back to its daily rhythm but much has changed. New rules were implemented, taxes are high and in addition of soldiers roaming the streets, the situation was bleak. No one had made any commotion and all seems peaceful as the Bhreatain people are the peaceful sorts, violence is not in their nature, but no one was as lively as before. The Fhraic spread like plague that slowly strips the happiness and freedom of Bhreatain, taking its resources for themselves.

At the orphanage, Meluna continues to fall back into her routine as best as she could, but she could never shake the feeling that the Fhraic soldiers are watching their every move. The soldiers stand guard in every entrance, controlling every shipment and merchants that comes and goes. Meluna decided that it is best for Terra to keep hiding in the woods, for she is afraid of what might the soldiers do to him if they see a lonely Blaidd roaming around.

When she went to the library to continue her magic practice, the librarian was nowhere to be found, and as the portable jail the soldiers brought into town was empty, she assumed that the librarian had escape, but to what extent, she wonders. She decides to learn from the magical tomes available in the library. She had been the librarian’s apprentice for three years now, and she had learned and progress a lot in that short time.

Healing magic is an art that prevents life essence from being lost to the environment, one wrong move or spell would be dangerous to the person affected, therefore it is delicate magic and requires a strong mind, will and concentration to master. Meluna’s healing magic varies from the simple enhancing and instilling healing properties in herbs, to writing complicated spells for healing severe injury, now she’s trying to learn how to use healing magic without any mediator, which is the healing touch. But it is complex magic, and for one as dedicated as her, unable to master it was frustrating. Healing touch is the fastest healing magic there is but it requires a lot of energy to use, as it directs the magic of the user directly onto their palm and can be apply onto open wounds to close and limit blood loss, but it would still take time for the wounds to heal properly. She was saved by this magic once, so she is determined to master it.

[AvisCrown]

Olander nodded in approval to his given task. He thought it was an rather large task to be given to someone who just a second ago one wasn't sure could be trusted and the only amount of trust you truly had was his word which one could not be sure could be trusted. However despite this Olander was determined to prove his trust with this task, it would benefit him in long run. Olander remained by the fire. He waited as it sizzled down through the night, he got very little sleep.

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

King Cadman sat at his dinning table with his sons and is now soon to be Daughter in law. He had only heard a few days ago of his son's intent to marry the foreigner. His son had many lovers in the past so he feared little when he found himself rather fond of the girl but upon hearing of the engagement to Silata, he was finding it extremely hard to give his son his pleasing. It hurt to be so torn. He did not wish to break his son's heart by forbidding the marriage yet he could not approve it willingly. He did however give in to his son's wishes and allowed the engagement to continue.

Caleb was seated next to his fiancee much more interested in her than he was of his father staring back at him from across the table. In fact he was making quite the effort to avoid eye contact with his father. The two had had one of their rowels earlier that evening and Caleb had no intent to continue it. Despite what his father thought Caleb did not enjoy arguing with him and did not make sport of it but Caleb could not force himself to agree with the man simply because it was easier.

The table was rather tense and all of them only took a few bites of their food finding the atmosphere killing their appetite. Rurik sat in the middle of everyone and was finding it a rather unpleasant seat to be in. He had a few times tried to crack a joke to lighten the mood but the only one that seemed to find it funny was Edin, who didn't really understand the joke but simply understood that it was intended to be one. Rurik had finally decided the best approach was to try and pretend to not be there, which wasn't hard sense everyone was trying to pretend that the others weren't there either.
At the opposite side of the table from everyone else stood the royal advisor who was talking on about the plans for Caleb's engagement announcement. It was the only thing that seemed to break the awkward silence as King Cadman had his options on how the event should accrue and on the other hand Caleb had his. Poor Silata was caught in the middle. She had tried to put her two words in but was always cut off. She had even tried to take the chance to get on the kings goods side by siding with him on a few arguments but that only further displeased Caleb so she decided it was best to join Rurik in pretending to not exist.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife awoke to a pair of violet beady eyes staring into her own. She shrieked as she sat up sharply. Laidir simply flew into the air before perching by her side. Aoife looked around her. The temple was awake with the sounds of mumblings and grumblings as the surrvivors greeted the new day. She could hear noises outside.
She whistled to Laidir
"Come on you"
Swiftly he flew to her shoulder once more, observing the goings on around him.

There were people everywhere outside the temple. Each one of a different description or creed. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Lock holding Topthorns reins. Lock smiled at her in a greeting, she returned the favour. She took the reins and stroked Topthorn gently.
"What's with all the people?"
"Recruits, Volunteers, the unemployed, all her to help us in our efforts"
Lock pointed in a direction where Calloch was stood looking official
"Callochs organising everyone, including us"
Aoife looked at him confused
"Follow me"

Lock lead Aoife around to the back of the temple, where the makeshift stables stod. In the stables were a dozen or so horses along with there riders. They were all Atonian lads, some no older than 12.
Lock outstretched his arms in an over the top manor
"Behold the fellowships cavalry! All twenty of them! And guess what?"
Aoife dared to face him
"What?"
"We have to train them!"

[AvisCrown]

Olander was with Calloch helping him with the crowds of people all willing to offer their help. Olander had turned out to be rather efficient in his given task of organizing everyone. He had first organized everyone in how they would need to be trained. Making sure they were aware of their healers and mages as well as their swordsmen's and archers. Afterwards, he was able to split them up into regiments making sure that each regiment had it's own healer and a few archers. He knew experienced mages were short in number so he had them prepared to be moved as needed. He also set the calvary aside by itself, knowing they would be more useful as a whole then split up having considered their small numbers. Everything that could be thought of Olander had thought of, and with the help of Calloch he was able determine ranks as well, putting the more experienced people in charge of the lesser experienced.
Olander was still finishing up some of his listings. He wondered if any of this work he had done was really needed or if it would truly work out with their smaller numbers. They were planning on going to war with much larger numbers, he was convinced they would be slaughtered with in the first few days of making themselves know to the enemy. Though he kept these thoughts to himself and instead continued with his assigned task with any questions. He would do what was asked of him and he would do it well.

