NationStates Jolt Archive

"I trust others because I have to, because I am human. I may not be able to trust myself, but I feel compelled to trust those I love because that is what love is. You will never understand and thus you will die miserable, alone, and pathetic as you hang onto your vain glories that are nothing more than a shell you try to hide yourself in. In the end we are only as much as the person we love most wants us to be." Cadeyrn replied rising to his feet. "If the day ever should come I will take my own life before the other can harm those who I love."

"Look here human. I'm an ogre. I live to fight. I don't love, I don't play, and I especially don't like children. There may be several ogres who like any or all of those things, but I don't. My passion is battle and the love of death. Don't you dare tell me different," Kalzog growled. I have grown too attached to battle for anything else...I have given myself to fighting to love anything else... he thought as he looked at his tattoos.

"Would you be happy as the last ogre standing, having killed everything else around you?" Cadeyrn said lowering his head smiling.

"Yes...I would be happy to be the last creature on this world, knowing I killed every last living being in this world," Kalzog replied sternly, crossing his arms across his chest.

"You know ogre, we are not much different from each other..." Tlaxkrox said with a grin.

"So you never loved Rimoru? It was just lust and passion? And this was over 100 years ago before you met your mate? Do I understand correctly? 'Beastial lust' are the words you used. Is that all it was? You did not love each other? I am curious about that." Karasu said to Relthor.

"I suppose we never crossed paths as Rimoru and I became friends less than 100 years ago. Strange. I remained for a while after dragons were banned, as no one knew I was a dragon... not even Rimoru. She still does not, and I do not want her to know." Karasu told him.

Karasu turned red at the next question. "Relthor, this is odd... Rimoru and I have never had a rivalry, as we never seemed to be interested in the same man... but... I want to know the truth: Were your nights with Rimoru better than your night with me? I do not know why I must know this, but I guess I need to know because of her reputation." Karasu looked down. "Please tell me the truth."

Karasu sighed. "My previous lover must be kept secret! You must swear not to tell anyone. The entire relationship took place in secrecy and no one knows about it... you will now, but you are the only one. Please promise not to tell anyone, as it may harm his reputation."

Karasu took a deep breath. "It was the Patriarch."

"Then you would have no one to battle; your dream ultimately subtracts from that which you love. I cannot understand the want for such a destructive path. One who loves the end and one who loves the means are the two most opposite kind." Cadeyrn finished throwing his cloak over his shoulder and walking toward the cave in which everyone is staying.

"And when there is no one left to kill, I would be happy to know I was thr strongest of them all. Wolf, you have much to learn about battle. It is what I am."

"You don't understand the meaning of your life, human. I know my place, and thats what I follow," Kalzog growled.

Kalzog looked at Tlaxkrox. "Perhaps...perhaps not, lizard. Only time will tell," Kalzog replied before walking back to the cave as well.

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

"Oh, I loved her, yet we could not profess it. We could not wed, and if we did it would be frowned upon by the dragons and the Iskanis."

"Oh!" Relthor replied, very surprised at Karasu's question. He chuckled nervously, blushing slightly. "This is...very...surprising..." he replied as he wiped the last few tears from his face. He sat back, holding onto his knees and began to think. "It is hard...to tell...It was...so long ago," Relthor replied as he looked into Karasu's eyes.

"Rimoru and I...were with each other...many nights...it's so hard to tell..." Relthor commented. "Rimoru was more of...a...well...commanding figure...if you know what I mean...err..." Relthor was a bright red color as he tried to explain.

"The Patriarch?" Relthor's eyes widened with surprise. "B-b-but he's supposed to be...the virgin ruler..." he whispered quickly. This was indeed news...News that could break the Patriarch...

"Do not worry, Karasu, I promise with all my heart to keep your secrets safe..."

"It seems your words are trying to say that Rimoru was a better lover than I." Karasu looked down. "I can be as commanding as anyone... I just do not want to scare anyone off the first time. I am sorry for asking, however now I know I am second rate." Karasu was sorely disappointed. This was something that was important to her, however she did not know why. Karasu hated being anything but number one at anything at all.

Now she finds out she is a second rate lover compared to her friend, Rimoru.

"I am sorry I could not please you the way Rimoru could." Karasu apologized to Relthor.

"About the Patriarch... many have tried to seduce him and failed. For us, we fell in love. It is as simple as that... thank you for keeping the secret. I do not want to hurt him. He is such kind man."

Karasu sighed at the thought of being lesser in bed than Rimoru. Every lover she had ever had, told her she was the best, and she knew she was good, but apparently not good enough.

"No no no, Karasu...you both were so different...it's hard to tell!" replied Relthor.

"Why...you were...amazing last night," he chuckled, getting slightly closer to Karasu. How he wanted to kiss Karasu's invitingly luscious lips..."Like I had said before...I would hate to pass up another opportunity..."

Suddenly, Relthor realized that his old ways were escaping the mental cage he had put them in.

"Um...sorry about that..." Relthor replied, blushing again. "It's...the...urges...they are so...hard to control," he chuckled quietly.

"It is OK Relthor... I feel the same way... I still yearn for you. I think to myself 'just one more time would not hurt since we have already made love...' I do ache fore you Relthor. It is difficult to deny one more time..."

Karasu knew this was not the right thing to do, however, she felt such passion for him, she wanted him again, right then. She could barely stand it.

"Relthor, I am sorry. I crave you so badly right now. I want you again. I am just being honest... I cannot stand the thought of denying ourselves one more time...."

Relthor looked around, before smiling again. "One last time? Just a kiss?" he asked, excitement creeping into his voice.

Relthor...control yourself! Think of your mate... It was no hope, Relthor could not resist temptation. Again he crawled closer to Karasu, smiling.

Karasu moved up to Relthor, put one hand around his back, and one on the back of his head. She looked deeply into his eyes and kissed him lustily and passionately. For a moment, she felt she was sinking to Rimoru's level, however, the sensations were taking her over.

Relthor...

Relthor immediately relaxed in her grip. He closed his eyes as he felt the passion. Immediately his arms closed around her, pressing her closer.

He pulled away slowly, gasping for air. He could not have enough...He closed in for another kiss, his hands sliding down Karasu's sides.

Karasu was a being with primal and carnal passion that could not be stopped. She was far more aggressive today, as she knew they did not have time and they were not concealed in a cave.

"Since we are out in the open, perhaps we can do this without taking all our clothes off... I know I can." She gave a wicked grin. "We can just take off the important clothing." Karasu winked at him, and began to kiss and suck on his neck, and face, and back to his mouth, kissing him passionately and hard. There was no stopping this now.

Relthor smiled back. "If that's what you want, My suit is one piece" he chuckled as he changed his robes back into wings and folded them behind him. He pushed Karasu down on her back, constantly kissing her up her neck. His hands beginning to pull down her "important clothing"...

Karasu was in pure bliss. Her leather jumpsuit had zippers in just the right spots. And she loved Relthor, despite everything. Karasu could wait no longer...

"Relthor... I must have you... now! I can wait no longer!" She gasped.

"We... have... to get... back to... the... group... Take me!" She begged.

ooc: This will end soon so that we can get back to the rest of the story... sorry for dragging this out... It just happened that way...:p

Rastilia and her retinue finally reached the dungeon. The High Priestess was now very angry and pressured by her Goddess. The once kind features on her face changed to that of someone determined to do something extremely sinister or totally evil. Rastilia pulled out her staff and ordered her minions to herd the prisoners to forcibly become conscripted to be sacrificed to Minax. The Ghouls took the chained people one at a time as Rastilia prepared to invoke a terrible power to awaken…


Rastilia closed her eyes and cried outloud in her native language, "Powers of Destruction and Darkness here my plea. I your humble servant ask you to tear open a gate from this world to that of my dark Mistress." The High Priestess repeated the prayer four times in perfect harmony until the vile and corrupt power of Minax began form into this world's reality…


The very fabric of this world's reality was ripped open to make a giant dark portal. This portal or gate as it was called would lead directly into Minax's dark and foreboding realm of destruction and death. The vast power used to create this was highly taxing for Rastilia and she almost succumbed to being sucked into this dark gate to another realm of existence.

Rastilia braced herself as the portal reached it's full size taking up a large part of the dungeon room. It was a circular shape that reached the ceiling to the floor…

The Undead then began to force several prisoners to head towards the giant portal they threatened them with fear and certain death if they did not go inside..

ooc: LoL

Relthor and Karasu had finished their business for the second time. Despite Relthor's "civilized" side raging inside of him, he felt great. He smiled as he turned to Karasu and caressed her face. "Not that...was amazing," he chuckled quietly. His wings folded over him again, forming his robe.

"But I suppose...we should get back?" he asked quietly, slowly picking himself up off the sandy ground.

Karasu also felt fantastic. "That was wonderful, Relthor! I feel fantastic!" She smiled at him. "You are right... we should get back to the group." Karasu had put her clothes all back in order.

However, part of her was troubled. "Relthor, I am troubled. I behaved just as Rimoru would have. I know you have a mate, yet I did not respect that. That is a guilt I will have to live with." Karasu sighed.

"Why does something so amazing come attached to some pain or guilt?"

She looked at him and smiled wanly. "You are amazing and wonderful and kind. However, this can never happen again. I apologize for not stopping it, but it seemed I could not. I must admit, I have feelings for you as well, but you do have a mate, and I must respect that." Karasu touched Relthor's face. "I am sure you know exactly what I mean." She smiled.

Those two are tools of the devil, creatures who can only destroy and care for nothing but the act itself. In comparison that pair I am a saint despite my sinful acts. Maybe I can forgive myself.

Suddenly Cadeyrn stretched his arms out absorbing the glorious heat from the desert sun. He remembered when he spared Marlene and in turn killed his devious master.

"I...am..." Relthor replied quietly. "This was my fault again, Karasu...I...I urged that one kiss farther...I shouldn't have..." How he would miss Karasu's warm and inviting touch...

He placed his hand on hers, holding it in place as he rested his face on it. "Karasu...I'll miss this...all of this...your company, your beauty, your compassion...Please, would you be my mate, if my old one is no longer...around?" he asked quietly, looking up to Karasu.

Rastilia watched in satisfaction as the poor prisoners were lined up in a single giant line and thrown into the dark portal. The screams of these poor souls could be heard as the ghouls used their claws to grasp the arms of and legs of a specific person at the front and throw them into the dark abyss that was the connection into Minax's home.

Rastilia could almost sympathized with these people, It would indeed be a traumatic and terrible fate to have go through being forced to enter Minax's realm alive and as a sacrifice no less. That could not be a good thing at all..

Rastilia and her minions continued this unholy chore to herd the people like cattle towards the portal. Once the last person of the one hundred went through Rastilia closed the portal with a wave of her hand.

She could now feel her Goddess's favor coming back to her. It enforced her power and made her stronger than before. Rastilia smiled and headed back to find Rothargot. She had appeased her goddess now she just had to finish her mission..

"Relthor, I would be honored to be your mate if your current mate is no longer." Karasu answered him with a smile. "I only hope you will not give in to carnal, primal desires with others while I am your mate, as you did today. I am not trying to make you feel bad. This is my fault also. I just need someone who is faithful, Relthor." She smiled at him.

"Let us get back to the others. I am stunned frankly," Karasu said to Relthor, "and I feel such joy that you love me, as I love you. Until we know what has happened to your mate, perhaps we can be best friends." Karasu smiled warmly at Relthor.

"Of course, Karasu," Relthor replied, taking hold of her hand and walking back to the cave. "Do not worry...I doubt I'd be unfaithful to you, as long as we're close to each other, I don't get imprisoned again, or something along those lines," he chuckled.

"Perhaps we should act best friends, instead of lovers while in the other's presence," laughed Relthor as he gently pulled his hand from Karasu's. He stared into her eyes again, getting entranced in her beauty. He slowly got closer. One more kiss...It wouldn't hurt...

"Being unfaithful to me would not be a wise move." Karasu grinned at Relthor. Remember, I am not a tiny petit dragon!" She chuckled.

"I am really looking forward to seeing Rimoru. I bet she will be surprised to see both of us!!!" Karasu said excitedly. "We must remember not to tell her of our relationship. And, I will kill you if you succumb to her advances. That is literal, by the way." Karasu informed Relthor. "Trust is most important to me, Relthor, and you must not flirt with Rimoru, or I will never speak to you again." Karasu looked at him, so he knew she meant business.

