A Land in Chaos

[Vaalic]

Somber spoke to him softly, asking questions she wanted no answers to. He listened to her silently. The sight of her brought back memories from long ago. Memories he would never forget, but also ones he did not wish to remember. At least not now... His senses slowly began to slip away, the way they do when one struggles to stay awake, but ultimately cannot. She entranced him. It was a feeling he couldn't suppress, and in fact hardly knew it was happening until it was too late. It wasn't until she asked another question that he finally found his wits.
"Then of Angel, do you have a child?" She was standing by his chair, comfortably close. The reminder of the child caused Vaalic to tense up. Every time his thoughts went to the child it reminded him of ShadowRune. Letting out a breath he steadied his voice before he spoke.
"Yes we have a son..."
"Please pass my happiness to Angel, I know through everything you and her have been through this must be a blessing to you both."
The words stung as sharply as a dagger in his back. Vaalic could find no words to say. Somber had known of their son, but Vaalic realized she had not yet heard the whole story. He wanted to tell her, but he couldn't. It was something he had trouble telling himself. He had not yet come to terms with what happened, and he doubted he ever would. It was something she should know... but not now. She turned away and disappeared through a doorway. Perhaps it was best, for she had missed the pained look Vaalic knew showed on his face. She was gone only a moment, just enough time for Vaalic to compose his thoughts. She returned with a box, gently wrapped with a blue ribbon.
"Pass this on to Angel would you, I have been meaning to do so for months now, but hadn't the nerve."
Vaalic slowly reached out to take the box from her. He could only guess at what it contained. He offered her thanks, before they began on a new subject.
"What can I do for ye then, MiLord, I am at your service."
Knowing their meeting was coming to a close Vaalic stood. He needed a plan, but had nothing yet. He needed to return to his home to meet with those who waited for him. Something had happened with the dragons. That much he knew by the fact that they should have arrived long before now.
"For starters you can meet me at the Thieves Den tomorrow morning."
"Aye, till then MiLord... till then." She drew her breath deeply as she closed the door behind him. They would leave in the morning. He needed time to prepare. Walking back through the streets he made his way across the deserted walkways of the town, to soon come upon his home. The door stood opened, and he walked in.

[AngelAbeni]

Unusual, Vaalic thought, the door was wide open. "I shall have to remind her to keep it locked." Angel always was too trusting. Slightly on guard he entered the room, still holding the small box Somber had given him by his side. As he entered his wife's sweet voice faded, she had spoken something of strangers, but he had not caught it all.

He switched the package to his left hand as he slowly reached for the hilt of his sword. She had spoken of strangers, but did not sound frightened. Once inside Vaalic's eyes began to adjust to the dim lighting as he made out his wife and three others. He almost laughed as he began to relax. He was expecting them to be here, but he couldn't help be on guard.

He surveyed the faces around the room, and could see tension between the three. Something had happened, and both Jasmine and Khell were looking unfavorably towards Jake. Unsure of what was happening Vaalic decided to step in. He knew Jake had a certain way about him, but it was something that he understood. These strangers wouldn't. Knowing that they would need any help that was offered Vaalic began to play diplomat.
"I'm glad you all have made it here. I hope you haven’t been waiting long. Please have a seat, I'll get us some drinks."
He only caught a cautious look from Khell before Jake turned away to find a seat. Vaalic walked into the other room, followed by Angel, as the other two found a seat as well. Their furnishings were sparse, and Vaalic would have no place to sit, but he didn't mind. He had a lot on his mind, and sitting would only make him anxious to up again.

Angel went to him, a slightly worried look on her brow, he was twitching as if he should be pacing. "What is on your mind Milove..." her words were cool and slow against the sudden silence the night had brought them. She raised her fingers and gently smoothed away the knot that formed between his brows. "Such a large burden you carry..." She notioned towards the package he held. "Is this what bothers you so?"

"No..." he breathed silently against her ear... "It is but business, that must be dealt, and my worry for your safety, and that of the child..." For a sudden moment they broke contact, and the emptiness that filled her heart with steel so often flooded back... would he never forget. He reached for her again, but the warmth was gone. She placed the baby in his cradle, and sat on the edge of the bed, rocking it slowly with her foot.

A frustrated grunt resounded from deep within his throat. He placed the box on the edge of the bed, just barely touching Angel. She looked up at once, a little hope in her eyes, but then it faded when he mouthed her name. The cold steal melted away replaced by a furnace of burning fire, whatever could she have for me, she wondered. "She sends her well wishes Angel, and wished she had sought you out earlier." There was a pitying tone in his voice, he himself felt so highly of Somber, whereas Angel, held nothing but contempt. Though who could blame her.

She pulled slowly at the ribbon, wondering what its contents could be. She looked at Vaalic before opening the lid, he almost turned to leave, but curiosity must have kept him. He stood there silently like a wall, with his hand on his hilt, though from somewhere in the darkness she could see his eyes light up a bit when she looked at him. Lifting the lid off the small box, she noticed immediately, an envelope, with her name scripted in the old ways. She froze a moment holding the letter between her fingers, as though she could read it with her mind. She placed it aside, beneath was a silken scarf, made with the deepest shades of red, and when she lifted it, wrapped inside was a small stuffed bear obviously sewn with love, and to her surprise the box was not yet empty, at the bottom was a book, with worn leather backing, the initials CR were embossed on the cover. Angel gripped it close to her, tears welling up in her eyes. She jumped up suddenly and rushed into Vaalic's arms. He held her as her tears flowed freely, partially from lost sorrow, though mostly from happiness, it was something she longed to have for years, it was something that belonged to her lost mother. Even though he hadn't the faintest idea of what had just happened, he knew what was needed of him. Silently he held her, as she cried softly into his shoulder. He tried to sooth her, but he didn't know what to say, or what she saw. Her face buried in his shoulder, Vaalic looked over to what was laying on the bed: a stuffed bear, a letter and a scarf. The bear looked old, but he had never seen it before. It could not have been the letter, for it lay unopened on the bed. Angel began to compose herself as Vaalic held her close. Once she was ready she moved back, and he saw a book that she was holding close to her chest.

"Is everything okay? Are you alright?"

The words sounded foolish, but he was at a loss for words. She wiped the tears from her face and looked up at him, she smiled up at him, but the tears still threatening to come free. She didn't speak, but nodded. Vaalic stood there for a moment, unsure that she was okay. He knew he should go when she turned around and sat on the bed looking between the book and the unopened letter. Vaalic left her to be alone. She didn't say a word, but he knew it was what she wanted.

Angel sat there staring blankly at the book lat lay across her knees, utterly disbelieving that it could be what she thought it was. Her fingers pressed gently across the embossed initials -- CR -- deeply engraved within the leather bound journal.

"Momma... " She whispered quietly to herself. It had been ten years since her death, and she hadn't heard her name even whispered among her family. It was as though she had never existed. Her fingers ached to open it, and her heart dropped as she did. On the first page, barely legible on the tainted parchment, was her name, Celestial Rayne. The tears did come then, though surprisingly to her from a different source, her child lay twisted among his blankets, crying and flailing about trying to get free.

Angel's breasts ached with the burden of milk, and decidedly she closed the book, with a heart aching thunk. She took the letter and placed it within the folds of leather and tucked in with the chest in the corner of the room, the chest that held her only belongings.

Vaalic had left her to be alone, though he still wondered what was troubling her, but knowing it was something he shouldn't ask. Her reaction to Somber's gift was definitely not what he was expecting. Stopping for a moment to rearange his thoughts, he found several clean mugs, Vaalic unstoppered a bottle of wine, which was a gift from the new owner of the Thieves Den Pub, and Poured the wine into the glasses. Vaalic looked over his shoulder into the other room, but Angel was out of sight. Turning back, he finished filling the mugs and brought them to his guests. Vaalic stood leaning against the wall. Not a word was spoken as everyone silently sipped their wine. It had a smooth taste to it, and was of much higher quality than Vaalic had been expecting. He was finally the one to break the awkward silence.