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

Caleb had slept through breakfast that morning and was surprised to find he was not awoken sooner. Someone had been in his room, he could tell. His curtains had been open so he could see out into the courtyard and on his side table was a small plate of food and a drink for him. The servant had obviously been by and decided it was best to let him sleep or more likely, was told to let him sleep. He quickly dressed himself. While he was doing so he had noticed stuffed in his boot was a note, from one of his servant spies. He stopped instantly and sat down to read it. Things had been rather quiet lately and he was beginning to worry if his father's advisers had figured out what Caleb was doing. Not that Caleb was planning anything but Caleb didn't like being kept out of the know and he didn't trust them. The note was telling Caleb of the attack on Atoni. He had heard himself of their being tensions but he had not thought his father would act, not like things. Caleb felt sick. This to him was not an act of war, it was an act of murder and his father had allowed it to happen. Caleb however was not allowed to ponder his feelings on this matter long before the door to his room was opened by Rurik.
"Oh thank the heavens. I was beginning to think the worst!" Rurik said jokingly, being a bit dramatic.
"I wasn't woken up." Caleb said, quickly put the note into his pocket. He finished dressing himself.
"I was thinking he'd ride today. Even think I convinced father to allow us to bring Edin. About time the lad got to have a little fun." Rurik invited himself and offered himself to Caleb's breakfast.
"I can't" Caleb said fixing his belt tightly around his waist. Rurik frowned.
"What is this?! The big king to busy for his little brothers now." Rurik often joked about Caleb's duties and mocked that him Caleb was already acting like he ruled the whole damn kingdom.
"No, I just thought I'd visit mother." Caleb responded shutting Rurik up.
" . . oh." Rurik felt a bit bad for joking now. They hardly saw her now, she was hidden away tucked deep in the castle. It was a place they hardly past by and sometimes it was days before they visited her and the sicker she got the more days came between their visits. It was hard to see her the way she was now.
Caleb looked back at Rurik who was frowning now.
"I'll go with you." Rurik finally spoke up. Caleb shock his head.
"No, I'd rather see her alone. Besides it would break Edin's heart if you canceled on him now. Go before Father changes his mind." Caleb forced a smile then patted Rurik on the shoulder before leaving him alone in his room.

[Ashling]

Gangfield walked out onto the deck to find a large crowd gathered around Seer and Ansgar. He pushed his way through to the front. It looked like Seer was planning to go somewhere.
"Where are you off to?"
Seer looked at him suprised
"Well, back to Tailte. My business here is done so now I will leave"
Gangfield sighed, he looked up at her. He gave her a small smile. Gangfield offered her his hand expectantly.
Seer looked at it in confusion
"What?"
Gangfield gave her a look
"Oh"
She tossed him a large bag full of gold coins.

"I can always rely on you can't I now Seer?"
She simply scowled at him with a dissaproving "Hmph"
Ansgar seemed to be smiling to himself

Seer hitched herself up onto Ansgar until she was positioned just behind his wings. Ansgar grumbled slightly.
"Oh shush"
Once she had made herself comfortable she gave Ansgar a nodd

He gracefully unfolded his wings, causing the crowd to part rapidly.
With a mighty swoosh they were up in the air.
Seer felt the wind whistle in her ears.
They would be in Sareas in no time.
_________________________________________
Her prediction had been correct. It was not yet afternoon when she could see the manors of the great city far down below her.
Ansgar turned to face her
"So? Where to?"
"Find somewhere private to land, then we head for the palace of the kings"

[BumblingBee]

Lord Truco
____________________

As night fell and darkness spread throughout the castle, Truco slipped silently through the bleak corridors. He turned ths way and that, climbed stairs that seemed to lead to no-where in particular, until eventually he came to a small wooden door covered in locks of vaious shapes and sizes.

Truco pulled a single small key ou from a pocket and proceeded to unlock the door. Ater a number of satisfying clicks to door swung open. Truco entered and closed it behind him. The small room was full to the brim with various magical tools and wares, ranging from, crystal balls, to staffs and even a pyre somewhere in the jumble.

Trucos attention however was directed at a certain crystal ball, unlike the others it was bronzed with a golden stand. Truco picked it up and held it carefully in his hands. He focoused his thoughts into a single question.

After a while red swirls appeared in the ball, and they began to form a picture. The ball showed a young girl, no older than 17. She was very pretty with black curly features that framed her features very nicely. Truco also noted her other 'assets'

He smiled.

"Oh yes"

Truco placed the ball down

"She will do very nicely"

[Ashling]

Ansgar and Seer saw an isolated spot in near the castles stables. Suprisingly Ansgars presence did not disturb the horses. Seer dismmounted and turned to face him.
"Ok, yo wait hear while I go and announce us, the I'll come back for you"
Ansgar nodded
Seer smiled at him greatfully then slipped away behind a corner

For a while Ansgar sat peacefully, thinking of something majestic to say to this 'king' fellow. But he soon heard voices approaching. He looked around wildly. There was no-where for him to hide.
Oh Gods.

[AvisCrown]

Rurik and Edin were on their way to the stables. Rurik was giving Edin some last minute advice before they went off. He wasn't going to let Edin ride on his own of course but he needed to make Edin was prepared. It could end badly if he wasn't. Rurik however was caught of guard when he turned the corner towards the stable to find a dragon sitting in weight. The sight startled Rurik as he let out a high pitch scream and feel into one of the stables. Edin could only laugh at the sight of his older brother frightened. Edin then turned his attention towards the dragon. His eyes were extremely wide. He was not afraid of it but extremely excited. He'd never seen one up so close.
"Can we ride this one?" Edin said with a smile turning back to Rurik, who was just now pulling himself out of the hay he had fallen into. Rurik frowned and Edin could only giggle further at Rurik's expense.

[Ashling]

Ansgar remained silent. He watched the brothers.
As the younger approached he backed away slightly, not in fear though. He was clever, he knew children were delicate and could be broken easily. So, instead he straightened himself up to his full height (which meant his head was almost scraping the ceiling) and casually walked out of the stables. As if nothing had happened.

[AvisCrown]

Rurik took a hold of Edin and pulled him back out of the way. Rurik was still in a bit of shock. "uhh. . . best not. I think perhaps that's enough excitement for today." Rurik said to Edin who was still admiring the dragon.

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

In the great hall King Cadman was sitting on his throne with only a handful of his advisors with discussing matters as they were. They seemed to be doing most the talking amongst themselves as King Cadman watched on looking rather unenthused.

[Ashling]

Seer approached the grand doors leading to the throne room.
Ansgar approached her. Seer frowned and sighed as the nearby guards either froze or ran away in shock.
"I told you to wait"
Ansgar simply shrugged
"So, do we enter quietly or just go for it"
Ansgar smiled at her
"Big enterance it is then!"

The doors to the throne room slammed open with a mighty bang. Seer sat mounted on Ansgar who reared letting out small puffs of smoke as he did so. Ansgar approached the king, advisors scuttling out of his way as he did so. Seer dismounted and gave the King a very short bow.

"Cadman"
There was a unpleasent tone in her voice
"It has been too long"

[AvisCrown]

Cadman didn't even blink as the dragon and it's rider bursted through his doors. His advisors on the other had rushed to get out the way of the mighty beast. "Well I applaud you. Not many can do that." He said to Seers with a hint of sarcasm. Cadman turned to his advisors. "For god sakes pull your selves together. you look like a bunch shaved of sheep." Cadman turned his attention back to Seer. "So what pleasure do I owe your appearance?" Cadman asked though having an idea already.

[Ashling]

Her tone and attitude changed instantly.
It changed to anger
"You know very well why I'm here. I'm here because you single handedly destroyed my homeland and almost all of my people!"
She stood backwards slightly
"I knew you had lost yourself but, I didn't think you had slipped this far into ... madness!"

