This rp is an Rp about people and there inability to cope with those things that are different. It taps into the problems of inequailty and spreads a message of hope for thier to be equalilty some day.

Marks of Impure Blood

In our world things can seem clearer then they are. We give ourselves false senses of security. We try to make things simple. Yet they can’t be simple, for the basic fact that people are not simple. Our minds work in ways that we ourselves cannot even understand. The being that thinks they know everything often know the least, and, quite often, the ones that admit their own futility know more then they themselves suspect. This conflict that beings cause within themselves can often spread and infect others….and sometimes the world.

A lone figure made its way, almost silently threw the deserted forest. Only the quiet chirping of the birds broke the utter silence. The figure it’s self made no sound as it moved on light feet towards an unseen destination. There was no path to follow, no sound to track, and yet unseen eyes were watching this slender figer. She could feel them. They seemed to pierce into her very being. She turned, her cloak creating only the slightest ruffle by the sudden movement. She searched the area; no mortal being could escape her sharp violet eyes. After all the eyes of an elf can often see more then that of others. Yet she could not detect her follower. Her lids closed on eyes that seemed to emit their own soft purple glow. She listened. She could not detect anything…not the slightest movement that would sound foreign to the forest. So she pressed silently on.

I am just being paranoid. Naveen, no one is following you.

The more she tried to convince herself that she wasn’t being followed the stronger the unknown presence was felt.

Abruptly the forest ceased. In front of Naveen there was a small clearing. Tall evergreens grew on every side creating a camber. Even their tops seemed to bend inward so that only a small beam of light from the sky above shown threw. There was a small mound in the center, and upon it’s crest rested a stone. Naveen walked over to the mound and knelt by it. Her lips and hands moved in a series of gestures. The deft accuracy with which her slim finger and lips moved spoke of many a repetition.

Then her body relaxed, her eyes opened and a small smile found it’s way onto her attractive face. Reaching out she lovingly brushed a thin film of dust from the stone that sat atop the grave. As she did so silver lines could be seen. The written form of this language was much too beautiful and complicated to be that of man, it was that of the elves. To simplify it to man’s tongue… Here rests a man. Deron, husband to elf Naveen, father to the half elf Rhynna.

“It has been too long.” Naveen removed the hood of her cloak to reveal long tendrils of silver hair. “Our daughter is well for the most part, but I worry. The world has grown more cruel in the short year you have been gone.” Naveen’s eyes shot away from the mound for a second. She could feel it again. She felt as if someone was listening. She shook her head a little. So often as of late had she felt this. Her imagination must be playing tricks on her. It had been so long that she had really been in touch with the elfin world. Could this be affecting her instincts? She shook her head and azure locks gleamed in the sunlight.

“I came here to do something and I must do it….Good bye. I am going to take Rhynna back to my home. I have been told we will be welcomed. I can stay here no longer, your family has found out of your death and there is no doubt in my mind that they will come looking for us. We will be safe there…and it will be good for Rhynna. Her friends won’t live and die in what seems like a breath to her. She is all I have left of you and there for I must do everything in my power to make her happy.” Naveen paused her expression remained clear and thoughtful, but stinging tears began to fill her violet orbs. “We will miss you…but there is nothing that can help that.” She lifted the sleeve of her cloak to dry her eyes and tried to regain her composer.

“There is another reason for my departure. Things are changing.” Naveen pulled out one of her pail hands and touched her slender digits to the earth.” I can feel the earth trying to tell me. Some great conflict has begun. I need to go back and see what more I can sense.” She removed her hand from the ground and pulled it into her cloak once more. “Out here my instincts are dulled I must get in touch with my home and my people to better understand…”

There was a rustling of leaves in the forest not a stones throw away from the burial grounds. Naveen agilely leapt to her feet. There was no mistaking it this time there was someone or something near by.

“Show yourself. There is no point in remaining hidden I know of your presence.” Naveen’s voice seemed different as she spoke, almost cold. In answer a rather hansom being came out of the woods to the left of the now primed elf. Long raven tresses hung to around his shoulders. His skin was smooth and gray, almost the shade of shale, but it was oddly perfect. His cool gray eyes gleamed with curiosity and affability at Naveen. His lips curled into what seemed to be a pleasant grin.

Naveen moved her sharp eyes along the creature trying to determine his intent. His cloths were simple enough. He wore a plain black shirt and slacks partially covered by light leather armor. He also wore a long blade openly, that held to his back with tan leather straps. He advanced a few steps towards Naveen; his boots seemed heavy on the earthen ground compared to the light steps of the elf.

“Come no closer.” Ordered Naveen, her eyes narrowing even more.” State your reason for intruding upon me.”

The trespasser smiled. . “I have been hunting.” Every inch of him exuded charisma, “There are things about that do not usually abide in this forest. His expression changed to one of genuine concern. “Surly you must have sensed that something is not as it should be. The forest is not safe for a lady like yourself. Really you should know better then to be out alone.”

Naveen’s eyes remained narrow, “Hmm, things that do not belong in this forest seem to have found there way right to the place they should trespass last.” She did not trust this man. She had been around long enough to know that looks and airs can be deceiving.

“My lady, I am hurt. I heard you speaking and feared for your safety…” The stranger hung his head in sadness. “I suppose I should understand your mistrust, you can never be to careful now a days.” He brought his head level again and a shining smile crossed his visage. “Do tell what a humble hunter can do to win the trust of such a beautiful creature.”

“First tell me your name.”

He seemed to relax a bit “A simple enough request. My name is Gage.”

Something beyond his persona was bothering Naveen. Not only who he was but also what. She searched threw her mind trying to pin his race. Many of the mythical races had faded from the earth long before her existence. The elfin elders had said they were still in existence they were just fewer in number and chose not to be seen. There were the Nyiads (sp), no they were of the water not as this being. Her thoughts were interrupted as Gage took a few light steps in her direction. As he did so something she had not noticed about his appearance caught her eye. He sported a long, slender, gray tail that came to a small arrow at the end. It seemed to trigger something in her mind. A memory of teachings long forgotten; but she did not have time to ponder because now Gage was advancing on her at a rather alarming rate, and she still did not trust the mysterious character.

Raising an elegant hand as a request for him to stop she spoke. “I do greatly appreciate your distress for my safety. But I can get myself back with out your assistance. Good day to you”

Gage looked as if he had been wounded by her short words.

“But my lady I must at least know your name before I depart. To have seen such loveliness…I must know if your name can possibly do justice to your magnificence.”

“If I tell you my name will you leave me be?”

“I swear on my…honor.” A smirk over took the hurt expression on Gage’s face as he spoke. This did not ease Naveen’s mind.

“Naveen. Now I please ask that you allow me to continue in privacy.” She turned back to the grave but kept her mind focused on every movement Gage made.

“Oh, I wish it could be that simple, but alas I am afraid it cannot.” It was apparent from the smirk on his features that he did not wish so. With deft movement he drew the long blade from his back and leapt towards the seemingly defenseless elf. With unexpected skill and speed, Naveen dodged the well-placed attack.

Spinning skillfully on his heal he turned to meet his pray. His blade arched high and Naveen went to duck, but mid swing the blade changed direction and was poised to kill. Raising a hand a light flashed in a green sphere around her body. As his weapon came in contact with the energy field Gage felt a numbness spread threw his arms. He stepped back for a moment his boots leaving brutal prints on the soft earth.

“That is an old spell…I am impressed.” Gage laughed softly. Naveen did not reply she simply drew a long dagger from a hidden location. The blade was much shorter then Gage’s, but Naveen had more strength in her magic then her weaponry. Gage lowered his sword and rested it to the ground in a lax manner.

“You know you could have made this easier if you had just trusted me. Then perhaps your death would have been short and fairly painless. A knife to the back…you know something simple.” His lips curled as sick grin found its way across his handsome face. “But this way will be more fun.”

Without warning he swung his blade, one handed, in a series of movements that forced Naveen to use her shield again. This time only one of his arms was affected as his sword contacted with the green light; dispelling it. The other came hard across Naveen’s cheek in a backhand. Naveen stumbled for a moment surprised by the strong force of the blow. Her moment of hesitation was too long for as she took it a hard kick connected with her side throwing her backwards. This time she did not allow herself hesitation and resumed a defensive stance immediately.

Gage stepped back pacing in front of the crouched elf. “You cannot win.”

As a response Naveen focused her energy and thrust her hands forward creating a powerful flurry of wind directly at Gage. He simply raised his sword. It seemed to glow red for a moment before absorbing the futile attack. Before Naveen could recover from her shock he struck. This time he hit flesh. His blade cut deep into Naveen’s leg as she countered. Deep crimson stains spread across her light cloak. Before he could strike again Naveen moved in closer hoping to make it more difficult for him to utilize his long blade. With one hand she shot a bright sphere of blue light into his face. He tried to spin away from her, but she was more skilled with her dagger then Gage expected. A thin line of blood appeared on his right side. The wound was hardly even enough to slow him down, but still she had drawn blood. To Naveen’s astonishment her attacker dropped his sword to the ground, but he was upon her before she could interpret what he was doing. One of his hands closed forcefully around her hand containing the dagger. His other catching her other. Physically she was no match for Gage, and as he pushed down on her she felt herself collapsing to her knees. Then in one firm movement he forced the dagger hand around so that the tip grassed the soft flesh of her stomach. Then with a sickening grin he pressed on; the blade sinking deep into Naveen’s unprotected flesh.

Pain surged threw Naveen’s abdomen.

“Why? Why are you doing this?” Naveen’s words were weak as she spoke. A small drop of blood splashed from her lips. Still he did not release her or even lessen the presser. He leaned in closer, brushing his lips against her ear.

