NationStates Jolt Archive

Lorathin woke up and the first thing he saw was the pseudo-pig. "What is that?" He asked the dragon as he saw it seemed to be partially sand based.

Relthor chuckled "Dinner, human! Whatever you wish, that creature may have it!"

A strange many armed beast sprung out from the sands, underneath Relthor's hand. The creature was tall and incredibly skinny, with four arms. Within the four hands, the creature carried a long thing sword, which it wielded with incredible proficiency.

He looked at the pig and grabbed a piece of fruit. He took a bite and watched the 'fights'.

The sand Cadeyrn was actually pushing his orginal back and knocked his sword away. The mercenary slowly backed up trying to get to his weapon, but like he would do, charged in for the kill.

Threatened with death, the mercenary's werewolf blood boiled and caught the massive blade with his hands. Cadeyrn's eyes shifted to verticle slits as he tore apart the sand clone with his bare hands.

Another challenge. Tlaxkrox, put his shield out, stuck his mace foward, and ilted his head fowar so his horn poited toward the sand warrior, and charged into it with all his might.

"Oh?" The dragon was slightly surprised by Cadeyrn's sudden brutality. "Are you alright, Cadeyrn?"

Tlaxkrox's opponent had leapt out of the skizzarish's charge, swinging his weapons down upon the warrior as he passed by.

Tlaxkrox put up his shield at the right time to block the warriors attack. He swung his mace around, aiming for his opponent's legs.

Cadeyrn doubled over gritting his teeth trying to break his newly grown fangs.

"I-I'm fine" He growled trying to control his more feral side.

Relthor had a worried look on his face. "What's going on?"

Tlaxkrox's sand-warrior moved it's sword to block the mace. While it did block the mace, the sword shattered, the pieces dissolving into sand. It began to rapidly slash at Tlaxkrox with it's remaining four swords.

OOC- Last post of the night

IC- Tlaxkrox smashed his mace around. He was now trying to hit anything.

Cadeyrn saw the multi-armed sand creature battle his 'ally'. He lept an incredible distance onto the sand beast's back clawing into it ferociously.

The sand creature opened it's mouth wide, as if to scream, but being made of sand, nothing came out.

"That is enough," said Relthor, as he dissipated the sand-man, eyeing Cadeyrn with suspicion. "Perhaps we should all get some sleep before the sun rises," he said, not taking his eyes off Rimoru's bodyguard.

"I agree." Tlaxkrox went and began to sleep.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, what did you do during the time you were imprisoned?" Lorathin asked the dragon.

"Nothing really...I couldn't do anything...Every day, they used incredible enchantments with all of their greatest wizards, to keep me trapped within their Arena. They rarely even fed me, and when they did, they included strange foods, that would bend my will to them. Luckily, I had enough freedom to feed myself, when they did not or when I refused to eat..."

Cadeyrn snapped his fangs by gritting his teeth hard enough and the pain restored his control. The mercenary collapsed onto his face and fell into a deep sleep. The cold desert night made him shiver beyond his will.

"Ah." He replied, "Did/does your wife sleep?"

Relthor laughed at the strange question. "I'm pretty sure she does. We all need to sleep sometime."

He watched Cadeyrn with interest as the strange man collapsed on his face. He's hiding something...

"Then I might know a way you can get in touch with her." Lorathin commented as he followed the dragon's eyes to the berzerker.

"Oh, please, tell me how," Relthor replied, bringing his snout close to Lorathin. "I would like to see her again..."

"Well first of all you'll have to trust me, something Ar'mai at least will advise you most strongly against." He replied

"Ar'mai?" Relthor asked. He had not yet been introduced to all of their names, but by the sound of it, it seemed like an elvish name. "Depends, human. I would dislike swapping bodies or something of the sort. No offense, of course, but I prefer the dragon form over others..."

"Nope, not body-swapping. I wouldn't take that even if offered. Actually you have to let me in your sleeping mind." He replied

"My sleeping mind?" Relthor was very curious as to this method. "What will you do in my mind?"

"Beside probing your memories, you'll have to trust nothing." He replied as while spells he needed to use could be used constructively, they could also be used in a variety of truely nasty ways.

"May I trust you into not delving into certain...memories I would like to keep secret?" asked Relthor in a pleading way.

"How would I tell?" He asked

"I can try to keep them 'under wraps'," chuckled Relthor. "They will be in the deepest, darkest area, is my best guess. So I suggest not delving too deep..."

Sangradeen watched the water in the little light the night offered. He was in a strangely playful mood, despite it being night. He put his hand in the water and started waving it around and taking it out of the pool. The water followed his hand. I wonder how fast I can make a golem out of water... With both hands in the water, Sangradeen began a kind of prayer in a very strange language. The water began to rise and, when it became about five feet tall, became absolutely still. Sangradeen paused for a short while, and started another quiet prayer. The area around him became very dark and a violet light began to eminate in front of him. He hoped no one looked at the light directly...

Meanwhile, Heerall became more cautious at the sight of Cadeyrn tearing apart the two sand creatures. "Hopefully that man will stay asleep for the night."

"I can try, but if any involve your wife, then they may not be safe." He replied

A sad dream forced Cadeyrn to awaken in the freezing night. He curled into a ball desperately trying to keep himself warm; shivering uncontrollably.

"Hey, Relthor, can you animate a little fire for me please?" He asked not realizing there was a tear rolling down his cheek. Immediately he swiped it away and donned his proud persona once again.

A small fire floated in the middle of the glass house, and it gave off sufficient heat to keep all the occupents warm in the freezing desert night. Harlin marveled at this new curiosity Minos had displayed for them all. It was truly amazing that he could maintain the fire's shape in a perfect sphere while sleeping. Amazing, he thought, before lying back down on the mysteriously soft bed of glass that Minos had created.

Closing his eyes, he began to doze, and eventually, he joined his companions in the quiet world of sleep.

"I suppose I don't have to worry so much about that...my memories of my mate are all joyous..."

"Of course, Cadeyrn," replied Relthor warmly, as he shot forth a small flame from his nostral, landing near Cadeyrn, and burning warmly.

Relthor turned back to Lorathin. "So when will we do this?" he asked quietly, unsure if the others should know or not.

"Do you want someone to keep watch or do this in private?" He asked

"What would you suggest? Who would keep watch?" Relthor asked quietly, scanning the mostly resting party.

"Someone you trust." He replied

"Ah thanks big guy." Cadeyrn said warmly taking off his cloak and stepping into the fire. Steam emitted off his metal armor as he spread his arms and loved the heat.

"I do not yet know any one well enough. Let us just do so in private, unless you have a suggestion," replied Relthor quietly. "Unfortunately, being as large as I am, if we do move somewhere distant, I think at least someone will notice me missing..."

"No problem, Cadeyrn," Relthor replied almost absent mindedly. Actually...the human did have a somewhat long conversation with Relthor.

He turned back to Lorathing. "Perhaps Cadeyrn can come with?"

"If you're willing to trust him." Lorathin replied, "It'd be fine."

"I am," Relthor replied. "Cadeyrn, would you come here for a minute or two?"

"Sure thing Relthor." Cadeyrn replied gleefully leaping from the middle of the pyre. His skin was bright red and the mercenary seemed to walk with a bounce in his step.

"Cadeyrn, I would like you to watch over all of us, for anything unusual," he whispered in a surprisingly quiet tone for a dragon. "I'm not quite sure what is going to happen, but I doubt this human or I will be able to do much. This is not anything to be alarmed by." I hope not...

"Human, let us get started before the sun rises..." he said to Lorathin.

"Alright, can you fall asleep at will?" He asked, as sleep was the second stage of the work that he intended to do.

Relthor let out a muffled laugh. "I wish, human. But I will try..." Relthor crossed his front arms and set his head on top, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. After several minutes he opened the eye closest to Cadeyrn and Lorathin. "I fall asleep best when I'm not being watched," he chuckled.

He closed his eye's again, falling into a light sleep...

"Good." He replied as he began casting the first spell. With a gesture and incarnation, a pale blue cloud appeared around the dragon's head. "I'd stay out of the that." He added to the berzerker.

Relthor dreamed of his past. He was flying around, enjoying the warm summer breeze and the wind whipping around his face. He roared joyously as he turned his head to the side. His wife...

She was exactly as he explained her. Her scales were the same color as his, yet they sparkled and glowed like polished gold. Her eyes a deep green. The spread apart, flying in opposite directions, before flying straight upwards. As they hit a certain point, they moved towards each other again, almost on a collision course.

At the last second, they moved slightly, and held onto each other's claws, rapidly spinning each other. As they spun, they twisted their long necks around each other's, a loving look in their eyes...

Yet a large black thunder cloud hung lazily in the sky. All the past memories that Relthor wished he had never witnessed...

Ar'mai drifted off to sleep with her dreams on days long past...

Inzikai had woken up from a dreamless sleep. Unable to get comfortable again, he sat up and looked around. The dragon was asleep, yet the two humans were hanging around the massive beast. There appeared to be a glowing cloud above it's head as well.

Not truly wanting to deal with it, he looked at Ar'mai and noticed her sleeping soundly. He smiled as he got up, and quietly strolled to her. He laid down next to her, wondering what she'd think when she saw him close by..

And if she woke up, I'll just tell her what I see...she may get curious herself, he thought to himself, grinning widely.

"You know, sneaking around in the dead of night could get you killed," Ar'mai whispered without moving her body or even opening her eyes. She knew he would now feel the point of a knife poke (not breaking skin) his stomach as he lay next to her.

Inzikai scooted away slightly. "I'm sorry, Ar'mai. I thought you were fast asleep..." he replied quietly. "You can't get to sleep either, or are elves naturally light sleepers?"

He felt inside his robes to make sure nothing was wrong. Other than the peeling skin, he felt no punctures.

"That we are..." she replied simply.

"Ar'mai...have you noticed, your friend Azrael doing something to that dragon? What if he plans on controlling the dragon for his own purposes?" Inzikai asked quietly, glancing quickly at the dragon, before returning his eyes to Ar'mai's beautiful form.

Lorathin cast the second spell, which incidentally had the effect of dispelling the cloud. The cloud had done it's job of further weaking the already weakened defences of the dragon's mind. Fortunately it was tailored to him so enterprising corrupters wouldn't have the same ease of access.

Once he'd managed to navigate the morass of thought and memory. He then began sharpening the memories of Relthor's mate. It also let him see the memories as if he'd lived them, which was what was necessary for the final part.

Seperating his mind from the dragon's mind, he tapped it on the shoulder. "Time to wake up."

Caedyrn looked on with interest.

keep an eye out for anything unusual.

He only imagined what could go wrong so his blade was jammed into the sand within arm's reach. Spells could never hold the berserker's attention as he yawned and stared into the night sky.

"What an astounding dream..." Relthor grumbled softly, barely opening his eyes. "I have not been able to sleep well in so long..." He stretched his long neck, extending his front and back legs, stretching out as far as he could.

"So, what next, human?" he yawned.

"How often did she sleep?" He asked as he stretched and massaged his temples, psionics always were stressful.

"Not often...Us dragons never really did sleep frequently," replied Relthor, falling asleep again.

Cadeyrn walked closer to the dragon with curiousity.

"What happened?" He asked kindly.

"He fell asleep again." Lorathin replied

"The human is attempting to contact my mate for me. I needed to be asleep for him to begin this process, but I am quite alright," he smiled lazily.

"When you asked me for fire, you seemed sad. Why?" he yawned quietly, staring at Cadeyrn with half closed eyes.

He chuckled at Lorathin's response. "It will take me a bit to fall asleep again, I think..."

"I like being warm, well..." He paused smiling "By warm I mean that I like being engulfed in fire. I have a particular weakness to even the slightest cold, but in extreme heats I thrive."

He looked toward the rising sun squinting.

"Not sure how this came about, I was just born this way." He finished raising his hadn trying to block the morning light.

"That's a shame. You cannot enjoy the beautiful silence of a winter snowfall, I take it?" Relthor asked as he took a deep breath. "You are strange for a human, unless they evolved quite a bit since I was gone..."

He moved slightly closer to the human. "Are you hiding something, Cadeyrn?" he asked in the quietist voice he could ask.

"If I remain in the snow for over an hour I'll most likely freeze to death." He responded with a frustrated tone.

Am I hiding anything?

"I wish I knew about my past enough to answer that. Truth be told my parents were killed before I was born. The way I heard they tore me from my mother's body and took me with them, bandits I mean. At the age of six I was attacked by a feral wolf and since I've been struck with a curse...well a blessing really." He said smiling wickedly.

"A feral wolf..." Relthor muttered. "Are you not worried you would attack friends when you...transform?"

"I usually only transform in combat, and since I really don't have friends I've never had to worry about attacking them." He admitted quietly. "It is getting harder to control myself though."

Relthor yawned. "Do you know why? Perhaps one of us can aid you..."

Cadeyrn became terse and frustrated. "I would rather not put my burden on anyone else. I can carry my own weight."

Relthor only smiled. "Thank you for the invigorating conversation Cadeyrn...you must forgive my rudeness of yawning. As I have said before, I have not had a good sleep in so long...and now I am stretched out, comfortable beyond belief...

"I've put up with worse." He mused motioning his head towards the ogre. "I wouldn't worry too much about me; my fighting days are almost over at last."

Relthor laughed. "That ogre certainly have a way with friendships...a strange one..."

Small spects of sunlight began to show over the horizon.

"Cadeyrn and human, best get what sleep you can...I will attempt to do so as well," he smiled before closing his eyes completely.

Cadeyrn smiled at the large companion. "Good idea." he replied kneeling and gripping his sword stuck in the ground. He closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

"I'll do that shortly. There is still something I have to do." He replied as he walked into the desert a bit and began inscribing/melting a design into the sand.

Sarik awoke from his long rest, revitalized and overall in a good mood. He smiled as he silently got up and walked over to the sleeping dragon.

"Relthor, is it time to wake the others?" he whispered quietly, unsure if the massive dragon could hear him.