[AvisCrown]

"MADNESS! YOU DO NOT KNOW MADNESS!" Jokes and sly comments were now aside. Cadman stood up from his throne. "You think barging into my palace with your beast is a way to intimidate me?! you are gravely MISTAKEN!"
Cadman's advisors were still keeping their distance and were trying to make their way out. Cadman shot them a glare before looking back at Seer. "Your lands were lost before I got there." Cadman said his voice calmer than before but much colder.

[Ashling]

"Lost? LOST!"
Seer could feel her anger begin to change to magic
"MY LANDS WERE FREE UNTIL YOU"
She pointed her finger directly at Cadman
"YOU, DESTROYED IT! AND FOR WHAT CAUSE?! WHAT DID MY PEOPLE EVR DO TO OFFEND YOU?!!"

Throughout all of this, Ansgar had sat himself down and was quietly observing the throne room. For a brief moment he pondered about destroying something for effect.
Nah.
He'd save something for later.

[AvisCrown]

There was a moment of silence from Cadman as he only looked into Seer's eyes. He then quickly glance back at some of his advisors who looked back at him wide eyed. His eyes shoot back at Seer before he returned to his throne and sat.
"I do not have to explain myself to you. Now you will remove yourself from my court." Cadman was done with this conversation.

[Ashling]

Seer simply shook her head
"Its not that, you can't! For there is no legitimate reason for what you did"
She gave him a piercing stare
"Anyway, I came here to warn you"
She muttered under her breath
"Mind you I doubt if I should now"
She looked at the King once more
"The Olc is awakening Cadman, and Tailte needs to be ready"
She turned and began to leave, Ansgar loyally by her side

"Or else all of Tailte will fall"

[AvisCrown]

Their was a harsh over the room in Cadman's court. Cadman's face seem to loss all color as he was told this. The Olc, a demons that haunted the stories of their youth. To them now it was just stories, that they had almost forgotten the real danger behind them but it quickly remembered when the possibility of their return became evident. They had heard rumors of attack but till now Cadman had simply silenced them. Now there was no silencing the fact, now that it was shouted out by Seer. Cadman had no words now. He was just as shocked as his advisors who could only stare back at their king, hoping their king would reject the idea, so they could all do the same but he did not. He simply watched Seer leave.

Caleb had returned from his visit to his mother. There was very little words she could speak to him and the visit seemed to pass so slowly. He had to fight back the tears he so desperately wanted to shed but knew he shouldn't. Upon turning the corner he noticed Seer and her dragon leaving. He knew Seer, only vaguely through her visits in the past. The look on her face told him it was best not to approach her and ask what brought her to his father's court, so did the faces of the people she passed. Something had gone down, he had missed out on. Caleb would not have to wait long, as the words spoken spread like wild flowers, ". . .The Olc. . . ".

[El_Lune]

That evening, Meluna went to see Terra when she went off into the woods picking herbs, she misses him, being away at extended period of time from him makes her feel as if she was missing an important piece of herself. She doesn’t understand it herself, but she could always find where Terra is when she needed to, it is like they are one, she figures it is only natural as they had been together every day for the past few years. She found him hidden under a fallen tree in a makeshift den, it was spacious as she could very well stand inside it. Terra seemed to be expecting her, and as soon as she saw him, she smiled and throw herself onto his thick fur and chuckles at the thought that it seemed like forever that they had seen each other. Terra let her hug him for a minute then nudge her onto a piece of tied scroll laying on his side. Meluna look quizzically at the scroll, wondering who might possibly know where Terra is and are brave enough to leave the scroll there. She sat down, back against Terra and then proceed to read the scroll,

‘ Dear Meluna,
It is I, Tanerim the librarian and your teacher. As you can see I have fled the village and are planning a rebellion of sorts against this Lord Truco. I know we lack of knowledge and experience in warfare but we are now gathering allies from every corner of Bhreatain, and a strategy meeting are to be held once we gather enough men.
This might sound a bit sudden and overwhelming to you, but I wish you would come and join us in this battle. I might not say it as your teacher, but your power in healing magic is one of the highest quality I’ve seen, and we are in dire need of power as yourself.
I shall spare you the details of our plans and whereabouts. If you decided to join our cause, please be at Terra’s den by the next night of full moon. I shall come to pick you up.
As for your training, you had already finished it last year, but I decided to not let you know, because learning magic takes more than a mere three years to master, but your natural adaptability and speed in learning amazes me and I enjoy your company so much, I decided to keep you for another year. I’m sorry for that, but now you are no longer an apprentice, and I am no longer your teacher. For the next time we met, may we be a comrade in arms.
Yours truly, Tenerim Galbarous‘

Meluna looked up at Terra as she finished reading the scroll, her face troubled, but Terra just closes his eyes, laid his head onto his paw and pretended to sleep. She understands that Terra wanted her to make her own decision but as she despises conflicts and this is eventually going to be an all out war, she wasn’t sure if she really wants to be a part of it all as she wishes for a carefree and peaceful life, then again, life takes the opposite direction from her dream, but this could be how she can repay the kindness of the villagers and her family. They had done so much for her and maybe it is time for her to repay them, by protecting and fighting for their freedom. These thought run around her mind again and again, conflicting each other making her feeling light headed. Terra put his paw lightly on Meluna’s head, telling her to take a breather. He opened his eyes and Meluna saw that glint of trust in his eyes whenever she felt confused and unsure of her decisions. She sighed, smiled slightly and stand up, knowing she had already made her mind she said good bye to Terra, promising to see him again on the day of the full moon. Terra nodded at her and see her off from his den. As Meluna strides her way back into town, bringing the basket full of herbs that she left along the way, she thought to herself and sighed, now it is just a matter of explaining things to her family.

[BumblingBee]

In total the cavalry was made up of 24 riders exactly.
Hmmm.
Not quite the same size as the kings Griffin regiment but, it would have to do.

Aoife had been put in charge of teaching the lads every way of combat under the sun, on and off their horses. While Lock was the regiments Captain, in charge of strategy and logistics. He would always show up to at least one training session a day though, staying close to Aoife.

At first the lads were wary and almost distrustful of Lock, but eventuallythey began to like him a little more each day.

On top of training the cavalry, Calloch was calling Aoife to the roof of the temple every night to see if they could improve her powers. By the end of the first week Aoife thought the temple roof would be burnt away to a crisp. Laidir had it much easier. He spent his days sitting by the forge contently, and ocassionally melting somethng down for the smiths.

But these days of happiness and ease were to be shortlived

On a rainy day the twins came riding into the camp, they brought news of the other nations, of their preperations and plans. They told them of Lord Truco and his invasion of Bhreatain.

