NationStates Jolt Archive

"Well, you seem upset." Karasu said to the dragon. "I can tell you are very uncomfortable. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know."

She was concerned about him. He seemed very upset. Karasu had an odd instinct to hug him, but resisted it. She wanted to help him.

"Have you ever been to this library?" Karasu asked Relthor.

"Oh, I didn't notice," he replied to her comment of him appearing uncomfortable. "No, no...I am...Quite fine!" he lied.

"Once or twice," he replied quietly. "Quite a wondrous place. Have you visited the Library, Kasaru," he asked, not realizing he pronounced her name wrong.

"Come on Kalzog I am only playing around, not much else to do in this god forsaken place." Cadeyrn said trying to avoid pushing the ogre too far.

No sense in pissing anyone off...too much.

"Sparring on empty stomachs wouldn't be too wise." He added resting his large blade over his shoulder and patting his stomach. Beside his playful guise he closely examined the new comer Karasu, who was shrouded in so much mystery the mercenary couldn't help but pry.

"Might I ask where exactly you are from and what it is you do, miss Karasu." Cadeyrn said smiling at his clever little rhyme.

"Well, it is pronounced Kar-a-su," she told the dragon with a smile.

"Cadeyrn, I did go over this, but I am a body guard most of the time, and an assassin as well." Karasu smiled at him. "It has been quite lucrative for me, I am happy to say.

"As to where I am from? Well, I'm just a wanderer actually. I stay where I find shelter, and usually I stay in quite palatial dwellings. I can afford it. Money has never been much of an object. My jobs have served to afford me more than I dreamed." Karasu explained.

"I do have a permanent home up in the mountains, however, I would prefer not to reveal the exact location." Karasu looked up at Cadeyrn with a mischievious grin.

"And where do you hail from and what is it you do?" She asked the same question.

"Many apologies Kar-a-su," Kavia replied, trying to avoid any more name mishaps. "You said you knew of Empress Rimoru earlier, Karasu. If you don't mind my asking, how did you get to know her?"

Kalzog continued to attempt to get the sticky cheese and crumbs off of him, without the help from that infernal water golem, as soon as Cadeyrn admitted the comment was a joke. He grumbled and cursed under his breath as he continuously tried to get the cheese off...

Inzikai continued to watch Karasu with much interest. "I'm glad you have seen the errors in your ways, human..." Begin again as friends? Let us begin again, with you recieving punishment... he thought angrily, but keeping a calm outward appearance.

"I would not call it the 'error of my ways', bud. I prefer to be addressed by my name, not as my species." Karasu said angrily. "Let us just say this was my initial impression of you.

"Best we do not speak to each other Inzi." Karasu retorted and turned to Relthor.

"Oh... I knew her a long time ago, actually." She leaned over and whispered in Relthor's ear. "I do not want to speak of it where all can hear." She sat back up and smiled.

"How much further is it? Does anyone know?" Karasu asked.

"I understand why you would make a good assassin, Karasu. You'd make a horrible diplomat..." he said, stifling a chuckle.

Relthor slightly jumped when Karasu got so close and spoke in his ear. He smiled back at her and nodded in understanding.

"Well, Rimoru's palace is still quite a ways away, however we are going to rest in this nearby cave," Sarik replied, pointing to a cave that was a few hundred feet away. "Kavia, would you mind creating some more food for us?"

"Oh course, Sir Sarik," Relthor replied, his sand horse dissolving into a pile of sand. Relthor placed his hands on the pile, his eye's glowing a slightly brighter blue. Suddenly, another pig creature sprung from the sand. Out of it's back sprouted fruits and vegetables, while meat was plentiful on it's belly. It waddled into the cave, Kalzog following shortly after...

Sarik thanked him and followed after, into the cave. Relthor remained outside, watching the distant sun...

"Where I hail from? I don't remember exactly, I was born after my parents were killed and taken by bandits. Eventually I escaped and became a mercenary and I've been wandering from job to job ever since. Right now I in her empress' service as a bodyguard." He claimed almost proudly.

Cadeyrn walked past the ogre and mumbled jokingly: "Cheese sure is complicated."

"Silence, human," growled Kalzog as he wondered how to avoid the vegetables on the pig. "I'm sure your not only the Empress' bodyguard. By the other's description...I'm sure you have done something else..."

"Like an ogre would know anything of the world outside of picking their own ass." Cadeyrn said sharply growing angry at the label placed onto his master.

His hand was clutched tightly on the hilt of his blade. "I would hate to start any trouble amongst this group, but I will make an example of you if you insist on throwing your weight around." He growled showing a broken fang.

"Oh? You're itching for a fight are you?" growled Kalzog, his face inching closer to Cadeyrns, showing off his own deadly row of dagger-like teeth. "Well heres one for you. Your boss is a degenerate slut...when I see her, I'll say this in front of her face...then I'll grind her within my grip. Afterwards, I'll spit on her corpse. How's that, human?"

"Oh? You're itching for a fight are you?" growled Kalzog, his face inching closer to Cadeyrns, showing off his own deadly row of dagger-like teeth. "Well heres one for you. Your boss is a degenerate slut...when I see her, I'll say this in front of her face...then I'll grind her within my grip. Afterwards, I'll spit on her corpse. How's that, human?"

"Amen," muttered Sangradeen, "but I would perfer more actions than threats. As for Cadeyrn, he is merely a pawn being used for the Whore's selfish desires."
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"Argh... talking in common tongues is hard," said Boiardi in Rothargot's mind. He was speaking in an extremely archaic language in which he was much more familiar with. "Has the empress left you alone? I'm getting impatient..."

Keep yourself together, Boiardi...I will attempt to summon you now... he replied back to the other demon.

"Excuse me your highness, but I must ask a favor of you. Please forgive my insistence, however, a comrade of mine has been stuck somewhere for a while, and I would like to bring him back..." Rothargot said to Rimoru.

Rimoru merely smiled at the request. "Okay. Just summon whatever outside...I do not wish my home to be trashed..." she said, wiggling Rothargot's chin with her slender hand, as if he were a child.

"Many...thanks..., your highness," he responded. This mortal is strange. Confident, powerful, beautiful...If any other mortal touched me as so, I would rip them to pieces...yet... Rothargot contemplated these strange feelings as he wandered around the palace in search of a door outside.

Before the demi-god could proceed to any previously unknown part of the massive palace, the little gnome showed him the way out.

Rothargot walked out a hundred or so feed away from the steps to the palace. He knelt down, inscribing ancient symbols into the dirt, which glowed as if on fire. He made a large circle and stood back. Come forth, Boiardi...the mortal world beckons...

Caderyn smiled and retorted: "An ogre who can speak common is a feat of its own, now using those words in a coherent sentence is beyond amazing. It would be such a waste of progress to open your sorry hide and see what it is that makes you tick. However, a dead ogre is great progress in itself."

The mercenary took his massive blade and leveled at waist height.

"You really want to see why it is they call me the Berserker? No one has ever even come close to defeating me in one on one combat: Ogres, Behemoths, Titans, all have fallen before my blade and now you wish to join their ranks. The ranks of those who died because of their pride, very well fool." He challenged Kalzog.

He could feel his blood boil as his temper rised as the other cowards chimed in behind the ogre.

I have taken stronger than this oaf, the question is whether to annihilate him or toy with him. Probably the latter, the expression on his dumb face when he sees my strength will be priceless.

"Caderyn, Kalzog, knock it off, or at least take it out on Inzikai or I'll be force to 'wake up'." Said a 'sleeping' Lorathin

An incredibly strong wind started to whirl around the circle almost if a tornado were touching down on the circle right then and there. Dust was starting to kick up into the wind and the wind erased the symbols Rothargot made. The wind started to die down and as it did, a figure started to materialize. The wind stopped suddenly, and the unimpressive form of Boiardi appeared from the debris. As he stepped out, the dirt in the air hovered above the ground with no wind holding it up. "Ahh... Rothy," spoke Boiardi, once again in the archaic language. As he spoke the dirt settled down slowly once agian. "You have done well and not at all late. I sense that you'll need me fairly soon." Boiardi noticed the gnome watching from a distance away. He held up his hollowed hand and aimed it the gnome. "May I?"

The brothers Valise watched in silence as Caderyn and Kalzog antagonized each other, passing back and forth threats of violence and even so as to lifting the blade.

In his mind, Helio personally favored Caderyn. There was something about the man, something he couldn't place. But even so, he knew it was a special connection. Plus, even without this mystery, Caderyn had been the first to reassure him and his younger brother that the ogre was of little danger. However, that didn't seem to true now.

Helio turned to his brother. "There is something amiss here."

"You mean all the fighting?" Andros replied, not turning away from the two men, who seemed inevitably bound to fight.

"Yes. But no. Specifically about Caderyn. I have a strange empathetic feeling about him." Helio said. Andros took his gaze off the two men.

"I'm.. not sure I understand your meaning." Andros crunched up his brow.

"Oh, nevermind. I don't think I could explain it." Helio tried to take his mind off it, and turned back to the fight.
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OOC: Check my post on OOC thread, page 44, particularly Luporum

When Teralynn was brought to her room, her eyes went large. "This is absolutely marvelous!" she said to Rimoru as she went in and looked around. Never had she stayed in a place so grand before. "I tell you, you are going to spoil me. Not that I mind," Tera turned her head back toward the doorway to give the empress a grin. When the others left, she removed her cloak and tossed it onto her bed before going out onto the balcony and looking out into the lush greenery smack in the middle of the desert. She would definitely need to ask more questions about this magical garden.

Maverion, on the other hand, was not enjoying things so much. The whole time, he was reminding himself that Rimoru could not be trusted, and that no doubt she used her physical looks to her utmost advantage. He would do all that he could to resist falling under such a spell. Upon reaching his room, he immediately walked through the open doors, thereby allowing Rimoru as little time as possible to keep her hands on his shoulders. "It's more than I could ever ask for," Mave said in response to her question, looking around at the large guest room. Glancing back at her, he said, "I thank you, Empress."

She leaned over and whispered in Relthor's ear. "I do not want to speak of it where all can hear." She sat back up and smiled.

"How much further is it? Does anyone know?" Karasu asked.

"A whisper though, will not be heard by all..." Ar'mai commented as her keen elven senses picked up Karasu's whispered statement to Relthor.

She looked at the squabbling and fighting that was going on and sighed slightly to herself. "At least now there is a little more of the balanced minded to level out the testosterone driven group..." she commented lightly.

"Inzi, I find you would make a terrible diplomat yourself." Karasu replied to his comment. "On the other hand, I am in diplomatic situations often." She was thinking about her duties as Queen of her clan, and the diplomatic relations that post required. "Apparently, you just bring out the less than diplomatic side of me." Karasu smirked. "Also, to set the record straight, assassin is not my primary job. My primary work is that of bodyguard or guarding villages against pillagers and such. Assassinations are an aside, and only if I feel the target is justified as a target." Karasu explained.

"On the other hand, I do not believe that you feel a need for diplomacy in any situation." Karasu commented to Inzi. "Your deep suspicion and nasty attitude toward newcomers is hardly diplomatic." What a moron... I think he believes diplomacy equals lying.

Responding to Ar'mai, she smiled. "Yes, the fighting is growing tedious. At least you have a book to read to block out all the trash talk."

When they reached the cave, Karasu went outside after Kavia. "I love the sunset." She said to him. "I love a clear night with all the stars out... it is truly magical." Karasu was looking up, somewhat mesmerized by the sky.

"All this fighting amongst one group... I almost wonder if I should have traveled alone." Karasu mused aloud. "Since even whispers can be heard here, would you care to go for a walk? It is so beautiful tonight." Karasu was still staring at the sky. "Then I may tell you how I know Rimoru."

Karasu wished she were in her dragon form flying in the night sky, doing loops and enjoying the night. It was hard to believe that anyone in this group had a common purpose, however, she realized now that quite a few people hated her friend.

"I would also like to get away from all the bickering, Kavia. I do not know how you have tolerated it. I especially do not like the way some of them speak of Rimoru, however, perhaps she has done something to make them feel the way they do. She can get angry easily, as well as jealous."

Karasu looked at Kavia and smiled at him seductively. "Does a walk sound good to you? I plan to go either way. I need to get away."

Responding to Ar'mai, she smiled. "Yes, the fighting is growing tedious. At least you have a book to read to block out all the trash talk."

"I have many... not that they will do any good if Harlin continues to try to prove his worth and steal my books," Ar'mai commented as they approached the cave Lorathin had talked about earlier.

After dismounting her sandhorse, she walked inside and found a comfortable position deeper into the cave. In moments she had fallen asleep...

Having overheard them with his acute sense of hearing, Harlin grumbled, "I'll steal every last one if that is what it takes..."

Shara urged her sand horse up next to him, and put her arm around his waist. "Don't worry about Ar'mai. She's just being mean for no reason. I'm sure you could break into Rimoru's library, but if we're lucky, we won't have to."

"I know that and you know that, but why doesn't anyone else see that?"

Minos interjected, "That's how people are Harlin, that's just the way they operate."

"You were barely a thought to your foolish floozy of a mother when I was out battling things twice the power of anything you have," growled Kalzog, his eyes beginning to glow red. "I dare you to strike me, human. I have known nothing that can hurt me, and I look forward to meeting something that is my match!"

Inzikai smiled at Karasu. "Than I have been mistaken..." he mumbled. Diplomacy with knives?.

Inzikai then turned to Lorathin. "You're just as bad as Karasu was...you can never break away from the propoganda that was thrown at me..." he growled before walking into the cave and sat near the sleeping Ar'mai.

Sarik had the last straw. "Silence! We shall have no more arguing with each other for the remainder of this trip! We cannot stoop so low as to fight amongst ourselves! As individual's we may be strong, but as a team, we are unstoppable! Each one of us, whether Ogre, Elf, Human, or Skizzarish, we are all brothers or sisters in arms! Let us keep it this way!" Sarik shouted, hoping to finally end this bickering.

Relthor was breathing the cool desert air, about to take a walk so he could stretch his wings once more...

Suddenly, Karasu crept up on him. He jumped as she spoke aloud.

"Ka-Karasu, you surprised me," he stuttered, looking at her briefly before looking back at the stars.

"I have to agree...there is nothing quite like the crisp cool air whipping across your face as you watch the beautiful jewels above whip past..." he said dreamily. "Err, well I mean, I don't fly- Well I do, but...." he looked around nervously trying to escape the subject, however whenever he took his eyes off the sky, they wandered towards the beautiful figure of Kasaru. " You are beautiful- I mean, the sky, because, I was personifying-err..." he stopped talking so he wouldn't mess up anymore, blushing brightly. He began to nervously fiddle with his robe again.

"A...w-w-walk?" Relthor stuttered, trying to regain his bearings, blushing from the way Karasu spoke to him. "T-that w-would be nice," he said slowly. His hands were moving even faster as he grew more nervous.

"No, I just don't like you Inzikai. Watching you try and get in Ar'mai's pants is enought to make anyone dislike you." He replied as he propped himself up on his elbows. "There is a great deal that will harm you Kalzog, maybe not kill you but harm you none the less."

Rimoru smiled, walking seductively towards Maverion. "Actually...I would like to thank you, Mave..." she replied, again leaning up against him. "I had thought Inzikai had forgotten all about me..." she continued, a sorrowful tone in her voice.

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

"Don't call me that," Rothargot growled at the name Boiardi called him. "Don't hurt the gnome...we are here on good terms with the Empress...Valtrox would be very disappointed if we ruined those terms..."

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"What makes you think I want to get into Ar'mai's pants?" he whispered low, trying to keep Ar'mai from hearing. "I am treating the poor elf with respect, and so you believe I love her? Perhaps you're a little too jealous..." Oh, how I wish I could profess my love to her, and be loved in return... he thought sadly.

Kalzog shot Lorathin a glance. "Quiet you, I'm trying to make a point!"

Karasu overheard Inzi's comment prior to going outside. "I am not about propaganda. You have no idea the type of diplomatic relations I have to deal with. So please keep your uninformed comments to yourself." She stated before she walked outside.

"Thank you for joining me, Kavia." Karasu smiled at the sweet guy. "You are about the only one who is not bickering or having petty squabbles. I apologize for getting into it with Inzi. That guy is pure evil. I can feel it. Plus he is a first class jerk. However, I am done with the arguments." She said.