"No...let them sleep longer. They barely had rest," he replied, once again stretching his entire body, the sand dunes toppling from his massive appendages. "Tell me, skizzarish, what is your name?"

"I am Sarik, lord dragon," he replied bowing low.

"Please, call me Relthor," he yawned as he set his head down on the sand. "So you're planning on going to Rimoru's Library? May I come, Sir Sarik. I would love to see the empress after all these years..."

Sarik hesitated for a bit. If he is forbidden to see the empress...we may have some trouble getting in. But he is indeed a powerful ally...

"Sure, Relthor. But...if you are forbidden to see her...wouldn't they recognize your form? Especially after all that commotion from the arena?"

"Ah...dragons are certainly hard to hide. But...that won't be a problem..." he chuckled quietly. Suddenly, he arched his neck back, his eye's glowing brightly. His wings spread out as he stood up on his hind legs. Suddenly, he began to shrink. His wings, however grew around him, nearly covering Relthor's body. His claws shrunk as well, as the natural curve of his hands straightened out

Soon, he was slightly taller than Sarik, but he no longer looked anywhere near a dragon. Yet there were still some similarities between this form and Relthor's dragon form.

Relthor now looked like a tall, muscular, high elf, his ears ending in points. His skin was a pale gold color. He had beautiful blue eyes, and short golden hair that seemed naturally spiked up. He was dressed in golden robes, soft to the touch, yet strong enough to stop a well placed sword thrust. He wore gold plated boots to cover his feet.

Sarik stood in awe at the dragon. "I never knew you could-"

Relthor put a hand on his lips. "Shh. Not many people know dragons can shapeshift...It is quite painful...and even worse to get used to these new forms..." Relthor stretched his arms as he examined himself. "Not bad...I have gotten slightly rusty..."

"Oh? How so?" asked Sarik. He seemed to find little resemblence between the man who stood in front of him now and the dragon that lay before him a minute ago.

Relthor only needed to smile to reveal what he meant. Relthor's canines were incredibly long, like that of a vampire. And if one looked close enough, the teeth behind the Canines also appeared to be somewhat sharper than normal.

Sarik chuckled. "Wait until the others see you! Let's see if they can guess who you are," he laughed. Relthor chuckled at the thought.

Lorathin had finished his work that was hidden by the dune. He then began working on the final part of getting in touch with Relthor mate. Quickly entering into a trance, he sent the servant he'd summoned to carry the message, hoping the dragon would sleep shortly. The message was quite simple, stating simply 'Relthor's free in Lustria'.

He stood up and headed back to where the dragon had been. "Hello Sarik, Relthor." He commented

Cadeyrn had walked silently behind a dune and pulled out the crystal Rimoru had given him. He tried to remember the operation method, but began getting frustrated as he stared at the gem with growing anger.

"Cadeyrn...Rimoru" He spoke while rubbing the device. "Haha too easy!"

Relthor frowned slightly. "Ah, you're no fun, human! Just don't tell anyone."

"Good morning, Azrael," he replied, bowing slightly.

He chuckled again as he tested his body.

**********************************************************

An image of a yawning Rimoru appeared in the crystal.

"Cadey...have you no idea what time it is? An empress needs her beauty sleep..." she chuckled seductively. "What is it, Cadey, my darling?"

"It's kind of obvious." He replied with a smile, "And morning yourself." He replied returning the slight bow.

"Obvious?" Relthor asked. He looked at Sarik who merely shrugged.

"I thought it was pretty good," chuckled Sarik.

"Human, you must explain my faulty disguise!" Relthor asked as he hurried after Azrael.

"If you get any more beautiful even I won't be able to beat back the horde of suiters." He mused as the morning light creeped over his face. "Anyway it seems everyone here is determined to getting to your library and Relthor seems to trust me. Considering your past with him it shouldn't be too difficult to make him join us. I will let you know more once we depart boss. Take care empress."

"Lets look at it logically. Now there is an elf with golden colouring and a thing for golden clothes, and no gold coloured dragon. See where I'm going with this?" He asked

"You flatter me, Cadey," she chuckled as she batted her eyes lashes. "Relthor? Ahh...Such a sweet creature. I never even realized the dragon was my old guardian. How I will look forward to meeting him...as for the others...Perhaps I'll have a special welcome for them," she said, grinning mischieviously.

"Cadey, you have done a marvelous job...I may have a special gift for you when you return home," she replied seductively, grinning widely.

**********************************************************

"Oh...What if the dragon flew away?" Relthor asked, making a flapping motion with his hands.

"And elves are not quite dragons...And who wouldn't want golden robes?" he chuckled.

"Did you have to change already?" Ar'mai asked as she too eyed Relthor's new appearance. "It could have been much easier if you just flew us the whole way there..."

"And it won't be obvious to random people."

"Then where did the elf come from?" He asked, "I for one dislike golden robes, they're tacky. No offence intended of course."

"Oh darn!" growled Relthor, stomping his foot on the ground. "It seems as if I'm known to well here..."

"Plus, I do not think I can change much farther. Iskani scouts have been known to scout close to the outskirts of my area, back when this used to be a jungle...Knowing Rimoru, I doubt that's changed. In fact, she may have sent scouts even farther now that my home is gone..."

"At least I'll have the benefit of fooling random people, as you put it, noble elf," smiled Relthor.

Inzikai followed shortly after Ar'mai. He noticed the strange elf.

"What happened here?" he growled at the new elf. "Relthor, I presume?"

Relthor sighed. "How did you guess?"

"I'm a telepath..." Inzikai replied as he examined the dunes they had to travel.

"Really?" asked Relthor, curiosity in his eyes.

"Yeah. Also, if you look on the floor underneath your feet, you'll see the words Gullible there."

Relthor looked down, under his feet. Realizing he's been tricked he looked up, his eyebrows furrowed. He stuck out his long dragon-like tongue, curling it up and waving it around.

As Inzikai turned around, Relthor's tongue slipped back in. "So...how will we get there?"

"Walking it would appear. Oh, and Relthor we just need to wait till your wife takes a nap for her to know you're free." Lorathin commented

"Relthor is quite an amazing specimen; I am taking great pleasure in talking to him. The dragon and I are quite simliar and I would hate to never see him again." He said looking into the Empress' deep elven eyes. "As for my reward." He paused for a sinful smile. "Consider your presence enough to appease even the lonliest of hearts, and of course the pay."

He looked over to the rising sun and sighed.

You big oaf! The most beautiful women is flirting with you and you're utterly avoiding it. It doesn't seem right for some reason though. You big baby.

"I most go empress, bid me luck, I hope to see you soon boss." Cadeyrn said putting the gem into his leather pouch.

The mercenary crawled over the dune and saw a new figure. A little apprehensive he clutched the hilt of his blade and barked "Who the hell is this and where'd Relthor go!?"

Cade you big goof... He scolded himself after realized a remarkable simliarity.

"Close by" was, of course, a relative term. When it came to a whole day's flying distance, that "close by" was more like "far away." With the lightened load, however, the horses were able to travel farther without overexerting themselves, which helped a little to make up for the slower speed.

As night came, Mave and Tera made camp on top of a large dune, as doing so in the valleys between the dunes could result in being buried under the sand should the winds shift them over the night - although not even a slight breeze was stirring at the moment. Maverion and Teralynn had their own, single-person tents, which they set up on opposite sides of a small pit in the sands. The horses were tied to the poles holding the tiny tents up. In the shoal pit they dug out were a few wooden branches for a fire to keep warm with.

There were only a few pieces of wood in there at a time, as they had to ration the wood they bought from the Skizzarish town they were in right before entering the desert. Throughout the night, Mave would have to wake up to toss in a couple more pieces to keep the measely fire going whenever things got too cold. It must have been not long before dawn when Mave awoke again to grab another piece of wood from the pile near his tent. Placing it in the pit, he positioned it in the best spot possible and watched as the other, blackened branches slowly set the fresh one on fire. As it was nearly day, Mave decided to prepare breakfast instead of returning to sleep, and went to the food supplies bag. Before he could reach into the sack, however, a movement caught his attention.

Quickly looking over at the valley below, he noticed that a large portion of the sand was shifting on its own, as if something large underneath the sand was moving towards them. "Tera! Wake up!" he shouted as he leapt back to his tent to grab his sword while sending a mental command to the carpet.

There was a small yelp from Teralynn as the carpet, which she was sleeping on, came flying out of her tent. "What is happening?" Tera demanded, throwing off the blanket she had wrapped around her.

"Something big is moving around under us," Mave said, pulling the sword out of its sheath and looking around for signs of the creature. Nothing happened at first, but then the entire camp site heaved up a couple of feet before settling back down, moving across the sand like some kind of desert tidal wave before disappearing back into the dune.

The two horses were naturally freaked out and tried to run off. At first, being tied to the tent poles stopped them, but the sand quickly gave way to the yanking of the horses, and the poles tumbled to the ground as the horses dragged them down the dune in their frantic escape attempt. The horses, side-by-side, were only halfway down the large hill when a huge, black shape shot out of that side of the dune. It looked like a giant manta ray, its fins stretching dozens of meters across as they rippled through the air. The creature zipped across the valley as if gliding with its wings before crashing into another dune, slipping into the sands as if they were but water, and disappeared into them. There were no signs of the horses anywhere.

Mave and Tera watched the huge beast, which no doubt swallowed both horses whole. When the creature went back into the sand, Mave jumped onto the carpet and flew out of there, leaving their supplies behind. Taking a quick glance at the stars, Mave directed the carpet toward the west.

Teralynn looked back, occasionally brushing aside hair that was whipping at her face. "It is coming!"

Mave looked around, and sure enough, a mass of sand was quickly gaining on them some distance away. Then the creature flew out of the sands, its large figure gliding upwards in a wide arc. The ray suddenly got very large as it swiftly closed the distance between them, its mouth on the bottom opening up into an ebony maw to devour the two officers. Maverion pushed the flying carpet even faster as well as upwards, and them zoomed out of the ray's reach just as the ray came down from the apex of its arc, missing the two by a mere few feet.

After a few more failed attempts, the creature gave up the chase and disappeared back into the desert.

Tera looked forward again, noticing the difficulty in breathing caused by their incredible velocity through the air. Well, on the bright side, she thought to Mave, we do not have the horses to slow us down anymore.

It was true, of course, as their abnormally high speed got them to their destination in no time, and found the appointed inn well before high noon.

Relthor laughed in his elven voice. It was no where near as deep as his dragon form had been, but it was still somewhat deeper than the common elf male.

"Relax, Caderyn, I am Relthor," he chuckled, showing off his elven body, raising his prominent chin and putting his hands on his hips. "But, in order to keep my somewhat stealthy disguise, I need a new name. Any suggestions?"

"Thank you, human. I do hope my mate takes her nap soon," he chuckled quietly.

"A new name, eh?" Ar'mai echoed as she thought about a good elven name for the dragon.

"How about.... Kavia..." she said after a moment of thought. "Or... Ka'oro."

"Why not Joe?" Lorathin asked with a chuckle and smile.

Ar'mai frowned. "Because nobody would believe that his name was Joe..."

"Joe? Joe...Joe...hmmm," Relthor furrowed his brows in thought. "Hmm..."

"Kavia...I do like. It has a nice ring to it," Relthor replied thoughtfully, half-smiling. "Many thanks, kind elf," Relthor finished, bowing low, his golden robes hanging loose off the skinny elf's body. "And you too, human, however Kavia has a better ring than 'Joe'..."

"Well 'Kavia', it seems that nearly everybody is up...Shall we be off towards Rimoru's Library?" asked Sarik, smiling broadly.

"Yes...Let's," replied Inzikai, returning the broad smile. Closer to my goal...And then, when they least expect it...I'll leave with my book in hand, leading these pathetic fiends to their doom... He scanned the group, until his eyes fell on Ar'mai. Except for Ar'mai...perhaps I can bring her along...I will be, after all, on the winning side...And Tlaxkrox, my loyal servant...he will keep the others away if they happen to avoid my trap...

Inzikai shivered at the genius of his plans. In fact, he began to laugh aloud. This will indeed be a great, great victory... he thought as he imagined Ar'mai on Inzikai's lap, seductive clothing on as she held lovingly onto the crowned ruler. Inzikai himself sat handsomely in a massive throne, much larger than his current one. And behind that throne, was the massive god, Valtrox, his vicious teeth visible as he smiled wickedly.

Inzikai muffled his laughing, trying to hide his sudden burst of joy.

"Joseph, or Jose then?" He suggested, "Or perhaps Joel."

"Is something funny?" Ar'mai commented as her keen elven ears caught the muffled laughs coming from Inzikai.

Inzikai just smiled warmly at Ar'mai, meeting her eyes with his own. "Of course not...I mean, not yet...err...not yet for you guys...kind of. You'll laugh when you know it," Especially you, lovely..., he thought, not taking his eyes off Ar'mai's eyes.

Cadeyrn's eyes sharpened on Inzikai who seemed to be enjoying news of departure a little too much.

That's wierd; well not really, because he is an elf and we are going to a library after all. I guess an elf would be excited.

The mercenary chuckled as his suspicians dropped.

ooc: Inzikai's Skizzarish...for the most part atleast. He's slowly transforming into something else, but no one can see that, due to his heavy hooded cloak. The only physcal thing someone may notice differently about Inzikai is that he is slowly getting more muscular and slightly larger...

Inzikai was able to hold his laughter, as he tried to speak to Relthor. "Dragon...err...heh...Whatever your name is, perhaps you can summon creatures for us to ride there?" he chuckled, before bursting out laughing again.

Looking up from where he had joined the others, Harlin said, "That won't be neccessary for me." He put his fingers to his mouth and made a high pitched whistling sound with his fingers. Within seconds, a horse came came running out of the desert. Windflitter... Harlin's faithful companion walked up beside him and nuzzled his neck.