Calloch sighed, he took Aoife aside and spoke to her in a hushed whisper
"Aoife we must not let Bhreatain fall so easily! We need to send someone in secretly to learn of the goings on and such"
Aoife looked up at him
The look in his eyes answered her question
"I'll leave at nightfall"

[Ashling]

Seer left in a blazing rage
She muttered insults and curses under her breath
Ansgar yawned and simply remained silent

Seer was in fact in such a fury she didn't even notice Caleb approach her from around the corner

[AvisCrown]

"my apologies for my father. He seems to only enjoy the company of his advisors nowadays." Caleb spoke up with a hint of cynicism, getting Seer's attention. Despite his tone his approach was intended to be a peace offering, knowing it was best not to have her as an enemy.

[Ashling]

The young man couldn't help but soften her current state.
"Gods Caleb! is that you?"
She chuckled
"The last time I saw you, you were still just a lad"
She patted him on the shoulder as a friendly greeting
"So how are you these days?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb gave her a smile. "I've been better." He admitted but had no intention elaborate. "Today however is a better day than most I'll admit." The two were interrupted by the sound of a young woman rushing towards them. Her long blond spiral curls bouncing behind her. She gripped onto Caleb's arm. "I was beginning to worry. I told the servant to let you sleep this morning. Have you eaten?" She seemed completely blind of the other woman standing only a few feet away. Caleb gave Silata a smile and a bit of a chuckle as she rambled. He pointed Seer out to her. Silata now a felt a bit embarrassed. She wasn't finding this court life easy. Back at home everyone was equal. Here she had people who were above and people beneath her and she could not always tell which was which. She could just as easily have confused the king's stewart for the king. " Oh sorry." She smiled and bowed slightly to Seer.

[Ashling]

Seer gave the young woman a warm smile, tinted slightly with sympathy. For this girl was a Bhreatain.
Seer gave her a low bow
"No no, not at all"
She looked at her sympathetically
"I'm assuming you must have just escaped Bhreatain?"

[AvisCrown]

Silata's eyes went wide and the smile faded from her face. "W-what?" She was confused. Caleb frowned as well and held Silata, ready for her to collapse into his arms. After a beat of silence Caleb chimed in.
"Silata's my fiancee. She's been here for the last several months. She hasn't heard any word from her family in Bhreatain. " The two looked rather worriedly back at Seer.

[Ashling]

Seers eyes widened
She looked desperately at the two faces
"Y-you didn't know?"

Seers face changed to one of sadness, she closed her eyes
"Truco invaded Bhreatain a few days ago. He's claimed the nation as his own and declared war on all of us"
She dared to open her eyes
"No-one has heard drom anyone within Bhreatain for weeks now"

[AvisCrown]

"Unfortunately news seems to be traveling rather slowly around here." Caleb responded, Silata buried her face into his chest. She was in tears, already thinking the worst of her father and siblings back home. Caleb could only frown. He wanted to tell her that they had no idea how things really where there and it was possible they were still alive but he knew it would only be worse to give her hope where there was none.
"Thank you for telling us." Caleb said in Silata's place, though thank you was not the right words to explain how they felt. They were not grateful for such news but it was news that needed to be know.
"Our engagement celebration was suppose to be tonight. It seems rather pointless now. " Caleb said, thinking it best to cancel the celebrations after the recent news. Silata lifted her head and shock it.
"No. Everyone was so excited for it. I think now it is more important than anything. " Silata forced a smile on her face, it took all her efforts. She turned to Seer. "Will you attend?"

[Ashling]

Seer was suprised at the offer, she turned to face Ansgar. He was casually daydreaming but he looked at her when she turned to him. His face was confused, he hadn't heard a word of the recent conversation.
Seer shrugged
"We'd be honoured to attend"
She smiled at Silata
"You're right, Your engagement will bring the people hope at a time where it is most scarce"

Ansgar gave her a gentle nudge which almost toppled her over
"Of course, Ansgar here would have to attend too"
She gave Caleb a apologetic look
"I hope thats alright?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb looked down at Silata reassuring her if that's what she wanted he approved. Caleb looked back at Seer than at her dragon. Caleb had to think for a second for answering. "Well I suppose it's alright. Couldn't make father any more furious than he already is." Caleb joked lightly.

[Ashling]

Seer chuckled
Ansgar frowned
________________________________

A room had been offered to Seer that accomodated Ansgars side. She had declined however stating they would be fine in the stable.

Seer was sat leaning against Ansgar (Who had nodded off) she was begining to feel images formin in her head. Suddenly she could see it all clearly.

Flames everywhere devouring all life. Then Atoni. Barren and bare. Stripped of all life. Her vision was then turned to the temple. Her spell had worked, it was safe. She began to see the sparks of a rebellion begining to form and the prince behind it all.

And then she was back. Back to reality.

Ansgar was sat in front of her now, staring at her. She smirked. Quickly she thought to herself. Seer looked at the sky.

Crap. It was night already. She got up and sprinted towards the castle, Ansgar following.

[AvisCrown]

The celebration was already in full swing by the time Seer had joined. The party was not just at the palace but was all over the city in the streets and in the taverns. On the surface was joyful celebration but there was whispers of disapproval going around the city. How could the king let his eldest son marry a Bhreatain?

At the palace advisors were less quiet of there disapproval. However they were happy to indulge themselves of the drink and food of the celebration. Caleb was dressed in fine cloths with his ceremonial crown upon his head, Silata was dressed just a beautifully, something all passer-byers felt necessary to point out, as a way to butter up their possible future queen. Not all were displeased, Silata was well liked by many, it was only her geological heritage that displeased people. Perhaps if she had chosen a different brother the people would have been more pleased to welcome her. Either way Silata was not going to let their words ruin this for her. She had let to many of their words hurt her in the past, and after the news of her family back home, their words were as little as a prick with a thorn.
Besides she had Caleb by her side, and he had no intention of leaving her on her own.

[Ashling]

Seer tried again and again to get closer to Caleb but she was finding it near impossible. After a while Ansgar piped up

"Why do you simply not tell everyone one to move out of your damn way?"
"Its called common courtesy"
"Whats that?"
"Something you will never have my friend"

Finally Seer saw a parting, she squeezed her way through the crowds until she finally reached Caleb.
"Caled I must speak to you as soon as possible"
She raised her hand quickly
"But I must warn you, I have more..."
She searched for the right word
"more Interesting news to deliver"

[BumblingBee]

The sky was pitch black. It seemed there were no stars to brighten its bleak emptiness.
Aoife and Calloch were saddling Topthorn as quietly as they could.
Everyone else was either asleep or an guard duty.

Aoife could see Locks outline on the temple roof. Luckily he was looking away from them. She was distracted however when Calloch whispered to her.

"Fee you must leave, now"
Calloch helped her mount Topthorn
"Now you know what you must do?"
Aoife nodded
"I'm to go to Bhreatain, find out what I can then return straight back"
Calloch smiled and nodded
"Clever Lass"

[AvisCrown]

Olander was hidden in the shadows only a few feet away from the two before finally letting himself be known. "Are you sure that's safe?" He spoke up. It was clear he had been there for quite sometime and was only know revealing his presence now. Olander over the last few days had practically disappeared. He was only seen occasionally out at night alone. It gave some of the others an eery feeling of the man but as long as he kept his distance, no one made any complaints.