“You are more dangerous then you or the world will ever know.” With that he twisted the dagger. Naveen’s eyes opened in horror as she felt her life draining from her body. Slowly her body slumped her weight pressing against Gage’s body. Gently laying the lifeless women on her back Gage stood and walked a few steps away. Tugging on a silver chain that hung around his neck he produced a small, clear crystal. He closed his fist around the small shard, and when he opened his fingers it seemed to glow with black flame.

“It is done.” Gage spoke into it.

Then for a moment it glowed scarlet and a voice answered him in a deep base.

“Good, then it is time for you to return to us.”

“But what of the other?” Gage seemed disappointed by the orders of his superior.

“We must not draw too much attention to ourselves. Be patient.” As the voice finished it’s statement the light in the crystal faded leaving it clear once again.

Clenching his fist Gage put the crystal back inside his shirt and stormed off into the forest vanishing only a few moments after he had reached the trees. ~Anne


The pale light of the crescent moon stole softly through the tiny basement window and glinted off the long raven hair of the girl lying on the floor there. Her face was a little sad as she stared blankly into the darkness and thought about the past.

For sixty-two years she had lived in the very house that now imprisoned her, cherished daughter of an adoring mother and father. She frowned a little then sixty-two years of life and yet she looked barely over eighteen. And yet in the that short span of time she had seen her father age from an young man with curly black locks that carried her around on her shoulders, to an gray, old, frail man who could barely walk. Shunned by his family he’d devoted all of his time to wife and daughter and while he was alive it didn’t matter what anyone thought of her and her mother.

……………..Her mother, the girl choked back tears, as she thought of her, the wound still fresh. She’d been a full blood elf with azure hair, deep purple eyes, and a calm serenity about her that made her seem more like an angel to the girl than a woman when she was young. Headstrong and determined almost sixty five years ago she had left her family and friends determined to marry the human man she had fell in love with, regardless of the consequences. In the beginning they had been happy and when their daughter had been born they had been ecstatic. Often during her early years he remembered her father looking at her mother and saying.

"Naveen my dear, how is it I got so lucky to have a family like this?"

Almost too fast though times began to change and her father began to age wildly faster than her mother and the day he turned sixty her mother looked no older than the twenty-three years that she had looked like when they had met. And at eighty he looked more like her grandfather than the husband that she still loved with all of her heart. She spent the last five years of his life nursing him, often with tears in her eyes, hidden from him by the cataracts that obscured his vision. His death had devastated her mother. As elves usually married for life she had no idea what to do with herself and decided to take her daughter and return to the elven kingdom.

Her husband had asked her only one thing, that she made sure the family that had disowned him when her married her would get nothing of his rather large estate. So her mother made arrangements to sell the whole place and the day before it was all to go through she went out to his grave to say her good-byes.

Her mother never made it home that day. The groundskeeper found her mangled lifeless body later that day lying across the grave of her dead husband, signs of a fight apparent. And so the girl had taken the task of burying a woman to young to have even thought of dying. The heavy burden included writing letters to the family and loved ones her mother had left not that long ago in Dohl Lassa, the elf home.

No sooner were her mothers affairs in order when a strange official appeared on the property with a warrant stating that all of her father’s property was to given to her father’s estranged family. They descended upon the house a like an ominous black cloud and immediately banished her to the basement, refusing to see her as anything but a filthy blemish upon their family. She’d fought so hard against them, but in the end their sheer numbers overwhelmed her and they forced her into this prison.

Denied food and water and beaten frequently her magic declined daily with the ebbing of her strength. She was helpless to their whims and unless she had genuine food and rest there was no hope of escape. And yet she refused to let them see that, every chance she got she fought them anytime she could refuse them she did. She pushed her weakened body to unbelievable levels and struggled against them with every fiber of her being. Though her face and body was covered with bruises she no longer had the strength to heal she still she defied them with some kind ineffable inner strength. She was reaching her end though. She could feel utter collapse coming over her and when she heard the key scraping the insides of the lock on the great stone door the greatest accomplishment of her life was simply standing up.

She shuddered inside when an enormous man appeared in the dark portal and even in the dim light she knew who he was. It was Roune, a distant cousin who was easily four times her size. Even with her dulled senses she could smell his overwhelming odor, a stomach turning combination of alcohol and rancid sweat, from the opposite side of the room. He strode down the stairs and crossed the floor to her at an alarming pace. He surveyed her for a moment his breath spewing alcohol-laden fumes at her.

“What a dirty little animal you are.” He said.

She raised her head and stared indignantly at him with her purplish blue eyes, a gift from her elfish mother.

He laughed at her, “What does the animal not like being told what it is?” A sudden burst of anger seemed to pass over his drunken mind then. “And don’t you ever look at me with those filthy, unnatural, animal eyes ever again.” He hit her then, hard, causing her head to spin and making it necessary for her to lean heavily against the wall for support. But her gaze never broke she silently dared him on.

What do I have to live for anymore? I might as well die knowing that I never gave in.

“You’ll regret this Rhynna,” he said as he rained blows down upon her. He kicked her to the floor he drunkenly peered down at her in a maniacal leer his greasy brown hair surrounding his face. He grabbed her by the front of her dress and pushed her up against the wall. “Females of your kind are nothing but the lowest of whores, inhuman animals sent by the god of darkness to tempt men. That was what your mother was a dirty animal temptress and your father was weak and fell for her dark ways. And then there’s you cousin Rhynna a weak animal, I should kill you now.” His hand closed around her throat and clamped done hard.

Even as the physical strength left her body her mind pulsed angrily at his words and rage drew upon all the remaining power in her body. It tingled through her like an icy wave and poured out of her in a huge burst of wind that knocked him against the wall. He didn’t move. She ran then carried by his last burst of strength. She ran away out of the house and deep into the woods until she could run no more and collapsed unconscious upon the forest floor. There she lay unnoticed by anything but the birds for the next twenty-four hours.

The sun glared down upon Rhynna as she opened her eyes. Somewhere to her right she heard the sound of rushing water and crawled to it drinking heavily before falling deep into unconsciousness once again.

Kael watched his father with worry as the man wept openly while reading the letter the messenger had delivered just short while before. The man looked at his son and said through his tears, “Naveen, my dearest friend won’t be coming home anymore. Last week, she died.” His head collapsed into his arms and he wept for the loss of his friend of nearly three centuries. Kael came up behind his father and placed a reassuring hand upon the very young looking man’s back. His face was solemn beneath his dark blue hair and although the elven man was nearly eighty-nine years old, he appeared no older than twenty-one. He loved his father dearly and it tore at him to see his father cry.

For a long while they said there quietly, son consoling father. Dusk had come throwing pale red through the many windows in the house when his father looked up at him and showed him the tear stained letter. “Her daughter Rhynna sent this to me, the child seems so lost. She needs to come home, Kael. For my sake I need to know that Naveen’s child is safe here with the elves. You need some experience out in the world, please bring her home for me, son.”

Kael nodded to his father; he would do anything for the man, but in his mind he wondered why was so concerned about a half elf. Certainly she must have some human relative that would take care of her. He sighed and went to prepare to leave. He would do this for his father because he asked, not because he understood.

------------------------------------------------------------- Another day passed before Rhynna opened her eyes again. Sleep had lent her strength and she sat up and kneeled next to the stream that she had drank from the night before. The birds lent a pleasant cacophony of noise to ears that had grown too used to stark silence. She was sitting there listening to the birds and eating tiny red berries from a bush near the river when she first noticed an unwanted presence. Her dulled senses had not alerted her soon enough to hide though, and before she could run a man stepped out from the shadow of the trees. He was strikingly handsome gray skin and a tail only added to his dark looks. He smiled at her. “Child, you look lost.” She got to her feet and drew back as he approached her.
“Please sir, leave me be. I know my way.”

“Oh but I don’t think I can do that. Look you hurt, let me come to you. I will help end your pain.” He smirked at this. “She be taken care of as easily as her mother was.” He thought to himself. He looked at her innocently. “Fear me not, as a gentleman I would never hurt a lady. I am only concerned about your well being.”

Almost everything in her wanted to trust this man. She almost gave in when she saw his hand edge toward his sword as he drew near. “No……,” she whispered to him. He grinned, amused by his quarry’s fear.

Weaponless and weakened Rhynna despaired. She drew a weak shield around herself and drew on all of the power two days of rest had restored to her. Desperately she fired it in quick, powerful, gusts of wind. She was quickly draining herself once more and she wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer. She cried out and attacked once more knowing that all was lost.

Kael had traveled many days in pursuit of the half elf and was quickly approaching the place of her home when he heard a woman’s cry in the wood. Drawing his sword he ran quickly as only elven feet can to the source of the call.

There a beaten young girl barely stood on her feet as a strange looking man smirked at her drawing his sword. Without thinking Kael jumped at him. Metal clashed on metal, and when it did Kael sent a burst of purplish black energy down the blade. The unexpected force caused the strange man to reel back, a tingling sensation throbbing through his arm. Before the man could recover Kael pressed on with his attack, and the two were soon locked in a deadly combat. Dark magic and steel seemed to fill the small glade as they fought. The duel seemed to take ages until his opponent left one small opening and Kael’s blade was there slicing into the soft flesh of his arm, rendering the arm useless unless he had the services of a healer. Thick blood was already pooling around his hand when he made his decision. He’d come not expecting a fight of this kind and had not brought anything to heal himself, a mistake he would never make again. Unable to keep the fight up he dashed off into the woods and disappeared.

Kael cleaned his sword and sheathed it before turning back to the girl and for the first noticed her pointed ears and elfish build. “You’re a half elf.” He said. “You’re name girl?”

“Rhynna,” she whispered looking at him with her stunning eyes before collapsing into his arms, stretched beyond her limit once more. (Amanda)


---------------------------------------- Celinikal stole softly down the moonlit path.