When he saw the suprised/bewildered looks on his companoins faces, he remarked, "Windflitter and I are bonded in a way few can understand. He can come from nearly anywhere to be at my side almost instantaneously, no matter the distance. It's a trait unique to his race of horses, the Raynhym."

OOC: ignore this...

"Ah yes," muttered Sangradeen as he turned around, "Creatures to ride over the desert would be VERY useful. I would know... As for water....", Sangradeen stepped aside to reveal a five foot blob of water. It had two tentacles and the water was constantly trying to keep itself from falling off of the blob. "Well, well, well, well, well, well, well...", said a feminine voice that seemed to eminate from the blob, "Helloooooooooo and good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My name is Nahamiel!" The golem went around and offered to greet everyone.
"Nahamiel," started Sangradeen, "is a water golem whose sole purpose in life is to wander deserts and provide people with water who really need it after, of course, 'she' finishes with us. Nahamiel will provide us with water for however long we shall be trekking the desert." Sangradeen's eyes were still glowing purple from creating the golem's conscience. His mind was still in a minor state of meditation and was aware of Relthor's little fiasco. He was also very suspicious about Inzikai. He pulled up a piece of hard leather from under the robes at his neck to protect himself against any sand picked up. "Shall we be off?"

Andros and Helio Valise (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10885962#post10885962)

The desert had been a unrelenting mistress so far. Harsh winds turned up dust into the air, creating dustdevils and choking the oxygen. The sky was the sand, as no blue nor black could be seen through the red-brown atmosphere.

A scorpion crawled between rocks, searching for shelter. Helio pounced, ripping the barbed tail off with a claw. He carried the creature with his mouth back to the crumbling ruins.

The ruins looked as if they were the base of a long-gone tower. A stone platform, raised above the dunes, held the foundation, and one corner still had a crumbling wall that provided worthy shelter. Stones were strewn about, some partially buried, a telltale sign that this ruined building had been ruined for a rather long time. The Valise brothers had stretched their heavy wool cloaks from the corner, leaving a relatively protected pocket of space.

Helio scurried into the pocket, dropping the half-dead scorpion to the ground before crushing it with his paw. Crunch. He resumed his normal human form. "Andros, I've got another scorpion."

Andros looked over, grabbed the scorpion, and placed it on the rack with a half dozen other dead scorpions. He wished they had a fire to at least cook them, but the wind wouldn't allow it.

"Brother," he almost had to shout as a strong wind past overhead, "Did you spot a watering hole?"

"No, Andros, sight is minimal at best out there. We'll have to search after the winds die down."

Andros was getting worried. They were steadily running out of water, and they hadn't come across a watering hole in a long while. If they didn't find water soon, they'd have to travel dry, which meant they'd probably die. Normally Andros could just summon water, stealing it from the surrounding air, however, this air was dry, without any moisture to steal.

"Come, we must eat while we can," said Helio, picking up a scorpion and pulling a chunk out. Andros followed. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.. "These taste so stale, my brother." Even as a weretiger, used to eating rodents, these scorpions were ill-tasting.

After finishing what little food was found, they determined it might be a good idea to get some sleep. They huddled together in their packs, and pulled their cloaks closer to the wall. The wind blew loud, an irritating sound for two brothers used to the soft chirping of a good forest.

Any other day, Helio would has stood watch, but he had figured no one would arrive from this desolate wasteland.

ooc: please forgive this lame post. I am so tired I am seeing double. I kept spelling desert, dessert... wishful thinking I guess. :p I am dying here. I hope this is ok for an opening post, as I cannot think or keep my eyes all the way open.

Karasu

Where to now? Karasu pondered. Her two jobs went very well. One was to protect a very powerful, but ill mage, and bring him across many miles to his home village and his group of mages. Because of his great strength, he was a target of many other magical beings, and his illness afforded them the perfect opportunity to kidnap or kill him.

Karasu battled three different groups, every one of them very tough, and managed to defeat them all. After all, she was a premier bodyguard extraordinaire. Karasu commanded outrageous prices for her work, but the money was well earned, and if someone just did not have it and truly needed protection, she usually caved and protected them anyway.

After leaving the ill mage at his village, and having a lovely meal, Karasu set out on her second job, the assassination of about 10 shinobi, who were relentlessly attacking an innocent village, stealing from them, pillaging... the usual thug behavior.

Ten on one. Normally that would seem insane, but Karasu was not wealthy for nothing. She defeated them in short order, some of her custom weapons coming in handy as usual, and the village offered her a meal. Unfortunately, she could not eat that much, so they packed up some food for her to take along with her, as well as water, since she did not know her destination.

Karasu changed out of her fighting leather and into her black and gold kimono, said her good-byes, and headed into the desert.

Why the desert? Karasu could hear a dragon calling and felt the need to answer. She needed to pass through the desert in order to get to where the summons was emanating.

She walked into a deserted forest area where there was a very large clearing and in shimmering gold crystal-like dust, she became The Black and Gold Dragon. She certainly was not going to walk thru the desert.

Karasu took to the skies; something she adored. As long as she could become airborne without damaging any of her surroundings. She was so large in her dragon form, that she needed a lot of space to change forms, and if there was not enough room... well, let us say there was always a massive amount of damage. She was large enough and fast enough to cover a small village in a shadow when she flew low. If she flew fast enough, a sonic boom accompanied it. That always went over well with the locals. Karasu had unintentionally caused much damage this way, however, when she changed back to human, she always managed to slip some money to the person whose property she damaged, so they could repair the damage and have some money left over. It was the least she could do.

Karasu put the bag of food and water in her jaws and her duffel hooked on her back, found a place to change, and began her ascent from the desert floor, causing a near dust bowl. Even though she was high above the earth, she could still hear the curses; “I have sand in my eye now, dammit!", and such.

When she was high enough, she performed some acrobatics, spins and dives, and just enjoyed herself. I wonder what that other dragon wants. The message was garbled. I believe I will approach as a human, just to be safe.

As she was crossing the desert, Karasu saw an area of ruins where it looked like two vagabonds were spending the night. Since she did not know them, and did not know if they were trustworthy, she slowed down and swooped low, her body seeming to take minutes to pass over the two men. As she passed, she breathed fire on a pile of wood, and dropped her water, food, and a little money on the ground for them. Karasu then flew up vertically, blowing sand all over the place until she reached a good height and then flew to the other side of the forest where the call was coming from. She changed into her human form, put on her kimono and some exquisite jewelry, put away all but a couple weapons, and began walking the direction of the calls. She had seen the group from her height in the sky, so she had a general idea where they were. She headed in that general direction, hoping to find out what was going on

"Ah, that would be most useful," Sarik smiled as Sangradeen's golem bobbed around. "Quite a talkative golem..."

Meanwhile, Kavia had placed his hand on the hot sandy floor, his eyes closed in concentration. Suddenly, one by one, horses made of sand sprung out of the ground, one for each...except for Kalzog's, which was more of an elaphant creature.

Getting up slowly, Kavia smiled. "Ok, let us leave this place..." he said with a smile as he mounted his own sand-horse.


**********************************************************

Rothargot had finally arrived at the tavern, getting the attention of fearful onlookers. Demonic demi-gods don't make common occurances...

He walked into the tavern, scanning the area for his cohorts...

Karasu flew very high in the air, so that she looked like a speck from the ground, if anyone even noticed her at all. Her excellent sight made it easy to see what was going on below her. She saw a group of people on horses made of sand. You do not see that every day. she mused.

Deciding to approach them from the front; run in to them, so to speak, she began the long descent to the ground. She wanted to land far enough away that there would be no connection between her and her human form. Why did I have to be so damned massive while in this form? Karasu always considered herself a human with a special talent, and that was actually the truth. She was both, but her being felt human... with a talent and another family.

Karasu landed in front of and to the side of the group, a good ways away, because of her size, and she did not want to cause any damage. If she landed too close, the group's sand horses might be blown away.

After her landing, she walked quickly in her kimono, to the path the group was following and walked towards them.

"It seems we have a visitor," growled Kalzog as he attempted to mount the elephantine creature. "Go away, no beggars allowed..."

Sarik smiled warmly at the new human. "Greetings, human. May we help you?"

Relthor, in elven form (aka Kavia), watched the figure with interest. He sensed something strange about her, but decided it was nothing. He smiled and bowed. "Greetings, human. What can we do for you?"

"Greetings, and look at how I am dressed," Karasu addressed the Ogre. "Do you really think I am a beggar?" She smirked at him. He sure seems grumpy.

"I do not know your intentions or what you stand for." Karasu stated, looking at the group. "You may be an enemy... but you certainly do not seem to give off negative auras." she told them. Except one person, but she could not tell who, as the auras were mixed. Karasu did realize that one of them was the dragon who was looking for his mate.

Aside from that, she heard about the Valtrox rumors, and did indeed plan to take possession of the book herself to safeguard it. Karasu decided to tell them exactly that. If they tried to attack her, she would morph.

"I am looking for a library... Rimoru's library." she said, simply.

Teralynn was just breaking the wrist of a bar patron that was getting a little too friendly with her as Rothargot entered. "Ah," she smiled at the demon, "it looks like we beat you here."

Maverion was finishing his drink and placed his mug down on the table, ignoring the screaming of the man with the broken wrist who, finally showing some sense of intelligence, backed away from the two officers without further commotion.

Cadeyrn watched the new comer with a close eye, especially when she mentioned Rimoru's Library.

"Oh...what a coincidence...we are too," growled Inzikai. "I agree with the Ogre. Find your own route."

"How do I know you haven't stolen your clothes from some dead...guy...from out there somewhere," Kalzog answered, scanning the desert beyond the new woman.

"Quiet, Lord Inzikai...and Kalzog" Sarik snapped. He faced the newcomer again and smiled. "You may join us if you would like. We are heading towards the Library as well, and would be quite saddened to see you wandering the desert alone..."

"Sarik. That is the trouble with your Order. Always trusting every stranger, always bringing them in. That'll be the end of you. You and the whole order..." Inzikai replied, his eyes narrowing.

Kalzog was studying the figure, debating whether or not she would make a good meal...Apparantly he had missed out on some strange food-pig last night, and he was growing somewhat hungry...

"How much do you weigh?" he suddenly asked her, much to the shock of the others.

"Excuse me, ogre, but...If I remember correctly, that is not quite...something...well...not really something you ask..." Kavia responded, unable to take his gaze off the newcomer. Especially a lady...

"I say what I want, when I want, where I want-wait a sec, When in Chaos' name did you change from a drag-"

With great agility, both Relthor and Sarik stumbled out of their mounts and covered the Ogre's dangerous mouth.

"Silence about that, Kalzog...no one must know Relthor's identity..." whispered Sarik. Relthor merely nodded, glancing quickly at Karasu.

**********************************************************

Rothargot returned their smile, especially when he heard the snap of the mans wrist. "Elegant," he merely responded as he set his massive form behind the patron. He brought his large, rock-like hands around the client, and with a slight tensing of his fingers, snapped the man's neck. He let go, letting the man slump to the ground.

"I commend your speediness...I was...Admiring the scenery," he responded. "I trust your journey went well?"

OOC: Are people still in the desert? And.. I'll convert this slot into a full post after my AA Match. 40 minutes or so.

Maverion watched as the man died. The breaking of the man's wrist was a just punishment for his advances on Tera, but to kill him...that was unnecessary; the man had learned his lesson already. Mave looked around to see everyone else in the tavern trying to get as far away from them as possible, attracting as little attention to themselves as possible.

"Well, we kind of ran into a sand creature," Mave said in answer to Rothargot's question. "It ate both our horses in one bite, but we managed to evade it."

Tera gave a single-shouldered shrug. "But aside from that, pretty uneventful. So, what now, boss?"

ooc: Yup, the good guys are still in the desert.

Rothargot's smile merely widened. He noticed Maverion's slight unease. "Valtrox protects his worshippers, even from the slightest of offenses," he replied cooly. His tail curled around the body, picking it up and placing it upright in a nearby chair.

"Sand Creature? I know Inzikai warned me of sand worms and the such. I would like to learn more about it, when you have the chance...Plus, I would like to hear that story where you found the rug..."

"What now? We are a day or two away from Rimoru. I suggest we leave as soon as possible. But if you require the rest of the day to rest, that will be understandable," he replied as his fiery orbs bobbed slightly in his sockets, as he was scanning the area for guards or the such. It appeared that no one wanted to deal with them right now...he didn't blame them.

"Well Inzikai, are not we the friendly one. Are you frightened of me perhaps?" She looked him squarely in the eyes never flinching, her irises solid black.

"Same with you Ogre, and if you haven't noticed... take a look up top... I am not a guy. Karasu had never been mistaken for a man before, given her voluptuous body and great beauty. She could not help but laugh.

"How do you know I have not stolen these clothes. Well, to put it bluntly, you do not." She glared into his eyes, her eyes flickering red for a moment.

"As to how much I weigh?" Now she doubled over laughing, as she thought of her dragon weight. "You are a laugh a minute, Ogre!" she chuckled. "I suggest for your sake you do not try to consume me." Karasu was still laughing.

It seemed that Relthor knew that Karasu was onto who he was, as the idiot Ogre kept shooting off his mouth. Ahh... a kindred spirit. she thought, although she did not intend to tell him who she was. Karasu smiled at him.

Sarik seemed to be the leader, but there were two real bastards in the group. She took an immediate dislike to Inzikai... much more than to the Ogre. Kalzog merely seemed a little... slow.

"Well Sarik, I would like to join you for at least a little while if it will not force any of your group into a little hissy fit." She glared at Inzikai, her eyes flickering entirely black. Best to let him know right away that I am not some powerless human that he can kick around.

"It is up to all of you to decide. I do not want to upset anyone who sees me as a threat... or lunch..." Karasu threw her head back laughing, her black hair with the rainbow colored pieces on the right side cascading down her back.

"Do you know where the library is?" Karasu asked, in a 'matter of fact' tone.. "I know the general direction, and if you don't trust me, I will make it alone... and get there before you." She gave a sly grin. “I thought the company would be nice.” She added.