[BumblingBee]

The two jumped in suprise, Aoife almost fell off Topthorn. Caloch calmed himself and stood up tall.

"Good gods man! What are you trying to do to us?!"
He cursed under his breath
"Damn this mission was supposed to be secret"

Calloch began to pace up and down, he rubbed his chin in thought. Aoife simply watched from the comfort of Topthorn, She looked to the skies and just about managed to see Laidir, who was circling. He seemed almost invisible in the nights inky blackness.

[AvisCrown]

"Doing? Nothing. I was simply taking a walk. You were the two suspiciously whispering in the mid of night.." Olander seemed rather amused with himself. "Perhaps I can assist you?" Olander gave a suggestion.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch raised an eyebrow, suspicioins raced through his head
"Oh? How? If I may ask"
Aoife thought about the prospect of having this man follow her on her Own personal mission

She sighed

So much for showing off her new powers on her own.

[AvisCrown]

"I have many useful skills. Including the knowledge of a passage that could get us into Bhreatain without notice." Olander was enjoying this a bit to much. He lined against a post of the stables and waited for the verdict of the other two. He was pretty convinced he could wiggle his way into this secretive mission with little effort.

[BumblingBee]

Calloch sighed. He looked over to Aoife for judgement, she remained unphased.
He rubbed his temple with his fingers. Calloch knew if he didn't let him on the mission he probably wouldn't leave anyway. He sighed once more, until, finally...

"If you aren't saddled and ready in five minutes Aoife's leaving without you"

Aoife simply rolled her eyes and waited patiently

[AvisCrown]

Olander smiled and nodded. He then quickly went to get a horse ready. At first the horse object to the strange man but it only took a moment for the horse's demeanor to change and allow the man to saddle him up and get pull himself up. The man looked rather unnatural on horse back but Olander did not struggle to against himself and get comfortable. "Alright, shall we be off then?" Olander asked when he was ready.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife smirked mischieviously, she knew his horse well

"If you can keep up!"
She gave Topthorn a light kick and he was away in seconds
Aoife couldn't help but smile, the feeling she got when riding was second to none.

They would reach Bhreatain in no time

[AvisCrown]

Olander kept close behind but rarely took the lead. He admitted he was no where near as experienced on horseback as Aoife but he had little trouble keeping up. Eventually they settled down into and even trout. It was still dark but the sky began to clear. Giving them view of the stars. Olander kept his eyes on the sky, though it wasn't the stars he was looking at. He was following Laidir whenever he flew briefly into the star light. They were still a good distance from Bhreatain but they had made good time on heir travel so fair.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife brought Topthorn to a halt. She looked at Olander
"Alright, from here we could take the Afon ferry, but I'm sure they'll be plenty of guards waiting for us on our arrival. Or..."
She raised her eyebrows at him
"We could take your route, which wold be...?"

[AvisCrown]

"Best to take my route. I can assure you we'll have no trouble with any guards. It will take us a bit longer though. We'll have to head much further north from here towards the Padgate woods in Saibhreas. We'll cross through the corner of Saibhreas but I promise you they won't be any trouble either." Olander explain how exactly his route was going to avoid them being detected, nor did he explain much about the route it self, he only continued to promise it would be safe.

[BumblingBee]

"You want us to go through Saibhreas when we've just declared war on them?"
Aoife took a breath
"Okay, lead the way"

[AvisCrown]

Olander gave her a mischievous smile and laughed a bit. "Bit exciting isn't it?" He however was only using his knowledge to mock her lack of it. Olander carried on turning their direction north. Now he lead the way.

Olander didn't lie when he said it would take them longer. He forgot to mention how much longer and he refused to let them rest. He seemed to go on without any lose of energy as the day started to pass into dusk. Olander could feel Aoife's hesitation as the Saibhreas border came into view. He slowed down a bit. If they weren't careful they'd get be noticed by the guards that guarded the border. However instead of heading through the boarder he turned off to the east. They were shield by the woods from any stray guards, even if they were spotted it wouldn't be hard to loss them. It wasn't long before they reached a clearing. In the middle of the woods was the ruins of what looks to be an old guard tower. Only it's base remained, under their feet they could hear the crunch of the skeletal remains of its ancient residents. Olander stopped and dismounted. "We won't be able to go on horseback through the passage. We'll have to guide them through. "

[BumblingBee]

Aoife frowned. She yawned dramatically as she dissmounted Topthorn. Laidir swooped down from nowhere and landed gracefully on her shoulder, as always he glared at Olander. He cooed softly to Aoife though, she was so tired she simply swatted him away.

"I'm exhausted, When are we going to rest?!"

[AvisCrown]

"Soon." Olander responded. He walked ahead a little more before finding an old rotted wooden door. It was hardly noticeable with the amount of over growth over it. It took quite a bit over strength for Olander pulled the door open. He moved out of the way to show Aoife the passage. "These tunnels pass under the boarder of Saibhreas, they lead for miles. One path will take us into Bhreatain. These tunnels have been long forgotten so neither Saibs or Trucos men would have thought of posting guards here. They'll be a place safe to rest inside. "

[BumblingBee]

Aoife was shocked by these tunnels.
She was more suprised however at Olanders knowledge.
She suddenly thought
"Wait"
She grabbed Topthorn protectively
"What about the horses?"

[AvisCrown]

"We'll have to lead them through. It'll be a tight squeeze but the tunnels open up as we get further in." Olander reassured her. Olander took the reins of his horse and gently started to lead it through the entrance. He was right. The tunnel slopped down for several feet before eventually leveling out and becoming wider so there was room to move. The only light however was the light from the entrance way. Olander reached out where there was an un lit torch on the hall. He held it out to Aoife waiting for her to light it.

[BumblingBee]

Aoife snapped her fingers as if they were a match, a small flame appeared and she used it to light the torch. She couldn't help but smirk at her own genius.

She had to admit as they ventured further and further down the enclosed tunnel, she felt more and more awkward trapped with Olander. She almost felt bad for thinkin this however. Eventually she decided conversation would be the best remedy.

"So..."
She glanced up at him
"Any thoughts on the war?"

[AvisCrown]

In the dim light Olander's appearance looked much more terrifying as the light played of the sharp features of his face that looked rather corpse like. He turned to looked at Aoife, his big dark eyes reflecting the light of torch in his hand. "I'm not sure really. I could say I was angry at Trucos but Bheartain hasn't been my home in years. I know little of King Cadman to despise the man. Nor do I have any real ties to the Atonians. . .hmm." He went quiet and thought. "I suppose I am where I am needed. and where I am needed is here for now." There was almost something sinister to his finished statement. It was something that had come apparent to many who had spent some time with him over the last few days. It was as if talking to two different people, with two different intentions. It was the way he talked in half finished sentences and conversations that lead nowhere that gave him the eery feeling people got. The feeling he wasn't quite there when he spoke, like a medium being used to pass a message through from the other side.