"Clear, starry nights are my favorites Kavia." She looked at him as they began to walk.

"Kavia? Why do I make you nervous? It is obvious that I do. I am sorry if I have done something to offend you." Karasu continued, she smiled at him knowingly, "and please tell me about flying... you did trip over that one." She gave him a warm trusting smile.

"You want to fly right now, do you not?" She asked Kavia, point blank.

"Because I've seen, and heard you panting after her, and nothing against her, but Ar'mai does absolutely shit all for me. Oh, I thought you were yelling at me for telling you to knock it off Kal." Lorathin replied to the ogre.

"Inzikai is...different...He was going to marry R-rimoru, y-you know?" he replied shakily.

"I-I...There is...something s-s-strange about you, K-Karasu..." he replied as they walked away from the others. "S-s-something...familiar..."

"I s-s-supose you c-caught me," he chuckled.

"I-" he thought for several seconds, trying to come up with a lie. "I have flown w-with R-Rimoru, before," he finally said, which was somewhat true. He was, however, the mount in several of those rides...

"F-f-fly? N-now?" he gasped suddenly, stopping to turn and look at Karasu. Does she know already? he thought worriedly.

"W-why w-would I want to f-fly now, Kind Karasu?"

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

"How would you have seen such a thing, lier?" Inzikai growled at Lorathin, trying to keep his voice low. "Each word you've been saying has been telling me you wish she was in love with you!" He said, prodding Lorathin with his finger.

"No, I wasn't Azrael..." replied Kalzog, still watching Cadeyrn closely. "By the way...knock it off," he said with a little chuckle.

He grabbed Inzikai's robe and pulled him close. "The same way I've seen the colour of your new skin, and the horns growing out of your head." He said in a low voice as he released Inzikai.

Inzikai's eyes grew in shock suddenly, before quickly narrowing. "Then perhaps you will treat me with more respect, Azrael, lest you find yourself on the wrong end of life..." he hissed as he straightened his robe.

He just smiled at Inzikai. Inzikai disconforted was a pleasure. He was tempted to add, 'You aren't the only one with secrets,' but decided that would just be too cliche as he closed his eyes.

The comment on Cadeyrn's mother hit a sensitive nerve and the mercenary's eyes began to turn to slits. A faint aura of steam eminated from the man as he lowered his sword in a striking position gritting his teeth loud enough for all to hear.

"You will be fortunate then, for you will feel nothing as I rip you limb from limb with my bear hands." He growled as the steam began becoming more intense until his left arm combusted into flames and slowly travelled its way to his neck.

"You disgrace me by calling me your match!" He barked as a spurt of fire escaped his mouth.

"Oh, now you're disgracing me, pathetic human. I never said you were my match," Kalzog returned, cracking his knuckles. "Come, I won't even use my weapon..."

Inzikai wanted to destroy Lorathin then and there, especially his defiance of Inzikai...but he decided against it...for Ar'mai's sake... He continued his original path and walked towards the sleeping elf.

Cadeyrn was now completely engulfed in flames. From this self pyre the gigantic blade flung out and stuck into the sand steaming from end to end. Two metal gauntlets followed suit revealing a pair of fiery claws.

"Then nor shall I." A warbled voice broke from the flames.

Kavia and Karasu were well away from the cave where no one could hear their conversation.

Karasu stopped and held Kavia's shoulders. "Please relax." Karasu smiled. "I overheard Kalzog say you were a dragon." She informed him. "And you were with Rimoru. I see." Karasu smiled warmly.

"Rimoru and I used to be best friends until I was called away on business, and I have not seen her since. This is why I am so very excited to see her." Karasu told him.

"I suppose I should tell you something else." Karasu sighed nervously. She looked Kavia in the eyes and spoke. "You are the only being that will know of this. Not one other knows, not even Rimoru. Please keep this secret for me. It is very important that this is not found out by anyone, however, I trust you in a strange way, even though we just met."

While she was talking to him and looking into his beautiful eyes, she had to fight the urge to hold him.

"Kavia, I too am a dragon." Karasu breathed deeply. "Wow, you are the only one who knows. I trust you will tell no one?" she asked him.

"This is why I like nights like this. Flying on a night like this is indescribably wonderful, do you not agree?" Karasu asked.

"By the way, I am an unusually large dragon. When I walk the ground shakes. When I fly, I darken half a villiage with my shadow." Karasu smiled. "Most women do not like to talk about how 'large' they are!" She chuckled, her arms still on his shoulders. Her eyes were changing colors constantly like a rainbow. This happened occasionally, and was quite a beautiful sight.

"I am so happy we met Kavia!" Karasu instinctively hugged him.

"You're making it nearly too unfair for yourself, Crispy," he taunted. "I may have to tie my arms together...behind my back!"

Suddenly, Sarik stepped in between the two. "No...more...fighting!" he growled.

The flames engulfing Cadeyrn suddenly stopped and he smiled.

"Who are you to interrupt such a glorious fight?" He mused before leaping an incredible distance into the air. Somehow he was managing to jump back and forth toward the Ogre while still falling.

Rastilia had been mediating to communicate with her Goddess. Minax was very displeased and her hunger was becoming more evident. The Queen of Death wanted a sacrifice and it would be given one way or another.

The Dark Elf High Priestess broke out of her mediation and looked for Rothargot she ordered her undead minions to help her. If she did not find a victim to sacrifice soon, She would be punished severely...

"I-err...I-I-I," Relthor could only say, as she hugged him. He was extremely surprised, caught off guard, and was encountering a strange feeling...one he hasn't felt in ages...

"Y-your secret is with m-me," he replied, slowly wrapping his arms around Karasu. One of his own kin...he was beginning to open up more to Karasu, slowly losing his stutter and nervousness.

"Karasu, My t-true name is R-Relthor," he said quietly. He knew that most dragons would know that name, and instantly connect him with one of great power, being an "Ageless One".

"There will be no fighting in this group, Cadeyrn. That goes for you too, Kalzog. We're going to need whatever we can get to stop Valtrox's plans, right Inzikai?" he asked, glancing back at the robed skizzarish, testing out his supposed words...

"Right...I do not know what Valtrox may have sent, but I can guarentee that if he wants it bad enough, it won't be good..." Inzikai replied, playing with his earlier claims of renouncing his oath to Valtrox.

Feeling so wonderful in the arms of another like her, she replied "Relthor, the Ageless One! Oh yes, I have heard of you. Everyone has. You are greatly respected. I am honored, Relthor." She kept hold of him.

"My name is Karasu, and as a dragon, I am simply known as The Black and Gold Dragon. A lot of people know me as well, however I do not know if you would. I am a protector dragon, and try to help those in need. This is how little ole' Karasu can protect an entire villiage." She chuckled. "People do not know when they hire me that they hire human and dragon protection. Those I watch over... I like to sprinkle gold dust on them from the sky..."

"I am not ageless, I am about 7,000 years old. Does everyone in this party know you are a dragon?" Karasu asked. "Please promise me you will never tell a soul that I am. I have never told anyone in my entire life, but I felt the need to tell you for some reason."

Karasu looked him in the eyes and got a bit lost in them. They were so beautiful. "I am so glad we know the truth about each other now."

Karasu was beginning to have strong feelings for Relthor... feelings that went beyond friendship. Especially with them standing touching each other with their faces inches apart, she would remain a lady, but hoped he would kiss her. She felt unbridled passion rise inside her and the need to express it.

Rothargot had walked back to the gnome, who in turn, led him back inside...

Suddenly, a skeleton came around the corner, nearly crashing into the demi-god. Rothargot looked around the corner, wondering if Rastilia was wandering around. He saw no traces of the elf, so instead, he faced the skeleton again. "Where is your master?" he asked.

The skeleton replied in it's slow and uncoordinated way, "M..aster, Is hunt..ing for you, ...I ha..ve be..e..n l..oo..king for yo..u!"

The undead creature then attempted to grasp Rothargot's arm and pull him to the direction of Rastilia...

Relthor smiled as she stated her name. "O-Of course, Karasu. The Black and Gold dragon has been s-spoken by many of the Ageless Ones. G-g-good W-w-words of c-course!" he chuckled. As she looked him in the eyes, he could not help but be entranced in hers... His face moved slightly closer...

"It f-f-feels g-g-good to know t-t-that w-w-we are close to each other..." His face, mere centimeters from hers, his lips nearly touching hers. "I P-p-promise that y-y-y-your secret is with me," he barely whispered.

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

The skeleton replied in it's slow and uncoordinated way, "M..aster, Is hunt..ing for you, ...I ha..ve be..e..n l..oo..king for yo..u!"

Rothargot let the skeleton lead him away. As he walked with the skeleton, he turned around to the surprised gnome. "Continue on, mortal, I will find my own way around," he called out to the gnome.

Karasu moved her face the rest of the way, and kissed Relthor. She wanted to kiss him passionately, however, she did not want to push him. She decided to let him make most the moves. "I-I do not want to push you. Do not expect me to behave as Rimoru does." Karasu smiled seductively. "You are very special."

Karasu ran her left hand through Kavia's hair as they kissed. Such a sweet sweet guy. Karasu thought. I can see why Rimoru chose him. And I am sure she bedded him as well. Karasu chuckled in her mind. This aside did not last long before she became drawn back completely to the entrancing Relthor.

The Skeleton lead Rothargot to the spot that Rastilia had been using for her mediation. Her undead minions were already gathering back and they had nearly finished assembling around their Dark Elf Mistress.

The Rastilia looked at Rothargot and said, "It is good to see you again. I have been dealing directly with my Goddess. She is losing her immense patience and wants a sacrifice. I was wondering if you have any targets in mind?"

Maverion arched an eyebrow. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

D'oh. That would only give her reason to stay and talk some more. Quickly trying to recover from this mistake, he said, "But if you wish to thank anyone, it should be Lord Rothargot. I am merely his aide."

Mave was normally fairly big on personal space, especially with people he hardly knew - and even more so for people he knew he should not trust. No one but his wife was allowed into that personal space, with rare exceptions (such as in-laws), and this was most certainly not one of those exceptions. Rimoru's continued advances, therefore, were actually starting to irritate him to some small degree. Nonetheless, he reminded himself that she had powers nearly rivaling that of a god's, and so making her mad in any way just would not do.

"If you wish, I can try to locate Lord Rothargot for you," he offered.

Boiardi followed Rothargot as he was led by the arm of the undead minion. "Amazing. A necromancer is on these grounds?", asked Boiardi as they entered Rastilia's room. Boiardi marveled at the elf. "My stars! And to think I was convinced most elves were at least neutral." Boiardi bowed at the sight of the elf. He suddenly remembered that she probably would not understand his language and muttered a short "Hello."
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Sangradeen was holding a needle and was prepared to throw it in between Cadeyrn and Kalzog. If they did strike outwardly against each other, he would be able to stop them before hurting themselves too seriously.
"Oh please don't fight each other!", shrieked Nahamiel. "Come one! It is the end of the day. We should be resting, not killing each other!" She rushed over to Kalzog's side as Cadeyrn jumped into the air.

ooc: LoL blasted forum! Logging me out while I'm eating dinner!!

Relthor's eyes widened from slight surprise, but slowly closed as he took in the sensation. He had encountered such feelings before, but any thoughts merely passed away as he began to feel for the beauty before him. He parted slowly, looking Karasu in the eyes. "I-I-I don't know what to s-s-say," he began, before closing in for another kiss. "But you are so v-v-very b-b-beautiful," he finished, adding another kiss. This one, however had more vigor to it, more passion. He could no longer hold in his primal self. He held onto Karasu tighter, bringing her closer to him.

Lorathin stood up and began casting a spell. As he finished, he seemed to fade to a translucent gray, almost ghost like in appearence and began going upward in a straight line.

Boiardi followed Rothargot as he was led by the arm of the undead minion. "Amazing. A necromancer is on these grounds?", asked Boiardi as they entered Rastilia's room. Boiardi marveled at the elf. "My stars! And to think I was convinced most elves were at least neutral." Boiardi bowed at the sight of the elf. He suddenly remembered that she probably would not understand his language and muttered a short "Hello."


The Ghouls and Zombies looked at Boiardi with their usual hungry look. The only thing keeping them from attempting to feast upon this intruder was Rastilia's powerful control over them. The Dark Elf High Priestess replied in an oddly kind voice, "Hello."


OOC: What Language is Boiardi speaking in? She might know it if it is a major language.

"Inzikai and I have...a history," Rimoru continued slowly. She looked at him slyly. "Are you trying to get rid of me, Mave?" she chuckled mischieviously.

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

Rothargot had followed the skeleton back to the priestess. "I have no targets in mind yet...however, if you would go searching for a target, do not kill anyone in this palace. Do not kill masses of people near the palace. Other than that...you are fine...But perhaps...Rimoru will have someone she would like you to kill?" Rothargot replied.

"By the way, this is Boiardi, a fellow servant of Valtrox," he said, motioning the demon close by.

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

Kalzog jumped as the water golem rushed to his side. Immediately he waved his hands in front of him. "No water, golem! I'm fine!" he growled.

"Thank you," Karasu whispered in reply to his comment. When he pulled her closer, and kissed her more passionately, she melted into Relthor's arms. Karasu also was moving toward her carnal self, and aggressively kissed him back, sliding her hands all over him, breathing heavily.

I think this was meant to be. She mused, as she drank in every sensation coming from Relthor. Karasu thought she would explode with passion... she only continued to push things farther, kissing and sucking his neck and ears, and back to his sweet mouth. His muscular body was causing her to tremble. Please take me..., she was thinking, as their passion escalated...

"Not at all. I am merely giving honor to where it is due," Mave said with a straight, emotionless face. "After all, when a great battle has been won, the individual soldiers may have had some part in the outcome, but without their commander, they would be nothing."

Rastilia replied, "Does this place have a dungeon for condemned criminals? I could use any victim at this point. If not I will try to locate Rimoru and ask her if she wants someone "removed"."

Rastilia upon hearing that Boiardi was a servant of Valtrox snapped her fingers and her undead minions started to back away from the "intruder".

Relthor continued to bask in the love he recieved from Karasu. He hadn't recieved such passion since Rimoru...and...perhaps someone else...He could not remember who...For all he knew, he was a free dragon, free to take what he wanted...

He searched her body, feeling her, wanting her...He took hold of her clothes and began to slide it off...

Suddenly, he snapped back to reality...something keeping him back. "I-I'm sorry, Karasu...p-p-perhaps...later...when they s-s-sleep," he said, motioning towards the cave.

"I'll find Rothargot soon enough," Rimoru replied, slowly laying herself down on his bed. She yawned as she positioned herself in a revealing way. "Maverion, you're too rigid..." she yawned. "Come, have a seat. I would love to learn more about you..."


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

"I would expect so, however you would need to ask Rimoru or one of the attendants...I know little more than you do about the palace, princess," Rothargot replied.

Rastilia smiled and silently thought to herself, Different nation same policies. Rastilia then said to Rothargot, "Thank you for the information. I will send my minions out to scout this palace out. I will make sure they do not eat anyone."

She then gave her Zombie and Skeletons a look and mentally told them to begin looking for the Empress of this place Rimoru. The undead began to shuffle out looking for Rimoru.

The Ghouls stayed behind to protect Rastilia until her spiritual strength was restored by a living sacrifice to Minax.

Maverion hesitated. If he sat down on the bed, chances were that Rimoru would make further advances.

"As you wish, Empress," he said with a slight nod as he went over to the desk by the bed. There was a large mirror on the desk, attached to the wall, which he focused his eyes on as he headed in that direction. There were shadows cast all across the dark room, and one could never be too careful about guarding one's back - or about keeping one's eyes away from Rimoru's body. Upon reaching the desk, he pulled out the chair and positioned it to face Rimoru. While he knew it was probably not what Rimoru meant when she told him to have a seat, he nonetheless followed the letter of the law, if not the spirit of it. No discourtesy to the empress, therefore, was shown.

He kept his focus on her face and away from her figure, while reminding himself of his wife back home. Was this what Fala meant when she said she had a bad feeling about this mission? Mave became more adamant in his loyalty to his wife, to prove to himself if no one else that she could trust him.