"Lord Inzikai, human. I am much higher than the position of common thief..." hissed Inzikai, his teeth bared.

"Yah, he's an uncommon thief. Just a little above dirt," chuckled Kalzog, once again trying to mount his elephant creature.

"Silence, ogre. My patience wears thin, and I may just slip slightly, watching both of your flesh dissolve from your bones," he chuckled, narrowing his eyes at Karasu.

"Silence!" shouted Sarik. "I'm deeply sorry, human. Lord Inzikai is picky, while Kalzog just insults for the fun of it. I would be pleased if you joined us. I also have a general Idea as to where the Library is..."

"As do I," spoke up Relthor, returning a slightly confused smile, as he nervously brushed back his spiked hair with his hand.

"Inzi, Kal, stop being idiots." Lorathin commented from behind semi-closed eyes as he was half-way between awake and asleep.

Tera grinned at the sight of the body being placed in the chair. "If you ask me, you let him off easy, Rothargot. A slower and more painful death would have been more appropriate for the likes of him."

"Then you shall hear it," Mave said, regarding the stories. "As for resting, I don't think that'll be necessary. We had plenty of rest during the night, and I don't think the carpet tires at all." He glanced at the carpet, which was rolled up and motionless at his feet in order to attract little attention from the other people in the tavern.

Crossing her arms and leaning back to partially sit on the table behind her, Tera said, "Unless, of course, Rastilia and her...friends...need the rest."

"Well, Inzikai, you are no Lord to me; so you are just Inzikai. Thanks for the info. I did not know you were a thief. I will make sure to keep a good eye on my valuables. Yes, you do seem like an uncommon thief." Karasu laughed at Kalzog's joke.

"Watch my flesh dissolve from my bones? That would be rather difficult with no eyes, would it not? I have a title as well, however, I do not feel the need to run around throwing it in everyone's face in order to try to impress them." She was indeed, the elusive Queen of Dragons. The majority of the dragons did not even know that she was the Queen. She was surprised she did not know Relthor, whom she figured out was a dragon since Kalzog opened his mouth.

"I suggest you do not threaten me, Inzikai." Karasu glared at him. "Intimidation will not work with me, so give it a rest." She rolled her eyes at him and dismissed him, knowing this would piss him off.

"Sarik, since you seem to be the leader here, I will accept your kind invitation gratefully." Karasu handed him a bag of gold. "Here... for your kindness."

Rothargot smiled at Tera's advice. "Next time, remind me and we shall be entertained by the things I can do to a mortal," he chuckled sinisterly, eager torturious deaths already entering his mind.

Rothargot looked back at Rastilia for a moment. "I believe she was fine on her ride. I have vastly improved on my skills of flying with a passanger," he rumbled happily.

"Are you guys hungry? Or need anything before we begin the last part of our journey to the Library?" he asked, his tail swishing and curling behind him like a thin cloud of smoke.

ooc: when you listed the chars, etc., you never listed the villans.

ooc: It's in a post slightly lower than the Hero chars on page 9
"Oh, please Ma'am. I am a paladin of the Order. My reward is that you will be happy on our trip to the Library," he replied bowing.

"I threaten who I want, human. In fact, I should kill you for your insolence! I have killed people for far less than what you have done!" Inzikai shouted, putting his hand on the hilt of his sword, the blade beginning to slide out. Sarik, placed his hand on Inzikai's elbow, and shook his head. Relthor fumbled around his robes, as if wondering where he put a weapon. In fact, he had no weapon, which he soon realized...

"Perhaps, human, you will watch your step in these treacherous roads. You will learn that it is not wise to anger me..." he growled. He smiled soon after, as he imagined her chained up to a wall, his god Valtrox allowing Inzikai to torture her horribly...

Tlaxkrox followed Inzikai and studied his ways. He wanted to see how he worked and operated. He seemed to be a cruel, and effective, leader.

OOC- Sorry for the lame post, have had so much practice for crew lately, haven't been able to get things done.

"Oh, I shall," said Teralynn. She then gave a slight nod in the direction of Rastilia, "Good to see she has not fallen off. Or, at least looks pretty well off if she did." She gave the other woman a grin.

Maverion said, "We ate a light meal when we first got here."

"But if you can turn this infernal heat into, say, something colder, then I certainly would not complain," offered Tera.

ooc: hehe, I understand Breitenburg

Rothargot laughed for the first time. Or atleast attempted to. It sounded more like rocks crumbling together, along with a strange fiery sound.

He looked at his hand and flexed. "I will see what I can do..." he said with a smile.

Soon, the candles in the inn went out. In fact, the candle wax itself began to freeze...

Not just the candle, the window's began to collect frost as Rothargot seemed to be sucking the heat out of the area. He began to glow brighter as the heat was transfered into him.

This Inzi guy was starting to piss her off. "Insolence? I believe it is you who is insolent!"

Karasu unsheathed her Nihonto and had it at Inzikai's throat so fast it was invisible to the naked eye. After all, she had practiced for milleniums. "You do not scare me at all, bitch. And I do not threaten. I only act" She was glaring at him, her eyes were solid black now... no whites. "You will learn it is not wise to threaten me. Now why do you not shut the fuck up and we can get on with this little journey? Or do you have some more whining to do first. If so, get it out of the way, and then we will leave. Oh... and if you do have more whining to do, I will go elsewhere while you do it. You are boring me." Her eyes changed back to 'normal', and she sheathed her Nihonto. What an arrogant fuck... this guy is so not on our side... can they not see it?

Karasu knew he was powerful, but he did not know she had all matter of dragons at her disposal at any time, including eternal dragons with nearly limitless powers, including amazing magic. Even Valtrox himself would find them formidable opponants. She was wondering if she should have just flown all the way to the library. She had kind of wanted an adventure, and to meet new people, and she ends up with Mr. 'oooh, I'm scarrrrrieeee...', who no doubt works for the V man himself. This is the only explanation Karasu could come up with for his idiotic and spiteful behavior. The whole "insolence" and "respect me", and "Lord" reeked of Valtrox's type. Throwing around words, trying to intimidate.

Karasu sighed. "You keep that money Sarik, for any trouble I may cause." She looked at Inzi and rolled her eyes again.

Teralynn shivered as she was taken off guard by the sudden cold. As the temperature in the room continued to drop, she grabbed her cloak from her chair and wrapped it around herself. "This is perfect, thank you," she said to Rothargot. She took in a deep breath and let it out through her mouth as a mist, watching as the molecules dispersed in front of her and disappeared. "It is a shame we have to go back out there so soon," she sighed.

Helio awoke suddenly. He had been dreaming. His dream had been so real, almost as if he felt it in life. In his dream, he had imagined a great powerful shadow overhead, and just as it passed, he had heard a sound as if pouches had fallen to the ground. It was a peculiar dream.

He was gladdened by the fact that the storm had ended. Helio stood and stretched. It was still early and dark, even in this empty land plain for the sun. He wound let Andros gain more sleep. Carefully and silently, he stepped over and reached for an unused potion. He had to drink them once a week, and today it was due. The cork made a small pop and Helio drank it down, replacing the vial for reuse.

The energy of the potion ran down his throat. He shivered; it felt good. Helio stepped down into the sand. A gleam of metal shown from the stars' light. He bent and picked up the small piece of metal to find it was gold. With a closer look, he found that there were three pouches laying in the sand, with shining pieces of metal all over the place.

He went to wake Andros, who woke pretty cleanly. "What? Morning? Have you taken your potion?" Andros stretched.

"Yes! Come, look at this." Helio led Andros to the pouches. "Look, there is gold, can you see it?" Andros nodded, then began to rummage through the pouches.

"Hey, Helio! Its food!" Andros openned the other pouch. "And water!" This much will certainly allow us to continue for longer. Helio picked up another piece of gold, remembering his dream. He noticed the gold was scattered from the bag in one direction.

"Andros, I had a dream of this. And the way this gold is scattered..." Helio thought, searching for a creature as big as the massive black shadow. Nothing would come to his head. "Andros, whatever left this dropped it from the sky." Helio pointed to the way the gold was scattered, "And they went this way."

Andros looked at his Helio, somewhat perplexed. Helio looked down with his eyes, as to show Andros to look down. Then Andros saw the scattered gold and nodded. Together then bunched up the pouches, placing them in their packs.

Helio pulled their cloaks down and began to shake the dust off them. "Andros, pack quickly, we need to leave before the sun rises, to get a headstart on the journey."

Andros nodded. "Do you know if there are any towns this way? Maybe whatever dropped this did so on accident, intending to purchase something at a town?"

Helio shrugged and handed Helio his cloak. With their gear, they headed off.

OOC: By the way, are we heading north? east? south? west?

G'night all. I'll post again tomorrow

Tlaxkrox was interested in the woman. He could tell that she knew many things. Perhaps she knew of the dragon that he had seen. He talked to her by himself. "Inzikai is a bit foolish, but he will come around eventually. I have a question to ask you. Have you ever seen a dragon that looks like..." he described the dragon he had seen to her. "If you have, can you tell me where to find it?"

ooc: Who is Tlax? That name is not on my list. And is he referring to me, and if so, how does he know Karasu is a dragon.? No one blabbed it out like with Relthor.

ooc: Who is Tlax? That name is not on my list. And is he referring to me, and if so, how does he know Karasu is a dragon.? No one blabbed it out like with Relthor.

Tlax is a lizardmen gladiator/mercenary, yes he is addressing you, he does not know you are a dragon, and Relthor showed him a dinosaur-like dragon in sand, and Tlax wants to tame one as a warmount, because he is a "collector" of warmounts.

ooc: Breitenburg, remember, no one knows Karasu is a dragon.

Hyper, the dragon he speaks of looks like a t-rex, if I remember correctly.

Maekrix, they are going North west to reach Rimoru's palace. You can intercept them anytime along the way

Lorathin stretched as he listened to the people arguing. They were being silly for the most part, posturing and generally playing the ego game.

ooc: Breitenburg, remember, no one knows Karasu is a dragon.

Hyper, the dragon he speaks of looks like a t-rex, if I remember correctly.

Maekrix, they are going North west to reach Rimoru's palace. You can intercept them anytime along the way

ohhhh.... no one knows she's a dragon... hehe. My bad, like I said, do much practice, so little time for anything else. I'll modify my post, but let's just say Tlax can tell she knows things about dragons.

ooc: my dragon is gorgeous.... black with gold... massive fangs, but other than that, beautiful and graceful, nothing like an ugly t-rex!

ooc: my dragon is gorgeous.... black with gold... massive fangs, but other than that, beautiful and graceful, nothing like an ugly t-rex!

OOC- I know, but Tlax dosen't and wants to know if you have seen a dragon like that. And Tlax dosen't care if the dragon is beautiful, he cares if it makes a good warmount. Though I'm sure your dragon is quite powerful :D

(OOC: Guys, please keep the OOC chatter to the OOC board :) )

Harlin had reverted to his habit of sleeping away long stretchs of horse voyages, and was woken of present by a light nip from Windflitter on his leg. Looking around, he spotted their new companion. Taking off the hood which had protected his eyes from the beating sun, taking a closer look, he was suprised by the beauty of the woman who now rode with them. How does that kimono stay on?, he thought.

As though she were telepathic, Shara reached over and hit him lightly on the back of the head. He didn't dodge, but protested, "Hey, what was that for?"

Shara looked reproachful, "It was for ogling our new camarade. You have a commitment to me, you know."

Harlin hadn't realized this, and thus replied simply, "Oh..."

Minos rode next to them, and laughed softly at their petty dispute. He ws eyeing the newcomer as well though, but not in a sexual sense. He was suspicious of her appearance in the middle of this desert, and was determined to discover the true reason for her appearance.

"So, Karasu, what brings you to the middle of this wasteland?"

"Ooooh..whipped...hahaha!" chuckled Kalzog as watched Shara and Harlin. Changing his focus to Karasu, he looked at her arm, noticing the tattoo.

"Nice tattoo," he said gruffly, before flexing his massive arm. "But Mine are better," he chuckled. His tattoos were definately not quite so beautiful as hers, but Kalzog enjoyed the protection his tattoos gave him...

Inzikai looked suspiciously at Karasu as Minos asked her the question. "Yes, I would like to know as well...it seems strange to find us in the middle of no where..." he muttered, examining her, taking in as much information as he could.

The brothers Valise had been walking through the desert for days. The empty colossus of a wasteland was a place of dry isolation, accompanied only by a fiery sun. Luckily, there had been no more sandstorms, but that didn't change the fact that Andros Valise was dead-tired of the sea of sand.

Although it had been only days, a week perhaps, it had felt so much longer. Andros was grateful for his brother's find. If the two hadn't chanced upon those pouches, they'd have certainly died by now. Helio was having a hard time finding water in this new land. He was used to tracking and observing in a more foresty environment, and the dunes were proving to be a challenge to their survival, as even the water they chanced upon was dangerously low.

Helio passed up onto the top of a dune. He crouched down, put his hand to his forehead, and gazed out over the surrounding area. Dry arid sand for miles thought Helio. He turned his head scanning, and his eyes rest upon a rather large group of what could only be made out as shadows in the bright sun, which reflected. Helio blinked. He had heard of these things . They were mirages.

He blinked again, gaining a clearer view. His eyes made out people. People on some sort of beasts, maybe horses. And in the back... a moving ball of water? Certainly this was a mirage. Helio licked his lips.

"Helio! What is it?" shouted Andros, pulling himself up onto the dune as well. He spotted the blob of shadows, for his eyes were not so keen as his part-tiger brother's. "What ... is... it?" Andros caught his breath "What are those shadows?"

Helio licked his lips again. "I think their people. They look like they have..water. It can't be. It must be a mirage."

"A mirage? Doubtful, since we both see it. And my mind tells me what my eyes cannot see." Andros said, uncertain the situation.

"Right. We move then. Perhaps it is truth. We'll know soon enough."