[Ashling]

Another mistake :sweat: soooooory

[BumblingBee]

Aoifes weakness came through, she spoke her mind freely
"You know, sometimes I don't understand about you"
She hadn't meant the remark harshly, she was simply speaking the truth.

She raised her eyebrows slightly in suspicion

[AvisCrown]

Olander was quiet again. He stopped and used the torch to light another that was a long the wall. The passage had opened into a room. "We can rest here for a while." He went around the room and lit a few more torches so that there was plenty of light. He then placed the one in his hand in a holder on the wall before taking a seat on what looked to be a make-shift bed. Now that there was more lit it was more clear as to what these tunnels were. They were ancient catacombs. The walls were lines with the skeletal remains of fallen soldiers. Some were buried neatly , muffed and placed in a coffin, while others seemed to have been stuffed in whatever gap was free. Now that they were stopped they could hear the sounds of the tunnels. The sound of wind through small gaps in the ceiling and walls ,the noise of small rodents and the occasional sound of the part of the tunnels giving way. The sounds played tricks on the mind as they echoed almost as if the dead were still walking it's passages.

[BumblingBee]

Aoifes eyes widened in fear, she backed away from all of the walls, shaking slightly.
"W-who are these people"
She thought then corrected herself
"Well, who were these people?"
She prayed to Ean they weren't all Atonian

[AvisCrown]

Olander looked around the room casually. "All of them. No idea. This place is really old even before the Exodus. Some of these are from the Exodus itself. They opened this place back up to have some place to store the large number of dead. I guess they forgot to come back for them. Left them here simply to root. But I guess it was better than to leave them out for the Olc to desecrate. "

[BumblingBee]

Almost instantly, Aoife fell to her knees. She outstretched her arms and began to draw patterns around her in the dirt. Eventually she had enclosed herself in a circle surrounded with various Atonian patterns of old.

She looked up at the dead and closed her eyes, her hands were clasped together. Aoife began to sing, very quietly and under her breath

"Only the truth that in life we have spoken,
Only the seeds that in life we have sown
theese will pass onwards when we are forgotten,
Only remembered for what we have done"

When she had finished, Aoife simply stood up, bowed to the dead. And then went to rest and contemplate privately in a corner

[AvisCrown]

Olander only watch Aofie and she seemed to preform so kind of prayer. Seemed rather pointless to him. These people had long been dead. A prayer now wasn't going to save them, nor did it in life. But he said nothing and left her to it. It was time they got some rest. Though he had a feeling Aofie would get little with the eyes of the dead watching her.

--------------------------------------------------
Caleb was able to free himself from the unpleasant company he was stuck with and gladly moved over to talk to Seer, leaving Silata alone to deal with the other guests. Caleb lead Seer out into the hall way from the crowds of party goers. "What news do you have for me?" He asked not sure if he truly wanted to know. Seer showed that she had an act for carrying bad news.

[Ashling]

"I have news of your brother"
She glanced around them in case they were being watched
"I know where he is and what he's doing"
She looked at Caleb straight in the eye
"But I fear if I tell you, it could break your family apart for good"

[AvisCrown]

She had Caleb's full attention. He was not enjoying her however delaying the information she had to give. "Out with it." He ordered. He need not ask her to be more specific he already knew to which brother she was referring. Caleb had his sources and he heard word of his brother often but lately he had hear nothing.

[Ashling]

Seer sighed and looked down at her feet
"Your brother is the man that declared war on your father"
She looked up at him
"He has sided with the Atonians, for what reason I don not know"
Concern crossed over her face
"What are you going to do Caleb?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb sighed. Part of him was disappointed in his own lack of surprise on the matter. He sighed and furrowed his brow then folded his arms across his chest. "I have no idea."
It was an honesty Caleb did not want to admit. He went silent thinking over his next words very carefully.
"I'd much prefer to turn my head away from all this. Leave these matters to my betters. Unfortunately I do not have that option." He turned to Seer, looking for acknowledgment of this fact.
" My father has grown blind in his grief for my mother and I do trust his advisors. They take his moment of weakness and use it to their own advantages. Lock being involved will only make things worse for us all. Surely they will twist any action I take as siding with my brother and conspiracy against my father. They'd much rather put young naive Edin, who's mind they can mold to their bidding on the throne or even Rurik would be a more favorable than I. " He went silent again and thought.
"Please do not mis-understand what I am about to ask of you.
" His voice more hushed than before as there were still stray party-goers passing by in the passage way.
"I have no choice I must side with my father and my country on this war. If Lock has declared war there will be no turning back for him and I can not help him now. My hands are tied but. . . and do not take this has conspiring against my father, for it is for his own good. I ask of you to keep me informed of such matters. Perhaps I might at least be able to lessen the blood shed. This must be kept between us however, which means I ask for a little more subtlety."

[Ashling]

Seer rubbed her temple, processing all the information she had just been given. Eventually she nodded in agreement.
"Aye, I can understand you choice easily"
She looked up at him
"But I do think you should at least go and speak to Lock, see if you can get any information out of him. Why he's siding with the Atonians, what his views are, just-"
Her sentence trailed away from her
She sighed
"Just, speak to him. Not as a prince though. As a brother"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb gave Seer a faint smile. "Perhaps. A final peace offering for the past." Caleb blamed himself in some ways for Lock's leaving and blamed himself for what they now faced. Perhaps if he had spent less time trying to be their father's perfect heir and more of an older brother to Lock, maybe he would stayed. Though worry did cloud Caleb's mind. He wasn't sure of the person his brother was now, nor was his brother sure of who he was. Had Lock's time away build up more hatred and anger than when he left. Caleb shown none of these worries to Seer.
"I will have to leave in secret. My father would clearly not approve of this."

[BumblingBee]

Aoife awoke to the stares of the dead.
Silently she got up, she could see Olander dozing in another corner of the chamber.
Aoife wandered around for a while analyizing the corpses, or, what was left of them.

[Ashling]

"Your best chance is at dawn before the castle awakes"
She pointed to Ansgar (Who was currently scareing as many people as possible)
"Ansgar can get you to Ariett in minutes, unless you have another means of transport?"
Seer gazed over to the party
"I shall stay here with Silata and your father"
Her exspression darkened
"I still have business with him"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb agreed that Ansgar was probably the best way of getting there. He returned Seer's look with suspicion. "You will have your chance for revenge if that is what you seek but if you act now you will only make things worse for yourself and your people. Keep Silata company and ease her wary mind for me." Caleb found a better task Seer's time was better spent on. Caleb left Seer to continue with entertain his guest.

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

Olander was death still, looking almost as if he too was part of the catacombs.