Then his mind went to other things. This would be an opportunity to get potentially useful information from Rimoru. He would just have to draw her in.

With a slight smile, he sat down in the chair and appeared to relax himself. "May I propose a game, then? We each take turns guessing something about the other - nothing too obvious, such as the fact that I am a swordsman, for example - and if we guess correctly, we get to ask one question about the other. But if the other decides not to answer that question because it is too personal or for whatever reasons, then a different question may be asked in lieu of it. And no cheating when guessing something about the other person," he wagged a finger and grinned. "I've heard about your powerful spells." He cocked his head and an eyebrow in askance of whether she was interested or not.

Mave did not know how good Rimoru was at reading people, but seeing as he already knew something about her, and she had never heard of him until that day, he would probably have a slight advantage. Plus, his job in the secret police often involved reading people. With any luck, he would be doing most of the question-asking.

As the others spent time in the cave, or at least in the vicinity, mild clouds began gathering before a gentle rain began falling. About half an hour after the skies opened up, a soaking wet Lorathin walked in.

Rimoru raised her eyebrow at Mave. "Oh, I do love games," she giggled as she flipped herself onto her stomach and faced Maverion with bright round eyes. "This game reminds me a bit of 'Truth or Dare'!"

"So who's going to go first?" she asked excitedly.

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

Sarik looked at Lorathin with surprise. "Azrael, where did you go? Here, stand by the fire. I would hate for you to get a cold," Sarik said as he made space next to a small fire he made.

The Undead minions of Rastilia were shambling around the palace. They were trying to avoid large groups of people but they seemed to be looking for someone. They hungrily moved around at it was very easy for any passerby to see this small shambling band moving across the halls of the palace….

*************************************************************
Rastilia said out loud as the realization suddenly came upon her, "I am wondering. If sending my minions to find victims was a good idea considering. I am outside of the Grand Shadow Empire and undead are usually seen as monsters outside of our great Empire."

"Just out." He replied as he took a seat beside the fire. "I don't think I'd get a cold, but I would dislike hypothermia."

"I'm sure the Empress would understand...as long as they don't attack any of Rimoru's people..." replied Rothargot as he paced around Rastilia.

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

Rimoru was getting comfortable on Maverion's bed when suddenly the gnome burst through the door.

"Your highness! Your worship! The Palace is being overrun by Undead!!!" shrieked the gnome, running up to the bed and bowing before the Empress.

"Get away, Smorsdobber!" Rimoru replied, furrowing her thing eyebrows, flicking her wrist. "There are no undead that can penetrate my palace..."

Suddenly a group of undead shambled past. Rimoru looked surprised before springing up on the bed and jumping off lightly, flipping across the air. She landed nimbly on her barefeet, next to Maverion. "We'll continue this later, Mavey," she giggled before running out the hall, her gnome servant following afterwards.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" she called out to the undead.
**********************************************************

Sarik only nodded, knowing how secretive Lorathin could be. "Are you hungry? I'm sure there's still food on the pig left," he said as he looked into the fire.

Andros found a corner of the cave and pulled out his portable gameboard. "Hey Helio, wanna play some chess?" he said hopefully.

Helio stopped pacing. "No. No thanks. I think I need to stretch." He yawned and stretched widely, looking towards the cave entrance. He grabbed a cloak, "I'll be back in a little while." He took a few steps towards the threshold, and turned back, "Check our supplies, I drank my last potion this morning." And with that he exited the cave.

Andros smiled sadly. He pushed the gameboard back into his pack and checked the supplies. They were mostly good, except he was low of a vital root. They'd have to forage for some once they reached the end of the desert.

All the Undead turned at once to look at Rimoru, The lead skeleton spoke in it's usually incoherent fashion, " W..e.. seek…. Y..o..u …f..or …ar..e… Mas...ter…!"

The Undead moved closer attempting to persuade the Empress to come with them…
***************************************************************

Rastilia smiled mischievously and said, "They will not harm anyone, unless someone attacks them first."

Saved by the gnome. Granted, Maverion did not get the chance to get some information out of Rimoru that may prove useful to Inzikai, but at least he was not stuck in that...risque situation anymore.

He was not sure about speaking to Teralynn with his mind before, as he had no idea what kind of magics were in this palace that could eavesdrop on the conversation. But seeing as how things suddenly got exciting enough to get even the empress to run around, and the fact that mindmages were relatively rare, he figured that if he focused directly on to Teralynn like a tight beam communicator, his chances of being listened on was fairly low.

Tera, he sent straight into her mind.

There was a brief pause. Leave me alone. I'm bathing.

Well, when you get the chance, make sure to enjoy the smells, thought Mave, which was code for her to do some sniffing. In other words, gather information in a discreet manner.

Fine, fine, came Tera's voice in his mind. Now go away. This is my personal time.

Mave broke the link between them and headed out the open doors to follow after Rimoru and the undead creatures. As much as he did not want to attract any more attention from Rimoru, he had to find out what Rastilia was up to. After all, he would not be much of a secret police officer of he let something this big go unchecked.

"Not so much, but would you mind keeping an eye on Inzi for me as I'm going to take a nap." He commented as he streteched out by the fire.

"I always do," Sarik whispered, winking at the human, before subtly turning his head partially in Inzikai's direction so it was easier to see him in his peripheral vision.

Inzikai was merely sitting against the wall, apparantly doing nothing, not even moving in the slightest bit...

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

"Get away from me," Rimoru said, with a grossed out look on her face. "I'll follow...just...don't come near me..."

Spotting the empress and the undead creatures down the hall, Maverion followed after them at a distance.

***

The door to Teralynn's room opened, and she stepped partway out into the hall. She wore only a sort of short bathrobe that was provided for her in the bathroom, her bare feet leaving moisture on the ground that quickly evaporated away. Her red hair was wet and pulled back from her face as much as possible, although several wavy strands insisted on falling to the front of her face.

Putting on a sweet and innocent act, she asked the guard, "Do you know what all that commotion is about?"

The Skeleton responded, "Foll..ow …u..s.. t..o ou..r mas…ter!"

The undead continued to shamble towards Rastilia's and Rothargot's location in tow with Empress Rimoru and her escort Maverion.

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

The dark elf High Priestess waited like a spider waited for a fly. She was now starting to get nervous. She needed to begin her great sacrifice now or face the wraith of her goddess. That was something Rastilia could not afford since she was now in disgrace with Minax.

Rastilia said to Rothargot, "I think, I am going to need the lives of one hundred people to appease Minax. I hope that will not be to much of a burden for Emperess Rimoru."

The burly human guard glanced at Teralynn, eyes scanning her body and eventually falling on her bosom. "Um...Undead, Ma'am...The Empress followed her, down that way," he replied pointing down the hall. He licked his lips and smiled slightly.

********************************************************** Rimoru was getting annoyed at the undead. "Hurry up, you bunch of brainless undead!" she snapped as she followed them.

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

"I hope not either..." Rothargot replied...

The undead finally reached the room. They had successfully ignored Rimoru's cruel comments about their intelligence, That was not hard but the temptation to eat her was very present as they shuffled into the room where Rothargot, Rastilia and the Ghouls were all hanging around..

Rastilia smiled in her usual predatory way, "Thank you, my pets you may rest now."

The zombies and skeletons suddenly halted in their tracks and suddenly went into a trance like sleep mode waiting for their next command from their mistress…

Rastilia then ordered her Ghouls to back away from Rimoru as they nearly advanced upon her. The effort was not hard but the fact they were hungry enough to nearly defy her orders was not a good sign.

The dark elf princess finally said in a commanding voice, "Welcome Empress Rimoru, I would like to thank you for taking the time to meet me here in my little chamber."

Maverion was soon behind Rimoru, although he made sure to keep some distance between them. He never trusted the undead creatures, and should Rastilia lose control of them as she did with the nightmare, and if they attacked the empress, then the mission would be greatly endangered. Should the undead creatures attack her, he would have to do what he could to protect her, despite the fact that she could probably do more than he could. Unless, of course, this was all a part of Rothargot's plans.

What's going on here? Mave asked the demon lieutenant.

***

Teralynn's eyebrows knitted up in concern as she looked down the hallway, one hand moving up to the collars of her robe to hold them closed.

"Are they supposed to be here?" she asked, lightly chewing on her lower lip and breathing deeper. "Are we safe?" She looked back at the guard, both arms now wrapping around her waist as she feigned fright, allowing the collars to slowly come apart again.

Cadeyrn landed within arm's reach of the Ogre leaving a dull impact into the sand. He turned frustrated that he would be denied a fight now of all times.

"You got lucky this time Kalzog, we'll settle this at a later time." His deepened voice broke through as he picked up his scattered armor.

The mercenary spent his time tilling out his anger and frustration by doing drills with his massive blade. He moved it so fast with such strength that he was almost creating whirlwinds with each swing.

Karasu looked up at Relthor. "Relthor? What is wrong... what did I do?" She implored, completely confused.

"I-I do not understand." Karasu looked at him, her eyes watering up. She felt utterly rejected.

"You go back to the cave. I am staying out here." She told him, trying to fight back tears.

"Relthor, I do not... why do you hurt me?"

They were far away from the cave that no one could see them.

Karasu looked at Relthor with obvious hurt in her eyes, turned and ran the other way... In seconds there was a burst of rainbow colored dust along with a great wind as well as sand kicking up from the wind, and a huge black and gold dragon ascended the sky. The only thing that would make her feel better would be to be closer to the stars.

Although she was doing one of her very favorite things, her heart sunk. She had really fallen for Relthor and was utterly confused.

Karasu ascended further and further upward. She liked to fly high enough that she was not visible from the ground in most cases... especially at night when the stars were out. She covered a lot of miles and passed the time performing stunts and dives, enjoying the cool air and beautiful night as best she could under the circumstances.

"I look forward to settling this, human," Kalzog growled, returning to the pig creature.

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

Rothargot looked at Maverion as he spoke telepathically to him. Rastilia needs more people to appease her goddess... he thought in a harsh tone. Rothargot, being a demi-god under Valtrox, disliked most other gods, however, he was beginning to dislike Minax even more. Minax is so demanding...

Rimoru looked at Rastilia strangely. "Please keep your undead restrained...I have a...dislike for those that should be dead," she replied with a scoff. "But I am here, so what may you need?"

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

The guards eyes widened at the widening collar. "I'm not sure if they are supposed to be here, however I know that we're safe!" he replied walking a little closer. "I'll protect you," he added with a wink and a smirk.
**********************************************************

"N-n-no! Wait Karasu!" cried Relthor, but it was too late...the magnificent black and gold dragon ascended into the sky.

Relthor slowly looked around, making sure no one else was close by, before running full speed. His robes flapped around him. Each second, he took on a more raptillian look. Suddenly, his robes grew into massive wings as he began to run on all fours. The massive Ageless one known as Relthor leapt into the sky, after the Karasu. He was afraid to speak in case one of the others heard him and began to look for the two...

Helio walked from the cave into the desert for a while. Once he found a cactus, far enough from the cave that he wouldn't have been seen. Looking into the sk, he noticed the moon. It was like he guessed, nearly full in a clear night sky. Now was as good a time as ever. He began to undress himself, wrapping all his gear into the cloak before tying it to the cactus carefully.

He walked a few paces naked, and then began to transform. Helio's skin began to turn bright orange, developing black stripes, and his hair grew long. A feline face took over, and his body morphed into a tiger. It was a somewhat painful process, but the potion dulled the pain that he had grown used to.

Helio, in full tiger form, raised his neck and head into the sky, "Roooaaar". It was a loud powerful sound. Something that would travel for miles and mark his borrowed turf, which he would bound upon for the night.

He began to run full gait, pouncing onto the top of a sand dune, then rolled down the other side. Regaining control over his paws on the shifting sand, he brought himself up onto the top another another dune. He paused, roaring again, "Roooaaar!"

Cadeyrn turned his eyes toward the moon, which was almost completely full. He could hold off his transformation for one more night.

No wonder I've had such a short temper.

Karasu had not yet noticed that Relthor had followed her. He had not yet caught up to her.

It would have been nice if we could have flown together. she mused dreamily. Karasu thought she would look embarrassing, as she would dwarf Relthor.

Karasu in her dragon form was ridiculously huge. Every step shook the ground, sometimes damaging structures. Her wings flapping low enough had damaged peoples' homes in the past. It was a good thing she was wealthy. Karasu would show up later in her human form and offer to help.

In addition, her roar... that was something to behold. It knocked people and trees over and was immensely loud. She was just a behemoth... casting long lasting shadows over villages, and her normal movements causing damage to people and to dwellings and whatever the surroundings may be. People looked rather small to her from her view unless she bent her head all the way down.

Karasu only roared when she was angry, or to contact her clan. As far as she knew, she was the largest dragon around; most definitely a plus for defending villages, however, she had defended many villages in her human form alone, as her skill with her weapons was exceptional. She could take on many men, and had done so. Her assassination targets were usually those who were ringleaders of clans who pillaged other villages, or attacked any dragons. No one touched her kin. Her entire clan consisted of protector dragons. She was Queen, as she was the eldest.

Despite her size, she was stunningly graceful. In flight, she was a remarkable sight... as if a ballet dancer could fly. Karasu loved to do loops and spins, and other acrobatic moves. When she was away from people, she would freefall into a dive, and then catch herself when she was near the ground. She also enjoyed buzzing groups of bandits she found. To see that and not laugh at the result would be nearly impossible.

Her gold outline was like that of pure gold. Not just a color, but metallic, and she loved dropping gold dust on those she was protecting. Everyone knew that if gold dust fell on them like snow, The Black and Gold Dragon protected them.

Getting back to what she was thinking about earlier, she knew she would be embarrassed about her size if she were ever to fly with Relthor. It would be like a Blue Whale and a Guppy. Even with her amazing grace, it embarrassed her sometimes.

Relthor continued flying towards Karasu's direction. He believed he could see an outline of her. Wow...she's huge... he thought as he sped up to the graceful Behemoth.

"Karasu, wait!" he called out, his voice much deeper now that he was in his dragon form. He floated to her side. "Karasu, forgive me!" he said, trying to get her attention. Not just huge...very very huge... he thought again.

There were what seemed like a hundred roars as Cadeyrns animal subconcious began breaking free.

What the hell is going on!? He asked himself as he fell gripping his head.

There was a massive outline in the sky, so huge, it further beckoned his wild side. There was another scent, a cat like creature, that pushed him over the edge. Slowly his skin began tear violently as his face began pertruding into a snout.

There was a single roar before his transformation was complete.

Karasu heard Relthor behind her. She turned her head and waited for him. "Please let us get further from the group," She beckoned to Relthor, "or we must fly far higher than this for me not to be seen." Karasu explained, although that was likely obvious.

"I have to tell you, I am quite embarrassed because of my size. It serves me well, but I feel... hideous to you." She looked away from the petit, (to her), beautiful dragon.

"I thought you were going back to the cave." Karasu intoned. "It was obvious you did not want to be with me. Now that you see me in my dragon form, you have more reason not to want to be with me. I have been told I am beautiful and graceful, and I know it is true, but I feel like a monster next to you, Relthor."

Karasu continued to lead Relthor much higher.

"No, Karasu, you are beautiful! I love you!" Relthor replied as he flew along with the massive Karasu. "You are...massive, however you are still incredibly beautiful! I want you, Karasu!"

"It's just that...something didn't feel right...some feeling I had within me...Perhaps we were being watched...I do not think it will be much of a problem if we return back to our humanoid shapes around here. Our dragon forms would still be visible, but as elf and human, we probably won't be seen. We must be miles from the others."

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

Inzikai jumped slightly at the transforming figure before him. He looked at Sarik, who merely shrugged, a similar clueless look on his face. His grip on his sword tightened as he shook Lorathin awake. "Azrael...you don't happen to have something against...werewolves, do you?" he asked quietly, not trying to get the former human's attention.

Kalzog merely smiled wickedly as he watched the man transform.

The white werewolf stood on his hind legs and stared at the nine tenths moon.