"Of course, Karasu. I'll do my best to avoid Rimoru, however, you'd probably need to help me...She tends to bring out the...passion...in all men, all races..." he replied. "Come, let's get to the others. I look forward to seeing Rimoru today," he smiled.

Maverion merely crossed his arms and leaned against the far wall, staying well out of Rastilia's way as she herded the prisoners through the portal to her sacrifice-hungry goddess, and followed her at a similar distance back in the search for Rothargot.

***

Teralynn opened the lid of the box with some curiosity. A mouse? She glanced over at the guard's clothing on the ground again, and quickly realized what had happened to the man. Well, it was actually a improvement to his looks, in Tera's opinion.

"Ah, the guard?" she half asked, already knowing the answer.

Rimoru smiled sweetly. "Yup," she giggled. "Since he was supposed to protect you, I'll let you decide his fate. If you wish him to turn back, just ask me!"

The mouse looked up pleadingly at Teralynn.

Rothargot only watched with curiousity.

"Well, in all honesty?" said Teralynn as she closed the lid on the box. "I do not mean to get him in trouble or anything, but he came to me and insisted I go with him so that he could show me something. I think he was trying to impress me or something. He then strongly suggested that I spend the night with him since he showed me what could happen to me if I did not. We came back here and I stalled for time, and fortunately you two came here before he got impatient. I do not want to imagine what would have happened to me if you two did not come just now... But anyway, he cannot be trusted, Empress Rimoru. You deserve only the most loyal of guards to protect you and your palace. As much as I hate to say it, I truly believe that he must be made an example of to the other guards. His disloyalty and untrustworthiness must be punished to the most extreme."

Rimoru's smile only widened as the mouse began to squiek desperately. "Would you like to do the honors? Either of you?"

Rothargot looked at the mouse, then back to Rimoru, then to Teralynn, excited to know what would happen to the little mouse.

Tera shook her head slightly, "I do not think I have the heart for it, despite how he treated me." She looked up at Rothargot with pleading eyes.

Rothargot's stoic face slowly formed into a wicked smile. "I do," he rumbled as he carefully picked the rodent by the tail, bringing it level with his fiery orb-like eyes.

"Now, how would you girls like for me to get rid of this vermin?" he asked cheerfully. "Give me your most creative suggestions..."

Cadeyrn sat down in the sand and activated the stone Rimoru had given him. Though he had a change of heart he was still obligated to his duties.

"Oh darn! Duty calls, I'm afraid," Rimoru said with a smile as she walked out of Teralynn's room and down the hall.

"Cadey?" she asked once she was out of earshot. "What's up, my sweet?"

"If you would like to teach all of your guards a lesson," Tera said to Rimoru, "perhaps he should have his tongue cut off and his human form tied up near the guards' barracks?" She turned to Rothargot, "And you seem to be able to control the heat. So...would you be able to create some kind of fire that will burn him, but would not kill him? That way, it could take days for him to die, all while in agony, and all the other palace guards have to see it in order to get to and from their barracks." She looked back at Rimoru before the latter left, "If that does not instill discipline, then I do not know what will."

ooc: Gonna go out somewhere, I'll be back later (I think lol)

Rothargot chuckled evilly. "I love the way you think, Teralynn. Yet, we must wait for Rimoru to come back to change him back..." he said as he twirled the mouse around, tossing it in the air before catching it.

"Careful, Rothargot," Teralynn said. "You might give him a heart attack, and that would end our fun a tad too early."

"We're almost at the library now, we'll be there by tomorrow morning at the most, six hours at least. Also someone named Kasaru has joined our party, she has taken quite a liking to Relthor it appears." Cadeyrn said with a warm smile on his face.

"Ah...excellent..." Rimoru said. "I'll prepare rooms for them...I may need you to stall them once they get here...I currently have other people of Valtrox here...and we're having quite the load of fun," she laughed.

"Karasu? How come that name rings a bell?" Rimoru thought for a few seconds before realizing Karasu was her old friend. "Ah, I have not seen her in ages! And Relthor? It will be a grand old reunion...however...taken a liking to Relthor? Karasu? You kid, right?"

Rimoru put on a face of thoughfulness. "Karasu...she didn't like anyone, last time I checked...I mean to go to bed with...Relthor..."

She began to recall images of Relthor and Rimoru having some of the most passionate nights...even times when they were outside in the nearby jungle...Relthor teaching her boring history, until she would lay in his lap, like a cute couple...

"I'll have to do something about this..." she mumbled. "Anything else I should know, Cadey?"

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

Rothargot laughed as he gently put the panicked mouse in his box and closed the lid. "Mortals are so frail. So tell me...did you find anything useful? Did he actually threaten you?"

Cadeyrn rubbed his bristely chin in thought. "No that's all, I am looking forward to the reunion my master. Many blessings to you."

He smiled for a moment and then a name snapped through his brain.

Valtrox? Why does that sound so familiar.

He squinted into the distance before closing the communications crystal and stuffing it into his pocket.

The boss ain't telling me a lot of things, but it's not in my business to do the thinking though.

Cadeyrn sighed depressedly. He was trying to tell himself that he wasn't just a false preacher, but that he actually was a good person. Now with Rimoru's shady dealings, his master, he began to think otherwise.

Rimoru smiled as she her crystal disappeered from his grip. "Cadey is such a dear...a lovely one at that," she giggled as she walked excitedly back to Teralynn's room.

"Tera, that idea is somewhat...gruesome, however effective. I will change him back to human, but I will not...cut off his tongue," she said as she took the box and looked in.

"It's a shame...he was a good conversationalist," she said quietly as she pet the mouse, who seemed to be squieking for his life.

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

Sarik had loved the long rest he took, however he knew he probably should not have taken so long resting. He walked outside, stretching his joints, while coming across Cadeyrn.

"Good morning, Cadeyrn. Have a pleasant rest?" Sarik asked as he rolled his neck, cracking a few joints.

"Heh, not really, was almost a full moon last night." Cadeyrn said smiling.

Out of the corner of his eye, Cadeyrn caught glimpse of a bird speeding towards them.

That was awefully fast, wonder what could have happened between the last letter I wrote and now?

A dark cloud built in the distant desert horizon and just for a split second the mercenary felt cold inside.

"Oh? I never took notice. It's not like you'd turn into a werewolf or something," Sarik joked as he sat down next to Cadeyrn. "How does it feel? I mean, when it takes place, when you begin to change."

Cadeyrn watched the bird carefully while trying to answer Sarik. "I never feel it when it happens, I just go berzerk and the next thing I know it's the next day and I'm just about paralyzed. I'd spend the next few hours relocating every joint on my body, it hurts like hell I can tell you that."

Cadeyrn became openly concerned as the hawk was now showing a wobbled flight pattern, and eventually it just spiraled to the ground. The mercenary sprinted over and recovered the dead bird whiping sut and blood off it. Clutched in it's talon was a single piece of paper, as soon as he opened it the Berzkerker tossed it aside and pounded his fist into the sand.

Rastilia continued to walk down the corridor towards where she last saw Rothargot. She planed to inform him that she had appeased her Goddess. The undead zombies', skeletons, and ghouls continued to guard her person carefully. They looked for any sign of an aggressive stance from anyone they met along the way.

Rastilia was still a little weary of Rimoru despite the fact she no longer needed to bluff about her power in front of that deluded manic. The fear of being attacked unprepared did seem a little wrong for any dark elf worthy of the name at least in Rastilia's eyes and that of the other dark elves in the world. The walk to the room was highly uneventful as the party moved along trying to avoid the stares of the local people and residents of the palace.

"I promised I would keep you safe, I swore on it!" Cadeyrn growled pounding his fist into the sand.

Denzel will keep you and the others safe, he's strong. Perhaps this is a sign from Avo that I need to change my path to protect the ones I love. Maybe I am just destined to be alone.

He sank into a depression gazing at his metal alloy boots torn like tin cans from the transformation.

A thousand soldiers, hundreds of assassins, and the best mercenaries around fell trying to take you from me. Because of you I have bled so much, but because of you I can justify that sacrifice. When I come home you won't have to run from anyway, especially not a band of bandits.

"Relthor, that will be your test. I will not intervene. You pass or you fail." Karasu was referring to whether Rimoru could seduce him. "If she seduces you, it is over, if you flirt with her or give her more attention than I, it is over. Do you understand? I must know that you can put off even Rimoru... that is the only way I will truly love you is if you do that on your own." Karasu stated to Relthor sternly.

"I mean every word I say. Any shenanigans with Rimoru, and you will never see me again, as that proves our 'love' is nothing but lust to you, if a night of passion with Rimoru can take you from me. The thought makes me sick." Karasu told him. "So... no... you will get no help from me. You must put her off on your own." She continued, "You realize that she will do her best to get you, especially when she realizes that we are together. You must resist. I do not love those who cannot be completely faithful to me." Karasu stated. "This is a requirement, if you want me. Rimoru is just another woman... she uses magic to seduce... if you did not already know that, it is a shame. Charm. It is not just her alone. It is her with a consistant charm spell running." Karasu explained. "Still, you must resist it. I am not an easy catch, Relthor." Karasu grinned at him.

Karasu looked over at Cadeyrn. "Cadeyrn, what is wrong?" Karasu asked, concerned.

Cadeyrn plucked the metal bolt from his fallen hawk and examined it closely. "The town I lived in was raided earlier today by a group of bandits, I'm worried that the children I was looking after might not make it out of there." He said snapping the iron bolt in half with his thumb and index finger.

"Here see for yourself." He said handing Karasu the bloody note from the hawk.

Cadey, I don't have much time. A group of bandits are running through the town killing everyone. Luckily Denzel took me and the others out just in time. Right now we're heading through the woods, but Denzel says they're following us. Everyone is scared except for me, you taught me better. We're heading for the capital now so I know I'll see you there.

-Marlene

Andros had woken up much earlier than Helio, but still very late in the morning. He didn't bother waking him, knowing that after a night of certain tigerrish debaunchery, Helio would be dead tired. He quickly brewed a potion. It was a simple recipe of herbs that would strengthen Helio's mind against the morning headache. Then, he pulled some meat and veggies off the pig golem, and began to cut and cook bacon and soft carrots.

It wasn't long after that Helio awoke to the smell of bacon. He leaned up and held his head, "Aahhhh. It hurts."

Andros, not even looking up, passed the potion over to Helio, "I figured it would. Here." Helio drank it down. "I've got some break-lunch-fast cooking."

Helio nodded, and went outside to the cave entrance. He noticed the food steps everywhere leading into the desert, then noticed that most of the party wasn't in the cave.

"Its about done!" Andros shouted. Helio went over, took his share and began to eat.

"I think the group is out. I wonder what they're up to."

Andros looked up, "Yeah, I noticed the cave was pretty quiet, and no one was tending the fire when I woke up."

"We'll just wait until they come back, and ask what was going on."

“I am so sorry, Cadeyrn." Karasu said with her head down, with a tear in her eye. She looked up at him, seeing his forlorn look. Karasu could not stand his pain.

"Cadeyrn, will you excuse me for a minute. I need some time alone. I will be back in an hour if anyone asks. I am just overwhelmed with everything right now." She informed him.

Karasu went running into the desert... over the dunes as fast as she could until she was too far for the group to see her. With a puff of rainbow dust, she immediately turned herself into The Golden Dragon. She was lucky in that she was a VTOL, so she did not have to walk or run to fly. If she did, she would shake the earth like an earthquake. She would not let Cadeyrn’s loved ones continue to be in danger, nor would she allow the city to be pillaged by bandits. This is what she did... her calling.

Karasu lifted off and flew high enough that she was not visible from the ground.

She flew at top speed to the town, immediately seeing the bandits, even from the immense height she was flying. Karasu lowered herself, somewhat, and it was obvious who was and was not the bandits. Karasu dropped acid onto some of the bandits, being careful not to hurt the townspeople.

The townspeople and bandits looked up after the entire town was covered in shadow. Their jaws gaped at what they saw. Karasu's eyes changed to solid black and she roared when she recognized the leader. The roar alone blew him off his mount. Then she blew fire on him and burned him. She continued dispatching the bandits one by one, until the small group that was left ran off.

The town was in ruins. Karasu dropped bags and bags of money, for them to fix their structures. She always carried lots of money, as where she intervened the places were usually decimated. Then Karasu dropped gold dust over the entire town, and went after Cadeyrn's people. She would stop the bandits following them. Since they were on their way to the capitol, and with her eagle eyes, she would find them.