Andros took a heavy swig, then passed Helio the waterskin, and Helio finished it off. They shoved the empty container into their packs and began to move towards the mirage.

Karasu was really finding Kalzog quite the cutup, and she could not help but chuckle at his commentary. “I agree that your tattoos are beautiful Kalzog.” She smiled.

"Well, I actually just finished two jobs, which led me to the edge of the dessert." Karasu continued, "I recently heard of some problem regarding a book in Rimoru's library, and I thought I would check it out and see if there was anything I could do." She smiled. "It is that simple."

Karasu did not tell them that she and Rimoru were best of friends a very long time ago, but dragon business had taken her away, and she had not seen her friend for a very long time, and hoped also to see her friend in the process.

Karasu lingered her eyes on Relthor and smiled warmly at him. It is so nice to have a kindred spirit. she smiled to herself.

"Hey look over there." Karasu stopped for a second. "It looks like there are two people out there off in the distance. From what I can see, they do not look to be in great condition." She hoped she was not giving away too much information... that being her amazing eyesight. Every time she flicked the color of her eyes, it helped bring on another power.

"Sarik? Could we possibly make contact with these two men? They may need our help." Karasu was waiting for the inevitable snide comment from Inzi, no doubt about wasting time. She was so fast with swords and weapons she was merely a blur, however, she had a feeling Inzi was probably faster. How she wished she could put him 6' under. Better yet, sit on him while in her dragon form and squash him. Karasu smiled to herself at the idea. I wonder if that idiot ever smiled in his life. Other than when committing some act of violence.

While waiting for Sarik's response, Karasu began some conversation. "Thank you for allowing me to travel with all of you. Can you each tell me a little about yourselves? I am always interested in others." She smiled sweetly, directly her gaze at Inzi, but her eyes said, 'I know you are not what you want us to think you are.'

Cadeyrn watched this new comer with a close eye.

She was looking for us, no way someone would accidently stumble upon us in the middle of a desert. She also wants to go to Rimoru's Library, what a coincidence.

He lifted his nose into the desert wind and smelled something not too far away. Karasu was right, there were more people incoming, probably assassins or more soldiers. The large mercenary unseathed his giant blade and proceeded in that direction to check it out.

"No information of me is free, especially to strange strangers," Inzikai said, mocking Karasu's smile. A book in Rimoru's library...This Karasu is extremely suspicious now... he thought, sneering.

"What kind of jobs were you performing? And what book are you looking for now?" he asked.

Sarik looked in the direction Karasu. "I don't see why we shouldn't help them..." he replied, turning his horse in their direction.

"Wasting time. Their fault they were idiots to wander the desert. What if they are bandits?" Inzikai growled.

"I hope it's an ambush...I'm itching for a fight..." Kalzog yawned, following Sarik, turning his massive mount. "And if it isn't an ambush...I will be fine just eating the two..."

Relthor saw Karasu smiling at him and returned his own smile nervously. Who is she? he wondered. "It is nice to meet you, kind Karasu. I am Kavia. I am actually on a search myself, just wandering around."

"Little human, I am Kalzog Eyegouger. I kill. Simple and to the point. If you want more information, I kill high powered beings. That is all," he grumbled lazily as he relaxed on his mount.

**********************************************************

"So you would like to stay slightly longer, Teralynn?" Rothargot asked curiously. "What would you do in that time?"

Several guards had gotten the courage to stand up to Rothargot, yet they were clearly scared of the massive demon. "S-s-sir...You have commited a murder..."

Rothargot turned slowly to face the puny guard. "Would you like to make something out of it?" he rumbled.

The guard merely whimpered and walked backwards slightly...

Ar'mai had been growing quite board of this divergence and decided to remain silent as she sat on her 'sand horse' and read from a spell book. They would work it out eventually and then they could move on...

Karasu rolled her eyes at Inzikai, whom she had decided to call 'Inzi', whether he liked it or not. "Inzi, you are so predictable. No matter what I gave you, you would lie anyway, thus I will just have to make up my own ideas about you." She smirked. When Inzi began his complaining of wasting time, Karasu spoke his words along with him, smirking. "Predictable… see?"

Karasu gave him an 'I told you so' look. "And if they are bandits... we simply kick their asses. Is that so tough?" She simply responded.

"As for the jobs I was performing, they were bodyguard jobs. Getting people from here to there alive." She responded to Inzi's query.

"As far as the book I am looking for? That would be Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs & Ham. She scowled at Inzi. Well, I gave you more information than you gave me.

"Kalzog, nice to meet you. I must say you have a refreshing sense of humor. So... you kill high-powered beings. I assume you eat them?" Karasu chuckled and smiled at him. If he kills high powered beings, why doesn't he just eat Inzi?

"Kavia, it is very nice to meet you." Karasu smiled at him. "Are you searching for the book as well?" she asked him.

As they moved along, she concluded that Inzi was a whiney V-man flunky, determined to get the book to bring Valtrox back. Why will Kalzog not eat him? Perhaps he cannot eat aesthetically revolting food. Karasu chuckled to herself, grinning.

"I don't know whether to take that as an insult, Karasu," chuckled Kalzog. "But, I tend to just kill powerful creatures. I have found the lot of them are too tough or chewy. I do like to eat creatures that are more...mortalish? No, weaker creatures. Like skizzarish, gnomes, dwarves, humans, the occasional dragon," he shot a glance at Kavia, who looked at him somewhat horrified look. "And I have recently acquired a taste of elves," this time, he looked at Ar'mai who was reading a book.

Inzikai glared at Karasu, but otherwise didn't continue the arguement any further. Instead, he rode closer to Ar'mai. "What are you reading, Ar'mai?" he asked kindly, trying to take his mind away from Karasu.

"Searching for the book? Oh, no, noble human. I am...well...yes, yes I am searching for a...book," Kavia replied. He blushed slightly, realizing he had to be the worst lier ever.

Ar'mai ignored Kalzog's comment about acquiring a taste for elves. As always, he was just trying to get a rise out of her and she had now decided to just ignore him. It usually would shut him up.

When Inzikai rode up next to her, Ar'mai took brief note of him and then continued on with her book. "A book..."

"Oh? What is this book about?" he asked, riding closer to her, trying to get a glimpse of the page.

"Oh? What is this book about?" he asked, riding closer to her, trying to get a glimpse of the page.

"It is not 'about' anything," she commented as her eyes continued to scan the page. "It is a book of elven spells... written in an ancient elven language," she added...

"Kavia, please don't take this as an insult to your sand-crafting, but I'll be leaving your horse for a while." He said as he stood on the horse's back, cast the spell for the phantom wings and launched himself into the sky.

"None, taken, kind Human," called Kavia as he watched Lorathin. He sighed quietly as he wished he could let himself lose his disguise and take to the air again.

Inzikai watched Ar'mai for several minutes. "Ar'mai, you've seemed kind of quiet lately. Even before I've seen you reading this book. Is there something wrong?"

"No... nothing at all," she lied calmly as she continued to read.

Inzikai continued to watch her. "You're lieing. You've always seemed to have no problem voicing something, especially when I was holding you captive. Atleast you can tell me, right?" he asked.

"Don't accuse of me of lying unless you have something to back it up with..." Ar'mai said as she looked up from her book in disgust. After holding the cold stare for a moment she went back to her book and flipped the page as she continued to read.

"I'm sorry," he replied, looking down at his mount. Despite the somewhat gritty feel, it was quite comfortable. "But- oh, nevermind. Learning anything new from that book?"

"Always," she said simply with a detached interest in whatever was coming out of Inzikai's mouth. It was clear that she did not want to be bothered at the moment, nor did she care about the goings on of the journey...

Inzikai frowned at her lack of interest. "Hey, whatever happened to your winged horse?" he asked as he realized she hadn't talked about her mount for a while.

"He is off flying somewhere," Ar'mai commented as she was getting rather annoyed at Inzikai's persistence in talking to her.

"Look, I only want to help," Inzikai replied pleadingly, back to her snappy comeback when he said she was lieing. "If there is anything I can do, please tell me!"

"I said... nothing is wrong," she said coldly, about to explode from how annoying Inzikai was becoming.

"So be it..." he replied sadly. He pulled his mount away slightly, but still near Ar'mai.

Aww...poor Inzikai, looking so sad...

Master Valtrox. What brings you back to my mind? Inzikai thought sadly.

Well, I would say, 'I told you so', but I have decided to instead tell you, your time is almost up...

Master? I have done nothing wrong to displease you! Atleast not meaning to do it...

I doubt it, Inzikai. I have grown angry at your rebeliousness of my orders. Yet, I am a kind and forgiving god. But I did not mean your life is about to end. I meant hers...

No, master. That cannot be true! A look of shock came across Inzikai's face.

Oh, but it is. Rothargot has recieved another order. If you meet up with Rothargot and the others, which I know you will, Rothargot will kill the elf, since you cannot do it yourself.

Master, no! Inzikai moaned as terrible images of the various deaths Rothargot can inflict on the elf reached his mind. Suddenly, it all stopped. Tears were falling down Inzikai's cheek.

We'll be waiting... Valtrox's laughed wickedly, his voice fading from Inzikai's mind.

Cadeyrn had snuck up behind the pair and examined them for over a dune. They look parched and lost, unlike any assassin he had ever seen. They were just a couple of lost travellers. He seathed his massive weapon and approached them with a leather canteen.

"Hey, you guys ok?" He asked with a stern voice.

"Hmm, no," Tera said to Rothargot with a shake of her head. "We have been here long enough, and time is of the essence."

She glanced over at the guard who spoke up, only to back down again. She gave him a smile while wagging a finger, "Has your mother never taught you not to interfere with the affairs of demons?" She then opened her mouth in a wide grin and made him and the other people in the tavern see her canines grow long and sharp while her eyes glowed a fiery color.

Her fangs and eyes went back to normal and she moved to the door, patting the dead man on the cheeks as she did so. Pulling her cloak's hood over her head, she looked over at Rothargot and asked, "Shall we?"

Maverion simply sat still and watched as everything happened, enjoying the cooler temperature while he still could. As the others began to leave, he stood and took up the rear while making his sheathed sword clearly visible in his hands, in case any of the patrons or guards should try any funny business. On his way out, he tossed a coin on the floor toward the guard who spoke up. "For his family," Mave told the guard. It was not much at all, but it was more than the dead man really deserved. Mave then mentally beckoning his carpet to come along. The rolled-up carpet suddenly stretched itself out and flew over to him as he went back out into the heat.

"I have never seen that trick before, Teralynn," Rothargot said curiously. "Are you somewhat a vampire?"

"Rimoru's Library should be visible past the city limits. It isn't that far from us," Rothargot said as he pointed towards the Library. It was barely visible from the naked eye, since it seemed more like a small dot amidst the surrounding cityscape. "More or less a day's travel. I doubt we'll be hampered from any disturbances..."

OOC: Sorry it took so long to post.. I had a track meet, didn't get home until 22:15 (10:15PM)

IC:

Helio looked up to the gigantic man who had approached them. It had slightly unnerved him, as something strangely familiar gleamed in his eyes, as if they shared something. More unnerving was the way he had appeared from nowhere, with a large blade on his back.

"Ahhh.." Andros rushed forward for the water, snatching the canteen out of the giant man's hand, and pouring it into his mouth. Then he looked up and suddenly noticed the size of the man in front of him, causing him to gulp the water that was in his mouth. He cautiously offered the canteen back to the man.

"Forgive my brother. We haven't drank any water in nearly a day." Helio stepped up, pulled the canteen from Andros's hand. He took a swig, then held out the canteen back to the man with a smile, "Thanks."

Teralynn squinted slightly as she walked out into the bright of day. "Mmm, not quite," she answered Rothargot with a mischevious grin. "Although, I am curious. Neither Inzikai nor any of his men told you of our...abilities?"

ooc: I won't be on much today, or maybe not at all. I'm going to an amusement park! What fun!

IC:

"Inzikai has told me little of the both of you. We never really got along..." rumbled Rothargot. "All he said was he had complete confidence in you two to come along with me. I am glad he did. You both have helped me map out the mortal realm."

*********************************************************

Inzikai watched as the two strangers eagerly drank the water from Cadeyrn's canteen. "What are you two doing out here?" he called out to them as they closed in on the two.

Kalzog merely licked his lips as he watched the two. "You do know, you are many moons away from civilization...at least on foot, right?" he asked, smiling mischieviously.

Karasu smirked as she watched Ar'mai blow off Inzi. She seemed to be the only one that Inzi treated civilly. Then the oddest thing; she knew she saw
tears fall down Inzi's face.

I did not think it possible for anything to make that bastard cry. Well, he must have sand in his eye. However, she knew it to be tears. Karasu was puzzled and intrigued.

"Sangradeen, as long as we are stopped, can you make a wall over here?" Karasu asked him. "I would like to change into some clothing that would be more comfortable in this environment. This kimono doesn't work so well with sand." Karsu explained.

What a motley and strange group of people. Karasu mused.

Andros regained composure, only to see a demon. It was a frightening vision, a beast in height and strength, with blood-colored scales and a horned head. "What are you two doing out here?", the thing had said, somewhat sneeringly.

Another creature called "You do know, you are many moons away from civilization...at least on foot, right?". Andros turned his head to see who said it, then his eyes matched up with the red-tint of an ogre's eyes. Andros was starting to think they had come into bad company. Very bad company. He looked at his brother.

"We're traveling. We've come a long way, but we didn't not accurate measure the desert's perils," Helio said, somewhat respectfully. He shared his brother's unspoken worries. This was not what he had expected when he had first saw them.

Andros forgave his surprise, and squinted his eyes, preparing himself for what just might be a fight for their lives. It looked hopeless if these people wanted a fight, but there was no where to run and no where to hide, and the Valise brothers were not going to be lynched like this. Arcane words filled his mind, but he blocked them from his direct train of thought. "We understand we're far from civilization." He looked to his brother, who gave a slight nod, then turned back, "Its been a very long time since we were at 'civilization'."