"This is not quite my time, but no sense in wasting it." The creatures dark voice utter to itself smiling a pair of massive fangs. It's white hair overflowed the collar of Cadeyrn's armor and pointed out at the joints. The beast turned and saw the human's massive weapon before picking it up like a toy.

Not bad, you've made some repairs since last time The werewolf smiled remembering the last time he was freed in battle.

On his hind legs the monster stood at nine feet tall. Both of Cadeyrn's metal alloy boots were torn like old cans as well as both guantlets that made way for a pair of ivory furred covered claws.

Lorathin looked at the wolfified Cadeyrn and commented, "If you mean something to turn him back to human, no. If you mean general spells that could be adapted, yes." He replied

As all of the commotion and transformation was going on in and nearby to the cave, Ar'mai slept soundly. Nothing was disturbing her pleasant sleep.

The mighty beast placed the blade between his jaws and walked normally glaring at the others.

"I assume you are trying to kill Cadeyrn, otherwise I wouldn't be here, however none of you are running or attacking, which puzzels me." The wolf jammed the sword into the sand as his mumbled words were annoying himself. "Tell me, what is it that needs to be killed, where is the battle?"

"We are just as puzzled as you, Cadeyrn-wolf...There is no battle near here," Sarik replied, however he was tempted to sick the beast on Inzikai, but resistance is a priority...especially with a man as powerful as Inzikai.

"Maybe you just wanted a scratch behind the ears, little wolf?" Kalzog asked sarcastically.

"What!?" The lycan barked and the comment made by Kalzog only resulted in the werewolf disapearing as well as the blade. There was a gust in the sand and suddenly the werewolf slid behind Kalzog resting the massive blade on teh back of the ogre's ear. "Perhaps you would want the same Ogre." The wolf smiled tempted to devour the arrogant creature.

"Where is the werecat I smell?" Caderyn-Werewolf asked resting the blade on his own back.

"Wolf, I would like to see you try to slice me apart..." he replied, tapping his nearly invulnerable head. "You cannot even dream of what I have done to myself..."

"I'm afraid I do not know what you speak of, Cadeyrn...I do not know of a weretiger," Sarik replied, looking around.

Inzikai nudged Ar'mai lightly. "Ar'mai, perhaps it would be a good time to be wary of your surroundings...we wouldn't want you to be hurt," he whispered to the elf.

"Then don't let me be hurt," Ar'mai whispered in response as she shifted lightly in her sleep and slumbered on, seemingly oblivious to the events going on in and around the cave.

"Ogre your arrogance will be the death of you one day, no need to assume you're invincible and be sliced apart when you can simply avoid being sliced all together." The wolf growled before raising his sword into the air and creating a downward slash that tore a massive valley into the sand for a great distance. "I would rather not waste my time with you."

"I can smell the damn thing, but I can't get a lock on it." The wolf mumbled loud enough for all to hear suddenly the lycan's eyes ripped wide open. "Dragon? Two dragons even!? Maybe my awakening wasn't a waste afterall."

"Would you please quite yapping. Some of us are trying to rest, and no, you aren't needed so go back to wherever you were inside Cadeyrn and let the rest of us get back to sleep." Lorathin commented irritably. He didn't like being woken up.

Inzikai smiled as he realized Ar'mai was letting him watch over her. He turned towards the werewolf, watching its every move.

Kalzog stood up at his full height, towering over the wolfman. "I'm not assuming, Fido...I know," he growled in resonse to Cadeyrn's comment, his eyes narrowing.

"Dragons? There are no dragons here," Sarik replied, wondering what ever happened to Relthor...

"Perhaps you should either calm down, Cadeyrn, or go outside. We don't want your trouble here," Inzikai replied quietly, glancing at Ar'mai.

"OK Relthor. Let us land over here. I believe I see another cave down there." Karasu, in spite of her massive size, managed to gracefully descend and in a puff of rainbow dust, turned to her human form prior to landing so she would not shake the earth. She landed on her feet in her human form.

She waited for Relthor, and wanted to hear what he had to say.

The werewolf gritted its teeth in anger and frustration.

Such disrepect for one of my status. I have shown infinite patience for these cattle only to be spat in the face. Ripping them limb from limb would bring great amounts of satisfact, but it seems the human has need for them. I'll find the dragons, or the weretiger. Someone with my knowlege to talk to outside of these blithering morons.

Before trotting away the werewolf situated itself, lifted its hind leg, and relieved himself over the ogre's foot. Laughing the lycan made its way toward the weretiger.

Relthor followed close by, landing next to her as she changed back to her human form. He smiled slightly as he looked her over. "Now it is I who is the larger one!" he chuckled before transforming into Kavia once again.

As soon as his transformation was complete, he ran over to Karasu, throwing his arms around her. "I'm sorry, Karasu...I do not know what came over me," he said as he rocked her back and forth. "Perhaps...perhaps I was just worried the others would...see us..."

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

Kalzog growled as he lifted a decent sized rock nearby. He aimed at the running wolf man before Sarik stopped him. "No more fighting, Kalzog...let it slide..."

Kalzog gave Sarik a deadly gaze. "I am letting it slide...and it feels worse as it runs down my leg..." he growled as he let the rock fall to the ground.

Rothargot looked at Maverion as he spoke telepathically to him. Rastilia needs more people to appease her goddess... he thought in a harsh tone. Rothargot, being a demi-god under Valtrox, disliked most other gods, however, he was beginning to dislike Minax even more. Minax is so demanding...

Rimoru looked at Rastilia strangely. "Please keep your undead restrained...I have a...dislike for those that should be dead," she replied with a scoff. "But I am here, so what may you need?"


Rastilia in a dark tone retorted, "My pets, are very well behaved." The Dark Elf High priestess quickly took a silent breath, she then said in a cold voice, "I require the lives of one hundred individuals for sacrifice to my goddess. She has patiently waited for to long and now wants her due or else, I will be forced to get her sacrifice in a more forceful manner."

Rastilia made sure her threat was clear about the pressing need to sacrifice these individuals. The undead around started to tighten their position this was not so much to protect Rastilia as one would think but more to give Rimoru the forceful point the High Priestess was trying to make..

Rimoru narrowed her eyes. "Was that a threat, dark elf?" she growled. Her gnome assistant waddled behind her shaking with worry. "Perhaps you should look for a less demanding god if you wish to remain alive. Or perhaps you should stop worshipping gods and live free..."

"Please, your highness, and Priestess," Rothargot cut in, walking in between the two. "We are offering you the chance to get rid of any large group of criminals or offenders. Think of it as a gift..."

Rimoru continued to glare at Rastilia before turning her eyes to Rothargot and immediately warming up. "Well...there are a group of rebels some short distance away...and there are some dungeons below in which some criminals can be executed..." she said as she walked up to Rothargot. "Just don't raise anymore undead...I don't want their stench in my palace," she added as she put her hands on Rothargots chest.

Rothargot merely looked somewhat surprised, looking around, unsure what a mortal would do in such occasions.

Lorathin chuckled at Kalzog's disconfort before falling back asleep.

"You confused me... Relthor... or is it Kavia when you are not a dragon?" Karasu asked. "I have to admit I was hurt, it was... like you had second thoughts and did not want me." She looked in his eyes. "I am also embarrassed by my dragon size." Karasu stated. "It serves me well in protecting people and villages, however... well there are a lot of down sides to it.

Karasu looked at Kavia trying to figure out what was going on.

"You said... you said you love me?" Karasu wanted to make sure she heard him right.

"My elven form is known as Kavia," he replied, a smile on his face. "Yes, Karasu...I love you...I want you...I must have you..."

Relthor primal urges sprung out again as he held Karasu tighter.

He brought his face close to hers. "Would you like to continue where we left off?" he asked slyly.

"I love you too, Kavia/Relthor." Karasu kissed him passionately. She had to have him. "Let us continue where we left off." She smiled seductively. "There is a cave right there." Karasu pointed about ten feet away. "Shall we go over there?" She asked in gasps between kisses that were melting her.

The werewolf's noses picked something much more important than a simple weretiger: dragons. He leapt and bound from dune to dune until he saw a pair being affectionate near a cave. The lycan sat very happily as his tail began to pat sand back and forth.

"Yes...lets," was all he could reply as they stumbled towards the cave. Finally reaching the cave, he stumbled upon a loose rock and landed on top of Karasu.

"Ah...are you alright?" he asked nervously as he picked himself up. Then he smiled slightly. "Perhaps...the gods are trying to tell us something?" he asked slyly, caressing Karasu's head.

Rimoru narrowed her eyes. "Was that a threat, dark elf?" she growled. Her gnome assistant waddled behind her shaking with worry. "Perhaps you should look for a less demanding god if you wish to remain alive. Or perhaps you should stop worshipping gods and live free..."

"Please, your highness, and Priestess," Rothargot cut in, walking in between the two. "We are offering you the chance to get rid of any large group of criminals or offenders. Think of it as a gift..."

Rimoru continued to glare at Rastilia before turning her eyes to Rothargot and immediately warming up. "Well...there are a group of rebels some short distance away...and there are some dungeons below in which some criminals can be executed..." she said as she walked up to Rothargot. "Just don't raise anymore undead...I don't want their stench in my palace," she added as she put her hands on Rothargots chest.

Rothargot merely looked somewhat surprised, looking around, unsure what a mortal would do in such occasions.



Rastilia responded to Rimoru's growl in a acidic voice, "I never make false threats," Rastilia expertly lied, "If I need to harm someone. I kill them plain and simple." Rastilia then started to grin at her adversary. This so called Empress seemed weak to her and that was not the way to gain Rastilia's respect.

Rastilia upon hearing the gnome statement made hissed angrily at the gnome, "You are indeed a fool, If you think that running from Minax would protect me from her ire. That would merely encourage her to send some sort of divine plight against me or she might send one her servants mortal or outsider, to kill me. I would then end up in her extra-planar dimension were I would be tortured for all eternity."

Rastilia kept her predatory gaze on Rimoru while she and Rothargot "talked " about executing prisoners in the dungeons. That seemed like an easy job until she heard the part about raising the undead. Rastilia silently chuckled.

She could summon Minax's divine servants down for some real damage should she need to fight in this place. The restriction on creating more undead would not hamper her at all, provided Rastilia even listened to Rimoru's little request.

Rastilia did take note of Rimoru getting close to Rothargot and that did not please her. The Dark Elf Princess in a haughty voice said, "I thank you, for coming here on my request. I would like to formally thank you. I do hope however you learn to stop cling to every man you see. It makes you look a little desperate for attention."

"Perhaps they are, Kavia," Karasu responded. "I cannot think of a better way to have landed." She said giving him a seductive look. She looked into his eyes. "You have beautiful eyes, Kavia."

Karasu was sure her eyes were spinning rainbow colors in such a situation. Her longing for him was almost unbearable... She teasingly nibbled his lip and grinned at him slyly.

"Your jealousy makes me laugh, elf...perhaps when you get a real spine and live free from your god, then you can talk to me as an equal," Rimoru challenged. She had, after all, won her own freedom against the gods...

"Perhaps if you continue this childish banter, then you will live to worship me," Rimoru continued, as she walked her hand up Rothargot's chest.

This is jeapordising the mission, Rothargot...Stop them! boomed Valtrox's voice in Rothargot's head.

"ENOUGH!" Rothargots threatening voice boomed across the palace, sending even the Empress tripping on her gnome friend and landing on her rump.

"I will not have this fighting ruin our standing...Empress, Please show us to the criminals. Rastilia, come follow so we can apease your goddess," he growled.

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

Relthor smiled at Karasu. "Look who's talking...You have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen...a rainbow of colors..." he said as he began sliding Karasu's clothes off...

The werewolf realized what exactly what was happening and decided to give them their peace. It had been ages since he had talked to another immortal, but he could wait afterall, that weretiger would show up eventually.

"Thank you Kavia", Karasu said, as she slid his clothes off. "mmmm... such muscles..." She ran her hands up and down his chest, exploring his body slowly with her hands, her lips parted, waiting for Kavia to kiss her. Karasu was breathing heavily, her ample chest heaving. Kavia actually made her ache for him... such a sweet ache it was. She ran her left hand through his spikey hair. "You tease me, taking your time like this; or perhaps I need you so badly that it only seems that way." She whispered to him.

"Your jealousy makes me laugh, elf...perhaps when you get a real spine and live free from your god, then you can talk to me as an equal," Rimoru challenged. She had, after all, won her own freedom against the gods...

"Perhaps if you continue this childish banter, then you will live to worship me," Rimoru continued, as she walked her hand up Rothargot's chest.

This is jeapordising the mission, Rothargot...Stop them! boomed Valtrox's voice in Rothargot's head.

"ENOUGH!" Rothargots threatening voice boomed across the palace, sending even the Empress tripping on her gnome friend and landing on her rump.

"I will not have this fighting ruin our standing...Empress, Please show us to the criminals. Rastilia, come follow so we can apease your goddess," he growled.



Rastilia was about to respond to Rimoru's biting comment, until Rothargot's voice boomed across the palace. Rastilia did not jump but stayed seated where she was, She was trying not to show fear near an enemy, as she was taught since the day she was born.

Rastilia's minions however seemed more alert and many of them growled at Rothargot for daring to threaten their mistress. They also looked upon Rimoru as a threat and many of them continued to hold their position around her ready to pounce if she tried to attack…

Rastilia finally responded to Rothargot, "You are right, This deluded "Empress" is not worth my time." Rastilia then slipped out of her seated position and pulled out her whip and prepared to leave the room not bothering to look at Rimoru or her Gnome companion..

Helio pounced from dune to dune, rolling himself in the sand. It was a joyous feeling, release; Something he'd not experienced since the ruined tower. He bounded onto another sand dune. Suddenly, his joy was halted. Something was amiss. His ears twitched, and he scanned with his powerful eyes over the surrounding desert. He sniffed the air. Something was wrong alright.

Something was out there, and deep inside himself, Helio knew it was hunting. Hunting what, he did not know, but he didn't care to find out. Things in the desert could be dangerous, and this particular something he felt to be not good.

He raced towards his things, then he would go to the cave and warn the others. As he ran, he morphed from full tiger into the hybrid form, which possessed clearly tiger features, but was bipetal and had opposable thumbs. In this form, he possessed the might of animal and human, but allowed him to trot on all fours still.

Reaching a top of the hill, he roared, hoping to call attention to himself. He ran on.

His scent was not as powerful as his hearing and his sight. He constantly scanned, and his ears twitched, picking up sounds the echoed off the dunes.


----
OOC: Done for tonight, sorry for late post, was very busy. I'll post again tomorrow afternoon (EST)

The werewolf quickly sensed something on his tail, but waited quite patiently.

It'll come to me and then we'll see. He thought smiling keeping one eye on the cave and the other over the landscape. He threw a rock over his shoulder and let the noise scatter through the desert.

Relthor smiled as he carefully kissed Karasu. "I only wish to savor the moment," he replied quietly, smiling at Karasu. He kissed her again, more passion, more lust...

His robes, being part of his wings, were not quite so easy to remove. To solve that problem, Relthor merely shapeshifted his wings to somewhat their original form, folding them on his back.

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

"Perhaps I am not worth your time, but realize that I am not common rabble such as yourself. I do not succumb myself to the undead," she countered, a confident smile on her face, awaiting another challenge to her authority by the priestess.

"Your highness, please, we only come to increase our standing with each other, not break it," Rothargot replied.

"Then learn how to control your dark elf pet..." replied Rimoru, giving Rastilia a mocking glare.

Maverion thought to Rothargot, Remember, Lord Rothargot, don't get too cozy with her. Rimoru might get offended if you simply pushed her away, but try not to let her get any more intimate. Above all else, don't succumb to her flirting.

When the undead growled at Rothargot, Maverion readied himself for a possible attack. While his hand did not move toward the hilt of his sword, he was ready to grab it in a moment's notice, whether it be from the undead going on the offensive or from a command by Rothargot. Other than that, there was little else for him to do.

***

Teralynn leaned toward the guard just slightly, "Oh, I am so glad that I have a strong warrior like you to protect me. I am so scared!"

Then Rothargot's shout echoed through the hallway, the walls doing little to muffle the volume. Tera let out a gasp, her facial expressions showing even more worry than before.

"What was that?" she asked in a tembling voice. "This place has magical protection, right?"