"I thank you for coming here. I am still unsure of what delays Dravven, but I hope he will arrive shortly. I know neither of you know me..."
Vaalic was now speaking to Khell and Jasmine
"...but know that I am here to protect the people of this land. Again it has come time for this country to go to war, but I fear this war is not one that can be won. Not by army and battlefield. This war will need to be fought in secret, if we are to have any chance of success. I know that this will be near impossible, but it would not be the first time we have accomplished the impossible. If you are to stay with us I need to know, right here and now, will you be here until the end? I cannot promise victory, but I can promise the chance to live free and stand against our oppressors. Are you willing to stay with this to the end, or will you be on your way?"

Angel sat rocking gently her babe at her breast, as she listened to the cool voice of her husband, taking role in the next room. He was a natural speaker that was always something she had admired about him. Sighing lightly she looked down into the angelic face that rested pudgily against her chest. She traced gently the only element her son had of his true father, his ears, then gently down his back, as Vaalic's speech came to a close. She lay him down gently in the center of her bed. Placing a gentle kiss on his forehead, before tightening up her bodice strings.

As she left the room, she could feel the immediate tension that still emitted from their guests, it was obvious something needed to be done. Walking up behind him, she placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed it gently... just enough to say not now.

"Jasmine, you look like you've had a hell of a day, let me help you freshen up, you seem as though you could use some company, someone more like me perhaps?" Angel reached out her hand to her and waited.

[Jake]

Angle was leading Jasmine with her, leaving Khell and Jake alone with Vaalic. Khell's eye's loked to Jake once more, Jake looked back with a smurk and turned his head on him and towards Vaalic.

"Vaalic, what news do you bring from Somber? and also I want to know more about the Dragon Mistress? tell me all you know of her and her rider."

Vaalic looked confused for a moment as to Jake's question about Nuanni. Before he seemed he wanted nothing to do with her at all, but now he wanted to know every thing about her.

"Vaalic, I simply want to know every thing I can so as I know what to maybe expect from her and her rider since it appear's we will all be fighting side by side."

Vaalic tooke a step back and looked to Jasmine's now empty chair and sat down on it near to Khell. Jake turned his chair to face them both.
Vaalic was looking to the floor, looking for words as it seemed.

"I hate waiting like this, I have come a long way since my last battles and do not want to fail in my abilities again. So much I want from this next battle. I want my honor and my glory back."

Vaalic still had not answered Jake, and was more concerned with his last speaking.

"Are you sure that is the attitude to have Jake?", Vaalic said.
"Honor and glory are not the goals we all try to archive, not in times of war."

Jake thought quietly to himself for a moment before answering, letting out a long breath.

"I followed on the last quest your people had, and have come to know them as my own people since. I feel apart for something again. I have come to grips with the fact my wife is dead and Kitiara after our battle with the lizard man did not want to be that close to me. I also realised that the need for her that I had was that she was elven like my wife and I was alone. It sounds cold saying these things like this but I tell my self these things so as I become strong.
But this time I believe I will follow my self into battle, I will assist you in every way and work together of course. But I am here to protect my friends not people I do not know. Not to protect the city or any thing of that nature since I do not even live in the city.
"I came with you last time to save these people to give my life perpose and I did that, now I come with you all to help you win and better my self in the arts of old."

"Now tell my of the Dragon mistress please..."

[Vaalic]

Angel led Jasmine away, leaving an empty chair. Vaalic decided to stay standing, as Jake began to speak. He was interested in what Somber had said, as well as Vindao and Nuanni. He wasn't expecting the last part, and hesitated a moment, trying to frame the words to answer the question. Jake had good reason for wanting to know about them. They would be allies, though Vaalic didn't fully trust them, and he knew Jake held the same feelings. The truth was, Vaalic knew very little about them. If they were to ask anyone to tell them about the Dragon, it would be Trailock, though the way he acted towards Nuanni, none would doubt he didn't see anything that was right in front of him. Taking a step back, Vaalic took a seat on the empty chair. His head was down, looking at the floor, as he heard Jake turn his chair to face them. His head was pounding, and the words to say seemed to be just out of his grasp.

"I hate waiting like this, I have come a long way since my last battles and do not want to fail in my abilities again. So much I want from this next battle. I want my honor and my glory back."

Jake's words, again had caught him off guard, but he was quick to recover. Looking up to meet Jake's gaze Vaalic finally found the words to say.

"Are you sure that is the attitude to have Jake? Honor and glory are not the goals we all try to archive, not in times of war."

Listening to Jake's response, Vaalic began to understand. He learned something he knew, but never fully realized. Vaalic wanted to help the people of Faith Hills, but more importantly many of Jake's goals were nearly the same as his. Though Jake was not out to help the people of Faith Hills, he was there to look out for his friends. That was something that Vaalic knew and understood. The need to belong was also something they shared in common. Vaalic had never truly faced that problem, as he always had something to be a part of, for as long as he could remember, but if that were ever taken from him, he knew he would be lost.

"A friend like you is rare to come by. I understand how you feel, and if it is honor and glory you seek, then take it. I'm glad you are still with us.
As for the Dragon Mistress, I truly know very little of her, or her rider. Trailock has spoken with them far more than I, but we may have to question his judgment in that matter. Hopefully Dravven did not have too much trouble finding him. What I know is little more than what you know. We may be allies, fighting together, but I would not assume to trust them. We appear to be on the same side now, but their loyalties may change. They have before. I cannot be sure they will not give us to their commanders to repay their crimes. The truth of it is we still need them. At least until they tell us more of our enemies. We should keep a watchful eye on them both, and if they begin to act suspiciously we will be forced to act. Let us pray it does not come to that, but if it does we must be prepared."

[Vindao_Nuanni]

The silver did not seem to be pleased with their prediction. He had bought his people another night of freedom, but nothing more. In truth, his actions could cause more harm to his people than he would like. The Flurin were not ones to take the murder of their scouts lightly, but would understand that these are times of war.

"The Flurin will now know that dragons dwell here. Perhaps they will believe there to be more than one. They know that we are here, that is for certain, but they also know that we would not risk our lives attacking mere scouts. They will seek the bodies of the fallen to grant their spirits rest, but would also find what had killed them. You are a much larger dragon than I, and it will show by the wounds of the fallen dragons. You have destroyed any chance of keeping yourself hidden from them. When the first talon arrives in the morning and realizes that a dragon of your size is here, you're death will be of great importance. They will find you, and kill you. You are no match for the numbers they will have. I give you warning. Find somewhere to lay low. They will be looking for you, and even if you take human form, they will find you. If you go back to your allies now, you will bring an army back with you. That is something I believe you would not want on your conscience."

Silence followed, as the Silver began to grow angry. Nuanni had not yet let her guard down, and was still ready for an attack. The Silver said nothing, before he dropped suddenly, descending with haste. Nuanni had believed the move to be an attack and was ready to attack herself. It only took a moment for her to realize it was not attack, as the Silver was not trying to get around her. He was leaving, flying lower to the ground. Her words must have struck home.

"Will he heed your warning and stay hidden?"
"It is hard to say. He has much he must consider. For the time being, he would do best by staying away, and keeping attention away from himself and his allies."

[Jasmine_Eclipse]

Jasmine took a seat in a chair, still looking towards Jake with a frown on her face. She decided to just stay out of Jake’s way since there was tension between them. No one said a word to each other when Vaalic and Angel left the room. Moments later, Vaalic returned to the room with mugs in his hands, as he handed one to Jasmine. She silently took the mug and began sipping the wine. It was smooth, high quality wine, not like any kind that Jasmine has tasted before. She looked over at Khell, but nobody said a single word. Vaalic finally spoke up and broke the silence.
"I thank you for coming here. I am still unsure of what delays Dravven, but I hope he will arrive shortly. I know neither of you know me..."
Vaalic now turned towards her and Khell and continued speaking.