Traveling in the woods was an activity she had participated in her entire life; it had enabled her with the vital skills she needed to survive. Traveling at night gave her one more edge above her pursuer. Humans blundered about as they traveled, often sending out key information such as their position. Celinikal made no such betrayals to her location, as traveled down the well worn “meat path”. It was a trail used to hunt small game, flanking the sprawling frontier town.

Aquedans, being a rather secluded lot, preferred to keep out of civilization’s way-and that civilization keep out of theirs. When hearing the ungraceful entrance of a human or whatnot into their isolated area, an Aquedan would simply escape to a more sheltered, quieter territory. So adapt were they to soundless travel that the only way they were to be detected was through magic, even by elves.

The fact was that this circumstance was well beyond her capabilities to avoid. If she were to avoid the human however, it would defeat her intent. So she stepped on dried out twigs, kicked light stones, and pushed through branches like a lumbering ox-only to let them rebound with resonating “thwacks” that penetrated the forests’ silent, if not unusual serenity. Her pursuer halted, lurking within the depths of the confines of the forest, and stayed put as if sulking. If this were a game, then he failed to participate willingly, and Celinikal was forced to concede once again. Setting her possessions down, she went immediately to the task of finding a rather large sized rock, and gave it the initial push with her foot down the slowly sloping trail. Her pursuer’s interest peaked once again; he picked up the chase with the grace and poise of an oversized elephant.

Thwack, crunch, thwack, thwack, thunk…….he lumbered down the path, nearing Celinikal’s position. She carefully lifted out a heavy robe, and pretended to be preparing for sleep. Her heart pounded wildly against her ribcage, she placed her hands over her heart to stifle to noise. Against her better instincts, she lay still on the ground, his proximity drawing closer all the time, pressing upon Celinikal a crushing, inevitable doom. Her breathing started to become short shallow gasps and she started to hold her breath, for fear that he might draw too near. Barely able to contain herself, she started trembling violently. Although she had not been making noise audible to human ears, Celinikal felt as if she may as well been screaming at the top of her lungs. All of this transacted in a mere matter of moments, but for all she could tell she had been laying there for hours. And then, suddenly, he was upon her. He fell into the “campsite” and lay there, momentarily shocked by what he thought he uncovered through skill-he was an average huntsman at best- with his eyes wide open and his mouth slack jawed. This had been what Celinikal and been so masterfully planning for and as she threw off the robe and snatched her bag it seemed that she could get away fast enough. Her arms and legs were lead, and her lungs burned for air, impeding her ability to continue at this fast pace. None of this occurred to the now fleeing Aquedan, and all she knew was that she must ran to escape the ever-present danger, and adrenaline emanated from every fiber of her being to push her to new height of speed. Her pursuer, with the same adrenaline coursing through his veins, was not far behind, he now had hold of his prey, if he could only continue this draining pace……

It was then that Celinikal hit a wall. What was little was left of her energy reserve seemed to flee her body; it was torture to continue. She forced herself to continue on. It was here that she almost made a fatal mistake. Pushing herself onward, her foot caught a tree branch and sent her sprawling. Excited that his prey had fallen before him, he drew his sword.

Panic washed over her in a wave, threatening to crush her. Once again, it seemed as if she were moving too slow as she pushed herself off the ground and took off in a dead sprint. Tree branches whipped at her face, thorns snatched at her legs, and the uneven ground viciously tried to seize the very ground beneath her. She had made it though so far and a false step now would cost her dearly.

Nothing could catch her now. The fear, pain, and anxiety that had accumulated over the last couple of days now released itself into pure energy for means of her escape. Her pursuer continued on tantalized at the proximity of his prey.
Despite what he desired, he gradually slowed down; his body no longer containing the energy needed to continue at this rate.

Celinikal glanced behind her and saw him slow down, and adjusted he pace. The night went on invariably in this manner-the prey always a step or two before the hunter, deliberately showing glimpses to tantalize and coax the hunter deeper into the forest, into a realm she knew so much about and he so little.

A trickle of rain oozed off the leaf above her head and fell onto her cheek. She stirred slightly, and opened her eyes. She had slept through the rest of the night, and if her senses were serving her right, most of the day. She fleeted ahead just enough for her to make camp, she had been wiped out. When she discovered the tree with the hollowed out bottom, her heart had leaped for joy; she had finally found an adequate shelter.

The intimidating gray sky depressed her, and the soft dripping of rain strongly reminded her of tears. She pulled her cloak about her tighter and closed her eyes, with all intention to going to sleep.

Crunch.

It was far off enough where it wouldn’t be a threat, but still…she preferred to stay far away as possible. She ducked her head into here thickest robe; it wouldn’t do to have her efforts be wasted on a single solitary motion.

He passed on right by her. He paused a moment more in that one location before continuing on. Celinikal held her breath, fearing it might draw attention to her. She closed her eyes tightly, to clear the image of her being discovered from her mind.

……….Her clan had been traveling for several days now. Celinikal's position was closest to the middle of the procession. A rather large basket hung at her waist, and as she continued down the path, she snatched berries and herbs and dropped them in. All women whom weren’t child sitting had this responsibility. Although in a group, they were fanned out as to gather efficiently, but close enough so that they could catch glimpses of each other through the trees. The winter was coming upon them; it was necessity for them to gather otherwise they wouldn’t survive the harsh weather without food. The men were out hunting. They would return in about a month or so, in time for to settle down for the winter. Their return was of great importance, for when the families were reunited huge celebration would ensue.

Her mother was at the head of the procession leading the group. The thought of it stirred her heart with feelings of pride. Not many became clan leaders at her mother’s age. But her mother’s calm, serene aura had made her a requirement to the clan leaders. Memories of her mother brought up memories of her father. She had to suppress the felling of sorrow that welled up in her heart when she thought of him. The hunting season had lasted only a month so far; they still had so much time before she would see him again… She couldn’t help wondering what he was doing and if he was okay. She stopped abruptly when she saw the signal to stop and gather. She flushed, she hadn’t been paying attention, and that meant she hadn’t been gathering. Her basket wouldn’t be nearly as full as the others, and she only had herself to blame.

“We will stop here to rest for the day,” Her mother’s voice clearly rang out.

As Celinikal entered the clearing, she noticed that not everybody’s basket was brimming. Which was good, she wouldn’t be accused of idle hands. Chatter of relief came from all directions as laden Aquedans removed their heavy baskets. Her mother held up her hands for silence.

“An unfortunate turn of events have occurred,” she said with a solemn face. “The cave where we usually wait out the winter storm has been buried by a rockslide. We will not be able to reside there this winter, so we need to find another shelter.”

Murmurs of concern rose from the groups. Where would they find another cave? How?

Another elder stood, his very being demanding silence.

“We will send scouts out to find another cave. The rest will have to work hard to make up for those whom are searching.” He then called out a list of names. “You will be searching. Go now, we have no time to waste.”

The named Aquedans bows their heads in confirmation, and lowered their baskets to the ground before departing. Hasty good-byes were called out between friends. The rest began to set up the small camp.

Celinikal sat contentedly on the ground, drowsy by the fire. She had slept since suppertime, and now the night was well off. Lazy chatter among mothers lulled her into a deeper sleep….

…. Someone was arguing over her. This thought submerged into her conciseness; she was gradually pulled from the world of sleep. Dreary, she opened her eyes to see who it was. To her surprise it was a scout and her mother. Her mother hardly got angry over anything, and when she did you could bet it was important. She strained her ears to hear what they were saying, but they broke off the conversation abruptly, and an alder joined them. They walked off into a tent. All this suspicious activity had made her awake at last. She sat up, but realizing she’d have to eavesdrop to hear the conversation, she just stayed put and watched the dying embers of the fire. Eavesdropping was not taken lightly; the last aquedan who had committed the dastardly deed had his ears cut off. The mere memory of it caused her to shudder.

A light hand touched her shoulder and brought her out of her private reverie. Glancing up, she was surprised, again, to see her mother standing over her. Worry clearly etched itself upon her face.

“Come,” was all that escaped her mother’s mouth. It was devoid of all emotion.

Seeing this, Celinikal had to stop her heart from racing. What could it be, that worried her mother so? Nothing. Nothing at all. It was probably her mind playing tricks on her. She followed her mother down the path to the tent littered with sleeping aquedans. When she entered the tent, her heart shot up to her throat. All the elders and clan leaders were gathered there, all had serious expressions on their faces. Her mother took her empty seat, and the meeting resumed.

“Celinikal, do you know why you were summoned here?” Elder Khay questioned.

Celinikal shook her head. He sighed, and nodded his head.

“A group of human hunters has gathered near our new cave, hunting us. This would not be a problem if we had our hunters around…but since they are not available to us, we must make use of what resources we have. I hope you understand, but we would not be sufficient forces against them. We know healing and defense magic, and those like myself, know some attack magic. But these years have been cruel, and I fear I would not last long. I trust you understand that if we were to fight, it would be a massacre…We only have one forth of our group here, many are children. Some are still off on their journey for a cave, and haven’t returned yet.” He paused and glanced at her mother. Tears were glistening in her eyes. Elder Khay sighed.

“What we need you to do is to be a decoy to the hunters. Lead them far away as possible. When we have sufficient forces, we will send you aid.”

All this hit Celinikal in a rush.

“The hunters are almost a month away……..There’s no way they could reach me in time….”She thought wildly. “Do they need-do they have magic?” she asked. She was answered by the barest of nods. She understood then why her mother was crying, why the rest were solemn. An aquedan, when backed up against two hunters could just barely get out alive. They were sending her on a suicide mission.

“You must understand,” The elder began softly. “You are our only hope. We didn’t arrive at this choice at random. You have the best chance of succeeding.”

Celinikal felt a brief if fleeting moment of pride in her abilities. It faltered when she remembered what it meant. She silently resolved to lead the hunters to the ends of the Earth. She would not let harm come to her clan. She bowed to the elders and clan leaders.