Karasu hurried as fast as she could to find Marlene and friends. Of course, she would find the bandits first if they were following them, and sure enough, there they were.

Karasu turned around and landed in front of them, blowing down the trees, and shaking the earth so that the men fell. She bared her teeth, growled, and knocked them down a second time.

She did not give them time to attack. Karasu burned them on the spot, and those immune to fire were melted with acid. Karasu was furious. What disgusting and horrible people!

Karasu rose up and followed the trail until she found whom she assumed to be Marlene and company. She dropped loads of gold dust on them, as well as money, some weapons, and a carrier pigeon she talked into trying to get them to send a message to Cadeyrn. Thankfully, all of them looked well, although some were frightened.

Karasu did want to land and speak to them, but she did not want to decimate the area and knock them over. Then she changed her mind... she had an idea. I will bring them to the capitol.

Karasu landed in a VTOL manner, gracefully and majestically, although trees, went down, the earthquake ensued, and the wind knocked them over.

She surveyed them, and they seemed OK. Karasu spoke to them. Mind you, her dragon voice was exceedingly low. No one would ever have guessed she was a female.

"Greetings, I mean you no harm. The bandits are gone from your town, although it is much damaged and there are many dead." She looked at them and they did not seem to be frightened. Those who were her friends never were.

"Please get on my back. I will drop you off at the capitol." She lowered her tail as they made the long climb up to her back.

"Hold on tight, as you can see, I am large. You must hold tightly."

When all were on her back safely, she rose in a VTOL manner, and flew slowly to the capitol, making sure all were secure on her back. Karasu rarely had anyone ride her. It was too dangerous, but this was an exception.

It was not long before they reached the capitol and Karasu landed VTOL, however, there was a huge ground-shaking thud when she landed. She lowered her tail and allowed them to climb down.

"You all take care of yourselves," The dragon told them, and took to the skies, dropping gold dust on them once more.

She rose high again, so she would be unnoticed, and flew as fast as she could back to the others. Karasu landed behind a dune away from the others. She could not avoid the earth shaking, but no matter. She ran as fast as she could back to the group.

One half hour. Not bad! Karasu smiled to herself.

She approached the group and acted like she just went for a jog to clear her head. "Are we ready to go yet?" Karasu asked.

Cadeyrn watched Karasu disapear into the distance.

What the hell is she up to? Oh well.

The mercenary held his dead hawk Ava with remourse. He concentrated all the energy in his body to his fingers, slowly the bird began to steam until it just combust as well as Cadeyrn's hand.

"A proper funeral for an old friend." He said mourningly.

As the bird burnt to ashes right in his hand he revisited the memories of his past.

-----

"Kill her you dumb brute!" Lord Mako ordered from his sedan chair hoisted high in the air. Young Cadeyrn stared at the little girl hovered over her recently slain parents with ambiguity. Hand fastened on the blade he felt every muscel in his arm twitch to strike while a concious demand overwhelmed his immediate reaction.

"I-I cannot do it." The teen mercenary admitted facing his boss disapointed.

"What!? What good is my killer if he cannot dispose of a child?" The lord barked signaling in another one of his men to finish the job. As the second mercenary passed Cadeyrn something inside him snapped. The fires of the village burned brightly and in a split second, the werewolf shattered the attacker's skull with a single strike from his palm.

"Traitor! Treason this is you big stupid dog! Guards!" Mako barked once more before Cadeyrn sliced clean through all six men holding his chair. The decorated officer and his golden chair fell to the ground but before it hit an upward slash split everything in two. The thousands of infantry behind the lord watched in dismay as thier commander was butchered. A line of archers formed a wall and aimed at the rogue mercenary. Cadeyrn smiled as he positioned himself in front of the girl.

"No harm will come to you and that I swear. Keep your eyes closed ok? I don't want you to see what's about to happen" He said to the six year old who nodded before covering her eyes. Cadeyrn knew he was going to die, and the girl would follow soon after, but she would go quick and easy.

Marlene heard the sound of many crossbows being fired, followed by an immediate array of metal clanks and a few disgusting sounds she couldn't make out. It was hours before the horrible sounds stopped and when she opened her eyes she was horrified at the mounds of soldiers piled up in pieces for as far as the eye can see. She manuevered her way over the sick heaps of flesh for almost a quarter mile before she found the man who protected her lieing still at the top of a hill. The six year old hugged him tightly as the big stupid dog was the last thing she had left.

----

Cadeyrn snapped out of his reverie just as the last of the ashes scattered into the desert wind. He could almost still feel the volley of bolts plunge through his armor and into his flesh. He shook the memory off as a human approached from the sandy distance.

"Karasu, you ok now?" He asked standing to his feet and facing her.

"I suppose it is time to go," Sarik replied as he got up. "Cadeyrn, perhaps on our way we can help them," he said, not knowing that Karasu had already done so.

Sarik walked back into the cave and nodded to the two brothers. "Smells good in here," Sarik said as he donned his armor, making sure his weapons were in the right places.

Relthor walked slowly back to the cave. This will be a dreadful test...I know that Rimoru will want to continue where we left off so long ago...I must not succumb to passion... he thought worriedly.

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

Inzikai had finally found Ar'mai out in the desert.

"Good morning, Ar'mai. Do you need help?" he asked cheerfully.

As most of the others began filtering back into the cave, Lorathin asked, "So who knows what about this Rimoru, beside she's suppose to be a nympho?"

Inzikai had finally found Ar'mai out in the desert.

"Good morning, Ar'mai. Do you need help?" he asked cheerfully.

"Not at all..." Ar'mai said as she turned her head slightly to respond. She was laying on a white towel in the middle of the sandy desert (elevated to the level of the top oc the cave) with her back to the sun (i.e. lying on her stomach). Her tight and small shirt, which usually appeared to be bursting at the seams due to her bust size, was strewn off to the side, lying in the sand next to many of her other articles and items (bow, knife, arrow quiver)...

"Admiring the sun, I see," Inzikai chuckled as he examined her, walking around her body. "Are you not worried you'd get sun burned?" he asked as he lay next to her.

"Hundreds of years in the sun and nothing but pure skin thus far..." Ar'mai commented as she continued to lie on her chest with her head facing down into the towel, but slightly to the side so she could be heard. She had a marvelous tan (across her whole body if he could see her chest) that was nearly as perfect as it could be...

"Oh, but how many times have you sunbathed in a desert?" Inzikai chuckled as he looked over to her top, laying nearby.

"I must say, however, your tan is marvelous," he said as he turned on his side, facing Ar'mai.

"Constant exposure to sun for hundreds of years would have a larger effect than an hour in the desert sun. Since it has not burned me yet, I doubt it will..." Ar'mai commented.

"However... if you want to keep watch and make sure I do not burn... be my guest..." she said with a grin and a twinkle in her eye.

Cadeyrn sighed and walked away from the group. Alone, the mercenary stripped to his underleggings and began absorbing the intense desert heat. Every muscle on his body bulged with incredible tension as he flexed with his massive sword held high in the air in the air.

Closing his eyes he saw all the orphans being slaughtered by a horde of bandits. One by one they were tortured to death and nailed to the side of his burning home.

Suddenly Cadeyrn's sword burst in flames and with a furious swing created a short lived but magnificent fiery whirlwind which glassed the sand for twenty feet. Smiling and exhausted the mercenary fell to knee breathing hard.

"You'll be ok Marlene, you're stronger than I ever was." He muttered below his breath.

Inzikai chuckled at Ar'mai's comment.

"I'm surprised you'll let me, Ar'mai. It seems that most of the others don't trust me" he replied, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Karasu got back from her "jog". "Cadeyrn, if we want to continue on, it seems we're missing an ass and an elf." Karasu chuckled.

Karasu put her hands on Cadeyrn's shoulders and spoke to him. "Cadeyrn, please do not worry about your friends. I know you do not know much about me, but I am quite sure they are OK." She smiled reassuringly.

"Now we have to wait for ole' three horn and the woman who keeps blowing him off... not literally." Karasu laughed. She was overjoyed that she could save Cadeyrn's friends. He would have no guilt to suffer. She liked Cadeyrn. Unbeknownst to her, he was reporting to Rimoru on her, which would make things difficult when they got to her place.

"Relthor, may I speak to you?" She wanted to tell him where she was, and reiterate her conditions regarding Rimoru.

Back when they were friends, Rimoru used to brag about all her lovers. What Rimoru did not know, is that Karasu had many as well, but did not feel the need to boast about it. She was secure knowing it herself, not having to show off, so everytime Rimoru boasted about this guy or that... Karasu chuckled to herself. Karasu thought that Rimoru probably thought she was the next thing to a virgin! Karasu grinned thinking back. But their friendship did not revolve around yaking about men... They truly were friends, and she wanted to see her very much, however, she was concerned that Relthor could not resist. If he could not, that relationship was over.

"Time to go!", shouted Heerall at a sleeping Sangradeen. It was always a hassle to wake Sangradeen from one of his deeper sleeps. "Wake up, you....", Heerall held in the curse and instead kicked Sangradeen in his ribs. Sangradeen sat up, holding his side. He opened his eyes to see Damien straight in his face. "Good morning, Damien?", groaned Sangradeen. Damien pulled away to reveal Nahamiel ready to shoot water at Sangradeen's face. "No wait! Wait! I'm awake!" Sangradeen jumped up and slammed his back to the cave wall. He looked around, his eyes still hazy from a long sleep. He saw Sarik and the others getting ready to leave. He saw a new face in the group. A woman in a kimono who seems to have gone excercising. "Well hello there."

Inzikai chuckled at Ar'mai's comment.

"I'm surprised you'll let me, Ar'mai. It seems that most of the others don't trust me" he replied, a hint of sadness in his voice.

"Why haven't I any reason to trust you?" she asked seemingly innocently. "After all, if you were going to do something to me... you have had plenty of time..." she said, a pun in her own mind, though she was not sure if Inzi would pick up on it. A bead of sweat rolled down the nape of her neck to the middle of her back where it was eventually absorbed by her 'bottoms' (clothing).

Inzikai looked at her with a slight smile. "What kind of things would I do, Ar'mai?" he asked as he watched the bead of sweat trickle down her back.

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

"Y-yes, Karasu?" Relthor asked as he heard Karasu asking for him.

"Ummm... Kavia... I just wanted to tell you what happened."

Karasu relayed the story to Relthor, with no one hearing, when she told the others she was out for a jog.

"See Relthor... this is kind of what I do. I do hope Cadeyrn's friends get word to him that they are OK. I hate to see him in such pain." She lamented. "Please of course tell no one." Karasu smiled at him and then a stern look came over her face.

"I have to admit Relthor, I do not know if you can resist Rimoru. If you cannot, I will reiterate: I will never speak to you again and you will never see me again. It is that simple. She will try harder than ever knowing we are in a relationship. So be ready to succumb, or to lose me and never set eyes on me again."

Karasu sighed. "Perhaps we ought to get to the rest of the group."

Sangradeen, whom she had not met, said hello to her and she greeted him back. "Pleased to meet you. I am Karasu." She smiled.

Relthor took Karasu's hands into his own, and looked straight into her eyes. "By all that I stand for, I will resist her. I...I..." Relthor inched closer, before restraining himself. "I will stay loyal to you and my mate," he finally replied, smiling broadly. He had resisted his primal urges just then...things were looking up.

"Karasu, you are indeed a good dragon. Most of the Ageless one's have grown brutal and war-like. Even my mate carries some of those traits. I admire you, Karasu, for the goodness inside you," he whispered.

"Let's go to the others before they wonder where we ran off to again," he chuckled as he let go of Karasu's hands and backed up slightly, to lose the impression that they love each other.

"Good call Relthor... and thank you. Let us get this show on the road people!" Karasu called out and clapped her hands jokingly. It seems we are missing Inzi and Ar'mai... Too bad we were not all telepaths."

Kalzog had been trekking back to the cave, noticing the others preparing to leave for Rimoru's.

"I'll go find Inzikai and her highness," chuckled Kalzog as he suddenly turned around, beginning to search for the others.

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

Inzikai lounged around Ar'mai until he heard Karasu calling them. Infernal girl! Always ruining good moments for me... he thought angrily. He looked towards Ar'mai's perfect form, calming him greatly.

"Looks like we have to go," he sighed as he stood up. Suddenly, a very mischievious idea crossed his mind. He quickly walked around Ar'mai. "Come come, don't want to keep them waiting," he chuckled.