[El_Lune]

The day of the full moon was getting closer yet Meluna has yet found the courage to tell her family of her plans. It was after dinner and Meluna was washing the dishes with Gasten in silence. She was thinking hard how to tell him about her plans that her face ended up in a frown. Gasten chuckles as he saw her face, “Dear child, it’s clear you have something on your mind. Come, let us sit down and talk about it.” He said while washing the last of the dishes. Meluna was startled but then smiled at him. She pour them some tea and sat down next to Gasten. She stared down at her cup and let out a sigh. “I’m planning on leaving town and joining the rebels, Gasten.” She said, feeling guilty at the thought of abandoning her family. Upon hearing it, Gasten kept silent and continues to sip his tea. “I’m gonna miss all the good food,” he said nonchalantly and grins. “eh-“ Meluna wasn’t expecting Gastens remark. After a moment of silence, they burst out laughing. “and here I was feeling guilty of leaving everyone and all you had to say is you’ll miss my cooking?” Meluna said between breath as she continued laughing.

As the laughter subsided, Gasten said to her, “I know you children will leave someday one way or another, though the circumstances of your leaving now might be dangerous, but, your fate is yours to make, and your choice shall open a path for you to take. When it is over, I want you to come back to us in one piece.” He stood up and walk towards his room. Meluna stayed in the kitchen contemplating what Gasten had just said. She didn’t expect him to be so readily accepting to the fact that she’s leaving with and intention of rebelling against Truco.

“Meluna...” a voice came from the side of her face as she was loss in thought, “Wha- Brendan!” she said startled from the voice and turned to see Brendan’s face right next to hers. “You’re being too close again brother.” Meluna scowls at him. “Am I?” Brendan asks, face still a breath away from Meluna, then he sighs, disappointed by the lack of reaction from her. He stand up straight and leans against the table, “We’re not really related you know. You should at least blush when I’m that close. You made me lose confidence!,” he said playfully. Meluna stares at Brendan, it seems that he just got back from the farm. She acknowledges that Brendan is quite handsome with light blonde hair and gray eyes, he has a strong built, contoured by helping with the farm and occasional fishing trip, the girls would feast their eyes at him when he passes by, but since Meluna live with him, she learned that looks could be really deceiving. “I’ve just gotten used to it is all, no worries, all the girls in town will always swoon when you come on to them.” She said with a slight chuckle. Brendan smiled, seemingly satisfied with her comment. “on another note, I heard your conversation with Gasten.” He said plainly. “Ah, so you did huh...” Meluna answered quietly. “Were you planning to tell everyone?” He asks, but she kept silent, not sure yet of the answer. Brendan smiles and gave her a pat on the head. “you should at least say goodbye to us, we’re family, right?” he bend over to see her eyes, they were glassy, tears was welling up, the prospect of leaving her family finally caught up to her. Seeing that, Brendan was flustered, “aaahh—I didn’t mean to make you cry. Sorry.” He said removing his hand from her head. Meluna shakes her head, “ No, no... it’s just that, I will really miss you guys,” she said, doing her best to hold back the tears. “I’ll stock up on the herbs and jams for you guys, and I shall make us a grand banquet before I leave, look forward to it, okay?” She stands up, not waiting for an answer and go to her room, leaving Brendan watching her go from the kitchen.

[Ashling]

The dawn of the next day was warm and clear. Seer was stood leaning against Ansgar by the stables, where Caleb had told them to wait. Ansgar grumbled to himself quietly. Seer looked and him and tutted.
"Oh shush! Look you'll be back again before you know it. It's just this one ride, okay?"
She cupped his face and peered into his eyes sweetly
"Do it for me?"
Ansgar was not amused.

Seer peered over her shoulder to find Caleb approaching. She waved at him in a friendly greeting.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb only got a few hours of sleep, all sorts of things were running through his mind keeping him up. He had already packed anything he'd need to take with him, which was only a small nap sack. He had purposely neglected to bring his sword with him. He thought it was better to go unarmed. . .well mostly, he still had a dagger just in case. He didn't know if this visit would be quick or not. He only revealed where he was going to one person, he's mother. Her mind had recently wondered on to the subject of Lock often as her illness got worse and he thought perhaps she deserved to give a few last words to lock. Caleb wasn't going to sugar coat it, she wasn't well and wasn't going to get better. It was just a matter of time before the swift breeze took her.

Caleb approached Seer and Ansgar. He looked up at Ansgar. "Your a whole lot bigger than I thought." He added. He was beginning to rethink taking the dragon. He'd ridden griffins before but dragon wasn't quite the same thing.

[BumblingBee]

Eventually Aoife grew tired of waiting for Olander to wake up naturally. She walked over to him and gave him a light poke. Afte that didn't work she gave him a small nudge with her foot. Aoife sighed and whistled at Laidir.

He looked up at her instantly and flew over to her. He nibbled her ear softly in affection. She moved her arm so Laidir was placed directly in front of Olanders ear. Laidir looked at her in confusion. Aoife simply smiled

"Go ahead Laidir, let it rip"
If Laidir could have grinned, he would have.
Laidir opened his beak and let out a mighty screech that made the dust fall from the creaky beams holding the tunnels together

[Ashling]

Ansgar kept a constant glare focoused on Caleb. He did however lower himself so Caleb could mount him. Seer smiled at the two and gave Caleb a leg up.
"So, Ansgar will take you to Arriett where I believe your brother and the other rebels are based"
She looked back at the castle
"I'll keep your family distracted in your absense"
She smiled at Caleb once more and gave him a short bow
"Good luck"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb, with a bit of help from Seer mounted Ansgar. He felt more comfortable now being atop the giant beast. He returned with a nod when she said where Ansgar was taking him. That was farther than he though. The journey would take 4 days by horse back, seemed like Ansgar really was the best choice.
"I trust you will but a worn you Rurik can be a handful." He joked lightly but it was really him hiding his nervousness. And with that he and Ansgar took off.

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

Even with laidir's screech, Olander did not move. There was a loud bang across the room, sending several skeleton's crumbed into a slot in the wall to the floor. Following a heavy breeze rushed through the room and whistled down through the different passageways. All the lights were blown out, leaving them in pitch darkness.

[Ashling]

Ansgar was not going to simply take it easy, he was going to show off, and show off he did. They reached Arriett by midday. Ansgar circled over Arriett for awhile, looking for a secluded place to land. He knew the guards would have seen him already, for he was flying low. Eventually he saw a small clearing not too far from the temple.

He landed gracefully and triumphantly. He couldn't help but hold his head high with a great sense of smugness.

[AvisCrown]

Caleb was silent through out the ride. He watch the land pass by below him. He was higher than he had ever been before but he had to admit he was enjoying it.
As they approached Arriett he knew there was no way they weren't noticed and Ansgar made sure of that with his showmanship. Caleb dismounted, or to be more exact, fell into the dirt upon attempt to dismount. He got up and patted the dragon on the back. "Thanks." He wasn't sure if the dragon was going to stay or head back but he really didn't care. Caleb scanned the surrounds now that he was on the ground. He looked towards the temple. From above he couldn't see much but now he could see there were people approaching.