“It will be as you command.”

“There has been a light pack arranged for your departure,” her mother said softly, tears getting in the way of her speech. “Go to the north exit. A sentry will take you the rest of the way.”

She nodded before giving her mother a brief hug. “Don’t worry, I will come back….” Celinikal turned away quickly and exited the tent. She needed to be strong, and having an emotional break down in front of the elders might make them question their choice. Celinikal wanted there to be no questions-she was returning……….

Celinikal smiled as she remembered her determination. At first it had been a game, hide and go seek. It still was. She still received pride and satisfaction as she stayed one step above her pursuer, all the while leading him farther and farther away from her clan.

The rain had stopped. Peering around the corner to make sure he was far enough away, she stretched as she got out of her clearing, and gathered up her belongings. She removed something from her pack and left it out in the open. She continued on her way, making noise and getting him to follow her. When he found her small arrow, he would realize he had just missed her. Feelings like he was on the right track to depose of her, he would continue.

Which was exactly what she wanted. She heard him gaining on her; he was picking up the chase with renewed interest. She adjusted hers so that she would stay out of reach.

He was the last one. She would return. A smile briefly lit up her face as she remembered how some had made fatal mistakes over mountainous terrain, and how others had given up. She just had to lose this one, and then she was home free. She had to watch where she was going… one wrong step would mean the end of her life and all she had fought to preserve. She laughed to herself, as the shocked looks of the elders faces flashed before her eyes, and sobered as images of her mother and her father flashed before her; blurring her vision. (Jessi)


----------------------------------------- “Damn, this better work!” Daray’s breath came heavily as her legs pumped against the path. Loud crashing footsteps could be heard behind her. The beast was getting close, and a dragock was nothing to be taken lightly. But Daray was fast for a girl her size. Her legs carried her light form over the terrain of the forest without fault. She turned taking shelter behind a tree, letting the beast come into her view. It was a nasty sight to say the least. It seemed to have a canine from, but only if a dog could be larger then a hoarse. Its body was covered in a greasy black hair. Long yellow fangs hung from its gapping mouth, dripping with a fiery red poison. It’s glowing red eyes darted around searching for it’s pray.

Daray had to act; she could not out run it forever. She waited for the dragock to turn away from her. Then with light steps she moved in behind it. Closing her lids over pail green eyes she began to chant. Chill winds swept long tendrils of sea green hair around her face. A powerful glow seemed to grow from out stretched hands. In one swift motion her hands came together releasing a flare-up of energy. For a moment it was a powerful light, then it began to transform into chill water. The fluid wall crashed into the dragock forcing it to its knees.

Daray turned on her heals and took once again to the path. Dragoks are fire based right? So water should slow them down! Well her hypotheses made sense to a certain degree, but she had miss judged how much it would slow down the beast. Within moments it was at her heals again. She managed to stay the beast once more with a weak water spell but her time was running out. She had been on the run for what seemed like an eternity to the young girl.

“I…just…have to…keep…my…footing!” She took heavy breaths between each word. But speaking these words must have been her undoing. Her boot clad foot caught on the root of an upturned tree and she went tumbling onto her face. She quickly rolled onto her back only to see that the dragock was upon her. It was about 3 feet from her pacing back and forth. It’s burning eyes never leaving her. She slowly tried to inch back not wanting to make any sudden movements. She hit something. It was another tree; she was trapped. Panic flooded her features, and she did the only thing left to do. A blood curdling scream escaped her throat and echoed threw the still air of the forest.

Only two beings in the forest seemed to take notice. Somewhere the ears of a blue haired elf perked, but a more unusual creature also noted the distressed cry. (Anne)


------------------------------------------------------- A few hundred yards in a clearing stood a creature unknown to these parts or most parts for that matter. It was a gnome a creature of mystery, a being known for it’s mining abilities. He stood about four feet five inches, which was pretty amazing considering most gnomes don’t get past three five. He had green hair that came out in points under the red cape that was on his head; he also had gleaming green eyes. His apparel was of much interest he wore a red cape, which was a sign of nobility for gnomes and plate mail he also carried a large hammer on his side and a sword across his back.

"Help!!!" screamed Daray.

On hearing this voice he rushed towards the source with his weapons drawn and ready for combat. Upon reaching the scene he noticed a young girl trying to escape a dragok, but to no avail. She was now at the end of her rope and if the gnome didn’t act quickly the beast would kill the girl.

"Quake!" screamed the gnome as he took his hammer from his side and hit the ground with it. In doing this the gnome starting a small earthquake, which knocked the dragok off balance and gave Daray a chance to move to safety. This just infuriated the beast even more as soon as it gained its balance and charged the gnome who was standing with hammer in one hand and sword in the other. As the beast came into the gnome’s striking distance he noticed a deep cut about a foot long across its leg. Seeing that he quickly turned to the side of the charging beast and crashed his hammer into the wound making the beast give out a deafening shriek. The dragok was too enraged to notice and soon started his death charge once again. The gnome seeing that their was no way around having to kill the beast he jumped in the air swung his sword but to his surprise the dragok shot a ball of fire at him causing the gnome to dodge in midair but the gnome didn’t move quick enough and the blast of fire hit him in his sword arm causing him to lose his sword and have his arm burnt badly. All the gnome had now was one arm and no time to use any kind of healing herb. The dragok continued his relentless assault on the gnome. The gnome though was to fast for the beast and kept dodging the dragok's assault.
But without the use of his sword arm he was helpless because hammer wasn’t sharp enough to break the dragok’s armored skin. This dodging game continued on for a couple more minutes until the gnome was able to hit the beast with direct shot to the head, which caused the dragok to stumble about. Then to the Gnome’s surprise he heard a voice.

"Move gnome!" yelled Kael from about 20 feet away. When he heard this the gnome moved to the side and Kael hurled his sword towards the best hitting him directly between the eyes. The dragok fell dead.

"Are you all right?" asked Kael.

"Nothing some medicinal herbs won’t heal." said the gnome. "But there is a girl over there that was being attacked by the beast before."

"First gnome, your name and the reason you are in these parts." asked Kael as they walked toward the girl.

"My name is Darkor, and I’m a freelance mercenary. I was training near here when I heard the girls scream,” said Darkor as he rubbed an herb on his arm which healed the burns. "May I ask your name elf."

"I am Kael and I am here on mission from my father." said Kael as the two arrived next to the girl.

"Are you all right?" asked Darkor as he handed a healing herb to the girl.

"I’m fine, thank you for coming. My name is Daray may I ask you your names?" asked Daray while eating the herb.

"I’m Darkor and this guy hear’s Kael" said Darkor.

"I’m glad to see you’re all right,” said Kael, he noticed something odd about the girl but couldn’t put his finger on it.

"Did you put that cut on that dragok’s leg?" asked Darkor.

"No, I was walking in the woods and the dragok all of a sudden came bursting out of the bushes and chased me." said Daray.

"So you did nothing to instigate the beast," said Kael racking his brain trying to figure out what was so odd about the girl.

"I did nothing the beast just came at me,” said Daray.

"I find that odd considering dragok’s usually only attack when instigated." Said Darkor.

"Its good to see you’re safe, but I must be getting back to my camp," said Kael as he finally figured out what was different about the girl. She had pointed ears; she must be some kind of half-breed too, though obviously not elfish. (Andrew)


Celinikal started her little game of hide and seek with the human hunter. She walked by the trail kicking stones and braking sticks. The human noticed her after a little while. The human started to chase her with great speed. What Celinikal didn’t know is her pursuer was a half-orc Barbarian. Barbarians are skilled with stamina and speed, and since he was a half-orc he had no feelings of remorse and didn’t care if he just killed her. Once Celinikal found this out she quickly realized she wouldn’t be able to get away from her pursuer by just running.

Celinikal knew she only had one hope, and that was to hide. She found a tree with a hole in it just big enough for her to fit. Inside the rest of the tree was hollow. Quickly and quietly she jumped in the hole and was as quiet as possible. Her pursuer had lost her and she thought she had done it. Then she heard the loud footsteps of the barbarian walking around her. Hours went by and the Barbarian was still looking for her. Celinikal knew he wasn’t going home without the prize. Celinikal heard the Barbarian walk up to the tree she was hiding in. He took a few sniffs and knew she was in it. He pulled a large axe out and gave the tree a hard hit almost knocking it over. Making the hole much bigger. Now the Barbarian could see her and started to laugh. Celinikal closed her eyes; she new she was going to die. The Barbarian pulled his axe back, but all of the sudden he heard a growl. Out popped a wolf. The wolf struck at the Barbarian. The Barbarian easily fended off the single wolf, but then all of the sudden the wolf was heeled and out came two more wolves, followed by a ware wolf. The three wolfs jumped on the barbarian scratching and biting him. The ware wolf just sat behind healing his fellow animals. Soon one of the wolves died and the ware wolf jumped in and started scratching the barbarian. The barbarian hit the ware wolf with his axe causing it to bleed. But through power and numbers the wolves and the ware-wolf eventually were able to cause the barbarian to retreat.

Celinikal was overwhelmed by what had just happened. The she saw a bright light go around the ware-wolf and when she could see again he was a human with a large bleeding cut across his chest. She didn’t even think and ran to him asking him if he needed help.

“Not right now,” said the human.

Then the two wolves that were still there walked over to him and started to lick the wound. As they licked the wound it slowly healed.

The human stood up and offering his hand in greeting, “My name is Fredrick, yours”? Celinikal didn’t know if she should trust the strange man. She looked at him and saw a man of about 5’5” with black hair and brown eyes. She knew that he was a druid because of the magic he used in the battle with the barbarian. She trusted him putting her hand out to shake his.