Suddenly, he grabbed Ar'mai's top and walked away from Ar'mai's reach with it, snickering loudly.

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

"So, Karasu, did you have a good rest?" Sarik asked as he walked out, shimmering in his silver plate armor.

"Yes, Sarik I did," she said grinning. "I also had a nice jog this morning and got to speak to some of the group I had yet to meet." Karasu answered.

"How about you? Did you sleep well Sarik?" She asked. "I hope everyone is rested and ready to go, except for two that are missing..." Karasu rolled her eyes.

"Just give them time...Ar'mai likes to keep to her own time, and Inzikai...well I have no idea what the scarab does. This is the closest I've been to the leader of a rival faction, and I still do not know how to take it," Sarik chuckled.

"As for my rest, it was very good. I had not rested that long for ages, yet I feel guilty because of it," Sarik replied as he began to polish his sheild.

"Could someone call me when we're ready to go, causing I'm going to have a nap." Lorathin commented as he took a seat.

Relthor laughed at Lorathin. "Will do. Even for a mortal, you seem to tire quickly!"

"Guilty! Do not be crazy. Everyone needs rest!" She chidded Sarik for his guilt.

"As far as Inzi goes? Anything that could go wrong in the world is caused by me, in his opinion." Karasu laughed. Inzi is such a dork!

"What can I say, I like to sleep." He replied as he closed his eyes.

Relthor only chuckled as he looked at the distant spires of Rimoru's city, sighing deeply. It will be a tough battle, trying to avoid Rimoru...she will most likely want to jump into bed with me the moment she lays her eyes on me.

"Aye, but too much rest may make me groggy, or make us lose valuable time..." Sarik replied, smiling at Karasu. "Tell me, where do you come from, Karasu?"

"I sort of wander, actually, but I have a palace in the mountains in an area I prefer not to disclose." She smiled. "How about you, Sarik?"

"I have an idea what you are thinking Relthor," she whispered. "The idea that it is a temptation even makes me doubt our relationship. Fuck Rimoru... if she is even a temptation, well take it. If you cared, you would not be tempted." Karasu glared at Kavia and stomped off. She was sick to death that the man who was her lover was so tempted by another. Let him have the slut. If he gave a shit, he would not be tempted.

"Excuse me Sarik, we will have to finish this conversation later." Karasu said politely.

Relthor immediately ran to Karasu. "No, Karasu. I was not being tempted by her, not yet. I was preparing myself for her. Running through the scenarios!" he quickly said, speaking the truth. He hoped that Karasu believed him, he was deeply in love with her, perhaps moreso than his true mate.

"However you are expecting to be tempted. If you truly loved me fully, you would not be Relthor. You just do not get it! You would not even think of her. Your behavior and your expecting to be tempted by Rimoru does not say much for what you think of me!" Karasu was furious. "I am supposed to expect to sit by while you are tempted by others? Fuck that, buddy!"

"No, Karasu! Listen! It's just something that most of us guys have...a natural weakness! I love you more than anything in the world! Please, don't leave me! I-I-I promise to remain loyal only to you, Karasu! That is my promise!" Relthor stuttered. "I cannot lose you, Karasu...I can't, just like I have lost my mate..." he said sadly.

"No Relthor! We are over! I want nothing to do with you. You are the only lover of mine who was tempted by anyone, including Rimoru... so fuck off and leave me alone! Do not talk to me. Do not look at me! I know you will sleep with her. You do not care for me enough if you doubt yourself. So enjoy yourself. I will not stay at the palace and I never want to see you again after this is over!" Karasu told him off.

She continued: "Most guys? You do not think the same thing applies to women? You are wrong. And your mate is better off not finding a cheat like you!"

"Karasu, please do not judge me so quickly. I have yet to be tempted to Rimoru. If I am seduced, then I give you permission to forget me, and shame me, for I have will have lost what little dignity I have left. Please, Karasu, may we wait to see what happens?" begged Relthor.

"You cannot even tell me with certainty that you will not be seduced! You could spend the night with me, Relthor, but you may choose Rimoru! You do not even know! Unacceptable!" Karasu spat.

"Karasu, If I knew what the future held for me, I would probably be a fortune teller at a kings court!" rebutted Relthor, hoping that he was getting to Karasu.

"If we are staying here for a period of time, I am going ahead on foot. People are sleeping, some are missing, this is a mess. I do not want to waste all day here." Karasu told everyone who was outside.

"I am sure you will catch up with me, as I will be on foot." She intoned.

Karasu wished it was night. She wished she never met Relthor. She began to despise Rimoru. Obviously Relthor did not care or he would be confident that he could resist Rimoru. Karasu's other lovers were confident,promised, and they did resist Rimoru. Relthor just did not care enough. The whole night was just carnal passion and lies... just the way she thought the first time...

Now to get that book.

"Relthor, if you loved me, you would know. You are the only one of my loves that wavered. That says something very strong to me. It is no good. I am walking. I am sick of waiting here." Karasu said and began walking toward the capitol.

"Please! Let me make it up to you, Karasu! Just tell me and I will do it!" he replied, walking alongside her. "I want us to be together...I will have nothing to do with Rimoru...I will even attempt to disguise myself! However, I do not think she'll be fooled by any disguise I conjure up!"

As Karasu began walking away, Lorathin yawned and stood up. Exiting the cave's mouth he saw the two going at it again. Walking up so he was by both, he asked, "What seems to be the problem this time?"

"And you do not know if you can resist her. I deserve better than that, Relthor. Anyone with any doubt does not deserve to be my mate."

Karasu continued walking. "You admitted you needed help resisting her and that all guys are like this. You are so wrong! women have the same urges, but when a man and woman love each other, they forsake all others... they don't fear they may cheat. The know they will not. You do not!"

"It is nothing for you to be concerned about Lorathin!" Karasu said sternly. "Please leave personal things alone!"

Relthor gave Lorathin a look as if saying Urgent! Need help! S.O.S and all other warning signals.

Cadeyrn could hear everyone packing up to leave, but he felt so weak so he felt it necessary to keep up his exhausting training. By the ground around him for a 50 foot radius was entirely blackened or utterly glassed. The warrior collapsed from exhaustion leaning on his sword for support, panting and sweating incredibly.

I can't even protect the ones I love. How am I supposed to protect Rimoru, whose legend is quite consistant and troubling. My master may be a whore and a devious trickster at that, but isn't she all I have left?

Frustrated and tried, the mercenary let go of his blade and fell on his face. As he struggled to open his eyes he saw what looked like a bird bouncing towards him across the melted sand. Sure it was an illusion of dehydration and fatigue, Cadeyrn ignored it until it began pecking him on the forehead.

"Gah, damn bird, I ain't dead yet" He growled reaching out to choke it when he saw a small tanned parchement attached to its leg.

"Unbelieveable..." He said in awe sitting on his knees opening the letter.

After he finished the brief message the mercanry tried to hold back the largest smile he had ever made. A shortlived single tear swelled up in his eye and rolled down his cheek, but before it could reach his chin the mercenary wiped away to protect his pride. Slowly the mercenary began to put on his heavy black metal armor with a new sense of rejuvination.

Cadeyrn climbed over the top of a dune in dramtic fashion with his sword seathed on his back and his long black cloak dancing behind him in the wind. However small, a stubborn tear was still keeping sanctuary in his eye.

"It is personal to me as well and if one of you is willing to explain this mess, perhaps it can be sorted out." He replied in a relaxed tone that had just the faintest hint of steel in it.

Karasu looked over at Cadeyrn and saw the pigeon fly down with the paper. She watched him read it, and saw a wonderful look of joy, and a tear he tried to hide fall down his face.

Karasu felt joy as well. She did what she loved best... saving innocents.

Suddenly, he grabbed Ar'mai's top and walked away from Ar'mai's reach with it, snickering loudly.

Ar'mai merely shrugged as Inzikai took her top with him, snickering as he did so. She stood up and stretched briefly, revealing her naked body to the sun before wrapping the towel around her upper body and grabbing her belongings. She walked down the sands shortly after Inzi and eventually hopped off the ledge to find herself in front of the cave.

She noticed the arguing between the highly annoying Karasu and the ageless dragon, Relthor. "How arrogant and ignorant of her..." she commented, not to anyone particular, but she did not care if anyone heard.

Cadeyrn noticed Karasu had seen him and started picking at his eye.

"Damn sand." He yelled lauhging akwardly.

Relthor's mouth remained hanging open as he had little left to say. It seemed nothing he said got to Karasu. A tear escaped his eye as he desperately attempted to come up with something.
**********************************************************

Kalzog was looking around the cave for Ar'mai, but had no luck at all. He wandered around a bit, until the elf leaped down to the front of the cave...half naked if not for the towel around her top.

"Why...I don't remember many princess's prefering to go naked," laughed Kalzog.

Inzikai was laughing as well. How beautiful she is! he thought cheerfully, before walking up to her. "Aren't you forgetting something?" he asked mischieviously, holding her top in his hands.

Karasu saw Ar'mai and Inzi return. The uninformed and the idiot. She shook her head at Ar'mai, who she was disliking due to this odd superiority complex she seemed to have, although she had no reason for it.

Karasu looked at Cadeyrn and chuckled.

"Karasu...please...one last chance?" Relthor whimpered sadly. "Just one? If I mess up, I will never bother you again...I will leave you, you will not be forced to look upon my face ever again..."

Cadeyrn noticed Karasu was keeping unusual attention on him.

Maybe she was sent here to kill me, get me out of the way to get to Rimoru. Why woudln't she just go straight to Rimoru since I'm out here? I do still have a lot of enemies though.

Once again he was filled with a mixed sense of confusion and anger.

She can't trying to kill me, I would have been able to tell. She's too nice, too friendly, too beautiful.

He slowed his approach back to the group and hung his head.

I'm getting too old for this shit.

"You still cannot say with certainty that you will not mess up! It seems that you perhaps cannot commit. I do not tolerate that. You do not know whether you will sleep with Rimoru or me when you say you love me? You are out of your damned mind Relthor!" Karasu was so upset that he could not say that he might not choose Rimoru over her. She best leave it all now, rather than be hurt even more later.

"No Karasu, I'll remain at your side. I'll remain loyal. That's a promise. You are right in that I should not even think of Rimoru. Please, trust me..." he asked quietly before getting closer.

"We've trusted each other with deep secrets...please, let us keep that trust," he whispered quietly in her ear.

By now Cadeyrn was within earshot of the pair, but paid no attention to the conversation.

"Are we heading out soon?" He asked with fake tone of joy in his voice.

"You do know you're both being petty, childish and ridiculous." He commented before facing Karasu, "Take his words at face value until proven otherwise," He then turned to Relthor, "Stop being weak, if Rimoru tries to hit on you, tell her to go to hell."

He wanted them to work it out, but felt it better to be direct as they were both melodramatic to the extreme.

"Cadeyrn, what is wrong? It is obvious that something is troubling you." Karasu asked him. "Are you feeling OK? Is there something you wish to talk about? You just do not look yourself." Karasu was concerned. She really liked Cadeyrn. "Can I help in any way?" She whispered to him; "you look so sad... it hurts me to see you this way." Karasu had a worried look on her face.

"Today we will reach Rimoru's palace. It is beautiful and there will be a plethora of wonderful rooms for you to rest in if you do not feel well. If you are down, will you talk to me about it?" She asked him.

Relthor watched, his mouth wide open, as he was ignored by Karasu. He quickly closed his mouth and composed himself, realizing that they had attracted quite a bit of attention to himself.

"Well...let's be off..." Relthor said quietly. He placed his hands on the ground, once again summoning up his party member's mounts. These mounts, however, looked unfinished, detail lacking, seeming more like blobs with legs.

Sarik looked with concern at Relthor, then at Karasu, and decided it best not to interfere...not yet at least. "How fast can these things go?" Sarik asked Relthor.

"Fast..." was all Relthor replied as he quietly mounted one. "As long as you can hold on," he replied with a weak smile.

Karasu turned to Lorathin, anger in her eyes. "It is just that. I am taking his words at face value. You obviously did not hear the entire conversation. As far as Relthor is concerned, I believe you hit the nail on the head." She glared at Lorathin.

"And perhaps you should just keep your nose out of others' business. You may cause more harm than good. You do not know the most miniscule amount about this, so please keep your comments to yourself. Should we need your help, we will ask." She informed him.