"Yes, savor the moment... I am sorry for being so hasty." Karasu smiled and nibbled on Kavia's neck. She responded to his kisses with more lust and passion. "I am so glad we left the group." She whispered, her arms around his back and head, moving up and down his body, desire burning inside her.

The guard himself jumped at Rothargot's shout and looked down the halls.

He turned towards Teralynn again and smiled. "No worries, beautiful, I'll save you should anything happen," he replied closing the gap between the two. "This place has magical protection like none other. It would by nye impossible to cast a deadly spell on the palace, and very hard to cast one inside...only because Rimoru herself likes to cast some...uneventfull spells at times..."

He smiled again as he began to put his arms around her... "In fact, if anyone else tries to cast one in the palace, they may suffer fatigue and energy loss..." the guard said confidently, trying to look under Tera's bathrobe as he closed in.

"And, if things get bad...the 'Shredders' will activate...not that you'll need them with me around," he boasted.

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

Thank you Maverion...I am...new to these mortal...flirtations Rothargot thought back

"Your highness, if you please, Rastilia is an accomplished priestess and no pet of mine, however, if you wish, give us the area of criminals you would like to be executed and Rastilia will do so efficiently," Rothargot replied, watching Rimoru closely.

Rimoru looked up at Rothargot, a pleading look on her face as she walked back up to Rothargot. "Fine, but you must stay with me...I have some questions to ask of you," she replied, crossing her arms across her chest.

Rothargot turned to Rastilia. "You will be fine without me on this trip?" he asked her, not noticing Rimoru creeping up on him, examining his every detail, a smile forming on her lips...

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

Relthor searched her body, running his hands along her sides and her back, as he kissed her greatly. "I...haven't been in so much love...since...I don't remember when..." he gasped in between kisses. He was very happy about the meeting of the two...the Ageless One, and the Black and Gold Dragon...

"I feel... the same... way." Karasu also gasping between kisses. "It is strange... as we just met... today."

Karasu felt so very warm and safe with Relthor. She was in heaven.

Relthor and Karasu had quite a night, keeping each other warm from the cold desert night. Relthor slept peacefully with Karasu in his arms, dreaming of the wind whipping past them as they sped throughout the sky, nothing mattered as Relthor had found one he loved...

Suddenly, Relthor awoke. Something wasn't right about all this...

Relthor looked into Karasu's beautiful face and slowly and gently pulled away from her. He morphed his wings back into his robes as he walked outside to contemplate these thoughts of worry...

The werewolf watched the ageless being step outside with awe.

Ah, fellow comrad, it's about time you showed yourself to me.

The beast stood on his hind legs with the moon to his back and let loose with a howl so powerful any being for miles would be overwhelmed by it. He stood looking down the dune at the "Dragon" so excited he couldn't keep his tail under control.

Karasu woke shortly after Relthor did, and went outside. "Please tell me what is wrong? I can tell something is troubling you greatly. Please share your burden with me Relthor." She looked in his eyes, very worried. "Please... what is it?"

Relthor smiled weakly at Karasu.

"That's just it, my love...I don't- I don't know..." he replied looking down at the floor. "Something feels wrong..."

He put his arms around Karasu, feeling a twinge of guilt, unsure where that feeling was coming from. Suddenly, a howl sounded around the area. Relthor looked towards it's source, noticing a wolf...a large one...Cadeyrn.

"It looks as though we have company," smiled Relthor. He was worried that Karasu may attempt to attack it, not knowing it was actually Cadeyrn. "I do not think it will harm us...If I'm correct...it is our friend."

Once the dragons acknowleged his presence the werewolf lept the massive distance in a single span and landed immediately in front of Relthor.

"It has been some time since I have had contact with other immortals, you must excuse my excitement, it's not often one has the honor of talking to dragons in this day and age." He said while his tail swung eargerly back and forth. "I bid you no harm, I only wish to know what is the status of the dragon clan?"

Helio scrabbled through the desert, in search of the howling beast. He had figured what it was by now, almost certain it was a werewolf. Feeling it could be a very dangerous situation, he sped toward the thing.

He blazed a trail of paw prints as he sped, and then suddenly, out of the corner of his feline eye, he noticed it, wagging it's tail in front of a cave. He slinked down, hiding himself amongst the opennness, as there were no weeds to hide under. Suddenly he began his pounce. He was far away, and moved fast toward the lupine target. With a growl, he threw himself into the air.

The werewolf Cadeyrn caught scent of the weretifer and smiled, but frowned when he realized how close it was and how fast it was moving. Suddenly as a protective measure the wolf burst into a flames, glassing the sand around his feet.

"Woah, woah easy there tiger. We're all comrads here." He growled through the smoke and fire.

"My good friend, welcome. It is good to see the werewolves have not gone extinct...I have enjoyed the company of a clan of them many centuries ago," Relthor replied with a small bow.

"As for the dragon clans...Unfortunately for us Ageless ones...When I was still roaming free among the world, the Ageless one's were not birthing out heirs often...I have grown worried, in case our numbers continued to decrease, with all those dragon hunters and such," replied Relthor sadly. In his reminiscing, he failed to note a tiger creature approaching fast.

Helio was thoroughly surprised when the hulking wolf turned to face him, sheathed in fire, even more so when he recognized the voice of Cadeyrn escape from the wolf lips. Already in the air, there wasn't much he could do to stop himself, so like a cat, scrambling to land on four feet, he rolled to the side in the air, landing slightly to the side.

He hissed at the slight burn on his fur, but then stood tall, revealing his human-like body, entrapped in a tigerrish masque. "Ah, I used to see as the blind man, but now I have been given sight. No wonder I felt something special about you," said Helio, his voice only slightly deepened by the tiger hybrid form.

"I wish I could say that we aren't, I fear I am the last of my kind. Forced to cling to wolves and humans to survive for the last few thousand years. It is my deepest fear that the Lycan Tribe is all but decimated by the wars of the humanoids." He said tilting his fiery head down in remourse. "It does make me happy that the Dragons fair a better fate however."

He turned to the weretiger and the fire died out leaving smoke and steam emitting from his fur and stretched armor.

"I'm not special, it's just a misconception that us Werewolves are blood thirsty killers. As a matter of fact we're probably the most peaceful of the were-breeds. Also it's not just me, there's something unique about this human I inhabit as well, Cadeyrn. That fire ability is not mine." He admitted sitting back on his haunches.

"Ah, but I meant that I knew that Cadeyrn was more than meets the eye." Helio paused, looked Relthor, just realizing he was there, then turned back. "Why do you speak as if you're not part of Cadeyrn yourself? Are you a second being in the same body?"

Helio turned back to Relthor, "Hello there, by the way. So... a dragon? What?!"

"Cadeyrn and I are, in a sense, two different beings sharing the same vessel. What he sees and knows, I know; but what I know he does not. One day I will leave the human and he will die shortly thereafter, but until then I've been doing my damndest to keep him alive." He said scratching the side of his head with his hind leg. "Cadeyrn himself, well I have no idea why he is has an affinity to fire really. When I met him I was trapped in a mangey fox that was about to die, luckily it managed to nip the mercenary on his heel and I live on."

"You couldn't smell it on them, they're dragons alright, and old ones. Not the younger punks." He said smiling at Relthor.

Teralynn pressed closer to the guard, looking up at him as he spoke reassuring words to her. When he mentioned the Shredders, she perked an eyebrow up inquisitively. "Kitchen utensils?" she asked. "But what if a large group of those undead appear with swords and axes and stuff and they attack without magical spells? Are these Shredders going to stop them too?" Her voice and tone evoked innocence and a sort of curiosity that came from fright.

***

I can follow Rastilia to make sure she doesn't do anything that may damage our relations with Empress Rimoru, if you so wish, Maverion thought to Rothargot.

"Ah, I see. Very old dragons; let's hope thats a compliment to them, instead of an insult like it is with humans." Helio gave Karasu a wink.

His tail slid back and forth. "I think my leave is upon me. No doubt Andros is worried by now." He turned to leave.

"Relthor, the Ageless One, at your service," Relthor replied, bowing low, an amused smile on his face. "I can take a guess at who you are, but I will not," he chuckled.

"I do hope lycans grow in numbers again...I do miss their company..." Relthor replied sadly. "Wer-tigers are even less common to me..." he continued as he looked at Helio.

"I am the only dragon, actually," Relthor replied, worried that Karasu's secret will be out. "But...age is quite a good thing."
**********************************************************

"Ahh...shredders...marvelous machines," the guard spoke,wrapping his arm around Teralynn. "Undead are nothing against a shredder...Not even a full grown elephant are a match for some of them," he spoke proudly.

He looked down on her and smiled. "Would you like to see some?" he asked mischieviously.

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

Rothargot nodded at Maverion. That would be greatly appreciated, Maverion.

"Aye, I've never actually met another lycan. My brother keeps my secret under wraps with his potions. Speaking of which, my alternative form goes without words? Yes? Everyone's secret is kept here?" Helio eyed everyone.

"Ah, so Karasu isn't a dragon. Well, then she is certainly an exceptionally beautiful human," he said.

"I will see you tomorrow night then Weretiger." The werewolf chuckled pointing to the almost full moon.

"No need to worry about her, if it's one thing I can distinctly smell a female dragon. I'll your secrets if that's what you wish, as for me, I don't really mind if humans know. I'd like to see one in that bunch try to "tame" me." He whispered as a wicked smile slid up his face.

"The closest my name comes in common tongue would be Beau, King of Varvulheim." Beau admitted while a spark lit up in his eye.

"Beau then. Good evening Beau." He turned to the dragons, "Good evening to you two as well."

Helio jumped towards the other cave, transforming from hybrid into animal tiger form, allowing him to run faster. With the last seconds of transformation, he roared loudly, signalling his leave.

He found his way back to the cave, but circumvented it and found his gear instead. With the eye of the tiger looking into the moon, he slowly transformed back into a very naked human. The desert breeze felt cool against less furry skin. He scrambled to get his clothes and gear on, then paced to the cave.

Andros was laying down on his bedroll when he got back. Helio found himself grinning at his younger brother, and pulled the blanket over Andros more tightly before making his own bedroll for sleep.

Helio dreamt on dragons and tigers and wolves! (Oh my!)

Teralynn's face lit up in a childish excitement. "Oh! Could I? I can not even imagine something that could take on an elephant!"

***

Alright, thought Mave. Remember, don't get emotionally attached to her. That's exactly what she wants. Play along, but don't fall victim to her guiles.

Once the dragons acknowleged his presence the werewolf lept the massive distance in a single span and landed immediately in front of Relthor.

"It has been some time since I have had contact with other immortals, you must excuse my excitement, it's not often one has the honor of talking to dragons in this day and age." He said while his tail swung eargerly back and forth. "I bid you no harm, I only wish to know what is the status of the dragon clan?"

ooc: No one but Relthor knows Karasu is a dragon.

"Ah, I see. Very old dragons; let's hope thats a compliment to them, instead of an insult like it is with humans." Helio gave Karasu a wink.

His tail slid back and forth. "I think my leave is upon me. No doubt Andros is worried by now." He turned to leave.

ooc: again, it is unknown to everyone but Relthor that Karasu is a dragon... it will be revealed later.

"Interesting, Relthor," Karasu stated. "So many transformers-thropes here in our little group." She smiled. "It is too bad the numbers are decreasing." Karasu said while looking off at the stars wistfully. Then a look of distress crossed her face.

"Relthor, I am still concerned. You said something feels wrong. I do not understand." Karasu looked down sadly. "What... what feels wrong? I am so confused Relthor." She looked into his eyes, tears beginning to form.

"Please try and explain this to me... it is hurting me... that I am wrong for you somehow..." Karasu looked down, with tears streaking her face.

Karasu turned her head up and looked back at Relthor, right in the eyes, with her arms around him. "I can see... after you have told me you love me, and we made love... you really do not want me." Karasu was feeling used and she said so.

"Relthor, you used me for a primal passionate night, telling me you loved me. I trusted you, and I loved you, however, I cannot love a lie... someone who would be so cruel as to become so close to me and then push me further and further away."

Karasu began walking backwards while maintaining eye contact. "You are a cruel being. You hide it so well. I never would have believed you were lying to me. I thought you to be the kindest in our group. I believed you when you said you loved me. However, now you push me further and further away." She was hurt and angry and in pain.

"I will stay away from you. I will not even speak to you or look at you again, as that seems to be what you want. To have me as far away from you as possible. Just remember... you have caused me immeasurable pain with your deceit. You have hurt me more than anyone has ever hurt me... I do not understand how anyone can be so cruel. At least Inzi does not pretend to care for me. He is more honest than you are, Relthor! I am stunned that you are all facade and lies. You cannot even imagine the pain you are putting me through. Perhaps that was the intention in the first place. After all, spending so much time with my good friend Rimoru, who does use people for her gain, must have rubbed off on you. I do not think I can ever forgive you, but I am sure you do not care. You got what you wanted. You are an expert manipulator, Relthor."

Karasu was sobbing. She turned around and began walking as fast as she could through the sand back to the cave, not wanting to see Relthor. Karasu hurt so badly she thought she could not bear it. She had never been so wrong about anyone in her life. How could she have fallen for his ruse?

The tears were coming down in torrents, and she just wanted to get back to the cave and forget this night.

"Perhaps I am not worth your time, but realize that I am not common rabble such as yourself. I do not succumb myself to the undead," she countered, a confident smile on her face, awaiting another challenge to her authority by the priestess.

"Your highness, please, we only come to increase our standing with each other, not break it," Rothargot replied.

"Then learn how to control your dark elf pet..." replied Rimoru, giving Rastilia a mocking glare.


Rastilia replied in a haughty/commanding voice, "I suggest you get your facts straight. I am hardly some peasant or rabble that you can order about. I am a princess of House Da'Logure, the ruling house of the city of Mezkinban. I also hold the honorary rank of High Priestess of the Divine Church of Minax. As for the issue of the undead, The ones you see before you do my bidding and that of the Supreme Goddess Minax. I do not see how you could possibly believe that I serve them!" Rastilia then sent a warning glare back at the Empress to put her back in her place as an inferior creature..

Rastilia then replied, "I am not Rothargot's pet. I do not worship or follow the instructions of Valtrox. I merely work for his minions to further my own goals and that of the Goddess. I suggest you remember that Empress before, You try to use Rothargot as a shield against my criticism." Rastilia did not return the glare but merely smiled at Rimoru like an adult to a child..

Thank you Maverion...I am...new to these mortal...flirtations Rothargot thought back

"Your highness, if you please, Rastilia is an accomplished priestess and no pet of mine, however, if you wish, give us the area of criminals you would like to be executed and Rastilia will do so efficiently," Rothargot replied, watching Rimoru closely.

Rimoru looked up at Rothargot, a pleading look on her face as she walked back up to Rothargot. "Fine, but you must stay with me...I have some questions to ask of you," she replied, crossing her arms across her chest.

Rothargot turned to Rastilia. "You will be fine without me on this trip?" he asked her, not noticing Rimoru creeping up on him, examining his every detail, a smile forming on her lips...


Rastilia replied to Rothargot in a more friendly tone, "I need do not need help in the fine art of sacrifice and killing. You have seen me work against my enemies before in the ruins you should know that I have more than enough power to deal with common criminals and the occasional deluded upstart." Rastilia looked at Rimoru at the last part of her comment and made it clear by her glare that was meant to say back off.

Rastilia then left the room with her undead minions in tow before Rimoru could make a comment. It was clear that Rastilia would not give her a chance to make a comeback against the dark elf's biting comments…

Sometime during the night, Lorathin had awoken and exited the cave. There was something special about the air of a desert after it rained and the sky was ideal for stargazing. As he walked, he saw what appeared to be a sobbing Karasu and went over to investigate.

Stopping some feet in front of the weeping elf, he asked, "What's wrong?"

ooc: Karasu is not an elf... she is human.

"Oh, hello Lorathin." Karasu smiled, trying to collect herself. "I am fine. Thank you for asking. I guess I am just a little weepy tonight. It happens sometimes." Karasu doubted that to be very convincing, but it was the best she could do.

"Is it not beautiful tonight," Karasu said changing the subject. "The stars are so bright, it seems that you can reach out and grab them," she said to Lorathin, while looking up, almost entranced.