“My name is Celinikal.” (Andrew Saleh)


--------------------------------------- Celinikal glanced at Frederick as she cautiously followed him, lightly gliding over the forest floor. What was it? Why HAD he taken off so suddenly? She didn’t sense anything that was any danger to her anymore; the human was gone….

Or WAS he?

This thought entered her mind just as Frederick skidded to a halt. He shifted to a fighting stance, and glanced about him. So, she hadn’t been wrong. There was something out there…Celinikal stepped out into Frederick’s vision. She didn’t feel like being attacked by him just because he didn’t know what she was.

He didn’t seem to care that she had followed him. Perhaps he had known, Celinikal wondered. The wolves fell to immediately sniffing the air about them. Celinikal focused her ears; maybe she’d be able to hear something. The wolves and Frederick tensed. Celinikal could hear something lumbering through the trees. Whatever it was, it didn’t need stealth to overcome its prey. Whatever it was used its sheer size. Whatever it was, Celinikal did not care to find out. She had not come all this way so that some overgrown creature could eat her. She grabbed Frederick’s sleeve and pulled him with her as she ran. He snarled in protest, his wolves chased her and snapped at her heels, commanding her to put their master down. She didn’t care. According to her code of conduct, by saving her life she owed him. According to clan conduct, she should be his servant for eight years for showing such weakness to a complete stranger, especially one who was not of her race. She couldn’t fully repay her deed if he got slaughtered. The thing was chasing them now and gaining ground fast. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw what it was, and gasped.

It was a Drlak. Although not particularly bright, they had sheer size to make up for any traits that might give them the disadvantage. This one was not fully-grown as of yet. It was on the smaller side, and it outer shell was still growing hard. Its soft pink belly would be the only place on the damnable creature where any weapon would pierce. Depending on what type of drlak it was, that might be the only place where magic could pierce.

“Will you desist in dragging me along?!” Frederick snarled though his teeth. He couldn’t fight this monster with his back to it… Celinikal seemed to be lost in thought for a brief moment, as she continued down the trail. They had reached a fork in the road, and they had taken the left path. Both paths would eventually result in dead ends, but it would take her longer to reach the end. It didn’t matter anymore; they would soon reach the end and then they would have to escape in the forest. While they had to dodge trees however, the drlak could merely just brush them aside. They entered the forest, branches and leaves whipping into their faces, making it impossible to see, but they had to go on further. It was audible behind them; it was breaking trees apart, after all. They couldn’t run on forever. Eventually, they would run out of energy, or make a fatal mistake.

Celinikal let go of Frederick, who was all too happy to turn around and face his foe. It was an earth drlak; the shape of its head and color of its eyes gave this away. Not surprising, considering they were in the middle of the forest. This was good news. At least they had a chance. If it had been a fire drlak, its outer shell harden by the heat of the lava it was born close to, it would be impossible to penetrate.

Frederick’s wolves lunged at the drlak, whose size was ten times there own. Frederick decided not to wait this one out and he too, joined the fray. Celinikal paused for a moment, unsure of what she should do. Should she aid them? Her skills were good, but she wasn’t sure if she could help the fight without actually injuring Frederick and his furry friends.

“Oh, well, here goes nothing….”She murmured to herself. There was no way she’d let him fight the drlak all alone, he hadn’t left her to fend for herself when she had been attacked by the barbarian orc. She half closed her eyelids in concentration as she wove the strands of magic to create a slightly powerful wind spell. As a female, it had been her duty to defend and heal; her fighting had only been a last resort. She completed the last strands and flung them forward with all her strength. The wind became sharp, bladed knives that cut up her opponent, leaving Frederick and his wolves unscathed, thankfully. The drlak roared its confusion and pain as it adjusted to fighting one more opponent. Unfortunately for the drlak, the moments it had been taking to adjust itself was vital to Frederick and his wolves. Smelling blood, the wolves attacked furiously at the drlak’s soft raw underside, ripping it to shreds, only to grow more excited by the scent of blood and the knowledge that their foe was now under their control. Frederick stepped back and started to heal those whom had been injured. He watched his wolves carefully, to make sure they had it under control, occasionally shouting out directions.

Celinikal stepped back. She barely had the power to perform another spell; this day had been draining. Although she had managed not to injure Frederick before didn’t mean that she could do it again. The drlak whined in its high pitch tone, no longer wanting to fight if its prey was going to have the upper hand. It meekly cowered down and tried to escape, but Frederick’s wolves managed to keep it cornered. This only caused the drlak to panic, and it wildly slashed and clawed at the wolves. Frederick rose, and moved to assist his companions. Celinikal restrained him by her arm. Looking annoyed, he moved to side step her, but Celinikal persisted.

“Where there is a baby drlak, the mother is not far behind.”

He simply nodded and called off his wolves, and motioned her to follow. The drlak, realizing its close encounter with death, called out in its high-pitched tone for its mother, desperately wanting to be cared for. The mother, immediately recognizing the wail of her young, came to its rescue swiftly. By that time, Frederick, his wolves and Celinikal were all crossing the river, losing their scent in the swift moving currents. (Jessi)


---------------------------------------- Daray felt Kael’s imploring gaze move over her, its intensity began to make her uncomfortable. Luckily Darkor decided to break the awkward silence.

“My dear, what is a young lady like yourself doing roaming around the woods without an escort?” The gnome smiled down at the huddled girl, his eyes sparkling with an extraordinary light.

“I…I thought I would be safe here…” The girl’s eyes fell to the ground, she was hiding something.

“What are you?” Kael’s words were direct and rather unfeeling. His intentions were not to further injure the fragile seeming girl, but they only seemed to cause her to withdraw even further into her shell.

Quelling his own curiosity Darkor offered a gruff hand to help the girl from the ground. “Pay no attention to him, elves do not fully grasp the emotions of the other races.”

Daray laughed at the gnome accepting his hand. Once on her feet she stood slightly less then a foot higher then the gnome and appeared to be around the age of sixteen or seventeen.

“I did not mean to offend the girl.” Kael’s tone remained cool, his eyes never leaving the strange girl. “And what may I ask is a gnome doing so far from his clan?”

“Ha, I could ask much the same from you!” Drakor’s brilliant green eyes opening wide in amusement as he spoke. “But perhaps this is not the place to be getting into involved conversations.” His eyes drifted to the mutilated corpse of the dragok. Its stench had begun to drift to the small group. “ And besides, that the sun will be leaving us soon. We should not separate until at least the morning. I do not like the odd behavior of the dragok.” His contemplating gaze was now focused on the retreating light of the sun.

“We will go to my camp.” Replied the elf. He was silent for a moment considering some mystery the voices of the woods spoke. “There is conflict in this wood, beyond even what I can sense.” Without even a word Kael began to stride back in the direction of his camp. He didn’t even turn back to see weather the two followed.

“Well, he is a friendly one! Come on Daray, elves always think they know more then they truly do, but perhaps he can help you discover why that dragok found you so interesting.” Turning on his squat legs the gnome rolled almost silently behind the tall elf.

Daray followed with what seemed like reluctance, but it was something more. Her mind was working faster then any human mind could even imagine. Millions of possibilities raced threw her mind. Whatever it was that had caused the girl to hesitate must have been deemed obsolete because Daray followed silently behind her two saviors. (Anne)


Given Kael’s seeming dislike of other races Daray and Darkor were surprised to see the half elven girl lying there on what was obviously Kael’s dark blue cloak. Her emaciated and beaten body seemed small lying beside the fire in the small clearing. Darkor seemed alarmed by her appearance.

“Your lady seems to be in very poor shape, Kael.”

A deep scowl appeared on Kael’s face. “The girl is not my lady she just a half elf, daughter to my father’s deceased friend. He sent to me bring her back to the elves. Though it seems though that someone else got to her before I did.” They were surprised once again to see the pure anger on his face. He must have seen the questions on their faces because continued, “No one should ever harm an innocent woman, regardless of the race.” His face was dark as he surveyed her condition. Without speaking he went to his bag and removed several things including a bag of medicinal herbs, a small pot, and a simple wooden bowl. He chose several of the herbs and crushed them into the pot and added water. He placed the pot on the fire. “This brew is not very strong, but it should help bring her back into consciousness.”

Darkor and Daray settled down and chatted lightly as Kael tended the brew.

“How could some one to that to a person?” said Daray. She seemed troubled by the seemingly senseless injury done to the half elf.

“There are many people in this world, some that live off evil deeds.” Darkor shook his head. “I pity the girl’s ordeal. May I ask Kael what is her name?”

“Her name is Rhynna, daughter of an elvish noble woman and a human.” He seemed to spit out the last word as if it were almost a curse. He took the pot off the fire and poured it into the bowl. He set it aside to cool while he went to find more wood for the fire.

“That dragok was scary, I thought he was going to eat me!” Daray shuddered. “And he smelled bad too!”

“He probably would have eaten you, you foolish girl and enjoyed it too. You should know better then to be running around in the woods alone.” Said Kael as he returned, arms laden with wood. He dropped it near the fire and went to go check on the temperature of the brew. Finding it satisfactory he pick up the bowl and approached Rhynna. He sat beside her and cradling her head in his arm he slowly poured the mixture down her throat. When he finished he laid her head back down and covered her with part of his cloak. Her sleep already seemed easier.

He turned to Darkor and Daray. “It is getting late, I suggest we cook some food and then set up watches. I do not like the feeling of the wood tonight.”

Darkor nodded and got up to help Kael. Daray on the other hand seemed slightly confused. “Cook? Me?”

Kael looked disgusted and waved her off with his hand as he and Darkor got to work.

Darkness, absolute nothingness, not merely black, but the total absence of all color. And then there was a woman. The most beautiful woman Rhynna had ever seen, not human, nor elf. She was a woman unlike any other that she had ever seen. In her dream she reached out and stroked Rhynna’s hair and gently whispered three words into her ear. “Be brave child.” And then she woke up.