"We are not being petty. When you are talking nearly an eternity, nothing is petty and childish."

Karasu was getting sick of this whole group. Know it alls, superiority complexes, budinskys, gossips... it was ridiculous. Never had she traveled with such a juvenile group.

Inzikai had given Ar'mai back her top, with a smile of course, before mounting his...blob mount...

"Let us go, while the day is young, Kavia," Inzikai chuckled.

"You're quite squirrely today, Inzikai," Kalzog growled as he mounted his beast.

"Quiet, you big lug. We all have our reasons," Inzikai replied, still smiling.

"Is everyone ready?" Kavia asked as he spurred his mount forward.

"Thank you for your concern, but it is really my burden to carry alone." Cadeyrn replied "However, if you have the time, there is something I wish to talk to you about in private."

I'll find out if she's an assassin or not, among other things.

The large mercenary walked his way over to where he was training earlier, the solid ground would give him leverage against an airborn attacker.

I don't want to believe she is, but the pieces fit too nicely. Also there's something about her that draws me in, it's close to the connection I have with Relthor, but different. Besides she can answer more about Rimoru.

The mercenary turned and lept onto his mount.

"Perhaps we can discuss this later then." He barked hopping on the creature's back.

"That's why your suppose to date for a while before making a decision." He muttered as began thinking of a way to force them to talk, or at least forcing them together until they did talk about it. With a smile he came up with it. "I'm good." He replied as he went over to Karasu and said. "I'm sorry for meddling." As he patted her back before going over to Relthor and added as he likewise patted the dragon on his back, "Hope it works out for you."

He then sat down and began to nap.

"I think we are all here now." Karasu replied, looking curiously at the blob, wondering if it was supposed to look that way. hmmmm.... ugly! Well, as long as it is fast. I cannot tolerate most these people anymore. I wish I would have gone alone. She mused.

"Thank you for understanding Lorathin," Karasu smiled at him.

"Falling back a bit, she told Cadeyrn she would be happy to talk with him when they had the chance." Karasu also smiled warmly at him. "You know... no one must carry a burden alone... remember, a burden shared is cut in half!" She gave him an understanding smile.

Relthor smiled weakly at Lorathin again. So kind, that human...If only I could repay him for what he's done... he thought.

"Let's ride!" shouted Relthor as his mount began to ride fast...really fast.

Sarik laughed at the commical sight, as the blobbish thing with long skinny legs ran like no other, speeding across the desert. Soon, all of their's followed, moving at high speeds. Sarik held on to the thing with all he had, worried he may fall.

Kalzog, however, wasn't having such luck. Having barely gotten on his mount, his sped away, making the ogre slide off the mount. Kalzog was able to grab hold of the bulk of it's body to keep most of his body on, yet it was even more comical with the giant ogres legs hanging off the edge...


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

About three hours later, they had finally gotten to the city, slowing down greatly, and finally stopping at the steps of Rimoru's massive palace.

"Here we are," Relthor nearly muttered as he jumped off his mount.

"Finally..." Kalzog replied as he fell to the ground with a loud thump.

"Impressive." Cadeyrn said admiring the structure before proceeding towards the entrance.

"The skylines of Iskan would be so much more beautiful... ", remarked Sangradeen while pointing at the palace, "without that."
*****************************************************

Boiardi has stayed in the same room the whole night never deciding on who to follow. He had created mischief with his time alone. Knocking over a few vases and scaring some guards with the most awful stares. He was outside at the moment and saw a group approaching the steps of the palace. He read the minds of those he could and became a wee bit panicked. He went inside and contacted Rothargot telepathicly. "There are people at the steps and I'm sure they have missions that conflict with our own."

OOC: Sangradeen meeting Rimoru... :D

"Most indeed..." replied Sarik. He preferred his own city, but that could probably be because of his natural bias, being a paladin of the order and all. "Now what?"

"I suppose...we just go in?" replied Relthor.

Suddenly, a little gnome in bright blue, oversized robes came out. "Please state your business here!" he called out to them as he waddled down the stairs.

"We are here on behalf of a mission and a warning for the Empress. We would like to speak with her highness, as this is incredibly important..." replied Sarik.

"Tell her Relthor is out here as well," whispered Relthor to the gnome.

The gnome looked puzzled for a bit before scurrying back inside.

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

"Boiardi...leave them alone for now...we may have...use of them" came Rothargot's response as he watched the box with the mouse.

"I'm her bodyguard pipsqueek." Cadeyrn barked at the dimunitive figure while proceeding closer to the doors.

ooc: Brb, gonna take a shower lol
The gnome stumbled up the stairs faster as the much larger man approached. Suddenly, the doors opened, the beautiful figure of Rimoru, dashing out, past the little gnome who nearly fell down the stairs.

She jumped at Cadeyrn, throwing her arms around him. "Cadey! I'm glad you're here...I've missed you," she giggled as she looked at the others.

"You must tell me every last thing about the others soon," she whispered as her lips were up near his ear.

As they rode, Lorathin began mentally working out the spell he intended. It was a complex in wording but simple in casting, empathy spell. It was to give Relthor and Karasu a bit more perspective in each other's case and attitude.

They had neared the palace by the time he'd finished working out the spell. It would take a little while for it to take effect, and only last a short while but should help them work out thier problems.

"Alright," Teralynn consented to Rimoru's refusal to cut off the guard's tongue. "But, may I ask, how will you prevent him from telling others lies or perhaps secrets that you do not wish of him to tell? He already revealed things to me I am certain he was not supposed to. When he knows that he is going to die, he has no compulsion to keep anything a secret anymore, nor would he have any reason not to lie to save himself. That is how the Cult usually deal with that problem - by cutting off the tongue, I mean."

Cadeyrn accepted her warm embrace and smiled. It felt good to be missed even by your boss, especially by your boss in this case.

"Of course my master, but first let us head inside. It has been quite a journey." He responded gently setting Rimoru to the ground.

It's going to be hard to stay professional.

Suddenly Cadeyrn's cheeks flushed.

Thank god for metal plating.

"Oh... I did not get a chance to tell the gnome to tell Rimoru that Karasu is here also." She was looking forward to seeing her friend.

After some clever manuevering to put her top back on, Ar'mai took a few steps forward so that she was standing just behind Lorathin. "Finally something I agree upon with you," she commented to the mage as he told Karasu off for being ridiculous about the whole matter.

The bitch clearly has her own superiority complex, whether she knows it or not, Ar'mai thought as she mounted the sandhorse. I must have heard her boast a thousand times about how she guarded whole villages just by herself. Or how if anyone messed with her, they would be sorry. And then where does she get off attacking Relthor and telling him she deserves better that what he can give. Does he expect him to impossibly predict the future... or lie to her just for her own utopian, idealist, fool of an ego...

After one final thought about why the bitch was traveling with them anyway, she put the infuriating thoughts behind her and set off across the desert behind Relthor... the dragon she liked more than most in the group.


When they arrived at Rimoru's paradise of palace, Ar'mai regarded it with awe as she observed the spectacular structure and surrounding supplements. As the equally stunning Empress Rimoru dashed out of the doors, the elven princess dismounted her horse gracefully and kneeled on one knee with her head slightly lowered out of respect...

Karasu walked up to Rimoru. They looked at each other and Karasu grinned and gave her old friend a hug. "Rimoru! It has been far too long! It is so good to see you again!" Karasu exclaimed joyfully.

Cadeyrn smiled as he watched Karasu and Rimoru welcome each other. For the most part everyone seemed in good spirits.

Maybe there won't have to be any fighting...that would be nice for once.

Still something made the mercenary feel out of place, alone amongst friends.

"So she's the one with the library, not much to look at." Lorathin thought with a dismissive shrug. Getting down off his mount, he yawned and walked over to where Cadeyrn and Karasu greet Rimoru though he payed her no attention.

"Karasu? Is that really you ?" shouted Rimoru excitedly. "How have you been?"

Rimoru embraced her old friend, noticing the others.

"Hello, all! Come in!" she laughed.

****

Rothargot looked at Teralynn. "I'll take care of the guard, however, I think Rimoru would rather do this another time..."

"While we wait, perhaps you would like to expain your desert adventure with me?" he asked as he eyed the ring on Tera's finger.

Lorathin just leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. At present the only way he was planning on talking with Rimoru would be to get access to the library or if she talked to him first.

"It is me Rimoru! It is hard to believe after so much time! I have been well, and you?" She asked, thrilled to see Rimoru again.

Ar'mai stood up from her kneeling position and followed the group into Rimoru's palace.

Cadeyrn's eyes immediately shifted into bodyguard mode scanning all of his former comrads for any strange behavior. However, it was difficult to keep himself from peaking at Rimoru's curves every now and then. He could feel his blood begin pump furiously and his palms were sweating greatly. A full moon was coming tonight.

The bodyguard succumb to his more primal instincts and couldn't take his eyes off his master.

tg blastit... again... since you did not respond.

ooc: TG back, Hyper

"I've been...alright. Things have slowed down, if you get what I mean," she replied with a smirk.

She walked in her massive palace, leading the group into a lobby area, with comfortable couches, running water, and baskets full of plump fruit.

"Have a seat everyone! We can speak a bit here for a while," she said with a smile.

Cadeyrn sat with a plop and soon found himself having a terrible migraine. People talking just became a blur of unintelligable commotion, his vision was spinning, and his heart was pounding furiously. He refused to show any weakness as he just leaned forward gripping the side of his head growling under his own breath.

We're indoors, I shouldn't be feeling it as much.

Then he noticed he was sitting right in front of a window, moving over a seat he managed to avoid the light.

Rimoru took a seat next to Cadeyrn and leaned up against him.

"What's wrong, Cadey?" she whispered sweetly as she noticed he seemed to be acting strangely.

"Just a migraine that's all." He responded with a smile and a kind voice trying to avoid staring at the wrong places. Tonight was going to be ugly, Beau wanted out badly.

"Master, I'll tell you later what it is, but not here ok?" He whispered rubbing the sweat from his forehead.

Lorathin remained standing. For once he wasn't interested in rest. He did grab an apple but otherwise didn't do anything except bounce it between his hands.

"Of course, Cadey," replied Rimoru with a wink. She looked over at Lorathin who remained standing. "You do not want to sit down?"

Ar'mai took a seat on the cushions and allowed herself to relax a little, though still remaining alert and attentive.

"Not at present." He said, not even bothering to look over at Rimoru as he replied. What he left unsaid was, If I sit down, and you decide to sit next to me, there will be no polite method of removing myself.

It wasn't that he disliked her, just she held no interest for him.

"Thank you master." He said bowing his head slightly holding back the vomit climbing his throat.

The other is hungry, I haven't fed him in months, but I can't let him have anyone.

Cadeyrn scanned the room for the person no one would really miss. He came across Inzikai and smiled wickedly for a moment but quickly frowned.

No, too obvious, this is going to be ugly. Kalzog? No, his skin is too hard even for the other. Karasu? No I like her even if she might be an assassin.

Rimoru scanned the room, looking carefully at her new guests. Her smile broadened as she came upon Inzikai, who took a seat right next to Ar'mai.

"Inzikai, good to see you've come back!" she said calmly, crossing her bare legs over the couch.

"And...your elf friend as well..." Rimoru quickly added as she observed Ar'mai. Dispicable... she thought angrily, but not sharing her inward feelings outside.

"Rimoru, perhaps you have some...meatier foods for us to eat? I have grown quite hungry while on our travels," Kalzog asked as he looked around for some animal product.

Ogres... rotten, ugly creatures... Rimoru thought. "Of course! In fact, would you all like a royal feast? Come, it will be fun!" Rimoru giggled as she sprang out of the couch and onto her barefeet.

Cadeyrn stood right beside his master with much less fake cheer and a lot more 'I'm about to be sick' look. The very thought of Kalzog ripping through an entire elk was almost enough to push the mercenary into vommiting. He only wanted one kind of red meat at this point.

"Mebbiwik, would you escort everyone to the dining hall? I will be with you in moments," Rimoru said as she noticed Cadeyrn's increasingly sickening look. She took hold of Cadeyrn's armor before he could move as the others shuffled out of the room, behind the little gnome.

As soon as everyone seemed to have left the room, except for Rimoru and Cadeyrn, she slowly walked around Cadeyrn until she was right in front of him.

"What's wrong, Cadey?" she asked, slowling putting her arms around him, and giving a look of sorrow. "I can't have my Cadey walking around all sick looking."