"I like nights like these more than just about anything." Karasu wished she was airborn right now.

"What brings you out here in the middle of the night, Lorathin?" Karasu asked him.

Throughout the night it seemed that Ar'mai was the only one sleeping comfortably and calmly. She was dreaming a reassuring dream that she knew was more than just a dream...

ooc: LoL I'll finish later something popped up suddenly ;)

"Follow me, sweetie," The guard replied. "Don't tell Rimoru...she likes to show these things off herself."

The guard walked upwards, up a spire of the palace until he reached a strange room full of portraits. Many of which...were clowns, actually three in a row, all frowning, except for one, who was smiling wickedly, and terrible sharp teeth.

Walking towards the clown in the middle, who had one tear falling down his cheek. he placed his hands on the portrait. "Let's hope this works...Never, ever put your hands on these portraits, darling. They are all traps...except this one," he whispered. "Unfortunately, these clown pictures can get mixed up..."

The guard muttered "Sugar Snaps" and sure enough, The guard's hands sunk into the portrait, copying the style the painter used for his hands. He placed his hands on the clown's lips and shaped it upwards into a smile. The guard brought his hands out quickly as the portrait's began to move, revealing a passage way with one massive portrait of Rimoru in very revealing clothes.

"This is my favorite part," he chuckled to himself, before remembering his companion. "Err...because it is fun to say this..."

He stood in front of the painting of Rimoru and knelt down. "Freedom over tyranny. Love over hate. Rimoru over all."

Suddenly the painting of Rimoru knelt down and blew a kiss at the guard. The guard stood up and smiled. "Follow me, honey," he said as he walked up through the portrait. Unlike the clown paintings, he walked through, not became one with the picture.

Once inside, incredible heat blasted into their faces. The massive room was dimly lit, Red lights seeming to eminate from far off in the distance. Smoke filled the skies, as well as steam.

The guard and Teralynn had appeared on a catwalk, rails on both sides. The guard pointed down below at hundreds of massive machines.

Each Shredder stood on sharp arachnid legs, deadly blades at the ends of them. Sitting on top of the leg mechanisms, was a squarelike body, symbols placed carelessly on it's torso. The head was a strange small half-oval.

They shone with a color of a dusty brown, even reddish brown.

"Perhaps you'd like to see one in action?" the Guard asked Teralynn.

He looked at her strangely. It was quite apparent she was lying, but the reason for that was not so obvious. "So what caused you to be weepy and yes, it is quite beautiful tonight." He commented, "I also love these types of nights. As to what brought me out here, you've already answered that." He added with a smile.

ooc: My mistake

"Oh, I am not weepy over anything in particular." Karasu replied. "Just a bit weepy I guess." She gave Lorathin a wan smile.

"I think I am going to sit against the cave and watch the stars." She smiled at Lorathin. "I just adore nights like this... more than I can say with words."

Karasu looked off in the distance smiling, but underneath the smile, was pain sharp as any blade.

"Would you mind if I joined you?" He asked, "And did you crying have anything to do with Helio, Relthor or Cadeyrn?" He watched her face as he listed off the names of the three he knew where 'missing' to see if one of the names caused her to let something slip.

"Please do join me." Karasu smiled. "No, my tears had nothing to do with anyone in this party... Let us just forget about it and enjoy the sky."

"Lorathin, I have barely spoken to you on our voyage so far. Tell me a little about yourself." She said while looking at the stars.

"No I-wait, Karasu! I-" Karasu ran off before Relthor could finish his sentence.

"It isn't...you..." he muttered sadly, his arm stretched outwards to her. Any other time, he would have been embrassed. She had just revealed their acts of love, in front of the werewolf. He looked at Beau sadly.

"Please, noble Beau...leave me in peace," he mumbled as he walked back into the cave.

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

I will keep that in mind, Maverion. I thank you. Stay sharp, stay safe, and make sure Rastilia does not harm any peaceful citizen... Rothargot thought to Maverion, before turning back to face the Empress.

The demi-god noticed a small smile on the Empress' face, as she propped her chin with her fingers, as if in deep thought. This made even the demi-god slightly nervous.

"Rothy, does she not get annoying? She thinks she can take on the world...yet she only binds herself more to the webbing of a god..." Rimoru smiled as she stretched her arms, thrusting her full bosom outwards.

Rothargot remained silent, yet he felt strange in front of the beautiful Empress. "Your highness...perhaps...you would like to show me around?" Rothargot asked.

"You demi-gods are soooo....stiff," she commented lightly as she walked closer to Rothargot again. "I think I may have to...loosen you up a bit," she said seductively, leaning up against Rothargot.

"Empress, perhaps we can save this...at another time?" Rothargot asked, desperate to think of an idea to keep Rimoru away. I am a fighter! Not a lover! he thought to himself as he put his massive hands on Rimoru's delicate sides and gently picked her up and set her down at a respectable distance.

"Later? You're a sly one, Rothy," Rimoru chuckled. "Come then, what would you like to see first?"

"Whatever is the most fascinating," Rothargot replied, hoping it would be the Library.

"You're looking at her, Rothy," she said playfully, running her hands along her body. "Many people come here in hopes they can make it to the top...and become my husband...not many do," she chuckled, a mischievious smile on her face.

"Your highness, I meant somewhere you can show-" Rothargot corrected. Suddenly Rimoru put her delicate finger on Rothargot's dragon-like muzzle.

"Rothy, stay silent. You're only making it worse for yourself," she chuckled. "I won't show you the most fascinating thing in the world, at least unclothed," she continued with a wink. "But I will show you what makes Iskan the greatest nation in the universe," she said boastfully as she took hold of the demi-god's arm and led him to a certain spiral...

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

Kalzog had been sleeping, lost in a dream, him battling against impossible odds, yet crushing each one in glorious battle...

And keeping Inzikai awake. Kalzog snored quite loudly for a while, before muttering strange things in his sleep. Nothing worth listening, as they were probably curse words or battlecries, however, when Azrael walked outside, Inzikai decided he should pay close attention to those outside. Using meditative techniques, such as those he would use to communicate with the great god Valtrox, he blocked out the racket Kalzog made, only listening to the conversation going on outside...

Karasu's...crying? How...delicious Inzikai smiled, under cover of the darkness of his hood and the dark cave itself.

Karasu was looking at the sky, waiting to hear Lorathin tell her about himself. Deep down, Karasu was in so much pain. She was utterly confused.

What was it that repulsed Relthor so? Am I repulsive to him, or did he just lie and use me. He is a master at deception... and he beat me. I bet he feels pretty proud of himself now. Obviously Rimoru's habits rubbed off on him. How could they not. She thinks in terms of conquests, as does Relthor. How could I be so stupid. A tear ran down Karasu's face again as she looked at the stars.

"Before I tell me about myself, please tell me what is distressing you. It's appearent that it would prevent you from listening to my tale and should I be able to, I promise to help." He replied as he glanced up at the stars, almost as if he were searching for one.

Tlaxkrox had not been asleep when Inzikai was mediatating. He decided not to disturb him, but whispered to him. "Inzikai, can you here me? It is Tlaxkrox. What has Valtrox been saying to you? What are your plans?"

"No, really, it is nothing. Sometimes I just get this way. Perhaps a reaction to buildup of stress. Please ignore it." Karasu had stopped crying by now.

"Please, Lorathin, tell me about yourself. I am interested." Karasu had blocked off the distress, which she was able to do, and waited for Lorathin to tell about himself.

"Really, I am fine." Karasu smiled at Lorathin. "And my mind is on nothing but what you have to tell me." She reassured him.

ooc: Lol Hey Britenburg, I don't think that would work. Neither Inzikai nor Britenburg have telepathic abilities and neither are demi-gods or the such ;)

Inzikai was listening in on their boring conversation, awaiting the answer from Lorathin. Perhaps he'll reveal some dirt on that squabbling girl... he thought excitedly.

Kalzog had awoken and yawned greatly, scratching his stomach as he slowly got up, absent-mindedly walking outside in the dawn sky.

Tlaxkrox waited for a bit. Either Inzikai hadn't heard him, or he heard him and didn't care. He got up and stretched out a bit. Then he swung his mace around in practice of combat. He could hear the werwolf talking to the girl. Their conversation's didn't concern him though.

OOC- I GOT TICKETS TO SEE ROGER WATERS IN CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just needed to let that out.

"What would you like to know?" He asked as he could see that he wasn't going to be getting any information about her problem out of Karasu, at least not for a while.

ooc: WHO is he?

OOC- I be brief to not clog the IC Thread with to many OOC posts. He is a founding member, bass player, lyrcist, and creative genius behind Pink Floyd.

ooc: Waters is my fav of all of them!

"Oh, just the usual... where are you from, what do you do, what brings you here... that sort of thing. Tell me whatever you would like to tell me." Karasu smiled.

"I know a little about a few of the people here, but not much, and nothing about you... Just curious." Karasu smiled politely.

"I might be somewhat ambigious, but I'm from far enought away that the name will have no bearing or meaning. I go by the nomenclature of Azreal. As to why I'm here. I met Sarik, Ar'mai and Bael'ther a while ago, then some few weeks later I met them again. Sarik explained what he was doing, and asked for help. We then came upon Kalzog and after enlisting him, we got arrested and thrown in jail where we met a few others, including Relthor. Those running the coliseum tried to pit us againt Relthor but convinced him to break out. Then we headed into the desert and are now going to that chick's library." He replied

"Now that I've given some information on myself would you please tell me what's wrong?" He asked

With a nod, Maverion followed after Rastilia, making sure to give her and her undead creatures enough breathing space.

***

"Where are we?" Teralynn asked as she followed the guard through the painting and out onto the catwalk. Then, with a look of astonishment, she exclaimed, "I have never seen anything to the likes of those!"

When asked the question, she said, "Very much! We will be safe, right?" She leaned up against the guard's side for reassurance while continuing to look down at the machines below.

"Hey! I told you, seriously, it is nothing! Do not worry." Karasu chuckled. "So... a prison break, huh?" She grinned. "Are you a wizard? And do you prefer to be called Azrael?" She asked.

"I do not really know anyone in this group, although we are all headed the same direction." Karasu intoned. "What of the others that you know here?" she asked.

"But I do worry. For one thing it's a mystery which I wish to solve, for another, if it effects how people get along, it needs to be resolved." He replied, "And yes I prefere to be called Azreal and I am a mage."

"Off the top of my head, Sarik is a paladin, Inzikai's an ass, Kalzog is a ogre with some magickal abilities. Ar'mai's a priest while Bael'ther's her body-guard. Relthor's a dragon and then there's berzerker wolf called Cadeyrn. The others I don't know as much about."

As was usual, Ar'mai was up at the crack of dawn as the first rays of light began to shed their warmth over the land. She quickly bounded out of the cave and in a minute she had disappeared somewhere over the cave...

"Of course. As long as we do not get in front of one!" the guard chuckled as he walked down the catwalk, past the hundreds of inactive "Shredders". Soon, they came across another room, a couple prisoners were released into the room.

"This may get kind of gory," the guard said, as he watched the prisoners below find a pile of weapons on the floor. They were decent weapons as well, not some old rusted kind...except for the mace a little goblin picked up.

The prisoners knew what would happen if they attacked the 10 foot shredder, so instead they tried to bang on the doors nearby, with the intent of knocking it down and escaping. Seeing this, a robed figure on another catwalk pulled out a long object that seemed to widen at the end. Putting one end of the long object in front of his face, there was a loud bang and a sound akin to a tea kettle wistle. Something banged on the "Shredder" and suddenly, it's head viser glowed red, and it's spindly legs began to move.

The prisoners below yelped as the machine creepily made it's way towards them. One with an arrow loosed one upon the machine, clanking uselessly on it's metal body.

As it closed in, a strange whirring sound could be heard, suddenly, with quick and deadly precision, an arm akin to that of a Mantis shot out of it's side, cutting a captive in half. Just as suddenly, pieces of the Shredder began to extend off it's body, forming a deadly wall of revolving blades. It continued it's pursuit of the other prisoners, cutting each down, one by one. Finally, one prisoner, an elf figure, leapt up above the machine, in an attempt to stab it's way into the thing's head. Yet as he leapt up there, a bout of steam erupted from it's head, burning the poor elf to a crisp.

"Wow..." was all Teralynn murmured, wrapping her arms around herself and acting as if she had never seen so much bloodshed before. Meanwhile, she was taking careful mental note of each and every feature found on the machine, as well as how the shredders seemed to be activated by the robe man and his weird instrument.

Rimoru pulled Rothargot along up the long, grand, stairwell, like an excited child trying to bring their parents to see something they were proud of.

In fact, Rimoru was doing cartwheels up the stairs. "Rothy, I am so happy!" she laughed as she reached the top of the stairs, watching Rothargot slowly plod upwards. "Hurry up, slow poke!" she called down to him.

"Your highness...I do not understand your...excitement," Rothargot said as he reached the top.

"It is always good to keep your body in shape, Rothy. If you were mortal, you'd know that," she replied with a mischievious smile. Again, Rothargot felt slightly nervous at the smile...as if she knew something.

"Your Highness, why do I get the feeling as though you have something planned...something...that does not include this tour?" Rothargot asked as Rimoru walked hurridly up a spiraling staircase...most likely the castle spire.

"Rothy, call me, Rimoru," she giggled as she slid down the stair railing. Rothargot, not wishing her to fall flat on her face, placed his hands out, catching Rimoru gently.

Instantly she put her arms around the demi-gods neck. "Aww, so you do care for me, Rothy?" she smiled childishly.

"Your highness, I am only looking towards your safety," Rothargot replied quickly, only making Rimoru's smile wider. With a slight tug, she swung herself above Rothargot and thrust herself into the air, landing gracefully on her bare feet, behind the demon.

"Rothargot, I do have things planned for us...they are quite simple, actually, but revolve around my goal," she replied, walking in front of Rothargot. "You MUST promise me something before everything I let you see. And my promise back would be to let you see it...A little game..."

Rothargot's eyes widened in surprise, a trait he learned from Inzikai as well. Is this flirting? What is she doing? What do I say? he wondered to himself. "I...promise...?"

"Good. The purpose of all these is quite simple...to loosen yourself up to the mortal realm. Not be so...stuffy and commanding," she chuckled as she impersonated Rothargot, putting three fingers behind her head and stomping around slowly.

Rothargot watched in silence, wondering what he has gotten himself into.

Rimoru's smile vanished, replaced by a look of mock anger. "How can I hope to shape you into a loose demi-god if you won't even smile? Show me a smile...then we can continue."

"Your highness-"

"Rimoru."

"Rimoru, I do not see the purpose of this. I merely want to see-" began Rothargot.

"Do it, Rothargot, or else you won't see anything...not even the Library you've been wanting to see..." she replied with another mischievious smile.

How did she know? he thought. He let out a small sigh, before forming his lips into a smile.

"There you go, Rothy!" Rimoru cheered. "Now, we race each other to the top..."

"Rimoru, you are joking, right?" Rothargot asked.

"On your marks...get set...go!" Rimoru giggled as she leapt up the stairs at a surprisingly fast speed.

Rothargot sighed again as he spread his wings out and flew upwards, attempting to catch up to the speeding Rimoru...

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

"Aren't they amazing? I'd like to see undead attempt to get through those," the guard boasted. He noticed that Teralynn was taking notice to the robed man with the long stick-like item.

"Would you like to see what he is holding?" he asked curiously.

"Yeah..." Teralynn said, still acting awed. "Wha...what is it?" she formed a puzzled looked on her face. Looking back at the guard, she said, "How can a little stick control something as magnificent as those beasts?"

Beau looked at the failing dragon with slight disapointment.

Are the ageless ones so miserable they cannot enjoy the company of their dieing comrads? Maybe things have changed since I ruled over the Varvul.

The sun rays cracked over the horizon and the Werewolf's ivory fur began to retract back into the armor and in a manner of seconds reverted back to Cadeyrn, who promptly slipped unconcious.

"Actually, that stick doesn't really control the Shredder. We haven't really come up with a name with it yet, but is actually a weapon. It is like a bow, but easier! I didn't make it, so best I can tell you is that it launches little balls using concentrated steam pressure. It's quite powerful, however it has a chance to malfunction."