"Don't worry about." Cadeyrn replied very casually smiling warmly at the two strangers. The mercenary frowned when he heard the ogre's statement and leaned over to the new comers and whispered: "Don't worry about him, he's harmless."

Lorathin swooped down, 'buzzing' Inzikai as he looked at the two new arrivels. In what could best be classified as a swan dive, he flew up and dropped down again before winging his way upward. He then returned to sailing in the proverbial clouds.

"I suggest we allow them to travel with us." Karasu smiled at the two brothers. "After all, we are headed toward civilization. It would be cruel to leave them out in the desert alone." Karasu looked at the group. She was quite sure they would have no problem with them coming along… aside from Inzi, as he was always suspicious of everyone. These two just looked like a couple of lost souls. Judging from their appearance, she did not seem to have left them enough water when she flew over them.

"You two seem thirsty." Karasu intoned, as she opened her shoulder/duffel bag, retrieving a huge canteen of water. "Please, drink as much as you like." She handed the canteen to Andros.

"Say, Lorathin, are you able to make a wall so I may change? I cannot tolerate this kimono with the winds and sand much longer. It does not offer enough protection." She asked him. "You do seem to have the power to do a variety of magical spells. I am hoping you can do this for me. Otherwise, I respectfully request that two of you dismount your mounts, lead them to walk toward each other, creating a bit of a wall anyway, so that I may change." Karasu was getting desperate at this point. "I would rather change into my fighting clothes, which offer much more protection." She explained. "Please... can one of you do this for me?" Karasu asked desperately.

Helio nodded at the giant man who had given the reassuring smile. He seemed like a kind person, despite his size and his strange nature.

Andros accepted the water, and slowly drank it to avoid choking himself. He handed the canteen to his brother who also drank some. Andros looked at the attractive women who had given them water. "My name is Andros Valise." He pointed at his brother, "And this is Helio, my brother."

He took a longways look into the woman's eyes. There was a certain deepness in them that gave her an eerie looking, something significant, a connection. His eyes grew wide as he thought of the picture he had of her inside his mind. A beautiful woman... but with a massive winged shadow. It was a disturbing image, which he blinked away with a shutter.

"Ma'am, I can create a wall," Andros offered. He cast out his hands and as he rose them, sand swirled into a wall that encircled the woman and her gear. Unlike natural desert storms, it was like a hurricane, with an 'eye' large enough for the woman to change in, and made little noise.

"Just tell me when you're done, and I'll drop it."

Harlin had been brooding for sometime as his companions wiled away the time with seemingly trivial matters. A more pressing thought had been troubling him, but the conclusion he had reached pleased him. Even though he planned to answer his own question, he asked it to the group, "When we get to Iskan, I assume that we don't expect Rimoru to let us walk into her library and 'check out' this book. So, what do we plan on doing once we get there."

He looked around to his fellows before continuing, "If no one objects, I feel that I could 'gain entry' to the library, and... borrow the book. It would be the best use of the skills I have to offer."

"I doubt the library will be so ill protected, but if you want to try... be my guest," Ar'mai said as she looked up from her book to Harlin. Most likely the library would be protected by some of Rimoru's guards, and while those most likely wouldn't be very hard to deal with, one could only guess at what kind of magic was protecting the place. Not to mention that Inzikai or other of Valtrox's servants would probably still be on their way to the library...

"Greetings, my name is Karasu," she said with a nod introducing herself to the two brothers.

When Andros offered to make a wall for her to change, she thanked him profusely. "Oh, I appreciate this so much! I really should have thought ahead and changed prior to entering the desert." Karasu mentally kicked herself.

Shortly she emerged in a black leather jumpsuit, split down the middle to the waist in front, laced up, and knotted at the top. She was also wearing black boots, a low-slung belt with a plethora of weapons, not all of which showed, as she wore a black cape held in front by a gold chain. Occasionally when she moved, she sounded like clanking metal from all the swords and knives on her belt. That did not include what was inside the cape or her jumpsuit.

Karasu was wearing black gloves, and a loose black face covering, meant to meet up with the black cloth that covered her head and ponytail, and knotted in back. The other piece of cloth rose to cover her face completely when necessary. She could still see, as the eye area was mesh, as was the mouth.

The whole look was rather sinister. This is what she wore as an assassin, and remained quite anonymous. The breathable black leather was much more suited to the desert sand.

Despite the black leather jumpsuit, it did nothing to hide her curves, and the leather gave her a rather dangerous, sexy look, however, it was, for the most part, pure function. She carried so many weapons on her it was unbelievable.

"Thank you so very much, Andros," she thanked him, feeling much better and relieved.

Listening to the other speak of how they may get into the library, Karasu chimed in. "I may be able to get us in... or at least some of us." She informed them. She was not about to say that her and Rimoru were best buds from years ago. In fact, she was quite looking forward to seeing her old friend. It had been far too long.

Karasu's mind wandered off happily as she thought of seeing her great friend again.

"Oh... and how is that?" Ar'mai asked. Everyone seemed to have their own ingenious ideas of how to go about this mission.

"I would rather not get into that until we are closer to our goal," Karasu replied.

She wished she could just morph and fly there. Karasu knew Rimoru would see her. There had never been any bad blood between them... ever. Always good friends.

Going in to take a book for questionable purposes was another story. It all had to do with the relationships between all these people, in which Karasu had no clue.

ooc: Remember Maekrix, Inzikai has a very long, dark cloak, covering most of his features.
"I would prefer to go in the more peaceful route. I do not want to start a feud between the Order and the Iskanis, like what may have happened in the Imperium," Sarik said, begining to wonder what happened with his Master, The Patriarch. A slight chill overcame him as he began to wonder if the Imperium was truly with Inzikai...

Inzikai cocked an eyebrow at Ar'mai. "I am traveling with you all at the moment. Of course I'm heading for the Library. As for anyone else, I'm sure I have never asked another being to go," he lied.

Relthor watched the beautiful Karasu as she talked about her way of getting in. "I too may be able to aid us in getting in," he quietly said as he watched the two new ones.

"I will be able to get us in. Just let me go by myself and you'll follow the trail of corpses and blood!" chuckled Kalzog.

Inzikai cocked an eyebrow at Ar'mai. "I am traveling with you all at the moment. Of course I'm heading for the Library. As for anyone else, I'm sure I have never asked another being to go," he lied.

"Then perhaps you are more of Valtrox's pawn than you know," Ar'mai shot. She doubted that if this book was really that important, Valtrox would only have sent Inzikai to get it, especially now that he was traveling with a band of people against him.

"Valtrox and I are having some hardships...I...I don't want to speak of it," he said. He was lieing, in fact. Perhaps if they believe that I have broken away from Valtrox, perhaps if they believe I have become good and just, then they will accept me more... He was careful not to smile.

OOC: Oh, woops, it wasn't in the description
IC:

Andros smiled at the thanks given from Karasu, and was thoroughly surprised at her rather provocative beauty. He tried not to stare.

Both of the brothers were utterly baffled with all the talk of this "library" and this "book".

"Andros, what is this book they talk about?" whispered Helio.

"I'm not sure, my brother. If you have the same clues as I, you might guess that they're an implication of something else." Andros eyed the group of people.

Helio nodded, "Indeed, that was my thought. We shall have to pay close attention to them and their speech."

"Please forgive us, kind sirs. We are on a journey to Rimoru's library, to find a book," announced Sarik. More like to prevent Inzikai from grabbing hold of the book... he thought as he glanced at Inzikai, who seemed to be muttering something under his breath. "

"Where were you at civilization last?" Kalzog asked, as he looked from the one to the other.

Harlin looked indignantly at the ignorant elf, "I'm insulted Ar'mai. You doubt the skill of my Guild?"

As he flew, Lorathin wondered if there were any Avariel in the vicinity, thought he doubted it as they tended to mountainous lands over any other.

As he swooped down over a section of desert that was about half an hour away from the others, by foot, he noticed a cave that looked like it'd had a fire in it.

Heading back, he landed on his horse, which had been following the group's and mentioned, "There appears to be a large cave a short ride ahead, and the sun appears to be setting."

Harlin looked indignantly at the ignorant elf, "I'm insulted Ar'mai. You doubt the skill of my Guild?"

"Certainly."

In response to Relthor's comment about being able to get into the library, Karasu said, "That does not surprise me, for some reason." She smiled at him warmly.

In response to Kalzog, Karasu laughed hard. "Kalzog, I knew you were the stealthy type as soon as I saw you." She grinned at him. For some reason, she really had some sort of affection for the big Ogre. Perhaps it was his sense of humor, which served to break up the somewhat depressing mood of the group.

When, Inzi stated that he and Valtrox were having hardships, Karasu, never one to be subtle, blurted, "Ahhh.... So you and V-Man are on the outs. What caused that, Inzi?" She chuckled loudly, in a way that showed she did not believe a word he said. Karasu was aware that Inzi could kill her instantaneously; however, getting on his nerves was almost worth it to her. Karasu did not usually behave this way, however Inzi provoked something in her that made her want to piss him off, or at least annoy him... most likely his blatant lies and that he and that he was with the V-man.

When Andros asked Helio in a whisper, what book they were looking for, Karasu overheard and chuckled aloud. "It is not Green Eggs and Ham," referring to her cocky comment to Inzi earlier. Karasu grinned at the two brothers.

Oh, to just fly out of here... and sit on Inzi. Karasu smirked at the thought. She knew he was utterly evil and this is why she treated him as she did. Perhaps in their sparring, he would slip up and say something aloud...

"Ah," Teralynn said. "Well, you see, I can-"

No, Maverion thought to her. Not in front of the others.

Tera glanced over at Mave, then smiled at Rothargot. "...I can do many things."

Lord Rothargot, can you hear me? Mave sent to Rothargot's mind as he and Teralynn got on the carpet. Don't speak, just think it.

"Certainly."

Harlin accepted the answer, and replied with cool dispassion, "Well, that's well and good, but as things usually go, the truth and what an individual believes are often in disagreement."

Yes... came the confused reply in Rothargot's mind. Mind-speak? Strange, yet...efficient

**********************************************************

Relthor gave Karasu a surprised look, but chuckled in response. "It must be because of my dashing good looks, right?"

He laughed again as he nervously ran his long thin fingers down his spikey hair.

Inzikai glared at Karasu, before softening up his gaze. "We have disagreed on several matters...Please, assassin, let us leave that behind us. We have picked up...new...friends," he muttered. You wait, human...you'll soon be my entertainment, screaming for mercy as my master and I give you great torture... His frown changed to an amused smile, as he continued to look Karasu in the eyes.

Kalzog smiled. "Us ogres are clever and mischievious...when you least expect it, we may crawl out of a nearby rock and eat you alive," he chuckled.

Harlin accepted the answer, and replied with cool dispassion, "Well, that's well and good, but as things usually go, the truth and what an individual believes are often in disagreement."

"I agree," Ar'mai replied. "Your belief in your ability does not coincide with the reality of the matter," she smiled.

Sarik nodded at Lorathin's information. "Let us travel to that cave then. I do not wish to encounter another freezing night," he said as he realized he wouldn't be able to cuddle up to the warm dragon like he had been able to the previous night...

The flying carpet began to move off. Gripping the carpet with her hands, Teralynn looked over at Rothargot and thought to him, And much more private as well.

I don't know the others very well, Mave's voice came through Rothargot's mind, so I decided it'd be wise to keep the full extent of our abilities hidden from them.

Tera squinted slightly as the carpet picked up speed. As I was saying, one of my abilities is to make people see whatever I wish of them to see; to feel, hear, smell, even taste what I wish of them.

She can get quite artistic sometimes, Mave added. Thus what you saw earlier.

The female officer shrugged a shoulder. Nothing wrong with a little flourish.

Cadeyrn sat with his legs folded and his sword draped across his lap. His arms rested in the typical "thinker" position as he looked out over the desert.

Rimoru seemed pretty cynical about this group reaching the library, she'll probably ask me to kill them, which I'll do in a heart beat but still...

His concentration was broken by the scattered banter of his companions. He grunted frustrated and buried his heads in his hands. Cadeyrn didn't like thinking, he prefered to react like in a fight, but outside of training and fighting there's not much else one can do. He tried to justify all the sins of his life due to the nature of his trade, but behind the vane glorly and the arrogant pride, he genuinely felt sorrow for every person he had killed. If someone looked deep enough, behind the wall kindness and pompous boasting, they would see his battered spirit. The mercenary feared that above all else, even death. To die a champion then live a farmer.

and Rimoru, I can't help but feel for her and almost suffer for her as well. It seems as if she's hiding something like me, and maybe that's why I took this job. Not like I needed the money. This Dragon too...

Cadeyrn's eyes wandered from companion to companion becoming lost in a sea of thought.

"I agree," Ar'mai replied. "Your belief in your ability does not coincide with the reality of the matter," she smiled.

Slipping into the Shadowfold, the world the Jiltakin utilized to move through true space unseen, Harlin flitted over to the sand horse that Ar'mai was sitting on. He knelt down, enjoying the slow rate at which all the others moved in his reality. He picked up the spell book from Ar'mai's lap, and was about to return to his horse, when he he looked back around, and decided to turn her smiel into a frown. With his thumbs, he turned the edges of her mouth down, and then jumped back to Windflitter. He settled into the same position he had been in before, and then slid back out of the Shadowfold, and into real space before anyone knew he had gone.

Holding her book in the air, he said, "My skills at evasion and deception exceeds your wildest dreams, they have been passed down from our God, Arcturus, and are the most powerful on this earth. Do not call my skill into question, for it surpasses that of anyone else alive today, save several members of the High Council of the Guild."

Before Harlin had even rematerialized back on his sandhorse and begun his boastful jaunt, Ar'mai had her bow pointed directly at him and had an arrow notched. "Arrogance will get you nowhere except six feet under..."