"You alright Caderyn?" Lorathin asked from his wall based position as it appeared the man wished to pay homage at the shrine of the porcelain god.

Ar'mai disliked Rimoru for the way the Empress had treated her in Inzikai's booth, but she wasn't about to get on her bad side and brew a controversy... they were close to their goal - no need to screw it up now.

The gnome walked the group up to very long table with a regal purple tablecloth. "Please have a seat," he squieked, bowing.

Sarik walked up to a chair and sat down, two seats down from where he expected Rimoru to sit, a large beautiful wooden chair at the head of the table.

Inzikai smiled as he watched Ar'mai keep her mouth shut at Rimoru. "If she bugs you, give me a small sign and I'll try to keep her away from you," he whispered to Ar'mai as he walked alongside her.

Karasu walked up along side Kavia, and whispered in his ear. "I am sorry. I do not know what came over me. Can you forgive me Kavia. I love you too much to just let a good thing get away. Do you still feel the same?"

She looked at Kavia, as they fell back a bit from the group so they could whisper a bit more privately.

"I really was mean... and it was not your fault. It was something else, and I ended up taking it out on you. Can you forgive me?" Karasu looked at him hopefully.

Relthor looked around before turning his gaze to Karasu, a look of hope in his eyes.

"But Karasu...I cannot help but feel at fault...I...I still love you, Karasu. Of course I can forgive you," Relthor replied, smiling weakly at her. He was happy-no, over joyed- at Karasu's apology, however he still felt surprised and slightly rattled at what was said earlier.

Karasu could barely contain her joy. "You do not just throw away love like this!" She spontaneously kissed him on the cheek, hoping no one noticed. She wanted to hug him badly, but did not want to cause any disturbance.

"Just sleep in my bed with me tonight, my love." Karasu grinned at Relthor. "I am sure we will have a good time." She looked at him seductively.

Harlin took a seat, and looked around. The hunger clawed at his stomach with frightening ferocity, but there were more important issues that needed to be dealt with.

"I thank you for your hospitality Rimoru, but the long journey as left me drained. If it is alright with you, I would like to skip the meal, and retire to the chambers you have provided." He gave Sarik a look trying to convey the urgency of the matter. "Sarik, I think you have labored harder than any of us these last few days. Would you care to join me?"

Minos, who sat next to Harlin, excused himself as well. Shara, meanwhile, remained at the table in order to glean information about the security of Rimoru's library.

"I thank you so much, Karasu," Relthor replied, smiling broadly. "I would enjoy sleeping in your room...however...perhaps right now we should get to the dining hall with the others, so Rimoru won't come looking for us."

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

"I would think it so, if you don't mind your highness. Like Harlin said, I have had little sleep recently," replied Sarik, stiffling a yawn. "But, perhaps I will stay for the first dish," he smiled, nodding at Harlin and Minos to do the same.

Rimoru smiled at the two. "So be it. Mebbiwik, would you show our guests to their rooms when they are ready?" she asked her gnome servant.

"Yes, your worship!" he squieked before running to the stairs. "Follow me when you are ready, please!"

The gnome walked near the stairway and sat down, waiting for the three to follow once they were done.

Sangradeen sat down at the table while Heerall and Damien stood a little ways behind him. He was not going to plan anything as of now because he knew that it was the wrong place to convince anyone to turn over their empire. Nahamiel had long left the group when they reached Rimoru's palace. Sangradeen had made her, in the first place, to take care of those who were lost in the desert and at that very moment, was wandering the desert looking for those she could help.

When they entered the dining hall, Karasu took a seat right next to her friend, grinning like a teenager.

"We have so much to catch up on!" Karasu remarked to Rimoru. "And thank you for this wonderful welcome and being so gracious." Karasu smiled. "Of course, you always were very gracious, with your dinners and such.

"I cannot wait to catch up!" Karasu grinned at Rimoru.

Ar'mai humbly took her spot at the table and sat in silence as the others either excused themselves or did likewise.

Rimoru looked slightly aggrivated as she watched the hunchback sit down, before returning her attention to Karasu.

"Who's your frumpy friend?" she whispered quietly. "Ah nevermind...there are more important things than rabble."

"I cannot wait to hear what you've been up to, Karasu!" she giggled, as her eyes drifted to Relthor who took his seat next to Karasu.

"Well...looky here...my old teacher has come back!" Rimoru chuckled, her smile turning slightly mischievious. "Relthor...how have you been?"

"I-I-I-I've b-b-been b-b-better," Relthor replied trying desperately not to look at Rimoru.

Rimoru frowned slightly before returning to the other guests. "If it's food you all want...then let no one stop you!" she laughed as plates popped up all over the table. Wine glasses full with the best wines appeared in front, along with salads to everyone.

Kalzog looked at it with disgust, then to Ar'mai. "Hey, want my salad?" he whispered quietly as he leaned towards her.

Karasu was worried about the way Relthor was behaving... the stuttering and obvious discomfort with Rimoru, who was obviously trying to get his attention. Then it occurred to her "I've been better"?... What the hell was that supposed to mean... being with me now... "I've been better." Well, thanks a lot buddy.

She was wondering what Rimoru would think when they told her they would be sharing a room, if they were still sharing a room.

"So what have you been doing Rimoru?" Karasu made sure not to mention Inzi or Ar'mai. The last thing anyone needed was for her to have a tantrum. And she did have them.

"The food looks delicious."

"Oh, nothing much really. It has been a slightly boring century or so," she chuckled quietly as she speared some lettuce. "I've actually kept myself pretty...low key, if you know what I mean," she laughed.

"Not so many late night visitors," she whispered to Karasu.

"But, I would usually read nearby our pond. Remember that, Relthor?" she asked him, her eyebrow raised.

"How c-c-could I forget?" he replied, a small smile slipping up his face.

Rimoru giggled as she saw Relthor's smile.

"And what of you, old friend? How you've gotten prettier!" Rimoru laughed.

Kalzog looked at it with disgust, then to Ar'mai. "Hey, want my salad?" he whispered quietly as he leaned towards her.

"Only if you aren't going to eat it," Ar'mai said, though she knew what he thought of it already as she studied the look on the ogre's face. "I wouldn't want it to go to waste."

"Ah, excellent," chuckled Kalzog quietly, as he brought his bowl closer to Ar'mai's and dumped it all in her bowl, nearly overflowing it.

Inzikai chuckled quietly. "Are you sure you're going to be able to finish all of that?" he asked Ar'mai.

"I would hope so...you need some more meat on your body, elf!" Kalzog replied quietly as he set his bowl back down.

Lorathin joined them at the table, but wasn't eating. Seeing Ar'mai take Kalzog's salad, he offered her his as well as otherwise it'd just go to waste.

Karasu put on a fake smile at Rimoru's left handed comment. Karasu had always been beautiful, and Rimoru knew it.

She was also getting a bit disturbed by her interest in Relthor, and Relthor's reactions. She gave Relthor a look as if to say, "I can tell you're already falling for this."

Karasu somehow felt that Rimoru knew about the two of them, and was doing this to her on purpose.

"Well, if you mean relationships... I've had my share." Karasu grinned. "However, I actually had one long-standing relationship that lasted two years." She continued, "However that is over now." Karasu said. "I'll tell you about it tomorrow.

"I am not feeling so well myself, may I go rest in my quarters, wherever they may be? We can catch up tomorrow." Karasu said.

"Ah, excellent," chuckled Kalzog quietly, as he brought his bowl closer to Ar'mai's and dumped it all in her bowl, nearly overflowing it.

Inzikai chuckled quietly. "Are you sure you're going to be able to finish all of that?" he asked Ar'mai.

"I would hope so...you need some more meat on your body, elf!" Kalzog replied quietly as he set his bowl back down.

"I will manage..." Ar'mai said as she began eating the delightful salad. "Salads tend not to be that filling," she added, remembering to always use proper etiquette.

"I think my body is fine how it is..." she said in response to Kalzog's statement, though she figured it was just in the name of his appetite and not his personal preferences.

Harlin smiled, "Good Idea Sarik." He picked up his fork and began eating with the best manners he could muster (not shabby, but not exactly fit for the queen who was dining with the party).

"Oh? I suppose it is kind of late for most of you? Go ahead, follow the bouncing gnome," she chuckled as she pointed towards Mebbiwik, her gnome servant, who immediately stood up. "Those that wish to stay, stay!"

"Thank you, your highness," Sarik replied, as he got up and bowed, before walking to the gnome.

"So am I, your highness. I have had a long day," Relthor commented, avoiding Rimoru's direction.

"Pah! I'm still hungry!" Kalzog said.

"I figured..." Rimoru commented to herself as she looked over Kalzog's round stomach. "By my estimate...you'd like some meat?"

"Ah, a mind reader?" Kalzog teased.

"I just know," Rimoru smiled back.

*********************************************************
The gnome led the 'tired' ones up the stairs into seperate rooms, each one neighboring each other. They were very cozy rooms, filled with luxories and a great view of Rimoru's little jungle. They were also situated on the opposite end of Teralynn's and Maverion's room.

As the gnome assigned Karasu her room, Relthor stopped the gnome. "I-I'll be with her, if you don't mind."

"I don't mind...however master might..." Mebbiwik responded, before walking away.

Harlin thanked the gnome when they reached his room before leaning over and asking Shara if she would like to sleep there as well.

She smiled, "Well I'd be delighted."

Opening the door, Harlin showed her in before turning and saying, "I must go speak with Sarik, I will return shortly. I think it would be best if you returned to dinner and tried to glean information about the library from Rimoru."

Suddenly serious, she nodded, stepped out into the hall, and set off back the way they'd come.

Stepping into the hall, Harlin saw that Minos was waiting for him, and together they set off to find Sarik's room.

"I knew this would happen." Karasu whispered to Relthor. "And it seemed to me you are going to be with her tonight. She is trying and you are responding. When she asked how you were, you said, 'I've been better.' How do you think that makes me feel." Karasu looked at him, with pain in her eyes. "Are you going to a separate room if she brings you to one? Which will be hers?" I can tell you now... I think you will."

Karasu's heart sank.

"Do not worry, Karasu. It's an act, so I won't attract so much attention to myself from Rimoru. I will not abandon you, Karasu," Relthor replied, putting his arms around her. He felt much better with Karasu in his arms, then being interrogated at the dinner table.

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

Sarik admired his room, laying himself on the bed. "I have never slept in such wonderful a room," he chuckled to himself as he took off his armor.

After he stretched himself, he walked to his door and opened it quietly, looking out in the hall. Noticing Harlin and Minos, Sarik waved to them. "Over here!" he called as quiet as he could.

"Then let us go into our room." Karasu smiled. It was a huge, plush, beautiful room, as all the guest rooms at Rimoru's were.

"I am certainly more comfortable here with you." She smiled and kissed him. "I have to admit, I am still concerned about her. I saw the way she was acting at the dinner table. We both know her well enough, and so does the gnome, who said she might mind. I have a feeling she will force you from here, Relthor." Karasu held him tightly. "I do not want that to happen. I want to sleep in your arms."

Walking silently through the hall, Harlin came to rest inside Sarik's room, and Minos followed. Seating himself in a chair that seemed to grow from the floor simply when he felt the need for one, he looked over at Sarik and decided to get right to business.

"I intend to go and scout the library tonight, is there anything you could tell me aboutthe book so that I might identify it in my sojourn?"

Oh, it was nothing big, Teralynn thought to Rothargot, as she made her way to the bed to sit down on. Mave would have had a fit if she were to say these things out loud in a place where they were probably spied upon. We were just pulled into some secret tunnel under the ruins, almost got killed by some traps, discovered a long-lost treasure, almost got killed by some statues, beat them, almost got killed again when everything came caving down on us to bury us under there, and just barely escaped with our lives and a couple of trinkets. She shrugged. You know, the usual, she grinned.

Looking over at the box with the mouse in it, she continued, By the way, we should find some way to make sure he is silenced. I do not want him to be able to say anything to anyone.

"What is there to do here?" Lorathin asked, directing the question at Rimoru but leaving it open for anyone to answer.

"Rimoru, I have to talk with you soon." He said letting go.

Cadeyrn stumbled out of the dining hall leaning against the wall for support, his legs felt like they were going to give out. His stomach had finally settled down, but he could feel his bones actually stretching.

Why is it happening so soon?

The carrier pigeon flew in from a window and perched on his shoulder proudly. The mercenary felt a large sense of relief as he quickly peeled the parchment and began reading it.