"As for the shredder, it reacted to an attack, by killing nearby weapon wielding creatures. We are currently working on a version that will be able to tell friend from foe, but we are unsure how long it would take to build those," the guard said, admiring the weapons of Iskan. "Let us go, lest Rimoru sees us here," he said worridly, keeping his eye on the portrait they came out of.

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

Relthor noticed Cadeyrn slipping out of his wolf form and slumping to the floor, unconscious. "We had better return to camp," he said quietly, walking over to the unconscious warrior. With help of his dragon strength, he picked up Cadeyrn and began walking nervously to camp. What will Karasu say? What will she do? he thought.

Teralynn nodded her compliance to the guard as she followed him out. "So...you attack those thing to make them attack others? But then how do you tell them to stop...like, go to sleep or something? It all sounds so dangerous, especially when you cannot tell them who is friend and who is not..."

"They follow Rimoru's orders, or those of her top generals. I'm not quite sure how, but it has to do with a unique crystal inside of them," he replied as he walked back to the portrait.

The guard smiled at Teralynn as they walked, once again taking in her curves. "So...want to do something once we get out?" he asked her mischieviously, winking at her.

Tera tried to scan the mechanical creatures, though she doubted that she would be able to get much if anything out of the mindless creatures.

She then gave the guard a sultry smile in return. "What did you have in mind?"

"Perhaps...a nice relaxing evening...in your room perhaps? Your room is much better than mine," he chuckled.

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

Rimoru leapt up at the top step, taking heavy breaths.

"I win, Rothy!" she laughed as she created a sofa to appear on a wall. She let herself all onto it and relaxed.

Rothargot finally stepped up onto the floor, a smile on his face. "I let you, Rimoru," he replied.

"I doubt it. You're just way too slow," Rimoru chuckled, turning herself so she lay on her side, watching Rothargot.

"At least I am not out of breath, Rimoru. One good thing about being a Demi-god...I don't need rest," he said as he walked around, examining the many portraits in the room.

Teralynn grinned at the guard, knowing what he had in his mind. "Perhaps. Just as long as you keep a lookout for those undead," she playfully tapped a forefinger on his cheek once.

As they were returning to her room, however, she formed the image of Rothargot in the guard's mind, and the two turned the corner of the hallway to see the large demon standing outside her door.

"There you are," the demi-god spoke in his deep and powerful voice. "We have something to discuss." The fake Rothargot then glared at the guard before turning back to Tera.

She hesitated, as if uncertain of what to do. Then, sheepishly looking at the guard, she shrugged her shoulders. "Duty calls, sorry," she made a facial expression as if there was nothing she could do about it.

"I-I understand..." the guard said, cowering at Rothargot's broad figure and deadly gaze. "Perhaps another time," he whispered to Teralynn.

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

Rimoru had caught her breath and sprung out of her couch. "Ready? Watch, this is cool," she giggled as she looked at the portraits. She found a portrait of a frowning clown. "Sugar snaps!" she said, pushing her hands in the portrait and moving the clown's smile upwards. As the portraits moved, Rimoru spread her arms apart.

"Hold on a minute..." she muttered as she looked on the floor. There were specs of ash and soot on the ground, one as boot prints and one as foot prints. "Thats...peculier..." she muttered, before spinning around. "Hmm...Let's do something else, alright Rothy?" she said more than asked.

"What of the tour? I thought-"

"Not now...I believe someone else may have given a tour already," she replied sternly. She took the stairs without any of her childlike spunk this time, as she walked at a rather fast pace down the stairs, through the halls, constantly looking at the floor at the prints.

They finally arrived at Teralynns door, a guard stationed there saluted at Rimoru's presence.

"Your worship," he said.

"You didn't happen to...visit the factories, did you?" she asked as she leaned up against the guard, looking up at his face.

"No, your worship," he replied, avoiding her face.

"Not even one teensy weensy little peek?" she squieked, pushing his face to look at hers, while rubbing his chest with her other hand.

"Well...maybe a little peek," he replied sheepishly.

Rimoru smiled and tapped him on the nose. "You little sneak you," she giggled before backing up.

Suddenly the guard sneezed loudly, rubbing his nose. He sneezed again, but this time as he rubbed his nose, he noticed his mouth had grown out, like a snout. "Oh no! Your worship, please!" he screamed in a high pitch voice as he seemed to be getting smaller, hair growing all over him, except his hands and feet. His ears grew larger and furry as whiskers formed under his nose.

As he disappeered under his normal sized clothes, Rimoru searched through them, picking out a small mouse by it's tail. "You mischievious rat you," she chuckled as she twirled the former guard by the tail.

Rothargot watched with amazement at the event that had just taken place. "So who's prints are the others?"

"I think you very well know who," Rimoru replied with a mischievious grin.

"You won't...change her into a mouse, will you?" Rothargot asked as he watched the mouse wiggle around, trying to get out of Rimoru's grasp.

"Of course not. I like Teralynn, you silly goose you," Rimoru giggled as she summoned a small ornate box, and placed the mouse in it. "Perhaps she'd like her guard back, however? I'll let her determine his fate," she replied.

Rothargot knocked on Teralynn's door. "Are you in there, Teralynn?" he asked.

"Azrael, this 'mystery' as you call it, is nothing and will not affect anything. Please let it drop. Can a woman not have mood swings?" Karasu grinned at him.

Then she saw Relthor approaching with Cadyern. Karasu just looked away and began talking to Azrael. "Are you tired Azrael? I did not get much sleep, but I seem to be OK." Karasu told him. "Also, I must commend you on your depiction of Inzi as an ass." She grinned at him. "So it is not just me!" Karasu began laughing, continuing to ignore Relthor completely, as if he was not there.

"Good morning, you two," Relthor said, faking his happiness. "We are close to Rimoru's Library and our books."

"We can get Green Eggs and Ham," he chuckled to Karasu, hoping that she may forgive him somewhat.

Slowly he began to open his eyes, but he felt sore again, like something had spent the night breaking and repairing every bone in his body. The mercenary groaned as he tried to rise but failed miserably.

I must have done it again last night. He thought before passing out again. Still, however, his blade was clamped firmly in his hand.

"Good morning." Karasu said rather stiffly, without looking at Relthor. "I certainly hope we reach the library today, and I am sure Dr. Seuss will be waiting for me." Even through the joke, she did not crack a smile or look at him. He was pushing her away... she would stay away.

Karasu was getting angry and gritting her teeth to prevent herself from blowing up at what he had done to her... and how stupid she felt for falling for such a manipulator... What nerve... coming up here, being cordial, and joking around as if he did not just shatter me!

Karasu stood up and began to walk the other way. "I am going for a short walk. Please excuse me." She left them there by the cave.

(OOC: Whoops. You were planning on them running into each other, huh? Sorry.)

"Perhaps," Teralynn repeated as she patted him on the cheek. "Thanks for the tour," she smiled at him before following the false Rothargot into her room.

After closing the door, the fake Rothargot disappeared, as well as her illusory bathrobe, which was replaced by her normal clothes. She shivered at the thought of spending the night with the creep of a guard, despite how helpful he was in educating her on the defenses of the palace.

When the real Rothargot knocked on her door and she heard his voice, Tera wondered if the guard was confused about how Rothargot appeared to be in the room already and yet out in the hallway as well. Or perhaps he simply figured that the demon flew out of the room from the balcony and came back around. She smiled, eager to the guard's expression either way. While she did hear voices outside her door, she was on the other side of the large room, and the sound was muffled, so she could not make out what was said.

"Yes?" she asked upon opening the door. While the form of Rothargot took up most of the doorway, she could still tell that the guard's clothing were lying on the floor. She arched an eyebrow. This ought to be interesting...

"If you wish." He replied, "And I'm good sleepwise." He replied as she seemed to straighten up a bit as Relthor arrived

Once she'd walked off after Relthor began talking with her, he stood and walked over to the dragon. "Might I ask what happened between you and here?"

Karasu decided to work off some of her anger practicing her battle moves, which looked more like amazing gymnastics than regular fighting moves. It was her own style; her trademark. It was difficult in the sand, but she managed to hit three arials at a time while spinning with her weapons, despite the sand.

Why did I leave him. Why did it have to be this way. I could have given in to his ideals. No, I could not. I could not live a false justice and ignore real justice. He did treat me like a queen, however. We were so in love... so much so that our affair remained clandestine for two years. To this day no one knows of it. Secrecy was difficult, but we managed, as we wanted to be together so badly. It was sad that different ideals set us on our separate ways. He was so good to me. Karasu lamented, remembering those wonderful two years.

And now this. Relthor... How could I be so stupid!

Karasu was as angry at herself as she was at Relthor... angry that she did not see through his lies.

Well, I will just avoid him the rest of this trip.

Ar'mai was scurrying about, somewhere in the distance on top of the cave... far away from everyone else and their 'problems'." She was attempting to gather breakfast from the few plants that existed in the harsh conditions of the desert as her skills and knowledge allowed to do the best one could...

Cadeyrn awoke and as he stood every bone in his body cracked back into place. One by one the mercenary grunted in horrible pain as he relocated his joints with loud snaps. This is what he called the werewolf hangover, the painful process of recovery, which could take hours of vomitting, puking, and hurling.

"Son of a bastard beastingon a cross!" He cursed as he realized his fangs were gauging into his gums. Cadeyrn grabbed a rock as he leveled his dagger at the top half of his fang and slowly motioned the rock in and out. He closed his eyes before there was a loud smack and he was rolling on the ground as half a fang settled into the sand. "Only one more to go you pile of ogre leavings." He grunted with a tear swelling in his eyes from the bitter pain.

As he waited for Relthor to answer, or at least try and put him off, Lorathin noticed Cadeyrn trying out a little home dentistry. "Hey, Cadeyrn, come here. I might be able to help."

The mercenary tried to respond but only replied with a mess of jumbled words and blood ouring from his mouth. He sucessfully trimmed his fangs, but the dagger had slid from the tooth straight up into his gums.

"Great, and Ar'mai's gone wandering." He groused as he walked over, but not before looking at Relthor and commenting, "Don't go away."

"Well normally I'd ask Ar'mai to do this as this is her 'thing' she's gone off somewhere." He commented as he began fishing in his sack. Pulling out a small vial with red liquid, he looked at it and muttered, "Nope, lousy organisational skills strike again." He put it back and pulled out another one.

"If you drink this and let me cast a spell on you, I can get you back in one peice, and without all the aches and pains of shifting."

"mrmphermrpherrme." Cadeyrn replied while taking the potion and chugging it, all the while a steady stream of blood trickled from his bottom lip and down his cheek.

"I'll take that as agreement." He commented as Cadeyrn chugged the vial. He then followed up on the 'potion' that the berzerker had drunken with the spell. Cadeyrn glowed green for a second and would almost immediately feel everything returning to normal, with the bleeding ceasing and healing, his guts settling and his joints limbering up. In fact he'd feel all but perfect except for a unpleasent aftertaste in his mouth.

For a moment Cadeyrn seemed paralyzed with his eyes transfixed on the sky behind Lorathin. Then in an instant he snapped out of it and smiled.

"Haha thanks that helped a hell of a-" Cadeyrn was interrupted by a deep sound from the pit of his stomach; his eyes narrowed as he sprinted towards an empty cave hunched over.

Lorathin watched Cadeyrn for a second before turning back to get answers out of the dragon.

"Nothing, Azrael. We just had... a slight misunderstanding," Relthor replied with a fake smile.

Kalzog had releaved himself some distance away and began to walk back when he noticed Karasu fighting a short distance away.

Karasu practiced with two wakazshis while performing arial attacks that spun almost faster than the eye could see.

It was getting later and it seemed everyone was emerging from the cave, and she decided to go and join the rest of the group.

I really hope we make it there today.

"A mis-undertanding over what?" He asked, "Both of you are obviously hurt by this slight mis-understanding and neither will talk to the other, so if you two are ever going to be able to function effectivelly, it has to get sorted. If you want I can set up a privacy spell but this will be solved, and soon."

ooc: Lol, occasionally I come on with my PSP (can't come on my computer a lot) and it takes me a long time just to write a small post, so If i'm online and I seem slow, bare with me ;) Also, don't worry about it, Rhinara.

IC:

Relthor sighed. "Nothing, Azrael. It's...nothing...Just...I don't know what's wrong either..."

Relthor did not wish to reveal the night they just finished, and definately did not want to reveal Karasu's secret.

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

Kalzog walked up behind Karasu as she began to walk back.

"You fight decently, assassin," Kalzog said as he walked behind her. "Yet you lacked something..."

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

"Tera, we have a gift for you," Rimoru chuckled as she squeezed in from behind Rothargot, holding a box. "It has come to my understanding that someone may have put you in some danger..."

She held out the ornate little box to Teralynn. "Have a look," she said.

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

Inzikai awoke from his meditative state, realizing that nothing of importance came out of Lorathin, Relthor, or Karasu, other than the two are not getting along.

He did, however, notice Ar'mai missing and decided to go look for her.

"Well what happened?" He asked, "If I have to, I'll find out the hard way..."

"The hard way? What is that?" Relthor asked as he sat himself down on a rock nearby the cave entrance.

"A method no one involved would enjoy." He replied

Relthor gave Lorathin a worried look before looking back to the floor.

"Karasu and I went for a short walk last night...and I did something to her," he finally muttered, still watching the ground.

"That is obvious. If you don't say how you hurt her, we're getting back to the hard way." Lorathin replied, "You don't have to get into any private details but the problem needs to be solved."

"There are no private details," Relthor snapped. A little too hasty... he thought to himself as he tried to calm himself down.

"I do not know how I hurt her, Azrael. I just know I did..."

"Let's see if one of these rings a bell, did you say something and do another, lie, say something strange..." He suggested, as he thought he was getting an idea of what might have happened but need confirmation of his suspicions.

"Well...no...I don't think so...I merely...left her...while walking, of course...And said 'Something doesn't feel right'," Relthor answered, trying to cover as much of their night as he could.

"Ah-ha, we're getting somewhere." He thought, "Something didn't feel right about what?" He asked

"By being with her," Relthor replied quickly. Perhaps I've said too much... he thought worriedly.

"Being with her, or being with her?" He asked, "If it's the second of course it wouldn't feel right, at least not till you find out if your wife is still out there."

Sudden shock appeared on Relthor's face. "My mate...all those years...in captivity has devolved me...into my primal state..." he wondered out loud as he began to pace around.

"Please, Azrael, keep this secret! Do not tell anyone," he begged, his eyes wide with nervousness.

"I have been...unfaithful..." he muttered as though it were his dieing breath.

"I'll keep your secret, but I'd suggest you resolve the problem with Karasu now that you know what the problem is." Lorathin replied, hoping that Relthor would be smart and talk with Karasu.

"Yes...yes I should!" Relthor replied, making erratic movements, his robe swaying with his every jolt. "B-b-but...I may ruin her! Us dragons are very very strict on these kind of things..."

Lorathin raised an eyebrow at the mention of Us, but just replied "Then do it in the best way that's possible. State you lost your mind, which wouldn't be that far off the truth after all, and didn't mean to hurt her or something along those lines. "

Relthor put his palm on his face and rubbed downwards in one long stroke as he noticed his word choice. I've said too much...

"By us dragons, I mean, me and my mate and all other dragons," Relthor replied quickly. "I suppose...I'll try your suggestion...however I do not think it would help much..."

Cadeyrn emerged from the cave patting his stomach in relief when he saw Karasu's stunning performance. The mercenary was always a fan of styles and he was exilerated when he he saw a technique he had never seen before. He marched through the thick sand dragging his massive sword close behind him until he saw Kalzog there as well.

"I've never seen that kind of style before, what's it called?" Cadeyrn asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"I trust you'll do the right thing." Lorathin replied sympathetically.

"Many thanks, Azrael," Relthor replied nervously. He absent-mindedly ran his hand through his hair before pacing around again. "I will need to speak to her in private, however...Not while the others are around..."

"You will keep all this secret, right Azrael?"

"I said I would and I mean it." He replied as he watched Relthor nervously pace.