Jasmine looked over at Vaalic and gave a slight smile. She was willing to help out Freeport, she had no objections. The only thing that was bugging her was Jake; she was mad that he was treating her and Khell like dirt. They were just helping out, and Jake already going after them as if they were the enemy. Jasmine just sighed and looked around the room. Angel entered and placed herself next to Vaalic. Angel turned towards Jasmine and spoke.
"Jasmine, you look like you've had a hell of a day, let me help you freshen up, you seem as though you could use some company, someone more like me perhaps?"
Jasmine looked at the kind woman’s eyes and nodded. “It would nice to have someone to talk to” she thought. It would be a welcome change from the tension and uneasiness from the others. Jasmine got up and followed Angel out of the room, into the adjoining room. In the room, the baby was in the middle of the bed, sound asleep. Jasmine quietly approached the baby and looked at him. He was so small, so innocent. Jasmine felt her heart lighten when she slowly stroked her finger against the side of the baby’s face. The baby just turned to the other side and didn’t awaken. Jasmine turned towards Angel, who was watching her. Jasmine smiled at Angel.
“Your son is so precious. I wouldn’t mind having a little one of my own someday, but not anytime soon. I still have my whole life ahead of me, and many places to see.”
Angel nodded and stood next to the bed and looked at the baby.
“Yeah, I love him dearly, and I’m sure you’ll make a good mother some day. Tell me, what brings you to Freeport?”
“I was just going traveling around, trying to find a town for supplies when I came across a group of thieves. I was surrounded by 3 men, when Khell came and helped me out. I didn’t know him at the time, but we talked and grew closer. He knew the way to Freeport so he was taking me there and we had another fight, but we managed. We finally got to Freeport and found out about the dragons. Me and Khell decided to leave because we thought it was not our fight, and we didn’t know what was going on. When we were in the forest, we ran into your husband, and we talked to him and decided to come back to Freeport to help him out.”
Angel nodded and smiled.
“Well, I’m glad that you guys decided to help us out, we need all the help we can get. I hope you enjoy yourself here, but ignore Jake, he isn’t good with strangers.”
Jasmine frowned and sighed.
“So you’ve told me. I don’t understand why. I guess I have never met someone like him before, but me and Khell have good intentions here. We aren’t the bad guys here…” Jasmine’s voice trailed off..
Angel nodded and cautiously approached Jasmine.
“I have a silly question to ask of you. I know you know some self defense maneuvers, so I was wondering if you would be able to teach me some? Just in case, a woman can never be too careful.”
Jasmine was surprised, but had a wide smile on her face.
“Of course, I wouldn’t mind at all. My brother taught me a few moves a while ago, to help me out in case if I was in trouble. Here, let me show you a few.”
Jasmine stood next to Angel and grabbed her wrist lightly.
“Here, a guy can come up to you and have a grasp of your wrist, but he would have a much stronger grip. You can try and pull your hand away from him, but it wouldn’t do anything. So you twist your hand quickly in a clock wise fashion, enabling to escape. Here, you do it.”
Angel quickly twisted her twist, getting loose of Jasmine’s grip. She smiled and laughed. Jasmine had a grin on her face.
“That’s nothing. I’ll show you a few others.”
Jasmine showed Angel a couple other moves, and a few moments later they stopped.
“That’s just a few basics, if you want to know anything else just ask me.” Jasmine said.
“Thank you so much, now I am a bit more confident, and that should help if I have a need to defend myself. I will let nothing like the past ever happen again.”
Jasmine nodded and looked down. She felt bad about what happened, but nothing could change the past.
“You must have had a hard day; do you have a change of clothes on you?” Angel asked.
“I have a change of clothes in my bag, do you happen to have an extra hair brush?”
Angel nodded and went to her drawer and grabbed a hair brush and brought it to Jasmine. Jasmine saw a bucket in the corner of the room and went there and got some water and washed her face. Jasmine took out her pony tail and began brushing her hair. She quickly got changed into her spare clothes and turned back to Angel.
Angel was at the bed holding the baby. Jasmine slowly approached her.
“Do you know where I would be able to rest? I’m getting pretty tired, and wouldn’t mind calling it a night.”
Angel turned around and nodded.
“When the guys are done talking in the next room, I can give you a blanket and you can sleep next to the fire.”
“Thanks for everything.” Jasmine said, and looked at the baby again.
The baby started crying again as Angel got up and started to breastfeed her baby. Jasmine walked towards the door and looked into the next room, watching the men talk, and sighed.

[Khellandros]

Listening to Vaalic speak, Khell began to question what he was doing here. None of this was his problem. It was not his battle... he did not know any of these people. In truth he didn't know the first thing about any of them. He was just beginning to know Jasmine better, but even her he could not say he truly knew. He found her company enjoyable, and it was nice to travel with a pretty face, but what they were planning sounded like suicide. As he sat listening, he considered his position. The only thing holding him here was the girl. She had a good heart and wanted to help others. Khell's motivations were not as noble, but it had been some time since he had done anything productive. In the end he decided to stay; at least for a while. Once Vaalic finished talking to Jake, silence fell. It stayed only a moment, before Khell spoke up.

"You plan to go to war, with all of what... five people? Not to mention you are getting all of your information from a former enemy? Forgive me if I am not optimistic about the situation. Do you think that we could make a difference in this, or would we just be outlaws hiding like common thieves? Do you have a good plan, supplies, anything?"

Khell had been quiet for some time, and his sudden comments came unexpected. Both Vaalic and Jake looked at him for a moment before Vaalic finally answered.

"We have very few choices in this. We could choose to run, and leave everything we know behind. We could stand and fight. I believe we can make a difference. Or we could stay here and do nothing. Accept our new lives as slaves to the Flurin Empire. Yes, we are getting our information from the former enemy, but without it we would be blind. I am not saying I like it, but it is the way things must be. You are right to think that we will be in hiding. We cannot allow ourselves to be known. We are vastly outnumbered, but if they can't find us their numbers will mean nothing. As for a plan and supplies I have not yet come up with a full plan. That is why I want to get everyone together. We will plan our next move. I will call in a few favors and gather what supplies I can tonight and in the morning we will leave the city. We are few in numbers, that is true, but that means only that we must strike more effectively."

"I hope for all our sakes you can come up with a plan quickly. I would agree that staying inside the city, though much more comfortable, is more dangerous. Where exactly do you plan to take us once we leave the city?"

Vaalic hesitated, and looked over at Jake. The hesitation showed distrust, which among other things, was offending,

"If you want me to help you I want to know where we're going. I will not follow you blindly. I will be risking as much as you going into this, and all I expect is the same courtesy and respect that I would show you. We will be on the same side, and so will need to learn to trust one another. I just don't want to go into this without something to aim for."

[Vaalic]

"We will be leaving in the morning. I will get what supplies I can tonight and we will gather at the Thieves Den Pub before the sun rises. From there we will decide on our next destination. It is already getting late and we should rest. I will bring out some blankets for you to use tonight."

It took Vaalic only a few moments to bring out the extra blankets his guests would be using. Placing them down near the fire, he added another large log to keep the fire burning and the house warm. He waited until Jasmine and Khell were settled, before he spoke to Jake.

"I will get as many supplies as I can on such short notice. Would you mind staying here while I am gone? I would not feel comfortable leaving Angel here with strangers. I would feel much better knowing there was someone here I can trust."

Jake's nodded response was enough before Vaalic went into the bedroom to kiss Angel goodbye. She was sitting on the bed looking at the sleeping child. She heard him enter and looked to greet him. He smiled at her as he grabbed a belt pouch of silver he had hidden under a floorboard. She stayed seated as he walked over to sit on the bed beside her.

"I should only be away for an hour, maybe two. Jake will be staying here while I'm gone."