Dear Cadey,

I am becoming scared now Cade, I'm having horrible nightmares. A few weeks ago I kept having the same dream of the village burning and then it happened. Yesterday I dreamt of a grand dragon saving us, and it happened. Now, I just keep seeing us walking down a vally towards a single grave with your sword as the tombstone. I try not to think about what you do to keep us comfortable, but please be safe. I can't lose you.

Also everytime I see you in my dreams you become a monster that devours everything it comes across. Like a demon you slaughtered everything, but then you become sad and like your normal self. I don't know what this means, but I'm worried about you.

Sincerly,
Marlene

The letter helped subdue the transformation as he leaned his back against a wall and felt remorse again.

ooc: TG Regenius
Rothargot smiled as Teralynn told him her stories. Do these trinkets, other than your rug, have some sort of power to them? Rothargot thought as he walked out to her balcony.

As for your mouse boyfriend... Rothargot smiled at Teralynn. Perhaps if we get something for him to eat, I can burn off his tongue...

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

Relthor smiled at Karasu. "I'll remain by your side, Karasu," he replied. "You can bet on that."

He kissed Karasu lightly on the forehead. How can I refuse such beauty... "Karasu, you tempt me...I want to have you...however...I will restrain myself."

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

Sarik began to think furiously. "I have actually no clue about the book. I suspect it would be in a more restricted section, considering it's a very old book. My guess is, it relates to the gods, Valtrox, or summonings. Other than that, I'm afraid I'm not much help," replied Sarik as he looked out his window.

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

Rimoru smiled at Lorathin. "There's quite a bit you can do here," she replied seductively. "But there are games, a pool, a small hedge maze, a beautiful park...what were you thinking of?"

Kalzog was devouring a roast pig like it was nothing. Inzikai raised an eyebrow as he watched Kalzog eat the whole thing, pieces of meat flinging across the table, and occasionally on Ar'mai's salad mound. "Is that annoying you?" he asked as he quickly picked a piece of meat out of her food and flung it back at Kalzog.

Rimoru looked at Cadeyrn with worry in her eyes. "Please excuse us," she said to them, before walking off to Cadeyrn.

"What's wrong, my sweet?"

"You will restrain yourself from me?" Karasu asked puzzled. "Since when, Relthor? You are confusing me."

She sat down on the bed looking at him for some sort of answer. "I do not understand."

"Actually I was wondering if you provide me with a corundum about the size of an average person's fist, and access to your library?" He asked as he noticed something appeared to be wrong with Caderyn.

Cadeyrn stuffed the letter into his pocket while catching his breath.

"I told you I was a werewolf when your people hired me, normally I can control it fairly well, but he hasn't eaten in months and he wants out in the worst possible way. Putting me in a heavily armored room and locking the door, or finding someone for me to eat are pretty much the only options right now." He grumbled clutching to his chest.

"Practice, Karasu," Relthor laughed as he nuzzled up to Karasu. "I am only joking."

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

"What exactly would you do with a corundum?" Rimoru asked curiously. "As for the Library...it is...being renovated. Off-limits."

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

"Are those the only options?" Rimoru asked, rubbing Cadeyrn's cheeks. "Come, Someone has previously taken some prisoners of mine for their own use...I'm sure your...primal side will have fun down there," she chuckled as she took Cadeyrn's hand. "Primal side...sounds fun," she giggled.

"Follow me, Cadey," she said sweetly as she tugged on his hand towards a dark doorway.

Rastilia finally reached the room. She had been looking for, She sighed as she sat on the bed and gave her minions the order to guard the entrance. She was preparing to contact Minax to decide on what their plans on what to do about her mission.

The High Priestess prepared her power to align with her goddess to reach total focus on her deity giving her a perfect position to gather her strength.

That would be fine, Teralynn thought in regards to the mouse "boyfriend," as Rothargot put it. But if it comes down to it, his "accidental death" would not be too crushing a blow for my heart. Rimoru cannot blame us too much if he tried to bite one of us to try and run away, and we accidentally went too far in recapturing him, could she? She shrugged a single shoulder, as if she did not really care how it was done, only as long as it was done.

Oh, and yes, she looked down at her ring, spreading the fingers of her hands outward. This little thing seems to be able to translate languages for me. I seem to be able to understand words that would otherwise just sound like gibberish to me. Nifty, huh?

"Practice? I am afraid I do not understand." Karasu replied, and nuzzled up to Relthor on the bed.

"What do you mean by 'practice'?" Karasu asked.

"Make something for Caderyn." He replied, "And I don't mind a little dust and rubble." He added

By now it wasn't even Cadeyrn, his eyes were dark red slits that scanned the darkness for his prey. Two metal gauntlets clanked to the floor revealing a pair of horrid claws.

"Heh, heh. No those aren't the only options, but they're definately the safest." His said with a deepened voice smiling wickedly revealing a pair of large fangs.

Rimoru smiled as she held up her hand. Suddenly, a small rock formed in her palm and she lightly tossed it to Lorathin. "Have fun," she smiled.

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

Whichever would be most fun, Teralynn. He is, after all, your mouse, Rothargot thought back as he opened up the little box, watching the cowering rodent thoughtfully.

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

"Against Rimoru," Relthor replied, hoping this wouldn't turn into another argument.

"But I was only joking, Karasu," he followed up, trying not to stir up too much.

Sangradeen had eaten his fill, prefering lots of water over salad and meat after a long desert trek. He was getting suspicious about Cadeyrn's recent behavior. He continued drinking water and was cautious of Cadeyrn's behavior. Something told him that Sangradeen that it wasn't going to be a pleasent visit at Rimoru's house.

"No offence but it's a bit small." He commented, "As I need one that's fist sized.

"I see," chuckled Rimoru. She tugged on Cadeyrn's arms down a stairwell, and rapidly in a small cage. In the cage stood several animals; sheep, goat, cattle. There was a man in there as well. He looked as though he would be a handsome man, if his eyes were not full of fear, and his hands were beginning to stiffen.

"I will check back in an hour, Cadey. And be nice to my last...friend," she chuckled as she looked at the man in the cage with Cadey.

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

As Rimoru got back up, she closed the dungeon doors and looked at Lorathin. "We'll, I'm sorry, Mister Everything-My-Size," she giggled as she walked up to Lorathin, leaning lightly against him.

This time, she put both hands together. There was a soft 'pop' noise. She opened her hands and there stood a larger rock.

"Here you go," she replied, holding it in her hands.

"Against Rimoru." Karasu said, angrily. "You told me after a while that she would be no temptation."

She stood up and looked at him. "I do not know what to believe anymore! You change your story every other minute!"

Karasu was walking around the room. "If you leave this room with her for any reason at all, I am leaving... for good." After a slight pause she continued.

"You said you were over her and that there was no way you would sleep with her. Now you're saying otherwise. So much for our passion-filled evening."

Karasu went and stood out on the balcony. She doubted she would be here much longer.

"Thank you, and it doesn't work if it's not the right size." He replied as he reached over and plucked the stone from Rimoru's hand

"Karasu, no, I was just kidding," Relthor replied, putting his arms around her. "Trust me. I will not cheat on you. I do not want to cheat on my wife either, in case she is alive," he said as he looked out into the sky.

"Another clear night," he said quietly. "We have been blessed with good weather."

Sangradeen watched as Rimoru materialized the rock and gave it to Lorathin. "Those are magnificent powers that you posess," commented Sangradeen. "Could you tell me more about them?"

"It's a shame, you're going to miss the show." He growled while stripping his heavy armor off and began shedding through his human skin like old paper. Ivory fur began sprouting through like new grass to the sick sounds of his bones 'adjusting' to his new form. When all was said and done, Beau, stood before the prey salvating and grinning with excitement.

The sheeps and gotas bleeted in terror as the gargantuan approached, the man mearly pushed himself into a corner as the slaughter began. In a manner of minutes the cattle, sheep, and goats became no more than stains and a few spare chunks of thick bone.

"But an appetizer." Beau said before shaking the thick amount of blood from his beautiful white fur. "Now time for the main course. I can assure you there's a good possiblity it'll be a quick end."

A single, shortlived, screamed filled the area.

"Hmm," Teralynn looked thoughtful for a moment, her eyes looking up at the ceiling while a finger tapped against a cheek. Let us just keep it simple this time. Say, he tried to bite you and you crushed his jaw to teach him a lesson. If he does not bleed to death before Rimoru comes back, I doubt he would be in much of a position to talk...unless Rimoru has healing abilities...huh. Better make it as permanent as you can, I guess.

***

Once Rastilia went back to her room and seemed like she would not bother anyone anymore, Maverion left her and her undead minions alone and walked down the hallway.

OOC:Back atcha Blastit

Sarik began to think furiously. "I have actually no clue about the book. I suspect it would be in a more restricted section, considering it's a very old book. My guess is, it relates to the gods, Valtrox, or summonings. Other than that, I'm afraid I'm not much help," replied Sarik as he looked out his window.


Harlin frowned, "I was hoping you'd know more about the target, it's not as though its listed under the Dewey Decimal System."

He stood up and began pacing, "I guess there will be no theft tonight, only reconnaisance..."

Minos who stood by the doorway looked up and suggested, "I could ask the palace?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, not the palace per say, but the stones it is constructed from. They will reveal much about the occurings in this place. It would take no more than a few hours to complete the process."

"I fear that we may not have a few hours; I have a bad feeling about this place. Ask the palace nonetheless, but I will explore tonight. What say you Sarik?"

Rimoru raised an eyebrow at Sangradeen, before sitting down in front of him. "Those are nothing. I can do anything," she replied simply, causing an apple to float to her open hand. Slowly, it turned to mush, before being flung into Sangradeen's face. Rimoru chuckled a bit.

Rimoru raised an eyebrow at Sangradeen, before sitting down in front of him. "Those are nothing. I can do anything," she replied simply, causing an apple to float to her open hand. Slowly, it turned to mush, before being flung into Sangradeen's face. Rimoru chuckled a bit.

"Hmm...", muttered Sangradeen, applesauce all over his face. "I guess the mush is an improvement on my part. But where did you get these powers? Is there a limit?"

Rastilia had finally reached the upper echelons of her power as her dark power finally reached her goddess. Rastilia focused her power on the darker planes of existence until she reached Minax's location.

The dark mental connection instantly was put back together and the High Priestess finally asked her usual opening words to her Goddess, ~"My Goddess, I ask what is your divine will and how I may best serve you?"~

Minax replied in an impatient voice, ~"You are doing fine my servant. If you continue your good work on your mission, I will personally increase your power. I suggest you find your initial contact Rothargot and help him in what ever he asks."~

The High Priestess was annoyed about helping the Demi-God. She wanted to go back home to the Underdark and rest for awhile. She felt totally out of place being on the surface for so long…

Beau, having satisfied his hunger, emerged from the cage and proceeded upstairs coated in animal and human blood. Walking on his haunches to appear more civilized he stood at roughly 9 feet tall, but hunched over he was closer to 8.

"I agree... your wife may be alive. I do not know what to say." Karasu said to Relthor.

"Relthor, where do we stand with each other. You told me you loved me and would not cheat on me. Do you mean that?" She asked, looking him in the eyes.

On any other night, had she not stumbled on this group, she would be out flying and enjoying the night. Now she did not seem to know what was going on.

"And what about the book?" Karasu asked.

"What was that about?" Lorathin asked as Rimoru applesaused Sangradeen.

Rothargot nodded his head. I doubt a mouse could puncture my armor, but the guard wouldn't know...Should we do this now?

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

Sarik nodded his head. "Anything that can help further our objective. If you need me for anything, I will remain here."

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

Rimoru nodded in agreement. "Definately an improvement," she replied. "There are no limits, frumpy. None." she said as she readied another apple.

She flung the mush again at Sangradeen.

This time, however, it didn't hit Sangradeen. Instead, Kalzog's hand was in the way. "Isn't it impolite to play with your food, Rimoru?" he growled.

He is too frightened to even think about your armor, Tera thought with another shrug. Go right ahead.

Lorathin just shook his head at Rimoru's childish antics as he took the stone and began working on the spell he intended.

"Don't you feel guilty about using your powers in such childish ways? Wouldn't your empire benefit from a ruler who thought about her people and helped them?"

Rastilia broke contact with her goddess and tried to make a connection to Rothargot. The difficulty was great thanks to her inability to focus directly on his power. This was slightly easier thanks to having the met him personally and him being on the same plane.