[BumblingBee]

"Oh dear"
Aoife snapped her fingers once more producing a red flame, Laidir shook himslef and began to crackle with purple flames himself. He flew over to Aoife and perched on her shoulder. Aoife looked down and saw that Olander was still asleep.
"Jeez"

Suddenly a series of rumblings and crashes began to echo down the dingy corridors from the way they had came the previous day. The catacombs were caving in.
"Well thats just fantastic now isn't it"

Topthorn and the other horse rushed to Aoifes side, obviously raring to leave. She grabbed hold of Olander and began to tug and heave him onto his horse.

[AvisCrown]

Out of the dim light appeared something unnatural. It seemed drawn to the flame. the smoking black figure seemed to be fighting it. Hisses and whispers filling the room. There was more of them still lingering in the dark keeping their distance. They seemed to be talking to each other in some ancient lost tongue. Olander opened his eyes. They instantly darted in the direction of the figure fighting in the light and as his eyes meet it it vanished, as did it's allies into the walls.
Olander got to his feet. "I think it's best we get moving."

[BumblingBee]

Apparantly unaware of the hisses in the darkness, Aoife sighed with relief at Olanders awakening. She wouldn't have liked him dieing on her watch, or explaining his death to Calloch for that matter.

"Oh good gods, Finally!"
Aoife mounted Topthorn quickly
"Come on! I don't know the way out you must lead us!"

[BumblingBee]

(Locks POV)
____________________________

Gods.
First Aoife dissappears and now this. One of the watchmen had come running over to him claiming he had sighted a dragon.

Ha!

As if dragons still exsisted. Still Lock decided he had better scope the area surrounding the temple just in case, if anything to give the men some practice too.

Lock moved away a branch that was obscuring his view. Upon moving said branch it revealed his brother.
Stood next to a dragon.

"Well ... thats certainly unexpected"

Lock then turned around and began to leave

[AvisCrown]

Olander was a bit stunned that Aoife was completely unaware of the figures that had surrounded her hissing back and forward to each other. Olander stood up. "Right let's go. this way." He said leading the way after relighting one of the torches.

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

Caleb sighed and started to walk in the direction of the temple, not completely sure if he'd be greeted with open arms, though he had a good feeling he wouldn't.

[BumblingBee]

Lock stormed back to the camp, the men that had followed him simply looked at each other in confusion. Calloch was training the cavalry in Aoifes absense, he saw Locks fury and went to greet him.
"Lock, whats wrong? You look as if you've seen a ghost!"
Lock stormed past him into the temple
"I have"

Calloch looked down to the men that had been following Lock, he gave them a reassuring smile.
"Stay here with him lads, make sure he doesn't kill anyone"

Calloch himself wanted to find out what had made Lock so angry in the first place. He went the way Lock had came, until he found himself in a small clearing stood next to an old friend.
"Ansgar?"
The dragon looked up, it cocked its head in a brief moment of confusion. Then rushed towards Calloch. Calloch smiled and greeted the dragon with open arms.
"Good gods it is you?! What the hell are you doing here?"

[AvisCrown]

Caleb looked at the man than back at the dragon. They knew each other. Caleb cleared his throat to get Calloch's attention. "Excuse me. " Caleb wasn't sure rather or not the man would know of him. In times like this it was hard to tell. "I'm looking for someone."

[Little Red]

Dudes I'm soooo sorry I haven't been on recently!!! I feel soooo bad!! But I'm back...soooo can someone catch me up to speed and help me find my last post with Xena? Dudes I feel horrible!!)

[El_Lune]

The day of the full moon is getting closer yet Meluna has yet found the courage to tell her family of her plans. It was after dinner and Meluna was washing the dishes with Gasten in silence. She was thinking hard how to tell him about her plans that her face ended up in a frown. Gasten chuckles as he saw her face, “Dear child, it’s clear you have something on your mind. Come, let us sit down and talk about it.” He said while washing the last of the dishes. Meluna was startled but then smiled at him. She pour them some tea and sat down next to Gasten. She stared down at her cup and let out a sigh. “I’m planning on leaving town and joining the rebels, Gasten.” She said, feeling guilty at the thought of abandoning her family. Upon hearing it, Gasten kept silent and continues to sip his tea. “I’m gonna miss all the good food,” he said nonchalantly and grins. “eh-“ Meluna wasn’t expecting Gastens remark. After a moment of silence, they burst out laughing. “and here I was feeling guilty of leaving everyone and all you had to say is you’ll miss my cooking?” Meluna said between breath as she continued laughing.

As the laughter subsided, Gasten said to her, “I know you children will leave someday one way or another, though the circumstances of your leaving now might be dangerous," he pause to hold Meluna's hand and continue, "but, your fate is yours to make, and your choice shall open a path for you to take. When it is over, I want you to come back to us in one piece.” He stood up with a sad smile and walk towards his room. Meluna stayed in the kitchen contemplating what Gasten had just said. She didn’t expect him to be so readily accepting to the fact that she’s leaving with and intention of rebelling against Truco.

“Meluna...” a voice came from the side of her face as she was loss in thought, “Wha- Brendan!” she said startled from the voice and turned to see Brendan’s face right next to hers. “You’re being too close again brother.” Meluna scowls at him. “Am I?” Brendan asks, face still a breath away from Meluna, then he sighs, disappointed by the lack of reaction from her. He stand up straight and leans against the table, “We’re not really related you know. You should at least blush when I’m that close. You made me lose confidence!,” he said playfully. Meluna stares at Brendan, it seems that he just got back from the farm. She acknowledges that Brendan is quite handsome with light blonde hair and gray eyes, he has a strong built, contoured by helping with the farm and occasional fishing trip, the girls would feast their eyes at him when he passes by, but since Meluna live with him, she learned that looks could be really deceiving. “I’ve just gotten used to it is all, no worries, all the girls in town will always swoon when you come on to them.” She said with a slight chuckle. Brendan smiled, seemingly satisfied with her comment. “on another note, I heard your conversation with Gasten.” He said plainly. “Ah, so you did huh...” Meluna answered quietly. “Were you planning to tell everyone?” He asks, but she kept silent, not sure how answer. Brendan smiles and gave her a pat on the head. “you should at least say goodbye to us, we’re family, right?” he bend over to see her eyes, they were glassy, tears was welling up, the prospect of leaving her family finally caught up to her. Seeing that, Brendan was flustered, “aaahh—I didn’t mean to make you cry. Sorry.” He said removing his hand from her head. Meluna shakes her head, “ No, no... it’s just that, I will really miss you guys,” she said, doing her best to hold back the tears. “I’ll stock up on the herbs and jams, and I shall make us a grand banquet before I leave, look forward to it, okay?” She stands up, not waiting for an answer and go to her room, leaving Brendan watching her go with a sad look from the kitchen.