Light and the smell of food assaulted her senses as she roused. Opening her eyes she was scared to see all the people about. She remembered the blue-haired man, but who were the rest of the people and why were they here? Through parched lips she said to words, “Who…….. why……?”

Kael turned to her. “My name is Kael and my father, Darius, sent me to return you to the kingdom of the elves.” In her mind she remembered Darius to be her mother’s best friend and took some heart. “These people are travelers borrowing our fire for the night.”

Rhynna turned herself a bit in order to see the other people about the fire. (Amanda)


Daray peered intently at Rhynna, until she realized her curiosity might be construed as rude by some. She turned, shifting her head to make it look as if she was peering into the flickering of the fire, but still she kept Rhynna within her view. Rhynna shifted testing her bruised and beaten body. This may not have been the greatest of thoughts, because as she did her face contorted and a small whimper escaped her lips. Daray moved quickly to her side placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t strain yourself! You need time to heal.” Daray gently laid Rhynna back.

“I will be fine…just give me a moment.” As Rhynna spoke her eyes closed and her lips began to chant softly. As she did so an inviting blue light flared around her figure, when the light dissipated she seemed to be in somewhat better condition, but still quite weak. This time when she moved at least the pain was dull enough for to hide her reaction.

“Oh wow! You know healing magic. I am jealous.” Daray’s mood changed so quickly that it caused Rhynna to be taken aback for a moment. Then something else caught her attention. A smell was wafting to her nostrils. To anyone else it may have not been the most appealing sent, but to Rhynna, who could not remember the last time she had a hot meal it was wonderful.

For a moment Daray was lost in confusion at the slight smile that had found it’s way onto the half-elf’s lips. Then a light seemed to go off in the girl’s head. “Oh! You must be hungry! Here I will get you some food.” As Daray busied herself finding a plate and shoveling food onto it Rhynna’s eyes drifted to the others that sat around the fire. The men each had a plate of food, but they didn’t seem too interested in consuming much of what was on them.

“Here you go.” Daray smiled brightly as she placed the laden plate on Rhynna’s lap. “Eat up you need to regain your strength.” Daray’s eyes then drifted over to the other members of the odd group. “So how is my cooking? Be honest.”

As Darkor looked at Daray’s smiling, innocent face, he tried another morsel of the “food” she had prepared. He suppressed the urge to spit it on the ground and forced a smile onto his round face. “It is delicious my dear.”

Kael on the other hand was not so kind. He simply laid the plate on the ground and pushed it away from him. “I do not think that it qualifies as food.” His tone was not malicious simply flat.

Daray just shrugged, “Hey I warned you that I couldn’t cook.”

Rhynna was so famished the taste of the food did not matter. She took a bite found it better then nothing and continued to empty her plate.

“See she likes it.” Daray smiled and yet did not even attempt to keep down her own cooking. She simply walked over to where she had laid her things sat and began to rummage threw her bag looking for some unknown object.

“So, my dear, are you feeling better?” the gnome’s voice was full with concern as his sparkling eyes surveyed the injured girl.

“Yes…” Rhynna hesitated for a moment. “Um…I hope you don’t mind me asking, but who are you?”

“Oh how rude of me, my name is Darkor, and the chef is Daray. We bumped into your friend Kael during a nasty encounter with a dragok.” While the gnome was speaking Kael seemed to become uneasy, perhaps he had begun to realize how little he truly knew of the two strangers. A gnome by nature was a trustworthy being but the other…that girl; he couldn’t even recognize what race she was. More then likely some strange mix. He watched her intently as she pulled some kind of dried fruit from her bag and began to munch on it thoughtfully. She didn’t seem all that bright, and if she couldn’t even fend off a dragok she could not be that powerful. But it still bothered him that he knew nothing of her.

“What are you?” Kael’s voice was demanding. “If I am going to sleep with you at my camp I would like to know at least that much from you.” His voice seemed so cold and unfeeling. Daray did not answer. She simply continued munching on her unknown fruit pretending not to hear the elf’s questions.

“Kael perhaps she is shy.” Darkor tried to spare the girl from more questioning but his attempts were in vain.

“If you have nothing to hide then why don’t you just tell us? Our intentions are clear we did save your life” Kael’s voice kept its usually even manner as he spoke.

Daray looked panicked for a moment, something was bothering her. Then a single tear could be seen streaming down her face, more joined it until there was a steady stream coming from her sea green eyes. “You really want to know?” Her voice was no more then a slight whisper as she spoke. “I don’t know. Are you happy now? I have no idea what race I am, and I have met no one else who knows either!” by the end Daray was almost livid with anger. Not necessarily targeted at Kael, but just frustrated with the situation. Before anyone could even think she stop her she stormed out of the reveling light of the fire. Within a few steps her form was lost completely in the dark woods. (Anne)


Rhynna felt for the strange girl. She knew how it was to not fit into any particular race. Thoughts of her “family” caused her to blanch. In the back of her mind she wondered if she had killed Roune. “Maybe we should go after her…..”

“Or maybe we should hope that something even bigger finds her in the woods and swallows the foolish thing up.” But even as Kael was saying this, his ears were trained on the forest, listening for any sounds that were out of place. His strict code of honor didn’t allow him to be simply be done with the girl. His ears told him what his eyes could not; she was not as far away as she wanted them to think and when she regained composer she would be back to plague them once again. He turned to Rhynna, “The ridiculous child will be safe, but I suggest you sleep. You will need strength on our journey to Lassalan.”

“Is it far from here?” she asked.

“In your present condition, it should take us about 17 days to return, granted that you inherited any of your mother’s wood craft.” Kael looked doubtful. He always expected the least from half-breed elves, though their abilities changed from half elf to half elf.

His words stung at Rhynna, but she was too tired to argue and dismissed the comments. “Thank you Kael for saving me today, and for bringing me back with you.”

“You have no need to thank me. It is my father you owe. I am simply here because of his request. He is a good man and I would do anything for him. No matter how unpleasant.”

Rhynna flushed red as she lay back down wrapping herself in Kael’s cloak once more. “I’m sorry I’m such a burden to you.” She said softly before drifting once more into deep slumber.

Ignoring her remark Kael turned to the gnome. “Sleep now, and I will wake you in three hours. I feel that with the dawn all of us will need to go on our ways out of this place.” Darkor nodded silently and fell asleep almost immediately.

Kael was left staring into the darkness, the air silent except for crickets and the occasional sound from Daray. There was nothing else around, save darkness and the faint touch of foreboding. (Amanda)


"It’s quite too quiet, and the air feels weird tonight. There’s magic in the air," thought Darkor as he kept watch over the desolate camp. The area around the camp though never stayed still it kept moving in a constant whirlwind of commotion. On his left came the voices of a hundred violinists argued over who was the best, to his right a army armed it self and constructed a base, behind him he heard the voices of the a family coming out of its home to eat. What was in front of him though was what really captured his attention for what he heard was nothing not a sound not even the trees waved in the wind it seemed like the calm before the storm or a frame that was waiting to be painted. Then as if to wake him from a dream the noise came, the noise of battle, the noise of death. The noise of 20 or so wolves came flying into his ears each one with a different thing to say but after a few seconds of listening the battle cry changed to a funeral dirge as he heard the wolves screaming for help.

"I will assist you friends!!!" yelled Darkor as he jumped on to his feet. "Elf, I need your help," said Darkor as he came to his feet.

Kael, who was already awake from the cries of the wolves quickly agreed to assist him because of his natural love of the wild. The two, without even thinking of the two girls ran off to the sight where the fight was happening. They ran for only a few hundred yards when they arrived at the sight and saw the monstrosity that the wolves were fighting. Before them stood a twelve foot horned beast armed with a giant club who was quickly dispensing of the wolves.

"It’s a Hippidon, they’re troll type monsters that uses poison magic" said Kael as he charged at the beast with his weapon drawn.

The two warriors met the beast head on and hit him dead on. The beast went toppling back but all that did was anger the beast into a fury. The gargantuan Hippidon struck at Darkor but he proved to fast for the Hippidon and their game of cat and mouse went on for a few moments. In the Hippidon’s fury he forgot about Kael, and quickly paid the price when Kael blew the Hippidon’s head off with a jumping sword technique that left the beast lifeless.

"Well that was easy," said Darkor as he walked towards Kael.

"How did you know the wolves were in distress gnome?" asked Kael as he wiped his blade off in the grass.

"HAHA I can talk to animals. You see it’s a trick I was born with." Said Darkor, in a light hearted mood after seeing that the decapitated head landed in a tree hole ten feet away.

"I see. The wolves appear fine we best head back to the camp,” said Kael as he turned and started walking back to where the camp was.

Before leaving however, Darkor talked to the head of the wolves and told him that he was grateful that he and Kael arrived in time to save them. The gnome then quickly ran to catch up to the elf. The two warriors walked back to the camp exchanging points of view on the battle and how funny it was that the monster’s head landed in a tree. (Andrew)


Daray sat with her knees pressed to her chest. She huddled against the cold so far from the warmth of the fire. She had lost track of the time she had been away from the others. The forest seemed dead, the only sounds that came to her tuned ears was the soft breathing of the others. Suddenly foreign sounds found their way to her ears. It was as if a gathering of wolves were in battle. There was whispering in the camp and soon after the soft foot steps of the gnome and male elf could be heard passing to her left.

With Kale gone Daray shifted from her position leaning against the tree and found her way silently back to the camp. Well that is silently until she actually got to the camp. There was little to no light from the dwindling fire. She some how managed to trip over the mess kit with which she had prepared their food. The tin cooking pots clattered against each other, echoing threw the night. “Damn!!”

Rhynna shot up in her from her sleep at the startling sound. “Who’s there!?” She rubbed her eyes bringing Daray into focus. “Oh…it is just you.”