The High Priestess sent out her mental message ~"Rothargot, I have been instructed to continue to help you on whatever you need done. I suggest that it involve death and destruction. I being to grow tired of the surface realm and hiding from sunlight is not something. I am personally enjoying."~

Rastilia waited and hoped Rothargot received her message…

The werewolf emerged from his dinner dressed in everything except Cadeyrn's boots and gauntlets. He actually looked rather nice, aside from the blood covered all over his face.

"Empress Rimoru, your reputation preceeds you." Beau said gently bowing.

ooc: TG Regenius and Hyper
"I mean it, with all my heart, Karasu," Relthor responded back to her, looking deeply into her eyes. "All of my heart," he repeated with a broad, confident smile.

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

Rimoru smiled. "I am benefitting my nation. They now don't have to look at your face," she replied casually.

She turned at the wolf-like Cadeyrn. "Cadey, have a good meal?" she asked with a broad smile.

Kalzog looked at Sangradeen. "Certainly you're not going to stand up to this?" he whispered to him.

TG Blastit

"The best spice to any meal is hunger empress." He responded smiling back. "And please Empress Rimoru, call me Beau, or King Beau rather. As we are royalty we should address each other as such."

"Hey wolf, mind letting Caderyn out for a moment?" He asked of the werewolf when he was almost finished the spell.

ooc: TG Blastit

"If you say so." Karasu smiled and held Relthor. She had big news to tell him and she was waiting for the right moment.

"Not on her turf," whispered Sangradeen to Kalzog. "Either way, you've got to find out as much as you can about an enemy if you plan to overthrow them. That and I don't want to have to overthrow her if I can change her ways. Besides, Damien has a few... hidden talents." Sangradeen turned back to Rimoru. "I'm sure yours is a better country because of that. But on a serious note, haven't you ever at all considered at all using your powers for your nation?"

"No, the most I am willing to do is transform back into human form, but I will not give him control for you to give him a potion. Do you take me for a fool?" Beau barked as he uncomfortably compressed his form into Cadeyrn's human body again.

"Better?" He asked with his deep wolfen voice. "I hate this form."

"Not talking about a potion, or anything that might effect you, you paranoid wolf." Lorathin replied, already taking a dislike to the werewolf half.

"I am being rather polite to your kind so it would be wise and respectful to show the same to me by not calling me wolf." Beau growled in Cadeyrn's body. "Besides it is not often I am out so I like to enjoy the time when I have it."

"If I knew your name, I might be able to call you something other than wolf, as I don't, I must call you the only appalation I have for you." He replied

Rothargot smiled as he picked up the mouse.

He barely held it's mouth still with his massive hands as it squirmed constantly, trying to get out of the demi-god's incredible grasp.

With a slight push of a finger, small audible cracks could be heard as well as a terrible shrieking from the mouse. It's entire mouth of the poor mouse was covered in blood, it's teeth broken, sometimes broken through the skin of the opposite, otherwise, just broken off. Rothargot put the mouse back in it's box, and showed it to Teralynn. Satisfactory? he asked Tera with a smirk.

Suddenly, he recieved a message from Rastilia. Rastilia, this is excellent. Once we get the go ahead to search Rimoru's Library, I will need every eye available to find this book. Be ready for the call.

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

Relthor smiled at Karasu, massaging her back. "If you don't mind me, I'm going to take a bath. That is something that has tempted me more than Rimoru," he laughed.

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

"I would crush her right now, however I do not think Sarik would appreciate that..." Kalzog whispered back as he stood up and stretched.

Rimoru yawned at Sangradeen. "Of course I use my powers for the people, you twit," she replied, beginning to get annoyed. "If it wasn't for me, Iskan would be nothing!"

"Perhaps you were willingly def when I asked the lovely Empress Rimoru to address me as King Beau. You don't think I can't sense your dislike towards me? I can almost smell on it you, but I do not mind because I would dislike what I feared as well." Beau said provokingly rubbing Cadeyrn's chin.

It was strange for Beau to use Cadeyrn's body. The movements felt strange and anytime he touch himself it felt foreign. Combat for him in this state was unnaceptable.

"I know you know about the recent rise in fightclubs. What about those? I would say a good deal of those fighters are peasents. And don't you think it's kind of strange that the only rainforest in Iskan is used up by the capitol?"

"Actually I dislike you because you're an ass, not out of fear as you seem to believe. As yet, only two people have ever scared me, neither of which is you." He commented, "And ever heard of not paying attention to someone else's private conversation?"

"This rainforest is my hard work. No one else is willing to help build their own forests...Those fightclubs will be dealt with soon. If peasants want to beat each other to death, so be it," Rimoru growled.

"You, human! Stop fighting with Beau. Beau, stop fighting with that human!" she shouted.

"As you wish your Highness." Lorathin replied, "Could you ask Beau to let Caderyn out for a bit?"

I am sure it is fine, Teralynn thought. After all, you are a lieutenant of Valtrox's. If that does not make you more than qualified to do such a small task, I do not know what will.

***

Mave was still headed down the long hallways toward his room when he heard Rimoru's shout echoing off the walls. He raised an eyebrow and looked around, though no one else was around. He decided to try to figure out where that shout came from, and turned down a different hall.

"No I haven't you little pest, I fail to understand why it is the human trusts you as he does. Personally I would have killed a few of you if I had to endure your company for more than a night." He growled back at Lorathin.

He placed his hand on Rimoru's shoulder "Now I can understand why he likes the Empress here." The werewolf said through his Cadeyrn disguise.

"Let Beau have his fun, human," Rimoru replied as she looked up at the werewolf in Cadeyrn's body, a small smile on her face.

"It's not so hard to see why everyone loves me," she replied.

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

Rothargot put the box back on it's shelf, and quietly looked out the window.

"You have told me before that you would like to see Valtrox, right?" he asked out loud.

"Fine." He replied as he pocketed the stone. "Beau, please avoid talking with me, and I shall do likewise, unless it's urgent as I most sincerly dislike you."

Cadeyrn simply smiled before breaking back into his werewolf form.

"I should have not spared your race, and I will not do so a second time that is a promise." He muttered angrly under his breath.

The question piqued Tera's interest. "Why, yes," she said, watching the demon. "Why do you ask?"

***

Maverion followed the voices to an open archway that led to the dining area. He hesistated, uncertain whether to peek in or not. Rimoru might not appreciate the interruption. But on the other hand, it sounded like she was trying to stop a fight, in which case an extra hand might prove useful.

He stepped through the archway and stayed there, looking like a servant who was waiting for his master's orders while staying out of the way at the same time, unnoticed in a corner.

Relthor sat relaxing in the bathtub, letting his sore muscles soothe out in the warm water.

"Karasu, you may join me if you wish. I'm sure that Rimoru or another would like to speak with you as well. You are quite the interesting figure," he chuckled.

"Perhaps you would like to see him while we await our next assignment?" he asked, his smile widening.

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

"Don't say that Beau...the human race is quite a handsome race...I've had quite a few human...friends," Rimoru chuckled.

Teralynn grinned. "Sounds most interesting. What do I need to do?"

"Relthor, I think I will join you. I'm a little sore as well." Karasu responded.

She took off her kimono and joined Relthor in the bath. "Oh... this is so relaxing!" She smiled at Relthor.

"I do not mean extermination, but to enslave them would be much more prosperous for us all. It's also hard for me to say I have many human friends as it was a human who murdered my inner circle and my mate." He commented transforming back into Cadeyrn. "As for them being handsome, well it's not exactly comfortable for a werewolf to bed a human. Trust me."

Lorathin simply shrugged, the wolf, or rather Beau's threats didn't concern him one lick. "So any chance I could get a peek in your library?" He asked Rimoru.

"An empress like you doesn't need help to build a rainforest, Rimoru. Plus, I wouldn't say everyone loves you. As long as there is a political system in play, even if it is anarchy, there will be someone who rejects the ideas and political views on the government. Espescially in a somewhat tyranical empire such as yours."

"None," Rimoru said to Lorathin. "Off limits."

"Oh, but Beau, humans in bed as slaves is no fun...they are not...energetic..." she chuckled.

Kalzog sighed. "I'm going to my room," he said as he followed the steps upward to where he saw the gnome run off to.

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

"So tell me, my love, about your other love interests...I told you how Rimoru was in bed...how do I add up to the others?" he asked as he swam behind Karasu and began to massage her shoulders.

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

"You are a devout follower, right?" Rothargot asked as he knelt on the floor, rubbing his thumb in a circle around him, leaving small scorch marks on the polished floor.

"They are when there's a 700lb werewolf on top of them." He mused drawing a wicked smile.

"If that's your final word on it.." He replied, "You mentioned games and a pool, would you mind explaining what games, and showing me the way to the pool?" He asked as he decided a soak might be nice to relax.

Maverion's pointy ears perked up some more upon hearing Lorathin's request to enter the library, followed by Rimoru's denial, though he showed no exterior signs of any change. He just continued standing in the back like some kind of servant or guard, staying out of the way.

***

"Do you doubt me, Rothargot?" Teralynn asked, jokingly giving the demon a look of shock, though a grin still lingered at the edge of her lips.

"I suppose..." chuckled Rimoru to Beau's comment.


"Of course!" Rimoru smiled as she flipped over the back of her chair. "Come follow me!" she laughed as she waved Lorathin over.

"As for you, ugly, I don't see you running a country. I'd suggest you reconsider telling me how to run my empire," she replied to Sangradeen.

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

"Then this should be easy," Rothargot replied with a small smile. "Crouch in this circle next to me."

He stretched his wings far as he crouched inside the circle, a small space left for Teralynn. "Rothargot would like to see you in person..."

"Well, Relthor, you measure up just fine." Karasu grinned wickedly. "You see, I have had my share of lovers, however I did not tell Rimoru about the majority as I knew it would kill her ego. Some of my lovers were those who she fancied, however, they preferred me. I could never hurt her by telling her about them. Rimoru defines her very being by the number of men she has slept with." She paused. "It is kind of sad, really.

"Back to your question, I could say the same thing you said to me... you are different also. No one is really the same, but I certainly enjoyed every second with you."

Karasu was getting very relaxed. "This massage and the warm water are relaxing me so much, that much more may put me to sleep!"

Karasu turned to face Relthor. She grabbed hold of his hands. "Relthor," she said, looking into his eyes, "I have something very important to tell you..."

Lorathin headed over following Rimoru, still playing with the apple he'd picked up earlier.

Much to Ar'mai's delight and benefit, she was being ignored for the most part by the others and most of all by Rimoru. It was better this way. They wouldn't get into a needless quarrel or argument that would make it that much harder to gain entrance to the library.

Relthor smiled as he put his chin on Kasaru's bare shoulder. "So different is good right?" he chuckled.

The dragon's eyes widened suddenly. "What, what's wrong my love?" he asked, worried to hear what would come next.

"Please tell me, for whatever it is, I'm more than willing to help you in anything!" he said, worry evident in his voice.

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

"So, what's your name, human?" Rimoru asked as she walked to the massive pool. It was about Twenty Five feet long, Fifteen feet wide, and ten feet deep.

As Rimoru walked, her clothes dissolved until there was nothing left but a bikini like outfit, showing off her incredible curves.

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

Inzikai smiled at Ar'mai. "You've been pretty quiet. Is your salad that good?" he chuckled.

Beau watched Rimoru file out to the library and smiled.

Silly woman actually thinks I'm her friend, as far as I'm concerned Elves are no better than Humans. It is the true ageless who should rule, not these pathetic races.

The werewolf shifted back into his beastly form and followed Rimoru from a good distance.

"You can call me Azreal." He replied as he noticed her strip down with abstract interest, "Nice pool." He added as he examined it.

"No no... it's... well I think it is good news. You may not." Karasu said. "Especially given our situation."

"I suppose I should just spit it right out." Karasu took a deep breath, her eyes spinning colors, "Relthor, I am pregnant with your child. I do not know if you see this as good news or as bad news." She said.

Karasu was worried that he would be very upset.

"If you want nothing to do with the child, do not worry, I will not put the burden on you and your mate, should she still be alive. I will raise the child myself."

Karasu closed her eyes.

Inzikai smiled at Ar'mai. "You've been pretty quiet. Is your salad that good?" he chuckled.

"Delicious..." Ar'mai said with mock sarcasm. It was pretty good, but she was clearly over exaggerating it. "I just figure the less I say, the less Rimoru will do..."