She smiled sadly, but said nothing. He could see that she wanted to say something, but never did. He was about to ask what was on her mind when she wished him goodbye, and stopped any protest with a gentle kiss. Standing up, he reluctantly left her side and entered the dark streets of Freeport. There were more people out now than there were earlier. Making his way through the town, he tried to remember the way to the old shop. He took a few wrong turns, but eventually made it to where he wanted to go. He needed to talk to Herford, an old fence he remembered from his time in the Thieves Guild.

He was pleased to see the fence was still in operation, and he got an excellent deal on his equipment. He was able to take a large traveler's backpack loaded down with blankets, clothing, tents, iron rations, two bows with arrows, and other miscellaneous traveling supplies and still managed to keep some silver for himself. The supplies he bought he judged would be enough to get them all through some cold weather, and hard times before they needed to come back to town for more. Returning back to his home he found everyone still awake, though nobody was up or walking around. Leaving the supplies by the door, he walked into the bedroom, ready to finally get some much needed rest. In the morning they would meet Somber at the Thieves Den Pub. Hopefully Dravven and Trailock would be there by then, but if they weren't they would be unable to wait any longer for them. Vaalic knew that rest would come much to late, and the morning much to early, but he tried to get what sleep he could before
he was forced to wake.

[Jake]

Baby sitting again, Jake thought to himself as Vaalic left the room in search of his surplies. It would be hours before he returned and Jake was unhappy with the notion that he had to stay and watch over these people. But that was the way it is and Jake soon took a chair in the far corner of the room so he could see as much as he could.

About thirty minutes had passed and the others were still awake talking quitely between them selves. Jake's keen eleven ears picked up the sounds of Angle and the child in the next room.

Jake left his chair and knocked on Angle's door, she repleied for Jake to enter. He stood in the door way, Angle was now holding the bady. The white hair young boy glitered in the lamp light. Jake slowly walked in and sat next to Angle. He watched the baby as it looked about the room it's eye's full of wonder and lift.

Angle smiled at Jake's intrest in the baby and offered to him a hold the child. Jake's curiosity hot the better on him and he took the bady into his hands. The child did not cry leving his mother for the time being and Jake held him looking straight on at him. The baby's small hands searched Jake's face.

"You are a strange fellow are you not?" Jake said as if in humor.

Suddenly a strange image filled Jake's head. A man standing over millions, leading a great force. The man was not clear but he had white hair.

Jake returned to his surroundings and gave the baby back to Angle.

"He is going to be a strong warrior one day I believe. Vaalic be proud. Even if it is not his blood it is his son. Never let him forget that Angle."

Angle stunned by Jake's words as he left the room silebtly bidding a good night to her.

[Khellandros]

Khell didn't say anything as Vaalic answered his question. He didn't like what he said, but it was all that was offered. He couldn't see how this could turn out well, not without some sort of safe haven outside the city for them to retreat to. Khell understood the situation and knew that the odds were defiantly not in their favor. At least Vaalic thought enough to bring a few supplies before they left. Chances were they would all go out into the forest, camp out for a few days, and then once all the food ran out they would give up and come back. What could any of them really do against dragons anyway? This was more serious than a game, but it was almost the way it needed to be viewed. Khell made himself comfortable once the blankets were set near the fire. He let Jasmine lay nearest the fire, though he was a little cold. It was still far better than he was used to and if nothing else he would get a warm night sleep, which would be a pleasant change from sleeping under a canopy of trees. Once Vaalic had left in search of supplies the house became quiet. Khell could hear Jasmine breathing beside him, and Jake shifting in his seat across the room. For the first time that evening, Khell began to feel a little uncomfortable. He didn't like the feeling, and tried to forget about it by making conversation. He kept his voice as low as he could, trying not to disturb anyone else.

"Are you still awake?"
"I don't think I will be able to sleep for a while..."
"I know how you feel. A lot has happened today.
Would you be offended if I asked you a personal question?"
There was a short pause before her answer came.
"...what is your question?"
"I was wondering where you were from. I mean, which town were you born in...? Was it big or small...
If I had to guess I'd say it was a small town... You don't remind me of someone from a large city... but then again, what do I know, I don't spend much time in cities."

[AngelAbeni]

It was late in the evening when Angel heard a knock on her door, "Come in..." she replied, knowing they were strangers in her home, but also, that one in particular meant her no harm, she felt safe with these people, and that feeling was one infrequently felt. It was Jake, she let out a sigh, and patted the bed next to her, his eyes never met hers, so she didn't utter a word. He watched her child, and the curiousities he held, for all he did was search about the room, wanting and needing to see everything in sight. When the babies eyes, finally met Jake's it was as though a spark lit the room, at the moment it only seemed right.

"Jake would you care to hold him?" He reached out his hands, and she lowered him down into him. Her son let out a cry of laughter and started swatting about at Jakes face, with his pudgy little hands, occasionally grabbing at his hair, which made Jakes face twist with the little pains.

Jake was nearly laughing at the boy, and it made Angels heart light, it was not often that anyone would pay such attention to her son. "You are a strange little fellow are you not?" Jake said.. and Angel agreed, but something changed in an instant, Jakes face suddenly grew serious, and he just stared without seeing for a moment, Angel nearly took the child away, but knowing and hearing of Jake from Vaalic, thought it best not to, perhaps he had seen something.

Out of nowhere he handed her back the baby, and the said something most strange, but at the same time made her feel more whole. "He is going to be a strong warrior one day I believe. Vaalic will be proud. Even if it is not his blood it is his son. Never let him forget that Angel."

He bid her a silent good night and shut the door behind him. "You will make me proud some day as well I believe." she told her son, as she gently put him back down for the night. She reached the into her chest and brought out Somber's gift, the leather bound journal of her mother. She needed her strength, because come morning it was going to be one hell of a fight to get her husband to take her and their son with him.

She was nearly asleep when she heard the door open again, she could just imagine Vaalic, nodding his thanks to Jake, as he put whatever supplies he could muster by the door. It would only be a moment, before he would come to her. She saw a small crack of light, as he slipped silently into their room, she could hear the rustle of his clothes as he prepared himslef for bed. Their was a slight shift on the bed as he climbed in next to her, his body cold from his walk, but still he beckoned her warmth and pulled her close to him, she could feel him melt into quiet rest, as he kissed the crease of her kneck and placed his hand on her stomach beneath her shift, she only wished she could have the same pleasure of feeling his skin pressed with hers. But one last sigh, and he fell into a dreamless sleep, full of warmth and the sweet scent of lavender. She only prayed, Vaalic, do not say goodbye to me, and a tear fell upon her pillow as she too let the days worries slip from her mind, in the silent closeness, they were sharing.

[Vaalic]

The morning came much to swiftly for his liking, as he woke with a start. His sleep was dreamless, though his heart was racing. Looking around the dark room he began to remember where he was. Looking out the small window he could already see the first hint of light on the horizon. The sun was not yet up, but it would be soon. With his senses still numb from fatigue he pulled himself out of bed and began changing into a new set of cloths. Quietly he attached his sword along with the remaining silver he had stored. Then, softly he nudged Angel. He tried whispering her name, but she did not awaken. It only took him a moment more, and a slightly harder nudge before she began to stir. She smiled and began to stretch, not yet wishing to leave the warm trapping of blankets that surrounded her.