Rothargot listened with curiousity. Suddenly, a deadly smile broke across his face. Teralynn, Have you ever used your powers for torture? You could make someone live a lie, their whole life, making them say things they would normally not want to say...you can ruin them he thought, watching her as he flew next to the speeding carpet. What a very useful spell. When Valtrox hears of this, I'm sure he'd like to speak with you personally...

Rothargot then turned his attention to Maverion. And what of you, Maverion, what other wonders do you hold?

The massive structures in the distance were closing in fast. Their journey was nearly complete...

Teralynn gave Rothargot a wicked grin. Why do you think I work for the secret police? And I am certain it would be an honor to meet Valtrox himself; I look forward to it.

My main ability is that I can move things without touching them, Maverion answered the demon's question. I don't even have to see the object to do it. Everything gives off some kind of aura...some kind of energy. From a person to an ant to a spect of dust. I can sense these energies and move them at will. It could be as simple as throwing my dagger and stopping an arrow in mid-flight, or as intricate as crushing someone's heart without affecting anything else in them. But there are limits, like how an archer can't shoot beyond a certain distance, or how even a strong man can't lift more than a certain amount of weight.

You both are very talented...Perhaps you both would enjoy seeing Valtrox real soon... he thought, more of a statement than a question.

Soon, they came upon the magnificent palace (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f307/Blastit52/Clash%20of%20the%20Gods/Hagia_sophia.jpg) of Rimoru.

A small gnome scuttled out of the front door, a frightened expression on his face, his glasses sliding off the end of his big nose. He watched as the demon and the others landed on the steps nearby.

"Halt! By the name of the Empress, state your business!" he shouted, trying to sound as dignified as possible.

"Tell your Empress we request an immediate audience," Rothargot replied.

The gnome looked at the two others. "Where do you hail from?" he asked hurridly.

"We are envoys sent directly by Lord Inzikai," Maverion told the little gnome.

Teralynn waved a hand at the gnome, indicating for it to get moving. "Go on. Dallying would only make him grow impatient," she tipped her head in the direction of Rothargot. "And you do not want to make him impatient. Trust me."

She then looked at the immense palace in front of her again. Never before had she seen architecture like this. The closest thing to a palace was Inzikai's when she and Mave were summoned there, but that place was dark, forboding, decaying. This place had a very different feel to it. Certainly much more beauty-oriented.

"And fear is not an effective motivator," Harlin smiled at Ar'mai. "I don't fear arrows either... I could catch that arrow out of the air before it hit me. Anyway, if you want your book back, apologize. My Guild will not be insulted while I am present. Otherwise, I will burn it." Harlin still remembered the spell that Minos had taught him that would summon fire.

Rothargot gave the gnome a vicious grin as Teralynn spoke of his impatience.

"Y-yes," he squieked as he ran as fast as his little legs could carry him, his large robe catching onto his feet, making him stumble about.

The gnome's whining can be heard as he reached the doorway, as could a beautiful female voice.

"Silence, you! We don't want to give a bad impression on our guests do we?" the feminine voice replied to the stuttering of the little gnome.

Suddenly, a beautiful elf with gold hair that flowed down to her waist, and beautiful bright blue eyes walked up to greet them.

"Greetings, noble travelers. I am Empress Rimoru," she said as she waited at the top of the stairs. She let her gaze wander to each figure before her. A demi-god...she thought as a mischievious smile graced her face.

Rothargot watched her with awe. Even Rothargot had trouble avoiding her hypnotizing beauty. He bowed, and fell to one knee. "I am Lord Rothargot, Empress. We come in peace, and a minor request of yours..."

"Please forgive us, kind sirs. We are on a journey to Rimoru's library, to find a book," announced Sarik. More like to prevent Inzikai from grabbing hold of the book... he thought as he glanced at Inzikai, who seemed to be muttering something under his breath. "

"Where were you at civilization last?" Kalzog asked, as he looked from the one to the other.

Helio looked at the ogre. "Its been half a decade since we lived in anything to be called a city. Don't ask the name, I have long forgotten."

Andros glanced at Sarik. "Ah! The book! At Rimoru's library. I see." What in the world is "Rimoru's Library"? he wondered. He turned slightly to his brother, who gave him a look suggesting that he was baffled as well. For a while they sat in relative silence.

"You wouldn't want to burn a book of the goddess Elune," Ar'mai warned, ignoring his ignorance about her arrows.

Sarik was trying to concentrate on the two newcomers, but Ar'mai and Harlin seemed to be having some dispute...

He turned around. "Come now, you two. We are all friends, not foes...well except for some of us," he said, nodding towards Inzikai who surprisingly said nothing in return. "Let us act friends, ok? We must help each other if we are to complete this mission..."

"I agree," Inzikai finally replied. "Although you may not think me as a friend, I would enjoy being your friends..." he said sadly.

Mave and Tera looked with awe upon the empress. Maverion, however, managed to pull his eyes away. He was a married man, after all. Teralynn had a feeling that she found a kindred spirit in the empress. But before anything else happened, the two officers followed Rothargot's example and bowed low and stayed silent to show respect to the leader of these lands.

The Empress chuckled as she walked up to them. She first walked up to Rothargot, placing her soft, warm hands on his hard rocky cheeks. Rothargot shivered nervously, trying to keep his eyes away from hers.

Rimoru then walked to Maverion, placing her hands on his chin, gently raising it so he would look in her face. More specifically, her beautiful blue eyes.

Then she walked up to Teralynn and examined her, without touching. "Greetings wary travelers. I'm sure you three are probably hungry, if not thirsty?"

Interrupting his spat with Ar'mai, Harlin said to Inzikai, "Stop trying to take over the world then, and maybe we could get along."

Returning to Ar'mai, "I'm glad that someone else finally knows what I want, perhaps now I can stop making all the difficult decisions for myself. I've had enough of your incessant bullshit though Ar'mai. You aren't nearly as invincible as you believe, perhaps your longevity has gone to your head, but you aren't all powerful." Harlin rode Windflitter forward until he was next to Ar'mai. He pushed her bow aside, and slid the book into her saddle bag.

"Perhaps you should remember your mortality."

Kalzog watched in awe at the two.

Inzikai, however, was torn in between two feelings. These two will fight and bicker, making the team weaker...it would greatly benefit my goals...However, Ar'mai is in this as well, and I would hate for her to get hurt...

This goes our way, Inzikai...Perhaps, you can persuade her to join us, if she hates the rest of the group well enough... came Valtrox's voice.

Inzikai smiled at Valtrox's advice. There was hope for him yet...

"I do not wish to take over the world. I have renounced my old ways. Please, I beg of you all to forgive me!" he said, fake tears falling to the sand.

Forced to look directly at her, Mave felt more than a little awkward. He did not exactly want to look straight into her, but turning away would be extremely rude in such a diplomatic situation. So he faced the challenge and steeled his will, looking back coolly into her eyes.

Teralynn offered Rimoru a slight smile when the two met. "Perhaps a little," she answered the empress. "Although my main concern is what the sun is doing to my skin; I am certain you can understand," she grinned.

"Rothy...", said a metallic voice in Rothargot's mind, "Ready to be, assumes I. Assumes Valtrox I ready. Included you about me, yes? Expansion of speak-tongues is I, no?"


OOC: Disneyland, Anaheim+SixFlags Magic Mountain+Great America+In-one-month=Awesome month o' schoool.
Also, translation: Boiardi is ready to be summoned by Rothy...
"I'm wating to be summoned. Valtrox says you should summon me. He did tell you, did he? I'm getting better at other languages..."

Rimoru laughed. "Of course! Come, all of you, we can talk this over some refreshments," she said as she walked back inside the palace.

Rothargot looked at the others before raising himself and following the Empress.

Rimoru led them through several halls before arriving to a medium sized, cozy room. Large pillows sat on the floor around a fountain where cool water flowed freely. Baskets of large, delicious fruit sat nearby the pillows.

"Go ahead and sit down. I am eager to discover what information you hold!" she said, looking at Rothargot with curious eyes. "I'll be right back, I am getting too hot in these robes," she said, rather seductively as she walked out of the room.

Tera made some small talk whilst walking through the ornate hallways, looking around at the various details as she did so. After Rimoru left them in the room, Tera made her way to the plush pillows and reclined on them. Taking off one of her gloves, she dipped that hand into the cool waters. "Ah, someone who knows how to live," she commented.

Mave, on the other hand, was sweeping the premises with his mind, making sure all was safe. He doubted that they were in any danger, but when dealing with someone with near god-like powers, one could never be too sure. In the room, he took a seat on one of the pillows, but stayed on the alert.

Cadeyrn heard Inzikai's sobbing and broke in: "Damn! People striving for world dominance provides good job opportunities for us Mercenaries." He chuckled rubbing a sharpening stone against the long thick edge of his blade. "Lately it's been guard this, secure that, kill them, blah blah f'ing blah. Getting real bored with this kinda thing."

The mercenary knew Inzikai already despised him for siding with Rimoru, not like he had much of a choice, it's his job. That and coming within a split moment of killing Ar'mai at the empress' request. No sense in making a long term enemy now.

Yeah he hates me, but it doesn't matter, this job'll be over soon enough and I can finally retire from this damned career.

The flat wet stone made a dull scraping sound as it pressed on the tip of Cadeyrn's sword. Sharpeneing his "sword" was rather pointless because it served better as a crushing device. No person has ever taken a direct hit and survived. Usually it cuts about halfway through articulated plate and obliterates any internal organs, which is fine enough, but beheading a behemoth with a single strike is well worth the time.

Rothargot remained motionless at the door, unsure of what to do or say. He was entranced at the strange woman.

After several minutes, he faced the other two and walked up to them. "Seems friendly enough..." he said as he debated on attempting to sit down, or remain standing. Finally coming to a decision, he stood behind both Tera and Mave as he waited for the Empress.

Rothargot suddenly recieved a message from an old minion of Valtrox. Your ability to speak this language is slightly better, however needs improvement...I will need to summon you later...I do not think the Empress would appreciate a summoning in her own palace...

**********************************************************

Inzikai merely looked towards Cadeyrn. He dared not glare at him, for fear his acting would be ruined. "You are funny, swordsman. You should be a comedian at a tavern or something," he replied queitly.

"You could follow my act with a skit from a play." Cadeyrn responded sharply never taking his eyes off his crafting. "Nah, besides Cadeyrn Bran the Comedian doesn't quite sound as well as Caedyrn Bran the Berzerker."

"I like Cadeyrn Bran, the bloody pulp-because-he-couldn't-keep-his-mouth-shut...Why, that can be a whole verse of a song!" growled Kalzog, growing annoyed of all this talk. He was getting quite hungry, as he hadn't eaten in a while.

Sarik sighed as he shook his head in disappointment. "Can we all just get along? We are close to the Library, however we cannot continue as the sun is setting," he said.

I would suggest not getting too comfortable with her, Mave's voice came in to Rothargot's head. Empress Rimoru is a crafty and cunning person with incredible powers. Many men have fallen victims to her whims; some of them powerful men. I don't believe she can be trusted.

Oh pish, came Tera's thoughts as she took off her second glove and reached for a piece of fruit. She seems fine to me. He is just being paranoid, Rothargot. We are ambassadors of Inzikai's. She would not do anything to harm us.

I wouldn't be so sure about that until after checking that fruit for poison, thought Mave.

Tera glared at him, then stuck her tongue out at him before taking a bite.

Rothargot laughed his strange laugh at Teralynns childish antics. I will keep on guard. Although she has treated us kindly so far, we can never be too sure of her true motives if what you speak is true...

As Rothargot finished his message to the others, Rimoru walked through the doorway, barefoot. She wore a revealing robe, that seemed to show her luscious curves, as the robe itself seemed tight.

"Have you guys made yourselves comfortable?" she asked as she walked around the table, sitting crosslegged on a pillow. "So, please, explain your names and your motives," she asked like a teenage girl asking her girl friends about their boyfriends.

Maverion tried not to stare at Rimoru, finding excuses to avert his eyes, say, to examine the paintings on the ceiling of the room.

Teralynn propped her head up with one hand as she laid on the pillows, holding onto the fruit with her other hand. "Quite comfortable, thank you. And I must say, very delectable food as well. It must be difficult to grow these in a desert."

When the empress asked for names, they both differed to Rothargot, as it was customary for the leader to do the introductions in these circumstances.

Lorathin looked over at the appearently extra tempermental Kalzog and asked, "Kal, are you this hostile because you're hungry again?"

Rimoru laughed cheefully at Teralynn's comment. "Actually, They were grown here in this palace. Using magic, I was able to create a tropical paradise within the desert, however it has become quite hard to keep," she chuckled. "Are you two hot?" she asked as she watched Mave and Tera. She looked at Rothargot and chuckled. "I'm not sure if you can feel temperatures or not, considering you're a flaming...rock, but it would not be kind if I didn't offer you the same," she asked, her gaze locking with Rothargots.

"No...I am fine, your highness," he replied quietly.

Rothargot was watching Rimoru with curiousity until he realized all three of them were staring at him. After several moments of Silence, Rothargot finally spoke.

"I am Rothargot, demon lieutenant of Valtrox's armies. These two," he motioned towards Tera and Mave. "Are my friends and allies. Teralynn and Maverion. They are both skilled in their arts and devoted to their god."

"As for our motives, we seek a certain book, that could aid our empire into becoming the great land it once was..." Rothargot replied.

**********************************************************

Kalzog turned to Lorathin and smiled. "You read me like a book, Azrael," he replied with a chuckle.

"You have a tendency to want to smash things when you get bored or hungry, or sleepy, or well just about any time, but since you seem to get hungry the most often..." Lorathin commented with an answering smile. "Now if you're not lactose intolerant, I can provide you with a cheese wheel."

"Ah, that would explain it," Teralynn said with a nod. "And it feels quite good in here, especially when compared to outside." She glanced over at Mave.

"I am fine, thank you," he simply said to Rimoru.

Tera was interested in the magical gardens and why things were becoming more difficult, but she stayed silent as Rothargot had the official business underway.