“I am so sorry I didn’t mean to wake you! I just didn’t see the pots…” Daray trailed off at the end mumbling to herself. Berating herself for her own stupidity.

“No it is ok…” a sleepy grin spread across the half elf features. It was an attempt to reassure the young girl.

Daray found a large rock that was close to the sputtering flames of the campfire. She curled into herself trying to combine the dying warmth of the fire with her own body heat to chase away the chill. She stared absentmindedly at Rhynna.

“Um…so why were you so upset earlier? I mean I know Kael was harsh. I am sorry for his insensitivity.” Rhynna’s voice was full of condolence as she spoke.

Daray bowed her head as she spoke as if ashamed of what she was about to say. “Heh, You would think after growing up a freak I would be used to people questioning me about what I am!”

“Um…I am sorry for asking, but how can you not know what you are?” although her question may have seemed harsh Rhynna delivered it is such a way that only tenderness was portrayed.

“I…I just don’t know.” Daray seemed to be having trouble continuing, then all of the sudden it all seemed to rush from her like she could no longer hold it in. “I never knew my real parents…the people who raised me were human. They told me they found me by a river, abandoned. They knew I wasn’t human. My father was afraid to take me in, but my mother insisted that they not leave me there to die. They raised me as their own, but I knew better. And they knew I knew, but we just chose not to talk about it. Dose that make any sense?!

Well, as I grew I started having trouble with the other children in town. At first it was just funny looks and whispers, but it was not only other children it was their parents too. I have memories of my parents going to market and no one talking to them. We took to ourselves…I wasn’t to go into town only my father was aloud to go in for work. We were so happy then I was still very young and my mother was such a wonderful person.” Daray paused, tears beginning to find their way down her pale cheeks.

“The town began to grow and soon our land was bordering it once again. We still kept to ourselves, but some of the children in town used to venture out to catch a glimpse of the “freak”. I was 12 by this time and fully understood that I was different, but not why that was such a bad thing.

One day I had wandered into the woods and happened upon a group of boys that may have been a few years older then me. I was curious so I climbed to a tree near by for a closer look. I am not sure how long I watched them, only a few minuets I think. I couldn’t really hear what they were saying, but apparently the large boy in the middle was telling of some mischief he had done in one of the farmer’s fields earlier that day. He would talk and then the others would all laugh at his jokes.

I tried to make my way back down the tree when I slipped. In my shock I let out a little shriek reveling my location. ‘Who’s there!?’ ‘Oh look what we found! IT’S THE FREAK!’ It was the large boy who spoke. I began to scramble down the tree as fast as I could, but my reaction was too late.

‘Oh come on boys don’t you know your manners go and help the girl out of the big scawwy tree!!’ He yelled in a mocking voice. Two of the smaller boys rushed to me, one garbing firmly onto the sleeve of my cloak. “Oh don’t worry we just want to talk to you. We aren’t going to hurt you at all” I know the other’s were talking, but I he was just so loud that his voice sticks so well in my mind. They boy dragged me into the group and swung me off balance in the center. I feel to my knees and just sat there. It took a little while for anyone to speak.

‘Now is our chance boys! We can finally find out the origin of the FREAK! So tell me just what are you?’ I didn’t speak. “Oh come on I know you can talk.” I still wouldn’t talk I just stared at him unblinking. He moved in closer. His face was so close to mine I could smell the reek of his hot breath on my cheek. I was still silence. He brought his hand close to my face, but did not touch it. Then he moved his dirt covered hands to my ears and pointed. This time his voice was soft as he spoke, but none the less demanding. “Come on Freak, just tell me where they came from.”

I didn’t know how to answer. The only words that came to my mind were my mothers ‘Don’t listen to them…they only call you freak because they don’t understand. You are better then them.’ I still remained silent. This seemed to enrage the boy. He flicked my ear. ‘What the hell are you? Or are you just some freak accident of nature!’

‘You don’t understand…’ it was all I could think of to say, but apparently it was the wrong thing. Without warning he brought his hand hard across my cheek. The blow was so powerful it felt as if my eye would explode from the presser. I decided not to say anything else.

‘I don’t understand!? What do you think you are better then me?’ he grabbed onto my shoulders forcing me to stand. ‘Look you little bitch, ANSWER ME!!’ I remand silent. He threw me to the ground and a just let myself go limp. Pain surged threw my ribs as his heavy boot connected with my side. For the first time the other boys in the group spoke out ‘Um…Jack maybe we should leave her alone. She looks pretty hurt.’, ‘Yeah I mean this could get us in real trouble if people found out’, ‘And her dad is pretty scary.’

He leaned over and whispered into my ear ‘You are lucky there are people around you little bitch.” Then they left. I waited for a long time to make sure they were gone before I moved. Without thinking I went home. I must have looked quite the mess because the expressions of shock on my parent’s faces were frightening.

‘Who did this?’ my father’s voice could barely be heard threw his clenched teeth as he spoke. I didn’t want to tell him…I was ashamed.

I smiled ‘Oh you mean my eye? You know me always the klutz!! I fell in the woods.’

‘Don’t…lie…to…me.!’ My father’s anger was so intense he could barely contain himself.

‘I…I told you I fell…’ I tried to hold back my tears as I spoke. He rose from his chair and approached me at the door. He raised his hand to my cheek examining the large bruise. Then he lifted his other to my side. I must have been giving it away in my walk because he could tell my ribs were in pain.

‘And this!! This is from when you fell too?! Tell me who did this to you!!” He face was so red…I didn’t know what to do.

‘Mama tell him I fell!! Tell him I am not lying!!’ I ran around my father and embraced my sobbing mother. ‘Tell him…tell him…’ I just kept saying it.

Eventually he stormed out of the house without a word. I found my way to my room and cried myself to sleep. I later found out that he had gone to town to try and find out for himself, but no one would speak.

Things went back to normal for a while. Well, as normal as they could be. It was a while before I started to venture away from home, but I managed to stay out of people’s way for almost a year. Then one lazy summer day I had ventured into the woods. There was this one spot by the river that had the softest grass. I went there and just lay. The sun was making me drowsy and eventually sleep over took me.

I awoke to the sound of clumsy footsteps near by. It was Jack. He was directly above me. ‘So Freak, finally decided to stop hiding behind Daddy?’ I thought if I was fast enough I could get away, but as I tried he grabbed me. At first it was like he was playing. He kept almost letting me escape and then knocking me down. It was a game. He was so much bigger then me I didn’t know what to do. I thought maybe if I just went limp again he would lose interest and leave me alone. I was wrong.

‘Oh come on it isn’t fun if you don’t scream!!’ He leaned over me and I waited for the beating…but it didn’t come. He just leaned in closer. ‘What kind of spell did you cast on me?’ I could smell the alcohol on his breath, he was very drunk. ‘My friends warned me not to spy on you. But I couldn’t help it…do you know how long I have been watching you? What did you do to me that day!?’

I had cast no spell on him, I didn’t know what he was talking about. I thought maybe while he was distracted I could run. I leapt to my feet and for just a moment I thought I had done it!! But then I felt him pulling on my cloak. As he caught me he slammed me in to the soft earth. He just lay there on top of me, my cheek pressed to the grass. I felt his hand moving up my side. ‘Why are you running? This is what you want.’ I felt sick. We were so close to the river. I thought maybe if I could just roll over we would end up falling over the bank and I could get away. I moved onto my back, as you can imagine he let me. But we were still to far away. I lost all hope of escape. I closed my eyes and tried to imagine away his hands, and the stink of his breath and body. I listened to the river. It rushed threw my ears, I imagined it swelling, over flowing it’s banks and washing us away in it’s current. And then…it did.

I woke to the sounds of angry voices around me. ‘Look what that Freak did. She killed him!’, ‘SHE MUST HAVE USED WITCH CRAFT TO CONTROL THE RIVER!’, ‘I always knew she was evil!’ I don’t know how long I had been on the river bank unconscious, but it was long enough for people to find our bodies. Jack was dead. Before they even knew that I had regained consciousness I ran. I made it back to my house before they could catch me. I found only my weeping mother there.

‘Th..they came to th..the house and made your fa..father go with them….They were calling you a witch!!’ I told her everything, I told her to tell my father I was sorry and that I loved them both. Then…I left. I was 13 and I left.

“That was almost two years ago now.” Daray sighed. “Wow, I have never told that to anyone.” She sheltered her face with her cloak, trying to hide her tears.

Rhynna sat in shock for a moment. She had just met the girl and now she knew almost everything about her. She felt for the girl. “Have you ever tried to find out about your real parents? They may be able to help you.”

“I thought about it for a while, but then I realized that there might be a reason that they left me by the river bank to die. I mean, maybe I am a freak to them too.”

“But you don’t know that!! If my mother were hear she may know what you are…she knew so much.” Rhynna trailed off at the end.

“Do you think the elves would?! I mean if I went with you to the elves do you think they may be able to find out what I am?” (Anne)


Rhynna frowned slightly to herself. Would the elves help her? What did she really know about them? Her mother would have done all she could to help the girl, almost child really…. Only fifteen years old…..At sixty-two Rhynna couldn’t even remember what it was like to be that young. Those years weighed down on her sometimes, she had been a young child to her mother and yet she had lived to see her father slowly grow old and die.

That had no consequence now, she smiled at Daray. “My mother always spoke of the elves in Dohl Lassa as a very wise and ancient race. Elves were the first of the races created and of those they in Lassa are the most ancient. I am sure that they will have some information for you.”

“Really?” said Daray. “I really want to know what I am!” Rhynna nodded absently and Daray continued on. “So what about you? Who were your parents? Why were you so beat up? You’re a half-elf aren’t you?” She said almost accusingly.