"Good morning M'Love."
"A good morning to you. Did you sleep well?"
She gave a small nod followed by a long yawn as she crawled out of the bed.
"I know it is early, but we must be going. I have decided to take you somewhere safe. The only place that could possibly keep you from harm would be Mika's cabin. I wish I could ask his permission to take you there, but I am sure he would understand considering the circumstances."
Angel just stood there, her face turning several shades of red, before she finally took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
"What do you mean..."
She lowered her voice, and it took on the sound of a tortured soul, which she felt wasn't far from the truth.
"What do you mean, Mika's cabin, safe, do you know what safe is?" She queried, her voice rising.
"The only bloody safe place I have is with you."
He just stood there looking at her, he had expected this much, and knew that everyone else would hear her too.
"Do not look at me like that, do you not know anything, do you not remember the things I have been through, when you thought me safe... No, no you can not know."
"Angel, listen to me, where I am going will be entirely too dangerous for you to come...."
"Is it because of Somber, there is something between you two isn't there... I should have known."
Vaalic just stared at her a moment completely bewildered.
"What are you saying Angel." He sounded hurt and unsure.
"Her, that woman, she is the one in your eyes, in your heart even. You would go anywhere at her command, should she even send you to your death, you would follow her."

Tears weld up in her eyes, fear consumed her, she regretted her words, but needed to hear the answer. She could see his jaw was set, his teeth clenched, anger rising, and suddenly she feared him, something she never thought possible. As quick as it came, it was gone, he reached for her, wanting to smooth away her insecurities, all of a sudden he realized the anger that Angel held for Somber.
"There is no need to consider my relationship with Somber a threat, she is my past Angel, my past, as you are my everything, and my future, everything you are and everything I hold dear in this world, is right here, right before me. So please understand, I do not want danger to befall you, I love you too much."
Vaalic was cut off suddenly, on one side she knew he loved her, on another she knew he loved Somber as well, even if not the same way but the thought of it, the thought of her staying behind again was too much.
"Danger, and what do you call this..."
She pointed a finger at her child.
"Would you call me safe then, would you have him become like his father, would you protect him, would you keep him safe from your bloody wars!?"
Vaalic's face twisted with anger.
"Do you not think I tried woman? I have never wanted ill for you!"
She flamed, "You misunderstand me. You would have for our son, what you would have for your wife. You will teach him to fight, you will teach him to care for himself, so that one day, he will protect his own. Dammit Vaalic, protect me, teach me, keep me safe."

Her words flooded out of nowhere, and the surprising effect they had on him, left her speechless, but only for a moment. She reached for her child, her little boy, all wrapped up in fur to keep his body safe from chill. She pressed him close to her chest, her face nuzzling the soft leather.
"I will keep you safe..." She whispered to him. Looking back at Vaalic..."You will not leave us."

The words had cut deep, and Vaalic was momentarily stunned. He could hear everyone was now awake. He had done everything he could to keep her safe before, and as she had said, he failed. She was determined to go, and he tried to understand. He never wanted to leave her. He wanted to keep her safe, but how could he if he has trouble keeping himself alive. There was nothing he could say to her, as he sat down on the bed. If she came with him she would always be in danger, and just the thought of losing her caused him pain. On the other hand, if he forced her away she would never forgive him. He knew Angel to be a strong willed woman when she was determined, and he had little choice in the matter. Letting out a long sigh, he calmed himself down, knowing full well there was nothing he could say to change her mind.

"I never wanted to leave you. I thought it best at the time, to keep you safe... but I was wrong. I will not force you away again. If it is your wish to come I will not stop you... but please, understand the danger that is out there. I will keep you safe so long as there is breath in my chest, but it may be that my life can only protect you so much."

His words held true sorrow, and he could see Angel's anger lighten. He slowly walked to her and held her close, their child between them. Her words to him still stung, and he could not stop thinking of them. He loved her, unconditionally, but she was not altogether wrong about her accusations. He would never betray her trust; that he knew for certain, but he could not deny that Somber still held a place in his heart. He said nothing more as he held her, trying to calm her down. They stayed, unmoving and unspeaking for some time, before the silence was broken.

"It is time to leave."
He spoke softly to her as he let her go. She looked up at him, her eyes still wet with tears.
"Give me a moment to gather my things."
She tried to smile as Vaalic took the child from her and brought him into the other room where his three guests stood quietly staring at him. Upon his entrance, they said nothing and began gathering what belongings they needed.
"We will go to the Thieves Den Pub. Somber will be waiting for us there, and we will decide on our next move then."

[Jasmine_Eclipse]

Jasmine turned around, away from the fire and faced Khell. His face looked intrigued by wanting to know more about her. Jasmine didn’t really mind that he wanted to know more about her; just the whole approach to the question threw her off. But Jasmine smiled and looked at Khell.
“You’re right; I am not from a large city. I was born in Heath, a fishing community, where basically everyone knew everyone there. I had an older brother, and me and my parents lived in a small, quaint home in the outskirts of the city. We got tired of staying in a city that was dull, so that’s when we decided to move and explore the lands and see what else is out there besides out city.”
Khell nodded, “I see, and I noticed you have a bronze ring on your finger...” He hesitated. “May I ask where you got it from?”
Jasmine took her hand out from under the blanket and looked at the small ring. She stared at it for a second and looked at Khell.
“I got this ring from my mother, when she passed away I decided to take this ring as a memento of her.”
Khell appeared to look relieved when Jasmine said that. He smiled and reached out his hand and lightly held Jasmine’s index finger where the ring was on and looked at it for a moment. He let go of her finger.
“Are you warm enough? Your finger is cold, and I would think that the rest of you would be too.”
Jasmine shook her head, “No, my hands are always cold. Its nothing unusual, I’m actually really warm next to the fire; it’s starting to make my back feel hot and tingly. Do you want to switch spots so you can be next to the fire for a change?”
Khell smiled but declined, “No, I’m fine. Really. We better try to get some sleep because we have to get up early tomorrow and we need our strength.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Goodnight.”
Jasmine heard the front door open and saw Vaalic walk in, and he put the supplies he bought by the door. Her and Khell looked at Vaalic, but didn’t say anything. He quietly walked past everyone in the room and went into the next room quietly. Jasmine turned around to face the fire again and closed her eyes and a few moments later she fell asleep.
Hours later, Jasmine woke up to hear voices in the next room. Jasmine quietly laid there, trying to listen. She could just hear Angel’s and Vaalic’s voices talking, and it sounded like they were arguing. Jasmine poked Khell in the side of his body and he groaned and turned over. Jasmine poked him harder “Psst” she whispered.
Khell turned to Jasmine and grumbled “What is it?” and rubbed his eyes.
“I think we are leaving soon, I hear that the others are awake. We better get up.” Jasmine stretched and stood up and looked out the window. The sun was slowly rising, with the rays of sunshine going through the small window. Khell finally got up and stood next to Jasmine. Jake was awake and stood near the two, always keeping an eye of them. A few moments later, Vaalic walked in with the baby and Khell, Jasmine, and Jake all stared at Vaalic, but didn’t say anything. Jasmine walked towards to where she was sleeping and started picking up her things and whatever else she could. Khell followed her lead and started doing the same thing. Vaalic spoke to the group,
"We will go to the Thieves Den Pub. Somber will be waiting for us there, and we will decide on our next move then."
Angel came into room, and looked upset. Jasmine didn’t say a single word to her, but took her side, and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Angel looked up to Jasmine and smiled, but didn’t say a single word. It looked like as if she was crying, but Jasmine knew to say nothing. Khell immediately took Jasmine’s side and looked at everyone. Vaalic came over to Angel and handed over the baby to her and turned to everyone.
“Let’s head out, follow me. It’s a short trip over to Thieves Den Pub.”
Vaalic opened the front door and started walking in a fast pace. Angel immediately went behind Vaalic, and everyone else followed. Minutes later, they arrived at the small pub. They entered and Jasmine quickly went next to Vaalic and stood next to him.
“We are here, where’s Somber"?

[SomberOne]

Somber was startled in the early morning there was a scratching sound comming from her window. It took her a moment to wipe the sleep from her eyes, before she got up from the chair she had slept in. Her muscles ached, her mind was foggy, and she could have sworn she could hear the word mother. Shaking her head she went to the window. Wiping the early morning mist from the window, she jumped back frightened as the dark features of a man were seen staring back at her. Suddenly she cursed herself, and went to the door. Opening it with a flare of sudden anger.