"So I presume you all want access to my library?" she asked, pulling a few grapes from a nearby vine and popping them in her mouth.

"Yes, your highness. It would be greatly appreciated, for I hear that your library is the grandest in the world, holding every known volume from any known culture," Rothargot replied.

"You flatter me," Rimoru chuckled. "I do not think I have every book, however you are definately welcome to look. But not today. I would like to know more about all of you. In your own words," she said, her hypnotizing gaze looking towards Mave, trying to get eye contact.

**********************************************************

"Cheese? Surely you kid?" Kalzog asked, stiffling a laugh. "But, if that is all you'll offer, I suppose that is what I'll take."

"I could get you some hardtack as well if you want, but I'm a little low on meat." He commented as he cast a food spell and tossed the ogre a lump of hardtack and a wheel of cheese.

"Hmm?" Mave glanced over from the artwork. "Oh, my apologies. I was just admiring the paintings on the ceiling. But as for me, as Lord Rothargot mentioned," he kept his eyes moving, now settling on the demon, "my name is Maverion. I used to serve as a guard captain, but now function as an envoy for Lord Inzikai."

Rimoru scooted herself closer and put her delicate hands on Maverion's cheek, gently pushing his face so he looked at her. "Haven't you been told to face the person you're talking to?" she asked playfully, her face inches away from his.

Rothargot watched with mild amusement, unsure of what to do.
**********************************************************

Kalzog fumbled with the cheese and the hardtack and raised an eyebrow. He shrugged and sat crosslegged on his mount as he debated how he should eat the food.

He took a large bite of the cheese and stuck his tongue out, making a scrunched up face.

"This cheese is...sour," he said, spitting out cheese. Already it had begun to melt on his hands. He began to curse loudly as he tossed the cheese on his mount, close to his feet. He took a bite out of the hardtack and stuck his tongue out again. "Kind of...dry..."

"Sorry about that, I guess the heat's a bit much for the poor cheese, and travel food is usually dried out, to keep it preserved. You could always ask Kavia for his food thingy." Lorathin suggested

"This cheese is...sour," he said, spitting out cheese. Already it had begun to melt on his hands. He began to curse loudly as he tossed the cheese on his mount, close to his feet. He took a bite out of the hardtack and stuck his tongue out again. "Kind of...dry..."

Nahamiel looked up as she heard the ogre complain. "Dry?", she started, "Are you sure you don't need water? I can give you water. You know that don't you? You can ask me anytime! Do you need anything to wash out that bad taste? Hmm? Don't you? I bet you do!! My you're big..." The golem immediately held out her tentacles and sprayed a stream of water straigt into the ogre's mouth.

OOC: It's fun being annoying. :)

ooc: LOL this whole debacle is making me crack up...
Kalzog had popped the rest if the hardtack in his mouth and crunched loudly and slowly, crumbs falling all over him. Just as he began to brush off the crumbs, his fingers came across something sticky. He looked down, realizing the cheese had melted in his lap. And to make things worse, the crumbs were in the melted cheese. "Infernal..." he began to curse and swear again as he attempted to brush off the cheese, but only making himself messier.

Sarik laughed at the show Kalzog was giving them. "Did you plan this out, Azrael?" he whispered as he watched Kalzog desperately attempting to rid himself of the melted cheese and crumbs.

Kalzog noticed the talkative golem speaking rapidly to him. Kalzog attempted to talk, however the dry hardtack made his speech slightly...muffled...

He waved his hands as the golem pointed one of it's tentacles at him, saying something to it, when suddenly water sprayed at him, straight into his mouth. He began to choke, bending his face down, the water splashing into his eye. He a muffled yelp, he fell off his mount with a loud thud.

Teralynn grinned at the sight.

Given no other option, Maverion once again steeled himself against the empress and looked straight at her, managing a small smile at the edge of the lips. "My apologies once again. But think of it as a compliment to your taste of architecture and art that I find myself so preoccupied by them."

Looking over at Teralynn, and also using the opportunity to release his face from Rimoru's grasp, he said, "I believe it's your turn?"

"Not really, but I did accelerate the melting." He replied with a smile as he watched the ogre play with the cheese mess and sputter as he got drenched by the golem.

Seeing the ogre fall, he looked over and asked Kalzog, "Are you alright?"

Rimoru chuckled quietly as she turned her gaze at Teralynn. "Oh please, tell me how it is, trying to keep these two men in order," she laughed. "I hope they don't give you too much trouble...they seem shy enough!"

**********************************************************

Now covered in not only cheese and crumbs, he was also covered in sand. He slowly got up and growled some more curses. "Fine..." was all he managed to say amongst his words of unintelligable vocabulary. He brushed off the sand, eyeing the water golem warily, wondering if he'd have to deal with it again...

"You know, you're scarier than normal like that." Lorathin said as he eyed the messy sandy ogre with amusement.

"Quiet human!" he growled, his voice barely translatable. He continued to spit out what he could, his mouth now much wetter than usual. He looked around, trying to figure out where he could wipe his sticky hands. He looked at Lorathin and smiled mischieviously. "Hey, come here," he replied in the same barely translatable voice.

Lorathin looked from the ogre's hands to his smile and had his mount take a step back. "I think I'll pass. I don't want you to get the wrong ideas, like using my neck as a stress ball."

Tera gave a light laugh as well at Rimoru's words. "Oh, you know how men are. They all boast like lions on the field, but are as docile as kittens when off it. But yes, they are fairly harmless...for the most part."

She flashed a grin at Mave and Rothargot, "Hope you boys do not mind us talking about you." She then gave Rimoru a wink.

"No no no...I want a..." he paused as he searched for the right words. "A hug..." he finished, his voice taking on a gruff tone.

**********************************************************

Rimoru laughed. "Teralynn, that is so true," she chuckled as she looked at both of them.

"Are you guys tired? I can have bedrooms readied for all of you if you wish," she asked, as she popped some more grapes into her mouth.

"I think Inzikai would prefere your tender ministrations. Afterall, some say bad guys are only bad because they didn't get enought hugs growing up." Lorathin commented

"No thank you, ogre. Although I am much kinder than before, I still don't want to be smothered in Ogre hugs..." he commented as he watched Kalzog walk around.

"See, Azrael, you're the only one that wants a hug. Besides, you offered me that delicious hunk of cheese in the first place...You should get something in return!"

Teralynn nodded, "That might be a good idea. Maverion and I had a long day, sand monsters and all."

Mave nodded to the idea as well.

"Oh those sand monsters are vicious beasts," Rimoru said as she stood up, brushing up against Mave. "Would you guys like separate rooms or would you want to share a bedroom?"

"I do not need a room, your highness," replied Rothargot as he backed up slightly.

"Oh, I'm sooooooooooooo sorry," squealed the golem. "Now you want a hug, eh? No one's gonna hug you if you look like that! Here, let me help you." The golem started to raise a tentacle at the giant ogre.

Mave tried to lean away upon first feeling Rimoru brush against him, but was apparently not quick enough. Pulling away any faster might have been construed as rude. Things like these made Maverion glad that he was an officer and not a diplomat. Dealing with it on a continuous basis would not be something he wanted to deal with.

Then the offer for a shared room. Mave and Tera looked at one another with incredulity. "Seperate!" they said in unison.

"Perhaps you should remember your mortality."

"And perhaps you will eventually listen to your own hypocrisy... I, for one, have grown tired of hearing it..." she beat her sandhorse on gently and it quickened its pace away from Harlin.

For the next few moments she watched the short debacle dealing with the ogre...

“I agree as well,” Karasu retorted glaring at the ‘know-it-alls’, referring to 'what is said and what can be done'. However, her and Rimoru's long friendship made it so that she could get in easily.

“Inzi, as far as I am concerned, do not fake nice with me. You are not good at it. I know what your true feelings are.” Karasu’s eyes flipped through different colors like a slot machine and stopped on fuchsia. “Your aura defies your words Inzi.” She informed him. As if I do not know he wants me slowly killed! I would like Kalzog to eat him.

Karasu turned to Kalzog, “I doubt you could stomach me… Please do not take that as a challenge, but you might find yourself… not yourself.” She chuckled at Kalzog. "Just do not. I also would miss your witty repertoire!" Karasu gave him a seductive grin.

Occasionally she did it on purpose in just such occasions. Karasu usually hypnotized men with her beauty. She and Rimoru were two of a kind.

She had always given the Empress a run for her money, which was always much fun. Rimoru was blonde, blue-eyed; however Karasu was dark, with the rainbow streaks down one side of her hair, and her eyes were bewitching due to her dragon power... very exotic. Not even the Empress herself knew that Karasu was a dragon. Sad really. She did always want to tell her, but did not think it wise. As time passed, it was well and good that she had not.

Karasu did not want to kill Kalzog, which is what she would have to do if he tried to eat her. Transform to full dragon size while partially inside of him. She did not want to see the jocular Ogre explode.

Listening to Cadeyrn and Inzi's conversation, she stated to Cadeyrn; "Well, Cadeyrn, Inzi is not a good actor, thus he could not follow with a skit from a play." Karasu smiled at Cadeyrn.

She continued to listen to the arguing and eventually tuned it out. Man is this boring as it gets... However, if I want to see my best friend again, I suppose I shall have to endure. Karasu mused.

She moved next to Relthor. "Has everyone been arguing this entire trip? And how long have you been on this quest?"

"Too true, but we could let Kalzog take the stage with an abacus and ask him to solve math problems that should provide some good entertainment, or hand him a piece of cheese both are equaly complex to an ogre." Cadeyrn said looking down the edge of his sword admiring his work.

Siding with an ogre is worse than fighting one, they actually smell better after they die. He chuckled outloud standing to his feet facing the large humanoid.

Relthor smiled nervously as Karasu walked closer to him. "I have...only just joined, Miss," Relthor replied, fiddling with his robe absent-mindedly. "As for argueing, perhaps on and off, not constantly."

Relthor looked briefly at Karasu before weakly adding, "H-how long have you been out here?".

Inzikai turned towards Karasu. "Must you always criticize me, assassin? I am trying to be open and nice...but you always put me down. It's people like you, who make villains who they are," he said, adding a saddened tone.

Kalzog faced the golem and waved his hands around in front of it. "No more, you infernal pest!" he growled. Suddenly, Cadeyrn's comment stopped him in his tracks.

"Come, human. I deeply underestimate my abilities," he growled.
**********************************************************

Rimoru laughed at mortal duo. "Come, I shall at least place you two close together..."

The Empress led them up a large staircase, up two floors and down a large hall. She opened a door, revealing lavish decorations, a plush bed, a marble bathtub, and baskets of fruit. At the back was a door leading to a balcony with an incredible view of a jungle-like landscape. "Teralynn, this will be your room. If you ever need something, do not be afraid to ask a guard that will be positioned outside your door. Same goes for you, Maverion," she said as she winked at Mave.

"Now for your room, Mave..." She said as she brought him several doors down. "Is this one. Very similar in design, however, there is no balcony. There are large windows though," she chuckled, putting her hands on his shoulders. "So...do you like?"

Karasu was becoming amused again. Cadeyrn was as goofy as Kalzog.

She grinned at Cadeyrn. Karasu decided she liked him so far. She was enjoying the jabbing and the silly jokes. It did help pass the time.

"Cadeyrn, it seems you are as amusing as Kalzog, here." Karasu grinned at Cadeyrn. She chuckled.

"You two need to get sparring and really entertain us!" She said to Cadeyrn.

Karasu did not know that he was working for her best friend, prior to Karasu having to leave on Dragon Business. She had not seen Rimoru since, and was so looking forward to the reunion. They were like "best buds"... told each other everything... well, almost everything... the men, and such were always a subject of evening conversation. Rimoru did not even become angry when Karasu jokingly called her "Empress Slut". Rimoru and Karasu laughed and laughed about it. It was unlikely that anyone else could get away with that.

Karasu was able to attract men the way Rimoru did, but was not interested in doing so with every man she met. She felt she did not have to 'prove' her womanliness by stacking up a pile of men that she bedded.

Even Rimoru did not know Karasu was a dragon. No one did, although she was wondering if Relthor might be suspecting something. There seemed to be an unspoken connection between the two. A mutual trust… as if they could put their lives in each other's hands and feel comfortable about it.

Karasu also had no idea that Relthor worked for Rimoru in the past. Karasu had not seen Relthor in his dragon form yet, so she would not recognize him. It seemed Karasu was never really around when Relthor was there anyway, so it was doubtful he would recognize her in her human form.

"Can these golem horse things sprint?" Karasu asked, wanting to get out of the desert as soon as possible."

"Inzikai," Karasu addressed him, "you are right. I have not given you a chance. I apologize. For all I know, everything you said may very well be true, which makes me a fool for doubting you. Please accept my apology, and I will not continue to harrass you."

She looked up at him. "Do not be sad... and by the way, I am not only an assassin... I only take choice jobs that I feel are just. I am mostly a bodyguard. Perhaps we started off on the wrong foot. Let us just begin again as friends." Karasu smiled at him, apologetically.

How I could say such a pile of horse shit without laughing is beyond me! Best that I let him think I trust him. Besides, cutting on him is wearing thin.

Turning to Relthor, Karasu began answering his questions. "I have been out here a much shorter time than all of you have. As I said, I had two jobs, one of them leading me to the edge of the forest and into the desert, and I had these things to do. It turns out we are all going to the same place. I find it pleasant that I have company rather than walking alone." She smiled at Relthor.

Karasu looked closely at his face with concern. "Are you OK Relthor? You seem to be shaky. Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked the nervous dragon.

"N-no, I am quite fine," he said with an obvious fake chuckle, trying to avoid her look. "I er...well...no, there won't be anything that can help. I'm just slightly...tired..." he said as he looked at the darkening sky.

Yes there is something you can help me with...what are you hiding? he thought to himself. This figure next to him was strange that she seemed like a human, however somewhat familiar. He examined her as he rode along, averting his gaze, if she looked his way.