"It's called, smite the wizzing wolfman," Kalzog replied, not taking his eyes off Karasu. "It's good to see little Fido has come back to us."

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

"Many thanks, Azrael," Relthor replied, giving Lorathin a small smile before walking off to find Karasu.

"Oh, hello!" Karasu greeted the two. "It is called Kuroi Hiryuu Ryu, it is unique to my family." She smiled. "What is nice, is it is actually a lot of fun!"

Karasu asked the two, "Do you think we will reach Rimoru's today?"

"Oh, fighting in general is lots of fun, human," Replied Kalzog with a wicked smile. "Especially those that are against all odds, smashing your way through, seeing the face of your opponent and watch as they cower in fear as you bite off their head..."

"As for Rimoru, I do think we will reach it today. Rel-Kavia has done quite a job in providing us with speedy mounts. The sooner I can get to that slut that owns Wolfy's soul," Kalzog chuckled as he looked at Cadeyrn.

"One of my masters once said that a warrior's only goal should be to want to be the last warrior left." Caderyn grolwed clutching the hilt of his blade before smiling and relaxing. "However, I was bought out by his enemy and cut him in half. Never liked him anyway, so let's put this aside us Kalzog?"

He turned to Karasu squinting and holding onto the word "fun".

"Mind me asking, but have you ever killed anyone with that style?" The mercenary's eyes shifted examining the newer person.

"Oh Lord!" Karasu replied, shocked, "are you kidding? As you can see, it is done with a blade or other weapon in each hand. I have killed countless with this style, as a matter of fact. The fun is being airborn." She smiled. "If you could follow with your eyes, as many cannot, the blades can whirr in circles as I turn three directions at once... over the heads of my foes... thus hacking their heads to pieces... and no one usually expects an attack from above from a human. That is why it is so much like gymnastics... with much faster speed and a plethora of weapons. When your enemy charges you, and they lose site of you because you are over their head with a blade... well, game over." Karasu smiled.

"I told you, I am a body guard... sometimes I guard entire villages from bandits or pillagers." She smiled.

"The last one left, you say? When it is me against thirty or so, yes, or I would not be here, would I?" Karasu chuckled. "I am not as frail as I may look." She grinned at them.

"Ah, one of the most important rules of combat: Don't underestimate your opponent," Kalzog replied happily.

"You style is quite well and all...however it is nothing to the fighting styles of the Chaos Magi's and Shamans of my order," Kalzog boasted proudly.

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

Relthor climbed up a sand dune, noticing Karasu, Cadeyrn, and Kalzog all speaking with each other.

"G-good morning all," he managed to say as he walked towards Karasu. As he got close enough to his former lover, he whispered, "M-m-may I have a w-w-word...alone with y-you?"

"I never take joy in the death of anything anymore, it was the fight that I lived for. Now I just want to go home and retire, maybe work on a farm or in a mine." Cadeyrn looked down the length of the desert with a sad reflection in his eyes then he turned and smiled at Karasu.

"You would probably defeat me in combat, my weapon is far too slow to keep up with that speed. However, one strike from my blade would send someone your weight flying, especially if they were already airborn." The mercenary drew a wicked smile as he remembered repelling an airborn ninja nearly half a mile once. The look on that assassin's face was priceless.

"Maybe, Kalzog, maybe not." Karasu said with a mischievious gleam in her eye.

"Good morning Kavia." Karasu said as he greeted them.

After he asked to speak to her alone, she agreed and followed him.

After listening to Cadeyrn's tale, Karasu smiled to herself, knowing she would change into her dragon form in an instant and be propelled nowhere.

Suddenly a white hawk swooped in and clawed itself onto Caderyn's shoulder with a long paper attached to its legs.

"Ah Ava, good girl!" He said stroking the large hawk before detaching the letter on its foot. As his eyes moved down the parchment he began revealing a large smile.

"I'll be home soon Marlene, I promise." Cadeyrn accidently muttered outloud.

"M-many t-thanks, Karasu," Relthor replied nervously. He led Karasu across several dunes before making sure no one else has followed.

"K-k-karasu, I d-d-did not mean to hurt your feelings," Relthor said sadly, looking down at the ground. "I-it's just...I...I do love you, Karasu...b-but..."

He gulped nervously as he looked in Karasu's eyes. "B-b-but I had a mate. I d-d-do not know where she is, now."

"I don't know what c-c-came over me, Karasu...however I w-w-wish that I c-c-c-could relive last night ag-again," he finally finished, looking downwards, his eyes tearing up.

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

"Marlene? Who is that?" Kalzog asked gruffly.

Kalzog watched the two disappeer in the distance before looking at Cadeyrn. "Want to follow them?" he asked with a smirk.

"Marlene is one of the orphans I take care of back home." He responded while replying to the letter, he tied it tightly to Ava and watched it fly off into the distance.

The mercenary drew a mischeivous smile and replied: "Of course."

"Aww...Fido has a soft spot for children..." Kalzog chuckled as he followed Karasu and Relthor's path, careful not to enter the view of the couple.

"You could say that." Cadeyrn replied warmly while staying in the shadow of the massive ogre.

"You have a mate?!" Karasu stated in shock. "How can you love me and have a mate? You do not know where she is, but when you find her, you will have to live with the fact that you were unfaithful to her." Karasu looked down tears welling in her eyes as well.

"Excuse me one moment," Karasu said angrily as she walked over a dune. "Cadyern, Kalzog... this is a private conversation, and you know it. I suggest that you leave. How rude. Well, now know two that I cannot trust. You two are like a couple little old ladies looking for gossip. Please leave us." She said to them angrily.

Karasu returned to Kavia.

"I fell in love with you too. Now I have to live knowing what I can never have." She instinctively hugged him as she cried. "I was so angry... because I love you." Karasu sobbed. "I thought you tricked me.

"May I ask, how is it that you do not know where your mate is? How long have the two of you been together? I would like to know, if you would be kind enough to tell me."

Karasu was now feeling badly for Relthor. "I am sorry I reacted the way I did. I had no idea." Karasu explained. "It is still so painful for me, because I want to be with you." The tears began to flow. "I am sorry, I cannot help the hurt that I feel. You told me you loved me, and everything that happened last night, and then, 'sorry, can't be with you'. You must understand how I feel as well." Karasu tried to explain her side.

She was still holding him. "I do not want to let you go, Kavia. I am sorry." Karasu let go of him and stepped back.

"Would you explain all of this to me please? Are you saying that last night you did not know you had a mate?" Karasu asked. "That seems a little hard to swallow."

Kalzog smiled as he heard their voices over the sand dune. He hid behind the dune so they would never know he was there. Suddenly, Karasu appeared over the dune and yelled at the two as if they were two mischievious children.

"Bah! Fido, you got us caught!" he chuckled as he smacked Cadeyrn in the back gently, which, to a human, was still kind of hard.

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

"I have been s-s-stuck in captivity for s-s-so l-l-long, it b-b-brought out the worst of me. The b-beast inside. I f-f-fell for the t-trap you d-did n-not mean to lay. And s-s-some part of m-me wants-no, lusts-f-for us to k-keep going," Relthor replied nervously, wanting to be in Karasu's arms again. Wanting to wrap his arms around her. Wanting to get their own place, forgetting their worries and living in passion...That's what Rimoru seemed to have done. She doesn't seem to have many problems...

"I do n-not know where my m-mate is, b-because I was c-c-captured b-by the Imperium as I held them off...for her escape...s-s-she was r-ready to lay her eggs..."

Kalzog smiled as he heard their voices over the sand dune. He hid behind the dune so they would never know he was there.

**********************************************************
<snip>

ooc: my last post... she already spotted Kalzog and Cadeyrn and yelled at them.

ooc: edited lol. No!! Not the last post! You cant!!! lol ;) :p

Cadeyrn poked his head over the dune rubbing the back of his head, cheeks flushed red with embarressement.

"Heh sorry." He yelled with a hint of laughter in his voice.

"Well now what?" He turned and asked Kalzog. "Personally I don't trust that new one, Karasu, everything is always a secret to me."

"So you did not truly care for me, Kavia, is that it? It was just a primal passion? That is all well and good, however, you never should have told me you loved me if that was not the case." Karasu stated bluntly.

"Also, Rimoru may have always been my best friend prior to having to leave on dragon business..." Karasu's eyes became large. "Please tell no one of this. They will find out when we get there, I am sure." She continued. "The two of us have much in common, however, I do not have to boost my self esteem by bedding everything with a dick in sight. I am a bit more choosey, yet we have always been best friends. Talked about our lovers. I will say nothing of my night with you. Rimoru is very possessive. It does not matter if it is someone she is no longer involved with or that she has never been involved with, if it is someone she wants. She would become very jealous." Karasu continued,

"So... You had a long standing affair with Rimoru while you had a mate as well? That does not say much for you. I do not give a shit what Rimoru did or said to make it happen. I pity your mate." She said angrily. "I certainly would not want a mate who hops into bed for nights of primal passion any chance he gets. You are truly like Rimoru... it's all primal, physical, passion. Your poor poor mate." Karasu shook her head. "It would have been different had I believed you when you said you loved me, which I did until now, when you mentioned the affair with Rimoru while you had your mate. You do not love me! You did lie to bed me! Perhaps it would have happend whether or not you told me you loved me, but you had to add that lie! And you know Rimoru so well, but succumbed to her anyway! You just seem to take any chance you get."

Karasu shook her head and turned to walk away. "You are a selfish one, Relthor... It is all about you, is it not?"

Rastilia and her undead guards marched toward the dungeon. The undead guarded their mistress for fear of assassination. It was obvious the "Empress" did not like Rastilia and the feeling was mutual.

Rastilia sighed and thought about how to feed these poor souls to Minax. Then a dark thought crossed her mind. She could just open a gate to Minax's plane and herd the poor innocents in. That would be easier then trying to sacrifice them all and maybe Minax would like the thought of living prey inside her plane of existence.


Rastilia sent a mental pray to Minax in her native language, ~"My Lady of Destruction, I would like to open a planar gate into your plane of existence. I will then herd them into the void of your realm."~
The dark power of Minax connected to her servant's mind. The connection was one that was very secure from the most powerful scrying,~"My servant, I will grant you the power to open a planar Gate. I will warn you if you fail to get all one hundred souls inside. I will kill you myself and torment your soul in my realm for all eternity."~

Rastilia responded in her mental link, ~"I understand, I will not fail you."~

Minax sent another reply, ~"Your failure will be your death and eternal torment remember that."~

Rastilia quietly walked faster to the dungeon. This sacrifice had to be done quickly or something terrible would happen…

Tlaxkrox waled over to the ogre and the werewolf. "Well, what did the woman say to the dragon? Anything interesting?"

"Nothing of great interest, just petty lover squabbles." Cadeyrn said almost dissapointed. "Personally I don't understand this stuff at all."

"No, wait, Karasu! That is not what I meant!" called Relthor as he desperately tried to redeem himself in Karasu's eyes. "I was young, and I had no mate when I loved Rimoru! Please forgive that incident!"

"And I do love you Karasu, as much as I loved my mate. You are so beautiful, so caring, so nice..." Relthor fell to his knees, taking hold of Karasu's hand. "Please...do not hate me...the Imperium has ruined me...please" he sobbed on her hand.

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

"Heh, you trusted anyone, Fido? Trust no one, and keep on the look out..." chuckled Kalzog. He jumped slightly as Tlaxkrox's voice broke into the conversation.

"What fuzzy said," Kalzog replied, pointing his thumb at Cadeyrn.

"I trust Marlene and the other children who put their faith in me." Cadeyrn replied lifting his head toward the ogre. "I'm not fuzzy anymore so you can drop the dog tags."

The mercenary hung his blade over his shoulder and began thinking.

Can you really not trust anyone? No, you have to put your trust into others to some extent because in the end we all rely on each other.

"Oh? Do you? And do you trust yourself? Would you trust yourself if your change into your wolf? Would you kill Marlene and your other children? Do they trust you?" Kalzog continued.

"You'd best listen to the man, ogre. I've seen him fight, and I'm confident that he could rip you to pieces."

Karasu, moved by Relthor's actions, fell to her knees in front of him. "I love you too." She whispered. "I must admit that I am jealous that you had an affair with Rimoru. Perhaps we are not so different in that respect." Karasu continued, "So you were in love with Rimoru. Why does that hurt me? Because she always gets whoever she wants." Karasu mused aloud. "I cannot complain about that, as I do as well. I guess it is that you were in love with her for a long time, and spent so much time with her... I envy her in that respect." Karasu looked in Relthor's eyes.

"Please tell me what happened to your mate, and how long you have been with her?" Karasu sighed, "If you do not want to answer this next question, as it is none of my business, I understand: Please tell me about your relationship with Rimoru... other than the obvious passionate nights. Sometimes I cannot understand how one can love someone who goes from lover to lover and beds anyone." Karasu intoned.

"I, myself have recently left a relationship. It was perfect, however, differing ideals eventually drove us apart. Very sad, after two years. It is strange that someone's outlook or ideals clashing with someone else's can tear them apart. We remain friends, but cannot remain lovers when we want different things for everyone. If only he could see his errors... and I am sure he feels the same about me. He treated me like a goddess. So kind... and not one to bed everyone he meets, although many have tried." Karasu smiled thinking back on him and his sparkling eyes.

"I am sorry for drifting off... I just want some answers to the questions I posed to you, please." Karasu asked.

Caderyn stopped walking and paused as the ogre mentioned the other.

Suddenly Cadeyrn fell to his knees as images of a burning village, piles of the dead, and the great white wolf holding Marlene with a vicious grin.

"I would never do that to them, never, never, never, never!" He screamed gripping his head in frustration.

It was then he remembered his war against the Varvul at the Teotun Forrest when he was young. His entire brigade that was assigned to was slaughtered under the weight of a werewolf ambush, it was a massacre, pieces of soldiers lay across the woods; the entire forest was red. A young Cadeyrn pushed forward alone and eventually took the head of the Queen Werewolf.

Tlaxkrox looked at the werewolf. He must have been remebering something. Fool, has memories of old battles that haunt him. Tlaxkrox had memories of battle, but they were glorios and warming to him. He turned to the ogre. "Look what you did oge. Your such an idiot." He said this in a joking way.

"I pity you, who understand nothing." Cadeyrn growled as he could sense the sarcastic pity being thrown onto him. "Battle shouldn't be fun, it should never be fun, and yet you propagate it like it's a sporting event! You really just don't understand anything!"

"Keep you mouth shut lizard. You've obviously never seen me fight," Kalzog replied with a cocky grin.

"Ah...I see some doubts, Cadeyrn," smiled Kalzog wickedly. "How can you trust others...when you can't even trust yourself?"

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

Relthor smiled for once . "I was with my mate for well over a hundred years, relatively new for dragons, but they were a good hundred. I do not know whatever happened to my mate...Azrael sent a call to her before we met you. She would recieve it once she sleeps, however us Ageless ones were not known to sleep often..."

"Rimoru...she and I were young. She much younger than I, mind you. But I was her teacher and taught her as much as I could, history, science, art, and especially magic. I watched her grow from an innocent little child to a playful little girl, to a beautiful young, and very flirtatious young lady. I had grown so attached to the beautiful girl, and she flirted constantly with me...I...I couldn't refuse. Oh, how we enjoyed our love, our beastial lust...Yet I could not show this in public. Rimoru was, after all, the daughter of a great noble, destined to wed to another royal family or nobleman. All in the name of politics..."

"Yet, Rimoru, always loved to boast. She always wanted the most handsome man around, the one everyone else wanted. Our love for each other ended abruptly after a year, once her words finally reached her fathers ears. He soon banned all dragons from his city, especially me."

"That was not the worst of it either...The other Ageless One's felt the need to discipline me, and so they did. They made me into the civilized creature that I was...that the Impierium nearly destroyed..."

Relthor looked back at the floor, stashing away his old memories again. "And who might your old love have been?" he asked quietly.

Tlaxkrox looked at the werewolf. "You listen to me. Battle is what I was born for, what I life for, and what I will die for. I come from a place where you must kill. You are put in gladiator battles, and then you are put into an army. The land has no ruling race. It has several races who wage war every year to see who will rule. I have lead my race to many victories. So, before you talk to me about battle, know where I come from."