"Aramis, what the hell did you think you were doing, you nearly frightened me to death... to death I say."

"I'm sorry mama, its just you ..." he was cut off suddenly...

"Do not even say the door was locked, you, my son, you, ohhhhhh..." she flailed her arms abruptly and gave in, Aramis smirked... "You know damn well boy.. how to get into a locked house, do not even...." She broke off again. "Well I see you've finally returned. How goes your sister?"

"She is well mama, I am sorry for scaring you."

"Herumph..."

"The lands of Faith are prospering again, though I can not say the same for its castle, mama, still it lies fallen. " This brought a small smile to her face again.

"Boy... Amin Lomion.... I have missed you." She embraced the man of 13, and ruffled his dark hair. She held him a moment longer, and he nearly struggled to get free, releasing him she queried.."Have you heard."

"There has been talk...of dragons."

"Then you know."

"You are leaving..."

"I am not sure, but I need your help as well."

"I will do as you need done mother." He was so grown up, where did his time go. He stood nearly a head above her, and was broad shouldered and lean muscled, small for a man, but he made up for it, with everything else.

"We must meet Vaalic." She turned from him, and walked in the other room, he followed suit, they're reunion short, but they felt as though they had never parted. For the brisk morning she donned her leather breeches, and white cotton blouse, and a bodice the color of the winter sky, silver and indigo, similar to the color of her eyes. Swiftly she strapped her daggers to thighs and hips, and one to her wrist for safe keeping. She sat a moment staring at the laces of her boots, considering her need for her cloak, it felt nearly a decade since last she wore it, and decided the secrecy of her identity was significant. Aramis entered, "Would you get me my cloak?" He looked at her a moment, then decided not to question it, as she stood he placed it on her shoulders, and watched as she tied it and brought the hood up to cover her face and hair.

"Have you gathered supplies?"

"For the time being, though the possiblity may arise soon, if you travel far."

"When do we not travel far."

"I will take care of it." Moments later they left, when they reached the Theives Den, she embraced him, and sent him on his way. "I will return shortly mother."

"Be swift." As he left she watched as he disapeared around a corner, just as the first rays were breaching the distant land. She entered the Pub with the last of the nights darkness. The Pub hadn't changed since the first time she had been there, and since she had first left she had not returned, till now. She sighed deeply in rememberance of their first journey. Would there turmoil never end. For a moment she regretted ever asking for assitance, than wiped it from her mind, now it was their turn to ask for mine. Though it dawned on her that she didn't know why, not really. She stepped up to the bar, ordered, paid, and had a seat in the far corner, she closed her eyes and remembered the voices. Time slowly passed, and in her dreams she heard a woman ask for her.

"Where is Somber?" A gentle voice spoke in a near whisper. Vaalic turned slowly surveying the room, there weren't many around, mostly men passed out drunk from the night before. But then his eyes fell on her. "That must be her." he said, and started walking towards her. She was alarmed the moment she heard her name, but calmed at the sound of his voice.

"Vaalic?" she asked before lifting her gaze. He was close, she could feel him, his presence was imposing.

"Somber?" she lifted her hood from her face, and heard a gasp somewhere in the crowd behind him. Her face was blushed with sleep, which put a nice color on her placid white skin. But her eyes, the dazzling blue that they were, nearly popped from her head at the sight of Angel. She opened her mouth to speak to her, as Angel did, but from either nothing came. She turned a cold glare at Vaalic, but he just shrugged and shifted his weight toward Angel, as if saying, you tell her no. Looking back to Angel, she finally saw the baby in her arms, her features softened as she reached out, as if asking to hold him. Angel didn't protest as Somber took the baby into her arms, though she did study Somber's face, waiting for a reaction. Somber just smiled at the little pudge she held in her arms. It was like she was in a trance, remembering too well her own children, and too well how neither of her children showed signs of her heritage, though this child, how lovely he was, with his stark white hair, and dimpled cheeks, and those ears.... those ears....it was then it dawned on her, that this child was not his... Somber then turned a conccerned glance at Angel, "I'm fine." she said...

Somber looked once more at the baby, you and I are the same she thought... "Ke'morion, ile keth'enai, to m na'ei, ten'oio, amin'utino ten'oio amin." she whispered to him... "forever..." she finished.

Looking to Vaalic. "We have business do we not sir?"

[Vaalic]

The morning was off to a difficult start but they reached the Thieves Den Pub without difficulty. The old building brought back memories of his past, and of his father. He did not feel sorrow as he looked at the building; it was more a feeling of bitterness. His father had always wanted him to follow in his footsteps, but the life of a thief was not appealing. Vaalic knew now what he did not know back then. His father was holding him back, trying to keep him in the guild. He had mourned for his father long ago, and no longer held any emotions for him. He was sorry to see him gone, but with his absence he gained a form of freedom. He no longer felt obligated to follow his father’s path, but instead was free to choose his own way in life. He knew the guild would never forget who he was, or who his father was, but nothing short of his death would allow that to happen. They seemed to accept that he was no longer one of them, and Vaalic was certain they would not come for him. He had proven himself capable of holding their secrets, and that was the only thing they were concerned with. Entering the building he recognized the bartender and gave him a brief nod. Glancing around the room, his eyes landed on someone he could not make out. The thick cloak masked their features and gender, but it seemed to be the only person in the room who was sober.
"That must be her."
He began to walk closer, and as he neared she spoke. He had yet to see her face from behind the cloak, but her familiar calming voice removed all questions of her identity.
"Vaalic?"
"Somber?"
She lifted her hood and was surprised to see Angel. Vaalic stood uncomfortably for a moment as both women moved to speak, but neither succeeded. The look Somber gave him then was enough to chill his blood but his choice had already been made. Angel would be coming, no matter what was said by either of them, and it seemed Somber understood. Taking the child gently, with practiced ease Somber spoke softly to him.
"Ke'morion, ile keth'enai, to m na'ei, ten'oio, amin'utino ten'oio amin." she whispered to the child... "forever..." she finished.
Vaalic had never learned Elvin, though he enjoyed hearing the language. The meaning was a mystery to him. Turning her attention to him, he could see she was ready to talk.
"We have business do we not sir?"
Taking a step back, Vaalic motioned for Angel, Jasmine, Jake and Khell to take a seat. Once everyone was seated Vaalic removed the large travelers pack of supplies he had carried and made brief introductions as she took a seat. Keeping his voice low to avoid any curious listeners he began speak.
"We must now decide what we are to do. It will be far too dangerous to stay in the city, and I am not sure how long we have before the dragons return. Dravven and Trailock have not yet returned, and we can only hope the best for them. I have spoken to Vindao and Nuanni and they have offered their cave as refuge for us. We would be safe there, at least for a while, but we would be forced to trust the dragon with our lives. This is a decision we must all make. If we do not go there, we can always hide in the forest. It would take much hard work to set up shelters to keep us hidden and warm, but it can be done. This is a difficult decision and I regret that it must be rushed, as our time is short."

[Jake]

(Sorry double post)

[Jake]

Jake now looking at his surroundings in the tavern, listens to Vaalic and his speech to the others about where to go next. Jake came forward towards Vaalic, looking up at him. Jake seemed unhappy.

"Vaalic, I think your loosing your edge. Hide in the Forrest? build shelters? That is not an option. The cave is clearly our only way to go. Caves can't be burnt down. Remember we are dealing with dragons my friend, not birds!"

Jake pulled back the think collar around his neck to show the burns still bloodied on the side of his neck.

"Dragon's Vaalic!"

Vaalic did not like the way Jake spoke to him or the manner in which he made fool of him infront of the others.

"Besides my old friend, I would like to meet the Dragon mistress in person and maybe find out from them what we are really dealing with. perhaps a battle with them may prove more valuble then their infomation you claim they might have."