“My father was human, and my mother was an elf.” Rhynna replied. “They are both dead now.” And with that she ceased speaking. It hurt to think of her recent past, and did she really trust any of them? She almost instinctively trusted the gnome, they were a race almost as old as the elves, people of the earth and they had been friends to the elves for time out of mind. Maybe that was why Kael seemed to accept Darkor’s presence more than that of the girl’s. Kael… Rhynna didn’t know what to think of him. He had risked his own life to save her, and yet he seemed to view her as something much lower than himself. He claimed to be bringing her back to the elves, but wouldn’t they hate her as much as the humans? Her mother had always told her that the elves welcomed half breeds as their own, but her mother had also told her that all humans were basically good creatures. Besides her father she had yet to meet one that was. And then there was the girl. She seemed innocent enough, though she talked enough to make your head spin.

“You have pretty hair.” Began Daray, and then she scrunched up her nose. “But it’s all snarly, let me comb it for you!” Out of nowhere she pulled out a comb and began the brush Rhynna’s long raven locks. Rhynna was too tired to protest and as long as it quieted her she didn’t care. At least until the girl placed her hand on a bruise on her back that hadn’t fully healed. Rhynna winced and pulled away.

“Oh no!!! Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry, I’m such a moron!!!” exclaimed Daray.

“It’s okay,” said Rhynna, but she was very relieved when Daray was finished and she heard the men returning to the camp. “What was it? I heard the wolves but I was unfamiliar with the cry of the monster.”

“They do not usually inhabit these woods, it was a Hippodon, horrible beasts. I see that the girl has returned, I was so hoping that the Hippodon had eaten her,” Kael said sarcastically. Daray stuck her tongue out at him. Kael was about to reply but Darkor, sensing another argument broke in.

“Why don’t you all go back to sleep. Neither the elf nor I feel comfortable here and we will be leaving with the dawn. These woods are just not right, it is as if something is bewitching the monsters. I will continue my watch the rest of you sleep.” He looked significantly at Daray and Kael.

Daray shrugged and lay down immediately fell asleep and Rhynna quietly followed suit. Kael gave Daray an exasperated look and lay down and soon all were silent. Darkor sat through till morning listening to the sounds of the dark forest, and watching the glow of the fire. (Amanda)


Gage tramped threw the forest, his usual care put to the side. He was not in a good mood. I can’t believe I am on such an unimportant mission! His body tensed and his fists clenched as he thought back to the frustrating conversation with his lord.

“You were careless.”

“I didn’t know that the male elf was going to interfere!”

“It doesn’t matter. It is done for now. I have another task for you.”

“What?! I still need to take care of the half elf!”

“Do not argue. You failed…and I have decided not to kill her yet, she may be of more use to me alive…for now.”

“But”

“Do not argue with me.”

Gage had known that there was no point left in arguing. He had been told to deal with the Aquedans, and that is what he would do. The part of wood that he was currently traveling threw was not in the best of conditions. The reek of decaying wood and mold wafted to the hansom warrior’s nostrils.

“Humph…disgusting!” Gage wrinkled his nose in distaste. The fowl reek only grew stronger as he neared his destination. The cave came into view as Gage reached the center of the fowl patch of wood. The cave its self admitted such a stench that no decent creature could have lived within it’s caverns. Gage shook his head “Ha ha ha…this is what I get for failing…I just can’t let it happen again.”

He approached the entrance and then drew his sword. Using the handle he knocked three times on the outer stone entrance. “Is any one here? I come in service of my lord looking for the leader of the Glardegen tribe!” Gage tried not to gag as a horrid looking being emerged from the darkness. It was a half-orc.

“What the hell do you want?” a nasty bit of green saliva dripped its mouth as it spoke.

“I believe you are looking for revenge on a certain tribe? They may have been responsible for the death of your kinsman.” Gage spoke calmly masking the utter disgust he felt growing in his abdomen. Such a disgusting race…and not even pure at that!! Were the thoughts behind his deceptive smile.

The orc cursed in his own harsh tongue before speaking in the common language. “What do you know of the Aquedans?” (Anne)


Celinikal couldn’t stop shivering. The water had turned icy, and their breaths materialized like miniature clouds. The night’s frost had turned everything a soft white, and to add to the miserable conditions, a light fluffy snow had begun. Both the druid and his pack seemed unconcerned about their surroundings. Celinikal stated to go to land, maybe she could warm her frozen feet. Frederick shook his head and motioned her to come back.

“We can’t afford to leave tracks.”

Grumbling under her breath she returned to the icy waters. She followed for about two minuets before she was thoroughly fed up again.

“Look at me!” she hissed at him, and raised her feet one at a time to show him. “I’m blue!”

Frederick glanced over his shoulder, and frowned. “You’re always blue.”

One of the wolves bringing up the rear end paused for a minuet, examining Celinikal. He licked her raised foot in encouragement before passing on. He woofed to Frederick as he moved ahead. Celinikal jumped, the sensation of warmth setting her foot a-tingling, and lost her balance. Frederick turned around, an amused expression on his face. He was about to tell her that the wolf said that her foot made his tongue cold, when he was greeted by a tidal wave of icy water. Frederick just stood there, miffed, and Celinikal picked herself up out of the water.

“Sorry,” She muttered, her face a deep purple.

Frederick was apparently practicing breathing techniques. “Now would be a good time to set up camp.”

For the first time since she had started her journey, Celinikal felt content. She was dozing near the fire, with several of Frederick’s wolves curled up next to her. Frederick sat on the on side and occasionally stirred the fire to keep it going. He brushed a lock of hair in front of his eyes away, and glanced at her.

“Aren’t you supposed to be with a clan of some sort?” He asked.

Celinikal nodded. “I left to draw human attention away, but failed with the last one………..”

He nodded, his eyes distant as he thought of the now deceased orc.

“I hope I get back soon. I want to let my clan know I’m safe,” She said, finally breaking the silence. As thoughts of her clan arose, an unpleasant feeling stirred within her, almost as if…She closed her eyes tightly. She didn’t want to think about it. She didn’t want to think about her clan being in danger.

“The huntsmen should be back now…” She thought to herself. This reassured her some. The men of her village were capable warriors; they could handle any danger that might arise.

Sensing she didn’t want to talk, Frederick just let the matter drop.

Celinikal propped herself up on one elbow.

“Fred?………..Hey Fred!” she called, trying to get his attention.

Silence.

“Um, it’s Frederick.” He muttered, slightly annoyed.

“Ok, Fred. I was just wondering about your past…..”

“Fre-de-rick,” he said, over pronunciating.

“Why is Fred so picky about his name?” She wondered. “Fred?” She asked timidly. “What was your past like?”

He stirred the fire once more before answering her. (Jessi)


------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Throughout the rest of the gnome's watch nothing happened. There were a few monsters that dared to peak their heads in at the group but soon found out that the gnome was well mannered enough to take them off when they did so. This was what the gnome was used to seeing when he was on watch, but the thought of the hippodon still frightened him. He kept hearing the dying cries of the wolves in his head over and over again and this pained him enough until he eventually started to cry.

“What troubles you?” said an entrancing voice from a direction unclear to him.

The gnome quickly scanned his party to notice that not a single one of them was there and that he was all alone in darkness.

“Why do you cry?” said the voice growing louder and somewhat more entrancing.

It was now evident that there were greater forces at work here, for the shape of the being that was calling to him soon became clear, it was a banshee. This banshee floated about five feet from the ground, it wore a black robe and long white hair but the thing that disturbed the gnome the most about the banshee was her eyes, they were clear.

“Who be you, friend or foe? For if you are foe your life will soon meet its end by this hammer and this sword.” said Darkor in voice clear of fear.

“I am Ira, Banshee of the East, and I have come here for your soul by order of my lord.” Cried the banshee as she charged at the gnome with her teeth barred and claws showing.

“So you want a fight eh,” yelled Darkor as he charged at the banshee head on.

The two locked nails and sword together and started their battle. The banshee swung at the gnome with her mighty hand and tried to take his head off with the blow, but missed. She was soon back on the attack and she lunged and backhanded at the gnome till he was bloody. This didn’t stop Darkor from launching his comeback. He threw himself at the banshee but at the last second dove down and around the banshee and in doing so he got behind her and dug his sword into her back.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! YOU WRETHCHED WORM I WILL EAT YOU AND USE YOUR BONES FOR TOOTHPICKS. NO ONE GETS THE BEST OF IRA AND LIVES TO TELL! YOU WILL DIE BY MY HANDS GNOME!” Screamed the banshee in anger.

After saying this Ira cocked her head back and let out a scream that sent the gnome flying backwards, but in doing this the banshee lost control of the spell she set on the surroundings and the darkness vanished to be replaced by the campsite. Unlucky for the gnome this meant there was a tree to break his fall. When hearing this the party awoke, just be thrown down to ground, knocked unconscious by the scream the Banshee sent at them.

“That is why no one can beat me fool,” said Ira as she flew to the gnome. “You think a little gnome like you could kill me with your little sword. If you thought so you were sadly mistaken and for that mistake, you now die.” She extended her claws and drove them to the ground, and ended up hitting only that very thing.

“Your wrong wench,” said the gnome from behind Ira.

The gnome was now standing on the back of a wolf, he quickly told the wolf to charge at the banshee. Once close he jumped off throwing his sword right between the banshees eyes and used his hammer to bash the sword straight through her head leaving a hole about 8 inches wide. This battle however came with a price, the gnome had lost a lot of blood and broke his sword when he drove it through the banshee’s head.

“We leave these cursed woods now!” cried Darkor to his now waking comrades. “Their are powers much greater than we are in this forest, we leave now with our lives still…” as the gnome hit the ground, unconscious from the blood loss.

Kael quickly got up and used some healing herbs to stop the bleeding while Rhynna used a quick healing spell. As soon as the gnome awoke he was happy to see that morning had came, that Kael had carried him on his shoulders through most of the forest and, that he had feeling in his legs again. (Andrew)