Jake turned to the others infront of Vaalic and spoke aloud, "The cave, we will go to the cave."
Vaalic was steaming with anger with this, but Jake simply walked past him, muttering not to take it to heart....

[Khellandros]

Khell was the last to enter the Thieves Den Pub. He paused a moment to study the outside of the building before he entered with the rest. The place held the thick smell of ale, and he could see dried blood in several places on the floor. His first thought was how this was not a suitable place to bring a lady, and especialy not a child. Khell enjoyed being outdoors and this place made him uncomfortable. It did not take long to find the woman they were here to meet and Vaalic gave them their options. Jake was the first to respond and made his opinion clear. It was obvous that Vaalic was not happy with the way Jake had answered his question, but Khell just figured it was mostly to do with the argument he had with his wife earlier. Khell was the next to speak, though he doubted his opinion would do much at the moment.
"The cave would be much safer, especialy from dragon fire, but you said before you don't know if you can trust this 'dragon mistress'. If you're doubts are many then I would say we stay in the forest. I have lived there all my life, and could build shelters and keep everyone fed and warm... though if we are discovered we will have little protection from dragons. The cave would be the best choice, but not if that meant walking to our deaths. It all just depends on whether you believe we can rely on your new ally or not."

[Vaalic]

With both Jake and Khell saying their part, Vaalic looked to the others sitting with him. No one else spoke, as it seemed everything needing saying had been said. He still had a few doubts of trusting Vindao and Nuanni, but staying with them seemed to be the best choice. He would keep his guard up, and if anything seemed wrong he would take everyone away from there.
"Then we will go to the cave. It appears to be our best option and it would better protect us from the dragons. We should go quickly. I am unsure of what delays the dragons, but I doubt they will wait long after sunrise before they attack."
Nobody argued as they rose from the table and walked outside together. It was still early morning, but there were many people out in the street. Some doing their morning duties, while others were gathered, speaking in hushed tones. Although he didn't stop to listen he could guess what was being said. With haste the six of them made their way to the edge of town. The town guard was out in full force, as dragons could once again be seen on the horizon. The sight of dragons was enough for everyone to pick up their pace. They would be well away from the city and into the forest by the time the dragons arrived, and Vaalic could only pray that Lord Petrich had enough common sense to surrender when the dragons arrived. Freeport was defenseless against dragons, and if he chose to stand against them he would surely die along with many innocent people. Freeport could not be protected now, but with hope it could be taken back later. That hope was enough to keep Vaalic moving. He did not want to leave the city and its people behind, but his first concern was for his family and friends. Once they were safe he could work with them to fight against this new threat.

[Jasmine_Eclipse]

Jasmine was following Vaalic to the edge of the city, heading towards the cave where the ‘dragon mistress’ stayed. Jasmine didn’t mind Vaalic’s decision; she agreed with him that the cave would be the best area to stay for now. Staying in the forest wouldn’t provide them much protection against the dragons. However, the loyalty of the two that they were meeting is questionable. Jasmine just kept quiet and followed what the others were doing since they had more experience in these types of situations. Jasmine looked up and it was very early in the morning; but far in the horizon her eyes focused on dragons heading towards Freeport. Jasmine had a troubled look on her face and looked at Khell. He didn’t look too content, probably because he wanted to stay in the forest like he said before. Jasmine gently poked him in the side and Khell looked over. She gave him a small smile as to say take it easy. The six of them quickened their pace towards the cave, and after a couple minutes, they reached the outskirts of the forest. Vaalic stopped for a moment and turned towards the group. Once everyone caught up, Vaalic spoke.
“It’s a long hike from here to the cave; just follow my pace and we’ll get there soon.”
Vaalic turned around and started walking a very fast pace once again. Jasmine took Khell’s side and kept up the pace.

An hour later, the group was deep inside the forest. Jasmine looked up to the sky but only saw dense trees. She figured that the dragons are already at Freeport, and wondered what is happening over there. Jasmine hoped the best for the townspeople, and that the city will still be fine when they come back. Vaalic stopped at the bank of a small lake and stared ahead. He looked over and went to the entrance of a cave nearby.
“Vindao! Nuanni! Are you here?” Vaalic shouted.
A few seconds passed, and a small blue dragon appeared into the light. Jasmine gasped and looked at the dragon very closely. She never seen one alive up close, and it was very beautiful for a dragon, but with scars on her face. Jasmine gave some space between her and the dragon just in case. Behind the dragon, a tall man appeared, and he was really tanned with brown hair. He walked out of the cave and stood near Vaalic with the dragon following behind him. Jasmine stayed where she was as everyone was silent since it was the first meeting of their new allies.

[Vindao_Nuanni]

The silver was now gone, as he realized the truth to their words. He had forced himself to lay low, not only to protect himself, but also to protect those he would be with. They could not tell for certain that he would stay away, but from his abrupt departure it appeared so... at least for now. Both Vindao and Nuanni were not sorry to see him go. Though they were now working on the same side as the silver, there had been a long and bloody history between her kind and his. Old hatreds die slow, and although Nuanni appeared to be allied with a silver she could only look at him as a threat and enemy. She would not break their truce without reason, but it was a fragile truce and would take little before it would shatter. With his departure she no longer felt threatened, and could allow herself to relax. They had received all the information they desired. The Flurin would not send more riders until the morning. They had nothing left to scout, and so without reason to stay they turned back to the lair.

Once safely back in their lair, Vindao removed the harness Nuanni had worn. She would be more comfortable without it, but they would not be prepared for battle. It seemed to matter little, as they did not expect any trouble for a while. Stretching herself out inside the lair, Nuanni watched as Vindao sat down, resting his back to the cave wall. Nobody could read his mood as well as Nuanni, and she could tell that something was bothering him. She had a good idea of what it was, but she asked nonetheless.
"What is troubling you?"
Vindao paused before he looked up at her. He knew what the problem was, but he didn't know how to begin.
"This is not right. We have belonged with the Flurin for all our lives. We are soldiers, raised to fight and die for the glory of our Empire. Now we sit here as traitors to our country, bringing disgrace to our names... and for what? What do we have to gain from this?"
She had been right. His thoughts had been the same as her own, but she had already justified it for herself and so her answer came easily.
"You are correct... in part. We have nothing to gain from this, as we have already lost everything. I do not wish to fight them any more than you, but they deemed us deserters and refused to let us return with so much as our dignity. We have given everything to them, only to have them turn on us without cause. We are no longer theirs to control. We will decide our own destiny from this day further."
He said nothing, and she knew her answer had satisfied him. They would spend the rest of the day in each other's company. Vindao would empty the traps he had set in the forest and nearby lake to bring food enough for them both. They were secluded and peaceful. In one way it was everything they wanted. In another, they were trained soldiers and living a peaceful life was not what they were accustomed to. The day drew on slowly, and when the sun fell they too laid down to sleep.

Nuanni had been awake for several hours, though she had yet to move. The sun was up and she was enjoying the sounds of the forest when she heard branches snap and the sound of footfalls. She knew it could not be from an animal, it was too steady and rythmatic. She could easily recognize the sounds as human. Waking Vindao she told him of their guests and he was up before he had time to recall where he was. As if in answer a call came out from the edge of the clearing.
"Vindao! Nuanni! Are you here?"
They could recognize Vaalic's voice easily. Nuanni could see all of them clearly from within her cave, but she realized they could not see her in the shaded darkness. She looked each over in turn. When they had told Vaalic to bring those who would help him they had meant warriors; men who would fight and die, not women and children. Three men, three women and a child: hardly enough to keep a farm and surely inadequate to fight a war. Knowing without a doubt that these people were no threat to her, Nuanni moved into the light. She watched their reactions closely, and could see that for some, this was their first sight of a dragon. Vindao came out of the cave shortly after, having just sheathed his sword and attached it to his belt. He approached Vaalic as he looked over their new guests. He gave a sidelong glance at Nuanni and she could tell they were thinking the same thing.
"Greeting Vaalic. When I said for you to bring those who would fight with you, I meant warriors. We are not baby sitters."
Vaalic responded quickly, knowing that if he didn't any number of his group would for him, and what they had to say probably wouldn't be as pleasant.
"We are fully capable of taking care of ourselves. I had little time to organize a militia, and I doubt many would come if I tried. We are not an army, but we are each willing to do whatever we can to stop this new threat. Now, will you live up to your word and help us rid our land of invaders?"
There was a long pause, putting everyone on guard. Vindao was not disappointed with that answer. He doubted they could accomplish much, but they were willing to fight, and he would live up to his word and help them.
"Yes, we will help you. You may expect too much from us I'm afraid. We cannot fight this war for you, but we will aid you in whatever way we can. The Flurin will not give up easily, and with so few to aid us we will have a difficult road ahead."

[Jake]

She ecpected Warrior's? this sunk deep into Jake as he stood utterly insulted.

"If this beast knew half of my power she would be kneeling before me rather then insulting me like this, I want to destroy her", Jake thought to him self, his face twisted and angered by this confrontaion.

Jake moved forward and past Vaalic, vaalic in turn grabbed Jake's arm. But Jake had to speak his mind in one way or another.

"It is true we are not soliders, but we are warriors! The child is in danger as so with great measure to protect him we brought him with us. But I must point out to you my humble allie as it seems." Jake pointed his finger at the dragon.
"We are not stupid, we will not face this enemy face on of course. This calls for tactics. So I point out to you your next mistake. You say that we expect to much from you? I say you exspect much more from you then you can image."

The rider took a step forward but no further. Vaalic tugged at Jake's sleeve only to be pushed away. Jake's attention returned to the dragon a she towered over the small Jake.

"You are a soliders of this race, I know that now as encountering them my self already. So as soliders you will know how their amry works, their weak points, their chain of command so and so on. We will use our numbers as our advantage agents so many and take out their defenses and conrer them by holding the blade to their heart. You will tell us about your home land for while they destroy ours we will burn down their's or should I say yours?"

The dragon now moved forward and loomed over Jake even more, and lowered it's head to face him.

"So let us begin, for we have little time Nuanni! Infact out time is now. Forget your past relations and live in today, for I forwarn you if you cross us you will not live in the tomorrow." Jake spoke very bluntly and turned his back on her to return with the others.

"Jake are you mad!!!!" Vaalic spoke as Jake passed him.

"Are you loseing you edge? where is the blood thirsty Vaalic i know of from you quests to kill the shadow?"

"WHAT!!!!"

"Dont play games Vaalic this is serious, you are as blood thirsty as me when it suits you. Now is the time to suit...."

Jake left the group and sat on a stone near the wall of the cave.

[Vaalic]

Vaalic had hoped that their meeting with the dragon knight would go well, as he knew how desperately they needed their knowledge. Things were off to a rocky start and made worse by Jake's outburst. The words Jake used were sharper than anyone would have liked to see. It sounded as though Jake was trying to pick a fight, and if Nuanni decided to turn on them it would be a fast and chaotic battle. Tension was high to begin with, and Jake was now bringing the dragon to border on hostility. Once Jake turned away from the dragon he came after Vaalic. His words were harsh, but not far from the truth. Not a sound was made in the seconds after. Jake sat down on a stone near the wall of the cave, and Vaalic went after him. Everyone watched them, as Vaalic tried to make sense of the situation.

"You say I am losing my edge, but I see it as I am staying in control. Times are hard on us all, and we must deal with that. When I hunted ShadowRune things were not the same. I admit I was out of control, but what could I do. You may see me as blood thirsty, and at times I was. I do not wish to spill any more blood than is necessary, but we will do what we must. I know that men will be killed, and that we too may die. That is the risk we run when we stand against our enemies. I can still remember the faces of many that have died by my hands. I have no regrets, as I know they would have done the same to me, given the chance. What we need is to stay in control and stay together. We need each other to get through this. If we argue and fight it will divide us, and we will fall. We must be strong and develop our strategy."
Turning away from Jake, Vaalic looked back to Vindao before he continued.
"Now, may we enter your home? We have matters to discuss."

[Khellandros]

Khell didn't know what to expect when he walked into that clearing. He knew he was about to meet a dragon, and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Once he saw her he felt his heart jump. The sight of her terrified him as nothing he had ever known, while at the same time he was fascinated. He said nothing as the others carried on. He listened to the conversations in silence, and saw that things were turning unfavorable very quickly. He tried to speak but his voice caught in his throat. Jake came forward and addressed the dragon. He could see that Jake had no fear of the dragon, nor her rider and Khell wondered if such fearlessness was healthy. Jake had taken offense to a comment that Khell would not thought twice of, and hostilities were beginning to show. Jake's outburst towards the dragon said everything that needed saying, but in a way that was no doubt offensive to the dragon. Khell knew nothing of dragons besides what he heard in bard's tales, and from what he heard they were not creatures that tolerated being talked to in that way. Still he stayed quiet as Jake and Vaalic spoke together. Khell was still uncomfortable around the dragon, but the initial fear of it had lessened. Vaalic had spoken of them all needing to stick together, but from the look of things that would prove to be difficult. Looking over to Jasmine, she gave him a reassuring smile. He could see in her eyes that this too was the first time she had seen a living dragon. At least from this close. Once Vaalic had finished speaking there was a long silence as they waited for the dragon and her rider to respond. Finally the rider stepped forward. His face was emotionless, but the meaning of his words could not be confused.
"Yes, we have important matters to discuss. Please come inside where it is cooler."
They made their way into the shade of the cave, and Khell was impressed with what he saw. Bones of dead dear and boar lay strewn across the back wall. If he had come across this cave with the dragon away he would not have stayed long, but it was an impressive sight nonetheless. They waited a moment for tempers to cool before they began planning.
"The Flurin have arrived. Even now the fate of your city has been determined. If they were wise they would have surrendered and we can help them. If they chose to fight... feel fortunate you are here."
Khell looked over to the others and all looked troubled. Khell tried to speak again, and this time his voice did not catch in his throat, which he was eternally grateful for.
"What are we going to do to help them?"
"That, my elf, is what we are here to discuss."
Realizing they had never been properly introduced Khell cleared his throat.
"My apologies, I forget my manners. We have not properly been introduced. My name is Khellandros Amakiir."

[Jasmine_Eclipse]

Tension was high and anger was inevitable as it seemed like everyone was at each other’s throats during this meeting. Jasmine followed the group in, keeping quiet and watching her surroundings. She looked around the cold, dark cave to find carcasses and bones scattered throughout the cave. Jasmine shuttered since she didn’t like the appearance of rotting flesh and dead animals; and hoped that they didn’t have to stay in the cave for long. She watched the rider and Khell start talking, when she realized that she wasn’t properly introduced either. Jasmine took a small step forward to Khell’s side and faced the rider.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself as well, my name is Jasmine Eclipse. I know we don’t appear to be much, but we will fight as hard as we can for Freeport to regain the city.”
The rider looked towards Jasmine and nodded.
“Do you have any suggestions to what we could do to help them?”
Jasmine hesitated and thought for a second, trying to brainstorm ideas.
“Well, if the city was smart enough to surrender, they would be enduring slavery at the moment. However, we are not certain of what is occurring at Freeport at the moment. An option is that we could send a couple people back to Freeport and observe what is going on, and report back to the group and then make our decision based on what is happening.”
The rider nodded his head but stayed silent, and Jasmine continued talking.
“Or, we could all head back together as a group and march blindly into the city and start fighting. I think that wouldn’t be a good idea since we need to observe what is happening and see how the enemy is set up and react accordingly.”
Jasmine turned to the group and looked to the ground.
“And a last option is to stay put here and wait for things to settle down and then make our move.”
Jasmine looked up with a serious look on her face.
“What do you suggest that we do?”